| Important Dates |
|
Mon. Jan. 26th: NO Finance Property Board Meeting
Weds. Jan. 28h: FrontLine Meets
Sat. Jan. 31st:
Women's Stretch & Powerwalk Time 9-11am
Thurs. Feb. 5th: LBOA Meeting
Thurs. Feb. 12th: Couples Date Night 7pm
|
| Additional Study Quick Links |
|
|
|
New CERT Class Starting! |
CERT - Community Emergency Response Training
Class Dates: March 7 - April 4 (5 Saturdays)
Time: 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Place: Santa Barbara City Fire Department Training Facility located at:
30 South Olive St.
Classes are taught by members of the Santa Barbara Fire Department and Emergency Medical personnel. The program consists of 5 weeks of 4 hour classes. It emphasizes training and hands on practice in: emergency preparedness, fire safety, emergency medical, light search and rescue, disaster psychology and terrorism. The class is free but pre-registration is needed.
To sign up for the CERT class or for more information contact:
Bonnie Bosma
Phone: 805.564.2367 or Email: blbosma@cox.net |
| Our Church Family |
|
Women's Book Club
The Women's Book Club meets on the second Sunday of every month from 7-8:30pm. We usually meet at the home of Deanna Major: 215 Santa Cruz Blvd. For more info. or to confirm the meeting location, please call Deanna: 966-6770.
Al-Anon Group is now meeting. Al-Anon is meeting in the upper room on Friday mornings from 8:30-9:30am. Al-Anon is a 12 step program for anyone who has been affected by someone else's addiction. For more information contact Martha Becker at 966-4458.
PRISM is starting a new 6 week session. This session will begin on Thursday January 15th with the other classes on the 22nd, 29th, Feb. 5th, Feb. 12th and 19th. Classes start at 7pm sharp and end at 8:30pm. Call Mary Ellen Brown at 895-8743 or email at browninsb@cox.net There is a cost for the program.
Lost and Found. Have you misplaced any dishes, Bibles or coffee mugs? Many items such as these are in the lost and found located in the church office. Please stop by or call to claim your missing items 965-1338.
Cans for Causes Save your Redeemables: Any glass, plastic, or aluminum container that holds a "CA CASH REDEMPTION VALUE" or "CRV." Bring them to the service you normally attend and look for the bins labeled Cans for Causes. Instead of giving away money to the trash company, let's give it to the church for God's kingdom work! For questions contact Joel Hoffmann (729-1478) or joelhoffmann@verizon.net
|
| Providence Hall Open House |
|
Do you have a child headed to high school? We want you to know that an exciting, values-based education awaits your child at Providence Hall. Providence Hall, the only protestant Christian High School in Santa Barbara, is hosting an Open House on Thursday, January 29th at 7:00pm. If you want to find out more about this dynamic college preparatory high school, then please join us. You'll get to visit the classrooms, meet the faculty (including our headmaster, Dr. David K. Winter), and ask as many questions as you like. Come to the auditorium at 33 East Micheltorena Street (the large Notre Dame building). For more information, call the school office at 962-4400 |
| FM FlashPoints |
|
>> Mexico
One hundred seventy registrants participated in "Lengthen Your Cords" the First International Missions Conference at Rancho Betania, Nov. 6-9, 2008. Pastors and leaders from the three districts attended the conference. Several FM missionaries presented workshops. Dr. Art Brown, executive director for FMWM, challenged the Mexican church to walk through the doors God is opening. Keynote speaker, Dr. Delia Nüesch-Olver, area director for Latin American ministries, urged participants to consider the overwhelming needs of the world's cities, in Mexico and beyond. Summarizing her impressions, Nüesch-Olver reflected, "I believe that in years to come we will look back and see that this conference was a watershed event. There were gifted folks called to missions, church leaders called to broaden the evangelism focus of their local church, and pastors called to release their people to go to the ends of the earth with the gospel of Jesus Christ."
>> Orissa, India
Linda Adams, Director of International Child Care Ministries (ICCM), announced the opening of a new hostel for the children of persecuted pastors in Orissa State. These children have been threatened with death if they return to their village schools. FM leaders have arranged for 30 boys and 30 girls to live in a hostel with a pastor and his wife, and to attend public school which is distant from their former villages. The hostel is located in a town where there are many Christians. Perpetrators of crimes against believers will not harass them there. ICCM sent start-up funds for this hostel out of Special Projects monies. These 60 children are available for sponsorship. For details contact: 800-342-5531 or visit www.childcareministries.org.
