She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus,

because he will save his people

from their sins.” -Matthew 1:21

COVER PAGE 1

EDITOR’S LETTER 2

LINDA’S LINES 3

GLOBAL MISSIONS 4

LOCAL MISSIONS 5

YOUR SESSION AT WORK 6

DEACON’S CORNER 7

PRAYER & HEALING & MILITARY 8

SCRIPTURE SUNBEAMS 9

MARK YOUR CALENDARS 10

DECEMBER 2011—CALENDAR 11

CHILDREN’S MINISTRY 12-13

OUR TEAMS AT WORK 14

CHURCH LIBRARY NEWS 15

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS 16

UPCOMING EVENTS 17

PASTOR SEACH COMMITTEE 18

CHURCH FAMILY NEWS 18-19

Dear Church Family, I hope you are enjoying the online version of the Sierra Story. You will find more clickable links throughout this edition, as well as an improved calendar on the insert page, also with links. Sierra Pres is so blessed to have our talented volunteers who so beautifully decorate the Sanctuary and Fellowship Hall, and those who have given countless hours practicing for Handel’s Messiah, as well as those who work behind the scenes before and during these 2 performances. We appreciate you! I praise God for all He has blessed SPC with this past year under Pastor Linda’s guidance, and look forward to serving Him in 2012 as He reveals to us the Senior Pastor of His choosing. Joyfully Serving Him, Cecilia Shampay

JANUARY SIERRA STORY ARTICLES: Please submit all JANUARY Sierra Story articles by Friday, December 23, to cecilia@sierrapres.com

BULLETIN ARTICLES: Submit all weekly articles by Tuesday for the upcoming Sunday Bulletin

Have a Blessed Christmas!

The Gift of Christmas that keeps on Giving…HOPE…

Hope…for a better future.

Hope…for healing of our hearts, of our bodies, of our spirits.

Hope…for Peace on Earth and goodwill toward each other.

Hope…for resources to take care of our needs, not our wants.

Hope…that faith, hope and love will also be in our future.

Hope…that good will triumph over evil because God has already won, and

the victory is assured.

Hope…that there will be more cures for cancer…that we will square away

our priorities in life so there will be less cancer from stress.

Hope…that we will seek peace and pursue it this next year.

Hope…that when we have opportunities to do good things we act on them.

Hope…that our faith in God grows as we take opportunities to serve Him.

Hope…that even if nothing in the world changes, God still changes me so I

am more like Him.

Hope…that I make time to be grateful for all God does for me, my family

and my church family...because Hope thrives where there is love,

support, encouragement, prayer, faith, joy, patience and Grace!

Hope…you have a Wonderful

Advent Season!

Pastor Linda

MISSIONARY UPDATE DECEMBER 2011 Please take a copy of the missionary letters either from the kiosk in the Lobby or from Fellowship Hall.

“And the Gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.” -Matthew 24:14 CRAIG AND LOREN LINQUIST, Entebbe, Uganda. Potter’s Field Ministries Prayer Requests: Pray for Strength for Craig, with so many visitors coming and going, and no ad-ministrative help right now. Pray for the 7 pastoral interns, knowing how to use them, and for their growth in the Lord. Praise that Jonathan and Nathanael are home for their Christmas break. Pray that there will be lots of family time. Pray for a deeper growth in the church, that the Holy Spirit will really grab hold of people’s lives. Pray for the stabilization of the electricity in Uganda. They have about 15 hours in 5 days, and never know when it will be on. The situation is causing riots in Kampala. Their computer batteries run down, so they are unable to use them very much. Praise that Alek had a good Thanksgiving with his Southern Cal grandparents. MARK AND DAYNA BLAIR, Beijing, China. The Blairs celebrated “Thanksgiving” at a restaurant with friends from 14 different countries. Everyone likes to eat, right? Dayna celebrated a festive event for the International Day at Renmin University. They both attended The Marriott Hotel for the Tonga National Day dinner. See their let-ter with all the photos! (They will be going to Tonga in February for a Pastor’s Conference). They have many opportunities to participate in events with students at the many universities in Beijing. They feel like “Mom and Dad” to many of them who live far from their families. Coming up in De-cember: Men’s Breakfast, Women of the African Outreach Ministry, International Academy of Bei-jing, International Christmas Concert, and the Christmas services. Pray for them as they minister to these varied groups. -Articles submitted by Meryl Wilson

Here I am, Lord send me

Local Mission Update Just a note of thanks to this wonderful congregation from Local Missions: Operation Turkey, a project of the Interfaith Food Ministry collected nearly $1,300! Sometimes when I drive by Whiting Street on food distribution days, I am amazed at the lines (sometimes out into the street). Giving such a tangible gift can really help people in need, right here in our community. The Church Yard Sale monies were distributed out to the following local programs: Emergency Assistance Coalition, Interfaith Food Ministries, LivingWell Clinic, Hospitality House, KARE Cri-sis Center, Christian Encounter Ranch and Wolf Mountains Camp. The Yard Sale did so much to help these ministries this year. The Local Mission Committee had to cut back the budget, and these gifts really helped all of them. Lord Bless, Linda Norman, chair

INTERFAITH FOOD MINISTRY OPERATION TURKEY

Your $10 donation to Interfaith Food Ministry will provide a turkey or large chicken

(depending on family size) plus trimmings to needy families in Western Nevada County

registered for assistance this year. IFM networks with other agencies to avoid duplication.

