Sunday, December 31, 2006

Power Principle

God is not looking for resolutions, He's looking for repentance.

University concert band to perform

The California Baptist University Concert Band will perform in concert at 7 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 5, at the Performing Arts Center, Red Bluff High School. Under the direction of Guy Holliday, they will be performing sacred as well as classical and traditional music. This will be their third year to perform in Red Bluff.
Accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music, the CBU
School of Music offers an education for those planning to pursue careers in performance, music ministry, music education or in aspects of the music industry. The school also gives students the benefits of studying at a Christian university.
Antelope Home Fellowship will be hosting this free evening of entertainment. The public is invited. Information is available at 529-0906.

Friday, December 29, 2006

VIGIL PLANNED AT ST. PETER'S EPISCOPAL

St. Peter's Episcopal Church will offer a vigil for prayers for peace and the safe return of those who are enlisted in the armed forces, on Monday, January 1st, 2007 from 1:00-3:00 p.m. at 510 Jefferson Street in Red Bluff.

The service will consist of prayers, readings, hymns and meditation. Prayers will be given for those named and unnamed, who are serving, or have been injured or the families of those who have died. Those who come may list the names of individuals or families to be prayed for. All those listed will be prayed for aloud.

The public is invited to drop in at any time to pray for peace and remember enlisted personnel and their families. Information in available at 527-5205.

Signs of Life



Message boards found outside Tehama County churches.


If you come across one that you would like to add to the list, please send me an e-mail at sheep.pen@gmail.com

Signs of Life


Message boards found outside Tehama County churches.


If you come across one that you would like to add to the list, please send me an e-mail at sheep.pen@gmail.com

Tuesday, December 26, 2006

Connect the Thots #13

Connect the Thots is all about determining the common thread that binds three seemingly unrelated clues. For example, what one idea ties together:
Baby in a manger, Death on a cross, & King of Kings
Thot =Jesus.
Easy enough?

Give this weeks’ quiz a try. We will post the answers next week along with a new quiz.

1.Aceldama, a kiss, thirty pieces of silver
2.a wedding surprise, a stolen blessing, a ladder to heaven
3.a vision of a ram and a goat, handwriting on a wall, a fiery furnace
4.the prodigal son, Legion, casting pearls
5.a son of Jacob, a devout man who blessed the baby Jesus, a man also called “Niger”
6.Mahlon, Elimelech, Naomi
7.Anna at the temple, a small offering commended by Jesus, the parable of an unjust judge
8.Joseph in Egypt, Cyrenius in Syria, Pontius Pilate in Judea
9.bread upon waters, a time for everything, vanity of vanities
10. saying, “There is no God”, despising a father’s instruction, trusting in one’s self

Answers to last week’s quiz:
1. sisters 2. Caesars 3. tongues 4. Abel 5. Paul 6. stars 7. washing 8. giants 9. unclean animals 10. ears

(From Bible Trivia Challenge: Connect the Thots, published by Barbour Publishing, inc. Used by permission.)

Friday, December 22, 2006

Christmas lights

I just love this time of the year, when all the Christmas lights are up on the trees lining Main Street and people decorate their houses with lights, especially the ‘icicle’ lights that hang down from the string.
I got to thinking about Christmas lights and how pretty they are and I began to see some parallels between Christmas lights and ‘Christ-lights’, (Christians).
Sometimes, it’s easier to understand the spiritual by the natural. So think about these as you read. You may be able to add a few of your own.

Christmas lights…
1)…enhance anything.
2)…have an external power source.
3)…can be used anytime-not just at Christmas.
4)…come in all colors.
5)…can be plugged in by any one, not just by expert electricians.
6)…shine no matter who’s around.
7)…have something wrong with them when they aren’t shinning.
8)…that are tiny/weak can still sparkle pretty in the dark.
9)…have to be wired in individually.
10)…shine for the benefit of those around them.
11)…are effective when displayed in new and creative ways.
12)…shine more intense as it gets darker.
13)…are unable to function when one is broken.
14)…are often unplugged and put away after Christmas.
15)…are useless when unplugged.

…prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as light in the world. Philippians 2:15


Senia Owensby

Christmas celebrations and services

Celebrations at St. Peter's Episcopal
Christmas celebrations at St. Peter's Episcopal Church, 510 Jefferson St., will be as follows:
Sunday
Holy Eucharist will be at 8 and 10 a.m.and the Hanging of the Greens at 11:30 a.m.
The Christmas Eve Reception is at 7:30 p.m. and the Christmas Eve Holy Eucharist is at 8 p.m.
Monday
Christmas Day Holy Eucharist is at 10 a.m.
Monday, Jan. 1, 2007
The vigil for peace is from 1 to 3 p.m.
Saturday, Jan. 6, 2007
The Epiphany Feast of Lights and pageants at 6 p.m.
All are Welcome. Information is available at 527-5205.

Services at Sacred Heart
Sacred Heart Parish will hold the following services at 515 Main St.
Christmas vigil mass in English will be at 5:30 p.m. and in Spanish at 8 p.m. with the adult choir concert preceding midnight mass at 11:25 p.m. on Sunday.
Christmas mass in English will be at 9:30 a.m. and in Spanish at noon on Monday.


Methodist Christmas Eve services

The United Methodist Churches Christmas Eve services are as follows:
Corning, at 9 a.m. the Sunday morning worship and 6 p.m. the candlelight service at 783 Solano St.
El Camino, at 9:30 a.m. for Sunday morning worship and 6 p.m. the candlelight service at 8345 Highway 99W.
Los Molinos, at 11 a.m. the Sunday morning worship and 7 p.m. the candlelight service at 25204 Josephine.

First Christian celebrates holidays
First Christian Church of Corning would like to invite everyone to come celebrate the holidays with them.
There will be a Carol-Sing and a celebration at 11 a.m. on Sunday with the church family at 1421 Marin St. There will not be Sunday School this Sunday.

Cone Community special services
Cone Community United Methodist Church hold regular worship at 9 a.m. and a Christmas Eve service at 7 p.m. on Sunday at 11220 Highway 99E.
The evening service will be a candlelight-communion service with chime music, guitar, liturgical dance and carols.

Choir performance at First Baptist
The First Baptist Church adult choir will present a program at 11 a.m. on Sunday entitled 'Together for Christmas,' at 585 Kimball Road.
Bible study is at 9:30 a.m. every Sunday. The public is invited.

First Baptist Church of Red Bluff
will be lighting the 32-foot tall cross at the Tree of Life Center property at 13940 Baker Road; the first right past Plymire heading north.
The cross will be lit every evening through Monday, Jan. 1. The public is invited to get a closer look of the cross or spend time of reflection at the site. There will be parking at the second gate. Visitors are asked to stay on the graveled road, due to the wet ground. For peace of mind the Sheriff Department will occasionally drive thru.
There will be two services on Sunday, Dec. 24. The first will be at 10:15 a.m. featuring Diane O’Sullivan singing “Ave Maria” and Pastor Mike presenting an multi-media message titled “That’s My King!”
The second will be from 5 to 5:30 p.m. featuring Luanne Schnase and Dylan Manner singing “Christmas Shoes” and Nella Schnase singing “O Holy Night.” There will be a time of caroling and a short devotional titled, “From the Throne to the Trough.” The night will end with a candlelight finale.
Information is available at 527-4361.

Sunday, December 17, 2006

Signs of Life

Message boards found outside Tehama County churches.

If you come across one that you would like to add to the list, please send me an e-mail at sheep.pen@gmail.com

Friday, December 15, 2006

Advent celebration planned

Advent Season is a time of celebration at the Red Bluff Presbyterian Church. The annual Christmas dinner and pageant will begin at 5 p.m. on Sunday.
Everyone is encouraged to bring a potluck dish: salad, mashed potatoes or vegetable. Turkey and pies are provided by the church.
After dinner “The Archangel Gabriel’s Awesome Adventure,” a Christmas pageant will be put on by the children and youth of the church with Jessie Weigel as Archangel Gabriel. This is a musical fantasy by Beth Merrill and Allan Robert Petker.

Jesus’ birthday Celebration

Sunrise Bible Fellowship will hold an annual birthday party for Jesus at 10 a.m. this Sunday at the Red Bluff Veterans Hall, which will be decorated for a party!
The community is invited to bring their loved ones along to join with them as they celebrate Christmas with song and refreshments.
For those who wish, a birthday present may be brought for Jesus, wrapped or not. The toys and gifts will be donated to the Red Bluff Salvation Army to supplement the Angel Tree families, or to provide Christmas presents for those who did not apply on time.
The Christmas story will be read, with Christmas carols and hymns and special musical presentations. Birthday cake will be served and the children will help blow out the candles.
The fellowship meet regularly at 9:30 a.m. on Sunday at the corner of Jackson and Cedar Streets.
Information is available from pastor Pat Hurton at 527-6818 or
hurton@sbcglobal.net.

Band set to perform

The Fishermen worship band will lead the praise and worship at 11 a.m. on Sunday at the Salvation Army, 940 Walnut St.
The band plays contemporary praise music, blues and traditional hymns. They are from the San Joaquin County and play all over the Northern California area.

