Grace Presbyterian Church 2100 Tice Valley Boulevard Walnut Creek, CA 94595

March 2013 issue

Address Service Requested Dated Material

You have not lived today until you have done something for someone who can never repay you.
John Bunyan

Non-Profit Org. U. S. Postage PAID Permit No. 241 Walnut Creek, CA

19582012 50 YEARS AND COUNTING

Grace

IN THE WORLD
MARCH 201 3

Dear Grace-filled friends: You cant know what a blessing it has been to me to have worked and served with you both in the preschool (1971 -1990) and in the church (1974-now). I am grateful to Bob Williams and Roger Reaber for their collegiality, support and friendship. And I am grateful to you for being models of inspiration as you navigate the seasons of life. As I continue aging, I shall remember you and others in our great cloud of witnesses who dealt with change, illness, loss, and grief and who did so with grace, faith and faithfulness. Thank you for the privilege!!! You are in good hands! May you support Roger and one another. This is your opportunity to stretch and grow as you share some new responsibilities and continue with others. May you find joy in stepping up! I urge you to focus upon what God is doing in your midst, as individuals and as a congregation. The Message puts it this way for Romans 12:1: Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for God. And, be bold, both in reaching out to others to be part of this wonderful community, and in responding to whatever particular call God lays upon you. What shall I be doing? In addition to sorting through too many boxes of too many papers, sermons, adult education curricula, and conference notes accumulated over the past 42 years, I look forward to long walks, good reads, baking/cooking, visiting all of our churches in the East Bay, and volunteering with Contra Costa Interfaith Housing. The latter is my passion for local mission because we are helping children and young people turn their lives around, become good students in school and responsible citizens in the community. I trust the future God has for both of us if we will only trust God in Christ to continue to work in our lives and to pull us into the kingdom that God is creating as we speak. Pray for me and I shall be praying for you. Blessings, always, Charie. I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11 Worship & Lenten Study ..2 New Book Study ...............2 Concert ..............................2 Celebrating Charie ...........3 Calendar ........................ 4-5 Witness & Ministry ...........6 Diablo Respite Center ......6 Grace in the Family ..........7 Mens Club ........................7 Book Faire .........................7 New Member .....................7

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Celebrating Charies Sensational Service

Party in the Oak Room
Saturday, March 16th from 2 to 5 PM Special program at 3 PM
Do you have a special story or thought to include in the memory book being produced? Send it to the church or bring it to the celebration. Pictures welcomed too.

WORSHIP WITH US SUNDAYS 10 AM, Sanctuary 11 AM, Join us for Fellowship in the Fireside Room CONTACT US Regular Office Hours, M-F 9 to 3

gracepreschurchwc@gmail.com 925-935-2100 www.gracewc.org

Join us Easter Sunday,

March 31st for Worship at 10 AM
Charies last day as Pastor at Grace Presbyterian Church Bring a flower or two for the cross. Grace will be hosting an egg hunt for the children attending Easter Services. Please bring plastic eggs filled with treats to the office by Sunday March 24.

PASTORS & STAFF: Roger Reaber and Charie Reid Pastor Emeritus: Robert Williams Parish Associate: Diana Barkley Music Director: Steve Cram Office Manager: Judy Williams Financial Scty.: Jennifer Wallace

APRIL News Article submission Deadline MARCH 15

Each Sunday in Lent we will continue to explore a different theme of the Lords Prayer
March 3 March 10 March 17 March 24 March 28 On Earth as It is in Heaven Matt 26:36-46, Luke 13: 10-17

Grace in the Family

Happy Birthday to You!

