Feb-Mar, 2023 Calimesa Connections

What’s Happening at Calimesa Seventh-day Adventist Church

Calimesa Connections

Young Families Show a Generous Spirit

packing part with children going from well-organized stations to fill boxes according to a posted list.

Last month, Young Families of Calimesa Church demonstrated a spirit of generosity by packing shoeboxes for less fortunate children. Operation Shoebox, a worldwide outreach of Samaritan’s Purse, focuses on helping younger children which creates a connection with children in our Sabbath School Divisions.

In past years, church members were asked to donate specific items, but this year under the

leadership of Arlene Dos Santos members were asked to donate funds. “By purchasing shoebox items online and in bulk, we achieved greater buying power, and were able to fill more boxes,” she said.

In addition, Donna Zuppan headed up a team that knitted hats to tuck into the boxes.

The packing party was attended by 75 -100 people -- mostly families with young children. Pastor Darrin led out in vesper songs, followed by a worship thought from Pastor Danielle. Then came the

Leaders of this project took care to fill the boxes with a balance of functional items as well as fun ones. For example, while the boxes contained practical items such as pencils, socks and soap, they also contained jump ropes, deflated soccer balls and hand pump. Ronda Adey and Karisa Chrispens organized refreshments and the group enjoyed roasted hot dogs and s’mores after the boxes were packed.

In all, the children and families of Calimesa Church filled 200 shoe boxes taking the love of Christ to children who may not know Him. “No matter who tells them,” said Arlene, “it is important that they know of Jesus’ love.

“Do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” –

Heb. 13:16

by Damaris Matthews

Thoughts from Pastor Darrin

“Having the Same Mindset as Christ”

Amother was preparing pancake breakfast for her little boys when they began to argue over who would get the first pancake. Seeing this as a perfect opportunity for a moral lesson, mom interrupted their argument. “Boys”, she asked. “If Jesus were sitting here, he would say: ‘Let my brother have the first pancake. I can wait’” The two children sat silent for a moment, then five-year-old Jonny turned to his younger brother and exclaimed, “Okay, Ryan, you be Jesus!”

One of the major themes we’ve been studying in our sermon series on Philippians is having the same mindset of Christ Jesus in our relationships. This is Paul’s challenge: To choose to be like Jesus by using our position, privilege, and power not for our own advantage, but for the blessing of others.

Every time our wallet comes out,

we face that challenge: Is my life about getting or giving? Every time we are in a conflict at home, work, or in politics, we have a choice: Am I going to focus solely on my feelings and preferences, or is there a legitimate hurt or hunger on the other side that I can serve? And every time we walk through the doors of our church, we have a decision to make: Is my purpose to get my needs met or to help address the needs of others?

Martin Luther King Jr. once said that “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’” As disciples of Jesus, we too are faced with this

most persistent and urgent question. With our finances, in our relationships, and with our church and bigger community, Paul challenges us to ask, “What are we doing for others?”

Plan to join your church family at our Pine Springs Ranch Retreat Featuring:

Veritas - enjoy a “wall of sound” from five male voices joined together. Experience a jusical journey unlike any other.

Chris Oberg coming back home to Calimesa, her home church for four years. She is currently CEO of Path of Life Ministries in Riverside.

Filip Milosavljevic, Young adult pastor at LLU Church, finishing his dissertation on what creates thriving churches that young adults love and where they grow in Jesus. Come enjoy a mountain-top experience of fun, fellowship, great food and spiritual growth!

Coming April 28-30 2023

Mark you calendar! More information coming!

Thoughts for the day

Whatever your anxieties and trials, spread out your case before the Lord. Your spirit will be braced for endurance. The way will be opened for you to disentangle yourself from embarrassment and difficulty. The weaker and more helpless you know yourself to be, the stronger will you become in His strength. The heavier your burdens, the more blessed the rest in casting them upon the Burden Bearer.” Desire of Ages p. 329

“If God sends us on stony paths, He provides strong shoes.” And, “Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.” --Corrie ten Boom

Where do polar bears keep their money??

