Volume 23

December 2016—January 2017

Number 6

Christmas activities keep St. Andrew members busy Christmas activities are well under way at St. Andrew as the church

prepares for the highlight of the holidays—the Christmas Eve service at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 24. Activities began prior to the start of Advent with church members and friends participating in the annual “hanging of the greens.” They spent a couple of hours after the Sunday, Nov. 20, service hanging wreaths and decorating Christmas trees in the sanctuary and narthex. Even before that, the Women’s Association Hanging Greens—Helen Smith, left, and Stacie Armendariz help with “hanging of the greens” at St. Andrew on Nov. 20.

volunteers spent a day in November making enchiladas, which they sell each year during the Christmas season for $5 for a package of two, either beef or cheese. (Continued on page 8.)

‘Canoeing Mountains’ author to visit congregation Dr. Tod Bolsinger is coming to St. Andrew on Sunday, Feb. 19, for coffee and conversation at 2 p.m. Dr. Bolsinger is the author of “Canoeing the Mountains,” a wellknown book the theme of which is Christian leadership in unchartered territory. He also is vice president for vocation and formation and an assistant professor of practical theology at Fullerton Theological Seminary. He is an ordained Presbyterian minister. (Continued on page 8.)

Mission Assessment Plan house meetings nearing conclusion House meetings that are a part of the Mission Assessment Plan (MAP) process and have been taking place for about a month will be wrapping up in the next week or two. House leaders reported that the meetings have gone well and that people are giving good input. Although the Mission Assessment Team (MAT) made an effort to evenly divide the congregation into groups led by the house leaders, some groups had more participants than others. They ranged in size from five or six people to ten or eleven. “But small is okay,” said Desi Coulson, MAT chair. “People still are

having good discussions.” The house meetings were held to enable the congregation to be a part of the decision-making process, she said. The MAP is required to be completed before the search for a permanent pastor can begin. Once the house discussions have ended, each group’s recommendations will be folded into a MAP that all church family members may review. MAT will meet, probably in January, to solidify the plan, which will be used in moving forward with the selection of the best pastor to help with St. Andrew’s chosen mission and direction.

After the plan is completed, it will be sent to the Riverside Presbytery, which must approve it before a Pastoral Nominating Committee can be formed and the search for a pastor can begin. House leaders were Frank and Judith Cassity, Barbara Cousins, Judy Patterson, Pat Laflin and Sue Steding, Patti and Oscar Rosales, Joyce and Rev. Dr. Bill Johnson, Desi and Scott Coulson and Chris and Dennis Mahr. Serving on the MAT along with Desi Coulson are Sue Steding, Joyce Johnson, Pat Laflin, Diane Burke, Frank Cassity and Joe Benitez.

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The Gospel writer Luke gives a lovely word picture surrounding the events of Jesus’ birth. The angels in all their glory announced the good news to the shepherds -- which caused quite a commotion among those men out in the fields. The angel said, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that shall be for all the people!” “Joy!” This is our Christmas word. We above all people, have been given the gift which inspires great gladness. We belong to a God who wants us to know the fullness of love, and this has been manifest in this baby born in Bethlehem. He is the joy sent from the heart of God for all humanity. In Zachariah’s song earlier in Luke, he prophesied that this baby would “give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of sins.” Because we are forgiven and free from the burden of sin, we are also set free to love and serve -- not only God in Christ, but our neighbors and our world.

December 2016—January 2017

St. Andrew is on a journey to discover again our deepest joy and how the Lord wants us to serve our community, in this day and time. This could be a time of fear, but like the angels announced to the shepherds, we don’t have to fear, because have “good news of great joy!” Good conversations have emerged from the New

Calendar defined (Editor’s note: The following was taken from the Presbyterian Planning Calendar, 2016-17; published in The Mission Bell and submitted by Rev. Dr. Bill Johnson). Do you know what the liturgical calendar is and what the liturgical colors are? The church calendar is made up of festivals and seasons. This is called the liturgical calendar. Unlike our daily calendar whose first month is January, the church calendar begins in the early winter months of November or December with Advent. Advent: a season to recollect the hope (Continued on page 8)

