FIRST PRESS

Volume 48, No. 11

N o v e mb e r 2 0 1 1

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF SAN BERNARDINO

Dear friends,

A Fond Farewell
As most of you know by now, I have tendered my resignation, effective December 31. As I stated in my letter to you, it was a difficult decision to even begin looking for another position. When the position in Tempe, Arizona, came up and they offered my the nomination to be their next pastor, I was shocked at how quickly it happened. We do not have housing secured in Tempe just yet. But, for those who would like to keep in touch, here is my contact info at the church: University Presbyterian Church 139 E. Alameda Drive Tempe, AZ 85282-3597 (480) 966-6267 We will not be moving until the first week of February, and my start is February 14. My e-mail will remain the same (eoledermann@gmail.com) as well as my Facebook and Twitter contacts, and we will probably not change our cell phone numbers for a little while: (909) 289-9668. Thank you to each and every one of you for an amazing three years, and I know for sure that God is very present among you and in this community. Peace and blessings, Pastor Eric

1900 North D Street San Bernardino, CA 92405 Office 882-3308 FAX 882-0888 www.fpcsb.net

The Rev. Dr. Sandy Tice Pastor The Rev. Eric Ledermann Associate Pastor The Rev. No Falconi Melinda Rueda Ministry of Visitation The Rev. Jim Huffstutler Pastor Emeritus
SUNDAY SCHEDULE:

Adult Ed. & Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Worship

Preparing for the Prince of Peace

By SANDY TICE As we move into what our culture understands to be the season of shopping and of frenzy, Gods 10:30 a.m. invitation to us is to slow down and attend to things that are silent, quiet, and deep. At First Pres this advent, we will have several opportunities to encounter the Light that darkness cannot overCoffee Fellowship come, and to prepare to welcome the Prince of Peace. 11:30 a.m. Come join us (and invite a friend?) at our annual Longest Night Service, intended for those who feel sorrow as well as joy as they enter the holiday season. (Thursday, December 1, 6:00 p.m.) Consider coming to the chapel on Tuesdays at noon to listen to advent texts using a prayer practice called lectio divina. It is the Mission of First PresbyteCome enjoy our Church Family Christmas on December 4 right after church. It is a potluck (need rian Church of San Bernardino, inspired by the Holy Spirit, to pro- not be home-made) lunch where we will sing carols and play together. The event will be festive, claim the good news of the Gospel inviting us to delight in the Church Family that is a gift to us in every season. of Jesus Christ through worship and Pick up a copy of our devotional guide, Preparing for the Prince of Peace, which includes refleccelebration, and teaching and learntions from 24 members of this community, and pray along with the rest of us each day of Advent. ing, so that lives are transformed Advent Quiet Nights on December 8, 15, and 22 are a time to gather in the Chapel, hear scripture, and members are encouraged to use their special gifts to care for and be together as we wait. and value, as God's Beloved, each Our hearts long for the peace God offers. My prayer for you this season is that you might find the other and the community in which time, the quiet, and the space to rest in that Peace and be renewed for love and service. we live.

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Pastors Page
Whats Changing
By SANDY TICE When Bethany opened her email from Eric that described his departure, she read it solemnly. I sat and waited for her reaction. And her first question startled me: So no more youth group? For three years now (a lifetime for a teenager) Pastor Eric has helped define our youth ministry. Before that, Jennifer Butler provided leadership. Now what? Her question helps me hear the many questions that will be asked by adults as well as youth and children as we move toward this transition. As Eric leaves, what will happen in the many areas that have been his responsibility? How will things change? What can we expect? I cannot say exactly what things will look like, but what I keep hearing from God when I pray is Dont be afraid. .. the One who began a good work in us will bring it to completion (Philippians 1:6) I am sure of three things: We will continue our mission as disciples of Jesus. We will decide together how to do that. We will rely on God, who will never leave us or forsake us. Of course there will be youth group. And we will continue to have deacons and a food ministry. There is no doubt we will still pursue mission both locally and far away. And ministry to children and their families will remain central to what we do. The church and its ministry are never about one person. Gods work in this place will continue. In the weeks and months ahead, Session and Deacons will continue to listen for Gods voice. They will continue to lead us in the way of Christ.

