Window

First Presbyterian

Church of Santa Monica

October 2018

The

Pastor’s Pen

Dear Friends, October is the season in which we have our church’s annual pledge campaign. We ask members and friends of the church to indicate how much you anticipate contributing to our operating budget in 2019. Your pledge helps our church leaders to wisely manage our resources by giving us the best possible estimate of the income for the year. The commitment of our church leaders is that we will be the wise and faithful stewards of the resources you entrust to us to do God’s work. People have different reasons for giving to First Presbyterian, Santa Monica: FAITHFUL DISCIPLE: I give to the church as an expression of my commitment to follow Jesus. The amount I give is a demonstration of my faith in real world terms. It shows my spiritual decision to participate in God’s work of making this world a blessed place. Through this discipline, I am learning how to become the generous person that God wants me to become.

“Just as you excel in everything else… in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness… see that you excel also in the grace of giving.” -2 Corinthians 8:7

RESPONSIBLE MEMBER: As a member of the congregation who appreciates the ministries of our church and its role in the community, my giving is my support and participation. Your pledge is a demonstration of the depth of these reasons. First Presbyterian Church is blessed to have endowments and funds contributed by previous generations. We also earn income through the Nursery School and rental of the church facilities. 80% of the income from investments, nursery school and other facilities use is expended on the maintenance and institutional operations of the church. The funding for the ministries, missions, and life of the church is dependent upon the giving of members. The level of current giving determines what can be done in the ministry and mission of our church.

Income: The church has three basic sources of income to fund the operating budget: Giving from members and friends: 257,945 (27%) Investment income: 312,719 (32%) Nursery school and facilities use 398, 474 (41%)

For a total of 969,138

Expenses:

These funds are utilized in the following ways: Maintenance and institutional operations 566,771 (58%) Congregational Life & Fellowship 19,500 ( 2%) Pastor 135,129 (14%) Worship 100,011 (10%) Spiritual Growth 101,011 (11%) Mission 46,440 ( 5%)

Although First Presbyterian is blessed to receive income from endowments, our Nursery School, and rental income, the primary source of funding for our ministries is congregational giving. Since 2015, pledged giving has dropped 25%. As of August, 50 members (25% of the active member roll) have made no traceable donation in 2018.

The profile of pledges: >15,000 1 10,000 – 14,999 4 8,000 - 9,999 1 5,000 - 7,999 11 2,000 - 4,999 15 500 - 1,999 21 In addition, there are 20 non-pledge givers to the church that have donated $ 8,585 in the first 8 months. Our church is dedicated to be an instrument of God’s blessing in our community and around the world. It is the giving of our congregation that makes this possible. In 2018 our mission distributions are budgeted at $46,400. Recipients include: Westside Food Bank: food services Westside Coalition: housing, hunger and health services Step Up on 2nd: mental health OPCC: basic services P.A.T.H. Upward Bound House: housing and supportive services to families Journey Out: human trafficking Solemates with One Voice Disaster Relief Presbytery of the Pacific Synod of Southern California and Hawaii General Assembly Mission of the Presbyterian Church (USA) Some members of our congregation tithe (give 10% of their income) as a personal discipline of living as a follower of Jesus. Others are unable to tithe now but begin a plan to do that by pledging a percentage of their income. Others offer whatever financial support they can as supporters of the ministry and work of our church. On Sundays, October 14 and 21, I will be exploring in the sermons the Biblical guidance for how to wisely manage finances and how to become generous people. We dedicate our pledges on November 4. I invite you to prayerfully consider how your pledge reflects and expresses your commitment to Christ and to First Presbyterian Church. Blessings

