Sunday Worship 9:30 and 11:00 am
Café Service 9:45 am outdoors on campus
www.pointlomachurch.org
2128 Chatsworth Blvd. San Diego, CA 92107
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Session Highlights .................. 2
Adult Ministry ......................... 3
Staff & Session Contacts ......... 11
April 14: Senior Concert and Lunch
April 14: What S.H.A.P.E. are you? April 15: VBS Registration
Opens
April 19 –29: Preschool Bool Fair
April 25: April Movie Club
Our Vision: Loving Everyone to LIFE with
Everything we Have. Our Mission: Through authentic community, we
seek to EXPERIENCE Jesus, JOURNEY into Deeper
Faith, STRENGTHEN the Church, and TRANSFORM our World.
Values: 1. We are a good home.
2. We are intergenerational. 3. We inspire engagement.
Follow us on Facebook for weekly updates:
www.facebook.com/PointLomaChurch
pointlomachurch.org
A note from Pastor Karla… I always said I would never sign my son
up for baseball because of the way it seems to take over a family's
life but, this season, when outdoor, socially distanced sports are
difficult to find, I find myself eating my words. I can't say
baseball is Soren's favorite sport, but he certainly enjoys being
on the field. I know this because he dances. Yep, you heard me
right, he may miss balls hit his direction, he sometimes has to
backtrack his steps, and overthrows to first base, but even with
that, I can tell it is fun for him because he does a little jig
in-between batters. He also leads chants, very loudly I might add,
for his teammates. He is having fun and that is all any parent
could hope for. Kids know how to be present in a way that we adults
have forgotten primarily because they are far less self-conscious
than most of us. As we age, though, we lose our capacity for fun.
We are taught life is about competition--it's about winning and
losing. Not being the "loser" becomes the sole purpose of the game.
This constant striving has left many of us tired, and worse, it has
left many of us shallow. We have given up parts of ourselves and
have forgotten that life is better when we root for one another. We
have forgotten what it feels like to dance in-between each play.
That is what I love about the post-Easter season, as we look
forward, we are reminded of our freedom. And this year, our freedom
feels even more real than past years, as we get to return to
worship, return to restaurants, have reunions with friends and
family, and travel again. We have been set free and it is not just
an ideal, it is a reality! I hope that if we have gained anything
this past year, we have gained the knowledge that freedom in Christ
has always been our reality and unexpected circumstances did
nothing to change that. So, as we enter deeper into Spring, do a
little dance with me, will you? Be undignified. Be free. Christ IS
risen, he is risen, indeed, Alleluia! Many blessings, Pastor
Karla
A Little Sprucing Up! Thank you to Kurt Walter and
friends for restoring the entrance
to our Sanctuary for the
reopening on April 11. It’s a good
thing, as some wood loving
critters have had their way with
our window sills.
CHURCH NEWS
The Elders of Session took some time at the beginning of the March
meeting to visit in small groups and consider Pastor Karla Shaw’s
question, “How is God working in your life?” Session reviewed and
approved the membership of several committees, while other
committee chairs continue to recruit additional members. The
committee titles and chairs are listed in the Spire, and church
members are encouraged to contact any committee chair to inquire
about serving. The Church Membership Review Working Group,
represented by Associate Pastor Alex Wirth, presented a list of 90
church members who have had no church activity for three years, and
for which the church office has no contact information. Session
approved Alex’s motion to delete these members. The Group is now in
the process of contacting another list of inactive members. Pastor
Karla presented the results of a recent survey asking church
members about their preferences in worship attendance as pandemic
restrictions are eased. Following in-depth discussion, the Session
prayed for God’s blessings on new plans and directions. John
Spafford Clerk
Session Highlights - March 24, 2021 Staffing Update—Welcome (Back)
Melissa! Welcome to a new way of doing life together and our new
Director of Online Ministry! At the end of 2020, our Session made
the bold move to commit to both continuing and growing our online
ministry post-pandemic. This decision, rooted in much prayer and
discernment, led to the formation of a working group aimed at
exploring what it would take to make that happen. The biggest
realization that came from the work of that group was the need to
hire a professional to help guide us in the process. Once that was
determined, and two large donors stepped forward as an initial
investment, a search ensued and, as God would have it, that search
led to us reuniting again with Melissa Mullins. If you recall,
Melissa served our church in the past as the Communications
Coordinator and Business Administrator before taking leave to care
for her ill father in the midwest. In many ways, Melissa's work in
her previous positions to move us to online platforms, streamline
our communications, and make all of our processes more efficient is
the reason we were able to pivot so quickly in this pandemic. Her
work was essential in our thriving during this time! And, now, she
is returning to us in this new role, which falls somewhere between
a director and a pastor, to help us reach even further into the
diversity of our world with the gospel of Jesus Christ. Melissa has
spent much of her career with Willow Creek Community Church, a
megachurch with multiple campuses in Chicago. At Willow Creek she
has held the roles of Creative Arts Pastor, Creative Director,
Communications Director, and Producer. She will now bring her
experiences to PLCPC to help us, not only remain online, but also
help all of our ministries with new hybrid models. Melissa returns
to San Diego and our church family, which she considers "home,"
with her husband, Mark and their one year old daughter, Evangeline.
