We are therefore Christ’s Ambassadors (2 Cor. 5:20)
Contrary to popular opinion, the term “separation of church and state” is found nowhere in the United States Constitution. While the First Amendment clearly forbids the creation of a national denomination, it says nothing about the so-called “separation of church and state.” The term “separation of church and state” was first used by Thomas Jefferson in a letter to the Danbury Baptists in 1801, when he responded to their concerns about state involvement in religion. Jefferson’s letter had nothing to say about limiting public religious expression, but dealt with government’s interference in the public expression of faith. It was U.S. Supreme Court Justice Hugo Black who first inserted the term “separation of church and state” into American jurisprudence in his majority opinion of Everson v. Board of Education (1947). He wrote: “The First Amendment has erected a wall between church and state. The wall must be kept high and impregnable. We could not approve the slightest breach.” Black’s opinion was based on a previous misreading of Jefferson’s 1801 letter in the U.S. Supreme Court decision Reynolds v. United States (1878). Black also confused his history. In the opinion, he wrote that the Danbury letter was “almost as an authoritative declaration of the scope and effect of the First Amendment.” The First Amendment states:
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“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion; or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.” No mention is made of a “wall between church and state. The true purpose of the First Amendment was to prohibit the federal government from establishing a national church, like the Church of England, or require that sectarian policy be forced on an individual state or on the federal government. While the amendment does recognize a “differentiation between church and the government, it does not mean that they could not cooperate with each other.” In 2001, Daniel Dreisbach, Associate Professor of Justice, Law and Society at American University, wrote that Black was wrong to apply the term “separation of church and state” to the First Amendment. The danger of Black’s argument, according to Dreisbach, is that it gives constitutional reasons to “separate religion, religious values, and religious organizations from public life.” He continues: “If we can’t talk about religion in any meaningful way in public schools, religious citizens can’t communicate their faith in public life. [The public square] must be ‘sanitized’ of religious messages, and we are left with a strictly secular public life.”
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and its allies, along with other groups hostile to religious freedom, have used Black’s wording to: - Deny churches the right to rent public school facilities for Sunday worship services. - Have public displays of the Ten Commandments removed from public building - Prohibit students from praying at graduation ceremonies or football games. - Threaten fixed income housing project residents with eviction for displaying signs about prayer in their apartment windows - Tell an eight-year-old girl that she cannot pass out handmade Valentines that read “Jesus Loves You.” In 2005, the U.S. Court of Appeals
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for the Sixth Circuit, in ruling in favor of a public display of the Ten Commandments, wrote: “The ACLU’s argument contains... fundamental flaws...[It] makes repeated reference to ‘the separation of church and state.’ This extra-constitutional construct has grown tiresome. CONT. ON PG 7 - SEPARATION Follow The Ambassador Newspaper on Facebook!
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THE AMBASSADOR The Ambassador is a free, monthly publication promoting unity and revival among the local Yuba-Sutter area Bible-believing churches. The Ambassador has a circulation of 6,000 and is distributed in local churches and businesses in the community. The purpose of The Ambassador is to pursue the great commission of Christ by making disciples and to encourage, inform, challenge and connect the local body of Christ. We believe in the inspiration and authority of the Bible as the written word of God. We believe that God exists as One, in three distinct persons, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We believe that the atoning work of Christ (His death) on the cross and His resurrection is the ONLY means of salvation and the only way to Eternal Life in Heaven. We welcome editorial content from anyone wishing to promote the mission of The Ambassador. All articles and advertisement content is subject to the approval of the editor. Views expressed in The Ambassador do not necessarily reflect those of our sponsors or advertisers
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INSPIRATION Prospects Of Justice And Grace by Phil Huber
Bryce Harper, picked number one by the Washington Nationals in the 2010 draft, was just called up to the big leagues on April 29. He is almost certain to become a significant MLB star, though there is some question over whether this 19 year old is ready for the bright lights of the majors just yet. In his 20 games with the Chiefs, he hit .250, with one home run, three RBIs, and 14 strikeouts. These stats are underwhelming. But, with injuries to the starting line up, the Nationals decided to call up Harper earlier than expected. How long he’ll stay is uncertain. All agree that it will be contingent on his production. If he can’t pound the ball and play the field, he’ll be back in Syracuse. This is a familiar formula. And then, this anomaly. Three days after Harper made his major league debut, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers signed Rutger’s defensive tackle, Eric LeGrand, as a free agent. In the torrent of free agent signings following the NFL draft, most are hardly newsworthy. The best propects are all picked up during the draft. Free agency is the realm of rolled dice and crossed fingers. But in this case, it was a sure bet, though not one you’d expect The Buccaneers signed LeGrand knowing that he would never play a down of football. Le Grand is a quadriplegic, having
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fractured two vertebrae in a game in 2010. At the time, Greg Schiano was the head coach of Rutgers. Now, as head coach of the Buccaneers, he explained, “The way Eric lives his life epitomizes what we are looking for in Buccaneer Men.” Bryce Harper is the formula we’re familiar with. His longevity with the Nationals is directly tied to his competence as a ball player. You earn your spot on the team. It’s a satisfying formula. It’s a formula Eric LeGrande doesn’t fit, even CONT. ON PG 7 - PROSPECTS
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A Change Of Grace by Janna Gallagher
Join with me a minute in the training of a runner. The runner sets his goal, chooses a program, and works hard every day to achieve his personal best on race day. Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us (Hebrews12:1). We run this race in faith, but how do we run? I am afraid that we can turn Christianity into a program to achieve our personal best. For much of my life, the Cross represented the way I became a Christian. It was a starting point. But after I was saved, the pressure was on me to perform. What happens when we live our Christian life this way? We go out and try to achieve our personal best. We want results. We think that the outward appearance of service and sacrifice is what we need to be striving for. However, the key to being effective is found in the power of the Cross, not my own performance. It is the foundation of our faith to all who believe. Jesus humbly submitted to the will of His Father. The atoning, cleansing, and infusion of spiritual blessing is poured out for me at Calvary. Greg Gilbert in What is the Gospel states: A righteous and holy God can justify the ungodly because in Jesus’
death, mercy and justice were perfectly reconciled. The curse was righteously executed, and we were mercifully saved. I was an enemy of God. I was the ungodly. Through the Cross, I have peace with God. The Holy Spirit continually reveals more of Himself to me as I focus on what Jesus accomplished for me on the Cross. The Cross is the place grace can pour out through the use of my sometimes unwilling flesh. Now that God has made peace with me through the Cross, His power is made alive in me through the Holy Spirit. The Heidelberg Catechism answers the question of the benefit we receive from the Cross as follows: That by virtue therof our old man is crucified, dead and buried with Him; that so the corrupt inclinations of the flesh may no more reign in us, but that we may offer ourselves unto Him a sacrifice of thanksgiving. I become a doer of the Word, not because of my performance, but because of His. When the Word is preached to me, the convictions that the Law brings are unsettling. I know that I have fallen short. The Holy Spirit is revealing my sin to me. It is the good news of the gospel, what Christ has perfectly completed for me, that brings me hope. CONT. ON PG 7 - GRACE
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INSPIRATION
The Father’s Arms
Blown Kisses
By Paula McBride
P O orma
By Elizabeth Hexberg
by Kug
The sun shone down a while today. Sparkled mountains far away. Warmed the earth. Blessed the land. Blown kisses from my Fathers Hand.
