the kirk | April 2017 1

The Kirk April 2017

Our mission is to glorify Jesus Christ and to be instruments of

God’s healing, reconciling, life-giving presence in the world.

A Note From the Pastor

You don’t really understand Easter if it doesn’t scare you. We tend to associate this day with springtime, bunnies, eggs and cute little girls in new dresses with pretty hats. What

we should be thinking about is grown women with their dresses hiked to their knees, running in fear out of a cemetery. These were the first women who discovered that Jesus’ tomb was empty, and were terrified and dashed out of there like they were running the hundred yard dash. That’s the feeling we should have as we move toward the middle of this month. If death is not the end of life, then we don’t understand life. And, folks, that is exactly what Easter proclaims.

We may not like to think about death very much, but we organize our days around it more than we realize. We should assume that someday we will be dead, and for a very long time, so we should try to get all we can out of life while we are still breathing. This places an enormous amount of pressure on our jobs, relationships, and the maintenance of our health. We want to milk all of the delight out of these blessings while we have them.

But if death is not the end of life, we should consider rethinking the mission of our lives. That’s the frightening part of Easter. The resurrection of Jesus also accomplishes our resurrection from the dead. That means life is not measured by what we gather for ourselves during our fleeting years before we die. Eternity has already begun for us. So we are free, and even compelled, to use the years we have on this earth to work for things that will outlive us. Easter bids us to take inventory of our lives and to ask ourselves if we are committing our time and resources to something greater than ourselves.

Every time I walk into our sanctuary, its beauty overwhelms me. It’s hard to be in that room without paying attention to the presence of God. But those who are now dead gave this incredible place of worship to us. They also gave us a vision to build community. Why would they spend so much on this church building? After spending these past few years with you it is easy for me to see why. It’s because they were devoted to their Easter faith.

My fervent hope is that someday in the vast future, a generation yet unborn, will also be giving thanks for the investment of your life in this church’s ministry. I believe you have an Easter faith that is not only transparent but that is transposing into future generations.

Thank you for sharing your faith with me and being such a great inspiration as a church in this community.

first presbyterian church of san luis obispo

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2016-2017 BIBLE STUDYThe PW Bible lesson for April is Lesson 7 of "Who Is Jesus?" according to non-canonical gospels. The Key Idea: besides the four canonical gospels, other stories about Jesus circulated, offering stories about Jesus's missing years and the diversity of early Christianity.

Here are ways you can come and learn about these non-canonical stories. The Bible study groups are: the first Thursday of each month in the Library at 10 am; the second Wednesday evening at Dorie Larson's home at 7:30 pm; or the WOW (Women of the Word) group on the first and third Wednesdays

at 12:45 pm. JOIN US! You will meet new people who will become your new friends. Call Dorothy 541-6779 for more information. FYI... the Friendship Group meets every Thursday morning in the library at 10 am; contact Barbara Gillson.

BIRTHDAY OFFERING 2017 "GOD PROVIDES"This upcoming Mother's Day will be celebrated by your ability to support the Healthy Women Healthy Families ministry by donating and obtaining Mother's Day cards. Cards will be available on April 23, 30, May 7 and on Mother's Day, May 14. Each card is a donation for $10, two or more for $18, and three for $27. On May 14 we will celebrate Mother's Day with refreshments on the Patio.

Thank you all for your support for the annual Presbyterian Women's Birthday Offering. These projects keep us aware of needs that we could not participate in if not for Presbyterian Women USA.

As a simple effort on your part, we still collect the bar code labels from food products that the Campbell company sells, as we as the cancelled stamps from your daily mail. Please save them and place them in the Presbyterian Women's mail slot in the Hart Building. These items are for support of the mission schools to provide equipment and school supplies. Thank you!

An update for your information—the Capital Campaign/Property Committee efforts completed the Wilson Kitchen

Remodel Project on time and under budget! Special thanks to Bill Wilson, Evelyn Ruehr, Steiner Svennungsen, Mike, Nate, Chris, Gary and all the folks that made this happen. If you haven’t seen the new kitchen, we suggest you check it out. New ice maker, dishwasher, sinks, faucets, reconditioned stove and range, new microwave, and new convection oven. Also, ALL users of the kitchen in the future must be trained and approved.The Hart Elevator Project progresses slowly due to the design limitations and liabilities of the main structure. The committee is working hard to clear this major, and stubborn, hurdle; expecting clarification and a recommendation for proceeding in April.Next efforts: Hart Building Painting Project update- estimates and painting plan are received. Session members and Committee have reviewed and approved the color scheme and plan. Designer Pierre Rademaker recommended the Hart Building color scheme to complement the sanctuary. Copies of the final plan will be posted on the Church Patio Kiosk. Expect scaffolding and surface preparation to begin soon. Wilson Hall Flooring Project includes sanding, staining and sealing is tentatively scheduled for June. Parking Lot Resurfacing Project slated for summer. Busy times. More on the way.

