Presbyterian Women's Christmas Tea Features Lots of Talent
On Thursday, December 13th, the Annual PW Christmas Tea featured the talents of the "Presbyians" (our own increasingly renowned group of PW thespians), Ice Cream Bones (a folk singing group we always love to hear), and the Lost and Found Puppets. After a wonderfully enjoyable program in the sanctuary from all of the above groups, we adjourned to the CFC for traditional tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and lots of great baked goods. For information on how you can become involved in Presbyterian Women, please call Juleine.

Church Staff Celebrates Christmas at Annual Staff Party
On December 9th, Peter and Kati hosted the annual staff Christmas party. Delicious food prepared by the Buehlers, supplemented by some fine "pot-luck" additions from the staff, made for a most memorable meal. A time of caroling and a lighthearted gift exchange have become much-anticipated parts of the annual gathering.

COMING EVENTS

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

      Sundays, December 16 & 23, Esther Bennett

            “The Bible and Handel’s Messiah”

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

      Sunday, December 30, Bob Wilke and Sam Kimbel

            “An Old Fashioned Carol Sing”

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

      Sundays in January

            Watch for details

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

      Sundays in January 

            Jim Taylor: (watch for details to come)

New Year’s Day

      Tuesday, January 1                                      Office closed

Faith and Literature

      Wednesday, January 9                                 9:30 - 11:00 a.m.

      Women’s reading and discussion group meets in Anderson Lounge

      All are welcome. Call Loyda (687-4995) for information.

Chariot of Friends

      Wednesday, January 16                               9:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

      We’ll visit a local restaurant this month. Cost: $13

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

6th Annual Mission Conference

      Saturday, January 19                                   9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

      Keynote speaker: Earl Palmer. Registration forms in office

      $20 registration includes lunch. www.sbmissionconference.org

Presbyterian Women’s Dinner

      Monday, January 28                                     5:30 p.m.

      Speaker and subject to be announced.

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

LIFE OF THE CHURCH

THE FLOWERS this morning are dedicated by Fred & Mary Marsh in honor of Mom, Margaret Marsh. Following the service the Deacons will take the flowers to those who are ill or homebound.

ADULT EDUCATION - DECEMBER 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.

HOLY DARKNESS – Wednesday, December 19, 7:00 p.m. for one hour. Join us for an hour of contemplative Christmas music by Nelson Huber. Quietly enter the candlelit Sanctuary and center your thoughts on God.

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!

GOOD NEWS FROM JIM WITTY.  Jim recently spoke at a mission conference at Carmel (CA) Presbyterian Church, and while there he trained 20 volunteers for the child soldier and child mother care work in northern Uganda.

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.

Mission as Church Development The Presbytery of Santa Barbara is abuzz in activity in New Church Developments (“NCDs”) and redevelopments. Pastor Dave Wilkinson of Moorpark PC (chartered 1988) will moderate a discussion among pastors at our newest NCDs and redevelopments: Israel Gonzales of Santa Maria PC, Ron Urzua of Word of Life (Port Hueneme), and Graham Baird of Highlands (Paso Robles).  Sign up now for this workshop while registering for 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.