FIRST PRESS

Volume 48, No. 9 October 2011

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF SAN BERNARDINO

Congregant Crosses Continents

By KELSEY ADELSON In October our very own Susan Skogland will be traveling to Kigali, Rwanda to attend the Tumekutana 2011 African Womens conference as a representative of the Churchwide Coordinating Team of Presbyterian Women. The goal of this years conference is for African women to recognize themselves as agents of justice, peace, healing and reconciliation, empowering one another to effect change, connecting with one another to gain courage and faith in the process. Please pray for Susans safe travels and that all the attendees of the Tumekutana conference experience the touch of the Holy Spirit during this important gathering.

1900 North D Street San Bernardino, CA 92405 Office 882-3308 FAX 882-0888 www.fpcsb.net

The Rev. Dr. Sandy Tice Pastor The Rev. Eric Ledermann Associate Pastor The Rev. No Falconi Ministry of Visitation The Rev. Jim Huffstutler Pastor Emeritus

We Welcome a New Member of the Church Staff

By SANDY TICE At their August meeting, the Session decided to begin a new adventure as a church, by extending an invitation to William Lee to serve as our seminary intern for 10 hours a week (mostly Wednesdays and Sundays) during this academic year. William has been studying at SFTS in their Southern California program for two years and is due to finish his studies in May. He and his wife Bridget came to our congregation this spring at the recommendation of one of his professors, and they joined shortly thereafter. You may have spotted their adorable sons, Steve, 5, and Jonathan, 6, during Time With the Children. Both Jonathan and Steve are joyful and eager participants in our childrens programs, Bridget has been singing in the choir and has agreed to substitute as accompanist when Carol Cooper is away. The purpose of an internship is twofold: First of all, it enables those preparing for ministry to develop skills and habits that cannot be learned simply by reading about them in books. William will have opportunity to assist with all kinds of things in the 9 months that he is with us, and we will spend time each week reflecting theologically on the tasks of ministry: where is the presence of God obvious and evident? How well do our practices match up with our beliefs and vision? How does the work of ministry shape us as Gods people? But internships are not just for interns- they also help churches to grow in grace. It is a blessing to have a gifted fellow-learner work alongside us, strengthening the ministry and also helping us to see ourselves in new ways. He will bring new questions and new ideas. And we will have the privilege of helping someone discern and prepare for a call to a life of service to God. What is our ministry? How is God calling us? And what gifts might this congregation offer someone preparing for ministry? Having an intern raises all these questions. All of us will grow from this experience. Williams long term goal is to serve as a chaplain in the US military. He will need two more years of supervision and preparation after he finishes school, and plans to enroll in a chaplain training program as a Reservist. At present he is driving in to downtown LA several days a week to assist with his fathers wholesale business. Please welcome him as a brother in Christ!

SUNDAY SCHEDULE: Adult Ed. & Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Worship 10:30 a.m. Coffee Fellowship 11:30 a.m.

It is the Mission of First Presbyterian Church of San Bernardino, inspired by the Holy Spirit, to proclaim the good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ through worship and celebration, and teaching and learning, so that lives are transformed and members are encouraged to use their special gifts to care for and value, as God's Beloved, each other and the community in which we live.

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Pastors Page
In the Shape of a Heart
By SANDY TICE Study Leave is a glorious thing. The idea that pastors have more of God to share when they respond to the biblical invitation to "come away" is an astonishing one. I begin this year (this academic Sept-June year) listening for the Voice I most need to hear in the deep quiet of the remote beauty that is northern New Mexico. I am learning about the work of Parker Palmer, a Quaker writer whose work I admire. Specifically this week, we are learning about building what he calls Circles of Trust, where true and deep belonging can happen. We are practicing listening deeply to one another, not just listening from our own agenda but listening as if the person we are listening to is a beloved child of God in whose life the Spirit is at work. We are trying to listen from the heart, and to listen to the heart of the other.

Remember the Sabbath and Keep It Holy

By ERIC O. LEDERMANN In the past I have written and talked a lot about Sabbatha Hebrew word that means to stop, cease, or rest. It is written in Genesis 2.2 that after God spent six days creating the universe, God rested on the seventh day from all the work. The Hebrew word translated as rest is shabat, which we write as Sabbath. The fourth commandment in Exodus 22.8 instructs Moses to tell the people to remember the Sabbath, and keep it holy. In those days and for many Jews today Saturday is the Sabbath, being the seventh day of the week. For Christians, Sunday has become our Sabbath to celebrate Jesus resurrection, which was on a Sunday.

