San Diego First United Methodist Church’s Newsletter –
Wednesday, 8 January 2014 – “Baptism - Who and Whose We Are”
Our baptism and place in the life of the church are powerful
elements of our spiritual life. Baptism grounds us in who we are and whose we
are. In Baptism we are reclaimed as the people we were created to be; in a deep
relationship with God by the power of the Holy Spirit. We experience salvation
both now and eternal through the washing of the water. Baptism incorporates us
into the very life of the church as community. The gathered community of Christ
is our lifeboat through this life.
Baptism reminds us powerfully about whose we are as well. Our
God is one who loves and saves. God
takes the initiative to reach us, even in our own sin, so that we might
experience new life. Baptism is
truthfully more about God's power and grace and less about our acceptance of
it! We know our God through the waters of baptism. The wonderful key to
"PowerFulLiving" is to claim who we are in baptism and in doing, we
know that God claims us as His own!
Craig +
Baptism this Sunday, January 12
Baptism for infants and young children will take place this
Sunday, January 12, at the 9:30 and 11 AM services. If you are interested in
having a child baptized call Demmie in the church office at (619)297-4366, ext.
108, or email her at ddivine@fumcsd.org.
WORSHIP
SUNDAY, JANUARY 12, 2013
Text to read: Matthew 3: The Baptism of Jesus
13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan, to be
baptized by him. 14 John would have prevented him, saying, “I need to be
baptized by you, and do you come to me?” 15 But Jesus answered him, “Let it be
so now; for it is proper for us in this way to fulfill all righteousness.” Then
he consented. 16 And when Jesus had been baptized, just as he came up from the
water, suddenly the heavens were opened to him and he saw the Spirit of God
descending like a dove and alighting on him. 17 And a voice from heaven said,
“This is my Son, the Beloved,[a] with whom I am well pleased.”
Footnotes:
a. Matthew 3:17 Or my beloved Son
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John Wesley’s Notes/Commentary for Matthew 3:13-17
Verse 13. Mark i, 9; Luke iii, 21
Verse 15. It becometh us to fulfil all righteousness - It
becometh every messenger of God to observe all his righteous ordinances. But
the particular meaning of our Lord seems to be, that it becometh us to do (me
to receive baptism, and you to administer it) in order to fulfil, that is, that
I may fully perform every part of the righteous law of God, and the commission
he hath given me.
Verse 16. And Jesus being baptized - Let our Lord's submitting
to baptism teach us a holy exactness in the observance of those institutions
which owe their obligation merely to a Divine command. Surely thus it becometh
all his followers to fulfil all righteousness. Jesus had no sin to wash away.
And yet he was baptized. And God owned his ordinance, so as to make it the
season of pouring forth the Holy Spirit upon him. And where can we expect this
sacred effusion, but in an humble attendance on Divine appointments? Lo, the
heavens were opened, and he saw the Spirit of God - St. Luke adds, in a bodily
form - Probably in a glorious appearance of fire, perhaps in the shape of a
dove, descending with a hovering motion, till it rested upon him. This was a
visible token of those secret operations of the blessed Spirit, by which he was
anointed in a peculiar manner; and abundantly fitted for his public work.
Verse 17. And lo, a voice - We have here a glorious manifestation
of the ever - blessed Trinity: the Father speaking from heaven, the Son spoken
to, the Holy Ghost descending upon him. In whom I delight - What an encomium is
this! How poor to this are all other kinds of praise! To be the pleasure, the
delight of God, this is praise indeed: this is true glory: this is the highest,
the brightest light, that virtue can appear in.
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“PowerForLiving”
Daily Devotional
TRADITIONAL
8 ~ 9:30 ~ 11 | BAPTISM 9:30 & 11, BAPTISM RENEWAL all
services | Sanctuary | Rev. Craig Brown
10:40 Communion | Sanctuary Altar
NON-TRADITIONAL
Water's Edge 9:30 | The Cove, United Methodist Ctr | Rev. Elbert
Kim | Band | Communion
CHILDREN'S SUNDAY SCHOOL
| 9:20 | Meet at Trotter Chapel. Children will be escorted to their
classrooms. Pick up at 10:30 in the Amphitheater.
Read Pastor Jessica's weekly message
Message from Pastor Jessica
Dear Families,
Happy New Year! We have an exciting year ahead for Children’s
Ministry here at FUMCSD. Our new Director of Children’s Ministries, Laura
Schwarcz, will begin her ministry among us on January 13th, and in February we
will begin offering Children’s Ministry during both the 9:30 and 11am worship
services. Watch the e-news, as more information about both of these exciting
developments will be coming soon. I praise God that whenever families with
children show up for worship on a Sunday from 9:30am-12pm, we will now have
something to offer them!
