Words from Our Pastor– Bob Mitchell December 2018
Important to Note: Hanging the Greens “I Believe” Christmas Play & Dinner Fellowship Candlelight Services Financial Peace University 2019 Flower Chart
In the back of my mind I knew that at some point in my ministry at Lincoln, I would be wri ng this specific ar cle for the monthly newsle er. When we came to this beloved congrega on over 26 years ago, we didn’t have a preconceived plan of how long we were going to stay. We put that ma er in God’s hands. For all these years it’s remained on the backburner. But God has a way in His metable, of moving concerns that we’ve backburnered to the front. Such has been the case these last several months, as Trish and I have felt that a fresh voice is what Lincoln needs to step into the next stage of ministry that our new facilies will provide. We didn’t act on this s rring lightly or quickly. We prayed many prayers for guidance. We then spoke to some trusted leaders of our church. They
Volume 6, Issue 12
big transi on for Lincoln, but for the Mitchells as we are stepping away from a decades-long ministry in Stockton. confirmed that Lincoln would benefit through the adventure of a new senior leader. We then spoke two months ago to the elder board. We then announced to the congrega on on October 21st that it was me to step into a season of leadership transi on. This transion would happen within a four to twenty-four month window. Since then, the sense of direc on became clearer to us. We announced last month that March 17th would be my last Sunday in the pulpit as the pastor of Lincoln. Trish and I have been called to an ECO congrega on in the city of Idyllwild, California. This will not only be a
As it became clear that God was calling us away, He placed within me an excitement regarding the person who will follow me as Senior Pastor. I have the dis nct sense that God is preparing that person for Lincoln and is preparing Lincoln for that person. I envision a fresh vigor and direc on from new leadership that will vault Lincoln into a new impact in our city. To that end, I covenant with you to con nue to pray for God’s hand in the transi on and selec on of your new pastor. I an cipate hearing of the good things He is going to do through Lincoln’s future. But un l then, I am privileged to be, Your Pastor, Bob
Jon Hathorn - Pastor of Church Ministries When Walmart first came to Stockton, they were one of the only organiza ons beside churches that had greeters and a personal “first impression” to every-
one who arrived. This gree ng has since become a standard and many retail stores have captured the importance of a “first impression” and “personal gree ng.” Experts o en talk about the importance of these “first touches.” Touch-
ing people’s lives improves their experience and is an important indicator of customer service. Consumers want to know that they are valued. Caring, Listening, Availability, Thinking about others and simply loving others is so important. Lincoln Con nued on page 2
Pastor Jon (continued from page 1) Pres is a wonderful community of people who love each other well. Sharing refreshments, shaking hands, listening to one another, praying for each other, lending a helping hand, mee ng new people, simply smiling and offering to sit by others are important. Each of these show people that we care. When we touch the lives of other people, we make a difference in their life. When we bless someone else, we provide comfort and help them feel at home. Some people arrive on Sunday mornings with enthusiasm and an cipa on, yet others arrive in the calm
and steadiness of a good week. On those same mornings some arrive a er a fran c morning, lousy night sleep, frustra ng Saturday, overwhelming week or some other challenge. Each of us has the opportunity to help make a “first impression” and improve the environment of the day. Touches can help prepare people for the rest of the Sunday Morning experience. Con nual touches help make the Lincoln Pres experience with the Lord special. God works in and through us to bless other people.
loudly and warmly, as well as regularly and thoroughly. If you are new, Welcome! And if you’ve been here for a while, you are precious part of our welcome team. You may have chosen to be a greeter, usher, refreshment provider, host or hostess, outside welcome and security team – or you may be one who sits near someone and provides a valuable and important presence. Thank you for loving others and sharing the wonderful blessing of knowing God.
Loving people is so important, and we Jon want to say WELCOME TO LINCOLN
Children’s Ministries - Kristen Lambdin What a full month it has been! In the last newsle er we were gearing up for Trunk or Treat, which turned out to be a huge success! We had over 1,000 people on our campus enjoying fun trunk decora ons, live music, food and friendly people! Thank you to everyone who was involved! A few weeks ago in our AWANA program we packed Shoeboxes for Opera on Christmas Child! Because of your generous dona ons we were able to pack over 100 boxes and the
kids were able to experience the joy of giving to those in need this holiday season! This last Sunday we had 3 of our precious girls take the next step in their walk with Christ by ge ng bap zed. It has been such a joy to see these girls grow in their love for God through the various ministries we have here at LPCkids. Our vision is that kids would…Know God personally, Love God and Others, & Use their
gi s to serve God and others. It blesses us so much to see kids accept Christ and want to express to everyone that they want to live for Him forever! You will not want to miss church on December 9th - during our 9am service our kids will be singing a few Christmas Carols for the congregaon to enjoy! Merry Christmas!
