Calimesa Connections August-September 2022

What’s Happening at Calimesa Seventh-day Adventist Church

Calimesa Connections

Living Generously: A Youth Trip to San Diego

On August 24, thirteen of our youth packed two vans for a mission trip to the San Diego area. We anticipated hard work, fun adventure and a focus on living generously.

After arriving at Bethel Baptist Church in Escondido, our home for the week, we met Bryce and Vaughn, our project leaders from Group Mission Trips. After dinner we met the other youth groups we would be spending the week with: a Catholic youth group from Missouri and a Lutheran youth group from Arizona. We became fast friends during our time together.

Each day started with an early breakfast, worship with the entire group and packing lunches. By 8:30 we left for our sites to work until lunch, had a devotional time, then continued work

by Pastor Mark Ricalde

until 3:30 when we returned to relax, play games, have dinner and worship with the other youth, sometimes going to the beach, and ending with a devotional time with just our Calimesa group.

Divided into three groups, we worked at three different project sites: TheraPony in Ramona, Buckheart Ranch Ministries in Escondido, and Community Christian Service Agency in San Diego. Our chores included cleaning up horse manure, lifting hay, raking leaves, organizing thousands of socks, filing paperwork and doing anything these non-

Thoughts from Pastor Darrin How do people know you?

Congratulations to Additional 2022 Calimesa Graduates

esus talked to His friends a lot about how we should identify ourselves. He said it wouldn’t be what we said we believed or all the good we hoped to do someday. Nope, He said we would identify ourselves simply by how we loved people. It’s tempting to think there is more to it, but there’s not.”

“J

- Bob Goff, Everybody, Always

These words from Bob Goff’s book, Everybody, Always, have been echoing in my mind as we’ve started our August at Calimesa Camp Meeting. Our theme this year is: Loving People,

which is the identifying marker of Jesus’s disciples. “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:35).

It really is that simple, however, going from theory to practice is often more complex. As Dr. Zane Yi pointed out, we live in a society that has high levels of animosity and division. Thankfully, as Dr. Yi also pointed out, we have Jesus! He is our perfect model for how to love. He is the source from which our love comes from (1 John 4:7-12).

As we continue to enjoy the music and speakers during this camp meeting month, it is my hope and prayer that, most importantly, we learn to better live out our identity as Christ’s followers by learning what it truly means to love others.

Compiled by Irmgart Mitchell

Michael Shattuck, son of Lavaun and grandson of Doyleen Schlenker, graduated from Yucaipa High School. He will be attending Crafton Hills College taking multimedia classes and then plans to attend Walla Walla University to complete his degree.

Colette Covrig, granddaughter

Calimesa

and Jan Wagness, graduated from Loma Linda University, receiving her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree.

“What if we stopped avoiding the difficult people in our lives . . ?”

of

members Norm

Calimesa Members Visit Tanzania Game Parks

Four Calimesa Church couples recently visited Tanzania in Africa from May 23 to June 4, 2022. John and Georgie Barrett, Michael and Arlys Fillman, Steve and Laura Nyirady, and Richard and Bonnie Parker were able to see the amazing animal and bird life of Tarangire National Park, Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area and Serengeti National Park in northern Tanzania.

The group reports that the Big Five (Cape Buffalo, Elephant, Leopard, Lion, and Black Rhino) were all photographed and identified as well as many others.

“One highlight was when a cheetah jumped on top of our Land Cruiser. Our driver guide said the cheetah was using our vehicle as a high point to look for predators while watching out for its two cubs. “

Random Acts of Kindness

When visiting my parent’s grave site this past week, I brought flowers to put on their grave site. I noticed there were flowers already in their vase.

Then as I looked around I realized that the same flowers were on a number of grave markers. It appears that somebody came to bring flowers for their family member and spread them around to other vases which ended up making the wall look so beautiful.

Since I also had flowers to leave I took mine and spread them around to a few more vases so in the end a lot of flowers on the wall were a pretty sight to behold! Whoever left the first flowers was so very kind to those of us who can't get to the cemetery very often.

Photos and Text by Michael Fillman

--Shared by Bonnie’s Parker’s friend, Bev Hawkinson

Although it is always before you, what is it you can never see?

When troubled, how do you find

Nadine Boyko – When I am overwhelmed by troubles in this world, I find rest by claiming promises from the Bible and focusing on Jesus. My favorite is “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done” (Phil. 4:6 NLT).

