July 27, 2024

 There will be no church service July 27.  

Join us at Redwood Campmeeting on Dyerville Loop Road.

 

 

THE FOCUS

NEWSLETTER OF THE FORTUNA SDA CHURCH

2301Rohnerville Rd. Fortuna Ca 95540 fsdaoffice@yahoo.com

Vol. 91 No.   August 2024

SHEEP, GOATS & GRACE

In Matthew 25:31-46, Jesus gives the parable of the sheep and goats. At first read, it seems disarmingly simple. A shepherd sorts out sheep from the goats, putting the sheep to his right and goats to his left. And that, says Jesus, is the way it will be at the end, in the day of final dispositions.

Jesus identifies Himself as the one who will do the final sorting. “The Son of Man will take His place on His glorious throne. Then all the nations will be arranged before Him, and He will sort the people out.” (Matthew 25:31-32). It is surely reassuring thought that He who came to save us, giving His life for us on Calvary, is the one who sits as our judge.

But what about the sorting? On what basis are sheep and goats separated?

The criteria surprises us; first, because we don’t find any specification of faith in Jesus as the only hope and Savior. Second, because the separation seems to be wholly on the basis of works – what has been done, or what has not been done.

What happened to the gospel? Where is grace?

Look a little closer. Sometimes the obvious is so close we look

Jesus separates the sheep from the goats. He doesn’t declare some to be sheep and goats; they are already what they are. The judgment simply reveals their identity. And the works, or the lack thereof? Did you catch the note of surprise? The “sheep” are happily surprised to be commended for what they have done. Their lives have reflected the transforming power of grace, but they didn’t realize it. They didn’t do good to earn salvation, but because they were already saved. No salvation by works, but also, none apart from works.

The story is told of two shepherd boys who were out in the fields with their flocks. A terrible

 

storm quickly came upon them and their sheep. Both boys ran as fast as they could to the same cave. While the winds blew, the rains poured, the thunder roared and the lightning flashed, all were safe and secure in the cave. After the storm passed and the boys were brave enough to go outside again, they realized that all their sheep were mixed together and were not sure what to do. Finally, both boys left the cave, and the sheep followed them – each went with their own shepherd.  Not one was missing.

Today, take time to know your Shepherd. Only by His grace are you saved and only by His grace will your lives become more like His. May God richly bless today and every day!

 Pastor Dan

 

REMEMBER

No church here this Sabbath, July 27th. Join us our at Redwood Camp meeting on Dyerville Loop. Road

 

 

FJA

Some of you were not able to attend the July 9^th, church business meeting. The decision of the constituency delegates voted, with 5 opposed, to put FJA on “hold” for the 2024-2025 school year. This was a difficult decision to make. The hope is to take this time, to catch our breath, pay current bills and concentrate on the best way to re-open the school in the future with a strong budget, and a teacher and staff in place. The conference representative says this is happening across the conference and state. It is a challenge to keep a school open in small areas. Costs are going up; enrollment is down, and we are not graduating teachers at a fast enough rate. Please pray for our school and continue to financially support them during this “breathing” time. Please watch for meetings and attend them. Everyone’s input matters.

 

PATHFINDERS

Don’t Forget To Support our Pathinders out at the cafeteria and burger bar through Saturday the 27^th.

 

Shortly after Camp Meeting ends, they will be leaving for the International Camporee in Gillette Wyoming. We had special prayer over them on Sabbath. They will be traveling by car a very long distance. Along the way they are going to stop in Salt Lake City, and at Yellowstone National Park for 3 days and then on to Gillette. Remember them in your prayers. We look forward to hearing about their trip when they return. And a schedule of what will be going on in the 2024-2025 Pathfinder season. Remember to share with families with kids Pathfinder

 

OUTDOOR FELLOWSHIP

We are still looking for folks to host outdoor picnic lunches for September and October. Please let us know if you are interested In hosting.

