Dear congregation and friends,

December is upon us! It is time to wrap up another year of life and ministry in service to Christ our king.

Many people have been very kindly inquiring about my health (just to be clear, this is Pastor Calvin writing). My medical team is currently developing a treatment plan. Right now, we know that the plan will involve chemotherapy and surgery, but we do not know exactly when or in what sequence. As of December 1, I have taken leave from most of my ministry duties. This is a combination of study leave, vacation, and medical leave, in anticipation of my treatment starting some time soon.

As I step back for a time, Pastor Nathaniel is stepping up to handle more of the preaching work. He has begun preaching through Matthew's Gospel, which tells us so much about Christ our king. Matthew was a "scribe well trained" (Matthew 13:52) who carefully shows that Jesus fulfills the promises and patterns of the Old Testament.

Dear friends,

Since our last update in early October, God has been blessing us with new joys and helping us through some new challenges as well.

Ordination and Installation

One of our joys has been the arrival of our new associate pastor, Nathaniel Vroom, along with his family. On Friday evening, November 3, we gathered with many from our presbtery, plus a number of visiting family and guests, for an ordination and installation service.

September is an exciting time of year. With families returning from vacations, and everyone getting back into their routine at work and school, the energy level seems to jump. This was especially true for us, this September.

Back to Sunday School

A new school year means a new Sunday School year too! We are thankful for students, and also for the teachers who disciple these children.

In Adult Sunday School, we wrapped up a study of the kings in the Old Testament. The names are confusing, but there are clear patterns of God's grace and justice in their lives.

Fellowship Lunch, September 17

First, a reminder: this Sunday, September 17, there will be fellowship lunch following the morning service. Everyone's welcome — please bring a main dish and a salad or dessert to share.

Fall Bible Conference

Many of you were able to join us last weekend for the Fall Bible Conference. It was a great time! Thank you to everyone who attended, and to all the volunteers who made everything work so smoothly.

Hi Everyone,

This email newsletter has been serving two purposes: 1) to share weekly news and announcements, and 2) to keep in touch with friends and former members of our congregation.

This week, we began using Church Social to share weekly news and announcements. If you are a member or guest at our Sunday Services, you have probably received an announcement email already. If you did not, please let me know that you would like to receive those announcements (you can just reply to this email).

If you are a friend or former member of the congregation, we hope you'll stay subscribed so that we can keep in touch. We plan to use this newsletter for occasional announcements, invitations, and updates that we hope will be relevant and encouraging for you.

Our Treasurer (Deacon Stan Liao) asks those who present tithes or offerings by checks to be careful when writing the checks. In particular, the bottom row of numbers (routing number, account number, check number) must not be covered by the signature or by the memo (see illustrations below). If these numbers cannot be read by the bank's machine due to interference, the checks must be manually processed, thus requiring extra work.

Also, the church is now able to receive tithes and offerings via Zelle. If you are interested, please contact Stan at stan.liao@acm.org.

Dear congregation,

The session has decided to use Church Social as a tool for managing our church calendar, directory, announcements, and documents.

You can [download the Church Social app on your phone, which will provide a handy church calendar, directory, and messages. More features are available by logging in at the website churchsocial.com, including photo galleries, Bible study groups, and serving schedules.

We hope that by being better connected and better organized, we can have better fellowship and more effective ministry.

Hi Everybody,

On Sunday Lewis Goligher was baptized and we held a "sprinkle" during the Fellowship Luncheon. Some have contributed to a gift but others were not able to do so because of the short notice. If you would still like to make a contribution, you may do so via Venmo at https://venmo.com/u/Julie-Lemen-1 or you may speak with Julie Lemen or Joy Loh.

Sincerely,
Elder Lemen

Hi Everyone,

This Sunday after the morning worship service will be our Fellowship Luncheon. Please plan to bring a main dish and a salad or dessert to share.

If you haven’t done so yet, please review the Fall Bible Conference link and sign up to be included in the lunch-count for Saturday, 9 September.

