Grapevine

“Follow me.” Jesus. Lots of times.

Whether you’re reading Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John, these two words are Jesus’ most common invitation. He spoke them many times to lots of different kinds of people. These same two words comprise the beginning, middle and end of our lives as believers. Every single one of us is called to follow Christ, to live as he lived and love as he loved. Here’s what that looked like: He fed the hungry. He healed the sick. He welcomed the stranger and the outcast. He forgave sinners and returned them to a community of love. Most of the time, we keep our promise to follow Jesus in simple, quiet ways. Sometimes, we’re called to do something big. Big or small, following Jesus is supposed to be the air we breathe, a part of every day of our lives. We follow Jesus in the ways we interact with family members and friends, in how we spend our money and in how we show love to neighbors, strangers, even enemies. If our faith is to have integrity, then our proclamation of trust in Jesus must be backed up by ordinary but self-giving acts of grace, justice, and compassion. The church community exists to equip us for that faithful living. In worship and bible studies, we explore the scriptures to learn more about what following Jesus requires of us. Church also provides us with opportunities to put our faith into action. As you’ll see in the pages that follow, YLPC is celebrating Mission this month. Take advantage of these opportunities to get to know more about what our mission partners do and how you can be a part of it. Your session has been going through a season of study and prayer to discern God’s will for YLPC as we emerge from the pandemic. They have committed to exploring ways we can live out our faith and serve our neighbors. One option is to partner with organizations who work to provide housing to vulnerable people, including but not limited to Habitat for Humanity and HIS OC. We are just starting to discuss some of these options and will bring information to you; nothing will be decided without the congregation’s input. We are excited about

the opportunity to follow Jesus. We would love to hear your thoughts and aspirations for our church as we move forward.

With you in ministry, Lynn.

November 2021

Worship God. Equip Disciples. Love and Serve the World.

IN THIS ISSUE

THIS MONTH

MISSION

ADVENT

FINANCIAL

REPORT &

SESSION NOTES

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This Month at YLPC

Upcoming Meetings:

Sundays @ 9:30 a.m. Worship Service Sundays @ 10:30 a.m. Youth Group Tuesdays @ 5:00 p.m. Teen Outdoor Yoga (not meeting 11/22) Wednesdays @ 10:00 a.m. Chair Yoga (not meeting 11/23) Thursdays @ 9:30 a.m. TLC Bible study (not meeting 11/25) Thursdays @ 6:15 p.m. Gloria Ringers Thursdays @ 7:30 p.m. Chancel Choir Saturday, November 6 & 20 @ 8:00 a.m. Men’s Group at Polly’s Pies Wednesday, November 3 @ 9:00 a.m. Blessed Connections by Zoom Wednesday, November 3 @ 6:00 p.m. Deacons’ Meeting Wednesday, November 3 @ 7:00 p.m. Worship Committee Sunday, November 6 @ 5:00 p.m. Youth Scavenger Hunt Sunday, November 7 Daylight Saving Time Ends Sunday, November 7 @ 10:30 a.m. Mission Lunch Monday, November 8 @ 4:00 p.m. Caregiver’s Meeting Tuesday, November 9 @ 9:30 a.m. Priscilla Circle Tuesday, November 9 @ 7:00 p.m. Esther Circle Wednesday, November 10 @ 9:30 a.m. Mission Committee Wednesday, November 10 @ 6:00 p.m. Stewardship Committee Sunday, November 14 Alternative Christmas Fair Sunday, November 14 @ 11:00 a.m. Single Ladies Brunch at Oceans and Earth Tuesday, November 16 @ 9:00 a.m. Lights of Los Ranchos by Zoom Tuesday, November 16 @ 7:00 p.m. Session Meeting November 22-26 YLPC Office Closed Monday, November 22 @ 7:00 p.m. Advent Discussion Group Sunday, November 28 @ 10:30 a.m. Making a Home for Christ

Advent Discussion Group By Jim Hickman

Jim Hickman will be leading a Bible Study on the passages Lynn will be preaching on for this season of Advent. It will meet Monday evenings at the church starting November 22 at 7:00 p.m. If you would like to consider the passages for the following Sunday's sermon, come and join in. The topics will center on the idea of "Home" and include seeking a home, the foundation of our homes, home as a safe place and a home for all. Everyone is welcome for this four-week group. If you have any questions, feel free to contact Jim at 951-808-2759 or JEHckmn@aol.com.

