A DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT by Pastor Phil

I am struck by the passion of Paul as he writes to the Roman church.
 
I speak the truth in Christ—I am not lying, my conscience confirms it through the Holy Spirit—I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were cursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my people, those of my own race, the people of Israel…Brothers and sisters, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for the Israelites is that they may be saved. Romans 9:1-4, 10:1

I have been thinking about that passion. Paul had already proven time again and that he was willing to set his rights, his comfort, his well-being, even his life aside for the sake of saving others. Now, he goes further to say that he’s willing to give up his own salvation and hope for heaven, if it meant his fellow Jews would be saved. What a passion for the lost!

Driving Paul’s passion is the one who gave him undeserved forgiveness and salvation, Jesus, “who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing...” Philippians 2:6-7. Paul was following Jesus’ passion who when asked “Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?” answered, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” Mark 2:16-18.
 
These passages are reverberating deeply into my life. I am convicted, challenged and inspired by them. Paul and Jesus set aside their rights, their comforts, and their lives to save others.
 
I am convicted because in Jesus’ statement above I am the “righteous,” and now that I am the righteous because of Jesus, it’s no longer about me, but about those who are still lost. Because I am saved and my eternity is secure, I am able to give myself away for others. That’s what challenges me.
 
I like my comforts. I like my security. I like what I like and I want what I like. Am I alone in this (I ask with a knowing smile)? So the challenge is: am I willing to put my rights aside for the sake of being a witness to someone who does not know Jesus? Am I willing to put my likes and desires aside for the sake of reaching out to someone who needs salvation? Do I share Jesus and Paul’s passion for the lost? The honest answer is—sometimes.
 
So, I am convicted and challenged by the example of Paul, and the leadership of Jesus who I profess to follow. But I am also inspired. I am inspired by their examples because I know that God gives grace that allows me to continue to grow. So, rather than being discouraged at how my passion pales compared to Paul’s, I see it as something to grow towards, asking God to continue to transform me so that increasingly I share the same passion as Jesus.
 
I continue to ask myself, “How are my attitudes, my desires and demands, my words, my behaviors being viewed, not by my friends who think like me, but by non-Christians?” Do they see selflessness or selfishness, interest in them or self-interest, compassion or criticism, someone who reaches out or stays away? Each question convicts me, challenges me and inspires me to grow in my passion for reaching the lost even at the expense of my own rights, comforts and desires.
 
I hope I have started to do the same for you.
In-Person Worship Returns
Sunday, October 11th

Services @ 9:30 and 11:00 AM
Each service will be limited to 100 people.

RSVP required. Reservation system available Sunday, October 4th.

We will still video record our services
and put it on our website and YouTube channel typically by Sunday evening and send you the link on Monday morning.
Thanks to your 2020 campaign contributions we will be upgrading our system and be able to show our services LIVE online by November!
TWO BIBLE STUDIES STARTING AT CHURCH IN OCTOBER!
MEN'S BIBLE STUDY
Wednesdays, 9:30-10:30 AM
starting October 14th

DON ANDERSON'S BIBLE STUDY
Thursdays, 6:30-7:30 PM
starting October 15th
Starting a study on the Book of Revelation

No registration required. Just show up.
Both studies meeting in the Worship Center. Please enter through
the east doors (closest to the fountain).
Face masks and social distancing are required.
Operation Christmas Child
Starts Now
What is Operation Christmas Child?
It is a ministry of Samaritan's Purse that provides a Christmas gift to children in the poorest places on earth, sharing the message of Jesus with them and creating good will with the local churches. Every year members of our church pick up boxes and fill them with toys and essential items.

This Year The Process Will Be Different
Due to COVID-19, we will not be packing our own boxes. Instead, you have two options:

  1. You can build a box online and even choose what items go in it. Boxes cost $25. CLICK HERE to start building your box. OR
  2. You can write a check for any amount payable to PGCC and designate the funds for "Operation Christmas Child" then we will order the box or boxes for you.

Questions?
Contact Bev Schmidt and she will make it easy for you. 916-872-4711

Ladies ...
We want to liven up your Christmas Season
this year!

This has been a difficult year so, we are preparing a
SPECIAL GIFT just for you!

Watch for more information on how to reserve your gift in the next few weeks.