The original purpose of the practice of Sabbath was to bring people together in living community and to recognize the bodys need for rest. It was also used as a time to focus intently on ones relationship with God. However, as our culture has shifted into a 24/7 society it is increasingly difficult to find an entire day to stop, cease, or rest. Out in back of our small residence here is a labyrinth for walkEven going to church can become one thing on a long to-do list, or a ing prayer, and it is built in the shape of a heart. As I walked significant time block on our over scheduled smart phone calendars. It it during my free time today, I prayed that my ministry at First is easy to become a slave to the expectations and responsibilities othPres and that our ministry as a congregation might be "in the ers place on our lives. It is easy to get lost in all there is to do. But Jeshape of a heart"- reflecting the heart of Jesus in compassus invites us to take responsibility for our lives and focus on those sion, faithfulness, and love. I long for there to be more circles things that feed us in body, mind and soul. It is not easy in todays of trust in our congregation, where we can grow in trust and social structures, but it is even more important now than in the days courage and discernment. I long for each person in our comwhen people actually went to bed when the sun set. munity of faith to know that they are heard, deeply understood, and loved. Circles where we can experience the love Taking control means being intentional about our priorities, rather than of God, recognize our gifts, and be filled with courage for min- letting distractions set our priorities. Is your relationship with your famistry! ily important? Make it important by setting it high on your list. Is your "Beloved, let us love one another, for love comes from God. The one who loves is born of God and knows God. Those who do not love do not know God for God is love." 1Jn 4:7-8 relationship with God important? Have you felt something missing in this or any relationships? Push it to the top of the list. Eating is important, so on your list of priorities you might not just add eating but eating healthy. Once you have your priorities on a list, put them where you will see them every day. If something comes up, compare it to your priorities and decide if its something you can really do. Do not be afraid to say not right now, or even no.

One simple priority, which can relate to self-care, our relationship with God, and how we relate to those close to us: Sabbath. We may not be able to take a whole day, but we can take mini-sabbaths every day: 10 By WILLIAM LEE or 15 minutes here and there to rest, meditate, pray, or even journal. Greetings! My name is William Lee from San Francisco Theo- Maybe before we go to bed we take a cue from St. Ignatius (St. Iggy, I like to call him) and do a daily examen: go through the day in your logical Seminary, Southern Campus. Currently, due to clomind and ask yourself how God was present to you in each moment. sure of our campus, I am continuing the MDiv through the Were there opportunities to pay closer attention to what God was doteach out program in Pasadena. I am very grateful for the ing? Were there moments when you felt particularly at peace? There opportunity to serve this congregation as an intern. were probably moments when you felt uneasy, angry, or even afraid. My life partner is Bridget who is currently singing in the choHow do you suppose God might have helped you or been present to rus. I have two boys, Jonathan and Steve, who are faithfully you during those times? This helps us learn to pay attention to God not coming to church with us. Currently, we live in Phelan and we only at the end of the day, but with practice even during the day. Try it! do a lot of commuting from work, school and Church. My wife Stay tuned next month for some insights from Scripture about how we is attending UCR majoring in Math and Chemistry. If God is might be even clearer about our priorities. In the mean time, may we willing, I like to know you more intimately in fellowship as a all experience the gift of Gods presence in Sabbath! member of this church and as a servant of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Greetings!

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Self-Esteem Strengthens Students

By LYNETTE DuCLOS ADELSON Whooo's ready for October and the fun it brings? The children at First Presbyterian ChildCare Center, that's who! The character trait we are working on for the month is Courage. As we work through whether monsters are real or not and how to make them go away at night we will emphasize the love of God and the adults God sent to care for us. Our scripture for the month is Philippians 4:13 -" I can do all things through Christ who sustains me." By the end of the month the children will have talked about fears, read stories about being afraid and even made monster masks and worn them. By October 31 we will have the most confident marchers in our annual Halloween Parade! An important goal of FPCCC is to help each child develop a strong and healthy self-esteem. Self-esteem is developed through a series of experiences in which a child tries something new and is successful at it. The teachers consistently set up these experiences at age-appropriate levels in their classrooms. It is exciting to watch a child beam at being able to string a bead necklace, go through nap time without an 'accident' or complete a puzzle. As always, many thanks to a congregation who makes the nurturing of the youngest of God's children a priority and supports FPCCC.

