The Messenger - October 08, 2007
Pastor Neal's NotesHave you ever wondered about the denomination of which we are a part? Most of you probably know that the word "Presbyterian" comes from the Greek word "presbyteros," or elder, and it denotes a style of government in which elected elders rule. You may also know that we are part of a "presbytery", or collection of churches, bordered roughly by lines drawn from Wilmington to downtown Los Angeles to Pacific Palisades. Finally, if you were in church a couple of weeks ago, you might remember that the same Greek root in these words forms the word "presbeuo," or "ambassador", describing our role as "ambassadors for Christ," conveying His message of reconciliation to the world. (2 Cor. 5:20)
This Sunday, I am pleased to welcome the Rev. Steve Smith as our "ambassador for Christ" from the Presbytery of the Pacific. Rev. Smith has a served a variety of churches here in Southern California, and he is currently serving as Stated Clerk (or parliamentarian) for us. During presbytery meetings, Rev. Smith is sort of like a referee, making sure that decisions reached (and process followed) is consistent with the constitution of the Presbyterian Church (USA). Outside of meetings, Rev. Smith advises pastors and elders who wish to "get things done" in the proper way. Thus, he is keenly aware of new developments in the Presbytery and the larger Church. I understand that he is prepared to bring us an "encouraging word" about these efforts.
We will also hear a brief, strong word from Brent Howell, who begins his 11th year as chairman of our Thanksgiving Basket drive. Since its humble start in 1998, this program has grown more than ten fold, delivering over 1000 Thanksgiving Baskets to hungry children and their families throughout our town. Brent is a fabulous organizer, and delivery day (November 20) really runs like clockwork around here. Thus, I hope you'll join me in supporting this great project both with your money and your time.
Finally, please begin to pray about your contribution to the matching gift program of our church. As Shirley Snow pointed out in our last issue of "The Fisherman", this is only the second time we have received a matching grant in 124 years! The last time (1907), Andrew Carnegie enabled us to buy a pipe organ--and those aren't cheap. Who knows what may come from this effort to "grow the church" into the body that God created us to be? I can hardly wait to find out.
Have a great week!
Neal
October Weekly Calendar Highlights The Church in action. . .
Monday 08 Women's Bible Study 7pm Contact: Kim Neuenschwander
Stewardship Commission 7pm Contact: Jerry Drenckhahn
Tuesday 09 Beachcomber Beta Group 2:30pm Contact: Rupert Loyd or Pastor Neal
Wednesday 10 Breakfast Club Bible Study at Carrow's 7am Contact: Rupert Loyd
Session Docket Deadline 9am Contact: Shirley Snow
Women's Bible Study 1pm Contact: Kim Neuenschwander
Cherub Choir & Gospel Gang 4:30pm Contact: Cherubs - Emily Anderson; GGang - Lesley Sirianni
High School Fellowship 6pm Contact: Randi Bender
Kings Chorus 6pm Contact: Lesley Sirianni
Voyagers 6:30pm Contact: The Larsons
SonLight Singers 7pm Contact: Lesley Sirianni
Chapel Bells 7pm Contact: Nan Roberts
Prayer Fellowship 7pm Contact: Rupert Loyd
Jr. High Fellowship 7pm Contact: Randi Bender
"After Hours" 8-9:15pm Contact: Randi Bender
Thursday 11 Chancel Choir 7:30pm Contact: Allan Petker
Friday 12 Tennis & Breakfast 8:15am Contact: Rupert Loyd or Pastor Neal
Youth Hangout 7:30 - 9:30pm Contact: Randi Bender
Voyagers Big Bear Retreat All Weekend Contact: The Larsons
Saturday 13 Co-Ed Church Volleyball Various Times Contact: Jim Peacock or Erik Larson
Even if you don't play, come on out and root for us! 1st Christian Church 2930 El Dorado, Torrance
That's at the corner of Maple and El Dorado. See you there! <<Map>>
Voyagers Big Bear Retreat All Weekend Contact: The Larsons
Sunday 14 Voyagers Big Bear Retreat All Weekend Contact: The Larsons
Adult Sunday School 8:30 - 9:30am Contact: Rupert Loyd
Children and Youth Sunday School Begins During Service Contact: Diane Bettis
Worship 9:30am Contact: Pastor Neal or Paul Purdy
- Guest Preacher: Rev. Steve Smith - Stated Clerk of the Presbytery of the Pacific
Remember these are just the Highlights... Call the church office if you need details 310-832-7597
Quick News
This
Coming Saturday!
All Men and Young Men are invited to attend. We have two vans available. Contact: Todd Walter or Jim Peacock
Iraqi Christians must choose: live in fear or flee
by James Palmer
Religion News Service
BAGHDAD, Iraq — Nabil Comanny and his family endured the dead bodies left to. . . <<Complete Story>>
Sing OUT!
Singers are wanted for a Special Limited Engagement featuring "Carols of Christmas" by Mack Wilberg. Come and sing with us on Thursday evenings from 7:30 - 8:30pm to rehearse this outstanding collection of music.
For more information contact: Allan Petker Sing OUT!
Church School Coordinator (part-time)
Do you work well with children? Do you want to see the message of Christ presented and our programs thrive? Then contact Karen Ederer or Jim Waters for information and an application.
Random Fact of the Week
Q: What were the Musical Instruments of the Old Testament? Hint: There were 17.
(Scroll Down For Answer)
A:
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- Percussion: bagpipe, bells, cymbals, sistrum, & tambourine.
- String: harp, harp-like instrument, lyre, & zither.
- Wind: double pipe, horn, cornet, pipe, reed, ram's horn, trumpet, & vertical flute.
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Page Last Updated: Sun Nov 11, 2007