Evergreen

On Sunday, December 7th at the River Lodge there will be a rock musical that deals with the real issues of life this Christmas. I'm so excited about this presentation. It's not a sugar-coated message with easy answers to complex problems. It's about real life and real hope. There are two performances at 9:00 & 11:00 AM. It's called Evergreen. Hope you come.

25 Years of Fruitful Ministry

Congratulations Pastor Mike and Joan for 25 years of fruitful ministry here at Hydesville Community Church. The whole North Coast region has been blessed by your faithfulness to the Lord and His call upon your lives. Here is the Times-Standard article: http://www.times-standard.com/ci_10754197?IADID=Search-www.times-standard.com-www.times-standard.com

Here is the article from the Eureka Register: http://www.eurekareporter.com/article/081018-pastor-to-be-honored-for-25-years-of-service

Standing Firm

"Thank God because He's good, because His love never quits....Pushed to the wall, I called to God; from the wide open spaces He answered....Far better to take refuge in God than in people;...Hear the shouts, hear the triumph songs in the camp of the saved? "The hand of God has turned the tide! The hand of God is raised in victory! the hand of God has turned the tide!" From Psalm 118 - The Message

Do you ever pray and pray and pray for an answer and then one morning the heaviness lifts and without knowing the specifics, you know God has answered your prayer? Ephesians 6 :11-13 tells us, "Put on the full armor of God, that you may be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything to stand firm." Until the veil is pulled back from the heavenlies, we will not know all the spiritual battle done in prayer. But in faith we know that much is taking place. Don't be discouraged by the trials in your life. Be honest, work through them. Cling to God. Immerse yourself in God's Word. Know by faith that God is more real than your own breath. There may be hard issues in life, but also know God is sovereign and as we pray He fights the battles. "Thank God because He is good, because His love never quits."

Seasons

Psalm 138:8 "The LORD will accomplish what concerns me; Thy lovingkindness, O LORD, is everlasting; Do not forsake the work of Thy hands."

A popular song on the radio from back in my teenage years said "precious and few are the moments we two can share." How true...the moments fly by. This summer I've purposed to savor the moments in this season of life. When I return home from the church office I scoop up this precious one and we have our afternoon walk. We hold hands, or rather she holds my fingers. We look at flowers, we talk, and when she gets sleepy we sing. As some of our wise saints say, "we are never promised tomorrow." For the sweetness of these moments I thank my Father in Heaven. Life often isn't easy, which makes tender moments even more significant. May God especially bless you during this season in your life.

The Big Fish and Forgiveness

Jonah 2:1-2;7-10
"Then Jonah prayed to the Lord his God from the stomach of the fish; and he said, "I called out of my distress to the Lord, and He answered me. I cried for help from the depth of Sheol; Thou didst hear my voice."..."While I was fainting away, I remembered the Lord; And my prayer came to thee, into Thy holy temple. Those who regard vain idols forsake their faithfulness, but I will sacrifice to Thee with a voice of thanksgiving. That which I have vowed I will pay. Salvation is from the Lord."

Jonah, through his own disobedient choices, was put into a desperate situation and found himself in the belly of a huge fish. In that fearful place he cried out to God, and God heard the prayer of his repentant heart.

We can find ourselves in desperation over crisis attributed simply to the fact that we live in a fallen world. Sin in the world hurts innocent lives. It's the nature of evil to be calloused to the fact that we are not to blame. In these circumstances God weeps with us and cares deeply for us being sovereign over even the unthinkable. We can know that our God who is totally loving and totally just ultimately will prevail.

However much of what we suffer has to do with the choices we make. Jonah chose to blow off God's clear instructions. We often do the same. Even so, the God of compassion who weeps with us when we are innocent is also moved with incredible mercy even when we are totally guilty. His constant love for us longs to give us second chances. It is that perfect divine love that allows Him to orchestrate a desperate situation in which we are firmly but tenderly placed. God, because He loves us, will go to great lengths to put us in a state that challenges our perception and outlook. When we cry out to God, He is faithful to hear and respond. He is the God of of second chances and His heart is always filled with compassion and mercy toward us. There is nothing like the embrace of God after we have offered Him our broken hearts and asked for His forgiveness. Oh, the unfathomable love of our God expressed through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Community of Caring

This Fall several support groups will open their doorsand their hearts to our community. We are thankful for the individuals who have made a decision to make the difficult circumstance in their life a catalyst for helping other people. Two continuing support groups are the Christ-Centered Cancer Support Group and Porch Light, a support group for hurting parents of teens and young adults. New support groups include GriefShare - a support group for those who have lost a loved one and Avenue - a support group for wives in the area of healing sexual brokenness. Also, through our children's ministry department there is S.M.I.L.E. a support group for famlies affected by disabilities. For more information contact the Hydesville Community Church office at (707) 768-3767.

