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The Messenger - November 18, 2011 - One Testament of Love

First Presbyterian Church of San Pedro: Christ for Life

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 Pastor's Corner
"One Testament of Love"

Legend has it that a fellow named Fred fell deeply in love with a woman named Sue.  After just a few months of dating, he said, "Sue, I know I can't buy you luxuries like Jeff Green, but I love you deeply, and I want you to be my wife."

Sue said, "I love you, too, but tell me more about Jeff Green."

There is something about money that truly tests our level of devotion for one other.  Is this relationship worth the cost of good meal?  Is it worth the cost of a movie?  Is it worth the cost of a three hundred dollar gift?  Is it worth the financial risk of marriage?

Similar questions can be asked about relationship with God.  We say that we love God.  We say that we sense God's presence.  We say that we are grateful for God's blessings in our lives. But how much are those feelings worth?

the price of two tickets to the movies (perhaps 20 bucks a week)?
the price of very nice dinner for two (perhaps 60 bucks a week)?
the price of a new car payment (perhaps 200 bucks a week)?
the price of a mortgage payment (perhaps 500 bucks a week)?

This is not an easy question to answer in any day and time, and it is particularly hard to answer in seasons of financial insecurity.  Yet most of us spend our careers with some measure of insecurity, and growth in income usually leads to growth in expense.  Sometime, we simply have to stop this cycle.  We simply have to ask the tough questions.  We simply have to ask, "how much is this love worth?"  

Near the end of worship this Sunday, November 20, each of us will have a chance to answer that question by placing an "Estimate of Giving Form" for 2012 on the communion table.  These forms will be used to compile our church budget for the coming year, but almost no one (except our financial secretary) will actually see them.   That's because this form is really a testament of affection between you and God.  We'll confirm your gifts periodically because we know how easy it is to lose track. But we never hound people.  Instead, we trust people to give as God has blessed them.

Some years, giving is easy.  Some years, giving is hard, and most of us have had to cut back now and then.  But most of us have also found that truly sacrificial giving deepens faith and love more quickly than almost any other act.  Christ proved it on the cross.  He paid the ultimate price.  He gave us everything he had.

How much is his devotion worth to you?

Neal


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

SUNDAY SCHOOL TODAY!!!  Please join us upstairs. (11/20/11)

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.

 

Thank you to all of the youth who helped with the Golden State Pops event.  It was a good fundraiser for the youth!

UPCOMING EVENTS

Thanksgiving Day Baskets:  If you would like to help with the baskets on Tuesday November 22, please be at the church around 8:00AM.  Due to our regular work schedules Todd and Randi will not be supervising the youth.  Please make sure to supervise your teen.

Decorating the church:  We will be decorating the church on Saturday November 26th from 9:30AM to noon.  More information to come.

(NOTE:  CHANGE OF DATE FOR DISNEYLAND)

Disneyland Christmas Event:  This year, we will be going to Disneyland on December 3rd  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

Tue, Nov 22
8:30 am - Thanksgiving Basket Day

Wed, Nov 23
7:00 am - Bible Study at Carrow's
7:00 pm - Prayer Group

Thu, Nov 24
11:30 am - Forever Young Luncheon
7:30 pm - Chancel Choir Rehearsal

Sat, Nov 26
9:00 am - Christmas Decorating

Sun, Nov 27
Communion
8:30 am - Adult Sunday School
9:30 am - Worship

Amy Hubbard is the editor of the Messenger.
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