The Messenger - October 16, 2007
Pastor Neal's NotesA Change of Seasons
Kim, Andrew, and I have just returned from a weekend retreat at Big Bear Lake. This retreat was organized by the Voyagers, First Pres's weekly Bible Study group composed primary of parents. Thus, we had lots of children and youth playing volleyball, foosball, horseshoes, pool, and a whole variety of board games with their parents and their friends. We watched several football games on television and several movies, too. We had a sweet, simple worship service on Sunday morning, and we ate a lot of good food all weekend long. But the highlight for me was seeing the change of seasons up at the lake.
The hills were so covered with gold and green that at least one (unnamed) church member would say our God was rooting for Notre Dame. Fortunately, the house in which we stayed had some scarlet maples, too. That gave my (Alabama) wife some comfort on Saturday. And the crisp, cool autumn nights made our hot tub feel particularly great.
Here in San Pedro, the change of seasons is much more subtle, but those of you who attended church last Sunday saw the fabulous harvest display that Kim Petker placed on the Communion Table of our church. She did this to complement the Thanksgiving Basket drive that Brett Howell launched this week, and I understand that she will continue to enhance our sanctuary with thoughtful and timely displays in the weeks ahead. What a great way to mark the season. Thanks, Kim!
Speaking of Thanksgiving, do you know we have several new reasons to be grateful in 2007? Here are just a few:
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the cracked glass around the stained glass windows has been replaced
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the belfry has been lit (for the first time in several years)
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new carpeting has been installed in several parts of the building
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new landscaping has begun to flourish around our patio,
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new furniture has been placed in the McCormick Room,
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new air conditioning units have been installed,
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new appliances have been ordered, and
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new signs are on the way.
As you meditate upon all these reasons to give thanks, you can see that much more has changed at First Pres than the weather! There is a new sense of energy, a new sense of confidence, and a new sense of hope. Several of the strategic objectives defined in our 2000 mission plan are virtually complete, and several others are well on the way. As we re-examine these objectives during worship in the next few weeks, please pray that God will continue to raise up both the able leaders and the eager volunteers that we need to get these jobs done.
Have a great week!
Neal
October Weekly Calendar Highlights The Church in action. . .
Tuesday 16 Beachcomber Beta Group 2:30pm Contact: Rupert Loyd or Pastor Neal
Session 7:30pm Contact: Pastor Neal
Wednesday 17 Breakfast Club Bible Study at Carrow's 7am Contact: Rupert Loyd
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
NO Voyagers ----------- 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 18 Forever Young Luncheon 11:30am Contact: Betty Loyd
Chancel Choir 7:30pm Contact: Allan Petker
Friday 19 Tennis & Breakfast 8:15am Contact: Rupert Loyd or Pastor Neal
Youth Hangout 7:30 - 9:30pm Contact: Randi Bender
Saturday 20 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>>
Sunday 21 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
- Series: Strategic Initiatives
- Theme: Evangelism
- Title: "I Am Not Ashamed Of The Gospel"
- Scripture: Romans 1:7 - 17
- Preacher: Rev. Neal Neuenschwander
Remember these are just the Highlights... Call the church office if you need details 310-832-7597
Quick News
Alternative Christmas Market and Outrigger Bake Sale
- November 4th -
Have some Free Homemade Soup and help support some great ministry and philanthropic organizations!
Excerpt From Evangelism That Works
Let’s play the child’s game, “Big, Bigger, Biggest.” This year, 2.2 million people will die in America. 1 Their passing will lead to months of grieving by tens of thousands of family members and friends. To them, the death of 2.2 million people will be a big tragedy. Only God knows how many of those people who die will wind up in a state of eternal separation from Him, which we commonly refer to as . . .<<Complete Excerpt>>
Spot Light on: Venture Crew 731
After having gained sponsorship of First Pres San Pedro, this last Sunday evening eight youth and six adults met to organize Venture Crew 731. What is a "Venture Crew" you ask?
Venturing is a youth development program of the Boy Scouts of America for young men and women who are 14 (and have completed the eighth grade) through 20 years of age.
Venturing's purpose is to provide positive experiences to help young people mature and to prepare them to become responsible and caring adults.
Venturing crews and individual crew members can specialize in a variety of avocation or hobby interests, or sample a broad spectrum. Crews also elect their own officers, write their own by-laws and choose their own uniforms. It's up to them.
Goals
Young adults involved in Venturing will:
- Learn to make ethical choices over their lifetimes by instilling the values in the Venturing Oath and Code.
- Experience a program that is fun and full of challenge and adventure.
- Become a skilled training and program resource for Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, and other groups.
- Acquire skills in the areas of high adventure, sports, arts and hobbies, religious life, or Sea Scouting.
- Experience positive leadership from adult and youth leaders and be given opportunities to take on leadership roles.
- Have a chance to learn and grow in a supportive, caring, and fun environment.
If this sounds like something you, or someone you know, would be interested in then come on down, or
contact Crew Advisor Eric Beck, or for more general information on the Venturing program click here
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 was the name of the man who caught his hair in an oak tree?
(Scroll Down For Answer)
A: David's treacherous son Absalom. In 2 Samuel 18:1-9, Absalom's hair was caught in an oak tree while fleeing from his father's army. He hung there until he was killed by Joab, David's army commander. I guess long hair and low hanging oak trees don't mix!
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Page Last Updated: Sun Nov 11, 2007