FOCUS - Lafayette-Orinda Presbyterian Church

FOCUS
MONTHLY NEWSLETTER
EVERYONE
is
WELCOME
PRESENTED by the lamorinda familycenter
VIJAY GUPTA
VIOLINIST with the LA PHILHARMONIC
FOUNDER/DIRECTOR of STREET SYMPHONY
Hear how MUSIC
has the ability to
CHANGE our brains,
HEAL ailments,
and ultimately
TRANSFORM
our lives.
SUNDAY
FEBRUARY
8
4:00-6:00 PM
JANUARY 2015
EVERYONE
is
WELCOME
Register today.
See more on page 3.
WHERE – LOPC, 49 Knox Drive, Lafayette
COST – $10, Register
at LOPC.org PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
LAFAYETTE-ORINDA
FREE for teachers, administrators and students
Free childcare, R.S.V.P. by 1/25.
Questions? [email protected]
LOPC: Where everyone is welcome, nobody is perfect and anything is possible with God.
FEBRUARY 2015
PASTOR’S
COLUMN
3rd Grade Bible Class pg. 8
Adult Mission Trip pg. 15
A Journey of Faith pg. 4, 5
by Peter Whitelock
Pastor / Head of Staff
Annual Meeting pg. 7
Ash Wednesday pg. 9
Called, Lenten Study pg. 9
Centering Prayer pg. 14
Challenge Success Project pg. 4
Chicks with Sticks pg. 4
Divorce Recovery pg. 8
Finance pg. 6
First Friday Forum pg. 1
Human Trafficking pg. 11,13
Interfaith Event pg. 13
lamorinda familycenter pg. 1,3
Layette Project pg. 4
Lenten Study Groups pg. 9
LOPC Foundation pg. 6
Men’s Breakfast pg. 8
Mission in Society pg. 12-15
Mother of Peacepg.9,15
Music is Medicine pg. 1,3
New Member Class pg. 10
ONE Sunday pg. 12
Per Capita pg. 6
Pledge Envelopes pg. 6
Raising Well-Balanced Kids pg. 4
Ruby Slippers pg. 13
Sanctuary Retrofit pg. 2,7
Sanctuary
We have been blessed, for almost 50 years now, to worship together in
an extraordinarily beautiful Sanctuary. Worship is the beating heart of any
church, and how privileged we are to gather weekly in such a dramatic,
awe-inspiring setting. It is our place to hear God’s word, express praise
and find encouragement in facing life’s challenges.
We recently discovered that our much beloved Sanctuary is in need of a
seismic retrofit in order to serve our church and broader community for years
to come. Your Session has formed a team to carefully examine the situation,
consult with experts and report back with a suggested solution. This team has
been hard at work, and early indications are that it is well within our reach to
accomplish the required work.
This wonderful space has been in constant use over the past half century, and
there are refinements we should consider in order to best meet our present and
future needs. To that end, the Session has appointed another representative
team to interview the various groups that use our Sanctuary, listen to input from
the congregation, review previous Sanctuary-improvement reports and report
back with a list of things we can do concurrently with the seismic retrofit in
order to renew and refresh the Sanctuary. This group is hard at work also, and
they are committed to report back to Session in the next month or so.
Vijay Gupta pg. 1,3
As the plans firm up you will be hearing much more about them, but I want
you to know how proud I am of the staff and volunteers who have stepped
up to help us move forward. There is a deep reservoir of affection for our
Sanctuary, and it is a sacred trust to do the work required in such a way as to
maintain its aesthetic integrity and grandeur. I know you share my gratitude
for the members and friends of LOPC who made this Sanctuary possible for
our present use, and together we will take action now to provide for future
worshipping generations at LOPC. n
Voyagers pg. 13
See page 7 for more on the Sanctuary retrofit plans.
Science & Religion pg. 14
Seedlings Preschool pg. 9
Session Highlights pg. 7
Spiritual Formation pg. 14
Staff Photo pg. 10
Sunday Sermons pg. 10
Taize Worship pg. 14
Warm Winter Nights pg. 13
Writing Your Story pg. 8
Youth Confirmation pg. 8
THANK YOU for taking the time to
prayerfully consider your 2015 pledge
to the ministries of LOPC. Your pledge matters.
Questions? Contact [email protected]. 
Youth Mission Trips pg. 15
See more at LOPC.org
Peter Whitelock, Pastor / Head of Staff l Gerald Chinen, Pastor, Care l Lauren Gully, Pastor, Mission & Formation l Jaime Polson, Pastor, Families
LAFAYETTE-ORINDA PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
JANUARY 2015
-2-
LOPC is Alive! In Christ ... in the World.
lamorinda familycenter presents
MUSIC
&
Sunday, Feb. 8
4:00-6:00 p.m.
