April 27, 2024

 

 

 

 

 

 

THE FOCUS

NEWSLETTER OF THE FORTUNA SDA CHURCH

2301Rohnerville Rd. Fortuna Ca 95540 fsdaoffice@yahoo.com

Vol. 91 No. 5  May 2024

Forgiving As Christ Forgave
FROM PASTOR’S DESK

In the early 1980’s a wave of terror swept over the residents of King County in the state of Washington. Young women began disappearing. Then bodies began to show up in the Green River, in the woods. Autopsies showed that the women were molested and then murdered. Other women disappeared without a trace.

As the toll continued to mount, the police poured all their resources into tracking down and apprehending the serial murderer, whom they dubbed the Green River killer. Several leads connected victims with a young man who worked painting cars and trucks. But when the police searched his home, they found nothing to link him to any of the deaths.

As suddenly as it began, the surge of killings ceased. The investigation grew cold; the task force was cut in size until only one detective remained on the case, and at last he too went onto other duties. Nearly twenty years passed by.

But those years brought dramatic advances in forensic science, in particular, the use of DNA to identify individuals. The Green River killer case was reopened, with powerful results. DNA tests matched three of the victims with the car painter whom police had suspected. Microscopic examination of spray paint particles linked him to four other murders. Arrested and faced with the evidence of his guilt, the painter confessed.

At length his day in court arrived. As the judge read the list, name by name, he pleaded guilty to someone had been special to a parent, sibling, or friend, and special to God. On and on he read, until the list stopped at the numbing figure of forty-eight.

Throughout, the killer sat expressionless, showing no emotion, no remorse or regret. Nothing, it seemed, could touch him. Then came the moment the judge gave time for relatives of the victims to express themselves. A gentleman with a white beard arose and told the killer he forgave him. He said that his Lord had taught us to
forgive, regardless of how large the matter, and so, hard as it was, he forgave him.

The killer, seemingly made of stone, broke down and wept.

Forgiveness melts ice. Forgiveness shatters stones. Which is what Jesus did with our cold, hard hearts.

Paul writes, “Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” (Colossians 3:13).

May you not only experience God’s forgiveness but by His grace and through the power of the Holy Spirit may you forgive others as He has forgiven you. May God richly bless you every day.
Pastor Dan

 

FELLOWSHIP LUNCHEONS

May’s fellowship luncheons will be on May 4 th and May 18. Lalita shares that the theme will be Mexican food in celebration of Cinco de Mayo on Sabbath the 4 th . Bring your favorite mexican-themed entrée, vege, salad or side dish. DON’T STAY AWAY!! If you are not up to cooking something.Please come anyway. If you want to
bring something you can always bring some bread or a can of olives or a canned vegetable. Something you don’t have to prepare. The most important thing is that you are there.

FJA

Spring fever has hit us hard as suddenly the sunshine is out and we are counting down our last month of school.

The students have learned so much this school
year with our first graders reading and doing their sums and our 8 th  graders looking ahead to high school.

We had a wonderful week of prayer in April with several homeschoolers joining FJA. Our theme was Made to Follow Jesus and we learned about several Bible characters and how their stories can help us grow a more intimate relationship with our Savior. Thanks so much to Pastor, Jolene, Amy and others who helped us with this special week.

We met our sister school in Crescent City for a field trip to Ocean World on April 25 th  and Craig Heinrich met us with pizza and a fun video about Leoni Meadows.

Our Rummage Sale will be May 16, 17, and 19 and Tim really needs all hands-on deck to get it prepared. Please, come on down on Tuesdays and give us a hand with it. We will also be looking for a crew to set up tables on May 5 th . Can’t do it on the 12 th due to Mother’s Day.

Graduation will be at the church at 6pm on May 30 th followed by a reception at the Community Services Center. We are honoring 2 graduates this year, Mauricio Geronimo and Abigail Ruoff. 

Please continue to pray for just the right person to be our teacher/principal for the next school year. We are trusting God to carry out His plan for FJA.

Valerie Wikander And
The Staff and Students
Of Fortuna Jr. Academy

 

Rummage Sale

The dates for the school rummage sale are May 16, 17 and 19. We will need help setting up the tables and bringing the merchandise to the gym from the shop. We need some strong backs and muscles on May 5 th from 10-2. We can’t do it the following Sunday as that is Mother’s day. We will also need crews on the sale days to man the check out, meals, and other needs as they arise. Give Tim a call.

