The El Sobrante United Methodist Church Newsletter The Appian Wayfarer The United Methodist Church: Open hearts. Open minds. Open doors. November November 2014 2014 Let's Go Holiday Shopping!! The Crafty LadiesвЂ™ annual вЂњSeasonal Treasures Craft FairвЂќ Saturday, November 8 -- 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM Keislar Hall, Room 2, and the Fireside Room Jams & Jellies в�є Afghans & Quilts в�є Centerpieces Ornaments в�є Hand Painted Items Towels в�є Table Decor в�є Plants в�є Wall Hangings Thanksgiving items & more... After you have snatched up all that good stuff, please take a break by enjoying free coffee. The Crafty Ladies have worked hard all year to bring you unique and useful items! All proceeds will be used for special church projects which we will announce as they occur during the year. Preparing for вЂ¦ Crafty Ladies Seasonal Sale We need volunteers to sign up to bring baked goods for the Craft Fair on November 8. This year we will be asking for specific items, based on what sold last year, in an effort to be sure all items sell, and we don't have food wasted. As in the past, Jo Bork will be asking for sign-ups. A big thank you to all who have baked, and candied, etc. in the past, and are willing to do so again this year. We are very appreciative of all the help, and wonderful goodies we receive. --The Crafty Ladies My Dear Crafty Ladies, I send you greetings from the Commonwealth of Virginia as I fondly remember you. I trust that all of you have busy prepared for the 2014 "Crafty Ladies Bazaar." If not I am sending you this fond reminder that you'll only have 31 days left to get it done. I trust in my absence that you'll will be prepared. As for me I wish you'll the best and pray that our Lord will continue to bless your work. Your Honorary Crafty Lady, Jeffrey "Love Always" Thanksgiving potluckThursday, Nov. 27, 1 PM Save the date for a community potluck on Thanksgiving Day. ESUMC neighbors, members, and friends are all invited. Turkeys will be prepared on site. Diners are asked to bring a dish to share if possible. If you can contribute a turkey, please let Mike & Vickie Resso know (510758-3558). pg. 2 The Appian Wayfarer MarkвЂ™s Musings Revenge of the Unforgiven. Paul Krugman, NYT вЂњStop me if youвЂ™ve heard this before: The world economy appears to be stumbling. For a while, things seemed to be looking up, and there was talk about green shoots of recovery. But now growth is stalling, and the specter of deflation looms.вЂќ http://www.nytimes.com/2014/10/13/opinion/paul-krugman-how-righteousness-killed-the-worldeconomy.html ***** A Bombshell from the Vatican. Alexander Stille, The New Yorker "How would he handle the difficult doctrinal issues of sexuality and family life that have divided the Catholic world? We are beginning to find out." http://readersupportednews.org/news-section2/318-66/26496-a-bombshell-from-the-vatican ***** Bernie Sanders: Purchase of Election by Chevron Shows We Have Oligarcy. Jon Queally, Common Dreams "The Independent U.S. Senator from Vermont Bernie Sanders was in the city of Richmond, California on Thursday and said local elections in the city have become prime examples of how U.S. politics, at all levels, have become corrupted by the unlimited amount of money wealthy corporations and individuals can spend on campaigns." http://readersupportednews.org/news-section2/318-66/26463-bernie-sanders-purchase-of-election-bychevron-shows-we-have-oligarchy ****** Pope Ousts Top Vatican Judge Known for Incendiary Anti-Gay Comments. Timmian Massie, TheNewCivilRightsMovement.com "American Cardinal Raymond Burke, a darling of conservative Catholics who is virulently anti-gay, has confirmed to BuzzFeed what rumors from Rome have said for weeks. He will be demoted by Pope Francis." http://readersupportednews.org/news-section2/318-66/26460-pope-ousts-top-vatican-judge-known-forincendiary-anti-gay-comments ***** Supposedly "Free" Voter IDs Cost $8 to $25, Poll Tax Outlawed in Civil Rights Era Would Be $10 Today. Peter Beinart, The Atlantic "If Hong Kong's pro-democracy protesters succeed in booting C.Y. Leung from power, the city's unelected chief executive should consider coming to the United States. He