"To live in this world, you must be able to do three things: to love what is mortal; to hold it against your bones knowing your own life depends on it; and, when the time comes to let it go, to let it go" - Mary Oliver

Down In Front!
By CURTISS ALLEN You are all about to witness a grand experiment in our sanctuary during this Advent Season! The Sanctuary Choir, who has been joyfully filling the air with its music from the balcony in the back of the church for lo these many years, will be relocating to the Chancel during Advent! You ask why? One word: Accessibility. As we age, our bodies dont handle climbing several flights of stairs like they once did. As music director, I want everyone to have access to singing in our choir regardless of their physical limitations. Moving down to the Chancel will also give the choir members a chance to feel more included in the Worship experience as they will be able to see your faces, and you theirs! Now is your chance. If you happen to be one of the people who have been reluctant to sing with us because of the need to climb many stairs, wait no longer! Those who wish will process into position during the opening hymn. Others may wish to position themselves in their new choir seats prior to the processional. We will sing our usual Introit after the processional hymn in order to accommodate everyone. One special note: On December 18, the choir will be dispersed among the congregation as the children will lead worship with our annual pageant. The choir and whoever else wishes to participate will be invited to come down front and stand for the Halleluiah Chorus at the end of the service. Carol will play the organ from the back so we will simply follow her! The choir practices on Thursday at 7 p.m. in the Fireside Lounge. Peace to you all this Advent Season and lets continue to make beautiful music together as we lead Worship in a new and exciting way!

Lectionary
December 4 (2nd Sunday of Advent) Isaiah 40:1-11 Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13 2 Peter 3:8-15a Mark 1:1-8 December 24 (Christmas Eve) Isaiah 9:2-7 Psalm 96:1-13 Titus 2:11-14

December 11 (3rd Sunday of Advent) Luke 2:1-14 (15-20) Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11 Psalm 126:1-6 or Luke 1:47-55 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 John 1:6-8, 19-28 December 18 (4th Sunday of Advent) 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16 Luke 1:47-55 or Psalm 89:1-4, 19-26 Romans 16:25-27 Luke 1:26-38 December 25 (Nativity of Jesus Christ/Christmas Day) At Dawn: Isaiah 62:6-12 Psalm 97:1-12 Titus 3:4-7 Luke 2:(1-7) 8-20 Christmas Day: Isaiah 52:7-10

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With The Eyes of a Child

By LYNETTE DuCLOS ADELSON Happy Holidays! Experiencing Christmas through the eyes of children is a great gift and we, at First Presbyterian ChildCare Center, are grateful for the opportunity. December is so full of excitement and anticipation that we want to include everything in our monthly curriculum and yet keep it as stress and anxiety free as possible. The first week will be spent exploring winter. Well do lots of science experiments with ice. We'll freeze water in shallow pans, cupcake tins and even surgical gloves and create sculptures with different shapes. Well make our own snow..cones with our hand crank ice shaver! If there is snow in the mountains we'll ask someone to bring us down a pick-up full. We'll make gingerbread people and share them with our families during our Christmas Program in Fellowship Hall. The next weeks we will emphasize the true meaning of Christmas. We will read about the birth of God's son including books that focus on the preparations in the stable and in the fields. Our dramatic play centers will be transformed with mangers, scarves, swaddling cloths and robes. We will sing traditional Christmas hymns as well as simple, modern tunes. And we will create art depicting the story of Christs birth. And if that's not enough, we will explore the concepts of gift giving, sharing and being thankful for all that God gives us. The last week of December will be full of discussions and activities about endings and beginnings as we prepare for 2012.

Consecration Sunday Was Amazing!

By SANDY TICE It was a joy to listen to our guest, Dr. Robert Cave, Dean of Faculty and VP of Academic Affairs at Harvey Mudd College, speak to us about courage and gratitude and giving, and about how encountering Jesus transforms us. It was a delight to sit down to lunch together, and to hear the sounds of laughter and recognition, to see some folks we havent seen in a while, and to break bread together. And it was magnificent to receive the pledges that indicate that we all have a stake in the future of our ministry here. Thanks to all who made the day possible, especially the Pledge Team of Mark Edwards, Nora OToole, Deb Law, Shannon Nolin, and Cindi Pringle. By the way- if you have not yet been able to pledge, we would love to hear from you. It would be an enormous help to the Session as they build the budget for our ministry in 2012. Thanks be to God!

