July/Aug 2017 LET ME BE CHRIST TO YOU. From the Desk of Rev. Judith Muller

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1 July/Aug 2017 LET ME BE CHRIST TO YOU From the Desk of Rev. Judith Muller Recently, we sang a lovely song, "Let Me Be as Christ to You" about being loving, caring, listening, helping, serving. It is a possible theme song for St. Andrew's. You do this so well. In my previous life as Associate Pastor for Pastoral Care at First Pres, one of my delights was arranging retreats to give the Board of Deacons opportunities to learn and practice "active listening." Active listening is the ability to understand another person's feelings, to accept those feelings, and not respond with our own messages. This kind of listening helps promote a feeling of understanding between and among people. It has been my goal and it takes practice! These lazy, hazy (foggy) days of summer offer great opportunities to practice, to visit with neighbors and friends, to have a cup of coffee in an air-conditioned coffee shop or linger in Morgan Hall to have a conversation with your pew mate. As Pastor Brett is taking a well-earned rest/vacation/study leave and participating in his daughter's wedding, please be assured that pastoral care will continue as Suzanne Malloy, the Deacons and I are here among you. Over the years I have picked up various pieces of helpful items to remember when I get beyond "How do you do?" or "How are you?", both of which are greetings, to the real question, "How are you, really?" This can be an invitation to a deeper, caring conversation. Find a comfortable place to listen and tune in. Here are some "Keys to Good Listening" to consider: - Limit your talking: You can't talk and listen at the same time. - Ask Questions: If you don't understand something, or feel like you may have missed a point, clear it up now. - Don't interrupt: A pause, even a long pause, doesn't always mean the person is finished saying all he/she wants to say. - Concentrate: focus on what is being said. Practice shutting out distractions. - Turn off your own worries: Personal fears, worries, problems send out unconscious messages that can block out the other person's message. - React to ideas, not the person: Your friend may say something, or have a manner that may be irritating. Be prepared to overlook the annoyance and receive the idea. Then there are many ways we attempt to help people that are common and yet ineffective. They're called "conversation stoppers" because they usually do not encourage people or help with the problem-solving process. There are so many and as I read the list, I cringe at the number of times I have said some of these very words. Here are just a few and you can probably come up with others. "What I think you should do is..." "Don't worry about it; things will get better." "If I were you, I would..." Oh, there are a bunch! We could get together and have a great time reviewing the list of things we have heard ourselves say! Repeatedly, I have heard people say how much they have appreciated the sense of caring and community at St. Andrew's. These little items help us to be aware when conversations seem to stop or people are not feeling heard or helped. Possibly, one of those "conversations stoppers" has entered the interaction. Awareness is the first step. Practice is the next step.

2 The Lighthouse page 2 At its May and June meetings, Session: SESSION NEWS Session News Heard a report from the SAIL team about plans for Immigration Sunday on July 2 nd, the Neighborhood Health & Safety Fair on July 22 nd and a Potluck dinner with the Llamada Final congregation on August 20 th. Session approved requesting donations of $10 each for Welcome Signs to be available beginning on July 2. Heard a report from the Pastor on his regular participation, along with other Session members and Pastor Pablo Pineda (Llamada Final), in the Interfaith Sanctuary Alliance for immigrant justice, safety and community relationships. Session approved and adopted the Santa Barbara Interfaith Sanctuary Alliance Covenant (see below). Reviewed and provided input for reply to correspondence from church members. Approved the color green for the new paint for the large Celtic cross mounted on the roof of the Sanctuary building and other crosses on the church grounds. Heard a report from the Deacons training meeting and approved a request for a one-time gift to the Deacons for $300. Shared ideas for planning, approved costs and heard a report from the Session Retreat at Oak Creek Lodge. Approved pulpit supply and remuneration for four Sundays in June & July during Dr. Becker s vacation, study leave and sermon planning dates. Heard a report from the CBT team and approved expenditures from the CBT funds for roof repairs, for $13,200 from CBT funds, with the possibility of up to $4,000 additional funding if needed for the project. Heard about and discussed plans for completing landscape plans in phases and further reviews. Elected ruling elder Sandy Thoits as Clerk of Session for July 1, 2017 June 30, Elected the officers of the Board of Trustees: President Don Vickers, Vice-President Linda Gunther, Secretary Sandy Thoits, Treasurer Scott Eschbach. Discussed ideas for updating the church website. Heard a report about the May 20 Presbytery meeting and positive progress made in coming together for meetings and in financial health in the Presbytery. Added Diana Lee as a member of the SAIL Team. Added Barbara Gaughen-Muller and Ann Padden-Rubin to the Mission Team. Sandy Thoits, Clerk of Session. SESSION SIGNS ON at its June 13 th meeting, the Session adopted the following statement: As people of faith and people of conscience, we believe that every person is sacred. We will work to ensure respect for the dignity, safety, and human rights of all people while resisting unjust policies and practices that target and discriminate against immigrant communities. Dr. B, Reverend Malloy, and several Session members have been active in the Interfaith Sanctuary Alliance, a gathering of faith communities that have banded together to support immigrants living in Santa Barbara County. The above statement is the covenant agreement of the Alliance. To learn more, please contact Linda Sorensen, Suzanne Malloy, Dr. Becker, or Tom Weisenberger YOUR CHURCH SESSION welcomes input from the congregation. Should you have any suggestions, concerns or questions for Session, please submit them in writing to Session, addressed to the Clerk of Session (Sandy Thoits).