might fit in well in the Republican Party." http://readersupportednews.org/opinion2/278-76/26574-supposedly-qfreeq-voter-ids-cost-8-to-25-poll-taxoutlawed-in-civil-rights-era-would-be-10-today Magic Wand". Adam Withnall, The Independent "Speaking at the Pontifical Academy of Sciences, the Pope made comments which experts said put an end to the 'pseudo theories' of creationism and intelligent design that some argue were encouraged by his predecessor, Benedict XVI." http://readersupportednews.org/news-section2/318-66/26641-pope-francis-evolution-and-big-banghappened-god-is-not-qa-magician-with-a-magic-wandq (continued on page 5) The Appian Wayfarer pg. 3 November Birthdays Pinole Artisans Silent Auction Nov. 1 Nov. 3 Nov. 4 - Pinole Artisans are back at Chevy's this year! You are invited to join them for an evening of fun and food. Bid for great bargains on time share weeks, art, merchant donations of interesting items, gift cards, and more. Thursday, November 13, 2014, 5:30 to 8:30. Bring your coupon if you have dinner, and Chevy's will donate 20% of the proceeds to our art group. Nov. 5 Nov. 6 Nov. 7 Nov. 9 вЂ“ Nov. 10 Nov. 11 Nov. 12 Nov. 13 Nov. 15 Nov. 16 вЂ“ Nov. 18 Nov. 19 Nov. 20 Nov. 21 Nov. 23 Nov. 24 Nov. 27 Nov. 30 - Mamie McGoon Jeff Parker, Don James Pam Neyhouse, Genie Miller, Julia Alfonso David Slessinger, Jr., Nathan Frisbie Jacqueline Corl-Seidel, Steve Neyhouse, David Morris Bryan Godwin, Carol McGregor Eileen Johnson Dana Cooledge Alexis Easton Betty Reynolds, Amy Cooley Kay Dierst-Davies Lyndsey Reed Elisabeth Valentine, Janet Emmanuele Bill Ballagh, Kelly Ballagh Allison Schneider Peter Chau Jim Flagg, Olivia Quiros Michelle McGoon, Harry Hancock Jr., Carolyn Iverson Gaye Benson Karla Blackstone Charlene Chu THANK YOU FROM THE KAFERS Many thanks to all of you who braved the heat of Keislar Hall on Oct. 5 and to those who could not be there! All of you made our 50th wedding anniversary celebration absolutely perfect. You overwhelmed us with cards, notes, emails, calls and hugs. In fact, it took almost a week before we had read all of the cards and now we are reading and enjoying them for the second time! Everyone at ESUMC gave new and wonderful meaning to the words CHURCH FAMILY. "Thank you" seems inadequate but please accept it with much love from, --Frank and Charlene Thank youвЂ¦ To all who expressed their condolences, prayed for my family, and sent cards for the loss of my dadвЂ¦.THANK YOU!!! It is truly a blessing to work for such a wonderful family of friends in Christ. --Love Denise (Quiros) Hope Lutheran Christmas concert December 25, 7:30 PM 2830 May Road, El Sobrante Many Bay Area musicians will be playing Christmas music including our own Lisa Dwiggins, who is playing in two different trios. The concert is approximately one hour long and is always wonderful! pg. 4 Voting is a moral act! 2014 General Election Ballot Proposition Recommendations The California Council of Churches IMPACT board, after careful study and prayerful discernment, recommends these votes on this yearвЂ™s ballot propositions. Summary Prop. 1 вЂ“ Yes; Prop. 2 вЂ“ No; Prop. 45 вЂ“ Yes; Prop. 46 вЂ“ No; Prop. 47 вЂ“ Yes; Prop. 48 вЂ“ No Proposition 1 вЂ“ Water Quality, Supply, and Infrastructure вЂ“ YES Prop. 1 would fund drought-alleviation measures including recycling, rainwater harvesting, and portable water supplies in communities facing contamination. It would help provide treatment and control in impoverished communities most likely to face pollution problems. While the $7 billion cost may be repaid from the hard-pressed state General Fund, it would require non-state matching funds from projects and user revenues to markedly reduce taxpayersвЂ™ costs and erosion of the annual budget revenues. We donвЂ™t like that it would direct $2.7 billion to dams and reservoirs. But this funding would not be locked in, and some could be diverted to other needs. It would not fund the вЂњDelta TunnelвЂќ project that would cut 35-mile tunnels through the fragile Delta farmland. We think Prop. 2 is too vague, relying on capitalintensive projects that may not be useful, does not specify which communities truly need water remediation, and does not lay out enough controls