August

2012

Vol. 31, No. 8

�

�The Chimes SonRise Chr is t ian Fel lowship

463 South Stage Coach Lane ~ Fallbrook, California, 92028 ~ Phone (760) 728-5804 ~ Fax (760) 728-3865

From Pastor Jerome 1

Current Events 3

Children’s Ministries 4

Feature: Holy Land Tour in 2013

5

From the Flower Fields 8

Missions 9

Faith Matters 11

Church Family News, Birthdays and

12, 13

Quick Look at Dates 14

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

From Pastor Jerome . . .

WELCOME TO

SONRISE CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP

New Name … Same Spirit … Same Strong Biblical

Heritage!

“Through the heartfelt mercies of our God,

God’s Sunrise will break in upon us,

shining on those in darkness,

those sitting in the shadow of death.

Then, showing us the way, one foot at a time,

down the path of peace.”

Luke 1:78-79 (The Message)

What a beautiful paraphrase of Zechariah’s prophecy from the Gospel of Luke – pointing us to the coming of Christ our Savior! What a warm and in-viting image: God’s radiant Sunrise breaking in upon us, chasing away the shadows of night, illuminating the darkness, and “showing us the way, one foot at a time, down the path of peace.” Surely, this has been our song and our personal testimony as God has so lovingly and patiently taken us by the hand and led us to this very moment in our history together as a church fam-ily. Just the very name, SonRise, has a lilt and a lift to it, immediately reso-nating with hope and light and life as soon as it rolls off your tongue! I think of that thrilling word of the angel to the virgin Mary, when he said to her:

“You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him

the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called

the Son of the Most High.”

Matthew 1:32

I think of those victorious words of the Prophet Malachi that are even more powerful now in light of the glorious Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ:

(Continued on page 2)

page 2 The Chimes August 2012

The Mission Statement of SonRise Christian Fellowship: Bringing people into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, gathering them together as a worshipping community, growing them up as his life-long disciples, and sending them out as ministers of the Gospel

for the sake of the world.

“But for you who revere my name,

the sun of righteousness will rise

with healing in its wings.

And you will go out and leap like calves

released from the stall.”

Malachi 4:2

I distinctly recall countless prayers and conversa-tions with our session over the last couple of years where we would reiterate over and over again: “Whatever our new name is, it must ultimately be one that reflects WHO GOD IS and WHO WE ARE IN HIM. It must be a name that, first of all, glorifies our Savior, and then, that represents in

some way what he is doing among us.” Friends, regardless of your initial feelings or concerns (which are always present in times of change), I trust that you will agree that our new name certainly accomplishes this criteria in a very vibrant and joy-ful manner! Now, having said that, I must confess that I, too, am still in the process of adjusting! When I first heard Sherry answer the phone with the greeting: “SonRise Christian Fellowship - may I help you?” I found myself looking around to make sure I was in the right church office! As we’ve said many times before, names are profoundly personal and very precious to all of us. This is not a peripheral or in-significant subject. So, it will, understandably, take a little time before we become truly comfortable being called by a new name. Just remember, how-ever – we are not the only ones who have had to go through this transition and adjustment process. Many other familiar folks come to mind – like Abraham and Sara, Jacob, and Peter and Paul, just to name a few. And we all know how they went on to bring great glory and honor to God. I would say we’re in pretty good company!

But, friends, in the meantime, I encourage you to be patient and forbearing with one another, always re-maining single-minded in your devotion to our Lord Jesus and the Gospel above all else, just as you have been from the very beginning. Let’s not forget what we’ve been through over the past sev-eral years, and why we felt compelled to have our name changed, in the first place. These are critical and unprecedented days in the life of the Presbyte-rian Church (USA). As I write this (on July 5th), decisions are being made right now at this years’ General Assembly regarding whether or not to change the definition of marriage “between a woman and a man” to being “between two people.” Biblical authority, the exclusive Lordship of Jesus Christ, basic standards of morality for the disciple, and the very meaning of truth itself continue to erode, not only in our culture, but in many mainline denominations across the nation (including the PCUSA). In the past (and especially as the contro-versial General Assembly headlines would begin to appear every year around this time), people would inevitably ask: “So, is that what your church be-lieves? Isn’t that your denomination they’re talking about?” Now, these questions no longer apply to us. The very reason we left the denomination was for the sake of our testimony for Christ, and to honor God’s call to biblical holiness and truth in a con-fused and unanchored world. “God is not the au-thor of confusion, but of peace” (1 Cor. 14:33). It is our fervent prayer that our new name, SonRise

