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November 30, 2008

LIFE OF THE CHURCH

TWO ROSES ON THE CHANCEL! One rose is in honor of Emilee Caitlynn Marsh born November 18, 2008. She is daughter of Fred and Ashlee Marsh, granddaughter of Fred and Mary Marsh. The second rose is in honor of Jack Steven Witty, born September 7, 2008. He is son of John and Laura Witty, grandson of Jim and Suzanne Witty. Congratulations !

TWO BOUQUETS OF FLOWERS this morning are dedicated by Ross Morrison in loving memory of Nora Morrison. The flowers will be taken to those who are unable to attend worship.

ANOTHER BOUQUET is dedicated by Fran Preston and family in loving memory of Maxine Preston. Following worship the Deacons will take the flowers to those who are ill or homebound.

ADULT EDUCATION for November 30, December 7, 14 & 21 at 9 a.m . - we begin a new series on Advent led by the Rev. Susan Copeland entitled: "On the Road to Bethlehem". In the busyness of the "holiday" season, it is easy to forget the road we are called to travel in the Christian season of Advent. It is a time of preparation for the holy one in our minds and hearts. During these four Sundays, with the help of scripture, story, music and poetry, we will take the road to Bethlehem, reflecting on the angels, wise men, shepherds, a manger and stars as signposts along the way. We will explore our traditions and their intersection with all who have helped mark the way we travel to our own encounter with the Christ child.

KATHY MARSH BAXTER WRITES FROM LONDON . Kathy is enjoying the change she made in September in her mission responsibilities. She is now able to speak to young adult groups and to serve as a mentor.

A CHRISTMAS ROSE BLOOMS AT ANNUAL FESTIVAL - The Fourth Annual Westmont Christmas Festival, "Lo, How a Rose," will ring in the advent season with three performances at First Presbyterian Church, 21 E. Constance at State Street. Admission to the festival Friday, Dec. 5, and Saturday, Dec. 6, at 8 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 7, at 3 p.m., is free, but tickets are required due to limited seating. To reserve tickets or for more information, call (805) 565-7140 or e-mail festival@westmont.edu .

MARILYN BORST KNOWS PARTNERSHIPS. Marilyn, the Director of Global Missions at Peachtree Presbyterian Church in Atlanta, will lead a workshop on mission partnerships at the next S.B. Presbytery Missions Conference. The 7th annual conference will take place Saturday, January 17, in Santa Barbara. Register now by picking up a brochure or going to www.sbmissionconference.org .

NEW FAIR TRADE COFFEE, CHOCOLATE, TEA, AND COCOA ON THE PATIO TODAY! Stock up on those holiday treats and gifts today. You will be helping farmers earn income they need to feed their families and improve their communities. This is a Presbyterian Coffee Project.

CHURCH HISTORY BRIEFS by George Goodall – We have benefited from excellent leaders who have prospered elsewhere, then retired to our area to contribute to our development and success. One man who moved here in 1918 was Scot Presbyterian James Marwick from New York City. He had retired as head of one of the world's largest accounting and auditing firms – KPMG. Marwick bought part of the old Hope Ranch and became a farmer as well as an Elder in our Church in the 1920's. Our senior pastor at that time was Dr. Clarence Spaulding, whose previous pastorate had been at Westminster Church in Pasadena. Dr. Spaulding foresaw the need for a retirement home for Presbyterian ministers and their wives. He enlisted James Marwick's expertise and Marwick created Monte Vista Groves Homes in eastern Pasadena. This eminently successful, well endowed group of about 150 homes and apartments was the first of its kind and was the forerunner of thousands of retirement communities. Another of our pastors, Dr. Lawrence Fisher was on their Board of Directors for many years. The latest connection we have with this ministers' retirement facility is that when Dr. Gary Demarest and his wife completed their Interim Ministry with us in 2002 they moved into Monte Vista Groves Homes.

CALLING ALL VETERANS! Have you served our country through the military? We want to honor you in January. The Clipper Club and the 14 0 t h Celebration Team are hosting a dinner and program in your honor. We'll have more details about the dinner later. We would love to have you participate in the program. Just call Ann Braithwaite (745-5533) or pick up a blue Veteran Recognition form at the front desk.

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 place a request form in the box, email Chuck at: ccurtis@fpcsb.org or call 687-0754 x102. Requests are kept confidential.

PRAYER AND INTERCESSION

Pray for:

·       Missionary John F. and family in the Middle East

·       Our Staff, Elders and Deacons

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

·       Our military personnel serving in the Middle East: 2 n d Lt. Gregory Adams (step-grandson of Earle and Susan Howey); Capt. Sean Gardner, grandson of Jeannette Klingler; Kyle Lauth (grandson of Dolores Crisp); 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

·       Retired minister Kristina McKinlay of Oceano and minister member at large Diana Hopkins of Ventura