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Mission By Anne Sivley

Worship God Equip Disciples

Love and Serve the World

As our mission, we at Yorba Linda Presbyterian Church strive to do just this in many ways. November has been designated as Mission Month. Throughout the month some of our partnerships with local non profit organizations will be highlighted. Following is the month: Each Sunday you will be greeted by a member of the Mission Committee as you come to worship. November 7 - After worship, you are invited to the patio where the Mission Committee will serve a light lunch and during which Carrie Buck, CEO of HIS-OC, will give a presentation on their latest projects and ways in which we can assist them. November 14 - After worship we will have our Alternative Christmas Fair on the patio. You will have opportunities to purchase actual merchandise or items for a loved one in their name all to benefit people in need. See the article below for which ministries will be represented. November 21 - Habitat for Humanity Sunday – a representative from Habitat will speak about their latest projects and where we might have opportunities to serve. As we enter into November, let us give thanks for all our blessings and seek to discover new ways to: Love and Serve the World.

Alternative Christmas Fair By Betty Elsing

Join us November 14 for our annual Alternative Christmas Fair sponsored by the Mission Committee. Each year we bring you vendors both local and international whose mission is to serve people in need. Free Wheelchair Mission provides a free wheelchair to people of all ages and in many countries who can’t afford to purchase one themselves. Habitat for Humanity here in Orange County reaches out to working families who need affordable housing. Donating funds for building materials will help HFH build more homes in our Orange County communities. In addition, we will highlight several mission opportunities and every dollar you spend will go to support the mission of the nonprofit represented. There will be both merchandise as well as gift cards to offer to your family and friends as an alternative to gifts from big box stores and online shopping sites. The following organizations will be represented: Presbyterian Mission, World Vision, With Hope, Hands of Empowerment, Door of Faith, Habitat for Humanity, WISEPlace and Free Wheelchair Mission. The Giving Tree is another opportunity to make a special Christmas for a child in need from HIS OC. This year we will have many children of varying ages that would feel blessed by your gifts. Stop by and choose an ornament from the tree with a child’s name on it. Tamales. Three kinds of tamales will be sold – pork, chicken, and cheese. You can enjoy them on the patio or place an order with Cindy Hebein and take them home. All proceeds from the sale of tamales will go to support Door of Faith and WISEPlace.

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Making a Home for Christ By Kim Wisnia

Making a Home for Christ- Prepare yourself and your home for the Advent Christmas Season. Activities include making an Advent Wreath, journal making, a mission project, and hanging lights around our church campus. Sunday, November 28 10:30 -12:30 p.m.

Youth Group Scavenger Hunt This November, as we give thanks for all of our blessings, our youth group will be giving back to families in the local community, and you get to be a part of it! This year, we are partnering with HIS-OC to provide some of the things they need the most at this moment in time. Having these items help people get to work and take care of themselves and their families. We will be gathering things like bus passes, personal care items, and gift cards for food. We have been partnering with HIS-OC during the holidays for many years now, providing gifts for children who live in temporary housing. This activity will not only give our kids an opportunity to work as a team, but also to do God’s work in the community. If you would be willing to have us visit your home on the evening of November 6 between 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., please contact Michelle Almeida or the church office.

Christmas Concert 2021

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The YLPC office will be closed on November 22-26 for the Thanksgiving holiday.

Daylight Saving Time

YLPC Office Closed

Recruitment Corner

By Shane Hendrickson

The Facilities Committee continues to tackle projects around campus. The beautification day opened our eyes

to a few areas that could use some attention and we are happy to address them. One of those is having the

sanctuary chairs cleaned! Come mid-month, we hope that you will enjoy a fresh seat in worship.