Register at LOPC.org
VIJAY (Robert) GUPTA
Music Builds Community
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
Whether you play an instrument or just play the radio,
Vijay Gupta shows audiences that music isn’t just something
to be enjoyed – it’s something that can change lives.
• Vijay Gupta explores how music can help bring people back from the
brink of their darkest times.
• Gupta is Founder/Director of STREET SYMPHONY, a non-profit
organization that offers free classical music concert series for the unaided
mentally-ill living in homeless, incarcerated and Veteran communities.
• Vijay Gupta is a friend and violin instructor of Nathaniel Anthony Ayers,
the homeless mentally-ill musician featured by LA Times columnist Steve
Lopez in his book The Soloist, and movie by the same title starring Jamie
Foxx and Robert Downey, Jr.
• As an undergrad, Gupta studied pre-med and was part of several
research projects in neuro and neurodegenerative biology. He held
research assistant positions at CUNY Hunter College in New York City,
where he worked on spinal cord neuronal regeneration, and at the
Harvard Institutes of Medicine Center for Neurological Diseases, where
he studied the biochemical pathology of Parkinson’s disease.
• A child prodigy, Gupta made his solo debut with the Israel Philharmonic
at the age of 11.
• Vijay Gupta holds a master’s in music from Yale and is the youngest
player in the LA Philharmonic.
Free childcare.
R.S.V.P. by 1/25 to
[email protected]
LOPC
• Gupta is a TED Senior Fellow.
49 Knox Drive, Lafayette
Music is Medicine
Questions? [email protected] or 925-283-8722 x280
Register at LOPC.org. Cost is $10 (teachers, administrators and students are FREE) Questions? [email protected]. n
LOPC l 49 Knox Drive l Lafayette CA 94549
925.283.8722 l LOPC.org
-3-
LOPC: Where everyone is welcome, nobody is perfect and anything is possible with God.
JOURNEY of FAITH: The following Bible verse is one Judy Clark memorized with her grandmother,
when she was 5 years old, and has been very meaningful throughout her life:
“I appeal to you therefore, brethren by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice,
holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to the world,
but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may prove what is the will of God,
what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Roman 12:1-2 n
Raising Well-Balanced
Children
A 3-Week Course for Parents
of Kindergarteners through 6th Graders
This interactive course provides parents with
valuable information and practical strategies
for raising children, K-6th grade.
We will examine current research and explore:
• The daily challenges of managing
extracurricular activities, friendships,
social media and academics.
Many thanks to
everyone who
donated 295
pajamas, blankets,
onesies, sweaters,
books, and other
baby items to our
Layette Project.
Your donations will
be included in the
complete layettes
given out by Contra
Costa Visiting Nurses
to the most needy
babies in our county.
Chicks with Sticks
appreciates your
continued support.
• Downtime and family time.
• Determining the overall tone we want to
set as parents.
Thursdays
January 8, 15 & 22, 2015
6:30-8:30 p.m., Oak Room
Fee: $100 per person or $175 per couple
Limited to 30 participants.
ONLINE
REGISTRATION
at LOPC.org
Questions?
[email protected]
n
Presented by:
Questions? [email protected]
JANUARY 2015
LAFAYETTE-ORINDA PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
-4Designed by Challenge Success, a project begun at the
Chicks with Sticks
(knit and crochet
group) meets
Tuesdays, 1:00 p.m.
in CLC 204. n
LOPC is Alive! In Christ ... in the World.
A Journey of Faith
Judy Clark
by Bobbie Dodson-Nielsen
Judy says she first went to church when she was seven
days old and has been going ever since. “I’ve always
been surrounded by faithful people. As I was raised in the
Acappella Churches of Christ, singing is a major part of
my spiritual journey.
“In that church there are no musical instruments or
choirs – the congregation is the choir and they all sing in
harmony. My church was small and sang well, but to be
in a large Acappella Churches of Christ, with 400 or 500
people singing in harmony, can be a glorious experience,”
Judy explains. “I feel we learn great truths from singing
hymns and they touch our hearts.”
Dick and Judy Clark
“Having an LOPC Stephen minister was what carried me
through that part of my journey. Because I was helped
so much, when I felt able, I took the Stephen Minister 50
hours of training. Later, I took 50 more hours of classes to
become a Stephen Leader.”
Gradually, Judy became more and more involved. She
now leads a weekly Bible study, an offshoot of a Lenten
series class; is a member of the Spiritual Formation team
and in this role she is in charge of retreats for Moms and
for special occasions like the recent Advent retreat. “I want
men to know they are welcome. We always have a few, but
hope to see more,” Judy says. She is a core planner in her
Spiritual Journey class and plays the piano and sings for the
Taize services.
So far, that’s the only music participation for which she’s had
time, as she sings and is an assistant conductor with the Soli
Deo Gloria chorus which performs only sacred music. “We
love the outstanding music program at LOPC and are strong
supporters of the blended services. Also, it’s wonderful to see
music introduced to our young children in their choirs.”
