December From Dr. B: One partridge - in a pear tree was Jesus Christ. Two turtle doves - were the Old and New Testaments.

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December 2012 One partridge - in a pear tree was Jesus Christ. From Dr.

of Scripture, a candle, and a place to pray. He has been accused of trying to kill Christmas, being a Scrooge, and other such things.

He continued to orient his parishioners to prepare for Christmas during the Advent season and to celebrate Christmas during the Christmas season.

The last day of Christmas is Epiphany, January 6, the time when the church celebrates the coming of the Magi to worship Jesus, the Christ child. That s why we at St.

1 December 2012 One partridge - in a pear tree was Jesus Christ. From Dr. B: Dear Friends, When I was in Portland, I heard about a North Carolina pastor who suggests to his congregation every year that the only things they need to prepare for Christmas are a few passages of Scripture, a candle, and a place to pray. He has been accused of trying to kill Christmas, being a Scrooge, and other such things. A few years ago, someone put an inflatable Santa in his yard while he was away from home. Perhaps it was an attempt to encourage him to get more of the Christmas spirit. He continued to orient his parishioners to prepare for Christmas during the Advent season and to celebrate Christmas during the Christmas season. For many Protestant Christians, Christmas is the least understood of all the church s seasons. Christmas is a season, not a day. The first day of Christmas is December 26. The last day of Christmas is Epiphany, January 6, the time when the church celebrates the coming of the Magi to worship Jesus, the Christ child. That s why we at St. Andrew s leave the Christmas decorations up in the sanctuary through January 6. There is a legend that during a dark period in the history of England, Roman Catholics were forbidden to practice their faith. In response to that restriction, a musical device was developed for learning the basic tenets of the faith. They were called, The Twelve Days of Christmas. Legend or not, it is a good device to help us remember some important essentials of our faith. Two turtle doves - were the Old and New Testaments. Three French hens - stood for faith, hope, and love theological virtues. Four calling birds - were the four Gospels or the four evangelists: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. Five golden rings - recalled the Torah or Law, the first five books of the Hebrew Bible. Six geese a-laying - the six days of creation. Seven swans a-swimming - represented the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit: prophesy, serving, teaching, exhortation, contribution, leadership, and mercy; or, the Seven Sacraments of the Catholic church. Eight maids a-milking - the eight beatitudes. Nine ladies dancing the nine representations of the fruit of the Holy Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and selfcontrol. Ten lords a-leaping the Ten Commandments. Eleven pipers piping the 11 faithful Apostles. Twelve drummers drumming the 12 points of doctrine enumerated in the Apostles Creed. So the next time you sing it, enjoy it all the more! And remember the joy of preparing for Christmas during Advent, the first Sunday of which is December 2. See you in church,

2 The Lighthouse page 2 SESSION NEWS Session News At its November meeting, your Session: Approved the Family Advent Craft Workshop on December 1 and requested donations of $8 for Advent Wreath Kit and $2 for crafts. Heard a report from the Finance Committee of receipt and acceptance of the Financial Review/Audit for the period January 2010 December Reviewed and discussed the draft 2013 Budget. Reviewed and discussed a draft Memorial Fund Policy and a draft Facility Use Coordinator volunteer position description. Heard a report from the Personnel Committee. Heard about the youth Mentor Confirmation Program for 2013, with up to 14 youth confirmands. Mentor volunteers are needed. Heard about plans for the Voices of Christmas Dinner Theater on December 21 and 22. Heard a report from the October 30, 2012 Presbytery meeting, and a proposed presbytery Gracious Dismissal Policy. Heard a report on the November 9 th 10 th trial in the Remedial Case and the positive outcome. See further report below. To read the written Decision from the Synod Permanent Judicial Commission and more information, click on the following link to St. Andrew s website page: Sandy Thoits, Clerk of Session Notice of Annual Meeting of the Congregation Sunday, January 27, 2013 at 10:30AM in the Sanctuary. Purposes: Annual Reports received, 2013 Budget presented Approval of Pastor s Terms of Call

