http://www.fpcsb.org Patio eNews Update
An eNewsletter of FPCSB
Volume 72, January 5, 2007
Web Site: www.fpcsb.org

(If you have trouble viewing this Patio eNews on your e-mail, please view it on the church Web site)

Sunday, January 7

8:30 AM - Communion Service - Chapel

9:00 AM - Informal Worship Service in CFC
Sermon: "Stars and Signs"
Scripture: Luke 3:15-17, 21-22

9:00 AM - All church, All Age Education/Sunday School

Adult Education this week:
At 9:00 a.m. in Anderson Lounge
 “How Should Presbyterians Deal with the Tough Issues of Our Times”
The speaker is Gerry Larson
   
10:30 AM Worship in the Sanctuary
Sermon: "Stars and Signs"
Scripture: Luke 3:15-17, 21-22

10:30 AM - Presbykids Activity Time.

The eNews will sometimes come out bi-weekly rather than weekly. The Sunday's scripture on January 14 will be 1 Corinthians 12:1-11 and the theme will be "Abundant Gifts."

Music Recital at FPC
On Sunday, January 28, 2007, from 4:00-5:00 PM, Emma Lou Diemer, organ, and friends Jeannette Klingler, piano, Audrey Sharpe, Ashley Harrell and Kristen Dittman, sopranos, will offer a music recital for our listening pleasure and inspiration. Reception to follow. **A free will offering will be requested to help defray expenses.**

Choir Updates: Rehearsals Resume for Chancel Choir and Bell Choir
The Bell Choir will resume its regular rehearsal schedule on Thursday, January 18, 2007 at 4:00 PM.The Chancel Choir will resume its regular rehearsal schedule on Thursday, January 11, 2007 at 7:00 PM.

Thanks to all who brought jars of peanut butter to church
On December 17 and 24, 170 jars were collected totalling 282 pounds -- a lot of peanut butter (and peanut butter sandwiches -- we also received one jar of jam…)! It all has gone to the Unity Shoppe for low-income families from Santa Barbara. Great job, First Presbyterian Church!
Thanks,
Peter

Christmas Eve Service Inspires Many Members and Visitors
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Christmas International Students Have Culminating Dinner
On December 27, there was a final dinner at the CFC for our ten international college student visitors and their host families. Everyone had a brief time at the microphone to mention highlights of the two weeks and to thank host families and other participants. Special thanks go to Jay and Marilyn Torrey for putting this program together, will lots of help from other members.

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A Congregational Meeting will be held

Sunday, January 28 at 5:30 p.m. in the Christian Fellowship Center

Dinner: $8.00 per person

Call Juleine at 687-0754 to make your reservation.
Or Sign up on the Patio

Start the New Year in a Life Group!
Groups meet weekly for a six-week period (they meet on different days and at different times, so choose one that works for you) for reflection on Scripture, sermon and prayer. No preparation is needed, just bring your self and your Bible. This is a wonderful way to meet new friends and grow in Christian faith. Sign-ups will be on two Sundays, December 31 and January 7, or by contacting Kati Buehler directly (898-3912, or kbuehler1@cox.net). Groups will begin the week of January 8 and will continue through the week of February 12 (six weeks). Groups are limited in size, so don't wait to sign up! Find out more on our website.

COMING EVENTS

Adult Education in Anderson Lounge with Gerry Larson
        Sunday, January 7, 14, 21                       9:00 a.m.
        “How Should Presbyterians Deal with the Tough Issues of Our Times”

Life Groups Begin
        Monday, January 8       (also Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday)
        See website for details and sign up today!

Chancel Choir Rehearsals Resume
        Thursday, January 11                    7:00 p.m.
        Meet in the Choir Room on the Lower Level, Nelson Huber, 687-0754x111

Senior Activities Program
        Friday, January 12,                             10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
        Nicole Clancy: “How to Set Yourself Up for Success.” Also, Catch Phrase!