Another facet of Judy’s life, in the 1970s she went back
to school and received her nursing degree. She worked
in obstetrics for 26 years at Mt. Diablo Hospital. She also
taught Lamaze classes. She says that Becky Jenkins was her
Lamaze mentor, and the one who kept encouraging the
Clarks to come to LOPC. They began attending in 2009
and joined in 2011.
“It is important to us that LOPC is always looking for whom
we can help, where we can reach out – an outward looking
church. I feel it’s exactly where we should be. I’m finding
exciting challenges and being held up by the Holy Spirit in
what I am doing.” n
Born in Fresno, Judy is one of five children, she is the
oldest. Her father died when she was 10, so she had many
responsibilities helping to raise her siblings. She first met
her husband, Dick, when she was 11 and he was 13. She
smilingly says, “I didn’t fall in love with him until I was 13.”
They were raised in the same church.
Both Judy and Dick graduated from Fresno State, she a
degree in education and music and he in accounting.
Dick began his career as a CPA and Judy taught music
in elementary and secondary schools. The Clarks have
two sons and a daughter. Today they proudly claim 11
grandchildren and six great grandchildren, almost all
of whom were at Lake Tahoe last summer when they
celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary.
After the Clarks moved to Concord in 1962, Judy says it
was a big step out of their comfort zone when they joined
a Churches of Christ Instrumental congregation, but it
was even more of a stretch when they began attending
LOPC. “Our church was not one to reach out to other
churches. Dick and I had a wider view of Christianity than
they had. LOPC was just the right place for us. We felt very
welcomed from the beginning, but no one was pushy in
trying to get us immediately involved.
“Also, it was a devastating time in our lives as our
granddaughter, Tony, was killed by her boyfriend. After
being with the family and coming home, it became clear
to us that we needed to find another church. We had been
so active in our other church. Dick was an elder I was in
charge of worship and music. We’d always been busy
helping others; now we needed to be ministered to. It was
such a blessing for us to come to LOPC and just be.
LOPC l 49 Knox Drive l Lafayette CA 94549
925.283.8722 l LOPC.org
-5-
LOPC: Where everyone is welcome, nobody is perfect and anything is possible with God.
LOPC Foundation to Receive Major Bequest
by Dick James, Foundation Trustee
The LOPC Foundation has been informed that it is to receive a significant bequest from
the estate of former church members, Craig and Jean Gregerson. The exact amount hasn’t
yet been determined, but according to an estimate of assets, the size of the bequest would
make it the largest the Foundation has received since it was formed 20 years ago.
Jean and Craig joined LOPC in June 1978. Jean, who was a physical education
teacher in the Berkeley school system for 38 years, died in April 2003 at age 74.
Craig, a native of Salt Lake City and a high school math teacher in Walnut Creek
until retirement, died this past March at age 86.
Both were residents of Lafayette. Craig later moved to Rossmoor, and in 2009 he relocated to Montgomery County,
PA, to be near relatives. The couple had no children.
Pastor Peter Whitelock issued the following statement: “I’ve always loved that passage from Hebrews which speaks
to our being surrounded by ‘so great a cloud of witnesses’ who have gone on to be with the Lord, but whose faith
and life continues to inspire us today. Craig and Jean Gregerson, through this wonderful gift to our Foundation, will
be contributing to the health and vitality of LOPC in perpetuity as part of that grand community of saints who have
preceded us into the life to come.”
Commenting on the bequest, Charlie Cowden, Foundation president, said: “I am always inspired by people’s faith
and commitment. In Mathew, Jesus tells his disciples that if they have faith the size of a mustard seed nothing will
be impossible to them. I believe that the bequest to the Lafayette-Orinda Presbyterian Church Foundation by the
Gregersons is a testament not only to their faith in God, but also in the future of the church – and specifically LOPC.
Their faith expressed in this gift will make many things possible far into the future.”
Friends remember Jean and Craig as active church members, faithfully attending worship, almost always at the 9:00
a.m. service, and arriving together in the same Cadillac that they had owned for many years. They belonged to the
Outriggers Voyagers group in which they served as officers, and Jean was a member of the Monday Presbyterian
Women’s Circle. Recalled lovingly as slightly eccentric and frugal, they both enjoyed collecting things. “Craig had
hundreds of old phonograph records,” one friend remembers, and Jean possessed an uncounted number of stuffed
toy animals. They also enjoyed music and owned a grand piano, although no one remembers them ever playing it.