October beginning balance............................................... $17,349 Income................................................................................. $20,337 Expense............................................................................... $24,264 October ending balance.................................................... $13,422 Deacons October beginning balance................................. $1,314 Income...................................................................................... $210 Expense.................................................................................... $375 October ending balance...................................................... $1,149

Volume 23, Number 6

Beginnings Home Groups. New ideas for engaging our neighbors are being discussed. We have cause for great joy in our church family. May the joy that is given to us though our savior Jesus, carry you all through this Christmas season. Joyfully, Pastor Julie

Volume 23

December 2016—January 2017

Number 6

Published bimonthly for the congregation and friends of St. Andrew Community Presbyterian Church 47‑192 Monroe St. Indio, CA 92201 Church office: (760) 347‑5344 Fax: (760) 347‑1084 E-mail: [email protected] Web site: www.standrewindio.org www.facebook.com/StAndrewIndio Deadline: 15th of Jan., March, May, July, Sept. & Nov. Letters and articles can be e-mailed to [email protected] the Rev. Julie Hodges, pastor Diane Carter, office manager Polly Schiff, music director May LeRoy, pianist Karen Luoto, director of bell choirs Malinda Becerra, youth director Jeff DeBeck, custodian Elders on Session: Diana Benitez, Finance & Stewardship chair; Desiree Coulson; Joe Hamner, Christian Education & Spirtual Development chair; Criss Kiefer, Worship & Music chair; Carol Kocherhans, Mission & Evangelism chair; Chris Mahr, Clerk of Session, Outreach & Fellowship chair; Barbara Park, Personnel & Administration chair; Sue Steding; and Steve Stiles, Building & Grounds chair Board of Deacons: Josh Armendariz; Malinda Becerra; Diane Burke; Sue Gates; Barbara Cousins, vice moderator; Merlyn Hamner, secretary; Dennis Mahr, moderator; and Patti Rosales, treasurer. Corporate officers: Barbara Park, president; Joe Hamner, vice president; Chris Mahr, secretary & Steve Stiles, treasurer Worship schedule: worship service and Sunday School, 9:30 a.m. Office hours: 8 a.m.-4 p.m. T-Th Editors: Dennis & Chris Mahr Reporters: the congregation Mailing staff: Diane Barrie, Diane Carter, Jeff & Annie DeBeck, Sue Gates, Mary Lois Long, Chris Mahr & Beverly Watson

Volume 22, Number 6

December 2016—January 2017

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St. Andrew begins festive season— Top: May LeRoy’s Cathedral City High School Chancel Choir joins St. Andrew’s choir for Sunday worship. Left center: Carol Kocherhans inspects shoe box gifts destined for Christmas delivery to needy children throughout the world. Bottom left: St. Andrew members and guests gather for the annual Ice Cream Social. Above: The Rev. Dr. Bill Johnson and wife Joyce display the Scottish heritage of the Presbyterian Church on Reformation Sunday.

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December 2016—January 2017

St. Andrew family members in need of prayer for guidance, healing and strength. Linda Beal & Alan Harrell family Avice Beetler Joe Benitez Jacquie Bethel Lola Cizan Katie DaLuiso Annie & Jef f DeBeck

Dec. 2 Dec. 7 Dec. 8 Dec. 14 Dec. 18 Dec. 20 Dec. 26 Dec. 28 Dec. 30 Jan. 3 Jan. 12 Jan. 13 Jan. 15 Jan. 20 Jan. 25 Jan. 27 Jan. 27 Dec. 14 Dec. 29 Jan. 15

Matthew Ellis Millie Fernquist John Hale Virginia Johnson Latta family Joe Nicholson Melba Scarborough

Volume 23, Number 6

Cher yl Sevier Rev. Pat Stout and family Bev Watson Persons with prayer requests or who would like to become part of the prayer chain ministry should call Merlyn Hamner, 398-5713.