Random Acts of Kindness

The Day I saw my Child’s Face on a Milk Carton

By Bonnie Parker

Complied by Bonnie Parker

Justbefore

school started

and I was shopping for school clothes for my two older boys, Jay and Dwight, ages eight and ten, at a small children’s store in West Riverside. While I was helping them pick out and try on clothes, our baby, Scott, 14 months, was playing around the clothes racks.

Suddenly, I realized Scott was not where he had been a few minutes before and was nowhere to be seen in the little store. Frantically, I had the boys quickly change back to their clothes and asked the clerk to let me use the phone to call the police. There were two other customers in the store, one said, “I’ll go look for the child.”

As I was making a report to the police, I felt numb, helpless, and yes… in my mind I could see my child’s face on a milk carton! The policeman came and as he was making a missing child’s report (about 15 minutes had gone by), the lady that had gone to search returned….holding my baby -- she found him wandering down the aisles of a nearby grocery store! After this random act of kindness, I realize, and I knew, that I was the most grateful mother in the world!

You can make a difference in a person’s life!

by Carolyn Stuyvesant

Some years ago, I bought an all-weather coat with a zip-

out lining at JC Penny’s in Redlands. I wore the coat a few days later with the lining removed. Later, try as I might, I could not zip the lining back into the coat. A few days later, I took the coat back and asked the clerk to help zip the lining back in. She tried, with no success. We looked for a replacement, but that particular model had sold out. Discouraged, I took the coat back home.

A few days later, I traveled to Arizona to meet family members, taking the coat and errant lining with me. Perhaps I could replace the items from a JC Penny’s branch there. At the store, I presented the coat and lining to the salesclerk who failed. Another salesclerk was called over and explained the problem. It was clear that English was not her first language. That clerk patiently worked with the zipper until finally, she correctly rejoined the two parts! (It has worked ever since!) All the while she spoke patiently and encouragingly to me.

I took the coat she returned to me, looked her in the eye and said, “Thank you. Please call your manager.” The poor clerk was worried and her eyes filled with tears, thinking I would lodge a complaint. Instead, I praised her, saying how courteously she had treated me and how patiently and successfully she worked with the coat that others had failed, and that this employee deserved a long tenure at the store. “You think I ought to keep her?” the manager asked. “Just last week

I told her that this would be her last day.” I protested that in spite of the language, this clerk surely was one of the best workers in the store. The manager looked over at the poor trembling clerk and said, “OK, you can come back to work tomorrow.” You should have seen the light that came to the clerk’s eyes! Who knows what difference a kind word or deed will make in a person’s life!

Sing to My Saviour

Sing to my Savior, Songs of sweet praise. He’s blest me greatly, All of my days.

Songs of assurance, From promises true; Jesus my Lord, Always comes through.

Burdens assail me, But my faith is strong. When one leans on Jesus, They cannot go wrong.

Whether hardship or death, I find at my door. When looking to Jesus, Heaven’s in store.

So – I sing to my Savior, Songs of sweet praise. Because - He has blest me, And yes - All of my days.

Betty Segreto McAllister

November 3, 2022

What’s Happening at Mesa Grande Academy

Compiled by Terra Herrmann

6th Grade at Malki Museum

The 6th grade class visited the Malki Museum on the Morongo Reservation. Students learned how the Museum preserves cultural traditions and history of the Cahuilla and other southern California Indian tribes. Part of the tour included walking through the museum, looking at pottery displays and other artifacts. Outside students toured the museum garden filled with indigenous plants and learned how the plants were used for nutrition and medicinal purposes. This field trip helped students gain an appreciation for the traditions of local Native American tribes so that this rich history is never forgotten.

- Elisa Suphol

MGA Basketball

Mesa Grande Academy Cardinals basketball teams are having a great season! The girls, led by

coach Andrae Chambers, are playing fantastic with a record of 6-2. They are looking to make a strong run at the playoffs. Coach Steven Stott has the boys in position for the playoffs with a record of 10-6. Both teams are looking forward to a trip to Pacific Union College for their Pioneer Basketball Tournament in January. There are eight seniors leading our teams. It has been exciting to watch as these students become competitors and leaders while representing our school in a positive way. Senior night on January 24 celebrated their athletic careers at Mesa Grande Academy and we wish them well as they move forward with their education.