Friends recall Craig enjoyed gardening and conscientiously and meticulously maintained their yard and house. Thus,
it’s perhaps understandable that their trust specifies the funds for LOPC be used for major facilities maintenance and
capital equipment. “It was a privilege to know Jean and Craig as active and engaged members of our LOPC church
family, who loved and served many through their involvement in our community,” says Peter. n
Finance: Financing Ministry
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Q
What is Per Capita? Per Capita is a Latin phrase that means
“for each head.” We use it to refer to an annual fee that our
congregation pays to higher levels of the Presbyterian Church,
based upon the number of active members at LOPC. For
2015, the Per Capita amount is $35.15 or $70.30 per couple.
We encourage members to make an extra contribution to
help defray this expense in addition to their other gifts. To
facilitate this, you will find a blue Per Capita envelope in your
box of Giving Envelopes. You can also give a check to the
church with “Per Capita” noted on the memo line. Questions?
Please e-mail Jim Fulford, [email protected]. n
JANUARY 2015
LAFAYETTE-ORINDA PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
-6-
LOPC is Alive! In Christ ... in the World.
Annual Congregational Meeting
All members are invited to attend. Speakers will report on what happened in 2014 and the 2014 Annual Report will
be available. Lunch will be served ($10 donation). Sign-up on Sunday mornings on the plaza beginning January 18,
or R.S.V.P. to Becki Rieger, [email protected]. Childcare available, [email protected], by 2/1.
Sunday, February 8, Fellowship Hall. n
Sanctuary Retrofit
by Chuck Fry & Dick James
THE NEXT CHALLENGE
In the past decade, LOPC has faced and successfully dealt
with several major challenges, resulting in construction and
renewal of major facilities that now provide a modern platform
from which LOPC is infinitely better equipped to serve Christ
locally, nationally and internationally.
Session Highlights –
November 2014
by Staci Johnston, Clerk of Session
KEY CONSENT AGENDA MOTIONS:
Worship & Music
– Approved the
collection of free-will offerings at the
LOPC Christmas Concerts and at the
January concert of the Occidental
College Glee Club.
Personnel
– Approved a request
from Rev. Jaime Polson to increase the
proportion of her total compensation
allocated to housing expenses as she
moves forward with a home purchase.
IRS law permits clergy to designate what
portion of their compensation is used for
housing; such allowances are tax-free.
Jaime’s overall compensation remains
unchanged, only the percentage devoted
to housing expense.
NOTE – Monthly Session meetings are
open to members of the congregation
and are held on the third Tuesday of each
month, starting at 7:00 p.m. Minutes of
each meeting are available by contacting
Becki Rieger, [email protected]. n
Now one more challenge has come to us, and it is indeed
major. During the past year, the Session has received and
given detailed consideration to several engineering reports
that reveal, in the event of a major earthquake, the concrete
pillars of the sanctuary that support the roof could suffer
significant damage to the point of failure.
It would have been nice to think all of the challenges for our
campus were behind us. But God surprises us sometimes.
When the sanctuary was designed in the early 1960s, building
codes for steel-reinforced concrete columns were very
different, and the sanctuary was built to the highest standards
of the day. Since then, earthquake knowledge and technology
have advanced substantially.
WHAT TO DO?
The leadership is committed to adopting changes to make the
sanctuary safer in every way possible. To that end, the Session
is considering various solutions and recommendations from
the Operations Team for correcting the structural deficiencies.
A Session vote on how to proceed is anticipated at its January
meeting. It’s unclear at this time what the costs will be, but all
of the various alternatives being studied are highly complex,
and undoubtedly funds way beyond the normal operating
budget will be called for.
One more thing. If major structural changes are required and
undertaken, as is likely, it may be wise to consider whether or
not any changes to the sanctuary interior that would support
current and future worship styles should be undertaken at the
same time. To that end, ideas are currently being solicited
from all of the different church ministry groups as well as from
church members and friends generally. These, too, will come
to Session for eventual action. n
LOPC l 49 Knox Drive l Lafayette CA 94549
925.283.8722 l LOPC.org
-7-
LOPC: Where everyone is welcome, nobody is perfect and anything is possible with God.
Men’s Breakfast
Where women are always welcome. Invite friends.
Divorce Recovery Workshop
Jan. 28 — STEVE BUTLER
Bay Area News Group Columnist
Thursdays, February 12 - March 26
7:00-9:00 p.m.
Led by Rev. Ray Campton, M.F.T.
Cost: $160
REGISTER online at LOPC.org
Questions? [email protected]
“How to Prepare for Future Economic Fluctuations“
7:00 a.m. l Davies Room
$5 donation at the door for breakfast
R.S.V.P. to [email protected] or call
925-283-8722 x223 
Writing
Your Story
3rd Grade
Bible Class
An Adventure in
Self-Discovery
Have you wanted to write down the stories that define you and your heritage?
This past November, 15 LOPC members completed this creative writing and
self-discovery class taught by Kaaren Rose. “This is an exceptional class that is
challenging, life-affirming and fun. I leave each session renewed and inspired,”
said recent participant Julie Burkhard. The next class will run from
Tues., Feb. 17-March 31, from 10:00 a.m.-12 Noon. Limited to 15 people.