Women gather for day of enchilada making

The enchiladas are ready! Hamner or Betty Morgin after church For years and years, the Women’s if you are interested in purchasing Association and its helpers have been them. However, don’t procrastinate making enchiladas to sell during the because the enchiladas sell quickly. Christmas season, and this year was They also will be sold at the women’s Holiday Bake Sale on Dec. 11. no exception. Those who spent one or both Part of one day in November was spent making sauce, and the next days in the kitchen and fellowship Birthdays hall working on the enchiladas were day, the enchiladas were assembled Bill Johnson Diana Benitez and packaged by about a dozen Merlyn, Betty, Esther Mae Ellis, Avice Beetler women. Joe Hamner worked the Lola Cizan, Marina Hamner, Angie Don Frantz first day, helping to make the sauce. Hamner, Melanie Hamner, Malinda Beverly Watson More than 40 dozen enchiladas were Becerra, Janis O’Neil, Helen Smith, Mary Lois Long, Chris Mahr, Carmen Alison Ahrens made and now are on sale. A package of two—either beef Corona and Gardenia Lopez and Joe Virginia Dudas Dennis Mahr or cheese—sells for $5. See Merlyn Hamner. Mary Lois Long Sondra Crusha Making enchiladas are, from left, Merlyn Hamner, Gardenia Lopez, Melanie Howard Lee Hamner, Carmen Corona, Betty Morgin and Marina Hamner. Anastascio Becerra Mark Ahrens Judith Cassity Jennifer Hamner Mary Jane Boyer Earlene Coulson Rachel Perdue Eduardo Contreras Donna Frantz Anniversaries Judith & Frank Cassity Patti & Oscar Rosales Artemisa & Jesus Gutierrez

If a birth date or anniversary isn’t listed, the church doesn’t have it in the computer. Office staff asks that those people call to update their records.

Volume 22, Number 6

December 2016—January 2017

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Notes from the choir loft

Make a joyful noise If you stopped taking piano lessons when you were a kid, or stopped singing in the Church Choir when you got older, there may be some major health benefits to start tickling the ivories or singing in the choir. Research suggests that playing an instrument or singing music is associated with better mental health. The research says that if these musicians or singers begin playing or singing again it has a positive influence on our brains as we age. Also, music is not just a workout for the brain, it also helps satisfy the human need for self-expression and pleasure. It allows us to express feelings in a way that is not achieved with simply talking. I have talked to several people who say they can’t sing anymore due to their voices being raspy or scratchy. Voices do have issues as we age—especially if we don’t use them. Vocal cords lose their muscular strength and their elasticity. The good news is there are ways to protect or reinvigorate your vocal chords by singing or even humming. If we all hummed and sang for 10 minutes a day—it is a good exercise to keep the vocal chords vibrant and pleasant sounding. I have seen the results of this message when I heard people singing at a Songshine concert at PD Presbyterian. Most of those folks who participate in Songshine have major vocal chord problems caused by disease such as Parkinson’s, or strokes. I have seen and heard many folks in that group sing solos where before they couldn’t even speak legibly. By doing vocal exercises and singing in a choir, they have

regained their beautiful voices. It is heartwarming to hear them sing. Our choir at St. Andrew is always looking for new singers and we would encourage any of you who used to sing in a choir, or play an instrument, or have issues with your voice – to come and join us. As I see it- music is more about helping people feel better about themselves and being ambassadors of joy as they sing with their friends and family. As a last thought—“Music is what feelings sound like”. Come join us and let your music of the heart shine forth from the choir loft.

Rev. John Stout passes Rev. John Stout, husband of former St. Andrew Interim Pastor Patricia Stout, died Nov. 17, while ill with pneumonia following surgery. Pat Stout served as St. Andrew’s interim pastor from December 2006 to May 2009. During that time, John became active in St. Andrew church life, including organizing a men’s breakfast group, which met on Saturday mornings at the church to discuss a variety of issues. Pat returned to St. Andrew on a part-time basis in 2014 to serve as a parish associate, assisting Pastor Will Eisenhower until John became too ill. John’s background included serving as an enlisted sailor in Vietnam and as a Navy chaplain. An ordained minister, he served a number of churches as pastor. A memorial service for John is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11, at the Little Church of the Desert in Twentynine Palms where John and Pat made their home. If you’d like to send Pat a card or note, her address is 74945 Indianola Dr., Twentynine Palms, CA, 92277.