Daniel Tohm – I find rest from unease by engaging in sports activities, such as bowling. Vigorous physical activity helps to clear my mind when I’ve had a rough week. It gets the blood flowing to the brain. For spiritual restoration, I can find a program on 3ABN or other outlet that points me to the love of Jesus and gives me hope for something better in the future.

Cherie Bolyarde – I get up at 4:15 each morning and spend time with God. I read my Bible and maybe some of Ellen G. White’s writing. I end my study with prayer. With this daily, routine fortification, I can make it through whatever the day brings.

Dina Malaniak – Prayer first. Then I take big, deep breaths. I also talk with my loved ones which helps to ease my stress. I like that verse in Matthew 11:28 where Jesus says, “Come unto me all you who have heavy burdens ... and I will give you rest.

The Nielsen

–

Niels: I go for a long walk and look at the blue sky. This takes my eyes off this world. I also listen to good music and go to the Lord in prayer.

Shirley: In addition, I talk to a trusted friend. A good friend and I will often pray together.

Misty Purse – I listen to music, especially music in the Christian realm, like praise music. Through this music I feel God near and His peace comes over me.

find the rest that restores your soul?

compiled by Damaris Matthews

Rachel Dorsch – Before my surgery, Pilates - an exercise that involves stretching and strength training - helped me maintain physical and mental balance. Coming home after a long day and petting kitty and doggy helps melt away the stress. Now having a husband to share burdens with has been wonderful in restoring peace of mind.

Barry Johansson – When met with repeated setbacks, I sometimes question whether God is there. Sometimes, in frustration, I dare to tell God off! But what helps me is that, after a time of grumbling, I begin to count my blessings. I look at things that are real blessings, such as family, friends and a roof over my head. When I count my blessings, it puts things into perspective.

Samira Hasso Fargo – I had an answer to prayer about this not too long ago. Generally, I spend the hour or so before bedtime calmly and quietly so I can peacefully drift off to sleep. One particular evening, however, my son called just as I prepared for bed and we had quite a disagreement that left me unsettled and agitated. I could not sleep. I turned my heart heavenward and said, “Jesus, please help me relax and get a good rest.” Soon my eyes closed and the next thing I knew, I opened my eyes on morning light. It was a direct answer to prayer.

Steve Nyirady – My ideal response to this question is, “I pray for His peace, strength and wisdom to deal with the stressor at hand.” However, if I am to be honest, my real life response often falls far short of that ideal. Thank you for the opportunity to renew my commitment to allow Christ to infuse His peace into my day to day living.

When we fall short, “His grace is sufficient.”

Angel King – I go talk to a friend in person because I need to get out of the house. If I can’t find a friend right away, I go for a long walk, maybe in a park. I can distract myself with a movie or Christian music. These are the lyrics to my best Christian song:

“When the oceans rise and thunders roar, I will soar with You above the storm. Father, You are King over the flood, I will be still know You are God.”

Laura Willes – Since my husband suffered a stroke, I sometimes feel overwhelmed by housekeeping and yard duties, as my husband cannot help much. When I feel stressed, I go upstairs, kneel down and pour my heart out in prayer. My husband has learned to do small tasks such as taking a list and doing a little grocery shopping (though he seldom gets the quantity right). We’ve been married 55 years, but it still gladdens my heart when he says, “Thank you, Laura,” for the small tasks I do for him, such as prepare his breakfast. My husband doesn’t always know it, but prayer helps.

MGA Continues to Upgrade Facilities

by Irmgart Mitchell and Alfred Riddle

This summer the library has undergone significant changes. The traditional library, with stacks holding thousands of books, has given way to study areas for collaboration and accessing online resources.

Out-of-date and books no longer relevant are being culled and boxed to be shared in other places or removed. The teachers will be looking through the books to identify those they would like to have in their rooms or to retain in the library.

If you are interested in books we will no longer retain, come by the school Friday, August 12. You are welcome to the remaining books.

The middle stacks have been removed to make room for a high school study and meeting area. Movable tables and stacking chairs in this area can quickly be set up for meetings. A significant number of books will be kept in the stacks around the periphery of the library.

Our baseball field is undergoing some renovation this summer, as well. Sprinkler placements have been changed which has involved a lot of digging and trenching. Some of the aging backstop boards have been replaced. We have been blessed by our parents, students and community coming out to help on this project.

Teachers report back on August 8 and a few days later, school starts on August 15. Our registration data indicates we will have approximately 290 students enrolled TK-12th grade. To help students with Christmas Break lag, first semester will finish in December this year, rather than the traditional middle of January.

