The Messenger - November 05, 2007
Pastor Neal's NotesA Wonderful Week
What a privilege it was to represent our church and the Presbytery of the Pacific at the Jimmy Carter Work Project here in San Pedro! Having worked on several "Habitat" houses in previous years, I knew that we would be painting, siding, roofing, sweeping, and so on. I knew that we'd meet the homeowner and work side by side with her. I also knew that I'd make several new friends who shared my desire to "make in difference" in this world. But I never knew what a "big deal" doing this sort of project could become.
The Director of Habitat Los Angeles reported that her budget had more than doubled since scheduling the Jimmy Carter Work Project. Along with increased funds came increased commitment from city government to smooth the many bumps in our labyrinth of regulations for home builders. Next came thousands of volunteers from every corner of the globe, some of whom make this work project their "vacation" every single year. Next, came countless support staff who fed us wonderful meals, tended to any injuries, protected us from danger, and shuttled us back and forth from the work site every day. And, finally, there wer the celebrities: not only President Carter but also Garth Brooks, Ricky Martin, and scores of others who made some of our party scream with delight. It was truly an amazing sight.
If you'd like to participate in a Jimmy Carter Work Project at some point in the future, the fee is very reasonable: $700 plus airfare buys room, board, and supplies anywhere in the world. Moreover, those out-of-town guests who stayed here in San Pedro had their choice of (pre-paid) restaurants every night, including Trani's, Think, Neal's, Papadakis, Rafaello's, and the 6th Street Grill. Some of those places aren't cheap, my friends, and that's a sweet deal!
Even if you can't attend one of these projects, you can still participate in another "sweet deal"--the Church Growth Fund of our church. You get to pick from a whole variety of projects to support, and, if you don't like any of those, you can make up one of your own. The only requirement is that this effort would enhance the attractiveness of the church or contribute to its growth in some way. Better yet, every dollar you contribute will be matched once that project is approved.
Finally, let me reiterate once again that we love each person in this church--even those of you who do not give a dime. Many of you donate countless hours of volunteer time, and your mere presence during worship is a gift in itself. We also feel a deep affection for the shut-ins who have served our church so faithfully for years. You are treasures and roll models for the rest of us. No matter what you are able to give (or not give), we thank God for you!
Affectionately,
Neal
Nov Weekly Calendar Highlights The Church - soon fall into winter. . .
Tuesday 06 Beachcomber Beta Group 2:30pm Contact: Rupert Loyd or Pastor Neal
Most Commissions meet 7 or 7:30pm Contact: Commission Chairs
Wednesday 07 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
AHEPA in McDonald Hall 6pm Contact: On Site
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
Thursday 08 Deacons 9am Contact: Betty Loyd
Chancel Choir 7:30pm Contact: Allan Petker
Friday 09 Tennis & Breakfast 8:15am Contact: Paul Mathews or Pastor Neal
NO Youth Hangout --------------- Contact: Randi Bender
Saturday 10 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 11 Adult Sunday School 8:30 - 9:30am Contact: Rupert Loyd
Children and Youth Sunday School Begins During Service Contact: Sue Headly
Worship 9:30am Contact: Pastor Neal or Paul Purdy
Venture Crew 731 1pm Contact: Eric Beck or Kenneth Beck
- Series: Strategic Initiatives
- Theme: Building Improvement
- Title: "Does God Really Care About Furnishings?"
- Scripture: Ex 40:1-11, 17, 34, 38
- Preacher: Rev. Neal Neuenschwander
Remember these are just the Highlights... Call the church office if you need details 310-832-7597
Quick News
Legends of the Jews, By Louis Ginzberg |
|
One of the most miraculous parts of the Tabernacle was the altar. For when God bade Moses make an altar of shittim wood and overlay it with brass, Moses said to God: "O Lord of the world! Thou badest me make the altar of wood and overlay it with brass, but Thou didst also bid me have 'a fire kept burning upon the altar continually.' Will not the fire destroy the overlay of brass, and then consume the wood of the <<Complete Article>>
Spot Light on: Thanksgiving Basket Program
OUR 2007 GOAL: DELIVER 1,000 BASKETS - FEED 6,000 NEEDY PEOPLE IN SAN PEDRO AREA
On November 20, 2007, the First Presbyterian Church of San Pedro will sponsor its 12th Annual Thanksgiving Family Baskets food program for needy families in the greater San Pedro area. In our first year we delivered 58 Baskets. We really have come a long way in helping needy families celebrate Thanksgiving.!
Through
the generous support of church members and many other organizations and
friends, we fed last year
almost 6,000 needy people. And, we raised donations to purchase over
1,000 complete food baskets. Each
basket allows a recipient family to receive food for approximately six
people, complete with all the necessary
canned and packaged food, trimmings and turkey, together with a Bible.
The food Basket allows a family to
prepare and serve its own meal on this special Thanksgiving Holiday.
Random Fact of the Week
Q: What were Jachin and Boaz?
(Scroll Down For Answer)
A: They were two grand matching pillars in the inner court between the temple and the oracle of Solomon's Temple and they had personal names just like people.
New International Version (NIV) Listen to this passage
1 Kings 7:21
21 He erected the pillars at the portico of the temple. The pillar to the south he named Jakin [a] and the one to the north Boaz. [b]
Footnotes:
- 1 Kings 7:21 Jakin probably means he establishes.
- 1 Kings 7:21 Boaz probably means in him is strength .
Wesley's Commentary says:
Jachin signifies he; That is, God shall establish, his temple, and church, and people: and Boaz signifies, in it, or rather, in him (to answer the he in the former name) is strength. So these pillars being eminently strong and stable, were types of that strength which was in God, and would be put forth by God for the defending and establishing of his temple and people, if they were careful to keep the conditions required by God on their parts.
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Page Last Updated: Sun Nov 11, 2007