Rock’em choir to perform Sunday

The Rock’em children’s choir will present a Christmas program at 11 a.m. this Sunday at the First Baptist Church, 585 Kimball Road.
The adult choir will present a program at 11 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 24, entitled “Together for Christmas.”

Christmas services at Sacred Heart

Sacred Hart Parish will hold the following services at 515 Main St.
Christmas vigil Mass in English will be at 5:30 a.m. and in Spanish at 8 p.m. with the adult choir concert preceding midnight mass at 11:25
p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 24. Christmas Mass in English will be at 9:30 a.m. and in Spanish at noon on Monday, Dec. 25.

Corning First Christian special events

First Christian Church of Corning would like to invite everyone to come celebrate the holidays with them.
This Sunday Rev. Vickie Firsch of Sacramento will be bringing the message and the Sunday School children will be presenting a time for children during the service.
Wednesday evening, Dec. 20, will be a candlelight communion service.
There will be holy communion, singing, music by organist Donald Lund and Monica Elliott on the flute.
Sunday, Dec. 24, will be a Carol-Sing and a celebration with the church family.
Sunday School is 10 a.m. for 3 years old and up and worship is at 11 a.m. at 1421 Marin St., Corning. There will not be Sunday School on Dec. 24.

Christmas musical

The Cottonwood First Baptist youth choir will present The First Leon will be at 5 p.m. today and at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday at 3320 Brush St.
This is a Christmas musical about a boy named Leon who discovers his name spelled backwards is Noel and his quest to get a part in the annual Christmas play. When he fails to land a part in the performance he must settle for a understudy part.
The musical is performed by 11 young people ages 4 to 20 from Cottonwood and Red Bluff. Admission is free.
The choir is directed by Paula Vigus and Laurie Williams. It is open to youth age 4 and up.
Practices are Sundays from noon to 1 p.m. at the church.
Information is available at 347-3691.

Thursday, December 14, 2006

Power Principle

By David-A Baker
"What you're hungry for, is what you'll eventually become."

Tuesday, December 12, 2006

Connect the Thots #12

Connect the Thots is all about determining the common thread that binds three seemingly unrelated clues. For example, what one idea ties together:
Baby in a manger, Death on a cross, & King of Kings
Thot =Jesus.
Easy enough?

Give this weeks’ quiz a try. We will post the answers next week along with a new quiz.

1.Abigail and Zeruiah, Mary and Martha, Rachel and Leah
2.Tiberius, Claudius, Augustus
3.fire at Pentecost, speech to be interpreted, something no man can tame
4.shepherd, younger brother, murder victim
5.Tarsus, Lydia, the road to Damascus
6.the wise men and Jesus, Wormwood, the fourth day of creation
7.Naaman at the Jordan River, Pontius Pilate’s hands, Jesus and the disciples’ feet
8.the sons of Anak, Ishbi-Benob, Goliath
9.camel, vulture, pig
10. a slave and an awl, false teachers and things that itch, Peter and Malchus


Answers to last week’s quiz:
1. “I am” statements of Jesus 2. the Ten Commandments 3. cities in the story of Jonah 4. men named Simon 5. nonhuman things that spoke 6. people on roofs 7. the casting of lots 8. honey 9. characters in the book of Job 10. whirlwinds

(From Bible Trivia Challenge: Connect the Thots, published by Barbour Publishing, inc. Used by permission.)

Signs of Life


Message boards found outside Tehama County churches.
If you come across one that you would like to add to the list, please send me an e-mail at sheep.pen@gmail.com

Saturday, December 09, 2006

Christmas concert set for Sunday

The Red Bluff Masterworks Chorale will sing a Christmas Celebration Concert at 7 p.m. Sunday at Sacred Heart Church.

With 60 singers in the choir this will be one of the strongest concerts in the 11-year history of the choir.

Under the direction of Mark Franklin, the Masterworks Chorale and Orchestra will present holiday favorites from the classical to the current.

The concert will feature "For Us A Child Is Born" by J.S. Bach. This cantata will feature local soloists Laurel Posey and Dallas Dubke, Jr.

Also on the program will be favorites like "Little Drummer Boy " by Harry Simeone, "Mary Did You Know?" by Bruce Greer and "Come and See What's Happenin' in the Barn" by Bill and Gloria Gaither.

The concert will conclude with an accapella rendition of "Silent Night, Holy Night."

The Red Bluff Masterworks Chorale offers its concert without a charge. Donations are received at the door following the concert.

Very recently, the chorale was granted tax-exempt status by the Internal Revenue Service. This allows the chorale to receive contributions as a charitable organization.

Singers in the Masterworks Chorale come from the Tehama and Shasta counties area. There are no auditions required to become a member of this choral ensemble.

Information about the concert is available from Franklin at 527-4203.

Candle lighting ceremony

The First Baptist Church of Red Bluff will hold its first annual candle lighting ceremony from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 10, at 501 Pine St., to honor and remember children who have died at any age from any cause.
All families who have experienced the death of a child, and their friends, are welcome and encouraged to attend.

Towns across the world are having similar events at the same time. Lighting candles at 7 p.m. will help to create a 24-hour wave of light that encircles the globe. As candles go out in one time zone, they are lit in the next time zone, to create a virtual 24-hour memorial. All participants will then be given a candle to glow for their child.

The candle lighting is a way of giving bereaved families around the world the chance to share their loss and remember their child...so that their light may always shine!

The public is invited to join in the candle lighting, music, balloon release, inspiration and fellowship. Participants are asked to bring a picture or small memento of their child to be placed on the memory table during the ceremony. Candles will be provided, and light refreshments and socializing are planned for after the ceremony.

Though children are encouraged to attend the service, there will be optional childcare for children up to 5 years of age. Information is available at 527-4361.

Salvation Army still looking for ringers

The Salvation Army is still looking for bell ringers. Volunteers are needed in increments of one-hour shifts to ring a bell, play an instrument, sing, juggle, etc.
Kettles are located throughout the Red Bluff area. Volunteer sign-ups are being accepted at 527-8530.
The community needs have risen and the funds raised will help meet these needs.

Boutique helped building fund


Members of North Valley Baptist Church of Red Bluff held a Christmas boutique which added over $500 to its building fund, according to David Lamberson, pastor.
"Many members of the community have asked about the progress of our new activity building," Lamberson said. "This building will be used for youth projects and for the benefit of the young people of the area."
The building is being built on a pay-as-you-go basis, and is now "dry and tight," according to the builder.
Members provided a chili and cornbread lunch, craft items, baked goods, candy and more for the event as well as a white elephant table and building fund special items table. Even the children helped with assisting buyers and offering samples of mulled cider.
"It was a pleasant gathering of church friends and the community," said Anne Whiteman, coordinator of the annual event.
The church will be sending a team to Hong Kong, China for a Christmas mission event to aid Far East Evangelism Team for two weeks before and during Christmas.
The church is located at 345 David Ave. Information is available at 527-0543.

Tuesday, December 05, 2006

Connect the Thots #11

Connect the Thots is all about determining the common thread that binds three seemingly unrelated clues. For example, what one idea ties together:
Baby in a manger, Death on a cross, & King of Kings
Thot =Jesus.
Easy enough?

Give this weeks’ quiz a try. We will post the answers next week along with a new quiz.

1.the Bread of Life, the True Vine, Alpha and Omega
2.honor your father and mother, don’t murder, don’t covet
3.Tarshish, Joppa, Nineveh
4.a brother of Jesus, the Cyrenian who carried Jesus’ cross, a Canaanite disciple
5.the serpent in the garden, a burning bush, Balaam’s donkey
6.four men and a crippled friend, King David--lusting for Bathsheba, Peter and his vision of animals in a sheet
7.the election of Matthias as an apostle, soldiers competing for the crucified Jesus’ clothing, Jonah determined as the cause of a storm at sea
8.John the Baptist’s food, Samson’s riddle, the Promised Land
9.Eliphaz, Zophar, Elihu
10. Elijah’s final day, God’s answer to Job, sowing the wind

Answers to last week’s quiz:
1. Simon Peter 2. Joseph 3. sayings of Jesus on the cross 4. the prophet Elijah 5. fathers and sons 6. King Saul 7. beautiful women 8. people who were stoned 9. people who danced 10. children of prophets

(From Bible Trivia Challenge: Connect the Thots, published by Barbour Publishing, inc. Used by permission.)

