2007 FALL EDITION	Shasta District UMC Newsletter

IN THIS ISSUE:
This & That from Ben Georgie Summers receives Bishop's Award CUMVIM Mission Grows in Cal-Nevada A Life Changing Experience Mission Moments Where Creation Comes Alive Spiritual Retreat Christmas in Colonet 2007 UMCOR Medicine Box ... Supplies Desperatly Low Janet Lahr Lewis California-Nevada Conference Mourns Sudden Death of Beloved Pastor		Georgie Summers receives Bishop's Award During the 2007 Annual Conference Session, Georgie Summers received the Bishop's Award, presented by Bishop Beverly Shamana, who read the following before presenting Georgie with the medallion honoring her: This servant of God makes a powerful witness for peace and justice, allows for 'fearless questioning' of one's faith, and brings infectious enthusiasm to any discussion. Youth and young adult classes in the past and those of intergenerational groups currently are grateful for the inspired teaching and stimulation
of faith development offered. Adult classes now offered in the local church attract people from other churches to join the lively discussions. District and Conference Schools of Mission and Lay Witness have been blessed by the leadership of this award recipient. With Christ's compassion for the poor, this woman of God is a passionate advocate and speaker for the single-payer health care bill in California. She is widely recognized for her understanding of this subject. Her pastor says, 'Her Christian teaching has always stressed the need to see through the eyes of Jesus the contemporary issues of our day. Born in Arkansas, earning degrees in Education, she came to work in the First UMC, Ventura. One of her first youth members was Jim Strathdee. While there, she met and married her husband, before moving to Boston where he attended Boston University School of Theology.
	This & That (from here and there, every now and then) Ben Silva-Netto District Superintendent	CUMIN Mission Grows in Cal-Nevada The past 15 years have seen incredible growth in the volunteer movement that is United Methodist Volunteers in Mission. UMVIM's parent agency, the General Board of Global Ministries, credits a grassroots desire to be personally involved in mission as the reason behind the stellar increase. That one-on-one involvement reflected high numbers of Volunteers In Mission from the California-Nevada Conference in 2006. According to UMVIM Coordinator Dr. Sue King, last year saw a bumper crop for Volunteers In Mission as dozens of churches worked around the Conference, across the borders and in the hurricane-devastated Gulf Coast region. "The Board of Missions has provided funding for scholarships for UMVIM team members, based on need and a strong commitment to telling the United Methodist community about their UMVIM experience when they return," says King. "I'd love to help churches get started in their first-ever UMVIM experience by offering team leader trainings in their district and by offering scholarship support, too. Also, I am encouraging experienced UMVIM teams to consider helping in Texas, whose communities were also heavily damaged by the storms of 2005. Individuals can apply for the scholarships more than one time!" Call the California-Nevada UMVIM office today, or check out their web site.
Advent 2007 Christ comes into our world in many ways: he came at his birth on Christmas day many years ago; he comes continually in Word and Spirit; he will return in final victory at the time we normally refer to as his Second Coming. During this season of Advent we, the disciples of Christ, are invited to prepare ourselves and to be aware of the many ways God continues to be present in our world. Through the coming of Jesus Christ, we are made aware of the fact that "Love Came Down at Christmas." Love divine, all loves excelling, joy of heaven, to earth come down; Fix in us thy humble dwelling; all thy faithful mercies crown! Jesus thou art all compassion, pure, unbounded love thou art; Visit us with thy salvation; enter every trembling heart. (UMH, 384) Through the coming of Jesus Christ we know that it is the nature of God to love for God is love. God shows the over-much-ness, the abundance, of God's love for us through the grace that is always sufficient for us, through the amazing grace that God so generously gives us even though we know that we do not deserve it. Through the coming of Christ we know that we can love others and that, as the song tells us: "we are simply called to make gentle this hurting world, to tame its savagery, to have love and compassion for all, including ourselves, the enemies, and the strangers, and in all the time given to us to live in this earth to express through our lives and our labor the ancient tale of God's redemptive love wherever our feet and our faith should take us." Through the coming of Christ we know that God's passion is compassion for all - and this means all the peoples of the earth, "red, brown, yellow, black and white, they are all precious in God's sight; Jesus loves the little children of the world." Through the coming of Christ we know that in the final judgment, in the last days, at the end of time, all of our lives will be measured and all of our deeds and thoughts will be judged according to how faithful we have been to the Gospel of love: "I was hungry, and you gave me food. I was thirsty, and you gave me something to drink. I was alone and away from home, and you invited me into your house. I was without clothes, and you gave me something to wear. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me. . . Anything you did for any of my people here, you also did for me." (Matthew 25:35-36, 40) Through the coming of Christ we know that all the hundreds of commandments and laws given to us to live our lives by are reduced, condensed, yes, transformed into two: "Love your God with all your heart, and mind and soul and love your neighbor as yourself." I suggest that there are at least two ways we respond to the coming of Christ, not exactly the way we prepare for Christmas. Not by decorating our houses and churches with Christmas ornaments, not by preparing sumptuous feasts, not by frantically buying gifts for those we love, not just by singing traditional Christmas carols and decorating our Christmas trees. I suggest that our genuine faith response to the coming Christ, who is love coming down at Christmas, is doing two things: inviting Christ to live within us, and committing ourselves to live for Christ. Christ living within us. A story was told long time ago of a famous organist of a grand cathedral in Fribourg, Germany. He was practicing alone one day in the sanctuary of this great cathedral when a stranger came in, listened for a while at the door of the church and then moved closer to the organist. He asked if he could play his magnificent organ. The organist, extremely protective of his precious instrument, initially refused, but the stranger repeated his request at intervals. Reluctantly the organist allowed the stranger to play. The stranger took the stool and sat down in silence; then he started to play. There immediately burst forth from the eager pipes of that grand organ greater music than it had ever yielded before. The sound shook the foundation of the building; the notes dwelt in every hollow of the branching rook; the stone pillars shouted aloud their praises; the music awakened the sleeping