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I came to faith as a five-year old boy in children's church. Those who worked with us little ones gave me my first taste of spiritual things. As a result I always have a soft spot toward children's ministry.
What does a young mother see when she looks at our child care facilities? This Saturday is church-wide workday. Although other projects are included a major push is to get the nursery and preschool rooms spiffed up with a fresh coat of paint. This is your opportunity to serve the Lord and fellowship with other believers. We want our nurseries ready to pass inspection by any eagle-eyed young mother!
This Sunday in worship service we want to honor Ilyn Kagawan for her three years of faithful, loving ministry to our children and their families. Join me in celebrating her ministry.
Meanwhile, Curtis Warren continues to make transition as a Family Ministries Pastor. He's hosting another training time for those involved in Children's Ministry-Sunday, April 28th, right after the worship service in Room #124.
Warmly, Pastor Steve McCoy
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Facilities by Ben Wentling
Church Work Day on April 20th
9:00 a.m. to Noon
We will hold our first Church-wide Work Day this
Saturday, April 20th. This is a great opportunity to serve and help out as well as enjoy good fellowship. We have projects from painting and cleaning to landscaping and decorating. Coffee, bagels and  donuts will be available starting at 8:00 a.m. Come when you can and leave when you must, but either way we will wrap things up by noon.
We hope to see you there!
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Meet Elyse Kick
 We'd like to introduce our new Family Ministries Administrative Assistant, Elyse Kick. Look familiar? That's because Elyse literally grew up coming to Fair Oaks Church with her grandparents, John and Bonnie Kick, and her brother, Cory. Elyse has lived in Concord on Wilke Drive her whole life with her grandparents and brother. John and Bonnie were "Mom and Dad" and her brother was her best friend. She participated in and enjoyed the normal activities of kids -- gymnastics, ballet, piano and soccer (a sport she still plays today). Along with these day-to-day pursuits was a Christian home life that included Sunday school and church every week. When asked who made an impact early on, she immediately mentions "Mocha Dave" (Dave Rosenberg). He was always a positive presence and influence. "If I came to Sunday School sad, he always cheered me up." Elaine Doyle, as her pre-school teacher, and Joy Rosenberg are two others she mentions as stands out for her. Elyse was baptized at age 13. By 15, though, she felt her spiritual journey was more about the pressure of adapting to her grandparent's faith, so she stepped back from God. It was a difficult time in her life. At church she put on a happy face and participated in student ministries with minimal enthusiasm. Two years later on a Wednesday night, as she sat listening to Curtis Warren talk about making a recommitment to God, Elyse was convicted and rededicated her life to Christ. Now she describes her spiritual life as, "much better, solid and personal." Elyse is anxious to graduate from Clayton Valley Charter School this June. She plans to attend DVC for two years then the Academy of Art in San Francisco. She hopes to study Fine Art and become a Junior High art teacher. She has a lot of life ahead of her, acknowledging she's in a much better place now. "Fair Oaks changed my life two years ago, with Curtis' arrival having a big impact." They're working together now, running Fair Oaks' Family Ministry. Good things are in the future!
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Family Ministries by Curtis Warren
It is with great excitement that I write my first Oakleaf article under the new heading of "Family Ministries."
Our immediate project is the revamping of our Early Childhood facilities. This coming Saturday, April 20th, we will be painting the Toddler Room (106) and the Pre-K/K Room (107), and removing the clutter. Our entire church family can be a part of this exciting time by coming out to help. We need painters, cleaners, and movers. The "Work Day" technically runs from 9:00 a.m. to Noon, but I will be here most of the day. You can come anytime. I will have lunch for those staying past Noon. If you can help at all please contact either myself (c.warren@fairoaks.org) or Elyse Kick (e.kick@fairoaks.org).
Our next KIDS Quest Volunteer Staff Meeting is at Noon on Sunday, April 28th in the Fireside Room following the service. This is for all volunteers so please make arrangements to be there.
If you are not currently volunteering with KIDS Quest Children's Ministries but think you might like to check it out, please come by the meeting and/or contact myself or Elyse Kick. We would love to plug you in where your giftings and passions can enable you to succeed in this ministry!
Serving His Children,
Curtis Warren
Family Ministries Pastor    Junior High "Catalyst" News:
High School "The CREW" News:
Sunday Youth Worship: 8:45 - 10:15 a.m. in Room 209
Wednesday Midweek: 6:45 - 9:00 p.m. in Room 209
Upcoming Events:
Black Ops Overnighter: Friday/Saturday, April 26th/27th. It's going to be epic!
