Valley Views April 2022 Issue

SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH 12889 OSBORNE HILL ROAD GRASS VALLEY, CA 95945 JEFF RICHARDS - SENIOR PASTOR PHONE: (530) 477-5017 WEBSITE: WWW.GVADVENTIST.COM Volume 44 Issue 1 Spring 2022 Pg. 1 Whatever It Takes by Andrea Uyeyama The Tunnel Vespers was epic indeed: On the brink of a snowstorm, while towering above Donner Lake, a crew of over 120 people from all over the area and of all ages (including some dogs!) braved the 3/4 mile trek through the dark in the partially abandoned frozen train tunnels in 30-40 degree temperatures for a Christmas concert and worship service like no other. Upon arrival, guests were greeted with warm soup and hot drinks to keep them cozy throughout the service. Continued on Page 2…

Isaac Peterson led a powerful worship Whenever a group is taken there, someone will begin service with a talented team of musicians, singing, due to the incredible acoustics. “Wouldn’t this be including a violinist and 2 cellists. Special an epic place to have a concert?!” is usually noted. But music was provided by world class how in the world can such a thing like that be pulled off as musicians, including our own Mark Brown it is a logistical nightmare?! Logistical nightmares are on the keyboard. Steve Hamilton, senior actually Andrew’s specialty. pastor from Paradise SDA church gave a powerful devotion on rebirth that was not The other purpose was to reach out to a non-Christian without tears. The incredible evening friend of ERCS and provide an event she would want to ended on the song “Silent Night,” with the attend. Andrew had her be a part of the pre-hike crew and only accompaniment being a cello, which needless to say, that friend, Athena Miller, was baptized in sealed the evening in the sweetest somber. the Yuba River in Downieville, surround by snow, on Evoke Life, an outdoor ministry that December 28, 2021. focuses on creating experiences with intention, and the church members of Meaningful ministry is not restricted to the walls of a Grass Valley, Paradise, Placerville, and church building. Maybe it happens even more-so on the Roseville area all came together to make outside. Know that God wants to use your ideas, hobbies, this event happen and the warmth and talents, and resources to reach people in ways that may love that was experienced was unreal. This not be the norm. is the second year in a row this event has occurred and Lizary Jones reports, “This is “Christ's method alone will give true success in reaching my new favorite Christmas event!” the people. The Saviour mingled with men as one who desired their good. He showed His sympathy for them, The original purpose of the concert in ministered to their needs, and won their confidence. Then pastor Andrew Uyeyama’s mind was He bade them, ‘Follow Me.’” Ministry of Healing 143.3. twofold. In November 2020, our world, including church, was shut down once In Matthew 25:40, Jesus replies to all of those who ask Him, “when again. There was a hungering and thirsting did we see You a stranger?”, “…‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as to have worship once again with our you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’” brothers and sisters. A loop hole was found In the midst of the crisis in Ukraine, Christian organizations ADRA in the regulations that outdoor church (The Adventist Development and Relief Agency) and Restore a Child services were allowed. The train tunnels are working to aid the millions impacted. When we see Jesus a have always been the main attraction stranger in these sufferers, let us consider supporting through during the youth and young adult retreats that have taken place over the last few donation those who are helping to directly support others. Pg. 2 years at the Fenderson’s Cabin in Truckee.

{Black Bean Brownies Place processed beans, egg substitute, and ~ recipe submitted by the 2019 VBS Crew vanilla in a bowl and mix. In a separate bowl, place the cocoa powder, baking soda, and brown sugar, and mix to combine well. Mix the wet and dry ingredients. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan and spread into an even layer. Place the baking pan into a preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes. ~ enjoy Yields about 9-12 brownies Praises from His People Ingredients: “[Praise] for His love, watchful care, and guidance.”  One 15-ounce can of thoroughly rinsed black beans - Timothy Stone  2X egg substitute “We are thankful and praising God that o Egg Substitute (1-1 during the month of April we will celebrate replacement): twenty-five years as part of the Grass Valley 1 ½ tablespoons vegetable Church Family.” oil 1 ½ tablespoons water - John & Loretta Alspaugh 1 teaspoon baking powder Our condolences and prayers Wisk ingredients with are with all of those who have whisk. Mixture should bubble. lost loved ones. May God  2 teaspoons vanilla extract continue to hold you in His  1/4 cup honey  1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder promise and in His arms.  1/2 teaspoon baking soda  1/2 cup packed brown sugar Pg. 3 Directions: Preheat your oven to 325°F. Grease an 8 inch baking pan with cooking oil spray. In a blender or food processor, place the drained and rinsed beans. Blend until mixture is smooth and thick.