Christian Fellowship, will help point people imme-diately to our Risen Lord and Savior, without any of the unfortunate, negative connotations that are often linked with our former name. Now, having said this, I also want to be very clear

Welcome to SonRise Christian Fellowship ... (Continued from page 1)

(Continued on page 6)

August 2012 The Chimes page 3

Genealogy Genealogy Genealogy Genealogy at the Fallbrook Libraryat the Fallbrook Libraryat the Fallbrook Libraryat the Fallbrook Library

August 10, 1August 10, 1August 10, 1August 10, 1----3 p.m.3 p.m.3 p.m.3 p.m. The Fallbrook Genealogy Group is still very active. We have moved to the Fallbrook Pub-lic Library on the second Friday of the month from 1:00 to 3:00 pm. Everyone is welcome. Bring your questions and your laptop if you have one. A lap top is not necessary but helpful if you wish to follow along with the speaker, or do some research on the Internet or Ancestry.com. During the summer we will concentrate on helping you with your research.

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2nd Annual Fundraiser2nd Annual Fundraiser2nd Annual Fundraiser2nd Annual Fundraiser Celebrating Our New NameCelebrating Our New NameCelebrating Our New NameCelebrating Our New Name SonRise Christian FellowshipSonRise Christian FellowshipSonRise Christian FellowshipSonRise Christian Fellowship

While raising funds to build our new sign

Join us for dinner and fellowship with our Pastors and church family at the Garden Center Café &

Grill on Wednesday, August 15 Seating from 5-6:30 p.m.

1625 S. Mission Rd., 760-728-4147 Purchase tickets in the Church Office or on the

patio between services. Cost is $75 per per-son...complete dinner with dessert, includes tax

and gratuity. Choose your entrée while purchasing your ticket. Remember 100% of the ticket price goes towards building our new sign! Purchase tickets early to insure your choice of seating and arrival time.

Consider purchasing a group table to share with others.

Entrée choices: Steak & Lobster

Certified Angus Prime Rib Fresh Salmon stuffed or with creamy dill sauce

Or Chicken Piccata

Bingo Bingo Bingo Bingo Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday, August 15August 15August 15August 15

Call Chuck Boatman,

760-731-1421 to reserve a spot and get details.

Boy Scouts MeetBoy Scouts MeetBoy Scouts MeetBoy Scouts Meet All Mondays in the CACAll Mondays in the CACAll Mondays in the CACAll Mondays in the CAC

4:304:304:304:30----6 p.m.6 p.m.6 p.m.6 p.m.

For information, please call Rhonda Hill,

Chartered Rep. of Fallbrook Presbyterian

Church Troop 755 760-504-6808

Young Men Young Men Young Men Young Men (out of high school)(out of high school)(out of high school)(out of high school) BBQ/Fellowship BBQ/Fellowship BBQ/Fellowship BBQ/Fellowship August 19, 6:30 p.m.August 19, 6:30 p.m.August 19, 6:30 p.m.August 19, 6:30 p.m.

Call Andrew Ice (Icer)

760-419-3850 for directions

page 4 The Chimes August 2012

The Hand of the Father is behind all

good things!

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of Lights- James 1:17

We had a wonderfully successful Vacation Bible school (VBS) this year. On June 25th, at 12:15, all 75 volunteers who signed up to help with Babylon, Daniel’s Courage in Captivity, VBS program all went home feeling good about our first day. The majority of the volunteers spent an hour and half the day before the program began in an extensive training meeting. We all performed our duties and I was feeling so proud of how well we all did!

While praying for the second day to be like the first it dawned on me that we were not the ones who were good; it was God who deserved the credit. I thought since everything was going so well, it must have been our planning and execution of our assigned jobs that made our day so easy. I innocently believed that it was by our abilities that allowed us to achieve success. I forgot that behind it all is our good God who prompts, prevents, provides, and protects.

David said it so well in 1 Chronicles 17:16, “Who am I?,” David’s heart swelled up in appre-ciation of God’s goodness.

Dear sweet church family, we are so glad you agreed to work with us this summer because you’re at the heart of what happens in this church. Our Children’s Ministry cannot grow without you! By volunteering at VBS this year you truly made a difference. Thank You!

We want to personally thank all of our 75 volunteers who were unpretentious, willing to be honest, respectful, reliable, people and child friendly, and leaders. Thank you for believing in God’s true vision of our Children’s Ministries wanting to make a difference in a child’s life and invest in their lives and their eternal future.