choirs of angels. And as the melody died away, the organist seized the shoulders of the stranger, profoundly moved, and asked, "Who are you?" The stranger quietly whispered, "I am Mendelssohn." "And to think that I nearly refused the greatest musician of Europe to use my instrument." Another story was told and I believe this to be a true story. A young was working on his Model T Ford by the side of the road, feeling extremely frustrated that he couldn't make it run. A well dressed stranger stopped by and asked him what was the matter. The young man said that he had been trying to fix his broken down machine for a long time and still he couldn't make it run. The stranger suggested some minor adjustment to the motor. Reluctantly and probably out of desperation the young followed the advice of the stranger. And then he turned the crank and immediately the car ran like a new car. Amazed, the young man asked the stranger, "Who are you? How is it that you know how to make my car run?" The stranger responded, "I am Henry Ford. I made your car. I know all about it." When we allow Christ to live within us something marvelous happens in our lives. Living for Christ Christmas is essentially God saying to us "I want to be a part of your life and your world. If you allow me to be a part of you, I would ask you to live your life for me." Living for Christ means growing, glowing, and going. The invitation is to grow in grace and in the knowledge and love of God, to mature in our understanding of faith, to grow deeper in our relationship with God as a couple can grow deeper in their love for each other as years go by. The invitation is also to glow, to let your light so shine before people so that through the good works they see in you, they may glorify your God. A Christian glows with joy and excitement and passion and this attitude is communicated to others. The invitation is to "go ye therefore into all the world and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them whatsoever I have commanded you, and lo, I am with you always until the end of the world." (Matthew 28:19-20) You may have seen statues, say a wooden statue of a Native American, and you might think that this man doesn't commit any of the sins forbidden in the Ten Commandments, and doesn't transgress any laws of the Bible or the country. You might conclude that this Native American is a righteous man. But would you say that he is a faithful Christian? Probably not, because to be a Christian is to follow Christ, which means "going," reaching out to the lost, the last, the least, the lonely, the left-over folks of society, those whom God loves so passionately.
A Life Changing Experience Oroville Congregation Aids in New Orleans By Pastor Rochelle Frazier First United Methodist Church of Oroville sponsored a mission team to New Orleans from March 31-April 6, 2007. The team members were Pastor Rochelle Frazier, Carol Anderson, Elaine Klein, Pa Xiong, Davi Yang, Noukoushua Yang, Jarred Bunn, Jack Erwin and Jeanette Givens and Tom Kroner from San Francisco. The reason for the mission to the Gulf Coast was to help with the rebuilding efforts for homeowners whose property was damaged by a levee breach. The breach was caused by the storm surge from Hurricane Katrina. The hurricane hit the area in August 2005 and devastated the region. Twenty months later, the area is still devastated. As we arrived by airplane to New Orleans and looked out of the windows, we were able to see empty neighborhoods. The design of a neighborhood and the foundation of some of the homes were present, but the houses, trees and other signs of life were missing. When we drove around the area, we saw vacant properties, piles of debris in front of houses and buildings, FEMA trailers in the front yards and the remaining buildings in strip malls were boarded up. As we viewed the conditions of the city, a state of grief and sadness was felt among us. We looked forward to fulfilling the mission God sent us on. Our team was assigned to gut out the lower level of a single family residence and an in-law apartment in the rear of the house. The house is owned by a high school math and science teacher and a school board administrator. The family moved to Texas for housing and employment. We met and established a relationship with the school teachers' mother. She was overseeing the work on the house for her son. She shared her hurricane story with us. She stated that her house was being repaired as well. She also told us that she and other members of the New Orleans community did not receive the social services that they were entitled to and that the insurance industry has doubled and tripled the rates for insurance coverage since the hurricane. The team, especially the youth, was excited about gutting the houses. We wore construction gear which included work suits and goggles for safety reasons. We were able to complete our assigned tasks and the family was extremely appreciative of our efforts. We also had the opportunity to socialize with the New Orleans community. We attended a Crawfish Festival, saw a movie about Hurricane Katrina, and walked on the Riverwalk. We ate and shopped in the French Quarter and heard authentic New Orleans jazz performers. We worshiped at two United Methodist churches for Sunday and Maundy Thursday services. The mission trip for the team was transformative. "My trip to New Orleans was a life changing experience" says Noukoushua Yang. Mr. Yang is a student at Las Plumas High School. Jarred Bunn, a student at Oroville High School, said regarding the trip, "I got a lot out of it and it changed my perspective on what I have. I felt a sense of joy, sadness and achievement. In closing, we believe that we were sent to be the "hands and feet" of Jesus Christ. Because of our work, we changed the lives of the homeowners. We created joy in the midst of their misery. And because of what we experienced, our lives were changed. We are thankful to our church and the Oroville community for their support in funding our mission trip through their donations.
Mission Moments "Here I am, Lord: Missionaries of The United Methodist Church" is the title of a packet of "Mission Moments" suitable for use in worship services, committee or council meetings, or as church newsletter inserts. They come as 5 x 7 inch cards with information on the work of United Methodist missionaries. The content of each card can be read in about one minute, thus the name "Mission Minute" cards. The following is an example of one such card: "When we started working here more than 25 years ago, nutrition was fairly stable. It's a wonderful area for growing crops. But in recent years, because of the war, many people are unemployed and, as a result malnourished. "Some of these children die. It's very, very hard. At the same time, we know we make a difference. We are treating twins, now a year old. Each child weighs 14 pounds. That may not sound like much, but they've gained from 10 pounds. Improvements like that keep us going. We see a mother's eyes light up and we think' 'Maybe that child is going to make it.' Even parents who have lost children come back and say, 'Thank you. Thank you for trying.' "The country's instability has had other effects. A district superintendent was invited to come to Mulungwishi to take a seminary class. As his family traveled here, rebel forces intercepted them. Leaving