San Diego First United Methodist Church ~ Newsletter
Wednesday, 23 October 2013
Running the Race with You
On Sunday, October 27, we begin a new series of worship services and messages on the theme of this year's stewardship campaign called Run the Race.
We, as a church, are at an important and pivotal time in our nearly 150-year history. Over those many years, our church has accomplished so very much in San Diego and beyond. One thing is clear, that our church is not averse to rising to a challenge! Much of our history is filled with making missional decisions that have led our church to increased growth and vital ministry.
Our Run the Race theme is a challenge to us as a congregation to not "coast" along. Ours is a mission filled with potential to change lives and this very city. It will require that each of us listen to how God is calling us to respond during this season of challenge. I am convinced that our church's best days are still ahead of us!
I would encourage every member and friend of our congregation to be present for this series of messages on Christian giving. Whether you give to our church or some other charity, you will discover how God uses giving to multiply blessings and advance the work of His grace in the world through Jesus Christ. I will look forward to "running the race" with you over these next few weeks and beyond.
Craig+
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WORSHIP
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2013
VESPER COMMUNION | 5:30 PM | Sanctuary | Rev. Greg LaDue
Music for Meditation begins at 5:15 | Free childcare by RSVP - Reserve here
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2013
Text for Next Sunday: 2 Corinthians 9:1 It is indeed unnecessary for me to write to you concerning the service to the holy ones, 2 for I know your readiness, of which I boast on your behalf to them of Macedonia, that Achaia has been prepared for a year past. Your zeal has stirred up very many of them. 3 But I have sent the brothers that our boasting on your behalf may not be in vain in this respect, that, just as I said, you may be prepared, 4 so that I won’t by any means, if anyone from Macedonia comes there with me and finds you unprepared, we (to say nothing of you) should be disappointed in this confident boasting. 5 I thought it necessary therefore to entreat the brothers that they would go before to you, and arrange ahead of time the generous gift that you promised before, that the same might be ready as a matter of generosity, and not of greediness. (Messianic WEB)
John Wesley’s Notes~Commentary for 2 Corinthians 9:1~5:
Verse 1. To write to you - Largely.
Verse 2. I boast to them of Macedonia - With whom he then was.
Verse 3. I have sent the above mentioned brethren before me.
5. Spoken of before - By me, to the Macedonians. Not as a matter of covetousness - As wrung by importunity from covetous persons.
Verse 6. He that soweth sparingly shall reap sparingly; he that soweth bountifully shall reap bountifully - A general rule. God will proportion the reward to the work, and the temper whence it proceeds.
Verse 7. Of necessity - Because he cannot tell how to refuse.
Verse 8. How remarkable are these words! Each is loaded with matter and increases all the way it goes. All grace - Every kind of blessing. That ye may abound to every good work - God gives us everything, that we may do good therewith, and so receive more blessings. All things in this life, even rewards, are, to the faithful, seeds in order to a future harvest. Prov. xxii, 9
Verse 9. He hath scattered abroad - (A generous word.) With a full hand, without any anxious thought which way each grain falls. His righteousness - His beneficence, with the blessed effects of it. Remaineth for ever - Unexhausted, God still renewing his store. Psalm cxii, 9
Verse 10. And he who supplieth seed - Opportunity and ability to help others. And bread - All things needful for your own souls and bodies. Will continually supply you with that seed, yea, multiply it to you more and more. And increase the fruits of your righteousness - The happy effects of your love to God and man. Isaiah lv, 10
Verse 11. Which worketh by us thanksgiving to God - Both from us who distribute, and them who receive, your bounty.
Verse 13. Your avowed subjection - Openly testified by your actions. To all men - Who stand in need of it.
Verse 15. His unspeakable gift - His outward and inward blessings, the number and excellence of which cannot be uttered.