Thank you all for your dedication to our campus and we are so thankful for our beautiful church home.

Please remember to turn your clocks back one hour on November 7.

Facilities Update

“You get out of it what you put into it.” These are wise words, and we’re giving you a chance to live by them. The Worship Committee coordinates volunteers to assist with our Sunday worship services. If you would like to serve as a liturgist or an usher, or to help prepare for communion, talk with Dave Nicholson or Roxanne Ford or contact the church office. There are also opportunities coming up to help decorate for the Christmas season.

Smile with Amazon and Share with YLPC! Did you know the simple act of shopping online can benefit YLPC? When you use Smile.Amazon.com Amazon will send 0.5% of every eligible purchase to YLPC. The prices are the same and if you have Amazon Prime, the shipping benefits are the same! It's super easy to use. Simply log on to Smile.Amazon.com and make a one-time designation of Yorba Linda Presbyterian Church as your charity of choice. Just make sure to use this special site every time you make a purchase. For Amazon app users you can change to Amazon Smile in the settings.

Amazon Smile

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September 2021 Financial Report

November

Birthdays

Nolan Almeida 11/2

Ryan Connally 11/3

John Riegel 11/5

Zachary Wildey 11/5

Robert King 11/10

William Goran 11/14

Mark Denney 11/16

Sukhee Jun 11/16

Ava El-Farra 11/17

Tom Hoban 11/20

Julie Micheli 11/20

Vince Francis 11/21

Karen Keating 11/23

JoD Apitz 11/24

Steve Rice 11/24

Jim Bowman 11/25

OPERATING FUND Summary Results: Through September, we expected to receive $249,596 and actually received $297,854. Also through September, we expected to spend $370,961 and actually spent $333,359. And reserved $39,865 for funds budgeted but not spent.

MORTGAGE REDUCTION FUND Through September, we have received contributions of $56,699 and paid $64,546 in principal. The current mortgage balance is $107,170.

• Membership remains at 191. Session approved moving the December meeting

from 12/21 to 12/14.

• Deacons are in the process of reviewing our membership and contacting people

we haven’t seen in a while.

• Lynn reported she will be on study leave the last week in October, however she

will be in worship on both Sundays. Jim Hickman will provide pastoral care, if

needed.

• An active, engaged discussion was held in regard to discerning God’s call to

address homelessness. The Session is in the early stages of seeing if this is a

possibility and if so, with whom we could partner. The congregation will be

included in future dialogues when more information is obtained, if it is decided to

move forward.

• Worship received Session approval for communion on 10/24 to conclude our

Stewardship series. Session also approved the recommendation that a collection

will be taken for memorial donations at Christmas rather than tying it to a

poinsettia plant purchase. Lastly, the Session approved the committee’s

well-researched recommendation to allow those who are vaccinated to consider

face coverings optional. Facial coverings will be required for all unvaccinated

people when meeting indoors on the YLPC campus. We honor those who

continue to choose to wear masks while on campus.

• Christian Ed received Session approval to take the youth for a Thanksgiving

scavenger hunt on Saturday, 11/6.

• Facilities are working on projects around our campus including the dry rot above

the MPR, a broken window, cleaning sanctuary chairs and an Eagle Scout project.

• Mission Committee shared that Mission month will begin in November starting

with a luncheon on 11/7. There will be an Alternative Christmas Fair on 11/14 .

Habitat for Humanity will speak briefly on 11/21.

• Stewardship presented September financials, which were approved by Session.

The Session also received the 2020 Financial Review and found everything to be in

order.

• Doug O’Neil agreed to fill a vacancy of one additional Presbytery commissioner.

Chris Hills - Clerk of Session

October Session Notes

Operating Mtg. Reduction Total

Cash Position $ 578,785 $ (6,479) $ 572,306

Less: Restricted Funds* $ 271,302 $ - $ 271,302

Unrestricted Funds 307,483$ (6,479)$ 301,004$

* Restricted funds are restricted to use for a specific purpose. These include designated gifts, program

reserves, payables, reserves for building maintenance, and reserves for unspent program budget.