Pastor Tim

October 2018 Calendar Friday, October 5th 6:30 p.m. Vawters’ Daughters, Off-Site Sunday, October 7th 10:00 a.m. Worship Service, Sanctuary 11:15 a.m. Spiritual Growth Seminar, Library Thursday, October 11th 7:30 p.m. Vox Luminis concert, The Broad Stage Sunday, October 14th 10:00 a.m. Worship Service, Sanctuary 11:15 a.m. Spiritual Growth Seminar, Library 11:00 a.m. Fall Harvest Festival, Patio Monday, October 15th 6:30 p.m. Finance Team Meeting, Library 7:15 p.m. Session meeting, Library Saturday, October 20th 8:00 p.m. Jacaranda, Sanctuary Sunday, October 21st 10:00 a.m. Worship Service, Sanctuary 10:00 a.m. Los Angeles Children’s Choir, Sanctuary 11:15 a.m. Spiritual Growth Seminar, Library 12:00 p.m. Culver City Orchestra, Sanctuary Tuesday, October 23rd 6:00 p.m. Men at the Manse, the Manse Friday, October 26th 6:00 p.m. Youth Group Laser Tag, Youth Lounge/Off-Site Sunday, October 28th 10:00 a.m. Worship Service, Sanctuary 11:00 a.m. Election Meeting of the Congregation, Sanctuary 11:30 a.m. Spiritual Growth Seminar, Library 2:00 p.m. Kaleidoscope Chamber Orchestra, Sanctuary WEEKLY AT FIRST PRES Wednesdays: 9:00 a.m. Wednesday Morning Gathering, Wictum Hall 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. Church Mice, Church Mice Room; C.E. Building 7:00 p.m. Yoga, Renaissance Room Thursdays: 9:30 a.m. Bible Study, Library 7:00 p.m. Choir Rehearsal, Choir Room Sundays: 9:00 a.m. Choir Rehearsal, Choir Room 10:00 a.m. Worship Service, Sanctuary 5:00 p.m. Youth Group, Youth Lounge

Mission Projects

Solemate Time! For almost thirty years the Mission Team has provided shoes for children in need. We work with One Voice in Santa Monica to identify those families who would benefit from our help. We have updated our process by ordering the shoes in advance rather than shopping with a family, and this has made our shared lunch more special. Please consider contributing to this special project and we will match you up with the student upon delivery of the shoes on Saturday, November 3rd. We will be on the patio every Sunday after the service or you can donate directly through the church website by identifying the donation for Solemates. It costs up to $50 for a pair of child shoes and $100 for teens but all amounts are appreciated. We encourage any member of the church to attend the November 3rd lunch and distribution at noon. We get to meet the families and hear their stories. Thank you, Janet Landon

Presbytery News

Meeting of Presbytery of the Pacific, September Representatives from the church attend the Presbytery of the Pacific meetings. This month the meeting was held at the Wilshire Presbyterian Church (which is actually on Western) and the focus was on Mission. The Rev. Liz Theo Harris from the Poor People’s Campaign and the Rev. Jimmie Hawkins from the Office of Public Witness, the lobbying arm of the Presbyterian Church U.S.A., spoke passionately to the assembled. Rev. Harris provided the following resources to learn what they are doing and how you can be involved: Email the office: ga_washington_office@pcusa.org Website: www.presbyterianmission.org/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/PCUSAWashington Twitter: www.twitter.com/PCUSAWashington YouTube: www.youtube.com/PCUSAWashington Blog: http://officeofpublicwitness.blogspot.com Cash bail is one of their missions. At the summer General Assembly in St. Louis they marched to the jail and used the $40,000 raised to get everyone out on bail. They also have summer internships that include a modest residential stipend and have regular advocacy trainings.

