The Messenger - November 11, 2011 - A Promising New Partnership
"A Promising New Partnership"
During our Sanctuary Dedication Service at the end of October, I talked about the close relationship between our church and several community service agencies. Some of these organizations, like Harbor Interfaith Services and San Pedro's Meals on Wheels, were virtually born in our church. Others, like the Beacon House and the Toberman Neighborhood Center have received faithful contributions of money, time and talent from this church for decades. Because of these great partnerships, thousands of our neighbors are now safer, stronger, and more productive than before. Together, we have made a difference in this city that we serve.
But the founders of our church were never willing to limit our church's mission to social problems. Yes, we have fought addiction. Yes, we have battled homelessness. And yes, we have defended the victims of domestic violence in our city and beyond. But these are, in a sense, defensive measures. When jobs are hard to find and hope begins to fail, all sorts of social evils will occur. In these times--and all times--our greatest source of hope is the gospel of Jesus Christ, who lived and died and rose again for us. To quote the apostle Paul (whom I preached last week),
Very rarely will someone give his life for a righteous man, although for a good man, someone may actually dare to die. But God demonstrates his love for us in this: while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5: 7-8)
It's this knowledge of God's commitment, God's devotion, and God's sacrifice for us that enables us to bring hope to every challenge that life brings.
In addition to the social problems that I mentioned at the start of this article, San Pedro has struggled with cultural problems, too. The art deco "palace" of our city, the Warner Grand Theater, nearly fell into ruin just a few years ago. And many of the storefronts that once brought shoppers into San Pedro were boarded up for several years as well. Now, most of those storefronts have been converted to art galleries or quirky, eclectic shops. And the Warner Grand Theater is sometimes filled with San Pedrans who have come down to support our town's newly created orchestra, the Golden State Pops.
Stillman Sawyer, who donated the funds that we used to renovate the church's sanctuary, dearly hoped that our church would be a catalyst for renewal throughout the whole city of San Pedro. Thus, I was thrilled when Linda Grimes, the president of the Golden State Pops Orchestra, asked us to host a small concert in our new sanctuary. I would have been thrilled to share that space for free. But the deal that she proposed was so much better than that: Half the proceeds of every ticket that WE sell in advance will support the Youth Ministry of First Presbyterian Church. Moreover, a significant percentage of the proceeds that THEY sell on the internet or at the door will go to our Thanksgiving Basket Program in honor of John Olguin. What better deal can we get than that?
This is truly an amazing offer, and we need to support it this Sunday, November 13, at 3 p.m. Our youth will be selling tickets both before and after church. If you are able to attend worship this Sunday, please don't leave the building without one. If you cannot be present on Sunday morning, then buy some tickets for your friends on the internet.
The greatest leaders of our church (including the late John Olguin) have long believed that our mission was for the whole city of San Pedro. Supporting this concert on Sunday afternoon is just the latest chance for us to demonstrate that fact.
I'll see you on Sunday!
Neal
p.s. In accordance with long tradition, we will also honor our Veterans in church on Sunday. If you can still fit in your uniform, wear it!
Advent
Carol Sing
Come and join us for for a festive Christmas Carol
sing-along! Friday,
December 2 - 6:30 p.m. outside
on Eighth Street (inside
if
inclement weather) -- in
conjunction with Weymouth
Corners Candy Cane Lane.
Student Ministries News
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
Sun, Nov 13
8:30 am - Adult Sunday School
9:30 am - Worship
3:00 pm - Golden State Pops Orchestra
Tue, Nov 15
7:30 pm - Session Meeting
Wed, Nov 16
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 - Handbell Choir Rehearsal
7:00 pm - Prayer Group
7:15 pm - SonLight Singers Choir Rehearsal
Thu, Nov 17
11:30 am - Forever Young Luncheon
7:30 pm - Chancel Choir Rehearsal
Fri, Nov 18
7:00 pm - Youth Hangout
8:30 am - Adult Sunday School
9:30 am - Worship
11:00 am - Worship and Music Meeting
Amy Hubbard is the editor of the Messenger. Erik Larson is fill-in this week.
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