For them it couldn’t have been They couldn’t skip ahead a chapter Their Wonderful Counselor was gone Their Hope once alight, now unseen On that day in-between 1, Two, 3 Weeping lingered into the night Heavy hearts were rested in beds by Kayla Chavez His mother had received a new son The soldiers went home, knowing what was now on “Scorned by the ones He came to save Till on that cross as Jesus died their heads The wrath of God was satisfied The darkness of countenance had lasted For every sin on Him was laid” Fresh was the image in the minds of the grown and their “There in the ground His body lay children Light of the world by darkness slain That bruised brow and bowed head Then bursting forth in glorious day That somehow would save them Up from the grave He rose again And as He stands in victory The sun had set The people of the town and the hearts of them were Sin's curse has lost its grip on me”* stirring In Christ Alone, there is the sacrifice They stopped In Christ Alone, there is the ascension For though their Savior’s light had been extinguished, But what is this time that has only two lines? A Commandment had been spoken so many years ago By the same lips that were silenced That seems to have no meaning? The second day They thought to still obey Him For before He ever came The darkest hours Why does no one talk about the day in-between? He wrote redemption’s story And included a day in-between Everyone loves the happy ending Even the first day when we knew it was fulfilling This was not without reason Every minute of His life and His plan But what about the second day? When suddenly there was doubt Had Heavenly purposes If anything He said was coming Even if it took generations to see them For us it is easy The women who prepared the spices Our eyes glance across a few pages to find the joy Perhaps it took longer than they thought Continued on Page 5… Pg. 4

On that day of Preparation Even in His sleep They could have said it was out of love, a great sacrifice That silent, spotless Lamb showed us And labored into the dark The same that we should keep Yet they knew to best honor their Savior They would keep the fourth of ten laws hidden inside The greatest statement was made When He did not rise that second day the ark It should remain holy what was holy at first Of all that was on the cross—old, rugged, full of wear There was no hope It was not the two tablets of stone nailed and hanging Yet the Creator told them to rest The darkest day of earth’s history there in-between the first and the last When He entered the grave Their hearts were stretched thin And when He rose On the day all hope looked lost We can find our greatest joy On the day no answer came Yet let us not, in the grand scheme On the day the tomb was still full Forget that in the plan of salvation There was written a day in-between On the day in-between In Christ Alone, there is the sacrifice In Christ Alone, there is the ascension In Christ Alone, there is the rest, the release The day in-between The one and the three How much more refining it made That day was the Preparation, and the Sabbath drew How much more strength did it take near. And the women who had come with Him from Galilee followed after, and they observed the tomb and To put faith into practice how His body was laid. Then they returned and prepared And believe in a promise that was made spices and fragrant oils. And they rested on the Sabbath Unable to be seen, yet as good as done according to the commandment.” ~ Luke 23:54-56 NKJV On the day in-between *Lyrics taken from Keith Getty and Stuart The war had already been won Townend’s “In Christ Alone” (2001) How much wider was the grin On a weeping disciple’s face How much more was the joy Simply because of the wait Would the smile have been as wide Photo credit: Heber & Leyda Morales The gratitude so deep If it were not On the Sabbath of March 12th, we were blessed with the For this day in-between? beautiful, musical talents of Aria, Coralie, Lucia, By obeying His Father’s will Vivienne, and Savannah playing and singing “God is so Good”! The sanctuary was filled with the joy of youthful voices and lovely accompaniment! Pg. 5