The removed shelves (which are in great shape) are being used to create a library area in the back of the “Pit” and in the elementary conference room. All the TK-6th grade books have been moved to the Elementary Building and a study area has been set up using tables from the library.

Mesa Grande Academy is so thankful to Calimesa SDA Church for its incredible support and guidance as we work together to raise our students, focused on God’s way.

Loving People in Action

by Irmgart Mitchell

Thereare many ways “Loving People” is demonstrated in the lives of our church members. One example of this is the ministry of the Meader family. We are grateful for the nearly 10 years Richard and Janice ministered as the leaders of our Community Service outreach. Not only did they help through food distribution, clothing and even assistance with rental expenses and gas to get to work, but they frequently offered a listening ear as ones just came to sit and talk.

We are grateful also for the leadership of Nancy Hall in more recent years for the Thanksgiving food share and the great job of our Pathfinders in collecting food to replenish the pantry.

There are many in our community who have been served and ones who need our help now and in the future. Since Community Service reopened in early Spring, these services have resumed. As before, the food pantry is open one day a week: Tuesdays 10 a.m.-2 p.m. People hear of our resources through United Way’s 2-1-1 help center, and by word-of-mouth.

Pastor Ken Curtis shared that our current community services leadership is looking at how we best meet the needs of families and people in our area facing challenges. Often this involves more than just food. One example of a difficulty often faced by some who are temporarily living in their vehicles that hold all their belongings, is their inability to pay their vehicle registration fees. Thus, the vehicle is impounded and they lose all their belongings and their shelter. Helping them pay these registration fees has given them a new lease on life and hope for the future.

We appreciate Becky Cohen for assuming the leadership of this important outreach ministry. Anyone interested in becoming involved, either through donations or assisting in person, please contact Becky or Ken Curtis, the pastoral advisor, or send an e-mail to calimesacommunityservice@gmail.com.

The Book Case

by Bonnie Parker

How Jesus Treated People How

Jesus Treated People, by Morris L. Venden offers another view of Jesus. A view with one particular emphasis in mind, how He treated people.

It starts near the beginning of His adult ministry. Gospel writers begin to give detailed descriptions of His interaction with various people or groups of people. Common people welcomed Him gladly, while priests and rulers rejected Him. He welcomed sinners, harlots and thieves. He treated minority groups of His day with dignity. He had compassion on the fearful, timid and sorrowing, yet He rebuked the proud and self-sufficient.

Because of this mission of salvation, no one whose life He touched stayed the same. When they saw who He was, they accepted Him or rejected Him. As you read this book you can allow Him to break down barriers in your life. Jesus loves people and He has a place in His heart for you. May you come to know and trust Him more as you consider how Jesus treated people.

(Find the book on Amazon.com or AdventistBookCenter.com)

Al Boyko Builds in Kenya

By Damaris Matthews

Al Boyko traveled to Kenya, June 8-26, as part of a four-person team from California. Their objective, to install a water purification system for the Rona Foundation, an organization that supports widows and orphans as they work to build a better life.

Al’s cousin, Michael Boyko is a practicing dentist and faculty member at Loma Linda University School of Dentistry. He founded the Maasai Dental Clinic in the Kenyan area known as The Mara back in 2012, and continues to sustain it.

Later, his ties to Kenya strengthened when he and his wife heard a speaker from the Rona Foundation. As a result, they developed a heart for this mission work for widows, especially since Michael’s wife had been a widow before their marriage.

In 2019, Al was part of a team that went to Kenya and erected a multipurpose building for the Rona Foundation. This year, when it was time to install the water system, Dr. Boyko knew he could do no better than to call on Al, knowing that his cousin is highly skilled and honest in the labor he provides.

Rona Foundation’s Widows’ Village and Orphanage is located in a rural area where, up until now, there was no clean drinking water. To supply the village, each day women collected water from Lake Victoria in 5-gallon buckets which they carried on their heads a quarter of a mile uphill to deposit in a communal tank that stood 35 feet high. In fact, the women supplied all the water for the building project in this manner.

Lack of purified water often led to unhealthy conditions for the local inhabitants. Al and the team worked with locals to install not only the water purification system, but also a twelve foot by fifteen foot building to house the system, along with a children’s playground.

Prior to the arrival of the California team, local workers had made a sufficient quantity of adobe bricks and the two groups worked side by side to complete the structure. “It was like ‘Teach a man to fish,’” said Al.

There is a water purification company in Kenya, but the cost was beyond the means of Rona Foundation. Volunteer labor provided by the group from California helped fill this financial gap. However, this local company gave them their biggest headaches! First, company representatives insisted that the group build a separate shed for the generator which powers the water system. They did not want it inside the first structure even though it was vented to the outside as their building plans specified.