 

WRITE IT ON THE CALENDAR

JULY 21-27 CAMP MEETING

JULY 27 NO CHURCH SERVICE HERE

Janet’s Celebration of Life

AUG. 03 HEALTH NUGGET DR. BAIRD

AUG 10 PASTOR IN MIRANDA

AUG 17 POTLUCK AT DON & COLLEEN’S

AUG 25 MICHELLE MASON – Celebration of life

SEPT 02 LABOR DAY

SEPT 08 GRANDPARENTS DAY

SEPT 10 CHURCH BOARD @6:30

SEPT 21 FJA 100 YEAR CELEBRATION

SEPT.27-29 WOMEN’S EVENT (see article)

OCTOBER GRIEF RECOVERY PRESENTATION

 

AUGUST OFFERINGS

AUG 3 Local Budget AUG 10 NAD

AUG 17 Local Budget AUG 24 NCC

AUG 31 Local Budget

 

Celebrations of Life

This coming Saturday, July 27th, at 1:00ish there is a celebration of life for Janet Eastburn. Please bring a picnic, BBQ, side dish to go along with the hotdogs and burgers (vegetarian and real meat). There is time for you to get to Rio Dell from camp meeting. It’s 20-30 minutes to Rio Dell
 

Bill Mason is planning to have a Celebration of Life for his wife, Michelle. The family has finally coordinated all schedules and the service will be here on Sunday, August 25th. I will let you know more details as plans are solidified. There most likely be a fellowship time after.

We want to let our church family know that our friend and sister, Jeanette Cooper, passed away this week. She had been living at Frye’s Care Home. At this time, we know of no plans for a service. Please pray for her daughters Nancy and Linda and her grandchildren.

 

AUGUST Birthdays 

 

AUG. 04 BECKY CHAPMAN

AUG. 07 TERRY CHRISTENSEN

AUG. 08 KERRY FREEDMAN

JEREMY SALVINI KIMBERLEE WIKANDER

PETER MAZZONE

AUG. 11 SANDRA WEEKS

AUG. 12 TERESA BURGARA

AUG. 14 MARIE ALDINGER

AUG. 16 ANNA RODRIGUEZ

AUG. 17 MICHELLE PEDRONI

AUG. 22 AMELIA GARCIA

AUG. 23 ABI UNRUH

AUG. 24 SHARLA FORWOOD

AUG. 25 CHRIS MILLER

LORI MCCRIGLER

AUG. 26 ZOILA VAZQUEZ

ISABEL BRINCKHAUS

AUG. 27 DWANE JOHNSTON

AUG. 28 ANN PARKER

AUG. 29 JOSH VAZQUEZ

AUG. 30 NANCY GODDEN

AUG. 31 ARIA BRINCKHAUS

 

AUGUST  Anniversaries

AUGUST 24 Timothy And Coralee Whitchurch

AUGUST 30 Dwane And June Johnston

Dale And Kimberlee Unruh

 

WOMEN’S FELLOWSHIP

The weekend of September 27-29 the women’s ministry will be hosting a special weekend at the FCSC. Gleny Cherian, a Christian teacher in Psychology at Weimar, will be our guest speaker. There will be Friday night and sabbath afternoon workshops (& possibly Sunday morning ) for women at the center. Sabbath she will be our speaker during the church service with a potluck following at the center. More info on times and topics soon. Invite women you know to join us.

 

 

 

age! They re-start usually in September!

THE FOCUS

NEWSLETTER OF THE FORTUNA SDA CHURCH

2301Rohnerville Rd. Fortuna Ca 95540 fsdaoffice@yahoo.com

Vol. 91 No. 7  July 2024

FROM PASTOR’S DAN

A GIFT OF LIFE

The late William Johnson, retired editor of the Adventist Review, wrote about the story of Geri Kennedy and her brother. Craig was in a desperate condition with acute renal failure. He needed someone to donate a kidney. Geri wrestled with what she might do to help him. If the tests came out positive, would she be healthy enough to give one of her kidneys? How would her husband, daughters, and her parents relate to her doing this for someone who drank alcohol and smoked? And would Craig forever feel an obligation?

After much prayer and discussion, Geri decided to go forward. Craig begged her not to do it. She told him that she believed that God would lead and that it was all in His control. The feelings of love, awe, and tears are beyond my skills to put into words, she remembers. His question was, “What will I ever do to repay you?” She answered with a grin, “Don’t worry, I’ll have a list.” Then she added, “This kidney of mine doesn’t drink or smoke, and it goes to church every Sabbath; so please, do not try to change its lifestyle.”

