Peter's Message
Dear Friends,

The spiritual focus of the season of Advent, as you know, is waiting. On the one hand, waiting is simple and straight-forward. It is what we have to do before we get what we want; it is twiddling-our-thumbs time. Impatient people like myself don't see why we should ever have to wait for anything. As we reflect on our lives, however, as we look back on our seasons of waiting we recall that these times, while difficult, have been rich. Instant gratification teaches us nothing; waiting has the potential to grow our hearts and minds. If all we want is to get through tough times, we learn nothing. Yet if we see our waiting times not as periods of God's hiding but as opportunities to experience God's presence, even God's generosity, we grow in faith, in understanding, and in compassion for all who have to wait. 

What is it you wait for? This is no small question, I imagine. Nor do you keep your Christian faith -- your hoping and your praying -- separate from what you wait for. The two go together. 

And together we wait for Jesus' coming. The season of Advent in the church is rich not only because of the music, the colors, the decorations, the stories and scriptures -- Advent is a holy time because together we yearn for God. Our prayers may be unarticulated on Sunday morning, but our hopes are keenly felt. God knows what we bring to worship, what is on our hearts. And God does not withhold! Perhaps God's giving is what Advent teaches, grace in the midst of waiting.  

The world's Christmas cheer may not match what we're feeling. So many among us have had hard times: fire, ill health, economic stress, family issues. Others in our midst miss loved ones keenly, especially at this time of year. Truly ours is the most profound and personal waiting. 

How astounding and wonderful that into these waiting hearts comes the Son of God, the Savior of the world. The hymns and carols of Advent and Christmas are so beloved because they remind us of the glory of what God has done and is doing. They remind us of joy, felt and promised. They remind us of love born among us, even the newborn King. So we sing with joyous certainty, The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight. 

Grace and peace,

Peter

Advent Dinner and Workshop Great Family Fun
On Sunday, November 30th, the church held its annual Advent Dinner and Craft Workshop. The photos below testify to the good times, great fellowship, and skill of our crafts-making!
.
.
.

Santa Barbara Rescue Mission
Christmas Feast

SANTA BARBARA, CA –   The Santa Barbara Rescue Mission is holding its annual Christmas Feast on Tuesday, December 23 from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m.  The Mission along with the help of over 40 volunteers will serve meals to men, women and children in need.  There will be gift bags distributed to everyone who comes.  Without this event many would not have any Christmas presents this year.  The following is a list of the winter needs:

·       Canned fruits and vegetables
·       Coffee
·       Dry Cereal
·       Hams
·       Pasta
·       Turkeys
·       Blankets
·       Rain Ponchos
·       Socks
·       Flashlights
·       Thermoses
·       Underwear
·       Water bottles       

About Santa Barbara Rescue Mission
Established in 1965, this 501(c)(3) organization brings physical, emotional, educational and spiritual resources to individuals and families in need.  It is the only organization between Oxnard and Santa Maria that provides hot meals and accommodations to homeless guests 365 days of the year.  It operates the longest and largest drug and alcohol treatment program on California’s Central Coast.  They offer men’s and women’s 12-month residential recovery, outpatient treatment, family support, relapse prevention, men’s sober living, academic instruction, job skills training.  Its residential drug and alcohol program has won regional and national recognition for its extraordinary effectiveness.