The Monthly Messenger

May 2020

Sunday Lessons
May 3rd – 4th Sunday of Easter
Today is sometimes called “Good Shepherd
Sunday.” Jesus is called the “gate” of the sheep
in today’s gospel.
Psalm 23
Gospel: John 10:1-10
May 10th – 5th Sunday of Easter
As we continue to celebrate the fifty days of
Easter, today’s gospel includes Jesus’ promise
that he goes to prepare a place for his followers
in his Father’s house.
Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16
Gospel: John 14:1-14
Enjoy a Walk
The news reporters remind us daily to stay active May 17th – 6th Sunday of Easter
by taking a walk each day. It seems like such Jesus does not abandon his followers. Through
the Holy Spirit, Jesus comes to abide with his
an easy thing to do but one can create many
disciples of every generation.
reasons why this is not possible. Maybe
Psalm 66:8-20
tomorrow but not today.
Gospel: John 14:15-21
A wonderful spring day was an invitation to go
outside that couldn’t be resisted. Soon the sound May 24th – 7th Sunday of Easter
In today’s gospel Jesus prays for his followers
of birds singing was a good beginning to enjoy
and for their mission in his name. Made one in
my journey. The flowers were blooming and baptism, we go forth to live our faith in the
were plentiful in many colors. Someone said “I world, eager for the unity that God intends for
am six feet behind you but would like to say the whole human family.
hello” and making a new friend was a special Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35
joy. I asked myself if the Lord was drawing us Gospel: John 17:1-11
together as a reminder of the creation and the joy
of reaching out to one another. May 31st – Day of Pentecost
Pentecost derives its name from the Jewish
The walk was over, but the joy stayed in my festival celebrating the harvest and the giving of
heart. Go for a walk. Enjoy the birds. Ponder on the law on Mount Sinai fifty days after
the creation. Reach out. Make a new friend. You Passover. Fifty days after Easter, we celebrate
will rejoice. God will rejoice with you. the Holy Spirit as God’s presence within and
among us. Wear Red!
From a Saron Church member Psalm 104:24-34, 35b
Gospel: John 20:19-23
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Even though we weren’t able to participate in Easter Sunday Worship together as a

congregation, the spirit of Easter was there!
Thank You!
Thank you, Delores, for taking care of the sanctuary even
though we were not there to worship.
The altar was stripped on Maundy Thursday and the wooden
cross was placed at the front. Easter morning the altar was
changed to its traditional white linens and fresh flowers. We
were not together but we were there in spirit. Thank you for all
that you do. The sign was made for the front steps of Saron by
Pam Benziger, Delores’ daughter.
Thank you also to Pam for helping to share our message!

Note from Dave Strand:

This is indeed a time of turmoil. Though we are all in a state of uncertainty,
one thing that we can be certain of is that God has a plan and is with us
during these difficult times. Another thing that we can be certain of is that
our church and our church family is here for us. When we are down, when
Directory Changes, we need help, when we need prayers, we are there for each other. We are
Corrections & Additions truly blessed.
Pastor Sheri & Rick Delvin
2913 Riverbrook Ct. During these difficult times and I would like to thank those that have sent in
Modesto, CA 95355 their offerings. We are asking that you remember to support the church, as
you are able. Please mail your offerings to the church or put them on the
Pastor David Hill desk in the office. Someone is in the office each day. Your contributions
1042 Tudor Street keep the church running as well as give us the opportunity to help others.
Lodi, CA 95242 This is Stewardship.

The Call Committee is waiting for the Bishop to submit another candidate
Karen and Tim Crawford
for our consideration. We suspect the process has been slowed down because
4101 Founders Way
of closed offices, no meetings, etc.
Modesto, CA 95357
Karen cell: 209 272 0128 Stay strong. Stay Well. Stay connected by calling each other. We will be
Tim’s cell: 209 297 3112 together again. Dave
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Masks are here to stay for a while.

A few months ago, masks were not a thing we gave a second
thought to. Now, on a daily basis, they are a part of our
lives. They are in short supply and desperately needed by
health professionals and tradespeople such as farmers and
painters. But we need them too. We need to protect
ourselves and others from the transmission of the disease
that is our new reality, Covid-19.
We all need to go to the store for essential items. We all need
to be wearing masks. Not only for our safety but for the safety
of others. Some members of our congregation have been sewing C.A.R.E. requests for the month of
masks and providing them to family, friends and those in need. May 2020
Jenlane is making beautiful masks! ‘Cash Donations’
What an act of stewardship!!
Jenlane has run out of supplies. More about C.A.R.E.
Does anyone have the following? More individuals are seeking food
• 1/4" Elastic from C.A.R.E. and they have had a
• Lightweight Fusible Interfacing
decrease in the amount of free food
• 100% Cotton Fabric
that they had previously received.
Mike and I are willing to drive supplies up to Jenlane. If you If you are able to make a monetary
have these items, please bring them to the church. Please let me donation it would be appreciated.
know what you have or what you are willing to buy.
Please indicate on your offering
Becky Emery, Pat Strand and Rosemary Scholz are also making
masks. What an act of stewardship!!
envelope or check: C.A.R.E. and
the amount. A monthly check is
If there is anyone in the congregation who needs a mask, please sent to C.A.R.E. which includes
let Ann know and we will get them your donations and the $50.00 per
to you. It is important that we all
stay safe during this critical time of
month that was approved at the
transmission. annual meeting.
Lisa Alessi Stewardship in Action!