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Creator, Lord, Above it all. Who knows when every sparrow falls. Why is it that You Love me so? So unworthy, that I know.
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The sky was blue, with cotton clouds. Just a hint of breeze allowed, to whisper gently through the trees, Believe, Receive, on bended knees.
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I try so hard, but always fall, into the Arms that hold us all. Raise me up, help me stand. Every moment, He has planned. For God so Loved The World. I admit my need, I learn to cuddle into His care, gaze at His tender, adoring face, and fall devotedly in love with Him. There is no other way. A newborn quickly turns from a tiny treasure to a terrible tyrant. Need turns into demand and demand turns into sleepless nights and sticky messes. Parental love shuffles with weary steps even as essential routines are carefully set in place. With us, God wants an intricate balance between our absolute need for Him and our responsibility as His workmanship. We cuddle into His care and provision, and He equips us for our purpose. Then we hide the image of His comfy shoulder in our hearts and get to work reproducing Christ’s life in our ordinary days. This month of June contains Father’s Day, a bittersweet date in our society where men casually abandon the first love they had for their children. Let’s commit to pray that earthly father-hearts turn homeward and give thanks for the heavenly Father whose arms are desperate to hold us forever. Amazing grace!
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All is Wonder, all is Grace. So Beautiful, to find His Face. Hear His Voice, so gently call, and know, The Greatest Love of All.
But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Birdsong as they flit and play. Just breathing in this Fragrant day. Petals falling, where I stand. Blown kisses from my Fathers Hand.
Romans 5:8 English Standard Version (ESV)
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“He’s a baby hog,” my sister remarked, referring to her son-inlaw. Though her arms ached to hold her newborn granddaughter, she knew Grandma would be invisible while the new mommy and daddy reveled in the euphoria of their perfect treasure. Age-old words were spoken between my niece and her husband, but the meaning was intimate for them. “Look how perfectly shaped her ears are! Look at the long fingers! And the nails! She looks like she’s had a manicure!” As believers, a deeper part of their awe is that this child was known before the creation of the world, God did the knitting before she was born, and her days are already numbered. God has a purpose for this little one’s life. For the new daddy, more than awe fills his senses. He is overcome with a weight of responsibility. This new life has erupted from the agony of labor and is his for a lifetime. He has the charge of caring for every aspect of her physical life as well as her eternal destiny. Let’s let him hold her as long as he can. If only we could see God loving us as this father loves his newborn. Can we see God’s face? Can we see the glow of pride as He looks at you or me as if we were the only one in the world? His hands fashioned all the parts we don’t like and the ones that are okay. We say, “Ugh!” He says, “Perfect!” The trouble with us is that we jump out of the Father’s arms and try to take care of ourselves. Historically, that hasn’t worked. An infant will die without care, and so will we. In the kingdom of God, one of our shades is baby blue or baby pink. An infant is absolutely needy, absolutely dependent, and capable of absolute devotion. In our do-it-yourself world, need and dependence are seen as weakness. God sees it as a platform for the display of His glory, and the door that leads to intimacy with Him. If I don’t need God, I don’t rest in His arms or cry out for Him to feed me and care for me. The glory is that God wants to do this for despicable me. When
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CALENDAR ONGOING EVENTS Christian Business Alliance Luncheon Every 1st Tue @ Noon Bonanza Inn, Yuba City Join us for Lunch, Fellowship and God’s Word! For info contact Dave Kugelman 530-632-9292 Right to Life Monthly Meeting 1st Wed., 7pm (1st Wed of every month) St. Isisdore’s Community Parish Hall Conference Room. Business Meeting open to the all interested in pro-life issues. For more info, visit www.ysrtl.org FREE Karate Classes First Baptist Church of Olivehurst Mon 6:30pm FREE karate classes taught from a Christian perspective. 743-1831 for info, Pastor Miguel. Weekly Recovery Groups Crossroads Community Church Sunday 7-8pm, Monday 6:30-8:30 We also offer a Grief Recovery Group on Wednesday Evenings from 7 to 8 p.m. For more information, please call church office 530-751-9168. Celebrate Recovery Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church Tues 7pm - 674-9210 Celebrate Recovery Loma Rica Community Church - Moy Hall. Fri., 7pm. Call church office for more information 743-5435. Crossroads Clothes Closet Crossroads Community Church, YC Shop at our - FREE Clothes given away! Open Mon - Fri 10am - 4pm AWANA Wed’s, 5:45-7:45 PM during the school year Evangelical Free Church 3785 Olive Hwy., Oroville For information please call 533-6866 Awana is a boys and girls club consisting of small group time, games, large group time. AWANA cont. Awards are given for Bible verse memorization and handbook achievement. For ages 2 through the eighth grade. Prayer Vigil for LIFE! Last Wed of each month, 4-5pm Join us as we gather with people of faith throughout our area, as we peacefully pray on the sidewalk at the Yuba City Planned Parenthood. We meet on the last Wednesday of the month. For more info, please contact Heather Pugh (530)751-9349. WestWord Riders Motorcycle Ministry Sat, May 19th at 8:30 am Gridley Grill, 484 Hwy 99, Gridley The WestWord Riders motorcycle fellowship meets the 3rd Saturday of each month. Meetings are fol-
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lowed by a planned ride, so dust off that helmet and join us! For more information, contact: Willy Alongi @ 701-1045. CELEBRATE RECOVERY Hope Point Nazarene, 600 N. George Washington Blvd, Yuba City Each Wednesday, 6:30pm Join us for this Christ-centered recovery group that provides a safe place for you with people who will love you through your pain, and celebrate with you during your victories. The group meets weekly, so visit us any time. Contact Jim Myers at 635-4688 for more information. Knit & Crochet Women's Fellowship First Baptist Church of Olivehurst, 1777 - 8th Ave. Mon 10am - Noon Practice your yarn craft or learn a new one with us. Knifty Knitters are welcome. Bring your own project or work on a charity item that we donate to those in need in the community. Contact Vivian 530-3019841 for further information.