his family behind, the man walked 250 miles to school. Despite the uncertainty the man faced, the bishop encouraged him to continue his studies. That was in September. This student had no idea what had happened to his family. In December he heard his wife and children had hidden in a forest, living off whatever they could find to eat. When the family was reunited, that was the best Christmas present our community received! "We were 'mish kids.' Our parents were missionaries, and we've known each other since we were babies. Our three children grew up on the mission field. But even though we have lived in Africa for years, we still have a lot of Western habits. When we work with the Congolese people, we learn from each other. We may make a bad decision within the culture, yet they still support us - they still love us. It's a family." The seminary where David is dean and professor, and the women's school, which Lori directs, are ministries of the Advance for Christ and His Church. Because of the Advance ("second mile" giving program of the UMC), Congolese seminarians graduate and lead growing churches. Because of your generosity, women do not have to buy the fabric they sew, the wool they knit or the notebooks they use in school. When you give to the Advance, you're involved in educating couples, enabling children to attend school, feeding families and providing medical care. Thank you! David Persons, dean and professor, Advance # 07708Z Lorene Persons, Women's school, Katanga Methodist University #17709Z Mulungwishi, Democratic Republic of Congo
Where Creation Comes Alive ... The Sanctuary at Paradise UMC certainly came alive on August 18th with the music of The Spiritual Image. Approximately 160 people were treated to a choral performance that was inspiring to both body and spirit. The Spiritual Image, a choir from South Hayward UMC, led by music director and pianist Angie Bacho-Manalili took us through a program that touched on a multitude of themes: patriotic, spiritual, inspirational, love songs, Filipino traditional music, Broadway musicals-and all delighted the senses. And as if that were not enough, the facial expressions and body language of the choir, their director and their backup group were entertaining and inspirational. This is not only an inspired and spirit led choir, it is a professional and talented one also! We were also treated during the intermission to two beautiful songs performed by Bob and Peg McElroy of Paradise UMC with accompaniment by Arlene Harms, also of Paradise UMC. This performance was a touching and meaningful rendition of two well known favorites written by Bill and Gloria Gaither. All of these musical delights were presented as a fundraiser in support of Shasta Camp, Shasta District's very own place of serenity and splendor. In April of 2006 the camp suffered the collapse of the partially built retreat center that is part of the vision for Shasta Camp. It was, of course, a huge disappointment to those who know and love the camp. However, the vision is strong and the camp committee is busy laying the groundwork to realize the dream of a retreat center that will enhance the camping experience for a greater variety of organizations as well as accommodate larger groups. It is such a blessing to have the support of Rev. Ben Silva-Netto and his lovely wife, Marlyn, as well as the Shasta District Council on Ministries under the capable leadership of Priscilla Hanford and Julie Horne-their hard work, along with others and their faith in Shasta Camp is inspiring and very much appreciated. To date the fundraiser concert has grossed in excess of $5,500 -dollars that will be put to good use both to improve our current facilities at camp and to help realize the vision of a year-round retreat center. Many thanks to all involved in the planning and execution of this concert and to all who supported the event with their dollars and their presence. The Shasta Camp Committee is truly grateful and extremely moved by the outpouring of love and support for the camp. Come on up and see us-we offer camping and retreat experiences summer and winter, surrounded by magnificent scenery and plenty of activities. Contact Fai Schwarzenberg on (530) 467-3166 or faioa@sisqtel.net for reservations. Thank you, Spiritual Image, for sharing your incredible gifts; thank you, McElroys and Arlene Harms, for sharing your musical talent; thank you, Paradise UMC, for hosting this event, and many thanks to all who helped make this concert such a success. Pauline Bowen, Chair, Shasta Camp Committee
Spiritual Retreat Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest.Matthew 11:28 NRSV The Spiritual Retreat on August 15-17, 2007, was coordinated by Pastor Rochelle Frazier of First United Methodist Church of Oroville. The retreat was planned to allow clergy to gather for a time of rest and relaxation. The retreat was attended by four United Methodist pastors and the husband and wife pastoral team from Raven Ministries, a nonprofit organization that serves pastors. The pastors came from the Bay Area and from Yankee Hill, a town near Oroville. The retreat started on Wednesday. We gathered for dinner and afterwards, engaged in worship. We heard a very moving sermon from Bishop T.D Jakes via DVD about giving God our baggage so that we can rest in Him. The message truly touched the hearts of the pastors. We discussed our personal and professional baggage and the need to be willing to release it all to God. Early Thursday, we met for breakfast and prepared for our adventure on Lake Oroville. Lake Oroville is a beautiful lake. We rented a nice patio boat that was equipped with a grill and plenty of seating. The weather was great and the water soothed our souls. It was very refreshing and relaxing to be on the lake. We discussed the book, The Present Future, Six Tough Questions for the Church, by Reggie McNeal. We had a thorough discussion on McNeal's work. We discussed our personal vision for our churches, the visions of our churches and our personal values. Afterwards, we enjoyed the essence of being on the water, the idyllic landscape and each other's company. It was a wonderful afternoon of socializing, singing, laughing, fishing and dining. We spent over eight hours on the patio boat. On Friday, we concluded the retreat with breakfast and Holy Communion. During breakfast, we shared our evaluation of the time spent. The majority of the comments stated that it was God's perfect timing which brought us together for a time of intimate rest and refreshment. Everyone enjoyed the schedule which allowed time for worship, instruction, socializing and relaxing. The pastors felt the retreat was a good use of their time and were revitalized.