God Bless you all and I hope to see you in the choir loft. Any questions—give me a call or see me after the church service on Sunday. —Polly Schiff, on pdirector of music During the month of October, the members and friends of St. Andrew enjoyed shopping for gifts for children to fill 63 Operation Christmas Child boxes that will be delivered to many countries of the world. Thank you so much for providing a very special moment for each child that you filled a box for as they receive and open their surprise box. In December, the youth will be helping in the annual Christmas Store that is sponsored by the Narrow Door. There will also be an opportunity for members of the congregation to join in this ministry. Contact Desiree Coulson if you want to participate. On Jan. 15, the Mission Committee will sponsor another Blessing Bag filling event after the church service. Be prepared to be part of a fun and challenging assembly line. More details will come in a flyer late in December. Please remember to pray for Gary and Marlene Van Brocklin on a regular basis. Our church supports their mission work in Asia. Because they are ministering in restricted countries, we cannot share details of their work. If you feel led, they would welcome any monetary contributions to their support. Just write a check to St. Andrew and put their names in the memo line. Thank you. —by Carol Kocherhans

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Recurring Sunday schedule 8 a.m.: Choir rehearsal 9:30 a.m.: Worship 10:30 a.m.: Fellowship & coffee Thursday, Dec. 1 10 a.m.: Community Bible Study 5:30 p.m.: Bell Choir rehearsal Friday, Dec. 2 11 a.m.: Bridge Club Saturday, Dec. 3 9 a.m.: Choir rehearsal Sunday, Dec. 4 9:30 a.m.: Communion 3-5 p.m.: Open house at Pastor Julie’s Monday, Dec. 5 11 a.m.: Bridge Club 3:30 p.m.: Men’s Bible study Tuesday, Dec. 6 10 a.m.: Worship Committee 11 a.m.: Bridge Club The women thank everyone who donated food and helped set up, serve or clean up at the Annual Ice Cream Social. We sold all the pies! Your help was greatly appreciated. Our thanks go out to all of you. On Nov. 11, we made over 40 dozen enchiladas even though we had a small crew of 12 workers. You can purchase the enchiladas anytime. There are two to a package of either beef or cheese enchiladas at a cost of $5 per package. They also will be available at the Holiday Bake Sale on Sunday, Dec. 11. We would appreciate your donated baked goods for the bake sale, which will be held in the fellowship hall following the morning service. Donated items that would be welcome include breads, cookies, small cakes, cupcakes, fudge and other candy. Donated items should be brought to the church between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. the day before so they can be festively wrapped.

December 2016—January 2017

Thursday, Dec. 8 10 a.m.: Community Bible Study 4-8 p.m.: Private party, fellowship hall 5:30 p.m.: Bell Choir rehearsal If you have a suggested dollar amount for the price of your items, let us know. Although the date will be announced later, the women are planning their next “Notalent Talent Show.” In the past this was held every year. It now is held every other year. It probably will be scheduled sometime in March, possibly around St. Patrick’s Day. Although that’s still several months away, it’s time to start thinking about your act. Traditionally, the talent show performances have included singing, dancing, playing a musical instrument, reciting poetry and joke and story-telling. Performances have been solo and group so be thinking about who you might team up with if you don’t want to go it alone. As in the past, the women will team up with LOG (Looselyorganized Group) to organize the event, with LOG arranging for a catered dinner in the fellowship hall before the talent show.

Volume 23, Number 6

Friday, Dec. 9 11 a.m.: Bridge Club Saturday, Dec. 10 9 a.m.: Women prepare for bake sale Sunday, Dec. 11 10:30 a.m.: Women’s bake sale 4 p.m.: Youth group Monday, Dec. 12 11 a.m.: Bridge Club 3:30 p.m.: Men’s Bible study Tuesday, Dec. 13 10 a.m.: Women’s Board, Elizabeth Circle 11 a.m.: Bridge Club 4 p.m.: Mission Committee 6:30 p.m.: Joint Session/Deacons meeting Wednesday, Dec. 14 6 p.m.: LOG Christmas dinner, Mario’s in Indio Thursday, Dec. 15 5:30 p.m.: Bell Choir rehearsal Friday, Dec. 16 11 a.m.: Bridge Club Sunday, Dec. 18 December birthdays are asked to contribute $1/year to sound system. Monday, Dec. 19 11 a.m.: Bridge Club 3:30 p.m.: Men’s Bible study Tuesday, Dec. 20 11 a.m. Bridge Club Wednesday, Dec. 21 4:30 p.m.: Youth working at Narrow Door Christmas Store Thursday, Dec. 22 5:30 p.m.: Bell Choir rehearsal Friday, Dec. 23 11 a.m.: Bridge Club Saturday, Dec. 24 7 p.m.: Christmas Eve service Sunday, Dec. 25 Christmas holiday, church closed Monday, Dec. 26 11 a.m.: Bridge Club 3:30 p.m.: Men’s Bible study Thursday, Dec. 29 5:30 p.m.: Bell Choir rehearsal Friday, Dec. 30 11 a.m.: Bridge Club

