Peter's Message
Dear Friends,

By the end of October we’ll have had well over a dozen Neighborhood Meetings. While the theme of the meetings has been a conversation about First Presbyterian Church -- our ministry, our plans and prayers, our vision – we’ve also talked about church finances. I’ve been impressed that those of you who’ve attended have appreciated the information. You’ve listened carefully, asked good questions, and been open to the challenge to consider increasing your pledges for 2011 by six to ten per cent.

I’m gratified, not only because many of you are having to be careful with your own budgets, but also because talking about money can be awkward. While Jesus regularly brings up the subject in the Gospels, it can cause discomfort in his church. Personally I think it’s because we are inclined to separate what we think of as secular things from sacred things, though the New Testament makes no such distinction. (Paul in 2 Corinthians 8 urges generosity by pointing to the generous act of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty you might become rich). The main idea is that generous giving is a way of discovering a wealth of faith. Why not talk about it!

The Neighborhood Meetings have also shown our excitement about the future. We’re looking forward to a new Associate Pastor arriving in 2011, and to new steps in ministry connecting with younger adults (as well as older adults) and extending our already spirited outreach to our community. Your enthusiasm for these ventures is exhilarating. Please keep praying for the Associate Pastor Nominating Committee.

By the way, a special bonus: the Cherub Choir will sing on Commitment Sunday, November 14, the day we bring our pledges to church. I’m planning to get there early.

Peace to you,
Peter

Cherub Choir Is Ready for Prime Time!
The Cherub Choir, under the direction of Adelle Rodkey, will be singing at 9 and 10:30 on Sunday. You don't want to miss their premier time of participating in worship.

"Love Santa Barbara" Goes to Work!
On Saturday, November 13, volunteers from our church and from many other churches volunteered to help beautify Santa Barbara and to reach out to residents who might have difficulty with gardening and other tasks. Here's a look at our eager volunteers who were gathered at First Pres for this outreach.
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LIFE OF THE CHURCH

THE FLOWERS today are dedicated by Michael Frazer in honor of his wife, Maybel’s “25th” birthday. The Deacons will take the flowers to those unable to worship with us.

ADULT EDUCATION Sunday Mornings at 9 AM in Anderson Lounge. —Nov. 14, 21—Christian Hospitality, Presenter: Rev. Suzanne Malloy, Dir. of Front Porch, UCSB and Cottage Hospital Chaplain. An exploration of what “Hospitality” means for Christians. Nov. 28 & Dec. 5, 12—Christian Perspectives on War, Presenters: Chris Hoeckley, Director of Gaede Institute of Liberal Arts, Westmont College and Cheri Hoeckley, Professor of English, Westmont College. “Odd Month Ed.” Sunday Mornings 10:30 AM in Anderson Lounge —Nov. 14—Theories of Economic Development and the Role of the Church , Presenter: Stacey Lydon. In this two part series we will discuss theories of economic development, the historical role of the church, the current movement for social and economic justice and examine what part religious organizations can play.

ROB COLLINS CELEBRATES 50 YEARS. In October retired PC(USA) missionary to Thailand, Rob Collins, celebrated 50 years of ministry in that country. The preacher at the celebration in Chiang Mai was a former student of Rob’s. As a youth this man was convinced to return to school after Rob rode his motorbike 170 miles to plead with him. Many officials in the Thai government attended the celebration. You may contact Rob by email: estherpyu@gmail.com

FLU SHOTS WILL BE AVAILABLE ON TUESDAY, November 16 from 10-12 noon and 1-3 PM in Anderson Lounge. Cost is $20 payable to Cottage Hospital. If you are unable to be there, contact Sharon Troll, Parish Nurse (687-0754, x103) and she will make arrangements for you at another time.

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:

·  Missionary Jane Holslag in Lithuania

·  God’s 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: Sgt. Joseph G. Whitehouse (grandson of Marge Gould)and Seth Matakis (grand-nephew of Laura Techentin); the people of the Middle East, the pastors and people and those working for peace in Iraq, Afghanistan, around the world

·  Congregation and staff at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church of Santa Barbara, Pastor Brett Becker, Parish Associates Ed Aspinwall and Harold Englund

THIS WEEK AT FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Sunday, November 14 – Commitment Sunday – 8:30 a.m. – noon Holiday Craft Boutique in the Fireside Lounge; 8:30 a.m. Worship , Chapel; 9 a.m. Worship in the CFC; 9 a.m. Adult Ed in Anderson Lounge; 10:30 a.m. Worship in the Sanctuary; Noon Sunday Circle in Anderson Lounge, bring your lunch

Monday, November 15 – 9:30 a.m. Craft Group in the Garden Roo m

Tuesday, November 16 – 7:30 a.m. Men’s Bible Breakfast in Anderson Lounge; 4 p.m. Congregational Care Team in Anderson Lounge; 5:30 p.m. Deacons in Anderson Lounge

Wednesday, November 17 – 9:30 a.m. Chariot of Friends leaves church parking lot; 7 p.m. APNC meeting in Anderson Lounge; 7 p.m. Sr. High Youth Group in the Youth Lounge (Josh: 279-2391)

Thursday, November 18 – 6:30 p.m. Jr. Hi Youth Group in Youth Lounge (Josh: 279-2391); 7 p.m. Chancel Choir

Friday, November 19 – 10 a.m. Senior Activities Program , Garden Roo m

Sunday, November 21 –8:30 a.m. Worship , Chapel; 9 a.m. Worship , CFC;      9 a.m. Adult Ed in Anderson Lounge; 10:30 a.m. Worship in the Sanctuary