JOSHUA FRENCH Photo credit “\"But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.\" Isaiah 40:31 NIV LOUISE PRYOR PAINTING credit “‘Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.’” Luke 12:27 NKJV Pg. 6

NEWS! Ms. Chavez’s class is sporting red, white, and blue for Patriotic Day during Spirit Week! Malakoff Field Trip Our field trip to Malakoff State Park has been rescheduled to Tuesday, April 26. It should be an interesting and fun day. Home study families are invited to join us. We will be there all day, and will have a scavenger hunt in and around the historic buildings, as well as do some gold panning. Mrs. Gardner’s class is getting creative for No Backpack Day! Outdoor Education The ERCS Outdoor Education Trip is Tuesday, May 24 - Friday, May 27. This trip is geared towards students in grades 3-8, but some K-2 students will also be joining us, accompanied by parents. Home study families are invited to join us for this trip - please contact Louise at 530.265.2057. The cost of the trip is $250 per student and $200 per adult. Spring Break April 11-18 was our Spring Break. School resumed on Tuesday, April 19. Pg. 7

NEWS! The Winter MAP Test Results, for students in grades 1-12 are ready to be distributed Percentile ranks are expressed as a number between to parents. As a school we use these results to look 1 and 99, with 50 being the average. If a group of for areas that need improvement and to figure out ways to better meet individual student needs. A students scored a percentile rank of 98, it would mean targeted school wide area of growth is problem that they performed better than 98% of the other solving for elementary math. Another piece of students in the MAP norm group. information that we see from this testing: the more years students attend our school, the better they perform on nationally normed testing. Our school wide results are as shown on the right: Friday Morning Prayer Walk! Join us in prayer! Every Friday morning after drop-off, we meet at the sports field and pray together for our school, staff, students, and families as we walk around the track. We meet from 8:15-9:00. Everyone is welcome to come and join us! The ACS WASC Commissioners have determined Pine Hills Adventist Academy (K-12) meets the ACS WASC criteria for accreditation. This accreditation status is based on all of the information provided by the school, including the school's report, and the satisfactory completion of the accreditation visit. It is the decision of the Commission to grant six-year accreditation status through June 30, 2028 with a mid-cycle visit during the 2024-2025 school year. Six years is the maximum term which can be granted to schools. Thank you to all the stakeholders who contributed towards this accomplishment. High School Super Trip - April 4-8. Pine Hills Adventist Academy has a history of taking trips with our high school students to help strengthen relationships and broaden horizons. Each spring we typically take the whole high school on the road for a week with what we call, a “Super Trip.” Each high school teacher also gets to join in on the fun! Unfortunately, for the past two years we have been unable to sponsor this type of trip based upon restrictions surrounding the pandemic. Our last trip was in 2019 where we went to the Los Angeles area and in 2018, we went to the Monterey and Yosemite areas. This year we had hoped for a trip to Washington DC. Unfortunately, due to the continued rise of COVID cases, the staff and board felt that taking a group of this size to DC, right now, has too many risks and challenges. Instead, we are excited to announce that a trip to the San Diego area has been planned. Some of the sites we plan to take in are as follows: Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, Cabrillo National Monument, USS Midway Museum, La Jolla Sea Cave Kayak Tour, Balboa Park, Newport Landing Whale Watching, La Sierra University Campus Tour, & Disneyland . We will be leaving on Monday, April 4 and returning on Friday, April 8. All high school students are required to go on this educational trip. Pg. 8