Below is our 2012 Vacation Bible School Team-

Terri Marroquin, Susan Holthaus, Madison

Britton, Paige and Sidney Bonenfant, Dara Johnson, Veronica Mora, Betty Falls, David Mora, Suzette Phillips and family, Michael Mann, Cedric Brown, Greg Coppock, Catie Timme, Alex Timme, JoAnn Deming, Mimi Leraas, Sherry Carter, Marion Shuck, Charlene Mann, Carolyn Walker, Carol Beutler, Patrick Roybal, James Lam, Erin Holt, Natalie Mora, Bill Saunders, Walt Parry, Brayon, Pat Halibozek, Judy Fatland and family, Alex Gonzales, Annah Hill, Greg Hill, Rhonda Hill, Kristina Hill, Heidi Roderick, Susie Fiebich, April Lesher, Janel Kohout, Tori Kohout, Alex Wilson, Bill Holthaus, Bob Sears, Alexis and Natalie Franks, Samantha and Taylor Durick, Dannielle Navarro, Dakodah, Kassidi, Beth and Kelsi Fluck, Chase Bonenfant, Lea Gamillo, Jeri Heiser, Victoria Vasquez, Judy Saunders, Tristen Musso, Deanna Gordon, Leila Rhode, Brianna Anderson, Anya Aston, Gail Kott, Bob Mann, Art Deming, Johnny Knutson, Jean LeBlanc, Caroline Simpson, Lisa Dudley, Annaka Stone, Teresa Johnson, Gracie Gonzales, Sandy Goodman, Linda Shirey, Midge Degroot, Toni Crisell, Peg Sweet, and all the people who brought in VBS needs and materials. Last but not least, thank you family members who allowed their family to help in VBS this year. And a special thank you, church family, for praying for the children who attended and for the people who volunteered.

In His Love, Beth Ann

Children’s Ministries

Happenings!!!! Our preschool is on break for the summer and will resume the day after Labor Day.

(Continued on page 7)

Children’s Ministries Happenings!Children’s Ministries Happenings!Children’s Ministries Happenings!Children’s Ministries Happenings!

August 2012 The Chimes page 5

Feature of the Month:

Join Pastor Jerome and Terri on an unforgettable pilgrimage to the Holy Land. Together we will walk where Jesus walked, enjoy a boat ride and a peaceful worship service out on the Sea of Galilee, visit the hometown of Peter, Andrew and Philip, take a float on the Dead Sea, count the stars like Abraham as we camp out in the Negev desert, marvel at the waterfalls of Ein Gedi where David hid from King Saul, raft down the Jordan River, pray at the Wailing Wall in the heart of Jerusalem, celebrate Christ’s Resurrection with a communion service at the Garden Tomb, and much, much more! Contact Pastor Jerome with any questions.

Planning Ahead!Planning Ahead!Planning Ahead!Planning Ahead!

July 8July 8July 8July 8----19, 2013 19, 2013 19, 2013 19, 2013

Holy Land Archeological and Life of Christ TourHoly Land Archeological and Life of Christ TourHoly Land Archeological and Life of Christ TourHoly Land Archeological and Life of Christ Tour

((((with optional 3with optional 3with optional 3with optional 3----day Jordan extension)day Jordan extension)day Jordan extension)day Jordan extension)

page 6 The Chimes August 2012

that this does not mean that we are now merely a “free-floating,” nondenominational, evangelical church. We are not abandoning our roots! We are not abandoning our heritage! On the contrary, we are an independent Presbyterian Church in the best and most biblical sense of the word. We will con-tinue to honor our deep, biblical heritage in the Re-formed Tradition of our Christian faith. In a time when many in the church seem to suffer from “spiritual amnesia” when it comes to any sense of their own history or particular Christian tradition, we are determined to be a “rooted” people, firmly grounded and established in our rich tradition. Even though our sign will not advertise the word, Presbyterian, we will continue to abide by Presby-terian polity; we will be guided and led by godly elders prayerfully elected by our congregation, just as we always have. Our theology and history will also continue to bear a distinctly Reformed flavor, honoring God’s Word above all, as well as main-taining a healthy respect for the ancient creeds of the church, just as we always have. So although our sign will no longer bear the name, Presbyterian, our web-site will clearly designate that we are pres-ently an Independent Presbyterian congregation, until God leads us to a denomination or affiliation, as he sees fit. As we emphasized late last year in our Life To-