3 The Lighthouse page 3 REMEDIAL CASE TRIAL RESULTS IN RULING IN FAVOR OF ST. ANDREW S AND INDIVIDUAL COMPLAINANTS On November 10, 2012, after hearing and trial, the Permanent Judicial Commission of the Synod of Southern California and Hawaii (SPJC) issued a decision and rulings in favor of complainants, including St. Andrew s Session, several teaching and ruling elders and against the Presbytery of Santa Barbara on 18 of 19 Counts. The SPJC overturned the actions taken related to the union presbytery plan with ECO adopted by the Presbytery on June 2. Read the full Decision, Rationale and Findings by clicking this link: The trial took place on November 9 th (evidence presented) and 10 th (decision read and announced) at St. James Presbyterian Church in Tarzana, California. Eight members of the SPJC heard and decided the case. Several St. Andrew s ruling elders and Pastor Brett Becker were among the group of over 35 Complainants and other supporters who attended the trial. St. Andrew s and Complainants legal counsel, Doug Nave, presented opening and closing statements and examined witnesses. Rev. Peter Buehler (Pastor First Presbyterian Church Santa Barbara), Elder Sandy Thoits (Clerk of Session St. Andrew s Presbyterian Church) and Rev. Eugenia Gamble (Pastor Nipomo Community Presbyterian Church) testified as witnesses on behalf of Complainants. Expert witnesses who testified on behalf of St. Andrew s and Complainants were: Dr. Jack Rogers, Dr. Mark Achtemeier, Rev. William McAtee. The Santa Barbara Presbytery may appeal the decision to the PC(USA) General Assembly Permanent Judicial Commission within 45 days of receipt of the SPJC decision. St. Andrew s Session and all Complainants would like to express deep gratitude and thanks to everyone involved in the process leading up to and at the trial, in particular to our tireless and experienced legal counsel, Doug Nave, and to the witnesses who gave their time, energy and expertise over several days. Remedial Case Fund: St. Andrew's has established a Remedial Case Fund to receive donations toward the costs of the remedial case and trial. Thank you to supporters who have made contributions. Many of these costs (such as witness fees, copy costs, costs of trial transcript, travel and lodging for parties and witnesses) have now been incurred. Additional contributions will help to pay for the recent costs for the trial. Donations of any amount are appreciated. Any balance remaining in the fund after all costs have been paid will be donated to the PC(USA) for support of PC(USA) seminaries. For further information about the Remedial Case Fund or to make a donation, contact Sandy Thoits, Clerk of Session at standrewsclerk@gmail.com. UPDATE FROM THE STEWARDSHIP TEAM As of Monday, November 26, we have received 99 pledges for 2013 for a total of $256,911. In comparison the total amount pledged in 2012 was $257,320.50, a difference of $ Significant is the fact that in 2012 we had 108 pledging units, 9 more than this year. The Finance Team is ready to prepare the 2013 budget for St. Andrew s. If you are still considering pledging for next year, please turn your card in as soon as possible. You can find pledging cards in the pew racks or in the church office. Thank you so much Presbytery Meetings Saturday, February 9 Saturday, May 4 Saturday, September 28 Tuesday, November 12