Joy in the Morning

There has been a verse that has spoken to my powerfully to my heart recently. It is Psalm 30:5b "Weeping may last for the night, But a shout of joy comes in the morning." The troubles and trials of this life can be many at times, but those times are not without meaning for the Christian. God promises us joy in the morning. It has been my privilege to have some wonderful mornings of late, because I get to hang out with this precious one. She has surely brought joy to my heart. Thank you Lord for joy in the surprises of life.

Life Mission

"Therefore, come now, and I will send you to Pharoah, so that you may bring My people, the sons of Israel, out of Egypt." But Moses said to God, "Who am I, that I should go to Pharoah, and that I should bring the sons of Israel out of Egypt?" And He said, "Certainly I will be with you, and this shall be the sign to you that it is I who have sent you: when you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall worship God at this mountain." Exodus 3:10-12

When God called to Moses from the midst of the buring bush, He gave Moses a very specific life mission. God outlined what Moses was to say and do and what the response would be before it happened. The mission was of incredible magnitude. It must have been overwhelming, yet Moses had no doubt that the God of the universe had chosen him for this task. I wonder if God were to outline our life's mission before hand if we would be able to handle it. I think not. I believe if we knew the potential Jesus sees in us and what He wants to accomplish through us, we would pass out. Even now at "mid-life" (o.k. - it's just a guess, but since I'm 50 and my grandmother lived to be 100 - this could be "mid-life:, but maybe not; God alone numbers our days) I never would have thought myself up to the task of some of the things God has already brought me through. I never in a million years would have picked the path that He set out for me. God is so good to be in charge of all of that! I believe God is very gracious in not letting most of us know way ahead of time "our life mission." Not knowing exactly gives me the opportunity to trust Him one day at a time. As He lights one step in front of me with each step I walk I am reminded that His ways are so much above mine. God is the master orchestrator working out His plan through ordinary people and bestowing a life mission that is beyond our wildest dreams.

He Makes Me

"He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul." Psalm 23:2,3a

Sometimes God has to make me do things. I'm sure that's not a surprise to any of us. There are commands and principles that are clearly defined in His Word. One of those things is the concept of a Sabbath. God modeled this - He rested on the 7th day. When I don't willingly obey, sometimes out of sheer love for me, "He makes me." What a patient loving heavenly Father. He knows my soul needs restoration and sometimes I'm too stubborn to slow down on my own. Thank you Lord, for "making me" lie down in green pastures.

Easter at the Fortuna High School Gym

Here is a link to the Eureka Reporter article that appeared on March 22, 2008.

http://eurekareporter.com/article/080322-more-than-1000-people-expected-at-local-church

The “Welcome to Hydesville” population sign indicates that 790 people reside in Hydesville, yet many more than that are expected to gather for one giant Easter service at 10 a.m today. The Hydesville Community Church has moved the service to the Fortuna High School Damon Gym to accommodate the crowd, a church news release stated.
Local artist Penny Fregeau will be painting an image during the service that ties in with the mix of Christian music that also features a local choir. Senior Pastor Michael Delamarian III, a 25-year veteran of Easter services in the county preaches for both guests and the members of his church.
“Most people find the messages relevant, interesting and even entertaining at times,” said Janet Harward, a regular attendee at the Hydesville Community Church.
The church’s more than 100-year-old facility fills weekly for three services, but still will not handle a group of the size that comes for Easter, the release stated.
Hydesville Church offers a children’s program during the Easter service.
For more information on the Easter service or regular church activities, phone 707-768-3767 or visit HCC’s Web site at: www.hydesvillechurch.org. Their regular location is 3296 Highway 36. Regular Sunday service times are: 8:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.

