Woodward Park Baptist News
Woodward Park Baptist News July 2O14
Worship with us Sundays at 10:30am | SW corner Maple & Teague, Fresno CA
Church Family Spotlight
Virgil & Jeanie Classen
V
irgil and Jeanie Classen have been faithful members of WPBC for about 11 years. Virgil was born in Meade, KS, the son of a pastor, and recalls accepting Christ at age 7. Jeanie, born in Salem, OR, was also raised in church and came to know Christ at an early age. In 1959, the couple met at a basketball game in Oregon, where they both lived at the time. After dating for about two years, they married on February 11, 1961. In 1981, the family moved to California for a job opportunity. When asked about his line of work, Virgil said, “Floor covering and property management.” “He’s only had two jobs in his entire life,” said Jeanie. After a long pause and a wink, Virgil said, “I hate change!” Jeanie’s first job was picking strawberries and beans. The couple has two adult daughters, Ginger (who lives in Texas) and Joey (who lives in Washington). And they are blessed with seven grandchildren. Twenty years ago, a friend of the couple told them about a foster parenting opportunity through a women’s prison. After some discussion and planning, they took in their first child, a newborn from a woman who was incarcerated. “I would go every week to visit the mother, until the baby was born. Then after the baby was born, I’d bring the baby back to visit its mother in prison, until the woman was released. The Classen’s cared for the newborn for two and a half months, but didn’t continue foster parenting at that time.
About six years ago (in 2008) the Classen’s decided to rekindle their love for foster children, this time through the county of Fresno. Why? “We love babies!” said Jeanie. “Besides, all our grandkids live far away,” she added. “But the second time around, we decided to try [foster parenting] for a year because we weren’t real sure,” said Virgil. Since then, they have cared for children from newborn to 17 years of age. And the duration of care can be anywhere from overnight to a year and a half, depending on the circumstances. “We had one little girl for over a year and a half,” the couple said. Asked how their friends would describe them, Virgil summarized with one word: “strange.” “People will comment about the babies, ‘Oh, that’s such a wonderful thing you do,’ and yet we’re the ones who get the reward out of it,’” said Jeanie with a smile. “What we do is not the norm,” added Virgil. The couple, who is currently caring for a set of newborn twins, said foster parents must make major adjustments in their lifestyle. “We think we save a lot of money by doing this because we don’t eat out,” the couple joked. “When you have children, it’s just easier to stay home.” The Classen’s say they receive compensation, which helps to cover the basic necessities of the children they care for. See
Classen, inside
Love Acts 7/6 Love Chooses 7/13 Love is Loyal 7/20 Love Transforms 7/26 Love Sacrifices 8/3
298-7087 | woodwardpark.org
Love Discerns 8/10 Love Unifies 8/17 Love Prevails 8/24 Love Assures 8/31
LifeGroup fellowships in
July
12
2O
16
2O
The Followers: Potluck fellowship, Saturday, July 12 at 6:00pm. at Dennis and Carol Schmierer’s home (266 W. Indianapolis Ave., 559-2253596). Meat will be provided. Contact Nancy Williams at 916-956-1808 for more information and to sign up for other food. Peter Celum’s group: Barbeque/ Potluck/Homemade Ice Cream at Diane Hamill’s home (6603 N. Wilmington, Fresno, CA 93711, 9059817). Wednesday, July 16 at 6:00pm. Contact Peter Celum at 559-325-1817 for more information and to sign up.
19
Mike McCullough: Fellowship dinner Saturday, July 19 at 6:00pm. at Woody and Jackie Wojdylak’s home (9585 N. Shannon Ave., 559-434-7480). Contact Mike at 559-229-9533 to sign up.
Glenn and Sandy Koslan’s group: Finger Food Potluck, Sunday, July 20 at 12:00 noon at Woodward Park Baptist Church, Education Building, room 203. Contact Glenn and Sandy Koslan at 559760-3074 for more information and to sign up. Wendell Foss and Mel Jones combined group: Fellowship luncheon, at Woodward Park Baptist Church, 400 rooms. Sunday, July 20 at 12:00p.m. Contact Emily Foss at 559-978-8192 for more information and to sign up. Pastor David Carothers’ Life Group: Shakespeare in the Park. Contact Joanie Carothers to sign up for this excursion: (559) 449-3937.
