Peter's Message
Dear Friends,

Yes, I'm going back to school. Happily, I have been accepted into the Doctor of Ministry in Preaching program at the Association of Chicago Theological Schools (ACTS). This means I'll be in residence in Chicago for three weeks for the next three summers (mid-June to early July) starting this summer, and doing course work here in Santa Barbara during the other months of the year. I'm very excited about this, and a bit nervous. Suddenly I'll have a lot in common with our high school and college students. ("Yikes, a paper due next Monday! Get me another cup of coffee!")

When I first came across the ad for the ACTS Preaching program several months ago, it grabbed my attention. Preaching, for me, pulls so many things together; the good news is sustaining and strengthening when proclaimed in a community, people seeking to be faithful together. When I saw the ad I sensed it would stretch and challenge me, ultimately helping me be more effective in what I do. What's more, I've always liked being among a variety of folks, and this program is intentionally diverse and ecumenical. That it is manageable for working clergy -- with summer residency and weekly course work at home -- was very appealing.

My next step was to check out the idea with different people, including members of session and staff. I spoke to a graduate of the program and read the materials. Others' enthusiasm affirmed my initial excitement. All I had to do next was apply. While it felt strange at my age to write to my college and seminary for transcripts -- and a bit of a déjà vu experience writing essays, and a bit nerve-wracking to have session members weigh in on my preaching (part of the application process) -- it all ended up being positive and helpful. Then I waited. I checked the mailbox daily. Would I get a thin envelope or a thick envelope? I received a thick envelope February 27th.

Some good folks have wondered if this means I'm leaving, if I have other ambitions. That's easy to answer. My whole reason for applying to the program is to be more effective here where I am, with you. My only ambition is for First Presbyterian Church of Santa Barbara to be all that God is calling us to be, for us to grow together in wisdom, faith, and confidence, reaching out into our community as a transforming presence for Christ.

Anyway, this year will be my 30th year as a pastor. The more I think I know, the more I know I need to learn. For me, it's the right time to go back to school.

Blessings, Peter

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In Memoriam

Sherman Condon – March 26, 200 8

PRAYER AND INTERCESSION

Pray for:

·       Missionary Betty Rupp and the Sonshine Ministries team

·       Those who are sick, hospitalized or recovering and need our support

·       Our military personnel serving in the Middle East: Marcus Thoma (nephew of Margaret Brown); Andrew Gaston; 2 n d Lt. Gregory Adams (step-grandson of Earle and Susan Howey); Capt. Sean Gardner, grandson of Jeannette Klingler; Chaplain's Asst. Jonathon Marroquin (fiancé of Jennifer Hauser's sister); Kyle Lauth (grandson of Dolores Crisp); Jason Bang (grandson of Margie Bang); Capt. Paul Dyer (brother of Stephanie Walstad); the people of the Middle East, the pastors and people of the churches and for all those working for peace in Iraq and around the world

·       Minister members at large Michael McKim of Port Hueneme, Mark Corbin Smith and Eric Bond of Ventur a

LIFE OF THE CHURCH

THE FLOWERS this morning are dedicated by Joy Hinn and children in loving memory of Ron Hinn, Sr. Following the worship service the Deacons will take the flowers to those who are ill or homebound and unable to attend worship with us.

SUNDAY MORNING ADULT EDUCATION CLASSES – Today at 9:00 a.m. join us in Anderson Lounge for “Parables from the Backside”, from a video series which looks at the parables from a different perspective. “Odd Month Ed.” concludes this week with “Are We All Wind and No Fire?” at 10:30 in Anderson Lounge with Dr. Gordon Hess.

ADULT EDUCATION IN APRIL: Dr. Telford Work, Associate Professor of Theology at Westmont College, will be presenting a series entitled, “The Holy Spirit in the Bible and Everywhere Else” on Sundays, April 3, 13, 20 and 27 at 9:00 in Anderson Lounge. Dr. Work’s book, Ain’t Too Proud to Beg: Living Through the Lord’s Prayer, has just been published (2007) by Eerdmans.

INVITE YOUR FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS! Sunday night we will have a dinner and fabulous entertainment. Experience the beauty and drama of Thai classical art. Rob Collins and Esther Wakeman will bring a troupe to perform Thai Folk Drama and Traditional Dance. Dinner at 5:30 p.m. is $9 per person. Make your reservation NOW on the patio . Or just come for the FREE program at 6:30 in the Christian Fellowship Center.

WANTED: BRAVE MEN! 7:30 – 8:30 a.m. every Tuesday morning in Anderson Lounge join us for the Men’s Bible Breakfast. Feast on the Word of God, coffee and sweet rolls. Great fellowship and discussion.

YOUTH MISSION TRIP - Please pray for the High School Youth Group that is on its mission trip this week to Ensenada, Mexico, to run two Vacation Bible Schools through Yugo Ministries. Please pray for our ministry to the children, safe travel, bonding as a team, and growth for our group. Participants are: Erin O’Connor, Nicole Romero, Lesly Garcia and Lupe Silva plus Sheri and Brigid San Chirico.

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.

Monthly Financial Report

Our church is dependent upon our pledges and donations to do God’s work in our congregation, community and the world. As has been reported in recent Congregational meetings and in the annual report, our expenses have exceeded our income for the past several years. The following report will be provided monthly to assure that members of the congregation are aware of the need for additional operating income in the near future. In the meantime, shortfalls in income from donations and other sources will be covered by the use of reserve funds which have been built up over previous years.

Church Operating Fund*, February 2008

        Income: $  149,677

        Expenses:       $  192,127

        Difference:     $(   42,450)

*Does not include income or expenses of the Early Childhood Cente r

COMING EVENTS

SB Master Chorale Concert

        Saturday, April 5                       8:00 p.m.

        Sunday, April 6                 3:00 p.m.

        Tickets: $18/16/8. Call 687-8287 (Do not call church )

Congregational Meeting and Dinner

        Sunday, April 13                        5:30 p.m.

        Election of new church officers and reports from the Session.

        Dinner is $9.00. Sign up on the patio or call 687-0754.

Spring Inquirer’s Class Luncheon

        Sunday, May 4                   12:00 noon – 3:00 p.m.

        For those interested in learning more about First Presbyterian Church

        Call Juleine at the church 687-0754 x 110 to sign up.