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Give Like You Mean It
TRADITIONAL | 8 ~ 9:30 ~ 11 | Sanctuary | Rev. Craig Brown
NON-TRADITIONAL
Water's Edge | 9:30 | The Cove, United Methodist Ctr | Dr. Elbert Kim | Band
CHILDREN'S SUNDAY SCHOOL | 9:20 | Meeting in Trotter Chapel at 9:20, children are escorted to their Sunday School classrooms. Pick-up is in the amphitheater at 10:30.
Message from Pastor Jessica
The Fall Festival on Sunday was a blast! Thanks to all the families and helpers who came to make the day a fun success. Here are some of the pictures we took – we’d love for you to share some of your pictures with us too!
Blessings,
Pastor Jessica Strysko
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10:40 COMMUNION | Sanctuary Altar
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WEDNESDAY!
M O R N I N G
10:30 AM - Pastor's Bible Study | Linder Lounge
E V E N I N G
5:15 PM - Vespers Sanctuary | Music for meditation | Communion
6 PM - Dinner ($6) Linder Hall | RSVP to the office 619-297-4366 by Mon.
6:45 PM - Pastor's Bible Study | Linder Hall
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WOMEN
Women's Fall Retreat
Saturday, October 26 | 9 AM - 3:30 PM | Linder Hall
Get ready, ladies, to share a day being enlightened at our Women's Fall Retreat. It's $45 per person, which includes a great speaker, lite breakfast, lunch, afternoon snacks, coffee, tea, and juice. Sign up online -- Free child care is available, reserve here... Bring your BFF!
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DIVORCE
NEW: DivorceCare® Support Group
Sundays, October 27 - January 19 | 11 AM - 12:30 PM | Linder Hall 5
DivorceCare® is a support group for people who are going through, or have gone through divorce. Each meeting will begin with a 30-40 minute video covering that week's topic. Afterwards, the video will be discussed, and we'll talk about what is going on in each other's lives. Although participation is encouraged and appreciated, it is never required. The cost is $15 which covers the cost of the workbook. For more information about the meetings, visit www.divorcecare.org/about.
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SDSCS
Social Justice
Sunday, October 27 | 12:15 - 3 PM | Linder Lounge
Dr. Jamie Gates
Tuition: $10 -- Register here Free for students with I.D.
Lunch, optional: $7, reservation required by Oct. 25
"Social Justice" is a popular contemporary phrase trying to name and encourage a deeply rooted prophetic calling on the life of the Christian church. Dr. Jamie Gates regularly leads Justice and Reconciliation Pilgrimages to South Africa. While studying the link between race, ethnicity, politics, economics and the church in South Africa, this pilgrimage holds up a mirror to the lives of the participants and the communities they inhabit. Dr. Jamie Gates will share about these pilgrimages, lessons learned and some implications for the prophetic life of the Church. Rev. John Fanestil will facilitate a Q&A. Dr. Jamie Gates serves as associate professor of cultural anthropology and Director of the Center for Justice and Reconciliation at Point Loma Nazarene University. Read in-depth here ...
Visualizing Social Justice: A Juried Photography Exhibition
LAST WEEKEND: Saturday & Sunday, 10 AM - 2 PM, through Oct. 27
Trotter Chapel
Presented by the San Diego School of Christian Studies and First Church
An exhibition that bears witness to social justice and realities of hope -- juried by professionals at the Museum of Photographic Art in San Diego's Balboa Park.
A San Diego School of Christian Studies lecture:
Handel's Messiah:
Understanding and Appreciating the Great Work
Wednesday, Nov. 20 | 6:45 PM | Sanctuary | Childcare with RSVP here...
Resident organist Bob Plimpton will present a lecture to enhance the understanding and appreciation of Handel's Messiah. He will provide a background of it's origin -- explaining it is not only great music, but also a theological exposition of God's eternal purpose in redemption. The lecture is designed to enter more deeply into this work which our choir, soloists and orchestra will perform two weeks later in the sanctuary on Sunday and Monday, December 8 and 9 at 7 PM. Read more in-depth here ...