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SPECIAL EVENTS FIREWORKS BOOTH FOR FAITH CHRISTIAN HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETICS Colusa Highway near Umpqua Bank and JoAnn Fabrics June 28th - July 4th 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Support Faith Christian High School Athletics by purchasing your fireworks at our TNT booth. STEPPING UP FOR JESUS Saturday, June 9th , 9:30am Meet at the corner of Riverside & Sycamore at 9:30am. Walk or Drive all or part of the 2 ½ mile route lifting up the NAME ABOVE ALL NAMES! Bring your banners, trumpets, shofars, flags, tambourines. Let’s make HIS praise GLORIIOUS (Ps. 66:2)
LUIS PALAU SACRAMENTO FESTIVAL June 16-17, 3:30 – 10pm Cal Expo, Sacramento The free, family-friendly celebrations which have drawn more than 8 million people since 1999 from south Florida to South America, are bringing The Luis Palau Sacramento Festival to Cal Expo Grounds on Saturday & Sunday, June 16 & 17, 2012. Activities are scheduled from 1:30-10 PM daily and admission will be FREE. The action sports area will feature top pro/am athletes from skateboarding, freestyle motocross and BMX biking. The Amazing Wonders Experience will include high-energy programming for kids and families. Musical artists include TobyMac, Mandisa, Thousand Foot Krutch, Skillet, Lincoln Brewster, Phil Wickham, Marisol. *SEE AD PAGE 8
SAMARITAN VILLAGE MONTHLY MEETING Call 329-6619 for location 3rd Tue of each month, 6:30pm This meeting is open to all who are interested in helping with an orphanage in Tanzania. For info call Tara at 329-6619 LEADING AND LOVING THE HEART THAT MAKES A HOME Church of Glad Tidings 1179 Eager Road Wednesdays 7pm Leading and Loving shows husbands what it means to be a leader and lead your family with confidence. The Heart that Makes a Home will teach you what the role of the wife was designed to be. Unmarried, come see what to look for and what you need to become a biblical husband or wife. For more info: 530.671.6069 / www.yubasuttermarriage.com New day - celebrate recovery Hope point nazarene, 600 n. George Washington Blvd, Yuba City Each friday, 6:30pm beginning may 11th Join us for this christ-centered recovery group that provides a safe place for you with people who will love you through your pain, and celebrate with you during your victories. The group meets weekly, so visit us any time. Contact sean heraty at 530-3015773 for more information. Hope Point Nazarene Certified Farmers Market Hope Point Nazarene, 2727 FIr Street, Live Oak every Saturday from May 5th - September 29th from 8-12noon Join us every Saturday from May 5th - September 29th for our farmers market. Contact the church office at 695-3996 for additional information or to find out how to be a vendor.
If your church or ministry is having an outreach activity that you would like to promote in our calendar, please send your item via email to editor@ambassadornewspaper.com by the 15th of the month for a listing in the following month’s issue.
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SEPARATION
PROSPECTS
GRACE
The First Amendment does not demand a wall of separation between church and state.” For almost four decades, the ACLU’s distortion of the “separation of church and state” went nearly unchallenged. In 1994, God raised up a new organization, the Alliance Defense Fund (ADF), which has taken the ACLU and its allies head-on to expose this distortion and restore the original intent of U.S. Constitution with regard to religious freedom. Since its inception, ADF has helped to win many groundbreaking cases in defense of religious freedom and expression. The result is that the socalled “wall of separation” erected by Hugo Black and others is slowly starting to crumble. (Editor’s Note: Several other organizations, including the Pacific Justice Institute (founded by Brad Dacus), Liberty Counsel, and American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ) are dedicated to fighting for the rights of those harassed by people or organizations that seek to misuse the concept of separation of church and state. As individuals in a democratic nation, we MUST be informed and stand up for our rights of religious liberty or we will lose them! Contact the organizations below for information.
remotely. And, ironically, there is delight in the unfairness of it all. When justice rules the day, we feel satisfied. But when grace takes the scepter, the needle pushes past satisfied to inspired. In the gospel, justice and grace embrace. There must be a reckoning for the shortcomings of mankind, from the smallest infraction to the gravest atrocity. The penalty must be paid. But grace allows for another to take the judgment I deserve.. “(Jesus) himself bore our sins in his body on the cross…by his wounds you have been healed” (I Peter 2:24, NIV). In the gospel, our longing for justice is satisfied and our delight in grace is stirred. I wonder if our reaction to these two stories tells us something about how we are made. Woven into the fabric of our being are threads of justice and grace. What is happening on a macro level in the gospel is continually reiterated on a micro level in our lives. These are the themes of the great epics and the blockbuster movies. We respond to these stories because we were designed for them. Intellectually, we want a world that is fair. Emotionally, we want a world that is gracious. Our heads will insist on justice while our hearts pull us toward grace. Which is why we are satisfied with story of Bryce Harper and inspired by the story of Eric LeGrand.