on spending of bond revenue. However, we believe it is most likely the best version we will get. We support the goal and know it will require eternal vigilance from us all to assure appropriate use of these dollars. Proposition 2 вЂ“ State Budget. Budget Stabilization Account вЂ“ N0 In 2004, a proposition backed by Governor Schwarzenegger established a вЂњrainy day fundвЂќ for use in lean budget years. The net result has been The Appian Wayfarer a relentless chopping of social services for those already living in peril. Prop. 2 would make it worse. It would require deposit of 1.5% of general revenue into the вЂњrainy day fund,вЂќ plus all capital gains revenue in excess of 8% of the General Fund revenue. In addition, schools would be required to spend all their money each year in which the state has a surplus, without having full knowledge of where and how much the next budget allocation would be. Most important, Prop. 2 would worsen the loss in revenues needed to restore essential health and welfare programs. This is the classic issue of the budget as a moral document, and this fails the test miserably. Proposition 45 вЂ“ Healthcare Insurance. Rate Changes - YES Prop. 45 would give the elected state insurance commissioner authority to approve or deny health insurance rate increases, just as the he or she already does with auto and homeowner insurance rates. Citizens would be able to challenge proposed increases. It also would end the flawed rate standard requiring pre-existing coverage, which allows auto insurance companies to justify rate differences for the previously uninsured. Proposition 46 вЂ“ Drug & Alcohol Testing of Doctors. Medical Negligence Lawsuits вЂ“ NO Prop. 46 would require drug and alcohol testing of all doctors, making a presumption of their guilt. Yet the Medical Board already routinely suspends or disciplines impaired physicians. Furthermore, Prop. 46 asserts there вЂњshall be a presumption of professional negligence in any action against a health care provider arising from an act or omission by a physician or surgeon who tested positive for drugs or alcoholвЂќ even if it has nothing to do with anything the provided did or didnвЂ™t do. There would no diversion and treatment alternative for those who do have problems; suspension and dismissal would the only remedies, even where no harm was done. The positive side of Prop. 46 is that it would raise the 1975 cap on pain and suffering awards in medical malpractice suits. But overall, Prop. 46 targets the wrong issues and would impede good health care and simply inject more distrust and fewer solutions in our health and judicial systems (continued on page 5) The Appian Wayfarer pg. 5 Voting recommendations MarkвЂ™s Musings (continued from page 4) (continued from page 2) Proposition 47 вЂ“ Criminal Sentences. Misdemeanor Penalties - YES Prop. 47 is perhaps the single biggest opportunity to end the вЂњcradle to prisonвЂќ pipeline and the horrific increase in our prison population. It would convert non-violent offenses such as shoplifting and lowlevel drug possession from felonies to misdemeanors, ending years-long prison sentences. It would assure that those convicted of violent crimes will not get this sentence reduction. It would save money now spent on prisons and divert it to crime prevention and victim assistanceвЂ¦. Prop. 48 - Indian Gambling Compacts вЂ“ NO Prop. 48 would ratify two existing game compacts between the state, the US Bureau of Indian Affairs, and the North Fork Rancheria of Mono Indians and the Wiyot Tribe. It includes a total exemption from the California Environmental Quality Act. We support the rights of First Nations people to determine their own lives, but not to the elimination of factors that impact both them and their neighbors on common environmental issues. Judicial Council Upholds Schaefer Reinstatement вЂњIn a decision released this morning, the Judicial Council of The United Methodist Church (UMC) has upheld the decision of the Committee on Appeals and Rev. Frank Schaefer will no longer have to fight for his ministerial status. вЂњ http://mfsaweb.org/?p=8347 ***** Imagine No Malaria Update вЂњDuring the 2013 Annual Conference Session, we began a journey with a challenge to raise $2 million to help eradicate death by malaria on the African continent. We are blessed to be within reach of our goal. As of October 14, we have $517,583.52 left to raise to complete the $2 million goal.