Weekly News for Thursday, 27 March 2014
Sunday, March 30 Lent 4: The Last Supper
Johnna Kosnoff, preaching8:30am Informal Worship in Epworth Lounge
9:30am Contemporary Worship in the Sanctuary
11:00am Traditional Worship in the Sanctuary
Sunday's Scriptures:
Psalm 23 & Matthew 26:17-30Psalm 23: A Psalm by David.
1 Yahweh is my shepherd:
I shall lack nothing.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.
3 He restores my soul.
He guides me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil, for you are with me.
Your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil.
My cup runs over.
6 Surely goodness and loving kindness shall follow me all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in Yahweh’s house forever.
Matthew 26:17 Now on the first day of unleavened bread, the disciples came to Jesus, saying to him, “Where do you want us to prepare for you to eat the Passover?”
18 He said, “Go into the city to a certain person, and tell him, ‘The Teacher says, “My time is at hand. I will keep the Passover at your house with my disciples.”’”
19 The disciples did as Jesus commanded them, and they prepared the Passover. 20 Now when evening had come, he was reclining at the table with the twelve disciples. 21 As they were eating, he said, “Most certainly I tell you that one of you will betray me.”
22 They were exceedingly sorrowful, and each began to ask him, “It isn’t me, is it, Lord?”
23 He answered, “He who dipped his hand with me in the dish, the same will betray me. 24 The Son of Man goes, even as it is written of him, but woe to that man through whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would be better for that man if he had not been born.”
25 Judas, who betrayed him, answered, “It isn’t me, is it, Rabbi?”
He said to him, “You said it.”
26 As they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks for[a] it, and broke it. He gave to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.” 27 He took the cup, gave thanks, and gave to them, saying, “All of you drink it, 28 for this is my blood of the new covenant, which is poured out for many for the remission of sins. 29 But I tell you that I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on, until that day when I drink it anew with you in my Father’s Kingdom.” 30 When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.
Footnotes:
a. Matthew 26:26 TR reads “blessed” instead of “gave thanks for”
John Wesley's Commentary-Notes for:
Psalm 23
PS 23 David extolls the goodness of God as his shepherd, and expresses his confidence in him, ver. 1-6. A psalm of David.
Verse 2. Lie down - To repose myself at noon, as the manner was in those hot countries. Green - Where there is both delight and plenty of provisions.
Verse 3. Restoreth - Hebrew. He bringeth it back; from its errors and wandering. For - Not for any worth in me, but for the glory of his justice, and faithfulness, and goodness.
Verse 4. Thy rod and thy staff - Two words denoting the same thing, and both designing God's pastoral care over him.
Verse 5. A table - Thou furnishest me with plenty of provisions and comforts. Oil - With aromatic ointments, which were then used at great feasts; thy comforts delight my soul. Runneth over - Thou hast given me a plentiful portions, signified by the cup, given to the guests by the master of the feast.
Matthew 26:17-30
Verse 17. On the first day of unleavened bread - Being Thursday, the fourteenth day of the first month, Exod. xii, 6, 15. Mark xiv, 12 Luke xxii, 7
Verse 18. The Master saith, My time is at hand - That is, the time of my suffering.
Verse 20. Mark xiv, 17; Luke xxii, 14.
Verse 23. He that dippeth his hand with me in the dish - Which it seems Judas was doing at that very time. This dish was a vessel full of vinegar, wherein they dipped their bitter herbs.
Verse 24. The Son of man goeth through sufferings to glory, as it is written of him - Yet this is no excuse for him that betrayeth him: miserable will that man be: it had been good for that man if he had not been born - May not the same be said of every man that finally perishes? But who can reconcile this, if it were true of Judas alone, with the doctrine of universal salvation?
Verse 25. Thou hast said - That is, it is as thou hast said.
Verse 26. Jesus took the bread - the bread or cake, which the master of the family used to divide among them, after they had eaten the passover. The custom our Lord now transferred to a nobler use. This bread is, that is, signifies or represents my body, according to the style of the sacred writers. Thus Gen. xl, 12, The three branches are three days. Thus Gal. iv, 24, St. Paul speaking of Sarah and Hagar, says, These are the two covenants. Thus in the grand type of our Lord, Exod. xii, 11, God says of the paschal lamb, This is the Lord's passover. Now Christ substituting the holy communion for the passover, follows the style of the Old Testament, and uses the same expressions the Jews were wont to use in celebrating the passover.
