The Messenger - March 31, 2008

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    Pastor Neal's Notes

                  Living Stones

Did you know that First Presbyterian Church is nearing its 125th anniversary? On November 20, 2008, we will celebrate 12 1/2 decades of worship and service in Christ's name. During these momentous years, we've owned 3 different buildings: a small, white clapboard church, an "impressive" sandstone church, and the "mid-century modern" brick building that we use today. I'm sorry to report that the clapboard church has long since passed away, but you can still see it standing proudly in historic photos of San Pedro, one of which is displayed in the Weymouth Corners barber shop next door. The sandstone church was beautiful when we owned it, and it's beautiful once again thanks to the diligent "sweat equity" of the hispanic congregation that owns it now. You can see it at the corner of 10th and Mesa Streets downtown. Our current facility has also undergone quite a facelift in the last few years. Many cracked or drafty windows have been replaced, new carpeting and tile have been installed, new tables and chairs make gatherings much more comfortable, and a brand new sign is shining brightly on 8th Avenue. 

Buildings mean a lot to those who use them. Each brick and stone holds memories for years. And non-members often measure the health of a congregation from the condition of it's building. But the most important measure of a church's health is the people who worship in it. In the passage I'll preach this Sunday, Peter calls them "living stones," and I've always loved that image of the church. It invites so many creative questions: What kind of stone would you be? In what style of church would you sit? And where would you be placed within it?

These questions are particularly helpful in an historic church, like ours, that bears an awesome legacy of faith. I think of people like Betsy Cameron, who co-founded our city's Meals on Wheels program. Then I think of Dorothy Hoffman, who founded the Harbor Area Halfway Houses for female inmates from terminal island. Then I think of all the saints who have provided leadership (or support) to the Salvation Army, the Gideons, and Harbor Police Department. I think of the two men who gave a decade of their lives to maintain our church property--for free. I think of the deacons who have blessed countless shut-ins and mourners in their time of need. I think of the grandmas and great-grandmas who have taught VBS for over 20 years. I think of those who started Bible Studies and prayer groups. And I think of the couple with whom I visit the shut-ins month by month.

Some of these spiritual "stones" have gone on to their reward. Others are still moving, still breathing, still creating a remarkable "house" in which our God can dwell. May those of us who follow them in the NEXT 12 decades fill our place as well.

Neal

David's Team ----- ?
Jim's Team    ----- ?
Erik & Carrie  ----- ?
Brad & Maureen - ?

From PC (USA) Website

2008 Peacemaking Conference

Peacemakers will examine poverty issues at the 2008 Peacemaking Conference, July 15-19 at Chapman University in Orange, California. Participants will deepen their awareness of poverty’s causes and effects and learn how to work as disciples of Jesus to end it. Partners in Joining Hands Against Hunger will share stories of where change is happening and explain how to make a difference.