FPCSB eNewsletter Update

	eNews Update
	An eNewsletter of First Presbyterian Church of Santa Barbara
	Volume 174, August 28, 2009
	Web Site: www.fpcsb.org

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August 30, 2009

8:30 AM - Communion Service - Chapel

9:00 AM - Informal Worship Service in CFC
Sermon: “True Religion”
Scripture: James 1:17-27

9:00 AM - All church, All Age Education/Sunday School
(See scheduled Speakers)

10:30 AM Worship in the Sanctuary
Sermon: “True Religion”
Scripture: James 1:17-27

10:30 AM - Presbykids Activity Time.

Peter's Message
Dear Friends,

What a wonderful summer at First Presbyterian Church. Some highlights include:

The conclusion to the Building a Bridge to Our Future financial campaign and happy realization that we can move forward with plans to call an additional associate pastor, purchase new church vans (a new van with a wheelchair lift is already in service), do some room refurbishment and program enhancement, and strongly support current ministries. (A full report of the campaign results will be mailed to you in September.) Having a successful campaign during trying economic times is cause for celebration. Hallelujah!
Along with your generous investment in the church, many of you were leaders in the campaign organization – 58 FPC members, to be exact. This includes a number of people who had not been engaged in leadership before. I’m especially glad about this.
Speaking of leadership, how about PresbyCamp! Mark and Susan Crowshaw again recruited top-notch counselors and counselors-in-training to keep this six-week June-through-July program one of the most sought-after summer camps in Santa Barbara.
The Grace Mosaic above the west door to the sanctuary narthex, commissioned by George Goodall in Barbara’s memory, completed by artist and FPC member Patti Jacquemain, and dedicated on June 28, is a blessing to all who come to worship. Read Hebrews 4:16 for the inspiration behind the inscription, Receive mercy, find grace.
I finished the second year of residency in my Doctor of Ministry Program in Chicago. Now the year’s parish project begins. I’m grateful for the eight FPC members who guide my process; I’m thankful to you as well for your interest and support. This year I’m hosting monthly sermon feedback sessions where all members, visitors, and friends are invited to come and say, “Nice sermon, Pastor.” Just kidding. What I’m hoping for is straight feedback and spirited discussion. Join me in Anderson Lounge for the first session, following the 10:30 a.m. service on Sunday, September 27.

Upcoming highlights for September:

Life Groups begin the week of the 27th. In addition to groups meeting in homes and at the church, we’ll have a Wednesday noontime gathering at American Riviera Bank (Anacapa and Figueroa Streets) which I’ll be leading. Take advantage of these opportunities to grow in faith and friendship.
Choir returns September 13. Thanks to Nelson Huber, Joel Patterson, and all the musicians and soloists who shared their musical gifts with us this summer.
Session moves forward with the process for calling a new Associate Pastor. Stay tuned.
Grace and peace,
Peter

PresbyFolks Sees The Music Man at PCPA
On August 16, two vans filled with PresbyFolks drove to Solvang for a dinner and theater activity. First, we stopped at Hans Christian Andersen Park to have delicious Cornish game hen dinners prepared by Chef Kay. Then we went to the Solvang Theatrefest to see a wonderful production of Meredith Willson's The Music Man, which won the Tony for Best Musical in 1958. Even after 50 years, the play still resonates with audiences and it provided lively entertainment for our group. We were also able to help Don and Esther Bennett celebrate their birthdays with a delicious and beautiful cake made by Jan O'Connor. Finally, a huge thanks to Don and Esther for organizing this activity and attending to the myriad details. To find out how you can become involved in PresbyFolks activities, please contact Juleine.

Greetings from Our New Youth Ministries Director:
Hello First Presbyterian SB Community,

It is my wonderful privilege to become a part of this church family as I begin to lead the junior and senior high youth groups in September. I am beyond excited for this amazing opportunity and cannot wait to meet all of you. Before we meet, allow me to share a quick background on myself.

