http://www.fpcsb.org
 
Patio eNews Update
 
 
An eNewsletter of
 
     
 

Volume 81, March 15, 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, March 18

8:30 AM - Communion Service - Chapel

9:00 AM - Informal Worship Service in CFC
Sermon: "A Prayer of Rejoicing"
Scripture: Luke 10:21-24
Fourth in a Series on Listening to Prayer in the Bible

9:00 AM - All church, All Age Education/Sunday School
Adult Education this week:
At 9:00 a.m. in Anderson Lounge
“Crises of the Christ "
(A four-week series)
The speaker is Harold Englund
   
10:30 AM Worship in the Sanctuary
Sermon: "A Prayer of Rejoicing"
Scripture: Luke 10:21-24

10:30 AM - Presbykids Activity Time.

Peter's Message
Dear Friends,

I like the cartoon of the pastor greeting worshipers after church, saying to the man next in line "Good morning, George. I see you've grown a beard since last Easter." Clergy enjoy zinging people as much as anyone. After all, we studied Guilt in seminary -- How to have it, How to pass it on. But while guilt may motivate, it is no substitute for grace. How well we know!

We also know that many people come to church on Easter Sunday who do not worship other Sundays of the year. No surprise there. But how many of us were Easter-only Christians at some point in our lives? How many of us have been through times when we were distant from the church and lackadaisical about faith? At some point we recognized something important was missing, that other means of addressing emptiness were unsatisfying. Suddenly the church seemed relevant. We may not have admitted it, but our hopes were high for a new connection with God.

I believe many people come to worship on Easter Sunday with secret high hopes. It may be their first worship service in a year, but that does not mean they ever stopped seeking. For this reason we, the people of the church, are vitally important, for Easter is far more than what happens at the front of the sanctuary. Easter is more than the choir's anthem, more than the sermon, more than lilies and well-dressed children. Easter is the genuine joy on the faces of people, people who again rejoice in the news that the Lord is risen, people whose resurrection faith is daily trust in the Risen One.

I invite you once again to practice the art of hospitality, especially on Easter. Go out of your way to greet at least one person, one family, you do not already know. Your kindness will make a difference. As writer Henri Nouwen puts it, such hospitality can be a means for the liberation of fearful hearts so that words can find roots and bear ample fruit. What a gift it would be if even one seeker left fear behind and found roots this Easter Sunday.

Blessings on you,
Peter

Outreach Concert Featuring St John’s Choir and Orchestra of Hamburg, Germany, Was a Great Success!
On Wednesday, March 14, our church hosted a dinner and concert. The performance was stunning, and the reception provided a wonderful forum for meeting the musicians and singers. (As a slightly sad side note, Dave's camera went on the fritz just after the dinner began. Thus, few photos. Sorry.)


.

“Cereal Sunday” coming on March 25. 
The Unity Shoppe has asked for extra help during March and April to build on a special challenge grant opportunity.  They are asking for donations of boxed cereal (cold cereal or baby cereal) during these months.  All food items collected during this time period will be augmented with a cash grant by the Feinstein Foundation, a national charitable organization committed to fighting hunger in America.

Now in their 90th year of helping neighbors in need, the Unity Shoppe is an exceptional agency which provides food, clothing and other services on a year-round basis to over 6,000 local families.

Please remember to pick up a box of cereal (or two) when you shop for groceries and bring your donations on Sunday, March 25!  Collection boxes will be available at the church.

Sign up now for a First Pres Life Group!
For those of you new to Life Groups, here are some basics:
What are they? Life Groups are small groups of people (6-8 ideally) that commit to meet regularly to grow together in their faith in Christ.
Who can belong? Groups are open to anybody in our church or community who has the desire to grow in faith and is willing to make a commitment to the group.
When do they meet? For six weeks, from the week of April 16 through May 21. Participants are asked to make a commitment to their group for that period of time.
What do they do?  A typical Life Group meets weekly for Bible study (based on the Sunday morning sermon), fellowship, and prayer.  Put simply, it’s a time for friends to seek together how to apply God’s Word to their daily lives.