If you’re not currently in a LifeGroup, this is your chance to find one Need help? Contact Gary Williams @ 298-7087
131 children and families impacted
by VBS, including 5 children who accepted Christ
Be ready to spruce-up our campus on
WorkDay Saturday
July12
8 to Noon
Children’s Swim Party
Jul19
11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Carothers’ home 6711 N. Pleasant Ave.
Day in the Mountains Saturday | Sept 6 | save the date
Upcoming Classes... Oct. 5 - Nov. 9 (6 weeks)
6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Class Name
Teacher
Moral Earthquakes and Secret Faults...Mike McCullough Loving Our Kids on Purpose..................Gary and Nancy Williams Resolving Every Day Conflicts..............Peter Celum God Provides (Financial Class)..............Diane Hamill Study on the Book of Philippians..........Richard Haar Sacred Marriage..................................Glenn and Sandy Koslan Forward Classes..................................Staff/Various Leaders
Classen, continued from page 1
A special thanks to Ben Kephart, Heather McCullough, Neli Scribner and Joanie Carothers for contributing VBS photos.
Thank You, VBS Volunteers
Our week of sharing Jesus with children in our community was a huge success! You organized crafts, setup tables, prepared snacks, secured our campus, prayed, and loved children all in the NAME OF JESUS!
Thank you to every volunteer and team leader!
So how did the Classen’s come to attend WPBC? They were previously attending another church, which was too large for them. “Jeanie sent me to the store, and I got lost,” said Virgil. When he got home he told Jeanie he’d found a Baptist Church, which was WPBC. They said to each other, “Let’s give them a try!” So they attended a Christmas event about 10 years ago. The couple recalls people were friendly and they seemed to fit in fairly quickly. But life-changes were not always as easy as finding WPBC. When the Classen’s were moving from a small town in Oregon to California, they had to turn to God in faith. “It was a very difficult time for us,” said Jeanie. On December 15, 1980, Virgil’s new job in California was confirmed. “But selling real estate at Christmas time, in a depressed market, was a real challenge,” he said. They ended up selling their home by advertising it just once in a weekly newspaper, a miracle at that time. By January 15 of 1981, they were in Clovis, a huge change for the young family of four in just one month. The move was especially hard for their two daughters, one of which was in the middle of eighth grade, and another who was in the middle of her junior year in high school. “The girls wanted to move, but when it came right down to it, it was hard,” she admitted. “Even at that time, Clovis was huge to us, and we didn’t know anybody,” they said. Everything was so different than what they were used to back home. But Jeanie said she was blessed she could stay home and care for their daughters during the transition. She said her own mother inspired her. “She never criticized anyone, she was always a very kind and caring person,” she said. When asked who he admires, Virgil said he looks for godly characteristics. “I see if the person lives in such a way that makes a positive impact on other peoples’ lives,” he said. The Classen’s want us to know how they feel about caring for others.
“We would like for people to know what a blessing it is to have foster children,” said the couple. “We so often think if people would try it. Try the year. See how it goes,” they added. They say foster parenting is like a ministry, which some people are suited for, and can be very rewarding. But they also say it’s definitely not for everybody. They offer this important piece of advice: there has to be a commitment from both spouses. “It’s demanding, it’s overwhelming, said Virgil. “But it’s fun, too!” said Jeanie. In the foster care work, you get to know other foster parents and talk to them for advice and support. Naturally, caring for children creates a bond with them. The bond is so real the child often believes the foster parents are the real parents. “That’s the hard part,” said the couple. “Sooner or later, you have to let them go.” The couple said they had a two year old boy in their home who got very attached to them, and to whom they did, too. The boy’s parents brought him over to visit with them. “When he leaves, he cries. He’s confused. The transition is really hard,” she admits. Most of the time, the Classen’s are able to continue to visit with the children after they’ve been placed. One child had his aunt take him and they never saw him again. “Those are the hard ones because you don’t know what the home environment is like,” said Jeanie. The Classen’s feel very fortunate in that four of their foster children have been adopted by Christians. The need is so great, even single people can foster-parent. Jeanie has a friend who’s husband passed away while they were both foster parents. Even after he passed away, the woman continues to care for children, and it has been a healing process for her. “She takes babies, and it keeps her company,” said Jeanie. “It keeps us busy, even after the children get adopted, because we’ve bonded with them, and they’re still a part of our life,” said Jeanie. “With some of them, you forget they’re foster kids—you actually think they belong to you!” added Virgil.
