beacon the volume 19, issue 2 - clover...

Christmas at St. Peter’s

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BEACONthe

ST. P ETE R ’ S BY-T H E- S E APresbyterian Church

From the Bridge Page 2

Experience St. Peter’s Page 3

Children Ministries Page 3

Student Ministries Page 4

Women Ministries Page 4

Worship & Music Page 4

Finance Committee Page 5

Health Ministries Page 5

Meet Your Fellow Page 6Churchmember

Calendar Page 7

Birthdays Page 8

Inside this Issue:

[ February 2013 ] www.stpetershb.org[ ]

The season of Lent, which is the 40 day period leading up to the celebration of Easter, begins this

year on Wednesday, February 13th. The first day of Lent is traditionally known as Ash Wednesday, because of the early church’s practice of applying ashes to the foreheads of Christians as a sign and symbol of repentance.

Lent was established to commemorate the 40 days that Jesus spent in the wilderness after his baptism, in preparation for the beginning of his public ministry. In early church history, new members were received into the church only on Easter Sunday, making Lent a time of prayer, penance and fasting in preparation for baptism and reception into the church.

If you count the days on your calendar you will discover that there are actually more than 40 days between Ash Wednesday and Easter, which falls on March 31st this year. That is because Sundays were never to be days for penance and fasting, and thus not included in the 40 days of penance.

This year we will be holding an Ash Wednesday service at St. Peter’s, which will include songs and hymns of worship, Scripture readings, meditations, and the traditional application of ashes. This all church event will include the active participation of the junior high and high school members of our Student Ministry. It promises to be a very special evening, and I hope you will be there.

I’d also like to encourage you to make use of a special Lenten devotional written by N.T. Wright. Copies will be available for purchase at cost on the church patio or in the office. Our small groups are being asked to use this devotional for their studies during this period as well; and our sermon series throughout Lent will be incorporating the content of this devotional. Please make it a priority to pick up a copy and follow it throughout Lent. If finances are an issue just let me know and I will see to it that you get a copy at no charge.

I am looking forward to this special season in the life of our church, as we prepare ourselves to celebrate the greatest event in human history – the victory that was won by Jesus Christ over the power of sin and death and revealed when he burst forth from that tomb the first Easter morn.

I encourage you this Lenten season to prepare for that Easter celebration by spending some extra time alone with God. Spend time in his Word, the Bible. Set aside some extra time for prayer – talking personally to God – and expressing your gratitude for his great love, mercy and grace, so profoundly displayed at Easter.

from the[ Bridge ]By Pastor Chris Grange

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[ February 2013 ] www.stpetershb.org [ ]

“Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” Mark 10:14

[ Children Ministries ]

[ Experience St. Peter’s ]Teach me your way, O Lord, and I will walk in your truth. Psalm 86:11

Adult Spiritual Growth Opportunities

Kids’ Night Out!Our next Kids Night Out is scheduled for Friday, February 8, 6:00-9:00pm. Plan now to take you “sweetheart” out to dinner or a movie

and avoid the Valentine’s Day rush!

He Said to them,

[ February 2013 ] www.stpetershb.org[ ]

There is a new app called “Snap Chat” that all parents should be aware of. It is being promoted as a safe and responsible way to send messages and photos. The sender can make the message or photo delete itself within a few seconds of being opened. Many youth are now “sexting” with this app. The feeling is that it is safe and responsible since the message or photo is quickly deleted. Perhaps a parent/child conversation about the app and boundaries and sexuality should take place. The photo or message might be deleted and not passed around but the brokenness is still present.

[ Worship & Music ]Notes From the Choir Loft

As all our lives fill up with many demands, we understand that you may not be able to commit to a long-term relationship with the choir. But if you’ve wanted to make music a part of your life now is the perfect time to join the Chancel Choir here at St. Peter’s By-the-Sea. We are beginning to rehearse our music for the Lenten season which includes our Maundy Thursday presentation of We Were There.

