News from a Light in the Valley

The San Jose Congregation of the Worldwide Church of God Winter, 2002 Vol. 6 No. 1

From the Editor’s Desk…
A lot has happened since our last newsletter. Thanksgiving and Christmas have come and gone, and now we have entered into the New Year. The coming of 2002 was not as memorable as ushering in a new millennium like we did in 2000 or as exciting as the Y2K scare of 2001. Still there is much to reflect on considering the September 11 events. Just surviving to the year 2002 is memorable enough for me!

This New Year brings us two new staff members. Aimee McNally will be a feature writer and will also keep us updated on the Christian Business Leaders Association. Mike Ferranti is now one of our reporters. We appreciate their willingness to serve in these areas.

This issue of "A Light in the Valley" is chocked full of things to reflect on. We have some poetry, book reviews and updates about the church website and the Watsonville area. The teens had a Discovery Weekend and the Oakland church celebrated their 40th Anniversary. And if it's New Year's resolutions you want, you might find some ideas in some of our articles. So grab a cool glass of eggnog and celebrate the New Year by reading this edition of "A Light in the Valley!"

Congratulations!
Emmi and Herbert Girrbach celebrated their 50th anniversary on Oct. 25. We celebrated with them by sharing a cake after services in the Fellowship Hall.

What a Daunting Job to Write About Warren Hill!
By Mary Webb (written for Pastor Appreciation Month)

What a daunting job to write about Warren!
As a young man I picture him to come “a-roarin”
Down the street with his sparkling, spotless green Mustang,
Letting everyone know who’s important in his gang.

But Warren has changed since those glory days.
Now he uses the love of his Mustang in better ways.
His hallmark has become his love for all,
Whether one is black or white, short or tall.

Lessons in life he learned the hard way,
A blessing from God making delight of each day.
In Warren, God has given us a great gift
So he could teach us how our souls to sift.

We’re so fortunate that in this very liberal age
We have someone who teaches only what’s on God’s page.
His goal is not to entertain goals but feed the sheep
And we pray as a result a great harvest he’ll reap.

Thanks again, Warren, for teaching us to serve and love,
To focus on worthwhile things that come only from God above.

Personal from the Pastor
By Mel Dahlgren
“EMBRACE THE TRUTH” WHY?
In a letter to everyone in our local churches, I have asked for us all to pray this year for God to reveal to each of us a deeper understanding of truth. Why is this so important?
At one time or another, most all of us have been wounded by hurtful situations, slanderous comments or traumatic experiences. Often we are held captive by the feelings and emotions that arise from them such as feeling unloved, fear of authority, insecurity, being alone, worthlessness, inadequacy, or hopelessness; the list is endless.
How can we be free from these enslaving emotions that have such a powerful control over us? We might say, for example: “I know God says that He loves me, but I just don’t feel loved. Sometimes I get depressed and feel nobody loves me, not even God.”
How do we counteract these powerful feelings? We know that God loves us. He says so in His Word, often. His Word is TRUTH. And we know it is. We know we are blessed beyond belief. But then, why don’t I feel loved by Him?
We tend to feel the thoughts that we have experienced personally. And tend to know the thoughts that we have read or are told. This difference can be compared to an eyewitness’s story versus a newspaper reporter’s second-hand story. The eyewitness feels the situation and the reporter states the facts.
Suppose you grew up and experienced the pain of being told repeatedly by your dad that you were just a stupid kid. When you grow up and KNOW that this is not true, there is still that ugly feeling of being unloved. You may know it’s not true, but feelings we experience predominate over what we know to be true.
But how can we be free of this horrible feeling of being “unloved”?
A lot of people think that the knowledge of the truth can set us free. But in the Garden of Eden the Tree of Knowledge didn’t solve the problem, did it? The solution was to listen to and believe in the One who was walking in the Garden with them - Jesus, the Truth, Himself. He alone can free us from the feelings that control us.
Is it really possible to feel the love of God and begin to experience that love in a personal way? Absolutely, YES! Just ask God, who alone knows and sees the truth, because He IS the truth (John 14:6), to reveal the error in your thinking and to reveal the truth about any negative feeling you have, any way He wants to reveal it. Wait on Him to reveal it and He WILL. It may be in a moment of meditation while you are studying His Word, maybe during a sermon. He may express His love to you in a dream or while you are praying. It may be a vivid realization that overwhelms you. It may be a mental picture he places in your mind like the child who drew the picture of God’s hands above the World Trade Center drawing His own to him. It may be a vivid awareness of His presence in your life during a crisis you faced in the past or may be facing now. However He chooses, let Him do it in His own way and in His time. And when He does, you will experience peace and calm, even in the midst of a stormy trial.
There are dozens of feelings we have that are not based on truth and torture us and bring us into bondage. Jesus came to heal the brokenhearted, deliver the captives and free the wounded. (Luke 4:18-21)
So then WHY our theme: “Embracing the Truth” for 2002? When we open our arms to the Truth, Jesus said in John 8:32, “You shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free.” And then Jesus confirms it with emphasis in verse 36, “If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed!” When we are free, we can be far better instruments for God.

