1. Art and Diseño

Volume 56, No. 2 (Web Version)
February 2015 I can hardly believe it. The season of Lent is upon us. In just a couple of weeks we will begin the season with a
contemplative and tactile Ash Wednesday Service. Lent has a much different feeling from that of advent and
Christmas. During advent, there was a lot of celebration, anticipation and joy. During Lent, we use different muscles in
the brain.
The quarterly magazine, Plough, reminds us that
the time of Lent is precious, a time to slow down, restrain ourselves, and prepare our hearts for Good Friday and
the remembrance of Jesus' death. It is a time to return to the desert where Jesus spent forty trying days readying
for his ministry. He allowed himself to be tested, and if we are serious about following him, we will do the same.
Where are you being led? How are you readying yourself for ministry? What are the tests that confront you?
We hope that through worship, your small groups, your readings, the conversations you have with one another, and the
Lenten study called “Renegade Gospel” by Mike Slaughter, you will find help for your time of preparation, which will
lead you to Easter joy – the joy of springtime, of Easter morning and Christ's victory.
Call on God for strength and understanding. Call on God for grace and mercy. Call on God for his love to wash over
you. Trust in God. He is a faithful God.
Holy hugs!
Words of Faith
Sunday Morning Schedule
10:00 a.m. -- Worship
10:15 a.m. -- Children's Worship & Sunday School
11:00 a.m. -- Coffee Fellowship
11:00 a.m. -- Table Talk
Have no anxiety about anything, but in everything by
prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your
requests be made known to God. And the peace of God,
which passes all understanding, will keep your hearts
and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7
Children’s Ministry
Joint Youth Ministry
Kindergarten through Grade 5 – Discovering Disciples
Living God's Word - Anger Management
God created us with a variety of feelings, including anger. As children of God it
is our responsibility to manage our anger in positive and acceptable ways.
You must understand this, my beloved: let everyone be quick to listen, slow
to speak, slow to anger; for your anger does not produce God's
righteousness. (James 1:19-20)
Children will have the opportunity to receive resources they need to manage
angry feelings, and discover positive ways to handle anger.
Grades 6 through 12 – Study of Different Religions
K.I.D.S. Team
(Kids In Discipleship Service)
K.I.D.S. Team will be meeting
on February 8th following our
10 a.m. worship service. We
will be making a special
Valentine craft and cards to
share with our family and
loved ones.
Based on the book What’s Up with the Church Down the Street, this ten-session
course takes a friendly and appreciative look at various religions, including
Orthodox, Roman Catholic, Lutheran, Presbyterian and Reformed, Episcopal/
Anglican, Baptist, Methodist, Holiness and Pentecostal, and
Nondenominational Christianity.
This study will help students understand the beliefs of other Christian groups
they meet at school, on the job, and in the neighborhood. It will also lead to a
broader understanding of what each faith tradition contributes to the one church
of Jesus Christ.
Youth Group Snow Trip – February 14-16
You Did It !
Every two years the Joint Youth Group plans a big snow
trip, and this is the year! On Saturday, February 14, the
group will be taking a bus to the Reno area, stopping for
snow play along the way. On Saturday and Sunday nights
they will stay at South Reno United Methodist Church.
On Sunday the teens will have the option of choosing
skiing, snowboarding, or inner tubing. The price for the
trip depends on which activity package the teen chooses.
On Monday, February 16, they will return home, making
one “fun” stop on their way back.
Congratulations! Almaden Hills has received the
donations it needs to pay in full our Apportionments
for the year. Thanks to your generosity, the “Two
Buck Box” campaign is a success. You may not
realize how vital Apportionments are to the mission
and outreach of our global church. Without
Apportionment support, we would not be able to do
the effective humanitarian work for which we are
known. It takes all of our United Methodist churches
working together to do great things.
Joint Youth Ministry Fundraiser -- Save the Date ! – Sunday, March 29
This year's big, glittery, fun, wonderful JYM fundraiser is “Evening in New Orleans.” (One of the planners has
recently visited there, so the details will be authentic, for sure.) Mark the date -- March 29 -- on your calendar. You
won't want to miss it !
We Welcome New Members
On Sunday, January 11, Sandie Quinones was baptized and received as an Almaden
Hills member. This is Sandie's introduction of herself ~
I am a native Californian, born in Los Angeles. I am a retired hair stylist, and am now
the caretaker at Santa Clara County Horsemen's Association. I love horses, and I have
an adopted Bureau of Land Management burro named Bonnie Blue who is not very
wild.
