It's finally fall, and the blessing of cool crisp days and nights.  Now if we could only get some rain...
Fall is a busy time for the Church.  We start thinking about stewardship as we prepare our budget for next year.  Thanksgiving is coming, late in November this year and then Advent and Christmas.  As always we will need helpers to decorate the church for Advent, this year it will be on Saturday November 29th starting at 11:00 AM.  During Advent we will focus on the real reason for Christmas and prepare ourselves to be blessed by the coming of the Christ Child. 

Lynda Bell and I attended the Pacific Southwest Regional Assembly in Garden Grove.  It was amazing to see so many people from around the region working together.  The worship services were incredible, terrific speakers and wonderful music.  And of course the Shoe Stories told by members of different churches.  They shared how they had gathered shoes for the shoe project, wonderful touching and funny stories.  The most incredible thing was, we collected over 20,000 pairs of shoes for the project.  As one speaker said it was time for a new life for the shoes.  I would be very remiss not to thank the wonderful hardworking congregation of Garden Grove church and their Pastor Mamoe Mamoe.

Let us go joyfully into the season of Fall.

Blessings to all
Nancy

It seems time flies by.  Spring has sprung and we are heading into summer.  Many of us have travel plans, whether it's a day trip, weekend, or a great adventure.  I hope that wherever you go, you take the opportunity to visit God's house. It could be a church service in a family member's church, or it could be outside enjoying the beauty of the world God gave us.  Oh - and take time to listen for God speaking to you.  We so often approach God with the things we need Him to do for us. Take that time to listen, as God may be telling you He's handling the problem.

First Christian Church in Santa Barbara is searching for the pastor God has chosen for us.  For any of you who have never been on a Search and Call committee, it's a lot of hard work!  Please pray for the committee as they search. 

We have been blessed by many speakers, clergy and non-clergy.  Thank you all who have been so kind as to answer the call.  If you have a suggestion for a minister or speaker, please let me know!!

All of God's blessings to you all,
                                          Nancy Harrell, Moderator