Please make your check payable to: Sierra Presbyterian Church

and reference “Operation Turkey” in the memo field.

Clear Water - Clean Hands—

Did you know that a lot of little things can add up to a something really great? Well, with all of your help we are at 159

water filters so far! That is fan-tastic! There are

still donations coming in. There have been some pretty creative ways of supporting this program. One that maybe you would like to take part in is purchasing a filter in someone's name as a Christmas gift. If you would like to do this please let us know that your donation is for a gift and we'll get you a copy of the Sawyer Water Filter color

brochure to wrap up and put under the tree.

Thank you for all your support.

Please contact Mike Dyer if you have any questions at 477-1642 or email mike@mkke.org.

Your Session at Work in November The November Session Meeting was Held on November 8, 2011

Statistics: Church membership as of October 11, 2011: 409

August average worship attendance: 270.

Most of the Staff and Elders are now submitting written reports in advance of the Session meeting. This enables Elders to prepare for discussion and saves meeting time. The Women’s Retreat Committee was given permission to solicit sponsorships by personal invitation or to host a fundraiser. Money raised will provide scholarships for women unable to pay the retreat cost. Tim Grebe, Beth Grebe and Jeff McClelland gave reports in person on the recent Youth Conference they attended. Tim also gave computer reports from the other SPC youth workers who attended. Rather than flying to San Diego for the conference, they traveled by van, which gave the team time to bond. Some ideas reported back: Youth ministry is relational. Some of the issues teens face come from the sexual revolution. Kids are the church. Let them use their gifts. Keep contact with college students away from home. The Session was thanked for the opportunity to attend the conference. The budget for 2012 was discussed, including a target salary for the new senior pastor. It was pointed out that the pastor’s salary package may seem large to many people, but it includes the benefits many working people receive, but do not see as take home pay. The pastor’s salary package is overseen by the Presby-tery and includes take home pay, benefits and retirement. Pastors pay all their own social security taxes. Discussion was held on setting up a system for credit card payment of pledges through the website now in use. Elders decided to observe for a few months to make sure the new system is secure before signing up. (update from Cecilia—Our web company is taking a few more months to re-evaluate their fees and to make some enhancements for online giving, and I will present this to Session once again, when they have their packet ready). The HOPE (Helping Other People Eat) Team raised approximately $1,400 for the kitchen fund from the boutique they held. Children’s Ministries is partnering with KARE Crisis Nursery to provide donations for their annual Santa’s Christmas Shoppe Saturday, December 10. They are looking for donations of new or nearly new items that children age 10 and under may purchase for their families. They also need wrapping paper, gift bags, ribbon. Children’s Ministry Elder Eric Garren has the Sunday social hour coffee responsibility for Decem-ber, and the PTO and Sunday morning kids will be making cookies, muffins, and cakes for the grown-ups. Session members have been busy performing their assigned ministries and working as a team to carry out the mission of SPC. Talk to an Elder to find out more. Selma Wright Clerk of Session

The days between Thanksgiving and Christmas have always been my favorite time of the year. It starts with giving thanks for all we have been given, then being given the greatest gift

of all with the celebration of the birth of our Savior.

"It is good to praise the Lord and make music to your name, O Most High. To proclaim your love in the morning, and your faithfulness at night," -Psalm 92:1-2

This psalm tells us to be grateful all of the time, not just at Thanksgiving. The Life Application Bible says "During the Thanksgiving holiday, we focus on our blessings and express our gratitude to God for them. But thanks should be on our lips everyday. We can never say thank you enough to parents, friends, leaders and especially to God. When Thanksgiving becomes an integral part of your life, you will find that your attitude toward life will change. You will become more positive, gracious, loving and humble". This year has left me feeling especially grateful for all of the blessings God has given to me. Call it aging or maybe just this year's journey, but I have found myself wanting to express my gratitude more openly and frequently. I realize this has been a difficult year for many, myself included. I lost my mother in August, lost a friend in October and have had a difficult year of business. Yet for some reason, this holiday season I feel more abundantly grateful to God for the good that has come from these challenges and struggles that have molded me into the person I have become.

