A New Voyage - St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church...Affirm Christ’s teaching as the source of spiritual nourishment Grow in discipleship, leadership and service Share the joy of God’s

SEPT/OCT 2018

A New Voyage

From Clerk of Session Sandy Thoits

The Big News at St. Andrew’s over the summer came by way of an announcement in early August

that Pastor Brett Becker accepted a call to a Presbyterian Church in Ames, Iowa. Brett and Anita

are packing up to head out in early September from the beaches and mountains of Santa Barbara

to the rolling plains and cornfields of Iowa. The Beckers’ ministry, care and friendship have been

a blessing to St. Andrew’s congregation in countless ways. We’ve had opportunities over the last

month to reflect, plan and celebrate their ministry. If you missed the Farewell Celebration on

August 26, you’ll find some photos in these pages. Saying “farewell” is bittersweet – excitement

for new things while at the same time sadness in parting. God’s call for the Beckers to Iowa

signals God’s call to St. Andrew’s to begin a new voyage forward, starting with a transitional

time and process.

As Presbyterians, we value the connectedness of our denomination, which is lived out in this

time of transition. We have resources at the Presbytery, Synod and national levels to call on for

assistance. The Presbytery Committee on Ministry (COM) will appoint a liaison to help us in the

steps ahead – searching for and retaining an Interim Pastor; an interim period with Mission

Study; election of a Pastor Nominating Committee from the congregation; searching for and

calling a new pastor; and welcoming a new pastor. Session has already begun the first steps of

the process:

Interim Pastor Search Team Appointed by Session: Scott Eschbach (Chair), Dana Monk, John

Doner, Mona Wise.

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Temporary Coverage Plan for Pastoral Duties: Session approved a plan for Temporary Coverage

starting on September 1, by Parish Associates Rev. Suzanne Malloy and Rev. Judith Muller. This

plan will continue until an Interim Pastor is retained. Thank you Suzanne and Judith!

• Suzanne will lead for Worship, staff coordination and communication, prepare and preach

sermons and arrange for coverage for Sundays on which she is not preaching. Suzanne’s

weekly office hours at the church, beginning on September 11: Tuesday & Thursday,

9:00AM – 12:00PM. Except for scheduled community meetings on Thursdays.

• Judith will lead for Pastoral Care and moderate the Session meetings. Judith is available for

pastoral visits with members at the church, in homes, hospitals, care facilities and phone.

Judith’s weekly office hours at the church, beginning on September 5: Wednesday

9:00AM – 12:00PM. Thursday mornings, by appointment. Please call the church office or

call Judith directly to make an appointment or set up times for a meeting.

• Email and Cell phone numbers to contact:

Suzanne: [email protected] 805.451.3372

Judith: [email protected] 805.453.0703

Our St. Andrew’s logo, shown on the front page of this newsletter, symbolizes living as a

community in Christ, sailing on the winds of the Holy Spirit. On the same day we said “farewell”

to the Beckers, we welcomed six new Session members and five new Deacons. We’re blessed

with gifted and enthusiastic leadership by our Session, Deacons, Committees, teams and staff,

and a loving and faithful Congregation. As we embark on a new voyage together, we do so with

gratitude for God’s grace-filled presence with us along the way ahead.

“For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for

harm, to give you a future with hope.” Jeremiah 29:11

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SESSION NEWS News from Session Meetings on July 17, August 12 and August 21

July 17

• Session heard a report from the Deacons about plans for setting the flocks lists for the coming

year. Starbucks gift cards have been sent to college students. A memorial service for Bev Ford is

on July 22.

• Heard a report from the Treasurer that the mortgage has been fully paid off.

• Approved the updating of the membership rolls; the Clerk will send letters to members who have

been inactive for two years or more.

• Continued discussion from the Session retreat on decision-making concepts. Session discussed

“The Decision Makers Bill of Rights” and the importance and value of good decision making in the

church. A framed Decision Makers Bill of Rights list was hung on the wall in the Vos Room.

• Approved contracting with a new landscaping service.

• Approved in concept amendments to the Endowment Fund and Land Sale Investment Fund

resolutions, to provide a predictable allocation based on using a formula of 4.5% pf the prior

year’s ending balance. (Session formally approved these amendments at the August 21 Session

meeting).

