San Diego First United Methodist Church’s Newsletter – Wednesday,
29 January 2014 “Double Vision”
In our worship series called "Designed by Jesus" we
are exploring the parables of Jesus and the truths they contain about how God
has designed all things. These parables are stories Jesus told about the nature
of the Kingdom of God. Parables use common language and cultural concepts to
convey their spiritual meaning. In other words, they are stories with a double
meaning. Take the parable of the vineyard in Matthew 20. The parable tell of a
landowner who is either grossly unfair by paying everyone the same wage
regardless if they worked all day or one hour or an owner who is generous
beyond measure. In the end, those who worked all day feel slighted because they
were paid the same as those who only worked on hour. Now the double meaning...
The story is about how people respond to the generosity of God.
Some feel it is unfair. To be honest, mercy and grace by definition are unfair.
If our relationship with God is built on fairness, we would certainly measure
up poorly! But if our relationship with God is built on mercy and grace then we
are pleased to receive anything from God. Jesus teaches this simple yet vital
truth in a story with double meaning. In a world designed by Jesus, even in our
life designed by Jesus, are we ready to embrace the double vision of working in
this life to build the life that is to come.
In other words, are we prepared to live life like it was designed by
Jesus?
Craig +
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2014
Text to read: Matthew 20:
The Laborers in the Vineyard
1 “For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out
early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. 2 After agreeing with
the laborers for the usual daily wage,[a] he sent them into his vineyard. 3
When he went out about nine o’clock, he saw others standing idle in the
marketplace; 4 and he said to them, ‘You also go into the vineyard, and I will
pay you whatever is right.’ So they went. 5 When he went out again about noon
and about three o’clock, he did the same. 6 And about five o’clock he went out
and found others standing around; and he said to them, ‘Why are you standing
here idle all day?’ 7 They said to him, ‘Because no one has hired us.’ He said
to them, ‘You also go into the vineyard.’ 8 When evening came, the owner of the
vineyard said to his manager, ‘Call the laborers and give them their pay,
beginning with the last and then going to the first.’ 9 When those hired about
five o’clock came, each of them received the usual daily wage.[b] 10 Now when
the first came, they thought they would receive more; but each of them also
received the usual daily wage.[c] 11 And when they received it, they grumbled
against the landowner, 12 saying, ‘These last worked only one hour, and you
have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the day and the
scorching heat.’ 13 But he replied to one of them, ‘Friend, I am doing you no
wrong; did you not agree with me for the usual daily wage?[d] 14 Take what
belongs to you and go; I choose to give to this last the same as I give to you.
15 Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or are you
envious because I am generous?’[e] 16 So the last will be first, and the first
will be last.”[f]
Footnotes:
a. Matthew 20:2 Gk a denarius
b. Matthew 20:9 Gk a denarius
c. Matthew 20:10 Gk a denarius
d. Matthew 20:13 Gk a denarius
e. Matthew 20:15 Gk is your eye evil because I am good?
f. Matthew 20:16 Other ancient authorities add for many are
called but few are chosen
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John Wesley’s Notes/Commentary for Matthew 20:1-16
Verse 1. That some of those who were first called may yet be
last, our Lord confirms by the following parable: of which the primary scope
is, to show, That many of the Jews would be rejected, and many of the Gentiles
accepted; the secondary, That of the Gentiles, many who were first converted
would be last and lowest in the kingdom of glory; and many of those who were
last converted would be first, and highest therein. The kingdom of heaven is
like - That is, the manner of God's proceeding in his kingdom resembles that of
a householder. In the morning - At six, called by the Roman and Jews, the first
hour. From thence reckoning on to the evening, they called nine, the third
hour; twelve, the sixth; three in the afternoon, the ninth; and five, the
eleventh. To hire labourers into his vineyard - All who profess to be
Christians are in this sense labourers, and are supposed during their life to
be working in God's vineyard.
