Pep 55+

PEP – People Encouraging People

By Pastor Bill Gaube

Our son loves his swimming pool, especially this summer when his city, Mesa, Arizona was the hottest place in the nation. The clear blue water is refreshing. Yet when he moved in, the pool was an uninviting murky green color. He found out that he needed a new filter system.

Sometimes when our lives and thinking get murky, we need new filters. Here are two that will help no matter what age we are.

Filter 1: PRAYER Philippians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

The key is to let go of our concerns and present them to God. And don’t forget to season with thanksgiving. This forces us to remember God’s faithfulness and all he has done for us. Lord, help us remember, if it is big enough to make us anxious, it is big enough to pray about.

Filter 2: SCRIPTURE Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things.

Where do you let your mind dwell? Would the filter of this verse catch those thoughts or let them through? My problem is I don’t stop and realize where I’m letting my thoughts dwell. Lord, help us “bring every thought” under the control of your word.

So when your life is getting murky and stagnant, check that the filters of Prayer and God’s Word are in place.

PEP CLUB ACTIVITIES FOR SEPTEMBER

Breakfast Club every Thursday at 10:00 AM

The every Thursday format gives opportunity for more to be involved. We meet at the Waffle Shop on the corner Zinfandel and Folsom Blvd. Order what you like and enjoy the fellowship. We’d love to have all those 55+ join us.

Sunday, September 12 at 2:OO PM, “Room Service”

This is a classic screwball comedy presented by Chatauqa Playhouse. We have always enjoyed their presentations given in a small intimate theatre. They are in their 34th year of giving quality productions. Tickets are $16 for seniors. Pastor Bill has purchased 15 tickets and if you’d like one, give your money to him or Reva Bryson.

Sunday, September 26 Chicken BBQ by Bob Robbins

We’ll have a potluck for side dishes and dessert to complete the dinner. These are always very popular dinners and you will not want to miss the wonderful food and great chance for fellowship. Bobbie and Bob Robbins are hosting us.

By Pastor Bill Gaube

Ever heard the old saying “Patience is a virtue desired by many but possessed by few”? Well, I’ve been discovering its truth as I attempt to help my wife during her hip surgery recovery. Patience is tried by:

• schedule changes, (well, change in general)
• by waiting helplessly
• by challenging red tape
• by the lack of communication within organizations
• personalities, even of the ones you love

Love is an all encompassing word and sometimes kind of fuzzy. Paul gives a description in I Corinthians 13:4-6 of what love looks like. Guess what; the first thing he says is that “love is patient!” Nothing fuzzy about that. I can hear some of you repeating the scripture “tribulation worketh patience.” True, but it also says in Galations 5:20 that patience is one of the fruits of the spirit.

I’ve been learning to put these together. Dealing with problems is like cultivating a fruit tree. Yet in the end fruit comes from a tree’s inner process in a most natural and beautiful way. As I’m buried in endless little disturbances, I need to:

• confess to God that I can’t handle them
• acknowledge that any fruit of patience comes from His supernatural work
• relax and accept from Him as he gives.

A paraphrase of Theologian Helmut Thelicke puts it well: To not become a miserable creature in old age, learn the quiet, confident joy in Him who carries out His purposes, in Him who makes the trees grow…

God is faithful! Certainly that is the testimony of Elise and me. We still don’t know how God is going to “work all this together for His good,” but we are discovering that His spirit works in us in mysterious ways to produce His patience in our lives.

PEP CLUB ACTIVITIES FOR AUGUST

BREAKFAST CLUB, every Thursday at 10:00 AM

The every Thursday format gives opportunity for more to be involved. We meet at the Waffle Shop, corner Zinfandel and Folsom Blvd. Order what you like and enjoy the fellowship. We’d love to have all those 55+ join us.