African Children’s Choir to perform Friday


The Red Bluff First Church of God will host the African Children’s Choir at 7 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 8, at the corner of Luther and S. Jackson St.
The African Children’s Choir is comprised of 26 children, ages six to ten. Many have lost one or both parents to AIDS or extreme poverty. Through their concerts they are raising support and awareness for themselves and the over 12 million orphans in Africa.
Since its inception 22 years ago the African Children’s Choir has established schools and provided educational scholarships in Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, Sudan, Nigeria, Ghana and South Africa. The African Children’s Choir is currently providing an education for over 6,700 children from primary school through University or Trade School.
Ray Barnett, founder of the African Children’s Choir says, “Our organization recognized early on that education was the key to long-term change and advancement in Africa and made it our primary focus. Twenty two years later, we are beginning to see the impact.
The children who participated in our first choirs and benefited from the
educational support we provided them have come full circle and are now, themselves, working to create a new Africa.”
These former choir members, many of them orphans who spent their early days scavenging for food and water, have become leaders in their communities. Some have become doctors, teachers, social workers and engineers. Several of them are now working with Music for Life, the choir’s parent organization. In addition to education efforts, the choir finances relief and development projects throughout Africa, with current emphasis on the AIDS-devastated Komazi region of South Africa and war-torn Sudan. The concert is free and open to all. The audience will see traditional African dances, spirituals, gospel and children’s songs. A free-will offering is taken at the performance to support African Children’s Choir education, care and relief and development programs.

Pictured: African Children’s Choir will perform at the Red Bluff First
Church of God on Friday.

Friday, December 01, 2006

Worship band to perform on Sunday

Nite Lite Contemporary Worship band will perform at 6 p.m. on Sunday at the First Baptist Church, 501 Pine St.

Children’s musical at North Valley

North Valley Baptist Church will have a children’s Christmas musical at 10:50 a.m. on Sunday at 345 David Ave.

Beach returns to Corning on Sunday

The First Christian Church of Corning welcomes back former interim pastor Rev. Richard Beach of Sacramento.
Following the service this Sunday, Dec. 3, will be the annual church family Christmas dinner, to which everyone is invited. The church will be furnishing the meat and the rest will be potluck. There will be asmall gift exchange for all who wish to participate and some Christmas caroling.
Wednesday, Dec. 20, will be a candlelight communion service. Sunday, Dec. 24, will be a Caroling Service.
The women’s fellowship meets every second Thursday of the month for fellowship, a short Bible study and refreshments. All the women of the community are invited.

Taize prayer to begin at Sacred Heart

On the first three Sundays of Advent, from 3 to 4 p.m., Dec. 3, 10 and 17, Taize prayer will be held at Sacred Heart Church.
Taize prayer involves the repetition of simple sung Christian chants, the reading of scripture, sharing of petitions, and silence. Everyone is invited to attend.
Taize is the name of the village in France where brothers of an ecumenical community reside and where young adults have been gathering for this type of prayer since the late 1950s. Many churches and retreat centers throughout the world regularly offer this type of meditative communal prayer.
Plans are in place to eventually have services at the Episcopal, Presbyterian and Catholic Churches in order to create an ecumenical community of Taize prayer in Red Bluff.

Christmas boutique & lunch fundraiser


North Valley Baptist Church of Red Bluff is holding an annual Christmas Boutique from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 2, at 345 David Ave. A portion of the proceeds will be for the church building fund.
A homemade chili and cornbread lunch is planned, according to Tony Dahl.
There will also be nachos offered.
Members of the church are providing the items for sale. Baked goods, crafts, Christmas decorations, art work, toys, white elephants, gifts, baby blankets, wrapping specialties, crochet, knitting, fudge and peanut brittle candy are among the items that will be offered.
There will also be children entertaining during the event. Information is available at 527-0543 or Anne Whiteman at 527-8586.

Thursday, November 30, 2006

Power Principle

By David-A Baker
There's never a right way to do something wrong!

Sunday, November 26, 2006

Connect the Thots #10

Connect the Thots is all about determining the common thread that binds three seemingly unrelated clues. For example, what one idea ties together:
Baby in a manger, Death on a cross, & King of Kings
Thot =Jesus.
Easy enough?
Give this weeks’ quiz a try. We will post the answers next week along with a new quiz.

1.a nap at prayer time, a miraculous catch of fish, a cock’s crowing
2.a favored son, a dream of supremacy, a coat of many colors
3.“I thirst”, “Father forgive them”, “Why hast thou forsaken me?”
4.a widow at Zarephath ravens that carry food, 450 prophets of Baal
5.Zebedee and James, David and Adonijah, Abram and Ishmael
6.lost donkeys, a tall man, anointing oil
7.Vashti, Esther, Rachel
8.Paul, Achan, Stephen
9.David, Miriam and the women of Israel, Herodias’s daughter
10. Lo-Ruhamah, Lo-Ammi, Maher-Shalal-Hash-Baz

Answers to last week’s quiz:
1. Psalm 23 2. John he Baptist 3. Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount 4. murderers 5. salt 6. family line of David 7. kinds of hearts 8. Samaritans 9. people with fevers 10. second sons

(From Bible Trivia Challenge: Connect the Thots, published by Barbour Publishing, inc. Used by permission.)

Saturday, November 25, 2006

Concert of prayer to be held Sunday

The First Southern Baptist Church is inviting the community to come to a concert of prayer at 6 p.m. on Sunday at 585 Kimball Road.
The evening will focus on prayer for the community, nation and world. A time of worship and praise through song will highlight the program.
Information is available from pastor Robert Wheatley at 527-5083.

After school activies offered

An after school program called the Good News Club is being held from 3 to 4:15 p.m. on Wednesdays at Jackson Heights Elementary School. Twenty-four children are enrolled and attendance is approximately 16 each week, according to Jeannie Fletcher, the leader who chairs the program.

The project is sponsored by the North Valley Baptist Church, a Family Life Fellowship at 345 David Ave., Red Bluff.

The national program is created by the Child Evangelism Fellowship and constitutionally approved. Volunteers attend training sessions once a month, must be certified and have a child protective services clearance.

Volunteers include Fletcher, Sharon Briltz, Stan Ross, Pat Trotter, Sandy Wanker, high-schooler Brendon Pyke and musician Jason Ogelsby, who leads the music portion of the program.

Principal Dottie Renstrom provided a classroom for the after-school meetings. Members of the church have donated funds to purchase Bibles for the children.

Currently a study on Joshua is being led by Trotter. A six week study of the attributes of God, led by Fletcher, has been completed by the students.

The group has planned to have a Nativity float in the Red Bluff Christmas Parade with the youngsters performing the roles.

Information
For schools interested in the program is available at CEF, 973 East Ave St. N, Chico, 95921; or at 892-02890, or at North Valley Baptist Church at 527-0543.

Pictured: Leaders Brendon Pyle and Stan Ross sit with children during activities.

Monday, November 20, 2006

Methodist bake sale set for Tuesday

The Los Molinos Methodist Church 15th annual pre-thanksgiving bake sale will begin at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 21, at the Mill Creek Shopping Center on Highway 99E, Los Molinos.
Funds raised will benefit the church.

Saturday, November 18, 2006

Get Real!

“I want to be real!” Lamented a friend of mine as we were visiting one evening. “I want to have a purpose.”
I nodded in agreement. That statement echoed my own heart’s cry. To have a purpose. To know with certainty at the end of a day that I had not expended all of my energy reinforcing my wooden house with hay and stubble. To fall asleep knowing time had been spent on eternal things.
What is real?
But what does it mean to be ‘Be real’? And, how do we find our purpose? Real is risky. When the Velveteen Rabbit asked the Skin Horse what real was in the book, The Velveteen Rabbit, by Margery Williams, his reply was very insightful:
(Read more)

North Valley Baptist to begin study on heaven


Heaven is the topic of a current study at North Valley Baptist Church, 345 David Ave.
The subject is being presented jointly as an adult Sunday school series by Scott Camp and as a sermon series by pastor David Lamberson. Although the presentations are based on the book “Heaven” by Randy Alcorn, close attention is paid to what the Bible says on this subject.

According to Camp, more attention is given by preachers and teachers to “staying out of hell” and how to get to heaven, than enjoying the delights of heaven. The view of heaven held by most Christians has been influenced more by the secular culture and less by what the Bible teaches. It is important, he stated, to take what the Bible teaches on this subject literally, that our physical resurrection will be to a physical “place” and that God has told us a great deal about the future of our life in heaven.

Questions to be discussed include: will we have physical bodies in heaven, will we know one another and what happens immediately after we die? Biblical answers to those and other questions are objects of the study. Both adult Sunday school and the sermons for Nov. 19 and 26 will be delivered by Camp, who will be filling the pulpit during the absence of Lamberson.

Camp, an ordained minister, has been a member of the church since 2001. He and his wife Sharon came to Red Bluff five years ago and built a home here. He was the pastor at Faith Fellowship in Orange for five years.
He earned his masters in theology at California Graduate School of Theology in Glendale. When asked how he chose to move to Red Bluff, Camp said, “We drew a three hour driving circle around our grandchildren in Danville and began our search. It took six months to locate our property.”

Sunday School begins at 9:30 a.m. and church services begin at 10:50 a.m.
Information is available at 527-0543. The public are invited.
Scott Camp is pictured

Grant to speak at Abundant Life


Abundant Life Fellowship will host Ed Grant and his family, at 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Sunday at 21080 Luther Road.
Grant has been a missionary to Bolivia since 1991 with World Indigenous Missions. Since that time they have established five churches: two in Sucre, two in Monteagudo and one in Cochabamba. The new church in Sucre, which was started earlier this year, now has over 120 children and teens attending.
Grant attended school locally and graduated from Chico University. After training he traveled to Mexico and spent two years working as a missionary before going to Bolivia.
Pictured are Shery and Ed Grant with children Sara, Laura, Grace.

