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From the Editor’s Desk
We would like to whole-heartedly thank Christa Brooks for her work on starting our newsletter and keeping it going the past few years. Christa has moved to the Northwest and our loss will be their gain.
As we enter this New Year, changes are taking place for our church newsletter. We have a new name, a new staff, and a new look. We have chosen to call the newsletter, “News from a Light in the Valley.” Our hope is for all churches in Silicon Valley to be a light. We are just one of many church lights in this valley. Please pray that our light will shine with God’s love. (Matthew 5:14-16)

Some of our new staff will include youth reporter, Jessica Orr, and teen reporter, Aaron Burnsides. Anthony Garside will be writing articles about things going on at church that we might not be aware of. It’s called “Did You Know?” I’m sure he would appreciate any ideas you might want to pass along to him. Alicia Carrillo will keep us updated on “Church News.” Watsonville, San Leandro, and San Francisco will be sharing some of their activities with us also. And of course, we are hoping that some of our readers will contribute articles, too. Please send any ideas or articles to ByDahlgren@aol.com.

We welcome your ideas, articles, and of course, your prayers. May your new year be filled with God’s love and may your light shine so that all may know you are a child of God.
Happy New Year!
Your newsletter staff

Newsletter Staff
Editor - Barbara Dahlgren
Assistant Editor - Linda Smith
Church News - Alicia Carrillo
Circulation - Edrie Felts
Did You Know? - Anthony Garside
The Younger Set - Jessica Orr
Teen Scene - Aaron Burnsides
San Leandro/San Francisco - Hazel Roberts
Watsonville Chris - Cepin/Mary Webb
Women’s Ministry - Myrna Paulino

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SEP Discovery Weekend
by Aaron Burnsides

Greetings to all from Prescott, Arizona, where 118 people including youth from San Jose and as far as Minnesota just finished up another successful SEP weekend. SEP Discovery Weekends are regional weekend camps affiliated with our churches Summer Educational Program. There were a variety of different activities offered including Praise and Worship, and Chapel services, which were given by special guest Dr. Egbert, the director of SEP. Also there was a challenge course, volleyball, basketball, games, skits, and also a dance
We left for the weekend from San Jose on Wed. Dec 27. On the way to camp we spent a day touring the Grand Canyon which most of us had never seen. When camp concluded Dec 31 we shot off fireworks in the dessert somewhere between Arizona and California to celebrate New Year’s Eve. Then to finish up we went on a desert snipe hunt. (You had to be there). In short it was a Christ-centered weekend with lots of fun
for EVERYONE involved.

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Personal from the Pastor
by Mel Dahlgren

Light on Worry
WOW!!! What a light!!! Jesus Christ is one powerful light. Just today He demonstrated the immense power of His light to me personally. He says His Word is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path. Well I needed some LIGHT pretty badly. I’ve been struggling with a personal problem of unnecessary worrying. Something I never dreamed would be a problem for me. But as God says, “he that thinks he stands, take heed lest he fall.”
Well, now to the exciting part. It was while I was soaking up some light by reading from God’s enlightening Word that God enlightened my mind, my feet and my path. I read in Isaiah 26:3 that God would keep me in perfect peace if I would keep my mind STAYED on Him.

Well, I tried this before, and it didn’t seem to work for me. I just drifted back to the same old habit of concentrating on the problem at hand. So this time, I cried out and begged God to help me KEEP my focus on Him. And WOW!!! It is TRUE!!! Once God knew I meant business, and I fervently begged Him to help me continually keep my focus stayed upon Him, my worries began to subside. It was like an antidote to a poison or like an alkali to an acid. It just began to dissolve the worry away. The problems didn’t go away, but the worry in the pit of my stomach and that mental torment was gone. It is SO true, fear and worry has torment. (I John 4:18) And the worry began to fade, and what bothered me incessantly, no longer did. Peace began to calm my worries. Jesus gives peace as He said He would in John 14 27, “My peace I give to you.” And now I know how to receive that peace! By keeping my mind STAYED on Him! As the saying goes, “Sometimes God may not calm the storm, He calms the child.” And that was exactly what I needed.

