Free Methodist Church Weekly Newletter

As we continuing the post-resurrection appearances, Jesus provides wonderful examples of how He works with our doubts, our needs and our sins. In the text this week we find Jesus helping Peter be restored in his relationship with him after his three denials the night of his arrest.

In the text it is important to know that the Greek words here are more precise than our English language. Here is how one author explains our text:

"I know of no passage that fails to express the English meaning from the original language more than this one. In the Koine Greek, the language of the New Testament, there are different words that are translated "love." Agape is the kind of love that is perfect and pure; selfless and active. Agape is looking out for the interest of the one being loved, putting them ahead of self. (see John 13:35; 15:9-13; Rom. 5:8.) There is also a lesser kind of love that would describe the affection that we might have for a friend. That word is (phileo). It is described as "to be a friend to (fond of [an individual or an object]), that is, have affection for (denoting personal attachment, as a matter of sentiment or feeling)."

It is vital to the understanding of this passage to keep these two Greek words in mind while noting their meaning and usage in this passage.

"Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of John, do you love (agape) Me more than these?" He said to Him, "Yes, Lord; You know that I love (phileo) You." [How could Peter say, unequivocally, I love (agape) you, after he had so miserably failed him?] He said to him, "Tend My lambs." (16) He said to him again a second time, "Simon, son of John, do you love (agape) Me?" He said to Him, "Yes, Lord; You know that I love (phileo) You." He said to him, "Shepherd My sheep." (17) He said to him the third time, "Simon, son of John, do you love (phileo) Me?" [notice that the Lord changed the word from agape to phileo] Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, "Do you love (phileo) Me?" And he said to Him, "Lord, You know all things; You know that I love (phileo) You." Jesus said to him, "Tend My sheep. [Peter was "grieved" not because Jesus asked him a third time, but because Jesus lowered the standard.] We can only imagine the heartbreak Peter was feeling. Before fear and isolation enveloped Peter during the crucifixion he would have boldly said, "Lord, how could you ask such a thing? Of course I love (agape) you!" But his actions showed how miserably he failed to agape the Lord. He even denied friendship (phileo) with the Lord! Now he is truly "grieved" (lupeo) as he comes face-to-face with the Lord and what he has done."

As we understand the depth of love Jesus makes possible, let's come into the safety of the Sanctuary this Sunday and allow him to restore us to His level of love.

Denny

Baptismal Service: Pentecost Sunday May 31st @ 2pm

Join us as we celebrate the Sacrament of Baptism on this special Holy Day of Pentecost. The traditional day of baptism for over one thousand years, we will be gathering to baptize youth and adults who have decided to follow Jesus with their whole lives. If you have made that choice and have not yet been baptized please contact a pastor so we can prepare you for this service:

805-965-1338
Denny - Ext. 223
Doug - Ext. 224
Colleen - Ext. 225

Pastor Denny

Opportunities to Serve

How can you become an active part of Santa Barbara Free Methodist Church's ministries? By using your spiritual gifts! If you are unsure what your spiritual gifts are, please click HERE or visit: http://elmertowns.com/spiritual_gifts_test/index.cfm?action=SPQ_instructions Then, pick up a blue form in the church lobby and check the box beside the ministry team(s) you want to be involved in.

Church Finances

In this time of financial struggle, please remember your church family:

Offerings Needed YTD: $221,380.65
Offerings Receive YTD: $208,446.12 (94.16%)
Still Needed YTD: $12,934.53

Spring Clean-Up

Saturday, May 30th @ Eastside Park(Corner of Yanonali & Soledad Streets) 9am-12pm Lunch following event

In 2003, local churches started working with Looking Good Santa Barbara to improve neighborhoods throughout Santa Barbara. To date, 1,700 volunteers from churches, including FMCSB, have participated and provided 5,100 hours of service and much needed work through events like this one. We hope you can make it this year and help us increase these incredible numbers!

Join us in partnership with other Santa Barbara Churches for this yearly clean-up. This year the clean-up will continue in Santa Barbara's Eastside neighborhood.