Friday, November 17, 2006

Adventist to hold blood drive Saturday

The Red Bluff Seventh Day Adventist Church will host a blood drive from 1 to 2 p.m. today in the church parking lot, 720 Jackson.
Blood donations are used to treat burn victims, transplant and surgery patients, accident victims, patients with leukemia and more. A donor must be in generally good health, free from cold symptoms for at least 48 hours; be at least 17 and weigh at least 110 pounds. There is no upper age limit. Prospective donors must bring a photo identification. All donors should eat and drink before donating. Refreshments and a token of appreciation will be given to all participants.
Information is available at 527-5077.

Thursday, November 16, 2006

Free Thanksgiving Dinner Offered at Presbyterian Church

13th Annual dinner


The Red Bluff Presbyterian Church, located at 838 Jefferson Street, will be serving their 13th Annual Thanksgiving Dinner at no charge. This special holiday dinner is for all those in the community who are alone or may not have anywhere else to go. A complete turkey dinner with all the trimmings, including pumpkin pie and good fellowship, will be served between 12 noon and 1 p.m. by church members and community volunteers. The dinner is sponsored by the Stewardship and Mission committee with a large portion of the food donated by the congregation. A crowd of about 150 is expected this year and anyone wishing to help serve, contribute food items, or help clean up is asked to call the church office at 527-0372.
Pictured are Pastor Jack Eisel, Ev McDonough, Bettie Jacobs

Wednesday, November 15, 2006

Connect the Thots #9

Connect the Thots is all about determining the common thread that binds three seemingly unrelated clues. For example, what one idea ties together:
Baby in a manger, Death on a cross, & King of Kings
Thot =Jesus.
Easy enough?

Give this weeks’ quiz a try. We will post the answers next week along with a new quiz.

1.shepherd, green pastures, a table “in the presence of mine enemies”
2.locusts, camel’s hair, wild honey
3.the meek, the merciful, those who hunger and thirst for righteousness
4.Cain, Barabbas, the devil
5.a sea, seasoning for speech, Lot’s wife
6.Boaz, Obed, Jesse
7.merry, deceitful, hardened
8.a woman at a well, one thankful leper of ten cleansed, the hero of a neighborly parable
9.Job, Publius’s father, Peter’s mother-in-law
10. Abinadab, Abel, Jacob


Answers to last week’s quiz:
1. gifts for baby Jesus 2. the story of Jonah 3. publicans or tax collectors 4. Bathsheba 5. martyrs 6. elements of dreams interpreted by Joseph 7. witchcraft, or sorcery 8. pearls 9. Things that fell 10. people accused of drunkenness


(From Bible Trivia Challenge: Connect the Thots, published by Barbour Publishing, inc. Used by permission.)

Saturday, November 11, 2006

Shoe box gift collection to begin Monday


Pictured from left are: Jay Nelson of Red Bluff with Franklin Graham, Samaritan’s Purse president and CEO, in 2005 at the OCC West Coast processing center in Santa Ana.

Community Baptist Church of Red Bluff will serve as a drop-off location for shoe box gifts in Operation Christmas Child project of Samaritan’s Purse from Nov. 13 to 20.

Since 2000, Red Bluff has been the site of an official collection center serving as a hub center for collection efforts in the 11 northern-most counties of California.
This year, two hub collection centers have been established for Redding and Chico to serve the northern counties. Community Baptist Church in Red Bluff will be a relay collection site for delivery to Redding.

The Red Bluff site has served an area of more square miles than anyother OCC collection center in the state, collecting over 45 thousand shoe box gifts from the region. With the development of two hub centers, the project has increased potential for growth and coordination.
Seven years ago, north state churches and individuals had two options, a trip to Auburn or Roseburg, Ore., to donate shoe boxes.

There are now over 12 relay centers in communities between Yreka and Colusa. The Red Bluff Foursquare Gospel Church, Bethel Assembly of God, and Community Baptist Church have made a local collection center possible.

Collection hours will be from 2 to 7 p.m. daily on Nov. 13 to 19 and from 2 to 5 p.m. on Nov. 20, at Community Baptist Church, 598 Round-Up Ave.
Regional information is available at 1-800-798-0367 or at
www.samaritanspurse.org

Many attended Harvest Festival

Harvest Christian Center hosted the 12th annual Harvest Festival, a Christ-centered Halloween alternative, which was the biggest celebration to date.

With an estimated 1,700 children and adults attending throughout the evening and over 700 pounds of candy passed out, the festival lasted from 5 to 9 p.m. It had everything from bowling tournaments and pony rides, to puppet shows and coffee, hot chocolate, and chill giveaway.

Games for the kids were everywhere and a drawing for the adults, with prizes ranging from gift certificates and a barbecue to a flat screen TV and a pool, made the evening a family event.

Preparation for the Harvest Festival began three months before Oct. 31 with requests for candy and raffle prizes. Donations from families and local businesses came in. Then, the morning of the 31st a team met at Harvest Christian Center to begin set up. By 4:30 p.m., the stage was set for the event.

Plans are now under way for next years event.

Heartsong to perform


Heartsong, a local musical group, will present a sacred music concert at the Red Bluff First Church of God at 10:15 a.m. this Sunday at the corner of Luther and Jackson Street. The group includes Dave Walker, Kathy Tiss, Cindy Thompson, Dede Gunsauls, Roberta Finchum, and Carla Fultz. The public is invited to attend.

Esau to speak Sunday in Corning

This week, First Christian Church of Corning welcomes Lee Esau of the Paradise Christian Church as the guest speaker at 11 a.m. on Sunday at 1421 Marin St. Her message “Why Give Thanks?” is based on Psalm 100.
The monthly fellowship potluck dinner will follow the service. Sunday School is at 10 a.m.
Wednesday evenings is praise and prayer at 6:30 p.m. The service begins
with a hymn sing session and prayer follows.
The women have two mission projects they are working on. They invite the community to take part.
Information is available at 824-6417.

Thursday, November 09, 2006

New America Singers concert

The First Southern Baptist Church will host the New America Singers, the California All State Youth Choir, at 7 p.m. on Saturday and at 11 a.m. on Sunday at 585 Kimball Road.

Salvation Army looking for ringers

The Salvation Army hopes to start kettle operations on Nov. 24, the day after Thanksgiving. Kettles will be located throughout the Red Bluff area.
Volunteers are needed in increments of one-hour shifts to ring a bell, play an instrument, sing, juggle, etc.
Volunteer sign-ups are being accepted at 527-8530.
The community needs have risen and the funds raised will help meet these needs.

Tuesday, November 07, 2006

Connect the Thots #8

Connect the Thots is all about determining the common thread that binds three seemingly unrelated clues. For example, what one idea ties together:
Baby in a manger, Death on a cross, & King of Kings
Thot =Jesus.
Easy enough?

Give this weeks’ quiz a try. We will post the answers next week along with a new quiz.

1.myrrh, frankincense, gold
2.a worm-eaten plant, an unusual fish, a sinful city of 120,000
3.Matthew, Zacchaeus, the man who said, “God be merciful to me a sinner.”
4.a bath, Solomon, Uriah the Hittite
5.John the Baptist,James, brother of the apostle John, Stephen
6.Pharaoh’s cup, birds, baskets of bread
7.Jezebel, Elymas, a woman of Endor
8.gates of the holy city, parable of a merchant, swine
9.the false god Dagon, Satan, Jericho’s walls
10. Jesus, Hannah, the disciples at Pentecost


Answers to last week’s quiz:
1. the story of Noah and the ark 2. Luke 3. weddings 4. camels 5. brothers 6. Lydia 7. people healed by Jesus 8. people who rode donkeys 9. authors of Psalms 10. censuses

(From Bible Trivia Challenge: Connect the Thots, published by Barbour Publishing, inc. Used by permission.)

Adventist set to hold a blood drive

The Red Bluff Seventh Day Adventist Church will host a
blood drive from 1 to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 18, in the church
parking lot, 720 Jackson.
Information is available at 527-5077.

Boutiques to be held this weekend

•The Tehama Assembly of God Church women will hold a Christmas boutique from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday in the church annex.
There will be handmade items and homemade baked goods. Lunch will be available.

•Vineyard Women's Ministry is having an arts, crafts and baked goods boutique from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday in the Vineyard Cafe, 738 Walnut St.

Bell ringers sign-ups have begun

Since the 1800s, The Salvation Army has rang bells at Red Kettles to raise money, which is used to provide food, clothing, and other emergency items to those in need. Once again it is time to volunteer to help The Salvation Army to help others.

This year, The Salvation Army hopes to start kettle operations on Nov. 24, the day after Thanksgiving.

Kettles will be located throughout the Red Bluff area.

Volunteers are needed in increments of one-hour shifts to ring a bell, play an instrument, sing, juggle, etc.

Volunteer sign-ups are being accepted at 527-8530. The community needs have risen and the funds raised will help meet these needs.

