Thursday, May 1, 2014

First United Methodist of Redondo Beach Weekly News for Thursday, May 1, 2014

First United Methodist of Redondo Beach Weekly News for Thursday, May 1, 2014
Sunday, May 4
8:30 am Informal Worship in Epworth Lounge
9:30 am Contemporary Worship in the Sanctuary
11:00 am Traditional Worship in the Sanctuary
Sunday's Scripture:
Luke 24:Luke 24:13 Behold, two of them were going that very day to a village named Emmaus, which was sixty stadia[a] from Jerusalem. 14 They talked with each other about all of these things which had happened. 15 While they talked and questioned together, Jesus himself came near, and went with them. 16 But their eyes were kept from recognizing him. 17 He said to them, “What are you talking about as you walk, and are sad?”
18 One of them, named Cleopas, answered him, “Are you the only stranger in Jerusalem who doesn’t know the things which have happened there in these days?”
19 He said to them, “What things?”
They said to him, “The things concerning Jesus, the Nazarene, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people; 20 and how the chief priests and our rulers delivered him up to be condemned to death, and crucified him. 21 But we were hoping that it was he who would redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things happened. 22 Also, certain women of our company amazed us, having arrived early at the tomb; 23 and when they didn’t find his body, they came saying that they had also seen a vision of angels, who said that he was alive. 24 Some of us went to the tomb, and found it just like the women had said, but they didn’t see him.”
25 He said to them, “Foolish men, and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Didn’t the Christ have to suffer these things and to enter into his glory?” 27 Beginning from Moses and from all the prophets, he explained to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself. 28 They came near to the village, where they were going, and he acted like he would go further.
29 They urged him, saying, “Stay with us, for it is almost evening, and the day is almost over.”
He went in to stay with them. 30 When he had sat down at the table with them, he took the bread and gave thanks. Breaking it, he gave to them. 31 Their eyes were opened, and they recognized him, and he vanished out of their sight. 32 They said to one another, “Weren’t our hearts burning within us, while he spoke to us along the way, and while he opened the Scriptures to us?” 33 They rose up that very hour, returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven gathered together, and those who were with them, 34 saying, “The Lord is Risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!” 35 They related the things that happened along the way, and how he was recognized by them in the breaking of the bread.
Footnotes:
a. Luke 24:13 60 stadia = about 11 kilometers or about 7 miles.
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John Wesley's Notes-Commentary for:
Verse 13
[13] And, behold, two of them went that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was from Jerusalem about threescore furlongs.
Mark 16:12.
Verse 21
[21] But we trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel: and beside all this, today is the third day since these things were done.
To-day is the third day — The day he should have risen again, if at all.
Verse 25
[25] Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken:
O foolish — Not understanding the designs and works of God: And slow of heart - Unready to believe what the prophets have so largely spoken.
Verse 26
[26] Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory?
Ought not Christ — If he would redeem man, and fulfil the prophecies concerning him, to have suffered these things? - These very sufferings which occasion your doubts, are the proofs of his being the Messiah.
And to enter into his glory — Which could be done no other way.
Verse 28
[28] And they drew nigh unto the village, whither they went: and he made as though he would have gone further.
He made as though he would go farther — Walking forward, as if he was going on; and he would have done it, had they not pressed him to stay.
Verse 29
[29] But they constrained him, saying, Abide with us: for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent. And he went in to tarry with them.
They constrained him — By their importunate entreaties.
Verse 30
[30] And it came to pass, as he sat at meat with them, he took bread, and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them.
He took the bread, and blessed, and brake — Just in the same manner as when ho instituted his last supper.
Verse 31
[31] And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight.
Their eyes were opened — That is, the supernatural cloud was removed: And he vanished - Went away insensibly.
Verse 32
[32] And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?
Did not our heart burn within us — Did not we feel an unusual warmth of love! Was not our heart burning, etc.
Verse 33
[33] And they rose up the same hour, and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven gathered together, and them that were with them,
The same hour — Late as it was.
Verse 34
[34] Saying, The Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon.
The Lord hath appeared to Simon — Before he was seen of the twelve apostles, 1 Corinthians 15:5. He had, in his wonderful condescension and grace, taken an opportunity on the former part of that day (though where, or in what manner, is not recorded) to show himself to Peter, that he might early relieve his distresses and fears, on account of having so shamefully denied his Master.
Verse 35
[35] And they told what things were done in the way, and how he was known of them in breaking of bread.
In the breaking of bread — The Lord's Supper.

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In This Issue
eScrip 
20/30 Group 
CROP Hunger Walk 
Mom's Day Cards 
Church Women United 
Job Openings 
From the Lay Leader 
Lay Looker 
Change the World Sunday 
SSP Party 
SSP Weekend 
Electronic Giving 
Prayer Quilting 
Trustees Workday 
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
Every Wednesday, with help from neighbor congregations and many volunteers, we host Shared Bread, a free meal for the community.
Shared Bread
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.
The next date you can add to your calendar:
 May 28 from 6:00 to 6:30ish.
Feel free to bring a friend to play.
escrip
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! 
Want to see photos of past church activities and events?
Check out our 
Flickr page and our Facebook page

Youth working in a community garden with SSP
Tending the Garden
Last weekend, our youth joined other young people in a weekend of service in Los Angeles, through the Sierra Service Project (SSP). Our young people have shared in SSP experiences many summers, but this is the first time they've been able to do that as a part of a mid-year, weekend trip. They spent time planting trees and helping tend a community garden. Many of those who participated are also a part of our confirmation class.
Their work gardening is a great metaphor for the life of discipleship--being a Christian is less about making a one-time decision, and more about the year-long work of tending our faith. It requires planting and weeding, watering and feeding, and it grows beautiful fruit. (Or offers us clean air and shade.)
This Easter season, as we continue to wrestle with the question of what difference the good news of Christ's resurrection makes in our lives, it's good to sink our hands into the dirt. Our faith is one that calls us into the messiness of life, to invest ourselves in things that help care for others and this world.
grace and peace, 
Pastor Molly