The Monthly Newsle er of Lincoln Presbyterian Church 900 Douglas Road, Stockton CA 95207 209.477.2783 FAX: 866.783.4037 Dr. Bob Mitchell, Pastor Jon Hathorn, Pastor of Church Ministries Fred Jantz, Senior Execu ve Pastor Dr. Al Van Selow, Administra ve Pastor Heidi Verheyden, Director of Student Ministries Kristen Lambdin, Director of Children’s Ministries
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Website: www.lincolnpres.org Email: offi
[email protected] Miranda Abrescy, Assistant Director of Student Ministries Tom BetGeorge, Director of Music/Worship Leader John French, Special Projects Administrator Rachel Kudla, Youth Administra ve Assistant Cheryl Pannabecker, Office Manager
Life @ Lincoln
Student Ministries - Heidi Verheyden A key value for the youth department is Service, as it says in John 13:34-35, “you should love one another, as I have loved you.”. There were 15 Jr High
Students that came out to a Missions weekend recently. The students were able to express the love of Christ in such prac cal ways throughout the weekend. The students were able to put on a kids’ program at the Gospel Rescue Mission, along with prepping and serv-
ing food at the Breakfast Club. Each of these experiences stretched the students out of their comfort zones and allowed them to show the love of Christ in such unique ways.
Pastor Fred Jantz NEWS ALERT: Due to God orchestra ng changes here at LPC, it seems best to delay my re rement from this part me staff posi on thru 2019. The will of the Lord be done!! May the Lord bless us as we do His Work! In my message on November 4, I tried to use an illustra on that would communicate what the NT church is and is not. Thank you for your posi ve responses as to portraying the church as a SAILBOAT. What a helpful picture. There is a definite difference between a ship that hauls cargo/supplies and one that seeks to provide ul mate comfort for its passengers (pamper, entertain, exo c food). God has called us to serve on His crew in
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the local church. What drives us is EVANGELISM AND DISCIPLESHIP. We are there to serve and not be served (just like Jesus). One asked me to elaborate more on my comments about the need for forgiveness a er a building program. In my previous ministry life, I found building programs are very polarizing. Good people have many different perspec ves on why, who, what, how and when. God has made us all a li le different. Those diverse perspec ves can really cause some frustra ons. We may even say things that we wish had not been spoken. So, in order to be the church of the NT which has unity...I visualize an oasis, or a rest stop. Here we pause in our busy lives and seek PEACE. We either say or receive words of apology. And in response we give and
receive forgiveness. That is a sweet place for us...that is why I call it an Oasis. We are one in Christ. Eph. 4:3 says...eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of Peace. Blessings on all of us as we remind ourselves that our God is good. He is trustworthy, kind and keeps His word. It is an honor to be a member of His family and serve as a crew member. Pastor Fred
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Financial Peace University Never Worry About Money AGAIN! Financial Peace University will help you take control of your money, plan for your future, and transform your life. It's important to have a
plan for your money. What's yours? If you're looking for ways to get a handle on your finances, consider joining the Financial Peace University class on Monday evenings for 9 weeks star ng on January 14th at 6:30pm in the Fireside Room.
You can sign up online at:
If you sign up for flowers, you will need to call the florist on Monday to place your order using a debit or credit card, or you may go to the florist to pay by cash or check.
Also, note that if you purchase the flowers for a Sunday morning and would like to keep them, please no fy the office or pick them up by noon on Sunday. Otherwise, they are taken to a nursing home or other care facility. Thank you.
http:// www.fpu.com/1077842
2019 Flower Chart Now available for sign ups. If you would like to provide flowers for one of the services next year, please write your name in the space provided on the chart (located in the Narthex) and if the flowers will be in memory or honor of a special day. The arrangements run approximately $40.
Charter Way Florist 5620 N. Pershing Ave 956-9087
Treasurer’s Report - Carol Bedell October Financial Report
Opera ng Fund: Income Expense Net
October $55,149 $54,989 $ 160
YTD $601,423 $575,048 $ 26,375
% of Annual Budget 75% 72%
We finished October in the black by $160 and year to date by $26,375. At 83% of the year we’ve received 75% of expected income and expended 72% of an cipated expenses. In October, the Capital Campaign received $27,162 and expended $39,561, leaving a balance of $523,802. The Personnel/Budget/Stewardship Commission is preparing the 2019 budget for Session. As you look at 2019, please con nue your generous commitment to LPC.
