The Messenger - July 23, 2007
Pastor Neal's NotesWhat do you think of when you hear the word "summertime"? Surfing? Swimming? Traveling? Television? Visiting with Friends? Having grown up in the South, I can't help but think of watermelon and sultry summer days where you could cut the humidity with a knife. That sultry summer feeling is crystallized for me in a song from George' Gershwin's famous musical, "Porgy and Bess":
"Summertime . . . and the livin' is easy,
fish are jumpin' and the cotton is high.
"Yo daddy's rich and yo' mamma's good lookin,
so hush, little baby, don't you cry."
Here at First Presbyterian Church, the humidity is much lower (thanks to the marine layer), and we might even get our new air conditioner installed by August. But it's still summer! So, our kids will be enjoying "Summer Celebration" during worship, using crafts and songs and games, and we will be enjoying Summer Choir.
Have you ever wanted try singing in a group even just a little bit? Well, here's your chance. Sopranos, Tenors, Altos, and Bases are all welcome! We even work with a few "monotones" now and then! Just show up early for worship at 8:45 a.m. and see what mischief Allan has in store. Who knows? You might even hear Porgy's call from verse 2:
One
of these mornin's, you's gonna rise up singin'
Then you'll spread yo' wings an' you'll take to the sky.
But till that mornin', there's ain't nothin' can harm you
With your Daddy an' Mummy Standin' by.
Then you'll spread yo' wings an' you'll take to the sky.
But till that mornin', there's ain't nothin' can harm you
With your Daddy an' Mummy Standin' by.
That's fun music, and summer choir will be fun, too. Please join us!
July Weekly Calendar Highlights
Tuesday 24 Beachcomber Beta Group 2:30pm
Vacation Bible School Youth Training 7pm
Wednesday 25 Breakfast Club Bible Study at CoCo's 7am
Voyagers 6:30pm
Prayer Fellowship 7pm
Thursday 26 VBS Staff Meeting 7pm
Friday 27 Tennis & Breakfast 8:15am
Youth Hang-Out 7:30- 9:30pm
Saturday 28 New Member Class 9am to Noon **Lunch Served/Child care provided
Co-ed Softball at El Nido Park in Torrance **Call Jim or Gary for start time
Sunday 29 Worship 9:30am COMMUNION SUNDAY
Monday 30 Vacation Bible School starts
Remember these are just the Hightlights... Call the church office if you need details 310-832-7597
Spotlight on the Session
Our church government takes the form of a representative democracy with four levels. At the base, or grass roots, is the Session. It is a group of elected officers (the pastor and the elders) in a local church and it's responsible for the mission and government of the church. The elders are elected for three year terms, one-third of the Session being elected each year. Note that elders are ordained for life, but only serve on Session when they are are elected. In our church, the elections are held during a congregational meeting in the Fall.
In order to fulfill their designated mission and governing responsibilities, the Session is empowered to create Commissions to oversee specific portions of these areas. Here at First Pres San Pedro we have: Mission, Adult Discipleship, Membership, Student Ministries, Children's Ministries, Stewardship, Nominating, Personnel, and Worship and Music Commissions.
Ever wanted to serve on a committee or commission? You can. In fact, most are looking for people who want to serve.
We'll be looking closely at each of the Commissions in coming weeks. Stay tuned. Be informed. Get involved.
Random Fact of the Week
In the New King James version of the Bible there are:
- 1,189 chapters
- 31,102 verses
- 783,137 words
- 3,566,480 letters
On-line Bible Helps
Bible -- Many translations available.
http://www.biblegateway.com/
Bible Dictionary
http://www.online-dictionary.net/bible/index.php
Bible History
http://www.bible-history.com/isbe/
Mp3 Audio Bible -- Take it with you on your walk or run!
http://www.audio-bible.com/bible/bible.html
Please send updates and you can help with the site
Page Last Updated: Sat Aug 4, 2007