Northkirk Presbyterian Church

Message from Pastor Karen

"We today yearn for prayer and hide from prayer. We are attracted to it and repelled by it. We believe prayer is something we should do, even something we want to do, but it seems like a chasm stands between us and actually praying." – Richard Foster

Prayer is one of the greatest callings and, for many, one of the greatest challenges of the Christian life. Prayer is central to our relationship with the Lord, and the New Testament gives ample evidence that the devotion of the early believers to prayer was the key to their success in spreading the good news of the risen Christ and the growth of the Church. For many of us, however, rather than being the source of joy, comfort and victory prayer is intended to be, the thought of prayer triggers a sense of discomfort (how do I pray? What am I supposed to pray for? Am I even doing this right?) or even guilt (I know I don’t pray enough!)

Prayer was a priority to Jesus, and as the disciples saw Jesus draw away to pray and heard His many prayers, they ultimately asked Jesus to teach them to pray. Jesus responds by teaching the disciples what we know today as "The Lord’s Prayer" (Matt. 6:9-15). In this short prayer, Jesus teaches the disciples His own priorities in prayer, and reminds them that prayer is based on a relationship – we pray to "Our Father." Dale Bruner notes, "it is a relief to know that the Father to whom prayer is addressed is not a reluctant listener!" That’s good news! What Jesus teaches His disciples is true for us today – prayer is both a call to action and a place of rest. It is a contending for the purposes of the Kingdom of God and a total reliance on the only One who can meet our needs. It is talking and listening to the God who loves us and longs to be in vibrant and intimate relationship with each of us.

Beginning September 12, we will begin a journey together through the Lord’s Prayer. Our sermon series will focus on the Lord’s Prayer, and at the end of September, to help us put into action what we are learning, we will begin "40 Days of Prayer" together. Each week everyone will receive a prayer guide for the week, with specific prayer emphases, Scriptures, and prayer requests. Some of the prayer emphases will concern the vision and mission of Northkirk; others will be focused more on personal needs and the needs of others. At the end of our 40 Days of Prayer, we will gather together and share our experiences – what did we hear from the Lord? How did we see God at work? How did the Lord move and work in our lives through this season of prayer? I am excited about this opportunity, because I know the Lord will be faithful to hear and respond to our prayer, and that He is able to bring transformation and renewal as we pray!

Blessings to each of you –
Pastor Karen

Coming Soon!

FALL INTO THE WORD
Adult Bible Study
On Monday nights, September 27, October 4, 11, 18 and 25, Pastor Karen will be leading a Bible (or possibly a book) Study from 7:00 – 8:30pm. A great opportunity to bring a friend, neighbor or co-worker!

FORTY DAYS OF PRAYER
September 27 – November 5
In conjunction with our weekly sermon series on prayer, we will undertake an opportunity to practice what we are learning! For 40 days, the congregation of Northkirk will be invited to participate in a daily prayer journey, seeking to hear from the Lord together more about our identity as a congregation and God’s call and purposes for us! On Tuesday, November 9, we will gather at the church to share what we have learned through our season of prayer!

YONKS Corner

Hi everyone! Well, summer’s over, and we’re all going back to school. That means we now have more to do, and more responsibilities
with classes and activities. So we’ve got a lot more on our minds and hearts than we did over the summer, and we’re having to fit in all kinds of things in our schedules and plans. But don’t worry – we’ve still got lots more planned for the rest of the year! We’re continuing
to have fun and fellowship at our weekly meetings, and we’re looking forward to going to the beach this month! (More on that below.) The last couple of months we’ve had a trip to Laser Island in July, and our Rummage Sale, Pool Party at the Emicks’, Raging Waters
trip, and Youth Sunday in August – we’ve had a busy time, and things are just “heating up�! The next few months will continue to be action-packed, and we’ll certainly be keeping you all updated on what we’re doing!

 

YONKs
Weekly Meetings
We’re continuing to meet on Sundays at 7:00 P.M.
in the YONKs Room! We spend time every week in
worship, games, Bible study, prayer, and generally
having a good time of fun and fellowship with each
other! All meetings are open to all the youth of the
community, and guests are always welcome! Everyone
who brings a new person to a meeting is eligible
to be entered in a drawing for a discount coupon
for Boomers, Speed Zone, or Castle Park, so bring
your friends to share in the fun!

 

A Day
at the
Beach!
Come join us at Bolsa Chica on
Saturday, September 11th!
We’re looking forward to time
together in the sun, sand, and
surf – and friends and guests
are always welcome! Details will
be following in church bulletins
and on our Facebook group page,
so stay tuned for further announcements

 

YOUTH BELL CHOIR
Saw is starting a Youth Bell Choir for Jr. High,
High School and College age students.
If you are interested in being part of
the Youth Bell Choir, please talk to Saw.