STUDENTS: Join us for a 4-week in-home
video series
that will help you understand God’s will for your life and how to live it.
Thursday Nights
July 1O-31 | 6:30-9pm
Girls @ Oviedo home (9285 N. Bramwell, 93720). You were made to make a difference! Guys @ Gross home (1925 E. Portland, 93720). Dig Down Deep! Build your life on truths that last.
Parents & Students
Save these Dates
7th (must have completed 7th) – 12th graders
July 13 - Pool Party @ Saenz’ (4-8pm)
703 E. Teague Ave. Fresno 93720
July 27 - LaserQuest (4-8pm). Invite a friend to join us for an evening of laser tag and pizza! Cost: $18 per person (includes 3 games and all-you-can-eat pizza and soda). Meet at church at 3:30 p.m., and we’ll all go together. July 27 - Mandatory parent meeting for
students attending mission trip to San Diego (in Worship building, upstairs) @ 12:00 noon
August 3-8 - Mission Trip to San Diego August 17 - Pool Party @ McAbee’s
(4-8pm) 1943 N. Nadine Ave. Clovis CA 93619
August 24 - Promotion Sunday to kick off the
new school year!
7th (must have completed 7th) – 12th graders
Mandatory Parent Meeting Sunday, July 27, 12:00 noon in the Worship building (upstairs)
Church family: be praying our If you have any questions please for contact students who will be Vanessaand @ adults 559-298-7087 serving on this trip. Questions? Call Vanessa Oviedo @ 298-7087
Mandatory Parent Meeting Sunday, July 27, 12:00 noon
Worship with us Sundays at 10:30am | SW corner Maple & Teague, Fresno CA
Church Family Spotlight
Virgil & Jeanie Classen
V
irgil and Jeanie Classen have been faithful members of WPBC for about 11 years. Virgil was born in Meade, KS, the son of a pastor, and recalls accepting Christ at age 7. Jeanie, born in Salem, OR, was also raised in church and came to know Christ at an early age. In 1959, the couple met at a basketball game in Oregon, where they both lived at the time. After dating for about two years, they married on February 11, 1961. In 1981, the family moved to California for a job opportunity. When asked about his line of work, Virgil said, “Floor covering and property management.” “He’s only had two jobs in his entire life,” said Jeanie. After a long pause and a wink, Virgil said, “I hate change!” Jeanie’s first job was picking strawberries and beans. The couple has two adult daughters, Ginger (who lives in Texas) and Joey (who lives in Washington). And they are blessed with seven grandchildren. Twenty years ago, a friend of the couple told them about a foster parenting opportunity through a women’s prison. After some discussion and planning, they took in their first child, a newborn from a woman who was incarcerated. “I would go every week to visit the mother, until the baby was born. Then after the baby was born, I’d bring the baby back to visit its mother in prison, until the woman was released. The Classen’s cared for the newborn for two and a half months, but didn’t continue foster parenting at that time.