This Sunday morning Lewis Augustine Goligher will be baptized.  To welcome Lewis, there will be a cake during the Fellowship Lunch.  If you wish to contribute to a “sprinkle” gift please see Julie Lemen.

Hi Everyone,

Thanks to all who helped with VBS this year.  Although we had some drop out due to illness, we had another well attended VBS (an average of 55 students per day).  We trust God will use the labors of many volunteers to bring forth spiritual fruit in the lives of the students.

Next Sunday, 20 August 2023, will be our Fellowship Luncheon. Please plan to bring a main dish and a salad or dessert to share.

If you haven’t done so yet, please review the Fall Bible Conference link and sign up to be included in the lunch-count for Saturday, 10 September.

Hi Everyone,

We will celebrate the Lord’s Supper on Sunday during the morning service, when we will also receive an offering for the work of the deacons.

This week is VBS Monday through Friday.  Please pray for the 70+ children and the volunteers.

Sincerely,
Elder Lemen

Hi Everyone,

This Sunday Pastor Goligher preaches during the morning service and Pastor Ben Ciavolella, Delta Oaks OPC, Pittsburgh, CA returns to preach during the evening service.

Please note the announcements about VBS below.

Sincerely,
Elder Lemen

Hi Everyone,

This Sunday we welcome to our pulpit, associate Pastor-elect, Nathaniel Vroom.  Nathaniel will also teach the adult Sunday class.

Next Sunday, 30 July 2023, Pastor Goligher will preach during the morning service and Pastor Ben Ciavolella, Delta Oaks OPC, Pittsburgh, CA returns to preach during the evening service.

Please note the announcements about VBS below.

Hi Everyone,

We welcome Pastor Conley Owens, Silicon Valley Reformed Baptist, Sunnyvale, to fill our pulpit during the morning worship service.  Pastor Ben Ciavolella, Delta Oaks OPC, Pittsburgh, California, will preach during the evening service.

After the morning worship service will be the Fellowship Luncheon.  Please plan to bring a main dish and a salad or dessert to share.

Next Sunday we will welcome to our pulpit, associate Pastor-elect, Nathaniel Vroom.  Nathaniel will also teach the adult Sunday class next Sunday.

Hi Everyone,

Lewis Goligher was born yesterday at 4:05 pm. At birth he weighed 7 lbs, 7 oz and was 19 and 1/2 inches tall. Joanne is doing well. They hope to come home from the hospital today.

The Mercy Ministry Team has set up a meal train for the Goligher family at:

Meal Train for The Goligher Family

We rejoice with the Goligher family in welcoming their son Lewis Augustine! Let us bless them with meals. Before delivering the meal, please text Joanne (669)264-4538 or Pastor Calvin (669)264-6461 that you are coming. Please note that the only dietary restriction is no mushrooms. Thank you for participating!

Hi Everyone,

We will celebrate the Lord’s Supper on Sunday during the morning service, when we will also receive an offering for the work of the deacons.

Pastor Jonathan Bartlett, pastor of Sovereign Grace Community OPC, Hughson, California, will preach during the evening service and Pastor Goligher during the morning service.

Next Sunday, 16 July 2023, will be our Fellowship Luncheon.  Please plan to bring a main dish and a salad or dessert to share.

Dear Church families,

The Mercy Ministry team has set up meal train for Dennis Majchrowicz while Christy is traveling to meet her family. As you may know Dennis is going through difficulties due to back pain. Let us bless him with meals during this difficult time.

Meal Train for Dennis Majchrowicz

Dear Church families, as we know Majchrowicz family is going through difficulties due to Dennis's backpain, lets bless the family with meals while Christy is traveling to meet her family next week. You can either bring lunch or dinner. Please drop a message to Dennis before your bring meal. Its hard for Dennis to answer the door, so feel free to knock and go inside. Thank you for the support.

Sofiya Joseph,
For the Mercy Ministry Team

Hi Everyone,

Thank you to all who participated in last week’s work day.  We accomplished many objectives and helped to prepare the building for the wedding that will take place tomorrow (Saturday).