In addition, Mara West (a local safari company run by Americans) received a rather insistent “request,” which they passed on to the California group. They needed to add topsoil to the front lawn of the house which will soon be occupied by the retiring president of the country, Uhuru Kenyatta. Thus it was that Al found himself operating a skip loader leveling ground for the president’s lawn.

Still, there was joy in this work. “We have the satisfaction of knowing we have done our part to provide clean water, such a very basic need,” Al said. “The widows and orphans welcomed us whole heartedly. When we arrived, the children sang and danced to welcome us. Before we left, they presented us with drawings showing each of us engaged in the specific jobs that we did. Surely God’s blessing is on this project!”

To learn more about the Rona Foundation, visit the website: www.ronafoundation.co.ke

Does the Calimesa SDA Church Support Christian Education?

By Damaris Matthews

tuition has risen, the number of families requesting financial assistance has declined over the past five years, according to Committee Chair, Jere Chrispens. For example, in 2017, the church helped 28 students in 18 families by paying out $50,100, a difference of $32,000 more compared to last year.

Calimesa Church is a strong supporter of Christian education through Mesa Grande Academy (MGA). As one of the eight constituent churches which supports the infrastructure of this fully accredited K-12 educational facility, Calimesa church contributed $184,100 in constituency fees during the 2021-2022 school term. Constituency fees are determined as 10% of a church’s tithe contributions from the prior calendar year.

In addition to the constituency fee, this church also provides tuition assistance directly to many students and their families. Each summer Calimesa Church convenes a Tuition Assistance Committee and families of MGA students are invited to apply for funds to help defray the tuition cost of attending this school.

Student Financial Aid Officer, Judie Yakush reports that academy level tuition and fees for the 2022-2023 school year are $1,050 per month. Imagine if

families have two or three students at MGA! Based on information that parents or guardians provide to the Committee, a monthly cash payment that varies according to determined need is applied from this church directly to the student’s financial account. In all cases, however, the families are responsible for some portion of their student’s tuition. Last year 11 students from 7 families were helped in this manner for a total of $18,000. These two forms of assistance are not the end of our financial support for MGA. Each week little ones roam the aisles of the church to collect dollars from the congregation as they go down front for the Children’s Story. This yields another $700 or so each month for Christian education. In addition, other funds are received when members include a donation for “MGA Tuition” along with regular tithes and offerings when they mark their tithe envelopes.

Curiously, although the cost of

Chrispens says, “Perhaps our members are discouraged from sending their children to MGA when they see printed in black and white the dollar amounts associated with attending MGA. But we do something for all students who qualify.”

Scott Adey, Chair of the Church Finance Committee, echoes this encouragement as well by saying, “Families should apply; we always have enough funds to help eligible families.”

Thought for the Day

-- Adrian Rogers

“Give God what’s right, not what’s left!”

Bits ‘n Pieces

compiled by Damaris Matthews

members Daniel Giang, Richard Hart, Rod Neal and Daniel Sandy served as official delegates to the 61st General Conference Session held June 6–11, 2022 in St. Louis Missouri.

Calimesa

In addition to earning a salary, several Calimesa Church youth have learned job and life skills as they worked at Adventist camps this summer:

Jake Langford – Head of Media, as well as Worship Leader at Pine Spring Ranch

Tyler Parker - videographer at Camp Mivoden in Idaho

Maddie Smith – Life Guard and Counselor at Camp Lawroweld in Maine

nearly $400 at 25¢ each. Sadly another 100 or so labels had to be discarded because the bar code was missing. It is not the face of the label, but the bar code that counts.

You may leave labels in the office or at the Scrip Desk at MGA.

in Idaho April was featured as one of the presenters. Other Parker family attendees included Dwight, Trisha and family along with Scott, Erika and family.

You can help raise funds for Mesa Grande Academy by turning in labels from Loma Linda canned foods and Morning Star Farms frozen foods. When labels were counted in late July, there were enough to yield

oz., 20 inches long.

Dick

and Bonnie Parker –recently visited Walla Walla, WA and spent some time visiting with former Calimesa member Shirley Mertz Roberts, and son Danny with his wife Karen (Jones). Shirley sends greetings to her friends at Calimesa Church. She lives at Wheatland Village Retirement Community (1500 Catherine St, Apt. C 314 / Walla Walla, WA 99362) and would love to hear from her friends.

