Grace Good Shepherd Church

Seasons
He made the moon to mark the seasons, and the sun knows when to go down.
-Psalm 104:19

Volume 2, Issue 1
What does the Lord
require of you but to do
justice, and to love
kindness, and to walk
humbly with your God.
-Micah 6:8

Grace Good Shepherd

Church
1450 Hiller Road
McKinleyville, CA 95519
(707)-839-3726
Find us online!
www.facebook.com/ggsmck
www.gracegoodshepherd.org
http://goo.gl/EsJC1L

Pastors:
Rev. Dr. Lynn Hubbard
Rev. Deborah Hubbard

Sunday Schedule
Worship
10:00 AM
Eucharist 1st/3rd Sundays

Sunday School
10:00 AM

Seasons
Published monthly
Deadline for copy:
23rd of the month prior

January 2016

From the Pastors Desk

I am writing this on Epiphanythe day we commemorate the
wise men from the East bearing gifts to the baby Jesus. These
men were magi, Zoroastrian priests from Persia (modern day
Iran) the first outside of the Jewish tradition to understand the
significance of God breaking into human historyGod with
usImmanuel. The very manifestation of the divine life to the
world!
How are we showing Christ to the world? 2015 was an exciting
year for us here at Grace Good Shepherd! We added five new
members to our congregation (see bios on page 3), and continue
to support our ministries both locally (Food for People,
Christmas food gift cards), through the Presbytery (Pedal for
Protein event), and internationally (SERRV). See the Deacons
Corner for more details on how our Christmas gift card program
was administered this yearanother successful collaboration
with the Family Resource Center as well as the toy drive by
New Heart Church.
I had so much fun with the children putting together our
Christmas pageant! Many thanks to all who helped with
costumes and set, especially Kathy SchmidtI certainly
couldnt have done it without her help. Speaking of
appreciation for Christmas, wasnt the harp music lovely this
year? Of course, it wouldnt be a candlelight service without
our own Bell Choir leading the way, and it was nice to see so
many visitors.
Our worship life continues to evolve with the addition of a
Wednesday evening Eucharistic prayer service. A simple time
of reflection, taize songs, candlelight and communion, we hope
you will feel free to join us any time beginning again on January
27th.

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January 2016

Our educational events this year have focused on theology and contemporary culture, such as
Inside Islam promoting inter-faith dialogue and peacemaking efforts as an outreach to the
community. With support from a grant from the Presbytery, Lynn has been interviewing local
experts on everything from The Mythic Imagination to Animal Ethics for Access Humboldt,
and will continue these video journals for public viewing (he also now serves on their Board of
Directors).
With the New Year upon us, the difficult work of the incarnation begins. What does it mean that
God is truly with usImmanuel? I like what Jim Wallis of Sojourners said: Christmas is when
God hit the streets! God comes to us in all of the messiness that is human life: the joy, the
pain, the celebrations and the grief. We, as the body of Christ, need to make sure that fear and
hatred do not overcome the love and grace that was born in a manger over 2,000 years ago. Let
us be the modern day Magithose who do not return to Herod as traitors, but who go the way of
the spirit of Christ born in each one of us.
Blessings for 2016!
Pastor Deborah

Tom Cockle, Carol Lawrence, Karol Andersson, Billy Zepp, and Nick Bonner

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Seasons

January 2016

Meet Our New Members!