The CREW: http://www.thecrewhs.blogspot.com
Check out the websites for calendars, pictures, upcoming events, and more.
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Library by Cynthia Herrmann
Book Reviews Josiah for President by Martha Bolton Do you like Amish novels but are tired of the same repetitive romantic plot? Then this is the book for you. Lynde Boltz's neighbor, Chris Heck, told me about this book. It is a good one.  Review: When former Congressman Mark Stedman throws in the towel on his presidential campaign, his only choice is to return to his home state and decide how to spend the rest of his life. Then he meets Josiah Stoltzfus, an Amish farmer from Pennsylvania. Stedman learns more from Josiah in a few hours than in his many years in office. He comes to the conclusion that someone like Josiah should be running the country. Not a career politician, but someone with a little old-fashioned common sense, someone who's not afraid of rolling up his sleeves and getting his hands dirty. Someone like Josiah Stoltzfus. Using his old campaign headquarters for a base, Mark Stedman decides to introduce a new candidate to America. He pledges to do everything in his power to make sure Josiah gets elected. But can a plain man of faith turn the tide of politics and become the leader of America, and what will he have to risk to do it? Also, a fun lighthearted read. Check it out! An Invisible Thread: The True Story of an 11-Year-Old Panhandler, a Busy Sales Executive, and an Unlikely Meeting with Destiny by Laura Schroff Our 4 X 4 read this book recently and really enjoyed it. If you enjoyed Blind Side you will enjoy this!
Review: She was a successful ad sales rep in Manhattan. He was a homeless, eleven-year-old  panhandler on the street. He asked for spare change; she kept walking. But then something stopped her in her tracks, and she went back. And she continued to go back, again and again. They met up nearly every week for years and built an unexpected, life-changing friendship that has today spanned almost three decades. " Whatever made me notice him on that street corner so many years ago is clearly something that cannot be extinguished, no matter how relentless the forces aligned against it. Some may call it spirit. Some may call it heart. It drew me to him, as if we were bound by some invisible, unbreakable thread. And whatever it is, it binds us still."  Summer Book Club I am still waiting for God to show us what books we should read this summer. If you have read something you think we would enjoy please let me know! |
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Global Outreach Team by Dick Buckingham
Next GOT meeting: Tuesday, May 21st at 7:00 p.m., ALC 124  Fair Oaks Ministry Briefs: Dan Owens w/ Eternity Minded Ministries - Mission Baia Mare, Romania! Dan Owens and a small team, including Dale Gustafson, will be participating in 18 evangelistic events in Romania. Their local coordinator reports that, "For the first time since the revolution of 20 years ago these churches are working together for this mission. It is really a breakthrough!" Local church cooperation is a requirement for effective ministry for these sorts of events and can be one of the key lasting fruits. They are raising $40,000 for this event and still need $16,000 by May 14th. Dan's doctors have cleared him for travel. His next CT scan is scheduled for July to observe remaining spots on his right lung. Continue to pray for Dan, Debbie and the family. Steve & Betsy Barber w/ Wycliff Translators, Biola University Betsy recently conducted a long distance interview with a potential Wycliffe student in Papua New Guinea. The woman and her husband have worked in Ukarumpa for 17 years. They are coming to the States for re-training and will go back to serve. Betsy is looking forward to training this woman for the next two years in classes on "SoulCare! Past students of hers are already back on the field in Indonesia, Malaysia, India, Kenya, Korea, Scotland, and Spain. Steve will be going to Chaing Mai, Thailand during July and August to teach missionaries a class (offered through Biola!) on Scripture use, with an emphasis on Oral Use of the Scriptures. L'Arcada Spain Summer Camp Rachelle Cihonski reports that she is already fully supported for her trip back to L'Arcada camp this summer. She will be working with the English camp while there. Additional Ministries: Gordon Wohler - Converge Church Planter in San Francisco Last December Gordon and his friend Jason gave the Fair Oaks Global Outreach Team (GOT) a report on his five years of ministry and progress in building relationships within the gay community. A few weeks ago GOT members Chris Halvorson and Dick Buckingham trekked to the Duboce Triangle neighborhood in the city to join Gordon's church for Sunday Worship. While there we got a vision of the great opportunities that are available through the Church he is pastoring. The beautiful church building, which was being built in 1906 on solid ground, survived the earthquake with only minor damage. Gordon's daughter