December 2013 | Issue 414

Inside this issue

Alpha 2014 ...... 2 Unleashing Christ’s Power to Change the World Life Connections………………3 Advent is the season of the church year spending our time in the Old Testament. Performing Arts ...... 4 leading up to . It’s meant to be Now we take a break to focus on : a time of preparation for the coming of His coming, and his coming again! Children’s Ministry ...... 5 Jesus; celebrating his first coming and Christmas is a powerful time of the year preparing for his second coming. While because we focus on the ultimate gift- An Alpha Story ...... 6 it’s easy to make sense of preparing for giver. The greater we grow in love with the coming of Christmas because of all him, the greater the message of Christ- Adult Spiritual Formation .. 7 the plans we make around this time of mas. When the power of Christ changes year, it is less easy to make sense of us, we take part in his power to change Congregational Life ...... 10 preparing for the coming of Jesus. the world. Workers in the Vineyard . 12 As years continue to roll by, we are a As we work our way to Christmas, the culture saturated more and more with four Sundays in Advent will focus on: Peñasquitos Christian retailers taking advantage of the “giving” Watch, Repent, Prepare and Welcome. Preschool ...... 14 nature of Christmas with the push to We will also host midweek services on spend our dollars with them to make Wednesday evenings; supper at 6:00 pm Youth News ...... 15 loved-ones happy. Where once culture in the Fellowship Hall and worship in the accepted the “Christ” in Christmas, it Sanctuary at 7:00 pm. Each week we will now demands that we make it inclusive focus on one of these words as we build to those outside of Christ. “Merry Christ- anticipation for the power of Jesus to mas” has been removed and replaced make a difference in a culture that is less with “Happy Holidays.” open to him, and we will see our part in Someone asked me last year, “Pastor, helping make that happen. WORSHIP SERVICES does this trend make you angry?” My -Pastor Sean response seemed to have surprised the 3:00 & 5:00 p.m. asker. I stated something to the effect, Family Worship service “No, it really doesn’t. If Jesus’ coming Read The Story Experience The Bible 7:00 p.m. isn’t about the opportunity to make a Contemporary Service with difference in the world today, then Choir & Ensemble Christmas really isn’t Christmas any- 9:00 p.m. more. I’m more concerned that we Candlelight Service with Christians have misrepresented Jesus Returns Brass Ensemble than that his coming doesn’t have the 11:00 p.m. power to make a difference.” January 5, 2014 Traditional Candlelight Communion Service This will be our focus at PLC this Advent Chapter 12: Season in preparation for Christmas – CHRISTMAS DAY “Unleashing Christ’s Power to Change the The Trials of a King 10:00 a.m. World.” We have been navigating Traditional Communion through the pages of The Story this fall,

What’s your question?

Bring Family & Friends to PLC Dinner A talk Small group discussion FUN! Wednesday Nights FREE! Beginning January 15, 2014 FRIENDLY! 6:00 pm—8:30 pm

FOR EVERYONE! 11 weeks Is there more to life? 14 topics Who is Jesus? Why did Jesus die? How can I have faith? Why and how do I pray? For 1st - 5th grade Why and how should I read the Bible? children of parents How does God guide us? taking the Alpha Who is the Holy Spirit? Course. What does the Holy Spirit do? How can I be filled with the Spirit? How can I resist evil? Why and how should I tell others? Does God heal today? What about the church?

Register online to ensure FREE childcare! www.plc-church.org/alpha

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FINANCIAL PEACE UNIVERSITY D inner WEDNESDAYS, STARTING JANUARY 15 @ 6pm! 9 life changing lessons! Save more. Beat debt. Make a Cash Flow Plan. Give like never before. For more information go to: www.daveramsey.com. COST: $93/household

THE BIBLE COURSE 101: THE STORY WEDNESDAYS, STARTING JANUARY 15

11 sessions. Bring the book “The Story” and develop an understanding of God’s upper story and his pursuit of a relationship with mankind’s lower story. Improve your Bible literacy. COST: $25/person THE MARRIAGE PREPARATION COURSE FRIDAYS, STARTING JANUARY 31 5 sessions. Candlelit dinner for two. Enrich your relationship as a couple and build foundations for a lasting marriage. COST: $60/couple

THE MARRIAGE COURSE FRIDAYS, STARTING JANUARY 31 7 sessions, candle-lit dinner for two. Invest in your relationship whether together for one or 61 years; have a strong relationship or are struggling. Learn to understand each other’s needs, communicate more effectively and develop greater intimacy. COST: $75/couple THE PARENTING COURSES For Children (Ages 1-10) For Teens (Ages 11 - 18) FRIDAYS, STARTING JANUARY 31 5 sessions covering topics that will help you meet the needs of your children, building strong founda- tions, setting boundaries, teaching healthy relationships, developing emotional health, and making good choices. Share and learn from other parents with children the same age as yours. Cost: $20/person Register at www.plc-church.org Register early to ensure FREE CHILDCARE.

