by Dan Eckley

At the age of ten, my Pop Warner football coach, Nick Pavanoli, gave me a Bible and challenged me to read it. I started going to church after that and at about age twelve answered an altar call in the base Chapel at Lockbourne Air Force Base in Columbus, Ohio.

When I was a freshman in college, a senior teammate on our wrestling team named Jerry Biggam invited me to a Fellowship of Christian Athletes meeting and then to church. He lived in the campus Intervarsity House where many nights he discipled me in the faith.

When I was a young teacher and coach at Anderson High School, Ed Petersen took me under his wing and in discipling me challenged me to disciple teenagers.

2 Timothy 2:2 says, “and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.” (ESV) I have learned over the years that as God had called people to disciple me, I am to be a disciple-maker, too. It is my prayer that we become a disciple-making church, where fathers train and disciple their children, where older men in the faith take younger men and walk with them and teach them, and where older women do the same with younger women.

If our mission to inspire among all peoples an over-flowing joy in God through Jesus Christ is to be real¬ized, we must intentionally make disciples through family, men’s, women’s, small group, and children’s discipleship ministries. I think we all need to be Timothys and Pauls.
Each of us should have at least one mentor in the faith to whom we keep accountable in the things of the Lord. Then, we each should be a Paul to somebody so that we are teaching them the things of the Lord which we have been taught. God hasn’t simply called us to know Him and things about Him, but to live out the truth of the Word and diligently pass on the faith to the next generation by making disciples who will then be equipped to make disciples.

A person growing in faith becomes a worshiper, a learner, a server, a giver, a prayer, a sharer, and a reproducer. Are you reproducing for the Kingdom? We were made to multiply!

by Calvin Robertson

What is my purpose? We’ve all asked this question before. Some of us re-ask this on a regular basis. In light of humanity, this question rises out of our selfishness, out of our desire to be found sufficient by someone or maybe even ourselves.

But, if God is correctly placed when we ask the question “What is my purpose?” than the question can be redeemed and used by God in a powerful way.

In fact, if we have the understanding that “my purpose” should run parallel to God’s purpose, we have hit the jackpot question-of-all-time.

The recent trip to the Middle East that Brad and I were sent on was a renewing experience that reminded me of the answer to this question of purpose.

In a vastly different culture and religious foreground such as Iraq, God is doing amazing things. People are turning to Christ! Believers are worshipping together, praying with one another, sharing in the Lord’s table, encouraging one another, and giving to the poor!

And, just to think, this is happening around the world. It has been happening for a couple thousand years!

Of course, I knew this already. We all know that right?, because that’s just what happens. We read that or hear it from someone else. We don’t get overly excited about it, even though we know we probably should.

At least, I thought I knew this truth already. It became a reality to actually see it happen in another part of the world. What God is doing globally suddenly became exciting to me in a new and powerful way. God is transforming lives in all peoples!
God’s desire is that He be worshipped by all peoples. Our purpose, as people who have been forgiven and transformed by the power of God Himself, is to make His purpose our own. My purpose is to make His purpose mine. What would happen if we all made His purpose our own? We would see our lives being used by God to accomplish things we never thought possible. Lives would be renewed. Truth would be made known. The glory of God would be manifest.

Let’s make God’s purposes our own. Worship together. Be involved in missions. Pray. Encourage. Give.

by Barbara DeCofano

Pat Cooper, sister of Sally Dallagiacomo, left Montana last year to move to California. Harsh Montana winters added to the decision. Her son, Rodney, his wife Chris, and their three children, remain in Montana. Pat retired after working 25 years for Cascade County Aging Service, a senior citizen service.

Pat received Jesus as her Savior and was baptized in 1994. She admits attending different churches with an occasional gap in her spiritual walk. However, since joining NCAC she says, “I have drawn closer to the Lord this last year and also feel very welcomed…more than any other time in my life.”

Speaking of feeling welcomed, Pat loves to tell this story. It seems she was asked if she was Sally’s “mother” by a church member whose name she did not divulge. She set the culprit straight and is now called, “Young Lady.” Pat’s sense of humor and ready laugh adds to the many activities she has become involved in: Bibles studies, folding TALK, the Sunday Bulletin (when needed) and Harvesters. Pat especially enjoys Harvesters because she loves to sing praises to the Lord. She and her sister, Sally, also care for the 2-3 year olds once a month during church services.