Would I be assigned to a group?  No.  Everyone is allowed to choose a group that best fits them.  There will be mixed groups, men’s groups, women’s groups, morning groups, evening groups, etc. Groups can meet in homes or at church, at a coffee shop or wherever works best for the group members.

Why should I join?  If you are looking for fellowship and are interested in following Christ more faithfully in your life, we believe that joining a Life Group is one of the best things you can do for yourself.

How do I sign up?  Check out the Life Groups Schedule on the Patio after worship on (Sundays) April 1, April 8, or April 15 and choose a meeting time that works best for you. You may sign up right then. Groups are open to everyone -- returning Life Group members and newcomers. Life Groups begin the week of April 16 and continue for six weeks (through the week of May 21).

Another easy way to sign up: Call or email Kati Buehler (898-3912, kbuehler1@cox.net). She's great at answering questions. Much better than her husband.

Adult Education: CRISES OF THE CHRIST
March 4, 11, 18, and 25 with Harold Englund
Between Christmas and Easter, the Church turns its attention to the earthly ministry of Jesus.  Aware that his human nature was like ours, we try to understand his growth, his identification of his mission, his crisis experiences.
Jesus' birth and Temple visit at age 12, his baptism and temptation, his choice of disciples, his testing of the Twelve and his transfiguration, and finally, the events leading up to his death and resurrection: what were his major decisions and why were they important?

These "Crises of the Christ" should take us to the heart of Jesus' own struggles, the purpose of his mission and its results.  Bring a New Testament.

“Cereal Sunday” coming on March 25. 
The Unity Shoppe has asked for extra help during March and April to build on a special challenge grant opportunity.  They are asking for donations of boxed cereal (cold cereal or baby cereal) during these months.  All food items collected during this time period will be augmented with a cash grant by the Feinstein Foundation, a national charitable organization committed to fighting hunger in America.

Now in their 90th year of helping neighbors in need, the Unity Shoppe is an exceptional agency which provides food, clothing and other services on a year-round basis to over 6,000 local families.

Please remember to pick up a box of cereal (or two) when you shop for groceries and bring your donations on Sunday, March 25!  Collection boxes will be available at the church.


Discover the church website!
Find out about upcoming events, how to join a Fellowship Group, how to contact church staff and clergy, and much, much more! Go to fpcsb.org .

COMING EVENTS

Adult Education in Anderson Lounge with Harold Englund
        Sundays in March                                 9:00 a.m.
        “ Crises of the Christ ” a 4-week series.

Memorial Service for Jaynene Mills
        Wednesday, March 21                         2:00 p.m.
        Celebrate the life of Jaynene Mills.
        Chapel of the Good Shepherd

Mid-Week Worship
        Wednesdays, March 21, 28                  7:00 p.m.
        Lenten worship in the Chapel. Prepare your hearts for Holy Week.

Senior Activities Program
        Friday, March 23                                10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
        Vivian Ling, “China the Historical Melting Pot”; Plus: BINGO!

Presbyterian Women’s Dinner
        Monday, March 26                                5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
        Elizabeth Ralston: Medieval Mary Gardens. Dinner: $9.00
        Reservations required. Sign up on the patio or call 687-0754.

Senior Activities Program
        Friday, March 30                                  10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
        Report of the Katrina Mission Trip. Plus: Bible Study with Judith.

Congregational Breakfast and Workshop
        Saturday, March 31                                8:30 – 11:30 a.m.
        Theme: “Faith Sharing and Being a Welcoming Congregation”
        Speaker: Gary Demarest. Cost: $5.

One Great Hour of Sharing
        Sunday, April 1                                       9:00 & 10:30 a.m.
        The special offering will be received on Palm Sunday.

Literature and Faith
        Wednesday, April 4                                9:30 a.m.
        Women’s reading group short stories in Anderson Lounge.
        All are welcome. Call Loyda for information (687-4995)

Maundy Thursday Worship
        Thursday, April 5                                   7:00 p.m.
        Worship in the Chapel of the Good Shepherd

Good Friday Worship
        Friday, April 6                                       12:00 noon
        Worship in the Sanctuary. Pastors from several local churches
        will speak on the Seven Last Words of Christ

Easter Sunday Worship
        Sunday, April 8                                     8:30, 9, & 10:30 a.m.
        Celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord! Bring a friend to worship.
        Bring a flower to decorate the Flower Cross.