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Performing Arts

presents... Presented by children from PLC, our community and some special guests...don’t miss it!

Free Performances: Thursday, Dec. 5 @ 7:00 pm Friday, Dec. 6 @ 7:00 pm Saturday, Dec. 7 @ 5:30 pm 

Doors open 30 minutes prior to show time.

C-MENT is a ministry of Peñasquitos Lutheran Church.

On e Child

A musical message presented by the 2013 PLC Christmas Chorus featuring the Kingdom Kids Choir

Sunday, December 15 8:00, 9:30 & 11:00 a.m. services

For more info regarding any of PLC’s Performing Arts ministries contact Adele Buffington: [email protected].

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Children’s Ministry

BRIGHTEN THE LIFE

OF A CHILD IN TIJUANAIJUANA

BY PLACING A GIFT UNDER

THE PLC !! Lutheran Border Concerns Ministry Gifts for the Children of Tijuana

 Please follow these instructions for giving gifts to the children of Tijuana!  Bring your gifts UNWRAPPED to make it easier to get the gifts across the border. Please choose a small sized gift* and place it in the boxes under the Sanctuary Christmas tree.  Purchase gifts for children age preschool to teen.  Each gift should include a pair of SOCKS for the recipient. Gifts need to be placed under the tree by Wednesday, December 25.  They are delivered to Tijuana for an Celebration the first week of January. *A few gift suggestions: Matchbox or Hot Wheels cars, coloring books, crayons, markers, small bags of plastic animals, marbles, stuffed animals, puppets, sport equipment, balls, dolls, jump rope, plastic trucks, barrettes, necklaces, combs and puzzles. Toys must not require reading or batteries to operate. Thank you!

Christmas Eve Family Worship Services Tuesday, December 24 at 3:00 p.m. & 5:00 p.m.

We’ve had some pretty memorable Christmas pageants at the Family Worship Services on Christmas Eve at PLC over the years…perhaps your child will be the star (or an angel, or a shepherd, or maybe even Mary or Joseph) this year!

Every child attending the service is invited to participate in the retelling of the Christmas story as we create a living nativity at the 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. wor- ship services on Christmas Eve. Parts will be assigned and costumes handed out as the children enter the Sanctuary that afternoon for worship--everyone who wants to participate gets a part in our play!

When we are done, goodie bags will be distributed to all the kids to remind them of the good time they had! Besides our play, there will be plenty of carol singing, a wonderful message and of course, a birthday cake for Jesus! Invite your friends to come and join in a meaningful celebration of Christmas because today’s kids really need to hear about the real reason for the season . . . Jesus!

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Life Connections - An Alpha Story