Property Committee

Pancake Breakfastfor Learn Connect Play Preschool

Generously donated by the SLO Fire Department

Saturday, April 1 • 8-11 amIn the Church Parking Lot

Please help support our wonderful preschool!

Inquirer's ClassSundays in May during the Education Hour

What does it mean to be a Presbyterian?What is the history of FPCSLO?

Would you like to meet other inquirers?Learn about the life and ministry of this

church. Participation in the class does not commit you to church membership.

Contact Bob and Glenda Morgan at 543-3901.

UPCOMING EVENTS

BOOK BROWSERS in the Geneva RoomAPRIL 4, 2017 • 7:00 PMFor their April meeting, Book Browers will discuss The Half Has Never Been Told by Edward E. Baptist. On May 2 they will discuss A Man Called Ove by Fredrick Backman. Please contact Diane Shervem if you have questions: 543-1473 or dshervem@charter.net.

Opera Santa Barbara’s popular Noontime Concert series is expanding into San Luis Obispo County, reaching First Pres Brown Bag Concert. Enjoy popular and lesser-known operatic

arias and duets as well as “previews” of upcoming Opera Santa Barbara performances.

BROWN BAG CONCERT in Wilson HallAPRIL 7, 2017 • 12:00 PM

God sings! Think of it, the great Jehovah, or Yahweh, singing! Can we really believe it? Is it possible to conceive of Deity breaking into song: Father, Son and Holy Spirit, together, singing over the redeemed? God is so happy in the love which He gives to His people that He breaks His eternal silence, and sun and moon and stars with astonishment hear God chanting a hymn of joy. Zephaniah 3:17 declares these glorious words:

“He (God) will rejoice over you with singing...Then in Matthew 26:30 we read these dramatic words:

And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.

It is quite remarkable that Jesus would choose to sing at such a time as this. From a human perspective, tears or silence would have been much more appropriate. But Christ, our perfect example, led His disciples in a hymn. Our glorious Jesus, in His most desperate hour, sings. But not only does God sing, He surrounds Himself with song.

In Isaiah 6:1-3 we read that song is always present (even right now!) in heaven:In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lifted up, and the train of His robe filled the temple. Above it stood seraphim; each one had six wings: with two he covered his face, with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. And one cried to another and said [sang]: ‘Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts: The whole earth is full of His glory!’

In the New Testament, Revelation 4:8 reads:The four living creatures, each having six wings, were full of eyes around and within. and they do not rest day or night, saying [singing]: ‘Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, Who was and is and is to come!”

The song of these heavenly singers mirrors that of God Himself. Dwelling continually in the presence of God, they become burning and shining lights who wait upon the holy God who is the light of life.Isaiah 6:4 tells us that the angels’ song shook the Temple to its foundations. One day, all of God’s chosen ones, a chorus that will number “ten thousand times ten thousand and thousands and thousands,” will sing a song that will continually reverberate around the universe:Worthy is the Lamb that was slain...What, then, is our song to be like today? Let me encourage you to let the strains of a great hymn of faith or praise song propel you to a life filled with the power of God Himself.To God be the glory!(Some information in this article came from Center for Church Music: Hymns and Songs)

Becky Falasco, Director of Music

Music News AT FIRST PRES

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Missions Committee Budget 2017Included for your information at the request of the Session

Global Missions1. God’s Hidden Treasures $25002. New Horizons Foundation USA $25003. Mission Education & Activities $10004. Misc. Missions $1000

Total $7,000

Local Missions/Community Outreach1. Green Pastures $57112. People’s Kitchen $0 (Restricted Funds)3. Lewis Homeless Shelter Dinners $0 (Restricted Funds)4. CASA Camp Scholarships/Christmas $10005. Christmas Giving(Prado/Lewis) $10006. Women’s Shelter (Christmas) $5007. Wilshire Hospice (Camperships) $5008. Front Porch $9050

Total $17,761

Peace & Social Justice1. Get on the Bus $25002. People of Faith for Justice $4003. MLK Day $100

Total $3,000

GRAND TOTAL $27,761

Prayer RequestCentral Coast housing needed (6 months) for

missionaries with Wycliff Bible Translaters in Papua New Guinea, friends of Joy & Arden Sanders.