Here are the thanks that are in my heart:

I am grateful for a Christian mother who was faithful to the end.

I am grateful for my family and friends for their love and support.

I am grateful for a church that can make this holiday season so meaningful.

I am grateful to God for who He is and His ever abundant love.

I am grateful for a generous congregation who unselfishly gives so that others can be helped and supported.

In the month of October, the deacon fund helped those in need from the congregation and community in the amount of $3,196.20. On behalf of the entire Deacon board, may you have a blessed Christmas filled with love and gratitude. Blessings, Vicki Solada Parish 10 Deacon

Prayer for God's healing touch on any area of your life is offered after each Sunday worship service in the Prayer Room. All prayers are strictly confidential. Prayer teams are available

for those who are in need of a home visit or are hospitalized. Call Virginia Coate (273-5266) or Caroline Obermuller (265-1910)

Healing Rooms of Nevada County takes place each Thursday evening:

7:00pm—9:00pm Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital

in the Chapel 155 Glasson Way.

Enter through the main entry doors. Christian prayer for healing in a small group setting. For more information,

please call 478-1478.

Pray Nevada County meets each

Tuesday from 12-1pm to pray for our county governments and services, schools

and families, businesses and media, churches and parachurch ministries.

In December, PNC will be held at

New Covenant Baptist Church 12582 Squirrel Creek Road

Grass Valley CA From West Main Street turn left on

Squirrel Creek Road (at Scotten School) and follow 1.5 miles to the church.

HEALING PRAYER

Name Branch/Div/Location Family/Friend

Thomas Akin Army Betz’s Family Friend

Jason Bailey U.S. Army Rangers Dennis & Bobbie Bailey

James Brown U.S. Navy Lea William’s Son-in-Law

Chris Burkhart Air Force—Italy Amanda Burkhart—Husband

The Burkhart's—Son

Darrin Campbell U.S. Navy—Bahrain Patrick & Elinor Camp-bell's Grandson

Jacob Delaney U.S. Army—Iraq Susan Colbert—Nephew

Lt. Cmdr. Matthew Doyle

Navy Pilot—USS Stennis Judy Doyle—Son

Justin Fifer U.S. Navy Oahu, Hawaii

Norm & Arlayne Fifer Grandson

Stuart A. Fowler Lance Corp.-USMC-Afghanistan

The Fowlers—Nephew

Uriah Gibson Afghanistan Millie Raiche—great grand-son

Brendon Ghiringhelli Navy-Whitbey Island Diane Ghiringhelli-Son

Anthony Gilleland Staff Sgt.—Marines Afghanistan

Bob & Gladys Joost Great Nephew

David Gore Air Force—Major—Italy Simeon Gore—Husband

Steven Harvey US Coast Guard Reserves Port Security, San Francisco

Brenna Harvey—Husband The Harvey's—Son

Shane Havle Marines—Iraq Betz Family Friend

Casey Haynes Iraq Tish Wathen— Neighbor’s son

Nathanael Higgins 1st Lt.—Army Germany

John MacDonald’s Grandson

Scott Lawson AF Major/Flight Instructor Little Rock, Arkansas

Don & Loretta Lawson

Paul McCallum U.S. Navy Jamie McCallum’s husband The Dax’s Son-in-Law

Valerie Morrison

U.S. Navy Commander Kuwait

Dorothy Morrison Daughter-in-Law

Lt. Megan Pascoe U.S. Army The Spreiers—Daughter

Lt Cmdr. Phil Pelikan Chaplain-USS Essex Karen Tyner

Alec Schreiber Lance Corp. USMC Camp Pendleton, CA

Paul & Faye Schreiber’s Grandson

Matt Schreiber M/Sgt. USMC Okinawa Paul & Faye Schreiber’s Son

Walter Wiggins U.S. Army Special Forces Nate & Betty Beason

It’s the Christmas season in full dress, and we want to wrap it in peace, joy and love. The reality of life is that it doesn’t stop for the Christmas season, and try as we might, we cannot remain detached from that reality. As Christians we place our trust and hope in our Lord but still we are human and try to “fix” things, and sometimes people, including ourselves! Our daily life can be full of different ex-periences and surprises: some quite joyful and some quite sorrowful. Emotions can run ramped at this time of the year so I thought I would share some tips which I read from an (unknown) author.

The title is called “Letting Go”

To let go doesn’t mean to stop caring, it means I can’t do it for someone else.

To let go is not to cut myself off, it’s the realization that I don’t control another.

To let go is not to try to change or blame another, I can only change myself.

To let go is not to fix, but to be supportive.

To let go is not to judge, but to allow another to be a human being.

To let go is not to be in the middle arranging all the outcomes, but to allow others to affect their own outcomes.

To let go is not to be protective, it is to permit another to face reality.