Times-Standard Newspaper

Times-Standard Newspaper, Eureka, California
Saturday, April 19, 2008

Where Art and Faith Intersect
Penny Fregeau, a local artist and director of women's ministry and counseling at Hydesville Community Church, paints on a 5-foot-by-6-foot canvas during an Easter worship service held at Fortuna High School on Easter Sunday. Fregeau completed the entire canvas during the two-hour service, during which there was also a worship band and choir performing, followed by the preaching of the Rev. Michael Delamarian III. Fregeau is also involved in the creative arts through the church in skit productions and other areas of creative endeavor, and said her roots in art help her to communicate her faith. "The North Coast's pristine natural beauty and the slower-paced lifestyle provide fertile soil in which the creative spirit can grow", she said. Fregeau is organizing a "High Tea and Arts & Crafts Program and Show" that will feature other people's creative talents, to be held at 3 p.m. April 26th at the Ferndale Community Center. Individuals from the church's women's ministry will share paintings, sculptures,photographs, quilts, embroidery and more in this community-oriented show. In addition, a "high tea" will be served. Fregeau will speak on the intersection of art and faith. The public is invited. Tickets are a $10 donation and are available through Hydesville Community Church at 3296 State Route 36 in Hydesville, or call the church office at 768-3767 for more information.

Disturbed

“The word disturbed is often associated with mental illness and instability. We say, “He’s disturbed,” when we describe someone who reacts in an overly emotional way or appears troubled emotionally. I want to redefine this word, because I believe that God is looking for some disturbed people. He is searching for men and women, students, and young adults who will allow Him to disturb them by making them truly see the world in which we live – so disturbed that they will be compelled to do something about what they see…But if we’re not disturbed by the world in which we live, we will be consumed with the trivial, the insignificant, and the temporary. We will spend our days pursuing all the wrong goals, living by the wrong measurement of success, evaluating our legacy by the wrong standard.”
-Kay Warren from Dangerous Surrender

There are a lot of things in life that can be disturbing. But when they don’t affect us directly, well, it’s easy to have a tinge of compassion, and then go on our merry way. However, when God allows us to suffering to invade our world in a personal way, we have a decision to make. Will we allow this trouble, tragedy or heart ache that has come into our life to be God’s tool to mold us and compel us to do something that will make some good out of a bad situation, or will we wallow in our troubles, retreat inside our shells and let it corrode our insides?

Support groups can be a first step toward letting that which is disturbing in our lives out into the open of a safe confidential group that can understand what we are going through, care for us, listen to us, and pray for us. By being in a support group we are not only ministered to, we help others by listening with caring hearts, acknowledging the hurts of others and share how God has helped us through similar situations. We hear personal testimonies of God’s care during difficult times. As we draw strength and receive the comfort and emotional healing that the Lord provides, we are able to reach out to others and help them as they go through similar circumstances. Pastor Rick Warren says, “God never wastes a hurt.” Helping others as they go through a disturbing time turns hurt into a vehicle of healing for someone else.

We have a few different support groups at Hydesville Community Church and hope to greatly enlarge these groups of care. There is a cancer support group, a group for families affected by disabilities and "Porch Light." Porch Light is a group that deals with highly disturbing life issues. Porch Light is a support group for hurting parents of wayward teens or adults. Parenting is a great responsibility and challenge, yet our culture works against us in many ways. The temptations our young people face are greater today than ever. This county wrestles with the enormous influence of drug and alcohol use. The drive for independence, lack of good judgment in choices, the normal growing up process, medical issues, influence of peers, stress, pressures and sometimes outright rebellion can make an unhealthy combination that can turn parenting into a heart ache and sometimes a nightmare.

So many of these life issues exist “under the radar”. We don’t usually make small talk in everyday conversation about things like a teen or young adults rebellious attitudes, rejection of faith, stealing, struggles with substance abuse, pornography, homosexuality, heart aches in relationships, cutting themselves, eating disorders, crisis pregnancies, dangerous behaviors, or types of mental illness. Yet these disturbing things are all around us and happen with people we know and people we dearly love. If you are a parent to a young person who is going through a stormy time of life we want you to know there is hope in God. He cares deeply. When we truly see the world in which we live and come to terms with the reality of the pain people have around us, God can use us and compel us to do something about what we see. Meeting with people who are going through similar hurts and heartaches offer us the opportunity to minister to one another and to help make a difference by stepping out of the darkness of disturbance and into the healing light of Christ. We welcome you to Porch Light. We meet the 4th Sunday of the month at 6:30 in the evenings in the living room of “The Hut” (the house next door to the church). If you, or someone you know would benefit from this support group, we invite you to attend. For more information on this group, or other support group that Hydesville Community Church offers, contact Penny Fregeau, Director of Women’s Ministry & Counseling – (707)768-3767.