- Justin Serns

Service-Learning days into the schedule. Our focus was on Service Learning during January. Each class has had the opportunity to work with one of our local church members who ships items to communities in the Caribbean. Our students have sorted clothes, packed boxes, loaded containers and organized a storage facility. When interviewed, several students agreed that the day was worthwhile and they felt good about what they accomplished. They said their class was able to bond while working toward the common goal of serving others. Mesa Grande is looking forward to fostering this bond within our student body and continuing education that leads students to serve God by serving others.

-Terra Herrmann

100th Day of School

Our Kindergarten and first graders celebrated the 100th day of

High School Service Learning

While making plans last summer, we intentionally embedded

Lindsay and Melia packing clothes

dedication and foresight.

Montemorelos Honors Olga Schmidt

Last fall, the University of Montemorelos dedicated its music building to Olga Schmidt, the founder of their music program. In 1971, Olga with her husband Samuel (an ordained pastor and Chairman of the Seminary) arrived on campus to find a desperate situation for music education.

The only instruments available were two inadequate, insect-infested upright pianos. Determined to fulfill the mission which she had been hired, Olga started teaching piano lessons in her home on her piano. Soon the number of piano

by Damaris Mathews

Olga is enshrined in the University’s history with the dedicatory plaque permanently affixed to the music building, acknowledging Olga as the person who brought the music program to Montemorelos.

students increased to about 45.

A donor gifted the school with a grand piano for student use, but as the number of music students increased, Olga alone could not meet the demand. She recruited four advanced students as TA’s for whom she set the lessons and mentored them on Sundays so that these four could work with incoming students while she herself gave lessons to as many as 25 other students during the week. Later brothers Hector and Carlos Flores formally proposed a bachelor’s degree program in music for the university, and in 1977 Olga was chosen as the first leader of this new department.

Though busy as teacher and administrator, Olga enrolled in doctorate work at Northwestern University and completed a Doctorate of Music in Organ Performance and Sacred Music in 1982.

Today after many temporary campus locations, the Music Department at Montemorelos is housed in its own building with hundreds of students and ensembles, multiple upgrades in both quality and quantity of instruments. Both a campus and conservatory music program owe thanks, in large part, to Olga’s

The Book Case

by Bonnie Parker

10 DAYS OF PRAYER

Thisfree 10 daily devotional on prayer, Back to the Altar: Making a Place for God, www.tendaysofprayer.org can be read on the computer or downloaded for a hard copy. It is made available from the Ministerial Association of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.

Also included are suggested guidelines for prayer, group discussions, outreach ideas and Bible Promises to claim in prayers. I found it an excellent resource gift for personal prayer and growth.

Dedication plaque and wall at the entrance to the School of Music. The text reads, “God has delivered music in the very fabric of his creation. ‘When he had done all things, all the morning stars sang together, and all the son’s of God rejoiced.’” The plaque states that Olga Schmidt was the founder and visionary of the School or Music.

What Are Your Hopes

Robyn Stevens: Working with the Earliteens, it is my hope that the young people grow in their relationship with God, that they will gain a deeper understanding of Him. And also, that my daughter Sara will not grow much taller than me.

Elizabeth Mayagoitia: My hope is that every Christian lives their life according to God’s will and accepts the gift of salvation, so that when they die, they KNOW that Jesus will come to take them home to live with him forever.

Roy Hogle: I will plant a garden again this year. Last year we grew zucchini, tomatoes and cantaloupe. Maybe I can establish my workshop to take care of all the projects around the house.

new start.

Lauren

a college student planning to go to medical school. I hope to be accepted by LLU. I also want to get more involved in church activities.

Scott Adey (with son Aiden): I wish for good health for my family, especially the kids. I hope for better connections with family, including my brother in Virginia.