A Life Giving Invitation – Alpha Assuming that God is real and you can ask him any question and be certain of receiving an answer, what Two of the most controversial topics many Americans would your question be? And then you can invite your are cautious to discuss these days are politics and friend to join you at a class where any questions about religion. It’s kind of an unwritten understanding that the Christian faith can be asked and discussed within a these two topics are inflammatory and to be avoided small group. in polite conversation. But avoiding the topic of your Christian hope is contrary to the teaching of Jesus. He This last Alpha class was very exciting. People grew in boldly tells us to “… go and make disciples of all their faith. Some have newly accepted Jesus as their nations ...” MATTHEW 28: 19 (NIV) and Peter tells us “ Savior! Some have had experiences from serving on … you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if Alpha in which they have begun to recognize their someone asks about your Christian hope, always be spiritual gifts and use them in service to God. Some ready to explain it. But do this in a gentle and respectful are changing their view of Christianity and Christians way.” 1 PETER 3:15-16 (NLT) from a negative perception to positive. But don’t mis- take that it is Alpha making these changes in people’s Have you ever been on the receiving end of someone spiritual lives. Alpha is a very effective tool, but it is trying to convert you or persuade you to believe what not the tool that changes lives. It is the encounters they believe in a less than respectful way? I think there with God that happen during Alpha that changes is a misconception that people think they must engage people. And that doesn’t happen without an invitation. in and win arguments to share their faith. But people So, invite your friends and family to Alpha! It could do not come to accept Jesus through arguments. At be an eternal life giving experience! Alpha invitations PLC, we have a way to help you share your faith and that you can hand to friends and family are free and your personal story with friends and family without are available on the Alpha table in the front entry of uncomfortable, confrontational, arguments. It’s Alpha. the church. One of the reasons Alpha has been so successful on a world-wide scale is that, aside from the appeal of great Dana Kloo food, stories of Christian hope are naturally shared, PLC Alpha Administrator gently and respectfully, with friends as they explore questions of life and basic Christian beliefs through an evening talk and then discussion in small groups. One of the most common comments about Alpha is that The Alpha Course people are able to ask questions of faith without feel- ing that they were being judged simply for asking. Wednesdays, January 15 – April 2, 2014 The topics of discussion on Alpha are very basic to the 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm Christian faith. In fact, they are so basic that Alpha is being used by 127+ Christian denominations that Join us for dinner and a talk: include all major denominations in the United States, Is There More to Life Than This? as well as non-denominational churches. Alpha is run- ning in 169 countries. Over 18 million people have taken Alpha world-wide; 3 million in the United States Free Alpha Kidz for children in as of the end of 2012. It is a valuable testimony to 1st – 5th grade & Free childcare people just coming to faith when they experience churches of different denominations coming together for 1 year - Kindergarten for our Alpha Day Away. Register online at An easy way to share your faith is to invite someone to www.plc-church.org/alpha. join you on the next Alpha course. Alpha is where we explore the questions of life that people are asking today. You could begin an invite with a question: Childcare is limited so register early!

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Adult Spiritual Formation Out of the Grey Box... by Jane Josephs On October 29, my husband and I (along with our friends, Wendy and Albert Lingenhol, whose daughter is married to our son) welcomed our grandson Dominic into the world, and I was reminded once again of Psalm 127: “Sons are a heritage from the Lord, children a reward from him...Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them.” DJ, as his dad is calling him, is our fifth grandchild. And we could not be more thrilled! But I’m also reminded of some of the warnings we’ve been hearing in The Story, especially the admonishment to pass on our faith to the next genera- tion. I blew that with Dominic’s dad. When our son was eight years old we moved to Illinois, and I was in a spiritual backslide. We went to church, but we didn’t really participate in the life of the church. When our son was about fourteen, he opted out of going to worship services. I didn’t protest, believing that he had the right to choose. Today, many people are choosing to forgo church attendance, just as my son did. They find church irrelevant, boring, and even controversial. They say things like, “They just want your money,” and “People who go to church are hypocrites and judgmental.” It seems that we’re known more for the things we’re against than the causes we’re for. Why is that, I wonder? Could it be that we’ve forgotten the grace God extended to us when he welcomed us into His family? In the School of Ministry last month we spent several hours talking about what ‘a safe place’ to explore Christianity would look like. What characteristics would a ‘safe person’ have? We asked ourselves the questions, “Is PLC a safe place?” and “Am I a safe person?” As we enter the Advent Season, I hope you’ll remember those in your family, your neighborhood and your workplace who may have found “the church” any place but ‘safe’. I implore you to pray for them; God loves them and wants to have a relationship with them. And I hope you’ll offer yourself as a ‘safe place’ for their questions –especially the tough ones. But along with that I’m praying you will find the courage to extend an invitation to one of our services, or an Alpha or Life Connection class, or an event we’re hosting at PLC. People may be skeptical about “the church”, but they are still searching for meaning in life. We have the answer. His name is Jesus, Wonderful Counselor, The Prince of Peace, The Star of the Story, The babe in the manger, Immanuel, God with us. Did I mention that my newest grandbaby’s name—Dominic—means ‘belonging to God’? He does, you know? All our grandbabies do. And as I pass on our faith, I pray they all will one day know it, too!