Verse 2. The Roman penny was about seven pence halfpenny. [About
thirteen and three quarter cents, American.] This was then the usual price of a
day's labour.
Verse 6. About the eleventh hour - That is, very late; long
after the rest were called.
Verse 8. In the evening - Of life; or of the world.
Verse 9. Who were hired about the eleventh hour - Either the
Gentiles, who were called long after the Jews into the vineyard of the Church
of Christ; or those in every age who did not hear, or at least understand the
Gospel call, till their day of life was drawing to a period. Some circumstances
of the parable seem best to suit the former, some the latter of these senses.
Verse 10. The first supposed they should have received more -
Probably the first here may mean the Jews, who supposed they should always be
preferred before the Gentiles.
Verse 12. Thou hast made them equal to us - So St. Peter
expressly, Acts xv, 9. God-hath put no difference between us (Jews) and them,
(Gentiles, ) purifying their hearts by faith. And those who were equally holy
here, whenever they were called, will be equally happy hereafter.
Verse 14. It is my will to give to this last called among the
heathens even as to the first called among the Jews: yea, and to the late
converted publicans and sinners, even as to those who, were called long before.
Verse 15. Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with my own?
- Yea, doubtless, to give either to Jew or Gentile a reward infinitely greater
than he deserves. But can it be inferred from hence, that it is lawful, or
possible, for the merciful Father of spirits to "Consign an unborn soul to
hell? Or damn him from his mother's womb?" Is thine eye evil because I am
good - Art thou envious, because I am gracious? Here is an evident reference to
that malignant aspect, which is generally the attendant of a selfish and
envious temper.
Verse 16. So the last shall be first,
and the first last - Not only with regard to the Jews and Gentiles, but in a
thousand other instances. For many are called - All who hear the Gospel; but
few chosen - Only those who obey it. Matt. xix, 30; xxii, 14.
Daily
Devotional
TRADITIONAL
8 ~ 9:30 ~ 11 | Sanctuary | Rev. Craig Brown
Communion served at all services this Sunday. Note! no communion
at 10:40 AM.
NON-TRADITIONAL
Water's Edge 9:30 | The
Cove, United Methodist Ctr | Rev. Elbert Kim | Band | Communion |
This week join us for the hands-on Rachel's House Sandwich
ministry! We'll be making 100 sandwiches during our Sunday worship to continue
support the Rachels' House, a shelter for battered women and children.
CHILDREN'S SUNDAY SCHOOL
| 9:30 | Children can attend Children's Ministry classes beginning at
either 9:30 AM or 11 AM (Please drop your child off at the amphitheater
or, age 3-1st grade, in their
classroom). Read about all the details and options here...
F5
Weekly 11 AM Worship starts this Sunday, February 2
Good news! Our F5 Modern Worship Service starts exhibiting
weekly at 11 AM beginning Sunday, February 2 as we build to our launch with the
public.
Pastor Craig has invited you to prayerfully consider responding
to a call from God to attend F5 from February through September to support this
important ministry of the church. Register yourself and your family members
here...
WEDNESDAY!
M O R N I N G
10:30 AM - Pastor's Bible Study | Linder Lounge
Vespers
E V E N I N G
5:15 PM - Vespers | Sanctuary | Music for meditation | Communion
Through April, Organist
Bob Plimpton will divide Vespers planning and playing duties with
Assoc. Organist Charles
Prestinari while Bob participates in the Impact 195 evangelism and discipleship training program, a ministry
of the Rock Church.
6 PM - Dinner ($6)| Linder Hall| RSVP to the office 619-297-4366
by Mon.
6:45 PM - Pastor's Bible Study | Linder Hall
OFF-CAMPUS: Women, Food and God book study | 6:30 PM | Home of
Nancy Sunday
Practice of Prayer with Rev. Greg LaDue, 3-week class starts
next week: Wednesday Feb. 5 | 6:45 PM | Linder Lounge.