Clipper Fleet Dinner and program
        Friday, April 20                                     6:30 p.m.
        Dinner: $13 per person. Reservation required.
        Call Doug & Carol DuCharme for reservation 685-8232

Presbyterian Women’s Arts and Crafts Show
        Saturday, April 28                                 10:30 – 1:30 p.m.
        View artistic creations by our own members. Salad luncheon.
        Have something to show? Call Noni: 685-187

LIFE OF THE CHURCH

ADULT EDUCATION FOR MARCH: “Crises of the Christ” with Harold Englund. What were the major decisions Jesus faced and why were they important? These “crises” will show us Christ’s struggles and give insight into his mission and its results. Join us at 9:00 a.m. in Anderson Lounge.

ADULT EDUCATION FOR APRIL 1: “Our Katrina Trip: a Report from the FPC Mission Team”. Don’t miss this exciting class in Anderson Lounge at 9:00 a.m. We’ll learn all about the rebuilding efforts after the storm.

YOU ARE SO GENEROUS! Last week’s Love Offering took in $3233 (including $18 from our Sunday School children!) for our Mission Group to take to Luling, Louisiana. This money will be used to help with the rebuilding efforts following the hurricane Katrina disaster.

DO YOU KNOW that we host a Good Friday worship service? On Friday, April 6 at noon we will listen to seven local pastors speak on the “Seven Last Words of Christ”. Bring a friend for this powerful look at Jesus crucifixion, and invite them to join us in celebrating His resurrection on Easter Sunday. Share the Good News!

YOUTH GROUP THIS WEEK! High School - Thursday Night, Youth Lounge, 7-9 pm! Junior High! Friday Night, 6-7:30 pm. Meet at the Youth Lounge. High School Mission Trip to San Francisco is March 26-31. Sign up with Sheri now (680-5609). Spots are limited.

FAIRLY TRADED COFFEE is served at our Fellowship time (currently only Regular, not decaf). Your donation helps defray the added cost of this coffee which we purchase to help the small coffee growers. New coffee, tea, chocolate and cocoa orders from Equal Exchange will arrive for purchase on Sunday, March 18th . Look for the table on the patio.

PRAYER REQUESTS : The Prayer Chain is available to pray for your needs. In the Narthex is a Prayer Box provided by the Congregational Care Ministry. Please fill out a request form and leave it in the box, or call Chuck at 687-0754, x 102. All prayer requests are kept confidential.

LOOK FOR THE FLOWER NOTEBOOK in the narthex on Sunday mornings to commemorate a special occasion or loved one. You may reserve a week to donate flowers for worship in the Sanctuary. (1 bouquet - $40, 2 bouquets - $65). Please send in your donation prior to your week, attention: Juleine. Questions? Call Lynn (687-7095).

SIGN UP FOR LIFE GROUPS! We invite you to join a Life Group ! Small groups meet weekly for Bible study (based on the Sunday morning sermon), fellowship and prayer. This is a wonderful way to meet new people and deepen your Christian faith. Members are asked to commit for 6 weeks at a time. Life groups start the week of April 9 run for six weeks. Sign ups will be Sundays, March 25 and April 1 on the patio. Look for more details on individual groups then.

A TOWN HALL FORUM regarding the Santa Barbara News Press will be held Sunday, March 25, 3:00 - 4:45 p.m. at First United Methodist Church (corner of Garden & Anapamu). Invited to speak are former staff reporters and administration of the Santa Barbara News Press. This forum is sponsored by the Greater Santa Barbara Clergy Association to provide a moderated, respectful, fair and balanced arena to hear all points of view. For information please contact sbcledrgy@yahoo.com.
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 david@mceachen.us. For more information, see guidelines for articles.
If you would like to be removed from this list, please send an email to Dave with "Remove Newsletter" in the subject.