From the Director of Educational Ministries and Family Life

August 2010

Work has begun on restoring the Sunday School room for our children and youth. I’m excited about the new (old) space, as we paint and plan for how it can best be used. We will also be painting and updating the nursery, which will be set up both as a nursery and younger child’s classroom. The small parlor is becoming my office—with many thanks to Chip for his careful painting. It means that I will be in the midst of things—and I don’t need to carry Sunday School supplies around in the back of my car! The decision of the church council to do this work is a very supportive act on behalf of our children and youth! Thank you! Once all is done, the children and I will host an “open house” for the church members to take a look.

I also want to thank the members of the Summer Camp task force, who helped to plan and develop the “Hug the Earth” camp. They were: Carolyn Shephard, Eleanor Satterlee, Laura Garcia and June Lee. A lot of fun activities were planned but unfortunately we did not have the registration we needed to accomplish our goals. We will be meeting to evaluate and plan for next steps. Some of the curriculum will appear in our intergenerational monthly gatherings, so everyone has a chance to ‘hug the earth—go green for God.”

Speaking of Intergenerational Night—our next one is Friday, August 27. An ice cream social and talent show should provide a wonderful old-fashioned evening with our church family. Do contact Joanne Jones if you can provide a talent! Invite friends!

During the next few weeks of Sunday School the children will be learning more about prayer including memorizing the traditional Lord’s Prayer. There will be NO SUNDAY SCHOOL ON AUGUST 8, as 1st Baptist will join with Covenant Presbyterian at their facility. On August 15 we will host both Covenant and 1st Presbyterian, and we will have a joint Sunday School session.

See you in church!

Pastor Linda

Top Ten Facts about Me (Pastor Linda Pickens-Jones)

1. I was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico and I grew up in Long Beach, California.
2. I was a sociology major in college, graduating from Cal State L.A.
3. I attended seminary at Claremont School of Theology, and received a Doctor of Ministry, writing a thesis on Multicultural Education in the Church.
4. I was baptized as an infant in the Methodist Church, confirmed in the Episcopal Church at 12, joined the Methodist church at 13, and I’ve been an active United Methodist ever since…that is, before I became part of 1st Baptist church!
5. I was ordained a deacon and then elder in the UMC in the 1970’s among the ‘second wave’ of women coming into ordained ministry.
6. I have served in ministry as a local church pastor, as a program coordinator on a regional level, as adjunct faculty in a seminary, and as a missionary.
7. My parents are both living, in Rocklin, California.
8. I am married to Rev. Dr. Alan Jones, who is pastor of Campbell UMC.
9. Our daughter Emily is a student at Foothill College (and will attend UC Davis beginning January 2010 in International Studies). Our son Daniel is a graduate student in vocal performance at Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York.
10. I have a passion for travel, especially to Britain, and last year fell in love with Turkey! I am a new and zealous quilter. I love to write and also lead writing groups. I utterly enjoy a hot cup of tea curled up with a book of fiction.