Children’s, Youth, and Family Ministry October 2018

SUNDAY FAITH GROUPS

Church Mice (Preschool – Kindergarten) Middle School Youth (6th–8th Grade) Faith Discovers (1st-2nd Grade) High School Youth (9th-12th Grade) Faith Explorers (3rd-5th Grade) October 7 – Tough Questions along the Way October 7 – Characteristics of Jesus October 14 – Finding Our Way October 14 – Characteristics of Jesus October 21 – A New Way October 21 – Characteristics of Jesus October 28 – The Way of Exclusion October 28 – Characteristics of Jesus

WEDNESDAY FAITH GROUP

Church Mice (Preschool – Kindergarten) October 3 – Shout October 10 – Shout October 17 – Shout October 24 – Shout October 30 – Shout

YOUTH GROUP

Hey Youth Group Families:

Can you believe the holiday season is about to hit? Holiday season for Youth Group is

my favorite time of the year. Fall festivities, cooler weather, and time to hang out with

the youth of the church. This month we will be continuing our

“Characteristics of Jesus- Building a real relationship with God” series.

As we head into this busy season let

Matthew 6:25-34 be our theme! Let’s not worry about tomorrow and be

present in the moment were in!

Youth Group Sunday Evenings

The Youth Group meets on Sunday evenings from 5pm – 7pm.

Finding identity, belonging, and purpose in a competitive world by Caleb Roose

This article from the Fuller Seminary Youth Institute provides excellent insight into the role of competition in the identity formation of our youth. For the youth in our church, they need adults in the church who know how to help them see and form their identity in the love and purposes of Jesus Christ. -Peter

Whether we like it or not, we live in a competitive culture. Competition is present on the field, in the classroom, and in the workplace. It is deeply formative—impacting the identity, belonging, and purpose of young people. And while competition can be an excellent context for character growth and identity development, such growth isn’t guaranteed. For example,

• A student aims to graduate with a 4.0 and at the top of her class; yet, she secretly wonders if she will have any worth if she earns a B her final semester.

• An athlete strives to overcome every obstacle, but at the expense of healthy relationships with others.

The problem with performance-based identities Fuller psychology professor Benjamin Houltberg is an expert on youth development whose research on performance-based identities and sports reveals how our culture’s focus on winning and losing often negatively shapes young people’s identities. Houltberg found that performance-based identities (defined as “mindsets that link love and acceptance to performance”) ultimately lead to a fear of failure, perfectionism, and a fear of disappointing others. Some of the strongest influences on young people’s identity formation are the adults in her or his life. When parents, mentors, and coaches focus on outcomes like winning and losing rather than character development and purpose, young people learn to link love and acceptance to performance rather than the unconditional love of Christ. Move from performance to purpose Teaching teenagers to form their identities based on a single narrative of success and failure gives minimal direction, inclines teenagers toward a utilitarian view of relationships, and is largely self-focused. Purpose is a more holistic basis for identity development. Young people, all people, need a grander purpose and motivation that gives direction to their lives, provides opportunity for relationships with others, and is bigger than themselves. So, how can we help young people gain purpose in a hypercompetitive world? First, we may need to reflect on the source of our own motivations and identities. Ask yourself: “How is my own sense of self based on how I perform and how others perceive me, rather than on who I am in Christ?” Next, consider the following shifts that might help young people build identities and find purpose on a more solid foundation:

1. Identity - Instead of focusing on A’s and F’s, wins and losses, ask young people each week about what they are learning, how they are growing, and how choosing to follow Jesus affects how they see themselves. Make space for their honest answers.

2. Belonging - Instead of describing relationships in competitive terms (e.g., ‘beating the enemy’), use competition as a way of building relationships with others (e.g., ‘working as a team’). By doing so, competition can serve to help form a sense of purpose through relationships, as opposed to dominating and defining relationships.

3. Purpose - Instead of viewing success as the purpose of life, help young people comprehend their lives in the context of the much grander gospel narrative. Understanding our lives in the context of God’s redemptive work in the world can enable us to live for something bigger than ourselves, build meaningful relationships, and develop a sense of meaningful direction for our lives. Blessings,

Spiritual Growth

Jacaranda Music - Saturday, October 20th at 8:00 p.m.