Birthdays And Anniversaries

 

September Birthdays
Jenny Braun 09/02
Mary Foster 09/03
Marion Mildon 09/04
Patricia Huntsman 09/05
Glen Gonzales 09/06
James Gonzales 09/08
Audrey Crabtree 09/11
Len Williams 09/12
Jolynn Stahl 09/13
Emily Scholz 09/20
Paula Emick 09/23
Carol Entler 09/24
David Campbell 09/26
Eric Michalski 09/28

Anniversaries
September 20
Bill and Emily Scholz
September 30
David and Carrie Baird

Mission Corner

"The Peacemaking Offering will be received on Sunday, 3 October 2010 (World Communion Sunday). Following are excerpts from the PCUSA web page concerning this Offering:
"2010 is the thirtieth anniversary of the Presbyterian Peacemaking Program and the Peacemaking Offering, following the adoption by the General Assembly of Peacemaking: The Believers’ Calling, which called for a new emphasis on peace-making across the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). This year as your church plans to receive this Offering, remember the peacemakers of years past — in your congregation, presbytery, synod and the denomination as a whole. Make this year a time to renew your commitment to peacemaking as part of your calling as a follower of Christ, who not only taught us the ways of peace but is our peace.
The Peacemaking Offering was created in 1980 to support the efforts of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) to live out a deeper commitment to peacemaking as part of our faithfulness to God. It is one of four special offerings designated by the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)’s General Assembly.
Most churches receive the Offering on World Communion Sunday, the first Sunday in October, which this year is October 3. We encourage churches to use whatever Sunday works best for them.
Each congregation is encouraged to retain 25 per-cent of the Offering it receives to use for local ministries of peacemaking within the church and its community. Twenty-five percent is used by presbyteries and synods, and 50 percent is used by the General Assembly ministries through the Presbyterian Peacemaking Program."

MISSION PROJECT
SECOND SUNDAY OF EVERY MONTH
Northkirk continues our mission project of feeding the homeless at Calvary Presbyterian Church. This is an ongoing commitment on the 2nd
Sunday of each month. Please consider volunteering on ,from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
Calvary Presbyterian Church is located at 4495 Magnolia Ave,
Riverside. We will be serving meals to the homeless. Instructions
will be given by Calvary Presbyterian Church. Please
call Marion Mildon, 909-948-9649 for more details.

 

THE FOOD OF THE MONTH - Canned fruit & vegetables
In support of Inland Valley Hope Program, we will have a FOOD OF THE MONTH . You may bring your donation any Sunday. We have selected SOVA to receive our donations.

Please join the fun, and help feed people that are
in need!

Women's Retreat

"CHOSEN BY HIM�
WOMEN’S RETREAT
SEPT 17-19, 2010
The retreat will begin with dinner on Friday night and will conclude after worship service on Sunday. Our theme this year is "Chosen by Him". Pastor Karen will be speaking on how we are specially chosen by God. We encourage those who cannot not stay overnight to carpool with others and come for the day. Oak Glen is an easy 1 hour drive from Northkirk.
Walk the labyrinth in meditation. Sing and laugh with other women. Pick apples, tour an apple farm, stroll through the arts and crafts fair, or just sit and relax. There’s something for everyone.
There are only a couple weeks left! Cost is $175, with $50.00 deposit due with registration form (included in Grapevine). Emily Scholz is the treasurer, so please try to give Emily the deposit and final payment.
Helpers needed for the 2010 Women's Retreat. Help is needed in the following areas: registration, program planning, decor, activity and entertainment, drama, music, worship, graphics, and emailer/phone caller. A little help goes a long way. Contact Paula Emick at 920-1208.

Session Highlights

We’ve now started a new fiscal year! And you will see that reflected in the figures below. While it is late summer and everyone is cramming in last minute vacations, our bills – unfortunately – don’t take a vacation! Also, we pay two mortgages that total $4,125.66 every month. To pay the mortgages and other property improvements, we are now using the donations to our Campus Capital Fund along with using some of our reserves. We realize that many people are struggling in this economy, but we also need to faithfully trust in a God who faithfully provides for us.
Please help us in continuing your giving! If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Margaret Merhoff (909) 946-1720 or Emily Scholz (909) 985-7150

 

Ink Cartage Recycling Program Update
First I would like to thank everyone who has donated used ink cartridges for recycling. The Church earned a total of 622.00 dollars from
Office Max in 2009. The funds were used to purchase many office supplies along with supplies for the music Ministry program. We also
purchased a new monitor, wireless key board and mouse for the audio visual system. In the coming year we will continue to use the funds
from Recycling to purchase supplies for the office, VBS, music ministries, and special programs. Office Max has made changes in the recycling program and have added to the list of cartridges they will accept.
Here is the updated list:

Max Perks members can earn $3 in rewards for each qualifying visibly undamaged HP, Dell, Lexmark, Brother, Epson, Samsung, Kodak, Sharp or Canon ink or toner cartridges.