On Sunday, November 23, Allison Nelson became an Almaden Hills member, and
her two sons, Adam and Maxim, were baptized. In the article below, Allison
introduces her family to our congregation ~
We are a family of six. The mother of the family is Allison. Adam and Maxim are
the sons, the pug dog is Scout, and there are two cats. The family moved to
Almaden on December 13, 2013. Allison was raised in the Chula Vista Methodist
church by her parents, Carl and Barbara Nelson. Barbara passed away in
September 2004. Carl was a career naval officer, a PhD, and is a published author.
He still lives in the family home in Chula Vista, attending First United Methodist
Church. Allison is a graduate of San Jose State and Santa Clara law school, class
of 1983, and has retired from a career as a prosecuting attorney in Southern
California. Adam and Max were adopted from Siberia, Russia, in the fall of 2002.
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Mission
Outreach
Changing the World, One Day at a Time
Several from our church joined forces with persons from other churches in the January 10th
“Change the World Day” event. It began with testimonies by two former residents of The
Jungle, who are now camping temporarily with “The Community.” Their advocate Robert,
who was once homeless himself, urged us to think beyond only feeding and clothing people
temporarily, and imagine some creative solutions that have been implemented in other cities
such as San Diego, where land has been set aside on which the homeless can pitch their
tents. All three speakers thanked us for our hard work and generous donations which would
be our gifts to them.
One team filled bags with blankets, sleeping bags, and clothes. Another team made fleece scarves, hats, and blankets.
A third team prepared lettuce and tomatoes and baked cookies for the fresh lunches, while others made the meat and
cheese sandwiches. Robert and other volunteers transported the fresh lunches, blankets, and clothing to the homeless
in “The Community.” A fourth team packed non-perishable lunches for the downtown's “Front Door Ministry.” A fifth
team bagged children's clothing for Sacred Heart Community Service. All of this was accomplished in a flurry of
activity lasting only two hours. When everything was completed, the teams circled up for announcements and prayers.
Everyone is invited to Willow Glen UMC at noon on Saturday, February 21, to share a lunch with the homeless and
listen to their stories. A free will donation will be taken to cover the cost of food. So that our hosts will know how
much food to prepare for the lunch, please notify Patricia Farrow if you plan to attend.
Changing the World, One Day at a Time – Follow-up Letter
Pat and Jolene,
This event could not have gone any better! Not only did your community provide tons of great food and very needed
warm clothing/blankets but something even more important. The love and support shown by your members for
Monica, Yolanda and all the campers will nourish them for weeks and months to come.
Monica and Yolanda spoke so enthusiastically about their experience being part of the UMC community and how it
inspired them to take even more responsibility to change their own lives. As advocates, we can work to tell the story
and share the perspectives of our respective groups but it pales in comparison to the impact this kind of interaction has
on people's hearts and minds.
They spoke of how many people came up to ask about them and how it made them feel valued and loved. Overnight, I
have seen their attitudes and actions take a marked change toward hope and confidence and away from disillusionment
and resignation. They were particularly heartened by the offer of emergency help by your Pastor and Minister, Lisa.
They also hoped they could continue to have contact between our communities and maybe even find ways to help you
all as well.
Monica and Yolanda shared that Saturday's event was truly a gift from God and the good things that are beginning to
happen in the camp are an extension of His love embodied by the people in your community.
I cannot agree more. Many thanks to you, your Pastors and all the members.
With love, Phil
Keeping in Touch with Haiti's Thomas Food Project
“Bon jou fanmi legliz mwen.” (Good day, my church family.)
Warren McGuffin, who spoke at our church a couple of years ago, sends this update on the year's successes -* Two new schools were established in Haiti, sponsored by United Methodist churches in Virginia and in Placerville,
CA. Computer labs deliver 21st century educational tools, and water purification equipment makes for a healthier
environment. Solar-powered street lights installed at the schools allow evening social activity and evening study.
* Twenty-three teachers were trained to develop lesson plans based on computer curriculum.
* Team members from Virginia, Texas, Arizona, Michigan, Colorado and Haiti worked at the project sites.
* The team doctor examined 1000 children as well as many community members.
* A thousand dresses and shorts lovingly made by “Hands for Haiti” were distributed.
* A second school lunch program was begun, and now 500 children are fed daily. The project continues to need
funding for the lunches. $100 feeds a child for a school year.