gether Sunday series, our intention is to continue to combine the ancient and the new here at our church. Authentic worship is rooted in God’s Word and Spirit, and 2,000 years of inspired church tradi-tion. Therefore, we will gladly continue to offer two worship services, just as we always have – our 8:30 Traditional Service and our 10:30 Contempo-rary Service. Our desire is to combine the best of the free church (moving extemporaneous prayers, hearty gospel songs, biblical sermons, with ample room for the moving of the Holy Spirit), along with the best of the ancient church’s commitment to set prayers, responsive readings, rehearsal of the an-cient creeds, classic hymns and choir, and a liturgy

of Word and Table. We need to be very clear here. It is not our desire to remain “independent,” unless God makes it crys-tal clear that this is what he wants for us. Generally speaking, it is always healthy, biblical, and wise to remain in some type of responsible, interconnected fellowship, where we remain accountable to others, and where we can be constantly reminded that we are only a small part of the larger thing our Lord is doing across the globe when it comes to mission, evangelism, and proclaiming the Kingdom of God. But, folks, in the meantime, this is not the time to be discouraged, or fearful, or filled with doubts. God is doing something unprecedented and won-derful among us! This is a brand new day, and his Holy Spirit is being poured out upon us in fresh and exciting ways. He is teaching us what it means to “follow him” boldly, not just with words, but with our very lives! He is showing us that the Church does not simply exist for its own members, but for the sake of a hurting, searching world which he longs to embrace and heal. So, let’s rejoice and celebrate in this new season God is giving us! Let’s surrender all our personal agendas for the sake of his Sovereign will and purpose for us. May God’s glorious sunrise continue to break in upon us, showing us the way, one foot at a time, as we follow him down the path of peace!

Welcome to SonRise Christian Fellowship ... (Continued from page 2)

August 2012 The Chimes page 7

We still have openings in the preschool and are expecting full enrollment so please share with your neighbors and friends all about our awesome school Our Sunday school program “Elevate” is in full swing, our four family teaching teams are excited and prepared every Sunday with an exciting curriculum that has hands-on Bible learning and fun Bible lesson games offered to our kids every Sunday. This summer session we are studying “ Heroes in Mega City!” Come join our team, we have an awful lot of fun. Charlene Mann, who oversees the AWANA and Los Amigos programs is gearing up for the fall as well. Read on for specific articles and information. In His Service, Beth Ann Murray Director of Preschool

AWANA

What on earth is AWANA? AWANA is an acronym meaning “Approved Workmen Are Not Ashamed”, taken from 2 Timothy 2:15. AWANA is a Bible-centered youth program, whose goal is to “reach all boys and girls with the Gospel of Christ and train them to serve Him”. The main focus of AWANA is Bible memorization, but the kids also play organ-ized games and listen to a Bible object lesson. We are moving into our 6th year of AWANA here at SonRise, with club meetings each Thursday from 3:30 to 5:00 through the school year. We have had about 45 kids here each week eager to learn about Jesus, while memorizing an amazing amount of Scripture. Are you in Jr. High or High School, and looking for an awesome Bible Study? Jen Dugas leads our Trek and Journey studies on Thursday afternoons.

AWANA starts on September 6th, with registration on August 26th and September 2nd after church. Stop by the table and see what the excitement is all about! We are always in need of folks willing to listen to the children recite their Scripture. If you are curious about AWANA and want to catch the “AWANA Fever”, give Charlene Mann a call at (760)731-1084.

LOS AMIGOS

Los Amigos is our Children’s Ministry outreach to the Hispanic community of Fallbrook. For 15 years, we have offered after school tutoring to students 3rd through 6th grade. We meet each Tuesday during the school year from 2:30 – 4:00. The tutors and children alike have a great time interacting with each other. Many of our children never get the opportunity to spend quality one-on-one time with an adult.

In addition to our time at church, we take the kids on several field trips each year. We always con-clude our year with a super-fun pool party at the Sandshulte’s home.

We will begin this year in mid-September. Our program has gained such a reputation in Fallbrook, we already have several children on a waiting list Would you consider being a tutor, and show the love of Jesus to these kids? They all absolutely love coming to Los Amigos, and are eager to learn and hear all about Jesus. You don’t need to speak Spanish, as all of our kids speak English.

Please call Charlene Mann at (760)731-1084, or Terri Simpson at (760)728-1493 if you’d like to join us, or even just have a few questions.