Her official start date is in early May. The move of the Session to
commit to this new ministry is an act of faith that does not come
without major expenses. If you are able and feel called to
financially support our efforts to reach a broader world for
Christ, please reach out to our Director of Operations, Jolene
Wade, for more information on how you might do so. Praise be to God
for His constant provision!
Stewardship Update! As of March 31, we have received commitments
for 90%
of our Stewardship funding needs for 2021. Thank you for
your faithful support. With your commitment, we can
plan and deliver programs for children, youth, adults and
seniors in our community that enrich lives and connect
people to the love of Christ. We are also able to send
support to our mission partners near and far. Thank you
for being such an important part of fulfilling our mission.
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Sunday Scripture Group—Sundays at 10:45 am. Join us for The
Gospel Collection, the first word-for-word adaptation films of
the
gospels using the original narrative as the script with the
latest
theological, historical and archaeological research.
Contact: Bob Simoneau,
[email protected] for Zoom information
Monday Morning Men—Monday mornings from 7-8:30 am.
Virtual coffee via Zoom. Different guest speakers each week.
Contact: Evan Gratz,
[email protected]
Women’s Bible Study—Tuesday at 9:15 am. Pastor Karla is
leading
a study on the books of 1 and 2 Chronicles.
Contact: Clara Blenis,
[email protected]
MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers)— Tuesdays at 7 pm via Zoom.
Topics for this month: April 6 Protecting Your Kids from
Pornography and the Internet, April 13 Bible study: Mary and
Martha, April 20 Chase Joy: Embracing an Attitude of Joy, April
27
Book Club: The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V. E Schwab
Contact: Julia Roller,
[email protected] Continuing The
Conversation (CTC)—4th Tuesday at 7 pm. All are invited to join us
for an inter-faith discussion designed to promote a hate and
racism-free society through transformed hearts and minds. Contact:
Gordy Lutes,
[email protected]
Journeymen— Wednesdays at 7 am. All men are invited to join this
group of guys who chat about life and discuss relative topics all
while digging into what Scripture says about them. Contact: Evan
Gratz,
[email protected] Men@Work— Wednesdays at 8:30 am.
All men are welcome! At present we meet via ZOOM each Wednesday
morning at 8:30 for a time of camaraderie and Bible study under the
leadership of Em Cummins. Contact: Don Griffith, 619-432-2682 or
[email protected] Wednesday Men’s Bible Study at 5pm via
Zoom. Fellowship and study time. We continue meetings through Zoom
as we study the Book of Hebrews. All are welcome.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/6192231623 Contact: Jerry Heidt,
[email protected] Moms Small Group—1st & 3rd Thursdays at 6:45
pm. Led by Pastor Karla, we are studying the book of Isaiah.
Contact: Pastor Karla,
[email protected] Centering
Prayer—Thursdays weekly, via Zoom. Contact: Pastor Alex,
[email protected] Prayer Quilt Ministry— 1st Saturday,
9am-3pm, Family Life Center. Contact: Karen Vandenberg,
[email protected].