Warren says that he shares with all of you this year's United Methodist Bishop's Award received for this ministry, and
thanks you for your interest and support.
Cancer Support Network
Many of us have been affected by cancer through our own lives or assisting with friends and family. We need
the presence of each other to help with meeting this health challenge. If you are interested in finding out more
information about becoming part of a cancer support network, please communicate with Marilyn Crandall.
We will have an organizational time later in February.
Ideas to be considered would be meeting in a support group or in small groups, e-mailing addresses to share
information and development of prayer partners. All other ideas are welcome also.
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Long Distance Via Christmas Letters
DALE, LAURA & PHILIP ASHBY, DOWNSVILLE NY -- Pastor Dale continues overseeing the four-church parish,
preaching full-time at the two churches in Walton and Downsville. Once a month he switches pulpits with Pastor
Joanne so that they both get to know all four congregations. He enjoys photography, taking pictures of eagles and the
countryside, and has started playing golf again. Laura continues to work as an assistant store manager. She has a new
car, now that son Philip has taken over her previous one. In May Philip graduated from SUNY Purchase with a degree
in New Media. He is an intern with a web design company. The Ashbys took some trailer trips last summer to Seneca
Lake in the Finger Lakes area, and to the 1000 Islands to tour the magnificent Boldt Castle. They planned their trip to
Pennsylvania around an ice skating show that featured Amy Grant as the guest musician. Laura's mom had a mild
heart attack around Christmas, but is doing well after treatment.
JERI BERON, FLORENCE, OR -- Junetta had not received a Christmas card from Jeri Beron, so she called her and
had a wonderful telephone visit. Jeri sounded great. She still likes living at the Shorewood senior residence and enjoys
playing cards and dominoes. She reminds us that she is 93, but feels fine and still misses her husband, Ken. She
continues to read The Chimes, but doesn't recognize many of the names anymore.
JENNIFER SHELAMER CABRERA, ALACHUA FL -- At work, Jennifer's job description keeps changing, going
from technical manager to support manager this year. Her husband Len has retired from the Air Force, and has been
supervising the remodeling of the garage and the landscaping. He is writing an economics textbook, and assists with
bookkeeping for Jen's dad's business. Daughter Alyssa is an assistant teacher at a local private school. She is saving
money for grad school and plans to become a marriage and family therapist. Daughter Leah is a high school senior and
has been accepted to four colleges already. She plays varsity soccer and is on the varsity diving team. All four
members of the family perform in the church praise band -- Jen on electric guitar, Alyssa on drums, Leah playing bass,
and Len as vocalist.
JEAN CANOOSE, PRESCOTT AZ -- Jean went to the Grand Canyon on a Road Scholar trip in June, and truly
enjoyed the beauty of the place. She took a quick summertime trip to the Lake Tahoe cabin to visit with her parents,
her brother, and her sister-in-law. Then she drove to Silverthorne, Colorado, to spend a week at a large rented condo
with daughter Karin and her husband and children who traveled there from Kansas. They entertained themselves with
hiking, horseback riding, fishing, and sightseeing. Karin's birthday gift to Jean was to come to Prescott to spend a long
weekend with her. They went sightseeing at Montezuma's castle cliff dwelling, Montezuma's well (a collapsed
limestone cavern filled with water), and America's largest “ghost town,” Jerome. Jean hopes this is the beginning of a
mother-daughter tradition. At Christmas Jean sang several major works with the Prescott Master Chorale, and
performed for care homes with the Camerata Singers.
CHUCK CORDES, ALAMEDA CA -- Our former pastor Chuck Cordes and his wife, Stella, enjoyed singing a
Christmas concert with the Alameda Chorus. A significant family event was the birth of their great-granddaughter,
Julianna, this fall. The baby's parents, grandson Josh and his wife Anna, have lived with the Cordeses for five years,
and life has been transformed by their presence. Both Stella and Chuck enjoyed rocking the baby next to the Christmas
tree. The Cordeses spent a week in Phoenix at Giants Spring Training with Stella's sister, Mary. They also rented a
beach house at Pajaro Dunes for a week-long reunion with Stella's siblings. They have fun with grandsons Ethan (5)
and Elijah (3) at local attractions such as the Exploratorium, the Lawrence Hall of Science, and the zoos in San
Francisco and Oakland. Stella's schedule includes her weekly writing group in Berkeley, her quilting group in
Alameda, and the monthly book club. Chuck and Stella's big adventure was delivering the van to Chuck's sister, Janet,
by driving it from California to Nova Scotia. Along the way they visited Mt. Rushmore, Dinosaur National Park,
Badlands, Black Hills and the Bay of Fundy. They spent some time with Janet at her Adirondack cabin, then flew
home. Daughter Julie teaches 4th grade for the Manteca School District. She, husband James, and son Ethan live in
Stockton. Their son Austin attends Delta College. Son Mark is pastor of Trinity United Methodist Church in Berkeley,
and his wife Yvette is Director of Admissions for the Friends School in San Francisco, where they live with their son
Elijah. Their son Liam (16) is a sophomore at Berkshire School in Massachusetts where he plays ice hockey and is
goalie on the #1 high school soccer team in the U.S.