Verse 27. And he took the cup - Called by the Jews the cup of thanksgiving; which the master of the family used likewise to give to each after supper.
Verse 28. This is the sign of my blood, whereby the new testament or covenant is confirmed. Which is shed for many - As many as spring from Adam.
Verse 29. I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, till I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom - That is, I shall taste no more wine, till I drink wine of quite another kind in the glorious kingdom of my Father. And of this you shall also partake with me.
Verse 30. And when they had sung the hymn - Which was constantly sung at the close of the passover. It consisteth of six psalms, from the 113th to the 118th. The mount of Olives - Was over against the temple, about two miles from Jerusalem. Mark xiv, 26; Luke xxii, 39; John xviii, 1.
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All-Church Potluck
THIS SUNDAY
Everyone is invited to our end-of-the-month potluck after 11am worship on Sunday, March 30. Just bring your dishes to the kitchen before worship and come back for some tasty treats! Don't have time to cook? No problem! There's always plenty to share.
In This Issue
eScrip
20/30 Group
Lay Looker
From the Lay Leader
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:
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.
________________________________
You may also visit the new website for the entire denomination of United Methodist Church here.
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!
Annual Gala to honor
Kareem Abdul-Jabar
and to support
Toberman Neighborhood Center
Saturday, April 5th at the Manhattan Beach Marriott
More information here
Toberman Neighborhood Center is a non-profit community-based organization committed to assisting Harbor Area families and individuals by delivering life-changing services that encourage, inform, educate and empower them to live healthy and purposeful lives.
Want to see photos of past church
activities and events?
Check out our
Flickr page and our Facebook page
detail from "Washing of the Feet 3" © 2013 John August Swanson | Eyekons
Watching from the Edges
Sometimes we get awfully caught up in what the church teaches on particular points of doctrine, on social issues, on theological points; while I love a good theological debate as much as most anyone, I also have the very clear sense that the most powerful and important of the church's teaching is what happens when people watch us from the edges, overhear what we're up to or see how we treat one another.I'm captivated by one detail John August Swanson included in the images of Jesus' footwashing we've been studying and praying with this week: he painted in a crowd of people, watching from the edges. They happened to catch sight of Jesus demonstrating loving care as he took the posture of a servant, humbly washing the dusty feet of his followers.
The old camp song sings of how "They'll Know We Are Christians By Our Love." I'm grateful for the ways our congregation is able to make love visible--in Shared Bread's free meal every Wednesday, in welcome and care for those who visit our church, in the ways we treat our neighbors on our street, in our workplaces, at our schools. I pray that our actions and lives would preach a humble love that proclaims the good news of Christ's grace to a world in need.
grace and peace,
Pastor Molly
I will be away this weekend, on a short vacation with my family. I'm thrilled that our Lay Leader, Johnna Kosnoff, will preach. Also this weekend, Dr. Jeanette will be back from her belated honeymoon with Omar, playing piano and organ at 11:00. Please help us welcome both of these women in worship!
Contact Info
Pastor Molly Vetter
PastorMolly@BeachFaith.com
310-372-8445 x 102
Church-Wide Lenten Study: What Wondrous Love
During Lent as are sharing 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-weekBible study runs from now through Easter, April 20. More info is available on our website.
Our Monday night Children's Printmaking Class has been having fun sharing the scripture stories and exploring art together!
Lay Looker by Bob Peterson:
Read recent columns from the Lay Looker on our website by clicking here!
From our Membership Committee
Our Membership Committee encourages you to share your sign of God's wondrous love on the bulletin board beside May Day Parlor
From our Lay Leader, Johnna Kosnoff
We are receiving new members on April 6! If you aren't a member, I invite you to consider joining our church. In case you wonder, "Why?" and "How?," here is some information from our UMC Book of Discipline ¶'s 214-221 about membership:The "How" is pretty simple. Joining the church is done by baptism or profession of faith. As members of the UMC, we profess our faith in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth; in Jesus Christ his only Son, and in the Holy Spirit. We also covenant with other members to keep 7 vows that essentially say we will be loyal to Christ and faithful members to our church and its ministries. In our congregation, we receive new members during any one of our worship services.