| |
"The Next Day"
In preparation for Sunday, one commentator notices the importance of John's use of the phrase "The Next Day:"
"In the first chapter of the Gospel of John, there are three texts that begin with the words, "the next day" (John 1:29, 36, 43). The text for our consideration is the third in this series, and thus we need to look briefly at the events that unfold during the first two days. The first "next day" text begins with John's identification of Jesus, which is unique in all the gospels: "Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world" (John 1:29). John bears witness to what took place: "I saw the Spirit descend as a dove from heaven and it remained on him" (John 1:32). John's vision is the fulfillment of God's promise to him: "'He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain, this is he who baptizes with the Holy Spirit"' (John 1:33). The first day concludes with John's epiphany confession: "I have seen and have borne witness, 'This is the Son of God'" (John 1:34). (We noted above that the opening words of the Gospel of Mark identify Jesus as the Son of God [Mark 1:1], but it is not until the words of the centurion, following the death of Jesus, that we hear this confession of Jesus on the lips of a human witness [Mark 15:39]. Prior to this in the Gospel of Mark it is the unclean spirits who voice this confession of Jesus: "And whenever the unclean spirits saw him, they fell down before him and cried out, 'You are the Son of God"' [Mark 3:11].)
The second "next day" text once again begins with John's identification of Jesus, "Look, the Lamb of God" (John 1:35-36), to which John's disciples respond by following Jesus. Jesus' first words in the gospel are in the form of a question to these first followers, "What are you looking for?" to which they respond, "Rabbi, where are you staying?" (John 1:38). Jesus' response is an invitation to them and to us into the promise and epiphany of the gospel: "Come and you will see" (John 1:39). One of the two disciples, Andrew, invites his brother, Simon Peter, with the epiphany confession: "We have found the Messiah (which means the anointed one of God)" (John 1:40-41).
The third "next day" text is the assigned text and continues the unfolding epiphany invitations and confessions. Jesus is the actor, inviting Philip with the words: "Follow me" (John 1:43). Philip in turn finds Nathanael and confesses: "We have found him of whom Moses in the law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph" (John 1:45). Philip bears witness to the coming of an anointed one from God throughout the first two portions of Israel's scriptures- the writings of Moses and the prophets. Jesus comes as the fulfillment of scripture. Secondly, Jesus is the one identified with a family from Nazareth, of whom Joseph is father. Nathanael scoffs at how this Galilean hillside village could produce anything significant: "Can anything good come out of Nazareth?" Philip is undaunted and invites him to "come and see" for himself (John 1:46).
|
Our Memory Verse
John 1:1-18
1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2He was with God in the beginning. 3Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4In him was life, and that life was the light of men. 5The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it.
6There came a man who was sent from God; his name was John. 7He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all men might believe. 8He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. 9The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world.
10He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. 11He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. 12Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God- 13children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God.
14The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only,[d] who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
15John testifies concerning him. He cries out, saying, "This was he of whom I said, 'He who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.' " 16From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another. 17For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 18No one has ever seen God, but God the One and Only,who is at the Father's side, has made him known.
|
A Family Chat About Church Finances
As a family of God we work hard to be responsible with the tithes and offerings we all give to provide for His work among us. The group who monitors this is our Finance and Property Committee. They work diligently with our pastors and staff to faithfully mind the expenses of our church ministry. During normal economic times we seldom need to mention this since our income matches our expenses. However, these are not normal economic times. We are thankful that we were able to lower expenses in 2008 such that we matched our lower income. However we are beginning 2009 almost 8% below our need. We mention this because we are all in this together and know that everyone would want to be informed before it becomes a problem. So we'll let you know periodically where we are. After the first three Sundays of January we are down by $2,597 ($34,323 needed YTD, with $31,726 received). As you decide where God wants you to invest your tithes and offerings this year, please remember your church family.
|
ABF - Adult Bible Fellowship
Sunday the 25th we conclude our study on "Statistics in the Christian Church" Presented by Mark Bates
This class will explore the many uses of statistics in research and media as they pertain to the Christian church and will examine some ground-breaking surveys and studies.
January 25-Conclusion
Our last week will be spent discussing issues that have not been addressed and to answer questions upon which statistics has shed light.
Mark Bates is a mathematics professor at Oxnard College where he has taught for the past 10 years. During his last three years of teaching, he has specialized in the field of statistics. He and wife, Colleen Hurley-Bates, have attended our church for 20 years and are the parents of Olivia. Mark has served as a delegate for the Free Methodist General Conference.
Coming in February...
"Knowing Scripture"
Presented by Larry Gilbertson
February1-March 1, 2009 (Five Sundays)
9:30 am in the SHIFCO Recreation Room
This series on "Knowing Scripture" is designed to equip us to better understand God's Word, help us mine the depths and wisdom of Scripture, and to grow us in both Truth and Spirit. These classes are based on the DVD series "Knowing Scripture" by R. C. Sproul, who is a noted theologian and Bible scholar. Please join us and learn valuable techniques of Biblical interpretation that will allow us to better know the Word and ultimately to better know God.