Keziah attends Fair Oaks youth group. In spring 2012 the FOC youth hosted a Root Beer tasting event at Gordon's church and scored big with the neighbors. They want them to do it again. You can expect to be hearing more about this ministry! Doug Mead participates in "Forgiveness Ministry" at Soledad Prison Doug's involvement was a prelude to an article in the Contra Costa Times that included these statements, "... forgiveness isn't a one-time event, and then you're done: It means practicing a lifestyle of forgiveness every day. Everyone needs to practice real forgiveness the way God does." Doug interviewed Pastor Diehl shared, "I explained (to the prisoners) how sin damages the soul, that it's destructive to (them)selves and others. God had a solution to sin in Jesus Christ. He can transform us through the practice of forgiveness." See the whole article at http://www.contracostatimes.com/ci_23005708/pastor-from-concord-ministers-soledad-prisoners?IADID=Search-www.contracostatimes.com-www.contracostatimes.com Upcoming Events: Pray for spiritual protection, team unity and effective ministry! Dan Owens: Mission Baia Mare Romania late May - Pray, also, for needed funds and that many souls will be reached. Rachelle Cihonski: L'Arcada English camp June 15th - 30th - Pray, also, that she can build on relationships from last summer and for new spiritual fruit. Dick, Lynn & Hannah Buckingham: Southern China English Camp for rural high school students - Pray also for opportunities!
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Men's Community
Sunday mornings: The Men's Community will be starting a study of 1 Timothy, taught by Eric Vale, on Sun., April 21st. Come join us as we study God's word and how it speaks to us as Men of Faith.
Upcoming Men's events:
- April 18th: Service project with the Monument Crisis Center
- April 20th: Church Work Day
- May 11th: Support CSB with Father/Daughter Team Day
- May 18th: Men's Breakfast
- June 15th: Men's Barbecue
- August 9th-11th: Family camping trip, Samuel P. Taylor State Park, led by Men's Community.
We are also working on several upcoming events such as camping trips, fishing trips and more. Stop by the Men's Table in the church lobby each Sunday for more information.
Please contact any of the Men's planning team for more information, or to give suggestions for future events: Dean LaVoie, Chris Halvorson, Chester Semanick, Steve Jones, Ron Swenson, Ben Wentling, or Eric Vale.
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Senior Adult Fellowship by Johnnye Ellison
It's Time For a Tour of City Team Ministries and Israel
The "Surprise Happening" for this week has been revealed! Greg Becker with City Team Ministries in Oakland is our guest speaker. Greg will be illuminating us on their work to extend a helping hand to people who need God's love in the Oakland area. A lunch of Chinese food will follow.
Next week Pastor Steve McCoy will continue taking us on a tour of Israel. This time it is to southern Israel, all the way to the Red Sea. He provides exciting revelations for those of us who have never been to Israel and calls up fond memories for those who have. The photos are interspersed with anecdotes which give the tour a special personal touch.
The tour of Israel will be followed by the traditional buffet luncheon. One of the perks of writing this article is that I know what the main dish and dessert will be, but I'm not telling. It will be yummy so don't miss this opportunity for a delicious good time.
Every week people emerge from Tony Aria's Bible study class with pleased looks on their faces. Something good is happening in there so join them at 10:00 a.m. any Thursday for contemplative study of scripture.
Calendar of Events for April 2013
Apr. 18th Art Instruction 9:30 - 11:30
Card Making 9:30 - 11:15
Bible Study 10:00 - 11:00
Surprise Happening 11:45 - 12:15
Devotions / Lunch Special 12:30
Chinese Food by Cal Wok
Apr. 25th Art Class 9:30 - 11:30
Card Making 9:30 - 11:15
Bible Study 10:00 - 11:00
Pastor Steve McCoy Shares: 11:45 - 12:30
Trip to Israel
Devotions / Salad Buffet Lunch 12:30
***An exercise class is available every Thursday***
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Spring Sunday Adult Communities
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The classes offered are: -- "1 Timothy" - Men's class with Eric Vale & Team, Rm. 122
-- "Philippians -- How to Enjoy Life" with Andy Acquistapace, Rm. 123
-- "Signs" - Women's class with Joy Rosenberg, Rm. 124
Erwin McManus' scripture-based series that uses the elements of our natural world to look at God, His promises and commands. All classes begin at 9:00 a.m. in the Adult Learning Center. |
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Worship
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Howard and Debra Sturdevant, and Rocky Lau are coordinating our Worship Team. We are grateful for their willingness to step up during this period of transition. If you would like to help in any way, or have any questions, contact Howard Sturdevant at ruasbizzee2@hotmail.com.