To let go is not to nag, scold, or argue, but to search out my own shortcom-ings and to correct them.

To let go is not to adjust everything to my desires but to take each day as it comes and to cherish the moment.

To let go is not to regret the past but to grow and live for the future, to fear less; love more.

I hope at least one of these little tips might be helpful for you during this busy season…I

know they are good reminders for me…life is a constant learning process! Thank you

Lord, that you are a forgiving God and a loving Father who shares our joys and burdens

and blesses us in numerous and miraculous ways. Thank you for always loving us right

where we are…for giving us the gift of your Son…December blessings to all!

-Karen Tyner

12/04—MESSIAH Concert 12/08—Sierra Women’s Bible Study Brunch 12/08—Hospice Tree of Love Ceremony 12/10—Men’s Mentoring 12/10—KARE & SPC Children’s Christmas Shoppe 12/12—Women’s Mentoring Christmas Party 12/16—Parent’s Time Out Free Childcare 12/17—Grass Valley Male Voice Choir Performs 12/26—Church Office Closed for the Christmas Holiday 12/27—January Sierra Story Articles Due 12/30—Church Office Closed for the New Year’s Holiday Underlined items are clickable links on the online version

EVERY Sunday:

EVERY Monday:

EVERY Tuesday:

EVERY Wednesday:

EVERY Thursday

EVERY Friday:

EVERY Saturday:

Worship Services: 9:00 Traditional 10:30 Contemporary

PRAISERCISE for Women: 7:30am to 9am - Activity Room

Men’s Bible Breakfast: 6:30am

PRAISERCISE for Women: 7:30am to 9am - Activity Room

Sierra Women’s Bible Study 9am-11:30am (takes a break on Dec. 15, 22, 29)

PRAISERCISE for Women: 7:30am to 9am - Activity Room

SPC Men's Small Groups 8:00-9:30am (Room B)

HEALING PRAYER after Services

PRAYER TEAM: 1:30-2:30

SPC Staff Meeting and Devotional 10-11:45

AA Group in Hatcher2: 12-1pm

Hospitality House 5pm-all night

Holy Helpers (church bulletins)9:00am-10:30am in the Library

ADULT BIBLE STUDIES: 9:00am and 10:30am

PRAY NEVADA COUNTY: 12-1pm: New Covenant

Baptist Church,

12582 Squirrel

Creek Road, GV

Ankor Youth: 5:30pm - 7:30pm

*Bells Practice: 5:15-6:30pm

AA Group- Hatcher 3: 11-12

CHILDREN’S PROGRAMS: 9:00am & 10:30am

PSC Meeting: 5pm-9pm

*Praise Choir Practice: 6:00pm-7:30pm

*Ensemble Prac-tice: 6:45-7:15pm

Ankor Youth: 10:30am

*Praise Band Practice: 7:30-9pm

*Choir Practice: 7:15-8:30pm

Hospitality House 5pm-all night

*AV Practice 7:00pm-8:30pm

No Practices on December 8th or December 29th

CHRISTMAS SERVICES:

Dec. 4—2nd Sunday in Advent

12/11—3rd Sunday in Advent Messiah as Worship

12/18—4th Sunday in Advent

12/24—Christmas Eve—5:30 & 7:00 PM Candlelight Services

12/25—Christmas Day—10:00 AM

01/01—New Year’s Day—10:00 AM

*Check with Jonathan for weekly practice schedule

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

1 2 3

4 5 6 7 8 9 10

11 12 13 14 15 16 17

18 19 20 21 22 23 24

January Sierra Story Articles Due: Email to

cecilia@sierrapres.com

25 26 27 28 29 30 31

Have a Blessed

Christmas!

10:00am Blended Service

5:30pm & 7pm Services

MESSIAH Performances:

3 & 6 pm

MESSIAH as Worship

9am & 10:30am

Communion Sunday &

Deacon’s Offering

2nd Sunday in Advent

3rd Sunday in Advent

4th Sunday in Advent

4H Dog Care and Training 6-7:30pm

Children’s Talk

Christmas Holiday Office Closed

Deacon Meeting 2:00-4:00pm

Finance Team Mtg. 4:00-5:00pm

Session Meeting 6:00pm

Choir Rehearsal for Sunday

Messiah 7:00pm

Grass Valley Male Voice

Choir 2:00pm

HOSPICE TREE OF LOVE 6:00pm

Hospice Decorating Team 9am-12pm

Men’s Mentoring Class 9:30am—

12:00pm

No Team Meetings today

Prayer Team Meeting at Noon

Parents Time Out

Free Childcare

1-5pm

Parents Time Out Free Childcare

Christmas Party 5:00pm—8:00pm RSVP to Heather

Santa’s Christmas Shoppe

SPC Children’s Ministries and

KARE Crisis Center 9:00am – 12:00pm

Sierra Women’s Bible Study

Brunch 9:00am

Stephen Minister Support

2:00-4:00pm Library

Women’s Mentoring Christmas

Party 5:30pm in

Ryosa

Rehearsals: Bells: 5:15

Ensemble: 6:45 Choir: 7:15

Women’s Holy Spirit Mentoring rescheduled to

January 4th

The SPC Children’s PTO Program has been busily working on Service Baskets for our Shut-ins. In the basket, they include a little letter about themselves, and we would like to share a few of those with you...