“We are returning to California for a six-month furlough beginning in late June, but we do not have a place to live. We are trusting in God’s provision for this need and would appreciate your prayers. Thank you to those of you who are already praying – please keep praying!

Our furlough will begin with some traveling and visiting family and partners, so the time period we need housing is from the beginning of August until mid-January. We’re really hoping we can live on the Central Coast of California, close to Christy’s parents (Kurt & Julie Nilson) and our home church in Arroyo Grande (Grace Bible Church). If you have any ideas or know of any situations in that area, please email us.” Serving together,Matt and Christy Taylorm-c.taylor@sil.org.pg or matt_taylor@sil.orgKaitlyn, Nathan, Justin, Julianne and Elijah

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Leave a Lasting LegacyTHE LEGACY OF STEVE AND JANET BROWN

Janet was into our church music. The Janet M. Brown Memorial Praise Choir Endowment was created by her surviving husband, Steve Brown, in 2003 to provide an indefinite cash flow to the Praise Choir. Other members also contributed to the fund to help it get established.

Church music was a family affair. Janet and Steve’s son Chris played guitar for church services, which inspired Janet to join the Praise Singers. Then Steve also joined Praise Choir and occasionally sings with that group.

Steve is currently a Deacon where he serves as Deacon’s Treasurer and is the leader of Community Outreach, a subcommittee of the Missions Committee. Steve is now married to Mary Ann.

You too can Leave A Lasting Legacy as a memorial to a loved one and designate it for Mission, Education, Music, Worship, Youth/College ministry, Budget or a new idea to support the mission of our church.

If you would like to consider a gift of any type, please talk with a member of our church’s Endowment Committee: John Eichler, Jerry Kaml, Jane Maxwell, Bert Townsend, Dorothy Truesdale, Roger Verity, or Virginia Walter.

A gift of any size will make a difference.

Homeless Overflow ShelteringMarch & April update

Dear First Pres Family,

THANK YOU for all you are doing for our sheltering program. You have stayed overnight, provided snacks, moved meetings, and attended events in Wilson Hall with cots stacked around the room. And, most importantly, you have wrapped everyone with prayer.

We wish you could hear all the “Thank yous” and “Bless yous” that our guests say each evening and morning. As of mid-month, we have been sheltering just a little less than 30 people at night. That number includes children 6 weeks old, 17 months old, elementary school kids and several teenagers. We have a pregnant mom who is due in April.

Speaking of April, our wonderful Session learned of the need for a host church in April, and voted unanimously to extend our sheltering through that month. Our participation will be a little different than March. Other churches and Cal Poly students are helping to be overnight chaperones. What we will need from FPC are nightly “Hospitality Greeters” to work a little over an hour. You will sign up like before, but come at 5:45 and leave no later than 7 pm. Our Hospitality Greeters will be on site to welcome our guests, set out water and supplies while overnight chaperones go through orientation. We hope this allows participation for those of you who have wanted to participate in this ministry, but have not been able spend the night!

For April sign-ups contact Tim or Margo Smith (544-6232 or tim.margosmith@gmail.com)

And thanks from all of the Homeless Overflow Team: Brian & Petra Patterson, Steve Brown & MaryAnn Foster, Jackie & Ben Parker, and Steve Walker.

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children's ed NEWSSTATIONS OF THE CROSS

A great big thank you to all of you who participated in the Stations of the Cross art project. It’s a beautiful thing when adults and children are given something to do together. The results are always a huge blessing not only for those who participated but for those who see them. The kids know the story of Lent and Holy Week. And yet, what they remember from it, and it shows in their art, is the love that God has for us. If you haven’t yet taken the time to walk the stations they will be up until April 13th. The display is in the Sanctuary windows along with prayers to read at each station. The lower prayer is a more kid friendly version. We encourage all ages to take time to visit this display.

WEDNESDAYS AT THE ROCKThe Wednesdays at the Rock choir made their debut on March 12. They did such a great job. We have been learning a lot and the kids can’t wait to share more with you. Speaking of that, the Wednesdays at the Rock choir will be performing their final musical presentation for this session on June 4th at 9 am. They will be presenting, “In the Beginning” at 9:00am before Worship at 10:00. We hope you will join us for this great opportunity to see and hear what the Wednesday’s at the Rock kids have been working on this winter and spring. The presentation will be in the Sanctuary. The kids are very excited to share with you all.

Wednesdays at the Rock will continue to meet until April 26th. This will be our final session until Fall. Watch for activities throughout the summer.