R.S.V.P. to [email protected] or phone 925-283-8722 x223. 
This special class is for 3rd
graders and their families.
R.S.V.P. to [email protected].
Sun., Jan. 25
10:15 a.m.-12 Noon
Oak Room. n
Youth Confirmation Class
An eight-week program for high school students.
Sundays, February 8 - April 12, 2015, 7:00 p.m.,
in CLC 201. See more a LOPC.org/youth.asp.
INFO MEETING: Sun., Jan. 11, 12:15 p.m. in
CLC 201. Questions? E-mail [email protected]
or [email protected]. 
LAFAYETTE-ORINDA PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
JANUARY 2015
-8-
We are here to walk with you on your journey of faith.
2015 Lenten Study Groups
This Lent we will be gathering as a community around Mark Labberton’s
book Called. Lent is a great time to reflect on our faith, and on Christ’s
sacrifice and resurrection. In Called we get to discern how we can better
respond to Christ’s love to our world: living and practicing who and why
we are is our Christian calling whenever and wherever we may be.
What is your life in this world about? Are you annoyed by a sense of the
church’s lack of call? How do you feel called to live out your faith? Have
you been struggling to find your call?
Come and explore this Lenten season how you are called by God to
engage in the world around you. You just might discover something
stirring within you that will bring you closer to the face of God.
by MARK LABBERTON
Will you answer the call? This Lenten series will highlight the great opportunities and challenges of our call to follow
Jesus in the world, through sermons and weekly small groups. The Lenten Series will start after Ash Wednesday (2/18)
and will continue through Easter (4/5). There will be sign-ups online and more information in weekly Connections.
Sign-up at LOPC.org beginning 1/26. Books and study guides will be available on the Plaza in February.
FACILITATOR:
START DATE:
TIME:
LOCATION:
GEARED FOR:
Jaime
Mon., Feb. 23
10:15-11:45 a.m.
CLC 204
Everyone
Dahlkamp &
Tom Scovel
Thurs., Feb. 26
1:00-2:30 p.m.
CLC 204
Everyone
Polson
Keris
Lauren
Gully Thurs., Feb. 26
7:00-8:30 p.m.
Off Campus
Young Adults
Gerald
Chinen
Sat., Feb. 28
7:30-9:00 a.m.
Oak Room
Men Only
& Bonnie Turpin Sun., March 1
9:00-10:30 a.m.
Oak Room
Everyone
Sun., March 1
7:00-9:00 p.m.
Davies Room
Everyone
John
Laura
Patton
Questions? E-mail Pastor Lauren Gully, [email protected]. There will be more groups forming soon. 
The season of Lent begins
Wed., Feb. 18, 7:00 p.m., Sanctuary.
Everyone is encouraged to attend.
The Seedlings Preschool outreach team organized a Dance-a-Thon
to raise funds for Mother of Peace Orphanage in Zimbabwe. The
fantastic music was by “Chinyakare” (originally from Zimbabwe). 
LOPC l 49 Knox Drive l Lafayette CA 94549
925.283.8722 l LOPC.org
-9-
2015
HAPPY NEW YEAR
LOPC: Where everyone is welcome, nobody is perfect and anything is possible with God.
May you experience the peace, grace and hope that God offers to all, in 2015.
Front row (l-r): Jim Fulford, Lidia Jesionek, Becki Rieger, Susan Wentworth, Jaime Polson.
Middle row (l-r): Lissette Roske, Hiroko Shibuya, Harry Jayasingha, Lauren Gully, Colleen Whitelock, Kim Angle, Ryan Timpte.
Back Row (l-r): Peter Whitelock, Chris Baldwin, Chuck Fry, Gerald Chinen, Brett Strader, Matt Bell, Ruth Stenson,
Janet Jourgensen, Robin Freeberg, Keris Dahlkamp, Dave Engelbrektson.
Not pictured: Bobbi Cassettari, Carson Beckemeyer, Coleen Moulton, Devin Crane, Greg Murai,
Stewart Scharch, Terry Conte, Tess Houston. Photo by Dick James n
Be a Part of LOPC
New
Members
Class
The purpose of the class is to share what LOPC believes God
has called this church to do and be, so visitors can make
an informed decision about formalizing their commitment to
this family of faith. Enjoy a relaxed dinner on Friday evening
(3/6) and attend Sat./Sun. morning sessions (3/7 & 3/8).
Meet the pastors, find out what it means to be Presbyterian,
hear about the visions and ministries of LOPC, ask questions
and make new friends. Childcare available for Sat./Sun.
morning sessions by reservation, [email protected].
R.S.V.P. to Matt Bell, [email protected], 925-283-8722 x231.
