Don't forget -- set your clocks ahead one hour when you go to bed on Saturday night!
Sunday, March 9
Lent 1: The Raising of Lazarus
8:30 am Informal Worship in Epworth Lounge9:30 am Scout Sunday Contemporary Worship in the Sanctuary
11:00 am Traditional Worship in the Sanctuary
Sunday's Scripture:
John 11:38-44
Romans 5:12-19
John 11:38 Jesus therefore, again groaning in himself, came to the tomb. Now it was a cave, and a stone lay against it. 39 Jesus said, “Take away the stone.”Martha, the sister of him who was dead, said to him, “Lord, by this time there is a stench, for he has been dead four days.”
40 Jesus said to her, “Didn’t I tell you that if you believed, you would see God’s glory?”
41 So they took away the stone from the place where the dead man was lying.[a] Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, “Father, I thank you that you listened to me. 42 I know that you always listen to me, but because of the multitude that stands around I said this, that they may believe that you sent me.” 43 When he had said this, he cried with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!”
44 He who was dead came out, bound hand and foot with wrappings, and his face was wrapped around with a cloth.
Jesus said to them, “Free him, and let him go.”
Footnotes:
a. John 11:41 NU omits “from the place where the dead man was lying.”
Romans 5:12 Therefore as sin entered into the world through one man, and death through sin; and so death passed to all men, because all sinned. 13 For until the law, sin was in the world; but sin is not charged when there is no law. 14 Nevertheless death reigned from Adam until Moses, even over those whose sins weren’t like Adam’s disobedience, who is a foreshadowing of him who was to come. 15 But the free gift isn’t like the trespass. For if by the trespass of the one the many died, much more did the grace of God, and the gift by the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, abound to the many. 16 The gift is not as through one who sinned: for the judgment came by one to condemnation, but the free gift came of many trespasses to justification. 17 For if by the trespass of the one, death reigned through the one; so much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one, Jesus Christ. 18 So then as through one trespass, all men were condemned; even so through one act of righteousness, all men were justified to life. 19 For as through the one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, even so through the obedience of the one, many will be made righteous.
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John Wesley's Notes-Commentary for:
John 11:38-44
Verse 38. It was a cave - So Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and their wives, except Rachel, were buried in the cave of Machpelah, Gen. xlix, 29-31. These caves were commonly in rocks, which abounded in that country, either hollowed by nature or hewn by art. And the entrance was shut up with a great stone, which sometimes had a monumental inscription.
Verse 39. Lord, by this time he stinketh - Thus did reason and faith struggle together.
Verse 40. Said I not - It appears by this, that Christ had said more to Martha than is before recorded.
Verse 41. Jesus lifted up his eyes - Not as if he applied to his Father for assistance. There is not the least show of this. He wrought the miracle with an air of absolute sovereignty, as the Lord of life and death. But it was as if he had said, I thank thee, that by the disposal of thy providence, thou hast granted my desire, in this remarkable opportunity of exerting my power, and showing forth thy praise.
Verse 43. He cried with a loud voice - That all who were present might hear. Lazarus, come forth - Jesus called him out of the tomb as easily as if he had been not only alive, but awake also.
Verse 44. And he came forth bound hand and foot with grave clothes - Which were wrapt round each hand and each foot, and his face was wrapt about with a napkin - If the Jews buried as the Egyptians did, the face was not covered with it, but it only went round the forehead, and under the chin; so that he might easily see his way.
Romans 5:12-19
Verse 12. Therefore - This refers to all the preceding discourse; from which the apostle infers what follows. He does not therefore properly make a digression, but returns to speak again of sin and of righteousness. As by one man - Adam; who is mentioned, and not Eve, as being the representative of mankind. Sin entered into the world - Actual sin, and its consequence, a sinful nature. And death - With all its attendants. It entered into the world when it entered into being; for till then it did not exist. By sin - Therefore it could not enter before sin. Even so - Namely, by one man. In that - So the word is used also, 2 Cor. v, 4. All sinned - In Adam. These words assign the reason why death came upon all men; infants themselves not excepted, in that all sinned.