Children’s Ministries Happenings (Continued from page 4)

page 8 The Chimes August 2012

From the Flower Fields at SonRiseFrom the Flower Fields at SonRiseFrom the Flower Fields at SonRiseFrom the Flower Fields at SonRise

Yearly coordinators are Elissa Taylor 760-723-9395 and Miriam Kirk 760-451-0960. Summer quarterly leaders are Barbara Sciarra 760-731-6117 and Doris Bowling 760-731-5239.

Designers for August 5 Peg Sweet, Elissa Taylor 12 Patricia Reilly, Vera Maldonado 19 Pat Halibozek, Doris Bowling 26 Toni Crisell, Teresa & Dara Johnson

Deacon Deliverers for August 5 Sonja Smit 12 Bruce & Margaret Daniel 19 Debbie Founds 26 Cindy & Mark Bowers “What is it that you have to offer? Great things? Do you have great talent? Great abilities? Great good-ness? If you do, you stand alone. If you do, God might not need you. The secret is not in who we are or what we are, but in our dedication to Him. In

turning over all that we are for His use —for his purpose, that is the secret. God made us. He loves us. He has provided for our redemption. He wants our love and devotion. He knows what can be accomplished with the little that we have to offer Him. It all depends on whether we are willing to give Him free rein.” —Janette Oke

To serve — last month (July 4th celebration!) it was Pat Halibozek and others who gave selflessly to do what needed to be done. Thank you for your service. “A government big enough to give you everything you want, is strong enough to take everything you have.” —Thomas Jefferson Blessings Patricia Reilly 760-731-2877

Flower Dedications

There are at this time of publication, no dedications for August. In July we had a dedication on July 1 from Jerry Maurer for his and Adele’s anniversary; on July

8 for a big thank you to all involved with VBS; on July 15 in celebration of birth-days and a thank you to Sherry McFarland; on July 22 in celebration for all in our congregation who are 90 years of age; on July 29 in remembrance of beloved

husband, Jack Sandschulte, by Lila and from Terry Bibbens thanks to God and Jay for 29 years of a fabulous marriage.

It’s only a tiny rosebud A flower of God’s design

But I cannot unfold the petals With these clumsy hands of mine.

For the pathway that lies before me My heavenly Father knows

I’ll trust Him to unfold the moments Just as He unfolds the rose.

Contributed by Jan Hilton

The Rose

If you would like to dedicate flowers, sign up between services on Sunday or use the form on page 12.

August 2012 The Chimes page 9

Local Missions Local Missions Local Missions Local Missions • Brother Benno’s — August 24 (4th Fridays)

(breakfast for the homeless). Call Chris Walls, 760-723-9468.

• Bread of Life — August 20 (3rd Mondays). Luke 14:13: “But when you give a banquet,

invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind,

and you will be blessed. Although they cannot

repay you, you will be paid at the resurrection

of the righteous.”

We feed the poorest of the poor once a month in Oceanside. We need volunteers to serve two hours once a month. Meet at the church at 4:45 p.m. by the CAC. Please join us. Contact Jeff Graflund, 760-723-0098 jlgraflund@gmail.com.

• Fallbrook Pregnancy Resource Center — We are always in need of disposable diapers, especially in the larger sizes, and baby wipes. If you would like to donate these items, please bring them to the Church Office and we’ll see that they get to FPRC. For other information please call Miriam Kirk at 760-451-9337 or www.pregnancyfallbrook.com.

• Feeding America — August 13 and 27 On the 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month, over 200 families are helped with their food needs. We need more help to serve them. Be at the church at 11:45 a.m.

• Greeters needed 2nd Service — Help greet folks as they arrive for worship service on Sundays. We need only 1 Sunday a month. Without the necessary people at the door, people may slip in without feeling wel comed. Call the church office if you are so led 760-728-5804.

Hope for Hailey Hope for Hailey Hope for Hailey Hope for Hailey ———— An “InAn “InAn “InAn “In----House” House” House” House” MissionMissionMissionMission

Meet Hailey. Hailey is one of our own. She was adopted from the Ukraine in 2006 by Andy and Jen Dugas — our second service Bible Church for Kids leaders, AWANA volunteers and a host of other servant activities. Unknown to the Dugas family, Hailey suffered from a whole host of medical and developmental issues: FAS (fetal alcohol syndrome), RAD (reactive attachment disorder), Oppositional Defi-ance Disorder, Sensory Processing Disorder in all areas of functioning and learning disabilities. Andy and Jen have spared no expense in dedication of time and money for therapy including therapeutic parent training, learning every tech-nique and therapy known for RAD and FAS. Although she has made some progress, Hailey struggles tremendously just to exist. She still suffers from the pain and trauma that she experi-enced as an infant. Her days are bleak and the pain she inflicts on herself has left the Dugas family in despair. After years and years of working through the pain and suffering they have hope through Chang-ing Hearts Boarding School and Ministries in North Carolina. This program is designed specifically for RAD girls and includes a facility with 8 girls, in a rural setting with farm chores, quilting, school work, worship, Bible study, equine therapy and other therapies as part of the daily schedule. It is likely that without this intensive 24/7 therapy lifestyle, Hailey will not be able to exist in this world with any normalcy. The very thing God has created us to be — in a loving relationship with Him and others— is completely lost inside Hailey. It is imperative that we do all we can to help her heal and have a life to the fullest in the name of Christ. To this end, we are hosting Hope for Hailey —