Billie Zepp: I moved from my home in Marin County to McKinleyville to be closer to some of
my relatives--number one grandson, Beorn Zepp lives a block from me and Lee Maynard,
number two grandson, is going to the College of the Redwoods.
I was married many years to a merchant marine Captain Allen Zepp. We moved from Long
Beach, where I was raised, to Marin County. When my husband stopped going to sea, we had a
boat rental business in the Delta Area of California. After his death, my children and I moved
back to Marin. I went to work for the US Customs Service in San Francisco and retired when I
was 80 years old. It was a very interesting job. I have two adult kids: Jo my daughter, and
Allen, my son married to Jurga from Lithuania. They have homes on the island of St. Croix in
the Caribbean. My oldest daughter Lee, mother of Beorn, my neighbor, died when she was 46
years old. The rest of my family live in Lithuania.
I had most of my family being with me this Christmas. I stopped driving two years ago and my
family was delighted. Their remark was, None too soon. Im enjoying getting settled in my
new home. Have a bridge group on Mondays. Joining the Grace Good Shepherd church
completes this move for me.
Nick Bonner: My name is Nick and I have been a member of Grace Good Shepherd for almost
a year now. Before I became a member at GGS, I was a part of the Methodist Church in Homer,
AK for several years. I have been a service member in the U.S. Coast Guard for the past ten
years. While serving in Alaska, I was able to see the majority of that huge state from the most
Northern point to the most Western and all of the South East. I am excited and looking forward
into seeing where the wind takes me next, but before I transfer, I will enjoy my time here with
everyone here! Not only does this small church have a wonderful couple as leaders, but a great
congregation that I consider to part of my family!
Karol Andersson: Originally from West Texas, Karol has lived in California since 1985 and in
McKinleyville since 2008. She is married to Grant Shumpert, and has two sons, four stepsons,
and three grandchildren. She teaches English to international students at Humboldt State
University. Her interest in language, culture, and social justice are closely connected to her faith,
and she is honored to be a part of Grace Good Shepherd Church.
Tom Cockle: Born in Los Angeles CA in 1940, Tom grew up in Montebello CA, attended
UCLA (Geography) and USC (Law), worked in Workers' Compensation his entire career,
married to Carol Lawrence since 1984. He has lived in Humboldt since 1995, and his main
hobby is model railroading.
Carol Lawrence: Born in Newport, RI., Carol grew up in southern California and was educated
in Catholic schools and received BA in sociology. Her past employment includes: teacher,
social worker, and claims systems analyst (where she met Tom!) Presently volunteering at Mad
River Hospital, Arcata Marsh, & Humboldt County Animal Shelter. Hobbies: birding & reading
& keeping her plants alive!

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Seasons

January 2016

Deacons Corner
M

2015 GGS Newsletter Summary for Christmas Food Gift Card Project
Wednesday, January 6, 2016
On Tuesday, December 15, 2015, the GGS Church Deacons distributed food gift cards from
Rays Food Place in McKinleyville to more than 70 families from McKinleyville, Fieldbrook,
and Trinidad who had signed-up for them. The 2015 GGS Christmas Food Gift Card project was
able to purchase gift cards in various denominations totaling $5,890 from Rays Food Place,
which also provided $600 in bonus gift cards. An additional $250 in food gift cards was
purchased from Rays in early January 2016. Families from our community who received gift
cards included more than 170 children. Also at GGS on December 15, New Heart Church
volunteers distributed toys/gifts that had been collected by the Humboldt Realtors Association to
all families with children.
Based on a vote by Deacons at their meeting on Sunday, December 13, approval was given to
distribute a flyer welcoming Gift Card recipients with children ages 3-12 to join the GGS Kids
Bell Choir directed by Kathy Schmidt. The first Bell Choir rehearsal was scheduled for
Saturday, January 9, 2016, at 10-10:45 a.m. in the GGS sanctuary.
GGS collaborated with the McKinleyville Family Resource Center (MFRC) on this years gift
card project. The GGS Christmas Food Gift Cards were funded by:
Thrivent Financial: $750
Presbytery of the Redwoods: $800
HAF Holiday Partnership: $1,500
HAF Hansen Trust: $2,000
GGS Members and Friends (Balance*)
We are grateful for the generous support provided for the GGS Christmas Food Gift Card project
in 2015!
*GGS Deacons Treasurer Barbara Brimlow will provide a detailed summary of the funding at
the Annual Congregational meeting of Grace Good Shepherd Church on January 31, 2016.

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Seasons

January 2016

Whats Happening January 2016

Friday 1/1
New Years Day
Sunday 1/3
10 AM: Worship
7 PM: AA
Monday 1/4
6:30 PM: Al-Anon
Tuesday 1/5
6:30 PM: McK Choir
Wednesday 1/6
6:30 PM: AA
Thursday 1/7
10:30 AM: Womens Bible Study
10 AM 2 PM: WIC
3 5:30 PM: WIC
Friday 1/8
7 AM: Mens Bible Study
8:30 AM 1 PM: WIC
11 AM 1 PM: Food Bank
Sunday 1/10
10 AM: Worship
7 PM: AA
Session Meeting
Deacons Meeting
Monday 1/11
Pastors Leave
6:30 PM: Al-Anon
Tuesday 1/12
11 AM: Food Bank
6:30 PM: McK Choir
Wednesday 1/13
6:30 PM: AA
Thursday 1/14
10:30 AM: Womens Bible Study
10 AM 2 PM: WIC
3 5:30 PM: WIC