CHILDREN & YOUTH
Children's Ministries Expands Sunday Morning Options
Starting this Sunday, February 2
We are excited to announce that we are expanding (in fact, more
than doubling!) the ministry that we are offering to the children and families
of our church! This will be a two-part transition, beginning on Sunday,
February 2. Children's Ministry will run from 9:30 AM - Noon. Read about all
the details and options here ...
This. Is. It. One Big Fundraiser for Student Ministries
Youth Silent Auction -- Donations Needed!
Sunday, March 23 | 7:30 AM - 12:45 PM | Lower Plaza
Student Ministries will be holding only one fundraiser a year
and the Youth Silent Auction is it! We need donations and would love you all to
donate items by March 9. Donation ideas: football tickets, baseball tickets,
gift cards, toys for little ones, basket of chocolate, gifts bags, vacation
timeshares, party boats, anything you think others would like to bid on! To
donate, contact Richard Annett, 619-297-4366, x118.
SERVE
Soup for "Souper" Bowl Sunday
This Sunday, February 2
Please help the Food Ministry "fill the cooler" with
soup for Super Bowl Sunday. We will be
collecting donations of canned soup, packaged soup, boxed soup mixes and
crackers this Sunday February 2. You may leave your donations in Linder Hall or
in the COVE on those Sundays or anytime during the week. The soup will be given
out on Super Bowl Sunday, February 2, during our weekly distribution.
Interfaith
Shelter Network
Interfaith Shelter Volunteers Needed
February 9-22
In it's 27th year, the Interfaith Shelter Network is a
collaboration of 120 congregations in seven areas of San Diego working together
to house homeless women, children, and men. Several of our rooms will become
"home" for 12-15 people who are working towards finding permanent
housing.
We need many volunteers to help our guests feel welcome and
comfortable while they are here. You can help by preparing the evening meal or
staying as an overnight host. Donations of sheets, pillows, towels, and
toiletries, as well as cash contributions are greatly appreciated. Please stop
by the table on the patio on Sundays through February 2 to sign up to
volunteer, or contact Brenda Blake (619-297-4366 ext. 125) with questions.
CLASSES
Practicum Classes Continue
THE PRACTICE
OF PRAYER
Wednesdays, February 5, 12, 19 | 6:45-7:30 PM | Linder Lounge
Led by Rev. Elbert Kim.
RSVP ...
THE PRACTICE
OF PERSONAL BIBLE STUDY
Wednesdays through Jan. 22 | 6:45-7:30 PM | Linder Lounge
Sundays, February 2, 9, 16 | 11:15 AM - 12 PM | The Cove
Led by Dr. Greg La Due.
RSVP ...
San Diego School of Christian Studies presents
Illuminating the Word with Dr. Lori Anne Ferrell
Lunch & Learn | Sunday, Feb. 23 | 12:15-3 PM
Tuition: $10, students free with ID | Lunch $7, optional Register here ...
Why would anyone cut apart a Bible? Why was such sacred
"scrapbooking" the rage of the Age of Enlightenment? Lori Anne
Ferrell (Claremont Graduate University) will explicate the motives behind the
eccentric hobby of "extra-illustration," whereby pious collectors and
bibliophiles tailored scripture to reflect their aesthetic tastes, turning the
good book into a cabinet of art, memorabilia, and curiosity. This talk comes
with lots of pretty--or pretty striking pictures. Come prepared to ooh and ahh,
or scream in protest. Read more here ...
FELLOWSHIP
Run the Race All-Church Celebration Sunday
Sunday, Feb. 9 | 12:15-1:15 | Linder Hall | Pizza/salad Lunch,
$5 Donation
You are invited to an all-church Celebration Sunday! There will
be food and a good time had by all. We are celebrating many many things as
together we Run the Race, including: the launch of full-service Children's
Ministry, new vision for the youth, F5 going weekly at 11 AM, and new Senior's
Ministries.