 

Pathfinder Sabbath

Pathfinder Sabbath will be the Second Sabbath of June, I believe that is June 8 th . We may have some items for display to share on that day. We will be starting Sign Language and Wood-Working. Coming up the 2 nd weekend in May will be our work-a-thon at Ruth Lake. Be prepared for a phone call from a Pathinder to sponsor them. We are gearing up and saving up for our trip to the International Pathfinder Camporee in Gillette Wyoming.

 

MAY OFFERINGS

MAY 04 Local Budget          MAY 11 Disas./Famine
MAY 18 Local Budget          MAY 25 NCC Advance

 

FJA FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN

As you know, we are working to raise funds for the drainage issue at the school. As Amy shared last Sabbath, our school is stuggling financially. Any donation helps just to meet the monthly bills and expenses. It is an old building in need of continuing, unexpected repairs. We just thank you so much for your individual donations and for helping us meet budget if necessary.

 

GRADUATES

Merek Sears -May 9 th . Graduating with a degree in economics from University of Houston.

Mauricio Geronimo -May 30 th graduating from 8 th grade at FJA .

Abigail Ruoff.-May 30 th graduating from 8 th grade at FJA.

Let us know any other graduates.

 

BEING USED WHERE WE ARE

We just never know where or how God will use us in the course of our day, our jobs, our lives. When we lay our day before Him asking to be used for His plans, He will use us. Here are a couple recent stories from two of our ministries.

You may not be aware of this, but a couple days a week, Kevin Barnhart hosts a “coffee time” at the center. For those clients needing food, showers etc. he offers them a warm room and a chair to rest on while awaiting services at the center. A hot, beverage, and his presence and compassion. No judgment, no accusations, just 1:1 acceptance and love. By doing this, he is earning their trust. Some have asked him about “that church over there.” They’ve opened up and shared some of their heartache, shame and story. Everyone is carrying a heavy load. These folks can come into the Fireside room and lay theirs down for a while. Please pray for this ministry. For Kevin and those he serves.

The next share is about Tabitha’s ministry. We’ve repeatedly shared about the great relationships that Sherry, Larry and their staff have made with the “regulars”. The thrift store is only part of their ministry. Listening, laughing, sharing, meeting needs……..these are the real ministries. Recently, they had a female customer come in and she was visibly upset. She asked to talk privately, and she blurted out that she wanted to kill herself right then and knew someone at Tabitha’s would help her. They
were able to share resources, reach out to the appropriate connections to steer her where she needed to be.

What if she’d never been to Tabitha’s. What if she had never met the staff? What if they had never been compassionate? What if she hadn’t seen Jesus in them.

We Are His Hands And Feet And Voice Wherever He Places Us Every Minute Of The Day.

 

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

APR. 27      COMMUNION
                  PASSOVER SABBATH
MAY 02      NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER
MAY 04      OUR YOUTH PRESENT SERVICE
                  CHURCH POTLUCK-Mexican Theme

MAY 05      RUMMAGE SET-UP 10-2
MAY 06      NATIONAL NURSES DAY
MAY 10-12 PATHFINDER WORK-A-THON
MAY 11      JOSH RAYBURN SPEAKING
MAY 11      POSTAL FOOD DRIVE
MAY 12      MOTHER’S DAY
MAY 18      POTLUCK
MAY 25      AFTER CHURCH PRAYER
MAY 26-27 WORK BEE AT RAC
MAY 27      MEMORIAL DAY
MAY 30      FJA GRADUATION
JUNE 01     PENTECOST SABBATH
JUNE 08     PATHFINDER SABBATH
JUNE 22     CAMP GROUND SABBATH

 

MAY 2024

BIRTHDAY & ANNIVERSARIES

01 bethany unruh          18 sandra rhoads
02 dale harris                19 jo Mazzone
04 kevin barnhart jen mazzone
07 connie bertholf         20 dale rene
10 tim Elwell                 23 rosie hoover
11 nathaniel rayburn     24 steve jorgenson

 

MAY 16    JUDAH & KARINA O’SHAUGHNESSY
MAY 26    MICHAEL & AMY NORTON
MAY 31    MERLIN & ANITA ANDERSON

 

 

THE FOCUS

NEWSLETTER OF THE FORTUNA SDA CHURCH

2301Rohnerville Rd. Fortuna Ca 95540 fsdaoffice@yahoo.com

Vol. 91 No.  April 2024

 

The Preacher Who Can’t Say Jesus

FROM PASTOR DAN

By any measure David Ring is a successful minister of the gospel. This nondenominational evangelist has spoken in more than 6,000 churches and on national television. Every year he receives some 400 invitations from congregations who have heard of the inspiration his messages bring.