Beautification More Than Just Clean Up

By STEPHANI CONGDON On Sept. 10, hundreds of citizens of the City of San Bernardino gathered at sites throughout the city to spend a day of beautification. More than 25 of those citizens were from the First Presbyterian Church of San Bernardino. We spent the day cleaning a section of Perris Hill Park and planting trees and flowers to increase the beauty of the park. Spending time together working and building relationships among ourselves and in our community, makes us eager to continue building new outreach! The city hopes to make this a biannual event.

Paper cranes hang in the Sanctuary during our September 11th remembrance. Over several weeks, members of our congregation ranging in age from 5 to 83 folded 400 paper cranes and prayed for God's peace in the world. The worship committee used them to fill our worship with visible prayers for peace. (Photo/Christa Wallis)

Keep on Truckin!
Do you have access to a truck? Our Food Ministry program is looking for an additional truck to accompany a shopper to the Second Harvest Food Bank in Riverside one morning every three months to help stock the shelves of our Food Closet. Contact Kathleen Ray (909) 881-6966 or (909) 327-7123 or Mario Bolaos (909) 880-3088 or (951) 532-3931.

Write On!
The newsletter would love the assistance of any aspiring journalists, photographers, artists, and graphic artists. We also welcome submissions and comments/suggestions! The deadline for Nov. content is Oct. 17. You can contact first.press.sbc@gmail.com, leave a note in the newsletter mailbox in the church office, call Kelsey at (909) 913-3608, or track her down in Fellowship Hall! Pledges Other Income Expenses Net Income

Financial Report
Actual: Budgeted: Over/ (Under): $ 282,179.90 $ 24,994.90 $ 311,977.68 $ (4,802.88) 294,000.00 22,233.28 317,257.78 (1,024.50) (11,820.10) 2,761.62 (5,280.10) (3,778.38)

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Lectionary
October 2 (27th Sunday in Ordinary Time) Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20 Psalm 19:1-14 Philippians 3:4b-14 Matthew 21:33-46 October 9 (28th Sunday in Ordinary Time) Exodus 32:1-14 Psalm 106:1-6, 19-23

World Communion Sunday

From PCUSA.org On Oct. 2, churches across the nation will celebrate World Communion Sunday. On this first Sunday of October, congregations across the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) will receive the 2011 Peacemaking Offering. This offering, one of four special offerings of the denomination, supports peacemaking ministries across the church and is crucial to the ongoing work of the Presbyterian Peacemaking Program. Today our nation is embroiled in two lengthy wars, our economy is faltering in part to support our military might, and our society is increasingly and too often violently divided by a growing economic divide. However, as Christians, we are reminded that a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace for those who make peace (James 3:18).

Through your gifts to the Peacemaking Offering, congregations receive training and resources to address conflict, International Peacemakers bear witness to how they live Philippians 4:1-9 out their faith in the midst of challenge and violence, children and young people learn how they can make a difference in building peace, and people across the church Matthew 22:1-14 benefit from resources that teach peacemaking as part of our Christian discipleship. The world is in need of people who will live out the call of Christ to be peacemakers. October 16 (29th Sunday in Ordinary Time) Join other Presbyterians in making a difference. Exodus 33:12-23 Psalm 99:1-9 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10 Matthew 22:15-22

Putting the Fun in Fundraiser

By LYNETTE DuCLOS ADELSON

Its time for the First Presbyterian ChildCare Center El Torito fundraiser. Plan on spending Thursday, October 6 at the El Torito on Hospitality Lane eating and eating and eating! When an FPCCC coupon is presented, El Torito will give our childcare October 23 (30th Sunday in Ordinary Time) center 25% of what is spent on food. They are accepting our coupons all day so go for brunch and stay for midnight snacks! Look for the red coupons in coffee hour and at Deuteronomy 34:1-12 the receptionist desk beginning Sunday, September 25. Psalm 90:1-6, 13-17 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8 Matthew 22:34-46

Women Fall Together for Fellowship

By CAROL VALENTINE

October 30 (31st Sunday in Ordinary Time) Presbyterian Women will be having our fall gathering on October 17 at 6:30 p.m. in Fellowship Hall. Joshua 3:7-17 At the gathering we will be dedicating the Thank Offering and Jerri Rodewald will be speaking on Women's Health issues. Psalm 107:1-7, 33-37 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13 Matthew 23:1-12

Veterans Day Potluck

Following our church service on Nov. 6, everyone is invited to a Veterans Day Potluck. Bring your favorite dish and come and see the pictures, uniforms, and memorabilia of the soldiers in our congregation. This is a wonderful way to recognize and express gratitude for their service to our country and our ability to worship as we please, Anyone interested in displaying items in the fellowship hall during the potluck can contact Dan Cox at (760) 964-8089.