5:00 pm and 7:00pm
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Life @ Lincoln
Adult Ministries Sunday Mornings
Verhines.
Wednesday Evenings
7:25am: “First Peter” Join us in the Fireside Room at 7:25 am, and gain a fresh perspecve on how to live a triumphant life. Bring your Bible. Light breakfast served, led by Carol Bedell and Patrice
10:20am: “Exodus” with Pastor Al Van Selow and Lavon, in the Fireside Room.
6:00 pm: A con nuing book by book journey through the Bible. Led by Ed and Denise Miller, Fireside Room.
10:30am: “The Book of John” with Tony Evans. Led by Lise Karnes in Pastor Jon’s office.
Building Update The work of building the Acvity Building has begun. Reten on pond and a proper base for the cement founda-
on is almost complete. Trenching has begun to put underground u li es, plumbing, fire hydrant connec on
and other preliminary items. We want the rain, but so far so good with forward progress. Keep the project in PRAYER!
Deacon Message “Behold the virgin shall be with child and shall bear a son and they shall call his name Immanuel which translated means ‘God with us.’” Ma hew 1:23 This month we celebrate the birth of our Messiah and the fulfillment of God’s prophecy. This year we can be grateful
for the new members who have also claimed His promises. One of the many benefits of becoming a member of LPC is having a deacon who checks in with you monthly, prays for you and may a end to other needs as they may arise. Each deacon has a “cluster” which consists of about 12-15 fami-
lies with whom they are in regular contact via phone call, email, text or in person. Do let your deacon know if you have any special needs.
Vaughn Pipes 3400 Wagner Heights Rd #317 95209
[email protected]
Barbara Sexton 3400 Wagner Heights Rd #140 95209
All of the deacons wish you a holiday season filled with delight and wonder at the commemora on of Christ’s birth.
Directory Updates Summer Verhines 7525 Malva Rosa Wy Sacramento 95829
December Birthdays 1
Sara Blicharz John Kluve 2 Pa y Roek 3 Wendy Bell Amanda Stogner 4 Cori Reynolds 7 Jen Gu errez Amy Kirkland Dorothy Wilkins 9 Leonard Tacla 11 Richie Senegor 12 Susan Blythe 13 Lauren Knapp Julie Senegor
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14 Lori DeMercurio Cynie Downs Holly Meyers Gela Wachholz-Yee 16 Rachel Peña Joyce Korock 18 Sue Groenewegen Gabe Laguna Sco McGregor 19 Barbara Morefield Alyson White 21 Sandy Parker 22 Carroll Johnston 23 Karen Gan 25 Ron Allen
26 Irma St. John John Montalvo 27 Jed Asis Tyler Graham 28 Heidi Fedor Chad Brown 29 Joy Greenlee Bill Wagner 30 Ben George Pat Winterberg Bob Yamaguchi 31 Ray Johnson Loren Tacla Chris Balgemann
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WORSHIP ASSISTANTS - 9:00 am Service
WORSHIP ASSISTANTS - 10:45 am Service
December 2 Greeters: Pa y Roek Ushers: Maria Montalvo, Be y Crecelius, Charito Lopez, Jane Carson, Lori DeMercurio Video Tech: Ron Korock Security: Mark Gan
December 2 Greeters: Bill & Merrilee Chapman Ushers: Dave & Sharon Olney, Drew & Holly Meyers, Jim & Ingrid Best Security: Stan Kaneko
December 9 Greeters: Ro & Tambi Loyd Ushers: Barbara George, Ron & Joyce Korock, Craig Po er Security: Jim Duncan
December 9 Greeters: Patrick & Heidi Fedor, Keith Evans Ushers: Tom & Janet Beck, Bill & Carroll Johnston Video Tech: Billy Heinrich Security: Bill Bambas
December 16 Greeters: Sandy Harmon, Jennifer Gu errez Ushers: Dave Hungerford, Leroy Alford, Frank Beasley, David Baldwin Security: Bruce Parker
December 16 Ushers: Dave & Sharon Olney, Jim & Ingrid Best Security: Bob Yamaguchi
December 23 Greeters: Carole Meehan Ushers: John & Carol Sharpe, Do e Edaburn, Lavon Van Selow Security: Billy Heinrich
December 23 Ushers: George & Vicky Alavazo, Dave & Sara Blicharz Security: Jim Wilcox
December 30 Greeters: Dave Hungerford Ushers: Gabe Laguna, Prilla McGregor, Lori DeMercurio, Maria Montalvo Security: John Sharpe
December 30 Greeters: Brant & Sandra Fe ers Ushers: Tom & Janet Beck, Bill & Carroll Johnston Security: Gabe Laguna
To our Volunteers!