• Heard an update report about a possible new walking path along Auhay.

• Heard a report on Presbytery approval in May of Paul Davidson for Ordination as a Minister of

Word and Sacrament.

August 12

• Session met on Sunday, August 12, after worship for a Special Called Meeting regarding the

announcement by Pastor Brett Becker of his acceptance of a call to a PC(USA) church in Ames, Iowa

(Collegiate Presbyterian Church).

• Session reviewed and made decisions on next immediate steps for transition.

• Session called a Congregational Meeting on Sunday, August 26, at 10:30AM for the purpose of

dissolving the pastoral relationship with Dr. Becker, as of September 16, 2018. Meeting to be

moderated by a member of the Presbytery Committee on Ministry.

• The Treasurer reviewed the status of the pastor housing loan by the church for the Becker’s

condominium. The loan will be paid back to the church upon closing of the sale.

• Clerk of Session Sandy Thoits briefly reviewed some of the next steps in transition for calling a

new pastor, including appointing an interim pastor search team; hiring an interim pastor;

preparing a mission study; congregation election of a pastor nominating committee.

• Session discussed temporary plans for pulpit supply and pastoral needs coverage.

• Plans for a Farewell Celebration for the Beckers were discussed. Session approved naming the

Audio Visual Booth in the Sanctuary after Dr. Becker and funding up to $200 for a plaque and

related costs for presentations to the Beckers.

August 21

• A Session Dinner was held with all current and new Session members and new Deacons. Session

met with, questioned and approved the new ruling elders and deacons for their Ordination and

Installation set for August 26.

• Session expressed warm appreciation to Dr. Becker for his over 9 years of service to the church

and his impactful leadership as Moderator of Session.

• Session heard a report from the Deacons on the updated flock lists. The date for the Meet Your

Deacon lunch has been changed to October 7.

• Heard a report from the Pastor on recent pastoral visits and needs.

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Session News

SESSION NEWS (cont’d) • Welcomed Carole Shapiro, Stewardship Chair, and heard a report about this year’s Stewardship

Theme – “Pick a Percentage.” A letter will be mailed to the congregation on September 6.

Stewardship Sunday is October 28.

• Session approved a provision regarding the interest rate and amount payable on the pastor

housing loan upon closing of the sale of the Becker’s condominium.

• Temporary Coverage Plan for pastoral responsibilities: Session approved a plan for Temporary

Coverage by Parish Associates Suzanne Malloy and Judith Muller until an Interim Pastor is retained.

Suzanne – Worship/Preaching; Staff coordination; Backup Session Moderator. Judith – Pastoral

Care; Session leadership. Start date – September 1.

• Approved appointing a subcommittee of Session as an Interim Pastor Search Team, members –

John Doner, Scott Eschbach, Dana Monk, Mona Wise.

• Approved adding Shirley Guenthart to the HOME Team and adding Freddie Villa to the B&G Team.

• Heard about the rescheduled Presbytery Leadership Renewal Retreat on Saturday, October 6, at

First Presbyterian Church Santa Barbara.

• Approved a request by a neighbor for parking a trailer at the back area of the parking lot.

• Heard an update on a proposal for a walking path along Auhay.

Sandy Thoits, Clerk of Session

Sandy Thoits, Clerk of Session

Our Mission Statement

We worship Jesus Christ together consistent with Reformed/Presbyterian tradition, while:

❖ Learning God’s Word and spreading the Gospel

❖ Supporting each member of our Church family

❖ Caring for others through mission and service throughout our community and the

world

❖ Openly affirming all forms of diversity in leadership, worship and ministry

Our Vision Statement

As God calls us and equips us by the Holy Spirit, we strive to:

❖ Be a loving, connected family-in-faith of all ages

❖ Affirm Christ’s teaching as the source of spiritual nourishment

❖ Grow in discipleship, leadership and service

❖ Share the joy of God’s love with all

NEW MEMBER/INQUIRERS CLASS

Saturday, September 15

9:00am – 2:00pm

St. Andrew’s

If you are interested or have any questions, please contact Sandy

Thoits or call the church office.