Second Saturday Social
        Saturday, January 13                    6:00 p.m.
        Indoor Golf?? Call Susan Lydon for information: 964-136

Chariot of Friends
        Wednesday, January 17                   9:30 a.m.
        Lunch at Sizzler: $13, call Geri for reservation: 455-8190

Handbell Choir Rehearsals Resume
        Thursday, January 18                    4:00 p.m.
        Meet in the Session Room off the Sanctuary, Nelson Huber, 687-0754x111

Senior Activities Program
        Friday, January 19                              10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
        “Games by Gail” Two new games to enjoy. Plus: Bible Study with Judith.

5th Annual Missions Conference
        Saturday, January 20                    8:45 a.m. – 3:45 p.m.
        Rev. Dr. Lloyd Ogilvie, former Chaplain of US Senate, author of 52 books.

Senior Activities Program
        Friday, January 26                              10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
        Paul Nefstead: “Earthquakes in Santa Barbara County.”; Pictionary!

Congregational Meeting
        Sunday, January 28                              5:30 – 7:00 p.m.
        Annual Report of First Presbyterian Church, Dinner: $8. Call 687-0754

LIFE OF THE CHURCH

THE FLOWERS in front of the Pulpit this morning are dedicated by George Goodall in loving memory of Barbara. Following the service the Deacons will take the flowers to those unable to worship with us.

THE FLOWERS in front of the Lectern are dedicated by Deane DuCharme, Laurie DuCharme and Juleine Schmidt in honor of Doug and Carol DuCharme whose wedding anniversary is today. The Deacons will take the flowers to those who are ill or homebound.

THE EPIPHANY STARS were cut out by Geri King and “pinned” by Lindsay Brown. Many thanks to them for their help.

ADULT EDUCATION for Sundays, January 7, 14 & 21, 9AM, Anderson Lounge. “How Should Presbyterians deal with the Tough Issues of Our Times?”, taught by Dr. Gerald Larson Dr. Larson is professor emeritus, religious studies, UCSB, and Tagore professor emeritus of Indian Cultures and Civilizations, Indiana University, he is also a member of the Presbytery of Santa Barbara. Author of numerous articles and books, his most recent book is "Yoga: India's Philosophy of Meditation" soon to appear as Volume 12 of the Encyclopedia of Indian Philosophies.

CONTRIBUTION ENVELOPES are available in the reception office for those who have requested them. If you do not find envelopes with your name and would like them OR, if you do not want envelopes, please let us know that as well. Please contact Tina at 687-0754, ext. 105.

START THE NEW YEAR IN A LIFE GROUP! Groups meet weekly for a six-week period for reflection on Scripture, sermon and prayer. No preparation is needed, just bring your self and your Bible. This is a wonderful way to meet new friends and grow in Christian faith. Sign-ups will be on the patio today, January 7, or by contacting Kati Buehler directly (898-3912, or kbuehler1@cox.net). Groups will begin the week of January 8. Groups are limited in size, so don't wait to sign up!

“I THOUGHT THE SANTA BARBARA EVENT ONE OF THE BEST I HAVE EVER EXPERIENCED” were the words used by Marian McClure to describe last year’s mission conference. Come see what the Director of the Worldwide Ministries Division of the Presbyterian Church (USA) is talking about. Sign up now for the January 20th mission conference. Registration forms are available in the Fireside Lounge. Send form with your $20 check to the Presbytery Office.

JAVA FOR JUSTICE PRESBYTERIAN COFFEE PROJECT. Starting January 21st we will be offering Equal Exchange/Fairly Traded Coffee at our Sunday morning coffee time. Fair Trade helps build pride and independence, and empowers communities of small farmers and their families in Latin America, Africa and Asia. Small farmers are currently in the midst of an economic crisis caused by the historically low market prices of coffee. Fair Trade guarantees that small farmers cooperatives receive at least $1.26 per pound for conventional coffee and $1.41 per pound for organic coffee. After you taste this coffee, if you wish to participate in a buying club, please let Judith Muller (687-0754, x108) know of your desire. An information DVD is also available. (By serving and purchasing fairly traded coffee, we are ensuring that farmers benefit and receive long-term support.
The eNews Update is published weekly by The First Presbyterian Church of Santa Barbara. Dave McEachen is the Editor. Please submit articles and photos to newsletter@fpcsb.org. For more information, see guidelines for articles.
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