It was then that I realized that worry finds its source in darkness, but Christ, who IS LIGHT, drives the darkness away. And the more time I spent keeping my mind stayed on Him throughout the day, the more PEACE I had.
God has given our church newsletter a new name: A Light in the Valley. What a fitting name for what we are to do. Jesus is that Light in the Valley shining through us. (Matthew 5:14) We are to be lights set on a hill so that everyone can see the way out of the darkness. That means to SHARE that Light with others so they can see the good works of God in you. (Matthew 5:16) And just as I have shared with you how God shined the light of His Word into my life and showed me how to dissolve the darkness of my problem with worry, you too can share the same Light with others. Share how He is working in your life, because that is what light does. It shows the way. It eradicates darkness. Are you ready to be a light in the valley? I am. And I invite you to use this publication as a vehicle to share your personal experiences with Christ to others in our community. Let’s share the LIGHT so we can all please God by being a bright Light in the Valley.

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From our Sister Church to the South - Watsonville
by Mary Webb

Let’s Get Acquainted
The Watsonville Church is a small group of dedicated worshippers who enjoy visitors. With this in mind, let’s get acquainted. We meet at the Family Faith Center, located at 734 E. Lake Avenue, in Watsonville. The meeting hall is on the second floor, and services are on Saturdays at 2:30 p.m.
Before the services, we have a Bible Study in a meeting room on the first floor. It also serves as our Fellowship Room. Bible Studies start at 12:30 p.m. At this time, the study is on the book of Exodus. We are using the “Experiencing the Word” series, facilitated by Bill Mason. After services most of the congregation meet there again for fellowship and coffee. On the first week of the month, we have a potluck. It’s held at the Fellowship Hall or in someone’s home. We seem to love to support the economy of the city, so after services we have become frequent visitors to the restaurants in the area.
Another activity members are involved with is a Cell Group, which meets every Thursday at 7:30 p.m. at 17607 Pond-Derosa Lane in Prunedale. At this time we are studying a course on Discipleship Training. Gary Clark facilitates it. The Family Faith Center has many activities and sometimes we give them a helping hand. Some of our members joined them in serving the needy in the area by providing Thanksgiving dinners. This church is also evangelizing by performing puppet shows every second week for the underprivileged children in the neighborhood.
As previously mentioned, we enjoy having visitors. Come see us and let’s get acquainted!

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Spiritual Inventory
by Mike Ferranti

One day, while waiting for a client to show up, I decided to relax. I was stressed out and needed to take my mind off of things. I know that only God gives me lasting peace and thinking of God and his blessings was the answer. God always cares about what bothers me and helps me to calm down and realize what is important.
I wanted to take an inventory of how God loves me:

God helps me in everything, especially in trials. Trials are no fun, but when you have God on your side, the trials don’t seem so bad. God reminds me of what is important. Although trials are a nuisance, they are necessary for my development. I pray that I learn from the trials quickly and eventually they will end.

God comforts me. Anybody living on the planet Earth needs some comfort sometime.
God forgives me. This is very important. Otherwise, I could not bear living a dreadful life.
God helps me to forgive others. I have to ask Him to show me how and He does.

God enables me to help others. This is something we all have to do. I believe God will hold us responsible, if it is in our power and we sit and do nothing to help others. However, we must be balanced in this area and realize our time and resources only go so far.

God fills my life with joy and happiness. Nothing or anyone else can do this. Material things are only a disappointment to me. Energy spent on buying things can never fill the void that God can fill. True joy and happiness is a blessing that only comes from God.

God helps US to preach the Gospel to everyone. There are many ways to preach the Gospel. Ask God how/what He wants us to preach and to whom. He will let us know. Will I be ready and willing to follow His lead? Remember, God is always with us and will never forsake us.

God enables US to feed his sheep, both spiritually and physically. Donate a little of our time to help feed those who are less fortunate and spend some time spiritually too. We don’t have to be preachers, just tell what is in our heart and God will be there.

God gives me purpose in life. I do not want to think about how miserable my life would be without God.
I don’t want to dwell on this. God gives me a purpose because He has told me what He wants me to do. He wants me to preach His gospel to the World, and feed his sheep (Mk. 16:15). I believe I have plenty to do.

GOD LOVES ME AND YOU (John 16:27). That says it all. I hope we believe this. I love God because he first loved me and revealed Himself to me. God wants me to show love towards others. God wants me to love everyone He loves, good, bad, or whatever.

The above are my observations; you may have your own. The purpose of this article is to help us take inventory in our lives and to remind us that God loves us, both now and forever.

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An Interview with our New Y.E.S. Director
by Jessica Orr

Youth Educational Services (Y.E.S.) is dedicated to serving our younger children, up to age 12. They meet during the last half of church services each week. Our “Younger Set” reporter, Jessica Orr (age 11), interviewed Candace Shore, our new Y.E.S. director, for our newsletter. Her article follows….