During the past two months, your Outreach Team has organized the following events for our Nevada County community. All of these took place on our campus. COMMUNITY HEALTH FAIR: Over 250 people attended our fifth annual community health fair. There were 60 health vendors, demonstrations, flu shots, and doctors/dentists/nurses performing medical tests. CARFIT: The Agency on Aging performed automobile checks and safety tips for 20 senior drivers. Eight of those drivers were over 85 years old. LIFE LINE: Life Line Screening services performed preventive health screening for 65 people. They used non-invasive tests to evaluate people for potentially life-threatening conditions, such as heart attacks or strokes. POSSIBLE NEW EVENTS FOR SPRING 2012 March 2012: A seminar on Stroke Prevention put on by our local hospital personnel. More information and date to come. April 17 & 18, 2012: A two day AARP Mature Driver Safety Program. Graduates receive a DMV Mature Driver Course Certificate for a safe driver discount on their auto insurance.

This article was submitted by Dick Dirga (through his wonderful efforts, these events were organized)

WOMEN'S FELLOWSHIP—GIVING DONATIONS

All are invited to check out the Christmas Tree in Ryosa Hall. Working together in fellowship, the Women's Fellowship Coordinating Team were very blessed decorating the tree. It is our gift to you, the church family. Please also, take notice of other decorations by Pam Sufleski who is part of the team. We are feeling warm-heartedly blessed knowing we were able to collect 110 shoe boxes for Opera-tion Christmas Child and gift two families with

Thanksgiving Baskets. We are delighted with the blessing to be able to donate the funds to Sierra Presbyterian Church, SPC Missions, Interfaith Food Ministries, Hospitality House, Christian Encounter Ministries and KARE Crisis Nursery. We greatly appreciate the ankor Youth for assisting us with the shoe boxes, and we look forward to working with them in the future. Watch for informa-tion concerning our Luncheon in February, 2012— We are planning a great program.

A Special Thank You to some of those who have helped with this year’s

MESSIAH production:

Messiah Concert Team: Julie Clutter, Jim and Sue Conklin, Judy Doyle, Janet Lowell, Tom Naylor, Cecilia Shampay, and Maestro Jonathan Steel

Décor: Armie Bonelli, Mike Bonelli, Dick Dirga, Lynne Dirga, Judy Doyle, Janet Lowell, Pam Sufleski, Meryl Wilson

Dinner for the Performers: Cook: Joan Oas; Set-up: ankor youth

Publicity: Cecilia Shampay

Audio/Lighting Engineers: Randy Partch, Craig Burgess

House Manager: Jake Leegwater

Parking Crew Manager: Bill Blount

Transportation of Equipment: Jeff Patton, Claus Dreyer

Librarian and Weekly Rehearsal Set-up: Deanna Burkhart

Ticket Sale Coordination: Jim and Sue Conklin

CHURCH LIBRARY NEWS FOR DECEMBER

Please be sure to visit the church library. We add something new each month! This month look for: NON-FICTION The Mighty Weakness of John Knox by Douglas Bond John Knox, the great Reformer of Scotland, is often remembered as something akin to a biblical prophet born out of time, strong and brash, thundering in righteous might. In truth, he was low in stature, and physically frail, a small man who was often sickly and afflicted with doubts and fears.

For those who see themselves as too weak, too small, too timid, or simply too ordinary for service in God s kingdom, Knox’s life offers a powerful message of hope. The biblical truth is that God often delights to work most powerfully through people who are most weak in themselves but most strong in Him. Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy by Eric Metaxas From the New York Times bestselling author of Amazing Grace, a groundbreaking biography of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, one of the greatest heroes of the twentieth century, the man who stood up to Hitler. A definitive, deeply moving narrative, Bonhoeffer is a story of moral courage in the face of the monstrous evil that was Na-

zism. After discovering the fire of true faith in a Harlem church, Bonhoeffer returned to Germany and became one of the first to speak out against Hitler. As a double-agent, he joined the plot to assassinate the Fuhrer, and was hanged in Flossen-berg concentration camp at age 39. Since his death, Bonhoeffer has grown to be one of the most fascinating, complex fig-

ures of the 20th century. Bonhoeffer presents a profoundly orthodox Christian theologian whose faith led him to boldly confront the greatest evil of the 20th century, and uncovers never-before-revealed facts. For young adults-

