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

Volume 103, September 14, 2007
 
 
Web Site: www.fpcsb.org
 

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September 16, 2007

8:30 AM - Communion Service - Chapel

9:00 AM - Informal Worship Service in CFC
Sermon: "Rejoice with Me"
Scripture: Luke 15:1-10


9:00 AM - All church, All Age Education/Sunday School
(See scheduled Speakers)

10:30 AM Worship in the Sanctuary
Sermon: "Rejoice with Me"
Scripture: Luke 15:1-10


10:30 AM - Presbykids Activity Time.


Peter's Message
Dear Friends,

A recent poll by America Online reported in The Christian Century reflects a new phenomenon called "e-mail addiction." It shows that many folks check their e-mails more often than necessary -- way too often, in fact. Even in church. Respondents to the survey indicate that 22 percent of Atlanta residents confess to checking e-mails during Sunday worship, making them the most addicted. Houston and Atlanta were tied for second place at 19 percent. Washington came in third (18 percent), with Los Angeles close behind (17 percent). For some strange reason, no survey respondent in Minneapolis reported checking e-mail in church. I wonder if the sermons there are that much better.

In order to hold off Sunday morning e-mail checking in Santa Barbara -- at First Presbyterian Church, at least -- I'm planning a sermon series I trust will be worth your attention. While the theme may not sound overly provocative, it gets at the church's role in the world. The six-part series, beginning October 7, is titled The Great Ends of the Church. "The great ends" are the church's over-arching purposes, and, following the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), are listed as:

  • the proclamation of the gospel for the salvation of humankind;
  • the shelter, nurture, and spiritual fellowship of the children of God;
  • the maintenance of divine worship;
  • the preservation of the truth;
  • the promotion of social righteousness;
  • and the exhibition of the Kingdom of Heaven to the world.

Your questions at this point may be: How will you ever address these huge topics in 20 minutes? Will worship start going two hours? Will I have to start checking my e-mail to stay awake? I'll say this: Worship won't go any longer, and I won't be talking any faster. But in an era when church is optional for many Christians, or perceived as a mere spiritual filling station by others, the "great ends" are worth examining, even in the confines of a sermon.

And now, if you'll excuse me, I seem to be behind on my e-mails.

Grace and peace,

Peter

You are invited to join a Life Group!
            Sign up today for a small group that will meet weekly for fellowship, to study the scripture from Sunday’s sermon and for prayer.  From the following list, choose a time that works for you. The fall series begins the week of October 7th and will meet for six weeks.  If you are a previous participant, please sign up again.
            To sign up after September 24th, call Juliene at the church
or contact the group leader to indicate your interest.

                           Monday
Open to all: 7-8:30 pm  -- starts October 15
Group leaders:  Don and Esther Bennett, 569-2728
Location: Bennett home
                           Tuesday
Morning men’s group, 7:30-8:30 am  -- starts October 9
Group Leader: Gordon Hess, 682-8569
Location: church, Anderson Lounge   
                           Wednesday
Open to all:  4-5:30 pm  -- starts October 10
Group leader:  Anne Shelton, 967-2711
Location:  Shelton home or church, TBD*

Women’s group, 7-8:30 pm -- starts October 10
Group Leader: Kati Buehler, 898-3912
Location:  church or home, TBD*

Open to all, 7-8:30 pm – starts October 10
Group Leader: Peter Buehler, 687-0754 
Location: church or home, TBD*

Couples Group, 7-8:30 pm  -- starts October 10
Group Leader: Sandy and Gordon Hess, 682-8569
Location:  Hess home

Open to all, 7-8:30 pm --starts October 10
Group Leader: Lee and Diane Kirkpatrick, 967-3076
Location: Kirkpatrick home
                        Thursday
Women’s Group, 4-5:30 pm  -- starts October 11
Group Leader: Esther Bennett, 569-2728
Location:  church, Garden Room

*to be decided

Schedules and sign-up sheets will be available

on the Patio beginning Sunday, September 16.

Questions? Call Esther or Don Bennett, 569-2728 .

Clippers Will "Keep on keeping on" with New Programs and More Friendly Dinners
On Friday, September 14, the Clippers enjoyed a delicious dinner of pork loin roast and all of the trimmings, prepared by Kay. The focus for the evening was to plan for the future of the program, and there was strong consensus that people want to continue even if our numbers are slightly diminishing. Great programs and monthly dinners at the CFC will continue to provide friendly forums for gathering together. The leadership will be shared by Dave and Laura Techentin, Doug and Carol Ducharme, and Wayne Heisenger and RoseAnne Bowser. Thanks go to these wonderful people and their commitment to keep alive a longstanding tradition.
.
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COMING EVENTS

Adult Education in Anderson Lounge at 9:00 a.m.

