|
|
February 2002
THE REV. SAM ALEXANDER INSTALLED AS OUR 18TH PASTOR On Sunday,
January 27, San Francisco Presbytery installed the Rev. Sam Participating in the service were three former Old First staff members: the Rev. Keenan Kelsey, the Rev. Chandler Stokes, and the Rev. Glenda Hope. Elder Dan Joraanstad offered the Welcome of the church, and Elder Andy Cheng, moderator of the Pastor Nominating Committee, presented Sam as our Pastor-elect. The sermon was given by the Rev. Jana Childers, Dean, San Francisco Theological Seminary; the charge to the pastor was given by the Rev. Charles Hammond, a long-time friend of Sam’s, now Interim Pastor of San Luis Obispo Presbyterian. Among the representatives of the Presbytery were Moderator Gerald Watson and the Rev. Scott Schaefer of the Committee on Ministry. After the service our Congregational Care Committee hosted a reception in the Fellowship Hall.
LENTEN STUDY SERIES ON THE BOOK OF REVELATION The Revelation of John is the most mis-interpreted and misunderstood book of the Bible. John Calvin wrote a commentary on every other book of the New Testament, but didn't write one on Revelation because he "didn't want to contribute to the confusion." The Rev. Sam Alexander will teach a class on Revelation every Wednesday in Lent, beginning with Ash Wednesday, Feb. 13. The time will be 7:30 to 9 pm sharp — worship for half an hour, and an hour of study.
Are you interested in becoming a member of Old First Church? We will receive our next class of new members in March. A series of three classes for those planning to join will be held Feb. 17 and 24, and March 3, 9:30 -10:30 am, Sundays. If you are interested in attending, please contact Rev. Alexander, Pam Byers, or the church office. Dear Friends, Are you tired of tasks and committee meetings? I guess I really don’t have to ask. We live in a world of objectives, goals, and tasks. There are moments when we feel weary. I just got back from a retreat with your Elders and Deacons. We talked about this very dynamic. We have some sense that committee work is really quite draining unless you’ve established real friendships within the group. True, there are tasks that need to be accomplished, but we are not in this congregation to accomplish tasks. It is more fun, more rewarding — it’s just better — if people have some commitment to each other rather than some loyalty to a task. All this to say, we’re going to try to go about our work a little differently this year. So don’t be too surprised if instead of being invited to a “Meeting of the Evangelism Committee” (for instance), you are instead invited to have brunch to talk about ways we might get the word out about Old First. Or maybe the call will go out for a group to meet over wine and cheese to think about what creative things we might do in worship. Sound good? Which brings me to another point. You do not have to wait to be called or invited personally. This is particularly true for new members, but it can be true of those members who are “known quantities” as well. It is possible that very few people know what you’re good at — what you might like to contribute to. If you hear about a group that is getting together (we’ll make sure they are announced publicly), feel free to approach the person who sends out the announcement to find out whether you might fit in. It’s not easy to make that effort, but it is really the only way to find connection. One other note: Do you know how incredibly generous this church is? I went through the budget recently to see what would happen if I took out every single dollar that we spend on someone else last year. I came up with a whopping 29% of our expenses. We gave away 29% of our resources last year! That’s incredible. I’m glad to be your pastor. Grace and peace to you through God, our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ, Sam Alexander
JOIN YOUR CHURCH FAMILY AT THE OLD FIRST COMMUNITY RETREAT 2002 Where we will Listen Attentively - Speak Freely - Share Sorrow, Compassion and Happiness - Let Things Go o Confess - Pray For Healing - Give Assurance to One Another - Sing Songs of Praise at Westminster Woods, West Sonoma County March 15,16,17 An especially well-rounded weekend together with family to refresh our minds and spirits, Community Retreat 2002 will feature scripture study and diverse topic small groups. Advanced study with suggested outside reading as well as discussion, chat and spiritual artistic expressions are among your choice of activities in a bucolic setting in the Redwoods. We'll be able to quiet our minds, consent to God's presence, gently re-focus and experience healthy detachment. Starting with dawn and early morning meditation and prayer for those who wish it, our days will be comforted by country deluxe accommodations including all the full service houses available and all meals provided. Rev. Sam Alexander will be leading us, ably assisted by director of Christian Education, Erwin Barron, director of Music Ken Mathews, and Barbara Alexander, fresh from San Francisco Theological Seminary. Watch for further details !!! IN MEMORY Ellen Huie died on December 30, 2001. A private memorial service was held. Roger Ulibarri died on January 2, 2002. A memorial service was held at Old First on January 26. Edna de Martini died on January 15, 2002. A memorial service was held at Old First on January 28. EDNA DE MARTINI Edna De Martini died at the age of 101. She had been a member of Old First since 1939, but had attended with her family when she was a child. She remembered being at Old First (then “First Presbyterian”) at the age of four, before the wooden Gothic building was destroyed in the 1906 earthquake and fire. She remembered attending church in the temporary building (now the Lutheran Church of the Holy Spirit on Washington St.), and she remembered the dedication of our present building in 1912. Edna was one of the first women elders, elected in the early 60’s. She was president of the Women’s Guild a number of years; any year she wasn’t president, she was a circle leader. She was always instrumental in putting on the Guild’s Christmas Bazaar, which raised several thousand dollars each year for church projects and missions. Edna was one of the original volunteers at the Senior Center, regularly conducting a seminar on current