4250
Kirk Road, San Jose, CA 95124
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News from a Light in the ValleyFall, 2003From the Editor's Desk… Having just returned from a whirlwind trip back to the Midwest for a family reunion, I can honestly say, "There's no place like home." I loved seeing family and friends but there reaches a point where I yearn for my own bed, my own yard, my own kitchen, my own home. My physical home is where I live and feel comfortable. That must be why they say, "Home is where the heart is." But my spiritual home is with Christ and my heart is where I want Him to make His home. I'm sure you feel the same way. Hopefully we are doing everything we can to make our hearts a place where Christ wants to dwell. I hope you enjoy this edition of "A Light in the Valley" because it was written with a lot of heart and my prayer is that it will always be a place where Christ dwells. There's no place like home! Information Center The new Information Center has been up and running for about four months. As already mentioned, there is a kids' corner with crayons and Bible pictures to color. There are also crossword puzzles and Bible quizzes for the teens and adults. The pictures and quizzes change weekly. You may pick up a copy of the last three weeks' bulletin, information on the Christian Business Leader's meetings, and any other information that becomes available. Cards are placed there after services to sign and the "Guess Who" pictures and the basket for your guesses are there also. The newest addition to the Information Center is the mini library where you can check out books. There is also a bulletin board available to post information. If anyone has something they would like to place at the Information Center or on the bulletin board, please feel free to do so. If you have questions about the Information Center, please see Elise Wilhoyt or Luanna Leisure. Personal from the Pastor My Prayer for Our Church Jesus said, "My yoke is EASY and my burden is LIGHT!" If being a Christian is all that easy, then why is it so hard to find a really good Christian? Could it be that something is missing and when that something is ignored, it's a whole different ball game? A car runs quite well with oil, but as one of our family members found out, running without it destroys the entire engine, even if the engine is in perfect shape. A body runs quite well on wholesome food but even a strong and healthy body that goes without food soon dies. A garden grows beautifully after a downpour but even an organic garden dies in a few days without water. So also, a Christian runs quite well on consistent prayer, but even a wonderful Christian without prayer can soon give the entire Church a bad rap. Jesus gave us this very simple solution to all our relationship problems. This simple solution makes life SO much easier and our burdens so much lighter. Why then does this simple solution become SO difficult? It's no different than eliminating oil from our car engine. Without oil, your car is going to have serious difficulties. The same is true with being a Christian when we overlook, skip over, and generally ignore Jesus' plain and simple mandate in Matt 5:44. "But I say unto you, love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you." Let's be honest, now. Just how many of us Christians use our mouths to bless or speak well of those who curse us? How many of us make a habit of using our hands to do a favor for those who hate us? And yes, I know some of us do but now let's get to the heart of the matter. How many of us persevere in believing prayer for the benefit of those who have been spiteful to us with cutting remarks, gossiping, and seeking to destroy our reputation behind our backs! I think most of us can think of at least one person who fits this category in our lives if not many more. When was the last time we fervently prayed FOR their benefit, not just for God to deliver US from them, but caringly prayed for God's blessing upon them just as God always seeks OUR best interest! This one word, PRAY, is what gets to the heart of the matter in verse 44 of Matthew 5. This one word PRAY unlocks the power in this 44-magnum mandate from God. And this ingredient, like the absolute necessity of having oil in your car engine, this mandate makes life work SO much easier and frankly eliminates the burden altogether when we cast it upon Him in prayer. PRAY? Why? Because prayer is the only way to activate God's
love which resides in you as a Christian. Prayer is to relationships
like rain is to a garden. Prayer is the catalyst to love, like
rain is the catalyst that causes flowers to grow. When we pray
for others, God performs a miracle in us. Otherwise, obviously,
it would be totally impossible to love our enemies. When persevering
prayer for others becomes our solution, God's love will grow just