Verse 13. For until the law sin was in the world - All, I say, had sinned, for sin was in the world long before the written law; but, I grant, sin is not so much imputed, nor so severely punished by God, where there is no express law to convince men of it. Yet that all had sinned, even then, appears in that all died.
Verse 14. Death reigned - And how vast is his kingdom! Scarce can we find any king who has as many subjects, as are the kings whom he hath conquered. Even over them that had not sinned after the likeness of Adam's transgression - Even over infants who had never sinned, as Adam did, in their own persons; and over others who had not, like him, sinned against an express law. Who is the figure of him that was to come - Each of them being a public person, and a federal head of mankind. The one, the fountain of sin and death to mankind by his offense; the other, of righteousness and life by his free gift. Thus far the apostle shows the agreement between the first and second Adam: afterward he shows the differences between them. The agreement may be summed up thus: As by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; so by one man righteousness entered into the world, and life by righteousness. As death passed upon all men, in that all had sinned; so life passed upon all men, (who are in the second Adam by faith,) in that all are justified. And as death through the sin of the first Adam reigned even over them who had not sinned after the likeness of Adam's transgression; so through the righteousness of Christ, even those who have not obeyed, after the likeness of his obedience, shall reign in life. We may add, As the sin of Adam, without the sins which we afterwards committed, brought us death; so the righteousness of Christ, without the good works which we afterwards perform, brings us life: although still every good, as well as evil, work, will receive its due reward.
Verse 15. Yet not - St. Paul now describes the difference between Adam and Christ; and that much more directly and expressly than the agreement between them. Now the fall and the free gift differ,
1. In amplitude, ver. 15.
2. He from whom sin came, and He from whom the free gift came, termed also "the gift of righteousness," differ in power, ver. 16.
3. The reason of both is subjoined, ver. 17.
4. This premised, the offense and the free gift are compared, with regard to their effect, ver. 18, and with regard to their cause, ver. 19.
16. The sentence was by one offense to Adam's condemnation - Occasioning the sentence of death to pass upon him, which, by consequence, overwhelmed his posterity. But the free gift is of many offenses unto justification - Unto the purchasing it for all men, notwithstanding many offenses.
Verse 17. There is a difference between grace and the gift. Grace is opposed to the offense; the gift, to death, being the gift of life.
Verse 18. Justification of life - Is that sentence of God, by which a sinner under sentence of death is adjudged to life.
Verse 19. As by the disobedience of one man many (that is, all men) were constituted sinners - Being then in the loins of their first parent, the common head and representative of them all. So by the obedience of one - By his obedience unto death; by his dying for us. Many - All that believe. Shall be constituted righteous - Justified, pardoned.
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In This Issue
eScrip
Scout Sunday
Lay Looker
From the Lay Leader
20/30 Group
Rummage sale
St John's Passion
Sanctuary Alarm
Prayer Quilting
Like us on Facebook
This Week at Church...
www.beachfaith.org
Adult Bible Study
You are welcome to join our regular Thursday Bible Study with Pastor Molly.The Pastor's Bible Study meets each Thursday at 11:00am in May Day Parlor.
A Church That Responds to the Needs of the Community
SHARED BREAD
Every Wednesday, with help from neighbor congregations and many volunteers, we host Shared Bread, a free meal for the community.(Click the logo for more information.)
Would you like to be a part of our Shared Bread Entertainment?? If you play an instrument and would like to share your talent with those who come for a meal, please
contact Susanne Paulson.
Here are some dates you can add to your calendar:
March 12
April 23
May 28 from 6:00 to 6:30ish.
Feel free to bring a friend to play.
Groceries = $$$ for Church
Looking for an easy way to support our church? Now you can do your grocery shopping and the store will give a percentage back to FUMCRB! Click the image on the left to learn how you can sign up for this easy giving program. Our Stewardship Team can answer any questions!