The Cross daily exposes my sin and reminds me of my need for my Savior. God not only saved me at His Cross, but He continually saves me from the sin my flesh wants to hold onto. God already sees my weaknesses and He can use my struggles to bring glory to His name. 2 Corinthians 12:9 says: My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made
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“How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of the messenger who brings good news” Isaiah 52:7 Can you help bring “Good News” to our community? The Ambassador needs volunteers to help deliver to locations throughout Yuba, Sutter, and Butte counties. If you can help once a month for an hour or two, please call The Ambassador at 530-933-1385 or email editor@ambassadornewspaper.com
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perfect in weakness. Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. A runner cannot ever forgo running. Training is essential. Likewise, the Cross is a daily place for me to visit and receive more understanding of His grace. My practice is reading and studying the Word of God. My power source is not found in myself. It is found in Christ alone. I receive the undeserved benefit of walking in His untamable grace.
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The Voice of the Christian Community, serving Yuba, Sutter, and Butte Counties
What will your kids do this summer??? How About a Great Summer Camp, Performing Arts and Ministry Opportunity that is Loads of Fun and Christ-centered!!!
A FEW SPACES STILL REMAIN as Faith Christian Schools and the Award-Winning FCS Players th 15 Annual Young People's Summer Theatre Program Hits the Stage with THE SACRAMENTO REGIONAL PREMIER OF :
Disney's “the Little Mermaid!”
For 15 Years the Sacramento Region's Premier Summer Drama Camp!
Daily Theatre, Voice and Dance Training! Classes: June 12 - July 14, 2012Monday – Friday, 9:00 am - 12:30 pm Ages 7-18 w All Levels of Experience Welcome! w Lots of Great Parts for Boys and Girls! w Quality Musical Theatre Training from Dedicated Professionals! w Theatre Games! w Daily Devotions and Snacks! w Safe, Supportive Christian Atmosphere! w Be a part of an Exciting, Professionally Produced Production in July! w Financial Aid Available! w
DON'T MISS SIX GREAT PERFORMANCES!!! July 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 - 7:30 pm; Sat. Matinee, July 14 - 2:00 pm SPACES FOR CLASSES ALMOST FULL! Call 530-674-5474 for More Info Or Download and Submit an Application at www.fcsplayers.com!
Current members:
A-1 Carpet Cleaning - (530) 673-3634 - www.a-1clean.com Maria Altizer - Live Oak Collision Center - (530) 695-1818 Brenda Banducci – Excellent Massage Care- 530-701-4847 Ron Brasier - A Hand Up Ministry - (530) 671-1360 Marty Brown - KCYC-LP FM - (530) 674-5296 Kathleen Caldwell - City of Live Oak - (530) 695-2112 Fred Cox - Richard's Tree Service - (530) 673-7993 Chuck David Brent Davis - Brent Davis Insurance - (530) 671-2764 Carol Dodds - A Woman’s Friend - (530) 741-9136 Christi Dutcher - (530) 682-1136 Bill Eberley - Digital Direct-800-824-4246x10 Shelley Gallagher - Gallagher Ranch Debbie Gilstrap - Sierra Central Credit Union debbie_gilstrap@hotmail.com Pamela Givans Marcos Gonzalez - Ultimate Business Maintenance - (530) 671-1564 John L. Guth - AttorneyEstate Planning - www.johnguthlaw.com Seth Halpern - Ambassador Newspaper - editor@ambassadornewspaper.com Rodney Hick David Hobbs Painting - Cont. Lic#880562 (530)742-2428 Marilyn Hoffman - American Home Realty - (530) 682-1930 Cassandra Hoon- A Better Yard Care - 530-673-3722 Ginger Hughes- Yuba County Repub. Party Central Committee -(530) 675-9175 Brad Indelicato - Dolco Packaging - bdi26@comcast.net Dean Ingraham - Retiredand54@syix.com Bill Jens - Yuba Sutter Healthy Marriage Project - (530) 671-6069 Dave & Robin Kugelman - Proforma by Kug - (530) 742-2423 Clay Maynard - Consultant - (530) 790-6611 Jerry Munz - JM Construction Co. - (530) 682-5316 Jared Nunes - Sutter Health Chuck & Miriam Page Ronda Putman Darrell Sayles - Love Unlimited Body of Christ - luboc2004@yahoo.com Roger Shadd - Shadd Janitorial Supply - 530-673-0083 Robert Stark - Sutter county Auditor/Controller - suttercountyauditor.org Dwayne Tanabe - Taylor Accountancy Corp - dktanabe@yahoo.com Jenine Tanabe - Jenine L. Tanabe, MD Dematology - (530) 743-0301 Bill Weeks - Larry Geweke Ford-Kia - www.geweke.com Jim Whiteaker - Sutter County Supervisor - jwhiteaker@co.sutter.ca.us
Rich Fellowship, Powerful Prayer, Refreshing Presence of God! We meet at the Bonanza Inn the first Tuesday of the month from noon – 1pm. For weekly reminders, updates, or to join email editor@ambassadornewspaper.com
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The Ambassador
Strong In Education, Strong In Faith Since 1975.