I invite you to be in pray for our church as we embrace all that
God has for us in 2014. I look forward to continuing to serve alongside you and
to grow in our faith and discipleship together!
Blessings,
Pastor Jessica
F5
F5 worship January 19 at 11 AM
F5 worship returns to Linder Hall for a morning of praise music
with the F5 band, fellowship and a message delivered by Pastor Craig via live
video feed from the 11 AM sanctuary service.
Experience First Church F5 modern worship ... and cookies!
FAITH * FUN
* FELLOWSHIP *
FOLLOW * FRIENDS
WEDNESDAY!
M O R N I N G
10:30 AM - Pastor's Bible Study | Linder Lounge
A F T E R N O O N - TODAY, 1/8
1 PM - Active Adults Program | Linder Hall | First Church member
Tom Large presents "Australia and New Zealand Travels with Tom, Part
1," images/video from Tom's Oct. 2013 trip.
Vespers
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 | moving to Linder Hall
6:45 PM - The Practice of Personal Bible Study | Linder Lounge
CHILDREN & YOUTH
Laura Schwarcz
First Church welcomes Laura Schwarcz as new
Director of Children's Ministries
After an expansive search, reviewing 10 applicants, four rounds
of interviews, and prayerful discernment, we are happy to announce that Laura
Schwarcz will join the First Church family as Director of Children's Ministries
on January 13.
Read about the search and Laura in-depth here ...
It has long been clear to the SPRC and pastors of FUMCSD that
our ministry to Children can be expanded and strengthened by reinstating the position of a Director of
Children’s Ministries, who will work closely with Pastor Jessica, the pastor
who oversees intergenerational ministries to children and their families. We
are excited to report that the process of finding the right person to lead us
in this effort – to make disciples of Jesus Christ from the youngest among us –
has been successful. Last month, we opened the position for applicants, seeking
qualified personnel with a solid theological education, experience in child
development, and a heart for Children’s Ministry.
We received 10 applications from all over California and other
parts of the country. The process included a phone interview, an interview
focusing on how the applicant would effectively lead our Children’s Ministry
team of volunteers, and finally interviews with the pastoral team and the SPRC
(Staff Parish Relations Committee) respectively. These interviews were designed
to see how well the applicants could interact and engage theologically,
organizationally, and relationally. After four rounds of interviews and
prayerful discernment, we are pleased welcome Laura Schwarcz to be part of the
staff here at First United Methodist Church of San Diego.
Laura Schwarcz
Laura comes to us from the Shepherd of the Hills United
Methodist Church in Mission Viejo. In 2009, Laura embarked on a journey toward
full-time children's ministry. To do so, she enrolled part-time at Fuller
Theological Seminary while working part-time at Shepherd of the Hills UMC.
Having completed her Master's degree this last December, she began the search
for full-time ministry in a local church. (The position at Shepherd of the
Hills continues as a part-time staff ministry.). God has gifted her for
children’s ministry, and she was unanimously approved for hire by our SPRC. The
fruit of her ministry, I firmly believe, will speak for itself as we come to
know her and her work in our midst. I pray that we will make her feel welcome,
and acknowledge the blessing she will be to the ministry we seek to provide to
the children and families of San Diego.
Laura is from Mission Viejo, and was raised in the United
Methodist Church from the time she was 3 years old. As she served as an
acolyte, a member of the kids choir, and eventually as a Sunday School teacher,
she knew that God was calling her to teach. She obtained her B.A. degree and a
Multiple Subject Teacher’s Credential with plans to be an primary grade school
teacher. At this point the direction of God’s call became even clearer: she was
called to use her gifts for teaching as a Director of Children’s Ministries.
She has served in this position at Shepherd of the Hills UMC for the past four
years, and completed her Masters of Arts in Theology from Fuller Theological
Seminary in 2013.
In addition to teaching, her gifts include visionary leadership,
recruiting and training volunteers for children’s ministry, and a love for
Jesus Christ. Laura and her husband Mike just celebrated their 5th wedding
anniversary, and the 1st birthday of their daughter, Kylee. Of special note,
Laura's brother, Richard Annett, is our church's Director of Student
Ministries. Please join me in warmly welcoming Laura.
Parents' Night Out/1-Day VBS
The Incredible Race through the Wilderness!
Saturday, January 25 | 3-7 PM
| $5/child
Come race with us at Parent's Night Out/1-Day VBS -- The
Incredible Race Through the Wilderness invites children ages 4 through 5th grade
to learn from biblical pacesetter -- John the Baptist -- and his championship
race through the wilderness. John the Baptist will tell us all about his
incredible commitment to Jesus, and how we, too, can put Jesus first!