SUNDAY, August 1, 2:OO PM, we’re going to see “CRAZY FOR YOU” by Geore & Ira Gershwin at the Jill Solberg Performing Arts Theater at Folsom High School. Call Reva at 635-4748 to see if any tickets are available.

SUNDAY, August 22 we will be going to eat together after the second service. We are going to Cattlemens Restaurant, 12409 Folsom Blvd., Rancho Cordova, CA. Rusty Bloomquist is our host.

PEP – People Encouraging People

By Pastor Bill Gaube

We couldn’t believe it – an announcement for a nephew’s son’s High School graduation! But the last time we saw him he was just a kid. Where has the time gone? This reminded me of the old saying “Life is what happens while you’re waiting for something else.” These prayers came to me:

• LORD HELP ME EXPERIENCE TODAY – Put yesterday under the blood and tomorrow in God’s hands.
• HELP ME ACCEPT THAT CHANGE HAPPENS – Some enjoyable, some seemingly hurtful. Eden garden’s conflict between sin and grace still rages today.
• LORD HELP ME FOCUS ON YOU TODAY – Our concern must be to live the life God called us to live. Ephesians 2:10  “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

Let us stop waiting till we can change ourselves. Theologian Michael Horton puts it well:  “Coming to the cross means repentance – not adding Jesus as a supporting character for an otherwise decent script, but throwing away the script in order to be written into God’s drama.” When that happens we don’t need to stress over twists of life’s plot, but remember the glorious ending God is writing for us.

PEP 55+ CLUB ACTIVITIES FOR JULY

• EVERY THURSDAY AT 10:00 AM  BREAKFAST CLUB

The every Thursday format gives opportunity for more to be involved. We meet at the Waffle Shop near the corner of Zinfandel and Folsom Blvd. Order what you like and enjoy the fellowship. We’d love to have all those 55+ join us.

• FRIDAY, July 2  ALL CHURCH FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION

We will join the rest of the church family on the lawn behind the house next to the church. Women’s Ministry will be offering dinner. Read all the great details earlier in this newsletter.

• SUNDAY, July 25  We’re going out to eat

After the second service, we are going to HomeTown Buffet, 7028 Sunrise Boulevard, Citrus Heights. We can carpool. Come for the great fellowship.

“I will turn their mourning into gladness; I will give them comfort and joy instead of sorrow.”

Jeremiah 31:13

Where there is a need, we should fill it. In keeping with this, we are starting a Share and Care Group for widows and widowers. The group will meet in homes on the first and third Fridays of the month, beginning August, 2010, from 6:30 to 8:00 pm. The gathering will consist of prayer and prayer concerns,discussion and sharing. For more information, you may call Sandy Christiansen at 852-6288 or email your questions/concerns to CNCShare2Care@gmail.net. All widowed persons who have not remarried are invited and encouraged to attend.

• August 6 we will meet at 2405 Glenfaire Drive, Rancho Cordova
• August 20 we will meet at 2540 El Cedro Ct., Rancho Cordova

All those 55+ are invited to join us for the following events.

• SATURDAY JUNE 19

We will go to the CALIFORNIA AUTOMOBILE MUSEUM in Sacramento. Travel down memory land as we view a great collection of restored cars. The cost is only $5 and we hope to be able to get our own tour guide. Meet at Church by 10:00 AM to carpool. If you have any questions, contact Myrna D’Angelo at 362-5533.

• SUNDAY, JUNE 27

We will go OUT TO EAT together after the Second Service. More details coming soon. Come and enjoy a great time together.

• EVERY THURSDAY AT 10:00 AM

BREAKFAST CLUB

The every Thursday format gives opportunity for more to be involved. We meet at the Waffle Shop near the corner of Zinfandel and Folsom Blvd. Order what you like and enjoy the fellowship. We’d love to have all those 55+ join us.

By Pastor Bill Gaube

Which is easier for you: to list your problems or your blessings? A few weeks ago someone asked how I was. I answered that I was exhausted after a week’s vacation.