like beautiful gardens grow from plenty of water. My prayer for our church is that prayer will become plentiful like rain in the spring time, that we set aside time for extensive prayer like downpours of rain, that prayer becomes such a natural part of our lives that we gather together to pray like they did in Acts 1:14 and Acts 2:42-47. Please read this carefully, and you will see why this is my prayer for our church. The Bible in 50 Words! God made Personal from the Pastor's Wife Who Is In Control? The movie Shenandoah takes place during the mid 1800s. Charlie Anderson, played by Jimmy Stewart, is a widowed farmer and family patriarch who promised his dead wife he would raise their children as Christians. So he takes the family to church each Sunday and dutifully says this prayer before every meal, "Oh Lord, we cleared this land. We plowed it and sowed it and harvested. We cooked the harvest. It wouldn't be here and we wouldn't be eating it if we hadn't done it all ourselves. We worked dog bone hard for every crumb and morsel but we thank you just the same Lord for this food we're about to eat anyway." Well, it's not exactly the model prayer mentioned in Matthew 6 is it? But in Charlie's mind it suffices. When the Civil War breaks out, Charlie faces quite a dilemma. He refuses to support the South because he's opposed to slavery. He refuses to support the North because he is deeply opposed to war. Unfortunately he is located in the Shenandoah Valley in Virginia and remaining neutral is virtually impossible, especially after his youngest son is captured. After a quest to find his son, getting involved in a war he wanted no part of, turmoil, strife, and hardship, what remains of the family is gathered once again around the table to eat. As they bow their heads Charlie starts to pray. It's the same prayer but in a more humble spirit. In a raspy voice he barely chokes out the words, "Oh Lord, we cleared this land. We plowed it and sowed it and harvested. We cooked the harvest. It wouldn't be here and we wouldn't be eating it if we hadn't done it all ourselves." When he says the word "ourselves," he can say no more. He leaves the table holding back his tears and goes to his wife's grave on a hill above the farmhouse. Charlie learned some hard lessons. He learned that he couldn't always control everything that happened in his life. He also learned a lesson we all struggle to learn. We don't do it all ourselves. It's sad that we don't see that until we are faced with trials we can't control. I wonder if we aren't sometimes guilty of praying that first prayer. Paying God homage but secretly thinking we are doing it all. Maybe we can get by with that kind of prayer for a while, until God allows a trial to bring us down to reality. Whether we believe it or not, God is in control. It may appear we are doing all the dog bone hard work, but there is a higher power who allows us to clear, plow, and sow. He provides sunshine and rain for the growth. And then if He so wills, allows us to harvest, cook, and eat. Charlie learned the hard way that the Lord giveth and the Lord can taketh away. If we humbly realize that He is in charge, we spare ourselves from having to be humbled. The Lord can also giveth back again if He so chooses. After all, He is in control! I Love to Tell the Story The story and testimony of my life before and after conversion had its beginning in the fall of 1989. I had been attending Worldwide Church of God in San Jose, California for a little over one year (June 1988) and it was time for the traditional baptism counseling. For the counseling sessions I was given various scriptures to read in order to prepare for discussions with my counselor. Of the scriptures given, one really caught my attention. It
focused on the cost of being a disciple. It is found in Luke 14:25-35
and in verse 26 (NIV) Jesus says, "If anyone comes to me
and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children,
his brothers and sisters - yes even his own life - he cannot be
my disciple." Now I needed the answer to why I should love
Jesus above all. Prayer Walk - 2003 On August 23, South Bay Christian Church participated in a citywide Prayer Walk. Members went out after services, in groups of 2-3, and prayed for each house along a designated route in our church neighborhood. Our church booklet "The Gospel Really Is Good News" along with an Alpha Dinner invitation was placed on the doorknob of each home. For those unable to walk the neighborhood, a small group gathered in the sanctuary and prayed a blessing for many additional homes. It was exciting to see the enthusiasm! 