LINDA KURUHARA, LINCOLN CA -- Linda coordinates a clinic that provides legal help to low-income
immigrants, takes care of daughter Krista's little boy two or three times a week, and swims. Husband Dale is enjoying
retirement, going for walks, working out at the gym, watching sports, and reading. The whole family went to Hawaii in
May to celebrate Dale's mom's 95th birthday, who still lives in her own home, is alert, and cooks her own meals. She
was thrilled to meet this great-grandson for the first time. Some of the family went zip lining in Hilo, and Linda
enjoyed it, even though she was hanging on for dear life.
ELEANOR & DICK LAHEY, ST. AUGUSTINE FL -- The big trip for Dick and Ellee this year was a tour of Spain -Barcelona, Valencia, Granada, Seville, Cordoba, Toledo and Madrid. Dick has stayed busy writing technical papers.
This year he and Ellee have traveled together for his meetings to New Orleans, Philadelphia, Washington DC, and
Chicago. They've also visited Dick's brothers and their children and grandchildren. The Laheys' son Steve, his wife
Sue, and their daughter Brynn live in upstate New York, and they've attended her soccer games, and were there for
Easter and Halloween. They are glad that daughter Kathleen, her husband Jeff, and their children Henry and Ava now
live in Arlington, Virginia -- close enough to see occasionally. Son Patrick, his wife Brunella, and their son Charlie
live farther away in Glendale, California, so it was wonderful to be with them and the Laheys' other children and
grandchildren for a whole week in Clifton Park, New York, before putting the family home there on the market. Dick
and Ellee always enjoy visiting relatives at the Jersey shore, and spent a nice day with Ellee's Aunt Bea who is still
going strong after more than 100 years. Before saying “goodbye” to the New York house, the Laheys have attended
live operas at Opera Saratoga and some good touring Broadway shows. Now Dick is getting used to his new titanium
knee, after the left one was totally replaced.
4
Long Distance Via Christmas Letters
ART McINROY-THE VILLAGES, SAN JOSE CA -- Daughter Valarie and husband Rick provided their traditional
family hosting at their mountain home during Thanksgiving. The children planned a trip to Yosemite to celebrate Art's
85th birthday on October 6th. Daughter Tam and grandson Colton drove down from Oregon, granddaughter Kiley
from Tahoe and grandson CJ from San Jose. Art participated in their extended bicycle tour of the Valley. Although he
misses Maureen terribly, the children (Valarie, Brad and Tam) contact him regularly and have been very supportive
about getting him involved. He still plays tennis 2 or 3 times a week but recently took a nasty spill on the court and did
a little damage, including a cracked rib, bruised elbow and a very sore right shoulder. He can't move like he used to
and needs to be more careful. However, he plans to start playing again as soon as he's able.
HAROLD & VI McMULLEN, HASTINGS NE -- Betsy Tuel phoned Harold and Vi McMullen at their Samaritan
Village home in Hastings, Nebraska. Harold and Vi are in their mid-90s, and age has slowed them down considerably.
However, they still enjoy their church and are able to go to services. During the week their meals are delivered to them
from their retirement community's central dining room. Their daughter Bonnie lives 100 miles away, and drives to see
them every Tuesday, putting dinners in the freezer for their weekend meals. Their son Norman lives in Windsor,
Vermont, with wife, Amy, and their two children. Grandson Tristan traveled to Madrid, Spain, this year with his
Spanish class.
Granddaughter Emily was one of five dancers in the musical that author/composer Jodi Picoult composed. Jodi took
them to New York City on an all expense trip to see “Aladdin” on Broadway. What a generous adventure for these
young singers and dancers!
