FROM OUR SENIOR PASTOR
February has been one fabulous month. Our Leadership Retreat on the first weekend of the month was a tremendous experience for all our leaders who attended. It has given us an enthusiastic boost for ministry. Evaluating ourselves through the eyes of Natural Church Development has given us confidence in knowing where we need to put the emphasis over the next year as we seek to improve our church health and extend our ministry.
You will soon be given information concerning the development of twelve (12) tribes to which every member and participant of our church body will be assigned (on the basis of geographical location) and be given opportunity for building loving relationships, growing in Christ, doing significant ministry, as well as experiencing active Christian fellowship. It will take some time to grow into this but the possibilities are immense and exciting.
My experience at the Promise Keepers Clergy Conference in Phoenix, AZ was an outstanding event. Like the first such event in 1996, I was again able to share this with my twin brother, Merv, and his son, David and this made it extra special. Unfortunately my son, Jeff, who was with us in 1996 was not able to attend this year.
The theme of our time together in Phoenix was "COME NEAR TO ME” and it was a time for us pastors to come together with one another but more importantly, with God. Major input was given to move us as a church to true and authentic unity in the total body of Christ. Special consideration came from Messianic Jews, Native Americans, Hispanic Americans, Asian Americans, and African Americans. It was a time to listen to one another, be challenged out of the Word, and to seek forgiveness and healing and look forward to the blessings of the Lord.
Thank you for allowing me this opportunity to be touched in the Lord. A major disappointment was that only about 12,000 were in attendance. It was expected to draw about 50,000. The effects of 9-11-01 are still very much with us. Security for us was very tight and without the prayers of God’s people I’m sure we would have been an easy target for terrorism. We are living in the last days.
I’m looking forward to a great month of March with you. Pastor Steve and I will begin a sermon series on Christian Disciplines, we will celebrate Mrs. Deguchi’s 99th birthday on March 9, Jews For Jesus will be presenting “Christ In The Passover” during worship on March 16, and we will begin a Recreation Night at Einstein School in Rosemont on every other Tuesday night (6-9 p.m.) beginning on March 11. It will be a great month to grow in the Lord. Please be with us for it all.
-Pastor Tom Kramer
Cabinet Report
“People who reach their potential think in terms of improvement”
There is a charge given to the Church Cabinet members that is to insure that we as a church continue to be about our purpose. This purpose which the congregation unanimously accepted on August 27, 2000 empowers everyone to :
1. “introduce people of all ages to Jesus Christ for their salvation and membership into His church;
2. to help them grow to Christ-like maturity; and
3. to discover their God-given ministry to magnify God with their lives” . Amen!
This means that everyone should be about introducing, encouraging, welcoming, assisting, and enabling members of our congregation and those we meet to a richer and fuller life in our Lord Jesus Christ. I am excited about the many tasks that are before us and the encouragement received from this great body of believers. We have much to accomplish in His name!
In the Leadership Retreat on February 8, 2003 at the Holiday Inn in Rancho Cordova, much information was shared and gathered and soon you will be seeing some of the suggestions put into action. For example, in order to reach out to our entire congregation and to keep them informed, you will be hearing more about our tribe concept, from Pastor Kramer and our Diaconate members.
In closing. I will leave this statement with you, members with potential make things happen….in Jesus Name!!
Ed Lang, Church Moderator
Sunday School
God is Good, all the time! His goodness has certainly been evident here at Mayhew in our Sunday School. We are seeing some growth in some of our classes - some of the greatest being in the Pre-School and 2nd and 3rd grade classes. We will be finished with the challenge to participate in “The Great Race” where children have been given points for their attendance, bringing Bibles, bringing visitors and memorizing scripture. Sunday, Feb. 23, is the last Sunday to get final points for their classes. The class with the most points will have a pizza party at a time and place of their choice. Check in next month for the results!
We continue to have teacher training on the second Sunday of every month with Pastor Steve. In February a special guest from Granite Bay Church shared information on Child Safety. Our next session will be March 9, at 8:30 in Riichi Satow Hall. Anyone is invited to be a part of this training!