Escaping the Vampire: Desperate for the Immortal Hero by Kimberly Powers Drawing on the themes presented in the best-selling Twilight series—romance, superhuman powers, and adventure—Kimberly Powers offers teen girls a real immortal hero who can truly fulfill their hearts’ deepest desires. Kimberly Powers knows that at the core of every young woman’s heart is a longing to be truly, madly, deeply loved. And that’s what’s so compelling about the Bella/Edward story—the fantasy of a hero who is eternally attracted, fiercely protective, and passion-ately committed. Powers taps into this, using the vampire allusion to help girls explore what it is about the story that has captured their hearts. Weaving vampire lore with biblical truths and real-life stories, she helps girls move beyond the fantasy

to discovery of the true Lover of their soul. FICTION Courageous: Honor Begins at Home by Randy Alcorn Police officers Adam Mitchell, Nathan Hayes, and their partners are prepared to deal with hardened criminals. But when they remove their badges, they face a more daunting challenge---fatherhood. As their children drift away, can these brave men

find a way to serve and protect those nearest and dearest to them---and draw closer to God?

Boo Humbug: Christmas is scarier than you think by Rene Gutteridge (#4 in the Boo series) A holiday season revisit to tiny Skary, Indiana, has the town buzzing over a production of Dickens A Christmas Carol. But, with abundant mishaps and eccentric characters, Christmastime might never be the same! Snitch by Rene Gutteridge (#2 in the Occupational Hazards series) Convinced that he's going to die of boredom, Las Vegas police sergeant Ron Yeager comes out of retirement to head an auto theft undercover team filled with inexperienced egos and eccentrics who couldn't sneak up on a statue! Will Yeager's force

be transformed in time to stop a bigger crime than any of them expected? Skid by Rene Gutteridge (#3 in the Occupational Hazards series) Blissfully unaware that Atlantica Flight 1945 from Atlanta to Amsterdam is about to make aviation history, First Officer Danny McSweeney focuses his energies on navigating the turbulent personalities of an eccentric female captain, a co-pilot with a talent for tactless comments and conspiracy theories, and a lead flight attendant with an outsized attitude that defi-nitely exceeds the limits for carry-on baggage. On the other side of the cockpit door, the unscheduled in-flight entertainment includes a potbellied pig, a jittery diamond

courier, and the recently jilted Lucy Meredith, whose personal mantra of ―What Would Oprah Do?‖ will be challenged by the

sudden appearance of her ex and his new traveling partner. On her left sits Hank Hazard, whose unusually polite but con-stant requests–prompted by his covert role as a spy for the airline–test the limits of the crew’s customer service. But as Lucy and the rest of the crew discover, Hank’s odd behavior is linked to a quiet faith that may play a key role in the fate of everyone on board. Especially when an unexpected traveler sets this already bumpy flight on a course toward the unfriendly skies.

HELP!!! We have several books and/or DVD’s over-due, or missing! We’d love to have them back so others may enjoy them. If you have an over-due item and would like to keep it longer, you may renew it (renewal slips are available in the library) for an additional three weeks for books, and an additional one week for DVD’s. Thanks so much for helping! There are many wonderful books about Christmas in SPC library. They will be displayed on the book cart for the month of December.

May the Lord bless you this Christmas season, Lisa

Gary Abel has been a part of our church family for several years and we are delighted that he was a part of this membership class, including his baptism. Gary is an equipment supervisor for a construction company. When not at his job, Gary serves (along with his wife Michelle) with Compassion International. He and Michelle’s two young adult children, Lindsay and Jared, grew up here at Sierra. Gary has been part of mission teams serving in Guatemala and Africa. Ron Clutter has been a part of our church family for a few years and we’re glad he was able to be a part of this class. Ron and