"Why" become a member? When we become a member of the church, we publicly state a desire to live our daily lives as disciples of Jesus Christ. Membership in a local church is essential for our personal growth and for developing a deeper commitment to the will and grace of God. As members, we get involved in private and public prayer, worship, the sacraments, study, Christian action, systematic giving and holy discipline, which help us appreciate Christ, understand God and understand ourselves more clearly. When we join a local church, we agree to shoulder the burdens, share the risks and celebrate the joys of fellow members. In return, the current members agree to do the same for new members. In short, when we join our local church, we declare that we want to be part of this "family."
If you'd like to be part of our church family, or just have questions about it, Pastor Molly (and I) would love to talk to you. Please let us know of your interest!
Read Johnna's other recent Lay Leader reflections online.
"Invitation to Join our Family" by Johnna Kosnoff
We are receiving new members on April 6! If you aren’t a member, I invite you to consider joining our church. In case you wonder, “Why?” and “How?,” here is some information from our UMC Book of Discipline ¶’s 214-221 about membership:The “How” is pretty simple. Joining the church is done by baptism or profession of faith. As members of the UMC, we profess our faith in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth; in Jesus Christ his only Son, and in the Holy Spirit. We also covenant with other members to keep 7 vows that essentially say we will be loyal to Christ and faithful members to our church and its ministries. In our congregation, we receive new members during any one of our worship services.
“Why” become a member? When we become a member of the church, we publicly state a desire to live our daily lives as disciples of Jesus Christ. Membership in a local church is essential for our personal growth and for developing a deeper commitment to the will and grace of God. As members, we get involved in private and public prayer, worship, the sacraments, study, Christian action, systematic giving and holy discipline, which help us appreciate Christ, understand God and understand ourselves more clearly. When we join a local church, we agree to shoulder the burdens, share the risks and celebrate the joys of fellow members. In return, the current members agree to do the same for new members. In short, when we join our local church, we declare that we want to be part of this “family.”
If you’d like to be part of our church family, or just have questions about it, Pastor Molly (and I) would love to talk to you. Please let us know of your interest!
Donkey Procession,
Palm Sunday 2013
Palm Sunday: April 13On Palm Sunday, we celebrate Jesus' Triumphant Entry into Jerusalem at the beginning of Holy Week. We also mark the powerful story of Christ's Passion.
In our three worship services, at 8:30, 9:30 & 11, we will celebrate the depth of God's wondrous love as we share in the story of Christ's death. With beautiful music and meaningful prayers, as well as a sermon by Pastor Molly Vetter, our worship will engage people of all ages.
At 10:30, our whole congregation will join in a celebratory Palm Processional through our campus, as we wave palm branches and lay them on the ground before Jesus, who rides into our sanctuary on a donkey. There, we will retell the story of Palm Sunday (and a little from the donkey's perspective!) Our children will join the choir in song.
Afterwards, there will be a free petting zoo on our nursery play yard, Easter egg decorating, and a New Youth Patio Open House with hot dogs and refreshments for people of all ages, sponsored by our youth.
Easter Sunday: April 20
Join us to celebrate resurrection on Easter Sunday.Our celebrate begins with a Sunrise Service at Torrance Beach at 6:30 a.m.--this is a collaboration between our congregation and Riviera UMC. Pastor Molly Vetter will preach, and we will share together in worship that celebrates the new life that dawns in Christ's resurrection.
We will have our 3 worship services at the church on Easter, too: a casual celebration at 8:30, contemporary worship at 9:30, and traditional worship at 11. Rev. Molly Vetter will preach at all three, and we will celebrate communion. Children are welcome in all our worship services (there will be no Sunday School on Easter so that families can worship together). Nursery care is available for the services at the church for all children age 4 and younger.
There will be an Easter Egg Hunt for children at 10:30, between our worship services, and Kid Kits to help keep little ones engaged during worship.
For our Easter worship celebration, we will share in our church tradition of making a flower cross, celebrating that death has been overcome in Christ's resurrection. Our songs, hymns and prayers will share the beauty of the day.
We hope you will join us!
Lenten Visitation Volunteer Team
(an invitation from Pastor Molly)
On Wednesday, April 2 from 10-11am, I will host a training for church volunteers who will 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.Easter Lilies & Flowers for the Cross
Our church will be decorated with Easter Lilies for Easter Sunday Worship on April 20th. We will will also have our flower cross on display. You may order lilies and/or help pay for the flowers on the cross and dedicate them in honor or memory of someone
special. The cost of each plant is $9. If you would like to purchase one (or more) fill out and submit this online form as many times as you need.