I would like to see more involvement in our Adult classes, so if you are approached and asked why you are not in attendance, don’t be surprised or offended. My job is to see that you are being spiritually fed and what better way than to come 45 minutes earlier and be exposed to a small group setting where our Lord is the main topic. We have teachers who want to share with you what they are learning. Come see what a blessing you can be to each other and what the scripture has to say for these times we live in today!
Lois Kramer, S.S.Supt.
ev. Thomas Kramer, Sr. Pastor
Steve Curran, Assoc. Pastor
Dan Malloy, Director of Music and Worship
Board of Trustees
We have been blessed in not having many physical problems in the last two months. However, we’re keeping eyes on the A/C heater system on top of Crone Hall.
Another potential problem in Crone Hall is the copy machine. We’re presently looking and pricing systems and hope and pray to update soon.
Please don’t forget to keep April 5th on your calendar. This is our spring cleanup. If rain prevails, we’ll be meeting on the following Saturday, April 12th. Do come out and lend a hand in getting our church campus back into shape. There will be many weeds to pull, all A/C heater filters to change, gutters to be cleaned, hot water heaters to be drained, door to Riichi Satow Hall to be painted, carpeting Crone Hall to be cleaned, the outdoor shed to be cleaned and straighten and of course finish painting the exterior fencing.
-Bob Ingram Chair
Thank You
From Genevieve Donley, One of those who cared for Dennis in the group home where he lived.
“Dear Pastor Kramer,
I wish to express my appreciation of the service you provided for Dennis, a few weeks ago. If he’d designed it I think it could not have been more fitting. His wonderful cheerfulness was always present, and your service reflected this. When I visualize him now all I see is a smile. God Bless you.
Genevieve Donley”
ABW Ministries
The book for the month of March is I & II Peter and Jude.
Let’s read and share the excitement at the next meeting.
A Prayer
O Father, give us strength to live according to our light; help us to do the best that we know. May our mistakes be committed from lack of knowledge rather than from deliberate choice. Give us increasing light upon our way and the will to walk therein; in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Coming Events:
Entire month is America for Christ offering and Women’s History month.
March 7th is World Day of Prayer.
March 8th is International Women’s Day
Our next meeting will be Sunday, March 2, 2003. No one has to pack a lunch. Several ladies have volunteered to work together to serve not only the usual refreshments but provide lunch as well!
Saturday, March 15, 9:00 a.m., ABMW members will be rolling bandages for the Republic of Congo. While doing God’s work, the fellowship time is rich, so come and join us.
Monday, March 17, 2003, 10:00 a.m., ABWM Sacramento Association Board meeting hosted by Nevada City First Baptist Church. Members of our organization who are serving on the Association Board should attend this important meeting.
Mount Herman is around the corner, May 16th - 18th. If you would like to go, please ask one of the ABW members. I know you will have a great time.
Thank you notes:
Thank you Ruby Lang for accepting the responsibility for our Campbell Soup labels project. If you have any labels, please place them in the box in the foyer.
Thank you to our sister church, Kaizu Christ Church Fujinkai (woman’s ministry) for sending a lovely greeting card with photos. If you would like to see it, it is in the foyer.
ABWM and Mayhew would like to thank Mrs. Bernice Ouye for the time she has served on the hospitality committee.
Karryn Dolores Hucks
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
Lots of things are happening with the activities brought to the C.E. Board in this and the up and coming months. First we have the America for Christ offering being taken in March. Ash Wednesday is March 5th, with Easter fast approaching. Special things happen around Easter. Being spring it reminds us of the new life God has in plan for all of us. As we watch the new flowers and new birth of animals spring forth may it remind us of God’s blessings. Then comes summer. Summer!!!!! That can only mean one thing, Vacation Bible School. The planning team for VBS will be very active this month. The curriculum has been chosen. It is not too early to volunteer as a teacher or worker. Watch for more details on upcoming training and planning sessions.
Now that the election of Church officers is over don’t think you are safe for another year. Many committee positions are yet to be filled. I’m not asking you to say yes or no right away. (Although yes sounds good to the ear). I’m asking that you take a moment with the Lord. We have asked you because we believe in you and your abilities. But you know the Lord; he just may have something different in mind for you. If you aren’t ready to take that office we will understand allow God to place you where you fit best. God may open a new door for you if you ask.