New Year’s Resolution Idea: Why not pray for God to help reveal and help you “embrace the truth” this year?

Personal from the Pastor’s Wife
By Barbara Dahlgren

Mission Impossible
Bob Holloway’s sermon on having a mission in life a few weeks ago really got me to thinking. In Silicon Valley we are surrounded with businesses that spend all kinds of time and money coming up with just the right mission statement. Our denomination has a mission statement and so does our local church. Do you know what they are? If you don’t know I won’t give you the answer now but you can find it somewhere in this newsletter. Even though our church has a mission statement, Bob pointed out that we each need our own mission in addition, one that applies specifically to us. What is my purpose as an individual? I need to write a mission statement that applies just to me. One that’s mine, all mine!
Now at first you may think this a selfish statement. Mine, all mine! I don’t think so. God deals with us as individuals. He has earmarked plans for each of us. We are each special to Him in unique ways. He’s not a “one-size-fits-all” God. True salvation is available to all but how each of us is brought to salvation is different, specifically tailored for our personal benefit. Hey, the hairs on my head are numbered! (Matthew 10:30) So are yours! Since we don’t have the same number of hairs on our heads, it stands to reason that our mission statements might be slightly different, too.
I must confess though, when I think of the word “mission” I envision a tape recorder saying, “Your mission, Mr. Phelps, if you choose to accept it is…..and this tape will self-destruct real soon.” You remember, don’t you? It’s the old Mission Impossible series. They were given impossible missions and told if they were caught, too bad because the bosses would pretend they didn’t exist. I know my overall mission is to be a Christian, share the gospel, and lead others to Christ. To be honest, this seems almost an impossible task. But it’s not, because unlike the mission impossible team, my boss does know I exist and with Him all things are possible. (Matthew 19:26)
So now I must come up with the specifics of my mission in life. Where do I start? How will I personalize this mission for me? What are my strengths and weaknesses? How can I use what God has given me individually to serve Him? Perhaps I’d better pray about this. After all, this is something I’ll need a lot of divine help with. Then I’ll probably make a few lists, write down some ideas, pray some more and ask God to help me put into words what my mission is. Hey, why don’t you do this, too? It will be a dandy New Year’s resolution. And just remember if you think it’s impossible, it’s not! Because the one you serve makes all things possible. If we each know our personal mission, it will be much easier to be a light in Silicon Valley.

New Year’s Resolution Idea:
Why not write down your mission in life? Be specific!

New Year’s Resolution Idea:
Why not laugh more? Maybe these little stories can help.

The Preacher at the Gas Station
A minister waited in line to have his car filled with gas just before a long holiday weekend. The attendant worked quickly, but there were many cars ahead of him in front of the service station. Finally, the attendant motioned him toward a vacant pump.
“Preacher,” said the young man, “I’m sorry about the delay. It seems as if everyone waits until the last minute to get ready for a long trip.”
The minister chuckled, “I know what you mean. It’s the same in my business.”

The Little Old Lady and the Atheist
There’s a little old Christian lady living next door to an atheist. Every morning the lady comes out onto her front porch and shouts, “Praise the Lord!”
The atheist yells back, “There is no God.”
She does this every morning with the same result. As time goes on the lady runs into financial difficulties and has trouble buying food.  She goes out onto the porch and asks God for help with groceries, then says, ”Praise the Lord!”
The next morning she goes out onto the porch and there’s the groceries she’s asked for; of course she says, “Praise the Lord!”
The atheist jumps out from behind a bush and says, “Ha, I bought those groceries. There is no God!”
The lady looks at him and smiles. She shouts, “Praise the Lord, not only did you provide for me Lord, you made Satan pay for the groceries!”