RIDDLE QUESTION:
What appears once every minute,
twice in every moment, but not
once in a thousand years?
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Welcome to SARON-19!
Following are some responses from Congregation members when asked what they’re doing during
the COVID-19 Shelter in place.
Distance learning
FROM LAURA KUHNKE:
“Keeping busy with work, distance learning,
baking, playing board games, watching movies,
arts and crafts, and exercising!”
Homemade cake pops
JEEP ride: by Rachel:

Easter egg dyeing:

Painted Salt dough
Easter ornaments: Birthday for Kyle on 3/22:

Beautiful rainbow on our nightly

Rachel made walks:
Homemade chocolate
cupcakes with Exercising each day!
buttercream frosting:
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FROM KATY McNINCH:

“We've kept plenty busy with lots of baking, painting, walks around
the neighborhood each day (Henry in the car seat...that was on a walk
last week), living room concerts every Friday afternoon (Emma in the
tutu, it was a dress up theme show 😀), and house projects getting
done. And going back to work with no daycare means some days the
kids come with to work and get to check out orchards with me. It's
been a nice time for the pace of life to slow down a bit, even though
these kids keep us plenty busy day to day!”

BETTY FARVRE
“Betty is 92, is up by 6 a.m., and says the only change for
her is not being able to go to church.
She loves to work puzzles and can put 1,000 piece one
together in a week. During the week she is busy cross-
stitching and has made some beautiful pieces. She loves
to read books online and finds time to work this into her
day. Knowing the importance of exercise, she walks
down the block every day. Her favorite family time is
watching British Mysteries with her family.”
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Hello Saron Family! 6
“Long time no see! Miss you all!
Mike and I are both fine. Mike is continuing to farm
and working hard, as usual. He is lucky in that he has
little to no social contact. I am also still working. I sell
paint and coatings to contractors as an outside
salesperson and we are considered an "essential
business". I am trying to work from home as much as I
can and limit my time in the store and in front of
customers. It is a double-edged sword. I am grateful
for the continued paycheck and medical insurance yet
wish I could just shelter in place.
The weekends sure aren't what they used to be! Both Mike
and I try to stay positive and find joy and fun in alternative
activities. We have taken walks, gone out to the ranch and
done archery, we have ridden the quad and we have played
board games. (Mike is the current champ as he likes to
continually remind me!)
Saturday, for the first time, we ordered food for pick-
up. We had a craving for Mexican food. That burrito was
so yummy!!! Isn't it funny how the smallest things are
significant now? Yeeeehaaa!!! Food I didn't cook!!
Mike worked in the backyard on Sunday and it
looks beautiful! We then BBQ'd and listened to
some great rock music!
We are also counting the days until they open
stream fishing season. It too, has been
postponed.
Hope you all are well and finding ways to find
moments of joy during this difficult time.”
Lisa and Mike Alessi

FROM DELORES GRABOW:

“I spend my time cross stitching a Christmas
stocking, reading, watching TV, some
Hallmark movies, Blue Blood, Law and Order,
Perry Mason, and Matlock. I go for my
morning walks.
I know of no one that is affected by the virus.
I stay connected with phone calls, to MaryAnn
Olson, Kathy Pendleton, Ruth & Ron, Sharon
Harrison, Dick & Jean, Suzanne, and family.
By E-mail to too many to mention.
I look forward to going to church, visiting
friends and family, playing games and cards.
The role Saron has played is Calls and prayers.
Role God has played is Peace of mind,
knowing He is watching over us.”
God Bless you,
Delores
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In Honor of Mother’s Day, this Messenger is

dedicated to Mothers everywhere.
I hope you enjoy the floral design for all the Moms!

C.A.R.E. ESCALON RECEIVES

TURKEYS FROM SARON
Saron donated cases of frozen turkeys to C.A.R.E. last week.
As we all know, our Saron Community Golf Tournament has been
postponed until October (hopefully...). Saron member, Kyle Kuhnke,
who manages the Hormel meat plant in Lathrop, generously donated
turkeys for us to make sandwiches for our golf event luncheon. Due to
the fact that Kyle has been transferred to Illinois to manage a much
larger plant, (Congratulations, Kyle!) we had to take our turkeys now.
Unfortunately, we could not come up with enough freezer space to
accommodate all of those turkeys, so it was decided that we would pass
on our good fortune to C.A.R.E. and Kyle agreed.