We will celebrate the Lord’s Supper next Sunday, 9 July 2023, during the morning service, when we will also receive an offering for the work of the deacons.

Sincerely,
Elder Lemen

Hi Everyone,

Pastor Michael Grasso (South San Francisco) will fill the pulpit on Sunday during the morning service. Pastor Grasso and Pastor Goligher are doing a “pulpit swap.”

The Fellowship Lunch will be after the morning worship service.

Our church will be used by a couple from the South San Francisco congregation on 1 July 2023 for their wedding and we need a few volunteers.  If you can help, please speak to Pastor Goligher.

Hi Everyone,

As a reminder, Saturday morning will be our workday at the church starting around 9:00 am. Please join us if you are able.

Sincerely,
Elder Lemen

Hi Everyone,

During the morning worship service Albert and Hana Derboghossian and their son, Matthew, will be received as new members.

The workday is scheduled for next Saturday, 24 June 2023.

The Fellowship Lunch will be next Sunday, 25 June 2023.  And Pastor Michael Grasso (South San Francisco) will fill the pulpit next Sunday during the morning service.

Hi Everyone,

Thanks to all who attended the special meeting of the congregation last Wednesday evening.  The congregation approved a call to Nathaniel Vroom to serve as our associate pastor.  Our presbytery must now approve the call and examine Nathaniel to qualify him for ordination.  His approval by presbytery is expected to occur in September.  The Vrooms will most likely relocate to Sunnyvale early in November.

VBS volunteers – please join Pastor Goligher in the Fellowship Hall after the morning service for a short organizing meeting.

Youth – see the note below about your next gathering on 23 June 2023 at Elliott's house.

Hi Everyone,

Everyone is welcome to come to the church picnic this Saturday at 11 am at Sanborn County Park in the Ohlone Group Area.

Please bring your own main dish and a side dish to share. There are grills available for grilling. There is a $6 park entrance fee.

Sincerely,
Elder Lemen

Hi Everyone,

We will celebrate the Lord’s Supper during morning worship service.  An offering will be received for the work of the deacons during the sing of the closing hymn.

Session has called for a special meeting of the congregation on Wednesday, 7 June 2023 at 7 pm for the purpose of extending a call to Nathaniel Vroom to serve as associate pastor.

Youth – see the note below about your next gathering on 23 June 2023.

Hi Everyone,

Pastor Goligher’s family is attending the presbytery’s Groveland Conference this weekend. Pastor Goligher is this year’s speaker.

Session has called for a special meeting of the congregation on Wednesday, 7 June 2023 at 7 pm for the purpose of extending a call to Nathaniel Vroom to serve as associate pastor.

Youth – see the note below about your next gathering on 23 June 2023.

The Mercy Team asks you to consider the following opportunity:

Our Brother in Christ, Gary Justice, could use some lifting up in spirits. Please consider sending Gary a video through Facebook messenger OR texting (Gary has an iPhone).  The personal video message would be a huge blessing. A text or card would also be ideal. 

Gary's phone  number is (408) 390-3511

His address is : 
5223 Adelaide Way
Carmichael, CA 95608-8001

Dear congregation,

The session is calling for a congregational meeting on Wednesday, June 7 at 7:00pm. At this meeting, we will consider the session’s recommendation that we call Mr. Nathaniel Vroom to be our associate pastor.

Everyone is welcome to attend the meeting, and we especially encourage coming members to be present so that you can vote.

If you have questions about any of this, please speak with one of the session members. And please pray for God’s blessing and guidance in this decision.

Hi everyone,

Eddy and Rebecca Guevara (who attended our church a couple of years ago) are stationed in Guam. There is a very severe storm coming their way today, and they asked us to pray for their safety and for the whole island. Please join them in praying for God's help and protection, and that he would use even this storm for his glory and the good of his people.

The voice of the LORD is over the waters; the God of glory thunders, the LORD, over many waters.