Christmas in Colonet 2007 OPENING OF FRANCES KITCHEN The time is near for the annual Christmas party in Colonet, Baja California, Mexico. Christmas in Colonet 2007 will celebrate the Official Grand Opening of Frances Kitchen on Saturday, December 1, 2007. (This is a change of date ... the previous date of December 8 was inconvenient for several of the organizers.) The caravan will depart on Friday, November 30 and return on Sunday, December 2. As those of you who have participated in this special celebration in the past, this is a wonderful event. It is not only a gesture of goodwill to the people of this needy community, but it is also an opportunity for us to see what a difference we are making for the children in this needy community. What better way to prepare our hearts for Christmas? Please let Niles know as soon as possible if you are going to join in this trip. "This year's festivities will be especially meaningful as we will officially open Frances' Kitchen during the party. The new kitchen is a community treasure and I personally know that people of Colonet are genuinely appreciative of what we have done. A few of us have already experienced this appreciation and know that it is genuine and heartfelt. I sincerely hope that you will make time in your busy schedules to experience it for yourselves, especially those of you who have never been to Colonet before. Besides, this gives us a great excuse to throw a fun and exotic holiday "kickoff". The format will be the same as last year. We will leave for Colonet from my house in a convoy on the morning of November 30. After stopping by the kitchen for a short inspection and tour, we will head to the Old Mill Hotel in San Quintin where we will have a potluck barbeque that evening. The owners of The Old Mill Hotel have asked that people make reservations directly with them instead of through Niles. The toll free telephone number to make reservations is 1(800)479-7962. The proprietors are Nancy and Jim Harer. Please let Niles know as soon as you have booked your room. This year we hope to have a local Mariachi singer entertain us. Niles is expecting so many people to join us this year that he has already reserved all 30 rooms at the Old Mill. (But make your own reservation directly through the hotel.) As soon as possible, please confirm your interest in participating. It is possible that we will also need to reserve some rooms at Don Eddy's, which is another hotel directly adjacent to the Old Mill. The day of the party will begin with a modest carnival in which we will set up and run games and craft booths for the kids. Frances and her helpers will serve the meal around 4:00. We usually return to the Old Mill around 6:00. Something new this year: Some people have expressed an interest in going deep sea fishing on Sunday morning (early) before returning to San Diego. If you are interested in fishing, please let Niles know as soon as possible so that he can reserve boats. There is really no way to describe how much fun and rewarding these annual parties are. If you have any doubt, just ask the people who participated in 2005 or 2006. This year's party is certain to be the best ever. Niles says, "We are beginning to collect gifts. Please do not spend more than $10 per toy. Also, the Indian school is desperate for school supplies (paper, pencils, pens, crayons, etc.) so we are accepting donations of those things as well. If it is easier for you to give money and have us buy the toys, school supplies, etc, make your check out to The Frances Kitchen Project and I will take care of making the purchases." "I know it is early to ask people to commit to a December event; however, we need a head count as soon as possible." Niles Sharif: Office (619)463-9111 Cell (619) 665-5406 Old Mill Hotel: 1(800)479-7962 (To make direct Reservations)
UMCOR MEDICINE BOX Supplies Desperately Low UMCOR needs your help to restore Medicine Box supplies which are severely low. Medicine Boxes are often sent to places where medications and pharmaceuticals are not easily accessible to people. These basic medical supplies can often mean the difference between life and death. The Medicine Box helps the day-to-day treatment of common ailments that plague babies and their mothers, children, and adults. The Box contains 18 essential medicines and medical supplies that are enough to respond to illnesses and injuries in a population of 1,000 people for a period of three months. Because of the low supply of Medicine Boxes, UMCOR has not been able to fulfill requests for them. Obtaining basic medicines is extremely difficult in countries where there is growing economic crisis. Help us get supplies to those in need. The cost of the Medicine Box if $425. Learn how your church or community group can be involved in this life saving program. Visit UMCOR's Medicine Box web page. You can send a life saving gift to UMCOR Advance # 982630, Medicine Box
	California-Nevada Conference Mourns Sudden Death of Beloved Pastor The Rev. Basel J. Rafeedy, pastor of the Etna and Fort Jones United Methodist churches, died at Fairchild Medical Center in Yreka following a one-vehicle accident Friday morning, according to the California Highway Patrol. He was 63. A CHP spokesman says Rev. Rafeedy was driving toward Greenview on Quartz Valley Road in the Yreka area when he failed to negotiate a sharp curve in the roadway. The accident happened around 9:30 a.m. Friday. Shasta District Superintendent Ben Silva-Netto, speaking for the Episcopal Office, said "Basel was one of the most dynamic and enthusiastic pastors in the district. He had a passion for evangelical faith that reached out to people of different races and cultures to share the good news of the gospel. He felt very passionate about being a United Methodist and did significant work in the churches he was appointed to. His passion and enthusiasm was extremely contagious . . . his colleagues in ministry will remember him as someone who was very passionate in his faith, hard working, and extremely committed to the work of the church. He will be greatly missed." Services were Thursday, October 11 at Etna UMC with The Rev. Silva-Netto presiding. Memorial gifts may be sent to the Scott Valley United Methodist Parish, P.O. Box 70, Etna, CA 96027. Rev. Rafeedy served Community UMC in Fall River Mills, Arbuckle UMC and Parkside UMC in Williams before being appointed to the Etna and Fort Jones churches in July, 2006. Basel Rafeedy is survived by his wife, Judy, sons Bradley and Brian, and a granddaughter, among others.
	Janet Lahr Lewis Janet Lahr Lewis will speak at Trinity United Methodist Church-Chico, on Saturday, October 27, when she discusses her work between ecumenical groups and Israel and Palestine. An Arab dinner prepared by Ali Sarsour will be served at 5:00 P.M. in Trinity's Hadley Hall, followed by Janet Lewis" presentation. Ms. Lewis is a missionary with the Board of Global Ministries of The United Methodist Church and serves as a liaison between Isreli and Palestinian groups. Focusing on the areas of advocacy and activism, she educates visitors about the realities of the ongoing crisis, organizes conferences, develops media campaigns, offers worship opportunities, hosts delegations to the area and overseas other special events. "After taking a typical Holy Land tour and seeing the devastating consequences of the ongoing illegal occupation of the West Bank and Gaza, I experienced not only a 'call' but rather an undeniable 'push' to go back to that not-so-holy land and do whatever I could to helpd bring about 'freedom for the oppressed,' " she recalls. She sold her house in the4 U.S. and volunteered for several years, first in Galilee, then Bethlehem where she "lived with my neighbors under the heavy hand of injustice and military occupation." "Christ calls us all to be ministers of justice," she observes. "Through my work with the Palestinian Christian community, I will be able to answer this call by working for a just and lasting peace for Palestinians and Israelis, so that reconciliation and healing can occur.