Emma Wills: As a senior at MGA, I hope this year brings new adventures. I’ll be going off to college in the fall and I’m wishing for an exciting

Valdivia: I’m

for this New Year?

Compiled by Damaris Matthews

Gary Marais: I’m hoping that COVID is way behind us, and that soon there will be fewer empty seats in our sanctuary.

John and Vickie Lacy: We want to travel more, see our extended family. Also we want to work on improving our health, get out and walk more.

Kristen

: I wish health and happiness for my family. As a nurse, I do everything I can to keep them healthy: give them vitamins, participate in outdoor activities in the fresh air and engage with others for good mental health.

Carol Miller: I hope that the Lord comes. These days there is too much violence and shooting. His coming will end that.

Jere and Marian

: We’re hoping that the world will be more peaceful in this year. We think especially of Haiti where we’ve spent so much time and where we are scheduled to return.

Gunnar and Vera Engdahl: We long for a revival of spiritual life in the church. We also long to be closer to family and especially miss seeing our son who lives in Montana.

McKee

Chrispens

Seth Myhre enjoys a Cruise with a Mission

Seth Myhre went on a on six day Cruise with a Mission trip from December 15-22. They stopped at various Caribbean islands during their cruise. He reports that, “This year was a small group due to confusion about vaccine requirements, so there were only 11 in this group when normally there are 40-60 people.”

During their Sabbath stop at Turk and Caicos, only Seth and three

By Seth Myhre & Damaris Matthews

Islands, they visited a Seventh-day Adventist school on the island. The group painted several walls to cover graffiti behind the school and in their sports area. Once again they were able to enjoy wonderful local cuisine at the school.

Each evening aboard ship the group had worship and even a Seventh-day Adventist crew member join their Sabbath evening service.

Any other free time was spent relaxing in vacation mode, eating aboard the ship, or having fun with games or activities with fellow cruisers.

Seth says, “This was my 5th Cruise with a Mission, an annual trip sponsored by Andrews University!” If you are interested, the next cruise is September 3-10, 2023. This trip is an Alaska Cruise with a Mission

More information can be found at https://www.cye.org/.

others were able to get off due to vaccine requirements. They ministered to prisoners on the island before worshipping with the Antioch Seventh-day Adventist Church in Grand Turks. This was followed with some amazing island food during a meal with the congregation.

In Puerto Rico they met with one of the local pastors. They picked up small kits with food, water, church information, and hygiene supplies as well as donated sandals to pass out to homeless and less fortunate people of the community in an area call La Pearla.

While stopped at the U. S. Virgin

For Love of Galapagos

By Damaris Matthews

Meredith Brinegar has always loved animals, especially the creepy crawly kinds from the smallest bug to gigantic reptiles. Last fall she fulfilled a lifelong dream by taking a small boat tour to the Galapagos Islands, home to some amazing species of wildlife.

After flying to Panama City, Mer-

edith eventually boarded The Eden, a small ship on which she was one of 16 passengers served by a crew of five. The group spent eight days and nights on board, sailing among the 18 main islands of the archipelago with the island of Santa Cruz as their chief port. “I couldn’t have asked for a nicer group to travel with,” says Meredith. “I was the oldest passenger onboard and roomed with the youngest one, but everyone was so congenial and helpful.”

Each island had its unique geographic features with the colors of sand ranging from coral pink to deepest ebony. Meredith observed indigenous wildlife frequently described in National Geographic: Sea lions, iguanas and no fewer than 16 species of birds including the famed blue-footed booby.

Passengers were forbidden to touch the wildlife, but the animals were so docile, that people could approach quite close without alarming them.

“It was a trip of a lifetime!” said Meredith.

Merideth and her new friend -- he was too big to bring home!

Donna’s Miracle in Istanbul

a miracle for them. First, the path to the church (previously unseen) suddenly appeared on the GPS of their phone. Then when a woman walked by, they were impressed to ask “Adventist?”

The woman did not speak English, but she apparently understood and pointed the three friends around a corner which led them to the doorway of the church. “It was such a joy to meet our Adventist brothers and sisters in Istanbul and spend the afternoon with them,” said Donna.