Yet this preacher says of himself, “I can’t even say ‘Jesus’ properly.” His words are slurred, and he walks with a limp. When he eats, his hand shakes violently. David developed cerebral palsy when his brain was cut off from oxygen for 18 minutes at birth. He grew up feeling rejected, enduring the taunts of other kids about his funny speech and funny walk.

But he knew one person loved him. With one person he could always find a place of acceptance and security. With her, his mother, he was safe.

Then tragedy struck. His mother contracted cancer and died. Fourteen-year-old David Ring wanted to die too. Life seemed too hard to endure. He was an orphan (his father died earlier) and desperately alone in a world that rejected him for who he was. But God sent a beam of grace into this sad, lonely life. One day David went to church and discovered Jesus. Previously he was sure God didn’t love him, because he was born with cerebral palsy. Now he learned how precious he was to Jesus, just as he was.

His attitude changed; his life changed. From that point he went on to do a series of impossible things: finish college, get married, and father children (four of them). And, perhaps the most remarkable of all, fulfill the divine calling to be a minister of the gospel.

“Look at me,” he says. “I have cerebral palsy.” What’s your problem?” He challenges people to quit whining and start sharing, to count their blessings and let the Lord lead them to new and deeper levels of service.

He likes to quote Paul’s words about being content: “Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content.” (Philippians 4:11 NKJV). He likes to add, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13 NKJV). As he says, every one of us limps into the kingdom, but when we get inside, we will run!

David Ring’s life reminds me of the incredible power of God’s grace. His mercy is a river that flows from heaven to every human being to bring healing, hope and salvation.

May God richly bless you and may you experience His grace every day of your life.

Pastor Dan

ELDER’S MEETING

Tuesday, April 2^nd, at 6:00 Pastor’s Office

FELLOWSHIP LUNCHEONS

The fellowship potlucks for April will be on April 6th and april 20th. If we do not advertise anything different, there is no theme and it is a regular potluck.

Debbie and Lalita want to remind you that If you find it physically challenging to make a dish for the potluck we understand. DON’T STAY AWAY!! Please come anyway. If you want to bring something you can always bring some bread or a can of olives or a canned vegetable. Something you don’t have to prepare. The most important thing is that you are there.

If you want to purchase supplies, call Debbie Miller first. Some supplies we have tons of and then there are some things we are running low on. You can always make a donation to either the potluck or funeral dinner fund.

 

FJA

 We just began our 4th quarter, with only 43 school days left, only 3 field trips scheduled, only 1 more holiday, a Week of Prayer, and graduation. We are already making summer plans and plans for the next school year. Graduation will be May 30th. Pre-registration for next school year will be happening soon. If you know anyone with school aged children that would like a quality Christian education point them our way.

The 7th and 8th graders all just completed making beautiful mirrors with Lane Thomsen down in our wood shop. Lane is always willing to give you a tour and show you all the fun projects he has worked on with the students. Make sure when you're on campus to stop by and talk to him.

 Miss Higgins has done a wonderful job this year with the students. The kids are all thriving, and it has been a blessing to watch them learn and grow. It brings to mind Luke 2:52 that talks about Jesus growing in wisdom and in stature. I pray that through our school we will be able to continue to draw our youth to the Savior, and like Him, they will grow in wisdom and stature, ever reflecting God’s character to the world.

Valerie Wikander And

The Staff and Students

Of Fortuna Jr. Academy

FJA

RUMMAGE SALE

The dates for the school rummage sale are May 16, 17 and 19. However, in order to have a successful sale we have ssssoooooo much stuff that needs sorted and priced. Tim Whitchurch needs help with this huge project. He has set aside Tuesday afternoons, 1-4pm, to be at the garage working. Please touch base with him to make sure that he will be there and come and help. This is Tim’s last year hosting the rummage sale. Let’s come and show him are appreciation for the many, many years he has dedicated to raising funds for FJA.

 

PATHFINDERS

 

First of all, thank you to everyone who loaned us your sewing machines and yourself to help us in our quilting honor. The quilting part should be underway soon, if it hasn’t started already. Our coming up honors may include Sign Language and Wood-Working. Coming up the 2nd weekend in May will be our work-a-thon at Ruth Lake. Be prepared for a phone call from a Pathfinder! As always, if you would like to volunteer, contact Chris Miller.The first Monday of April is dress uniform. The 8th, 15th and 22nd are field uniform and the 29th is a staff meeting.