What’s with that? We met old friends we haven’t seen for 50 years, bonded with family in new ways, saw magnificent scenery and received some very needed advice from an old friend. So I can only talk about a couple of days of tiredness??

The Lord has been challenging me for some time about my lack of praise. Today I interacted with a friend on Facebook on this subject. I mentioned my need to sing that old hymn “Count Your Blessings.’

Some of you will remember it: “Count your blessings name them one by one and it will surprise you what the Lord has done.” It tells how counting our blessings brings relief when we are discouraged, doubtful about things, or questioning our financial stability. Yes, as I learn to count my blessings, I am surprised what the Lord has done!

So set a goal to daily count your blessings. It will bring fresh perspective on your lot in life. As the hymn says we will find “help and comfort to our journey’s end.”

By Pastor Bill Gaube, PEP – People Encouraging People

Have feelings:

• ever got you down?
• fogged your mind so you can’t see situations clearly?
• screwed up your reactions?
• caused grieving about the past?

Welcome to our club! One of our star members is the Prophet Elijah. God did spectacular miracles through him and caused a national revival. What was Elijah’s reaction? He let feelings blind him. He reacted poorly to people and his situation and ran away. Feeling deserted he ended up wishing for death.

Then twice God asked the question: “What are you doing here?” That’s a good question to ask ourselves. Are we joining Elijah in his pity party? Mourning things we have no control over – that are best left for God to forgive and work out? Not seeing all the facts – Elijah thought he alone followed God, but 7,000 more still did?

Please note God’s patient, loving and yet firm way of helping Elijah. Didn’t speak to Elijah in the wrath and lightning of the storm, nor sweep him away in the mighty wind. Rather God spoke in a quiet, gentle, understanding and persuasive way. He told Elijah to eat and rest. Then God gave him a new understanding of God and a new commission.

So what are we doing here? The Apostle Paul said he forgot those things that were behind and pressed on. Celebrate that God has a new commission for the present and a shining future for us. Don’t get side tracked by the fact it is different than the past. Thank God for the good in the past and leave the rest under His sovereign grace.

Feeling down? Hear God asking, “What are you doing here.” Quietly and patiently let Him give you a new understanding of Himself and a new commission. Then follow it!

PEP CLUB ACTIVITIES FOR MAY

BREAKFAST CLUB, 10:00 AM; EVERY THURSDAY

• The every Thursday format gives greater opportunity for more to be involved.  We meet at the Waffle Shop, corner Zinfandel & Folsom Blvd.  Order what you like and enjoy the fellowship.  We’d love to have all those 55+ join us.

By Pastor Bill Gaube

Are you ever discouraged by life’s problems? The truth and light of Easter have hope for you! There is a sermon by an old black pastor that brings this home. To sum up what he’s saying about Good Friday’s gloom and Easter’s light, he uses the phrase “Friday is here, but Sunday is coming.”  Here are some of my thoughts:

• Friday’s gloom of financial issues is here – but look up to Sunday’s light when God meets your needs.
• Friday’s struggle with various family problems is here – but remember this will pass because Sunday’s coming.
• Friday makes death look like the end – but Easter Sunday shattered that lie.
• Friday’s depression drains all color from life – but Sunday’s bright colors are coming.
• Friday’s bad health drags us down – but Sunday’s hope of healing and strengthening is coming.

To be honest with you, I forget this truth too often. Last month I was bound by a whole series of problems. As I was reading the Bible and praying, the Lord planted this thought in my mind: “Celebrate the dependability of God. Reject the undependability of this world.”

Determine to make Easter more than a nice holiday for you this year. Ask God to show you that Friday’s problems were not lasting, but Easter’s gains are!

PEP CLUB ACTIVITIES FOR APRIL

BREAKFAST CLUB, 10:00 AM, EVERY THURSDAY The every Thursday format gives greater opportunity for more to be involved. We meet at the Waffle Shop, corner Zinfandel and Folsom Blvd. Order what you like and enjoy the fellowship. We’d love to have all those 55+ join us.