www.fcs-k12.org
Class of 2012 Elizabeth Andrus
Alexandra Arnold
“Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the Lord your God is the one who goes with you……“ Deut. 31:6
Jesse Clark
Mitchel Dorsey
Laura Dunham
Blake Gaspard
Andrew Hallmark
Lauren Heinrich
Tricia Hendricks
Spencer Iskikian
Blake Lavin
Hyein Lee
Meagan Maher
Kaylee Poppinga
Annie Reimers
Skylar Ripley
Joshua Sanders
Kameron Schroeder
Courtney Taylor
Jason Upton
Joshua Villasenor
Cody Warta
Lacy Bicknell
Joseph Childers
The Ambassador
9
RESOURCES
The Voice of the Christian Community, serving Yuba, Sutter, and Butte Counties
WWW.AMBASSADORNEWSPAPER.COM
Target’s Promise To ‘Gay’ Community By Chris Woodward - OneNewsNow
How to Grow a Successful Garden Presented by Sperbeck’s Landscaping and Nursery
1. Start from the ground up by adding organic compost to the beds. Amend your soil with at least 25% organic compost and rototill into the top 6” of soil. 2. Dig the hole for the new plant the same depth as the root ball but 3 times as wide and amend the native soil with at least 25% compost. The leftover soil can be used to make a water reservoir around the root ball to help keep water from running away from the plant. But don’t forget to knock it down when winter comes. 3. Get your plants off to a healthy start with a starter fertilizer. You don’t feed babies adult food and you don’t feed newly planted seeds, flowers, lawn,shrubs or trees with heavy nitrogen fertilizer. The ratio should be 1-4-2 or 5-20-10 to help develop strong young roots and not burn them. 4. Use fertilizers that are predominately organic – especially the nitrogen component. If it has an “ate” at the end of the nitrogen formulation it is a synthetic nitrogen made with a salt by-product. Our soils and water are already high in salts and by summer you will be burning the leaves of the shallow rooted plants such as azaleas, gardenias, Japanese Maples, etc. 5. Use fertilizers formulated for our
local area soil composition. If it is distributed nationally it is developed as “one size fits all” and you know how poorly those garments fit our many sized bodies. 6. On hot and or windy days or during the hot or cold times of the year water in new plants with a root hormone product to stimulate the development of additional roots to help take up more nutrients and water to off-set wilt and shock. 7. Plant early in the morning or late in the evening before or after the heat of the day 8. Water the hole you dig before you put the moist root ball in the ground. A dry hole will pull the moisture out of the root ball and send the plant into shock or wilt. 9. When choosing the plants for your garden don’t believe everything you read. Plant labels go with every plant no matter where it is sold. Full sun does not mean full sun in our area. A plant label that states 4’ tall may be 6’ tall in our area. Do your research or shop at local nurseries who know their products. 10. Feed consistently 4 times a year for the best growth. We don’t do well with one meal a day – plants don’t do well on one meal a year.
A pro-family organization is drawing attention to Target for donating its sales in support of “gay marriage” laws. Target issued a statement on its website this week, saying it will donate 100 percent of proceeds from “pride” T-shirts bought online in June to Family Equality Council. That drew the attention of Randy Sharp, special projects director at the American Family Association (AFA). “[Family Equality Council] advances homosexual marriage in the United States and pushes for federal law to recognize same-sex marriage,” he explains. “Target has basically decided that they’re going to endorse this organization, that they’re going to endorse gay marriage laws in the United States, and they’re going to back it up with $120,000 cash.” Sharp recognizes that a few corporations in America are backing same-sex marriage, but notes this is the first time that AFA has seen Target get involved. But the retailer’s promise to homosexuals is blatantly posted on its webpage. “We know for a fact that Target is a very gay-friendly company. You may remember a couple of years ago, when Target came under heat from homosexual activists for donating to a pro-family candidate for United States Congress,” the special projects director recalls. “And I think what Target has done is they’ve
folded that tent and they’ve completely caved in to the homosexual agenda.” So, AFA is urging consumers to contact the Target corporate office, specifically Chairman Gregg Steinhafel, and let them know that as long as the retailer donates cash to promote something in which they do not believe, they will shop elsewhere. “I believe that’s going to send a strong message to the company that they should remain neutral in this culture war,” Sharp offers. “What Target needs to do is do what they do -- and that is sell good, quality products at a low price to help families live a better life.”
Newcastle Yuba City
Excellent Massage Care
$
25
916-663-4116 530-751-2238
00
Exp. 6/30/12
Reflexology - Deep Tissue Couples Massage - Hot Stone - Exfoliating Brenda Banducci, CMT, ABMP
(530) 7 0 1- 4847
397 Del Norte Ave, Yuba City, CA 95991 "Wonderful…I felt refreshed and energized!" Seth Halpern
10
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Back, Neck & Shoulder Massage 30 Minutes Free Back Glow Treatment I Love My Work”
9093 Old State Hwy Newcastle, CA 95658
1397 Colusa Hwy Yuba City, CA 95993
The Voice of the Christian Community, serving Yuba, Sutter, and Butte Counties
RESOURCES
WWW.AMBASSADORNEWSPAPER.COM
Up, Up, and Away! by Seth Halpern I knew that after recovering from my open-heart surgery last year, I simply HAD to start my “bucket list”. You know, those things that you never would have thought to do unless you were faced with your own mortality. Since I’ve never been much of an outdoorsmen and my idea of vacation is more along the lines of relaxing and being pampered rather than roughing it in the slightest of ways, it seemed like it might be a challenge to find something to do to “seize the day”. Fortunately, I was meandering through a book on 52 Getaways in Northern California and stumbled upon Glider Rides. I always thought Skydiving was too scary and hang gliding too rigorous, but the more I read up on Soaring in a glider, the more I was interested. You simply go along for the ride as a pilot sits behind you and the two of you “soar” like a bird in the air in a small craft with ….no motor! What! No motor, I thought. You’ve got to be kidding. But it turns out that many, even youngsters (14 and up) can get their glider pilots license. When I found that the glider rides were given at Williams Soaring Center about a half hour
west on Hwy 20, I knew this was for me! I was ready to go once I got the clearance from my doctor. So in late May, I took off to the skies. Noelle Mayes, the general manager of Williams Soaring Center, set up a ride for me on a beautiful spring day. The visibility was lessened because of the dust from road construction and winds were a bit breezy but not enough to stop flying. However, they were nice enough to call me ahead of time and give me the option
to reschedule. But it was now or never for me! My pilot, Ed, patiently answered all my nervous questions and showed me what each instrument and mechanism was used for and then reassured me that he was in complete control and all I needed to do was sit back and take in the sights. Rex, Noelle’s husband and co-owner of the center, towed us to about 4,000 feet before letting Ed and me enjoy the friendly (and quiet) skies. The only sound was from the air coming in through the vent to cool us off from the strong sun. The Plexiglass
rent aircraft for leisure flights. Ed (one of 12 trained staff) told me that he loves to fly because it’s a hobby that brings so many different skills together to challenge him, among them meteorology, physics and geography. You may find that flying is “in your blood” and want to work on your
pilot’s license. Or maybe you’re like me and simply want to feel like a bird for a day. Either way Williams Soaring Center can help you get up, up, and away! Williams Soaring Center (Williamssoaring.com) 530-473-5600
& We’ve Moved a Few Doors Down!