Harold and Vi were pioneer leaders in our church’s Stephen Ministry program in the mid-80s. They have been married
68 years!
CHUCK & DIANA MESSAMER, MANTECA CA -- In May Chuck and Diana traveled with relatives to Fiji, where
they took a two-hour “long boat” ride up the Navua River, and went by motorized sail boat or bus on other excursions.
They even attended a two-hour worship service conducted in the Fijian language, and were invited to stay for lunch
with the congregation afterward. In July the Messamers were superintendents for their church's family camp. The end
of July, Diana and her four granddaughters participated in their annual “Girls Go Camping” trip where they set up their
own tents, helped cook the meals, went for hikes, paddled canoes across the lake, and enjoyed evening campfires. In
August Chuck and Diana celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with family and friends. In September they visited
Diana's brother and sister-in-law in Pittsburgh, and went on to Maine to visit six lighthouses and feast on Maine
lobster. Diana's 92-year-old mother, Alice, is now living with Chuck and Diana, and attends church with them. Diana
continues to mentor 5th and 6th grade students at Fremont Elementary School in Modesto, using the “On Earth Peace”
program teaching conflict resolution skills.
DONNA STIRLING, SAN DIEGO CA -- Donna Stirling writes that she is very glad she moved to San Diego. Nearby
family members have brought her much joy. She has joined a very active chorus at the retirement community where
she lives. They perform often, especially on holidays. For Christmas the chorus joined forces with the church across
the street, and now the church has asked that they be their Senior Choir, singing on fifth Sundays! San Diego is a
tourist destination with its beaches, Old Town, and other attractions, and Donna has enjoyed several “stay-cations” this
year when her son traveled from Oregon to visit. She also enjoyed a spring vacation with family in the desert. She says
that her thirty-three years living in the Bay Area were wonderful, and Almaden Hills church and its choir will always
be family to her.
ART & CATHY TOLMAN, GRASS VALLEY CA--Art and Cathy Tolman are selling their beloved home of 10 acres
and 17 years and will be moving into a roomy one-story in a new development just 10 minutes away and close to the
church and the gym. They are shooting for an April 1st move. Last fall, they took a month's cruise in the
Mediterranean, leaving from Barcelona, cruising to Istanbul, returning to Venice after visiting nine countries. Weather
was perfect. Cathy's 800 pictures are now condensed to 400 to be put in a book with commentary.
Art's daughter, Cathy, spent a month with them in May, a wonderful time to catch up with her and her life.
Granddaughter Tara presented them with their first great-grandchild in October so daughter Cathy is getting to
experience the joys of being a grandparent.
Chuck's busy family includes Gavin (12) who plays volleyball and works hard at school since he has his father for
three of his 7th grade classes. Chloe (11) starts basketball in January and Zack (10), who spends time with his Xbox
360 and his Legos, plans to play soccer again in the fall. Megan began teaching at Nevada Union High School this
year. Mom is still living in assisted living at Oakwood Village and continues to join them for family gatherings.
MARTIN & BEVERLY TUCKER, ANTIOCH CA--Martin designed a trip to view gardens in the Pacific northwest
and a travel agency made all the arrangements for a group of 37 people last spring, traveling to Portland, Seattle,
Vancouver and Victoria, visiting 15 glorious gardens en route. In the fall they drove to Seattle to visit family and meet
the newest great-grandchild. The crowning touch of the year was the arrival of two new great grandsons, making a
total of four. One girl out of four but she can hold her own! Bev is still active in her women's groups and the church
choir and sang in the Christmas Cantata this year. Both are members of Delta Informal Gardeners and Martin still
volunteers Thursday mornings in the Oncology treatment center of the local Kaiser Hospital.
BILL & BETSY TUEL, ROSENDALE NY -- Bill and Betsy's travels this year included a May cruise around Puget
Sound and the San Juan Islands, and a June cruise from Baltimore to Halifax, Nova Scotia. The Tuels continue their
participation in the Lifetime Learning Institute at Bard College. Bill taught two LLI classes this year, with the clever
titles of “One Atom Indivisible?” and “When Zero Doesn't Mean Nothing.” Betsy took a class called “The Funeral
Process.” Bill's singing group, Ulster Choral Society, folded after 35 years. He continues to play trombone in the local
band and plays piano at church once a month. The Tuels have now lived in Rosendale for over seven years, and are
pleased to have long-dreamed-of cabinets installed in their laundry room at last. Their son Cliff and daughter-in-law
Katie spent Thanksgiving in Hawaii, and the Christmas holidays in Las Vegas. Their daughter Bev is newly engaged,
and she and fiancé David are planning a June wedding in Colorado.
