June Reaching Out: Inviting In

Transcription

1 June 2016 Reaching Out: Inviting In The Creation of Adam painting that graces the Sistine Chapel ceiling implies the movements of Adam towards God and God towards Adam. Michelangelo portrays Adam, who has been created in God s image, as devoid of the spark of life that only God can impart. And with hands outstretched, God is only one finger away from providing that spark. This is a painting of promise, of movement, of space, of grace, of life that is waiting to happen. And in a way, I see St. Andrew s reaching, and preparing for that spark of life that will bring us into fellowship with God in a new way. As we patiently await the close of a land sale that will bring new neighbors, we are examining ways in which we can extend helping hands out to our community. We are reaching out, not with grasping hands, but with serving hands that would bring Christ s love to others through our own loving actions. It is through our actions that we provide the invitation for others to enter our fold and get to know us in friendship: Our Hospitality and Outreach Team reaches out to offer hospitality during coffee fellowship and during special outreach events, such as the summer barbecue. Our Home Team reaches out to members and friends who are known to be bedridden and need some companionship or other assistance. They work closely with our Deacons, who provide encouragement and Christ s presence to many. Our Adult Education Team reaches out to members and welcomes our neighbors to learn from our video series, our interfaith dialogues, and community service presentations. Our Mission Team works hard to identify organizations that can benefit from our financial offerings and physical participation. The team encourages church members to serve the homeless in multiple ways. Our SAIL (Serving All In Love) Team is working to identify ways in which we can be of service to our community. Providing CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) and First Aid trainings, purchasing and outfitting a CERT trailer that can be available to this neighborhood, and contributing towards the local hygiene ministries are just a few of the ways in which we strive to serve. We are discovering a new partner in the Preschool, and are seeking ways to serve the families of the students. We are researching the feasibility of bringing a health ministry to our neighbors. Our Presbyterian Women, through Bible study, and quilting, and art, and participation in social justice issues, provide outreach and mission to disenfranchised women locally and worldwide. Our Worship Team works to enhance our weekly offering of worship to God, seeking ways in which we can engage all worshipers. Our Church Beautification and Buildings and Grounds Teams are working together to not only to responsibly maintain and enhance our property, but are envisioning a campus that will be inviting and pleasing to our members and neighbors. According to the Revelation to John, The Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let everyone who hears say, Come. And let everyone who is thirsty come. Let anyone who wishes take the water of life as a gift. Remember, Christ extends the invitation. We simply provide the outstretched hands with which to share the water of everlasting life. And Christ becomes known through our invitation and service. May our love become the invitation, Rev. Suzanne Our Children s and Youth Ministries Teams are reaching out to foster children and to provide support to students in need.