events, and continued her work there well into her 90’s. To the Congregation of Old First Presbyterian Church, On behalf of Edgewood Center for Children and Families, please accept my heartfelt “thank you” for the generous outpouring of Christmas gifts to our boys and girls. Our staff was heartened to see the familiar Old First Church nametags brightly affixed to the many carefully-chosen toys. As you know, these are difficult financial times for many people. We were deeply moved by your church’s support of our holiday program in spite of financial uncertainties. Your love and concern gave our boys and girls a priceless gift this holiday — the certainty that they are cared for by the community. Thank you again for the gift of your loyal support. We are blessed to count the congregation of Old First among our benefactors. Sincerely, Yvette De Andreis Community Relations Coordinator WELCOME To Thomas Stuart Wilson, son of Earl and Jennifer Wilson, born on December 20, 2001. THANK YOU The Board of Deacons wishes to thank the congregation for the overwhelming response to the clothing drive for "A Miner Miracle." Your generous donations completely filled two cars. The organization, named for founder Kathy Miner, provides quality clothing to homeless and low-income job seekers. SESSION NOTES from the December 18 meeting Membership - Dick and Betty Bobb are transferring their membership to Trinity Presbyterian Church of Hendersonville, North Carolina. Presbytery - The Rev. Laird Stuart, pastor of Calvary Presbyterian Church, is running for Moderator of the 214th General Assembly. Mission - The Mission Committee recommends that Old First should retain its Tutorial Program for neighborhood children, strengthening and improving the program in stability and professionalism through better organization and outreach, volunteer training and student evaluation. Finance - A gift from the estate of Constance Holland will be deposited in the Old First Endowment Fund. Personnel - The contract of the Rev. Erwin Barron as Director of Christian Education was extended through August 31, 2002. Website - A gift of $2,000 has been made to the church to support the website ministry, including the text of Sunday sermons. Leadership - The annual Leadership Retreat for Elders and Deacons is scheduled for January 18 and 19 at the Ralston White Center in Mill Valley. SESSION OFFICERS AND MODERATORS NAMED Committee Moderators for 2002 are: Christian Education, Sidney Hollar; Congregational Care, Doris Bebb; Evangelism, Pam Byers; Finance, Barry Clagett; Mission, Lori Yamauchi; Nominating, George Becker; Operations, Phil Pollock; Personnel, Jean Olson; Planning, John Sebastian; Stewardship, Cindy Burt; Worship, Alison Armstrong. Tom Culp will be Clerk of Session; John Sebastian, Corporation President; and Michael Berg, Treasurer. Steve Taber will represent Session on the board of Old First Concerts, and Rosemary Bledsoe will be Session liaison to the Board of Deacons. LECTIONARY Feb 3 - Mic. 6:1-8; Ps. 15; 1 Cor. 1:18-31; Matt. 5:1-12 Feb 10 - Exod. 24:12-18; Ps. 2 or Ps. 99; 2 Pet. 1:16-21 Matt. 17:1-9 Feb 13 - Ash Wednesday - Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 or Isa. 58:1-12; Ps. 51:1-17; 2 Cor. 5:20b-6:10; Matt. 6:1-6, 16-21 Feb 17 - Gen. 2:15-17, 3:1-7; Ps. 32; Rom. 5:12-19; Matt. 4:1-11 Feb 24 - Gen. 12:1-4a; Ps. 121; Rom. 5:12-19; Matt. 4:1-11 Mar 3 - Exod. 17:1-7; Ps. 95; Rom. 5:1-11; John 4:5-42
Dear Old First Family, During the last several months while my mother Loretta was ill, your outpouring of cards, kind words, and loving support has been a great comfort to me. Thanks so much for helping both me and Bob through a difficult time. My mother had three different church families. The small Lutheran church in Noonan, North Dakota where I was raised as a child, a larger Missouri Synod church in Minot and lastly, during retirement, a Lutheran church in Mesa Arizona; all three communities played an important role in her life. Through good times and bad, her church family was a central part of her life experience. That is true for me as well. Thank you for being such steadfast friends and a caring community especially during this time of loss. I asked God for water, he gave me an ocean. I asked God for a flower, he gave me a garden. I asked God for a tree, he gave me a forest. I asked God for a friend, he gave me you. Dan Joraanstad THE WELCOMING WELCOME CENTER by Shirley S. Buono When I had been a member of Old First for about six months, RoseMarie Springer invited me to help at the Welcome Center. I knew what the Welcome Center was — a program serving the homeless in our neighborhood. So I walked in one Tuesday about a year ago, and I was welcomed! I have volunteered ever since. To serve with such a wonderful group of people — staff, volunteers and guests — is a privilege I would wish for everyone. On one recent Tuesday, there were no other volunteers available; I was it! John Youngbird-Holt already had the soup going, though, and together we started the day. When our guests realized how shorthanded we were, they began to help us. One ran back and forth to the kitchen, others cleared off their own places at the table, and some even stayed to help after the meal had been served. It was a pleasure to see all that cooperation! As one guests was leaving, he said to me, “Don’t hesitate to ask for help. We guys like to feel needed!” The Center is open every Tuesday and Thursday from 2:00 to 4:00 pm. A light meal, friendship and help is served. For more information, contact John Youngbird-Holt.
CONGREGATIONAL LUNCHEON AND ANNUAL MEETING, FEB 3 The Super Bowl isn’t the only big event on Sunday, February 3. You can attend our lunch and annual meeting, held in the Fellowship Hall right after worship, and still get home in time to see the game. Enjoy a good lunch and some musical surprises, do a quick review of 2001, and hear plans for 2002. Tickets are $5 for an adult, $3 for ages 5-12. Child care will be available. |
 Access
our news archives: January 2002
December 2001, Nov 2001, October 2001, September 2001, July/August 2001, June 2001, May 2001, April 2001,
March 2001, December 2000, November 2000,October 2000, September 2000, July/August 2000, May/June 2000,April 2000, March 2000, February 2000 |
Home About Us Calendar News Worship Education History