5
Worship
Adult Education
More Christmas Flower Dedications
Altar Flowers
The Worship Commission announces that Doris Warren
will be taking on the role of Altar Flower Coordinator
starting in February. If you wish to order flowers, check
the flower schedule hanging in the narthex for an available
week. Indicate if you are honoring an event or a person.
Doris will contact you to confirm the date, and ask if you
will provide your own arrangement or order from the
florist. If you opt for the florist, you will talk about the
colors you want, and agree on a size/price. The minimum
arrangement is $40. Also, let Doris know if you will be
taking the arrangement with you or if you would like her
to arrange delivery to someone. You will then see the
result on the altar on the day you requested.
The following dedications were inadvertently left out
of the December Christmas flower dedication folder.
Mary Denny in memory of George Denny.
Diane Moots in memory of Larry Moots.
Paula Cobb in honor of her mom, Beryl Wilson,
and her partner, Kenneth Patrick.
Dick and Junetta McKewan in celebration of
Christmas.
Carl Hudson in memory of Retha Hudson.
Pat McAndrews and Butch Kittle in memory of
“our parents.”
Ash Wednesday is February 18
Lent begins on Ash Wednesday. Please join us that evening for a
short worship service to mark its beginning. This year's Lenten
study is based on the book, Renegade Gospel by Mike Slaughter.
Other dates leading up to Easter include these March 29 -- Palm / Passion Sunday
April 2 -- Maundy (Holy) Thursday
April 3 -- Good Friday
April 5 -- Easter
It’s Not Rocket Science (or Is It?)
by Derek Lang
Today’s communications satellites are typically designed to operate in space for at least 15
years. It is not economical to fix them once they are in orbit, so a lot of attention goes into
quality and building them to work right the first time. There are thousands of parts,
hundreds of people, and hundreds of thousands of hours in the design, manufacture, test,
and launch. “It takes a thousand things to work right but it takes only one thing to fail” is a
common platitude used to thank the team for the teamwork needed getting to that point on
the eve of a launch (and of course, we find out the next day which one it was).
At the end of last year, you might have been overwhelmed by the different activities we have going on at church as we
heard about Core Team, Spiritual Networking, and Eric Law. It is easy to think one or the other is just the latest brand
of fix-it ideas that the church is embarking on without finishing or seeing the fruits of the previous one. Really though,
these efforts are not intended to duplicate each other but rather complement each other. Like the satellite analogy, there
are many parts of the church body which need to work for the mission to succeed.
“Spiritual Networking” was one of those ambiguous terms that might only be appreciated in Silicon Valley. It sounded
simpler once I explained it to one of our Annual Conference staff. “The ministry of Spiritual Networking is to
encourage spiritual formation by going back to basics and focusing on relationships.” In the last six months, we talked
a fair amount about what it takes to develop a relationship; what things at the church fostered relationships; and what
things at the church did not. Now we need to start working on things that will further improve how we relate to one
another and to God. In Evangelism and Outreach, a measure of success might be the number of new members. But for
“In-reach,” how do we measure how much we are connected? Perhaps it is how well we know each other; how well
we know our own and each other’s basic life and spiritual needs; and our willingness to help each other.
We are going to focus on some concrete tasks to help us tackle this challenge. We will be creating networks, drawing
“spiritual career” paths, and seeing how “social media” can turn into “spiritual media.” If you feel called to help
someone or you just enjoy connecting with people, come check us out. If you are not as comfortable with people, but
you want our church to thrive, let us know what is working and what is not working as we try to live out fully our faith
through church.
Meet Calvary UMC's Pastor
Saturday, January 31
If you haven't met the pastor of San Jose's Calvary United Methodist Church, this is your chance! Rev. Sunae Frances
is keynote speaker at the United Methodist Women's annual “Leadership Development Event” on Saturday, January 31.
Pastor Frances grew up in Seoul, South Korea, and moved to the United States in 1981. She graduated from Mt.
Pleasant High School, and received her nursing degree from San Jose State. She was working as a registered nurse at
Valley Medical Center when God called her to reach out to our youngest generation. She earned her Master of Divinity
degree from Berkeley's Pacific School of Religion in 2003, and has been in ministry to children, youth, and young
families for the past 11 years. She was recently appointed to Calvary UMC. Pastor Frances and her husband Michael
are the parents of two sons.