 

April OFFERINGS

April 6 Local Budget

April 13 Hope Channel

April 20 Local Budget

April 27 NCC Advance

 

100 YEAR ANNIVERSARY

As you may know, 2024 marks 100 years of Adventist Education in Humboldt County. FJA will once again be hosting a celebration for alumni at FJA. The celebration will be on September 21st and 22nd. It was a huge undertaking for our 95th. We will need a committee to help pull everything together. Please call Valerie Wikander at 707-725-2988, If you want to help. We need set-up, decorating, food, Sabbath School and church teachers. Speakers, special music, AV, deacons and on and on. We also need you to spread the word to your friends and family that are Alumni. Many people have changed addresses since our last mailing, and we anticipate some invitations coming back. That is where we need you. Spread the word. Start now. We will be creating a 100th yr. Anniversary Facebook page like last time and old pictures will be posted.

 

Evangelism & Personal Ministries: March 27th was our last night of “Upheaval”. We have two more upcoming series planned. Beginning April 4th for four nights, Kevin and Pastor will be facilitating “Mindfit”. There tends to be a stigma around mental health in Christianity. If we were “good enough” Christians we wouldn’t have mental health issues. We would never say this about cancer or diabetes. But somehow mental health is taboo. This four-night series teaches us biblical guidelines for hope and healing in the areas of grief, anxiety and depression. This is a free event. Each night there will be a video, study-guide, discussion and an issue of “Vibrant Life” magazine. If you or someone you know is struggling or if you want to learn how to spread this message of hope, plan to attend April 4th – 7th at 6:00 pm at the church. Invitation postcards are in the lobby for you to take and pass out.

This is a bridge-event leading up to our next series from “His Way Of Hope” which will begin Monday April 8th. This series will be every M/W/F evening at the church, through May 27th. More information to follow.

 

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

MAR. 31 EASTER SUNDAY

APR. 1-2 NO SCHOOL-INSERVICE

APR. 06 HEALTH NUGGET

POTLUCK

GARY KLEMP’S SERVICE

APR. 4-7 MINDFIT

APR. 08 HIS WAY OF HOPE BEGINS

APR. 11 SCHOOL BOARD 4:00

APR. 13 PASTOR IN PETROLIA

APR. 15-19 FJA WEEK OF PRAYER

APR. 18 CHURCH BOARD 6:30

APR. 27 COMMUNION

PASSOVER SABBATH

MAY 02 NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER

MAY 10-12 PATHFINDER WORK-A-THON

MAY 12 MOTHER’S DAY

MAY 26-27 WORK BEE AT RAC

MAY 30 FJA GRADUATION

 

LABELS MAKE CENT$

From Anita:

Anita Anderson is willing to come to the church on a regular basis to collect the labels and send them where they need to go. She wants to remind us of some info about this program. Only LOMA Linda (Canned food) participates in this program. Manufactured by Atlantic National Foods, LLC in Nashville, NC. (Yes, there is still a tiny Worthington logo on the cans). Only UPC/Labels that begin with 45561 or 28989 are eligible. Each eligible UPC (bar code)/label will be reimbursed at 25 cents per label. Atlantic National Foods reimburses the NCC who then reimburses each church according to the total amount of eligible labels. Then our Fortuna SDA Church receives the money for Sabbath School. Put your labels in an envelope and leave them in the missionary room with Anita’s name on the envelope & she will come and collect them. Thank you!

 

HOT LUNCH SCHEDULE

APRIL 3^RD – HAYSTACKS

APRIL 10^TH - BURGERS & FRIES

APRIL 17^TH – BAKED POTATOES

APRIL 24^TH - LASAGNA

 

Graduation 2024

Tis the graduation season again. Please let us know any of your family members that are graduating this year. We want to recognize them. We know that Merek Sears is graduating May 9th from University of Houston with a degree in economics. Congratulations Merek.

 

APRIL ANNIVERSARIES

APRIL 7 ADRIAN & JOLENE DUMITRESCU

 

APRIL BIRTHDAYs

03 JAMIE BURZO

05 JESSE RENE

09 Noe Vazquez jr

11 Rose Hoaas

12 Ed Sutsch - Gary gutermuth

14 Dale Unruh

19 Don Baird

22 Adrian Dumitrescu

23 Ken Eastburn

28 Rita Spier