SATURDAY, APRIL 10 TRIP TO DAFFODIL HILL outside of Sutter Creek.  Over the years, 300,000 bulbs have been planted, resulting in hillsides of beauty.  We will carpool.  Bring a sack lunch and we will picnic together, probably on their picnic grounds.  Rusty Bloomquist is leading this event and more details will follow.

SUNDAY, APRIL 25, WE’RE GOING OUT TO EAT TOGETHER We will be getting together at Sunny Lee’s on Zinfandel behind the Waffle Shop. Come and join in the fun and fellowship. Jean Clowes will be our hostess.

By Pastor Bill Gaube

Ever question why the Lord allowed something to happen? Maybe it caused pain. Maybe it removed something you felt was very important. Maybe it left you feeling barren and hopeless.

Looking at my yard made me think about this. Last Summer I was totally frustrated how my roses had grown out of control. My neighbor enjoyed them but we couldn’t see them very well. So this year they were severely pruned back. Now they look like sticks popping out of the ground.

What would they say if they could talk? Ouch! But I need that branch? How can I go on like this? What are you doing, don’t you care about us? But that is the point; I do care about them. I want them to grow in the most productive way and not sap strength from more important parts of the bush.

In John 15:1-2, Jesus pictures God as the gardener and says: “He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.” It is just as hard to accept those “sticks” in my yard now, as it is to accept my life as God prunes me.

How vital it is that we see that God’s plans for us are good and not evil. That is why Jesus prayed, “Your will be done.” I’m looking forward to enjoying the beautful roses this Spring. We can look forward to some beautiful results in our lives because of the pruning God is doing now.

PEP CLUB ACTIVITIES FOR MARCH

• BREAKFAST CLUB, 10:00 AM; EVERY THURSDAY

The every Thursday format gives greater opportunity for more to be involved. We meet at the Waffle Shop, corner Zinfandel & Folsom Blvd. Order what you like and enjoy the fellowship. We’d love to have all those 55+ join us.

• SUNDAY, MARCH 21 GOING OUT TO EAT TOGETHER

We will meet at the Sizzler on Madison after the second service. We can carpool if you’d like. Come for a great time! Our host is Bob Robbins.

Keep your eye open for other upcoming PEP events!

By Pastor Bill Gaube

Learning to communicate never ends. Recently my wife and I had an energetic “discussion” at a check stand. I said to the puzzled clerk, “Sorry, we are still learning to communicate – we only have been married 53 years.” It was not a flippant remark, just a recognition that you have to keep working at communication.

What is the recipe for good communication? I once read: “Let your words be seasoned with love.” I Corinthians 13:4-7 shows us some basic seasonings that go into love. Here are a few:

SEASON YOUR COMMUNICATION WITH PATIENCE. We seldom get the message the first time. So react with patience – not a quick retort. One definition of patience is the capacity to not retaliate. Be willing to hear someone out and to wait till they understand you.

SEASON YOUR COMMUNICATION WITH KINDNESS. Respond in kindness to irritating and stubborn people – try not to be that way yourself. Kindness is shown physically as much as in words. Just think how your tone and facial expressions can change this statement, “Oh, its you – what do you want?”

SEASON YOUR COMMUNICATION WITH HUMILITY. Respect the other person. Try to see the situation as they do. Remember communication isn’t winning an argument, but trying to understand what each other has said.

SEASON YOUR COMMUNICATION WITH WORK. Communication is work! That is why scripture says never give up. Ask the Lord’s help – after all Jesus was and is the only one who can work this recipe. Keep a positive attitude by using large portions of faith and hope.