TIME FOLDER – Dylan Mattingly – Achilles Dreams of Ebbets Field (2015; LA Premiere)

Jacaranda is a series of intimate concert adventures into the realm of new and rarely-heard classical music designed to awaken curiosity, passion, and discovery. jacarandamusic.org

LACC - Sunday, October 21st at 10:00 a.m. (during Worship) Los Angeles Children’s Chorus provides choral music education of the highest quality to young people who represent richly diverse racial, economic, and cultural backgrounds. The program ignites a love of singing and nurtures the full expression of each individual’s potential for artistic and personal excellence through the collaborative experience of choral music performance. Through the beauty of inspired and joyful singing, Los Angeles Children’s Chorus brings the transformative power of music to communities throughout Southern California, the nation and the world.

Culver City Orchestra - Sunday, October 21st at 12:00 p.m.

Discoveries and Influences – Frank Fetta – Conductor and Music Director

Parness Concerto Competition Winners: Dominik Yoder, Piano , winner/junior division Victor Shiyakhtenko, Piano, winner/intermediate division

Kaleidoscope - Sunday, October 28th at 2:00 p.m. A conductorless chamber orchestra dedicated to enriching lives through exhilarating concert experiences, artistic excellence, musician leadership, and connecting with the diverse communities of L.A. kco.la

Concerts at First Pres

MAKING SENSE OF FAITH Presbyterians have always thought that it is important that our faith should make sense. The heart cannot rejoice in things that the mind rejects. To that end, our denomination has, as a part of our constitution, a Book of Confessions that answer the question: What do we believe? On the four Sundays of October, Pastor Tim will lead a series that will introduce the historical backgrounds behind the twelve creeds and confessions found in the Book of Confessions. He will also explore these fundamental doctrines addressed in those documents: •What is the Gospel of Christ? (What is so special about Jesus and why are his death and resurrection important? •What does the trinity mean? •What is salvation, grace and faith? •What is the authority of Scripture? •What is meant by the terms: sovereignty of God, election and predestination? Bring your questions and perspectives as we meet on Sundays, Oct. 7, 14, 21, & 28 at 11:15 in the Library to explore our faith.

Vox Luminis - Thursday, October 11th at 7:30 p.m.

The Broad Stage, a performing arts center in Santa Monica, is very excited to welcome Vox Luminis on October 11th, 2018 at 7:30 PM. We are extending a discount offer for the performance to liturgies and fans of Early Music.

The Belgian, early-music ensemble Vox Luminis has been praised for its seamless blend of high quality individual voices, exquisite tuning and clarity of sound. Works by Luther, Schütz, Purcell and Bach comprise this poignant program, exploring the rich history of musical memorials that both mourn death and celebrate life.

If anyone at First Presbyterian Church of Santa Monica would be interested in attending this performance, please visit our website to order tickets and learn more at https://www.thebroadstage.org/voxluminis. Use promo code Luther for 35% off our regular ticket price for Premier and Level A seats.

Spiritual Growth Seminar

Concert at The Broad Stage Santa Monica

As you can see from the pictures below, the Wednesday Morning Ladies Gathering is getting ready for our annual mini Christmas bazaar. We have crocheted hats, scarfs, baby blankets, baby clothes and water bottle holders. We have a Coca-Cola Christmas tree plus other Coca-Cola collectibles. We also have an Elvis Presley truck in the original box. We have purses, crocheted coat hangars, placemats, Christmas stockings and ornaments and a soft piano keyboard. The bazaar will be held on December 2nd and December 16th, following the worship service. Watch for announcements. Remember all our proceeds go to the church.

Carol Purcell, a vibrant member of First Presbyterian Church of Santa Monica, passed away on July 7, 2018. Carol was well known around Santa Monica for wearing unique hats and carrying her long walking stick. She moved to Washington around 2011 to be closer to her family.