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Peace & Global Witness Special Offering -

Peace at All Times, In All Ways

Sometimes it feels the world is coming at us so quickly that we don’t know which way to turn,

where to look, what to do next. In a chaotic world, we find strength in knowing that God is

always near. We join in Paul’s prayer (2 Thessalonians 3:16): “Now may the lord of peace… give

you peace at all times in all ways.”

Peace. For our world, our family, our community, our church and ourselves – peace at all times,

in all ways.

When the peace treaty was signed between Egypt and Israel in 1979, President Jimmy Carter

quoted the journalist Walker Knight, saying “peace is active, not passive; peace is doing, not

waiting… peace, like war, is waged.” The Peace & Global Witness Offering our church supports

provides the tools and resources for us as we join together as active peacemakers.

The Peace & Global Witness Offering draws Presbyterians together and provides education and

exposure to those who show us how to do this work well. It allows us to create resources for

dealing with conflict and nurturing reconciliation, and stand in support of our global brothers

and sisters, because the peace of Christ belongs to people everywhere. It has helped support

our church partners in Madagascar recover from years of destructive development. Scriptural

resources helped congregations, like the one in Old Bergen, New Jersey, find common ground

with neighbors of many faiths, bringing their children together to learn from one another and

to build a peaceful future. And the whole church joins together, through this Offering, to work

for an end to all forms of human trafficking, specifically, the tragedy of child soldiers.

As we work to share Christ’s peace with one another, let’s share that peace with those beyond

our doors. Fifty percent of this Offering supports the active work for peace being done by

Presbyterians everywhere through the Presbyterian Mission Agency. Twenty-five percent of this

Offering will go to our Synod, joining with other congregations in our area to support

peacemaking work in our region. And 25% of this Offering will be directed by this

Congregation to support efforts to curb gun violence (but more about that later).

As Presbyterians, we claim Jesus Christ as Prince of Peace and pattern our lives in the

compassion, kindness and grace that he shows us. Watch for more information about this

special Offering in upcoming flyers and Moments for Mission. We will receive the Peace &

Global Witness Offering on Worldwide Communion Sunday, October 7.

Blessings,

Scott Eschbach, Mission Chair

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SEPTEMBER BIRTHDAYS 02 – Nancy Doner 02 – Carol Lefley 03 – Julie Sommers 05 – Shirley Guenthart 05 – Caroline Willsie 06 – Cal Thomas 08 – Karen Noffz 11 – Sunny Kennedy 11 – Emma Voigt 24 – Anna Kirk 15 – Connor Acuna 24 – Justin Russo 17 – Michelle Hertig 26 – Sandy Thoits 18 – Brett Becker 26 – Paul Zink 23 – Sara Vickers 27 – Barbara Brashears 24 – Hector Acuna 29 – Ellen Clark 24 – Nina Chamberlain 29 – Karen Wootton 29 – Karen Wootton OCTOBER BIRTHDAYS

03 – Judith Muller 04 – Dayle Rinker 05 – Mona Wise 06 – Linda Wisner 07 – Marion Jeffries 09 – David Bohn 09 – Bud Lemkuil 11 – Peggy Sue Lemkuil 20 – Kevin Acuna 20 – Amanda Kirk 21 – Anita Becker 23 – Charlie Henry 24 – Bob Rice 28 – Ann Padden-Rubin 29 – Roger Wells

NOVEL BOOK GROUP FOR

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER

On Saturday, September 8th

, we discuss The

Woman in the Window by AJ Finn. On

Saturday, October 13th

, we discuss Into the

Beautiful North by Luis Alberto Urrea.

All meetings are at 10am in the Vos Room.

New members welcome!

POTLUCK WITH LLAMADA

FINAL!

Didn’t get enough Fiesta?

Join us for “Fiesta Part 2” with our

Llamada Final friends in Morgan Hall

on Sunday, September 30,

at 5:30pm!

Bring your favorite dish.

Wonderful food, music, and great

fellowship!

NEW KEYS FOR THE OFFICE

We will be changing the locks to the office on

September 6th

. If you need your key replaced,

please contact Nancy in the front office to

arrange a date to pick up your new key.