2 The Lighthouse page 2 FROM SESSION At its May meeting, Session: Session News Enjoyed dinner fellowship with the Deacons, followed by a time of discussion and sharing on ways of caring for and supporting older members. Heard a report from the Treasurer regarding the financial statements and activities, and discussed focusing on formulating and sharing ideas for mitigating the budget deficit. Heard an update on the status of the land sale. The final parcel map is nearing completion. The Oak Creek Company has requested a hearing on June 7 with the County Board of Supervisors for final approval of the map for recording. Session reviewed a summary of the Land Sale Fund activity to date. The Pastor gave an update from Paul Davidson, Candidate under care, and family. Received a report from the Nominating Team of the proposed nominations for church officers to be elected at the May 22 Congregational Meeting. Heard a report on Dinner for 6 fellowship dinners, with the next date to be set in the summer. Session discussed sending a letter to reach out to Goleta Presbyterian Church. The congregation is beginning the process of transition after departure of their Pastor. On behalf of the Session, the Clerk will send a letter to the GPC Session expressing care and support, and inviting the congregation to the Family Fun Faire on Sunday, July 3 rd. Heard a report from the Joint CBT and SAIL meeting. Team members shared about participating in God s vision, projects undertaken to date, potential projects, maintenance needs and possible areas of shared ministry. Communication between teams is important and will continue. Received an update on plans for 2016 Leadership Training for ruling elders and deacons for three sessions during the summer. The theme is The Hope in Our Calling Ephesians 1:18, which is the same theme for the PC(USA) General Assembly in June. A Session retreat is set for August at the Oak Creek Lodge, provided at no cost to the church by the Oak Creek Company. Set October 8 as a date for all church Fall Dinner and Congregational meeting, which will include Stewardship emphasis, celebration of the completion of the land sale and sharing by the SAIL and CBT teams. Approved a PYF Spaghetti Dinner fundraiser for Sunday, June 5, 6:00 PM. Approved the expenditure of $200 from SAIL funds for supplies for St. Andrew s To Go boxed sets of materials to be created for church and as outreach to Preschool families to take when they travel over the summer. Sandy Thoits, Clerk of Session Our Mission Statement We worship Jesus Christ together consistent with Reformed/Presbyterian tradition, while: Learning God s Word and spreading the Gospel Supporting each member of our Church family Caring for others through mission and service throughout our community and the world Openly affirming all forms of diversity in leadership, worship and ministry Our Vision Statement As God calls us and equips us by the Holy Spirit, we strive to: Be a loving, connected family-in-faith of all ages Affirm Christ s teaching as the source of spiritual nourishment Grow in discipleship, leadership and service Share the joy of God s love with all

3 The Lighthouse page 3 Meditation for June WHEN THINGS SEEM to be going all wrong, stop and affirm your trust in Me. Calmly bring these matters to Me, and leave them in My capable hands. Then, simply do the next thing. Stay in touch with Me, through thankful, trusting prayers, resting in My sovereign control. NOVEL BOOK GROUP The Novel Book group is reading "Just Mercy," by Bryan Stevenson for our meeting on June 11, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. We meet in the Vos Room. Cree Mann will be leading the discussion. Rejoice in Me exult in the God of your salvation! As you trust in Me, I make your feet like the feet of the deer. I enable you to walk and make progress upon your high places of trouble, suffering, or responsibility. Job 13:15; Psalm 18:33; Habakkuk 3:17-19 (AMP) From: Jesus Calling by Sarah Young THE WEEKEND OF CARING - April The weekend community outreach welcomed Hope Ranch Annex neighbors, congregation participants, and presenters who shared information and steps towards emergency readiness for their families and pets. County Fire Engine 13, Red Cross, Unite To Light, and Presbyterian Disaster Assistance provided tips on safety resources for disaster awareness. Our CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) Trailer was also open to display first aid items, food, cots and medical supplies. The surrounding neighborhood has been alerted that St. Andrew's is a safe place to gather in an emergency in case first responders are not available. On Sunday, April 24 the Showers of Blessing (mobile shower for the homeless) was parked on the front lawn, and open for the congregation to view. Linda McDaid, the operational manager for the Showers of Blessing, spoke during the service to explain the function of the Showers and how this ministry works. There was great interest from the congregation and donations were offered. After the service, a Care Bag Assembly Line was organized and very popular! Thanks to many participants who bagged 80 Care Bags plus additional Doggie Bags for homeless in our community. The SAIL Team will look into expanding our Care Bag Ministry to Showers of Blessing. Volunteers have been providing meals for Isla Vista students every quarter. This student group to be fed brunch was small in number, but the food was gratefully received for another student event that day. Thanks to all who prepared food and helped serve. Wood Glen Hall was very appreciative of our Sing-a-Long with the residents there, and our group of 12 singers were warmly received. The SAIL Team received a thank you card from Wood Glen Hall and we will continue to look for ways to serve our neighbors and community.