3 The Lighthouse page 3 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 Meditation for JULY/AUGUST DEAR LORD, I REALLY WANT TO LEARN how to listen more, and also to listen to others whom You have put in my life to make me a better person. Today, and every day, I want to be more like You. Teach me how to walk through the process from where I am to the place where You want me to be. -Dolphus Weary (From NEW MERCIES A DAILY GUIDEPOSTS PRAYER COMPANION) 2017 Presbytery Meetings Saturday, September 23 rd San Luis Obispo Tuesday, November 14 th St. Andrew s

4 The Lighthouse page 4 TRANSITION HOUSE Help serve to those in need and experience the joy of serving grateful residents with St. Andrew s friends. The 3 rd Friday of every month. Instructions, menu and recipes provided. Contact Linda Sorensen to sign up. JULY BIRTHDAYS 06 John Gonzales 07 Kendall Shinn 08 Nancy McKenzie 08 Jeffrey Wootton 10 Enid Englund 11 Evan Schindler 12 Nancy Henry 15 Christopher Davis 26 Shelby Malengo 16 Patty Enger 27 Lindy Moore 17 Jim Gilmour 28 Marie Sue Parsons 17 Dana Monk 28 Kathy Van Slyke 18 Katie Lefley 29 Scott Eschbach 20 Ariel Bowers 30 Paul Davidson 21 Louise Carey 31 Bob Parsons 23 Laura Lee Henderson 31 Penny Sidoli CHURCH WOMEN UNITED The State Assembly meeting will be in Santa Barbara at St. Mark s United Methodist Church (3942 La Colina Road) on Saturday, July 15 th, from 8:00am (beginning of registration and continental breakfast) to 3:00pm (lunch included). The Rev. Joyce L. Randall, State President, will be there. Time is planned for a beach excursion so bring beach shoes, a hat and sunscreen. Registration ($15) may be completed at the door. Please call Judith Muller at to be sure you are included in the lunch count. 01 James Padden-Rubin 02 Patrick Gildea 03 Brandon Gonzalez 03 Charlotte Smith 04 Barbara Hughes 07 Joshua Acuna 08 William Hughes 14 Kayla Malengo 16 Cheri Larsen-Hoeckley 18 Bill Wise 21 Martha Hitchens 22 Robert Allbright 24 Pam Cary 25 Beau Henderson 25 Andrew Lefley 28 Bill Oakley AUGUST BIRTHDAYS NOVEL BOOK GROUP July/August The Novel Book Group is reading "Dreamers of the Day" by Mary D. Russell for our meeting on Saturday, July 8 th, in the Vos Room at 10am. Bev Ford will be leading the discussion. For our group in August, we will meet on August 12 th, at 10am in the Vos Room to discuss Hillbilly Elegy by J.D. Vance. Jackie Parker will lead the discussion. All are welcome to attend and new members invited!

5 The Lighthouse page 5 $$ ENDOWMENT FUNDS AT WORK $$ It is good news that our Endowment Funds continue to work for the church. The 1997 Endowment Fund was endowed with $40,000 in honor of St. Andrew s 40 th anniversary. Proceeds of this fund are defined by the By-Laws: The purpose is to make money available for mission giving, special programs, and capital projects outside the normal operating budget. Since that initial funding, dividends have been used for the pastor housing fund, video equipment, Chinle mission, a portion of new carpeting, youth mission support, and the CERT trailer. At this time, dividends of $17,773 remain available for programs that fit the defined purpose of the fund. This 1997 Fund is invested in a New Covenant Mutual Fund, the Balanced Growth Fund and has a current value of $163,452. Then, in 2015, Mona Wise made a generous gift of stock to establish a new fund, the 2015 Endowment Fund. This stock was redeemed for $9,644, the amount established our second fund. The designation for our 2015 Fund is: Dividends are to annually be used for the St. Andrews Operating Fund. The 2015 Fund is also invested in a New Covenant Mutual Fund, the Balanced Income Fund. To date, the Fund has produced earnings of $593. Those generous gifts of 1997 and 2015 are legacies that go to work and keep giving for years to come. We are all indebted to members who have had the faith and foresight to provide for the future of St. Andrew s. Members of the Endowment Fund Committee: Gloria Wise Tom Weisenberger Jackie Parker

6 The Lighthouse page 6 SESSION RETREAT Session Retreat June 2 4 Theme Decision Making and Values A weekend of learning, work, fellowship, rest, reflection, prayer and worship at the beautiful Oak Creek Ranch Many thanks to our skilled and engaging teacher and facilitator: Dr. Enrico Manlapig, Professor of Economics and Decision Analysis at Westmont College

7 The Lighthouse page 7 HEALTH & SAFETY FAIR & BLOOD DRIVE Hope Ranch Annex Saturday, July 22 nd 12:00pm 2:00pm at St. Andrew s Presbyterian Church Fun for the family! Free hot dogs! Raffle items! Free concert by the Honeysuckle Possums! Tips & information, health & safety resources, Presentations by Red Cross, SBRN, CERT, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Tri-Counties Blood Bank and much more! Hosted and sponsored by St. Andrew s

8 The Lighthouse page 8 ST. ANDREW S FAMILY FUN FAIRE SUNDAY, JULY 2 nd 11:00am 2:00pm 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, hot dogs, baked beans, potato salad, watermelon Cake and pie baking contest Feel free to bring a dessert to share You don t need to enter the contest Games Music Purchase your lunch tickets on Sundays in June $5 per person Children 5 and under free SAVE THE DATE! All Church Old Fashioned Potluck Supper with Llamada Final congregation Saturday, August 20 th 4:30pm SUMMER MUSICIANS NEEDED The Worship Team is seeking special music for the summer Sundays when our choir is taking a break. The choir will sing on August 6 th. If you would like to share your gift of music with the congregation on any other Sunday this summer, please contact Christopher Davis at or chrisdavis.music@gmail.com 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 JULY/AUGUST SCHEDULE NO PYF ON SUMMER BREAK

9 The Lighthouse page 9 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