ADULT MINISTRY
The time has come! Senior Adult Ministry is re-opening for
selective outdoor senior events on campus. All activities will
adhere to proper safety guidelines. Upcoming events include:
Springtime Concert & Bag Lunch with Peter Seltser, Musician
Wednesday, April 14 | Sanctuary Plaza | Plaza Opens at 10:30am |
Concert Begins at 11:00am Join us for a lively musical performance
by guitarist and singer, Peter Seltser, who will play classic
sing-along tunes for your listening enjoyment. Light, packaged
lunch provided ($5 donation requested). Space is limited to 18
household pods - contact Elaine to reserve your spot by 4/9.
Note: Masks are required when not eating or drinking; shade
umbrellas and/or heat lamps will be provided. Please dress
according to the weather, you will be outside. Rain cancels this
event.
Gentle Exercise Class - UPDATE Good news, we are in conversation
with the Ryan Family YMCA to bring back exercise class in one of
our outdoor spaces! You will be updated as soon as details are
finalized.
Elaine Burrell, Director, MSW |
[email protected]
619-223-1633 x210
We had a lovely time at our first event since re-opening as we
celebrated
St. Patrick’s Day last month. The sun was shining, the lunch
was
delicious, the entertainment was great an the fellowship was
energizing.
It was wonderful for us to be together again.
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619-223-1633 x216
Junior High 6th grade Mondays 5:30-6:30 pm
Junior High 7th & 8th grade
Mondays 6:30-7:30 pm
BRICK THURSDAYS
For more information, email
[email protected]
Brick Mondays Meets on Campus on the Outdoor Turf!* Monday night
gathering for fun, faith and fellowship. Current teaching series
includes: 6th Grade 5:30—6:30 pm The Character of God (Examining
the characteristics of God)
7th-8th Grade 6:30— 7:30 pm Going After God’s Heart (A Study of
David) High School 7:30—9 pm Jesus is ______________. (Discuss what
and who this Man really was and is) Each week we begin with games,
followed by Bible study based on the above series, and wrap-up with
small group discussions. All youth are invited to join us! Brick
Youth Open Door On Wednesdays from 3-5 pm* All youth in grades 6-12
are invited to Open Door on Wednesdays from 3-5 pm, It’s a time to
simply hang out together in the Youth Center. There is no set
program or agenda, and kids can come and go as they please. Bring a
little money as we usually head over to the donut shop for some
goodies! * Masks must be worn and RO must have a current waiver on
file to attend.
Spring is in the air at the Red Brick Preschool! We are watching
caterpillars turn into beautiful butterflies this
month. The week of April 12 is the Week of the Young Child. We will
celebrate what it is to be a child. Our annual
art show is April 15 & 16 where we will be displaying the
children’s artwork in our courtyard. The preschool is
hosting a scholastic book fair the last two weeks of April. If you
want to purchase any books, they will be available
in the Family Life Center or online. For more information, please
contact the preschool office at 619-223-3327 or
[email protected].
Battle Axe Adventure!! We had 20+ junior high
and high school youth
attend our amazing outing
was a much needed time
of social interaction and
See page 6
619-223-1633 x215
Sunday Programs Join us every Sunday online at 9 am for the Red
Brick Kids Worship Service. Simply visit pointlomachurch.org and
click on the Worship graphic. Beginning April 11, Kids Café Worship
returns to campus during the 9 am Café Service and the 10:30
Sanctuary service. Children’s Ministry Blog Did you know that our
Red Brick Kids Worship service is posted on our website each week
in case you miss it on Sunday mornings? To watch it, visit our
website—pointlomachurch.org. Click on the ministries tab, then
scroll to Children and click on the Children’s Ministry Blog link
on the right side of the page.
Journey continues on Mondays 4-5:30 pm. Email Karen if your 4th or
5th grader is interested in joining the fun. Due to current
gathering restrictions, our group is limited to 14 kids.
