Dear Sierra Pres friends & family,

Last Sunday George started us down the last three weeks of our Essentials of the Faith study with a message from 1 Corinthians 12:12-13 and the first line of the EPC motto: "In essentials...unity". He reminded us that unity never demands uniformity, pointing to Paul's picture of the body, where an eye cannot do the work of a hand and a nose was never meant to behave like an ear, yet all of us together form one living whole in Christ. George painted Psalm 133's image of unity as oil poured out and as dew settling fresh on the hills, a gift that is good, pleasant and renewing rather than something we force or manufacture on our own. He also took us into John 17, where Jesus himself prays for his followers to be one, so that being united with each other is really just the natural outcome of first being united with him. I am grateful for everyone who filled the sanctuary and joined us online that morning.

This Sunday I will be continuing with the second line of the motto: "In non-essentials...liberty" as seen through the light of 1 Peter 2:11-17. Peter writes to believers who felt like foreigners in their own culture calling them to a strange kind of liberty. One that is lived out through good deeds, honest respect for others and a willingness to submit to the structures of the world around them for the sake of the gospel. We will wrestle together with what true Christian liberty looks like when it meets a watching world, and how freedom in Christ is never an excuse for carelessness but always an invitation to love well. I hope you will wrestle alongside us as we consider what liberty really means for people set free by Jesus.

This Sunday we will also begin our collection of Operation Christmas Child boxes along with continuing to collect for Thanksgiving Blessing Baskets. I would love nothing more than to see you with us this Sunday. If being with us in person simply is not possible, our livestream is ready for you anytime at sierrapres.com/media, so no distance has to keep you from worshiping alongside this church family.

We are thankful God has brought you into what he is doing here at Sierra Pres.

Grace and peace be with you all,
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