How Many Women Can You Marry?
A little boy was attending his first wedding. After the service, his cousin asked him, “How many women can a man marry?”
“Sixteen,” the boy responded.
His cousin was amazed that he knew the answer so quickly. “How do you know that?”
“Easy,” the little boy said. “All you have to do is add it up, like the preacher said: ‘4 better, 4 worse, 4 richer, 4 poorer.’”

Discovery Weekend
“Put on the full armor of God…” (Eph. 6:11)  This scripture was the theme of the San Jose Discovery Weekend held from December 22 to 24 in the beautiful Santa Cruz Mountains.  The four messages/chapels throughout the three-day weekend expanded on the meanings of all seven pieces of God’s armor.  And to make the chapels even better, there was a live band from the Olympia congregation.  
It all began at about one in the afternoon on Saturday, December 22.
The eager participants (ages ranging from 11 to 23) were greeted with warm smiles and in some cases, unfamiliar faces.  However, it soon turned into a bonding experience as the campers were divided into groups for the weekend, and with the sound of a faulty horn, the Block Party began.
The groups that were called dorms 1B, 2B, 1G, and 2G, all competed against each other.  Teamwork was definitely needed for the games involving whipped cream, whistling with crackers in your mouth, writing your favorite scripture on the wall of a large plastic “prayer bubble,” and getting the whole dorm onto a small piece of plywood.  Within the 45-minute time period, dorm 2G prevailed as the winner, but there were no bragging rights in this competition. When it was all over, it was time to talk about God’s armor.  
On Saturday, Pastor Mel Dahlgren gave the first two messages, which were about the first three pieces of God’s armor.  The belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, and the shoes of peace brought out many topics for the youth.
The campers were able to look at all of the many lies that they are exposed to on a daily basis.  On Sunday, Pastor Dee Bulante expanded on the shield of faith and the
helmet of salvation.  Then on Monday, Pastor Dee talked about the sword of the Spirit, and prayer in the Spirit.  The breakout sessions near the end of each message allowed everyone to open up and share his or her own life experiences that related to each topic.  Many of the teens found the messages to be encouraging and very eye opening.  
No camp day was started unless it was with prayer, and during the teen weekend, it was high in the tree house that most of the participants met on Sunday and Monday morning to praise the Lord and ask for blessings for the day.  After all of the praying and chapel, Sunday became the fun day.  The activities began shortly after lunch. Dorms either went on a nature hike on a trail through God’s creation (the forest), or played Frisbee golf in the woods, volleyball in the sand, went to a dance class, or hit some targets in archery.  Once the four hours of fun ended, it was time to get prepared for a night of fun and dancing.  
As much fun as the dance was, it was what happened afterwards that made the entire weekend worthwhile.  Every dorm performed a skit that they had created over the two days.  Every one of them had a great message and they all related to the topic of God’s armor.  After the skits, the band relaxed the room with some great music and Katie Miller shared a testimony.  Then the girl and boy dorms separated and all of the participants were given time to release and talk about any tough situations that they were struggling with.  And each situation was discussed and prayed about.  
This weekend was amazing and so awesome.  It is not common to see so many youth come together for one purpose…Jesus Christ.  I personally had never seen so many people run for Bibles just before chapel.  In my opinion, the last chapel on Monday was the best.  About five or six teens gave their life to Jesus.  And the campers turned the praying around as everyone gathered around Pastor Mel and Pastor Dee to pray for them.  It was something that many people do not experience.  It was the perfect way to end an inspiring weekend in the mountains.
By noon, everyone was saying goodbye, but they definitely will not forget all of the wonderful things they heard, saw, and felt in their hearts.

New Year’s Resolution Idea: Why not take time to talk to our young people more and find out what they like to do? 

Church Happenings
October – 2001

Men’s Retreat
Several of our men were able to participate in a district Men’s Retreat in the Sacramento area. Sacramento pastor, Mike Swagerty, coordinated the weekend event. Our area was in charge of the closing communion service. It was a time of prayer, reflection, and drawing closer to each other and God.

Guy Engelbart Visits
Guy Engelbart, District Superintendent for our area, visited with us on Saturday, October 27. He was able to give a sermon in Watsonville and San Jose. On Saturday evening he conducted a meeting for our leadership at the home of Betty and Larry Shamus.

Pastor’s Appreciation
The San Jose congregation showed their appreciation to Pastor Mel and his wife, Barbara by presenting them with gift certificates to several restaurants. Pastor Mel was most appreciative since Barbara is now working full time and hasn’t been able to do much cooking.

“A-Roarin’ Warren” shows love for all!
Watsonville showed their appreciation to Elder Warren Hill in a lovely poem written for and about him by Mary Webb. The poem is on the front cover of this newsletter.