(Continued on page 10)

Mission / Ministry Opportunities & ReportsMission / Ministry Opportunities & ReportsMission / Ministry Opportunities & ReportsMission / Ministry Opportunities & Reports

page 10 The Chimes August 2012

an Evening of Worship and Fundraising for the healing of this dear child. Please mark your calendar for Saturday, October 6th. We will meet for a time of worship, dinner and fundraising for the very life of one of our own. URGENT! Prayer needed as well as items for the fundraiser. We will be collecting dona-tions for auction, gift baskets, etc. Dinner tickets will be $7 per person. Please call Paulette Britton at 760-644-6791 or email pdbrit@mac.com with any questions or to donate or help. Please help us bring love and hope to Hailey and the entire Dugas family. Hailey has been in North Carolina since De-cember 2011. Her school and therapy costs are $2000/montht. Please read more and keep up with Hailey at www.hopeforhaileydugas.blogspot.com/ - on behalf of Andy, Jen , Chase, Payton, Tanner

and Hailey

Romans 8:24-26 “For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently. In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.”

Hope for Hailey (Continued from page 9)

faith in this merciful God we are justified and found not guilty no matter what we are presently going through. We mentally get so pounded by illness, financial hardships, loss of job, loss of a loved one. But through these seemingly painful situations we find and experience our own capacity for compassion for others in the same situations; we take a stand to keep trusting; and we will never be the same. And how about the good times… cherish them! What I wouldn’t give to feel good again. So when we are healthy, praise God and be most grateful! Health can and will be fleeting, but we have to re-member is that this is not our home but a tempo-rary dwelling place that can be most beautiful. But only if we keep our focus on God… and on an even greater eternity where we walk with the Lord where every tear will be wiped away. So in all things praise God. There is great joy in being grateful when we are well and great wisdom found in adversity if we keep the right perspective that we are loved by God. Just like David crying out in Psalm 13:1: “How long will you forget me, Lord?” and Abraham being challenged to give up his precious son….and all those who went before us, our faith is challenged, our trust tested. Do we do as Job’s wife suggested that he curse God and

die when he was in adversity up to his ears? Or do we keep our faith strong by asking God to reveal what we can learn from these experiences, all the while begging for his strength and asking to be kept within his will where we can keep our focus on the positive things in life, praising God through whom all blessings flow!

Putting Our Perspective in Perspective

(Continued from page 11)

August 2012 The Chimes page 11

Faith Matters

By Marcy Burge

Putting Our Perspective Putting Our Perspective Putting Our Perspective Putting Our Perspective in Perspectivein Perspectivein Perspectivein Perspective

Needless to say, being ill is a drag… this stinking cancer has been a nightmare. I’d like to report to you that my faith hasn’t been shaken, that I look at this as all blessing, but I don’t. I struggle, mentally, probably more than physically. Mentally our minds try to justify why me? What did I do? How could this be happening? Will I get better? Is this the end? Does God still love me? Did I screw up in my life-time so much that I am not worthy of God’s love? Am I the vine that is being cut due to my inability to produce good fruit mentioned in scripture? And it goes on and on usually when I’m feeling my worst. Well, one night when I was deep in despair I asked those questions of the Lord. It was a particularly tough night. I had been coughing up blood, unable to sleep, in pain, financially stressed and feeling particularly lonely. I was watching a useless movie to try to get my overtaxed mind off the subject, drinking tons of water to eliminate the chemo from my body, eventually finding my way to the bath-room. Soon as I sat on the throne I heard a still soft voice saying: “Pick up your scripture.” So I picked up my Bible that I had left on the sink earlier, closed my eyes and let it fall open on its own to Romans 4:1: “Abraham was, humanly

speaking the founder of our Jewish nation. What

were his experiences concerning this question of

being saved by faith? Was it because of his good

deeds that God accepted him? If so, then he would

have something to boast about. But from God’s

point of view Abraham had no basis at all for pride.

