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April 22, 2007

Peter's Message

Dear Friends, 

I cried to you, O Lord.. "Hear, O Lord, and have mercy upon me;
O Lord, be my helper." 

As I write, the tragedy at Virginia Tech, the horrific shootings, is a day old. Right now it feels raw, unthinkable, pointless, utterly sad. I suspect these feelings won't change anytime soon. New details about yesterday's events are still being reported. It's the worst such shooting in our history -- a shameful new bench mark. The more we hear, the more disgusted, depressed, and alienated we feel. What is wrong with a world where guns so easily find their way into the hands of deranged people? How can we, how can our children, feel safe in such a world? 

That we're in the season of Easter only makes our questions more pointed, more urgent. Where is God in this tragedy? Is there any comfort for families whose sons and daughters were murdered? Beyond new heightened protections and security policies on college campuses -- and even more widespread paranoia toward strangers -- is there anything at all we can learn from the events of April 16, 2007? 

We don't dare be glib, using faith as a protection against heartache. After all, Jesus told us to weep with those who weep. Yet at the heart of Easter faith is gratitude -- a keen understanding that God raised Jesus from death, that Christ is victorious over death, that death does not get the last word. At the core of Christian faith is the affirmation of our baptism, that If we have died with him, we will also live with him. There is more to life, in other words, than years. In the days to come, I will be paying attention to the lives of the students who died at Virginia Tech, how they were a blessing to others -- their parents, teachers, and friends. How they were a blessing to us. 

Easter faith calls us to lose our lives in everyday ways. This is not a substitute for mourning. As a nation we must confront hard questions about our fascination with violence. As human beings, we need to be unafraid to reach out to people who seem lost, sad, desperate, alone. We'll never know how many individuals have set aside plans to hurt others because they have been brought back to sanity by someone's compassion, someone's gracious and unmerited attention. In response to yesterday's tragedy, then, shall we walk nearer to Jesus, faithful and unafraid, or shall we distance ourselves from those he came to save? How shall Easter faith for us be a new beginning? 

We don't know the personal circumstances of the psalmist who wrote I cried to you, O Lord.. "Hear, O Lord, and have mercy upon me; O Lord, be my helper." The Psalms are general and generous in the way they invite us into their prayers. Neither do they mince words about human tragedy (note Psalm 137). They are expressions of the most profound trust -- cries to God for mercy. They also seek and accept responsibility -- we all need God's mercy! Now is a good time for us to turn to the Psalms, to prayer, to the promises of the Lord who weeps. This Lord is victorious over the grave. He is risen. Where shall we meet him?  

The Beatitudes are also for times such as these. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. May we be blessed in this way! 

Youth Lead Worship on Sunday, April 15
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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 .

In Memoriam

Elizabeth Muller (Judith’s mother) – April 12, 2007

Dick Mohler – April 15, 2007

Bill Whitehouse – April 16, 2007

The Rose on the Chancel this morning is in celebration of the birth of Megan Leslie Bonner, daughter of Susan and Craig Bonner, Granddaughter of Mary & Thomas Hayman. She was born April 1, 2007.

The Flowers this morning are dedicated by Diane & Lee Kirkpatrick in honor of their families. Following the service the Deacons will take the flowers to those unable to attend worship with us.

COMING EVENTS

Adult Education in Anderson Lounge
        Sunday, April 22, 29, May 6            9:00 a.m.
                “Jesus Goes to Washington”: Dr. Douglas Miller.

Senior Activities Program
        Friday, April 27                                10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
        Friday at the Movies: “The King and I”

Driver Training and Review Meeting
        Saturday, April 28                              9:30 – 10:30 a.m.
        A must for all interested in driving the church vans.
        All interested in “shotgun” job are encouraged to attend.

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.
        Call 687-0754 for reservation. $7 (kids under 12 eat free)
        Have something to show? Call Noni: 685-1878

Congregational Dinner and Meeting
        Sunday, April 29                                5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
        Dinner by Kay, $8.00 call 687-0754 for reservation
        Meeting to elect new Elders and Deacons
        Jazz concert at 4:00 p.m. in Sanctuary, details soon.

Inquirer’s Class begins
        Monday, April 30                               7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
        Monday, May 7                                  7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
        Monday, May 14                                7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
        Monday, May 21                                7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
        Learn more about First Presbyterian Church and the Christian faith.
        Call Juleine to reserve your spot. 687-0754 x 110.

Presbyterian Women in the Presbytery Spring Gathering
        Saturday, May 19                                9:30 – 2:30 p.m.
        “Gather to Celebrate Restoration” Speaker: Eugenia Gamble.
        Call 687-0754 for reservation. $20 includes van ride,
        lunch & registration.
        Registration deadline is May 8. Make check to FPC.

GOT HURTS, HABITS OR HANG-UPS? Are you looking for freedom from addictive, compulsive or dysfunctional behaviors? Check out Celebrate Recovery® and join us on an amazing spiritual adventure. Meetings consist of a worship service, large group meeting open sharing in small groups and more. Fridays at 7:00 p.m. at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church (sanctuary) 380 N. Fairview Ave. (between Calle Real & Cathedral Oaks) Call 967-1416 or Tarry Nelson (448-4439)

Thank you for your caring, your kind words and thoughtful cards since my mother’s death. You have been such a comfort to me in this time.

Judith Muller

LIFE OF THE CHURCH

ADULT EDUCATION FOR APRIL 22, 29 & May 6 : “Jesus Goes to Washington” with Dr. Douglas Miller. Dr. Miller is a graduate of Wheaton College, Fuller Seminary in Pasadena, and Claremont Graduate School. He taught Christian Social Ethics at Eastern Baptist Seminary for 20 years. Douglas served as Pastor of the First Baptist Church of Santa Barbara for 6 years. Join us in Anderson Lounge at 9:00 a.m.

GLOBAL WARMING: How can you help? Every major spiritual tradition recognizes the need to be stewards of Creation and protect future generations. The Community Environmental Council would like your participation in a network of faith groups in Santa Barbara focused on local solutions to global warming. Join us for South Coast Earth Day Festival , Today, April 22, 10 am - 5:30 pm • www.SBEarthDay.org Santa Barbara County Courthouse Sunken Gardens

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. A hearty “Thank You!” to Presbyterian Women who purchased a coffee grinder to grind our Fairly Traded Coffee beans!

DRIVERS NEEDED! Interested in serving others by driving a church van? Or serving as a “shotgun?” Come to a Training and Review meeting on Sat. April 28 from 9-10:30 am to learn more about it. For more info contact Alice Williams 687-0754 or Geri Willoughby 455-8190

A BIG THANK YOU to those who have helped our music and our food services programs with their kind donations. To date we have received $1775 towards the piano repair and $50 for the water heater. Additional donations are still being accepted.

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.

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.