2007 FALL EDITION

Shasta District UMC Newsletter

IN THIS ISSUE:

This & That from Ben

Georgie Summers receives Bishop's Award

CUMVIM Mission Grows in Cal-Nevada

A Life Changing Experience

Mission Moments

Where Creation Comes Alive

Spiritual Retreat

Christmas in Colonet 2007

UMCOR Medicine Box ... Supplies Desperatly Low

Janet Lahr Lewis

California-Nevada Conference Mourns Sudden Death of Beloved Pastor

Georgia

Georgie Summers receives Bishop's Award

During the 2007 Annual Conference Session, Georgie Summers received the Bishop's Award, presented by Bishop Beverly Shamana, who read the following before presenting Georgie with the medallion honoring her:

This servant of God makes a powerful witness for peace and justice, allows for 'fearless questioning' of one's faith, and brings infectious enthusiasm to any discussion. Youth and young adult classes in the past and those of intergenerational groups currently are grateful for the inspired teaching and stimulation

of faith development offered. Adult classes now offered in the local church attract people from other churches to join the lively discussions. District and Conference Schools of Mission and Lay Witness have been blessed by the leadership of this award recipient.

With Christ's compassion for the poor, this woman of God is a passionate advocate and speaker for the single-payer health care bill in California. She is widely recognized for her understanding of this subject. Her pastor says, 'Her Christian teaching has always stressed the need to see through the eyes of Jesus the contemporary issues of our day.

Born in Arkansas, earning degrees in Education, she came to work in the First UMC, Ventura. One of her first youth members was Jim Strathdee. While there, she met and married her husband, before moving to Boston where he attended Boston University School of Theology.

This & That (from here and there, every now and then)

Ben Silva-Netto District Superintendent

CUMIN Mission Grows in Cal-Nevada

The past 15 years have seen incredible growth in the volunteer movement that is United Methodist Volunteers in Mission.

UMVIM's parent agency, the General Board of Global Ministries, credits a grassroots desire to be personally involved in mission as the reason behind the stellar increase.

That one-on-one involvement reflected high numbers of Volunteers In Mission from the California-Nevada Conference in 2006. According to UMVIM Coordinator Dr. Sue King, last year saw a bumper crop for Volunteers In Mission as dozens of churches worked around the Conference, across the borders and in the hurricane-devastated Gulf Coast region.

"The Board of Missions has provided funding for scholarships for UMVIM team members, based on need and a strong commitment to telling the United Methodist community about their UMVIM experience when they return," says King. "I'd love to help churches get started in their first-ever UMVIM experience by offering team leader trainings in their district and by offering scholarship support, too. Also, I am encouraging experienced UMVIM teams to consider helping in Texas, whose communities were also heavily damaged by the storms of 2005. Individuals can apply for the scholarships more than one time!"

Call the California-Nevada UMVIM office today, or check out their web site.

Advent 2007

Christ comes into our world in many ways: he came at his birth on Christmas day many years ago; he comes continually in Word and Spirit; he will return in final victory at the time we normally refer to as his Second Coming.

During this season of Advent we, the disciples of Christ, are invited to prepare ourselves and to be aware of the many ways God continues to be present in our world. Through the coming of Jesus Christ, we are made aware of the fact that "Love Came Down at Christmas."

Love divine, all loves excelling, joy of heaven, to earth come down; Fix in us thy humble dwelling; all thy faithful mercies crown! Jesus thou art all compassion, pure, unbounded love thou art; Visit us with thy salvation; enter every trembling heart. (UMH, 384)

Through the coming of Jesus Christ we know that it is the nature of God to love for God is love. God shows the over-much-ness, the abundance, of God's love for us through the grace that is always sufficient for us, through the amazing grace that God so generously gives us even though we know that we do not deserve it.

Through the coming of Christ we know that we can love others and that, as the song tells us: "we are simply called to make gentle this hurting world, to tame its savagery, to have love and compassion for all, including ourselves, the enemies, and the strangers, and in all the time given to us to live in this earth to express through our lives and our labor the ancient tale of God's redemptive love wherever our feet and our faith should take us."

Through the coming of Christ we know that God's passion is compassion for all - and this means all the peoples of the earth, "red, brown, yellow, black and white, they are all precious in God's sight; Jesus loves the little children of the world." Through the coming of Christ we know that in the final judgment, in the last days, at the end of time, all of our lives will be measured and all of our deeds and thoughts will be judged according to how faithful we have been to the Gospel of love:

"I was hungry, and you gave me food. I was thirsty, and you gave me something to drink. I was alone and away from home, and you invited me into your house. I was without clothes, and you gave me something to wear. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me. . . Anything you did for any of my people here, you also did for me." (Matthew 25:35-36, 40)

Through the coming of Christ we know that all the hundreds of commandments and laws given to us to live our lives by are reduced, condensed, yes, transformed into two: "Love your God with all your heart, and mind and soul and love your neighbor as yourself."

I suggest that there are at least two ways we respond to the coming of Christ, not exactly the way we prepare for Christmas. Not by decorating our houses and churches with Christmas ornaments, not by preparing sumptuous feasts, not by frantically buying gifts for those we love, not just by singing traditional Christmas carols and decorating our Christmas trees. I suggest that our genuine faith response to the coming Christ, who is love coming down at Christmas, is doing two things: inviting Christ to live within us, and committing ourselves to live for Christ.

Christ living within us.

A story was told long time ago of a famous organist of a grand cathedral in Fribourg, Germany. He was practicing alone one day in the sanctuary of this great cathedral when a stranger came in, listened for a while at the door of the church and then moved closer to the organist. He asked if he could play his magnificent organ.

The organist, extremely protective of his precious instrument, initially refused, but the stranger repeated his request at intervals. Reluctantly the organist allowed the stranger to play. The stranger took the stool and sat down in silence; then he started to play. There immediately burst forth from the eager pipes of that grand organ greater music than it had ever yielded before.

The sound shook the foundation of the building; the notes dwelt in every hollow of the branching rook; the stone pillars shouted aloud their praises; the music awakened the sleeping choirs of angels. And as the melody died away, the organist seized the shoulders of the stranger, profoundly moved, and asked, "Who are you?" The stranger quietly whispered, "I am Mendelssohn."