4 The Lighthouse page 4 FOCUS ON THE WORLD, by Harold Englund After Thanksgiving comes Christmas. This reminds me of the short year we spent in South Africa after I retired. Several pastors from South Africa asked us to consider spending a year there, and knowing how eager pastors were to put the church beyond apartheid, we agreed. The coming of Christmas reminded us that summer and winter are reversed in South Africa. The symbolism we are used to simply had to change. It was summer, and people were at the beach. Pictures of Santa Claus clad in a red snowsuit were ridiculous. Rudolf, the red-nosed reindeer was nowhere to be seen. Enid said to a neighbor that she missed seeing our lovely poinsettias. The neighbor laughed and said, Just wait six months, and when winter comes, you see lots of them! On Christmas Day, our neighbors invited us over to swim in their pool, and then to share their braai, their word for barbecue. But one night, we drove down to a large maritime park near the sea where hundreds of Blacks and Whites from various churches gathered for a Christmas songfest. We were sitting on the ground underneath a grove of giant camphor trees. We sang familiar carols in both English and Afrikaans, and the leader said everything twice. The air was warm so we needed no wraps. After the music, families opened up their hampers and spread out their late suppers on cloths. We hadn t brought food, but some total strangers offered us a chance to share their picnic fare. We drove home with a new feeling of what Christmas can mean apart from our commercial symbolism! But the message was the same. After all, the Bible is completely international today, and so are its glorious stories. A baby boy is born, Mary s first child, and he grows up with brothers and sisters. Eventually, he goes south to John the Baptist, his cousin, for baptism in the Jordan River. God anoints him with the gift of the Holy Spirit and empowers him for the ministry he then begins. That ministry now includes the 45 to 50 people of South Africa! The Dutch Reformed Church began its ministry in South Africa in the 1600s. The British came in the 1800s to add to their Cape to Cairo empire, so the Anglican Church is also present. The four major theological faculties in South Africa are all Dutch Reformed, and I visited all of them in due course, making many new friends. Today, the faculty in Stellenbosch is extending its service to the lands to the north, and twelve theological schools are banded together under a board headed by my principal host, Jurgens Hendriks. These seminaries are training pastors in Namibia, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Kenya, Angola, Zambia, and Mozambique. In writing my memoirs, I am now reviewing this special year. Both Enid and I feel enriched by the experience, and we continue to follow events in southern Africa with keen interest. We have unpacked all the materials we brought home, and the apartment rings with laughter and with tenderness as we recall our many friends there. We will be wishing them all a joyous Christmas. And we will wish the same for all of you St. Andrew s colleagues too! For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord! THANKS FROM GOLETA LIONS CLUB Thank you to PYF and all those who donated to "Creepers, Peepers." 34 pair of used eyeglasses, 3 cell phones, and a phone amplification device were given to the Lions Sight and Hearing project.

5 The Lighthouse page 5 ANGEL TREE Once again there will be an Angel Christmas Tree to benefit the families in Santa Barbara that cannot afford to buy Christmas gifts. Select an Angel off the tree in Morgan Hall, buy the gift listed on the Angel, return the gift unwrapped to St. Andrew s and the gifts will be delivered to the Christmas Unity Shoppe in Santa Barbara. Please pick your Angel from the tree and return the unwrapped gifts by Sunday, December 16 th. This is a wonderful opportunity to include your children in the joy of giving to those who are less fortunate in terms of material possessions. COMMUNITY OF FRIENDS! We need (used but not abused) toys, books and games for children of all ages, newborn to 12 years old and gift cards for older children. Please bring your donated items to the church by December 16, POINSETTIAS Poinsettias may be ordered in memory of, or in honor of a friend or loved one. Please use the order blank in the Sunday order of worship. Plants are $5 each. Make your check payable to Ariel Bowers. All orders need to be turned in by December 7. SANTA BARBARA MISSION CONFERENCE JANUARY 25-26, 2013 God s Heart for the World FIRST PREBYTERIAN CHURCH Preregistration (completed by January 15) $35 At the door $50 Registration is now open at: Mission forms are in the Narthex, and the church office. CHURCH WOMEN UNITED CHRISTMAS TEA FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1PM St. Mark United Methodist Church 3942 La Colina Road, SB Featuring Covenant Players Drama Christmas Eve $5 donation suggested Contact Nancy McKenzie for more information Church Work Day Saturday, December 15, 9a-12n

LIGHTHOUSE The Lighthouse page 6 ADVENT CRAFT WORKSHOP & POTLUCK SUPPER Everyone is invited! Come have fun with your church family as you prepare your heart and your home for the coming of Christ!