Our MOPS (Mothers of
Preschoolers) group meets every
children school-age or younger who
would like to join a community of
other moms for encouragement and parenting
help. Please contact Julia Roller at
[email protected] for more information
or to learn how to join us. Our April meetings
include:
and the Internet
April 20 Chase Joy: Embracing an Attitude of Joy
April 27 Book Club:
by V. E Schwab
campus! Children,
10:30 AM - Sanctuary service (indoors)
Children's Ministry staff will meet children on the outdoor turf
area before
heading to classrooms. In order to serve your children better we
are asking that
you register them for the service time you plan to attend.
*Nursery care available for ages 6 mo - 3 yrs.
Please register on our website at
pointlomachurch.org/register.
VBS - June 28—July 2, 2-5 pm VBS registration for our afternoon
camp is about to open! This session is for 1st-5th graders. As
church and Children's Ministry program families we would like to
offer you the chance to register FIRST for our summer camp due to
the limited spots we have available. All you need to do for
PRIORITY REGISTRATION is email
[email protected], provide
your child's name, age, and grade. Then we will send you a link to
officially register, pay the camper fee, and sign waivers. You will
have until April 14 to complete your registration before we open to
the public. Covid-19 Information: We will be following current
Covid guidelines for day camps which include limiting groups
"crews" to no more than 16 total (campers + adult leaders). We will
be gathering for our opening & closing show indoors in a large
group format of 60 children + leaders, however, all crews will be
kept socially distanced from each other. All other camp
stations/rotations will be held outdoors and assigned crews of 16
will not mix together. For more VBS information, visit
pointlomachurch.org/vbs
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Music, Art, & Drama Summer Camp!
August 16-20, 2021| 9:00a.m. - noon Grades 2nd - 6th (Fall of 2021)
$125 per student The camp will include an opening devotional
followed by 3 classes: Instrumental Music (drums and rhythm
instruments), Art and Drama with snack and restroom breaks.
Children will be grouped in pods of 14 and required to wear masks.
Classes will be held in mixed outdoor and indoor spaces.
Contact:
[email protected]
Vacation Bible School Climb aboard for mountains of fun at Rocky
Railway! On this faith-filled adventure, kids discover that
trusting Jesus pulls them through life’s ups and downs. We are
excited to offer an on-campus Vacation Bible School camp this
summer for 1st-5th grades, June 28-July 2, 2-5 PM. Our afternoon
session is for children Grades 1st-5th (grade in the fall of 2021).
$80 per child. Program limited to 60 children. Adult and youth
volunteers are needed!
Contact:
[email protected]
Preschool Summer Camps
Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church is offering 8 weeks of
summer camp for children ages 3 years through Kindergarten. Each
week has a different theme. The children will have the opportunity
to explore and play in a nurturing Christian environment. Space is
limited. Registration is on a first come first serve basis. Camps
run weekly from June 22– August 13
For more information, including each week’s theme, visit
redbrickpreschool.com
Campus by the Sea Campus By the Sea is a GO for this summer!! There
are not a ton of details yet, but they will be coming, so please
remain patient. Here is what we know WHEN: There are two options
(maybe 3) - June 14-17** / June 18-21 / June 22- 25. WHERE: Campus
By The Sea on Catalina Island COST: Not certain yet, but guessing
it will be close to last year which was $425.
WHO: Current 5th through 7th grade students NOTE: We do not have or
know the protocols nor camper number limits (if any). So this
information could change based on updated information coming from
CBS. Contact
[email protected] for details and the
pre-registration link.
High School Houseboats All current 8th-12th grade students are
invited to join us July 25-31 at Lake Shasta. We
will spend the week playing in God’s creation with activities like
Boondoggle, banana
boating, and skiing/wakeboarding. We will be worshipping God and
learning about Him
and who He created us to be, and we will be celebrating community
and life together.
For more information, visit pointlomachurch.org/register
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Mission Beyond News—Madagascar Relief Fund
COVID has caused grave hardship for the nation of Madagascar and
the FJKM Church, the largest Reformed Church in Madagascar. Many in
Madagascar are already living in extreme poverty depending on
today’s wages for tonight’s supper. The FJKM, a PCUSA Global
Mission Partner, is working to continue their role of being the
hands and feet of Christ in villages across the country, by
assisting those who have been impacted most by the pandemic.
