Peter's Message
Dear Friends,

This is a Did you know? letter. There are things happening here at the church that are worth knowing and celebrating.

Did you know that since January the Associate Pastor Nominating Committee has been meeting every Wednesday night for two hours or more? What a huge commitment these nine First Presbyterian friends have undertaken. They are a fine group -- representative of the congregation, appreciative of one another, sensitive to diverse needs, excited about the future, and dedicated to the task of seeking the right person (or couple) for the new Associate Pastor position. They will be interested in hearing your ideas and hopes, so watch for the dates they provide for the congregation’s input. I’m grateful for each of these dedicated people: Cynthy Ardell, Ted Baehr, Tom Blabey, Susan Croshaw, Sandy Hess, Brian Slattery, Loyda Marquez, Michelle Martinich, and Dave Morley. Please keep the APNC in your prayers.

Did you know that Life Groups are starting up again? Esther and Don Bennett have done such a great job coordinating this program of small groups that meet weekly for six weeks to dialogue about scriptures and sermons – especially about how faith intersects everyday life. There are several Life Groups meeting on different days of the week and at different times of the day. I really enjoy my Wednesday noon group which accommodates folks who work in downtown Santa Barbara. Keep your eyes peeled for Life Group sign-ups here at the church, or call Juleine in the church office (687-0754, extension 110) for more information.

And since it’s the Easter season, did you know that in our Christian tradition every Sunday is an Easter Sunday? We may not have lilies or hot cross buns, but we have hope and we have joy, and we sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs because Christ is risen! This faith, this church, this Lord –what life-giving gifts are ours.
 
Grace and peace,

Peter

ADULT EDUCATION
Anderson Lounge

April 11- May 9     9:00am                 “MEET JOHN MARK “
The Rev.Dr. Harold Englund, Presenter
Dr. Englund is Pastor Emeritus at First Presbyterian Church, Berkley, CA

 One of the most fascinating personalities of the New Testament is John
Mark, author of the Gospel of Mark. His family, his background, his
relationship to the early church, his missionary activity, all place him
in a key position for understanding how the message of Jesus reached
people like us! Beginning on Sunday, April 11, Harold Englund will lead
 five Sunday morning studies on John Mark.
  Come equipped with a New Testament. Since the story unfolds
cumulatively, try to be on hand for the whole series. Notes will be
passed out for personal review. Be ready for a few surprises as we
"connect the dots."

PresbyFolks Tours Museum of Natural History and Enjoys Planetarium Show
On Saturday, March 20th, twenty-one PresbyFolks took a tour of the Museum of Natural History, had a picnic lunch of Italian Market sandwiches and other tasty food, and then saw "Exploring the Spring Sky" at the planetarium. Our next event is to take a docent-led tour of the Santa Barbara Art Museum's "Delacroix to Monet" exhibit and then have lunch at the Coffee Cat, a coffee/sandwich shop housed in our "old" education building on Anapamu. Call Juleine to sign up for this next fun activity!
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News Flash! Our new directory has been submitted to the publisher!
We even beat the deadline and will receive some bonus copies of the directory! Thanks to all who worked on this project, and thanks to all of you who had your photos taken! We especially thank John Mackenzie, Judy Sims, Pat Corn, Berni Newitt, Pastor Judith, and Dave McEachen. The actual directories will be coming in a few months, depending upon LifeTouch's schedule.

LIFE OF THE CHURCH

ANNOUNCING A UNIQUE INTERGENERATIONAL FPC MISSION TRIP serving with F.I.R.M., Fresno Interdenominational Refugee Ministries, (Fresno, CA) July 25-31. Work with S.E. Asian refugees and other immigrants of all ages. $350/person. Scholarships will be available. Contact Chuck (687-0754 x102), Josh (x104), Loyda Marquez, Jan O'Connor or Judy Sims for details and application. Open to up to 20 people. Application deadline May 28.

HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS, COLLEGE STUDENTS, AND YOUNG ADULTS! Josh Murray will meet you on the Patio on Sunday mornings at 10:30 for a pilgrimage to a nearby coffee shop or restaurant for a time of discussion, prayer, and fellowship.

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, call Chuck at: 687-0754 x 102 or email: ccurtis@fpcsb.org. Requests are kept confidential.

DEACON SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS NOW AVAILABLE. Thanks to the generosity of our congregation, the Board of Deacons has some funds available for college students in our church family. Request an application from Pastor Judith and return it as soon as possible.

PRAYER AND INTERCESSION

Pray for:

·  Missionary Kathy Baxter, International Teams in England

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

·  Our military personnel serving in the Middle East: Kyle Lauth, (grandson of Dolores Crisp); Sgt. Erich Johnson (grandson of Beverly Smaniotto); Nicolas Jones (grandson of Allen & Ann Braithwaite); Andrew Gaston (brother of Leah Gaston); 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 Morro Bay Presbyterian Church, Pastor Dale Paulsen

THIS WEEK AT FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

EASTER SUNDAY, April 4 – 8:30 a.m. Contemplative Worship in the Chapel; 9:00 a.m. Informal Worship in Christian Fellowship Center; 10:00 a.m. Children’s Easter Egg Hunt in the Garden (downstairs); 10:30 a.m. Worship in the Sanctuary

Tuesday, April 6 –7:30 a.m. Men’s Bible Breakfast in Anderson Lounge;

Wednesday, April 7 – 9:30 a.m. Literature & Faith in Anderson Lounge; 12 noon Bible Study with Pastor Judith in Anderson Lounge; 7:00 p.m. High School Group in the Youth Lounge (Josh, 279-2391)

Thursday, April 8 – 7 p.m. Chancel Choir in Choir Room

Friday, April 9 –10:00 a.m. Senior Activities Program begin in Garden Room; 5:30 p.m. Clipper Dinner , reservation required, sign up on the patio TODAY; 6:00 p.m. Junior High Youth Group in the Youth Lounge (Josh, 279-2391)

SUNDAY, April 11 – 8:30 a.m. Contemplative Worship in the Chapel; 9:00 a.m. Informal Worship in Christian Fellowship Center; 10:30 a.m. Worship in the Sanctuary; 12 noon 1869 Society Luncheon

COMING EVENTS

Spring Congregational Meeting

        Sunday, April 25                                10:00 a.m.

        In the CFC following the 9:00 a.m. service, to elect new elders and

        deacons to the Class of 2013 – and a Nominating Committee.

Spring Inquirer’s Class

        Mondays, May 10  & 17                    7:00-8:30 p.m.

        For those interested in learning more about First Presbyterian Church

        and the Christian Faith, and those interested in membership,

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