May the LORD give strength to his people! May the LORD bless his people with peace! (Psalm 29:3,11)

Sincerely,

Hi Everyone,

This Sunday we will enjoy our monthly Fellowship Lunch following the morning worship service.  Please bring a main dish and a salad or dessert to share.  In June the Fellowship Lunch will be held on the fourth Sunday (to avoid Father’s Day).

Adult Sunday School this week will be taught by Pastor Goligher’s brother-in-law, Rev. Aaron Dunlop.  Mr. Dunlop will also fill our pulpit during the evening service.

Sincerely,
Elder Lemen

Hi Everybody,

This Sunday we will enjoy Fellowship Lunch following the morning service.  Please bring a main dish and a salad or dessert to share.

Church camping: Scott Porter provides this update for the church camping trip.

A group from the church will be camping at Sanborn County Park, from Friday June 9th to Saturday June 10th. You are welcome to come! Please speak to Scott Porter if you would like to join, or if you have any questions.

Hi Everyone,

It was good to see so many of you at the picnic last week and at the Wednesday night gathering when the Vrooms were visiting.  Please pray as the Session considers extending a call to Nathaniel to be our associate pastor and for the Vrooms as they consider making Sunnyvale their future home and ministry.

Sincerely,
Elder Lemen

Hi Everyone,

The church picnic is today at 11 am in Fairwood Park, 1225 Sandia Ave, Sunnyvale.

There may be a some light rain, so plan accordingly and bring your rain coat, hats, and umbrella. We plan to set up a couple of canopy tents to provide limited shelter.

I look forward to seeing you soon.

Hi Everyone,

Nathaniel Vroom will preach this Sunday and teach the Adult Sunday School class.

During the morning worship service we will celebration the Lord’s Supper.  An offering will be taken for the work of the Deacons during the singing of the closing hymn.

Sincerely,
Elder Lemen

Hi Everyone,

We welcome to our pulpit this and next Sunday Mr. Nathaniel Vroom.  Mr. Vroom is a candidate for the position of associate pastor, and he is accompanied by his wife, Emma, and their daughter, Ada.

See the note below to reserve box lunches for the upcoming church picnic, next Saturday, May 6 in Fairwood Park, Sunnyvale.  Please reserve your box lunches by Wednesday at the latest.

Jonathan Bartlett’s ordination and installation service occurred Friday night.  It was an encouraging time for the Hughson congregation and for the Presbytery.

Hi Everyone,

During the adult Sunday school class this week Pastor Goligher will discuss some ways we should prepare for the visit of Nathaniel Vroom as he candidates to be our associate pastor.

Repeating an earlier email:  Jonathan's ordination service will be on Friday, April 28th. Plan to arrive by 5:30PM for appetizers served at the church. The meeting will begin at 6:45PM. The address of Sovereign Grace Community Church OPC is 7201 Hughson Avenue, Hughson, CA 95326.  Parking is available on 5th Street which is on the west side of the church. The Hughson Fruit and Nut Festival will be setting up, so you may need to bypass Main Street to access parking on 5th Street. 

See the note below to reserve a box lunch for the upcoming church picnic on Saturday, May 6.

Click on the Airtable logo below to sign up for box lunches for the Church Picnic on Saturday, 6 May 2023, 11 am to 1 pm. Each reservation entry can request lunches for each family member.

Airtable

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Jonathan's ordination service will be on Friday, April 28th. Plan to arrive by 5:30PM for appetizers served at the church. The meeting will begin at 6:45PM. The address of Sovereign Grace Community Church OPC is 7201 Hughson Avenue, Hughson, CA 95326.  Parking is available on 5th Street which is on the west side of the church. The Hughson Fruit and Nut Festival will be setting up, so you may need to bypass Main Street to access parking on 5th Street. 

Hi Everyone,

This Sunday we will enjoy the Fellowship Lunch following the morning service.  Please bring a main dish and a salad or dessert to share.