his wife Julie live in Nevada City. He was born in Union City, Michigan. He is a Veterinarian by profession and now enjoys retirement. Melissa Hawk is a former member and grew up here at Sierra. After living in the Vacaville area for several years, she is back in Nevada City. We are delighted Melissa is here. She has three children, Cody (10), Abigail (8) and Jillian (5). Grandma, Linda Steel, can now enjoy more time with grandchildren. Greg Lee has been a part of our church family for a couple of years. He is a Correctional Officer at the Washington Ridge Conservation Camp. We’re glad that the timing of this membership class and his job schedule worked out just right. Greg has two young adult children, and he and wife Jen (who also grew up in this church family) have two little ones, Jesse (3) and Maggie (1). Again, Grandma Linda Steel is smiling with all this grandchildren time. If you enjoy sports fishing, give Greg a call to join you. Kim Lyles has been a part of our church family also for many years and our class timing was right for her. Kim lives in Nevada City. She has three adult children and five grandchildren. Kim works in the home health care field and also as a housekeeper. When not working, Kim volunteers at KARE Crisis Nursery. She also enjoys working with children. Elizabeth Motley lives in Morgan Ranch with her husband Bruce. She has two adult sons and four grand-children. Elizabeth was born in Winchester, Virginia and baptized there in the Presbyterian Church, so I guess we can say she is a lifelong Presbyterian. Elizabeth is an RN by profession and now enjoying retirement. She is active in Praisercise and after a good workout, you may see her weeding in the center island garden area. Thank you, Elizabeth. Jeff and Susan Patton live in Grass Valley and both enjoy retirement. Susan was a teacher in Southern California and also owned a gift shop. Jeff was a Christian school principal in Southern California and also the Principal for our Sierra Christian School. They have two adult children and four grandchildren. Susan enjoys interior design, walking and travel (especially to see the grandchildren), and Jeff is ready to go for a bike ride anytime. They both enjoy working in their garden. Al Washington is originally from Manchester, Connecticut, and now lives in Penn Valley. Al’s wife, Valerie Perry is one of our deacons, so, with a little arm twisting, he volunteers as a PIP. Al has a Mas-ter’s Degree in Physics and he is a Mathematics Textbook writer. He is retired from Dutchess Community College in New York. Al has two adult children and two grandchildren. Maura Winton began attending Sierra with her mother, Helena Willett and we are so glad she was a part of this membership class. Maura is married to Angel and has one adult child and one grandchild. She currently works at Hope House Residential Treatment Center and has authored a book “Godspeak”, a story of her life journey. Maura enjoys reading and is always available to mentor others in need. Duane and Christine Zander are formers members and we are delighted to welcome them back to our church family. They moved to Vacaville a few years ago where Christine could be closer to the hospital for her liver transplant. She is doing well and they were able to come back to Grass Valley. They both enjoy retirement: Duane was a building inspector with the U.S. Air Force and Christine from Solano County social Services. They have four adult children and five grandchildren.

We welcome these folks into our church family. Two others were part of this mem-

bership class and you will meet them at a later date. Please remember to introduce

yourself to these new members and to wear your name tag on Sunday morning.

Friday Night, December 16th—

5:00pm-8:00pm for Children ages 2-12

FREE Child Care Tell a Friend!

CHRISTMAS PARTY!!!

R.S.V.P. TO HEATHER

CALLING ALL MEN!

CALLING ALL MEN! No, sorry you

can't join us for

the retreat, but

give that special

woman in your

life a Christmas

gift she will never forget!! A weekend away enjoying her

Christian sisters and worshipping our Lord.

(call Denise Harvey for details 268-1390)

WOMEN'S RETREAT 2012— Date: April 13th - 15th: Place: Zephyr Point, Lake Tahoe Speaker: Janet Lynn Mitchell (www.janetlynnmitchell.com)

Topic: Preparing Yourself for the Storms in Life Cost: $155

Our speaker, Janet Lynn Mitchell, is an author and popular speaker for women's groups. She is described as: "candid, dynamic, friendly and memorable".

Go to the above website for more information on our speaker.

Hope to see you there! Your Retreat Committee

In the Fellowship

Hall

What to get...

Something amazing...

On behalf of the Pastor Search Committee, I want to thank the congregation for its patience and prayers of

support. A special note of thanks goes to Betty Beason, our contact person for the much-appreciated PSC prayer support group. Each week Betty forwards our prayer requests to a group that prays specifically for the PSC and its work. For those who missed the verbal announcement made in early November...The PSC has been interviewing finalist candidates for our Senior Pastor position. When that process is complete, we will identify the man we believe is an-swering God’s call to come to Sierra Pres. Once selected, the PSC will recommend our candidate to the Ministerial Committee of Presbytery and WAIT. That committee’s role is to do a background check, meet with the candidate to determine eligibility for EPC ordination in our Presbytery, and then notify the PSC that we can proceed. Our Session will then issue notice of a congregational meeting on the date (again we WAIT) the candidate will preach here at Sierra Pres, followed by a vote of church members to accept the PSC recommendation to call our new pastor. Concurrently, the Ministerial Committee will recommend to the Presbytery that our candidate be or-dained in the EPC Presbytery of the Pacific and we WAIT for the Presbytery, which meets once each quarter. Once approved by Presbytery, we WAIT for our new pastor to conclude his current ministry, prepare to move and then move. THEN, we can celebrate the beginning of a new ministry here at SPC. Waiting isn’t easy, is it? The PSC is honored to serve this praying congregation and eagerly looks forward to the time it can bring a recom-mendation to you. Please keep praying while we WAIT.