Sunday, November 05, 2006

Drive by blessing

While on an errand recently, my path took me past three churches. While driving past the third one, it occurred to me to pray that God would bless them, and that they would thrive and be a successful part of the Body of Christ.
I know that there are many who do this on a regular basis, but I wonder what would happen if everyone did. Would there be a perceptible change in the Church in Tehama County?
We could allow churches to become ‘prayer reminders’. Every time you drive, (or walk) past a church, please take a moment to pause and pray.
Become a ‘drive-by blesser’

Friday, November 03, 2006

Friends in Faith to perform concert

The Friends in Faith of the First Southern Baptist Church in Red Bluff will be performing a concert at 6 p.m. on Sunday at Happy Valley Baptist Church on Happy Valley Road.
The public is invited to come out to a evening of gospel music.

Pragasam to speak at First Southern

The First Southern Baptist Church will host speaker Rev. D. Gnana Pragasam at 11 a.m. on Sunday at 585 Kimball Road.
Pragasam is the CEO/president of the GoodNews Outreach Mission and Christian Training Center in Bangalore India. The mission has an orphanage of 90 plus children. The training center is training new pastors and evangelists.
Information is available from Robert Wheatley at 527-5083.

Sounds of Shasta at Sunrise Church

The Sounds of Shasta, a 17 member traveling musical team from Shasta Bible College and Graduate School in Redding, will present a program in music and word at 10:50 a.m. on Sunday at Sunrise Bible Fellowship, at the corner of Jackson and Cedar.

The group is under the direction of professor Mark Franklin, director of the music department at Shasta Bible College. Professor George Gunn, chair of the department of Bible and theology and dean of admissions and records, will share the ministry of Shasta Bible College along with a brief challenge from God’s Word.

The school offers accredited bachelors and masters degrees. The four-year undergraduate program includes the bachelor of art in Bible and theology with emphases in Biblical studies, Biblical languages, theological studies, youth ministry, Biblical counseling, church music and worship, early childhood education, Christian teacher education and missions.

At the graduate level masters degrees are offered in church/school administration, Biblical counseling and Christian family life ministry.

Information is available at www.shasta.edu or at 1-800-800-4-SBC.

Information about Sunrise Bible Fellowship is available at 527-6818 or 527-5313.

Wednesday, November 01, 2006

Signs of Life


E-mail sheep.pen@gmail.com for more information.

Tuesday, October 31, 2006

Power Principle

By David-A Baker
There's a building crew, and a wrecking crew in every congregation...on which crew are you?

Monday, October 30, 2006

Signs of life


For more information, e-mail bethelrb@yahoo.com

Sunday, October 29, 2006

Power Principle

By David-A Baker
Contented people never see revival!

Connect the Thots #7

Connect the Thots is all about determining the common thread that binds three seemingly unrelated clues. For example, what one idea ties together:
Baby in a manger, Death on a cross, & King of Kings
Thot =Jesus.
Easy enough?

Give this weeks’ quiz a try. We will post the answers next week along with a new quiz.

1.a dove, a rainbow, the mountains of Ararat
2.missionary companion of the apostle Paul, correspondent with Theophilus, beloved physician
3.at Cana in Galilee, of the Lamb, Jesus’ parable of a king and his son
4.when Rebekah met Isaac, straining out gnats, the eye of a needle
5.Goliath and Lahmi, Huz and Buz, Peter and Andrew
6.Philippi, purple cloth, convert of Paul
7.Bartimaeus, Peter’s mother-in-law, Jairus’s daughter
8.Jesus, the sons of Jair, Balaam
9.King David, Moses, Asaph
10. a sin of David, a duty of Moses, a command of Caesar Augustus


Answers to last week’s quiz:
1. men named John 2. calves 3. Samon 4. places Jesus lived 5. things that burn 6. spears 7. brothers of Jesus 8. rivers 9. Samuel 10. singing


(From Bible Trivia Challenge: Connect the Thots, published by Barbour Publishing, inc. Used by permission.)

Friday, October 27, 2006

Kirkin’ O’ the Tartan celebration comes to Red Bluff


On Sunday, a Kirkin’ O’ the Tartan will take place at the Red Bluff Presbyterian Church, 838 Jefferson St.

The 11 a.m. worship service will begin with a processional led by the church Sexton carrying the Beadle (Bible), followed by Banners of Faith, the Jefferson Pipe Band featuring bagpipers and drummers,the Presbyterian Church choir, pastor Jack Eisel, and church lay readers. Included in the service will be the blessing of individuals and families of Scottish descent. Attendees will hear traditional Celtic pipe hymns and melodies following the service, accompanied by a coffee hour which will include traditional Scottish shortbread, fruits, coffee and punch.
(Continue)

Signs of life

Message boards found outside Tehama County churches.
If you come across one that you would like to add to the list, please send me an e-mail at sheep.pen@gmail.com


Tuesday, October 24, 2006

He Leadeth me Beside the Still Waters

“The Lord is my Shepherd—I shall not want-He maketh Me to lie down in green pastures. He leadeth me beside the still waters.”

Sheep, by habit, rise just before dawn and start to feed. Or if there I bright moonlight they will graze at night. The early hours are when the vegetation is drenched with dew, and sheep can keep fit on the amount of water taken in with their forage when they graze just before and after dawn…

The good shepherd, the diligent manager, makes sure that his sheep can be out and grazing on this dew-drenched vegetation. If necessary, it will mean that he himself has to rise early to be out with his flock….

In he Christian life it is of more than passing significance to observe that those who are often the most serene, most confident, and able to cope with life’s complexities are those who rise early each day to feed on God’s Word. It is in the quiet, early hours of the morning that they are led beside the quiet, still waters where they imbibe the very life of Christ for the day.

Excerpt from “A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23” by W. Phillip Keller

Monday, October 23, 2006

Calendar Sale

Zion Christian Fellowship will be selling 2007 calendars s a funraiser for youth and missions.
The cost is only $8 per calendar.
To purchase a calendar, contact the Zion Christian Ministries or Kristin stroing.
530-529-1836 or e-mail zioncm@sbcglobal.net.

Sunday, October 22, 2006

Women In The Bible Quiz

Below are statements that could have been said by women in the Bible, see if you can tell who each one is:

1. “I love fresh fruit and I’m willing to share. One of my sons was able to give God a good sacrifice.”
2. “I am really into sailing. I have three sons and lots of pets.”
3. “I love the color purple. Our church holds its services down by the river.”
4. “My fist husband was a fool, but after he died, I married a singer and now we get to travel.”
5. “I am worth my salt. I am a pillar in my community.”
6. “My husband and I travel quite a bit. I laugh at the thought of having children.”
7. “I can really cook. In fact, once I made two entire banquets for a king. Bad guys tend to hang around me.”
8. “I love to sew for the people in my church. I was actually raised from the dead.”
9. “I lost my son once on a trip. We have since learned the value of counting noses before leaving. My cousin, Liz got a big kick out of seeing me.”
10. “After God gave me what I prayed for, I kept my promise. I love making tunics for my son, I make him a new one every year.”
11. “When my seven companions left, I knew freedom for the first time. Because I was forgiven more, I loved more.”
12. ‘I am very good at matchmaking. I am not at all afraid to travel alone.”
13. “My husband was the strong, silent type. In fact, once he didn’t speak at all for 9 months. My son has very strange eating habits.”
14. “I enjoy decorating my window in scarlet. My hospitality once saved my entire family.”
15. “I see, so I say. But don’t get me wrong--I’ll come along for a song. Women rock!”


1. Eve
2. Mrs. Noah
3. Lydia
4. Abigail
5. Lot’s wife
6. Sarah
7. Esther
8. Dorcus
9. Mary
10. Hannah
11. Mary Magdalene
12. Naomi
13. Elizabeth
14. Rahab
15. Deborah

Friday, October 20, 2006

Thanks is to be given for blessings

St. Peter’s Episcopal Church will hold an Octoberfest dinner at 5 p.m. on Sunday at the Parish Hall on Elm Street, east of Jefferson Street.Bratwurst, German potato salad, and German chocolate cake are on the menu.
Information is available from the Rev. Maryly Adair at
527-5205, or at stpeters@shasta.com.
“Please join us in thanking God for our many blessings, especially fall’s gifts,” said Carol Anne Crowley.

Blessing Celebration in Corning

First Christian Church of Corning will celebrate their blessings at 6:30 p.m. this Sunday at 1421 Marin St.The celebration will include old-fashioned hymn singing, a performance by the Family Hour Singers of Chico, followed by a time of refreshments and fellowship. Everyone is welcome.
They are celebrating the 20-year anniversary of the organ and a new roof.For our Sunday morning worship, Rev. Harold Rantin of Sacramento will bring the message, at 11 a.m. Holy Communion will be celebrated and there will be time for children during the service. Sunday School is at 10a.m.The Christian Women’s Fellowship are preparing for a bazaar and working on mission projects.
They are toiletry items for the Hands of Hope Rescue Mission in Red Bluff; Good used (or new) Bibles and other Christian books for the Jesus People in Sacramento who send them to prisons, world-wide, free of charge and they will take coats left from the yard sale earlier this year to the Good News Mission in Redding in November.
Contributions of any of these items are being sought.
Information is available at 824-6417.

