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Patio eNews Update
 
An eNewsletter of
 

Volume 112, November 23, 2007
 
 
Web Site: www.fpcsb.org
 

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November 25, 2007

8:30 AM - Communion Service - Chapel

9:00 AM - Informal Worship Service in CFC
Sermon: "Christ, the King?"
Scripture: Colossians 1:11-20, Luke 23:33-43


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

10:30 AM Worship in the Sanctuary
Sermon: "Christ, the King?"
Scripture: Colossians 1:11-20, Luke 23:33-43

10:30 AM - Presbykids Activity Time.


Peter's Message
Dear Friends,

Are you good at waiting? I'm not. I tend to be impatient. I like things to happen according to my schedule. If I happen to be late -- or if others are late, even by a few minutes -- I get uptight. I have to tell myself to relax. Sometimes my self listens, sometimes it doesn't. I think I must have the gene for impatience, though I don't want to take the time to find out.

So Advent, the four weeks of waiting for Christmas, is a personal challenge. Not that I don't need the full month to get ready. For that matter, I'm glad Christmas is always on the 25th of December and not "early" some years and "late" others, like Easter. I'd have trouble with that. Yet Advent is a different kind of waiting. Advent is about waiting for things that don't happen when we want them to happen. Advent is about hoping, not having. Advent is about longing. Advent is about waiting for things that come in God's time, things that can't be hurried along by impatient people. Advent is a season for trusting in God's timing, especially for those things we long for.

Advent trains us in our life of waiting. Truly patience is an active, not a passive thing. Waiting takes effort and practice -- and prayer. Not praying during seasons of waiting is an invitation to frustration, a distancing of ourselves from God's desire for us. Active, attentive waiting, on the other hand -- disciplined listening to the scriptures, daily quiet meditation -- makes space for the God who comes. After all, ours is a God who waits for us.

God's rich blessings on you as you enjoy the delights of the weeks ahead -- the decorating, the memories, the activities with favorite people, all the getting-ready for the celebration of the Savior's birth. May you be blessed as well as you make time for quiet, waiting for the One who comes, for his kingdom, his perfect grace, justice, and peace.

Peter

Prof. James Taylor Speaks on The New Atheists
Don't miss the last meeting on the current adult education program: The New Atheists. Dr. Taylor is analyzing the arguments of several of the writers who have recently published books that criticize Christianity and the other religions of the world. Come to Anderson Lounge at 9:00 on Sunday.
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Got

Life

Group?

Watch for new schedule and signups in Dec.

Winter session begins the week of Jan. 7

Got Questions?
Contact Esther or Don Bennett
569-2728 or estherbb@cox.net

PresbyFolks Visits Casa del Herrero
On Saturday, November 17, the PresbyFolks fellowship group toured Casa del Herrero. Quoting from its website: "Few of Montecito's fabled estates have remained essentially unchanged. An exception is the Casa del Herrero which has been in the hands of the original family since it was first constructed over seventy five years ago. The Casa is noted as one of the finest examples of Spanish Colonial Revival architecture. It is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. It provides visitors with a glimpse into Montecito life as the Steedmans lived it in the 1930's. The estate's collection of European antique furnishing, art and many personal effects are still in place as they were when the Steedmans were in residence." The lovely gardens and the beautiful interior of the home made for a wonderful sightseeing adventure. To learn about future PresbyFolks events, please go to our website page.


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The Early Childhood Center Hosts Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner
In keeping with its tradition of bringing together the families of the children enrolled in our ECC, the program invited family and friends to share a traditional Thanksgiving dinner (and potluck). Many attended this fun and delicious event, and Helen Pasley, the Director of ECC, did a wonderful job of organizing the event.

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Missions Sunday Highlights Our Programs
First Pres takes seriously our commitment to reach out to others in need, and the many programs of our church were displayed on Sunday, November 18th.

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“GIFTS OF THE MAGI” RETURNS! You are invited to join in this fun gift exchange. Pick up an information sheet on the patio or in the office. This is a great way to interact with other people in the congregation. Get the participation form.
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LIFE OF THE CHURCH

THE FLOWERS this morning are dedicated by Diane Kirkpatrick in honor of her husband, Lee, whose birthday is Monday, November 26. Following the service the Deacons will take the flowers to those who are unable to attend worship .

ADULT EDUCATION IN NOVEMBER - Today at 9 a.m. in Anderson Lounge. November 25, Dr. James Taylor, Professor of Philosophy at Westmont College will continue his class on “The New Atheists.”

“ODD MONTH ED.” IS BACK! Sunday at 10:30 a.m. in Anderson Lounge, join our very own Meryle Gaston for her final class on “Christianity in the Middle East”.

WHAT DAY IS IT? Youth Calendars are on sale TODAY between services and by contacting Sheri or a youth. $10 goes toward a beautiful GOD'S CREATION calendar and scholarships for the youth events. Thanks for your support!

YOUTH GROUPS THIS WEEK! High School - Help pick the very best Christmas tree for our Youth Lounge, and Christmas party to decorate afterwards! Thursday, 7-9 pm! Junior High SLAM, decorate the newly bought Christmas tree and get ready for the Christmas season with singing and an early Christmas party!

ADOPT A FAMILY THIS CHRISTMAS! The Clippers are adopting 3 families through the Salvation Army. We will purchase gifts for each family member, certificates for food and even Christmas decorations. If you wish to participate, please call Geri (455-8190). Help us share the love of God with Santa Barbara.

PROCLAIMING RECOVERY OF SIGHT TO THE BLIND . Jim Witty of Care Corps, International, treats those traumatized by war and devastation. Kathy Marsh Baxter of International Teams, London office, directs pastoral care of mission workers. Jim and Kathy will talk about their ministries of healing at the SB Presbytery Mission Conference on Saturday, January 19. Register now by picking up a brochure or going to www.sbmissionconference.org

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.

“GIFTS OF THE MAGI” RETURNS! You are invited to join in this fun gift exchange. Pick up an information sheet on the patio or in the office. This is a great way to interact with other people in the congregation.

COMING EVENTS

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

        Sunday, November 25, Dr. James Taylor

                “The New Atheists”

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

        Sunday, November 25

                Meryle Gaston -“Christianity in the Middle East .

Annual Advent Workshop

        Tonight, November 25                        5:30 – 7:30 p.m.

        Dinner, Crafts and Carols. Bring a plate of sandwiches or salad to share.

        In the Christian Fellowship Center $5/person, $20/family max.

Presbyterian Women’s Dinner

        Monday, November 26                        5:30 p.m.

        Speaker: Emma Lou Diemer, “Hearing God’s Call in Music”

        Dinner: $9.In the CFC. Reservation required, call 687-0754

Chariot of Friends

        Wednesday, November 28                  9:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

        We’re going to the Olive Garden restaurant in Oxnard. Cost: $13

        Reservations required, call Dolores (899-2789) for information.

Memorial Service celebrating the life of Bernice Tuttle

        Wednesday, November 28                  2:00 p.m.

        Service in the Sanctuary

Santa Barbara Choral Society Concert

        Saturday, December 1                         8:00 p.m.

        Sunday, December 2                           3:00 p.m.

        Tickets available at the door.

Inner Light Gospel Choir Concert

        Monday, December 3                          6:15 p.m.

        Benefit for Willbridge of Santa Barbara

        Tickets available at the door: $20

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.
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