Fri.-Sun., March 6-March 8
Fri. dinner & Sat./Sun. morning sessions 
Sunday Sermons for January –
Jan. 4
“Person of the Year” Jan. 11 “Stewardship of Baptism” Jan. 18 “Stewardship of the Church” Jan. 25 “God’s All-Surpassing Peace”
Pastor Gerald Chinen
9:00 & 11:00 a.m.
Ryan Timpte, Director of Children’s Ministries
9:00 & 11:00 a.m.
Pastor Peter Whitelock
9:00 & 11:00 a.m.
Pastor Peter Whitelock
9:00 & 11:00 a.m. n
JANUARY 2015
LAFAYETTE-ORINDA PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
- 10 -
LOPC is Alive! In Christ ... in the World.
The Race to End Human Trafficking
by Bobbie Dodson-Nielsen
First Friday Forum (FFF) ushers in its
2015 season with a topic that is much
in the news today. Ashlie Bryant of
Break Free will speak on January 9,
1:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary.
2015 Speaker Series
Bryant says, “Human trafficking is one
of the fastest growing crimes in the
United States.” She is a leader in the fight against this wrong.
When a local 17-year-old girl was taken from a grocery store
in her sleepy Sacramento suburb, Bryant was shocked and
stunned that the crime of human trafficking occurred right in her
backyard. Inspired to take action, she and three friends founded
Break Free, Inc., a division of 3Strands Global, with the mission
of raising awareness and funds to combat this crime.
The Bay Area is one of America’s top markets for human
trafficking. In a 2009 report the FBI identified 13 areas with
the largest incidence of child sex trafficking in the nation.
San Francisco was one of them. Bryant says, “We need to
find out about human trafficking, where it occurs, ways to
combat it and how victims can be helped. Break Free believes
knowledge is power and seeks opportunities to educate our
youth, especially, and all people so they too can help fight it.”
As the global executive vice president of development,
Bryant’s diverse responsibilities include speaking, training,
and educating. She is also a part of the California Attorney
General’s round table in Sacramento which focuses on
collaborative solutions to this heinous crime.
Bryant brings extensive professional experience in marketing,
communications and public relations to her non-profit role.
Prior to founding Break Free, she held multiple executive
marketing and communications positions in Silicon Valley. She
has a B.A. in International Relations and French from UC Davis.
Break Free has provided programs on human trafficking in
middle and high schools and colleges to over 7,000 students
in the past three years. A race in November at Lake Merritt in
Oakland raised more than $60,000 to help combat human
trafficking. In Folsom a similar event raised more than
$100,000 last September.
“While human trafficking may not be a pleasant topic, it is one
about which we all need to gain a greater understanding and
learn about ways we might help combat it. We hope many
will attend to become educated about this important issue of
our day.” says Darlene James, chair of the FFF team.
Refreshments will be served in Fellowship Hall at 1:00 p.m.
Questions? Call 925-283-8722 or e-mail [email protected]. n
LOPC l 49 Knox Drive l Lafayette CA 94549
JANUARY 9
ASHLIE BRYANT
Vice President of Break Free
“The Race to End of Human Trafficking”
FEBRUARY 6
DR. GEORGE BRESLAUER
Newly Retired UC Professor
“Russia, Ukraine and the West in 2015”
MARCH 6
DR. JOEL KRAMER
Director of the Neurological Institute, UCSF
“Aging and Memory in the 21st Century”
APRIL 10
KENNETH WISEMAN
Executive Director of Parks Forward Initiative
“A New Project to Protect
State Parks in California”
MAY 1
DR. DAVID SEDLAK
UC Berkeley Professor
“Water 4.0: The Past, Present and
Future of Our Most Vital Resource”
JUNE 5
DOG DAY
Three Presentations on Service Dogs
“Guide Dogs for the Blind; Dogs for
Diabetics; and Canine Companions”
1 p.m. Refreshments – All Are Welcome
1:30 p.m. Speaker – Free
A very popular series of outstanding
speakers on topics of current interest
See more at LOPC.org
If you would you like to hear previous
First Friday Forum speakers,
go to LOPC.org, click ‘Media Files’
on the green bar, then click ‘+’ next to
First Friday Forum. Select a topic.
LAFAYETTE-ORINDA PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
925.283.8722 l LOPC.org
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All Ages Helping Our Community ... ONE Community Serving Together on 2.22.15
2.22.15
At LOPC, Christ’s love compels us to step off the hill and be tangible
and meaningful testaments to His love. ONE Sunday is an annual
tradition that gets at the very heart of our community. We go forth
enthusiastically and make Christ's love visible and meaningful to those
we touch through action and advocacy.
ONE Sunday is the one-day of the year that the whole LOPC community
works together to help our neighbors throughout Contra Costa County.
On ONE Sunday we reach out as one body to help those in need and
the agencies that work so tirelessly throughout the year to faithfully serve
their clients. Questions? E-mail [email protected].