According to Mrs. Shore, the reason she wanted to teach Y.E.S. was because she likes kids and they really needed a teacher. If she could change one thing about Y.E.S., it would be to have more children in Y.E.S. She says the easiest thing about teaching is finding something to teach, because the Bible is full of stories; but the hardest thing is finding a way to present those stories that would be interesting to kids.

Mrs. Shore was born and raised in Tennessee, but she’s lived here for two years. Her favorite color is green. She once had a pet rabbit called Snowball. Her husband’s name is Daniel and she has two children, Sara and Davis. She also has two sisters and she is the oldest.
We are very happy to have Mrs. Shore as our teacher.

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Women’s Ministry Champagne Brunch
by Myrna Paulino

What a great day! Laughter, fellowship, balloons, a big meal and of course champagne was enjoyed by 25 ladies Sunday, December 17. The WCG San Jose Women’s Ministry had a kickoff meeting at the Summit Steak House in South San Jose.
This is one of the many fun filled activities that Women’s Ministry provides. So, come and join us next time. Our next meetings will be on the 2nd Monday of the next 3 months. The meetings will be held from 7:00 - 9:00 PM at the Community Church of God Hall. Refreshments will be served. We will have an interactive Bible Study and some special surprises. Our Bible study theme this year is Celebration. Be sure to pick up your study guide questions at church a week before each meeting.
January 8 – Celebrate the Past
February 12 – Celebrate the Present
March 12 – Celebrate the Future
Betty Shamus is the director for the coming year 2001 and assisting her are Bonnie Ferranti and Myrna Paulino. Barbara Dahlgren will facilitate the Bible Study of each of our 3 meetings.
Aletha Mann will keep us informed with conferences and retreats. Georgia Masiewicz will coordinate refreshments for our meetings.

We would love to have you join us on our next get together, so bring a friend and let’s start Celebrating! If you need additional information, please see Betty Shamus.

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Church Happenings
by Alicia Carrillo

Feast of Tabernacles - October 2000
Our host site for a weekend of praise, worship, and fellowship was Asilomar, a beautiful conference center, styled with rustic accommodations. Brethren from the Bay Area congregations attended the festival. The naturally serene beauty helped us to enjoy praising God as we fellowshipped during services and drank in God’s messages. Saturday night we enjoyed games and singing
Meals were served cafeteria style in the dinning room, with generous portions. One evening as we ate, we saw through the large paned windows a few deer walking by. The center’s buildings, approximately 95 years old are spaced out to provide some walking for those who enjoy the outdoors (with a shuttle service if you prefer not to walk). Nestled among tall pines and varieties of wild flowers, our rooms were comfortable and free of the ‘modern’ conveniences (televisions, phones, radios, etc.) that could distract from your time away from them. It was a very restful festival, as many commented afterward. Hopefully, we could return to this oceanside setting next year.

Winter Social & Dance - November 2000
Our November Winter Social provided a time to fellowship and enjoy the sounds of Jeff Johnson. This potluck style dinner was well attended from Salinas and San Jose, with brethren from San Francisco as well. There was a wide variety of foods to choose from. Our talented guitarist and singer-songwriter played requests as well as original compositions. Jeff’s musical selections included a variety of songs, many taking us back to the 70’s, and on through contemporary favorites. What a treat for us to enjoy such a giving musician! We certainly enjoyed dancing to his unique style, and hope to be given the opportunity again.

Christmas Caroling - December 2000
Bonnie Ferranti organized a Christmas carol outing in the neighborhood the Saturday night before Christmas. Around a dozen carolers sang at various houses surrounding our church. The carolers were in good voice, taking requests from the grateful listeners at the houses they serenaded. Afterward, a pie social was held at the Shamus house for all participants. A merry time was had by all.

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Personal from the Pastor’s Wife
by Barbara Dahlgren

The Passion of Paul
A new year can bring new challenges. Each new year I try to focus on something lacking in my life. I pray about it and ask God to help me in that area. One year I tried to become more positive in my thinking. Another year I tried to pray without ceasing. This year my request of God is a radical step for me. Part of me fears that he will give it to me and part of me fears what will eventually happen to me if he doesn’t. What I need is passion for God.
So many times I find myself just going through the motions of being a Christian. I try not to steal, cheat, lie, or kill anyone. True, these are admirable qualities but they don’t necessarily bring you closer to God. What I really want is the passion of Paul. Paul made some hefty mistakes in his life but he had the ability to leave them behind and go forward with the job that God had given him to do. He struggled with his humanity, just like we do. (Romans 7:14-25) Yet, he had passion for God. He didn’t just go through the motions; he lived for Christ. When he was imprisoned, he sang praises to God. (Acts 16:25) In fact, whatever peril he found himself in, he always looked to God and praised him. How else could he be troubled, but not distressed, persecuted but not forsaken, perplexed but not in despair?