Go Camping with PLC! First camping trip is January 31-February 2, 2014 Email for details: [email protected]

For information about PLC’s Adult Discipleship Ministries, contact Jane Josephs: [email protected] or call 858-672-3466 x221

—7— December 2013 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 No Sunday School Today 5:00p Refuge/Huddle 9:30a ESL 6:30a Women’s Bible Study 9:00a Moms Small Bible Study 7:00 C-MENT Presents 5:30 C-MENT Presents 9:30a Identity HS Youth 6:00p CMENT Dress 12:00p Quilters 9:00a Women’s Bible Study 6:30p School of Ministry “We Three Spies” “We Three Spies” 11:00a Kingdom Kids Rehearsal 6:00p C-MENT Dress 6:00p Advent Soup Supper 7:00 C-MENT Presents 12:45p Korean Worship 7:00p Prayer Ministry Rehearsal 7:00p Advent Service “We Three Spies” 4:00p God & Life Emblem 7:00p Stephen Ministry 6:30p Rower Bible Study 7:00p Identity Youth Group 7:00p Al Anon 6:30p Boy Scout Troop 626 7:00p Board of Trustees 7:00p Alcoholics Anonymous

8 9 10 11 12 13 14 9:30a Sunday School 5:00p Confirmation 9:30a ESL 6:30a Women’s Bible Study 6:30p A Women’s 7:00p Going Deeper in 7:30a Men’s 9:30a Identity HS Youth Lesson & Meal 6:30p Rower Bible Study 9:00a Women’s Bible Study Christmas Dessert the Story Breakfast 11:00a Kingdom Kids 7:00p Prayer Ministry 6:30p Knitting/crocheting 5:00p VFW Christmas Event 6:30p School of Ministry 9:00a Girl Scout 12:45p Korean Worship 6:30p Boy Scout Troop 626 6:00p Advent Soup Supper Troop 8091 4:00p God & Life Emblem 7:00p Christmas Chorus 7:00p Advent Service 9:00a Honduras 7:00p Al Anon 7:00p Church Council 7:00p Identity Youth Group Blanket Making 7:00p Alcoholics Anonymous 10:00a Christmas Chorus Rehearsal 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 9:30a Sunday School 4:30p Conf. Prep Class 9:30a ESL 6:30a Women’s Bible Study 9:00a Moms Small Bible Study 7:00p Going Deeper in 7:30a Mary & 9:30a Identity HS Youth 6:00p College Mom’s 12:00p Quilters Meet @ IHOP 6:30p Alcoholics Anonymous the Story Martha 11:00a Kingdom Kids Support Group 6:30p Rower Bible Study 9:00a Women’s Bible Study 6:30p Scoutmasters Bible Study 12:45p Korean Worship 7:00p Prayer Ministry 6:30p Boy Scout Troop 626 11:00a OK Bible Study 7:15p Overeaters Anonymous 4:00p God & Life Emblem 7:00p Stephen Ministry 7:00p Christmas Chorus 12:00p OK Luncheon 7:00p Al Anon 7:00p Alcoholics Anonymous 6:00p Advent Soup Supper 7:00p Advent Service 7:00p Identity Youth Group 22 23 24 25 10:00a Festival of Carols 26 Office Closed 27 Office Closed 28 NO Sunday School Today PCP Closed 3:00p Family Worship 6:30p Alcoholics Anonymous 9:30a Identity HS Youth This Week 5:00p Family Worship 7:15p Overeaters Anonymous 12:45p Korean Worship 7:00p Prayer Ministry 7:00p Alcoholics Anonymous 7:00p Al Anon 7:00p Cont. w/Chorus 9:00p Cont. Candlelight 11:00p Trad. Candlelight

29 30 31 Notes: NO Sunday School Today 7:00p Alcoholics Anonymous

9:30a Identity HS Youth 7:00p Missions Leadership Worship Service Times: 12:45p Korean Worship Team Sunday at 8:00a, 9:30a, and 11:00a 4:00p God & Life Emblem 7:00p Al Anon Nursery Care is available at 8:00 and 9:30 am Sunday services. Saturday & Sunday Worship Assistants for December

December 1 December 8 December 15 December 22 December 29 Acolytes: Acolytes: Acolytes: Acolytes: Acolytes: 8:00 am: Hannah Erickson 11:00 am: Judd Nicholas 11:00 am: Nathan Kessell 11:00 am: Ryan Knee 11:00 am: Matthew Rebeles Shalom Fadullon 9:30 am: Camden Gallagher Holly Gordon 11:00 am: Ava Johnson