New Arrival
Little Trevor Joseph Ely was born on October 18 at 2:37 a.m. He weighed 5 lbs 2 oz. Parents Richard and Brenda Ely are beaming. Brother and sister, Nathan and Remy, are very happy too!
Congratulations!

We’re Engaged
On October 20 in a moving Church Life presentation, Rodger Bauer and Priscilla Sarrow announced their wedding engagement and invited all who could come to their wedding on April 20. Congratulations Rodger and Priscilla!

November – 2001

Ross Jutsum Visits – Church Social
On Saturday, November 3, Ministry from the Heart director, Dr. Ross Jutsum, visited our San Jose fellowship. He conducted our whole church service delighting our fellowship with inspiring music and messages. Be sure to read Mike Ferranti’s article for more of the details.

40th Anniversary of Oakland Church
On November 10, San Francisco hosted a 40th Anniversary of the Oakland Church celebration. Since Oakland was the first Worldwide Church of God church in this area, some from San Jose used to attend there years ago. Ron and Norva Kelly were the honored guests. There was much reminiscing and renewing of old friendships. Pastor Jim Roberts from the San Leandro and San Francisco churches tells us all about it in his article, “When Turning 40 Is Fun!”

Recognition
On November 24, long time San Jose church members, Carol Ackerman, Linda Smith and Cliff Higgins received 25-year certificates of appreciation. Annabelle Hergert and Karen Johnson received engraved 40-year awards of appreciation. Karen and Annabel could not be with us, so their plaques will be delivered to them. Congratulations to all.

December – 2001

News from Montana
On Saturday, December 8, former San Jose member, Steve Orr, who serves as an elder in the Montana area visited and shared a Church Life with our congregation. Steve is pictured here sharing Montana’s beauty with San Jose friends, Scott Wilson, Rose Deterding, Jeanne Schlick and Dave Essenmacher.

Game Night and Social
Also on December 8, the San Jose congregation held a game night and social. Mary Harris coordinated a catered Chinese luncheon. Afterwards, Betty Shamus taught line dancing and Bonnie Ferranti conducted a Bingo game. There was much food and much fellowship as many played board games and card games until late in the evening.

Douglas and Yulia Hall Wed
On December 15 Douglas Hall and Yulia Pavlenko were wed in Sacramento, CA. Doug and his mother and father, Carolyn and Tom Hall, are long time members of our San Jose congregation. Yulia has visited our fellowship from time to time, also. Pastor Mel Dahlgren and Elder Cliff Higgins conducted the ceremony with a Russian interpreter. At the reception, people dined on traditional Russian dishes as well as some American favorites, too.
Congratulations Doug and Yulia! We know you will be very happy!

Teen Discovery Weekend
Bill and Joy Funsten, our youth ministry coordinations, organized a Discovery Weekend
in the Santa Cruz Mountains on December 22-24. Be sure to read more about it in Victoria Doerr’s article in Teen Scene.

Book Reviews

New Year’s Resolution Idea: Why not read a good book? Here are three good ones to start with!

Journey Into Heartsongs
By Mattie Stepanek
Book Review by Connie Martin
How magical and charming to glimpse into the mind of a young poet. Mattie Stepanek began writing poetry when he was three years old. Mattie was born with a rare form of muscular dystrophy called mitochondrial myopathy. His mother Jeni has it, too.  It has claimed the lives of his three siblings. Mattie moves around on a motorized wheel chair with a portable oxygen tank.  In spite of these insurmountable problems, Mattie writes in an appreciative way about God and the marvels and splendor of nature with joy, courage, and wisdom beyond his eleven years of age. 
When asked what he wants to be when he grows up, Mattie states he wants to be a peacemaker.  His three greatest wishes are publication of his poetry (two books), to meet his hero President Jimmy Carter, and to bring his message of peace to the Oprah Winfrey show.  He has accomplished all three.
Mattie’s inspirational second book is “Journey Through Heartsongs.”  He states that “your heartsong is your inner beauty.  It is the song in your heart that wants you to help make yourself a better person, and to help other people do the same.  Everybody has one.” 
Here is one of the shorter poems, called “Making Real Sense of the Senses.”

Our eyes are for looking at things,
But they are also for crying
When we are very happy or very sad.
Our ears are for listening,
But so are our hearts.
Our noses are for smelling food,
But also the wind and the grass and
If we try very hard, butterflies.
Our hands are for feeling,
But also for hugging and touching so gently.
Our mouths and tongues are for tasting,
But also for saying words, like
“I love you,” and “Thank you, God, for all of these things.”