“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion for him, and ran and embraced him and kissed him.” Luke 15:20b

High Tea & Master Peace Arts & Crafts Program & Show

We welcome you to come to the High Tea & Master Peace Arts and Crafts Program & Show in Ferndale. See a variety of artistic creations from many facets of arts and crafts. Talk with the artists and craftswomen about their work. Enjoy a High Tea experience. Taste some delicious culinary delights by master baker Stephanie Baldwin. Listen to music that creates a pleasing ambiance. Hear about the intersection of art and faith. An afternoon of culture presented by the R.I.S.E. Women's Ministries of Hydesville Community Church. Tickets available &$10 donation) by calling 768-3767. Saturday, April 26th at 3 PM in the Ferndale Community Center in the Victorian Village of Ferndale.

Introducing Bella

We recently invested in some exercise equipment. Why? Because of the little girl you see pictured to the left. She's our granddaughter. We want to live long and healthy lives so we can see her grow, watch her first smiles, rock her to sleep, play hide and go seek and sing her 'Jesus loves me.' She is the sweetest thing. Thank you God for this precious child in our lives.

Godly Confidence

Acts 4:13-14:
"Now as they observed the confidence of Peter and John, and understood that they were uneducated and untrained men, they were marveling, and began to recognize them as having been with Jesus. And seeing the man who had been healed standing with them, they had nothing to say in reply."

Godly confidence comes comes from being with Jesus. No one can dispute a changed life. Peter and John weren't popular by the world's standards. Their lack of education and training gave them no status, honor or respect from their peers. Human confidence is often built upon those things. The confidence Peter and John displayed was foundational in their lives and real because it was built on the unshakable reality of Christ in their lives. People saw the difference and it blew them away.

I once helped found a Christian elementary school. I was to be the first junior high teacher. I had never taught full time before, and never at this high a grade level, and never so many grades (5th-8th all in one class). It was quite a challenge. Kind of like "the toughest job you'll ever love." My husband, a veteran high school teacher and college professor, gave me these words before I entered the class room on that first day: "Be confident. You know more than they do." That helped me navigate that year a great deal. Teenagers are apt to say some pretty heady things and challenge authority in their attempt to figure out who they are and where they fit in to their world. Being able to reach out to them with affirmation and doing so from a place of confidence helped establish mutual respect between the students and I that year. I could have confidence because of the reality of experience in my life.

Our experience with Jesus should result in a confident that isn't built on status or popularity with the crowd. Our confidence, if it is to help change our world, needs to be rooted in the unchanging reality of knowing Christ and hanging out with Him on a daily basis.

Lord, help us to "show what we know" - not in a human egotistical way - but in the beautiful reality of how our encounter with you has dramatically changed our lives.

Lift Up My Eyes

"In the morning I will order my prayer to Thee and eagerly watch." Psalm 5:3

We should expect for and "eagerly watch" for the answers to our prayers.

Something I love about the Christian life is that it is an honest life. While, as believers, we are the recipients of beautiful promises from God there are still mysteries about His nature with which I wrestle. I don't get the sense that God is annoyed with my honest questions. In fact, I think He delights in answering my questions in unexpected ways. Honestly is always O.K. as long as it is accompanied by reverence. I'm glad God doesn't distance Himself from me when I have questions, and He always knows where exactly the "end of my emotional rope lies."

At times there are strings of seemingly "unanswered prayers" and our souls can "steel" themselves against the hurt of things not going the way we had hoped. God has shown Himself to be trustworthy because He often creates beauty from the soil of disappointment. Yet, there is sometimes a fear that we can become so accustomed of that "hunker down" mindset that we can forget to "eagerly watch" for His answers. There are seasons of grief and seasons of joy. If we have been through a season of sadness, let's not miss out on the season of exuberant joy. We can rejoice that He does ultimately answer prayer on His timetable, which is always the best. Lord, lift up our eyes to "eagerly watch."

Be Ready for the Power Switch

"It is not for you to know times or epochs which the Father has fixed by His own authority; but you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you." Acts 1:7-8

God doesn't always reveal timing. Time is such a fixation in culturally sophisticated countries like ours. God "keeps His cards close to His chest" on that one. But what He does offer us freely is power when the Holy Spirit comes upon us. This makes for a relationship where we need to be dependant upon God continually and to be completely trusting of His work in our lives. We may not know ahead of time the way God will choose to work or when His hand will move. However, if we're always ready - that is if we re in an abiding relationship with Him - keeping our hearts open through prayer and being in His Word and applying these Biblical lessons to our throughts and attitudes, then we will be ready to be used by the Master when He turns the power switch on.