The day after Thanksgiving, Donna Maehre and two friends left on a 10-day journey that took them to Istanbul, Turkey.

While they appreciated the beautiful architecture of several mosques and rubbed shoulders with many nationalities in the open-air markets, one focus of the trip was to find and worship at Taksim SDA church, which

represents the only Adventist presence in a city of 15 million people.

Finding the church was not easy. Turkey is a 92% Muslim country. Christians there, with living memory of persecution against them, generally keep a low profile. Still, Donna and her friends were determined to find their fellow Sabbath keepers and negotiated the services of a taxi driver on the Sabbath that they were there to help them find the church.

The taxi dropped them in a busy shopping area in the general vi-

cinity of where they thought they should be, but the friends could see nothing that looked like a church. They questioned many shopkeepers, but no one seemed to know of a nearby house of worship. It seems the address they had was incomplete.

Not knowing where else to turn and with masses of people swirling around them, the three friends prayed, and God worked

Entrance to Taksim SDA Church in Istanbul.

Donna inside a mosque wearing a required headscarf.

Donna with some new friends at the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Istanbul!

Bits ‘n Pieces At Rest

Earl and Gail Mack traveled for the wedding of their son, Andrew Mack, to Carrie Munson on December 3, 2022, in Puyallup, Washington. Their daughter, Shelly Schalamon and Grandson Levi Shalamon (from Colorado) also attended.

compiled by Damaris Matthews

On a holiday trip, Don and Sharon Richards stopped by Holbrook Indian School (HIS) in Arizona to donate her father’s easel for use by the art classes there. Sharon’s dad, professional artist Robert Temple Ayres, received it as a retirement gift from Walt Disney Studios. With 87% of funding for the school coming from donors, HIS is a 1st-12th boarding school operated by the Pacific Union for Native Americans. The needs are many. For more information contact (928) 6845 or the website: www. holbrookindianschool.org.

Good All the Time!!!

Bonnie Nelson February 3, 1962 - December 31, 2022

Earl Mack August 18,1948 - January 4, 2023

Cordy Deffner March 19, 1929

– January 9, 2023 (See story on p 11

Josh Toppenburg graduated with his Doctoral degree in Certified Registered Nurse Anesthesia (CRNA) from Loma Linda University School of Nursing on December 18, 2022. He has accepted a position at the St. Helena Hospital. We are so very proud and excited for his achievements!!! God is

Cherry Wild Blue completed a Ph.D. in in Special Education through the University of Utah with a focus on Assistive Communication. She is the daughter of Arwyn and Kathi Wild.

Farewell to Two Pioneers of Calimesa

In recent months, Calimesa Church lost two stalwart members, foundational to the beginning of this church. Their care for, and contributions to, this community should not be forgotten.

On January 9, 2023, the last surviving original member of this congregation, Cordy Deffner, died at the age of 95.

When a group of 26 families left the Yucaipa SDA Church in 1963, to form a new company on the south side of “the wash”, Bud and Cordy Deffner with their three children numbered among the original 74 members. Cordy was active from the start, supporting the church and always on the lookout to build Calimesa’s membership. Bill Hooker recalls that a few days after he and Marie first moved to Yucaipa, his doorbell unexpectedly rang and opening the door, he was surprised to see a little lady holding a plate of cookies. This lady, of course, was Cordy. She welcomed Bill as a new neighbor and rather pointedly told him that he needed to attend Calimesa, “the best Adventist Church in the valley; no point in driving over to the Yucaipa Church.” Bill listened to her and has faithfully attended Calimesa

ever since.