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Dear Friends of St. Andrew’s,

It’s that time of year again when we need to prayerfully consider our part in

helping to meet our church budget. A stewardship letter along with your pledge

card will be going out in the mail during the first week of September.

The theme this year is “Pick a Percentage” and it’s meant to encourage you to

think about your 2018 giving and stretch that a bit to increase your 2019 giving

by a small “percentage”.

You’ll be hearing more from the stewardship committee during the weeks prior

to Stewardship Sunday, which is planned for October 28th

this year.

If you have questions or concerns, please contact Carole Shapiro at

[email protected] or Karen Noffz at [email protected]

Sincerely,

Your Stewardship Committee

STEWARDSHIP

OUT OF THE DARKNESS SANTA BARBARA WALK

Sponsored by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

in honor of Merlyn & Helen Cummings

Sunday, September 9

Opening ceremony: 8:00am – 9:00am

Walk: 9:30am (3.2 miles at Leadbetter Beach)

See Palm Polan for more information

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Meditation for SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER

TAKING LITTLE NOTICE

Have mercy on me, my God,

have mercy on me, for in you I take refuge,

I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings

Until the disaster has passed.

Psalm 57:1

“Why is it, Lord, that I learn the most when life takes a turn for the worst?

Your servant David discovered this when he was hiding in a cave from King Saul.

Chinese pastors realize it when they call prison a seminary.

And we all come to understand it sooner or later when life breaks down and we simply

cannot fix it. Why is it Lord, that I learn so little when you give me your best?

I know the world is broken, but I pay little attention because life for me is good.

I know that people around the world area being persecuted for proclaiming truth, but I take

little notice because I am guaranteed freedom of speech.

May I not wait until my freedom is gone to decide to use it. May I not be ashamed to say

that I love you.”

From 100 Prayers – Inspired by the Psalms - By Julie Ackerman Link

PAUL DAVIDSON’S

ORDINATION

on

June 10, 2018

St. Andrew’s

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PRESCHOOL CORNER

Happy September to all of you! I hope your summer was full of great family and friend activities.

It is time for back to school and getting to know new preschoolers along with their families. We will have

19 returning families, along with 7 new families joining us this year. Patty and I are visiting all the families

on their homes, allowing the children to see us in their own environment. We hope this will make a more

successful transition into the school environment as well as give even the returning children to get to

know Patty.

We will have our traditional Open House on Wednesday, September 5, from 10:00am to 12:00pm. We will

be giving tours to the parents who will meet staff, and will also have activities for the children to begin

their exploration of their school. Our first Parent Meeting will also be that evening at 7:00pm. During this

meeting, we will go over our philosophy, and how the parents will be fitting into our school. We will

continue to be an inclusion site, and look forward to making these children feel safe and loved in our

environment.

Our first day of school will be Thursday, September 6, from 8:30am – 1:30pm. We look forward to a new

school year as we continue to provide an environment that the children can discover knowledge,

friendships, and God’s love in the world around us.

We will be changing our fundraiser to October this year. It will be on Saturday, October 20. We will have

carnival games and other fun activities, including a raffle. More information on that later.

Fondly,

Cindy

2018 Presbytery Meetings

Saturday, September 22

– Paso Robles

Tuesday, November 13

- Goleta

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St. Andrew's at Love.Period festival at

Chase Palm Park on August 25th

Thank you to Bob & Carole Shapiro,

and Tom & Diane Weisenburger for

helping support St. Andrew’s table

at the festival!

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ORDINATION AND

INSTALLATION OF

RULING ELDERS AND

DEACONS

ON AUGUST 26 –

Pastor Brett Becker

New Ruling Elders on Session: Susan Arnold,

Merlyn Cummings, John Doner, Ann Padden-

Rubin, Nancy Russo, Caroline Willsie.