Longest Night Service

By SANDY TICE My friend Elizabeth Nordquist wrote on her blog: So how does the Holy One come to speak to the loneliness we as humans have as part of our journey? The Psalmist laments (a good place to start): I am like an owl in the wilderness, like a little owl of the waste places. I lie awake; I am like a lonely bird on a housetop. (Psalm 102: 6,7). Naming our loneliness in the Presence of the Holy One is a beginning to moving from the despair of loneliness to the safety of solitude. The Psalmist turns bereft attention to the action and nearness of the One who, according to St. Augustine, is closer to us than our very breath, the God of Many Names, and finds the beginning of solace there. The Longest Night service that we hold each year is a chance to name that loneliness, and to lament our sorrow, and to be touched by Gods powerful healing presence in contemplative prayer. It will be December 1 at 6 p.m., and is an ideal place to bring a friend who has had a difficult year, or is entering the season with a burden. It is also an ideal place to pray for the sorrows of a world that waits for the final coming of the Prince of Peace. I hope you will join us. The rest of Elizabeths blog can be found at: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/amusingamma /2011/11/all-the-lonely-people/

John 1:5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

Save the Date

There are a great many exciting things happening in our church worship services this month as we celebrate Advent and we would hate for you to miss anything! Dec. 1 Dec. 4 Dec. 18 Dec. 24 Dec. 25 Longest Night Service. Church Family Christmas. Christmas Pageant during worship. Christmas Eve service at 7 p.m. Christmas Day service - Come as you are, sing for joy, and feel free to bring leftover holiday baked goods to share during Coffee Hour!

Financial Report
As of 31 October 2011 Pledges Other Income Expenses Net Income Actual: Budgeted: Over/ (Under): (17,595.76) 2,040.57 (9,155.30) (6,399.89) $ 349, 904.24 $ 27,832.21 367,500.00 25,791.64 388,267.14 5,024.50

$ 379,111.84 $ (1,375.39)

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DECEMBER A Church Family Christmas

By WANDA SKIPPER The holiday spirit will be flowing with singing, table activities and sharing a meal right after worship on Sunday,. December 4.. It is a potluck, and you can certainly fix your favorite dish ...or simplify and pick up something ready made. There are lots of choices too. Well need main dishes, side dishes and desserts. Desserts should be finger food cookies, brownies, etc. Dont stress out let the deli, the store, the frozen food section do the work for you. The joy and fun is in the sharing. There will be people in the kitchen to keep items warm and have everything ready following worship. There will be communal singing and fun interactive table games for all ages. Come and enjoy the fellowship of your church family as we kick-off the holiday season.

CELEBRATIONS
Dec 1 Elaine Saenz Diana & Mike Panelli Joseph Panelli Dec 2 Dec 3 Dec 4 Dec 5 Sarah Godby Cindi Pringle Michael Panelli Bobbie Terrell Curtiss & Rebecca Allen Bob & Mary Drage Dec 9 Dec 10 Dec 11 Maddie Ramirez Cyndi Dallas Sindy Ledermann Colleen Paris Christi Showman Farrar Deagan Belle Esther Fenton Dec 12 Bob Drage George, Robert & Tiffany Biddlecombe Dec 15 Dec 16 Dec 17 Dec 18 Dec 19 Mark Cousineau Jon Horstmann Ron Skipper Bill & Doris Nord Patrick Garcia Jim & Carol Coyne Kristin Arellano Dec 20 Dec 21 Dec 23 Dec 24 Dec 25 Dec 26 Dec 28 Melodee Kistner Danielle Garza David Hackleman Ray Nelligan Carolyn Getchell Renee Kern Howard & Nancy Le Roy Dorothy Strum Lillian Franklin Blaine & Renee Kern Eunice Olsen Dec 29 Dec 30 Nick & Karen Davies Thelma Knea Dec 14

