This year's Lenten theme is "Lift High the Cross," which is a title of a well known hymn within the life of our church's service music. Regardless of which worship service one attends at First Church, this theme of "Lift High the Cross" is a powerful message about our life in Christ.
Originally written as a militant hymn, the essence of the lyrics is that Christ will prove victorious over the cross only by enduring it. The cross is a symbol from which we can draw strength and encouragement even when it seems that we are to be overcome with life's struggles. In those very moments of struggle, we are called to grasp and lift high the cross as symbol that every obstacle can be overcome in the power of Jesus.
The season of Lent connects us with our struggles in life. Lenten disciplines are designed, by nature, to uncover our weaknesses in the flesh and in motive. When we encounter our own struggles and hurts during Lent, we are then reminded to lift high the cross. Jesus has made a way for us to experience redemption. As we begin Lent this week, I would invite you to consider a discipline during these 40 days that will reveal your need to lift high the cross of Jesus.
You can read more about the history of "Lift High the Cross" here...
Grace & Mercy to All,
Craig +
Rev. Jessica Strysko Approved for Ordination as Elder
Last month Rev. Jessica Strysko was approved by the Board of Ordained Ministry of the California-Pacific Conference for ordination as an Elder. During the June Annual Conference session to be held in Redlands, Bishop Minerva Carcaño will lay hands on Pastor Jessica and set her apart for the work of an Elder. Currently First Church has two Ordained Elders on staff in Elbert Kim and Craig Brown. Please celebrate this great milestone with Pastor Jessica as she prepares for her ordination on Saturday, June 21 at the University of Redlands.
Rev. Mary Allman-Boyle Assumes New Position at First Church
Lead Pastor Craig Brown and the Staff-Parish Relations Committee are pleased to announced that Rev. Mary Allman-Boyle will be assuming a new full-time position of Executive Pastor at First Church on April 1, 2014. While the position of Executive Pastor may be new to First Church, it is a very common position in churches of our size. The Executive Pastor essentially provides operational oversight for all the programs and ministries of the church to ensure that they fulfill the mission and vision of the church.
Pastor Mary will continue to have direct oversight for the church's hospitality, evangelism, communications, small groups and spiritual formation. Beckett Kirk will assume duties as Pastor Mary's program assistant to ensure that she can carry out her new work as Executive Pastor. With this new position in place, Lead Pastor Craig Brown can focus primarily on visionary leadership, worship, preaching and cultivating deeper stewardship across the life of the church.
As Executive Pastor, Pastor Mary will work in partnership with Pastor Craig and the new Executive Administrator (former Business Manager position.) As with all church staff positions, job descriptions are available for review by anyone in the congregation. Please join in welcoming Pastor Mary into her new staffing responsibilities!
WORSHIP
TONIGHT: ASH WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5, 2014SANCTUARY WORSHIP
5:30-6:30 PM | Rev. Craig Brown
Holy Communion, disposition of ashes, Ash Wednesday message
5:15 meditation prelude - Robert Plimpton, organist
6:30 Dinner and speaker, reservations closed
SUNDAY, MARCH 9, 2014
Matthew 4:1-11
Text to read: Matthew 4:1 Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit
into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 2 When he had fasted forty days
and forty nights, he was hungry afterward. 3 The tempter came and said to him,
“If you are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.”
4 But he answered, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread
alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.’”[a]
5 Then the devil took him into the holy city. He set him on the
pinnacle of the temple, 6 and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw
yourself down, for it is written, ‘He will put his angels in charge of you.’
and,
‘On their hands they will bear you up,
so that you don’t dash your foot against a
stone.’”[b]
7 Jesus said to him, “Again, it is written, ‘You shall not test
the Lord, your God.’”[c]
8 Again, the devil took him to an exceedingly high mountain, and
showed him all the kingdoms of the world, and their glory. 9 He said to him, “I
will give you all of these things, if you will fall down and worship me.”
10 Then Jesus said to him, “Get behind me,[d] Satan! For it is
written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and you shall serve him only.’”
[e]
11 Then the devil left him, and behold, angels came and served
him.
Footnotes:
a. Matthew 4:4 Deuteronomy 8:3
b. Matthew 4:6 Psalm 91:11-12
c. Matthew 4:7 Deuteronomy 6:16
d. Matthew 4:10 TR and NU read “Go away” instead of “Get behind
me”
e. Matthew 4:10 Deuteronomy 6:13
--------
John Wesley’s Notes-Commentary for
Matthew 4:1-11
Verse 1. Then - After this glorious evidence of his Father's
love, he was completely armed for the combat. Thus after the clearest light and
the strongest consolation, let us expect the sharpest temptations. By the
Spirit - Probably through a strong inward impulse. Mark i, 12; Luke iv, 1.
