Southern California

LIFE OF THE CHURCH

ADULT EDUCATION - DECEMBER 9, 16 & 23 “The Bible and Handel’s Messiah” with Esther Bennett. One need not be either a Biblical scholar or a knowledgeable musician to appreciate the Messiah. However, this may be an opportunity to gain more appreciation for the music, the lyrics, and the Biblical passages on which they are based as we listen and consider this magnificent work of the Advent season.

SPECIAL MUSIC PROGRAM THIS FRIDAY, December 14 at 10:30 a.m. in the Sanctuary. Come hear Jeannette Klingler and Nelson Huber play all of your favorite Christmas songs. All are welcome! If you would like to stay for lunch, please call Nancy Johnson at 687-7675.

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 Jesus Ninjas - Thursday, 7-9 pm! Junior High SLAM - 6 - 7:30 p.m. Sign up now for Disneyland trip (Dec. 17, 8AM-11PM)) $66 per person. Spaces are limited.

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.

JOHN & LAURA WITTY SEND GREETINGS FROM CHINA. “Greetings from cold Yantai, Shandong, China! I think we’re just finally getting settled in here...yep, it took a few months but we’re finally settled! We wanted to thank you [First Pres SB] so much for your support for our being here!”

THE BEAUTIFUL BACKGROUND TRIPTYCH for the white nativity set at the back of the Sanctuary was commissioned by the Flower Guild to Bernadette Bakker in 1997. Bernadette was an artist who designed leaded glass windows as well as smaller pieces. Her work graces many homes and businesses throughout California. Bernadette and Mark Bakker were married in this church on May 16, 1987. She passed away in September of 1999 after a valiant struggle with breast cancer.

Presbyterian Disaster Assistance in Action “PDA” is active around the world and along the U.S. Gulf Coast. John Hill, PDA camp manager (Pearlington, MS), and Kati Buehler, leader of the First Pres Santa Barbara Gulf team of March, 2007, will present an update and lead a group discussion of PDA now and in its long term commitments. Sign up now for their workshop while registering for SB Presbytery’s Mission Conference on Saturday, January 19. Pick up a brochure or go to www.sbmissionconference.org

HONOR SOMEONE SPECIAL by dedicating the Sanctuary flowers on a Sunday for worship. Stop by the reception desk to check the Flower Book for available dates in 2008. Cost: $40 for 1 bouquet, $65 for two.

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.