Dear Friends

Monday the 16^th a very special service took place here at our church. Long time member Rupeni Camaicawa married his finance Betty with a small assembly of friends in attendance. Pastor Burke officiated, with Caroline assisting in the service and as witness, and Esther Brunswick on piano. Hank and his mother, and Fernando, also were in attendance. The happy couple plan to spend a few nights locally for a brief honeymoon and hope to take a longer one later this year. A second marriage for both, each looks forward to a long and blessed life together. As Betty said, they look forward to celebrating their 30th anniversary in time. Congratulations and may the blessings of God, Christ and the spirit be with them as they enter a new and joyous time in their lives! Please congratulate them next time they are in church!

Apologies for the Worship Livestream broadcast not working this past Sunday. Weather related issues seemed to have knocked out our broadcast capabilities for that morning. Technology is great but sometimes these kinds of things are going to happen. Given how fierce the storms have been recently, I am pleased we have not had more issues with electricity and internet connectivity. Praise God for keeping us safe and well in St Helena and the Napa Valley!

Char Butcher is now at the Acute Post Op Rehabilitation Center in Napa on Trancas, recovering from her recent stay at the Adventist Hospital. Natalie says they hope she will be going home soon perhaps later this week, once she regains her strength and ability to maneuver from bed to chair. Please keep her and their family in prayers for healing, comfort, and peace.

Dave Garden is having health challenges at home these days. Please hold him and the Garden family, especially Nancy, in your prayers for healing, comfort and understanding.

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After worship on Sunday, January 29, an All-Church meeting will be held during Fellowship Time. The new church budget for 2023 will be presented for approval, church committees will present updates on the new year in their areas, and we will talk as a church about God’s plan for us, our future and the best way to get there. Please join us in person that day for this important meeting and time of reflection and prayer.

_______

Next week, January 24-26, I will be away for the annual Gathering of the Orders, in Monterey. This yearly meeting is for all pastors and deacons to hear from our acting Bishop Sally Dyck and meet together. I will be leaving Tuesday noon and returning Thursday evening the 26th.

Lesa Ward will be in the office next week, Tuesday and Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 1 pm.

_____



I will close today with some words from Paul. In his letter to the Galatians 6, he speaks true wisdom that is as helpful today as it was 2,000 years ago, especially for we who are a family of faith in this wonderful community.

Carry each other’s burdens and so you will fulfill the law of Christ. ³ If anyone thinks they are important when they aren’t, they’re fooling themselves. ⁴ Each person should test their own work and be happy with doing a good job and not compare themselves with others. ⁵ Each person will have to carry their own load.

A person will harvest what they plant. ⁸ Those who plant only for their own benefit will harvest devastation from their selfishness, but those who plant for the benefit of the Spirit will harvest eternal life from the Spirit. ⁹ Let’s not get tired of doing good, because in time we’ll have a harvest if we don’t give up. ¹⁰ So then, let’s work for the good of all whenever we have an opportunity, and especially for those in the household of faith.

God bless you all and see you Sunday!

Burke

David playing the harp to soothe Saul

William Brassey Hole, 1846-1917

Sunday Worship

January 22, 2023

10 a.m.

Scripture: Micah 6:1-8, 1 Samuel 16:14-23

Sermon: Spiritual Affective Disorder, Joy and Laughter 

Music: Elle Wheeler and Diego Mariano, piano

Click on the picture below for a link to join

Sunday morning Livestream Worship

The lyre, and ancient Greek harp, dates back to the 7th century BCE and was believed to represent the underlying harmony of the universe, capable of enchanting and calming all beings.

Join us after worship for fellowship time in our Fellowship Hall.

We look forward to seeing you!

Remember you can give online!

Our church continues to receive giving and donations through our online and mobile app platforms. Thank you for trying it out, here are the links again for you to sign up and give easily from your computer with Vanco:

CLICK HERE

or your phone or tablet with Vanco Mobile Faith Engagement App:

Dear friends,

Our St Helena church has provided an on-line app for use on your phone or tablet to give remotely over the last two years.

This app, GivePlus, is managed by Vanco, a finance company ensuring online payment processing with donations received for our church bank account.

Vanco Mobile Faith Engagement App. 

• Download the Vanco Mobile app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
• Find our church and log in using your previous GivePlus Mobile username and password.
• Or set up your user account in minutes.

Do let me know if you have any questions.

Pastor Burke

Our cozy winter groups have

 something for everyone!



Two of our small groups

are on Zoom

for the month of January.

Check below to see which ones.



Everyone is invited to join our small groups!

Our Weekly Small Group Meetings

Book Study Group  In person.

Vintage Group, Tuesdays via Zoom

Call Pastor if you need a link to join any group!

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Silent Meditation, Wednesdays via Zoom.

Bible Study on Thursdays  In person.

Thursday's Bible Study is:

The Book of Psalm,

Please hold these saints in your prayers, 

For Char Butcher; for Bette Antor and family, on the passing of her brother Tommy; Tyler Barnedt, Ali Leeds husband, and Frank and Beth Leeds son-in-law; Lisa Cox; Karl and Linda Parker; Ben DiMaio; Jack and Ruthie Rydman; Carolyn and Dick Woodson; David and Nancy Garden; Anita and David Cummings; Jan Frate; Lois Need; Tony and Carole Pietrangelo; and all our community near and far.

Click on the picture of the

white rabbit below,

to hear Ode to Joy,

Beethoven