A woman of many talents, Pat enjoys doing crafts, knitting, crocheting and is an armchair golfer. She attempted to play golf at one time, but other commitments took priority. Other activities include exercise classes, cards, shopping, movies and potlucks in the complex where she resides. Walking, especially with her Shih-Tzu, Phoebe,” the best, cutest, little dog ever, ranks high on her list of activities.

Pat is a two-time cancer survivor, but tells me she has more trouble navigating the streets of Redding without a co-pilot. She even admitted to getting lost in Anderson…twice! It seems evident that Montana’s loss is California’s gain.

by Barbara DeCofano

Ann was born in Illinois; Jerry, in Los Angeles; but they met in Tacoma, WA and were married in 1955. They have five children and six grandchildren.

Their lives have included many adventures. After leaving the Merchant Marines, Jerry enlisted in the Army in Fairbanks, AK with hopes of becoming a pilot. This was not to be. The Army sent them Georgia, but upon return to Alaska, he was assigned to the Alaskan Communication Services, working there even after his discharge.

But, Jerry’s heart was still on flying…so they bought their own airplane. His 28 year career began as a Fight Engineer with an Alaskan-based airline advancing to Captain. Jerry first flew the C-130 “Hercules” aircraft and later the all-jet 737.

While Jerry was flying all over the world, including a tw0-year assignment in Johannesburg and Botswana, Ann was busy caring for family and working as secretary for the Alaskan School District.

Upon retirement in 1995, Ann and Jerry traveled the US to check out suitable locations to call home… Anderson won. By now, their children had started their own families. It was Jerry who found NCAC. Both had been raised in Christian homes. In fact, Jerry still has the very first Bible he received when he was seven.

Jerry’s hobbies include computer flying and gardening, but his greatest pleasures are his three horses and carriage horse driving. Ann likes to knit, but really enjoys visiting family. She is also very active attending Bible study classes; Released Time, folding “TALK,” and being part of Harvesters. Whenever there is a need for help, Ann is there.

Their love for the Lord and code for living can be found in John 14:21, “Who-ever has My commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves Me, and he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him.” (ESV)

by Molly Frame

Members of our church family gathered Sunday evening for a wonderful potluck and “State of the Church” message from elders Nick Braito and Dan Eckley, with a financial report from Doug Deese and T.J. Richards.

The meeting began with a brief message from Dan emphasizing our church’s mission: to reproduce more believers and disciple them so that they will overflow with the Joy of God through Jesus, our Savior.

The point was made later that our joy does not come from our circumstances, but in the hope we have in the final outcome of our lives: a home in heaven because we belong to Jesus, forgiven through his blood sacrifice.

Affirmation was made that although the world likes to think there are many ways to God, the Bible and Jesus himself are very clear that he is the only mediator between God and man, and salvation is found in NO other name. Our neighbors and unreached people groups need to hear this.

Paper and pens were on all the tables so we could write down our concerns and questions for the elders. Many of them were answered during the meeting, and the rest will be considered by, and prayed over by our elders, as there was not enough time to address them all Sunday evening.

With Jen McCurdy’s resignation, we will no longer have a single person in charge of Women’s Ministries. So a team of ladies will be planning our Bible Studies, retreats, and other fellowships.

As the current economy continues to impact our members, giving is down this year, causing some concern, financial belt-tightening and planning. We were asked to pray about our giving, and hope that some of us will be able to do more sacrificial giving.

The evening fellowship was interspersed with prayer times, as we, along with our elders, sought God’s will and direction for our church.

The summer calendar of events was passed out, and a big omission was Vacation Bible School. Parents are encouraged to take their children to a VBS offered by other churches in our area. Attendance at Mountain Meadows was promoted, and emphasis was made that there are scholarship funds available to pay half the cost for families who need financial assistance. These funds were raised by the men and boys of our church who cut and sold firewood for this program.

Other exciting upcoming events are special Sunday School Classes. Bart McCurdy will prepare us on June 7 to share our faith at the Shasta County Fair, and a theology class, (with a marvelous book available for purchase through the church for only $30.00) will be taught by Brad Manley.

The Nat Porter family will be back for 2 weeks in June and Nat will be preaching June 14, and teaching adult Sunday School on June 21.

This summer our children will learn about missions and the remaining unreached people groups in the world, using a curriculum called THUMB.

On the Missions front, 6 young men, and 4 not-so-young men are preparing for a ministry trip to the Far East, leaving July 17. Aptly named “Break the Silence Journey”, our end goal is to break the silence about Jesus in unreached people groups. The annual church-wide garage sale funds will help fund ministry for this team.