I personally want to thank the family of Mayhew CBC for your prayers and concerns during this time of family trials. What the Lord has given us is a better understanding of his plan. Our family is preparing to say goodbye to a loved one, and to greet another. Cathy’s mother is dying and Christopher’s family is growing with the addition of a new child due this month. How glorious is his plan to replace life with life. And then to grant us with eternal life where no one will miss out being united through Christ, in Christ. Life is precious, eternal life is priceless. Just ask God. This priceless gift and his entire blessing is yours just for the asking.
Karl Borchardt, Chairman, Christian Board of Education
“People who reach their potential think in terms
of : improvement”
The February 25, 2003 Cabinet meeting was my official first meeting of the Church year. I cannot thank the cabinet members enough for being present and ready to work. I feel that the cabinet members are on the right track in supporting concepts that will foster better communication and participation from every member of our congregation
I attended a leadership retreat in February at the Holiday Inn in Rancho Cordova. I thought the retreat was very informative, inspiring, well organized, and enabled all those in attendance to express themselves. I am very encouraged by our pastoral staff for being quite receptive to suggestions received and the action plan developed that will be shared with the congregation.
Food for thought, when one mentions growth, one might immediately think of numbers. But first let’s look at growth from an individual point of view. Most people fight change when it affects them personally. Some people think of change as changing the world, but not thinking of him/herself as needing to change. Some people get into a rut when it comes to growth and change. Growth is a choice, a decision that can really make a difference in a person's life. However, in the final analysis, people do not differ substantially in their abilities when it comes to being successful or unsuccessful. They vary in their desire to reach their potential.
We have much to do in God’s vineyard. Let’s do it together!!
-Ed Lang, Moderator
Climbing Higher With Pastor Steve
What is happening?
This is a good question to ask occasionally, and I have a good answer for you today. LOTS of great stuff!!! Two of us went to a special Children’s Ministry Workshop two weeks ago, and we came away with some new ideas, some practical suggestion, a new material to help us do a better job of bringing our kids closer to Jesus.
I am sitting here at my computer rather tired but smiling because of the Youth 30 Hour Famine that we had this last weekend. I am so proud of our youth!! We had seven kids that gave up their weekend in order to FAST and go through a series of spiritual exercises that taught them what the majority of the world endured on a daily basis. Our kids also raised money (we’re still counting) to help save the lives of starving kids. We learned that 29,000 kids die every day due to the lack of food or simple medicines or lack of clean water to drink. Your youth are making a difference!!
We have one small group meeting now going through a workbook called “Experiencing God.” In about eight more weeks we will be ready to begin a new group with new leaders. The current group is for Young Couples. If you are interested please let Pastor Steve know! In only five weeks the feedback about the material and the personal spiritual growth has been exciting! WE are currently meeting on Saturday nights from 7:00 to 8:30.
Today we had our second planning session with leadership to organize our body into care groups called Tribes (after the twelve tribes of Israel). The purpose is two fold: 1) so everyone will be better loved and cared for; and 2) so our body can have a comprehensive structure to help us organize ourselves for care, personal spiritual growth, and ministry in our communities. These are exciting days for Mayhew! The Spirit of the Living God is moving through our midst!! Praise Jesus Holy name!!
Your fellow servant for Jesus’ Kingdom, Pastor Steve
Memorial Offerings-February 2003
In memory of father, Hisata Iwasa
Ted & Frances Kobata (Building Fund)
Minoru & Kaoru Ouye (Building Fund)
In memory of father, Dennis Muchow
Julie & Scott Muchow
In memory of father, Duke Takeuchi
John & Susan Schmid (Youth Ministry)
Mrs. Fumiko Deguchi
Our honoree this month is Mrs. Fumiko Deguchi, the sole surviving pioneer of our church. She just celebrated her 99th birthday.
Mrs. Deguchi was born in Mifune, Kumamoto, in the southern prefecture of Japan. She comes from a family of two sons and six daughters.