30 of our members participated in the event. Larry Shamus wrote the following afterward in e-mail thanking participants: "It was inspiring to see all of you lined up waiting for your assignments. I hope you feel as good as I do about being God's hands and feet in the blessing of 549 of our neighbors." Church members were still excited a week later when asked about their involvement in the Walk. Here are some of the comments: "We experienced joy in reaching out to people with the love of God . . . that we can play a part in someone's life to bring them into relationship with God." Cliff Higgins "I prayed. I went. And, I felt good that I did. Prayer really works!" Bonnie Ferranti "For those who didn't go, you missed a good thing!" Dave Essenmacher "I thought it was wonderful that we had so many people - it went so fast! We got the Word out there and we now just pray to God who He will bring." Elise Wilhoyt "It was an experience I think will help not only us, but others as well. We are all a part of the same community." Mary Harris "I loved the opportunity to be involved in something that God is doing. He loves the world and wants us to feel the same way. Prayer is an incredible opportunity to enter into a relationship with God." Virginia Allen We would like to thank those who participated in the Prayer
Walk! Debbie Sanders Virginia Allen and Mike Ferranti prayed in the sanctuary over
a list of houses while someone else put the door hangers on those
houses. Aimee McNally and Richard Ely watched children in the
fellowship hall so others could prayer walk. Who Walks Who is this man who lone at morning Who is this man who speaks at twilight Who is this man who comforts in darkness, And who this man who strides in glory? Congregation On The Web Recently we have added some great new content to our congregation's web site, and we've given our header a new look to go along with our new name. The header now features our updated South Bay Christian Church logo, and we list our new local church phone number, as well as our toll-free number. The phone numbers are featured, in part, to make it easier for visitors to contact us regarding our 2003 Alpha dinners. We have added a special page on our site which provides an explanation of what Alpha dinners are all about, and people can register online to join us for the dinners hosted by the South Bay Christian Church. New resources are also available regarding sermons and Bible classes. For example, our Sermon Archives page now includes the PowerPoint slides from the August 23 "Prayer" sermon by Larry Shamus, and our complete fall Bible Class schedule appears on the Bible Classes page. Another change to our site is that our Mission Statement is now prominently displayed near the top of our home page, where it can be more easily accessible for visitors and members alike. Once again we are pleased to report that our sermon tape ministry continues to reach the world. Recent sermon requests have come in from Nigeria, the Philippines, Pakistan, India, Ghana and El Salvador. The list of countries we are reaching continues to grow, as people around the globe find and visit our site, and reach out to us for prayer and the teaching of God's Word. Thank you for your prayers and suggestions relating to our congregation's presence on the web. Please email comments and suggestions to webmaster@wcgsouthbay.org. CHRISTIAN COMPUTER CORNER In the last CCC column we looked at keyboard shortcuts. They save time and provide an alternative way to accomplish common tasks in Windows. The Windows Key is a special tool in the world of Windows keyboard shortcuts. It is one of the most powerful keys on the keyboard but often goes unused. Windows Key Windows Key + R Opens the "Run" command line Your results may vary, depending upon your operating system and how it has been customized, but most of these commands will work as indicated on recent versions of Microsoft Windows. Review your Operating System documentation for additional Windows Key tips, and give these shortcuts a try to see how much faster you can accomplish common tasks. As a matter of fact, I'm now going to tap the Windows Key, then tap "U" a couple of times to shut off my computer and do something else with the time I saved. Grab Bag Lunches Make A Comeback It all started in a small group Bible Study. We were having a discussion about how important it is for us to get to know each other better when a member of the study group asked, "Whatever happened to the Grab Bag lunches we used to have?" Other members of the group jumped in to share how enjoyable those lunches used to be. Someone added the fact that those lunches provided a way to get to know people better, to share a meal with people with whom we may not normally get to spend time. Immediately this sounded like a good social tradition. Enjoying meals together while building and strengthening relationships. What a winning combination! Nobody in our group seemed to know when or why the tradition ceased, but a good percentage of the people in the room that night remembered the process of volunteering to host a lunch, or volunteering to attend as a guest. People also remembered the tradition of calling these meals "Grab Bag," not because the contents of the lunch were a random surprise, but because part of the fun was that until the Lunch Assignments were posted nobody know which hosts would be matched with which guests. The discussion gathered momentum, and the conclusion was unanimous: People wanted to