For the Scriptures tell us Abraham believed in

God, and that is why God canceled his sins and declared him “not guilty.” But didn’t he earn his

right to heaven by all the good things he did? No,

for being saved is a gift; if a person could earn it

by being good, then it wouldn’t be free---but it is!

It is given to those who do not work for it. For

God declares sinners to be good in his sight if they

have faith in Christ to save them from God’s

wrath.”

So, I wandered back to my chair and heard the still, sweet voice say… “Now turn off the TV and rest in me.” Which I did. The next day I re-read the Romans scripture and began to ponder my mindset. I have tried to earn my way to heaven in many ways trying so desper-ately to be acceptable to our God… but his love for us…it is a gift. I think when we can really grasp that we work out of his love to others instead of earning our way…. It just flows naturally from our heart, this need to be fruitful for the Lord for love’s sake. It also made me think of my love for my son, Chris. Can he earn my love? No, it is there and we are made in God’s image… we are made to love our children just like God loves us. Why is that so hard to grasp when tragedy, illness and death pre-sent themselves to us? We feel like we have fallen away from God’s grace somehow. And that is such baloney. And that is what I have to keep reminding myself of when all the chips are down. God’s love for Jesus didn’t change from the transfiguration to Calvary. God still loves his son, just as he loves me in this stinking disease. The Roman’s scripture ends with this line that I really took to heart: “It is clear, then, that God’s promise to give the whole earth to Abraham and his descendants was not because Abraham obeyed God’s laws but he trusted God to keep his prom-ise.” ….for Abraham found favor with God by

faith alone.” Our walk of faith has to boil down to “trust.” No matter what our present circumstances, no matter how crummy we feel… our trust is in the Lord. By

(Continued on page 10)

page 12 The Chimes August 2012

Condolences to families and friends Condolences to families and friends Condolences to families and friends Condolences to families and friends who have lost loved ones recently. May God’s promise to be with you be especially real right now — and may you know the gentle comfort of His healing touch. For the dear ones in the loss of Bev LawsonBev LawsonBev LawsonBev Lawson For Paul Patterson Paul Patterson Paul Patterson Paul Patterson in the loss of his brother, LeeLeeLeeLee

Newsletter Deadline for the September 2012 issue:Newsletter Deadline for the September 2012 issue:Newsletter Deadline for the September 2012 issue:Newsletter Deadline for the September 2012 issue:

4:30 p.m. on

Wednesday, August 15

A Reminder: Please include your name and phone number with your submitted article. Please note that I reply to all e-mails that I receive. All submitted articles are subject to editing with regards to subject matter, space requirements and timely submissions. —Ann Seymour, Editor phone: 731-9629;

fax: 731-9629; please call first so I can turn on the fax machine;

e-mail address: thyme4ann@sbcglobal.net

Flower DedicationFlower DedicationFlower DedicationFlower Dedication If you are interested in dedicating flowers in honor of loved ones or to celebrate special occasions, please fill

out the following and put it with your $20 donation (marking your check memo “flower dedication”)

either in the collection plate or in the Church Office. Call Pat Reilly 760-731-2877 or Miriam Kirk 760-

451-9337 if you have questions.

Name: ______________________________________ Preferred Date of Dedication: ____________________

Phone: _____________________________________

Please word my dedication as follows:

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

_

August 15August 15August 15August 15

August 2012 The Chimes page 13

Prayer Reminders

Debra Albert, Cathy Alexander, Jackie Alford, Karen Austin, Martha Baylor, Jake Berger, Jay Bibbens, Pat Boatman, John Bowling, Jane Brac, Helen Bright, Brad Britton, Madison Britton, Sam Britton, Marcy Burge, Marina & Michael Burke, Cody Cantarini, John Clark (Mary Schaar’s brother), Hailey Dugas, Ann Dunbar, Dick Eckhardt, Bonnie Eddy, Joan English, Alexis Franks, John Gollner (Sherry’s dad), Sandy Goodman, Kendall Haldi, Joe Hammer, Eleanor Hayhurst, Jeri Heiser, Adrienne Hess, Miriam Klemmer, Carol Kroeger, Jerry (Jean Le Blanc’s father), Jayne Love, Melinda Madden, Marjorie (Janet McCalla’s mom), Pastor Jerome and family, Olga Marroquin, Lois Mikulsky, Conrad Murphy, T.J. Murray, Carol Peterson, Steve Perham, Eric Pffaflin, Agnes Poppel, Carol Poston, Sharon Miller Puett, Marlene Schmidtke, Bruce Sharp and family, Bita Snyder, Ashley Stalnaker, Peg Stanley, Marilynne Stransky, Shirley Strong, Georgia Tetu and family, Dot Tibbets, Juliana Tipton and Hannah Wilson. Please keep our church family overseas and their families in prayer: Joey Alley, Bryan Brooks, Jason Carter, David Cooke, Serafina Edwards, Adam Garcia, Matt Harvey, Kevin Low, Julian Sears and Scott Wooten. Praise for John Daniel’s return home safe and sound from Afghanistan. If you know of someone who needs prayer, please inform the Church Office, 760-728-5804.