New Deacons: Nevin Chamberlain, Barbara

Eschbach, Pam Polan, Dayle Rinker, Edie Wells

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LUNCH WITH YOUR DEACON

Sunday, October 7th, 11:00am

Come enjoy lunch

with your Deacon and “flockmates”

Morgan Hall. Suggested freewill offering, $5

Deacon’s Flock List

2018-2019

Dayle Rinker – David & Joan Bohn, Louise Carey, Jon Davis, Fritz & Janice Leutheuser, Suzanne

Malloy, Bob McWilliams, Eldora Warkentin, Tom & Diane Weisenburger, Caroline Willsie, Bill &

Lindsay Woodard

Shirley Guenthart – Michelle Hertig, Diana Lee, Stephen Lee, Vern Lewis, Cree Mann, John Rubin,

Carol Stewart, Lydia Swanson, Edie & Roger Wells, Brian & Gloria Wise, Bill & Mona Wise

Carol Lefley – Pam Cary, Nina & Nevin Chamberlain, Shirley Guenthart, Dave & Rita Hardin,

Charlie & Nancy Henry, Bruce & Louise Keeler, Bob & Marie Sue Parsons, Dave & Nancy Russo,

Marilyn Scott, Barbara & Porter Spencer, Jeff & Karen Wootton

Pam Polan – Carolyn Benson, John & Ariel Bowers, Erma Case, Chris Davis, Enid Englund, Barbara

Gaughen-Muller, Barbara & Willy Hughes, Lindy Moore, Greg & Margaret Siadal, Evan Schindler,

Charlotte Smith, Sig Wathne

Barbara Eschbach – Elvia Addison, Bob Allbright, Nancy Boger, Tom & Barbara Brashears, James

& Karen Carroll, Lisa DeBoer, Nettie Graham, Chris & Cheri Larson-Hoeckley, Nancy McKenzie,

Shirley Ross, Dave & Julie Sommers

Carol Moore – Hector & Stephanie Acuna, Helen & Merlyn Cummings, Joan Cyr, Elaine

Grimmesey, Suzanne Grimmesey, Sunny Kennedy, Robin Knauss, Jackie Parker, Bob & Carole

Shapiro, Mike & Kendall Shinn

Edie Wells – Susan Arnold, Jim & Mary Gilmour, Wendy Gonzalez, Frank & Linda Gunther,

Christine & Michael Malengo, William & Sandra McGreevy, Junghee McKenney, Jean McNeil, Dana

Monk, Bob & Dayle Rinker, Lee & Ann Thompson

Carole Shapiro – John & Nancy Doner, Scott & Barbara Eschbach, Martha Hitchens, Stan & Marion

Jeffries, Bud & Peggy Sue Lemkuil, Linda Sizer, Linda Sorensen, Ed & Sandy Thoits, Rachel Tobler,

Fred & Bev Walters, Scott & Diane Webber

Twyla Grier – Ellen Clark, Arlene Douglas, Barbara Hoffman, Andrew & Carol Lefley, Carol Moore,

Judith Muller, Berna Sutter, Tana Thomas, Emma Voigt, Willy & Stacey Voigt, Paul & Susan Zink

Nevin Chamberlain – Harriette Azlein, Kirk & Twyla Grier, Beau & Marie Henderson, Bob

Miesbauer, Karen Noffz, Bill & Joan Oakley, Michael & Ann Padden-Rubin, Pam Polan, Don & Sara

Vickers, Hank & Ann Wunsch

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ADULT ED NEWS

ADULT EDUCATION SERIES CONTINUES SEPTEMBER 16

THE CHALLENGE OF PAUL

THEME III: PAUL AND JUSTICE

THEME IV: PAUL AND GOD

Theme III, PAUL & JUSTICE, focuses on what Paul understands the “life in Christ” to mean. Paul

describes Christian baptism as “dying to the values of Roman society and rising into a new life in

Christ in which there is neither Greek nor Jew, Male nor Female, Slave nor Free.” Radical Paul,

says Crossan, taught early Christians that to be alive in Christ is to be dead to the normal

hierarchies that characterized Roman life and the Roman world. Dr. Crossan describes a

fundamental Roman confidence in a world where the victor stands over the vanquished and the

conqueror stands over the conquered. Jesus, radical Paul would say, rejects that worldview and

invites all into a community of mutuality, equality and justice. Theme III is the 3rd

of 4 classes

and will be followed Theme IV, PAUL AND GOD.