Sherri, the director of C.A.R.E. was thrilled! She indicated that the
turkeys would be given out on "family day" along with all the
fixings! "A family can eat for many days on a big turkey".
She also indicated that the needs of families have increased due to
school closures.

The turkeys went to a good cause. When our golf tournament does
come to pass, I am sure we will be blessed, once again. In the
meantime, many in need are being fed.

Stewardship at work!

Thank You to everyone

who sent SARON-19
Pictures & articles! Please
keep sending in what
you’re doing during the
Shut-in, we will post more
next month!
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Do you know who any of these people are?
New photo this month!
How many kids can you name in this photo? I came up with 16, can
you do better? This was probably Spring 2003 or 2004.
If so, please email Karen Peters or the church office and we will post
names next month. Please be sure to add “Messenger” in the subject
line!
Karen
klnekypeters@sbcglobal.net
Saron
saronlutheran@att.net

No guesses on this photo

from last month – here’s
the people I could name:
5) Rosemary Scholz
1) Karen Neky-Peters 6) Jimmy Curtis
2) Joey Peters 7) Homer Curtis
3) Laurence Peters 8) Case Reitveld
4) Jon-Lars Reenstierna- 9) Ruth Cohagan
Cates (as he was known
back then)
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You Might be Lutheran if…

The most mail you receive all year is from
the Stewardship Committee

Room for Rent or Sharing

We have received requests from congregation
members knowing of someone that is looking for
a room or a place to rent. If you are able to
provide housing (even temporary) please call or
e-mail the church. We will call you before
sharing any information with the interested party.

The Messenger, Saron’s monthly

newsletter is for all the family of
Saron. If you have anything you’d
like included such as a committee
announcement, family update, Birthdays!
interesting tidbit, photos, personal May
experience or anything you think 01 Sheri Delvin
others might find interesting, please
feel free to email all information to
08 Matt Cole
the church office at 10 George Hanlon
saronlutheran@att.net 11 Jackson Patterson
or to Karen Peters at 13 Deborah Grochau
klnekypeters@sbcglobal.net 13 Jean Kershner
We will do our best to include it in 17 Debbie Avila
upcoming Messengers. Please include
“Messenger” in the subject line on
17 Randy Sutton
your email. 23 Alyssa Hagan
Deadline to send information for 24 Joseph Aksamit
JUNE MESSENGER is 24 Carol Shipley
5-21-2020 25 Matt Strand
27 Delores Grabow
27 Kali Linn
28 Stefan Dahlin
29 Nate Soliz
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Those That Serve

Altar Guild
Flowers
Note from Ann:
Greeters
The Messenger that you receive today is being prepared and sent to you by
Musicians
Karen Peters at her home. What an amazing job you are doing Karen. Thank
Usher
you! Please continue to send Karen your pictures and articles. This is a great
Lector
step towards keeping us connected as a congregation and bringing joy to our
Refreshments
readers. I am at the church office in the mornings and you are welcome to call
Assisting
or at any time call my cell phone at (209) 505-7854. My heart leaps for joy
Minister
when I think about us worshiping together again. That day will come.
Communion
Stay safe. Stay well.
Assistants
Money
Counters

Upcoming Events
Events are listed for reference only; there are no events scheduled at the church until further notice.
THIS MONTH FUTURE DATES
May 1st June 21st
May Day Father’s Day
May 10th
Mother’s Day
Answers to last month's Crossword
Puzzle

RIDDLE ANSWER:
The letter “M”
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Bible Crossword III

Across
1 Desperation; Praised
(anag) (7)
5 God, doing this on day
7 (7)
9 More refined (5)
10 One of Paul’s
letters (9)
11 Uncared for (9)
12 Encamp against
city (5)
13 Charitable giving (4)
15 Consecrated (8)
18 Abraham received
these (8) by Philologus © BiblePuzzles.org.uk

19 Jesus raised in 3 (4)

Down 14 The first, first-aider? (9)
22 Colour found only in 1 Rely on (6) 16 Fradulent (9)
Ezekiel (5) 17 Slain by Moses (9)
2 Tail-ender (9)
24 Someone who 3 Be in harmony (5) 20 They get the hump (6)
shields (9) 21 Parentless (6)
4 Not wicked (9)
26 Continuance of life (9) 23 Prickly shrub (5)
5 Reigned (5)
27 Grind together (5) 24 300 bought ointment
6 Contented (9)
to anoint Jesus (5)
28 Unusual (7) 7 Picture (5)
25 Keen-sighted bird of
29 Athalia’s cry (7) 8 Good news (6) prey (5)