        Sunday, September 16, 23, 30 - Dr. George Gilmour: “The Psalms”

“Odd Month Ed.” in Anderson Lounge at 10:30 a.m.

        Sunday, September 16, 23, 30 - Dr. Wennberg: The Moral Community

Youth Pancake Breakfast

        Sunday, September 16                            10:00 a.m. & 11:45 a.m.

        Pancake breakfast: $6.00. Exciting Auction fundraiser for youth program

Deacons’ Dinner – “Forgetting to Remember”

        Tuesday, September 18                           6:00 p.m.

        Open to all. Guest speaker, Dr. Robert Harbaugh: “the Dementia Epidemic”

        Dinner: $8. Sign up on the patio or call 687-0754 for reservation.

Senior Activities Program

        Friday, September 21                            10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

        Music with Hazel; Plus: Bible Study with Judith

Memorial Service celebrating the life of Tracy Bella

        Saturday, September 22                          1:00 p.m.

        In the Chapel of the Good Shepherd

Homecoming Sunday

        Sunday, September 23                            before and after worship

        Sign up for Teams and Ministries on the patio

Lay Readers Meeting in the Christian Fellowship Center

        Sunday, September 23                            11:45 a.m.

Presbyterian Women’s Dinner and Program

        Monday, September 24                            5:30 – 7:30 p.m.

        Dr. Bob Ohman: “Hearing God’s Call” $9, call 687-0754 for reservation.

Senior Activities Program

        Friday, September 28                            10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

        Dances of Hawaii with Helen and her troupe; Plus BINGO!

Inquirer’s Class begins

        Monday, October 1                               7:00 – 8:30 p.m.

        Monday, October 8                               7:00 – 8:30 p.m.

        Monday, October 15                             7:00 – 8:30 p.m.

        Monday, October 22                             7:00 – 8:30 p.m.

        Meet with Pastor Peter Buehler in Anderson Lounge

        Learn more about First Presbyterian Church and the Christian faith.

        Call Juleine to reserve your spot. 687-0754 x 110.

LIFE OF THE CHURCH

THE FLOWERS this morning are dedicated by Bill and Marlene Hazen in loving memory of Marlene’s dad, Bob Hutton. Following worship the Deacons will take the flowers to those who are ill or homebound.

ADULT EDUCATION Sundays in September

                The Rev. George Gilmour will present a series of four classes on the Psalms at the 9:00 hour in Anderson Lounge.

        Join Dr. Bob Wennberg in Anderson Lounge at 10:30 for his class on everyday choices and how they reflect one’s character.

YOUTH PANCAKE BREAKFAST IS TODAY! For only $6.00 per person you get yummy pancakes and quiche served to you by our youth. Plus , you get to bid on donated desserts and other fabulous items to raise money for our youth program (including their spring mission trip). Remember, this is a fundraiser , so bid as high as you can go!

YOUTH EVENTS THIS WEEK : Help feed the homeless! Monday, Sept. 17. Meet at the church at 4:15 and be back by 6:15 at the latest. A quick and easy way to connect with some cool people in need. High School Youth Group - Thursday, 7-9, Youth Lounge! Bi g Game this week! Be sure to come by 7 pm. Jr. High Slam! Spy Night...come in disguise, and be ready to be sly...Friday, 6-7:30 pm, Youth Lounge.

HOMECOMING SUNDAY! Next Sunday, September 23 is Homecoming Sunday. We’ll have tables on the patio for you to see what’s going on here at First Presbyterian Church of Santa Barbara. This is your chance to sign up to serve in our many areas of ministry and mission. Build your faith and commitment to Christ by reaching out to the community. Pray for missionaries, audition for the choir, join the Flower Guild, serve meals to those in need…. Enjoy a cookie! Feels like home!

COUCHING TIGER, HIDDEN DIVAN… Our Youth Lounge is in need of new sofas because our old ones are falling apart. If you have a used couch you would like to donate, please call Sheri at 680-5609. We’ll come take a look at your convenience. If we can use it we will move it.

DO YOU HAVE ANY OLD PHOTOS of First Presbyterian Church activities ? The Celebration Team would love to have copies for our 140 th Anniversary Party. Bring you r photos to the church office - attention: Roberta MacKenzie.

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. Packaged coffee is available for purchase on the patio.

THE PRAYER CHAIN is available to pray for your needs. In the Narthex and Fireside Lounge are Prayer Boxes provided by the Congregational Care Ministry. Please fill out a request form and leave it in the box, email Juleine at: jschmidt@fpcsb.org or call 687-0754, x 110. All prayer requests are kept confidential.

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.

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