I am a southern California native, having grown up in Thousand Oaks for most of my childhood. I attended and graduated from a very small private school, Hillcrest Christian School, where I was actively involved on the volleyball, basketball, and soccer teams (any bigger of a school and I doubt I'd make all 3 teams)! I continued my education in Thousand Oaks at California Lutheran University and majored in Sociology. My senior year I had space in my schedule to register for a PE class, so a couple of my friends decided that we'd register for gymnastics. Little did I know that I'd meet my future wife, Lindsay, in this class! Upon graduation from California Lutheran University, I decided to pursue a master's degree in Counseling and Guidance, as I wanted to work with adolescents. During my schooling, I had internships in middle school and high schools in Ventura County, which confirmed my enjoyment of working with teenagers.

In 2007, Lindsay and I got married and have enjoyed settling into our lives together. We currently live in Ventura with our miniature dacshund, Punky, and we love to spend time outdoors on the beach and with our friends. I currently spend much of my free time now surfing and riding my bike around Ventura. Lindsay and I also enjoy the snow and take snowboarding trips with our friends each winter.

I am so grateful for this new opportunity to work with the youth of Santa Barbara. I look forward to not only showing the students my love for the Lord through teaching and fellowship, but also learning from the youth and growing in Christ together. I can't wait to meet and will see you in September!

Blessings,

Josh Murray

LIFE OF THE CHURCH

THE FLOWERS this morning are dedicated by Margaret Brown in loving memory of Don Brown. The Flowers are also given by Penny Finocchiaro and Chad Morris and their families in honor of their parents Hal and Margaret Morris on their 71st wedding anniversary. After the service the Deacons will take the flowers to those who are unable to attend worship with us.

HOW DO I DEDICATE FLOWERS FOR SUNDAY WORSHIP? That’s easy! Look in the Flower Book at the front desk. Check the date you want and follow the instructions in the book. Call the church office (687-0754) for assistance. Many dates are available .

SUNDAY SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE! Sunday, August 30, you are invited to come downstairs starting at 10 a.m. to see classrooms and meet teachers and learn what’s coming up this fall! 2 year-olds through High School.

COMING IN SEPTEMBER: The Blend of the Month Coffee winner, “Mind, Body, and Soul” coffee, will be served Sundays beginning in September. This and other Equal Exchange coffees will be available to purchase once a month. You can help small farmers by purchasing this coffee for your own use and you can help the church by dropping a donation in the jar for your cup of coffee on Sunday. Enjoy!

THIS WEEK AT FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Sunday, August 30 – 8:30 a.m. – Worship in Chapel: 9 a.m. - Informal Worship in CFC; 10:00 a.m. – Sunday School Open House lower level; 10:30 a.m. - Worship in the Sanctuary

Tuesday, September 1 - 7:30 a.m. – Men’s Bible Breakfast in Anderson Lounge

Wednesday, September 2 - 9:30 a.m. – Literature and Faith Reading Group in Anderson Lounge (Call Loyda 687-4995) for more info.; 3:30 p.m. – Oil Painting class in Youth Lounge Annex

Friday, September 4 - 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. – Senior Activities Program begins in the Garden Room

Sunday, September 6 – 8:30 a.m. – Worship in Chapel: 9 a.m. - Informal Worship in CFC; 10:30 a.m. - Worship in the Sanctuary

COMING EVENTS

Clipper Club (Pairs & Spares) Dinner & Program

Friday, September 11 5:30 p.m.

Guest Speaker: Willard Thompson

Cost is $13 per person; reservations are required.

Contact the MacMillans at 898-1548.

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. serving in the Middle East

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

Our military personnel serving in the Middle East: Tech Sgt. Donald Adams (nephew of Jay and Marilyn Torrey); Capt. Sean Gardner, (grandson of Jeannette Klingler); Kyle Lauth (grandson of Dolores Crisp); the people of the Middle East, the pastors and people of the churches and for all those working for peace in Iraq, Afghanistan and around the world

Congregation and staff at Carpinteria Community Church pastor Jarrett Johnson

The eNews Update is published weekly by The First Presbyterian Church of Santa Barbara. Dave McEachen is the Editor. Please submit articles and photos to david@mceachen.us. For more information, see guidelines for articles.
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