MUSIC
Organ and Piano Recital
Sunday, Feb. 23 | 7 PM | Sanctuary
First Church Resident Organist, Robert Plimpton, teams up with
pianist Bryan Verhoye for an evening of music featuring Beethoven's Piano
Concerto # 5 Emperor -- orchestral arrangement for organ by Robert Plimpton --
and other works by Bach, Messiaen, Clokey and Robert J. Greene, Jr. More...
NOTICES
Friday Night Singles (50+ or -) meets every Friday at 6 PM for a
meal followed by activities. Email Karen Maczka or call 619-263-3743.
Memorial Garden representatives are available 1st Sunday of the
month, from 9-9:30 and 10:30-11 AM in the Garden to provide information for
niches, plaques, services, inurnments, engraving and costs. Meetings can also
be arranged by appointment at 619-297-4366. Visit the Garden and let us assist
you in this part of your estate planning.
Burial plots available. First Church is offering a number of
burial plots to members and friends of FUMC. This is an excellent opportunity
for someone who might be interested in selecting a burial location as part of
their pre-burial arrangements. While this is not something we often think
about, burial sites can quickly become a much-needed commodity when final arrangements
are not made in advance. Each site is well below the current market value of
the properties. More information here ... or contact Saundra Sinn,
619-297-3442.
The 2014 Upper Room Disciplines are now for sale in the church
office. Price $15.
Next Neighborhood Family Meal is Monday, Feb. 24, 5:30-7 PM at
Normal Heights UMC. 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.
The Altar Flower Calendar has openings for Sundays in February
2014. Please help us fill those dates. Call Eleene in the church office at
619-297-4366 to make your reservation. Each bouquet is $50.
Sponsor a Prayer Quilt for someone in need of prayer -- whatever
the reason. Submit a request
or call Cheryl Johnson at 619-297-7575.
Prayers & Squares Prayer Quilt Ministry meets twice a month.
For our next meeting, see our 2014 schedule.
Our "Just a Little Gift' Shop" is open Sundays from 9
AM. to 12:30 PM. It's located below the sanctuary and through the sanctuary
meeting room.
Save the
Dates:
Active Adults monthly program | Wednesday, Feb. 12, 1 PM | The
Notables.
Women and AIDS Workshops Presented by AIDS Ministry:
"Living with HIV" Feb. 23 and "Magic Bullets or Social
Justice" Mar. 2.
Operation Family Caregiver - Educational conference for military
family caregivers Mar. 7
Baptism for Infants and young children, Sunday, May 4, at 8,
9:30 and 11 AM services. If you are interested in having a child baptized call
Demmie at 19-297-4366, ext. 108, or email her at ddivine@fumcsd.org.
Eastlake
drop-leaf table
NOW $295
Pussycat doll
$25
MISSION
OUTREACH THRIFT STORE
3186 Adams Ave.
Open Monday to Saturday 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Additional items are being added every day.
Proceeds from the Thrift Store support several local missions and
the United Methodist Women.
Last year we raised $34,000 for local missions.
Thrift Store donations may be brought to the church this Sunday,
February 2. There will be two tables for donations, one on the patio near the
entrance to Linder Hall and another on the plaza.
In Our Prayers
We invite you to join us as we keep these individuals and
families in our prayers this week.
IN MEMORIAM
Sheldon Brockett passed away on January 17. He was received into
membership in 1983 by Rev. Mark Trotter and is survived by his children
Katherine Deal and David Eastman. A memorial service will be held on Friday,
January 31, at 2:00 p.m., Rev. Mark Trotter officiating. A reception will
follow at the Town and Country.
Prayer Quilts were presented on Sunday, January 26, for Judy
Earle and Danilo Vuckovich. Please keep these individuals in your prayers.
Members of our congregation in the military who are deployed and
their families:
Sam Adams
Adam Beauregard
Jason Constantine
Jeffrey Nguyen
Doug Samples
Collin Sullivan
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First United Methodist Church
2111 CAMINO DEL RIO South IN MISSION VALLEY
(619)297-4366
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