Volume 22, Number 6

Recurring Sunday schedule 8 a.m.: Choir rehearsal 9:30 a.m.: Worship 10:30 a.m.: Fellowship & coffee Sunday, Jan. 1 9:30 a.m.: Communion Monday, Jan. 2 11 a.m.: Bridge Club 3:30 p.m.: Men’s Bible study Tuesday, Jan. 3 9:30 a.m.: Precept Bible Study 10 a.m.: Worship Committee

December 2016—January 2017

11 a.m.: Bridge Club Thursday, Jan. 5 10 a.m.: Community Bible Study Friday, Jan. 6 11 a.m.: Bridge Club Sunday, Jan. 8 4 p.m.: Youth group meeting Monday, Jan. 9 11 a.m.: Bridge Club 3:30 p.m.: Men’s Bible study Tuesday, Jan. 10 9:30 a.m.: Precept Bible Study

St. Andrew in brief

Staff and the congregation want to say “thank you” to Jeff DeBeck who has served St. Andrew as custodian for over 10 years. Jeff is the church’s “go to” worker for a variety of needs on the campus. His main responsibilities are to open and lock-up the building for scheduled events, including Sunday worship. Jeff sets up tables and chairs for the many events held weekly, and his wife, Annie, has helped to decorate the fellowship hall in creative ways. The custodial position also involves making sure the outside looks clean and presentable. This is a limited position and any room set-up needs or other issues for the facility must be booked through the office manager. Please note that the church also employs an outside cleaning service for weekly cleaning. The time and energy Jeff has brought to St. Andrew is greatly appreciated, said Interim Pastor Julie Hodges. New members The St. Andrew Session has voted to receive into membership Valda Jacques and Janis O’Neil. Valda was received into membership by letter of transfer from St. Andrew Presbyterian Church in Suffolk, Va. Janis was received into membership by reaffirmation of faith. She previously attended the Presbyterian Church in Coachella.

More information about these new members will be in the next newsletter. Messenger deadlines The next deadline for The Messenger is Jan. 15. There seems to be some confusion about the deadlines since the newsletter went from monthly to bimonthly publication. Here is the schedule so please mark your calendars. It’s the same every year: Jan. 15, March 15, May 15, July 15, Sept. 15 and Nov. 15. Please try to honor the deadlines so the newsletter can be published and mailed out on time. Also, please remember that editors Dennis and Chris Mahr continually are seeking newsletter contributions—not just church news but also items for the Andy’s Dandies column, which features items about St. Andrew members’ and friends’ travels, job changes, awards, volunteer work, etc. This also includes items about children and grandchildren. There was no Andy’s this month because nothing was submitted. Men’s Bible study Resumption of a Men’s Bible Study is in the works. Beginning Dec. 5, it will be held on Mondays at 3:30 p.m.. Further details will be given in future Sunday bulletins. Also, contact Myrl Nofziger, 760-771-2501 or [email protected] if you are interested or have questions.