Ushers: Ushers: Ushers: Ushers: Ushers: 8:00: Robert & Linda 8:00: Dave Spann, Paul 8:00: Steve & Dianne Cowen 8:00: Guy & Pat Tarvin 8:00: Mr. & Mrs. Richardson Flewellen; Valerie Amberg, Janet Miller Paul Andersen Vince & Carol Ruggiero Jerry & Pam Mollner Christian, Herman & Nancy Wood, Lynn Dick & Shirley Dahlberg Mark Corey Don & Kathy Paulsen Linda Muller Jilka, David Krula Mary Escamilla Manny & Angie Bagnas 9:30: Keith Peters, Alan Kort, 9:30: Keith Peters, Alan Kort, 9:30: John & Susan 9:30: Brons Larson Mark & Michael Cardenas Mark & Michael Cardenas 9:30: Eric Schreffler Fratamico Stephen Fadullon Nick Ong Nick Ong Doug & Betty King Alan & Logan Douglass Carson Schmidt Jeff Kleinfelter Michelle Fisher 11:00: Terry & Diane Franck 11:00: Terry & Diane Franck 11:00: Tom Clements, Larry & Kirsten Kelleher Karl & Christine Schwartz Karl & Christine Schwartz 11:00: Ralph & Darles Wilde Dorra Duensing, Joe Haddakin 11:00: John & Amy Romaker Bill Tarmey & Mary Anne Nicosia

Welcome Team: Welcome Team: Welcome Team: Welcome Team: Welcome Team: 8:00 am: Dick Middlestead 8:00 am: Kathi Richards 8:00 am: Mr. & Mrs. Lingenhol 8:00 am: Mr. & Mrs. Muller 8:00 am: open Wells & Betsey Peck Denny Monroy 9:30 am: Cardenas Family 9:30 am: Jim & Tracy Gordon 9:30 am: The Stone Family 9:30 am: Mary Escamilla 9:30 am: Ernie & Brenda Pyle 11:00 am: Tanya Negron 11:00 am: open 11:00 am: The Cardenas Family 11:00 am: open 11:00 am:

Lectors: Lectors: Lectors: Lectors: Lectors: 8:00 am: Jeff Cavendish 8:00 am: Lish Shunkwiler 8:00 am: Bob Lesh 8:00 am: Kyle Hammerness 8:00 am: Ron Lohrbach 11:00 am: Clifford Durgana 11:00 am: Dan Lynch 11:00 am: Susan Fratamico 11:00 am: Denny Monroy 11:00 am: Diane Franck

Nursery: Nursery: Nursery: Nursery: Nursery: 8:00 am: Elizabeth Kerrigan 8:00 am: Kevin Pyle 8:00 am: Ashley Prouty 8:00 am: 8:00 am: 9:30 am: Maureen Kuck 9:30 am: Tom McKinney 9:30 am: Libby Vetter 9:30 am: Kara York 9:30 am: Carol Degner Tatum Tricarico Holly Gordon Sophie Edwards Jessica York Lauren Degner

Flowers: Lois Spann Flowers: Susan Kirchner Flowers: Lois Spann Flowers: Margie Holland Flowers: Lois Spann

Hymn Leader: Sarah Gibson Hymn Leader: Marie Weir Hymn Leader: Hanns Lindberg Hymn Leader: Hymn Leader: Marie Weir

Altar Guild: Altar Guild: Altar Guild: Altar Guild: Altar Guild: 8:00 am: Ginny Kormann 11:00 am: Julie Florkowski 11:00 am: Sallee Spearman 11:00 am: Bill Tarmey & 11:00 am: Ralph/Darles Wilde Mary Sweere Dianne Nohr Mary Anne Nicosia 9:30 am: Maureen Kleinfelter 11:00 am: Jane & Sam Payne

Communion Assistants: 8:00am: Kathi Richards Mary Sweere 9:30 am: Paxton & Jill Dolan

Jesus . . . The Star of The Story A Women’s Christmas Dessert A magical evening of beautiful table settings, sweet and savory treats,

Thursday, December 12, 2013 6:30 - 9:00 p.m. Carol LeBeau, Guest Speaker Inspirational Music by Mt. Carmel High School Choir Directed by Marti Martinez $10 - Tickets go on sale If you are interested in being a table hostess or server, please sign up in the Preschool Office (672-9353) or Sundays in the Fellowship Hall

Women’s Book Club Thurs., Jan. 23 at 7:00 pm At Darise Ronning’s Home

The River of Doubt by Candice Millard O.K. Club At once an incredible adventure narrative and a pene- trating biographical portrait, The River of Doubt is the true story of Theodore Roosevelt’s harrowing explora- Where Jesus is tion of the Amazon, one of the most dangerous rivers on earth. the heart of Christmas! College Moms Support Group Wed, December 18th Monday, Dec. 16 | 6:00 p.m. | Room A204 Bible Study at 11:00 am Enjoy the support of other moms while you make a Lunch at noon special and pray for your kids. Email Diana Ong at the [email protected] with any questions.