In His Service, Gordon Pipkin, Chairman

Thank you Flo for sending in 10% of your surprise money received: Surprise! My dear cousin, Lois O’ Berg (CCLo) - 80+years with many health issues, returned money that I gave her (not lent!) a

short time ago. Therefore the enclosed $15 check is for the “Squirrel Revival General Fund”. Blessings, Flo Walters.

Letter from my cousin:

“My sweet cousin, another nice surprise—in having to replace my furnace that quit, and, choosing an energy-saving/green eco prod-uct, PG & E just rewarded me with a payback of $150, which I am

sending to you, and thanking you from the heart for your generosity in saving my skin, when I needed it most. You and our dear Lord

have each taken one of my hands and gentled my way….

TELL YOUR STORIES… Do you want to tell our new Senior Pastor about your ex-periences here at SPC? If so, fill out the small sheets that were provided in the bulletins the past few weeks. There

are extras in the Church Lobby and at the Information Booth. When complete you can place them in Cecilia’s

box #15. Also, you can email them to: cecilia@sierrapres.com

Join us on FACEBOOK:

Members Only FACEBOOK Group

Like us and Follow us on FACEBOOK’s Page

Dear Friends, Words are inadequate to truly express our gratefulness and thankfulness to you. Your gifts of money, food and time are cherished beyond measure. As we walk this journey as a family we know that you will be at our sides always.

Thank you for your prayers ~ past, present and future, as they sustain us greatly.

Again, thank you for all you have done and will continue to do.

Love, The Gammelgard Family

DIRECTORY UPDATES—Mary Heneweer: maryheneweer@gmail.com.

Please include any updates you would like published in the Sierra Story on your Welcome Card, and mark “Congregation”: Email Address / Home Address / Phone Number. Also, if you do not currently receive the All-Church Weekly Newsletter Email and would like to, write that on your welcome card with the initials (ACE-All Church Email) next to it and Ellen will add it to our list.

If you have a milestone birthday or anniversary you would like published in future Sierra Stories, please submit them to cecilia@sierrapres.com

Have you noticed new faces in the choir?

Do YOU like to sing? Contact Jonathan if you would like

to join the choir.

5th Annual Christmas Service Baskets for SPC Shut-ins We need clean, empty baby food jars for our upcoming Par-ents Time Out Program & Sunday School Service Project.

Thank you

If you are reading this online, you are not

seeing the birthdays and anniversaries.

They are posted on our Members Only FACEBOOK Page.

Or, you can email me and I will send them to you (if you

are a church member): cecilia@sierrapres.com

Do you get inundated with packets of blank greeting cards from organizations throughout the year? Please bring them in and place them in the “Support the Troops” box. They can write home

with: “Christmas—Birthday—Thank You—Get Well—Sympathy—Anniversary—Etc.).

Thank You!!!

Ministry ELDER Parish DEACON

Properties/Facilities Scott Obermuller 1 Dana Ritzman

Outreach Dick Dirga 2 Ruth Ann Riese

Worship Karen Hayden 3 Brooke Betz

Fellowship/Caring Judy Doyle 4 Kristen Dyer

Finance Bill McIntosh 5 Marilyn Williams

McIntosh/Lowell 5/6 Lindsay Betz

Personnel Terry Lowell 6 Robert & Ruby Foster

Nominating Team Mary Reeve 7 Judy Petrie

Missions Jan Leegwater 8 Valerie Perry

Children's Ministries Eric Garren 8 Ted & Evelyn Krein

Youth Ministry Tim Grebe 9 Dave & Nureen Bundock

Communications Jeff Hall 10 Vicki Solada

Adult Spiritual Dev. Selma Wright*

SIERRA ELDERS and DEACONS

*Clerk of Session: Selma Wright / *Deacon Moderator: Judy Petrie

CHURCH OFFICE HOURS: Monday-Friday 9:00am-4:30pm

Phone: 530-265-3291 www.sierrapres.com

SIERRA Presbyterian Church 175 Ridge Road – P.O. Box 268 Nevada City, CA 95959 www.sierrapres.com

EXT

Acting Interim Pastor Reverend Dr. Linda Line 33

Teaching Pastor (Assistant) Reverend Tom Naylor n/a

Minister of Music Jonathan Steel 19

Membership Director Audrey McIntosh 18

Children's Ministries Director Heather Garren 25

Youth Director Jeff McClelland 27

Communications Director Cecilia Shampay 17

Facilities/Audio Manager Randy Partch 20

Administrator Jeanne Kraft 10

Bookkeeper Melanie Coursey 13

Secretary/Receptionist Ellen Watt 16

Custodian Mary Samco 16

Financial Secretary Jake Leegwater 13

Preschool Administrator Louise Ullom 15

Sonshine Preschool Lea Williams 15

SIERRA Staff (530) 265-3291