"And to think that I nearly refused the greatest musician of Europe to use my instrument."

Another story was told and I believe this to be a true story. A young was working on his Model T Ford by the side of the road, feeling extremely frustrated that he couldn't make it run. A well dressed stranger stopped by and asked him what was the matter. The young man said that he had been trying to fix his broken down machine for a long time and still he couldn't make it run.

The stranger suggested some minor adjustment to the motor. Reluctantly and probably out of desperation the young followed the advice of the stranger. And then he turned the crank and immediately the car ran like a new car. Amazed, the young man asked the stranger, "Who are you? How is it that you know how to make my car run?"

The stranger responded, "I am Henry Ford. I made your car. I know all about it." When we allow Christ to live within us something marvelous happens in our lives. Living for Christ Christmas is essentially God saying to us "I want to be a part of your life and your world. If you allow me to be a part of you, I would ask you to live your life for me." Living for Christ means growing, glowing, and going.

The invitation is to grow in grace and in the knowledge and love of God, to mature in our understanding of faith, to grow deeper in our relationship with God as a couple can grow deeper in their love for each other as years go by.

The invitation is also to glow, to let your light so shine before people so that through the good works they see in you, they may glorify your God. A Christian glows with joy and excitement and passion and this attitude is communicated to others.

The invitation is to "go ye therefore into all the world and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them whatsoever I have commanded you, and lo, I am with you always until the end of the world." (Matthew 28:19-20)

You may have seen statues, say a wooden statue of a Native American, and you might think that this man doesn't commit any of the sins forbidden in the Ten Commandments, and doesn't transgress any laws of the Bible or the country. You might conclude that this Native American is a righteous man. But would you say that he is a faithful Christian? Probably not, because to be a Christian is to follow Christ, which means "going," reaching out to the lost, the last, the least, the lonely, the left-over folks of society, those whom God loves so passionately.

A Life Changing Experience

Oroville Congregation Aids in New Orleans
By Pastor Rochelle Frazier

First United Methodist Church of Oroville sponsored a mission team to New Orleans from March 31-April 6, 2007. The team members were Pastor Rochelle Frazier, Carol Anderson, Elaine Klein, Pa Xiong, Davi Yang, Noukoushua Yang, Jarred Bunn, Jack Erwin and Jeanette Givens and Tom Kroner from San Francisco.

The reason for the mission to the Gulf Coast was to help with the rebuilding efforts for homeowners whose property was damaged by a levee breach. The breach was caused by the storm surge from Hurricane Katrina. The hurricane hit the area in August 2005 and devastated the region.

Twenty months later, the area is still devastated. As we arrived by airplane to New Orleans and looked out of the windows, we were able to see empty neighborhoods. The design of a neighborhood and the foundation of some of the homes were present, but the houses, trees and other signs of life were missing.

When we drove around the area, we saw vacant properties, piles of debris in front of houses and buildings, FEMA trailers in the front yards and the remaining buildings in strip malls were boarded up. As we viewed the conditions of the city, a state of grief and sadness was felt among us. We looked forward to fulfilling the mission God sent us on.

Our team was assigned to gut out the lower level of a single family residence and an in-law apartment in the rear of the house. The house is owned by a high school math and science teacher and a school board administrator. The family moved to Texas for housing and employment. We met and established a relationship with the school teachers' mother. She was overseeing the work on the house for her son. She shared her hurricane story with us. She stated that her house was being repaired as well. She also told us that she and other members of the New Orleans community did not receive the social services that they were entitled to and that the insurance industry has doubled and tripled the rates for insurance coverage since the hurricane.

The team, especially the youth, was excited about gutting the houses. We wore construction gear which included work suits and goggles for safety reasons. We were able to complete our assigned tasks and the family was extremely appreciative of our efforts.

We also had the opportunity to socialize with the New Orleans community. We attended a Crawfish Festival, saw a movie about Hurricane Katrina, and walked on the Riverwalk. We ate and shopped in the French Quarter and heard authentic New Orleans jazz performers. We worshiped at two United Methodist churches for Sunday and Maundy Thursday services.

The mission trip for the team was transformative.

"My trip to New Orleans was a life changing experience" says Noukoushua Yang. Mr. Yang is a student at Las Plumas High School.

Jarred Bunn, a student at Oroville High School, said regarding the trip, "I got a lot out of it and it changed my perspective on what I have. I felt a sense of joy, sadness and achievement.

In closing, we believe that we were sent to be the "hands and feet" of Jesus Christ. Because of our work, we changed the lives of the homeowners. We created joy in the midst of their misery. And because of what we experienced, our lives were changed.

We are thankful to our church and the Oroville community for their support in funding our mission trip through their donations.

Mission Moments

"Here I am, Lord: Missionaries of The United Methodist Church" is the title of a packet of "Mission Moments" suitable for use in worship services, committee or council meetings, or as church newsletter inserts. They come as 5 x 7 inch cards with information on the work of United Methodist missionaries. The content of each card can be read in about one minute, thus the name "Mission Minute" cards.

The following is an example of one such card:

"When we started working here more than 25 years ago, nutrition was fairly stable. It's a wonderful area for growing crops. But in recent years, because of the war, many people are unemployed and, as a result malnourished.

"Some of these children die. It's very, very hard. At the same time, we know we make a difference. We are treating twins, now a year old. Each child weighs 14 pounds. That may not sound like much, but they've gained from 10 pounds. Improvements like that keep us going. We see a mother's eyes light up and we think' 'Maybe that child is going to make it.' Even parents who have lost children come back and say, 'Thank you. Thank you for trying.'

"The country's instability has had other effects. A district superintendent was invited to come to Mulungwishi to take a seminary class. As his family traveled here, rebel forces intercepted them. Leaving his family behind, the man walked 250 miles to school. Despite the uncertainty the man faced, the bishop encouraged him to continue his studies. That was in September. This student had no idea what had happened to his family. In December he heard his wife and children had hidden in a forest, living off whatever they could find to eat. When the family was reunited, that was the best Christmas present our community received!

