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Ponderosa S.A.G.E. Newsletter
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PONDEROSA S.A.G.E. FELLOWSHIP
September 2005
by Carol Stevens
HURRICANE KATRINA BRINGS OUT THE BEST IN US
Even though this event happened thousands of miles away from us, we are all touched by its ripple effect. Our hearts go out to those whose lives are turned upside down. Every one of us feels the urge of Spirit to reach out and help those most affected. Our minister answered that call.
Rev. David joined with a group of 41 people from San Diego to travel to Houston on 9/14/05 to minister to those in need. Among those professionals and caring individuals that make up that number are a doctor, a nurse, 4 therapists, 3 ministers, social workers, food service workers, childcare, family therapists and a fireman. They will be assembling and distributing food boxes and school backpacks from the Seventh Day Adventist warehouse. Each member of the group brings with them their particular skills and talents as they meet with evacuees in shelters, homes and apartments. Rev. David brings his special mixture of love and spiritual wisdom as he helps them to cope with their reality and move forward to something better. He will be gone from the pulpit on September 18th, but will be back the following Sunday.
The daughter of one of our members is among those affected. Last Sunday she sent vivid pictures showing the devastation that many of us can’t begin to imagine. We have begun a collection for her family. If you would care to donate, see Sue Wilkin. Our compassion is expressed by our willingness to give what we can. I know the Truth for all those affected is that Divine Order is in order, even amid the apparent chaos.
Casino Night – Our big 2005 fundraiser.
Wow, what a night it was! We count it as a huge success. We had a wonderful turnout; the food was great, the music was lively, we raffled off many interesting gifts, we made money for the church, and we had a whole lot of fun doing it. After expenses, our profit for the event was $3,457.80. We learned a lot and plan to repeat the event in Spring of 2006. We intend to expand on what we’ve learned and expect an even more successful event next time. Many thanks to the tireless efforts of Kristi Frodesen for spearheading this event, and for all those who helped out in whatever way they could to make this our biggest and best fundraiser to date.
As a side benefit, many of us invited friends and family who don’t normally come to church on Sunday. In that relaxed and fun-filled atmosphere, we heard some of those folks say they had so much fun that they’d like to check us out on Sunday and see what kind of church puts on an event like this.
New Ponderosa S.A.G.E. Brochure
Eric made sure we had many copies of our new brochure at the Fundraiser to give out. We expect this brochure to answer many of the questions a newcomer might ask. Do yourself a favor and keep one with you in case someone asks you what the Ponderosa S.A.G.E. Fellowship is all about. Copies are available on the information table.
Music, Music, Music.
We are in the process of putting together our music department. One of our new attendees, Steve Nagy, has volunteered to be the lead musician. He has been a one-man band performer for a number of years. He plays guitar, harmonica, and many percussion instruments. There will be more information to come next month.
August Guest Speaker –
Rev. Michael D. Forte was our guest speaker on August 28th. His down-to-earth and inspiring message was well received. You can get a copy in CD form if you missed it.
Update on Counseling Center.
The Counseling Center is now servicing clients each week on Wednesday afternoons and evenings at the Oasis facility. If any of you know someone who could benefit from low-cost counseling, please pick up a flyer on the information table.
Monthly Business Meetings are held the third Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the home of Cheryl Colvin and Pat Alice on Shenandoah in Apple Valley. The upcoming meeting date is 9/15/05 and you are encouraged to be there to participate in the ongoing business of this church.
Monthly get-together. This month’s get-together will be a special video titled “The Spiritual Cinema Circle” shown at the home of Pat Alice and Cheryl Colvin on Friday, 9/16/05 at 6:30 p.m. Bring a dish and plan on having a great time.
Rev. David’s first book, A Book Of Weeks 52 Gifts for Inner Transformation.
As I perused the book this week I came upon a passage that seemed perfect for this particular time: Week 38 G.I.F.T. God’s Intelligence Freely Transformed.
Rev. David asks the question, “’How can I learn these lessons more gently or less brutally?’ What I got was that the answer is always in the challenge itself. The key was in transforming what seemed to be destructive energy into useful, loving energy.”
T-Shirt Day – Recycle Sunday Don’t forget to wear your blue T-shirts on the last Sunday of each month. Eric will take your recyclables and Cheryl Colvin can supply you with a blue shirt for a nominal charge. The proceeds from both support our youth.
Upcoming Events:
On October 2nd we have a unique service planned. This will be collaboration between the youth church and Rev. David. Don’t miss it!
What we offer:
Prayer Box – Look for the colorful square box on the back table if you would like to have Rev. David pray for you.
CDs & Tapes – Copies of the service are available on CD right after service. You can pick up tapes of past services if you like. Both are available for a love offering.
Science of Mind Magazines – We have past issues of the magazine available on the counter for anyone who wishes to take them.
Personalized coffee mugs –See Carol if you would like one with your name - $5.
Angel Volunteers – These are the folks who personally call you to keep you informed of upcoming events. We are so grateful to them for being our conduit.
Information Center:
Church phone number: 961-8223
(Please leave a message)
Our web site: www.ponderosasage.com
Radio Show: Balancing the Journey on
Sunday mornings at 8:00a.m. on
Stardust Radio 910 AM.
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