(11 Corinthians 4:8-10) He felt so passionate for Christ that he almost persuaded King Agrippa to become a Christian. (Acts 26:27,28) Yes, I want some of that passion in my life.

But there is something else Paul had along with that passion that I need, too: the ability to use it wisely. Misguided passion can be a dangerous thing. It can drive people from Christ rather than lead them to him. Paul was able to be all things to all men and not compromise his Christianity.

(I Corinthians 9:19-22) He knew how to be abased and to abound. (Philip. 4:12) He knew when to speak and when to remain silent. And no matter what his situation, he would not allow himself to be separated from the love of God. (Romans 8:35-39)

To have passion for God and use it wisely is my prayer this year. What’s yours? It’s a new year. Why not rededicate yourself to the love of God? Take a chance and ask God for something radical that would glorify him. He just might give it to you.

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Did You Know?
by Anthony Garside

Going About the Business of Being a Christian Leader
You may know that the first official meeting of the San Jose chapter of Christian Business Leaders Worldwide (CBLW) got off to a great start in July 2000. But do you know what this group represents? Do you know that they can make a difference in your life?

In years past the Worldwide Church of God has provided opportunities for us to become better speakers in the form of Spokesman's Club and Ambassador Club. This group is a little different. Right at the outset Mike McNally, San Jose president of CBLW, emphasized the importance of love, support, and sharing of wisdom with each other. Each meeting is much more informal than previous clubs. Speaking and other assignments can be volunteered for--there is no pressure but lots of strong support to grow in Christian leadership. There are also many guest speakers, outside our fellowship, from the business community who instruct us on how to be better Christian leaders in the secular world.

Each monthly meeting there is also an opportunity to make prayer requests-anonymously if necessary. That way we know someone is going to pray about us at least for the next month.

Is God interested in how we affect others in the workplace? (Incidentally, the workplace can be in the home as well as outside of the home.) Dr. John Walkup of Christian Leadership Ministries reminded us during the August meeting that each of us is strategically placed by God to make a difference in the lives of others. We do have an impact on those around us.
Of all the places in the universe that God could live He chooses to live in Christians. Why? Not because we are so wonderful and clean and beautiful by ourselves that He wants to live in us, but because we are forgiven sinners. As forgiven sinners we then become wonderful and clean and beautiful as He lives in us. What better way to show forth God’s glory than to be a Christian light in Silicon Valley?

Therefore, we need to be alert to what God is doing around us and encourage each other. We go forward together in the workplace supported by the love and wisdom and knowledge of our fellow Christians. CBLW members have a lot to share and are anxious to see the benefits of this small Christian Business Leaders group spread around. Why not come to one of the meetings? You will learn a lot about Christian leadership.

If you would like to join us please see Mike or Aimee McNally for more details or visit the website at: www.cblw.org.

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Zebrowski Scholarship
Reprinted from The Worldwide News December, 2000

AZUSA, California—The Ambassador Center announces a new scholarship to help WCG members with special financial needs to earn a bachelor of arts degree at Azusa Pacific University. Crown Legacy Foundation will provide a $5,000 annual grant as the Mark Zebrowski and Geraldyne Zebrowski Memorial Scholarship.
Mark Stephen Zebrowski loved God, family, church, computers and music. He provided a great example of friendship, greeting friends and acquaintances with his big, warm smile. He loved playing drums, and as a teen he served with WCG church youths at various juvenile homes and senior citizens centers. He graduated from Ambassador University in Big Sandy, Texas, in 1977.

Mark died of cancer Jan. 11, 1999. He is survived by his wife, Brenda; their daughter, Remy; and son, Nathan; his sister, Wendy; and his brother, Dan.

Geraldyne Zebrowski, Mark’s mother, was known for her hospitality and service in the Long Beach, California, congregation. As a widow, she worked hard to provide for her children and inspired them to higher education and commitment to God. Mrs. Zebrowski followed her son Mark in death Feb. 24.

The $5,000 scholarship from the Crown Legacy Foundation will be in addition to the $5,000 WCG scholarship. It will be awarded to a financially needy student who has demonstrated a servant’s heart for Jesus and his people. The student must have a commitment to graduate from APU and to serve as a member of the WCG. The scholarship is renewable for one year if financial need continues and personal commitment has been demonstrated.