6 LIGHTHOUSE The Lighthouse page 6 ADVENT CRAFT WORKSHOP & POTLUCK SUPPER Everyone is invited! Come have fun with your church family as you prepare your heart and your home for the coming of Christ! The Advent Workshop will include projects that you can make as decorations for yourself, gifts to share with others, and reminders of the person whose birthday we celebrate on Christmas! There will be something for all ages! SATURDAY, DECEMBER 1 st 4:00pm Advent Crafts in the Window Room 6:00pm Potluck Supper in Morgan Hall (bring any potluck dish to share, table wear provided) Requested donation for crafts: $2 per person $8 for an Advent Wreath Kit: Styrofoam base, 5 candles, ribbons, greenery and attachment wire THE NOVEL BOOK GROUP The Novel Book group is reading "Honolulu," by Alan Brennert for our meeting on December 8, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. We meet in the Vos Room. Join us as we discuss the book. WINDJAMMERS Progressive Dinner Sunday, December 16, 5p.m. Reservations required R.S.V.P. to Bev

Wreath Begins Holy Communion Celebrated Alternative Christmas Mart 2:00p Presbyterian Women s Christmas Tea in Morgan Hall 9:30a Worship Adult Choir Christmas Concert Alternative Christmas Mart 9:30a

7 The Lighthouse page 7 Advent at St. Andrew s December 1 December 2 December 9 December 16 December 21 & 22 December 23 December 24 Advent Craft Workshop & Dinner 4:00p Christmas Family Crafts 6:00p Potluck Dinner 9:30a Worship - Advent Wreath Begins Holy Communion Celebrated Alternative Christmas Mart 2:00p Presbyterian Women s Christmas Tea in Morgan Hall 9:30a Worship Adult Choir Christmas Concert Alternative Christmas Mart 9:30a Worship Children s Sunday Children s Nativity Pageant PYF Progressive Dinner Voices of Christmas Dinner Theater 6p Dinner, 7p Theatre 9:30a Worship Christmas Eve Service 7:00p in the Sanctuary Meditation for December Thou, my Lord Jesus Christ, Thou who camest into the world in order to save those who were lost, Thou didst leave the ninety and nine sheep in order to look for the lost one, look Thou for me in the path of errors, where I hide myself from Thee and from mankind. Thou the good shepherd let me hear Thy gentle voice, let me know it, let me follow it! Soren Kierkegaard December Calendar No Watercolor Painting No Writers Group Choir Sunday, December 9, 9, 9:30a.m. Lead Me Back to Bethlehem Join us on December 9 th as our St. Andrew s Choir presents a very special Christmas Concert.

The Lighthouse page 8 VOICES OF CHRISTMAS DINNER THEATER Come See and Hear Perspectives Around Jesus Birth December 21 st and 22 nd 6:00PM Family Event Festive Holiday Dinner Will

8 The Lighthouse page 8 VOICES OF CHRISTMAS DINNER THEATER Come See and Hear Perspectives Around Jesus Birth December 21 st and 22 nd 6:00PM Family Event Festive Holiday Dinner Will Be Served Followed by Live Performance Special Movie Alternative for Children Dinner Cost $9 per person, $4 children 12 & under Christmas Eve Candlelight Service December 24 th 7:00PM

The Lighthouse page 9 ALTERNATIVE GIFT FAIRE CHRISTMAS JOY OFFERING Your Mission Committee will be conducting the annual Alternative Gift Faire on December 2 and 9 immediately after the Sunday