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10 a.m.: Women’s Board & Elizabeth Circle 11 a.m.: Bridge Club 4 p.m.: Mission Committee Thursday, Jan. 12 10 a.m.: Community Bible Study 5:30 p.m.: Bell Choir rehearsal Friday, Jan. 13 11 a.m. Bridge Club Sunday, Jan. 15 11 a.m.: Blessing Bag party 5 p.m.: Messenger deadline Monday, Jan. 16 11 a.m.: Bridge Club 3:30 p.m.: Men’s Bible study Tuesday, Jan. 17 9:30 a.m.: Precept Bible Study 11 a.m.: Bridge Club 6:30 p.m.: Session Thursday, Jan. 19 10 a.m.: Community Bible Study 5:30 p.m.: Bell Choir rehearsal Friday, Jan. 20 11 a.m. Bridge Club Sunday, Jan. 22 10:30 a.m.: Congregation annual meeting Monday, Jan. 23 11 a.m.: Bridge Club 3:30 p.m.: Men’s Bible study Tuesday, Jan. 24 9:30 a.m.: Precept Bible Study 11 a.m.: Bridge Club 7 p.m.: Deacons Thursday, Jan. 26 10 a.m.: Community Bible Study 5:30 p.m.: Bell Choir rehearsal Friday, Jan. 27 11 a.m. Bridge Club Sunday, Jan. 29 11 a.m.: Potluck luncheon January birthdays are asked to contribute $1/year to sound system Monday, Jan. 30 11 a.m.: Bridge Club 3:30 p.m.: Men’s Bible study Tuesday, Jan. 31 9:30 a.m.: Precept Bible Study 11 a.m.: Bridge Club Unless otherwise noted, all calendar activities are at the church. “Call” indicates location was not announced.

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December 2016—January 2017

St. Andrew Community Presbyterian Church 47-192 Monroe Street

Volume 23, Number 6

NONPROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE

Indio, CA 92201

PAID PALM DESERT, CA PERMIT NO. 445

or current resident The mission of St. Andrew Community Presbyterian Church is to glorify God, encourage commitment to Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord and prepare all to serve Him.

Canoeing Mountains author to speak

(Continued from Page 1.)

“Members of our congregation have been reading this book as we move through the challenge of our mission study and the creation of our Mission Assessment Plan,” said Sue Steding, elder and a member of St. Andrew’s Mission Assessment Team.

“It is well worth the read,” Sue said. She added, “We are so lucky that he has agreed to join us for this discussion. I am convinced you will not want to miss his conversation.” Dr. Bolsinger’s book is available for less than $10 at Amazon.com.

Christmas activities underway

(Continued from page 1.)

On Sunday, Dec. 4, Interim Pastor Julie Hodges will host an open house at her home from 3 to 5 p.m. The next event will be the annual Christmas dinner organized by LOG (Loosely-organized Group) at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 14, at Mario’s Italian Restaurant on Highway 111 in Indio. Everyone orders off the menu. Because space is limited, please RSVP with Chris Mahr, 760-342-7898 or [email protected], as soon as possible but no later than Sunday, Dec. 11. The evening also will include a Christmas ornament exchange so bring an ornament. Couples may bring one or two, depending in whether both want to select an ornament. The women’s annual Bake Sale is scheduled for Sunday, Dec. 11, after the morning service. The women will work the day before preparing for the bake sale. They welcome donations of baked goods, which should be brought to the church the day before between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. Items they will sell include breads, cookies, small cakes and candies. Anyone who can donate items is asked to call Betty Morgin or Merlyn Hamner. On Dec. 21 from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m., the Youth Group and anyone else who is interested will work at The Narrow Door’s Christmas Store.

Calendar defined

(Continued from page 2.)

of the coming of Christ (Nov. 27 to Dec. 23). Color is purple. Christmas: a celebration of the birth of Christ (Dec. 24 to Jan. 6). Color is white. Epiphany: a day for commemorating God’s self-manifestation to all people with the visit of the Magi (Jan. 6). Color is white. Lent: a season of spiritual discipline and preparation, beginning with Ash Wednesday, anticipating the celebration of Christ’s death and resurrection (March 1 to April 14.) Color is purple. Holy Week: a time of remembrance and proclamation of Jesus Christ’s suffering and death (April 9-15.) Color is purple. Easter: the day of the Lord’s resurrection and the season of rejoicing, which commemorates his ministry until his Ascension (April 16 to May 25). Color is white. Pentecost: the celebration of the Holy Spirit’s gift to the church (June 4). Color is red. All other time periods are called ordinary time, and green is used.