WANT TO STAY CURRENT ON
ANNUAL CONFERENCE NEWS?
CLICK THE IMAGE ON THE RIGHT TO LINK TO THE CAL-PAC WEBSITE.
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You may also visit the new website for the entire denomination of United Methodist Church here.
Remember That You Are Dust
Ash Wednesday is a favorite day of prayer for me, because it's so honest. It reminds us of our flaws, our mortality, and how we are so much less awesome than God. (I mean that in the deepest, most theological sense.)It's also a reminder of our belonging. As we "remember that we are dust, and to dust we shall return," we claim a part in the wondrous story of God--we are dust, animated by the glorious Spirit of God.
We are invited to confess our sins and to humble ourselves, knowing full well that God's mercy is bigger than we can understand or need. We get to repent, knowing full well that what can follow is the joy of being let off the hook by a God of grace. May we all have the courage--the strength of heart--to open ourselves to God. In emptying ourselves humbly, we get to know the fullness of God's love and direction for our lives. What grace!
grace and peace,
Pastor Molly
I hope you have already begun the daily prayers from our "What Wondrous Love" devotional--and that you've made plans to join one of our small Bible study groups. More information is online.
Contact Info
Pastor Molly Vetter
PastorMolly@BeachFaith.com
(310)372-8445 x 102
Redondo Beach First UMC invites
ALL scouts to celebrateScout Sunday, March 9 during 9:30 worship.
Wear your uniforms and come for a moment of appreciation and prayer for Boy Scout Troop 851 and to honor the commitment of ALL scouts, boys and girls, to serve God and country.
(Please note: We will celebrate Scout Sunday ONLY during the 9:30 service.)
Church-Wide Lenten Study: What Wondrous Love
Join us for a Lent as we share in a special study of scripture, featuring art images of John August Swanson. Each week, a story from the gospels is illuminated by a companion artwork. A daily devotional (available Sunday or online) guides you through prayers for the season, and small group Bible studies deepen our study of the texts and images.The 6-week Bible study includes discussion in response to a short DVD, featuring biblical scholars from Candler School of Theology at Emory University. The season of Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, March 5, and runs through Easter, April 20. Small groups begin this week, with the first one starting Sunday morning.
Small Group Bible Studies will be available at the following times: (sign up for any of them on our website or in the church office at 310-372-8445)
-Sundays, at 9:30am
-Monday evenings from 5:30-7pm (WIth a children's art program--see below!)
-Thursdays from 11am-12pm
-Thursdays from 7-8pm
-a group for 20/30s young adults
-a group for youth, on Tuesday evenings
Special Monday Night Option for Families
On Monday nights, we have two extras: dinner for anyone participating, & a printmaking art class for children during the Bible Study. (Child care available by request for younger kids.) Suggested weekly dinner donation is $5/person or $20/family.
The Printmaking Art Class for Children (grades 1-6) - Kids will explore a variety of principles of design and foundational art techniques as they explore various printmaking techniques, including monoprint, silkscreen, block printing and more. There is a materials fee of $25/child or $40/family for the art class. Led by Pastor Molly. Questions? Contact Director of Children's Ministry Katherine Stanfill.
Holy Conferencing: Homosexuality, Marriage Equality and our Christian Faith
Join Pastor Molly for a class and conversation about our faith and contemporary issues, as we share in holy conferencing about homosexuality and marriage equality on Sunday, March 9 from 3-5pm in Epworth Lounge. Read more about this event on our website calendar page.
Memorial Service: Lewis Robert Crownover
We will hold a memorial service for Bob Crownover on Saturday, March 8 at 10am in the sanctuary. A reception will follow, organized by Naomi Circle. A church member and leader in the congregation, he served as our Facilities Manager for the past 19 years.We continue to hold his widow, Betty, in our prayers.