About six years ago (in 2008) the Classen’s decided to rekindle their love for foster children, this time through the county of Fresno. Why? “We love babies!” said Jeanie. “Besides, all our grandkids live far away,” she added. “But the second time around, we decided to try [foster parenting] for a year because we weren’t real sure,” said Virgil. Since then, they have cared for children from newborn to 17 years of age. And the duration of care can be anywhere from overnight to a year and a half, depending on the circumstances. “We had one little girl for over a year and a half,” the couple said. Asked how their friends would describe them, Virgil summarized with one word: “strange.” “People will comment about the babies, ‘Oh, that’s such a wonderful thing you do,’ and yet we’re the ones who get the reward out of it,’” said Jeanie with a smile. “What we do is not the norm,” added Virgil. The couple, who is currently caring for a set of newborn twins, said foster parents must make major adjustments in their lifestyle. “We think we save a lot of money by doing this because we don’t eat out,” the couple joked. “When you have children, it’s just easier to stay home.” The Classen’s say they receive compensation, which helps to cover the basic necessities of the children they care for. See
Classen, inside
Love Acts 7/6 Love Chooses 7/13 Love is Loyal 7/20 Love Transforms 7/26 Love Sacrifices 8/3
298-7087 | woodwardpark.org
Love Discerns 8/10 Love Unifies 8/17 Love Prevails 8/24 Love Assures 8/31
LifeGroup fellowships in
July
12
2O
16
2O
The Followers: Potluck fellowship, Saturday, July 12 at 6:00pm. at Dennis and Carol Schmierer’s home (266 W. Indianapolis Ave., 559-2253596). Meat will be provided. Contact Nancy Williams at 916-956-1808 for more information and to sign up for other food. Peter Celum’s group: Barbeque/ Potluck/Homemade Ice Cream at Diane Hamill’s home (6603 N. Wilmington, Fresno, CA 93711, 9059817). Wednesday, July 16 at 6:00pm. Contact Peter Celum at 559-325-1817 for more information and to sign up.
19
Mike McCullough: Fellowship dinner Saturday, July 19 at 6:00pm. at Woody and Jackie Wojdylak’s home (9585 N. Shannon Ave., 559-434-7480). Contact Mike at 559-229-9533 to sign up.
Glenn and Sandy Koslan’s group: Finger Food Potluck, Sunday, July 20 at 12:00 noon at Woodward Park Baptist Church, Education Building, room 203. Contact Glenn and Sandy Koslan at 559760-3074 for more information and to sign up. Wendell Foss and Mel Jones combined group: Fellowship luncheon, at Woodward Park Baptist Church, 400 rooms. Sunday, July 20 at 12:00p.m. Contact Emily Foss at 559-978-8192 for more information and to sign up. Pastor David Carothers’ Life Group: Shakespeare in the Park. Contact Joanie Carothers to sign up for this excursion: (559) 449-3937.
If you’re not currently in a LifeGroup, this is your chance to find one Need help? Contact Gary Williams @ 298-7087
131 children and families impacted
by VBS, including 5 children who accepted Christ
Be ready to spruce-up our campus on
WorkDay Saturday
July12
8 to Noon
Children’s Swim Party
Jul19
11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Carothers’ home 6711 N. Pleasant Ave.
Day in the Mountains Saturday | Sept 6 | save the date
Upcoming Classes... Oct. 5 - Nov. 9 (6 weeks)
6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Class Name
Teacher
Moral Earthquakes and Secret Faults...Mike McCullough Loving Our Kids on Purpose..................Gary and Nancy Williams Resolving Every Day Conflicts..............Peter Celum God Provides (Financial Class)..............Diane Hamill Study on the Book of Philippians..........Richard Haar Sacred Marriage..................................Glenn and Sandy Koslan Forward Classes..................................Staff/Various Leaders
Classen, continued from page 1
A special thanks to Ben Kephart, Heather McCullough, Neli Scribner and Joanie Carothers for contributing VBS photos.
Thank You, VBS Volunteers
Our week of sharing Jesus with children in our community was a huge success! You organized crafts, setup tables, prepared snacks, secured our campus, prayed, and loved children all in the NAME OF JESUS!
Thank you to every volunteer and team leader!