Theme III: Paul and Justice Theme IV: Paul and God

Session 1 Baptism as New Creation Session 1 To Make a Just World

Session 2 War and Slavery Session 2 The Greatest of These

Session 3 War and Patriarchy Session 3 Those Who Have Slept

Session 4 Saint Thecla Session 4 And So We Came to Rome

Classes will be held in the Window Room of Morgan Hall at 11 AM after

Worship. Tentative dates are: September 16, 23, 30, October 14, 21, 28,

November 6, 13 and 20.

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St. Andrew’s Staff, Leadership, Teams & Committees

September 2018

Rev. Suzanne Malloy & Rev. Judith Muller – Temporary Pastors

Staff:

Director of Children's Ministries: Julie Sommers

Director of Congregational Ministries: Sandy Thoits

Church Business Administrator & Treasurer: Scott Eschbach

Church Office Assistant: Nancy Boger

Pianist: Dr. Chris Davis

Choir Director: Evan Schindler

Parish Associates: Rev. Suzanne Malloy (Community Ministry), Rev. Judith Muller (Pastoral Ministry)

2018 – 19 Session:

Moderator: Rev. Judith Muller Clerk of Session: Sandy Thoits

Class or 2019 Class of 2020 Class of 2021

Scott Eschbach(Mis.) John Doner (Web) Susan Arnold (CYMT)

Don Vickers (Finance) Dana Monk (HOT) Merlyn Cummings (B&G, CBT)

Tom Weisenburger(AE) Ann Padden-Rubin Nancy Russo

Diana Lee (W&M) Mona Wise (Fin. Sec.) Caroline Willsie (PW)

Deacons:

Moderator: Carol Lefley

Secretary: Shirley Guenthart Treasurer: Carole Shapiro

Class of 2019 Class of 2020 Class of 2021

Nevin Chamberlain Twyla Grier Barbara Eschbach

Carol Moore Shirley Guenthart Pam Polan

OPEN Carol Lefley Dayle Rinker

OPEN Carole Shapiro Edie Wells

Teams, Committees & Leaders

Adult Education Team – Tom & Diane Weisenburger,

Building & Grounds – Merlyn Cummings

Capital Improvement, Maintenance & Beautification Team (CBT) – Linda Gunther

Children’s & Youth Ministries Team (CYMT) – Susan Arnold

Endowment Committee – Jackie Parker

Hospitality & Outreach Team (HOT) – Dana Monk & Rita Hardin

Finance Team – Don Vickers

Hands on Ministry and Encouragement (HOME) Team – Karen Noffz

Mission Team – Scott Eschbach

Nominating Team – Don Vickers

Personnel Committee

Prayer Chain – Lydia Swanson, Coordinator

Presbyterian Women Coordinating Team – Linda Sizer & Caroline Willsie

Serving All In Love (SAIL) Team – Linda Sorensen

Stewardship – Carole Shapiro

Worship and Music Team – Diana Lee

Treasurer – Scott Eschbach; Financial Secretary – Mona Wise September 2018

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VOLUNTEERS TO HELP WITH AUDIO

& VISUALS

We are in need of volunteers to run the

audio and visuals at the 9:30am Sunday

service at St. Andrew’s. Training will be

provided. If you can help (for audio),

please contact Dave Sommers at

[email protected] or 805-708-7108

or Michael Padden-Rubin at

[email protected] or 805-

682-7891, or (for visuals): Sandy Thoits

at [email protected]

Thank you!

DEADLINE FOR

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER

NEWSLETTER

Please submit articles and

photos by Tuesday, October

23rd, as the Newsletter is

going out on October 31st

Thank you to Karen, Lydia, Marie

Sue, Pam and Bob for serving

Transition House in July!

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FAREWELL CELEBRATION FOR BRETT AND ANITA BECKER

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ,

the love of God,

and the communion of the

Holy Spirit be with all you always

St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church

4575 Auhay Drive

Santa Barbara, CA 93110

Phone: 805-967-6327

Fax: 805-967-9530

Web: www.standrewspcusa.org

Facebook:

www.facebook.com/standrewssb

St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church

4575 Auhay Dr.

Santa Barbara, CA 93110