Peaces visit Red Bluff and Corning

Evangelists Art and Wanda Peace will be ministering through music, singing and preaching of the word at two different churches on Sunday.

They will be ministering at 10:45 a.m. at the Neighborhood Church, 901 South St., Corning and at 6 p.m. at the First Southern Baptist Church, 585 Kimball Road, Red Bluff. The evangelists have ministered and sang all over the United States on Worldwide television, Trinity Broadcasting Network, and Branson, Mo.

They also write songs.Information is available at Neighborhood Church at 824-2323, and from the First Southern Baptist Church at 527-5083 or 529-2251.

Thursday, October 19, 2006

Signs of Life

Message boards found outside Tehama County churches.
If you come across one that you would like to add to the list, please send me an e-mail at sheep.pen@gmail.com

Wednesday, October 18, 2006

Power Principle

By David-A Baker
When God says "NO", He has a better "YES"!

Tuesday, October 17, 2006

Vineyard hosts orphanage workers

The Vineyard Christian Fellowship will host Clark and Melinda Vaughn at
6:30 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 23, at 738 Walnut St., Red Bluff.

The Vaughns are from For His Children orphanage in Quito, Ecuador. They will share the latest developments and news from the orphanage. The public is invited.

Sunday, October 15, 2006

Clergy Appreciation Month!

Since October is clergy appreciation month, here is a link to The Parsonage, (A web site of Focus on the Family), to help you show honor to your pastor(s).

He Maketh Me to Lie Down in Green Pastures

“The Lord is my Shepherd—I shall not want-He maketh Me to lie down in green pastures.”

Sheep satisfied and well fed. It all denotes my Shepherd’s desire to see my best interests served. His concern for my care is beyond my comprehension, really. At best all I can do is to enjoy and revel in what he has brought into effect.

This life of quiet overcoming, of happy repose, of rest in his presence, of confidence in his management is something few Christians ever fully enjoy.

Because of our own perverseness we often prefer to feed on the barren ground of the world around us. I used to marvel how some of my sheep actually chose inferior forage at times.

But the Good Shepherd has supplied green pastures for those who care to move in onto them and there find peace and plenty.

Excerpt from “A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23” by W. Phillip Keller

Connect the Thots #6

Connect the Thots is all about determining the common thread that binds three seemingly unrelated clues. For example, what one idea ties together:
Baby in a manger, Death on a cross, & King of Kings
Thot =Jesus.
Easy enough?

Give this weeks’ quiz a try. We will post the answers next week along with a new quiz.

1.a baptizer, a son of Zebedee, surnamed Mark
2.a golden idol, the prodigal’s party, lying with a lion
3.a donkey’s jawbone, a riddle, a prostitute,
4.Egypt, Capernaum, Nazareth
5.a lake, an offering, Moses’ bush
6.King Saul and David, a Roman soldier at the crucifixion, pruning hooks
7.James, Simon, Judas
8.Pharpar, Pison, Jordan
9.a voice in the night, a voice for God, a voice from the grave
10. Paul and Silas in prison, Jesus and His disciples on the night of His arrest, Moses and the Israelites after crossing the Red Sea

Answers to last week’s quiz:
1. measurements of weigh 2. Esau 3. men named Zechariah 4. snakes 5. shepherds 6. harlots, or prostitutes 7. thorns 8. lepers 9. coworkers with Paul 10. oldest people of the Bible

(From Bible Trivia Challenge: Connect the Thots, published by Barbour Publishing, inc. Used by permission.)

Friday, October 13, 2006

Contemporary worship in Red Bluff

Nite Lite Contemporary Worship will be at 6 p.m. on Sunday,
Oct. 15, at First Church of God on the corner of Luther and South
Jackson Streets.

Methodist to fire up the grill

The Red Bluff First United Methodist Church will hold
barbecue from 4 to 6 p.m. on Sunday at 525 David Ave.
There will be barbecue roast and turkey.
Adults are $7 and children are $3.50.
Tickets will be available at the door.

Corning Foursquare hits fourth


CORNING — The Corning Foursquare Church fourth anniversary celebration will be at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday at 404 Fifth St.
Singer Carla Fultz will sing and give her testimony of what Jesus has done in her life.
There will be a pot blessing meal following the service.
Information is available at 824-5776
(pictured is Carla Fultz)

Thursday, October 12, 2006

Tuesday, October 10, 2006

Special mass to celebrate centennial

RED BLUFF — Sacred Heart Church in Red Bluff will celebrate their centennial with a special mass at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 15, at 515 Main St. Bishop William Weigand of the Diocese of Sacramento will preside.

A no host social hour will follow at 6 p.m. at the parish Hall, 2355 Monroe St. A prime rib and chicken dinner will be at 7 p.m.Dinner tickets are available in advance at $30 per person at the parish office, 2355 Monroe St., phone 527-1351, until Oct. 10. No tickets will be available at the door.

Guests may attend the no host social hour without a dinner ticket. The community and north area are invited to participate in the celebration of this milestone.

Releasing for Freedom

Jeremiah 34 is an interesting chapter. We learn that the kingdom of Judah is in trouble. Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon, and all the kingdoms of the earth were fighting against Jerusalem and all of Judah to destroy it, (verse 1).

God sends Jeremiah to Zedekiah, King of Judah. He tells him that that even though judgment is coming He will show compassion on him in the midst of the judgment. This kindness of God leads Zedekiah to repentance. He knew that he and the people of Judah had been sinning by keeping their brothers and sisters in bondage, so they all agreed to make a covenant with God to release their brothers and sisters, (verse 5). When the Lord saw what they did, He put a stop to the army that was coming to destroy them.

Even though they did agree to release their brothers and sisters, we can tell that they still didn’t get it. Unfortunately, their willingness to free their brothers and sisters was simply a token effort to ‘appease’ God. As soon as it looked like the problem was taken care of, (the army left), they quickly placed their brothers and sisters back into bondage of slavery again.

So, what are the dynamics of the events that are taking place here? Why were the kingdoms of the earth able to make such headway against the people of God? Why didn’t God rise up and protect them? (Continue)

Sunday, October 08, 2006

Connect the Thots #5

Connect the Thots is all about determining the common thread that binds three seemingly unrelated clues. For example, what one idea ties together:

Baby in a manger, Death on a cross, & King of Kings
Thot = Jesus.
Easy enough?

Give this weeks’ quiz a try. We will post the answers next week along with a new quiz.

1.shekel,talent, pound
2.red hair, skillful hunter, lost birthright
3.the father of John the Baptist, an Old Testament prophet, a murdered priest
4.Eve in the garden, Paul on Melita, Pharaoh’s magicians
5.the young David, the prophet Amos, Jesus Christ
6.Rahab, Gomer, the woman on the beast
7.Adam’s curse, Paul’s ailment, Jesus’ crown
8.King Uzziah, Miriam, Naaman
9.Silas, Titus, Luke
10. Adam, Jared, Methuselah

Answers to last week’s quiz:
1. the temptations of Christ 2. mountains 3. brothers 4. events in Joshua’s life 5. queens 6. the armor of God 7. Nebuchadnezzar’s dream of a statue 8. nighttime visitors 9. sources of water 10. kings

(From Bible Trivia Challenge: Connect the Thots, published by Barbour Publishing, inc. Used by permission.)

Saturday, October 07, 2006

I Shall Not Want

“The Lord is my Shepherd—I shall not want.”

I am completely satisfied with His management of my life. Why? Because he is the sheepman to whom no trouble is too great as he cares for His flock. He is the rancher who is outstanding because of His fondness for sheep—Who loves them for their own sake as well as His personal pleasure in them. He will, if necessary, be on the job twenty-four hours a day to see that they are properly provided for in every detail. Above all, He is very jealous of His name and high reputation as “The good Shepherd.”

He is the owner who delights in His flock. For Him there is no greater reward, no deeper satisfaction, than that of seeing His sheep contented, well fed, safe, and flourishing under His care. This is indeed His very “life.” He gives all H has t it. He literally lays Himself out for those who are His.

No wonder Jesus said, “I am the Good Shepherd—the Good Shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.” And again, “I am come that ye might have life and that ye might have it more abundantly.”

Excerpt from “A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23” by W. Phillip Keller

Friday, October 06, 2006

Blood drive at Red Bluff First Baptist

The First Baptist Church in Red Bluff will host a blood drive from
11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Sunday at 501 Pine St.

To be a blood donor, one must be in generally good health, at least 17
years old, 16 with parental consent, and weigh 110 pounds or more.
There is no upper age limit for donating blood.

Prospective donors must bring a photo ID. Information is available at 1-866-82-BLOOD or at www.bloodsource.org.

Rantin to speak Sunday in Corning

CORNING — First Christian Church of Corning welcomes Rev. Harold
Rantin of the Sacramento area to fill their pulpit at 11 a.m. on Sunday
at 1421 Marin St. Rantin will also be coming Oct. 22 and 29.
A fellowship potluck dinner will follow the service. There is also
Sunday School for children 3 years old and up at 10 a.m. Wednesday
evenings is praise and prayer at 6:30 p.m.