Wednesday Morning Ladies Gathering

FIRST PRES COMMUNITY

Wednesday Morning Gathering The Wednesday morning ladies gathering are preparing for our annual mini bazaar. We are aiming for early December after worship service. Stay tuned for dates and details! We have many items to sell such as: crocheted hats, scarves, coat hangars, place mats, sock monkeys, jewelry, and boutique items. We look forward to seeing all our church friends at our bazaar. We meet at 9:30 a.m., Wednesdays, in Wictum Hall.

Bible Study Join Pastor Tim as we read through the Gospel According to Matthew. In this book, attributed to one of the twelve Disciples, Matthew draws connections between the Old Testament and the life and ministry of Jesus, showing that Jesus is the Messiah. He also focuses on the instructions that Jesus gave for right living. Come; join in the conversation as we look for how God is speaking to us through these words at 9:30 a.m., Thursdays, in the library.

Greeters Welcome You! We are happy you are here. Please join us in fellowship and worship. All are invited to be a part of the Greeter ministry; call the church office for details.

Vawters’ Daughters Join the women of the congregation the first Friday of every month. In honor of those spunky sisters who played such a vital role in the history of the church, we are the Vawters’ Daughters. Contact the church for more details.

Flowers They beautify our sanctuary, honor your loved ones and provide cheer to our hospitalized and homebound parishioners. The deacons divide each week’s arrangement into two or three bouquets and deliver them to members who can’t get to church because of illness, injury or frailty. It keeps our “friends at home” connected to their church family in a meaningful way. The cost of the weekly flowers is $65. Donors can dedicate the bouquet in honor, or memory of someone special. We have open dates on Oct 28, Nov 11, and Nov 18, as well as four Sundays in Dec. Please let Pat Alston know which date you’d like to reserve. You can reach her by phone at 310-390-5206, or by email: pat@patalston.com. The deacons also can put to good use any small or medium vases that may be taking up precious space in your cupboards at home. Bring them to church any week day or Sunday morning. Or let Pat know so we can pick them up at your home. Thank you for your support.

Westside Food Bank The Westside Food Bank provides immediate hunger relief to the people of our community. Bring your donations of cash and checks payable to First Presbyterian Church with Westside Food Bank in the “memo” line to church the first Sunday of every month. Canned food and durable goods are also welcome, but donations of cash or check are preferred, as the Westside Food Bank multiplies these donations tenfold through its bulk buying power. A list of needed food items is available. Call the church office for more information.

Need a Ride to Church? If you are in need of a ride to church, our van driver, Tyrone DuBose has been providing transportation to First Pres members and friends for thirty-four years. He will make sure you get to church on time and in style in the First Pres van, and take you back home after the service. To schedule a ride call Tyrone directly at 310.920.0410.

Hatha Yoga Join us for yoga in a supportive relaxing atmosphere! Knowledgeable, trained, innovative teacher. Bring water and a mat to the Renaissance Room, Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m. The suggested donation is $25 per month. Questions? Call the church office 310.451.1303.

Concerts at First Pres

PUBLISHER: First Presbyterian Church of Santa Monica 1220 Second Street Santa Monica, CA 90401 SUBMISSIONS: Send newsworthy information about church activities for consideration in the Window to info@fpcsantamonica.org.

October Birthdays

October 1 Kinley Bales October 16 Bill Ireland October 3 Phyllis Mouzoures October 16 Sandy Micallef October 5 Louise McLaurin October 17 Grey Thompson October 5 Jim Williams October 17 Hamilton Lu October 6 Elle Hall October 19 Amy Boersma October 7 Al Hamblin October 22 Vivianne Berdon October 8 Lauren Hall October 23 Bevin Earhart October 9 Donny Watt October 24 Tessa Hsei-Schumacher October 10 Julie Dechaussé October 24 Janet Landon October 10 Sam Horowitz October 27 Elizabeth Edstrom October 10 Natalia Yung October 27 Tyler Olds October 14 Matthew Dunlap October 28 Joe Fairbanks October 14 Jennifer McNeil October 28 Carey Larson October 31 Karen Register