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Congregational Life Advent Services: Unleashing Christ’s Power To The Christmas Holidays Change The World Can Be Painful The joy of Christmas can turn into a time of painful Wednesdays, Dec. 4, 11, & 18 loneliness and emptiness for those who have suffered a loss or who are going through a difficult time. But Soup Supper at 6pm in the Fellowship Hall and help is available. Our Stephen Ministers are ready to Worship Service at 7pm in the Sanctuary provide confidential, one-to-one, Christian care. They Come and learn to watch, repent, prepare and welcome will listen, care, encourage, pray with and for you, and our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. support you through the holidays and as long as your need persists. Advent Campaign Dec. 1 & 8 If you or someone you know is hurting, find out more India Transformed about Stephen Ministry by talking with Pastor Greg at Give the gift of a whole new life to child in India. Place 672-3466 or [email protected]. a bow on the tree when you sponsor a child or become a prayer intercessor for India Transformed. Stop at the display in the Fellowship Hall to pick up your child sponsorship packet or sign up to be a prayer interces- Men's Breakfast sor. You can contact Denny Monroy for more infor- mation at [email protected] or 858-672-3466. Missionary Talk Thanks for your prayerful consideration. Saturday, Dec. 14 Among Ourselves 7:30 am

Baptism: Fellowship Hall Alexa Ann Vekich, daughter of John & Michelle. Bill Ardill, MD and his wife

Thank You so much for the beautiful quilts! The torna- Dorothy are missionaries do victim’s eyes light up when they see all the beautiful with Serving in Mission (SIM) International. They quilts sent to us by so many wonderful people. God’s served most recently in Jos, Nigeria, a city located on blessings to all of you. St. John’s Lutheran Church, the edge of the Muslim portion of Nigeria. Bill was Moore, Oklahoma. born in Jos where his parents were also SIM missionar- ies. He is a practicing surgeon and his responsibilities Third Grade Bible Recipients: in Jos were to oversee the surgery department at Logan Alsop, Ryan Boles, Michael Braun, Ryan Cooper, Evangel Hospital. Dorothy was a 3rd grade teacher. Sophia Geist, Aurora Henderson, Jordan Khaleel, They are involved in a number of mission activities, Noah Kindem, Vivian Kurzyniec, Anneliise Larson, including AIDS ministry, crisis pregnancy ministry, a McKenna Lewis, Megan Lynn, Lindsay Madigan, widow’s bucket food project, and securing needed Liam Myers, Zachary Romeo, Jaiden Wick, Amy Wigley, medical equipment, orthotics, and hearing aids for Caitlin Wigley, Emberlynn Witt their patient population. Bill, Dorothy and family have returned to San Diego permanently and Bill is now Many Thanks! providing surgery care and education for surgical resi- Nikki and I would like to thank the congregation of dents at the VA Hospital. He will be speaking about PLC for the warm welcome that we have felt so far his experiences in Nigeria. You can learn more about here at church. You all have been so kind to us and we him and his family at http://ardillfamily.com/. definitely feel the love! We look forward to getting to know all of you better as we worship together and serve together in our community. Pastor Rob, Nikki, and Emma Horne

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Workers in the Vineyard Buy Honduras Coffee by December 22 Support the villages and hospital in Honduras by purchasing Coffee for Kids in the Fellowship Hall on Sunday’s. It makes great gifts for Christmas!

Exciting New Fundraising Program for Coffee4Kids The non-profit organization now has its own website featuring thousands of partner stores like Walmart, JCPenney, Best Buy, Apple, Home Depot and many more. Blankets for the kids, what When you make a purchase on www.shop.com/coffee4kids, they receive royalties could be better when you’re and you earn up to 50% cash back on qualified purchases. The benefits don’t stop not feeling well? there. You earn 0.5% cash back on the purchases of everyone you refer to our website. Now, you can take advantage of the ease and convenience of Internet shopping, while feeling good about helping Coffee4Kids.