Large items for the yard sale can be picked up through the weekend of June 7, and a trailer is at church on Sundays if you can cart your donations up here. Volunteers are needed to help make this a success. Call Ryan Wildauer to ask to help.

Nick Braito invited prayer- warriors to join us during the second service time on the second Sunday of each month, in the High School Room as we pray for our missionaries and ministries around the world.

Overall, Sunday was a delightful evening of fabulous food and fellowship. Child care was provided, so if you missed it, next time “Y’all come!”

by Jennifer McCurdy

Over the past year, the Lord has been convicting me about how I spend my time and energies. Recently, many changes have occurred in our family with regards to our children and their needs. The Lord opened my eyes to the fact that I have not been the “Helper” to my husband nor the mother to my children that I should be. Biblically, my husband and children is my first ministry.

My deep desire is to be the wife and mom that God has called me to be. If my ministry outside the home is taking away from my ministry to my family (even though it is all well and good), then biblically, the ministry outside the home has to go.

Make no mistake, I love ministry to women. I know that someday, in a different season of life, God will return me to this ministry. I have been so blessed to be a part of the wonderful, God-centered ministry here at Neighborhood Church.

So with mixed emotions, and yet with great peace, I have resigned as Women’s Discipleship Coordinator. I will greatly miss it! However, I am excited about this new season the Lord is moving me into. My prayer is that I will continue to be pliable, moldable and fit for the Master’s use.

My exhortation to you is that you will allow yourselves to be moldable, pliable and teachable; always willing to do what God calls you to, even if it means giving up something you have greatly loved to be a part of. If you stay moldable, God can work through you in ways never imagined.

Ladies, take the time to re-evaluate how your time and energies are being spent and how they are best serving your family.

Titus 2:4-5 says, “And so train the young women to love their husbands and children. To be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind and submissive to their own husbands, that the Word of God may not be reviled.” (ESV)

The questions I had to ask myself were:
Am I loving my husband and my children God’s way?
Am I nurturing and encouraging them in the Lord?
Am I being a “keeper” at home? Remember, mom sets the tone in the home!
What is my husband coming home to?
Am I walking in submission and obedience to my husband, supporting him in his efforts to be the spiritual leader in our home?
These are all hard questions I have been struggling with and God brought me to some very tough, but rewarding choices that I had to make.

Please continue to uphold my family in prayer. Remember, the Lord has entrusted you to raise your children to know, love and cherish Him as their greatest pleasure and most priceless treasure.

Thank you for allowing me to serve this church family over the last few years. It has been an absolute blessing and joy!

May you have the attitude of Paul when he said in Philippians 3:8, “Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus, my Lord.” (ESV)

May you strive to know Christ, realizing that what this world has to offer pales in comparison. May you pass that on to the next generation!

by Molly Frame

On Wednesday, May 14, 160 people gathered in the sanctuary to honor and recognize AWANA Club members, and their achievements. Ryan Wildauer gave a brief message about the importance of abiding in Jesus.

Debbie Bainbridge, Director of the high school group “Journey,” presented an award to Calvin Abshier for his work reading 1/4 of the Bible, a book on the life of Christ and completing studies in Galatians and Ephesians.

Kenyon Fuesi and Randy Davis worked with “Trek,” junior highers. Skyler Bainbridge got the Third Book Award for completing three handbooks during the year. Ben Abshier, a “T & T’er,” 3-6th grades, earned a Third Book Award. Both boys received a plaque.

“T and T” Directors this year were Sally Dallagilacomo: girls, and Jeff Flaherty: boys. Katie McCoy and Cole Braito received the Excellence Award for completing two handbooks.

Cindy Knight, Director of Sparks, (K-2nd grade) presented a “Sparky” Award Plaque to Mason Geren and Tyler Braito who completed all three Sparky handbooks. Every child present received a ribbon honoring their attendance and Bible memory work during the year.

Adult leaders received service pins, recognizing the number of years’ service to our AWANA clubbers. Also honored were Cindy Knight, 17 years and Jean Mashburn, 18 years of service! Special recognition was given to retiring AWANA Commander, Dave Sottana. Shawn Bainbridge and Dave Wagner will be assuming the role of Co-Commanders year.

Jim Bullwinkle served another year as our Grand Game Director, ably assisted by Justin Rogers and Amy Johns. Roger McCoy ran the monthly AWANA store. Diana Webb, Paige Senn and Roberta Knight tended to administrative details and the registration table. About 60 adults volunteer weekly and for special fun activities during the year.