1M.J. Palley 2Dave Fellner 3Wayne Stephenson 4June Smikahl 7Steve Cram 7Marcia Stover 7Keelen Wolfe 12Angela Borchardt 12Louise Milford 18Earnie Cunningham 19Avis Eukel 19John Owen MARCH MARCH 20Marlene Hall 21Bea Drenth 22Lawrence Bell 23Diane Wolfe 26Nancy Heagy 26Mary Wiley 27Diana Barkley 28Jane Hinds 28Dorothy Wanamaker 29Hazel Tawney 30Aline Wilson MARCH MARCH

MEN OF GRACE and male friends are invited to

hear Elder Stanley Dorst reveal the feed back that rank and file members like him give to our Presbyterian headquarters in Louisville, KY. Sample results of interest appear in the monthly Presbyterians Today magazine. Respondents across the church are chosen by lot to ensure a fair cross section of members and their views by this Presbyterian Panel program. Optional no-host luncheon at nearby Rossmoor Diner follows the second Friday of the month 10 o'clock Friday March 8 conclave. For further info phone Bob Williams 935-7377. New address: Mary Strawser 4756 Clayton Rd. #241 Concord, ca 94521 925-914-0567

Give Us this Day our Daily Bread Ex 16:1-9,16-21 & Matt 20:1-16 And Forgive Us Our Debts as We Forgive Our Debtors Ps 51, Matt18:21-35 PALM SUNDAYLead Us Not into Temptation But Deliver Us From Evil Matt 21:1-10 Matt 16:21-23 MAUNDY THURSDAY 6 p.m. a Pot-luck dinner in the Oak Room. 7 p.m. Communion Worship in the Sanctuary. EASTER CELEBRATION John 20:1-18 Bring a flower to add to the Resurrection Cross as you come to worship. There will be an Easter Egg Hunt for Children during Sunday School. The Easter Bunny would appreciate donated PLASTIC eggs filled with candy or a sticker. (The PLASTIC eggs may be brought to church on March 24.)

March 31

Congratulations to Bea Drenth on the occasion of her 100th birthday on March 21st.

EAST BAY AUTHORS BOOK FAIRE

FREE TO THE PUBLIC Saturday, March 2, Grace Oak Room, 10:30 to 5 PM Fifteen published authors will be talking throughout the day about the subject of their books, and about the process of writing and getting published. Books and other goodies will be for sale. Below are the participating authors. Loyd Auerbach: one of the worlds leading experts on the paranormal and author of many books including, The Ghost Detective's Guide to Haunted San Francisco. Loyd is Graces resident chocolatier, and will have samples to taste! Richard L. Wren: Mystery/thriller writer. Author of Caseys Slip, Joshuas Revenge and A Practical Guide to Writing & Publishing a Novel. Susan Pace-Koch: childrens book author and publisher, award-winning illustrated book Get Out of My Head, I Should Go to Bed and In One Ear and Out the Other. Denise P. Kalm: personal coaching for those in transition, with much of her work around career management. Works include: Lifestorm and Career Savvy. Bee Hylinski: former attorney and past Mayor of Moraga before becoming a writer and professional editor, her novel Contract Year: A Baseball Novel is a labor of love for the game of baseball. Lloyd Lofthouse: author of Running with the Enemy, a suspense thriller set during the Vietnam War and The Concubine Saga, historical fiction centered on Robert Hart and his place in modernizing China in the late 19th Century. Elaine Starkman: poet and writer, teacher of literature, writing, poetry and memoir, and author of Learning to Sit in the Silence: A Journal of Caretaking and a book of poems, Hearing Beyond Sound.

In Memory of
Dulcie Blume January 1, 1915 to January 28, 2013

LENTEN STUDY
Offered Sundays at 11:20, Library

"Pausing on the Road to Jerusalem," Lenten study by Michael A. Lindvall, continues through Lent. Pastor Lindvall helps us relate Lenten themes to living faithfully today: temptation, why the cross, question of evil, prodigal son & elder brother, the spiritual-sensual question, Palm Sunday parody of worldly power. March 3 Luke 13:1-9 - question of evil March 10 Luke 15:1-3,11b-32 - parable of prodigal son March 17 John 12:1-8 - spiritual &/or physical (spirit vs. matter) March 24 Luke 19:28-40 - Palm Sunday and power
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DAVID CHAVEZ, TENOR FREE CONCERT, SUNDAY, MARCH 10 7:00 PM

Welcome New MemberJane Burkland

You will be amazed by this young talent!