Rehearsals are on Wednesday evenings at 7:00 p.m. and last till about 8:30 p.m. in the Family Worship Center. You may just show up, or if you’d like more information, please contact the church office at 714-846-6641 or e-mail us at [email protected]. We hope to see you in the choir loft.

Shout to the Lord, all the earth; break out in praise and sing for joy! Psalm 98:4

[ Student Ministries ]Jr. High ... High School... College...

W e e k l y P r o g r a m s

[ Wednesdays ]

Re N u (H.S.) andRe W i n d (Jr. High)Growth Groups6:30-8:30pm

Evan SiggsonStudent Ministries DirectorWk: 714.846.6641Email:[email protected]: www.stpetershb.org

The first Sunday every month there will be no youth Sunday School. This will be an ongoing effort to connect youth with the entire body on Sundays. When these dates come up feel free to go to either Sunday worship gathering as a family.

We incorporate texting as a form of communication. This free service will enable us to share instant information with parents, relatives, or guardians. If you would like to sign up for this free service simply e-mail [email protected] and be sure to list your name, phone number, and carrier (verizon, t-mobile, etc.)

Attention: Parents No youth Sunday School: March 24, March 31

No youth Wednesday mid-week April 3

[ Women’s Ministry ]Crafters’ night out – Friday, February 22,7:00-9:00p.m. Christian Education BuildingBring a project and join us for a time of crafting and fellowship. It’s a great way to get some of your unfinished projects moving along, and also to get new ideas! All are welcome! For more info: Jan Harvey ([email protected]) or Shirlee Wallingford (714-721-1880).

Charm is deceptive, and beauty fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Proverbs 31:30

Women’s Ministry EventSaturday, February 23, 9:00a.m.-12:00 noon

Please join us for “Moving Beyond Ordinary: Invitation to the Abundant Life.” Special speaker Chris Welch will help us discover anew Jesus’ invitation to the abundant life. $20/person, childcare free with advance reservation. Ticket available between services on Sunday. Invite a friend!

Save the Date!

[ ]

Caffeine can raise blood pressure and heart rate briefly, especially in those who are not used to it and this may trigger a heart attack. But in the great majority of people, especially those used to caffeine, the transient boost in Blood Pressure isn’t a danger. One analysis of research estimated that 5% of heart attacks are triggered by caffeine based on the fact that light or occasional coffee dringers were at higher risk during the first hour after drinking coffee. In moderate drinkers, the risk was much smaller. In heavy “latte-lovers” there was no increased risk. People who had multiple cardiac risk factors were at highest risk. Keep in mind that many things can trigger a heart attack in high-risk people such as physical exertion, alcohol, anger, a heavy meal, and sexual activity. Most research has found that a coffee “habit” does not increase risk of hypertension or coronary artery disease. Actually, some benefits such as reduced risk in Type 2 diabetes, gallstones, and Parkinson’s Disease are linked to coffee. A Swedish study recently reported that women who drink at least a cup a day are 25% less likely to have a stroke than those who rarely or never drink coffee. Just a quick mention about the increase of older adults (over 50) participating in marathons and other long-distance races. The benefits of moderate exercise are well known--weight control, lower blood pressure and increased strength, coordination and bone density. But the effects of more intense exercise, such as marathon running are less clear, especially on the heart. A recent study of marathoners, 50 plus, found about one- third had build up of calcium in their coronary arteries and scarring of heart tissue. This did not conclude that running was the cause or that prior habits were the cause, but it indicated that long-distance running won’t simply erase damage of an unhealthy life style or protect runners from coronary heart disease. ADVICE: See a cardiologist before you start running. This can help you determine what amount and what intensity of running is right for you.

You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body. I Corinthians 6:19-20

the body is a temple...[ Health Ministries ]

NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION: Come visit our happy team of Blood Pressure “checkers” the first Sunday of each month. It’s a great way to help your heart health and it makes our hearts happy to see you!

National Heart MonthCelebrate

with a cup of coffee...