If you have children, we hope you'll go enjoy some time
together, and let us watch your kids! We'd love for them to join us for all of
the stations and activities, including Bible stories, crafts, games, worship,
dinner, and more. Registration is required for each child participating,
childcare is available for younger siblings. Cost: $5, registration includes
program, snack and dinner. Sign-up online at www.fumcsd.org/1-dayvbs, or
contact Pastor Jessica for more information at jstrysko@fumcsd.org. We still
need volunteers, so please contact Jessica!
Youth Ski/Snow Retreat
Youth Ski Retreat, January 31 - February 2
Join your church friends for our All Youth Ski Retreat!
Fellowship, staying in a great cabin, games/fun activities,
worship, thoughtful spiritual discussion, oh -- and snowboarding/skiing and
tubing!
Cost: $160 due January 20.
Please contact Richard Annett for more information and to
register.
NEW CLASSES
Financial Peace University
A 9-week course, starting Sunday, January 26 | 12:15 PM |Linder
Hall 5
Free previews are offered this Sunday, January 12, 9:45 AM and
12:15 PM in the Sanctuary Meeting Room directly below the Sanctuary.
Whether you are struggling to make ends meet or are financially
secure, FPU has something for everyone. This course is based on biblical
guidance and financially sound practices that offer a proven method to
eliminate debt and manage money through simple, no nonsense applications. Learn more...
New Adult Classes to begin the New Year!
Two 3-week practicum classes on Sunday and Wednesday to get you
started in the New Year. Each class will offer a time for instruction,
spiritual practice, and discussion. Then, the classes will be offered again on
different days in February! On Wednesday, consider joining us for Vespers at
5:30 and a meal at 6 before class time!
THE PRACTICE OF PRAYER
Sundays, through Jan. 19 | 11:15 AM - 12 PM | The Cove
Wednesdays, February 5, 12, 19 | 6:45-7:30 PM | Linder Lounge
Led by Rev. Greg LaDue.
RSVP ....
THE PRACTICE OF PERSONAL BIBLE STUDY
Wednesdays, January 8, 15, 22 | 6:45-7:30 PM | Linder Lounge
Sundays, February 2, 9, 16 | 11:15 AM - 12 PM | The Cove
Led by Dr. Elbert Kim.
RSVP ...
GriefShare
A 13-week program starting Jan. 19 | 11 AM - 12:30 PM | Trotter
Chapel
Did you recently lose a loved one? Built on videos with experts
talking about the grief journey followed by discussion, GriefShare is a
friendly, caring group of people who will walk along side you through one of
life's most difficult experiences. Contact Rev. Ken Licht 619-297-4366, ext.
111, for more info.
WOMEN
Women, Food and God Wednesday Book Study
Wednesdays, Jan. 15 - Feb. 5 | 6:30 PM | Home of Nancy Sunday
The holidays are a time when many of us struggle with food
issues. Guilt and worry over what or how much we did or did not eat is
ever-present. Geneen Roth's book, Women, Food and God, offers some insights
into our relationship with food that can help us to a healthier path.
Join with other women in a safe, supportive atmosphere to
discuss this book and our own experiences. We will meet on four Wednesday
evenings the home of Nancy Sunday. Please purchase the book and read chapters
1-6 before the first meeting. Register here ... (location address is sent with
registration confirmation), or call Nancy for more information, 858-277-2110.
MEN
Real Men ChristCare Book Study
Thursday, Jan. 16 | 6:30 PM | Linder Hall 4
Quiet Strength by former NFL coach Tony Dungy. Connect with
others in more authentic ways, and find your answers to the six questions that
men often deal with: What's my game plan? What's my strength? What's success?
Where's my security? What is my significance?
What's my legacy?
For further information, contact Tom Nehring 619-528-0940 or
Mike Sorce 619-291-5559. Real Men meets the first and third Thursdays of the
month.
MUSIC
Harvard University Glee Club
Sunday, Jan. 19 | 7 PM | Sanctuary
Music Series 2014 presents the oldest college choir in America.
Sacred and secular music from Renaissance to present. Tickets $15 advance, $20
door, students free. Tickets will be available Sundays 1/5, 1/12, and 1/19 on
the Patio and online now.
We are looking for host families to house the men of the Harvard
University Glee Club on Sunday night, January 19, following their concert. You
would feed them breakfast then bring them back to the church in the morning
(more specific details will follow). If you can take two or more, please email
Demmie Divine or call her at: 619-297-4366, ext. 108.
SERVE
MLK Day of Service
MLK, Jr., Day of Interfaith Service
Monday, Jan. 20 | 9-11:30 AM | Morley Field - Balboa Park
Join a growing group of faith communities in interfaith
community service in Balboa Park, part of the National Day of Service in memory
of Martin Luther King, Jr. In its sixth year, all are invited to help beautify
a local treasure, Balboa Park, during a morning of hands-on community service.