Flowers If you have signed up for flowers, you will need to call the florist on Monday to place your order using a debit or credit card, or you may go to the florist to pay by cash or check.
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Pew Supply Charter Way Florist 5620 N. Pershing Ave 956-9087 December Flowers 2 Charito Lopez 18 Poinse as 30 Cynthia Alford
December 5 12 Lisa Richers 19 Ila King 26 Barbara George Thanks to the Assembly Crew of the December Life @ Lincoln!
Life @ Lincoln
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat 1
2
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Communion 7:30 am Adult Ed 9:00 am Worship 10:30 am Adult Ed 10:45 am Worship 12 pm Hanging of the Greens 6pm Sr. High
9:30 am Re red Guys’
4:30-JH Guys Study Group 5:30 pm Young Women’s LIFE Group 6:30 pm Hula for Health
12:00 pm Quil ng 1:30 pm Staff Mee ng 5:30pm Music Rehearsal 6:30 pm Men’s Group 6:30 pm Outreach Mtg 7:00 pm Commission Mtgs.
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12:00 pm Staff Lunch 12:00 pm Quil ng 1:30 pm Staff Mtg.
9:30 am Re red Guys’
7:30 am Adult Ed 9:00 am Worship CONGREGATIONAL MEETING 10:30 am Adult Ed 10:45 am Worship 6pm Sr. High
16 7:30 am Adult Ed 9:00 am Worship 10:30 am Adult Ed 10:45 am Worship Sr High Volunteers Christmas Party
4:30-JH Guys Study Group 5:30 pm Young Women’s LIFE Group 6:30 pm Hula for Health
17 4:30-JH Guys Study Group 5:30 pm Young Women’s LIFE Group 6:30 pm Hula for Health
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7:30 am Adult Ed 9:00 am Worship 10:30 am Adult Ed 10:45 am Worship
5pm & 7pm Candlelight Services
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7:30 am Adult Ed 9:00 am Worship 10:30 am Adult Ed 10:45 am Worship
6:30 pm Hula for Health
5:30pm Music Rehearsal 6:00 pm P/B/S 6:30 pm Men’s Group
5:45 pm Jr. High 6 pm: Awana Bible Study
5:45 pm Jr. High 6 pm: Awana-last Bible Study
6:30 pm Bethel Series (Fireside) 7:30pm Mainspring (Young Adult)
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8 11:45am & 5 pm “I Believe” Christmas Play
6:30 pm Chris anity and the Movies
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6:30 pm Bethel Series (Fireside) 7:30pm Mainspring (Young Adult) L@L Deadline
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12 pm Quil ng 1:30 pm Staff Mtg. 5:30pm Music Rehearsal 6:30 pm Men’s Group 7:00 pm Joint Session/ Deacon Mtg
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Christmas Day
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5:45 pm Jr High Volunteers Christmas Party 6 pm: Bible Study
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6:30 pm Bethel Series (Fireside) 7:30pm Mainspring (Young Adult)
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6 pm: Bible Study 6:30 pm Bethel Series (Fireside) 7:30pm Mainspring (Young Adult)
Removing the Greens
Life @ Lincoln
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Lincoln Presbyterian Church 900 Douglas Road Stockton, California 95207
Address Service Requested
We’re on the Web at: www.lincolnpres.org
December 2018
LIFE @ LINCOLN DEADLINE December 15
Office Hours: Monday - Friday 8:30 -12 noon & 1:00 - 4:30 p.m.
Weekly Schedule
Sermon Titles
Sunday 7:25am - Adult Sunday School 9:00am - Worship & Children’s Sunday School 10:20am - Adult Sunday School 10:45am - Worship & Children’s Sunday School 6:00pm - Sr. High Group
December 2 - “Hope” - Isaiah 40:31 - Pastor Jon Hathorn
Wednesday 5:45pm - Jr. High Group 6:00pm - Adult Bible Study Awana
December 9 - “Bethlehem Faith” - Pastor Bob Mitchell December 16 - “Shepherd’s Joy” - Pastor Bob Mitchell December 23 - “Angelic Peace” - Pastor Bob Mitchell December 24 - "What Kind of Community?” Pastor Bob Mitchell
Thursday 7:30pm - Mainspring Young Adult Group
December 30—Pastor Jon Hathorn
Lincoln’s Mission: To know and love God, to know and love people, and bring the two together through Jesus Christ.