Verse 2. Having fasted - Whereby doubtless he received more
abundant spiritual strength from God. Forty days and forty nights - As did
Moses, the giver of the law, and Elijah, the great restorer of it. He was
afterward hungry - And so prepared for the first temptation.
Verse 3. Coming to him - In a visible form; probably in a human
shape, as one that desired to inquire farther into the evidences of his being
the Messiah.
Verse 4. It is written - Thus Christ answered, and thus we may
answer all the suggestions of the devil. By every word that proceedeth out of
the mouth of God - That is, by whatever God commands to sustain him. Therefore
it is not needful I should work a miracle to procure bread, without any
intimation of my Father's will. Deut. viii, 3.
Verse 5. The holy city - So Jerusalem was commonly called, being
the place God had peculiarly chosen for himself. On the battlement of the
temple - Probably over the king's gallery, which was of such a prodigious
height, that no one could look down from the top of it without making himself
giddy.
Verse 6. In their hands - That is, with great care. Psalm xci,
11, 12.
Verse 7. Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God - By requiring
farther evidence of what he hath already made sufficiently plain. Deut. vi, 16.
Verse 8. Showeth him all the kingdoms of the world - In a kind
of visionary representation.
Verse 9. If thou wilt fall down and worship me - Here Satan
clearly shows who he was. Accordingly Christ answering this suggestion, calls
him by his own name, which he had not done before.
Verse 10. Get thee hence, Satan - Not, get thee behind me, that
is, into thy proper place; as he said on a quite different occasion to Peter,
speaking what was not expedient. Deut. vi, 13.
Verse 11. Angels came and waited upon him - Both to supply him
with food, and to congratulate his victory.
-------
Daily Devotional
SANCTUARY WORSHIP
5:30-6:30 PM | Pastor Craig BrownCommunion will be served at all services, see info below.
Prayer ministers will be available at the altar to pray with you if you so desire.
No 10:40 Communion this Sunday.
MODERN WORSHIP
WATER'S EDGE | at The Cove, Krause United Methodist Center9:30 AM | Pastor Elbert Kim | Band | Communion
F5 CHURCH | Linder Hall
11 AM | Band | Pastor Craig - video message from Sanctuary Communion Pastor Craig has invited you to prayerfully consider attending F5 through September to support this important ministry of the church. Register yourself and your family members here...
CHILDREN'S SUNDAY SCHOOL
9:30 ~ 11:30
NEW info about family worship time and Sunday School schedules here...
The First Sunday in Lent - This Sunday, March 9
On this first Sunday in Lent we will celebrate with Holy Communion at all services.
TRADITIONAL SANCTUARY SERVICES
8:00 and 11:00 - Communion will be received at the High Altar by intinction.
9:30 - Communion will be received congregational style in the pews.
New in the sanctuary:
- In addition to using loaf bread for intinction, gluten-free wafers will be available, too.
- Holy Communion will be celebrated each Sunday in Lent at the 8 AM service, by intinction at the High Altar.
WEDNESDAYS IN LENT
M O R N I N G TODAY, March 5: No Bible Study
March 12: 10:30 AM - Lift High the Cross Lenten Study Lessons on the Spirituality of the Cross with Pastor Craig Brown | Linder Lounge
E V E N I N G
TONIGHT, March 5:
No Vespers (please attend Ash Wed. worship) or Bible Study
March 12:
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 - Lenten Study Lessons on the Spirituality of the Cross with Pastor Craig | Linder Hall
Lenten Study - "Lift High the Cross" - Lessons on the Spirituality of the Cross
by Pastor Craig
Each week during Lent, with the exception of Holy Week, Pastor Craig will lead this Wednesday study into five powerful "virtues" of the cross that can shape our lives and the life of the world as seen in the final chapters of the Gospel of Mark.
Lenten Vespers - by Rev. Greg LaDue
Make mid-week Vespers a part of your Lenten devotional. Real all about it here...
CLASSES
Faith In Our Families Class Sundays through March 23 | 11:15 AM - 12:15 PM | The Cove
If you are a parent, grandparent, or guardian and are interested in practical ways to grow in Christian faith, please join in our "Faith in Our Families" class. If your child is in childcare or in our Children's Ministry during that hour, childcare is available until 12:30 PM so you can participate in the entire class. More info here ...
All-Church Study to begin in May
Adam Hamilton's The Way: Walking in the Footsteps of JesusMay - June 8
Mark your calendars for May through June 8 for this 6-week, church-wide study!