YOU ARE INVITED TO DEMONSTRATE CHRIST’S LOVE BY:
... Deep cleaning a kitchen that feeds over 600 people daily, preventing
the kitchen crew from closing during the week to clean.
... Providing grocery carts to the elderly, allowing them to carry home
groceries with less difficulty.
... Cleaning transitional apartments at a domestic violence center,
allowing mothers and their children to live in a clean space while
transitioning out of abusive relationships to freedom and safety.
These are just a few snapshots of why ONE Sunday matters and what
makes this this day of service so memorable. No matter your age or
ability, we hope that you will partner with us to demonstrate Christ’s love
in a profound and impactful way. REGISTER at LOPC.org beginning 1/7. n
JANUARY 2015
LAFAYETTE-ORINDA PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
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LOPC is Alive! In Christ ... in the World.
Warm Winter Nights 2014
In spite of living in one of the most
prosperous communities in the nation,
many people in this county are just one
paycheck away from homelessness. As
hosts of Warm Winter Nights (WWN),
LOPC is blessed to participate in a
program that works to diminish the
impact of those who find themselves
in this circumstance.
We are grateful for the leadership
that Jim Reiter and Rick Silvani
demonstrated for the two weeks our
guests were on campus coordinating
over 150 volunteers and the logistics
that accompany having 27 people
living in Fellowship Hall. The first day
our guests arrived, tents were erected,
sleeping bags were unrolled and
boxes with all their possessions were
unpacked. Guests quickly oriented
themselves and began to appreciate
the LOPC campus. Judith Stillman,
Executive Director for Warm Winter
Nights (WWN) said, “Clients especially
enjoyed having access to showers
and a washer and dryer. It eased the
burden of going elsewhere to keep
clean.” In addition to the wonderful
facilities, the guests were moved by the
warm and loving support they received
from our members.
WWN 2014 was successful due to
the countless LOPC members who
volunteered to prepare homemade
meals, tutor, entertain and even stay
overnight. Highlights of the two weeks
included the donation of beautiful
handmade quilts and crocheted hats
made by the LOPC quilters and knitters,
an ice cream sundae bar presented
by LOPC YOW (5th-8th grade
youth group), and even a visit from
therapeutic rabbits and guinea pigs that
put a smile on everyone’s face.
Please keep our guests in your prayers
as they continue their journey toward
permanent housing. n
A fundraiser that benefits Contra Costa Interfaith Housing. Includes
dinner, dancing and live/silent auctions. Join the fun.
For tickets visit ccinterfaithhousing.org.
Saturday, Jan. 31, 6:00 p.m., Round Hill Country Club. n
The Interfaith Team
invites you to their
“Neighbor to Neighbor Program” for members and friends of
LOPC, Temple Isaiah and the San Ramon Valley Islamic Center.
Details on program and interactive discussion coming soon.
Questions? Contact Terry Clark, [email protected].
Saturday, Feb. 7, 4:00 p.m., Fellowship Hall. n
The Race to End Human Trafficking
The Voyager ship, Schooners, along with others from LOPC
(photo above), recently participated in a 5K walk/run around Lake
Merritt, in Oakland, to help support Break Free (formerly Run for
Courage). They were inspired to participate as a result of hearing
Executive Director, Ashlie Bryant, speak last September at LOPC.
Break Free helps fight human trafficking by educating potential
victims, namely underage girls, concerning the dangers of human
exploitation that exist within their communities and through
social media. If you are interested in learning more, please go to
BreakFree.org. See more on page 11. n
LOPC l 49 Knox Drive l Lafayette CA 94549
925.283.8722 l LOPC.org
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LOPC: Where everyone is welcome, nobody is perfect and anything is possible with God.
SPIRITUAL
CENTERING
PRAYER –
This practice enables the opening of mind
and heart, our whole being, to God, beyond
thoughts, words and emotions. Centering Prayer
emphasizes prayer as a personal relationship
with God and is based on the wisdom of Jesus
from the Sermon on the Mount. No experience is
necessary. Come as you are. Questions? E-mail
[email protected].
All are encouraged to attend.
1st and 3rd Thursdays, 7:00-8:30 p.m. 
FORMATION
& RELIGION –
SPECIAL EVENT
SCIENCE
TOPIC: “Genesis and the Future
of God”
Noted theologian, author and
pastor, the Rev. Ted Peters,
will speak to the Science and
Religion Study Group.
TAIZE
WORSHIP
In the spacious calm, become aware of God’s
presence and in the stillness, open your heart to
God’s goodness. In reverent silence find yourself and your own way to God. Simple songs
become reflective. Scripture followed by silence
allow words to find a pure tone of truth in each
person’s life.
Thurs., Jan. 29, 7:00 p.m., Chapel
Thurs., Feb. 26, 7:00 p.m., Chapel 
“Genesis overwhelms us by its scope, its power, its
drama,” Ted says. “Yet, we ask: what does Genesis
tell us? Does it tell us what God did once upon a
time back at
the beginning?