Women, Faith and Work: How Ten Successful Professionals Blend Belief and Business
By Lois Flowers
Book Review by Aimee McNally
Lois Flowers is the former editor of the Life@Work Journal. She is a good writer and adds value to the interviews contained in this book. Lois weaves the anecdotes and insights of the women she interviewed into simple yet comprehensive profiles that bring to life their struggles and successes and leave you feeling as if you made ten new friends.
The main theme of the book is to demonstrate that God calls all of us, men and women alike, to use our gifts and talents for Him in whatever we do. The stories in this book are meant to encourage and motivate the reader to incorporate his/her faith into whatever work he/she does.
Lois interviewed a Hollywood Producer, a Breast Surgeon, a Marketing Expert, a Fortune 100 Executive, a Governance Expert, a Professional Volunteer, a Management Consultant/Orphanage Founder, a Real Estate Attorney, an Entrepreneur, and a Bank CEO. She asked each of them two questions:
1. Who did you work for today - God or someone else?
2. How did you respond to the situations faced today?
The women were honest and willing to disclose their failures and weaknesses. They recognized that being vulnerable might enable them to share their faith or encourage someone else who is going through a difficult time. Three points these women had in common were:
1. They had a deep, abiding faith inJesus Christ.
2. They were aware that God had His hand on their careers.
3. They believed God called them into the work they do.
The book is located in the Christian Business Leaders library if you would like to check it out.

If You Want to Walk On Water You Have to Get Out of the Boat
By John Ortberg
Book Review by Claudia Wickstrom
Like Peter, we are beckoned by our Lord to “walk on the water,” to step out in faith and do something we can’t do by ourselves, and usually something that seems impossible and/or terrifying. The Bible is filled with many unforgettable walks.
A calling often involves fear. “God called Moses: Go to Pharaoh—the most powerful man on earth. Tell him to let his labor force leave without compensation to worship a god he doesn’t believe in. Then convince a timid, stiff-necked people to run away into the desert. That’s your calling. And Moses said, ‘Here am I. Send Aaron!’”
In his book the author examines every step of the story of Peter’s walk: Who was calling, the timing of the call, the exhilaration of accepting the call, the consequences of not accepting the call, the anxieties, doubts and fears and even the faithfulness of Christ if and when we fail.
John Ortberg writes, “There is always a call. There is always fear. There is always reassurance. There is always a decision. There is always a changed life.”
Ortberg also challenges us to look at our own personal “boats.” We all have them and they are as different as we are different. If you want to know what they are, he says, your fears will tell you.
This book is humorous, compelling, motivating, and challenging. The author’s style is “profound without being heavy.” You will be hooked by his style after the first chapter.
If you are feeling the beckoning call toward something that will take you out of your comfort zone, perhaps this book will be an encouragement. I know you will enjoy his humorous anecdotes, as I did. Just remember, “ If you want to walk on the water, you have to get out of the boat!”

New Year’sResolution Idea: Why not call a loved one?

A Poem submitted by Nancy Roberts

The sad results of that old adage: “Children should be seen, but not heard”

The phone is near.
No ring is heard.
Patiently waiting,
Keeping her mind clear.
The children are busy.
They love me, I know
But one little ring would
Make it known that
Mom is not forgotten.
We’ll call another day.
Mom prays, “Please this time,
Don’t let them delay.”

Just a little reminder: “We reap what we sow.”

New Year’sResolution Idea: Why not call a loved one?    

New Year’s Resolution Idea:
Why not write a note of encouragement to those who serve in the mission field?
The following is a note we received from Estonia, where Myra and Jeremy Stokes are on a two-year mission.

Dear brethren of the WCG San Jose congregation,
I am a deacon of the WCG in Estonia. I wish to acknowledge with gratitude a donation of 5400 EEK (Estonian kroons), which was passed to us from you by Myra Stokes, a member currently working in our country, with her husband. The money was put in our Operating Fund (1T). This is the fund which covers evangelistic activity as well as the expenses associated with feast keeping. Your contribution placed us in a financially healthier position as we faced the Feast of Tabernacles just recently.
Kindest regards,
Leo Kaagjärv

Mission Statements
Worldwide Church of God:
Motto: “Making a difference for the Kingdom”
Goal: “Proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ”
Mission: “To focus upward, inward, outward”
San Jose Congregational Mission: “Changing lives through Jesus Christ”

What’s your mission?

