This week we will study one of the most beautiful writings of Paul which is often used at a Christian wedding.  It is a study of love.  In the Greek language there are several words which we translate into English as "Love."  The one that Paul uses here is not the word which implies romantic/erotic love (eros), neither does it imply friendship/companionship love (phileo), instead he uses a word which mean a "God-type" of love (agape).  It is the foundation of all true love.

You can read more about agape, or "divine love" the love that "God loves" with, in these resources:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agape

http://www.answers.com/topic/agape

May we each one love as Jesus loves!

See you Sunday,

Denny

"The Life of Paul:
A Look at the Man Behind the Letters "
Presented by Pastor Danielle Garcia
January 31, February 7, 14, 21, 28
9:30am
SHIFCO Recreation Room:  418 Santa Fe Place
(across Cliff Drive from the church)
 
Paul is one of the most fascinating people in the Bible.  We first meet him as he denounces and persecutes early Christians.  After being struck blind, the rest of his life reads like an adventure novel as he starts riots, spends years in prison, survives shipwrecks, speaks before high government officials and is eventually tried and executed by the Romans.
 
Paul is revered for his intellect and his writings.  But did you know that he failed more than he succeeded?  His life was hard and his ministry was difficult.  Although he is considered the greatest missionary of all, he struggled as an evangelist.  By studying the life of Paul, we can learn about the churches of the New Testament, re-think the foundation for our work in missions, and discover how to best share the good news of Jesus Christ.
 
January 31:  "What Do We Know About Paul?"
 
February 7, 14:  "Discovering Paul Through His Letters"
 
February 21:  "Understanding the New Testament Church Through Paul's Letters"
 
February 28:  "Learning From Paul About Cross-cultural Ministry"
 
Pastor Danielle is our associate pastor for young adult ministries, teaching and bookkeeping.  She attended our church while a student at Westmont and after graduation she earned a Master of Divinity degree from Duke Divinity School.  Prior to returning to Santa Barbara, Pastor Danielle was an assistant pastor at Verdugo Community Free Methodist Church in Los Angeles.  Her areas of interest include Biblical studies and theology.  

Adults:

You can help others worship by volunteering to be an occasional sitter in the infant nursery. We especially need volunteers during the second service at 9:30am. Please contact either Nelda Nutter (mcshead@mcssb.org  or at 964-2612) or Pam Goetz (pamgoetz@yahoo.com or at 965-8187) right away.  Orientation is provided. It makes a great difference to families who'd like to attend service if we can consistently provide experienced caregivers for their infants.

Teens:

If you are age 13 or older, enjoy caring for children, like to earn extra money, or need community service hours for graduation or scouting requirements -- then consider becoming a Children's Ministries sitter. Sitters care for our toddlers (and sometimes pre-school or elementary kids) during church services and at special events or for Bible studies and meetings.  There is always an adult supervisor on hand, and initial training information is provided.  Contact Nelda for details (nnutter@fmcsb.org or mcshead@mcssb.org or call her home 964-2612).