Or does it tell
us what God
is doing right
now? In our age
when natural
science informs
everything we
know about
our world we ask: is Genesis an alternative or
a complement to Big Bang cosmology or to
evolutionary theory?”
Mission in Society
Get Connected. Grow in Your Faith. Serve Others.
Linking Genesis to Revelation, the final book of the
Bible, Ted promises a unique interpretation. “Instead
of telling us about an event many years ago, Genesis
now tells us what God is doing daily and what God
promises for the future of creation,” he says.
There are many opportunities for you to be “Alive!
In Christ ... in the world,” regionally, nationally and
internationally. Lives are transformed for the better
through tangible acts of service. You will find a list
of opportunities to serve by going to LOPC.org, click
‘Mission in Society,’ then click ‘Opportunities to
Serve.’ Questions? Contact [email protected]. n
As preparation, please read Genesis 1:1-2:4,
Revelation 21-22 and, if you have time, chapter 4
of his book, God – The World’s Future (copy in the
LOPC library).
Ted Peters is Research Professor Emeritus of
Systematic Theology and Ethics at Pacific Lutheran
Theological Seminary and the Graduate Theological
Union in Berkeley, and co-editor of the journal,
Theology and Science, at the Center for Theology
and the Natural Sciences. His work has centered on
religious reflection about genetics and evolution.
Mon., Jan. 12, 7:15 p.m., Oak Room
Special Guest Speaker, Rev. Ted Peters 
JANUARY 2015
LAFAYETTE-ORINDA PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
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LOPC is Alive! In Christ ... in the World.
2015 Mission Trips
A Voice from Mother of Peace
Minister Roni
Jordan, from
City of Refuge,
Oakland, and
founding member
of the Mother
of Peace (MOP)
Consortium will
speak at LOPC.
Youth Mission Trips
Middle School
Trip Details
She has been
living at Mother of
Peace Orphanage
in Zimbabwe, one of LOPC’s international
mission partners, since May of 2014. Roni
felt called to help Mama Jean and Mama
Stella, the founders of MOP as they face
health challenges. She is currently acting as
Manager of the orphanage. She will share
her experiences living at the orphanage,
show a video and give an update on her
hopes for the future of the orphanage.
Sunday, January 18, at 10:15 a.m.
(between services) Oak Room. n
INFO MEETING
Sun., Jan. 11
10:15 a.m.
CLC 201
FAITH
in Action
High School
Trip Details
INFO
MEETING
Sun. Feb. 8
12:15 p.m.
Oak Room
Questions? [email protected].
See more at LOPC.org , click ‘Youth.’
ADULT MISSION TRIP: May 2-May 9, 2015
OKLAHOMA
INFO
MEETING:
Sunday
Feb. 1
12:15 p.m.
Oak Room
Questions? Contact Rich Lewis, 925-788-3497 or [email protected]. 
LOPC l 49 Knox Drive l Lafayette CA 94549
925.283.8722 l LOPC.org
- 15
49 Knox Drive
Lafayette CA 94549
JANUARY 2015
LAFAYETTE-ORINDA
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
IMPORTANT:
Dated Material
PLEASE DELIVER
before 12/30/14
Thank you!
Return Service Requested
NON-PROFIT ORG.
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
CONCORD, CA
PERMIT NO. 835
PASTORAL STAFF
Peter Whitelock – Pastor / Head of Staff
Gerald Chinen – Pastor, Congregational Care
Lauren Gully – Pastor, Mission & Formation
Jaime Polson – Pastor, Family Ministry
WORSHIP & MUSIC
Brett Strader, Director
Greg Murai, Composer in Residence
Stewart Scharch, Organist
Happy New Year
2015
TREASURER
Jim Fulford
MINISTRY DIRECTORS
Matt Bell, Community Life
Keris Dahlkamp, Youth
Chuck Fry, Operations
Coleen Moulton, Seedlings Preschool
Ryan Timpte, Children
FOCUS NEWSLETTER
Ruth Stenson, Communications Manager
Chuck Fry / Dick James
Thank you to all who contribute, and to proofreaders Janet Jourgensen and Bev
Fellows.
Monthly FOCUS Newsletter Deadline:
JAN. 5 for the FEBRUARY issue.
E-mail items to [email protected].
Weekly CONNECTIONS Deadline:
Monday by 5:00 p.m. for the following Sunday. E-mail [email protected].
Sunday Worship Services
9:00 & 11:00 a.m.
Invite Friends & Family
A new year. A new beginning.
– LOPC CARES ABOUT YOU –
Refresh. Renew. Restore.
LOPC: Where everyone is welcome, nobody’s perfect and anything is possible with God.
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Volume XXXllIl, No. 1