Lompoc Interfaith

New Bahai Spiritual Assembly -- Opening Celebration

2008-01-08T11:16:00.000-08:00

CELEBRATION

Members of the Baha’i Community invite you, the public, to join us as we gather together to celebrate the establishment of our new Spiritual Assembly in Santa Barbara County North.

Saturday, January 19th at 2:00 pm
Unity Chapel of Light 1165 Stubblefield Road, S.M.

Live Musical Entertainment and Refreshments
no collections

Baha’is the world over are dedicated to promoting:
*unity of religion,
*the elimination of all forms of prejudice
*the equality of men and women
*the harmony of science and religion
all designed to bring about the oneness of the human family as it enters the stage of maturity in an ever-advancing civilization.

For further information call: 937-9451

Bible Lectures -- First Christian Church

2007-12-21T15:27:00.000-08:00

First Christian Church ** 1st Annual Bible Lectures

Dr. David Matson on the Writings of John

First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of Lompoc has invited Dr. David Matson, Associate Professor of Biblical Studies at Hope International University, to give its inaugural Bible and Theology Lectures on January 5 and 6. The lectureship is entitled: “They Went Out from Us: How a Church that Prayed to be One Ended Up Two.” It will focus on the Gospel and letters of John. The Lectures begin Saturday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. and resume the next morning at 9:00 A.M. Dr. Matson will bring the sermon during the 10:30 A.M. worship service.

First Christian Church is located at 1517 W. College Ave. (W. College and V) in Lompoc. For more information call 736-9355 or check the church web site at http://www.lompocdisciples.org/.

Whether you’re an avid biblical scholar or simply curious about the Bible, you will find that Dr. Matson is an accomplished and gifted teacher and preacher. He has a Ph.D. in New Testament from Baylor University along with degrees from Pepperdine University and Pacific Christian College. Before becoming a professor at Hope International University, he was pastor of Westwood Hills Christian Church in Los Angeles (1999-2003) and Assistant Professor of Bible at Milligan College in Johnson City, Tennessee (1995-1999). He has a deep and abiding passion for teaching the scriptures and for injecting biblical scholarship into the life and ministry of the church.

The author of numerous articles and book reviews, his Household Conversion Narratives in Acts: Pattern and Interpretation was published by Sheffield Academic Press in 1996 as part of its prestigious Journal for the Study of the New Testament dissertation series. In addition to his duties at Hope, Dr. Matson teaches regularly at Fuller Theological Seminary as an adjunct professor of New Testament.

Dr. Matson and his wife Mary are the proud parents of three children: Bryce, Brandon, and Brooke. Together, they enjoy attending their children’s sporting events as well as being involved in their local church. Dr. Matson’s classroom style can be aptly summarized by a placard he often brings to the first day of class: “I am subject to bursts of enthusiasm!”

Interfaith Thanksgiving Service

2007-11-14T12:28:00.000-08:00

Lompoc
Interfaith
Service of Thanksgiving

Featuring the Lompoc Master Chorale together with readings and prayers
from the World’s Religious Traditions

Come, Ye Thankful People Come!
Join together in Giving Thanks

7:00 P.M.

Tuesday, November 20th

First United Methodist Church
925 N. F St.
(Corner of North and North F Street)
736-1271

An offering of canned foods and money will be taken to
benefit the hungry in the Lompoc Valley

Restorative Justice Event in Lompoc

2007-10-15T19:05:00.000-07:00

Juvenile justice advocate to speak

Allan MacRae from New Zealand is the featured speaker at a Santa Maria event sponsored by the Restorative Justice Task Force, the Santa Barbara County Sheriff Department and the Fund for Santa Barbara.

The meeting is scheduled for Monday, October 22 from 8:30 to 11:30 at the Minami Community Center, 600 West Enos Street.

Mr. MacRae will tell about his experience that, through family group conferencing, youth crime recidivism rates and the costs of youth justice have dropped.