Submitted by Frances Pike, Health Ministry Nurse

[ Finance Committee]Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain. Psalm 127:1

Income for December 2012 was a record for St. Peter’s by the Sea! A big shout out to everyone who helped us end the year in the black! Your faithfulness and generosity are a blessing to the Lord and to His Church.

OPERATING INCOME AND EXPENSE 2012 Year DecemberTotal operating income $638,939 $88,002Total operating expense $622,626 $70,818Difference $16,313 $17,184

Let’s keep up the great work. Remember that contributions may be made online through our Church website www.stpetershb.org.

Continuing the Master’s Plan

Give Praise!

[ February 2013 ] www.stpetershb.org

[ ] [ February 2013 ] www.stpetershb.org

[Meet Your Fellow Churchmember]Come Read Her Story...

Here’s another story of one of the amazing members at SPBTS. Do you know who she is? You’ll see her worshiping in the front row on the aisle seat, always well groomed, and quite often with a hat (maybe purple) plus a radiant smile that lights up her face. Yes! It is Gwyla Whistler. Her name is from a Montana Indian name given to her by her mother’s sister. Ask her what it means. The definition truly describes her. *

Life began in Los Angeles. Later her family moved to Long Beach. She graduated from Long Beach High School, a very special place for her because that is where she met her future husband- William Berkeley Whistler. He was 16. (Keep reading. The number 16 becomes very special.) Yes! He was a descendent of the famous, prolific artist—James Abbott McNeill Whistler—the artist painted with the credo: “Art for art’s sake.”

When both finished High School, Bill joined the Navy. Gwyla went to Nurse’s Training at Hollywood Presbyterian Hospital, and was appointed to the Cadet program—a special program during WWII. After Bill’s discharge from the Navy, he went to Stanford University and got his Electrical Engineering degree and then his Master’s degree at USC. Gwyla earned her “PHT degree” (Putting Hubby Through) as a nurse for 3 years.

Gwyla’s journeys have led her to La Canada, Glendora, Thousand Oaks, and then to Huntington Beach. Along the way her family has grown to include: Kenneth Wayne; Kathy Lynn; and Karen Diane. Next came 2 Grandchildren then 3 Great-Granddaughters.

Although being a wife and mother of 3, she always found time to become a consummate volunteer wherever she landed. She was popular in her neighborhood as the “Collection Lady” for the various charity drives. She could also be found working in the libraries at both the children’s schools and the churches she belonged to. In La Canada/Thousand Oaks, she gave 15 years of leadership and volunteer service to: the Camp Fire Girls Organization; the Y.M.C.A; the PTA, and as a nurse to the Hospice in Thousand Oaks and Ventura County on the Counsel of Ageing. Plus, she included time to serve as a deacon and clerk in the church she attended, and become the charter President of the Church Women’s United (CWU), which prepared her for the position offered to her to be the state secretary for the CWU. As a member of Toastmistresses, La Canada/Thousand Oaks Chapter, she helped to start 2 more chapters.

When her girls attended Pasadena City College, she also attended and got her AA degree and of course, became involved in the PTA there. (As you might discern, guess who became the President?)

When the family moved to Huntington Beach, Bill got a sailboat; so they lived in the Harbor. They became members of SPBTS. Gwyla once again reached out to the community and volunteered at Hoag Hospital working in the Chaplain’s office - in the Doctor’s library (where else?) Bill was asked to become the Editor for publishing the Beacon, which he did. He died in 1997 on the 16th with a cerebral hemorrhage. After Bill’s death, Marla Fuller asked Gwyla to become the church’s first parish nurse. She faithfully served this position for 7 years and still serves when called upon and when the church has their Red Cross Drives. Today she is still active as one of the faithfully committed phone-prayer-chain members for those in special need. Gwyla has lived in Leisure World, Seal Beach since 2001.

When asked who are people that have influenced her life, she told of a remarkable Sunday School teacher whose parents had been missionaries in China and she told such wonderful stories about the Lord to the class. This was in her early years. This teacher left a huge impression on her. She accepted the Lord in her teens.