bring back the Grab Bag Lunches. So, after a couple of additional conversations, it wasn't long before the tradition was restored. After many years of no Grab Bags the congregation began having these special events once again. Then, in January of this year, while formulating our congregation's updated Mission and Vision Statements, the Strategic Planning Team officially added a series of Grab Bag lunches to our congregation goals for the year. Given the fact that these lunches are such an effective means of developing a close-knit fellowship, we committed to have three Grab Bag lunches in 2003. At the time this article was written, signups were coming in for the third lunch of 2003, and the feedback from the first two lunches has been positive. The process for these lunches begins when signup lists are posted approximately one month prior to a Grab Bag lunch. Each list contains two columns-one for people who would like to host the lunch and one for people who would like to attend as guests of the hosts. After a couple of weeks of sign-ups, the lists are gathered and hosts are matched with guests. Then a final list is posted a week or two prior to the lunch date. Hosts and guests then contact each other to discuss time, location, and who is going to bring which dishes. Then, following church services on the day of the lunches, our hosts and guests disperse to homes around the South Bay, enjoying each other's company and each other's cooking. The comeback of Grab Bag lunches in the South Bay Christian Church is a great success story that demonstrates what can happen as a result of an inspiring small group discussion, and members sharing good ideas and making things happen. Please pray for continued success and increased participation in this congregation tradition. And don't forget to sign up as a guest or host for our next lunch! CHURCH HAPPENINGS MARCH 2003 Rouel James Blessed JULY 2003 Baby Bella Mt. Madonna Camp Outs AUGUST 2003 Blessing of Little Children Mary Graduates Gideons' Visit Special Music
A Fond Farewell Orcas Island Camp Experiences Shared Congratulations Enriqueta! Happy 50th Anniversary Guy Engelbart Visits From Our Sister Churches to the North The Passing of the Patriarchs There is more than one way to become free. Minor Freeman was 89 years old and had multiple health problems. He succumbed to a form of cardiac arrest while en route for a dialysis treatment. Kidney failure and diabetes were among his ailments. We have been so thankful that he lived with one of his daughters and their lovely family in Pacifica. We never had to concern ourselves with his living situation or his care. Minor moved here in 1991 after being a member of the Worldwide Church of God in Memphis, Tennessee. He was regular in attendance at the San Francisco church until a couple years ago when he became mostly housebound. The family told us that he loyally donated and read church publications right up to the end. They appreciate member Rose McGowan for sending the bulletins regularly and making calls. At his funeral I spoke on the theme of freedom. Drawing from his name, I said that Minor Freeman is now a "Major Free Man." He has been freed from his ailing and failing temporary tabernacle. He is free from all the limitations and shortcomings of this earthly realm. He is with the Lord. We will continue to remember his quiet dignity, spiritual depth and maturity. He was a man of the Word. Another such man was Reuben Lacsamana. He made an incredible impact on our churches here. Over a quarter of our attending congregants were related by blood or were in-laws. He migrated to the USA in 1976 and his immediate family all followed. He had been a reader of the Plain Truth in the Philippines since the late 1960's. Reuben was 75 years old but enjoyed attending both congregations as his health permitted. He had offspring in each church. Reuben had a stroke before I arrived in the Bay Area in 1996. I never knew the strong, dynamic man that he was before being partially paralyzed. I have only known the man so physically reduced. Yet he was not reduced in spirit or as a man of faith. His mind was always on the kingdom of God. His conversation always seemed to get around to the Bible. Yet he had a great sense of humor and made many jokes with a twinkle in his eye in spite of stroke complications and recent kidney failure. There was standing room only at both the viewing and the funeral. A number of family members from sisters to grandchildren paid verbal tribute to their "Tatay" and their "Lo-lo." There is still a lot of "getting over it" to do as he is sorely missed. Yet there is also joy as we realize he is freed from failed health. Both of these beloved patriarchs were men who would have said
with Paul, "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain"
(Philippians 1:21). That is true freedom! The Seven Ups 1. Wake Up!! Decide to have a good day. "This is the day
the Lord hath made; 2. Dress Up!! The best way to dress up is to put on a smile.