Did You Know?
By Anthony Garside

New Year’s Resolution Idea:
Why not visit someone who is in a nursing home or house bound?

Question: “When did we see you in hospital?”
The answer: “I was in prison and you came to visit me.” (Matthew 25:36)
Did you know that when you visit the sick and afflicted, the weak and the weary, the fatherless and widowed, the elderly and housebound, you are visiting Christ?
Roger Fossa is a true Christian and American hero. He has consistently and patiently served God and country for decades. Now he lies in a nursing home bed unable to be the active hard working Roger of his youth, but he is still an active hard working Christian.
Sandy and I have been privileged to know Roger for a number of years and can’t help being moved by the welcoming smile that lights up the whole room, and probably the whole nursing home. He’s now been in the Hillsdale Nursing Home in San Rafael for several years and although he does walk around, he has become hospital dependent since one of his multiple surgeries four years ago. How can anyone go through so many surgeries? At least one of his surgeries was for cancer and it did not go according to plan. How does Roger stay so perky and how does he handle the long hours of immobility?
If you spend any time with Roger you’ll notice that he knows many of the hospital staff by name and banters with them as they pass down the corridor. We suspect that this man who needs ‘cheering up’ makes a full time job of cheering up other people and in so doing cheers himself up! Sandy and I chuckle as we think of the ‘irony’ of the situation. We go to encourage him and he encourages us! Does Roger get discouraged? Yes, occasionally. His is not an easy life. But we see Jesus Christ living in him. That’s how Roger handles life and all its difficulties, by holding firmly onto His Lord and Savior.

Hebrews 10:23 tells us to think of ways to encourage one another to outbursts of love and good deeds. (New Living Translation) Let’s not forget those who can’t come to us. Remember, visiting them is like doing it unto Jesus Christ!

Why?
By Barbara Dahlgren
(Inspired by a sermon given by Larry Shamus)

We go through life asking why.
Why did my loved one have to die?
Why did they choose my house to rob?
Why did I have to lose my job?
Why did the Stock Market take my money?
Why must it rain and not be sunny?
Why do I have to be deathly ill?
Why must I climb up this hill?
Why does this road seem so long?
Why is everything going wrong?
We ask these questions up to heaven.
We ask but then no answer’s given.
We ask it all but we ask amiss.
The question we should ask is this:
Who made day and who made night?
Who can give the blind man sight?
Who made the mountains and the sea?
Who has a plan just for me?
Who made heaven and the earth?
Who died so I might have worth?
Who holds my life in His hand?
Who carries me in the sand?
Who knows what’s best for me?
The answer’s simple. It is He!
When the way seems too rough for you,
Don’t focus on why, just focus on WHO!

Resolution Idea: Why not check out our church website? Memorize the scripture of the week? Tell your friends about it?

Congregation on The Web
By Brad Mann
Our congregation web site at www.wcgsouthbay.org is an increasingly effective tool for evangelism and for serving our local members.

Evangelism
At the time of this writing, in late December 2001, the site has had nearly 116,000 hits since it’s major revision in mid-April. We have received over 70 Jesus Video requests from 9 different countries. Twelve of those requests were from right here in the South Bay, indicating we are indeed reaching our immediate neighbors. In addition to the Jesus Video Requests, we have had eleven sermon audio tape requests from nine different countries, and one request from a couple in the Midwest who found us on the Web and requested some of our video resources to use in a Marriage Class they are teaching at their church.

New Features

• We have expanded our music resources online to provide an extensive database of lyrics and selected audio clips that has become an important resource for our worship teams in preparing for each week's services.
• This Week's Sermon section on our home page now announces the title, speaker and key scriptural passage in advance, as well as providing quick links to a map, directions and our sermon archives page. This section also encourages visitors to bring their prayer requests when they join us
  for services.
• A Weekly Memory Scripture now greets each visitor to our home page.
• A brand new Memory Scripture Review page provides a fast, fun and easy way to test your recollection of previous weeks' memory scriptures. No one collects the scores, and we even provide hints! It's a great way to reinforce the principles of God's Word in your heart and mind.

Contest Update
In the last Newsletter we announced our new Monthly Bible Quiz Contest. Congratulations to our first two monthly winners: John Jester and Anthony Garside. We encourage everyone to try our challenging and enjoyable monthly quiz questions.