PEP CLUB ACTIVITIES FOR FEBRUARY

SPECIAL BREAKFAST CLUB, 10:00 AM; THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 11

Bob and Brenda Boston, Christian and Missionary Alliance workers in Paraquay will be with us. They will share from their rich experience about God’s working in this blossoming part of the world. You will have the opportunity to ask questions and interact with them. Regular PEP breakfasts continue on the other Thursdays of February. We meet at the Waffle Shop, corner Zinfandel and Folsom Blvd. Order what you like and enjoy the fellowship. We’d love to have all those 55+ join us.

POT LUCK DINNER, SUNDAY, FEB 28 after the 11:00 service in Rudat Hall

To honor George Washington’s birthday, we will have a patriotic theme. Bring a dish to share with others. These are popular times we can get to know each other better and enjoy good food. If you have any questions, contact Pastor Bill.

PLEASE NOTE:  THERE WILL BE NO OTHER FEBRUARY OUTING SINCE WE WOULD LIKE AS MANY AS POSSIBLE TO COME TO THE MISSIONS BREAKFAST.

By Pastor Bill Gaube

Happy New Year can have a hollow sound to it. How can we be happy with all the financial and political situations, health and family problems? Reminds me of a sign in an office: “If you can be calm around here, you must not understand our situation.”

The question really is, what do we mean by “happy?” If we mean absence of problems, blind optimism or feelings, then Happy New Year is a cynical greeting. But what does the Bible have to say about happiness? Plenty! For our thoughts, let’s look at Psalms 144:15B: “Happy indeed are those whose God is the LORD.”

The Psalm starts by describing the LORD as our rock, strength, loving, fortress, deliverer, shield and refuge. Then in light of all God wants to be to us he exclaims in verse 3, “O LORD, what are mortals that you should notice us, mere humans that you should care for us?”

The Psalmist’s mind is boggled that God would take interest in errant, rebellious and temporary humans. Yet isn’t that what the Gospel is all about? God’s grace – unmerited favor – gives us forgiveness and life in Jesus Christ. I pray that you by faith have confessed your sins and taken Christ’s forgiveness.

If we have, then Happy New Year is a statement of fact. Happy that God is stable and will be loving toward us and triumphant in the end. Happy not because our problems will melt away – let’s face it experience shows us when they do, new ones arise. No, happy because we are confident that Jesus will never leave us or forsake us.

So, with that definition of happy, I wish each and every one of you a HAPPY NEW YEAR!

PEP Activities for January

• Breakfast Club – every Thursday at 10:00 a.m. The every Thursday format gives opportunity for more to be involved. We meet at the Waffle Shop at the corner of Zinfandel and Folsom Blvd. Order what you like and enjoy the fellowship. We’d love to have all those 55+ join us.

• January 24, after second service we will be going out to eat at Chili’s on Zinfandel. You can order off menu. Come for a good time and get to know others better. The David and Jeanne Wright will be our hosts.

First person drama featuring Pastor Mike & MaryJo Towns
Adapted, Mary’s First Christmas,
a book written by Walter Wangerin & illustrated by Timothy Ladwig
(the illustration in this ad is by Timothy Ladwig from the book)

Sunday, December 13 at 5:00 PM

Fabulous dinner featuring roasted turkey & ham and all the trimmings, plus delicious desserts…

We want to make this an outreach event, so start thinking of friends you can bring with you for this great evening.

WE WILL ENJOY THE MINISTRY OF OUR OWN ROB & MARY-JO TOWNS. When they were with us a couple of years ago, they were a joy and blessing. They will present a varied program of Christmas music. Their musical ability, sense of humor and warm hearts insure we will have a wonderful evening. There will also be a Christmas Carol Sing-Along.

ALSO BRING A SMALL GIFT for a child in our Big Kids Club child care center. Their ages range from 5 to 13 years of age. Many are from low-income families and would be blessed by your thoughtfulness. Please not wrap your gift so the staff can decide which gift is appropriate for which child.

Don’t miss the encouragement of great fellowship, food and fun.