Meeting at 9:00 a.m. near Morley Field at Texas and Upas
Streets, the group will work outdoors clearing and hauling brush, mulching and
planting. You are also invited to bring-your-own picnic on the lawn. Find out
more about the diverse congregations involved and register through January 16
or show up the day of the event.
NOTICES
The Pt. Loma Bible Study group will meet next Thursday, 1/16/14,
at 6:30 PM for a potluck at the home of the Harrisons. Greg LaDue will lead us
in a discussion of "new beginnings" in the Bible and our lives. We
welcome anyone living in the 92106, 92107 and 92110 zip codes as well as any
others interested. We will be starting anew as our last meeting was June '13.
Please call Sandy at 619-222-2351 for more information.
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.
We have a new web page for Just Men. Please, visit the site and
explore some of the ministries that are for the men in our church. If you are
interested in expanding this area, or notice something missing, please contact
Beckett Kirk, bkirk@fumcsd.org.
The Interfaith Shelter Network will take place on our campus
from February 9-23. Volunteers are needed for overnight hosting and bringing
meals for our shelter guests. Sign-ups will begin on Sunday, January 5, on the
patio. Please feel free to email or call Brenda Blake at bblake@fumcsd.org or
619-297-4366, ext. 125.
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.
Loaves & Fishes food distribution needs drivers that can
help transport the food from church to
Wesley UMC the second Sunday of the month. You need to be available from 2-4
PM. If you feel called to help, email Brenda Blake or call 619-297-4366 x125.
Explore First Church - On Sunday, January 26 at 12:15 PM in
Linder Hall 2, 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, February 2, 11 AM.
Next Neighborhood Family Meal is Monday, Jan. 27, 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 January
and 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.
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.
New job postings at Point Loma Nazarene University: Associate
Director for Human Resources, Academic Records Specialist, Records Assistant,
Groundskeeper, Programmer/Analyst. PLNU continually updates their employment
opportinities; for more information please visit the PLNU website.
PRICE REDUCED!
MISSION OUTREACH THRIFT STORE
3186 Adams Ave. | Open Monday to Saturday 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Our Mission Outreach Thrift Store still has an
"Eastlake" Drop Leaf Table, late 1800's, with drawer now reduced to
$295. 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 $35,000 for local missions.
In Our Prayers
We invite you to join us as we keep these individuals and
families in our prayers this week.
IN MEMORIAM
Jeanette Krueger passed away on December 28. She was received
into membership in 1983 by Rev. Mark Trotter and is survived by her husband,
Gary, sister, Lois Ward, daughter, Karen (Joerg) and two grandchildren. A
memorial service will be held in our sanctuary on Monday, January 27, at 2:00
p.m., Rev. Ken Licht and Rev. Greg LaDue officiating. A reception will follow
in Linder Hall.
Everett C. Mehner passed away on December 12. He was received
into membership in 1956 by Rev. Stanley McKee and is survived by his brother,
Gerhart, and niece, Pam (Don) Hiller. A memorial service will be held on
January 18, at 11:00 a.m., Dr. Elbert Kim officiating. A reception will follow
in Linder Lounge.
Janet Moore passed away on December 21. She was received into
membership in 1999 by Rev. Craig Dorval and is survived by her husband,
William. Services are pending.
Mary Ann Shekelton passed away on December 10 in Seattle. She
was received into membership on April 12, 1987, by Rev. Rev. Mark Trotter. She
was predeceased by her husband, Jack, and is survived by her children, Beatrice
Anita and Phillip Ross, sisters, Lorraine and Yvonne and their families. A
memorial service will be held on Friday, January 24, at 1:00 p.m. in Trotter
Chapel, Rev. Ken Licht officiating. A reception will follow in Linder Lounge.
Elizabeth Turley passed away on December 19. She was received
into membership in 1985 by Rev. Mark Trotter and is survived by her children,
Judy (Duane) and John, and one grandchild. Services in Berkeley, California are
pending.
Prayers Quilts were presented on Sunday, January 5, for Amy
Fike, Carol Ireland and Craig McKinnis. Please keep these individuals in your
prayers.
Our sympathy is with Janice Stevenson and family on the loss of
her husband, Gene, wjp passed away on January 2 in La Mesa. A memorial service
will be held on Saturday, Janaury 25, at 11:00 a.m., Rev. Elbert Kim
officiating.
Our sympathy is with Michelle Gergurich and family on the loss
of her brother, Ewart "Bud" Wyle, who passed away on December 31 in
Corpus Christi, Texas.
A memorial service for Harriett Loros will be held on Sunday,
January 26 at 2:00 p.m., Dr. Elbert Kim officiating.
Members of our congregation in the military who are deployed and
their families:
Sam Adams
Adam Beauregard
Jason Constantine
Jeffrey Njuyen
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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