"We were 'mish kids.' Our parents were missionaries, and we've known each other since we were babies. Our three children grew up on the mission field. But even though we have lived in Africa for years, we still have a lot of Western habits. When we work with the Congolese people, we learn from each other. We may make a bad decision within the culture, yet they still support us - they still love us. It's a family."

The seminary where David is dean and professor, and the women's school, which Lori directs, are ministries of the Advance for Christ and His Church. Because of the Advance ("second mile" giving program of the UMC), Congolese seminarians graduate and lead growing churches. Because of your generosity, women do not have to buy the fabric they sew, the wool they knit or the notebooks they use in school. When you give to the Advance, you're involved in educating couples, enabling children to attend school, feeding families and providing medical care.

Thank you!

David Persons, dean and professor, Advance # 07708Z

Lorene Persons, Women's school, Katanga Methodist University #17709Z Mulungwishi, Democratic Republic of Congo

Where Creation Comes Alive ...

The Sanctuary at Paradise UMC certainly came alive on August 18th with the music of The Spiritual Image. Approximately 160 people were treated to a choral performance that was inspiring to both body and spirit. The Spiritual Image, a choir from South Hayward UMC, led by music director and pianist Angie Bacho-Manalili took us through a program that touched on a multitude of themes: patriotic, spiritual, inspirational, love songs, Filipino traditional music, Broadway musicals-and all delighted the senses. And as if that were not enough, the facial expressions and body language of the choir, their director and their backup group were entertaining and inspirational. This is not only an inspired and spirit led choir, it is a professional and talented one also! We were also treated during the intermission to two beautiful songs performed by Bob and Peg McElroy of Paradise UMC with accompaniment by Arlene Harms, also of Paradise UMC. This performance was a touching and meaningful rendition of two well known favorites written by Bill and Gloria Gaither.

All of these musical delights were presented as a fundraiser in support of Shasta Camp, Shasta District's very own place of serenity and splendor. In April of 2006 the camp suffered the collapse of the partially built retreat center that is part of the vision for Shasta Camp. It was, of course, a huge disappointment to those who know and love the camp. However, the vision is strong and the camp committee is busy laying the groundwork to realize the dream of a retreat center that will enhance the camping experience for a greater variety of organizations as well as accommodate larger groups.

It is such a blessing to have the support of Rev. Ben Silva-Netto and his lovely wife, Marlyn, as well as the Shasta District Council on Ministries under the capable leadership of Priscilla Hanford and Julie Horne-their hard work, along with others and their faith in Shasta Camp is inspiring and very much appreciated.

To date the fundraiser concert has grossed in excess of $5,500 -dollars that will be put to good use both to improve our current facilities at camp and to help realize the vision of a year-round retreat center. Many thanks to all involved in the planning and execution of this concert and to all who supported the event with their dollars and their presence. The Shasta Camp Committee is truly grateful and extremely moved by the outpouring of love and support for the camp.

Come on up and see us-we offer camping and retreat experiences summer and winter, surrounded by magnificent scenery and plenty of activities. Contact Fai Schwarzenberg on (530) 467-3166 or faioa@sisqtel.net for reservations.

Thank you, Spiritual Image, for sharing your incredible gifts; thank you, McElroys and Arlene Harms, for sharing your musical talent; thank you, Paradise UMC, for hosting this event, and many thanks to all who helped make this concert such a success.

Pauline Bowen, Chair, Shasta Camp Committee

Spiritual Retreat

Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest.Matthew 11:28 NRSV

The Spiritual Retreat on August 15-17, 2007, was coordinated by Pastor Rochelle Frazier of First United Methodist Church of Oroville. The retreat was planned to allow clergy to gather for a time of rest and relaxation.

The retreat was attended by four United Methodist pastors and the husband and wife pastoral team from Raven Ministries, a nonprofit organization that serves pastors. The pastors came from the Bay Area and from Yankee Hill, a town near Oroville.

The retreat started on Wednesday. We gathered for dinner and afterwards, engaged in worship. We heard a very moving sermon from Bishop T.D Jakes via DVD about giving God our baggage so that we can rest in Him. The message truly touched the hearts of the pastors. We discussed our personal and professional baggage and the need to be willing to release it all to God.

Early Thursday, we met for breakfast and prepared for our adventure on Lake Oroville. Lake Oroville is a beautiful lake. We rented a nice patio boat that was equipped with a grill and plenty of seating. The weather was great and the water soothed our souls. It was very refreshing and relaxing to be on the lake.

We discussed the book, The Present Future, Six Tough Questions for the Church, by Reggie McNeal. We had a thorough discussion on McNeal's work. We discussed our personal vision for our churches, the visions of our churches and our personal values. Afterwards, we enjoyed the essence of being on the water, the idyllic landscape and each other's company. It was a wonderful afternoon of socializing, singing, laughing, fishing and dining. We spent over eight hours on the patio boat.

On Friday, we concluded the retreat with breakfast and Holy Communion. During breakfast, we shared our evaluation of the time spent. The majority of the comments stated that it was God's perfect timing which brought us together for a time of intimate rest and refreshment. Everyone enjoyed the schedule which allowed time for worship, instruction, socializing and relaxing. The pastors felt the retreat was a good use of their time and were revitalized.

Christmas in Colonet 2007

OPENING OF FRANCES KITCHEN
The time is near for the annual Christmas party in Colonet, Baja California, Mexico. Christmas in Colonet 2007 will celebrate the Official Grand Opening of Frances Kitchen on Saturday, December 1, 2007. (This is a change of date ... the previous date of December 8 was inconvenient for several of the organizers.)

The caravan will depart on Friday, November 30 and return on Sunday, December 2. As those of you who have participated in this special celebration in the past, this is a wonderful event. It is not only a gesture of goodwill to the people of this needy community, but it is also an opportunity for us to see what a difference we are making for the children in this needy community. What better way to prepare our hearts for Christmas? Please let Niles know as soon as possible if you are going to join in this trip.