Pastoral Intern Jonathan Bartlett will preach during the morning service and Pastor Goligher will preach during the evening service.

This Sunday will be the last for the Bartletts before they move to Hughson, CA.  A cake to honor the occasion will be served at the Fellowship Lunch.

Hi Everyone,

Happy Resurrection Sunday.  Every Sunday is resurrection Sunday, but in keeping with the season, Pastor Goligher has considered different Bible texts during the morning sermons to examine the importance of the cross.

Next Sunday, 16 April will be Fellowship Lunch.  An email will be sent soon to the clean-up team responsible.  Also, note that next Sunday will be the last for the Bartletts before they move to Hughson, CA. 

Housekeeping note:  the cold water of the left sink in the kitchen is now filtered.  Thus, we no longer need to use the Brita water containers for drinking water.

Hi Everyone,

We will celebrate the Lord’s Supper during the morning worship service and we will receive an offering for the work of the Deacons during the singing of the closing hymn.

Also, during the morning service, Brooklyn Porter will make her public profession of faith.

Sincerely,
Elder Lemen

Hi Everyone,

VBS planning meeting. VBS will be 7-11 August 2023. Those interested are invited to join a planning meeting with Pastor Goligher in the Fellowship Hall after the morning worship service.

Sincerely,
Elder Lemen

Hi everyone,

The church’s internet connection is working again, so it turns out that we will be able to conduct our prayer meeting the usual way tonight:

• A shared meal at 6pm
• Kids’ catechism at 7:15pm
• Prayer meeting in-person and on Zoom at 7:15pm

If you are able to join, that will be great.

The Women's Ministry Team will be kicking off its "Humble Hospitality" series this year with our first event – Humble Hospitality: Preparing the Table. It will be on April 1, Saturday, 10 am to 1 pm at the Hettervik's home (3413 Ridgemont Dr. Mountain View, CA 94040). Young ladies are invited.

The event is a hands-on workshop to learn how to set/prepare a table for entertaining. We will also have a time of food and fellowship to enjoy the fruits of our labor.

Please RSVP by March 30 to Joy Loh via email (joywong.educator@gmail.com) or text (626-592-8116) or drop us a message on the Ladies' Signal group.

Hi everyone,

The church is still without an internet connection, so tomorrow the prayer meeting will be only in-person. As usual, we will share a meal at 6pm, and begin our prayer time and kids' catechism at 7:15pm.

We will be sorry to miss those of you usually join by Zoom. Of course, you are welcome to join in-person, but we understand if you're not able to make it. Wherever you are, please pray that our church's ministry will be building the right materials on the right foundation:

According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation, and someone else is building upon it. Let each one take care how he builds upon it. For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw— each one’s work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. (1 Corinthians 3:10-13)

Short on time? Go straight to the registration page. Otherwise, read the whole invitation:

Who is invited?

All kids, from ages 4 to 12.

What will we do at VBS?

Hi everyone,

Because of the storm this week, the church has no internet connection. This means that we will not be able to stream the worship services on YouTube as we usually do.

There is electricity at the church, though, so we trust everything else about our Lord’s Day will be operating as normal.

Thanks,

Hi Everyone,

I forgot to include in the weekly announcements that there will be a time of practice hymn singing this Sunday afternoon at 3:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall.

Elder Lemen

Hi Everyone,

Pastor Goligher preaches for the morning service and Pastoral Intern Jonathan Bartlett preaches for the evening service this week.

The Fellowship Luncheon will be held this Sunday after the morning service. Please bring a main dish and a dessert or salad to share.

Sincerely,
Elder Lemen

Hi everyone,

There is no power at the church today, so we will not be able to meet at the church building for prayer meeting. We will still meet on Zoom at 7:15. If you are able to join that way, please do!

Sincerely,

Pastor Goligher

Hi Everyone,

Pastor Goligher preaches for the morning and evening services this week.

Note that because of the weather, the church picnic is postponed until Saturday, 6 May 2023.

Sincerely,
Elder Lemen