So how did the Classen’s come to attend WPBC? They were previously attending another church, which was too large for them. “Jeanie sent me to the store, and I got lost,” said Virgil. When he got home he told Jeanie he’d found a Baptist Church, which was WPBC. They said to each other, “Let’s give them a try!” So they attended a Christmas event about 10 years ago. The couple recalls people were friendly and they seemed to fit in fairly quickly. But life-changes were not always as easy as finding WPBC. When the Classen’s were moving from a small town in Oregon to California, they had to turn to God in faith. “It was a very difficult time for us,” said Jeanie. On December 15, 1980, Virgil’s new job in California was confirmed. “But selling real estate at Christmas time, in a depressed market, was a real challenge,” he said. They ended up selling their home by advertising it just once in a weekly newspaper, a miracle at that time. By January 15 of 1981, they were in Clovis, a huge change for the young family of four in just one month. The move was especially hard for their two daughters, one of which was in the middle of eighth grade, and another who was in the middle of her junior year in high school. “The girls wanted to move, but when it came right down to it, it was hard,” she admitted. “Even at that time, Clovis was huge to us, and we didn’t know anybody,” they said. Everything was so different than what they were used to back home. But Jeanie said she was blessed she could stay home and care for their daughters during the transition. She said her own mother inspired her. “She never criticized anyone, she was always a very kind and caring person,” she said. When asked who he admires, Virgil said he looks for godly characteristics. “I see if the person lives in such a way that makes a positive impact on other peoples’ lives,” he said. The Classen’s want us to know how they feel about caring for others.
“We would like for people to know what a blessing it is to have foster children,” said the couple. “We so often think if people would try it. Try the year. See how it goes,” they added. They say foster parenting is like a ministry, which some people are suited for, and can be very rewarding. But they also say it’s definitely not for everybody. They offer this important piece of advice: there has to be a commitment from both spouses. “It’s demanding, it’s overwhelming, said Virgil. “But it’s fun, too!” said Jeanie. In the foster care work, you get to know other foster parents and talk to them for advice and support. Naturally, caring for children creates a bond with them. The bond is so real the child often believes the foster parents are the real parents. “That’s the hard part,” said the couple. “Sooner or later, you have to let them go.” The couple said they had a two year old boy in their home who got very attached to them, and to whom they did, too. The boy’s parents brought him over to visit with them. “When he leaves, he cries. He’s confused. The transition is really hard,” she admits. Most of the time, the Classen’s are able to continue to visit with the children after they’ve been placed. One child had his aunt take him and they never saw him again. “Those are the hard ones because you don’t know what the home environment is like,” said Jeanie. The Classen’s feel very fortunate in that four of their foster children have been adopted by Christians. The need is so great, even single people can foster-parent. Jeanie has a friend who’s husband passed away while they were both foster parents. Even after he passed away, the woman continues to care for children, and it has been a healing process for her. “She takes babies, and it keeps her company,” said Jeanie. “It keeps us busy, even after the children get adopted, because we’ve bonded with them, and they’re still a part of our life,” said Jeanie. “With some of them, you forget they’re foster kids—you actually think they belong to you!” added Virgil.
STUDENTS: Join us for a 4-week in-home
video series
that will help you understand God’s will for your life and how to live it.
Thursday Nights
July 1O-31 | 6:30-9pm
Girls @ Oviedo home (9285 N. Bramwell, 93720). You were made to make a difference! Guys @ Gross home (1925 E. Portland, 93720). Dig Down Deep! Build your life on truths that last.
Parents & Students
Save these Dates
7th (must have completed 7th) – 12th graders
July 13 - Pool Party @ Saenz’ (4-8pm)
703 E. Teague Ave. Fresno 93720
July 27 - LaserQuest (4-8pm). Invite a friend to join us for an evening of laser tag and pizza! Cost: $18 per person (includes 3 games and all-you-can-eat pizza and soda). Meet at church at 3:30 p.m., and we’ll all go together. July 27 - Mandatory parent meeting for
students attending mission trip to San Diego (in Worship building, upstairs) @ 12:00 noon
August 3-8 - Mission Trip to San Diego August 17 - Pool Party @ McAbee’s
(4-8pm) 1943 N. Nadine Ave. Clovis CA 93619
August 24 - Promotion Sunday to kick off the
new school year!
7th (must have completed 7th) – 12th graders
Mandatory Parent Meeting Sunday, July 27, 12:00 noon in the Worship building (upstairs)
Church family: be praying our If you have any questions please for contact students who will be Vanessaand @ adults 559-298-7087 serving on this trip. Questions? Call Vanessa Oviedo @ 298-7087
Mandatory Parent Meeting Sunday, July 27, 12:00 noon