Someone else who has motivationally influenced her for years has been Dr. Billy Graham. In fact she first heard his message on the radio while in Los Angeles where he began his ministry. Over the years his many messages have continued to uplift and influence her. She has so appreciated his faithfulness and messages that recently she chose to write him two letters of thanks.

Now for the special #16 story. Bill was 16 when they met. They had their first date in high school on the 16th, their first kiss on the 16th, and they continued dating until they got married in 1948.They got married on the 15th but left for their Honeymoon on the 16th. When they arrived, they were assigned cabin #16. Throughout all their married life of 49 years, they celebrated many special events on this special date - the 16th. When she moved to Leisure World, as she walked towards the viewing of her potential apartment, she passed the laundry room and saw a dryer with a ##. Can you guess it? She still uses that dryer weekly.

Remember: If you have not met her or don’t know her, take time to introduce yourself and ask her what her beautiful, unique name means. It really describes her!!!Submitted by Janelle Killingsworth

Gwyla Whistler

* (In case you can’t get to church to ask her, the answer is Happy Soul)

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Church Office Closed Prayer Group 8:15

Holy Communion

Blood Pressure Screening 10am

10:30am Adult Bible Study

AA Meeting6:30pm

Alanon Meeting7:30pm

Women’s Bible Study 9:30am

College Group6:15-7pm Dinner

7-8:30pm Bible Study

Prayer Group 8:15

Adult Study 9:30am

Youth Group Jr. High/HS 6:45pm

Choir 7pm

Kids’ Night Out6-9pm

Greet You Deacon Day


AA Meeting6:30pm





Deacons’ Mtg.7pm

Prayer Group 8:15

Adult Study 9:30am

Property / Finance 5:30pm


Ash Wednesday Service 7pm


Presidents’ DayChurch Office Closed

AA Meeting6:30pm





Session7pm

Prayer Group 8:15

Adult Study 9:30am


Choir 7pm

Crafters’ Night Out 7-9pm

Men’s Ministry Campus Clean

Up 8-11am

Women’s Ministry Event

9-12noon


12:15-3pmExploring

Church Membership

AA Meeting6:30pm



College Group6:15-7:30pm Dinner


Health Ministry Mtg.7pm

Prayer Group 8:15

Adult Study 9:30am


Choir 7pm

[ February 2013 ]at a glance...

Traditional Worship Service 9:00

Contemporary Worship Service 10:45

Youth Sunday School 9:00

Children’s Sunday School 9:00/10:45

Adult Studies 10:30

[ February 2013 ] www.stpetershb.org [ ]

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SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

27 2826

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24 25

2/1 Pat Bell Julia Tafel/Davis2/3 Ellie Mathews Sue Turner2/4 Mary Dempster Louise Stone2/5 Shirley Harper2/6 Jim Fleming2/7 Bill Foster Maxwell Marvin Roman Marvin Briana Privia2/9 Danielle McLearie

2/11 Nathan Weinheimer Steve Witt2/13 Lawanda Lockhart2/14 Sue Polentz Emily Reyes Patty Smith2/16 Lavonne Perez Pete Van Rensburg2/18 Christine Accornero Laura DuPriest Dorothy Swanson2/20 Vic Schisler2/22 Jim Accornero

2/22 Lois Hohly Reynold Johnson Helen Nelson2/23 Denise Covey Jane Dowds Marianne Wood2/24 Ted Anderson2/25 Dick Kelner2/27 Linda MacBeth2/28 La Vern Torgeson2/29 Ron Davis Annette Povich

Happy Birthday to the Following Members:

Sunday Worship Services

9:00 amTraditional/Blended ServiceNursery/Childcare available

10:45 amContemporary Service

Nursery/Childcare available

S t. Peter’s By-the-Sea Presbyterian Church

16911 Bolsa Chica St.Huntington Beach, CA 92649

Phone 714.846.6641FAX 714.846.5901

www.stpetershb.org

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H u n t i n g t o n B e a c h , C A9 2 6 4 9

beacon the volume 19, issue 2 - clover...

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