News From the Church Family!News From the Church Family!News From the Church Family!News From the Church Family!

2 Charlene Mann 4 Michelle Baumgarten Ynema Nixon 6 Chuck Boatman Jackie Brooks Bettye Englert 7 Keith Hill 8 Jack Grantham Abigail Knox 10 Terry Bibbens Jennifer Hamby Brenda Tapley

Cherie Van Wechel 11 Jay Bibbens Michael Foli Gregory Hill Joe Roderick 15 Jerome Brekken Victoria Kohout Karen Parry 18 Chris Wise 19 Rachel Hill 20 Emily Calescibetta Wilma Chain

21 Art Deming Kelly Ullery 23 Pat Boatman Abigail Mora Robert Ragle Hattie Williams 24 Kathy Rothert 26 Bob Halibozek Charlene McNary Betty Meyers 27 Kristena Hill 28 Garrett Johnson

Candice Jones 30 Catie Timme

Here’s who’s counting candles in August!Here’s who’s counting candles in August!Here’s who’s counting candles in August!Here’s who’s counting candles in August!

Anniversaries in August!Anniversaries in August!Anniversaries in August!Anniversaries in August!

2 Bob & Pat Halibozek 5 Richard & Natalie Franks 10 Chad & Colby Duty 11 Gary & Carla Thomson 12 Mike & Vickie Knox 16 Bill & Debra Albert

21 Chuck & Pat Boatman 22 Larry & Monica Knight 26 Dan & Janet McCalla 30 Jim & Gracie Fowler 30`Les & Ann Seymour

page 14 The Chimes August 2012

Quick Look At Schedule Aug 6, 13, 20, 27 Boy Scouts, 4:30 p.m., CAC Aug 10 Genealogy Meeting, 1 p.m., Fallbrook Library Aug 13 Feeding America, 11:45 a.m. Aug 15 Bingo Aug 15 Deadline for September issue of The Chimes, 4:30 p.m. Aug 15 2nd Annual Fundraiser, 5-6:30 p.m., Garden Center Cafe Aug 19 Young Men BBQ/Fellowship, 6:30 p.m. Aug 20 Bread of Life dinner for the homeless Aug 24 Brother Benno’s breakfast for the homeless Aug 27 Feeding America, 11:45 a.m. Oct 6 Hope for Hailey—an Evening of Worship & Fundraising

If you are no longer attending our church or your address has changed and this has been forwarded to you, would you be kind enough to inform the

Church Office so that we may update our mailing list. Thank you.

Join us for Sunday morning worship. Join us for Sunday morning worship. Join us for Sunday morning worship. Join us for Sunday morning worship. 8:30 Traditional Worship Service 10:30 Contemporary Worship Service

Nursery & Children’s Sunday School at both services

�The Chimes is a publication of

SonRise Christian Fellowship 463 South Stage Coach Lane

Fallbrook, CA 92028

Phone: (760) 728-5804

Preschool: (760) 728-1032

Fax: (760) 728-3865

Email:

Web site: www.sonrisefallbrook.com

Pastor�Jerome Marroquin

Pastor Assistant

Greg Coppock

Student Ministries

Banning Cantarini

Zac Knox

Chris Low

Nicole Mojarro

Senior Services

Chuck Boatman

Children’s Ministries Beth Ann Murray, Director

SonRise Christian Fellowship Preschool

Beth Ann Murray, Director

Music Ministry

Brenda Tapley, Director

Church Organist

John Redford

Church Office

Sherry McFarland, Financial Administrator

Marcy Burge, Church Secretary

Cyndi Galley, Church Secretary

Facility Maintenance

Alex Gonzalez, Custodian

Aurelio Ferreira, Night Custodian

Angel Gaona, Gardener

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED SonRise Christian Fellowship