Please RSVP to RJTK.sb@cox.net or phone 349-8943 EXT. 3

Brent Vernon Concert

2007-09-21T13:02:00.000-07:00

Brent Vernon in Concert at First Christian Church

Christian singer/ventriloquist Brent Vernon makes a return visit to Lompoc’s First Christian Church Tuesday evening, October 2nd at 7 p.m. Brent’s appearance in 2006 was extremely well received, and his performance is designed to appeal to people of all ages, from the youngest to the oldest. His music is graceful and melodic, while his ventriloquist performances with his friend “Sam” are especially appropriate for children --- although adults enjoy it as well. The young singer’s message is that true peace is found in surrendering one’s life totally to God.
Brent has been touring the country since 1995, appearing in churches, schools, and coffeehouses. He has been to forty-eight states, Canada, and Australia, and his latest CD, entitled “A Thousand Pictures,” has received great reviews and wide play on Christian radio stations across the nation. More information on his ministry can be found at his web site, brentvernon.com.
The concert is free, but an offering will be taken to support Brent’s ministry. First Christian Church is located at 1517 College (College and V). For more information call 736-9355 or check the church web site, lompocdisciples.org.

Lompoc Town Hall on Gangs

2007-06-20T11:00:00.000-07:00

Town Hall Meeting

Gangs in Lompoc

Tuesday, June 26th6:30-9 pm

Lompoc High School Cafeteria

515 West College Ave

Community Solutions

Together we can make a difference

Lompoc Town Hall Meeting on Gangs

2007-05-13T19:03:00.000-07:00

The Public is invited

3rd Town Hall Meeting

Gangs in Lompoc

May 16

7-9 pm

Lompoc High School Library

515 West College Ave

Performance By

The Drama Kings

What can the community do next?????

Town Hall -- Gangs in Lompoc

2007-04-19T18:50:00.000-07:00

The Public is invited

2nd Town Hall Meeting On

Gangs in Lompoc

April 25th

7-9 PM

Lompoc High School Little Theater

515 West College Ave

PANEL: Former gang members will talk about life in a gang,and how they got out

SPONSORED BY:THE FUND FOR SANTA BARBARA & THE LOMPOC RECORD

Spanish translation provided

For information - call 717-2012

THE PUBLIC IS INVITED

Words have consequences

2007-04-13T13:45:00.000-07:00

Lompoc Interfaith member, Pastor Bob Cornwall, takes another look at the issue of hate speech in his Lompoc Record "Faith in the Public Square" column -- published this week on Friday, April 13, 2007

Earlier Lompoc Interfaith sent a letter to the editor raising questions about an earlier letter that had Anti-Jewish implications.

The Golden Rule

2007-04-13T13:41:00.000-07:00

The Golden Rule

Hindu: Everything you should do you will findin this: Do nothing to others that would hurt you ifit were done to you. (Mahabharata 5:1517)

Buddhist: Do not offend others, as you wouldnot want to be offended. (Udanavarga 5:18)

Tao: The successes of your neighbor andtheir losses will be to you as if they were your own.(T'ai-Shand Kan-Ying Pien)

Confucian: Is there any rule that one shouldfollow all of one's life? Yes! The rule of the gentlegoodness: That which we do not wish to be done tous, we do not do to others. (Analectas 15:23)

Jewish: That which you do not wish foryourself you shall not wish for your neighbor. Thisis the whole law: the rest is only commentary.(Talmud Shabbat 31)

Christian: In everything, do to others whatyou would have them do to you. For this sums upthe law and the prophets. (Matthew 7:12)

Islam: None of you shall be true believersunless you wish for your brother the same that youwish for yourself. (Sunnatt)

Baha'i: Ascribe not to any soul that which thouwouldst not have ascribed to thee, and say not thatwhich thou doest not. (Baha'u'llah, Hidden Words)

Consider these words carefully!
Posted by Kate Black, Bahai

Faith in the Public Square Forum

2007-03-17T17:32:00.000-07:00

"Faith in the Public Square" Forum -- March 28th

Dr. Bob Cornwall

This second forum will be held Wednesday evening, March 28th, at 7:00 P.M. at First Christian Church of Lompoc. Led by Lompoc Record columnist and pastor of First Christian Church, Dr. Bob Cornwall, this forum is an opportunity for the community to talk about matters of religion and public life with civility.

First Christian Church

is located at 1517 W. College Avenue (College and V) in Lompoc.

For more information you may e-mail the church at lompocdisciples@impulse.net or call 805-736-9355.

Lompoc Interfaith Meeting -- March 13

2007-03-03T13:04:00.000-08:00

The meeting date for Lompoc Interfaith has been moved from the 4th Tuesday to the 2nd Tuesday of the Month. The next meeting is Tuesday March 13th at noon. We'll again meet at First Christian Church of Lompoc -- 1517 W. College Ave, Lompoc, CA. It is a brown bag event, so bring your lunch. For information send an e-mail to lompocdisciples@impulse.net.

We are working on a guest speaker for this meeting. Join us for conversation.

An Unsettling, Hateful Speech

2007-02-09T12:56:00.000-08:00

Lompoc Interfaith offered a response to a earlier letter to the editor in the Lompoc Record from Adonis Tate attacking Israel in a way that exhibited demeaning and hateful speech seemingly directed at Jews.

An unsettling, hateful speech

A letter to the editor, dated Jan. 18, by Adonis Tate, speaks of the nation of Israel in terms that can only be taken as anti-Jewish in tone. Phrases such as “bloody parasite,” charges of ethnic cleansing three millenniums old that are linked to American involvement in Iraq, and the suggestion that Israel and its Jewish supporters might be the devil raise unsettling questions about hate speech.

We live in a land that guarantees free speech, but speech that stereotypes nations and peoples, and that is hateful, is simply not acceptable and requires a response from people of good will. Such speech not only doesn't advance the author's arguments, but it reflects poorly on the community of Lompoc at a time of rising anti-Jewish and anti-Muslim rhetoric.

This letter was discussed at a meeting of Lompoc Interfaith, a relatively new interfaith consortium in Lompoc that seeks to build bridges across religious lines. The group decided that a written response was in order. Although we may differ on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict or the Iraq war, each of us is of one mind concerning the inappropriateness of hate speech. We hope that this letter will lead to further conversation of what makes for hate speech - which is speech that is demeaning, untrue, stereotypical, and intended to incite - and why it is inappropriate.

Mr. Tate speaks of taking a stand for America, but his rhetoric only serves to dishonor America.
We, the undersigned, stand together at this moment in time with the Jewish community of Lompoc, and with every community, religious or not, that is a victim of such hateful and demeaning speech.

Rev. Bob Cornwall
First Christian Church

Bishop Doug Pike
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints

Rev. Dave Horning
First United Methodist Church

Rev. Bert Langdon
Cooperative Baptist Fellowship

Dr. Lawrence Riemer
Lompoc Jewish Community

Rev. Julia Leeth
First Presbyterian Church

Rev. Bill Denton
First Christian Church

Joyce Howerton
Lompoc community

Rev. Don French
Valley of the Flowers United Church of Christ

Feb. 9, 2007

Find this article at: http://www.lompocrecord.com/articles/2007/02/09/opinion/letters/letter05.txt

November Interfaith Meeting

2006-11-20T18:17:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving!

The November meeting of Lompoc Interfaith is scheduled for Tuesday, November 28th at noon. Bring a lunch and join us for discussion as we build relationships within the broader religious community in Lompoc. We will discuss possible projects that we can join together on.

Meeting place is

First Christian Church
1517 W. College Avenue.

E-mail to lompocdisciples@impulse.net

Ken Boyd Candidates Forum -- Broadcast Information

2006-11-03T09:41:00.000-08:00

The Ken Boyd Candidates Forum was held on Wednesday evening November 1 at First Presbyterian Church. The forum was video taped and is playing on TAP TV -- Channel 25. You can find it aring at 4 AM to 5:30 AM Saturday, on Sunday morning at 5. Then it will appear on Monday and Tuesday at 7:30 AM and run to 9 AM.

The forum also received coverage in the Lompoc Record on Friday, November 3. Picture is from the Lompoc Record. City Council Candidates appearing are from left to right: Darrell Tullis, Harry Keim, David Grill, Ann Ruhge, and Mike Siminski.

The forum, which focused on five specific questions, was moderated by Rev. Bob Cornwall of First Christian Church, and hosted by Rev. Julia Leeth of First Presbtyerian Church.

October Lompoc Interfaith Meeting

2006-10-17T17:00:00.000-07:00

The next Lompoc Interfaith Meeting will take place on Tuesday, October 24th -- noon -- at First Christian Church (College and V in Lompoc). This is a brown bag lunch, so bring something to eat and come and share in dialogue.

This month, with the election just days away, we will look at the relationship of religion and politics -- sharing how our different traditions approach this issue, which has proven contentious and divisive within communities and within religious communities.

If you're planning to come, please RSVP to lompocdisciples@impulse.net

Ken Boyd Candidates Forum -- Further Information

2006-10-14T17:12:00.001-07:00

The Ken Boyd Candidates Forum on Wednesday November 1, 2006, at 7:00 P.M. will feature five of six Lompoc City Council Candidates. This forum, which will be held at First Presbyterian Church (1600 Berkeley Drive, Lompoc), is co-sponsored by First Presbyterian Church and First Christian Church and is open to the entire community. The

This important pre-election event will be led by Rev. Julia Leeth, Pastor of First Presbyterian Church and Rev. Dr. Bob Cornwall, Pastor of First Christian Church and columnist for the Lompoc Record -- "Faith in the Public Square."

Come and listen as Mike Siminski, Darrell Tullis, David Grill, Anne Rughe and Harry Keim share their views on the important issues that face the community of Lompoc.

Ken Boyd Candidates Forum -- November 1

2006-09-28T09:46:00.000-07:00

The Ken Boyd Candidates Forum will feature all six Lompoc City Council Candidates in a forum sponsored by First Presbyterian Church and First Christian Church. The event will be held November 1, the Wednesday prior to the election, at 7:00 P.M. at First Presbyterian Church.

The event will be hosted by Rev. Julia Leeth, Pastor of First Presbyterian Church and moderated by
Rev. Dr. Bob Cornwall, Pastor of First Christian Church and columnist for the Lompoc Record -- "Faith in the Public Square"

The candidates will be given the opportunity to answer questions provided by the two congregations and share their vision for Lompoc. Please come and consider carefully their answers before you vote.

Ken Boyd was Pastor for many years at First Presbyterian Church and during those years he would often host forums for candidates that were fair, balanced, and safe. This forum seeks to be in that tradition.

God Bless America Poster

2006-09-25T14:26:00.000-07:00

There is much debate lately about the fate of the God Bless America poster that once hung in the lobby of the Lompoc Post Office. Local pastor and Lompoc Record columnist, Dr. Bob Cornwall, has given his take on the issue. Take a look and then offer a comment here.

http://www.lompocrecord.com/articles/2006/09/24/opinions/092406b.txt

What If?

2006-09-25T14:13:00.000-07:00

What If?

If Christians read and really followed the teachings of Jesus;

If Jews read and really followed the teachings of Moses and the Prophets;

If Muslims read and really followed the teachings of Mohammed;

Then maybe we would stop slaughtering each other in GOD’s name!

We are ALL Brothers and Sisters, Spiritual descendants of Abraham,

who try to follow the God who called him and his descendants to be “A Blessing to All Nations.”

Let us all read and try to follow our own and try to understand each other’s Scriptures,

and not blindly obey our warring leaders!

I pray often that this day will come.

“If Jesus would preach in New York City, what HE preached in Galilee,

They’d lay Jesus Christ in HIS grave!” Woody Guthrie

Charles E. Blair

Charlie is a retired Air Force surgeon and resident of Lompoc.

September Interfaith Meeting

2006-09-15T13:51:00.000-07:00

Lompoc Interfaith took the summer off, but we are looking forward to starting up again on Tuesday, September 26th. Yes, the first meeting of the Fall for Lompoc Interfaith will be held at noon on Tuesday, September 26th at First Christian Church. Please join us for conversation that leads to understanding and action on behalf of all humanity. Bring your lunch and share around the table.

First Christian Church is at the corner of College and V (1517 W. College Avenue). For more information send an e-mail to lompocdisciples@impulse.net.

Faith in the Public Square -- Forum

2006-08-31T16:03:00.000-07:00

Faith in the Public Square

A Conversation about Religion, Politics, Culture and more
with
Dr. Bob Cornwall
Pastor, First Christian Church
and
Lompoc Record Columnist

Wednesday Evening -- September 27th -- 7:00 P.M.

At the
Grossman Gallery, Lompoc Public Library
501 E. North Avenue

for information: 736–9355 or lompocdisciples@impulse.net

May Interfaith Meeting

2006-05-16T16:36:00.000-07:00

Lompoc Interfaith next meets on Wednesday May 24th -- noon -- at First Christian Church. The address is 1517 College Avenue. If you'd like to come send an e-mail to lompocdisciples@impulse.net. You can also call and leave a message at the First Christian Church office -- 736-9355.

This month we continue our discussion of the new hospital chapel space and the possibility of hosting a medical ethics conference with the hospital. So come and join us. This is a brown bag affair, so bring you lunch and share in building bridges in Lompoc

Mental Health and Housing in Lompoc

2006-05-11T12:27:00.000-07:00

Information on the Appeal scheduled to go before
The Lompoc City Council
for Supportive Housing Initiative Act Housing

The City of Lompoc Planning Commission recently denied (3-2 vote) a housing application by the Transitions Mental Health Agency (TMHA) and the Santa Barbara Housing Assistance Corporation (SBHAC) to build and operate a low-rent 39-unit apartment complex (single studio rooms) for low income and for persons suffering from a mental disorder who are getting back into independent living with SSI and SSDI support. Seven residence staff would provide counseling, assistance on job hunting and SSI/SSDI paperwork, medical and treatment supervision, and therapy. Opportunities for group recreation would be available. 24-hour staff would ensure the physical and medical safety of the residents.

This type of housing is state-funded by the Supportive Housing Initiative Act of California (SHIA), passed in 1998 to transition the homeless and mentally ill back into successful living. Housing has already been established under this Act in Santa Barbara and Santa Maria. It has been extremely successful all over California in that new medications in the past decades have provided stability to persons suffering from serious mental illness for beginning the process of insight, rehabilitation, assisted living and successful independent living.

The permit application was for the empty lot at 513 No. G St. The lot had previously been approved for a motel project, but the builder did not come through. TMHA has appealed the City Planning Commission’s decision. The appeal will go before the City Council at their regular meeting at City Hall on Tuesday, May 16th. The meeting begins at 7 pm. One of the persons planning to step up for public address representing MHSA to the City Council will ask how many in attendance are there to support the housing application, so you can show support without having to speak. Please come and support this next step in helping with a safe, secure transition for the homeless and those suffering with a mental illness to get back on their feet.

Additional Current Statistics, Compiled May, 2006:

. 160 MI homeless have accessed the Lompoc Drop in center in the
last fiscal year.
. Transitions MH Association has 2 houses and 1 apartment in SM that
houses 11 people with 44 receiving housing support through SHIA.
. They have 21 houses in SLO with 110 residents.
. They have successfully provided housing programs to MI for over 20yrs.

Representation in the audience at the City Hall Meeting Tuesday, May 16th at 7 pm can make a difference in reaching a positive outcome. Please encourage your church members and friends to attend.

Thank you!
Phyllis Daniels
733-1973

Yom HaShoah

2006-04-25T11:11:00.000-07:00

Today is a holy day for most Jews. It is a day of remembrance of those who perished during the Holocaust. With genocide taking place in Darfur and Northern Uganda, it is important to stop and remember. Take time today to be silent in remembrance, that the march of death might stop. You may check out the column on this day of remembrance by Pastor Bob Cornwall:
http://www.lompocrecord.com/articles/2006/04/23/opinions/042306c.txt

Lompoc Interfaith Meeting

2006-04-19T13:11:00.000-07:00

Join us at noon on Wednesday April 26th at First Christian Church (1517 W. College Avenue -- College and V) for the monthly meeting of Lompoc Interfaith. This is an open meeting and the purpose is to build bridges across confessional lines. In doing this we can be better servants to our community. RSVP at lompocdisciples@impulse.net.

Interfaith Calendar April 9-16

2006-04-10T14:37:00.000-07:00

This week is a busy one for the religious community.

This past Sunday, April 9th began Holy Week for the Christian Community. Holy Week runs through Maundy/Holy Thursday and Good Friday to Easter. For the Eastern Orthodox traditions, Holy Week runs one week later, with Easter on April 23rd.

Wednesday April 12th at sundown, marks the beginning of Passover, an observance that runs through the following week.

These are important events in the lives of these traditions.

Interfaith Conversations in Lompoc

2006-04-03T11:38:00.000-07:00

What value is there to interfaith conversations?We are beginning the process of creating an interfaith presence in Lompoc. It's grass roots, it's small, and it's tenuous. The value in this is simple--it's an opportunity to build bridges. As we watch the world clashing, often with religious motives, the question is, how do we make a difference? How do we build the bridges?This will not be an easy road, but by getting to know one another and by working on projects that unite rather than divide, we will move forward. Our first project is sharing in the design for a chapel/sacred space at the new Lompoc Hospital. We've met three times and the numbers and diversity is growing. But there is much left to accomplish! But if we're willing to share our voice in Lompoc, maybe the voice will be heard around the world, and then we can make a difference. Interfaith dialog is an important contribution to the betterment of our community. We will all be better off we can sit together civilly and respectfully -- perhaps for a meal and fellowship -- to learn about one another. That's the hope!

So, join us on the journey!

Bob Cornwall, Pastor, First Christian Church of Lompoc (http://www.lompocdisciples.org/)