A smile is an 3. Shut Up!! Say nice things and learn to listen. God gave
us two ears and one 4. Stand Up!! Stand up for what you believe in. Stand for something
or you 5. Look Up!! Look up to the Lord. "I can do everything
through Christ who 6. Reach Up!! Reach up for something higher. "Trust in
the Lord with all your 7. Lift Up!! Lift up your prayers. "Do not worry about
anything; instead Seven Steps to Wise Decisions 1. Prayers for guidance (your prayers and prayers of others)
2. Get examples and instruction from the Bible 3. Get wise and abundant counsel 4. Get all the facts and don't be hasty 5. Make a definite decision (Yes, No, Wait) 6. Have faith in your decision 7. Work to bring about the desired result From Our Sister Church to the South This will be a difficult column for me to write since I wasn't at church service from May 17th to August 16th. How can a reporter report on something that wasn't witnessed? I spent more than five weeks at the Dominican Hospital during that time. Every Saturday after services my room filled up with my fellow church members. I was kept well informed about what had gone on that day and week. After I finally came home, the visits continued. Thanks to all of you for your presence, gifts, cards, and get-well wishes. This cheered me and, with God's mighty healing power, I now am doing just fine! Fortunately I was back in time to hear Mr. Lorenzo Arroyo give us a great sermon on grace on August 16th. He is in charge of 11 scattered Spanish-speaking churches, formerly Church of God and now part of our denomination. He reminded us of our own church struggle in coming out of legalism. The same day Myra Emata-Stokes gave us a picture of what she went through working in a mission in Guatemala for two months. Church attendance during the summer months has been slim because
of vacation, family reunions, camps, etc. Isabel Merriner spent
some time in North Carolina celebrating her aunt's 50-year service
to her church. Now Isabel has just returned from working at the
youth camp in Washington and celebrating her granddaughter's 4th
birthday. Inez Haro brought three of her grandchildren from Phoenix
to spend the summer with her. That kept her very busy! Nina Woodard
is doing well in New Mexico and is a practicing teacher. Frances
Tovar has been working for Smuckers for 35 years and is looking
forward to retiring next spring. Dillus Belfield brought her 95-year-old
mother from the east coast and now lives in San Jose with her
son. Alan Robertson has just returned from one of his famous Canadian
vacations. Chris Cepin went to a family reunion in the L.A. area.
Nancy Roberts celebrated her 85th birthday on August 10th and
shows no sign of slowing down! Every week the Roberts go to either
a family picnic, wedding, birthday party, or cell group. One thing we're confident of is that God will take care of
us all. He will never leave or forsake us no matter how difficult
things become! Locks of Love by Jessica Shamus (As told to Grandma Shamus) My name is Jessica Shamus and I am 8 years old. I had 10 inches of my hair cut off and I donated it to Locks of Love. Locks of Love is a place where kids who have cancer get wigs. They lost their hair because of the cancer. My big cousin, April, donated her hair 3 years ago. Most hair that is donated to Locks of Love comes from kids. "It's kids donating to kids." I did it because Mom's friend, Aunt Melanie, had breast cancer and lost her hair. She told Mom about Locks of Love. I felt sad when the lady was cutting my hair because it felt like a friend to me. I knew this would help some little girl that had cancer. It made me feel proud I was getting it cut and my hair would help someone. If you want more info about Locks of Love you can go to www.locksoflove.org. Out of the Mouths of Babes First Day of School Little Boy Lost Adam's Underwear Getting Into Heaven Federal Guidelines on School Prayer As far back as 1995 there have been Federal guidelines that permit many activities related to prayer in schools. Why then do many of us still hold the belief that prayer has been "kicked out of our schools?" It's probably because many schools were not enforcing the guidelines, leading to confrontations that perpetuated the notion that students were not allowed to pray in school. Earlier this year, the Bush administration finally put some "teeth" in the guidelines by withholding federal funds from any school district that did not comply. Now schools are paying some attention to this subject and learning what the Constitution allows and what it does not. Below is a synopsis of the guidelines: Students have the same right to engage in individual or group prayer and religious discussion during the school day as they do to engage in other comparable activity. Local school authorities have "substantial discretion" to impose rules of order but may not structure the rules to discriminate against religious activity or speech. Students may attempt to persuade peers about religious topics as they would any other topics, but schools should stop such speech that constitutes harassment. During non-instructional time, students are free to pray (alone or in groups), read their Bibles and discuss their faith as long as they aren't disruptive and don't infringe upon the rights of others. Students may participate in before- or after-school events with religious content, such as "see-you-at-the-flagpole" gatherings, on the same terms as they can participate in other non-curricular activities on school premises. Teachers and administrators are prohibited from either encouraging or discouraging religious activity and from participating in such activity with students. Public schools may not provide religious instruction but may teach about religion. Students may express their beliefs about religion in homework, artwork and other written and oral assignments. The work should be judged by ordinary academic standards and against other "legitimate pedagogical concerns." Students may distribute religious literature on the same terms as other literature unrelated to curriculum can be distributed. Schools have "substantial discretion" to excuse students from lessons objectionable on religious or other conscientious grounds. But students generally don't have a federal right to be excused from lessons inconsistent with religious beliefs or practices. Schools may actively teach civic values and morals, even if some of those values also happen to be held by religions. Students may display religious messages on clothing to the
same extent they may display other comparable messages. Given these guidelines, there should be no reason why any student
should feel restricted in relating to God in a school setting.
