The Messenger - February 25, 2009

Pastor's Ponderings
by Rev. Neal Neuenchwander

February 25, 2009

Five Reasons I Believe in the First Presbyterian Church:

Reason #4: The Steps That We Have Taken to Implement Your Mission Plan

Back when I was interviewing with several different churches, I read a lot of "Mission Statements." Most were like milquetoast: no form, no substance, no memorable lines--just a lot of mush. Most said, in essence, that "we are diverse, and we want to do lots of things simultaneously." They couldn't quite own up to their weaknesses, and they couldn't really boast about their strengths. Thus, they lacked a clear identity and a distinctive sense of call.

This congregation, by contrast, had a concise mission statement, and a well-organized mission plan. It identified 10 core values upon which this church could plan, and it listed 8 strategic initiatives, several of which have been completed.

As part of this effort, we have:

• Created a special team (Mission Facilitation) to keep our church focused on our plan
• Funded several outreach efforts (such as "Alpha," the Sawyer Concerts, and the "Easter Extravaganza") to attract non-members to our church.
• Refurbished several public spaces in our church.
• Created a new commission (Adult Discipleship) to assimilate visitors into the church and help them grow in faith.
• Launched several new small groups to build and strengthen faith
• Built several new sports teams for fellowship
• Launched several renovation projects throughout the church
• Enhanced several existing ministries with an excellent paid staff.

We haven't completed all of our original initiatives, but we have made substantial progress. And we continue to implement this plan today. In short, your mission plan had legs, and it continues to move.

In Next week's Messenger article, I'll talk about some of the options and the opportunities that we face today.

Have a great weekend!

Neal

Calendar
Week of February 25, 2009

• Friday

  8:30 am
  Tennis breakfast at Carrows

• Sunday

  8:30 - 9:30 am
  Adult Sunday School
• 9:30 am
  Worship (Pastor Neal/Paul Purdy); Children and Youth Sunday School (Sue Headley)

• Monday

  6:30 pm
  Youth Praise Band (Tim Gray)
• 7:00 pm
  Women's Bible Study (Kim Neuenschwander)

• Wednesday

  7:00 am
  Breakfast Club Bible Study at Carrow's (Bob Erbacker)
• 1:00 pm
  Women's Bible Study (Kim Neuenschwander)
• 2:30 pm
  Beachcomber Beta Group
• 4:30 pm
  Cherub Choir (Emily Anderson)
• 4:30 pm
  Gospel Gang (Lesley Sirianni)
• 5:30 pm
  Kings Chorus (Lesley Sirianni)
• 6:30 pm
  SonLight Singers (Lesley Sirianni)
• 6:30 pm
  Jr. High Fellowship (Todd Bender)
• 7:00 pm
  Prayer Group
• 7:00 pm
  Chapel Bells (Nan Roberts)

• Thursday

  11:30 am
  Forever Young Luncheon
• 7:30 pm
  Chancel Choir

Looking Ahead

• March 8
  Congregational Meeting After Church

Editor's Corner

2009 Church Directory

Put a Face to that Name!
Early sign-ups get first choice of times!

We are producing a pictorial directory for our church. There is no cost to you or the church to have your photographs taken, and you will receive a complimentary 8x10 portrait and directory for participating.

Did you know?

• You may invite grandparents and other family members/loved ones to join your portrait sitting (even if they are not members).
• With permission, you may bring your household pet to your portrait session. We know they are part of the family!
• You can bring props that define who you are and express your individuality.
• Portraits make excellent gifts!
• Our youth members may want their own individual portrait as well as one with family!
• The Portrait Sitting Guide has great Tips and Ideas for your portrait.

Signup Sundays, March 1, 8 or 15th after church in the Maccormack room OR
Signup Online 24/7 at www.firstpressanpedro.org

Photography Days!
Tuesday, March 24 through Friday, March 27 from 1:30p to 8:50p and Saturday, March 28 from 9a to 4:50p.

If you are interested in volunteering as a host or hostess during the actual photography sessions, contact Andrea Brown after church or at 310/831-2249. Directory Committee volunteers are Gwen Brown, Dariel Johnson, Angela Esposito, Andrea Brown, Carolyn Ehrlich, Marilyn Falcon, Cam and Eric Beck and Sharon McLachlan.

STAFF: When scheduling portrait session appointment it is important that STAFF be indicated on the Portrait Session Signup Sheet and highlighted in YELLOW. Notify the Appointment Scheduler!

New Way to Connect

Do you know what Facebook is? Do you have a profile on Facebook? Would you like to connect with First Presbyterian Church of San Pedro? Join the new FPSP Facebook Group!

To make comments or be added or deleted from The Messenger mail list contact: Tim Gray

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