Hablamos Español Office: 530-751-7618 Cell: 530-740-2908
juan3903@gmail.com Mon - Sat 9 am - 7 pm
canopy (windshield) offered lots of room for great views and pictures of the orchards below. On a clear day you can see Mt. Shasta to the north, the Sierra’s to the east, and Mt. St. Helena in the Napa Valley, as well as the Mendocino’s on the Pacific Coast. I also enjoyed watching the cars on Interstate 5 below. There was talk that another pilot took a glider up 23,000 feet into the mountains. Wow! At 4,000 feet, I was high enough! You can get a very different perspective when you are in the air and unlike a motored plane; it is purely the wind guiding your flight. The birds of the air soar without a worry. I had no worries either, thanks to Ed and the Lord. The whole experience lasted about an hour, and I was securely on land again. I was surprised at how easily Ed made the landing. I’m sure it’s a lot more difficult than it looks. Williams Soaring Center has been flying in Williams since 1993, and prior to that operated in Vacaville, from 19821993. Their fleet boasts 5 gliders for “ride alongs” or rentals. In addition to giving glider rides, they train “would be aviators” for their own pilot’s license and
598 Garden Highway, Suite 8 Yuba City, CA. 95991
The Ambassador Ministry
would like to thank the following people for their Individual Sponsorship Michael Barrett Marty Brown Warren & Lucy Campbell Chuck David Bill Eberley Bob Gilbert Pamela Givans Rich & Joan Hackney Tom Harris Rodney Hick
Brad Indelicato Hope Ithurburn
Sandi Juri Sue Kochi Carrie Pederson Wendell Prine Jeff Royce Jon & Pat Skillman Art & Mary Ann Whitten
God Bless Each of You
for your support of this ministry and our community If you would be interested in supporting The Ambassador as an Individual Sponsor ($20/month) please contact Seth Halpern at: editor@ambassadornewspaper.com or call 530-933-1385 or visit us online at www.ambassadornewspaper.com
The Ambassador
11
The Voice of the Christian Community, serving Yuba, Sutter, and Butte Counties
COMMUNITY
WWW.AMBASSADORNEWSPAPER.COM
Volunteer Host Families Needed to Welcome International Exchange Students
Comedy To The Rescue Have you heard the latest joke? “Two pastors went into a bar...” Just kidding!! Hey folks, is anybody out there keeping up with the latest hot new comedy spot in the area? There is a monthly show happening right in Marysville the first Monday evening of every month. It is a dinner comedy event, with the show at 6:30 pm, and dinner served at 7:30 pm. What is the venue you ask? Good question! It is at the Twin Cities Rescue Mission, at 940 14th St. Pastor Joe Grinnell opened the Mission to this latest idea to bring the gospel to folks. Todd Sturgis, the founder of the Neighborhood Comedy Garage, hooked up with Joe to get the ‘room’ started. It has blossomed into a popular attraction for those people to whom the Mission caters. Sturgis, a member of the Church of Glad Tidings, used to do professional stand up in the comedy club scene prior to accepting Lord Jesus Christ as his personal savior. He was looking for a venue to offer clean comedy to the local community. Being the visionary that he is, he was inspired to start one right in his downtown Marysville garage. The first show was an intimate one car affair, complete with shop lights for spot lights, a couple of old pallets for a stage, and a canoe hanging down low enough for guests to bump their heads on. Forty plus neighbors and friends packed the place, and went home with sore bellies, both from the amazing amateur comedians and performers, as well as the sumptuous pot luck that preceded the show. Sturgis says that the Neighborhood Comedy Garage is the only comedy club in America where the cover charge is a bean dip casserole. Todd’s vision has since blossomed into the monthly show at the Rescue Mission. It is called the Rescue Comedy Series. The normal forum for the mission is that different local ministries volunteer to conduct an evening service, and then attendees get served a meal. Jonny Law, who is currently hosting the show, explains it this way: “If you want to eat dinner, you have to sit through a sermon. If you want dessert, you have
12
The Ambassador
to respond to a salvation altar call. Now some of those ol’ boys get saved 3 or 4 times a week! Just kidding!!” Some of the rotating performers include David Mariscal, Randy Lavender, Karen Hess, Todd Sturgis, Born Again Joe Turner, and Dan Salamone. One rare treat has been the appearance of Local Facebook Celebrity, Angel Diaz. Diaz has expanded the concept to having a monthly show at Juvenile Hall. (Sorry, that show is not open to the general public. One must ‘qualify’ to be at this venue). The vision is to the use the medium of comedy to communicate a positive message with folks in a nonthreatening manner. A typical audience for the event includes many colorful characters. Law was performing recently when a regular attendee hollered out. “reruns!” He says it is a great place to perform because the expectation level is so low. He says, “Its not like anyone is going to complain about the cover charge”. The aim of the ‘ministry’, if you will, is to communicate that folks can have a good time laughing at life, without being vulgar or profane, That is how clean comedy is defined. If you don’t think God has a sense of humor, just take a peek at the next person you see. Anyone who may a comedy itch that they would like to scratch is welcome. For more info, call the mission at 743-8777 or email Jonny Law at jonnylaw1960@gmail.com
Cultural Homestay International, a non-profit educational exchange program, will be welcoming a group of Japanese Junior High & High School students (girls and boys) to our community from 7/228/18. Host families are needed for all or a portion of that time. Interested families provide room and board and friendship,. and in return learn about the Japanese culture. Students may share a room with a host sibling and are expected to become a real member of the family. Students are kept busy Monday through Friday participating in English classes in Yuba City and afternoon activi-
ties include cultural exchanges & sightseeing. Host families are welcome to participate in most afternoon activities and all day trips. Families of all ages, with or without children, make great host families. All CHI students are carefully screened and come with their own spending money and medical insurance. Any family interested in sharing their lives with an international school student should call Benita Corona at 530-301-2239. To learn more about CHI and our many opportunities for American families, visit CHI’s web site at www.chinet.org
Twin Cities Christian College Marysville
Twin Cities Christian College opened its doors in January 2012 with 13 students.
