The Messenger - November 5, 2011 - Renaissance
"Renaissance"
Are you familiar with the cultural and theological revolution that spread through Europe between the 14th and 17 centuries? This is the movement that created some of the greatest artwork of all time, the first English translations of the Bible, the economic seeds of modern capitalism, the theological ferment that enabled the Protestant Reformation, and the great journeys of discovery from Europe to Africa, Asia and America. Scholars call this particular period the "Renaissance," after a Latin word that means "rebirth," and it truly brought a new birth of scholarship, innovation, and art to the continent of Europe. It also empowered a wide range of people to experiment, think, create and thrive in a culture that had once stifled this sort of change.
During the last several weeks, I have been talking about the relationship between our city and our church during 130 years of change. Just think how much has happened in this period: From the push for prohibition to the push for equal rights, from the fear of kamikazes to the fear of global warming, from the need to fill troop transports heading west across the pacific to the need to fill empty cargo containers that were heading the very same way, the social forces that shape our town have changed dramatically, but the mind set really hasn't. We are still, in most people's minds, a rather tight clique of Southern European descendants who want to keep everything the same.
Some parts of our culture really should remain the same--particularly the strong commitment of so many San Pedrans to extended family. But other parts of our culture could clearly benefit from some new initiatives--new business, new store fronts, new efforts, and new ideas. Our city could really use an economic, communal, and artistic renaissance, but that usually begins with a spiritual renaissance--a desire to be renewed deep within. And that is where our church comes in.
Stillman Sawyer, who donated the funds to complete our sanctuary renovation (and several other "growth" projects around the church), saw the renovation of First Pres as a vital part of our city's renovation and redevelopment. Since we have always sought to bring forth positive personal and community change, he wanted to start with us, encouraging us to clean up, fix up, and dress up both our city and our church.
During the month of November, I'll be focusing upon the distinctive role our church could play in a new renaissance for San Pedro. I know that the vast majority of us are not big investors, we are not cultural entrepreneurs, and we don't have unlimited funds to tackle social problems, either. But we do have an awesome resource close at hand--our Christian faith. And that faith has brought new life and hope and strength into the very worst hovels of this world for centuries. Thus, I think our city can experience a genuine renaissance within the years ahead, and I know that change begins with us.
I'll see you in church!
Neal
2011 Thanksgiving Basket Program
On November 22, 2011, our church will sponsor our 16th Annual Thanksgiving Family Food Baskets 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. If you would like to help, just fill out and send in the donation/volunteer form. Or visit the church website for more information.
OUR 16TH YEAR WILL BE DEDICATED TO THE MEMORY OF JOHN M. OLGUIN
Student Ministries News
NO SUNDAY SCHOOL TODAY!!! Please stay in church.
(11/6/11)
Fellowship
Dinners: We are asking for $25 donations to
offset the cost of
Wednesday night Fellowship Dinners (about $2.25 per
meals). Please see
Randi or Todd if you have
questions.
UPCOMING
EVENTS
Golden State Pops: We will be selling refreshments before and during the performance on November 13th from 1:30PM to 5:00PM. If you wish to help with this fundraiser, please let Randi or Todd know.
Decorating
the church:
We will be decorating the church on Saturday November
26th
from 9:30AM to noon. More
information to
come.
Disneyland Christmas Event:
This year, we will be going to Disneyland on December
10th for
our Christmas celebration. Admission
cost
is $62. Food will be
extra. For more
information please contact Randi or
Todd.
THERE IS
STILL ROOM FOR BOTH TRIPS
Winter Camp:
Pondo’s Christian Camp - January 13-15, 2012. Cost for the camp is $164 plus
extra for skiing or
snowboarding. A $50
deposit will hold a
spot for you. Deposits
are due on
October 16th.
Mission Trip:
We will be going back to the Navajo Reservation with
YouthWorks - July
14–21, 2012. Cost is
$288.
Get your $50 deposit in now.
Don’t miss out this experience. Deposits are due on
October 16th.
Recycling drive for youth:
We will be recycling #1 plastic bottles and aluminum
cans. If you would
like us to pick them up at your
house simply call Todd.
Student
Ministries Staff
Randi Bender
& Todd Walter
Email: rdbender44@aol.com
Tel: (310)
832-9717 (home)
(310)
562-9243 (cell)
Calendar
Mon, Nov 7
7:00 pm - Stewardship meeting
7:00 pm - Women's Bible Study
Tue, Nov 8
7:30 pm Student Ministries Meeting
Wed, Nov 9
7:00 am - Bible Study at Carrow's
1:00 pm - Women's Bible Study
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 - Handbell Choir Rehearsal
7:00 pm - Prayer Group
7:15 pm - SonLight Singers Choir Rehearsal
Thu, Nov 10
7:30 pm - Chancel Choir Rehearsal
Fri, Nov 11
Veteran's Day
Sun, Nov 13
8:30 am - Adult Sunday School
9:30 am - Worship
3:00 pm - Golden State Pops Orchestra
Amy Hubbard is the editor of the Messenger.
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©2011 - First Presbyterian Church of San Pedro