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June 24, 2007

Peter's Message
Dear Friends,

The "Following Jesus" class held here on Wednesday evenings in June has gotten me thinking. Not only about what it means to follow Jesus (a lot to think about there) but about Christian education in general.

The response to "Following Jesus" has been tremendous, with nearly 70 people attending each week (including friends from El Montecito Presbyterian -- welcome!). The fact that three outstanding teachers joined forces through the invitation of Chuck Curtis, our Director of Mission and Evangelism, made this a learning opportunity not to be missed. When Gordy Hess, Lyle Hillegas, and Bob Ohman are all in the same room -- let alone when they're teaching together -- something special is going to happen. Add to this a great meal by Kay Bowman and the four Wednesday evenings are bound to be nourishing.

But there's something more going on here. Not just confidence in the teachers, but a hunger for the subject. We want to go deeper. We want to hear new things about Jesus, insights and truths that inspire, things we are happy to hear. We want to examine the scriptures and our faith traditions up close, to be reminded why they are compelling. We want to hear about the Christian life from the mouths of individuals we regard with esteem and affection. After all, Christian education is relational. We learn by listening to sisters and brothers, people who have walked the walk.

Of course it is also about taking the time. These days church activities outside of Sunday morning require a lot of oomph. Working people especially find it hard to come to church after a long day. It means having to hurry dinner, miss favorite TV shows, and forgo end-of-the-day relaxation. That said, once we have gotten going and arrived at church we are glad to have made the effort. How often life-changing things are said -- and heard!

When I imagine the future at First Presbyterian Church my mind goes to every-Wednesday programs that include dinner and in-depth study. I see children, youth, and adults eating together, then going to groups and classes where faith is nourished and challenged. I see a church that is vital, inviting, and ready to learn. I see a community where Christian Education is part of what it means to follow Jesus.

Grace and peace,

COMING EVENTS

Adult Education in Anderson Lounge
      Sunday, June 24                                     9:00 a.m.
      Dr. Julian Dean, “Baby Boomers & Memory Lapses: Can it Happen to You?”

      Sunday, July 1                                      9:00 a.m.
      Chuck Curtis, “Presbyterian Missions: Signs of Renewal”

      Sunday, July 8                                      9:00 a.m.
      Dr. James Witty, “Help for Uganda”

Presbyterian Women Dinner
      Monday, June 25                                     5:30 – 7:00 p.m.
      “Perspectives on Celtic Spirituality” with Noni Kimbel Patchell.
      Cost: $9.00. Reservations required. 687-0754 by Friday, June 22.

The Discipleship Course
      Wednesdays, June 27                            7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
      Drs. Gordon Hess, Lyle Hillegas & Bob Ohman
      Four week course. Call Chuck for details: 687-0754, ext. 102

Senior Activities Program
      Friday, June 29                                       10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
      Friday at the Movies: “South Pacific”, staring Mary Martin

IMPACT Mission Trips begin
      Saturday, June 30      
      Our own Mary Howland leaves for Kunming, China. Pray for her each day.

Lunch with Jim Witty and CareCorps
      Sunday, July 8                                         12:00 noon
      The Community and Global Outreach Team will host a lunch for Jim and
      Suzanne Witty in the Christian Fellowship Center. $8, sign up at the desk.

This week, we are having a Special Appeal to the congregation to support our youth and leaders attending the

Presbyterian Youth Triennium,
a conference in Indiana for Presbyterian youth.
Please make checks payable to FPC.
Thanks for your support!

This week in Youth!  Junior High and High School Beach Day, Monday June 25th, 12-6, Ledbetter Beach.  Come hang with Presbycamp and then stay on for JH and HS! Sheri: 680-5609 or sheribunn@yahoo.com

LIFE OF THE CHURCH

THE FLOWERS this morning are dedicated by Jeannette Klingler in loving memory of her husband, Albert F. Klingler, whose birthday was June 22, and for her granddaughter, Kim. Following worship the Deacons will take the flowers to those who are ill or homebound.

ADULT EDUCATION for Sunday, June 24: Dr. Julian Dean will help us look at caring for loved ones and our future. He will share “Tips to Maintain Your Brain.” Join us in Anderson Lounge at 9:00 a.m.

ADULT EDUCATION for Sunday, July 1: Things are really happening in Presbyterian Mission! There is new energy and new commitment to mission. Join Chuck Curtis, Director of Mission and Evangelism, for an exciting and informative talk – “Presbyterian Missions: Signs of Renewal” Next Sunday, July 1, 9:00 a.m. in Anderson Lounge.

MUSIC NOTES ¯ After decades of faithful service, the Baldwin Concert Grand Piano will be unusable until sometime in August. Its "action" (insides) will be returned to the factory for replacement and/or refurbishing. The black case will remain in its Chancel Home. We are grateful to Michael Sloan, piano technician, for his outstanding service to all FPC's pianos. Heartfelt thanks to the many contributions which have fully paid this major expense. ¯ Our Music Director and Organist Nelson C. Huber will be away on vacation the entire month of July. We are fortunate that Organist Emerita Emma Lou Diemer will substitute.

IT’S NOT TOO LATE! You may sign up for the last session of “Following Jesus,” a four part course on discipleship taught on Wednesday evenings by Drs. Gordy Hess, Lyle Hillegas, and Bob Ohman. You may sign up also for the dinner at 6:15, which precedes the 7:00 class. Cost of the dinner is $6. For details call Chuck @ ext. 102.

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.

Monthly Financial Report

Our church is dependent upon our pledges and donations to do God’s work in our congregation, community and the world. As has been reported in recent Congregational meetings and in the annual report, our expenses have exceeded our income for the past several years. The following report will be provided monthly to assure that members of the congregation are aware of the need for additional operating income in the near future. In the meantime, shortfalls in income from donations and other sources will be covered by the use of reserve funds which have been built up over previous years.

Church Operating Fund*, 2007 thru May

                                    Income:           $ 362,339

                                    Expenses:       $ 459,999

                                    Difference:     $  (97,660)

*Does not include income or expenses of the Early Childhood Center

SAVE THE DATE for the First Presbyterian Church Retreat! Friday, September 27 & Saturday, September 28 at Rancho La Scherpa. The Retreat begins Friday night with a campfire program led by Mark Croshaw, singing and s’mores. Saturday will include a program by Dr. Gordon Hess and plenty of time for ropes course, crafts, swimming and games! We’ll end our time together Saturday with worship. Cost will be $25 - $95 per person, lots of options! We’ll have details coming up on how you can earn a free night at the Retreat (your cost would be $25). Download the brochure and registration form.