FPSP: The Messenger - September 2, 2011

This Sunday (September 4, 2011) will be our last Sunday to worship together in MacDonald Hall. Immediately after worship, Usher Captain Gary Smith will organize a team to stack all of the chairs in that room and store them in the old church parlor (or other sites). He will also organize teams to move the pew Bibles and the hymn books back into the pews of our newly refurbished sanctuary. Then, the movable risers will be folded, the old pulpit will be stored, and the "communion table" (actually, a desk) will be returned to its rightful place in the Christian Ed Office downstairs.

In order to celebrate this joyful occasion (and the many joyful Sundays that we have shared in MacDonald Hall), Allan Petker will be directing a good, old-fashioned hymn sing during worship. This set will include several rousing old "gospel" favorites, including "He Lives," "Count Your Blessings," "When We All Get to Heaven," and "Stand up, Stand up for Jesus." We will also celebrate communion together and consider what it means for us American Christians to live "Under God" (1 Peter 5:6).

After storing your own chair or hymnal, you are also welcome to join us in the McCormick Room, where Toni Nilsen will provide a cake to celebrate James Nilsen's promotion to the rank of Major in the United States Air Force. As we near the anniversary of 9/11, let's make a special effort to thank James and all our church members who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Regardless of our political and cultural differences, I think all of us can say that "we are proud of your service and grateful for the freedom you have provided us to love and live freely in this 'one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.'"

Finally, our Session has recently created a fund to support Tim and Lisa Gray in their big move to the Presbyterian Seminary in Austin, Texas. Tim is the tall young man who used to sing our choir, and he was also a very active volunteer for our youth. If you would like to support Tim and Lisa in this noble call, please contact Martha Bodlovich in the church office.

I'll see you on Sunday!

Neal

This year the Women's Bible Study will be different! Each meeting we will watch a short DVD clip featuring pastors and
Bible scholars discussing the book of Romans. Instead of studying one book of the Bible for the whole year, we will spend 8
weeks on the book of Romans, beginning Monday, September 19 at 7:00pm or Wednesday September 21 at 1:00pm in the
McCormick Room. If you've been reluctant to join because of the length of the commitment, this is your chance - just 8 weeks to learn about what Martin Luther called "the most important book of the Bible!" Please call Kim Neuenschwander at
310-831-6771 to reserve a study guide (cost is $10.00) and/or sign up in the McCormick Room after church in early September.
We look forward to you joining us this year!

Sun, Sept 4
8:30 am - Adult Sunday School
9:30 am - Worship
5:00 pm - Office Closed - Alarm Alert!

Wed, Sept 7
7:00 am - Bible Study at Carrow's
4:00 pm - Homework Hangout
4:00 pm - Angel Choir Rehearsal
4:00 pm - Parent Hangout
4:30 pm - Cherub Choir Rehearsal
5:00 pm - Gospel Gang Choir Rehearsal
5:45 pm - Dinner for Jr. and Sr. High Schoolers
6:15 pm - King's Chorus Choir Rehearsal
7:00 pm - Prayer Group
7:15 pm - Son Light Singers Choir Rehearsal

The Messenger - September 2, 2011 - It's Moving Day