IF YOU NEED A RIDE, LET PASTOR BILL OR REVA KNOW

LOCATION: Club House of Mobil Country Park at end of Zinfandel

PARKING: Just before the entrance to the park, turn right into “In and Out Burger,” then park on left in front of the office buildings. Walk to the Security Entrance and the entrance to the clubhouse will be right ahead of you.

by Pastor Bill

Christmas reveals a God whom we can’t understand and yet is so approachable. What is more disarming than a little baby? Yet that baby was a uniquely perfect blending of God and human flesh. Frankly, my inability to fully grasp all this has bothered me, even challenged my faith. The more I discover about God, the more I see I need to learn.

Take Psalm 90 for instance. It portrays a God we live in, who is without end or beginning. He created the earth and natural cycles in all of nature. Yet they do not limit Him. He has infinite knowledge of everything and everyone. He has awesome power, fierce justice and complete purity. Yet God wants to satisfy us each day with unfailing love, give us a song of joy and purpose in life.

How can we wrap our hearts and minds around this majestic God? We can’t, on our own. That is why verses 11 and 12 tell us to submit to Him and to humbly accept His evaluation of life and us. Ask Him to teach you each day and accept His wisdom.

We find a wonderful example of this in Mary, Mother of Jesus. She followed God and yet was dumbfounded when His angel presented her with an impossible situation. Her cry echoes our response to a measureless God: “How can this be?” After more mind-boggling information, she submits and accepts God’s evaluation of her situation: “May it be unto me as you have said.”

Understand this; we do submit to someone’s understanding of us. It might be society’s, philosophy’s, or the God of the Bible’s. We are making these choices whether we realize it or not. Elijah, standing between an altar to an idol and one to God, challenged the people, “How long will you halt between two opinions?”

At Jesus birth, the angels sang of peace. Jesus said He gives us peace, “but not as the world gives.” The Apostle Paul prayed we find a peace that “passes all understanding.” That’s it friends! At the manger we submit to the invitation of a powerful, loving God who passes all understanding. And if you think about it, if we really could understand Him, would he be God?

BREAKFAST CLUB meets every Thursday at 10:00 AM. The every Thursday format gives greater opportunity for more to be involved.  We meet at the Waffle Shop, corner Zinfandel Drive and  Folsom Blvd.  Order what you like and enjoy the fellowship.  We’d love to have all those 55+ join us.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19, we will have a picnic. Bob and Lenore Clark have invited us to their home in Shingle Springs for the picnic.  Their lovely park-like yard in the foothills provides a wonderful setting for this event. No barbeque this year.  Please bring any kind of picnic food you’d like and we will share together.  This is always one of our highlight events of the year and we’d love anyone over 55 to join us.  We will meet at the Church at noon to carpool. (We have maps.)  For more information, call Reva Bryson, 635-4748.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 25, we’ll have a potluck after the 11:00 Service.  There will be an Octoberfest Theme.  Stay tuned for more information.  Angeta White is our hostess.

I’m Pastor Bill Gaube.  My wife, Elise and I served the Lord 47 years in full time ministry.  Now, in semiretirement, we are excited Pastor Mike has asked us to assist him in working with adults 55 Plus.

You will find CNC is an intergenerational church family.  Regardless of age we are pursing faithfulness to God together.  We encourage those 55 Plus to live their lives with biblical purpose and passion for Jesus Christ.

CNC has a core of dedicated, joyful adults 55 Plus. They are active in almost every area of our Church’s ministry and leadership. We believe there is no age limit in the command to do all for the glory of God!”

We also believe those 55 Plus should have fun together.  To that end together we go to concerts and plays, have picnics and visit interesting sites in our area.  We have themed Potluck and sometimes we go out to a restaurant together.

If you are 55 Plus, I would invite you to join with us.  Our name, “People Encouraging People,” says it all. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me at 635-5992, extension 17.