June 4, 2025
Lessons for June 8:
o Acts 2:1-21
o Psalm 104: 24-34, 35b
o Romans 8:14-17
o John 14: 8-17
Celebrations 
Last Sunday we celebrated the March through June Birthdays and Anniversaries. Thanks to all who assisted. Connie and I followed up with a celebration of my son’s birthday, which continued into Monday when I played with him in a Habitat
for Humanity Golf Tournament. He always puts together a good team and this year he was able to invite six of his friends from college and his swing coach to join us. The two teams came in first and second, with his swing coach getting a hole in one. Unfortunately for him that was NOT the hole with the “win” a car, sponsorship. Still, there was much to celebrate.
Celebrations are an important part of life and summer is a great time for those. We can celebrate all through life. On July 5th there will be a celebration of erwin Buschauer’s life. I remember the celebration of his 90th birthday and others remember past summers when there would be celebrations at his home.
In June we will also celebrate Father’s Day and Alec’s graduation from San Francisco State University.
This Sunday, June 8, we celebrate two events. First the graduation of Rachael and Benet from Yucaipa high School. Quilts provided by the quilting group will be given to them and refreshments follow the service with the help from Eloise’s Thrivent Action Team.
We will also celebrate Pentecost, which marks the birthday of the church, nearly 2,000 years ago. Red is the color of the Spirit of God coming to the church so wear red to celebrate the day.
Just as we hope that the youth graduating will bring positive changes into the world as they continue their life journey. We pray that the church can continue to bring the Kingdom of God near. The disciples did their part.
During their time, the Roman world, like much of the rest of the world, was built on conquest, fear and intimidation. Life in the Roman Empire could be peaceable if you went along with their dictates. The fruits of your efforts
would go to Rome so they could continue their conquests.
Those who rebelled, against their oppression, as the Jews did in 70AD, were treated severely. Much like the Jews are sadly, currently threating the Palestinians in Gaza.
How could a group of disciples reeling from the betrayal, arrest, trial, and crucifixion of Jesus, change the world? How were they able to follow the commission of Jesus in Matthew 28:19 to reach out to the world?
They started with prayer. They prayed for 10 days. During those days of discernment, Jesus’ mother, Mary, and other women joined the disciples in their vigil. On the eleventh day, the Spirit descended upon them and their ministry began with Peter’s sermon about young men who “shall see visions” and old men who would “dream dreams.”
As they witnessed to Christ’s dreams and visions for the world, the focus on conquest, slavery and oppression slowly gave way to hope, unity, equality, and mutual respect. Where this vision is lived, life is celebrated, and prosperity
abounds.
Our task is to continue to bring the Kingdom of God near. We do so in part by celebrating the lives of our members and our families. Through these acts of encouragement, they grow to see their lives as defined by Jesus and his Love.
Prayer:
Jesus, you commission us to bring your Kingdom, near. Bless our efforts to encourage, bless and reflect your Light and Life. On this birthday of the church, in these days of graduation may your Kingdom come near.
Grace and Peace, Pastor John
THANKS TO YOUR RESPONSE TO Special Appeals
Thanks for your support of the preschool and the church, throughout the year.
Right now, we are hoping members can assist by supporting camperships, please indicate that on your gift to the church. We have several youth planning to attend this summer.
UPCOMING REMINDERS
Pastor Bunge is in the office on his regular schedule on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Confirmation Classes will meet on Sunday, June 8 and then take time off for the summer.
The Choir’s last Sunday is this Sunday the 8th. During the summer we will be starting up the bell choir. Let Irm know if you desire to play the bells.
T
ime of Meditation is back Thursdays @ 1 pm.
PANTRY -2nd & 4th Saturday; from 8 to 10:00. The pantry shelves are near empty. Feeding America, our food provider, is short on food donations so it impacts our pantry. We have been having to go to regular grocery stores for food for distribution. We need rice, soup, canned fruit, canned meat (chicken or tuna) and, of course, always cereal. Any donations to the church designated “Pantry” are used to make food purchases for the pantry. Thanks for your support.
WATERCOLOR PAINTING CLASS by our OWN MASTER WATERCOLORIST, HOLLY This Thursday, Fireside Room, 3:30 p.m. through June 5; for those continuing and for new people as well. See you there
QUILTING – Emily Smith’s Group (909.255.2452) has started anew and has completed 4 quilts for the San Bernardino Wellness Center and six for Lutheran World Relief. They are working on quilts for our graduating High School Seniors –
Bene
t and Rachel. We will honor them on June 8.
CONGREGATIONAL DIRECTORIES – The final edits and updated pictures have been added. Some copies are in the narthex.
New cards were put in the Narthex for June depicting a Beach/Sunset theme. Thanks for bringing brightness 
to people’s lives when you mail them. Thanks also to the Watercolor class for their creations: Holly, Karen, Kim, Barbara,
Pat T., Connie. Also, thanks much to Linda D. for her fabric art.
• Michael Shea has been back with us.
• Kyle Hadley is making a solid though long recovery after eye surgery.
• Robyn Blue’s grandniece Lainey came through difficult surgery and is recovering after the removal of a tumor on her spine, near her heart.
• The family of erwin would appreciate your prayers. He passed away in his sleep on May 30th. His funeral is planned for July 5th. You can send cards to erwin’s daughter Susan Stipp @ 27845 Espanoza – Mission Viejo 92692.
• The family of Cynthia Eason are planning the funeral for her on June 21. She has not been able to attend Faith for some time but her daughter Karen Parker does come on occasion.
• Ned Morgan was hospitalized with bleeding on the brain. They have drained the fluid, and he is recovering here in Yucaipa. He will be moving to Fremont to be closer to his family.
• Judy Martin has several health issues and is not able to return to church.
Thanks for your prayers, cards and visits by Carol.
• Cesar Guevara’s brother, Marco, and Kim’s mother, Carol, in Canada and their granddaughter, Kayla and son, Kyle.
• Eloise Johnson continues with her health issues but was with us with grandson, Benet, on Easter and will be here for Benet’s graduation recognition.
• Jeanne Koening’s seizures and her pancreas are concerns. Jessica’s leukemia is being treated at City of Hope. Nice to have Joe in church.
• Bonnie Strack appreciates continued prayers for her son Brendan Simms, who has suffered from a series of strokes.
• Joy for her upcoming birth & Jennifer recovering from breast cancer.
UPCOMING FELLOWSHIP/OUTREACH
JUNE
7 WELCA Bible Study
8 WELCA HOSTS – GRADUATION CELEBRATIONS FOR BENET AND RACHEL
5 HAPPY FATHER’S DAY – Ice Cream Floats in Fireside Room
22 GAME DAY RESUMES – BINGO Thanks for remembering us for your Bingo donations; anything, also candy.
THANKS to Karen and Holly for donating prizes!
29 CELEBRATION HONORING ALEC BLUE, graduation from San Francisco State University. Thanks to Bonnie Mills for providing the cake.
Thanks to the Congregational for signing up for the Potluck – sign up in Narthex
Thanks to all you have given shoes for Soles 4 Souls.
The box is still in the Narthex for continued donations.