Friday 1/15
7 AM: Mens Bible Study
8:30 AM 1 PM: WIC
Sunday 1/17
10 AM: Worship led by David
Kitchen
7 PM: AA
Monday 1/18
6:30 PM: Al-Anon
Tuesday 1/19
11 AM: Food Bank
6:30 PM: McK Choir
Wednesday 1/20
6:30 PM: AA
Thursday 1/21
10:30 AM: Womens Bible
Study
10 AM 2 PM: WIC
3 5:30 PM: WIC
Friday 1/22
7 AM: Mens Bible Study
8:30 AM 1 PM: WIC
Saturday 1/23
Cumbias Fundraising
Sunday 1/24
10 AM: Worship led by Geoff
Werronen
7 PM: AA
Monday 1/25
6:30 PM: Al-Anon
Tuesday 1/26
Pastors Return
11 AM: Food Bank
6:30 PM: McK Choir
Wednesday 1/27
7 PM: Prayer Service

Thursday 1/28
10:30 AM: Womens Bible
Study
10 AM 2 PM: WIC
3 5:30 PM: WIC
Friday 1/29
7 AM: Mens Bible Study
8:30 AM 1 PM: WIC
11 AM 1 PM: Food Bank
Sunday 1/31
10 AM: Worship
7 PM: AA

Saturday January 23rd from 8am to

2pm Cumbia will be fundraising for
her year abroad with Rotary's
Arcata Noon Club. Her top country
choices
are
Taiwan
and
Paraguay. Baked goods will also be
available! Every small item and
cookie makes a difference!

Birthdays in January
05 Billie Zepp
11 Kathy Schmidt
18 Greg Sisk
19 Jeff Romberg
24 Jennifer Sisk
Joy Moore
25 Carl Schmidt
27 Rick Botzler
Daniel Macias
28 Geoff Werronen
30 Beth Kitchen

Anniversaries in January
02 Sandy & Mike Olinger

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Seasons

Christmas Festivities!

The Bell Choir performs its Christmas concert.

Childrens Christmas Pageant

January 2016

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Seasons

A candlelight singing of Silent Night from our Christmas Eve service.

Deborah is presenting a $4,000 grant to Food for Peoples Executive

Director Ann Holcomb. The grant funds were raised through the
Presbytery of the Redwoods Pedal for Protein event that GGS
generously supported. An additional $2,500 was given to the food
bank in Del Norte through both P4P as well as our Cents-Ability
contributions throughout the year.

January 2016

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Seasons

January 2016

Religion and Contemporary Culture

A documentary series on current social issues.

Casino Jack and the United States of money

A portrait of Washington lobbyist Jack Abramoff. Oscar winning film maker Alex Gibney
illuminates the way money corrupts the political process and is undermining the very basic
principles of American democracy. Those interested in the origins of neo-conservatism, and the
beginnings of the religious right, will find this a fascinating saga of greed and corruption in
government.

Please join us on Saturday, February 13th, from 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m.
The discussion will be led by Rev. Dr. Lynn Hubbard
Sponsored by:

Grace Good Shepherd church

1450 Hiller Road
McKinleyville, CA 95519
707.839.3726

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Seasons

January 2016

Exploring the New Testament as literature

with Rev. Dr. Lynn Hubbard

Whether people consider it a book of faith or a cultural artifact, the New Testament is among
the most significant writings that the world has ever known. Yet the New Testament is also
among the most widely disputed and least understood books in history. This study will be a
challenging and fascinating reflection on the world of early Judaism and the emerging Christian
community. It will require watching two 45 minute You Tube videos (Video Course by Yale
Professor Dale B. Martin) each week in preparation for the sessions. No particular scriptural
interpretation or understanding will be assumed.
The sessions will last approximately one hour, and I am recommending the book: The New
Testament: A Historical Introduction to the Early Christian Writings, 4th edition. New York: Oxford
University Press, 2007. The cost of the book is around $60.00. This is recommended but not
essential. Each class will begin with a brief reflection by Dr. Hubbard on the readings for that
week, with a discussion and question session to follow. It will be expected that every participant
will have viewed the videos for that week and reflected upon them. The course will meet at
Grace Good Shepherd in McKinleyville, and will begin in February, time will be determined by
course participants.
About Professor Dale B. Martin

Dale B. Martin is the Woolsey Professor of Religious Studies at Yale. He was educated at Abilene
Christian University, Princeton Theological Seminary, and Yale University. His work explores the New
Testament, Christian origins, the Greco-Roman world, the ancient family, and gender and sexuality in
the ancient world. Professor Martin has been awarded fellowships by the National Endowment for the
Humanities, the Fulbright Commission, the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, and the Lilly
Foundation. He is a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences (elected 2009). His
publications include Slavery as Salvation, The Corinthian Body, Inventing Superstition, Sex and the
Single Savior, and Pedagogy of the Bible.