4 The Lighthouse page 4 New Church Officers & Leaders I can do things you cannot; you can do things I cannot. Together we can do great things. Mother Teresa The St. Andrew s Nominating Team this year sought to discern through conversations and prayer those who may be called by God to use their spiritual gifts in service in the congregation. What we discovered is that this is a congregation of people who care and want to serve. Thank you to the congregation for being open to serving and responding. Seeking a 10 th Deacon: We are still accepting nominations for an open position in the Deacon s Class of If you know of a church member with gifts of compassion, care and service who you would like to nominate for Deacon, please contact Sandy Thoits at standrewsclerk@gmail.com Elected at the May 22, 2016 Congregational Meeting. Terms will begin on ordination/installation on September 5, 2016: Session: Class of 2018 Julie Sommers. Class of 2019 Scott Eschbach, Diana Lee, Don Vickers, Tom Weisenburger. Deacons: Class of 2019 Doris Caswell, Carol Moore, Paul Zink, 1 position pending (total of 10 Deacons as in ) Treasurer (1 year term) Scott Eschbach Financial Secretary (1 year term) Linda Wisner Nominating Committee (1 year term) From Session: Sandy Thoits, Karen Noffz. From Deacons: Paul Zink. At large members: Chris Hoeckley, Linda Sizer Thank you to members of this year s Nominating Team for their enthusiastic and tireless service: Barbara Eschbach, Linda Gunther, Michelle Hertig, Berna Sutter, Sandy Thoits 2016 Presbytery Meetings Presbytery Meeting Dates for 2016 Saturday, September 24 1 st Pres San Luis Obispo Tuesday, November 15 1 st Pres SB FINANCIAL REPORT Our pledge receipts as of the end of April are $74,183. The budgeted amount for that period of time is $72,930 which gives us $1253 above budget.

5 The Lighthouse page 5 BIRTHDAYS BEING CELEBRATED IN JUNE All Church Spaghetti Dinner Sunday, June 5 6:00PM Hosted by PYF for the Congregation 02 - Estrella Hoeckley, 21 - Megan Malengo Jackie Parker 22 - Linda Gunther, 04 - Duffy Montgomery Dick Noffz, 05 - John Doner Dick Zylstra 07 - John Bowers, 23 - Kirk Grier Cameron Shinn 25 - Linda Sizer 08 - Jamie Carroll Eric Bowers 10 - Elizabeth Davidson 27 - Brad Naegle 12 - Jared Hertig 28 - Frank Gunther, 13 Christine Malengo Mark Montgomery 14 - PJ Zink 30 - Kelly Thoits, 18 - Mary Gilmour, Beverly Walters Randi Rice 20 - James Kirk, Lindsay Pearson All ages welcome Free will offering will be collected at the Dinner supporting PYF camps, retreats, scholarships & programs Please remember our church in your end of life planning. Contact Linda Wisner or Tom Brashears for more information. SUMMER SPECIAL WORSHIP MUSIC. If you are interested in presenting special music during the anthem time of Worship, please contact Christopher Davis or chrisdavis.music@gmail.com

6 The Lighthouse page Leadership Training & Discernment Program For Newly Elected and Currently Serving Ruling Elders and Deacons Theme: The Hope in Our Calling Ephesians 1:18 1. Saturday, June 4, 9:00 12:30PM, including lunch Recognizing Our Call. Ephesians 1. Initial Training Program. Location: At the church. 2. June August Time of discernment, prayer, study. Ask questions. Review Discernment and Study Guide for Ruling Elders. 3. Sunday, June 26, 11:00AM 12:00 Noon Personalizing Our Call. Ephesians 4. Second Training Program. Location: At the church. 4. Saturday, August 13, 9:30AM - 1:00PM Deacons Third Training Program, Fellowship and Lunch. Living the Call. Ephesians 6. Leader: Rev. Judith Muller. Location: To be determined. Opportunity for learning, small group sharing. 5. Tuesday, August 16, 6:00PM Session dinner and meeting. Incoming Elders and Deacons answer questions from Session and are approved for ordination/installation. 6. Friday, August 19, 3:30PM Sunday, August 21, 12:00PM. Session Retreat. Living the Call. Ephesians 6. Location: Oak Creek Ranch Lodge. 7. Sunday, September 4, 9:30AM - Ordination/Installation of Incoming Elders and Deacons, during the worship service. Term of service begins. CMT OUTREACH PROJECT The Children's Ministry Team with support from the SAIL Team has prepared a summer outreach project for the families of the church and the families of St. Andrew's Preschool. We know that many families travel during the summer and will not be able to be at St. Andrew's every Sunday. So we prepared 51 "take out" boxes -- one for each family to use this summer. The contents of the box include some ideas for family fun on the road or during other leisure time, a special book chosen for the recipient age group, some Bible lessons and family discussion and prayer tools. All of the items were packed up in a 12" pizza box which can be stowed under a car seat for travel. We had fun assembling the boxes and look forward to distribution on the weekend of June 5th.