Hear Messages On Our Podcast! Now you can listen to current messages/sermons from our worship services by subscribing to our Audio Podcast. To subscribe to the Fair Oaks Podcast, try  one of the following:
- Visit www.fairoaks.org, and click "Media" in the right column. Launch the Media Player, and then you can click "Subscribe to Podcast" in the bottom right corner of the player.
- Or, search for "Fair Oaks Church" in the iTunes store.
As always, you can still listen to the recent messages online in the Media Player at www.fairoaks.org. Note: The iTunes software (for Mac or PC) is required to use the podcast feature.
Follow us using Social Media!
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CSB / GEMS by Bob Nass
Camp brochures are now available for Sequoia Brigade Camp. Some of the camps are Father/Son and Father/Daughter Camps, Aviation, Scuba Diving, Surfing and White-Water Canoeing. There's even a backpack trip that summits three peaks over 14,000 foot in elevation (including Mt. Whitney). Camp is open to all, with no requirement of involvement in CSB or GEMS. Brochures are available in the church lobby or office. Grab one for a neighbor, friend and/or relative. Any boy involved in the CSB program or any girl involved in the GEMS program is eligible for a camp scholarship from the money raised at our lunches. Contact Bob or Kristy Nass of interested (925.689.6083).
BATTALION (7th-12th grade young men) is preparing for the NORCAL CAMPORAL this weekend. The event will be held at Eric & Marlene Svensson's farm in Rocklin. The camp will pit teams of four to five young men competing in fire building, swamp crossing, chariot race, scripture memory, knot tying, obstacle course, canoe race among others. We will field one team from our Battalion.
GEMS girls enjoyed a great camp-out this past weekend at Lighthouse Marina on Brannan Island. Saturday they had a wonderful time at Micke Park and Zoo in Lodi.
STOCKADE (3rd-6th grade boys) is looking forward to a camp-out over the weekend of April 26th-28th. They will be going to China Basin campground in Marin County. Camping and enjoying the beautiful creation and views of the Bay will highlight the trip. Dads are encouraged to come, too. For more information check with Chief Ranger Mike Smith at (925)354-2661. All 3rd - 6th grade boys are invited.
Father/Daughter Team Day is coming up soon on May 11th. This event is hosted by our Battalion for fathers and daughters from all over Northern California. The day is held right here at Fair Oaks Church. Please pick up a flyer in the church lobby or office for yourself, friends, and neighbors. The event is open to K-12th grade girls, and their dads or substitute dads.
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Job Connections - "Putting the Bay to Work"
 Are you unemployed or underemployed? Consider Job Connections.
Job Connections is an outreach of Community Presbyterian Church in Danville. Their mission is to support and encourage the unemployed in the Greater Bay Area through a non-fee referral program. This is accomplished by establishing professional relationships directly with hiring managers and top executives within CPC and major companies.
They meet every Saturday at 9:00 a.m. at the church in Danville. The initial meeting includes a 30-45 minute orientation. This orientation gives you the opportunity to learn a 30-second introduction of yourself. You then join the general meeting and present yourself to those in attendance. Each meeting includes a talk by a professional, motivational-type speaker. The session ends at approximately 11:30 a.m. with prayer. There is no cost to attend.
There is also a very active "Yahoo" group you can join. They produce a "digest" at least 3-4 times a week of job postings sent to the group leadership as well as members of the group. Their website is: www.jobconnections.org.
Howard Sturdevant has attended and would be glad to answer any questions. Contact him by phone or email (639-9883 or ruasbizzee2@hotmail.com).
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Contact Information
Call the church office at 925.687.4810 to contact the staff:
Steven McCoy, Senior Pastor, ext. 306
s.mccoy@fairoaks.org
Curtis Warren, Family Ministries Pastor, ext. 303
c.warren@fairoaks.org
Joy Rosenberg, Women's Ministry
jjoy1@astound.net
Ben Wentling, Facilities Manager, ext. 304
b.wentling@fairoaks.org
Susan Mead, Bookkeeper, ext. 307
s.mead@fairoaks.org
Barbara Roth, Church Administrative Assistant, ext. 300
b.roth@fairoaks.org
Elyse Kick, Family Ministries Administrative Assistant, ext. 309
e.kick@fairoaks.org
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