Dear friends, To know you are loved and cared for is a rich blessing. Your support and many expressions of love during my recent surgery and convalescence have sustained Pat and me in ways that have overwhelmed us. You have lived Jesus' charge to tend the sick. Thank you, and may God continue to bless the goodness you share. Love to each of you from, Sally Morris

Pictures will be copied and then returned, preventing damage to the originals. Please have the pictures in an envelope, with your name on them, to Dan no later than Oct. 23. Uniforms can be brought in on Nov. 6. Hooks to hang uniforms and tables for memorabilia will be provided. First Presbyterian Church is a vibrant and active place! If you don't believe it just check out Fellowship Hall. Unfortunately, we have gotten into the habit of decorating and advertising events but have forgotten to remove our postings when the event has ended. Please make sure that there is someone on your committee assigned to remove fliers, posters, decorations and reminders so Fellowship Hall (and the rest of the campus) isn't a confusing clutter.

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Youth Nurture News

We had a fantastic start to the 2011-2012 year, and a great turn out for Parents Night on Sept. 18! Thank you to all the parents who came and participated. At that meeting we had our first in a series of conversations about Bullies & Mean Girls. We talked about what bullying can look like, and how it can be disguised as kidding around. As many of us know, bullying is a real issue on our school campuses and experts - as well as news stories about students who have been severely hurt by it - point out that bullying is not a right of passage. It is a form of violence against our children and we need to treat it is as such. We hope to help students learn how to identify and respond appropriately to bullying, whether they are the victim or a witness, and to be aware of actions that may constitute bullying. We hope all of our teenagers will come join us for this ongoing conversation. The youth group has our whole year planned out in the 2011-2012 Whats It book, which is available at the church office or by contacting Pastor Eric. Here are some upcoming events: SUNDAY MORNINGS Church School: We have church school for ALL ages. The youth class (grades 7 - 12) meets in room 11 from 9:30 a.m. - 10:15 a.m. We had a great kick off on Sept. 18 and we hope to have more students as we explore the beginnings of the formation of the Holy Bible. SUNDAY EVENINGS Fellowship of the Carpenter (FOC): Nearly every Sunday night youth (grades 6 -12) gather in Fellowship Hall at 5 p.m. (doors open at 4:30, come early and hang out). We eat, play, get to know one another, and experience the fellowship of the Body of Christ. Oct. 2 (Sun) World Communion/Peacemaking Sunday 9:30 a.m. Church School meet in the chapel, then well go to the Youth Lounge (Room 11) 4:30 p.m. - 7 p.m. Fellowship of the Carpenter (FOC) Session 3 of Bullies & Mean Girls Harmful or good fun? Oct. 9 (Sun) 9:30 a.m. Church School meet in the chapel, then well go to the Youth Lounge (Room 11) 4:30 p.m. - 7 p.m. Fellowship of the Carpenter (FOC) Session 4 of Bullies & Mean Girls Its Real Oct. 15 (Sat) 8 a.m. - 11 a.m. Deacons Monthly Food Distributionwe can use all the help we can get! Come earn service hours for school! Oct. 16 (Sun) Deadline to RSVP for Disneyland on Oct. 22nd 9:30 a.m. Church School meet in the chapel, then well go to the Youth Lounge (Room 11) 4:30 p.m. Doors open for FOC 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. Fellowship of the Carpenter (FOC) Session 5 of Bullies & Mean Girls (Wo)Man up! Oct. 22 (Sat) - FOC @ Disneyland! Meet at church by 10 a.m. We should be back around 11 p.m. Cost: $80 for tickets. (Checks for tickets should be made out to First Presbyterian Church by Oct. 16). Plan to bring $20-30 for food as well. RSVP to Pastor Eric by Oct. 16. Parents, we will need drivers! Please contact Pastor Eric with the number of passengers you can take if you are able to help! Oct. 23 (Sun) Deadline to register for ESCAPE Youth Spirituality Retreat (Nov. 11-13) 9:30 a.m. Church School meet in the chapel, then well go to the Youth Lounge (Room 11) NO FOC due to Disneyland trip on Oct. 22. Oct. 30 (Sun) 9:30 a.m. Church School meet in the chapel, then well go to the Youth Lounge (Room 11) 4:30 p.m. - 7 p.m. Fellowship of the Carpenter (FOC) Session 6 of Bullies & Mean Girls What You Can Do

Mark your calendars now for these big events coming up: Nov. 11-13 ESCAPE: Youth Retreat at Big Bear Conference Center For 7-12th graders interested in exploring their faith. ESCAPE to a beautiful place. ESCAPE to discover Gods presence. ESCAPE to be renewed. Cost: $140 (scholarships available). Dec. 2-4 Decemberfest High School Retreat (grades 9 -12) at Westminster Woods in Occidental, California. If you have questions or need more information, please contact Pastor Eric Ledermann at (909) 289-9668 (texts welcome) or eoledermann@gmail.com.