Payments may be made in the church office during the week or included in your Sunday offering.
LAST DAY TO ORDER IS WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9TH.
Welcome to our New Staff Member:
Church Custodian Arnie Sachs
Our Staff-Parish Relations Committee is pleased to share the news of our newest church staff member, Arnie Sachs. He is stepping into a new position, as Church Custodian; he handles many of the responsibilities previously held by our Facilities Manager. In addition, he is present on Sunday mornings during our services and Sunday School to help guide people and provide for safety. Arnie is a familiar face to many, particularly because of his involvement as a volunteer with Shared Bread and with the Rummage Sale. He has been working with us on staff since he began part-time custodial work in December, stepping up into his current role about 3 weeks ago. Please help us welcome him!
Artwork on display at Santa Monica First UMC
John August Swanson
Art Show
at Santa Monica First UMC
The original artworks that are a part of our Lenten study are on exhibit at the Santa Monica First United Methodist Church through Lent. (This is the first time all of his Lenten images have been on display together.) The exhibit is open Sundays from 12 to 3 p.m., and by appointment for groups and individuals Wednesdays from 1pm to 3pm; call their church office to make an appointment: (310) 393-8258.
Meet the artist on Palm Sunday April 13 from 12 to 3 p.m.; Mr. Swanson will offer remarks at 1 p.m.
Pastor Molly invites you to join her for a field trip to see the artwork on Thursday, April 10. If you would like to carpool, meet at the church at 12 noon (just after the Thursday morning small group). We will go share lunch in Santa Monica, near the church, and then visit the exhibit. You may also drive separately, and meet us at Santa Monica First between 1:30 and 3pm. Many of our local schools are on Spring Break then, and children and youth are very welcome to join us (with their families).
News From Children's Ministry: Palm Sunday Plans
Every week from now until Palm Sunday (April 13th) our children will be practicing a special song with Ms. Linda during Sunday School. They will perform the song in church alongside the adult choir after our donkey procession into the Sanctuary, 10:30am-11am, Sunday 4/13.
Watch a video of our children rehearsing "Hosanna" on our website!
PRAYERS & SQUARES
Denim Quilt Workshop - April 11 - 10am-noon
Prayers and Squares (our prayer quilt ministry) is hosting a denim quilt workshop on Friday, April 11. Come learn a fun technique to make a frayed-edge denim blanket from old jeans; we will make one, together, and you can learn a skill to use on your own. You do not need to have sewing experience to participate--there is a job for everyone. You are encouraged to bring a pair of fabric-cutting scissors, and you are welcome to bring your sewing machine.
We also have quilts ready for prayers--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.
Easter Offerings
During the Easter season, it is encouraging to see both new and familiar faces at our worship services. Throughout the year, many of you already support the congregation with your time, talent and financial contributions but greater participation is always welcome. We encourage you to look into our electronic giving program. It takes just a few minutes to setup a recurring giving plan through Realm (our new database system). Email the office for an invitation to Realm or visit the church website to download and complete a paper authorization form. Save the Date (and practice your swing...):
2014 Church Golf Tournament - Saturday, June 14 at 10am
(more information and registration on our website)
We will host a Memorial Service for Dorothy Schmidt on Friday, April 4 at 4pm, in the sanctuary.
Dorothy (with her surviving husband, John) was a longtime member of our neighbor South Bay Christian Church, until it closed last year; additionally, through her church, she was very involved in supporting Shared Bread. She is survived by her husband of 65 years, John, as well as three children: Johnelle (and Charles), David (and Eileen), and Doug (and Phyllis), as well as 5 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. A simple reception will follow the service.
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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
Bring your Bible Bags this week and put them on our new class racks! This week we will learn more about Jesus' Last Supper. Read the story in advance in your Spark Storybook Bible: pg. 462 or look it up in your Kids Study Bible: Luke 22:24-28, John 13:1-20 Our children's blog has been updated. See video from our Sunday School Room!
Church R Us (4th and 5th grade):
SUNDAY SCHOOL at 9:30am. This week, we will continue looking at the last week of Jesus' life.
Youth Group (6th-12th grade):
We will NOT be meeting this week on Sunday afternoon. See you on April 6th from 3-5 PM!
HEY, get those RSVPs in for SSP weekend April 25-27th and SSP summer (9-12th grade) July 18-26!
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, April 7 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
First United Methodist Church
243 S. Broadway Street
Redondo Beach, CA 90277 United States
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