MEMBERSHIP
New Beginnings: Exploring the Family of FaithSunday, March 16 | 4-8 PM | Linder Lounge
Sign up today for this exciting exploration with Pastor Craig and the clergy. Together we will discuss biblical perspectives on:
1. What Does Church Membership Mean?
2. What is Our Household All About?
3. The Blessings of Our Household (and our Discipleship Pathway)
4. Responsibilities of Being in This Household
We will share dinner together. Those who are prepared for membership will be received Sunday, March 30. Please reply to Demmie Divine, Membership Secretary, if you would like to participate, ddivine@fumcsd.org.
YOUTH & CHILDREN
This. Is. It. One Big Fundraiser for Student MinistriesYouth Silent Auction -- Donations due this Sunday, March 9!
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.
Glow-In-The-Dark Easter Egg Hunt coming April 11
Friday, April 11 | 7-8:30 PM | The Plaza and Amphitheater
Come join us for a fun evening, filled with yummy desserts, glow-in-the-dark fun and games, concluding with a Glow-in-the-Dark Egg Hunt. Children of all ages are welcome to attend... bring friends and don't forget your Easter Egg Basket!
Photo: pleasegivepeasachance.blogspot.com
HEALTH
Operation Family CaregiverFriday, March 7 | 8 AM - 12:30 PM | Free
Understanding a Traumatic Brain Injury and Post-Traumatic Stress can be very confusing. Recognizing the profound impact it has on families can leave caregivers feeling overwhelmed. First Church Health Ministry and the Southern Caregiver Resource Center brings you experts in the field of TBI and PTSD and how to access community resources to help support you and your family. RSVP to 8588-268-4432. More details here ...
Make the Best of Your Options
Thursday, March 13 | 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM | Linder Hall | Free
The Caregiver Coalition of San Diego is presenting a free educational program for family caregivers focusing on how to make the best of one's options and resources. Dr. John Daly, a UCSD geriatric physician, will speak on the importance of understanding and responding to needs of a loved one.
Breakfast and free adult on-site daycare (must register) will be provided. See schedule here ... Please call to register at 1-800-827-4277; or register here...
MUSIC
Lenten Choral Concert slated Sunday, April 67 PM | Sanctuary | Free-will Offering
The combined Chancel Choir and Masterwork Chorale will perform Ola Gjeilo's Sunrise Mass and Franz Josef Haydn's Missa Cellensis in C: Kleine Mariazeller Messe No. 8, accompanied by orchestra and organ; directed by Dr. Stanley M. Wicks. Free childcare with RSVP to 619-297-4366. Sponsored by the Cultural Events Committee.
WOMEN
Mark your calendar: Spring Fling scheduled May 10!Saturday, May 10 | 11 AM | Sanctuary & Linder Hall | $20 purchase online
Are you hungry for something satisfying? Whether you're a gourmet cook or culinarily-challenged, this year's "Spring Fling" is for the foodie in every woman! Bring your appetite because a fabulous "feast" awaits you, featuring Food Network and Cooking Channel star, Melissa d'Arabian.
Details here ...
NOTICES
Position Available: Executive Administrator. Please find job description and application instructions here... The application period is open through March 19, 2013.Upcoming memorial services can be found on our In Our Prayers web page. This week: off-site service for Prudence Wyle, March 8.
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.
Study the Book of Acts with Morning Mix ChristCare, a small, mixed group committed to building Christian community, reflecting on God's word to grow in personal discipleship -- Sundays March 9, 23; April 6, 9:15-10:45 AM, in the office conference room.
Griefshare Class continues in Trotter Chapel at 11 AM on Sundays for those who have lost a loved one. You are welcome to join at any time. Please contact Ken Licht at 619-297-4366, x111, for information.
DivorceCare(R) continues this Sunday through May 25, at 12:30 PM for those who are going through, or have gone through divorce. Information here ...
UMW Hope Circle March Meeting: Saturday, March 15, Linder Hall 5, 10-11 AM. Barbara Horton will lead the program on exploring, "Global Poverty," discussing our connectedness and strategic helping. Lori Malmgren, devotions; Joanna Iliew, music. All welcome. Questions? Call Karen, 619-225-9136, or Dorothy, 858-748-3470.
Next Neighborhood Family Meal is March 31, 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. Address: 4650 Mansfield St. Volunteers prepare and bring a main dish, salad or dessert. Email Brenda Blake or call 619-297-4366, x125.
Thank you to all the Interfaith Shelter volunteers who stayed overnight, prepared meals, donated supplies, and money this past month. Your generosity was very much appreciated and a blessing to our guests.
Church Ushers Urgently Needed - If you are looking for a place to volunteer your time in ministry, please consider being an usher at one of our Sunday morning sanctuary services. New ushers are urgently needed at all our services: 8, 9:30 and 11. You may choose the service time and amount of Sundays in a month that works best for you. The only requirement is the ability to reach out to others with the love of Christ, extending genuine hospitality. Please contact our Head Usher, H. E. Reichert, at 619-424-7961, or leave your name and number with the church office.
