FPCSB eNewsletter Update

	eNews Update
	An eNewsletter of First Presbyterian Church of Santa Barbara
	Volume 175, September 4, 2009
	Web Site: www.fpcsb.org

(If you have trouble viewing this Patio eNews on your e-mail, please view it on the church Web site)

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September 6, 2009

8:30 AM - Communion Service - Chapel

9:00 AM - Informal Worship Service in CFC
Sermon: “Faith Indeed”
Scripture: James 2:1-10, 14-17

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

10:30 AM Worship in the Sanctuary
Sermon: “Faith Indeed”
Scripture: James 2:1-10, 14-17

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

Saturday Sundae Is Great Fun
On Saturday, August 29, we had an open house from 2 – 4 p.m. Volunteers helped to scoop ice cream, welcome guests, supervise games, set-up and clean-up. It was a fun way to have some warm afternoon fellowship at the church, and there was lots of slipping and sliding by young people as they created and played in their sundaes. A big thank you to Brian Slattery and the band Bushwood for their wonderful entertainment during our event. What a day!

Elias Abu Ghanima to Speak on September 29th
Elias Abu Ghanima is scheduled to speak here at FPC (CFC) on Tuesday, September 29 at 7:00 p.m. Elias Abu Ghanima and Fr. Elias Chacour of Ibillin are very close. It will be good to hear the latest about how Christians, Jews, and Muslims are coming together in this powerful way. He will speak about his experiences as an Arab Christian who is also an Israeli citizen. He will describe what it was like to live under the threat of rocket attacks during the 2006 war between Hezbollah and the Israel Defense Force. His talk will also include sharing the vision, the challenges, and the successes of educating 1,200 Christian, Muslim, and Jewish high school students to prepare them to be peacemakers in a land that knows little peace. See the letter for more information.

LIFE OF THE CHURCH

$ SEND OFF FOR SHERI $ As we bid a fond farewell to Sheri San Chirico, Director of Youth Ministries, let’s show our appreciation for her dedication to and love of our youth. To make a donation, look for the “money tree” on the patio. Or send a check payable to FPC, and put "Gift for Sheri San Cherico" in the memo line, by Friday, Sept 11th.

TUTORS WELCOME. Bethel House is the women’s residential facility of Santa Barbara Rescue Mission. It offers a loving Christian environment to women recovering from substance abuse. Mary Howland has volunteered there for the last three years, tutoring a woman in writing skills. Ask Mary or Chuck Curtis (687-0754 x102) how you may serve .

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 ($3 at Starbucks!) on Sunday. Enjoy!

THIS WEEK AT FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

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

Monday, September 7 - Labor Day – Office Closed

Tuesday, September 8 - 7:30 a.m. – Men’s Bible Breakfast in Anderson Lounge; 7:00 p.m. – Mission Team in Anderson Loung e

Wednesday, September 9 - 12:00 noon – Bible Study with Judith in Anderson Lounge, All are welcome, bring your lunch; 3:30 p.m. – Oil Painting class in Youth Lounge Annex; 7:00 p.m. High School Youth Group in Youth Lounge (call Josh 279-2391)

Thursday, September 10 - 7:00 p.m. – Chancel Choir in Choir Room (Call Nelson, 687-0754 x 111 )

Friday, September 11 - 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. – Senior Activities Program begins in the Garden Room; 5:30 p.m. – Clipper Club Dinner in the Christian Fellowship Center (reservation required, see below); 7:00 p.m. - Junior High Youth Group in Youth Lounge (call Josh 279-2391 )

Sunday, September 13 – 8:30 a.m. – Worship in Chapel: 9 a.m. - Informal Worship in CFC; 10:00 a.m. – Pancake Brunch/Youth Fundraiser in the CFC; 10:30 a.m. - Worship in the Sanctuary ; 11:45 a.m. – Pancake Brunch/Youth Fundraiser in the CFC

COMING EVENTS

Clipper Club (Pairs & Spares) Dinner & Program

Friday, September 11 5:30 p.m.

Guest Speaker: Willard Thompson

Cost is $13 per person, and 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.

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