As a reminder, our congregation web site provides quick access to Bible Searches by scripture or by key word(s), links to other Bible Study sites and software, a wide variety of music resources, quick access to our congregation newsletters, activity calendars and announcement bulletins. Please keep the comments and suggestions coming. Let us know what you like and what you want to see on your congregation web site by e-mailing webmaster@wcgsouthbay.org.

The Younger Set
By Kristen Burnsides
We are learning many different things in our YES classes.  We get a newspaper each week called Livewire for Kids.  In this paper, there are fun activities such as word searches, fill-in-the-blanks, and crossword puzzles.  There are also summaries of Christian books and comics about what we are learning.  Other activities in the newspaper consist of a wide selection of stories and games.  One reason I like Livewire for Kids is that each week is something new - which is fun, exciting and challenging.  And, we get to take it home!
We also have a book called Livewire for Kids which contains our weekly lessons.  I will share my favorite two lessons with you.  A week before Thanksgiving, we had a lesson on being thankful.  We had an activity in which we wrote down the things we were thankful for using the acronym T H A N K S.
The first lesson we ever did was on Creation.  We went outside and wrote down all the things that God had made.  I thought this was fun because I really enjoy going outside.  Also, I had more things written down than anyone else (I was the only student that day)!
This is just an example of the kinds of things we are learning and the activities we are doing.  I can hardly wait till next week’s lesson for more fun and excitement!

New Year’s Resolution Idea:
Why not visit a neighboring church occasionally and get to know more brethren?

Our Watsonville church had another exciting quarter.  Besides growing in grace and knowledge, we have been blessed in many other ways.  Here are a few highlights.
October 20th was an unusual Sabbath.  We were locked out of our usual church facility.  A quick decision was made to hold services at Claudia Wickstrom’s home, where we were to meet later for a potluck.  Rodger Bauer and Priscilla Sharrow honored us with their presence.  It was the first time Church Life was used for an engagement announcement.  Congratulations!  We also celebrated Pastor’s Appreciation Month and Tim Cepin’s 18th birthday.  Joe Wallace, our toastmaster, toasted Mel Dahlgren, Warren Hill, Rodger and Priscilla, and Tim.  Warren was given gifts of appreciation as well as a beautifully framed special poem for him.
On October 27th we enjoyed hearing from Mr. Guy Engelbart, our District Superintendent.  He brought us up-to-date on progress in Pasadena.  He stated in effect that the church is a “bruised reed, but not snuffed out.”
November 24th was another exciting day. We were blessed with worship services being conducted by Charles and Jeanette Bryant from the Fairfield Church.  A potluck at the Merriner’s followed to celebrate the birthdays of John Merriner, Frances Tovar, and Chris Cepin.  This was followed by karaoke.
Our Thursday night Cell Group has been well attended.  We’ve been going into a much deeper phase of discipling.  Some members have gotten to the point where giving a testimony is not a scary event when used to glorify God.  The Wednesday Cell Group at the Robert’s trailer park recently experienced a reconciliation.  As a result of the advice a participant received at the meeting, a longstanding hostility between her and her daughter was healed.  Praise God!

‘Twas the Night Before Jesus Came
submitted by Jo Barnard from a card she bought

‘Twas the night before Jesus came and all through the house
Not a creature was praying, not one in the house.
The Bibles were lain on the shelf without care
In hopes that Jesus would not come there.

The children were dressing to crawl into bed,
Not once ever kneeling or bowing a head.
And Mom in her rocker with baby on her lap
Was watching the Late Show while I took a nap.

When out of the East there arose such a clatter,
I sprang to my feet to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash!

When what to my wondering eyes should appear
But angels proclaiming that Jesus was here.
With a light like the sun sending forth a bright ray
I knew in a moment this must be The Day!

The light of His face made me cover my head
It was Jesus returning just like He had said.
And though I possessed worldly wisdom and wealth,
I cried when I saw Him in spite of myself.

In the Book of Life which He held in His hand
Was written the name of every saved man.
He spoke not a word as He searched for my name;
When He said, “It’s not here,” my head hung in shame.

The people whose names had been written with love
He gathered to take to His Father above.
With those who were ready He rose without a sound
While all the rest were left standing around.

I fell to my knees but it was too late;
I had waited too long and thus sealed my fate.
I stood and I cried as they rose out of sight;
Oh, if only I had been ready tonight.

In the words of this poem the meaning is clear;
The coming of Jesus is drawing near.
There’s only one life and when comes the last call
We’ll find that the Bible was true after all!

New Year’s Resolution Idea:
Why not live each day as if Jesus was
returning the next morning?

