Peter's Message
Dear Friends,

A lot of people have daily schedules and weekly calendars, but I like my month-at-a-time Presbyterian Planning Calendar. It's low-tech. No touch screen or stylus, just good-old pencil and paper. One of these days I'll convert to an electronic something-or-other, but for now seeing an entire month's activity on paper suits me fine.

As I look at January, the Mission Conference on Saturday, the 19th, and our Annual Congregational Meeting on Sunday, the 27th jump off the page. Don't miss the Mission Conference! For one thing it's conveniently located here at First Presbyterian Church. More importantly, the speakers will be excellent (Earl Palmer is special) and the seminars very stimulating. You'll rub shoulders with numerous other Presbyterians and learn about exciting things happening at their churches. Sign up by calling the church or speaking with Chuck Curtis, Director of Mission and Evangelism.

The Congregational Meeting on the 27th will be a valuable opportunity to hear from those involved in leadership at our church. You'll learn about our joys and our challenges; your questions will be heard and addressed. To me "Presbyterian" means all members of the church are ministers, each is a member of the body of Christ in this place. Thank you for being truly Presbyterian and for making this meeting a priority for your calendar. It begins at 5:30 p.m. with dinner. We'll have you home and in your slippers by 8:30 p.m.

Then, just ten days later, the season of Lent starts. Lent is early this year. The six-week season is calculated on the date of Easter, which falls on the first Sunday following the full moon that occurs on or next after March 21st. Good thing I have a Presbyterian Planning Calendar, or I'd be totally confused. Anyway, do come to our Ash Wednesday service, February 6 at 7:00 p.m., in the Christian Fellowship Center. The season of Lent is a true gift; by observing it we discover new meaning in Holy Week and Easter. Since we'll need our strength for Lent, I invite you to early come for dinner at 6:00. Then a special treat: the St. Olaf Choir, one of the nation's best college choirs, will be performing in our sanctuary at 8:00 p.m. and it will be jam-packed. You may have to fight me for a seat.

Grace and peace,

Peter

COMING EVENTS

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” 

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.

Bible Study with Rev. Judith Muller

      Wednesday, January 9                                         12:00 – 1:30 p.m.

      Bible Study group meets in Anderson Lounge. All are welcome.

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: $9. 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

THE FLOWERS this morning are dedicated by Juleine and Craig Schmidt in honor of Doug and Carol DuCharme whose wedding anniversary is tomorrow. THE FLOWERS are also dedicated by Petria Ingram with love in honor of Marcia G. Vaile’s 99th birthday. Following the service the Deacons will take the flowers to those who are ill or homebound and unable to attend worship.

“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.

KEN WORKING HAS MADE A GREAT CONTRIBUTION TO MISSION in his 15 years as Executive Presbyter of our presbytery. We will take time to recognize him and celebrate at the Mission Conference on Saturday, January 19. To register pick up a brochure or go to www.sbmissionconference.org.

THANK YOU TO EACH OF OUR FLOWER DONORS who have helped to make our Sanctuary so beautiful. We appreciate all of our donors who have honored loved ones for special occasions. To celebrate a birthday or anniversary, remember a loved one or commemorate an even, stop by the reception desk to check the Flower Book for available dates in 2008 and call Juleine at 687-0754 or Lynn at 687-7095; or use a reservation form from the book. Cost: $40 for 1 bouquet, $65 for two. Lynn Handloser, Worship and Music Ministry.

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.