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MUSIC
Music Series 2013: Flights of Fancy
A Recital by Robert Plimpton & Aaron Bullard
Sunday, October 27 | 7 PM | Sanctuary | Childcare with RSVP here...
Embark on Flights of Fancy with uplifting works by Liszt, Vivaldi, Buxtehude, and Elmore presented by First Church resident organist Bob Plimpton, and cellist Aaron Bullard. A free-will offering will be taken. Presented by the Cultural Events Committee. Read more in-depth here ...
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CHILDREN & YOUTH
Canned Food Drive
Mark your calendar! The Children's Ministry will be collecting canned food throughout November for the Loaves and Fishes Ministry's Thanksgiving Food Baskets! Food items needed during this season are: boxed stuffing mix, canned vegetables, canned fruits, cranberry sauce, canned yams, gravy mix, boxed mashed potatoes, and boxed dessert mix. Consider picking one of these items up at the grocery store and bring it with you to church!
The Sunday School class with the most food wins a special breakfast! The competition ends on Sunday, Nov. 17. We could use your help -- email Pastor Jessica or call 619-297-4366, ext. 131, for more information.
Sky Zone for Youth
Sunday, Nov. 10 | 12 - 3 PM | $15 |Drop-off, pick-up in the Cove area
Bring friends for an afternoon of food and frolicking at Sky Zone. Deadline for sign-up is Sunday, Nov. 3. Contact Charlotte Watson for questions or more information.
Confirmation Orientation November 17, Classes Begin December 1
Sunday, Nov. 17 | 11:30 AM | Middle School Room
We invite all youth in grade 7 or older to join our upcoming Confirmation class. A Confirmation orientation meeting for youth and family members will be on Sunday, November 17, at 11:30 AM in the Middle School room at the United Methodist Center (ground floor). Classes will meet weekly starting Sunday, December 1, from 11:30-12:30 in the same location and continue through Easter Sunday, April 20, when confirmands will become members of the church. Read more about Confirmation here ...
Seeking Youth Grades 7-12, and College-age Students for Angel Duty
Participate in the beauty of Christmas Eve at First Church by being an angel that carries the light of Christ into the congregation, lighting their candles. Youth in grades 7-12 are needed for 7 and 9 PM worship, and college-age students for the 11 PM service. There will be a practice on December 17, 4:30-5:30 and December 22, 12:15-1 PM. Contact Charlotte Watson or Kayleigh Neel to volunteer or for more information.
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MISSION
Christmas Cards for Prison Ministries
We will again collect new, unused Christmas cards for prison ministries. The state prison near Otay Mesa needs 8,000 new cards. Inmates have no way to buy cards and are very appreciative of this small gesture from the community. Inmates will send them to friends and family during the holidays. If you have any extra cards, please consider donating them. As it gets closer to December, look for the bin in Linder Hall marked "Prison Ministries." ~ Mary Beth Klauer
Hurricane Sandy District Mission Team Report
Read about what work our members on the Sandy District Mission team were doing in New York
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PILGRIMAGE
Informational Gatherings for Pastor Craig's
Christian England & Scotland Pilgrimage, October 2014
Sundays, Oct. 27, Nov. 10 & Dec. 15 | 12:15-1:15 PM | The Cove
Make your advance plans now to join Pastor Craig and others from First Church on a life-changing Pilgrimage to England and Scotland for an exploration of our Celtic and Wesleyan roots. Join in one of these gatherings to get all the details!
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CHURCH CONFERENCE
Annual Church Conference and Luncheon
Sunday, November 3 | 12:30 PM | Linder Hall
Luncheon at 12 PM - Ticket sales on the patio or church office M-F
Our annual church business meeting will include reports, election of administrative committee officers, voting on candidates for ministry, and setting pastoral salaries. All church members are encouraged to attend and vote on the issues presented. A catered lunch will be served at noon. Purchase lunch tickets ($6.50) beginning Sunday, Oct. 20 on the patio.
