FPSP: The Messenger - December 2, 2011

Can you believe December is already upon us? Soon, most of us will be caught up in the well-known "rush" to Christmas Day: shopping, cooking, cleaning, shipping, decorating, writing, celebrating, and so-on. Some folks are incredibly energized by the "spirit" of this season, while others are incredibly exhausted by it. By the time December is over, most of us will feel both emotions, I suspect. But the fatigue brought by this season can be dramatically reduced by time spent with God in worship, fellowship, song. Our church will be providing several opportunities for that in the month ahead, and I hope you'll take advantage of them.

Your first opportunity comes this evening, Friday, December 2, when the "Spiritual Energy" group of our church will be leading Christmas Carols from our steps to the revelers at "Candy Cane Lane" from 6:30 to 7:15 p.m. They will also enjoy some hot beverages and cool treats with other neighbors from this community. If you'd like to "sing along," just show up at the 8th street entrance to our church this evening.

Your second opportunity comes at 9:30 a.m. this Sunday morning, when our "Sonlight Singers" present "Everything at Gacy,'s" a musical that prompts us to look deeper than sale racks or holiday displays for real meaning and real purpose in this season. If we follow their direction, we will also follow the well-known path of the wise men who left the trappings of their homeland far behind in order to find the one whose birth we celebrate Christmas morn.

For many of you, a third opportunity will come at 7 p.m. on Monday, December 5, when the Women's Ministry of our church hosts their annual Christmas Tea. Some women in our church bring several friends and family members to share this wonderful tradition, during which fond memories and delicious hors d'oeuvres are shared. If you haven't yet purchased a ticket, just let Connie Malstrom know that you would like to attend. Her number is 310-833-1140.

Next week, I'll mention several other opportunities for worship, fellowship, and song that are scheduled for this season. If you'd like to plan ahead, just check "The Fisherman," our church's monthly newsletter, or the church web site: FirstPresSanPedro.org. I think you will be encouraged by these offerings, and I hope that you will bring extended family and friends to enjoy them.

Advent Carol Sing
Come and join us for for a festive Christmas Carol sing-along! Friday, December 2 at 6:30 p.m. outside on Eighth Street (inside if inclement weather) -- in conjunction with Weymouth Corners Candy Cane Lane.

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.

Please note that all of our youth events are in our bi-monthly Youth Bulletin which is handed out at church on Sundays or in the entryway. (copies may be e-mailed upon request)

Winter Movie Nights: This year we will be having our famous movie nights for our youth on December 20^th and December 28^th from 6:30pm to 10:00pm. Popcorn and sodas will be provided. Movies are TBD. Friends are welcome to join in on the fun!

Disneyland Christmas Event: This year, we will be going to Disneyland on December 3^rd for our Christmas celebration. Admission cost is $62. Food will be extra. For more information please contact Randi or Todd.

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 now.

YOUTH CHRISTMAS PROJECT

The youth Christmas Project this year is to supply household items to the Manuelito Navajo Children’s Home in Gallup, NM. The orphanage in Gallup now has three (3) cottages housing about 20 children in each. The project is to supply the cottages with needed household items. Our young people are organizing this project by themselves with youth leader advice and guidance. In order to accomplish this task, the youth must figure out fundraisers/donations which will be used to purchase the needed items. They will be comparing prices of items and deciding which items will fit within their raised funds. Please send prayers to help our teens have a successful Christmas project.

Golden State Pops: The youth will be selling refreshments before and at intermission of the concerts being performed by the Golden State Pops Ensemble at our church. Date for the next concert is January 22, 2012 from 1:30pm to 5:30pm. If you would like to help with this fundraiser, please see Randi or Todd.

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.

Fri, Dec 2
5:00 pm - Weymouth Corners Street Party
6:30 pm - Carol Sing-along

Sun, Dec 4
8:30 am - Adult Sunday School
9:30 am - Sonlight Singers lead music in worship
9:30 am - Worship

Wed, Dec 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 - Handbell Choir Rehearsal
7:00 pm - Prayer Group
7:15 pm - SonLight Singers Choir Rehearsal