7 The Lighthouse page 7 PYF HIGHLIGHTS Hello All! May was full of fun, starting with our Road Rally, where the youth raced around town to complete tasks for points. James, Carsen, and John won!! Later in the month we had a beach day, where members of PYF and friends spent the day boogie-boarding, burying each other in the sand, and playing Frisbee, after eating lunch provided by Michelle! We took some days off to spend time with our families on Mother's Day and Memorial Day, and are now planning our annual Spaghetti Dinner on June 5th, where we will say goodbye to our graduating PYF members and welcome our incoming members, and kick off our summer activities! Renee Coming Up June Schedule June 5th, 6PM - Annual Spaghetti Dinner June 12th, 6-8PM - Regular PYF in Morgan Hall June 19th, 6-8PM - Regular PYF in Morgan Hall June 26th, 6-8PM - Regular PYF in Morgan Hall The PYF SignUpGenius is now active. Parents and youth This is the link to go to sign up, bring dinner, chaperone, or lead a group activity: pyfwinterspring

8 The Lighthouse page 8 ST. ANDREW S FAMILY FUN FAIRE SUNDAY, JULY 3 TH 10:30am 12:00 NOON On St. Andrew s Lawn Bring your friends for this Sunday event to celebrate Independence Day, an occasion to remember and give thanks for our many freedoms and blessings. Come for the fun and bring a friend! Lunch hamburgers, hotdogs, baked beans, potato salad, watermelon Cake and pie baking contest be sure to sign up! Feel free to bring a dessert to share You don t need to enter the contest Games Music by the Dixie Daddies Purchase your lunch tickets on Sundays in June $5 per person Children 5 and under free Sign up during Coffee Fellowship Time on Sunday s starting June 5 th. "DINNER FOR SIX" returns this summer, on Saturday, June 25, after rave reviews from the premier in April. Enjoy food and fellowship together at dinners hosted in homes. Sign up with Linda Sorensen during coffee fellowship time.

9 The Lighthouse page 9 The 222nd General Assembly (2016) of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) will meet from June 18 25, 2016 in Portland, Oregon. Commissioners, advisory delegates from all 171 PC(USA) presbyteries, along with other participants and observers from around the world, will converge on the Oregon Convention Center in downtown Portland. Hosted by the Presbytery of the Cascades and united under the theme The Hope in Our Calling, from Ephesians 1:18, the General Assembly will include rich worship services, the election of the Moderator, action on a plethora of overtures on a variety of topics, including: Election of a new Stated Clerk of the PC(USA), with the retirement of Gradye Parsons. Candidate information: Exploration of possible merger of the Office of General Assembly and the Presbyterian Mission Agency and whether to change Synod structures Final adoption of the Confession of Belhar Adoption of a new Directory of Worship Progress on the divestment from three companies engaged in non-peaceful pursuits in Israel/Palestine, and other peacemaking topics Addressing climate change and other environmental concerns Immigration issues Possible election of Co-Moderators of the General Assembly General proceedings and worship during assembly will be live-streamed on website. This year, Sandy Thoits will be attending the General Assembly as an observer from the Presbytery of Santa Barbara. Commissioners from SB Presbytery are Jarrett Johnson (Teaching Elder), Mickey Stueck (Ruling Elder).

10 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