An Alternative Christmas Market

By DEBBIE LAW Along with angels and stars, a heart sums up the inspiration behind Christmas. Shining through the decorations and celebrations of the holiday is the simple message: God has a heart for the world. The message of Christmas rings loud and clear: everything has a place in Gods heart of love. He treasures each and every one, and He longs for each to know the fullness of life that comes through the life, death and resurrection of His Son, Jesus. He has a heart for the world, a heart that is animated with hands and feet that fed the hungry and hands that healed the world. This is the heart of Christmas. The heart of our Alternative Christmas is found in; Habitat for Humanity, The Heifer Project, First Presbyterian Churchs Child Care Center, and The Pencils and Prayers Project of Curtis Middle School. Each has reclaimed the love and heart of Jesus, extending lifegiving opportunities to the people of our community as well as around the world. Alternative Christmas, provides gifts of materials and goods for Habitat for Humanity and The Heifer Project, while providing school supplies and games to the Child Care Center of First Presbyterian Church and The Pencil and Prayers Project of Curtis Middle School. Join Presbyterian Women on Dec. 11 in Fellowship Hall as we, as a congregation, give the heart of Christmas to the world and our community.

Time For Goodbye

By SANDY TICE Saying goodbye is hard to do, especially if you love the person to whom you are saying it. But saying goodbye is important- it is an opportunity for blessing and for healing. Goodbye is actually a contraction of the phrase God be with ye, which is exactly what we hope for Pastor Eric, as he begins ministry with a new congregation, and what he hopes for us as we remain here. We will celebrate and pray for the Ledermanns in worship on December 18, and there will be a reception in Fellowship Hall afterward where you can greet them, and say good bye. We will give Eric a basket full of remembrances, and if you would like, you may participate in that gift. Simply tear off the last page of this newsletter (or print it out, if you are reading it electronically, or pick up a paper copy in the office) and select one of the blessings to complete. What will you remember about Eric and his ministry among us? What gifts have you seen in him that you know he will take to University Pres.? Jot down a note about a moment where you saw Christ at work in him, or name one of the gifts and graces you have noticed. You may send or bring it to the office, or simply bring it to the celebration. We will gather all the notes into a basket of blessings for him to take into the next chapter of his ministry.

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Sprits Raised As Well As Funds

By LYNETTE DuCLOS ADELSON The FPCCC fundraiser at El Torito was a great success. We received $269 from El Torito which beat our last two fundraiser totals. Add that to the $285 donated by folks who wanted to support FPCCC but couldn't attend and we have a total of $554 to put in the Parent Activity Fund! In the past the FPCCC parents have given that money for special equipment or projects in the classrooms. Thank you all for eating well in support of this mission of our church and for your continual encouragement and prayers.

Dear Friends at First Presbyterian, Thank you for all of the love and comfort that you have given to our family after the passing of our dear Mother. We especially thank Pastor Sandy for the wonderful Memorial Message and special prayers for us, Pastor Noe for visiting and praying with Mom in the hospital, Carol for the beautiful music (especially Thy Word is a Lamp Unto My Feet, Moms favorite), Pat, Roy, and Irene for Moms last coffee party, and special thanks to all the office staff who put it all together! Mom was blessed with 103 years on this earth. Thank you for being an important part of her life for over 30 years. Hugs and kisses to all of you! Love and Blessings from, Leona Strunks Family.

Congratulations to Cyndi Dallas Temple and Kendall Voris, who were married during worship on Nov. 20! We wish them a joyful and happy life together as Cyndi and Kendall Dallas. (You read that right- they have agreed to share her name) .

Keep Military Members in Your Prayers

Seaman Mark Munz, US Navy, San Diego, CA Sgt. Andrew Bonine, US Army, Ft. Riley, KS Pvt. Rachael Bonine, US Army, Ft. Riley, KS Staff Sgt. Robert Bentley Wilson, US Army Schofield Barracks, HI WO2 James Bentley Wilson, US Army, Iraq

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I will remember your ministry; especially the time when . . .

Your new congregation will be blessed to have you because . . .