According to the Madagascar Mission Network, “poor harvest, wind
storms blasting and destroying and burying any crops, and the
inability of people to find alternative jobs or labor in the cities
and fields due to COVID, has left more than one-third of southern
Madagascar’s population unsure of their next meal.” The World Food
Program says 1.3 million people are going hungry, nearly double
what it was in the same period last year. The result is famine-like
conditions. PLCPC’s Mission Beyond committee has set out to support
this mission of proving financial assistance in this part of
Africa. If you feel compelled to support this immense need,
financial contributions may be sent to the church office with a
note designating donations to the “Madagascar COVID Relief
Fund”.
CLOTHING For Men: Men’s Pants Waist Sizes 30, 32, 34 and 36. Men’s
Boxers/Underwear sizes 28/30, 32/34, 36/38 Tennis shoes sizes 10,
11 and 12. Men’s Belts Baseball Caps For Women: Women’s Underwear
sizes Small through X-Large (sizes 10 plus). Women’s Bras (all
sizes) and sports bras. Especially Size 34 (A, B, C and D). Blouses
and T-Shirts, size Medium. Jeans (all waist sizes)
For Children: Girls’ Clothing (all sizes) especially Small 2T, 3T,
4T and 5T. Boys’ Clothing (all sizes) especially Small 2T, 3T, 4T
and 5T.
HYGIENE ITEMS Shampoo and Conditioner Large Size (for Family
Hygiene kits) Large Towels (for Showers)
MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS For the Pantry: Microwavable Food (cans, ramen,
etc). Ponchos for Rainy season (umbrellas and rain jackets)
Backpacks and Luggage with Wheels Sleeping bags (and
blankets)
Spring Cleaning Your Closet? Spring is in the air! Are you ready to
purge your closets and dresser drawers? New Day Urban Ministries
can use your gently used (or new) items to help serve those in
great need in our community. Items may be dropped off at the church
office. Please label them for New Day Urban Ministries. Current
needs include:
Greg Amstutz of Genesis Diez joined the Mission
Beyond Committee for their March meeting. He
provided a few updates and expressed thanks to all
of you for your continued generosity and support
of their Beautiful Gate Orphanage.
Words from Greg:
“ A way through communication barriers: Alondra and Anselmo
have
microcephaly, and can’t talk. That doesn’t mean they don’t
communicate, but
we have found a better way for them to make themselves understood.
With the
help of generous donors, we have purchased an electronic tablet for
each child
with a program called Proloquo2GO on them. With them, the children
will press
buttons and the tablet will speak for them! Praise the Lord
!!”
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April Chancel Flowers—re:imagined Each week, the Deacons deliver
flowers (with masks and social distancing) in order to brighten
days and bring cheer. We are so grateful to those who have donated
to make this flower ministry possible. The flowers are given: April
11
• in loving memory of Dean Baird, husband and father, by Marty,
Rick, and Susan Baird.
• for Elizabeth Wootten, we celebrate you and honor you, today and
forever, all our love, your children,
grandchildren and great grandchildren.
April 18
• in loving memory of their sweet daughter Monica Khoury, by Bill
and Carol Irwin.
• in loving memory of Willis "Wig" and Jane Cotton Fletcher by Mary
Harker.
April 25
• in loving memory of Pat and Howard Wygle.
“Down Deep” Featured on CBS 8’s Zevely Zone Elder Gresham Bayne
teamed with a friend, John Freeman, to author the book “Down Deep”
which chronicles the life of Elder Charlie MacVean. The book traces
episodes in Charlie’s life with Ellen from high school, through
college, graduate school, the Navy and service in our submarines.
Readers will find some things about Charlie that they never knew
before. Pictured here is the CBS 8 evening news crew, headed by
Jeff Zevely, interviewing Charlie in his office about “Down Deep.”
This episode of the Zevely Zone is scheduled to air on April 8 on
CBS 8.
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Look at those smiles!
We are so thankful for the many, many, many hands who made
our
Path to the Cross Holy Week Experience so memorable.
10
New Worship Times Beginning April 11
Thank you for participating in the worship survey sent out a few
weeks ago! The Worship Committee has analyzed the results and read
your suggestions/ concerns. We are pleased to announce that
in-person worship in the Sanctuary returns on Sunday, April
11.