Join us for:
-Litter & Graffiti Clean-up
-Tree Planting
-Park & Creek Restoration
-E-Waste Collection
-Children's Reading Circle After Clean-up
-Opportunity for students to earn community service credits

Please look for a sign-up opportunity in the bulletin on Sunday. For more information or to sign-up, contact the church office 965-1338

Vacation Bible School

When: June 22-27, 9:00-11:00 a.m.
What: Rome: Paul and the Underground Church (Go to www.group.com/vbs and click on Rome for an overview)
Who: Preschool-adult (ages 3 & up)
Where: FMC & CDCC
Contact: Nelda Nutter (mcshead@mcssb.org or leave a message at 964-2612)
We Need:1) Prayer support 2) A legion of adult & youth volunteers (shopkeepers, actors, game leaders, music leaders, teachers, set-up & take-down workers, crafters, snack preparers, scenic background painters...& more) 3) Donations (see below)

Ready to travel back in time? Join us in Rome!
We'll explore the caves of the Underground Church, meet the Apostle Paul, create cool Bible-times projects, experience thrilling dramas, play high-energy games, sample tasty snacks, hear unforgettable music and meet new friends. The days of the early Christian Church will come to life as we sneak away from Roman guards, play games like first century Roman kids did, work in the shops at the marketplace, and visit with Paul during his house arrest.

Items you can save/purchase/make/lend/donate now-June 15:
carpet rolls/cylinders (to make into Roman columns)
refrigerator/large furniture boxes (for scenery cut-outs)
paper grocery bags
newspapers
toilet tissue rolls
paper towel rolls
pizza cardboard/rounds
aluminum vegetable/fruit/soup cans (clean & w/o labels)
"Simply Orange"-style plastic juice containers
frozen juice can lids
broken tiles or mosaic tiles
wide aluminum foil
foam pool "noodles"
beeswax sheets
candle wicking
elastic headbands
green silk leaves (for laurel wreaths)
silk floral garlands (or flowers we can make into garlands)
black spray paint
faux stone paper

brown vinyl
jute or heavy brown twine
wooden fence slats or shipping pallet slats (to make shop signs)
d�cor (Roman urns/vases/pedestals/fountains/statues, baskets, sheer fabric & draping, silk trees & potted plants)

Ready-Made Gourmet: A Benefit For Senior Lunch

In this busy and hectic life we lead, it is nice to have some aspects of life handled. One of them is a delicious dinner when we get home. Too often, though, we don't have time to put it together. If this sounds like your life, we have wonderful news for you. Help has arrived!

We are excited to announce a great fundraiser for our Cliff Drive Senior Luncheon. Jenny Yznaga, our talented chef, will be making delicious meals with a team of cooks for you to buy and take home. Among the offerings are chicken pot pie (made by Sandy Rogers), two kinds of lasagna, vegetable and chicken enchiladas, baby back ribs, and two varieties of stuffed chicken breasts. In addition to these savory delights, Michele Molony, an incredible pastry chef, will be making some mouth-watering desserts for those who like the sweet things in life.

All of these dishes can be put in your freezer until you are ready to serve them. We will give you detailed instructions on how to reheat them in your oven so you and family and friends can enjoy these gourmet meals. The good news is that all proceeds go to support an incredible ministry!

So, pickup a sign up sheet in the church office or church lobby and place your order today! We will be taking orders through May 10th. If you have questions please call Pastor Colleen at 965-1338, ext. 225.

MAY THE LORD BE BLESSED BY OUR EFFORTS IN HIS NAME!

ABF - Adult Bible Fellowship

"Life Lessons: Continuing to Learn Through Loss and Grace"

Presented by Russell Smelley
9:30 am
May 3, 10, 17, and 31 (not 5/24)

SHIFCO Recreation Room
418 Santa Fe Place: across Cliff Dr. from the church

May 3     "Life and Loss-How do we grieve?"
May 10   "Life and Community-How do we help one another?"
May 17   "Life and Hope-How do we have peace in spite of life's
                 struggles?"
May 31   "Life and Heroes-What do we learn from those who have
                  survived loss?"

During these weeks we will discuss and reflect upon the life-lessons learned and the questions that arise from an experience of loss. How do we face the pain and disappointment in our lives with a contentment that reflects our Christian hope? This series is intended to bring a sense of hope and encouragement to those who have endured emotional, physical or spiritual loss. We will discuss biblical truths while seeking an honest approach to following God during times of loss and confusion.

Since 1979 Russell Smelley has taught Kinesiology at Westmont College while also coaching the track and cross-country teams. He and wife, Allison, have faced great personal losses including the death of their daughter, Alyssa, and the destruction of their home during the Tea Fire. They have been members of the FMC for over 27 years.

The presentation on May 24 by Warren Simandle will be an introduction to his series on "The Seven Feasts of the Messiah," continued during the month of June.

Memory Verse

John 3:16 & 17
16"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son,that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him."

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.

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

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