She came to America in January 1924. She left Yokohama by ship, which took 15 days to reach San Francisco. She temporarily settled in Sacramento in the Oak Park area (south of Fruitridge Rd., 47th Ave and Stockton Blvd). It was there that her neighbor, the Rickimarus, invited her family to the Oak Park Mission where Rev. K. Muraoka served as Pastor. This was her first introduction to Christianity.
The family, consisting of her husband, grandparents, son Frank and infant daughter Betty moved and settled on a farm on Farm Lane (south of Kiefer Blvd and Bradshaw Rd). She and her husband raised four more sons. She lost a son, Shoji, who was 3 years old.
In 1942, by order of the U. S. Government, the whole family left everything with only what they could carry, to be interned at Poston II Camp in Arizona for the duration of the war (WWII). It was while in camp that Mrs. Deguchi accepted Jesus as her Savior and was baptized in the Colorado River on November 1942.
The family returned after the war to Farm Lane for a new beginning. Sunday School was started at the Deguchi home and it continued until Crone Hall was completed.
We asked Mrs. Deguchi with so much advancement in technology during her lifetime, what did she appreciate the most? Without hesitation and with a big smile she replied, “Gas stove and wringer type washing machine.”
The Fumiko Deguchi Garden, designed by Kawamura Landscape, was dedicated in appreciation for her many years of providing and arranging flowers for the Sanctuary.
She is happy the church is growing and she gives thanks to God. She then paused and thought awhile and said, “We couldn’t have done it all by ourselves; we had lots of help from dedicated ministers, missionaries and friends.”
She is surrounded by 6 children, 13 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren, 2 great great grandchildren and 4 surviving sisters in Japan.
Happy Birthday, Mrs. Deguchi!
Vacation News
Ed and Ruby Lang visited his brother-in-law in San Antonio, Texas. His late sister died about a year and a half ago. Ed will be heading to Colorado Springs later this month to attend a gathering of a fraternal organization. We wish him a safe trip!!
Dear Mayhew Community Baptist Church members:
Thank you, Thank you for all your prayers, your support, your help, and your generosity. I absolutely could not have had this surgery nor made it through post-op without all that you did. I pray that God will bless you tenfold.
This has been a long and arduous journey with many a dashed hope. But the success of this surgery has opened the door for me to proceed with the possibility of restoring perhaps 60% of my health with some future surgeries.
Thank you for standing by me all these years, being patient in God’s timing for me. I am truly in His Grace.
God’s blessings,
Patty McGuire
Our Christian sympathy and condolences to Florene Parker who lost her mother. Funeral services were held on February 22, 2003 at Mt. Calvary Baptist Church.
Please keep our sister Florene in your prayers.
NOTES FROM PASTOR DAN
I just have to say that it was the worst cold I’ve ever had in my life. It might even still be going on when you read this! And I rarely even get a cold or the flu at all! I probably should have never told anyone that because you know that “Pride goes before a fall.” Well, February was not kind to me but God is VERY kind and He would like me to stop complaining right now!
If you have a tendency to complain like me and be impatient about illness - Shame on us! Think of all the serious health problems people have and how so many face those challenges with great courage - God-given courage. Let us pray this prayer from Psalm 139:23-24 “Search mc, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”
In the World of Mayhew Music and Worship, I’d like to thank the worship team for stepping up in my absence this past month. It's just like the Sacramento Kings do. When a player like Chris Webber is out with an injury, the rest of the team steps up. I really appreciate our team--James Vahanian, Stacy Taylor. Pastor Steve, and Char!!!
The Mayhew Community Singers need a few more good and faithful singers!! This group has such potential but recently we are missing key people for a variety of reasons. Please consider joining us if you have a bit of singing ability and a desire to minister with music. We have started on some great Easter season music and we would love to see you each Wednesday at 7:35 p.m.
Our Children’s Choir just started this past month and I am looking forward to working with the kids and listening to their cool voices. We meet every Sunday at 9:15 a.m. and will try to sing for our worship services at least every 6 weeks-if not more often.
“I will sing to the Lord, for He has been good to me!” Psalm 13:6
Pastor Dan