February 1
This first class will provide the Biblical reasons for Bible study, dispel popular myths associated with the study of God's Word, and will include a video presentation by R. C. Sproul on "Personal Bible Study and Private Interpretation."
February 8
The science of interpreting Scripture (Hermeneutics) will be discussed, including the rules that govern objective interpretation and three major methods of interpretation (Grammatico-Historical, Religious-Historical and Existential methods). We will also view a video presentation by R. C. Sproul on the "Literal Interpretation of Scripture."
February 15
Various "Literary Forms" found in Scripture will be the focus of this class such as the use of hyperbole, metaphor, anthropomorphic language, and personification.
February 22
This week we will discuss how to read the Bible personally, as people who are intimately, personally, and passionately involved with what we are reading. We will also view an R.C. Sproul video on how we should interpret "Historical Narratives."
March 1
Guidelines for interpreting implicit passages and explicit passages will be the subject of this class. We will see how the implied is to be interpreted in light of the explicit, and we will cover problems that arise when we try to draw inferences from implicit passages that violate explicit teaching elsewhere in Scripture.
Larry Gilbertson, a member of our congregation, led an eight-week course on "Knowing Scripture" at the Tuesday night men's Bible study in 2008. Larry is currently a systems analyst at Northrop Grumman, and he has been involved in math and physics in both industry and academic settings during his career. |
2009 Men's Retreat
February 27th-March 1st
"Rub some dirt on it and get in the game"
THE SPEAKER - Brad Mitchell
Brad was the pastor of Men's Ministry, Sports and Prayer (a trifecta for a men's retreat) at Willow Creek in Chicago. He has led a church of 3,800 and has also planted a church in a small town that saw 500 people become followers of Jesus so he brings both perspectives and experiences. Brad has led breakout sessions at the National Coalition for Men's Ministry as well as Willow Creek and Saddleback conferences. He currently is the Lead Pastor at Carolina Forest Community Church in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
Brad and his wife have been married 25 years and have three kids. He is also a ninja and the unknown writer of Hebrews. Congratulations for reading this far.
THE WORSHIP - David Gaulton
David is a fantastic worship leader from Azusa Pacific University. His song "Righteous King" was selected for the SongSeeker worship album for the 2008 Saddleback Worship Conference. David has a true heart for worship as well as an overflow of talent. You can get a sense of his heart for worship at www.davidgaulton.com.
THE TOPIC
Our motto this year is "Rub some dirt on it and get in the game". We are talking about getting on the playing field of advancing God's Kingdom in our lives. One of the major themes will be the fact that we cannot do it alone. Another theme is the fact that the retreat for women was called You Glow Girl so unless you want to go to that retreat next year, you had better be at this one. Also, I needed more text in this section to get The Cost section to be its own line.
THE COST
It is less than selling all your possessions and giving them to the poor. The cost is $130 if you register by Feb 1st and $150 if you sign up after that. Paintball, climbing wall are extra and you will sign up for those when you get there. |
Women's Stretch & Powerwalk
Saturday Jan. 31st 9-11am
After the holiday treats and new year's resolutions, it's time for a powerwalk! We meet first at 9am for a few warm-up stretches in the upper room led by Tracy Schmidt. We will then leave on 1 of 3 different paths designed for varying levels of abilities to accommodate ALL Walkers!
Tracy will lead the walkers' BOOT CAMP which will be the most strenuous, including a walk to the harbor and back with sit-ups and push-ups along the way! Moms with jogging strollers are welcome!
Our mid-level will be a self-paced walk from the upper room down Santa Cruz Blvd. through Shoreline Park down the hill to the beach cafe, circling the parking lot kiosk and returning up the hill back to the upper room.
Our easy level will be a flat walk, easily do-able for seniors and those who have difficulty walking up and down hills. Cheryl will drive us in her van to one end of Shoreline Park to allow women to walk the length of Shoreline Park and back to the lot and ride back up the hill to the upper room.
After our return to the upper room at 10:15am, we will have more stretches with a devotional as well as fellowship with fruit and light breakfast food.
Childcare is available if reserved by Sat. Jan. 24th by calling Nelda Nutter at 965-1338x226
Join us and bring a Walking friend! |
About Free Methodist Church
Our Mission is to win people to Christ, establish them in the faith, and equip them for ministry.
Free Methodist Church
1435 Cliff Drive
Santa Barbara, California 93109
805-965-1338
www.fmcsb.org
| |