вЂќ Note: Our District goal of $100K can be met with $4 per member, $11 per worshiper. http://www.cnumc.org/news/463124 For a complete version of the IMPACT boardвЂ™s discussion of the issues, go to: http://churchimpact.org/wpcontent/uploads/2014/10/IMPACTNov14BallotRec s.pdf Open Enrollment in Covered California for 2015 Begins Soon вЂ“ We Can Help! The California Council of Churches (CCC) is one of the 48 agencies contracted with Covered CA to educate Californians on health insurance policies available through the Affordable Care Act. Since last fall 1.7 million Californians were enrolled in Covered CA insurance programs and 1.9 million in Medi-Cal. These nearly 4 million Californians now have affordable, quality health care, the majority of whom would not have had it. The next open enrollment period begins November 15th for insurance commencing January 1, 2015. Medi-Cal enrollment is continuous throughout the year and life events, such as marriage, birth, death etc., open a 60-day insurance enrollment window for those affected. As the enrollment process has progressed, the California Council of Churches has been approved to help with enrollment. The CCC is looking for congregations in our area to host community enrollment and education events through February 2015. Our commitment involves providing volunteers trained to assist with enrollment, as well as meeting space and parking. At our discretion, we can also invite local providers to do health screenings, etc., and have a community health fair. Marijke Fakasiieiki is a Certified Enrollment Counselor for the Bay Area Congregations with Covered CA at the California Council of Churches and is prepared to provide volunteers with the training they will need. She is also a member of Laurel UMC in Oakland. ESUMCвЂ™s Missions Committee has approved this project. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, please contact the church office, 510-223-0790. The Appian Wayfarer pg. 6 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 Cal State Reading Program, KH 8:30-5:30 November 2014 Calendar 2 3 4 5 Cal State Reading Program, KH 8:30-5:30 9 AM Kairos Service 11 AM Traditional Service Cal State Reading Program, KH 6:30-9:30 6:15 PM Cub Scts, R2 7:30 PM Bell Choir Voting Day KH NO Bible Study today 11:30 AM Motion Class, R3 today 1 PM Crafty Ladies, R1 7 PM Al Anon, R1 7:30 PM Choir Rehearsal 8 PM Faith Exploration 9 Cal State Reading Program, R3 8:30-5:30 10 Cal State Reading Program, KH 6:30-9:30 6:15 PM Cub Scts, R2 7:30 PM Bell Choir 7:30 PM Finance Mtg., Ost. 11 4 PM Faith Exploration 6:30 PM Yoga, R1 7 PM Boy Scouts, KH 7:30 PM Kairos Rehearsal 12 13 14 10 AM Bible Study, FS 11:30 AM Motion Class 1 PM Crafty Ladies, R1 7 PM Al Anon, R1 7:30 PM Choir Rehearsal 8 PM Faith Exploration 6:15 PM Girl Scts, KH 6:30 PM Yoga, R1 7 PM Cub Scout Pack Meeting, KH 17 Cal State Reading Program, KH 6:30-9:30 6:15 PM Cub Scts, R2 7:30 PM Bell Choir 18 4 PM Faith Exploration 6:30 PM Yoga, R1 7 PM Boy Scouts, KH 7:30 PM Kairos Rehearsal 19 10 AM Bible Study, FS 11:30 AM Motion Class, KH 1 PM Crafty Ladies, R1 6:30 PM SPR, Ost. 7 PM CScts Comm., KH 7 PM Al Anon, R1 7:30 PM Choir Rehearsal 8 PM Faith Exploration 20 21 25 4 PM Faith Exploration 6:30 PM Yoga, R1 7 PM Boy Scouts, KH 7:30 PMKairos Rehearsal 26 27 28 29 10 AM Bible Study, FS 11:30 AM Motion Class, KH 1 PM Crafty Ladies, R1 7 PM Al Anon, R1 7:30 PM Choir Rehearsal 8 PM Faith Exploration Thanksgiving Day & ESUMC potluck 1 PM 6 PM Girl Scouts, R2 Cal State Reading Program, KH 8:30-5:30 9 AM Kairos Service 11 AM Traditional Service 7 PM Worship Committee 16 Cal State Reading Program, KH 8:30-5:30 9 AM Kairos Service 11 AM Traditional Service 23 Cal State Reading Program, KH 8:30-5:30 9 AM Kairos Service 11 AM Traditional Service 30 9 AM Kairos Service 11 AM Traditional Service 24 Cal State Reading Program, KH 6:30-9:30 6:15 PM Cub Scts, R2 7:15 PM Bell Choir 7:30 PM Trustees Cal State Reading Program, KH 8:30-5:30 4 PM Faith