"This year's festivities will be especially meaningful as we will officially open Frances' Kitchen during the party. The new kitchen is a community treasure and I personally know that people of Colonet are genuinely appreciative of what we have done. A few of us have already experienced this appreciation and know that it is genuine and heartfelt. I sincerely hope that you will make time in your busy schedules to experience it for yourselves, especially those of you who have never been to Colonet before. Besides, this gives us a great excuse to throw a fun and exotic holiday "kickoff".

The format will be the same as last year. We will leave for Colonet from my house in a convoy on the morning of November 30. After stopping by the kitchen for a short inspection and tour, we will head to the Old Mill Hotel in San Quintin where we will have a potluck barbeque that evening. The owners of The Old Mill Hotel have asked that people make reservations directly with them instead of through Niles. The toll free telephone number to make reservations is 1(800)479-7962.

The proprietors are Nancy and Jim Harer. Please let Niles know as soon as you have booked your room. This year we hope to have a local Mariachi singer entertain us. Niles is expecting so many people to join us this year that he has already reserved all 30 rooms at the Old Mill. (But make your own reservation directly through the hotel.) As soon as possible, please confirm your interest in participating. It is possible that we will also need to reserve some rooms at Don Eddy's, which is another hotel directly adjacent to the Old Mill.

The day of the party will begin with a modest carnival in which we will set up and run games and craft booths for the kids. Frances and her helpers will serve the meal around 4:00. We usually return to the Old Mill around 6:00.

Something new this year: Some people have expressed an interest in going deep sea fishing on Sunday morning (early) before returning to San Diego. If you are interested in fishing, please let Niles know as soon as possible so that he can reserve boats.

There is really no way to describe how much fun and rewarding these annual parties are. If you have any doubt, just ask the people who participated in 2005 or 2006. This year's party is certain to be the best ever.

Niles says, "We are beginning to collect gifts. Please do not spend more than $10 per toy. Also, the Indian school is desperate for school supplies (paper, pencils, pens, crayons, etc.) so we are accepting donations of those things as well. If it is easier for you to give money and have us buy the toys, school supplies, etc, make your check out to The Frances Kitchen Project and I will take care of making the purchases."

"I know it is early to ask people to commit to a December event; however, we need a head count as soon as possible."

Niles Sharif: Office (619)463-9111 Cell (619) 665-5406
Old Mill Hotel: 1(800)479-7962 (To make direct Reservations)

UMCOR MEDICINE BOX Supplies Desperately Low

UMCOR needs your help to restore Medicine Box supplies which are severely low. Medicine Boxes are often sent to places where medications and pharmaceuticals are not easily accessible to people. These basic medical supplies can often mean the difference between life and death.

The Medicine Box helps the day-to-day treatment of common ailments that plague babies and their mothers, children, and adults. The Box contains 18 essential medicines and medical supplies that are enough to respond to illnesses and injuries in a population of 1,000 people for a period of three months.

Because of the low supply of Medicine Boxes, UMCOR has not been able to fulfill requests for them. Obtaining basic medicines is extremely difficult in countries where there is growing economic crisis. Help us get supplies to those in need. The cost of the Medicine Box if $425.

Learn how your church or community group can be involved in this life saving program. Visit UMCOR's Medicine Box web page. You can send a life saving gift to UMCOR Advance # 982630, Medicine Box

California-Nevada Conference Mourns Sudden Death of Beloved Pastor

The Rev. Basel J. Rafeedy, pastor of the Etna and Fort Jones United Methodist churches, died at Fairchild Medical Center in Yreka following a one-vehicle accident Friday morning, according to the California Highway Patrol. He was 63.

A CHP spokesman says Rev. Rafeedy was driving toward Greenview on Quartz Valley Road in the Yreka area when he failed to negotiate a sharp curve in the roadway. The accident happened around 9:30 a.m. Friday.

Shasta District Superintendent Ben Silva-Netto, speaking for the Episcopal Office, said "Basel was one of the most dynamic and enthusiastic pastors in the district. He had a passion for evangelical faith that reached out to people of different races and cultures to share the good news of the gospel. He felt very passionate about being a United Methodist and did significant work in the churches he was appointed to. His passion and enthusiasm was extremely contagious . . . his colleagues in ministry will remember him as someone who was very passionate in his faith, hard working, and extremely committed to the work of the church. He will be greatly missed."

Services were Thursday, October 11 at Etna UMC with The Rev. Silva-Netto presiding. Memorial gifts may be sent to the Scott Valley United Methodist Parish, P.O. Box 70, Etna, CA 96027.

Rev. Rafeedy served Community UMC in Fall River Mills, Arbuckle UMC and Parkside UMC in Williams before being appointed to the Etna and Fort Jones churches in July, 2006.

Basel Rafeedy is survived by his wife, Judy, sons Bradley and Brian, and a granddaughter, among others.

Janet Lahr Lewis

Janet Lahr Lewis will speak at Trinity United Methodist Church-Chico, on Saturday, October 27, when she discusses her work between ecumenical groups and Israel and Palestine. An Arab dinner prepared by Ali Sarsour will be served at 5:00 P.M. in Trinity's Hadley Hall, followed by Janet Lewis" presentation.

Ms. Lewis is a missionary with the Board of Global Ministries of The United Methodist Church and serves as a liaison between Isreli and Palestinian groups. Focusing on the areas of advocacy and activism, she educates visitors about the realities of the ongoing crisis, organizes conferences, develops media campaigns, offers worship opportunities, hosts delegations to the area and overseas other special events.

"After taking a typical Holy Land tour and seeing the devastating consequences of the ongoing illegal occupation of the West Bank and Gaza, I experienced not only a 'call' but rather an undeniable 'push' to go back to that not-so-holy land and do whatever I could to helpd bring about 'freedom for the oppressed,' " she recalls. She sold her house in the4 U.S. and volunteered for several years, first in Galilee, then Bethlehem where she "lived with my neighbors under the heavy hand of injustice and military occupation."

"Christ calls us all to be ministers of justice," she observes. "Through my work with the Palestinian Christian community, I will be able to answer this call by working for a just and lasting peace for Palestinians and Israelis, so that reconciliation and healing can occur.