BRASS QUARTET & ORGAN FREE CONCERT, SUNDAY APRIL 14 AT 3:00 PM

Attending nursery school at the First Presbyterian Church in Peoria, Illinois, is one of my favorite early memories. My family moved to Oregon when I was eleven, which was my home state until I finished college. That summer Phil and I were married, though we had fallen in love in high school Latin class! He was a geologist and I taught school briefly. Two of our three sons live in Alamo and after Phil passed away three years ago, I moved from the Peninsula to Rossmoor to be near six of my eight grandchildren. After moving, I visited several churches, finally discovering Grace Church, and found myself returning many Sundays because of all of you. Each week I am comforted by the worship services welcome statement and the assurance of forgiveness, but most of all, by the uncontrollable bursts of laughter from all of you when Roger and Charie bring humor into their message. Thank you for welcoming me. AND WE DO GIVE JANE A BIG WELCOME!
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Celebrating Charies Ministry

WITNESS & MINISTRY

CCIC UPDATE FOR MARCH Success! Its good to hear the good news anytime. At our recent monthly meeting it was reported that several needs were met with timely donations of childrens beds and sofas. The response to appeals is always positive which is positive proof that Gods work is being done. Also, the last delivery of food boxes for Child Protective Service makes 500 boxes donated by Grace Church members over the past several years. We are not boasting, but we are very grateful for the in-kind and monetary donations made by our faith community members. All this, on top of the food barrel collection for the County Food Bank. We are surrounded by GRACEfilled people. Remember to fill the barrel the first Sunday of the month. Please check the glass bulletin case for current needs of the Contra Costa Interfaith Coalition, now entering its 21st year. Sharon Lyons, CCIC Grace Representative

One Great Hour of Sharing Offering

Look for your mailing coming soon. Since 1949, this program has been raising money to support Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, Self Development of People, and the Presbyterian Hunger Program. We feel better when we share.

CRAB FEED ATTENDEESALL WINNERS

A great feed and raffle prizes along with good music made for a very successful evening presented by Witness & Ministry. Funds raised -$2,732 - will support youth ministries. Many thanks to the table setters, food preparers, the crab bag fillers and the clean-up crew. Special thanks to Julia Linde for her musical selections. All this, together with delicious crab, made for a super evening.

DIABLO RESPITE CENTER TO CLOSE

With regret the Diablo Respite Center will close its doors March 15, 2013 after thirty years of serving those with Alzheimers Disease or other dementias. Due to a decreased number of participants and lack of sufficient funds to continue operating, the Center will hold its last meeting day on Thursday, March 14 th. The participants will enjoy one of their favorite field trips to Fentons Creamery. Many thanks go to the wonderful staff, Director, Bob Stark, Assistant Director, Florence Stone, Business Manager, Marsha Stark and Program Assistant, Nancy Houk. The staff has carried out the vision of the Witness and Ministry Departments appointed first Steering Committee, Adela Johnston, Vi Lorenzen and David Conley. On January 18, 1983, DRC was established as the first Alzheimer day care program serving those in the East Bay. In the early years, Ruth Circle provided volunteers and refreshments for the one day a week social day care which evolved into a three day a week program with many on the waiting list by the 1990s. Dick Carll served as the first Treasurer, and presided over the piano for sing-a-longs. Grace Preschool visited regularly and Lavenia Black accompanied the childrens voices when they came to sing with the participants. Eagle Scouts of Troop #302 helped build the fencing and the pathway around the newly enclosed Fellowship Hall yard so the participants could enjoy the garden. In 1991 a unique program for women in the early stages of Alzheimers was started, and shortly thereafter a similar program for men was begun. The day care program was licensed by the state of California in 1994 and continued operations until 2000. The joint men and womens programs combined in 2010 and have met weekly since then. Many thanks to Advisory Committee members, Pam Bouey, Roger Reaber, Dr. Elizabeth Seet, and Reta Wilcox who have helped to guide the Center the past few years. Steering Committee members, Diana Barkley, Nancy Goelkel, Marty Landon, Joan Larsen, John Larsen, MJ Palley and Charie Reid have handled the hard issues entailed in closing the Center and are to be commended for their dedication. Many thanks to the members of Grace who have supported the fund raising efforts and served as volunteers over the years. We are grateful for their support and encouragement for this important ministry of Grace Church. 6