The Altar Flower Calendar has openings for Sundays in March/April 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, 9 AM to 12:30 PM. It's located below the sanctuary and through the sanctuary meeting room.
Save the Dates:
•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. Job Openings at Point Loma Nazarene University: Director of Multicultural and International Student Services, HVAC Sr. Technician, Asst. Director of Advancement Services, Payroll Specialist, Stewardship Specialist (32 hrs/week), Groundskeeper (temp). To apply, please visit PLNU's website and create an account. PLNU continually updates job postings so check back often.
Colorful Chinese rug, 1920s
6' x 9' ~ $350
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.
In Our Prayers
We invite you to join us as we keep these individuals and families in our prayers this week.IN MEMORIAM
Prudence Wyle passed away on February 27. She was received into membership in 1986 by Rev. Charles F. Hoffman and is survived by her son, Dr. Evart Wyle, sister, Ruth Burroughs, four grandchidren, including Michelle Gergurich, and 12 great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 8, at Torrey Pines Christian Church.
Prayer Quilts were presented on Sunday, March 2, to Lois Diane Hatz. Please keep this individual in your prayers.
Our sympathy is with Marilyn Scheibal and family on the death of Jerry's mother, Doris Scheibal, on February 23, in Livingston, Texas.
Members of our congregation in the military who are deployed and their families:
Sam Adams
Jason Constantine
Jake Huntley
Doug Samples
Collin Sullivan
Jeffrey Nguyen
In Real Life "Rainy Day" by Reverend Jessica Strysko
This past weekend was full of rainy days. Friday through Sunday, the rain poured, the wind blew, the traffic slowed, and the opportunities to bundle up at home with a good book increased!I am a person who loves rainy days. Even when my husband Tim, and I were living in Boston and we had to walk everywhere, I loved the rain. And that was fortunate, because it rained much more frequently and often for a longer duration there. From the smell of the earth after the rain, to the green grasses and colorful vegetation it yields, the blessing of rain is clear.
Think of all of the songs you know about rain where rain is like a blessing pouring down on you. There are sad songs about rain to, of course, but the ones that stick in my head the most talk about rain being like the grace of God, washing over us. They talk about our need for God being like our need for rain, and the relieved joy that a much-needed rain can bring. Many of us experienced a bit of that relief and joy in Southern California this past week!
Songs about rain are certainly not new! The book of Psalms has beautiful passages about rain. Here are a couple:
Psalm 68:7 God, when you went out before your people,
when you marched through the wilderness...
Selah.
8 The earth trembled.
The sky also poured down rain at the presence of the God of Sinai—
at the presence of God, the God of Israel.
9 You, God, sent a plentiful rain.
You confirmed your inheritance, when it was weary.
10 Your congregation lived therein.
You, God, prepared your goodness for the poor.
Psalm 147:7 Sing to Yahweh with thanksgiving.
Sing praises on the harp to our God,
8 who covers the sky with clouds,
who prepares rain for the earth,
who makes grass grow on the mountains.
9 He provides food for the livestock,
and for the young ravens when they call.
10 He doesn’t delight in the strength of the horse.
He takes no pleasure in the legs of a man.
11 Yahweh takes pleasure in those who fear him,
in those who hope in his loving kindness.
From the beginnings of our faith, God has been offered thanks for the life-giving, renewing, and blessed gift of rain that nourishes, cleanses, and nurtures creation.
Rain is rare here in San Diego, especially this year as we have faced a severe drought. In these circumstances, rain serves as a reminder to us to pray for our global neighbors who do not have rain. For those who are living in the midst of even longer, more severe droughts, and for those who still seek relief. We are reminded of the preciousness of water, and our call to be good stewards of the earth’s resources. In our baptism we recognize the precious gift of water as an outward and physical sign of an inward and spiritual grace. How powerful for Jesus to claim that he is the living water in the midst of the desert that he and those who walked alongside him lived! How unmistakably renewing and transformational is Christ’s call to come to the water when we hear his words in the context of his life…and our lives…on earth.
God offers the living water to all of creation, and we are recipients of the blessings God pours on us through Jesus Christ. As you use the precious gift of water today, I invite you to say a prayer of thanks to God, and a prayer of supplication for those who long for clean water to drink. And finally, offer a prayer for those who thirst for the living water that Christ offers. May that water rain down on you today, surrounding you with grace and filling you with peace.
Blessings,
Jessica
-------
First United Methodist Church
2111 CAMINO DEL RIO South IN MISSION VALLEY
San Diego, CA 92108
(619)297-4366
WWW.FUMCSD.ORG
-------
No comments:
Post a Comment