On the other hand, any student who feels he or she is being harassed
while complying with the guidelines should complain to the proper
authorities. Thanksgiving is Almost Here As we near Thanksgiving Day this proclamation, which set the precedent for America's national day of Thanksgiving given by President Abraham Lincoln in Washington, D.C. on October 3, 1863, gives us food for thought… A Proclamation. The year that is drawing towards its close has been filled
with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To
these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone
to forget the source from which they come, others have been added,
which are of so extraordinary a nature that they cannot fail to
penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible
to the ever watchful providence of Almighty God. In the midst
of a civil war of unequaled magnitude and severity, which has
sometimes seemed to foreign States to invite and to provoke their
aggression, peace has been preserved with all nations, order has
been maintained, the laws have been respected and obeyed, and
harmony has prevailed everywhere except in the theatre of military
conflict; while that theatre has been greatly contracted by the
advancing armies and navies of the Union. Needful diversions of
wealth and of strength from the fields of peaceful industry to
the national defense have not arrested the plough, the shuttle
or the ship; the axe has enlarged the borders of our settlements,
and the mines as well of iron and coal as of the precious metals
have yielded even more abundantly than heretofore. Population
has steadily increased, notwithstanding the waste that has been
made in the camp, the siege and the battlefield; and the country,
rejoicing in the consciousness of augmented strength and vigor,
is permitted to expect continuance of years with large increase
of freedom. No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal
hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts
of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for
our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy. It has seemed to
me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently and
gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and one voice by the
whole American People. I do therefore invite my fellow citizens
in every part of the United States, and also those who are at
sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart
and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving
and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens.
And I recommend to them that while offering up the ascriptions
justly due to Him for such singular deliverances and blessings,
they do also, with humble penitence for our national perverseness
and disobedience, commend to His tender care all those who have
become widows, orphans, mourners or sufferers in the lamentable
civil strife in which we are unavoidably engaged, and fervently
implore the interposition of the Almighty Hand to heal the wounds
of the nation and to restore it as soon as may be consistent with
the Divine purposes to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquility
and Union. Thanks! "You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing to you and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give you thanks forever." Psalm 30:11,12 "I will give thanks to the LORD because of his righteousness and will sing praise to the name of the LORD Most High." Psalm 7:17 "I will give you thanks in the great assembly; among throngs
of people I will praise you." Psalm 35:18 "Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song." Psalm 95:2 "Give thanks to the LORD, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done." Psalm 105:1 "Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever." Psalm 106:1 "Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men." Psalm 107:8 "You are my God, and I will give you thanks; you are my God, and I will exalt you." Psalm 118:28 "Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before." Daniel 6:10 "Then he took the seven loaves and the fish, and when he had given thanks, he broke them and gave them to the disciples, and they in turn to the people." Matthew 15:36 "But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Corinthians 15:57 Congratulations Larry and Betty Shamus September 13th was a special day for the San Jose and Watsonville congregations as they honored Betty and Larry Shamus on their Golden Wedding Anniversary. Married 50 years ago on September 12th Betty and Larry have set a wonderful example as a couple who work and play together, complementing each other's personalities perfectly. Friends and family from near and far came to join in the celebration. The morning worship service included a gift presentation from the San Jose brethren, as well as several touching tributes from friends, sharing the impact the Shamuses have had on their lives. After services, a delicious meal was enjoyed by all, along with plenty of enthusiastic chatter and renewing of old acquaintances. The highlight of the day was a DVD presentation created by the Shamus's granddaughter, April Funsten. April used hundreds of photographs as well as some old movie clips to feature Betty and Larry's courtship, wedding, and married life. Each segment had a theme and was set to a song which complemented that particular "chapter" in their lives. This DVD also included several segments devoted to the San Jose Church