Grace Church has been greatly blessed by the presence and ministry of Charie Reid for 42 years. It was in 1971 that she was called to be the founding director of Grace Cooperative Preschool. Seven years later she was installed as the Associate Pastor of Grace Church. Initially she continued as the preschool director as she expanded her duties with the congregation. Eventually she let go of the preschool responsibilities to be fully engaged in pastoral ministry. Her service through the church has touched people of all ages. She has overseen our Sunday School Program and Vacation Church School, and for years she directed the after-school children & youth program, LOGOS. Her love of religious education extends to adults as well through leading retreats and teaching classes. She has enhanced our worship through her preaching, being the liturgist, crafting of special services, and sharing of insights and suggestions. Targeted outreach to the community has been made through such things as the Childrens Holiday Faire and support of the new efforts of Rossmoor Friends of Grace. She has witnessed the importance of Christian mission by staffing our Witness and Ministry Department and the Deacons, enabling us to house the rotating homeless shelter, serving on the board of directors of the Contra Costa Interfaith Housing, going on trips to Nicaragua, being involved with Pilgrims of Ibillin, and serving as a member of the Board of Directors of the Diablo Respite Center. Charie has been active in the PC(USA) as past moderator of the Presbytery of S.F., delegate to the General Assembly, member of various committees of Presbytery. She is currently the co-chair of the Committee on Ministry. Charies pastoral presence gives witness to Christs love for all. Her keen listening skills, ability to ask the right questions, capacity to provide empathy and compassion, and gift of prayer have buoyed the spirits of many. This litany of service could go on and on. What has been mentioned here is only scratching the surface in describing her inspirational service and leadership. And soyou are invited to a party to celebrate Charie and the richness of her faithful ministry. The festivities will be in the Oak Room on Saturday, March 16th, 2-5 p.m. There will be a brief program and presentation at 3 p.m. A memory book in honor of Charie is also being created. Please send a memory, story, picture, or expression of appreciation to Judy Williams (gracepreschurchwc.gmail.com) or bring them the day of the party. Dont miss these opportunities to let Charie know the great impact her life and ministry have had on you and others. Here is an chance to say thank you. As in Jesus parable of the talents let us all say to Charie Well done good and faithful servantenter into the joy of your Master. 3

Grace Presbyterian Church

SUNDAY
CConference Room FFireside Room LLibrary OOak Room SSanctuary DRCDiablo Respite Center PASPerforming Arts Society PWPresbyterian Women

March 2013
WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
Our special thanks to ... Don Lyons for updating the plaques in the memorial garden and to Paul Luscher for refinishing the communion table top. And to Rita and Juan Chorn for placing the crown of thorns on the cross. Carol Parker for draping the cross. Fran Whipple for the new paraments that remind us of the robe placed on Jesus at his crucifixion.

MONDAY
SUNDAY FELLOWSHIP ASSIGNMENTS
Mar. 3 Lydia Circle Mar. 10 Witness & Ministry Mar. 17 Team 3 Mar. 24 Deacons Mar. 31 Team 5

TUESDAY
Thank you Prayer Fellowship Teams 9:45 Power Group (L)
A note to Fellowship teams: Cheese and crackers are always 1:30 Witness & Ministry (C) provided for fellowship time by the church, so you dont need to purchase them. We thank everyone who donates toScouts the kitty(O) for the other 7:00 Boy items we enjoy, including the birthday cake. (F) 7:30 SUBUD

8:45 DRC Board (C)

9-2 Theater Group (S, F) 9:00 AARP Tax Service (L)

10:30 EAST BAY AUTHORS BOOK FAIRE (O) 5:30 Chess School (O, L, 9) 6:00 ATC Bible Study (F) 7:30 PAS Piano Concert (S)

10:00 Worship & Communion (S) 11:00 Fellowship (F) 11:20 LENTEN STUDY (L) 2:00 PAS Benefit Concert (S) 7:30 AA (F)

10:00 AM & 7:00 PM (L) Spiritual Survival Guide Study & Prayer Groups

7:00 Boy Scouts (O)

7:00 Adult Study (L) 7:00 Boy Scouts (O) 7:30 SUBUD (F)

8-5 Youth Homes (O) 10:00 Bible Study (L) 12:15 Caring Callers 1:00 Bridge (F) 1:15 Witness & Ministry (C) 6:00 Debtors Annon. (F)

9:00 Yoga/Parkinsons (O)

All Day-AARP Tax Service (L) 10:30 DRC (F) 7:30 Choir (S) 7:45 AA (F)

9:30 Susanna Cr. (Barkley home) 10:00 Mens Club (L)

Set your clocks ahead one hourDaylight Savings!