The women of the church will meet at 2 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 12 for
fellowship, Bible Study and refreshments.
All women are invited. Information is available at 824-6417.
Sunday, Oct. 22, the Family Hour Singers of Chico will perform. It will
be an evening of music and fellowship.

Signs of life

Message boards found outside Tehama County churches.
If you come across one that you would like to add to the list, please send me an e-mail at sheep.pen@gmail.com

Sunday, October 01, 2006

Connect the Thots #4

Connect the Thots is all about determining the common thread that binds three seemingly unrelated clues. For example, what one idea ties together:

Baby in a manger, Death on a cross, & King of Kings
Thot =Jesus.
Easy enough?

Give this weeks’ quiz a try. We will post the answers next week along with a new quiz.

1.turn stones into bread, jump from the top of the temple, worship the devil
2.Nebo, Ararat, Sinai
3.David and Eliab, Jacob and Esau, James and John
4.spying in Canaan, the sun stands still, Jericho’s walls fall
5.Esther, Jezebel, Athaliah
6.“your loins girt about with truth”, “the shield of faith”, “the helmet of salvation”
7.gold, brass, iron mixed with clay
8.Nicodemus and Jesus, an angel and shepherds, two angles and Lot
9.the rock at Horeb, the throne of God, Isaac’s well
10. Saul, Og, Agrippa

Answers to last week’s quiz:
1. women named Mary 2. the sin of Adam and Eve 3. golden things 4. seven 5. false gods 6. husbands and wives 7. people who died by hanging 8. places with towers 9. seals 10. things that withered

(From Bible Trivia Challenge: Connect the Thots, published by Barbour Publishing, inc. Used by permission.)

Saturday, September 30, 2006

New Faith Baptist celebrate 60 years

CORNING — New Faith Baptist Church will celebrate 60 years on Sunday at 565 1st St.
The celebration will begin at 9:30 a.m. with a continental breakfast.
At 10:30 a.m. will be the main service. Jim Murcray will be the guest speaker.
A barbecue lunch will be held at noon .

The Lord is my Shepherd

When this statement is made by a man or a woman, it immediately implies a profound yet practical working relationship between a human being and his Maker.

It links a lump of common clay to divine destiny—it means a mere mortal becomes the cherished object of divine diligence.

This thought alone should stir my spirit, quicken my own sense of awareness, and lend enormous dignity to myself as an individual. To think that God in Christ is deeply concerned about me as a particular person immediately gives great purpose and enormous meaning to my short sojourn upon this planet.

And the greater, the wider, the more majestic my concept is of the Christ—the more vital will be my relationship to Him. Obviously, David, in this Psalm, is speaking not as the shepherd, though he was one, but as a sheep; one of the flock. He spoke with a strong sense of pride and devotion and admiration. It was as though he literally boasted aloud, “Look at who my shepherd is—my owner—my manager!” The Lord is!

Excerpt from “A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23” by W. Phillip Keller

First Southern Baptist celebrates 50 years


The First Southern Baptist Church of Red Bluff celebrated their 50th anniversary on Sept. 10.


Assemblyman Doug LaMalfa was at the celebration to present pastor Tom Turner with a certificate of congratulations on 50 years of witnessing in the community. Also bringing greetings from the City of Red Bluff was Wayne Brown, mayor pro-tem.
The church held its first meeting in the Woman’s Club House April 1956, and closed the charter on Sept. 6 with 33 members. They have been meeting at 585 Kimball Road, since April 1960.

The 11 a.m. service
with 200 in attendance was followed by a potluck luncheon and a 2 p.m. service of singing. Special music was presented by Mike and Sheila (Holler) Heiber, and their son Jon, from Bakersfield. The Friends in Faith quartet from the local church also performed.

Turner recognized all charter members present; former pastors, out of town guests and those that joined by decades. A video presentation was shown of the past 50 years. A message was given by former pastor, and now director of missions in Sierra Butte association, Lyle Paul. A closing prayer was said by former pastor John Bohrer of Red Bluff.

Several projects were completed for this anniversary celebration. One was the printing of a cookbook which is available at 529-4618, or at 527-7389 for $10 each.

Regular services are held at 11 a.m. each Sunday. Youth programs for children ages kindergarten to 12th grade are at 6 p.m. and Bible Study is at 7 p.m on Wednesday.

Wednesday, September 27, 2006

Signs of life

Message boards found outside Tehama County churches.
If you come across one that you would like to add to the list,
please send me an e-mail at sheep.pen@gmail.com



Tuesday, September 26, 2006

Care program offers help with bills

The Salvation Army is conducting a campaign to sign Tehama County residents up for the PG&E CARE program. The CARE program gives qualified households a 20 percent reduction in their PG&E bill each month.
Households of one or two people with an annual income of $28,600; households of three people with an annual income of $33,600; or households of four people with an annual income of $40,500 are applicable for this program.
All applicants are subject to approval by PG&E before the discount will be applied to their bill.
Sign-up tables will be from 9 a.m. until noon on Sept. 26, and Oct. 3 at the Red Bluff Salvation Army Thrift Store, 493 Antelope Blvd.; and from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays during September and October at the Red Bluff Salvation Army Corps, 940 Walnut St.
Volunteers will provide assistance in completing the CARE application.
Applicants are asked to bring a picture I.D. and a recent PG&E bill.

Sunday, September 24, 2006

Connect the Thots #3

Connect the Thots is all about determining the common thread that binds three seemingly unrelated clues. For example, what one idea ties together:

Baby in a manger, Death on a cross, & King of Kings
Thot =Jesus.

Easy enough?

Give this weeks’ quiz a try. We will post the answers next week along with a new quiz.

1.wife of Clephas, sister of Lazarus, mother of Jesus
2.fig leaves, a curse, dust
3.King Ahasuerus’s scepter, a calf-shaped idol, the streets of the new Jerusalem
4.Jacob’s service for Rachel, loaves to feed four thousand, Naaman at the Jordan
5.Diana, Baalim, Dagon
6.Chilion and Orpha, Ananias and Sapphira, Issac and Rebekah
7.Haman, Judas Iscariot, Pharaoh’s chief baker
8.Babel, Siloam, Jerusalem
9.the Holy Spirit, the four horsemen of Revelation, Daniel’s book
10.grass, a fig tree, a man’s hand


Answers to last week’s quiz:
1. objects in Jesus’ parables 2. twelve 3. men named Simon 4. names of satan 5. judges of Israel 6. characters in the book of Esther 7. sites of earthquakes 8. authors of Proverbs 9. cousins 10. metalworkers

(From Bible Trivia Challenge: Connect the Thots, published by Barbour Publishing, inc. Used by permission.)

Friday, September 22, 2006

Sunday School begins in Corning

The First Christian Church of Corning Sunday School began with a study of Old Testament prophets, God’s Super Heroes. They meet at. 10 a.m. on Sunday at 1421 Marin St.
The Christian Women’s Fellowship of the church also began a new year.
They will meet again on Oct. 12. Plans are being made for the annual bazaar and bake sale. Two mission projects are in the works. Toiletry items are being gathered for the Good News Rescue Mission in Red Bluff.
Bibles and Christian books (new or good used) are being collected for a prison ministry out of Sacramento. Information to donate books is available at 824-6417.
Wednesday evening prayer and praise continues, but at a new time of 6:30 p.m. There is a hymn sing before entering into the throne room of God.
The next two weeks Rev. Gary Weatherly will fill the pulpit.

Episcopalians to celebrate the harvest

ORLAND — The Episcopal Cluster, North Valley Episcopal Ministry, will hold a joint service at 10 a.m. on Sunday at Good Shepherd Church, 32 East Walker St.
Regional missioner Rev. Maryly Adair will lead the service. Child care will be provided.
Members from fellow congregations of St. Andrew’s, Corning; Holy Trinity, Willows; and St. Peter’s, Red Bluff will assist in the service and join in attendance.
The service will be celebrated for two reasons: Sukkoth, which is a harvest festival from Old Testament tradition and the 50th anniversary of Good Shepherd.
The service will be followed by a potluck brunch.
St. Peter’s will hold an 8 a.m. morning prayer service in Red Bluff, in addition to the above.
Information is available from Kent Bonney at 865-4187, Kristin Iverson at 527-5205. The public is welcome to attend.

Signs of life

Message boards found outside Tehama County churches.
If you come across one that you would like to add to the list, please send me an e-mail at sheep.pen@gmail.com



Sunday, September 17, 2006

Connect the Thots

Connect the Thots is all about determining the common thread that binds three seemingly unrelated clues.
For example, what one idea ties together:
Baby in a manger, Death on a cross, & King of Kings
Thot = Jesus.
Easy enough?

Give this weeks’ quiz a try. We will post the answers next week along with a new quiz.