The in-person service times will be as follows:
• 9 am: Cafe Service on the outdoor turf (please note earlier
time--no RSVP needed)
• 10:30 am: Blended Worship in the Sanctuary (RSVP encouraged--see
below for more information)
*Kids' Worship ( Preschool (3 yrs old) - 5th grade ) will be
offered for the full hour at BOTH services.
*Junior High small group (6-8th grade) will meet during the 9 am
service only. Students will begin worship on the outdoor turf with
their families.
* Online worship will continue at 9:30 am and 11 am each Sunday. It
will continue to be pre-recorded. The online Red Brick Kids Worship
also continues at 9:00 am.
This next phase of reopening our campus is a temporary phase that
will last until we can move the Cafe service back into the Chapel
(expected mid- summer). At that point, service times will shift.
For the first couple weeks. If you plan on joining us on April 11,
please RSVP on our website: pointlomachurch.org/register
Regardless of whether you choose to return to campus in this next
phase of reopening, we are grateful for our life together both
in-person and online!
What to expect at the in-person Sanctuary service:
All participants will enter through the front Sanctuary doors where
you will be greeted. The first few Sundays, participants will be
escorted to pews by an usher. Once we get the hang of things, that
will no longer be necessary.
All participants in any of our in-person activities are required to
wear masks over their nose and mouth. Masks are to be kept on
through the full length of any activity except during times of
eating and/or drinking. This is a requirement even if you are fully
vaccinated.
While our choir will not be able to return until later in the year,
we do invite you to participate in congregational singing with
masks on.
We will be temperature checking all of our staff and volunteers and
ask all participants to check their temperature before venturing to
the campus. Please do not return to campus with a fever or any
other Covid symptoms. We also ask that you stay away from campus
for 14 days if you have had known exposure to someone diagnosed
with Covid-19 (this does not apply if you are two weeks past your
full vaccination).
The Sanctuary will be set at 25% capacity with social distancing
required and windows will be open for cross- ventilation.
At the end of the service, we ask that you remain seated until the
row in front of you has exited. There will be three options for
exiting the building and a time for socially distanced fellowship
outdoors (if you choose). Coffee and food service is still
suspended until a later date but you are welcome to bring your own.
Services are expected to last around 45 minutes.
Find your S.H.A.P.E.
Have you ever wondered just how uniquely made you are?
And have you ever wondered why? Come and join us for a 3-
week series to explore your Spiritual Gifts, find your
S.H.A.P.E.
and start living out your purpose! All are invited to join us
on
Wednesdays, April 14, 21 and 28 at 6 pm via Zoom.
Register online at poitlomachurch.org/register. For more
information, contact
[email protected]
Baptism:
• Judah Adam Shetter, son of Erin and Adam Shetter, was
baptized
on March 7, 2021 by Rev. Karla Shaw.
Deaths:
• Faith Vick passes away on March 30, 2021.
• Dorothy Votaw passed away on March 30, 2021.
Life Events
Friday– 9 am to 1 pm
Rev. Karla Shaw, Senior Pastor
[email protected]—Ext. 202
[email protected]—Ext. 205
[email protected]—619-987-8433
[email protected]
Organist/Director of Children’s Choirs
[email protected]
Adam Thompson, Music and Children’s Choir Assistant/ Journey
Leader
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]—Ext. 211
[email protected]—Ext. 210
[email protected]—Ext. 216
[email protected]
[email protected]—Ext. 215
[email protected]—Ext. 212
[email protected]
[email protected]—Ext. 220
[email protected] –Ext. 221
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
John Spafford, Clerk 619-985-4983,
[email protected]
Kathy Wright, Assistant Clerk 619-275-0335,
[email protected]
Elder Class of 2021 Phone E-mail
Buck Buchanan Facilities*
810-441-6527
[email protected]
Presbytery Commissioner
619-226-1644
[email protected]
John Brand Facilities
619-654-6180
[email protected]
Gresham Bayne Finance & Stewardship*
Save the Date! SERVE Day May 15
Coastal Cleanup Day with I Love a Clean San Diego. Details coming
soon!
2128 Chatsworth Boulevard