activities and brethren over the years. There were tearful moments as well as cheerful ones, with the narration between chapters being done by Carol Ackerman, the Shamus' witty and entertaining daughter. Following the DVD presentation, cake was served in the Fellowship Hall while Betty and Larry danced to the romantic song "For You." Open dancing continued into the afternoon, including a line-dancing performance choreographed by Betty and some of her line dance class to the song "Celebrate!" And celebrate they did, a wonderful time being had by all in attendance. We appreciate Betty and Larry so much, and are grateful for all the time, energy, and love they have shared with our congregation over the years. Congratulations on your "50 Happy Years Together!" Tribute to a Remarkable Pair Larry and Betty Shamus ~ Congratulations on 50 years of wedded
bliss! I may not be one of your most intimate friends Photography, musical talents, Bible studies, working with youth, I have not yet discussed their spiritual gifts. Joy is etched in their serene faces. With five children and grandchildren, patience they learned
long ago. Obviously self-control is another of their spiritual gifts. Book Review The Fruit of Her Hands: Respect and the Christian Woman This book is appropriate for individual or group study. There are no questions at the end of the chapters, so for it to be effective as a group study the facilitator needs to develop a few thought-provoking questions. The author covers topics such as: a woman's orientation to marriage, walking with God, respect, principles and methods of marriage, contentment, duties of homemaking, and lovemaking. Each chapter takes about one hour to complete. The author references scripture for self-study. This is not a self-help book; it implores the reader to seek God and the Bible for answers. The author is a reformed conservative Protestant. She is a pastor's wife with adult children and grandchildren. She and her husband, Doug Wilson, have written nine books on the topics of marriage and the roles of men and women. This book concentrates on one biblical command: "And let the wife see that she respects her husband" (Ephesians 5:33). The core of her writing is for reproof. Correction does not feel good at the moment so the reader may feel guilty or even angry. Reading this book with another person might help reduce misconceptions or hurt feelings, which are likely to happen if reading alone. While reading this book, keep the big picture in mind. Do not be offended by the author's conservative, biblical approach. The author strives to change women. She reminds women of God's command to respect their husbands; disrespect is a sin. The first chapter warns women to focus on their own shortcomings, not the husband's shortcomings. She wants to influence the modern day woman's image. She warns women about forsaking her domain and responsibilities - the home, husband and children - for the deceptive freedom and happiness of the physical world. She believes women need to walk, study, and talk with God while placing the husband and family as their number one priority. She wants women to understand that respecting one's husband is not an emotion. More accurately, respect is a verb meaning to show honor, esteem, deference and courtesy. She cautions women to steer far away from judging another woman's principles and methods of marriage; judging is a sin. She wants women to keep the home tidy and care for the children with an attitude of joy. Examples from the Songs of Solomon teach the reader biblical ways to be affectionate, approachable, warm and responsive to the husband. The author's convicting biblical approach has led many women to respect their husbands (see www.amazon.com). This book is highly recommended for all women who are contemplating marriage, newlywed, or who have been married for a long time. In a group study, the women with marital experience can encourage the women with less. A word of warning is to read the book with an open mind and heart. Repent of past mistakes and be prepared to feel convicted to change. For men, there is a companion book highly recommended called, "Reforming Marriage," by Doug Wilson. A Tribute of Love to Jo Merwin Larry and I just came home from Jo Merwin's funeral here in San Jose. She passed away on September 11. When I think of Jo, I picture her sitting in the second row at church with Anthony and Sandy Garside. She already had her "church breakfast" and wore her big friendly grin. She loved her church family. Each week she would greet them all with big hugs! She called herself the "Mad Hugger." When we had talks she would tell me about how much she appreciated the many of you, her church family, who visited with her, especially when she felt lonely. You took the time out of your busy lives to take her shopping or to lunch or to her many doctors' appointments at Kaiser Hospital. She would talk about the tough job Sean, her grandson, had
in caring for her every need. She would say, "I don't know
what I would do without him." He would leave food and drink
by her bed as he left for work each day. She knew God sent Sean
to care for her. Psalm 116:15 says that precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of His saints. I know that Jo was very precious to Him! I know Jo is at peace now, free from pain. She was ready to be with our heavenly Father and to be with her beloved husband Bob. Goodbye, Jo! Thank you for being a part of our lives.