Retirees Brunch! You see young mothers and fathers And all their little ones On Sunday, March 27th, the youth of our church came together to celebration the retired members And remember when you had of our church family! Those in attendance were Your own busy days of fun. provided with food, fun, entertainment, and a showering of appreciation! To commemorate the Pictures fill your albums event, Kristi Brown wrote a poem dedicated to Of the life you used to live. the older generations of our church: So much experience Life goes on and passes quickly And wisdom you have to give. Times are always changing. Stepping down, retirement, You wonder if you've been replaced Goals are rearranging. By those that follow you. We long to make it clear Leading out, taking charge, We appreciate all you do. You say you've served your time. You see the tired mom The days were full and busy Trying to round up her kids When you were in your prime. And lend a helping hand They say these are the golden years, As for you others did. But you would beg to differ, As every joint within you You keep the church a running Seems to be getting stiffer. In everything you do. You've been told to age gracefully, Truth be told we couldn't do it But you look to find the \"grace\". Without all of you. As worry lines and wrinkles Appear upon your face. Cooking food for luncheons, Locking up the doors, So much to remember Sometimes it's hard to think, Helping keep the grounds nice, You once felt tall and confident, Need I say much more? And now you've begun to shrink. Passing out the bulletins, Continued on Page 10… Counting money every week, Creating gorgeous quilts, For those who are in need. Pg. 9

Guiding Bible studies, Leading out in prayer, Lending a helping hand, Always showing that you care. Your hugs, your smiles, your wisdom, We appreciate it all. Honestly, without you We would surely fall. Thank you for your service, Your guidance, and your love. You truly are a blessing Sent from up above.  Thank you to all of those who helped make this event happen and to all of those who attended! Pg. 10

Pieces of our Hearts by Kayla Chavez Behind the pulpit, we would find him The church family comes together to pray over the Uyeyama speaking words of wisdom and truth. In the family on their last Sabbath in Grass Valley. pews, we would find her with a bright smile and open arms for all who came near. For teammate I’m going to miss greatly.” Andrew and Andrea Uyeyama, loving on and giving life to young people is more than a I was, personally, not able to attend many youth ministerial niche, it is a heavenly mission. retreats or events due to a health condition. Pastor Andrew, Andrea, and the young Remi However, I knew Pastor Andrew and Andrea from and Riley have touched the lives of countless our interactions every Sabbath in church. I cannot people in the humble town of Grass Valley, a recall a time between first introducing ourselves and town unsuspecting of the true light that becoming fast friends, it was as though we had would come upon it when the Uyeyamas always been the Uyeyama’s friends and this had not moved in. only been shown in comradery, but in devotion and loyalty. The Uyeyama family introduced me to a Joel Richards says, “Pastor Andrew is more quality of Christianity that I did not know was than just a youth pastor, he's our friend”. In possible—joy. The fact that a Christ-centered adding to this, Stephanie Richards testifies, conversation could be carried on and laughter be “…that is just huge when it comes to had in it, the fact that fun and brightness could be a impacting people, that they really tried to be part—an essential part—of winning souls was an their friends and I'm so grateful as a parent astonishing thing to me. This helped me to see the for having adults like that in my kids’ lives true desire of Jesus that our hearts should not be that invested in them deeply in that way”. downcast and our souls not heavy, but that our The Uyeyama family truly understands that mouths should be filled with gladness and singing— one of the greatest ways in which the true a joyful noise of laughter. character of Christ is revealed is through the simple, mundane moments of life: “Pastor The Uyeyama family showed to this church Andrew really taught them the Bible which I incredible love. In speaking with Cindy Magan, she so appreciate, but he also took time to just relayed what the Uyeyama family means to her and share how he does life and he did that by her family, “it was just really profound how spending so much time with them”, says personable and how intentional they were with our Stephanie. kids”, says Cindy. Mrs. Magan continues, “I felt like my kids were lacking a spiritual person in their life Pastor Andrew brought a special ministry to that was bringing joy and pouring balance and joy our church in making the caring for the spiritual lives of our youth a family affair. Pg. 11 The Uyeyamas would not be complete without Andrew’s lovely wife, Andrea, and their beautiful daughters, Riley and Remi. Stephanie Richards states, “[Andrea] also is just such a positive person, she always could see the bright side of things…she's a Continued on Page 12…