In the operating room the staff put Geri’s and Craig’s gurneys side by side. They looked at each other and held hands. The Craig asked seriously, “Where is it?

“Where’s what?”

With tears flowing down his face, he said, “The list.” No4w Geri’s tears were flowing also. “Craig, there is no list – this is a gift. I love you, and God loves you. He will see us through.”

A thousand words could not describe the look on Craig’s face, Geri recalls. All he could do was squeeze her hand even harder, smile through his tears, and shake his head. After the surgery there were many more tears of happiness as the rest of

the family learned that Geri and Craig were doing fine. During the following days, two times Craig’s body started to reject Geri’s kidney, but each time God heard their pleas for his complete recovery.

In John’s epistle he writes, “This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down His life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.” (1 John 3:16, NIV). Jesus did more than give us a kidney. He took our place on the cross.

The beatings, bruising and blood which He shed is what we deserved for our sins – He took it all upon Himself. He died for all our sins. Now through His resurrection we can be forgiven and have a new life. What will you do with the perfect life He gives you?

Because of the love Geri has given to her brother Craig, he has recommitted his life to Christ.

Today, we can do the same thing. Because we have experienced God’s love and grace, may we become loving and show grace to those around us. May God richly bless you!

Pastor Dan

 

PATHFINDERS

Don’t forget during camp meeting, the Pathfinders will be hosting the Burger Bar and the cafeteria. They appreciate your support.

Also, please remember to pray for our Pathfinders. Right after Camp Meeting, they will be leaving for the International Camporee in Gillette Wyoming. They will be traveling by car a very long distance. Along the way they are going to stop in Salt Lake City, and at Yellowstone National Park for 3 days and then on to Gillette. Please pray for them, for safe travels, for great experiences, and to meet and make new friends in Christ.

We want to thank you for all the years of faithful support of our Pathfinders. They would not be able to do the things they do and go where they go without your support. The support financially is important. But, even more it is the physical support and fellowship that is the most important. We are blessed by you and we thank you!

 

BUSINESS MEETING

Tuesday, the 9^th of July. There will be a business meeting you will want to make sure and attend. We will give you an update regarding the future of FJA. It will be at 6:00 in the blue room.

OUTDOOR FELLOWSHIP

We are still looking for folks to host outdoor picnic lunches for September and October. Please let us know if you are interested. Here are the ones we have scheduled so far 

July 20^th – Dumitrescu’s

August-17^th Don and Colleen’s

 

IS YOUR CHURCH ENCOURAGING?

“I entered the church community as a woman who loved Jesus and desired to grow in spiritual maturity and fruitfully contribute to our church. But I also entered weary and heavy-laden with wounds, sin, and baggage. In every stage of life and spiritual maturity level, I’ve valued encouragement within the body of Christ.

I remember the encouragers. Their lives were filled with joy. These men and women gently helped me see, understand, and apply the promises of God when my heart was weary. Their words and demonstrations of God’s kindness helped me to be strong, stand firm, and take heart in various seasons of discouragement.

We began a ministry of trying to encourage one another in Christ. To seek out those who had been wounded by “Christians” in their church body. To develop closer emotional and spiritual relationships with one another and to develop an environment of acceptance and love amongst one another. Recognizing that that we may not be “best friends” with everyone, but we will be there to encourage and support everyone.

Here are some of the ways I have learned by being involved in a growing ministry of positivity and encouragement among churches that are lacking the familial relationships church members should have.

• Encouragement is a learned skill. Just like other parts of discipleship, encouragement should be taught, practiced, and replicated as an important aspect of the Christian faith. Encouragement is Spirit dependent. Pray for the Spirit’s wisdom and that he would provide the good counsel of a well-timed word. Depend on the Spirit to do the work of empowerment. You are the messenger not the Spirit.

• Check Yourself. Are you encouraging to your brothers and sisters in Christ? Do you confront or criticize? Are you opiniated or tolerant? Do you watch your delivery? Do you gossip or recognize we are all sinners covered by grace? Do you pray before any encounter? We may see ourselves as encouraging and compassionate but how do others see us? You may be strong, but others may be in turmoil and experiencing trials you may know nothing about. Approach accordingly. Treat everyone as if you are approaching a physical child of God “who is made in His image,” and therefore is Christ embodied.