Did You Know? Be Still and Know He Is Holy Alpha Dinners What is Alpha? Schedule Be Our Guest! Are We Ready For God's Return? God is soon coming soon to the earth! Are we ready? What will it be like? What can we expect? Are we ready to accept God's mercy towards those He grants mercy to, especially those we think need to be punished or in some cases killed? We need to love people and that includes everyone. We need to get ready not only to accept changes but also to support and cooperate with God. It is difficult to imagine what the future will be like. The Bible has a lot to say about it, but the day-to-day details are not always included. Opinions of the future are as plentiful as there are churches. We can only conclude that most of us, if not all, need some correction in either the way we do things or our beliefs. Where is all of this leading? I believe that the more we try to figure out the details about the world tomorrow and its workings, the more it takes us away from God and the things He wants us to do. He said to go ye therefore into all the world and preach the Gospel to everyone. He said that if you love Me, feed My sheep (spiritually and physically). God also told us to repent and believe the Gospel. We shouldn't let anyone or anything deter us from preaching the Gospel. We shouldn't let anyone or anything steer us away from God, for example: UFO's, money, riches, material things, family, jobs, speculations, and so forth. We all need some of the things this earth has to offer, but if we can keep God first, that will please our Savior. God must be first in our lives. God will not take second place. He insists on being first in our lives. He needs to be more important to us than anything else. We came into the earth with nothing and we leave the same way. What God has in store for us after that will be wonderful. Of that we are assured. The future will be according to God's will, and everything about it is under His control and according to His prerogative. We need to realize that God is in charge and He will not fail. He has all power and we need to trust in Him because HE WILL NEVER LET US DOWN.
Things To Think About As You Go Through Life The most destructive habit..........................………..
Worry From the Circulation Department By Edrie Felts "Would you mind sending newsletters out to some of the people who would be interested in hearing what is going on in our area?" Of course, wanting to be of help where I can, I said "Yes" and then found my name listed as Circulation Manager! That amused me since we had only a few newsletters being mailed to our shut-ins and courtesy copies to ministers in our region. That is no longer the case. We now have a mailing list of over sixty people and growing. I try to jot a little note to keep in touch with those who have moved from our area and I thought you might like to hear excerpts from some of the letters that have come back to me. Howdy! Thank you for always sending the newsletter. I enjoy reading and re-reading it. Please let others know that I am feeling much better. Ask them to keep praying….With God's Love, Christa Brooks I enjoy the "Light in the Valley" very much….Inza
Westall Thank you for the "Light in the Valley." It brought back so many memories. The faces are still remembered with fondness…..Barbara Neapolitan Thanks so much for the newsletter. It really keeps us up to date with our beloved brethren in San Jose. Say hello to our wonderful friends….Bill and Bertha Bryce Just a quick note to thank you for sending me "Light in the Valley." (It seems I have to do everything "quickly" these days!) I really do enjoy reading it and appreciate the opportunity to find out what's going on….Donna Conrad Thank you for sending "A Light in the Valley." It is a wonderful way to stay in touch…. Anne Marie Nickinello Thank you for sending the newsletter. I enjoy the articles and looking at the pictures. I didn't realize you sent out so many newsletters….Georgia Masiewicz We have tried to include shut-ins, students, members of the Armed Forces and friends who are not able to pick up their copy when it is distributed at church. It has become a ministry on its own as we share it with others. If you know of someone who would like to receive it, please check with me…they may already be on our list and if not, all we need is their address! Circulation Manager Edrie Felts Newsletter Staff
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