Please continue to use the recycle box located in the church office.
Thank you for your participation in the recycle program.
Dean Collins

Monday Small group at the Entlers

The Entler small group will begin a study of Max Lucado's 3:16, A Study for Individuals or Small Groups on Monday, September 13, at 7 p.m. in the Entler home. All are welcome. The study and its related paperback book are available for order from Barnes & Noble or other bookstores. Study ISBN-13: 9781418529239 and related book, 3:36, The Numbers of Hope ISBN-13: 9780849921018.
This Lucado study "unpacks the incredible message of John 3:16, illuminating one of the most beloved Scriptures in the entire gospel." Please feel free to speak with the Entlers, the Collins, or the Camp-bells for more information or directions. Or just come on September 13 to discover what we're all about--fellowship, study of the Word, and prayer

choir & bell choir

Choir and Bell Choir rehearsals have begun!
Please note change in rehearsal time:
Bells: Thursdays from 6:30—7:30 PM
Choir: Thursdays from 7:30 to 9:00 PM
It’s never too late to join!

Deacon Diner Sept 12

DEACON’S DINER
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 12!!
On Sunday, September 12, Homecom-ing Sunday, the Deacons invite you to stay for lunch and enjoy great food and fellowship with your Northkirk family! The Deacons will be providing sand-wiches, salads, drinks and other yummy food to celebrate Homecoming Sunday and to welcome everyone back from summer vacations! Join us for a fabu-lous time after church on Sunday, Sep-tember 12!

Goodshop Your Next Trip & Help Northkirk

Use GoodShop and help Northkirk at the same time you plan your trip!

Did you know that you can book airlines, cruises and hotels through GoodShop?
You can, and every time you use GoodShop, Northkirk gets a percentage of what you spend and these funds go into the fund for the Extreme Makeover.
For example, you can book a cruise on Carnival Cruise Lines and Northkirk will get 1.25% of the value of the cruise. Or you can rent a car from Avis and the church will get 1.5% of the value of the rental. Some of the merchants that participate in GoodShop include Alaska Airlines, Avis, Best Western,
Budget Car Rental, Crowne Plaza, Delta Airlines, Expedia, Holiday Inn, Marriott, Sheraton, Thrifty Car Rental, Travelocity, and Westin Hotels and Resorts, The prices that you get for going through GoodShop are identical to those that you get from the specific vendor’s website.

The only thing that you must do is go through GoodShop. It’s really easy.
1. Go to www.goodsearch.com
2. At the main page under who do you search for? Enter –
Northkirk Presbyterian Church and press “verify”
3. You can then go to “Good Shop” by pressing the “shop now” button.
4. Then you can shop by category or by store name.
Literally hundreds of stores have now joined GoodShop. So if
you’re planning a vacation or a business trip and can use Good-
Shop, please do this…you pay the same price and benefit the
church at the same time!

Refreshments for Coffee Hour

Thank you to everyone who donates cookies for our freezer for the after church coffee and cookie time.
We appreciate your generosity.
We want to remind everyone that our after-service social time is a great opportunity to celebrate the
events in your life—birthdays, anniversaries, and special occasions. We ask that beforehand, you sign
your name and event on the Sunday you would like to celebrate and it will be posted on our screen and
in the Sunday bulletin. Please bring your refreshments by 9:15 to give us the opportunity to have everything
ready for after the service. And, just a reminder, you don’t have to be celebrating anything if you
want to bring refreshments! We appreciate the donations!
The Membership and Fellowship Committee sincerely requests that if you volunteer to provide refreshments
on any Sunday, we ask that you sign up on our Volunteer Refreshment Sheet ahead of time so we
don’t double the work of preparing refreshments and then have you walk in with your donation. The
sign-up sheet is on the bulletin board located in the fellowship hall. By signing up ahead of time, this
gives us the opportunity to recognize who brought refreshments by placing a thank you on our screen in
the sanctuary and in the bulletin.
One last request from our committee…we all love sheet cakes to celebrate
your occasion! If you bring a cake to serve after service, we ask that you plan
on helping to cut and serve the cake and take any leftovers home with you!
Our small freezer does not have room to store leftover cake and all of our
cookies too! And we love it if you can bring forks and small plates to serve
your cake.
Thank you for supporting our ministry.
Sincerely,
The Membership and Fellowship Committee

Northkirk's Extreme Makeover

Don't you just love our new pews and carpet? Tile in the fellowship hall too! Check out more photos here.

Flower Calendar

2010 FLOWER CALENDAR
Would you like to honor the memory of a loved one, or share a special occasion with the church?
The 2010 Flower Calendar is on the back wall of the  sanctuary. You may sign up for several Sundays of the year. Cost is $25.00.
Be sure to note your event so it can be put in the bulletin. Please fill out the forms letting us know if you would like to take home the flowers or have them delivered to those who would be blessed by their presence in their home at this particular time.