Lay Looker by Bob Peterson
"Perhaps you missed The Lay Looker Last week. This is to advise you that this epistle will now be written every other week, with our Lay Leader, Johnna Kosnoff filling the space in alternate weeks. With that in mind I know you have heard or read about our Trustees lighting up the Bell Tower at night. But if you haven't driven by after dark, you may not realize how beautiful it really is. Take a detour after dark some night this week and see the soft bluish indirect lighting of our bell tower. You'll be proud of..." [Read the rest of Lay Looker on our website by clicking here!]
"How Beautiful It Really Is" by Bob Peterson
Perhaps you missed The Lay Looker Last week. This is to advise you that this epistle will now be written every other week, with our Lay Leader, Johnna Kosnoff filling the space in alternate weeks. With that in mind I know you have heard or read about our Trustees lighting up the Bell Tower at night. But if you haven’t driven by after dark, you may not realize how beautiful it really is. Take a detour after dark some night this week and see the soft bluish indirect lighting of our bell tower. You’ll be proud of how it looks and it will be a reminder that we are the First United Methodist Church of Redondo Beach to all who see it.
This should be shouted from the roof-tops: Our UMW team and helpers managed to raise a total of $6,077.00 at the recent Rummage Sale. It will go to their various Mission projects, help a bit for our church youth program and other projects near and far. Congratulations to their Rummage leader Shirley Sommer and all who helped, bought or donated.
In a discussion with one of our 11:00 AM worship greeters it was mentioned that if more of our congregation used the Wells Fargo parking lot across Torrance Blvd Sundays, more would also enter church through the South doorway, where we have a greeter each week. Yes, we have the bank’s permission to park there when they are not open for business, and yes we have funds in their bank as well.
Last Sunday it was our pleasure to see sound expert Trey Kyle verifying that the new speakers in the Narthex were producing sound for those awaiting church to hear the announcements from the lectern. The new sound system seems nearly 100% ready to serve our people.
This is Boy Scout Sunday and plans were made for their recognition at today’s 9:30 Am worship service. Our church has sponsored a very active and effective group of Scouts for many years. As a former Scout and unit leader of the Senior Scouts, (Sea Scouts) in the 1940s, I value the training and leadership it provides for our young people. Millions have been taught high moral values under the Scouting programs.
Yes, I have signed on for one of the small Lenten groups of study. Even though there are a lot of us attending, there could be more. Call the office and get signed on now so that you won’t miss any of this special bible and Lenten study between now and Easter, April 20, 2014. CUN2.
From our Lay Leader - Johnna Kosnoff
As we begin our journey through Lent, our membership committee encourages you to look for Signs of God's Wondrous Love in your own lives and share them with our congregation. Anytime you're at church during Lent, please take a moment to write what signs you see on our bulletin board beside May Day Parlor. Also, take some time to be blessed by reading how others are experiencing God's love in their lives. Read Johnna's recent Lay Leader reflections online.
Signs of God's Wondrous Love---an invitation by Johnna Kosnoff
As we begin our journey through Lent, our membership committee encourages you to look for Signs of God’s Wondrous Love in your own lives and share them with our congregation. Anytime you're at church during Lent, please take a moment to write what signs you see on our bulletin board beside May Day Parlor. Also, take some time to be blessed by reading how others are experiencing God’s love in their lives.
Lenten Visitation Volunteer Team
(an invitation from Pastor Molly)
I would like to recruit and train a small team of volunteers, to visit the homes of our homebound members and bring them Holy Communion during the season of Lent. If you would be interested in being a part of this ministry, please email me; I hope to set a training time that works for those interested.20/30 group: A new group is starting at FUMCRB - the 20/30 group is a casual gathering of people in their 20's and 30's looking to connect with other young adults who attend the same church. Contact Amanda Kuczun for info on upcoming events!
Another successful RUMMAGE SALE!
Thank you to all the volunteers and shoppers who showed up in the rain and helped our United Methodist Women raise over $6,000! The money raised helps support the various missions of the UMW. We are grateful for the leadership of Shirley Sommer who, with her faithful volunteers, continues to make this event a success. You can see some photos of the day on our
Facebook page or the church Fllickr photo page.