Wednesday's Schedule4:30 - Music4:45 - Lesson5:30 - Dinner6:00 - Gym time/Games6:45 - Quiet time 7:00 - Time to go home

If you would like to volunteer, donate or help with Children's Ed events and activities, please contact Jen at 543-5451 ext. 205 or jen@fpcslo.org.

Children's Ed is thankful for all your love and support.

Once again, glorious Easter flowers will fill the Sanctuary on Easter Sunday. When you make a $10 donation for a plant, your gift is used in four ways. You add to the beauty of the Sanctuary; you honor or remember your loved one; you bring joy to the homebound, ill, or bereaved who receive the plant; and you contribute to the

Deacons’ year-round flower ministry.

Deacons will be taking sign-ups for Easter flowers before and after services on March 26, April 2, and April 9. For questions or

additional sign-ups, please contact Peggy Estes (596-0210 or peggy.estes@outlook.com) or Joan Green (541-9421).

Beautiful Easter FlowersSIGN UPS BEGIN MARCH 26 • $10 DONATION

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TO THE FOLLOWING SENIORS (OVER 85) WHO HAVE BIRTHDAYS IN APRIL:

KATHY LOPER APRIL 3 RICHARD DICKEY APRIL 3 RALPH WATSON APRIL 23 HARRY BUTLER APRIL 25 CHARLES BLAIR APRIL 27 MARGARET MCCALLUM APRIL 29

To everyone else who has a birthday in April!

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PLEASE PRAY FOR OUR CHURCH FAMILY, ESPECIALLY:

For the Rev. Dennis Falasco as he pastors our congregation,For our elders and deacons as they lead and guide us,For Jen Rabenaldt and our Children’s Ministry,For all those involved in our Youth Ministry, especially leaders Ryan Joslin, Sarah Dirk, and Jake Wolfe,For Joel Drenckpohl and the Front Porch Campus Ministry,

For those who are undergoing treatments for various health issues,For friends and family of Nored Sundback, who passed away in February,For Ralph Nunley, as well as friends and family of Evelyn, who passed away in March,For friends and family of Connie Drake, who passed away in March,For our church’s elderly, especially those confined to their homes or care centers, like Allene Anderson, Cathy Anderson, Gladys Brannum, George Daniel, Jean Honeyman, Elaine Horton, Jeanne Hoyt, Lorna Hudson, Marie Kammenzind, Hulda Nickel, Ralph Nunley, Arnold Parker, Joy Reed, Idabelle Shields, Dottie Jean & John Stechman, Ernest Triebel, Richard & Lou Wiens,For the local and global missions our church supports,

For members and friends serving in the military: Drew Descary (stationed at Camp Pendleton), Jim Shelton (stationed at Miramar), Michael Poe (stationed in Florida), Joseph Sall (son of Anne Ramirez; stationed in Carlisle, PA), and Travis Hatakeyama (grandson of the Luensers; stationed in Germany)

And for all of us as we serve God wherever He calls us.

TREASURER’S REPORTFebruary 28, 2017

Actual BudgetFebruary Year-to-Date Year-to-Date

Income $42,824 $104,207 $102,460

Expenses $51,045 $101,739 $102,460

Difference $10,689 $2,468 $0

As part of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), the church is asked to pay a per capita apportionment. This year the level of support is $80.00 per member. Per Capita income received to date is $4,560.

-Your Budget & Finance Committee

taking care of (church) business

Happy Birthday!

Opening to God by David Benner is a book about prayer and lectio divina which has been added to the church library. Prayer is not merely

something we do; prayer is what God does in us. Prayer is not just communication with God; it is communion with God. As we open ourselves to him, God does the spiritual work of transformation in us. Spiritual director David Benner invites us to discover openness to God as the essence of prayer, spirituality and the Christian life. Prayer is far more than saying words to God; all of life can be prayer when offered to God in faith and with openness. Using the four movements of lectio divina, Benner explores prayer as attending, pondering, responding and being. Along the way he opens us to a world of possibilities for communion

with God: praying with our senses, with imagination, with music and creativity, in contemplation, in service and much more. Learn how prayer can be a way of living your life. Move beyond words to become not merely someone who prays, but someone whose entire life is prayer in union with God. (Review from Amazon)

LibraryReview

Adult Ed OfferingsSpeaking Christian will commence on April 23 using that book as a springboard. Each Sunday different leaders will guide a discussion of some of the concepts and words that we as Christians use with varying degrees of understanding. This setting will encourage participants to share their interpretation of "hot" words such as salvation, God, Jesus, belief, faith, sin, and heaven. Since our faith is a journey, we probably all have interpreted these words differently throughout our life. This class provides an opportunity to discuss this journey honestly and openly.