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September 30, 2007

LIFE GROUPS BEGIN AGAIN
You are invited to join a Life Group!
            Sign upfor 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
Questions? Call Esther or Don Bennett, 569-2728

Presbyterian Women Hear Dr. Bob Ohman
On Monday, the Presbyterian Women had a delicious dinner prepared by Kay Bowman and then heard an inspiring talk by Dr. Bob Ohman on "Hearing God's Call." Special thanks go to Betty Kimbel and Noni Patchell for their contributions to the evening.
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Church Celebrates Awareness/Homecoming Sunday
On Sunday, September 22, members and guests were treated to a comprehensive display of the many programs and activities of our church. From Bell Choir to PresbyFolks to Women's Circles, we Presbyterians are an active bunch. Approximately 15 programs and activities were celebrated. Special thanks to Chuck Curtis and the many organizers for their help in putting on this display.
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COMING EVENTS

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

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

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

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

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

        Sunday, October 7, Mary Howland, “IMPACT trip to China”

        Sunday, October 14, Lois Caldwell, “Mission Revitalization”

        Sundays, October 21 & 28 and November 4, Dr. Helen Rhee,

                “Early Christian Persecution and Martyrdom”

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.

Faith and Literature Women’s Reading Group

        Wednesday, October 3                    9:30 – 11:00 a.m.

        Meet in Anderson Lounge. Questions call: 687-4995

“Interfaith Communication and (Mis) Communication”

        Saturday, October 6                         6:00 p.m.

        “The One Question I’ve always wanted to ask…” Interfaith Dinner

        Dinner: $10 by reservation only. Pick up a flyer in church office.

Life Groups Begin

        Week of October 9               Days and times vary by group

        See flyer for details, sign up on the patio today. Or call: 569-2728

Presbyterian Bible Study with Judith

        Wednesday, October 10                  12 noon – 1:30 p.m.

        Bring your lunch and join this study of Ruth and Johan.

Mission Vitalization Weekend

        Saturday, October 13                        9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

        Sunday, October 12                          9:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

        Here at First Presbyterian Church. Sign up today.

        See flyer for details. Saturday: $12, Sunday:$8

Presbyterian Women’s Luncheon

        Thursday, October 25                       12 noon

        Meryle Gaston: “Hearing God’s Call: Christianity in the Middle East”

        Lunch: $8. call 687-0754 for reservation by Monday, October 22.

Westmont Fall Choral Festival

        Friday, October 26                             7:00 p.m.

        A variety of choral styles. Free admission.

Stewardship “Commitment and Celebration” Sunday Luncheon

        Sunday, October 28                            12 noon

        Celebrate together! Lunch: $8. Sign up on the patio or call 687-0754

Annual Flu shot Clinic

        Sunday, November 11                         8:00 a.m. – 12 noon

        Watch for details.

LIFE OF THE CHURCH

THE FLOWERS this morning are dedicated by Meryle and Nancy Gaston in memory of their father, Samuel James Gaston. Following worship the Deacons will take the flowers to those who are ill or homebound.

ADULT EDUCATION — Sundays in September

                The Rev. George Gilmour concludes his series 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.

ADULT EDUCATION IN OCTOBER - Join us Sundays at 9:00 a.m. in Anderson Lounge. On October 7, Mary Howland will share her recent “IMPACT Trip to China” . October 14 “Mission Revitalization” with Lois Caldwell, as part of Mission Vitalization Weekend. Oct. 21 & 28, Nov. 4, Dr. Helen Rhee will teach a 3-week course on: “Early Christian Persecution & Martyrdom: Why They Still Matter to Our Faith Today.

NATIONAL CHRISTIAN COLLEGE FAIR - Tuesday, October 2, at 6- 8:30pm at Montecito Covenant Church (671 Cold Springs Rd). Westmont, along with many national and regional Christian colleges will participate in this fair to provide you with information regarding admission, financial aid, student life and other important facts about Christian colleges. Questions? Contact: Westmont Office of Admission (565-6200) or e-mail: admissions@westmont.edu .

WORLD COMMUNION SUNDAY is October 7. We will receive the Peacemaking offering on that day. For years we have participated in the Peacemaking Program of the Presbyterian Church (USA). The Peace Candle at the front of the sanctuary is a symbol of our commitment. Our congregation uses 25% for local programs, including support for the homeless, for peacemaking efforts, and scholarships to the Presbyterian Peacemaking Conferences. One half of the offering is used by the national church and 25% by Presbytery for their Peacemaking programs. Envelopes will be available in the pew racks and in the CFC.

YOUTH EVENTS THIS WEEK : High School, Thursday night, 7-9 pm! Friday Junior High Slam: 6:-7:30 p.m. in the Youth Lounge!

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 your 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 Chuck at: ccurtis@fpcsb.org or call 687-0754, x 102. 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.