May 8, 2008

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Whether we observe it or not, God is actively seeking after us.

May 1, 2008

MEDITATION - From the Desk of Shel White

C.S. Lewis, Oxford philosopher and literary scholar of the last century, described himself as a "lapsed atheist." For the first part of his intellectual life, he believed faith in Christ was foolish. Then he describes in "The Weight of Glory" his realization of missing something vital. He became aware of a "desire for our own far-off country, the scent of a flower we have not found, the echo of a turn we have not heard, news from a country we have never yet visited." In his search, Lewis suddenly was surprised to discover "God closed in on me."

Whether we observe it or not, God is actively seeking after us.

Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my thoughts. (Psalm 139:23)
I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father. And I lay down my life for the sheep. (John 10:14-15)

Growing in Faith together,
Shel

KEY UPCOMING EVENTS - places to connect - places to grow in your faith:

  • WORSHIP:
    • May 4, 2008 Holy Communion, 9:00 am Contemporary & 10:30 am Traditional, Preacher: Shel White on John 10:11-18, Message: "Daring to Know and Be Known"
    • May 11, 2008 Pentecost and Mother's Day - Please wear red or orange for Pentecost. 9:00 am Contemporary & 10:30 am Traditional, Preacher: Dr. Shel White on John 17:1-11, Message: "Desperate Lives"
  • Inquirer's Class ~ If you would like to explore church membership, or simply would like to know more about our church, join our Inquirer's Class on Sundays, April 27, May 4 and May 18 from 2 to 4pm. Sign up in Crothers Hall.
  • Time for a New Picture Directory! ~ Olan Mills will be here May 8-9-10 to take portraits for the 2008 Directory. Plan on looking beautiful/handsome, and be sure to bring the whole family. There is no cost unless you would like to order for yourself. You will be contacted for scheduling soon. They will do most of the contact work but if you'd like to help a bit please contact Harry Coyle at (925) 932-0483 or cell phone at (925) 360-3276.
  • Bible Presentation - Bibles will be presented to graduating 5th and 12th graders on Sunday, May 18. To make sure that your son or daughter is included, please call or email Jennifer (685-4720, jenniferc@presbynet.org) with your child's name and grade. Thank you!
  • Graduates - If you have a child, grandchild or spouse that is graduating from high school or college this spring, please call or email Jennifer at 685-4720 or jenniferc@presbynet.org so that they are included in our special list of graduates in June and July. Please include the student's name, name of school, degrees earned, and any future plans for education or career. Deadline for submissions is June 1.
  • General Assembly - The PCUSA General Assembly will be meeting in San Jose in June this year. The opening assembly will be for anyone to attend. This is an opportunity for all members to observe our ruling body in operation in a "local" venue. Gail Doering has been selected as a delegate. Stay tuned for the exact date, but for now, we hope you plan on attending.
  • Save the Date for VBS! Vacation Bible School returns this summer with an all new Rainforest Adventure! If your child will be in K-5 next fall, join us for a fun-filled week of skits, music, missions and hearing God's Word in an exciting way! Registration will begin late May. For now, save the date: July 14 - 18, 9am to noon.
 

Building for the Future

Updated April 16, 2008

The Building Project Team has reached a significant point in the Activity Center project. Goldman Architects will submit their plan drawings in April 2008. The completed plan drawings will allow the design consultants to proceed with construction detail drawings. The plan drawings will be submitted to the City of Pleasant Hill Planning Commission. The Planning Commission, in consultation with City engineers, will be responsible for a recommendation to permit construction. There are no variances in our plans to date, so we expect a favorable recommendation. The Pleasant Hill Architectural Review Commission will include this recommendation in a hearing this summer, leading to issuance of a building permit as early as August 2008.

Currently our architectural costs and other expenses are being paid through Building Campaign funds based on firm costs in our architectural contract. No debt has been incurred on our line-of-credit. Debt is not expected until additional architectural and construction costs are incurred. Once initial construction is complete, the debt incurred in the line-of-credit will be converted into a mortgage with monthly installments. Debt payments will not begin until costs incurred on the line-of-credit are converted to a conventional loan.

To see a general outline of the new Activity Center, we recommend walking into the garden between Room 7 and the Sanctuary and trace the painted lines and stakes placed for our Arborist to trim and preserve our trees and shrubs. This outline will give a sense for the size and shape of the project. Keep informed about the Building Project by reviewing the information packets placed on the round table in Crothers Hall, and checking here for periodic updates.

Questions about the building project may be directed to Craig Mizutani, Building Project Team (silver_beagle@sbcglobal.net), or Warren TenBrook, Communication Team Leader (warren@tenbrook.org).

Please click here to read the Activity Center Mission Statement included with our loan application.

Please click here to read about Session's decision to proceed with the building project and loan application.

Click here to download Session's December 2007 Activity Center Project Communication Packet (PDF)

For more information, click the links below to review team meeting minutes for the Building Project (Microsoft Word files):

Our Architect John Goldman, with careful consultation with St. Andrew's members, has prepared a vision that places our new Activity Center to balance our Sanctuary, preserving our Garden and beautiful trees. Click on the links for views of the Activity Center:

You can view the plans being prepared for review by the City of Pleasant Hill by clicking on the links below: