Words of Welcome

  Cesar Barredo Luke 20:27-38 The opening hymn invites us to remember all the saints of God, “who from their labors rest, who thee by faith before the world confessed, thy name O Jesus, be forever blest!”  While All Saints Day falls on November 1, the first Sunday of November seems to me to be an appropriate day to remember God’s saints who now rest from their labors and by faith confessed the name of Jesus, “forever blest.” I expect each of us can name several saints whose lives exemplified the grace, mercy, and love of God. With that in mind I would like to lift up the name of the Rev. LLoyd Saatjian. LLoyd served for many years as pastor of First United Methodist Church in Santa Barbara. He was, in life, my friend, ministry colleague, and mentor. When I arrived in Santa Barbara, he encouraged me to become a leader in the local faith community and when I experienced difficulties later on in my ministry there he stood by me, encouraging me to stay strong and continue with mini