Come experience the chance to learn and develop skills for ministry.
Currently there is no tuition for students enrolling. There is a minor cost for books and materials.
We are now taking applications for enrollment for the summer session which begins June 17, 2012 and ends the week of September 16, 2012.
Students must have completed a High School diploma or Equivalent GED For more information and an application for enrollment please email tc_college@comcast.net
The Voice of the Christian Community, serving Yuba, Sutter, and Butte Counties
WWW.AMBASSADORNEWSPAPER.COM
COMMUNITY
River Valley Community Outreach Center Our future is even further expansion of this “true” recycling vision. We want to “recycle” unemployed, homeless, disabled, or any other people who need or desire to get into a rewarding and productive role, doing work for other underresourced families by installing these materials, thus helping people who need a hand up. This can be much more than just a warehouse full of materials; it can be a central starting point for creating a grassroots network of neighbors helping neighbors, families helping families, organizations helping organizations, and people helping people. We keep 1.5 million pounds of materials from reaching our landfills every year. We feel we have been put in charge of organizing and caring for God’s abundance. We need your help finding people to use these materials. Ways to get involved: • Pray • Become members and use the materials • Donate time or money • Become an Organizational member and use our materials for your own outreach. We are located at 390 Virginia St. Gridley, CA 95948. Hours: Wed. - Friday 10am-2pm & Saturday 9am-4pm. Visit our website www.rvcoc.org, email mark@rvcoc.org or call Mark at 530701-4462
3rd ANNUAL OPEN HOUSE JULY 14, 2012
RVCOC COME CHECK US OUT…
1st 25 people = free membership
BRING A FRIEND...
9AM—4PM
FREE FOOD BBQ... JUMP HOUSE... RAFFLE PRIZES...
THIS DAY ONLY!
DRIVING DIRECTIONS From HWY 99 directly in the middle of Gridley…
All picture windows $5 Donation
Turn West on Magnolia Street. (7-11, Casa Lupe, and Rite Aid)
Wall & Trim Tile $1 donation per box
Drive 5 blocks to Virginia Street
Granite Slabs $40 Donation
Our Brick Building sits on the Railroad tracks on the corner of:
All Sinks $10 Donation
Magnolia and Virginia.
All toilet bowls $5
390 Virginia Street Gridley, CA 95948
All Toilet Tanks $5
Join us from noon to 1pm at the Bonanza Inn the first Tuesday of every month for a time of encouragement, fellowship and prayer with the
Christian Business Alliance. All are welcome! Professionals Dedicated to Protecting and Preserving Your Growing Investment Serving Our Neighbors Since 1957
TREE
(530)
River Valley Community Outreach Center is a 501(c)(3) non profit organization formed to help keep families in their homes, lower energy bills and consumption, help reduce the amount of materials thrown into landfills, and promote volunteerism between communities, organizations, congregations, families, and individuals. We find companies that manufacture building materials, tools, supplies and related products that have a need to dispose of overstock, slow-moving, obsolete or off-spec (usable) product that can be donated at a substantial tax credit to the donor. We at RVCOC then re-distribute these materials to families and individuals who have a need for them, and could otherwise not afford them. This is true recycling; we keep the materials out of the landfill, at the same time helping the donor company “Go Green” and recycle the materials. We get the materials to people who really need them and otherwise could not afford them, and we do this, not for profit, but for the benefit of all people. By upgrading the homes and buildings in our communities with these new materials, we increase the property and neighborhood value and enhance the appearance; this also makes the homes more energy efficient, thus conserving energy while lowering the family’s bills, making this a true win-win solution to many issues.
River Valley Community Outreach Center
SERVICE
, INC.
673-7993
www.richardstree.com
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10% DISCOUNT WITH THIS AD Fully Insured for P.L. & P.D.
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The Ambassador
Senior Discounts
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EDITORIALS
The Voice of the Christian Community, serving Yuba, Sutter, and Butte Counties
WWW.AMBASSADORNEWSPAPER.COM
Evolving Or Dissolving?
AS WE SEE IT
By Jon Skillman
I’m a little confused. President Obama recently stated that his view on same sex marriage was evolving. He has since come to the conclusion that everyone has the right to, pretty much, marry who or whatever he or she chooses. But to me, this whole gay marriage thing is not about rights… it about morality… it is about behavior… it is an attempt to legitimize immorality through the sanctity of marriage. While the president’s revelation really doesn’t surprise me, it nevertheless confuses me and here’s why: To me, and to Webster, evolve means to develop to a higher state. That is not what happened here. The president took a high moral standard and diluted it in the fluid of political expediency. That’s not evolving, that’s dissolving. In effect and quite literally, he created a solution that has become the solution for political correctness. The reason our liberal and secular friends seek to liquefy God’s solid moral standards is quite simple… a liquid always seeks the path of least resistance… and unfortunately we, dear Christians, are rapidly becoming the path of least resistance. Many Christians and indeed many “Christian Churches” are diluting God’s word in order to appease society’s everincreasing sin nature. What the heck happened? The Apostle Paul instructs the church in Romans 12:2, “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world…”
But isn’t that exactly what many churches are doing? Paul also tells the church in Ephesians 5:3. “But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity…” I shouldn’t have to tell you that homosexuality is more than a hint of sexual immorality… it is a blatant perversion of God’s design. Why and how has it come to be so widely accepted? Could it be the consistent stream of homosexual themes oozing from our TV screens? Or maybe it’s the constant parade of pro gay pundits and talking heads in a biased media? But as influential as Hollywood and the media are, it is our very own government that is taking the low road. Now, from the president on down, the government is bent on legislating our morality. A few gay legislators using the battering ram of tolerance and wielding the club of diversity have persuaded their secular and even some “Christian” brethren to pass legislation that pretty much outlaws morality. Shepherds mind your flocks, and flocks remind your shepherds to follow God and not man. Telling a lie often enough may make it seem true to man, but it will never make it true to God. And any law passed by man and upheld in his court, will not supersede the laws of God and will be overturned in His court.