climbing, I mean just such fun role models.” Andrew and Andrea Uyeyama receive a handmade quilt from The Youth Ministry headed a Teen Bible Shirley Greer and the Grass Valley SDA Church quilting team. Academy in which Cindy Magan was amazed to see the relationships and study that came from and fun and relationship into them. I feel this program: “Teen Bible Academy was such a like Andrew and Andrea just did that blessing, they did just the study portion of Teen because right away Andrea was just talking Bible Academy at my house and at my sister’s and joking with my girls and it was like they house. They went through the whole Bible and wanted to become their friends versus just just picked highlights of the Great Controversy. their teachers and I think that's what was The way it was done kept the kids’ attention the missing in their life.” Cindy Magan states entire time, I thought, ‘How are they going to be that the Uyeyama family became spiritual able to do a Bible study for days?’ and he had role models for her children. them laughing, playing games, listening.” In the late summer of August 2021, Cindy The Uyeyama family’s ministry even inspired recalls the help that her and her family one of the Teen Bible Academy attendees to received during the time of the River Fire: pursue a future as a student missionary. “when the fire happened, Andrew was one of the first people that called was like, ‘Where The Lord has worked through the Uyeyama am I going? What can I get? What can I go family to bring about change, spiritual growth, bring you know?’ and both Andrew, Andrea, and boundless blessing to the Grass Valley SDA and Jeff, and Stephanie I feel like were the Church. Although they have taken the call of tipping scales of us transferring our discipleship and are following God to His new membership to Grass Valley because we just calling for them about an hour away, this felt so loved—people we've known our entire congregation—here—can say that we will never lives didn't do that…They really inspired me be the same since experiencing the Uyeyama to love.” family’s love and ministry, whether in worship, in fellowship, or simply “doing life”. Andrew and Andrea ensured that the young people of our church were able to experience We are so thankful to the Uyeyama family and a wide range of activities while growing a our Heavenly Father for using them as His relationship with God. Says Mrs. Magan, vessels, for they greatly and utterly poured out “They are just doing things outside the box His love and character onto the people of this as a youth group that are just so fun…having church. the tunnels vespers, taking them rock Dear Uyeyama family, Thank you for being the reflection of Jesus and for showing us and, to the people of Placerville to come, His truth, His heart, and His smile. Thank you for leading by example. Thank you for being a source of Light. Thank you for letting us love on and see your family grow and flourish. Keep spreading that utmost infectious joy. May the hand on which you lean for strength ever continue to be a Pierced One. You will always have a family in the Grass Valley SDA Church. Pg. 12

Dinner with the Doctor! On April 7th, the Grass Valley church hosted Dinner with the Doctor, an event for caring and community where wisdom and advice is shared regarding how we can better care for our physical and mental health. Katie Waterbrook, who helped to head the event, reflects upon the evening and some of the experiences had there: Grass Valley's second official Dinner with the Doctor program was held on April 7. Of the approximate 50 in attendance, many were from the community, either friends, co-workers, or neighbors of church members and it was a delight to host them for a variety of vegan tacos and learn about practical ways of dealing with stress and anxiety. This ministry is a nice mix of “inreach” and outreach and is a non- threatening place to invite our community to our church. Feedback from attendees has been positive. One guest in particular shared at the end how she had moved to the area three years ago, right before the pandemic. Then, her husband died. She has felt alone and disconnected. After attending Dinner with the Doctor, she was thankful for what she learned and was glad she met more people from our church. She plans to join our quilting group and to volunteer with the food ministry, and was hopeful that there was a light at the end of the tunnel for her. Thank-you to all who came in support of this event, and to those who brought guests, as well! You are welcome to provide feedback or suggest future topics. Please pray about who you can bring to our next event in the fall! Contact Us: Prayer Request? Have or Know Need More Information? of a Need? Contact the Prayer Ministry Contact the Church office at: coordinator, Lori Chavez at: Contact the Needs [email protected] [email protected] Meets Needs coordinator, Ellie Pg. 13 Watson: [email protected]