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Food Ministry Update

The Food Ministry would like to thank everyone for their generous contributions of beans and rice during the Fishes and Loaves Food Drive last month. Our congregation donated 150 pounds of rice and 90 pounds of beans throughout the two week food drive. The Food Ministry would also like to thank everyone for their contributions of canned goods and pasta. These contributions are greatly appreciated and help us to put together emergency food bags for struggling community members during the week. The Food Ministry continues to be in need of volunteers to pack food bags and to help with distribution. We gladly sign community service forms for students in need of service hours. It is also a great opportunity for families to help our community . If you would like to get involved please contact Mario Bolaos or Kathleen Ray. Food Bagging: Oct. 14 at 8:30 a.m. Food Distribution: Oct. 15 at 8:30 a.m. Oct 4

October Celebrations
Oct 1 Oct 2 Chuck Terrell Bobby Roberts Jean Wierenga Julie Aguilera Dave Thomas Jennifer (Coyne) Scerra Lisa (Coyne) Star Oct 5 Oct 6 Oct 7 Oct 8 Laura & Sean Dunn Elaine Cook Edward Munz Jacob & Leslie Cordova Paul & Laura Munz Oct 9 Sara Imura Keith & Beth Keiper Oct 11 Shirlee Cox Zachary Garcia

Community Member Needs Our Help

By DAWN MORRIS One of our church members has lost her job and is looking for domestic work of any kind. Olga Hill and her daughter Polina became friends with our family through our children's "YMCA" karate class in early 2010. Friendship led to regular Sunday School attendance and church-going, expanded friendships, joining the Circle of Kindness, and then church membership earlier this year. Because of circumstances beyond her control, Olga lost her job as manager of the apartment complex in which she and Polina live. This will mean eviction unless she can secure a position, or cobble together several positions, to earn enough to pay her rent. I can attest to her reliability and her willingness to work hard. If you, or someone you know, could use her service, please contact Olga at (909) 882-1072 or give me a call (909) 882-3648.

Organization Harvests More Than Just Food

By SALLY MORRIS Do you know about Inland Harvest? It is an organization that accepts no money, pays no executive, and runs only on the goodness of the hearts of volunteers. We are drivers who pick up leftover food from restaurants of all kinds and deliver it to shelters where hungry people are fed. We operate under the "Good Samaritan Law" (a real law), and are asked only that the food move as quickly as possible from the restaurant to the shelter. There is no liability to Inland Harvest and its volunteers. I have been a driver for 15 or so years and I find it to be very satisfying because (1) good food is not thrown out, (2) the restaurant gets a tax credit, and (3) hungry people are fed. It's a win-win for all. Inland Harvest is in need of additional drivers and would like you to join me and consider this opportunity for service. Please contact Barbara Wormser, our coordinator at (909) 335-7327, see me at church, or call Sally Morris (909) 883-4177.

Barbara Maineri Oct 12 Oct 16 Oct 17 Owen Morris Tino Garza Jacob Babcock Bobbi Cummings Oct 19 Oct 20 Oct 22 Oct 23 Danielle Imura Robin Edwards Susan Biddlecombe Liza Wilson Scott & Linda (Olsen) McGarvey Thomas Patrick Dunn Oct 24 Geri Atkins Marge Bentley Oct 25 Oct 26 Nancy Le Roy Parri Gareau Fred Thomson Oct 30 Mario & Mary Bolaos Rebecca Allen

Keep Military Members in Your Prayers

Seaman Mark Munz, US Navy, San Diego Sgt. Andrew Bonine, US Army, Ft. Riley, KS Pvt. Rachael Bonine, US Army, Ft. Riley, KS Staff Sgt. Robert Bentley Wilson, US Army Schofield Barracks, HI WO2 James Bentley Wilson, US Army, Iraq Lt. Col. David Le Roy, US Air Force, Travis AFB, CA

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