Getting started is easy. Visit www.shop.com/coffee4kids, register as a Preferred Customer, and go shopping!

Assemble Blankets for Honduras Saturday, January 25: 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. C201 (upstairs next to the Youth Room) Help is needed to cut, sew, iron and tie knots to create flannel blankets. The blankets are taken to Honduras and given to children in the Honduras Mission hospital. If you have any questions, contact Mary Kay Knock at 858- 271-4736 or [email protected]. Snacks are provided. Dates for 2013: February 28 – March 9 Flannel Donations June 27 – July 6 Maybe you want to donate flannel, but never frequent a fabric store. September 19 – September 28. Therefore, any cash/check donations are welcome. Please indicate For more information, email Shawn Honduras in the memo line or on your envelope. We are currently do- Plowman at [email protected]. ing more on-line shopping and finding better deals. If you prefer to shop, please purchase flannel that is 45" wide X 2.5 yd. long and do not wash the fabric. Drop off your donations on the counter in the Fellow- ship Hall. Thanks for supporting this mission!

PLC will participate in the Adopt a Family program and provide gifts for families in need in our local community. If you are interested in find the Christmas tree in the Fellowship Hall and select a gift tag on December 1 , 8 & 15. The donation deadline is December 15. Each family member has one special wish along with a need like clothing. A $25 grocery gift card from Albertsons or Stater Brothers will be provided so the families can have an outstanding holiday meal. Sign up for one family member, an entire family or make a donation and we’ll do the shopping for you! Make your donation check to PLC with Adopt a Family on the memo line. Contact Adriana Wilcox at [email protected] or 858-672-3466 for more information. As always, thanks for being such a supportive church to our local families in need!

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Workers in the Vineyard Beyond Our Walls Council News During the audit process of our financials, a team led Beyond Our Borders by our VP Pat McDonnell took a deep-dive look at our Update from the Missions Leadership Team current church mortgage. While we hold a reasonable interest rate at 5.75% with a manageable monthly pay- BEYOND OUR WALLS ment, we have a balloon payment of around $300,000 You probably already know that here at PLC we have due at the end of 2014. Our current mortgage was a strong ministry for our children and youth. But you financed in 1994 with a variable interest rate that may not realize that our reach also extends outward ranged from 4.875% to 8.375%. While our current to the college campus. Part of our mission funds go to cash reserves would allow us to make the balloon support missionaries working with InterVarsity payment and own the property outright, it would Christian Fellowship (IVCF) and Campus Crusade for deplete us of the majority of our funds and remove Christ (CRU). Both ministries have a focus on reaching our safety net. college and university students. Colleges and universi- ties are an important mission field. You can find more The church council discussed this situation at our details at (CRU) http://www.cru.org/ and (IVCF) November meeting and agreed that we should look http://www.intervarsity.org/news/reflections- into our options to refinance our current mortgage. campus-access. A sub-committee was formed to take a look at our options and make a recommendation back to the “We believe that when students and faculty are trans- council. It is very likely that we will opt to refinance formed by the gospel of Jesus Christ, their campus is our current loan and do so quickly in order to lock in a transformed, and ultimately society as a whole comes to fairly low interest rate. In order to refinance our loan more closely reflect the priorities of the kingdom of God.” with Thrivent Financial for Lutherans (holder of our Please be in prayer for these on campus missionaries. existing mortgage), we are required to complete a This year in particular, these organizations are facing Borrowing Resolution. As stated by our Bylaws, this trials with regard to their standing as on campus or- resolution documents that our congregation has approved by means of holding a Special Congregation- ganizations. al Meeting. With that in mind, please be on the lookout

for an announcement sometime in the next month to BEYOND OUR BORDERS attend a Special Congregational Meeting. “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its And since we are nearing the end of the year, now is various forms.” 1 Peter 4:10 (NIV) the perfect time to consider a year-end gift. Have you been financially blessed this year and are you looking Have you ever wondered how you could make a differ- to give back? Would you like to bless others? Did you ence in the world? Has God been nudging you to step know that PLC has the ability to accept shares of stock outside your comfort zone? Do you have a heart for in addition to monetary donations? Either or both can helping others? Do you appreciate a good adventure? If be used as an end of year tax write-off for you and will so, then please prayerfully consider being a part of this be used by PLC to further God’s kingdom. upcoming short term mission trip.