OOPS...I Goofed! Seth Halpern I love getting feedback on articles and content in The Ambassador. Sometimes it’s encouraging and pushes me to keep going. Other times, it’s more critical which challenges me to be more humble. In the last issue we ran an article from the Christian Post (www. christianpost.com) titled “An Atheist Responds to Christian Love”. What I thought would be an uplifting article celebrating the compassion of God’s people, turned out to more controversial than I anticipated. The man did turn to God as a result of the loving expression of God’s people. Unfortunately, he went on to say that he supported the rights of homosexuals to marry and that he might pursue leading a “Rainbow Baptist” Church (a church that endorsed and advocates for homosexual Christians). Although I generally read each article carefully prior to publication, I blew it on this one. Somehow I must have been distracted in the middle of the article and missed that part until after it was sent to print. A huge oversight, I admit. This brought some criticism from our readers. First, to clarify, The Ambassador (and I personally) am absolutely opposed to same sex marriage and believe that homosexuality is condemned in scripture in both Old and New Testaments. I have run many articles and editorials of my own that should make that clear. I do however feel that the purpose of the article (as its title suggests) is about how God’s people can win over those who live in rebellion against Him. That is what
Seth Halpern - Editor happened. The fact that the man decided to support homosexuality does not change that. We, as Christ’s disciples, are called to love and compassion for our needy neighbors regardless of their beliefs. In fact, Jesus himself says that if we love those who love us (and agree with us- my paraphrase) than how are we different from unbelievers. The generous and compassionate actions of the Christians in that article should be commended and serve as both an encouragement and a challenge to all of us in the church. Although I don’t agree with the man’s beliefs, I do believe that the Holy Spirit, the study of God’s Word, and good teaching can help him in his erroneous thinking. Honestly, if I had read it more carefully in the first place, I don’t think I would have run it. However, I’d like to challenge you with this: Please send me your feedback, both good and bad (constructive criticism, please). The Church needs to think and dialogue about a lot of issues these days. We don’t all agree on everything even in our own local church. What we need to remember is that we should always discuss our concerns, with civility. We are to “speak the truth in love” so it is important to hold to the truths of scripture, balanced with grace and love for our fellow sinners.
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The Voice of the Christian Community, serving Yuba, Sutter, and Butte Counties
WWW.AMBASSADORNEWSPAPER.COM
MARKETPLACE
FINANCIAL/INSURANCE
Plumas Auto & Detail 598 Garden Hwy, #6, YC
530.751.7618
BRENT DAVIS INSURANCE & FINANCIAL SERVICES A Farmers Insurance Agency
Auto-Home-Life-commercial-Blue Cross
Juan Manuel Villa - Owner
1650 Sierra Ave Suite 202A - YC 95993
MONROE TRANSMISSION
DWAYNE TANABE
1397 Colusa Hwy Yuba City 530-751-2238
Business Services (530)846-3335 dkennethtanabe@msn.com
Tim's Total Truck Repair
HOME MAINTENANCE
Complete Diesel Repair and Welding 25yrs exp
COMPLETE HOME REPAIR
Don Monroe
530-671-2764 #0F27435
Taxes-Bookkeeping &
Mobile and emergency Service ASE cert. Master Tech.
(530) 870-7217
Shawn Meyer 530-415-4250 Professional Handyman
Your Home, Improved.
DAVE GREENETZ CONSTRUCTION INC. www.greenetzconstruction.com REMODELING
682.9602 - lic.# 452975
HILBERS INC.
CONTRACTORS & ENGINEERS 1210 Stabler Lane, Yuba City www.hilbersinc.com 530-673-2947
PROFORMA BY KUG Dave Kugelman Promotional Products www.proforma.com/kug 530-632-9292
Your Business Listing Here!
DANIEL JONES PROPERTY CARE AND MAINTENANCE Bus./Home/Indust. Maint. *Lawn Care *Preventive Maintenance *Installs *Repairs “Gladly serving to keep your investment solid”
DAN JONES 530-301-4722 electrical87@yahoo.com
JJ's Discount Tools & Merchandise
New & Used Tools
Buy - Sell - Trade
530-755-4129 A handyman's Paradise!! Lot's of both common & Unusual items you won't find elsewhere. Cheap used DVD's and CHRISTIAN Books!" Come in and look around. You'll find something of interest! 980 Gray Ave, YC (next to Brock's)
TB Banducci’s Plumbing Inc Residential/Commercial/Service Tony Banducci – 32yrs exp. (530)701-7079
www.tbplumbinginc.vpweb.com lic #609982
HOME MAINTENANCE
Yuba City Pest Control
P.O. Box 2, Yuba City, CA 95992 Ph. (530) 755-2555 Fx. (530) 755-4672 "Quality Service Guaranteed" LANDSCAPING
PETS
A BETTER YARD CARE
Country Vet Clinic, Inc
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4839 E. Butte Rd, Live Oak "Treating all creatures Great and Small" Jerry Long, DVM & Assoc.
EVERGREEN TUFF TURF
"MarketPlace ads
See our 2,000 sq ft Display at 735 Clark Ave, Yuba City. Then call us at 751-8466
should not be considered as an endorsement of The Ambassador as to the spiritual commitment of the advertiser.
Richard’s Tree Service
The Ambassador does not and cannot "monitor" spiritual commtiment of its advertisers."
“We can help free up your weekends!”
530-673-3722
General Yard Care & Maintenance
Lush, Synthetic Grasses
530-673-7993
Certified Arborist www.richardstree.com Lic. 608859
Excellent Massage Care “A Touch Like No Other"
Brenda Banducci 530-701-4847
397 Del Norte Ave, YC
eXfuze Seven+
botanical supplements: acai, fucoidan, goji, seabuckthorn, noni, gac, mangosteen Robert E. Stark
674-0345, stark@otnusa.com
JENINE L. TANABE MD DERMATOLOGY 414 G Street, Suite 204 Marysville 743-0301
Impact The Community AND
Reach New Customers. Advertise your business in
The Ambassador Marketplace! Call (530) 933-1385
or email: editor@ ambassadornewspaper.com
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