9 The Lighthouse page 9 ALTERNATIVE GIFT FAIRE CHRISTMAS JOY OFFERING Your Mission Committee will be conducting the annual Alternative Gift Faire on December 2 and 9 immediately after the Sunday worship service. This event allows you to make a gift in honor of someone dear to you. We will provide you with a card you can give so that he or she will know that a gift in his or her honor is helping someone in need this Christmas. This year you can contribute to a variety of worthy causes. With a contribution to World Church Service you can help poor rural families in developing countries achieve selfreliance with the use of seeds and tools, or you can have a huge impact on a family s health and food security by providing them with 50 baby chicks who will become egg-producing chickens, or you can provide blankets to persons in need of warmth after a disaster. With a contribution to the local Foodbank you can support that agency s backpack program that provides good nutritious food to schoolchildren who do not have enough to eat during the weekends. With a contribution to Transition House you can provide clothing and school supplies to local students who temporarily reside at that facility for the homeless. With a contribution to the Unite-to- Light project, you can provide solar powered lights for students and their families in Africa who lack electric power in their homes. The Unite-to-Light program was developed by our own John Bowers and others on the UCSB staff. On December 16 the Christmas Joy Offering will be received. This is one of four annual offerings sponsored by our national Presbyterian Church. Funds collected during the Christmas Joy Offering are used to provide financial assistance to current and former church workers and their families and to enable deserving students to attend Presbyterian related racial ethnic colleges and schools. The need for the offering was brought home to many of us last year when we became aware that Ruth Crawford, the wife of our former pastor, was being helped by the collection. The several church related schools and colleges provide education to Blacks, Latinos and Native Americans who might not otherwise receive an education that can help bring them out of poverty. When you do your Christmas shopping this year please think about helping out others who are in more need than we are by participating in both the Alternative Gift Faire and the Christmas Joy Offering. BIRTHDAYS BEING CELEBRATED IN DECEMBER 01 - Harold Englund 17 - Michael Shinn 02 - Robin Knauss 18 - Alyssa Wilson 03 - Stephanie Acuna 20 - Joan Cyr 04 - Carolin Allbright, 21 - Stephen Lee, 05 - Peter Wisner Twyla Grier 07 - Sean Russo, 24 - Steven Henderson, Allison Russo, Catherine Montgomery, Charles Spencer Terry Staten 08 - Carol Stewart 27 - Samantha Alverez, 13 - Noah Keyzer Matthew Arnold 14 - Eliza Woodard 29 - Michael Padden-Rubin 16 - James Carroll 31 - Robert Rinker DIRECTORY CORRECTIONS Phone for John and Ariel Bowers: for Louise Carey: dcarey12@cox.net

The Lighthouse page 10 PYF: MOVES Forward PYF started out November with fun and games at

Next, PYF went on to Camp Ocean Pines for our first retreat of the year, everyone had a

Some memorable things that occurred: Exploring Tide Pools, Watching Shooting Stars, and

But now PYF moves forward toward a December full of exciting events: Saturday, December

spirit by making all different kinds of holiday crafts.

Sunday December 9 th 11AM PYF hands out Voices of Christmas flyers in the church

Andrews and make Gingerbread houses, for a great holiday decoration, or tasty treat!

Andrew s and go from house to house eating a delicious meal split up into parts.

10 The Lighthouse page 10 PYF: MOVES Forward PYF started out November with fun and games at the Prayer Partner Game Night. Games were played and fun was had by all. Next, PYF went on to Camp Ocean Pines for our first retreat of the year, everyone had a great time as we did activities, interacted with nature, and grew closer to each other. Some memorable things that occurred: Exploring Tide Pools, Watching Shooting Stars, and playing with Peepers the camp s resident owl. But now PYF moves forward toward a December full of exciting events: Saturday, December 1 st 4:00 PM- Advent Craft Workshop, Potluck Dinner- Bring $10 and get in the holiday spirit by making all different kinds of holiday crafts. Sunday, December 2 nd 6:00-8:00PM PYF at Church, Christmas White Elephant Gift Exchange. Sunday December 9 th 11AM PYF hands out Voices of Christmas flyers in the church neighborhood. 6:00-8:00PM- PYF at Church, Gingerbread house building, come by St. Andrews and make Gingerbread houses, for a great holiday decoration, or tasty treat! Sunday, December 16 th 5:00-8:00PM- Progressive Dinner, meet at St. Andrew s and go from house to house eating a delicious meal split up into parts. Friday, December 21 st and Saturday December 22 nd 6:00PM- Voices of Christmas Dinner Theater, PYF will be the waiters and waitresses. More info to come! Sunday, December 23- No PYF Tuesday, December 25 th - Merry Christmas!!

805-967-6327 Fax: 805-967-9530 Web: www.standrewspcusa.

11 St. Andrew s Presbyterian Church Dr. Brett Becker, Pastor 4575 Auhay Drive Santa Barbara, CA Phone: Fax: Web: Facebook: St. Andrew s Presbyterian Church 4575 Auhay Dr. Santa Barbara, CA 93110

FROM THE PASTOR. December 2015

FROM THE PASTOR. December 2015 December 2015 FROM THE PASTOR Friends, You ve heard the Christmas story about the twin 5-year old boys, one an optimist and the other a pessimist, haven t you? Their father, a psychiatrist, decided to