• Be patient. As you work and pray for change, be patient. A church’s culture doesn’t take shape overnight. As you work to implement a culture of encouragement, be patient and diligent in studying the practice of encouragement with church members.

• Encourage your church. Pray for your pastors, elders, and teachers to be strengthened by grace through the encouraging words and actions of the church’s members. Pray and ask the Lord for wisdom and humility to discern how God might use you to encourage and strengthen others within your own local church.

• Consider the unique personality of your church. How has it been shaped and defined over the years by certain leaders or church members? When God’s people bring their desires, abilities, strengths, gifts, and resources to the church and work for his glory, God produces beautiful fruit and a loving membership.

Adapted from Lindsey Carlson’s book A Better Encouragement: Trading Self-Help for True Hope 

 

WRITE IT ON THE CALENDAR

JULY 04 INDEPENDENCE DAY

JULY 06 POTLUCK

JULY 09 BUSINESS MEETING 6:00

JULY 12 HEALTH NUGGET

JULY 13 PASTOR IN PETROLIA

JULY 20 POTLUCK AT DUMITRESCU’S

JULY 21-27 CAMP MEETING

JULY 27 NO CHURCH SERVICE HERE

AUG. 03 HEALTH NUGGET DR. BAIRD

AUG. 10 PASTOR IN MIRANDA

AUG. 17 POTLUCK AT DON & COLLEEN’S

SEPT.27-29 WOMEN’S EVENT (see article)

OCTOBER GRIEF RECOVERY PRESENTATION

 

JUNE OFFERINGS

JULY 1 Local Budget JULY 8 GC sessioon

JULY 15 Local Budget JULY 27 NCC

 

MISSION SPOTLIGHT

Remember that the 3^rd Sabbath of every month is the mission spotlight at 10:45. If it is still playing when downstairs gets out, please remain in the lobby until it and the class are over. Thank you!

 

Evangelism and Personal Ministries

Wednesday nights at 6:00pm there is a study of the book of Patriots and prophets. On Saturday nights we are watching season 4 of “The Chosen”. In September there will be a women’s ministry retreat here at the church. In October, Steve and Karen Nicola will be hosting a series on grief recovery. Many of us have lost loved ones and struggle with grief. Friends and families as well. Please spread the word when we get more information on the specifics.

 

WOMENS FELLOWSHIP

THE WEEKEND OF SEPTEMBER 27-29 THE WOMEN’S MINISTRY WILL BE HOSTING A SPECIAL WEEKEND AT THE FCSC. GLENY CHERIAN, A CHRISTIAN TEACHER IN PSYCOLOGY AT WEIMAR WILL BE OUR GUEST SPEAKER. THERE WILL BE FRIDAY NIGHT AND SABBATH AFTERNOON WORKSHOPS (& POSSIBLY SUNDAY MORNING ) FOR WOMEN AT THE CENTER. SABBATH SHE WILL BE OUR SPEAKER DURING THE CHURCH SERVICE WITH A POTLUCK FOLLOWING AT THE CENTER. MORE INFO ON TIMES AND TOPICS BY AUG. FIRST. INVITE WOMEN YOU KNOW TO JOIN US.

 

July 2024

Birthdays & Anniversaries

JULY 02 REINA PINEDO

JULY 06 DAVE PERRY

JULY 06 KATHRYN MATHISON

JULY15 PAM BADZIK

JULY 17 DANIEL ALEJANDRO

JULY 18 MIA MAZZONE

JULY 19 BILL MASON

JULY 22 MICHAEL NORTON

JULY 24 ARIELA RAYBURN

SANDRA WEEKS

JULY 25 MICHAEL CHAPMAN

JULY 27 CHAROLETTE WAREHAM

LORRAINE SCHUELER

JULY 28 JONAH MAZZONE

JULY 31 NORMA BARNHART

 

 

ANNIVERSARIES

JULY 6^TH RUBEN & LALITA BRINCKHAUS

JULY 12^TH NATE & VALERIE WIKANDER

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