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From our Sister Church to the North - San Leandro
by Jim & Hazel Roberts

The “SL” Women’s Ministry has recently been involved in various outreach projects. Hazel Roberts coordinated a service to Union City’s Pregnancy Choices Clinic, a service group that offers alternatives to abortion, along with counseling to women with unwanted pregnancies. The ladies contributed gifts for a “baby shower” to provide needed items these young mothers will require for their new babies.

Jeanette Sherron headed our donation to Operation Christmas Child, sponsored by Samaritan’s Purse. An international charity chaired by Franklin Graham, OCC distributes shoebox gifts to impoverished children in various countries. The ladies held a work party to assemble gift boxes to go along with those contributed by members. They prepared a total of 98 boxes. Thanks to those in all four Bay Area churches who donated boxes or gift items!
A number of churches in the Fremont Tri-Cities area combined efforts in Newark to provide personnel for the Convoy of Hope, a national program that combines meeting physical and spiritual needs of the impoverished. Five ladies of our Women’s Ministry team participated in this carnival-type one-day program. Not only were free groceries and other job and health services distributed to over 2700 homeless and low-income families, each family also heard the gospel! A pastoral team of Church of the Fremont Tri-Cities presented the message of hope about Jesus Christ. Nearly 500 people made decisions to involve Jesus in their lives.

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Ensenada Mission
by Alicia Carrillo

When representatives from Azusa Pacific University visited our congregation in the spring of 2000, God planted a seed in me. My heart’s desire was to serve on a mission team for an underdeveloped country. My desire was granted. The work God had in store for me, as a translator would be challenging. The reward would be priceless. The lessons would run deep. The experience would be unforgettable. If this, or any other aspect of serving on a mission trip interests you, I encourage you to be a part of it. What a wonderful way to serve others! For me, it was a dream come true.

I was to meet youth pastor Jon Hoffpauier and his group in Ensenada, Baja California on 9/12/00. “How hard could this be?” I asked myself. As I was about to call my neighbor to let him know I was ready to go to the bus station, I realized my ticket was missing and my duffle bag’s zipper was missing. No worries, I prayed. God will fix it. My neighbor fixed my bag. I explained to the Greyhound attendants that I HAD to be in Mexico the next day. Arriving in Ensenada the next morning, I was greeted by a cousin I had never met, Rey Carrillo.

Later that afternoon Rey took me to Rancho El Refugio (the Ranch of Refuge, where we camped for the mission) to meet my group. The group was from New Life Church, a Presbyterian congregation in Escondido, CA. There were 17 of us in all. They had selected vacation Bible study as the area to serve in. What a wonderful, helpful group of teens and their youth leaders! They unloaded my camping gear, had a tent set up for me, and placed my sleeping bag ready to use. My cousin seemed a little reluctant to leave me with total strangers, but I re-assured him I was in good hands. I was in God’s hands, and I prayed for His guidance in this new and unfamiliar place.

Our group attended Sunday services with our assigned congregation, Abba Padre. It was a small, lively church, and I was graciously asked to translate the service. However, there was no microphone or sound system. Thankfully, it was a room slightly smaller than that of our sanctuary, and consecutive translating was used (one person speaks, pauses, one translates, etc.). The next day we enjoyed singing praise song in Spanish, including ‘Lord I Lift Your Name On High’. Puppets, memory verses, and Biblical skits were used to teach the children about God’s merciful love for us. The 15 –25 children attending ranged from babies to teens, and were very well behaved. Their smiles greeted us each day, some even arriving an hour early, making sure not to miss us. Crafts were also included so that the children could make a musical instrument, necklaces, small pots they painted, and were invited to help in the skits put on by our teens.

On one of our picnic lunches in a nearby park, Mr. Hoffpauier began playing tennis with three young men. Mr. Hoffpauier is a former tennis coach, so he finds it easy to establish a rapport with such athletes. Soon, he had me over to translate as we all sat down and he spoke to them about God and His Son, Jesus Christ. I learned that being a translator meant being ready at a moments notice, in any situation.

The ladies in the church made us a lunch of fish tacos on our last day, and we shared our pack lunches with them from camp. Mr. Hoffpauier and his wife, Alice, had a special trip on our last day planned for us. We went to visit a family they had helped build a house for, two years earlier. Our extra food and much of the schools supplies I had with me was given to them and neighborhood children. The neighborhood children were invited to play a game of soccer, which was played in a dried riverbed. Though I did not participate in the games, that was a nice ending to a wonderful learning experience. As we were asked in the messages, “How far will your fire grow?”

God gives us many blessings, but He never promises they will be the easy roads we’d like Him to pave for us. Such was my experience on my mission adventure.