Lenten Choral Opportunity:
Bach's "St. John Passion", Sunday March 23rd, at 5:30pm (free pre-concert lecture at 4:30pm)Experience Bach's dramatic account of the Passion based on the Gospel according to St. John as it was originally composed for Good Friday services. Camerata Singers of Long Beach present the story of Jesus' Passion combined with choral reflections on our response as individuals and community to his suffering and death. Sung in German with supertitles in English, period instruments. Long Beach City College Auditorium. Special ticket prices for FUMCRB members, special group rates--contact Phyllis Daniel.
NOTICE
Our Sanctuary is now ALARMED! To protect our new sound system, the Trustees have upgraded our security system to include the sanctuary. If you have a key to the sanctuary you must contact the church office before you next use it. There are only two points of entry that should be used and there is a code that you will need to disarm the system. If you need access contact Ernie directly.
Giving to the Church Electronically
There are two new ways for you to make contributions to the church electronically, through electronic funds transfer--via a paper form that is turned into the church office or via a new internet option. Read more here.If you choose to give electronically, we have new cards for you to drop in the Sunday offering basket, noting your gift and allowing you to still participate in the weekly ritual of the offering. Contact the church office for more information.
PRAYERS AND SQUARES
Sponsor a Free Quilt for Someone in Need of PrayerOur prayer quilt ministry is ready to share prayers and quilts--if you would like to sponsor a free quilt for someone you know, we simply ask that you ask the recipient's permission, and then be here on a Sunday to help people tie knots and say prayers. Request forms are available in the church office or on our website.
Our March quilting meeting will be Saturday, March 15--from 10am-noon at the church. To participate in our March group quilt, we invite you to make a 12.5" square in any pattern using purple fabrics. More information is on our website!
Like us on Facebook!
Visit the page and "like" us so you can see and share the latest photos, news and links from the church.
This Week at Church...
Nursery The Nursery is open all three services for ages 6 weeks to 4 yrs old. Located right off of the parking lot across Epworth Lounge. Any questions email the Nursery Coordinator: Adriana Hwang
Children's Ministry
SUNDAY SCHOOL MEETS IN CHURCH at 9:30am (for the start of service) this week to observe "Scout Sunday." Wear your Scout uniform if you are a member of a troop! After a special recognition of Scouts we will head upstairs for a lesson on "Lazarus". Come ready for GAMES! Bring your Bible Bags- we'll be opening the bible each week from now till Easter. See you in class! Our children's blog has been updated. See pictures of all we've been up to!
Church R Us (4th and 5th grade):
SUNDAY SCHOOL MEETS IN CHURCH at 9:30am (for the start of service) this week to observe "Scout Sunday." Wear your Scout uniform if you are a member of a troop! In class we will talk about Jesus's Entry into Jerusalem, as we begin looking at the Last Week of Jesus' life.
Youth Group (6th-12th grade):
We will not officially meet this week for youth group, in order to allow for participation in the "Holy Conferencing" gathering on Sunday afternoon.
There is Middle School Sunday School this week but we will START in the Sanctuary to honor Scout Sunday. Wear your uniform if you are in a troop!
Adult Sunday School: Join us every Sunday at 9:30am for study and discussion of this week's scripture lesson. During Lent, we will participate in the "What Wondrous Love" study (May Day Parlor)
Men's Breakfast: Our next breakfast is Monday, March 17 at 7AM. All men of the church and their friends are welcome to join us for fellowship. At Billy's Deli, 5160 W 190th St, Torrance, CA 90503.
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First United Methodist Church of Redondo Beach
310-372-8445 main 310-372-5696 fax
Reverend Molly Vetter, Lead & Teaching Pastor PastorMolly@beachfaith.com
Ernie Valenzuela, Administrative Assistant x101 Ernie@beachfaith.com
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