Greetings from Gerald J. Larson
(The following is from an email sent to Peter with greetings to the rest of us.)
Claire and I have just returned from celebrating our 50th wedding anniversary.  We took the entire family (12 altogether, including daughters, husbands, significant others, grandkids and one great grandson) to the Hyatt Regency Resort in Waikiki, Honolulu. Had a great time.

     Apart from this general greeting, I am also writing for another reason. When I taught the class on World Religions at First Presbyterian Church a couple of years back, some of the folks asked if I ever led any study tours to India.  I indicated that I had done this for some years for University of California students but not for older adults.  It so happens, however, that I have been invited to serve as "Study Leader" for a North India tour entitled, "The Gods, Temples and Archaeology of Ancient India," from January 9 through 23, sponsored by Far Horizons Archaeological and Cultural Trips, Inc. (P.O. Box 2546, San Anselmo, CA 94979).  The tour begins in Delhi, moves on to Aurangabad (the Ajanta and Ellora cave paintings), Bombay (Mumbai) and Elephanta Island (Shaiva rock temples), then on to Banaras (or Varanasi, the sacred city of the Hindus), Sarnath (the sacred center for Buddhists in India), Khajuraho (Hindu and Jain temples), and finally to Agra (the Taj Mahal and Muslim culture), Jaipur in Rajasthan (the center of Rajput culture), and, of course, back to Delhi for departure home.  It is to be a serious study-tour, not unlike some of the Elderhostel programs.  Accommodations throughout are first-rate and safe, and I'll be leading the group from beginning to end.
Should anyone be interested, they can contact Far Horizons Archaeological and Cultural Trips directly at the above address or at www.farhorizons.com, or they can contact me at glarson@religion.ucsb.edu or give me a call (949) 916-1657.

... We read The Patio News regularly and are delighted to keep up with what's happening at fpcsb!  Maybe we'll get back to Santa Barbara at some point during the summer.  Cheers, Gerry glarson@religion.ucsb.edu

Chancel Choir is back for the fall!
Rehearsals begin on Thursday, September 09, 2010 at 7:00 in the Choir Room.
All are welcome. No audition required. Come ready to work.
For info call Nelson C. Huber, Music Director & Organist, at 969 6881

LIFE OF THE CHURCH

THE FLOWERS today are dedicated by the Fowler Family Fund in loving memory of Barbara Ralston. THE FLOWERS are also dedicated by Nelson Huber in honor of Jeannette Klingler’s 94th birthday. The Deacons will take the flowers to those unable to attend worship with us.

SUMMER ADULT EDUCATION – Today, August 15 will be led by Noni Patchell. She will teaching from the 2010-2011 Horizons Bible Study entitled Journeys Through Revelation: Apocalyptic Hope for Today by Dr. Barbara R. Rossing, Professor of New Testament at the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago. This is the final class of the series.

NEWS FROM LONDON In late July Kathy Marsh Baxter took her ESL students on an outing via London’s “tube.” She has been working with women from a great variety of north African and east Asian nations. She reports, “We must have made quite a parade, walking up the road to the Southall train station, and as we sat together on the train.”

MISSION BOOKS SOUGHT . The Mission Team wants to add to the mission shelf in the church library. Donate your used books of mission biographies, mission history, general mission, or children’s mission.  Please bring them to the church offices.

MEMORY SCREENING at CFIT - Wednesday, August 18 (9 a.m.-12 noon) . Do you notice that your memory is not quite what it used to be? Are you questioning your cognition? Take advantage of the Memory Screening Day at CFIT (Cognitive Fitness and Innovative Therapies ) 2409 De La Vina St . Cost: $25 for MOCA Test . Testing takes 30min. No appointment necessary! For questions call: 899-7777.

DO YOU KNOW that Fair Trade Caffeinated Coffee is served every Sunday? Support this worthwhile cause by donating to the coffee basket. Fair Trade Coffee, Tea & Chocolate are for sale following 9 & 10:30 a.m. worship on the 2nd and 4th Sunday of each month.

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.

PRAYER AND INTERCESSION

Pray for:

·  Missionaries Jerry & Candice Bingham in Uganda

·  God’s presence & guidance for our Associate Pastor Nominating Committee

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

·  Our military personnel serving in the Middle East: 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 Community Presbyterian Church of Ventura, Pastor Mark Patterson, Stated Supply Associate Pastor Wayne Kempton, and minister member at large Marsh Martin

THIS WEEK AT FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Sunday, August 15 – 8:30 a.m. Contemplative Worship in the Chapel; 
9 a.m. Informal Worship in CFC; 9 a.m. Adult Ed in Anderson Lounge;
10:30 a.m. Worship in the Sanctuary; 5:30 p.m. PresbyFolks Theaterfest Adventure (reservations now closed)

Tuesday, August 17 –No Men’s Bible Breakfast through August;     
4 p.m. Congregational Care in Anderson Lounge;

Wednesday, August 18 –7 p.m. APNC in Anderson Lounge

Friday, August 20 – 10 a.m. Senior Activities Program , Garden Room

Sunday, August 22 – 8:30 a.m. Contemplative Worship in the Chapel; 
9 a.m. Informal Worship in CFC; 9 a.m. Adult Ed in Anderson Lounge;
10:30 a.m. Worship in the Sanctuary