New Year’s Resolution Idea: Why not sing to the Lord at church and let the words of each song be a prayer to God from you?

Music from the Heart
By Mike Ferranti
Dr. Ross Jutsum, founder of “State of the Heart” music ministry, conducted services in San Jose on Nov. 3rd. His ministry is about reconciliation and renewal of worship, dedicated to building bridges in the body of Christ. Dr. Jutsum has composed more than 100 songs and hymns and his recordings have been distributed worldwide. Dr. Jutsum has been privileged to worship and present seminars and concerts in more than 45 denominations in over 250 cities in the US, Canada, the Caribbean, Western Europe, and Australia. Dr. Jutsum serves as a music consultant to Martha Williamson, executive producer to the T.V. series “Touched by an Angel.”
Dr. Jutsum led music for the San Jose congregation, including the sermon time. He was a one-man-show in charge of the entire service. This is Dr. Jutsum’s second visit to San Jose. He explained how music is important in worship especially when everyone in the congregation contributes. When we all sing, this is a way to worship our Lord Jesus Christ. Music lifts us up spiritually and is enjoyable to the Lord. The Lord wants us to make a joyful noise, to sing to Him, to glorify Him, and to worship Him. Dr. Jutsum showed us that there are many ways to sing unto the Lord. So sing, sing to the Lord and be glad!
Following services, everyone enjoyed a potluck meal and after fellowship, Dr. Jutsum led us all in a sing-a-long.
Later that evening, Dr. Jutsum conducted an informal worship ministry workshop at the home of Pastor Dahlgren.

From Our Sister Churches to the North - San Francisco & San Leandro
By Jim Roberts

WHEN TURNING 40 IS FUN!
Does life begin at 40? We in San Leandro hope so following our 40th Annivesary/Reunion Celebration. Ron and Norva Kelly founded the original Bay Area WCG in Oakland on October 7, 1961. The Kellys were available to be our guests of honor and keynote speaker on November 10. Since the San Francisco Church hall was available for our use on that date, we made our plans to make this an area-wide event.
We invited members from all Bay Area congregations and
also sent invitations out to many that have attended with us
in the past. Several of these friends came. Guests from Fairfield, Santa Rosa, Sacramento and San Jose joined with our three churches. In all we had about 160 who participated in at least some part of our day.
Bambi Green and crew prepared a sumptuous brunch. Susan McKie led a contemporary praise session. Jo Barnard was MC of musical presentations from members of four different churches. The San Francisco Children’s choir presented a medley of songs that was the highlight. Larry Shamus was worship leader during Services. Betty Shamus was photographer. Jeanette Bryant of Fairfield performed several lovely musical numbers throughout the day. Mr. Kelly spoke about faith in God to fulfill the promise of the Second Coming of Christ.

We were even blessed to have present one
other former pastor of Oakland, Aletha Mann’s
father Carlton Smith. We felt really blessed to
be able to host a true Bay Area wide event, and
appreciate everyone who contributed. The next 40 should be great!

New Year’s Resolution Idea: Why not join a small group?

Adult Bible Study, Children and Potluck:  Three-In-One Equals A Joyful Experience
By Aimee McNally
As busy as we are in the Silicon Valley, the weekly Bible studies in Fremont offer a solution to escape and grow closer to Christ.  The studies offer spiritual growth and fellowship with other Christians.  They provide an opportunity to participate in prayer, discussion, Bible reading, hymns, and potluck.  The study group was formed in April 2000.  Sandy Garside, who maintains a formal Precepts Leadership Training certificate, facilitates the Bible studies.  The group has completed the following studies:  Philemon, Jude, Walk The Walk You Talk, Experiencing God, Lord Teach Me to Pray, Experiencing God, How to be a Woman of Freedom, and Being a Disciple: Counting the Costs.  The group warmly accommodates children by providing lots of toys, snacks and hugs.  The group will begin a new study series January 8, 2002.  If you would like to attend, please call Sandy Garside for directions.

Newsletter Staff
Editor, Barbara Dahlgren
Assistant Editor, Linda Smith
Circulation, Edrie Felts
Did You Know?, Anthony Garside
Feature Reporter, Alicia Carrillo
Features Writer and Christian Business Leaders Association, Aimee McNally
Photographer, Betty Shamus
Reporter, Mike Ferranti
The Younger Set, Kristen Burnsides
Teen Scene, Victoria Doerr
San Leandro/San Francisco, Jim Roberts
Watsonville, Chris Cepin/Mary Webb
Website Updates, Brad Mann