Pastor Borgie will be leading a team on a mission trip If you have the desire to gift PLC above and beyond to India, Feb 9-22, 2014. This is a unique opportunity your tithe, or to catch-up on your tithe, please reach to join with him and India Transformed and share in out to the church office for assistance. All donations the work they are doing in India. Funds have already must be postmarked by December 31, 2013 in order to been allocated to assist PLC members who wish to go. be eligible for a 2013 charitable contribution. If you are interested in going or would like more infor- mation please contact Tiffany Vela at Blessed to serve, [email protected]. http://www.indiatransformed.org Brent Smith Council President -Tiffany Vela

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Peñasquitos Christian Preschool

December Some suggestions of at the Preschool . . . “GIFTS FROM THE HEART" that you can share . . .  Give an encouraging word. Dec. 2 - Scholastic order due  Send a thank you card to someone you Dec. 3 - PCP Board Christmas Gathering have been meaning to write. Dec. 4 - Fundraiser at Panera/Barnes & Noble  Spend some time with a friend or family Dec. 12 - Women’s Christmas Dessert member you have not seen in a while. Dec. 16 - Lunch Programs #3 sign ups  Become more patient. Dec. 16 - Last week of Lunch Programs #2  Be kind to someone. Dec. 17 - PCP Staff Christmas Gathering  Add more balance to your life. Dec. 17&18 - Christmas Chapels  Acknowledge a job well done. Dec. 19&20 - Jesus’ Birthday Parties  Exercise your faith. Dec. 23-Jan. 3 - Christmas Break - NO SCHOOL  Offer someone a helping hand and a Jan. 6 - Welcome Back! listening ear.  Share a gift of hospitality. Christmas is Good News!

No, we’re not referring to retail sales but good news Barnes & Noble Online for people - moms, dads, children of all ages. Christ- mas is good news! Fundraiser December 4 - 8 On that first Christmas, when Jesus was born as a Do your holiday shopping at barnesandnoble.com, baby and placed in a manger, the angel said to the enter coupon code 11245685 at checkout and PCP outcast shepherds, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good will receive a portion of the sales! news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.” -Luke 2:10, 11 Socks for Children In our chapels during the month of December we will be sharing with the children the message of this Je- December 2-20 sus. It really is quite an amazing truth: How God loves them so much that He sent His own son, Jesus, “Brighten the life of a child by choosing the most valuable messenger to tell them so. a sock from the tree.” Place a toy with a pair of socks under the Christmas We pray that this Christmas you and your family will tree to help a needy child in Tijuana! understand in a deeper way the truth of how much God loves you. He sent Jesus for you and me so that we might be forgiven and have a daily relationship Donate for Chickens! with Him. Christmas is Good News! October 28-December 13 Thank you families for the wonderful response to Chickens give children and families a last- PCP and PLC’s Food Offering. ing source of nutrition and income in third world Thanks to you, many families in the community countries. Help PCP children purchase as many enjoyed a delicious Thanksgiving Dinner! chickens as possible!

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High School Youth News Come to the Annual Ugly Sweater Christmas Party!!!

Wednesday, December 18th, 7-9pm Visit Lane, Dress Warm! Bring White Elephant for Gift Exchange ($5 limit) Bring medical supplies for Honduras! @ Leah’s House (8989 Ellingham Street, 92129) Halloween Party 2013

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Senior Pastor: Sean Kelly Director of Adult Discipleship: Jane Josephs Extension 222 | [email protected] Extension 221 | [email protected]

Associate Pastor: Greg Hoffmann Director of Congregational Life: Lois Spann Extension 202 | [email protected] Extension 217 | [email protected]

Associate Pastor: Rob Horne Director of Youth Ministries: Danny Scarbrough Extension 204 | [email protected] Extension 206 | [email protected]

Director of Children’s Ministry: Roseanna Andersen Audio/Visual Lead: John Pfannenstiel Extension 207 | [email protected] Extension 226 | [email protected]

Director of Performing Arts: Adele Buffington Associate in Children’s Ministry: Adriana Wilcox Extension 216 | [email protected] Extension 225 | [email protected]

Preschool Directors: Betsey Peck & Shannon Cary Extension 209 | [email protected]

©2013 Peñasquitos Lutheran Church