1. a net, a pearl, a mustard seed
2. Jesus’ disciples, tribes of Israel, gates on the new Jerusalem.
3. an apostle, a tanner, a sorcerer
4. the father of lies, the accuser of the brethren, Beelzebub
5. Samson, Deborah, Ehud
6. Mordecai, Queen Vashti, Haman
7. the Philippian jail, Jesus’ tomb, Mt. Sinai
8. King Solomon, Agur the son of Jakeh, King Lemuel
9. Saul and Abner, Mordecai and Esther, Mary and Elizabeth
10.Demetrius, Huram-Abi, Tubal-Cain

Answers to last week’s quiz:
1. olives 2. seventy 3. people raised from the dead 4. strong winds 5. slaves 6. seven 7. relatives of Moses 8. army commanders 9. characters in the book of Nehemiah 10. the tongue

(From Bible Trivia Challenge: connect the Thots, published by Barbour Publishing, inc. Used by permission.)

Thursday, September 14, 2006

Worship Concert at River Park


A free multi-denominational worship concert will be held at the Red Bluff River Park from 3-8 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 17.
The Nite Lite Band will headline the evening and four additional worship bands will join them.
Guests are encouraged to bring a picnic, blanket and lawn chairs.
More information is available at First Baptist Church at 527-4361.

Monday, September 11, 2006

Photos from 9-11 observance





Tehama County remembers 9-11!



9-11 was marked by Tehama County residents in a 7 a.m. remembrance service in front of the county courthouse.
The young Marine color guard was on hand to place a floral wreath at the base of the courthouse lawn flagpole, as well as raising of the flag to half staff.
The service included prayer, the singing of the national anthem, and a bagpipper playing Amazing Grace.
The photos were taken by Wayne Owensby.

Sunday, September 10, 2006

Connect the Thots

Connect the Thots is all about determining the common thread that binds three seemingly unrelated clues.

For example, what one idea ties together:

Baby in a manger, Death on a cross, & King of Kings
'Thot' =
Jesus.

Easy enough?

Give this weeks quiz a try. We will post the answers next week along with a new quiz.

1. a mount, groves, & Noah’s dove
2. Daniel’s “weeks”, the “other” disciples, & forgiveness times seven.
3. The Shunammite’s son, Eutychus, & Lazarus
4. Pentecost, Jesus walks on water, & Job’s children
5. Joseph, the ancient Israelites, & Onesimus
6. churches of Revelation, the first deacons, & clean animals on the ark
7. Aaron, Gershom, & Miriam
8. Naaman, Joab, & Barak
9. Tobiah, Ezra, & King Artaxerxes
10. a fire, an unruly evil, & a world of iniquity


(From Bible Trivia Challenge: Connect the Thots, published by Barbour Publishing, inc. Used by permission.)

Friday, September 08, 2006

Johnson to speak at Abundant Life on Sunday


Rev. Doris Johnson will be at Abundant Life Fellowship at 11 a.m. on
Sunday at 21080 Luther Road.
She is the president of the Bernhard Johnson Ministries in the United
States. She and her late husband, Bernhard, continued the ministry that
began over 66 years ago in Brazil by Bernhard’s father.
The founders worked over 40 years building churches and helping the
needy in Varginha, Brazil. There is now a plaza, a neighborhood, a
cancer hospital and a preschool that bear their names.
Johnson travels both in the United States and Brazil ministering at
mission conventions and women’s conferences. She also assists in
coordinating medical clinics with teams from HealthCare Ministries,
which provide medical, dental and spiritual care to the needy in
Brazil.
She has recently returned from a 30-day trip through eight states
ministering in churches.

Pictured is Doris Johnson

LaMalfa to attend 50th anniversary celebration


RED BLUFF - The First Southern Baptist Church is celebrating its 50th anniversary at 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 10, at the church's auditorium on 585 Kimball Road.
State Assemblyman Doug LaMalfa will present a certificate the
congregation commemorating their 50th anniversary.
The event will be directed by Pastor Tom Turner, and a potluck will be
held at 12:30 p.m. before the services. The celebration will include
music, recognitions, displays, photos, speakers, and a slide show
commemorating people and events through the years. Lyle Paul, who is
the director of missions in the Tehama-Butte Association, will be among
the speakers at the event.
The congregation held its first meeting on April 1, 1956, at Women’s
Clubhouse. They later met at a dwelling on South Jackson Street.
The church’s goals for the future include building a new church and
reaching out to more young people.
The public has been invited to help the First Southern Baptist Church
celebrate its 50th anniversary.
Pictured are Pastor Tom Turner and Associate Pastor Robert Wheatley.

Praise and worship band to play at Salvation Army Chapel

The Salvation Army will host The Fishermen, a live praise and worship band, at 11 a.m. on Sunday at 940 Walnut St, Red Bluff.
The Fishermen, will be arriving from Lodi for a one-day appearance. The group plays all over the Northern California area.
They have ministered in the Lodi area for Majors Frank and Susan Severs when they were the commanding officers of the Lodi Corps of The Salvation Army.
Recently the Severs have transferred from Lodi and assumed the position of commanding officers for the Red Bluff Corps of The Salvation Army. All are invited to attend this event.
The Red Bluff Corps is seeking local musicians, soloists, and praise and worship groups who might be interested in providing live praise and worship services throughout the year.
Information is available from Frank Severs or Rich White at 527-8530.

Mission Fundraiser

Zion Christian Ministries will hold a car wash from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 9, at the Without Boarders Restaurant Parking Lot on Antelope Boulevard.
Funds raised from this car wash will help offset the cost of a mission trip to Kamchatka, Russia. A team of six, including Pastor Joshua John McKim, will travel for 16 days.
Information is available at 529-1836.

New group for walkers forming

St. Peter’s Episcopal Church member Marvin Woodstrup is organizing downtown Red Bluff area walks for all who would like to avail themselves of physical and perhaps, spiritual exercise.
Walkers will meet on Saturdays between 8:15 and 8:30 a.m., beginning this Saturday, at St. Peter’s Parish Hall, corner of Jefferson and Elm streets, Red Bluff.
Walks will last between 30 minutes and an hour and will take in local sights. After the walks, coffee and goodies will be available at the Parish Hall.
Information is available from Marv at 527-7336.

Sunday, September 03, 2006

Gotcha Covered

Have you ever been hanging out with someone and noticed that their shortcomings were showing? They may have said something ‘out of character’, used the wrong fork, or committed any number of indiscretions. How did you react? It may even have been a thoughtless remark or action directed towards you. What was your response?

The 12th chapter of Proverbs contains two verses that explain the proper way to handle those situations. Proverbs 12:16 says, “A fool’s vexation is known at once, but a prudent man conceals dishonor”. It is the ministry of the prudent to cover. Now, I’m not talking about bank robbery, or terrorism here--just bad social etiquette or rudeness. Prudence is not only a quality for the moment, but later on also when we find ourselves among those who weren’t present when the incident took place. At that point we get the opportunity to exercise the prudence described in Proverbs 12:23, “A prudent man conceals knowledge, but the heart of fools proclaims folly”. Even if someone else brings it up, it is our responsibility to down play the matter and end the discussion.

Prudent is defined as 'subtle, shrewd or sensible. It can also mean sly or crafty.' Covering over another person’s faux pas is an act of mercy. When we use shrewdness or craftiness to cover the mistakes of another person, then we are ministering mercy to someone who, right at that moment needs mercy more than any other commodity. Jesus, looking down the corridors of time remarked that the sons of this age were more shrewd in relation to their own kind than the sons of light, (Luke 16).

The New Testament steps it up a notch and defines the quality that covers as ‘love’. 1 Peter 4:8 says, “…love covers a multitude of sins”. I Corinthians 13:7, speaking about love says it, “Covers all things…” That word translated covers means ‘like a roof’. ‘Put a lid on it’. When we put a lid on a matter, we protect the other person’s value. A facial expression that shows annoyance at another’s ignorance or shortcomings, or repeating the incident later clearly lowers the value of that person in the eyes of everyone present. Covering others is also evangelical. The bible tells us that it is God’s kindness that leads us to repentance, (Romans 2:4). When an unbeliever experiences the mercy and kindness from us at not having his blunder exposed, he will understand the kindness of the Lord and an opportunity is then opened to him to repent.

I heard a beautiful illustration of this recently at a gathering of woman. The speaker described a vision she had where she saw a large group of ladies in a circle. Each lady was wearing a full skirt that she held out at the sides so that it covered the skirt of the person next to her. If one of the ladies had a stain on her skirt, it would never show because the skirt of the one next to her covered it over.

Why is it so important that we cover for one another? Proverbs 17:9 states, “He who covers a transgression seeks love.” As stated before, the expression of love covering over another person’s shortcomings is an act of mercy. We are all in need of mercy. The best way to get mercy, according to Jesus in Luke 6:36, “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.” He goes on to say that the way we act is the way we will be treated. If you have found yourself coming up a bit short in the mercy area, don’t despair. Another way to get mercy is to go to the “Throne of Grace and receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need” Hebrews 4:16. Begin to look for ways to give mercy to others in even the tiniest ways by covering their errors. The Holy Spirit is faithful. If you ask Him, He will begin the process changing your heart and responses to life’s irritations and unfairness. While stretching out your skirt over someone else’s stain…don‘t be surprised…when you look down and see someone else's skirt stretched out over your stain.

Senia Owensby