Exploration 6:30 PM Yoga, R1 7:30 PM Missions 6 7 8 Craft Sale 9-3 KH Cal State Reading Program, R3 8:30-5:30 6:15 PM CScts, R2 6:30 PM Yoga, R1 7:30 PM Ad Council 10 AM Souper Center 165 вЂ“ 22nd St., Richmond 15 Cal State Reading Program, KH 8:30-5:30 NO Community potluck this month 22 Cal State Reading Program, KH 8:30-5:30 6 PM Girl Scouts, R2 The Appian Wayfarer pg. 7 Homestay needed for International Students from Ghana, Africa, attending Contra Costa College Funny of the month A woman received a call that her daughter was sick. She stopped by the pharmacy to get medication, Got back to her car and found that she had locked her keys inside. The woman found an old rusty coat hanger left on the ground. She looked at it and said, "I don't know how to use this." She bowed her head and asked God to send her help. Within 5 minutes, a beat-up old motorcycle pulled up. The driver was a bearded man wearing an old biker doo rag. The man got off of his cycle and asked if he could help. She said: "Yes, my daughter is sick. IвЂ™ve locked my keys in my car. I must get home. Please, can you use this hanger to unlock my car?" He said, "Sure," and walked over to the car, and in less than a minute, the door was open. She hugged the man and through tears, said "Thank you SO much! You are a very nice man." The man replied, "Lady, I am NOT a nice man. I just got out of prison yesterday. I was in prison for car theft." The woman hugged the man again, sobbing, "Oh, thank you, God! You even sent me a Professional!" Is GOD Good or What!? The International Education Department at Contra Costa College is partnering with Aseya Africa to bring students from Ghana to study at the college in 2015. Aseya Africa hopes to find lodging for 10 to 20 students in the homes of members of our congregation and others. Hosts will receive a modest stipend in return for room and board. Aseya Africa was founded by Kofi Baah-Arhin, a former school teacher himself, for the purpose of improving educational and health facilities in his home country of Ghana. This homestay program is an extension of that ministry. Kofi and his family live in Pinole and have been members of St. MarkвЂ™s UMC in Orinda, CA, for most of the past decade. If you are interested in participating in this homestay program, please contact Pastor Mark at 415-933-0993, markzier@sbcglobal.net, or Kofi at 510-779-6690, Aseya.Africa.Info@gmail.com. For more about Aseya Africa, visit www.AseyaAfrica.com. The Appian Wayfarer pg. 8 Prayer Concerns Shirley Kille, John & Charlotte Neyhouse, Chip Scarborough, Pauline Webber, John & Nancy Corl, Maxine Hilburn, Shirley Szekeres, Helen Skillman, Lee & Helen Hunt, Betty Staley, The James/Luffey Family, Jim Flagg, Shirley Woodson, MaryEllene Reynolds, Betty Reynolds, Linda Hawkins, Carolyn Daughton (friend of Rita Nozzolillo), Reid Carlsten (Judith ScarboroughвЂ™s brother), Michael Fleming, Sherry Lea (friend of Rena Cutright), Suzette Ledford (friend of Rita Nozzolillo), Richard Clarke, Terrie Partridge, Jim Harvey (Wendy AllenвЂ™s son-in-law), Victor (friend of Lisa Dwiggins), Kurt Ribak (friend of Eileen Johnson), Frank & Steve Dembrowicz (Joanne SmartвЂ™s son-in-law & his brother), Maryann Finn (friend of Karen Jarrell), Kara Hefner (Hilda NielsenвЂ™s granddaughter), Linda (friend of Edna Luffey), Jerry Fleming (Darlene FlemingвЂ™s brother-in-law), Jean Marchant (Dot BoyceвЂ™s sister), Deanna Shiu (friend of Karen Jarrell), Lauren (friend of Carol Harnois), Jan Hennesey (friend of Bob & Shirley Neyhouse), Beverly Cartwright (friend of Ken & Shirley Kille), Bill Enfield (brother-in-law of Obergs), and Pat Weishahn (WeishahnsвЂ™ sister-in-law), our shut-ins, and others we name in our hearts. Wayfarer El Sobrante United Methodist Church 670 Appian Way, El Sobrante, CA 94803 November 2014 issue ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED Resident Bishop, Warner H. Brown, Jr. District Superintendent, Schuyler Rhodes Pastor, Mark Zier Director of Music, Eileen M. Johnson Lay Minister, Jacqueline Corl-Seidel Lay Minister, Charlene Kafer Treasurer, DuBose Scarborough Office, Denise Quiros Find ESUMC online www.esumconline.org Facebook, search for вЂњEl Sobrante United Methodist ChurchвЂќ