Gifts will be handed out on Saturday, November 21,
from 10:00AM -1:00PM so mark your calendar!

BLESS A NON-CHURCHED FRIEND WITH A GIFT TOO
Besides receiving a gift for yourself, we hope you will consider ordering one extra gift to give to a friend who does not attend church. This is a great way to share God's love during the Christmas season and reach out to our community.

Merry Christmas!
from PGCC Women's Ministries
TO BRIGHTEN YOUR DAY
OUR MISSIONARY OF THE MONTH
Union Gospel Mission
and Pastor Tim Lane

The heart of the Union Gospel Mission ministry is to glorify Jesus Christ through the evangelization and regeneration of the urban poor while worshiping with acts of mercy. To serve these needs, the Mission provides a Christ-centered environment, clothing, food, shelter, spiritual training, and a rehabilitation program.
The Union Gospel Mission serves 9,000 meals a month, offers a Women's clothes closet and a Bible study for women in need, and houses 84 men each night.

It is with sadness we share that both pastor Tim and his wife, Olga, contracted Covid-19 in July. Pastor Tim recovering but Olga passed away in August. Tim and Olga had been married for 47 years and served side-by-side at the mission for 25+ years. She will be greatly missed but her warmth, kindness, and gentle spirit will be remembered forever.

Pastor Tim is grieving; however, He wants everyone to know that he is not crushed and all his comfort and hope is in the eternal life we have through our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. His prayer is for everyone to receive the gift of salvation, the forgiveness of sins, and reconciliation with God; to have that faith, hope, trust, peace, love, joy, and a life with Jesus today and for all eternity!

Pastor Tim says, "It is incredible to know that we are supported by many wonderful people. We are grateful for your heart to partner with us financially, in prayer." Please continue to pray for Pastor Tim in his grief and for his health, and pray that the ministry of UGM continues to reach, save, and support the homeless and urban poor of Sacramento.
LANDSCAPING VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
We need volunteers to help us convert our parking lot irrigation to a surface drip system.

  • We plan to start in October and finish in December.
  • Work will be done in small sections, by small groups on a day-to-day basis.
  • There will be no digging or heavy lifting required. Some sweat may occur and will be allowed.
  • The supervisors promise not to be demanding, especially if bribed with cookies and coffee.

There will be something for everyone to do.

There will be no age or gender discrimination.

We cannot get this done without your help!

Please contact Jerry Mehring to learn more and find out how you can help while having a great time doing it. 916-719-4415 or folsombb@aol.com
 1: Pat Burton
 2: Sara Grasmuck
 5: Bob Gilbert
 6: Louise Lafferty
 7: Wally Johnson
 8: Janet Knoedler
     Tamie Desrosiers
10:Shirley Meloy
11:Dorothy James
      Garvin Hill
12:George Latter
14:Bill Moen
15:Fred Pearce
      Elaine Snyder
17:Bev Schmidt    
Phil Sommerville 
18: Judy Ellison
19: Jean Stephens
21: Barbara Hurlbut
22: Don Anderson
23: Kris Wikstrom    
24: Eileen Jones
      Jon Read
26: Gloria Course
28: Marie Dirkse
      Marge LaRoche
      Pat Owens
30: Lauren Craddock
31: Hal Butts
      Leon Dean
 
4: Hal & Billie Minor
 5: Arnold & Annette Loper
     Ed & Barbara Clement
 8: Dale & Arlene Bailey
13: Mike & Arlene Coakley
GIVING SUMMARY - August 2020

GENERAL GIVING: $51,915
BUDGET: $67,500
YTD General Giving: $475,527
YTD Budget: $540,000

DEBT REDUCTION STATUS (as of September10)
Current Loan Balance $371,003

20/20 CAMPAIGN STATUS (as of August 31)
Amount Given: $299,355
Amount Pledged: $386,368

Thank you for your faithful giving to PGCC. As you see, we are behind budget. Here is how you can help:

You can GIVE by:
  1. Mail addressed to the Church at 1730 Pleasant Grove Blvd, Roseville, CA 95747.
  2. Online through our website, www.pgcc.church or by clicking on the blue button below.
If you are not automatically getting these emails...
Pleasant Grove Community Church
1730 Pleasant Grove Blvd., Roseville, CA 95747
(916) 771-4447 www.pgcc.church
Email: 1730pgccoffice@gmail.com