Dear Sierra Pres friends & family,

This past Sunday, our church family gathered as one congregation for a combined One Church Worship service, and I was grateful for George's clear and winsome message from Hebrews 8:1-7 as he continued our Essentials of the Christian Faith series. George built his message around a single word, better, showing how Jesus serves as a greater high priest who is seated rather than standing, who intercedes for us at the Father's right hand, and who offers a new covenant written not on stone but on our hearts. He illustrated that truth with the Greek word tetelestai, the term once stamped on a paid invoice, reminding us that Christ's work on the cross was finished and paid in full. We were also glad to welcome Debbie McDonald of Hospitality House for our Partners in Christ time, hearing firsthand how this ministry extends Christ's compassion to our community. Thank you to everyone who worshiped with us in person and online, and to all who served that morning.

This Sunday, Oct. 4, I will continue our Essentials of the Christian Faith series with a message from Romans 8:5-16 as we turn our attention to the Holy Spirit. We will explore what it looks like to set our minds on the Spirit rather than the flesh, and how the same Spirit who raised Jesus from the grave now lives within every believer. Our service will include Communion which allows us to pause at the Lord's Table and proclaim the new life the Holy Spirit pours out on us as God's children. I am looking forward to this time of worship, teaching and fellowship, and I hope you will join us as we consider this essential truth together.

Whether you have called Sierra Pres home for decades or are just finding your way here for the first time, I would love to see you join us in person this Sunday. If being with us in the room is not possible, you are always welcome to stream the service live at sierrapres.com/media. However you join, please know you are welcome here and we are grateful to have you as part of this church family.

With you on the journey,
Pastor Greg Flagg

A Note from Our Deacons

The Deacon Fund, established many years ago, is for the purpose of providing financial assistance to those in need within our congregation. Through relationships with our church members, Deacons hear of people in our congregation that might need assistance with housing, utility, medical or dental bills, food or other dire situations. Deacon Fund envelopes can be found in the sanctuary seats along with offering envelopes.

As you might imagine, times are tough, and we have seen a rise in demand for assistance. That is why our Deacon Fund is so important and why we appreciate those who can give and give with an open heart. This is a ministry in and of itself, it is local, and it could touch someone you know.

Through your generosity we’ve had funds this past year that have helped many families and individuals in our congregation, a year that has seen a rise in those needing financial assistance. Our Deacon Fund blessed both families and individuals in the way of mid-year and Christmas blessings as well as additional financial support. We appreciate your continued generosity because I predict the need will be even greater this year.

Linda Ketcham
Support to the deacon fund
We are hiring for the following positions:

Children's Director
The Children’s Ministries Director is responsible for administering and coordinating programs for children birth to fifth grade in a way that honors God and provides a safe and loving environment.

Director of Youth Ministry & Contemporary Worship
We are looking for someone who loves Jesus, loves students, and loves leading people into worship — all in one role. If you are (or know) a musician who also has a heart for the next generation, this might be exactly what you've been looking for.

Next-Gen Intern
The Sierra Presbyterian Church Intern Program is intended to equip and train, producing growth in Christian faith and character, while also providing practical ministry experience through teamwork and leadership in the children’s and youth ministry programs.
For more information and to apply, visit https://sierrapres.com/leadership