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MEMBERSHIP
Explore First Church
Sunday, November 10 | 12:15 PM | Linder Hall 2
Would you like to explore Christianity, Methodism and First Church? You are invited to gather for a meal and time with the pastors and staff. It will be a fun time to break bread, make some new friends and explore membership.
New members will be received on Sunday, November 17, 11 AM.
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NOTICES
Help welcome first-time worshipers one Sunday morning at the Welcome Center on the plaza or Welcome Cart on the patio. Contact Beckett Kirk to sign up.
Friday Night Singles (50+ or -) meets every Friday at 6 PM for a meal followed by various activities. Email Karen Maczka or call 619-263-3743.
Our "Just a Little Gift" Shop" is open every Sunday before and after services from 9 AM-12:30 PM. It is located below the sanctuary, through the sanctuary meeting room (behind the Christ window).
Free Neighborhood Family Meal: Next meal is on Monday, October 28, 5:30-7 PM. Help provide and serve food and enjoy fellowship with families, teens, seniors and people in need of a nutritious, hot meal at Normal Heights UMC, 4650 Mansfield St. Volunteers prepare and bring a main dish, salad or dessert. Email Brenda Blake or call 619-297-4366 x125, to sign up.
Prayers & Squares Prayer Quilt Ministry meets twice a month. For our next meeting, see our 2013 schedule.
The 2013 Altar Flower Calendar has openings for Sundays in October and November. Please help us fill those dates. Call Eleene in the church office at 619-297-4366 to make your reservation. Each bouquet is $50.
SAVE THE DATES:
UMW Bake Sale, Sunday, Nov. 24, 9 AM - 12:30 PM, Linder Hall.
Pancake Breakfast Youth Fundraiser, November 24, 8:45 AM - 12 :15 PM.
33rd Annual Thanksgiving Interfaith Service with Congregation Beth Israel, Wednesday, Nov. 27, 7:30 PM in the Sanctuary. Senior Rabbi Michael Berk will deliver the Thanksgiving message, and the Temple Choir and our Chancel Choir will participate. A reception follows the service in Linder Hall.
Thanksgiving Dinner at First Church, Thursday, Nov. 27, 12-3 PM in Linder Hall. Free, reservations required. Sign-up in church office beginning Nov. 6.
Family Christmas Tea, Saturday, Dec. 14, 12-2 PM. Tea and lunch with carols, and gingerbread houses! Sponsored by UMW and Children's Ministry.
Brown Jordan Patio Table and Chairs at our Thrift Store
A very nice patio table with four swivel chairs have been donated to the Thrift Store. It is light green and priced at $395.
Proceeds from the Thrift Store support several local missions and the United Methodist Women. Last year we raised $35,000 for local missions. The Thrift Store's address is 3186 Adams Ave. and is open Monday to Saturday.
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In Our Prayers
We invite you to join us as we keep these individuals and families in our prayers this week.
IN MEMORIAM
Charles Robert "Bob" Francis passed away on October 10. He was received into membership in 1988 by Rev. Mark Trotter and is survived by his wife, Sandra Sue Miner and two daughters. A memorial service will be held in the sanctuary on Saturday, October 19, at 10:00 a.m., Rev. Ken Licht officiating
John Meyer passed away on October 14. He was received into membership on November 12, 1978, by Rev. Mark Trotter. He was predeceased by his wife, Donna, in 2012 and is survived by his daughter, Paula Sundstrom, and son, Damon Meyer. A memorial service will be held in Trotter Chapel on Saturday, November 2 at 10:00 a.m. with inunrnment in the Memorial Garden, Rev. Ken Licht officiating. A reception will follow in Linder Hall.
Members of our congregation in the military who are deployed and their families:
Sam Adams
Adam Beauregard
Jeffrey Njuyen
Doug Samples
Collin Sullivan
Adam Beauregard
Jeffrey Njuyen
Doug Samples
Collin Sullivan
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First United Methodist Church of San Diego
2111 CAMINO DEL RIO South IN MISSION VALLEY
San Diego, CA 92108 United States
619-297-4366
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