The Odd Month Adult Education Class: The New Atheism    
Recently atheism has become  all the rage, at least judged by a series of New York Times best-selling books  claiming that belief in God is irrational and that "religion poisons  everything."  How credible are these claims?  This is a four-week  course led by Professor James Taylor, professor of philosophy at Westmont  College, and a specialist in apologetics and the philosophy of religion (January  6, 13, 20, and 27 at 10:30 in Anderson Lounge).

"The Quest for Jesus in History, Archeology, and the Media" at 9:00 A.M.
in Anderson Lounge, January 6, 13, and 27.   Who was Jesus?  Answers to
this question have varied.  How firm is the traditional answer given by the
Christian church?  Led by Bruce Fisk, Professor of New Testament, from  Westmont College.

THE ROSE ON THE CHANCEL is in celebration of the birth of Brigid Maria San Chirico, daughter of Kerry and Sheri, sister of Lucy. Brigid was born Wednesday, December 5th.

THE FLOWERS Sunday morning are dedicated by Dolores Crisp in loving memory of her son, Joseph E. Lauth. THE FLOWERS are also dedicated by the MacKenzie Family in memory of Joni MacKenzie. Following the service the Deacons will take the flowers to those who are ill or homebound and unable to attend worship.

COMING EVENTS

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

      Sunday, December 23, Esther Bennett

            “The Bible and Handel’s Messiah””

Adult Education in the Chapel at 9:00 a.m.

      Sunday, December 30, Sam Kimbel, Don & Esther Bennett

            “An Old Fashioned Carol Sing”

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

      Sundays, January 6, 13 & 27 - Bruce Fisk

            "The Quest for Jesus in History, Archeology, and the Media"

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

      Sundays in January 

            James Taylor: “the New Atheists” 

Christmas Eve Day – Monday, December 24  Office closes at noon

Christmas Day - Tuesday, December 25          Office closed

New Year’s Eve Day, Monday, December 31 Office closes at noon

New Year’s Day - Tuesday, January 1, 2008   Office closed

Senior Activities Program

      Friday, January 4                                       10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

      “Ride Across America” with Jill Gass, Sonia Ross & Jean DeBettignies

      Lunch:$5. This is a program for active seniors. Call Nancy: 967-7675.

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.

Clipper Club – Spares and Pairs

      Friday, January 11                                      6:30 p.m.

      Come find out about our special surprise program.

      Dinner: $13. In the CFC. Reservation required, call 963-103-

Chariot of Friends

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

      We’re heading for the Sizzler in Goleta for a great lunch. 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

Nelson and Friends Recital

      Sunday, January 27                                               4:00 - 5:00 p.m.

      A delightful variety of music and performers. Free admission.

Congregational Dinner and Annual Meeting

      Sunday, January 27                                               5:30 p.m.

      Annual Report of First Presbyterian Church, Supper: $8. call 687-0754

Presbyterian Women’s Dinner

      Monday, January 28                                   5:30 p.m.

      Come find out about our special surprise program.

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

Join us each Sunday for Worship

              at 8:30 a.m.                 Worship in the Chapel

              at 9:00 a.m.                 Informal Worship in the CFC

              at 10:30 a.m.               Worship in the Sanctuary

LIFE OF THE CHURCH

“ODD MONTH ED” in January: The New Atheists - Recently atheism has become all the rage, at least judging by a series of New York Times best-selling books  claiming that belief in God is irrational and that "religion poisons everything." How credible are these claims? This is a four-week course led by Professor James Taylor, professor of philosophy at Westmont College, and a specialist in apologetics and the philosophy of religion (January 6, 13, 20, and 27 at 10:30 in Anderson Lounge).

ADULT EDUCATION – JANUARY "The Quest for Jesus in History, Archeology, and the Media" at 9:00 A.M. in Anderson Lounge, January 6, 13, and 27. Who was Jesus? Answers to this question have varied. How firm is the traditional answer given by the Christian church? Led by Bruce Fisk, Professor of New Testament, from Westmont College.

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.

SCENE OF THE NATIVITY – Several years ago Mr. and Mrs. John Laury presented First Presbyterian Church with the beautiful white bisque Nativity set displayed each Christmas at the back of the Sanctuary. The set is from the Boehm Collection.

CHRIST CALLS US TO THE POOR. Dan Stevens of Lifewater International, Cindy Reynolds of Threshold Ministries Inc., and Joyce McCullough of Habitat for Humanity of Santa Barbara minister in different ways to those who are poor in life’s necessities – food, clothing, and shelter. They will describe how they answer God’s call to care for the poor. 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.

HOST A SAILOR - The Navy League of the United States, Santa Barbara Council (SBNL), will be hosting the U.S.S. Ronald Reagan, January 11-14, 2008. You have an opportunity to host a sailor during the visit. SBNL is seeking volunteers willing to adopt a sailor. Volunteers may invite the Sailors to join them in a worship service, or to their home to sleep and eat or take them out. Interested? Contact Deborah at the SBNL (879-1598)

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.