Bay Shore Church - Sermons and News from Bay Shore Community Congregational Church in Belmont Shore, California.

To add concerns for our Prayer Chain, contact Joyce Scott at (714) 842-2838, or drop a notice in the Prayer Box with a cross  on the narthex table.

Attendance January 20 was 207: 182  adults and 25  children.

Flower dates are still available for altar and niche on Feb. 3 and April 13.

SAVE THESE DATES:
* Spring Fun(d) Raiser:  Sunday, May 4 after worship
* Week 3 at Pilgrim Pines:  July 13-19
* Vacation Bible School:  August 11-15

The year-end treasurer’s report, submitted to the Board of Stewards on January 22, shows a difference of only $3776 between income of $555, 671 and expenses of $563,427.  Note that no transfers were made from Endowment Fund earnings, even though they had been approved.  Stronger than expected pledges and non-pledged giving, plus the donations received at the spring fundraiser, all helped toward the final figures.  There was some savings in administrative salaries, as Rev. Elaine’s salary and benefits ended in June 2007 with her departure to Hawaii.  Mission giving, based on 9% of pledges and non-pledges, was higher than expected, due to increased congregational giving.

Our new morning women’s study group WOMEN OF THE WORD will begin meeting, Thursday Mornings 9-11 commencing February 14 for Registration and an Introductory Video (Short Meeting) and for ten weeks thereafter (two week recess for Easter Break), concluding May 8. This is a small group discussion format, with a video teaching segment presented by the author, Beth Moore, and required daily homework assignments. This study requires commitment, and the fruit will show in your daily life.

Advance registration is $25 for the participant workbook. To sign up, to review the course materials, or if you have any questions see Laura Tschudin or Cassie Berrisford at the CE Information Table in the Concert Hall during Coffee Hour.

Companions in Christ, The Way of Blessedness: Begins January 29.
An evening study centered on the Beatitudes is set to begin Tuesday Nights 7-8:30 p.m. starting January 29. This is a nine-week open study to both men and women, and will be facilitated by Cassie Berrisford. Advance registration is $15 for the participant workbook.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart, for all the love and care you put into Christ-mas for us men at COA.  We love the clothes and feel like new men.

Mike Giard

(Several adults and children from COA attended worship last Sunday to offer their personal thanks.  Also, on a Concert Hall table are lots of thank you cards from the Woman to Woman Residential Program).

You’re invited to attend a brief presentation after worship this Sunday, January 27. Members of the Shepherds Staff will share information about Five Wishes, a document that outlines our personal plan for the end of life. There is no charge for your own copy of Five Wishes, nor is there any commitment required to participate. Please call Carolyn Remley at (562) 434-2530 with questions.

We are so excited to begin our Spring season of the Bay Shore Children’s Choir on Sunday, February 3rd from 11:00 a.m. to 12 noon in the Louise Henry Youth Chapel. We have some exciting things planned, including songs for our worship services, and our spring musical entitled, “The Tale of the Three Trees.” We look forward to having you with us! If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our Children’s Choir Director, Julie Ramsey, at jrramsey@earthlink.net.

Our next meeting is Sunday, January 27, 4 p.m. at Keri Forsberg’s, 141 Roycroft Avenue. Come prepared to talk about your baptism. Then February 29 - March 2 is Confirmation Retreat weekend at Pilgrim Pines with other Southern California UCC youth. Cost is $100, payable to the church; due February 6. I’ll need drivers up and back for that weekend.

Remember to have your parents put your confirmation date of Sunday, May 11, Mother’s Day and Pentecost, on their calendars.

Middle School youth meet in the Youth Center Thursdays from 6 to 8 p.m.
Jan 24: God is Like a Geek Part 2
(With All Due Respect)
Jan 31: God is like an Instructor
Feb 07: God is like a best friend.
Feb 14: Valentines Day
Feb 21: God is like a protector.

Parent volunteers needed for snacks and crowd control at all sessions. Please see Traci Reitz or Laura Tschudin.