Pastor Frances has titled her talk “Looking Into the Future.” Her passion is to see whole generations rise up, filled with
the love and power of the Holy Spirit which leads to abundant life.
This event will be held at Hillsdale United Methodist Church, 303 West 36th Avenue, San Mateo CA 94402. The cost
is $5. The program begins at 9 a.m. and will conclude by 12:30 p.m. In addition to the keynote speaker, there will be
study groups to help the women plan their UMW activities for the year ahead.
6
Fellowship
Wednesday Morning Women
News of Our Church
Family Variety Book Study Group
Join us on Wednesday mornings at 7:00 a.m. in the Fireside
Room as we tackle American Nations: A History of the Eleven
Rival Regional Cultures of North America, by Colin Woodard.
Woodard is a historian and journalist who describes some of
the differences in our values and opinions by explaining how
historical development of the different regions affects us. Our
early colonies were settled by the British, the French, the
Dutch, and the Spanish, each group with its own culture. San
Jose is unique in that its culture is not sharply defined. Many of
us came to San Jose from other places, and we wonder whether
we agree with the author's assessments or not. Our country is
not a melting pot, and probably never will be. Join us for this
provocative discussion!
Wednesday, February 18, at 7:30 p.m.
Fireside Room
The book for February is Quiet by
Susan Cain, a book suggested by Patti
Skavdahl. Visitors are welcome to
come for the discussion.
The book for March is The Book of Unknown
Americans -- a novel by Cristina Henriquez.
Calendar -- United Methodist Women
January 31 -- 9 a.m. Saturday -- UMW Leadership Training,
Hillsdale UMC, San Mateo
February 6-8 -- Friday to Sunday -- Urban Plunge
A Volunteers-In-Mission to Mary Elizabeth Inn, Gum
Moon Women's Residence, and Glide UMC, San Francisco
March -- Spiritual Retreat
May 24-30 -- Sunday to Saturday -- United Methodist
Volunteers-In-Mission and United Methodist Women's trip to
the UMCOR Depot West, Salt Lake City, Utah
June 20 -- Saturday -- UMW Breakfast at Annual Conference
in Burlingame
August 21 & 22 -- The Limitless Intergenerational Retreat
with the Joint Youth Group
I won't say goodbye to all my church family, but just, “see you
soon.” You all have played an important role in my life and I thank
you for that. We move to Brentwood Feb. 3, but part of my heart
will remain with you at AHUMC. Come see us!
~ Kathie
Sympathy
G.A. Hawthorne's sister-in-law, Mary Hanzlik, passed
away on December 22. Cards and notes of care may be
sent to G.A. Hawthorne.
Jodi Picard's mother, Shirley Hosford, passed away on
December 26 in Horton, Kansas. The memorial service
was held on December 30 at the United Methodist
Church in Horton. Cards and notes of care may be sent
to Jodi Picard.
Pledge Envelopes
The booklets of pledge envelopes are
available in the church narthex, filed
alphabetically so that you can find yours
more easily. These envelopes make
tracking our offerings much easier and
more efficient for the Sunday counters
and for the church treasurer. Please take
yours home and use them.
Our Thanks
Many thanks to Kay Michaels for her
faithful work as our altar flower coordinator.
Kay has done this quietly and efficiently for
several years now and we are sorry to see her
step down. Thank you, Kay!
~ The Worship Commission
Thank You
Dear Almaden Family,
Thank you so much for all of your prayers,
support, phone calls, notes and flowers in
dealing with my breast cancer.
I am truly grateful to have such a wonderful
caring and loving church family.
~ Harvana Rosbrugh
Catalysts for Change
Our AHUMC team of Derek Lang, Lilian Guansing, Marilyn Crandall, Debbie Ow, Pastor Jane Schlager, Sara
O'Brien, Dee Davis, Dan & Wendy Hendry, and John Baird will join participants from other local UMCs for the
next six months to study Eric Law's book, Holy Currencies: 6 Blessings for Sustainable Missional Ministries. They
will bring the process back to AHUMC soon after. Please pray for them and get ready to do your part!
The Chimes
Editorial Staff
Arlie Hitt, Editor - [email protected]
Bonnie Home, Reporter [email protected]
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Deadline for Next Issue:
February 8