April

and Thad Wilson, along with Richard and Bonnie Parker attended Medical-Dental Family Camp at Camp Mivoden

Karen

Jara – reports that things are humming along in Early Birds Sabbath School. At the start of second quarter, new teachers and leaders were introduced: Mihai Zgunea, Chaplain Joel Almeida, Ralph Clark and Karen Jara who scripts the Gracelink lessons into a play performed in the classroom. The children are motivated and rewarded for repeating the memory verse each week. She appreciates the support and participation from families and parents, and asks that we please continue to pray for our children and this ministry.

At Rest

• DuAnn Kinzer Caster - July 12, 1936 - July 3, 2022

Judah Manuel Foré Buremen born July 4 to Pastor Danielle and Manny Buremen; 6 lb, 11

San Diego Youth Trip

profits needed to keep running. Since these ministries had been short-staffed over the past couple years, deep cleaning, organizing food, and caring for farm animals gave the ministries time to catch up on other work. Chuck, the head of Buckheart Ranch, told us they were going to have to cut their food service in half (they feed 1,500 families each month), but the help from youth groups allowed them to continue their ministry through the summer.

During our devotional times, we talked about how living generously in all aspects of life greatly impacts others as well as brings personal fulfilment and joy. We want to change a few things in our own lives and invite you to do the same.

Practice gratitude: Say ‘thank you’. One of our youth decided to say ‘thank you’ every time their parents drove them to school. Another at every meal. Both realized not only would they be more appreciative, but their gratitude would motivate them to help more around the house.

Live relationally: As each of our groups spent time at their as-

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signed project site, working with the families, owners and workers was an opportunity to build relationships and give joy and hope. Through relationships we can best understand and help with needs.

Support those who help others:

One of the most important things we learned is that, not only low income and homeless people need help, those who have dedicated their lives to serve them need help, too. Though most of our projects did not have direct contact with those being served through the ministries, our work had a significant impact. We challenge you to live generously by supporting restaurants and supermarkets that donate food for the needy, and other businesses that practice giving in various ways.

Invite others into your community: One of the great things about our week was that, not only were we able to work with people from different denominations, cultures, and backgrounds, but we learned more about their beliefs and practices. The more we can understand others, the

more we want to act generously towards them. We encourage you to broaden your circle friends— get to know your neighbors, genuinely greet others, and spend time with those who are different than you.

As we focused on the passage below, our youth group committed to living more generously through our attitudes, conversations and actions. We hope that these words may inspire you to live with generous hearts!

“Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. For God loves a person who gives cheerfully. And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.” 2 Corinthians 9:6-8 (NLT)

We want to thank all of you who have supported, prayed for, and given to youth ministries in the past few years. You help make it possible to provide these opportunities to help others and learn how to live faithfully.

Staff

Editor: Charles Castle chcastle@gmail.com

Assistant Editor/Reporter: Damaris Matthews 52matthe@yahoo.com

Copyeditor: Richard Parker

Beat Reporters:

• John Parrish (concerts, events, etc.) parrishto@hotmail.com

• Mike Fillman (News Mirror liaison) mfillman@mac.com

• Irmgart Mitchell (membership) pure1way@yahoo.com

• Bonnie Parker (general) rlpbrp@roadrunner.com

We need you! Write for Calimesa Connections or help us stay current in your area of ministry. Don’t want to write? Contact anyone listed above!

New Members

We welcome Ron and Sherry Riffel to our Calimesa Church family!

Ron grew up near Nashville, TN and Sherry was raised on a farm in Wisconsin. Ron studied history and biology at Southern Missionary College (now SAU), while Sherry studied education at Andrews and at Southern, where they met within her first week there. They married the end of that school year, making it 50 years this July.

Their career journeys took them to a number of different states, as Ron taught at various SDA schools, then became a rep for Little Debbie (in Loma Linda and the Pacific Northwest), and eventually taught accounting at a junior college in Portland. Sherry went back to school a couple times, studying medical technology and accounting, as she

Please Accept Our Apology

The staff of Calimesa Connections apologizes for the last issue that was printed on smaller paper by mistake. This made it very difficult for some of our readers to read the small type.

This mistake has been corrected so future issues will be the correct size. If you wish to receive a copy of the last issue in the correct size, please contact the church office or Pastor Ken and they will mail you a larger copy.

by Irmgart Mitchell

worked in hospital labs and for a doctor in Loma Linda.

Last year they moved from Vancouver, WA to Beaumont so they could be closer to their daughter, son-in-law and the two granddaughters. Happily retired they are able to enjoy nature study, travel and their two dogs.