5:30 Chess School (O, L, 9) 6:00 ATC Bible Study (F)

9-2 Theater Group (S, 9) 9:00 AARP Tax Service (L) 12-5 Chess Tournament (O) Berkeley Chess School

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11:00 Needlers (F) 10:00 Worship (S) 12:00 Parkinsons Dance (O) 11:00 Fellowship (F) 11:20 LENTEN STUDY (L) 3:00 Sierra Chamber Concert (S)

Daylight Savings Begins today!

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10:00 AM & 7:00 PM (L) Spiritual Survival Guide Study & Prayer Groups

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9:00 Business (C)

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10:00 Bible Study (L) 1:00 Bridge (F)

11:45 Esther Cr. (F) 7:00 Adult Study (L) 6:00 Debtors Annon. (F)

7:00 DAVID CHAVEZ CONCERT (S)

7:30 AA (F) 7:00 Boy Scouts (O)

9:00 Yoga/Parkinsons (O) 9:15 W & E (C) All Day-AARP Tax Service (L) 10:30 DRC (F) 12:00 Lydia Cr. (F) 1:00 Discipleship (C) 7:30 Choir (S) 7:45 AA (F) 9:00 Yoga/Parkinsons (O)

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9-2 Theater Group (S, F) 9:00 AARP Tax Service (L) 10:00 Parkinsons Meeting (O) 11-12 Parkinsons Group (9) 2:00

5:30 Chess School (O, L, 9) 6:00 ATC Bible Study (F)

CHARIE REID CELEBRATION OF MINISTRY PARTY (O)

9-2 Theater Group (S, F) 9:00 AARP Tax Service (L)

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10:00 Worship (S) 11:00 Fellowship (F) 11:20 LENTEN STUDY (L) 7:30 AA (F)

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10:00 AM & 7:00 PM (L) Spiritual Survival Guide Study & Prayer Groups

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8-5 Youth Homes (O)

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10:30 PAS Concert (S)

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10:00 Bible Study (L) 1:00 Bridge (F) 4:00 Session Exec. (C) 6:00 Debtors Anon. (F)

All Day-AARP Tax Service (L)

2:00 Heidi Wagner Memorial (O) 7:30 Choir (S) 7:45 AA (F) 5:30 Chess School (O, L, 9) 6:00 ATC Bible Study (F) 4:00 PAS Teacher Recital (S)

7:00 Boy Scouts (O, F) 10:00 Worship (S) 11:00 Fellowship (F) 11:25 LENTEN STUDY (L) 1:30 PAS Teacher Recital (S)

7:30 SUBUD (F)

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12:00 Parkinsons Dance (O)

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10:00 AM & 7:00 PM (L) Spiritual Survival Guide Study & Prayer Groups 7:30 PAS Board (F)

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10:00 Bible Study (L) 1:00 Bridge (F) 6:00 Debtors Anon. (F) 7:00 Session (C)

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9:00 Yoga/Parkinsons (O)

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Good Friday

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EASTER SUNDAY
10:00 Worship (S) 11:00 Fellowship (F) 7:00 Boy Scouts (O)

All Day-AARP Tax Service (L) 9:15 Newsletter Folding (C) 6:00 MAUNDY THURSDAY Potluck & 7:00 Service (O, S) 7:45 AA (F)

9-2 Theater Group (S, F) 9:00 AARP Tax Service (L)

4:00 Ecumenical Service for Good Friday, Fireside Room in Gateway Clubhouse, Rossmoor

5:30 Chess School (O, L, 9) 6:00 ATC Bible Study (F)