Though working full time as a Registered Nurse, Cordy held various church offices and is probably best known for serving as Coordinator of Money Counters. In this position of trust for more than 20 years, she trained and scheduled individuals, teaching them to reconcile contributions according to SECC guidelines. When it came to Church Business Sessions, Cordy was not cowed by official pronouncements. “She did not need to be loud,” stated Harold Neuendorff, “but she gently, firmly expressed her opinion and generally that opinion was a sound one that helped keep the church on an even keel.” After retirement Cordy became active with the Prayers and Squares Quilting Ministry. “She could do anything,” said Cindi Neuendorff, “from running a household to repairing farm equipment!” In later years, when Cordy could no longer drive and walking proved difficult, it was no burden for various members to pick her up and drive her to church, so she could remain an active participant. As physical health grew increasingly more challenging, “Cordy never lost her spirituality,” said Harold. “She loved her church and the people in it; she loved studying her Bible and the Sabbath School lesson. Most of all, she loved God and never deviated from her faith in Him.

In 1965, the other foundational Calimesa Church member, Phil Quishenberry, arrived with Mary, his bride of one year. They had been previously acquainted with then pastor Warren Heintz, and that was a big draw for the couple to attend church in Calimesa. Although Mary displayed excellent ability and service in the children’s Sabbath School divisions (she’s still there), Phil was promptly cho-

By Damaris Matthews

sen as one of the Youth Leaders. It was thought that such a big man with a heart full of fun could keep those youths in line. Phil’s most vital contributions to Calimesa Church, however, came as a master plumber during the construction of the buildings. With the Fireside Room under construction, the fledgling church was heavily dependent on volunteer labor. Phil would put in a full day’s work at his day job, then go to the church in the evenings to work five or six additional hours, under the direction of general contractor and church member, Ken Roberts. As the church progressed through other phases of construction, Phil was always there applying his knowledge and strength where needed.

During Sabbath services, Phil was known for standing in the lobby to greet his many friends. He delighted in giving men extra firm handshakes, but with the ladies he was ever so gentle. His pervasive sense of humor led to several practical jokes, of which Bud Deffner was a frequent recipient. In addition, Phil served as a Deacon, willing to help out until he could no longer stand. Phil departed this life on September28, 2022 at age 85.

Cordy Deffner

Phil Quishenberry

The “Inside” Information on Thrive

Thrive is a six week program designed to help individuals enrich their life experience. There is variety in the class offerings with the hope that community and church members alike will grow together as they develop new skills, learn new information and broaden their interests.

Thrive will start Thursday, February 16 and continue weekly through March 23. A light meal will be served from 5:30-6:30 with classes from 6:30-7:30. Children’s program/daycare is available in the Primary room.

There is a $15 fee for the program in addition to a registration form participants need to complete. The registration form may be accessed through the following link: https://forms.gle/f4FDogamqDXLPSYh7. You can also contact Pastor Darrin Thurber or Pastor Joseph Santos if there are registration questions.

Here’s an overview of the classes:

• Creation: the theme the Great Creator Became my Savior.

• The Chosen: Every week, the participants will watch a new episode of The Chosen films which depict Christ’s experience with his disciples. Class members will be able to discuss each episode.

ALFRED’S RIDDLE

Answer: In snow-banks!

by Kathi Wild

• Gardening: This will be a highly interactive and practical class about how anyone, anywhere can enjoy growing delicious and nutritious food, regardless of space or limitations.

• Drum: taught by Andre Chambers, one of our praise team members- learn the basics of how to beat the rhythms.

• Photography: This class will cover the basic principles of photography as an art and science. There will be practical assignments to apply the principles learned and opportunity to clarify any questions participants may have. Any camera type is welcome, mobile phone, DSLR, mirrorless, etc.

• CPR and First Aid: Be prepared for emergencies, and learn vital skills. A certificate will be given for successful completion.

• Art: the Mesa Grande art teacher will be teaching this creative course.

This is a program we encourage church members to invite their friends, family and neighbors to enroll. So please get the word out and be a part of building a more vibrant and connected community.

If you want to help, for example help contribute to the weekly meals, etc. please contact Pastor Joseph or Pastor Darrin.

CONNECTIONS 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

• Kathi Wild (special events) kawildrn@gmail.com

• Terra Herrmann (Mesa Grande Academy) terra.herrmann@mga. k12.org

• 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!

Parents Chris and Brittany Plata with sons Silas and Bingley participate in foot washing during our last Communion Service.