The Celebration (c) 2013 John August Swanson | Eyekons
Contact Info
Pastor Molly Vetter
PastorMolly@BeachFaith.com 
(310)372-8445 x 102
CROP Walk - Saturday, May 3 at 10am
Point Fermin State Park, San Pedro

Join us for the 34th Annual CROP Walk and help CROP Stop Hunger. This 10K walk begins and ends at Point Fermin Park in San Pedro; much of the walk with be along the beautiful coastline. Strollers, wheelchairs and joggers welcome!
CROP Hunger Walks are interfaith hunger education and fundraising events sponsored by Church World Service. Walks help to support the overall ministry of CWS, especially grassroots, hunger-fighting development efforts around the world.  In addition, 25 percent of the funds support programs in its own community--including Shared Bread, the weekly meal ministry of our congregation. 
Register as a part of our BeachFaith Church team--or support someone else who's walking.
More information is available on the CROP Walk website. You can support the effort by walking or by supporting someone who is.
The Youth are selling MOTHER'S DAY CARDS to support Imagine No 
Malaria!
The cards are $10 each--the cost of a life-saving bed net. You are invited to honor your mother, grandmother, aunt, friend and anyone who has helped "mother" you with this simple life-saving gift. The cards will be available on Sundays before Mother's Day.
May Friendship Day 
Friday, May 2 at 10:30am
"Through God Our Hands Can Serve"
Sponsored by Church Women United
Palos Verdes Peninsula/South Bay Unit
There will be two speakers form The Neighborhood Church and one from Habitat for Humanity
All women are encouraged to attend!
Hosted by: The Neighborhood Church
415 Paseo Del Mar, Palos Verdes Estates map















Get a jump start on your summer....register for VBS 2014! Join us June 23-27, 2014 to watch how God turns the ordinary into the extraordinary. The children will display their creativity and imagination to explore the Bible and meet those who used their gifts to produce something great with the Lord. 
Cost is only $30 for the entire week per child ($55 total cost per family. Children of Volunteers attend for FREE)
VOLUNTEERS:
We want you to join us on this journey too! Volunteer to get first hand experience with your kids as they build a Workshop of Wonders. Five day volunteers and daily volunteers opportunities 
available.
Vacation Bible School is a multi-generational experience. We welcome teens, parents with young children, and grandparents to join us for this week of creativity and Bible Study.  Please register HERE to let us know you are available to provide leadership at VBS in some way!
VBS Open House:
See what we're planning! 
Sunday, May 25th 10-11am, Sunday School Room in Education Building. Come and grab a coffee and hear about our plans.
Job Openings at Church
We are currently in search of candidates for exciting openings here at church:
For a Music Director, to lead our Chancel Choir and oversee the music ministry of our church.
For a part-time Summer College Intern in Children & Family Ministries, and for a temporary Summer College Intern for our Theatre Arts Camp. Job descriptions and information are available online; please share the word with qualified candidates you know.
Disciple Spotlight: Jim Howard written by Johnna Kosnoff
Jim Howard is currently retired from a career as a Project Manager in commercial construction.  He likes to read a lot, exercise and just enjoy life as it happens now that he has some extra time. 
Jim describes himself as a prodigal son because he was raised in the Methodist faith but set his faith and its traditions aside after high school.  He began his journey back to the church about ten years ago.  This journey took him to a few local Methodist churches but he wasn't ready to call them "home."  One day, while driving past our church, he noticed our banner with the cross and flame and realized we are a Methodist congregation so he decided to check us out.  Jim recalled, "It felt like home from the first visit." 
It wasn't long until members (Bob, Don and Paul) invited Jim to be a greeter, an usher and then to serve on the Sanctuary Renovation committee.  Being active in the congregation helped Jim feel connected quickly and helps him stay connected today.  Currently, he chairs our Stewardship committee, ushers, greets, video records our 11am service, uploads the video to our website and helps build sets for our youth musicals, VBS and other special occasions.  Jim is practical about his approach to faith, and often reminds himself "if you want to be a Christian, act like one."  Remaining active in the church is part of "acting like a Christian" and helps him feel closer to God and to the people in our church. 
Jim acknowledges, "I'm a regular backslider. It's easy to be distracted in this physical world."  He is strongly encouraged by people in our church who serve Christ and others faithfully.  And, he gains strength in his own struggle with faith by emulating the dedicated service of others who are further along in their Christian journey.  Jim, like a lot of us, has to "work" at being in his bible every day and staying focused in the right direction but he finds a "great joy" in doing so. 
When it comes to prayer, Jim believes that John Wesley's Covenant Prayer is a good example because it helps to focus us in the right direction and prepare our attitude for each day.  Here are the words to this prayer; perhaps, you will enjoy using it in your own spiritual walk.
I am no longer my own, but yours.
Put me to what you will, rank me with whom you will;
put me to doing, put me to suffering;
let me be employed for you, or laid aside for you,
exalted for you, or brought low for you;
let me be full, let me be empty,
let me have all things, let me have nothing:
I freely and wholeheartedly yield all things
to your pleasure and disposal.
And now, glorious and blessed God,
Father, Son and Holy Spirit,
you are mine and I am yours. So be it.
And the covenant now made on earth, let it be ratified in heaven.
Amen.
        Read the rest of Johnna's recent Lay Leader reflections online. 
Lay Looker by Bob Peterson 
Lay Looker"I thought the EASTER 11:00 AM worship service was very special and well done by Pastor Molly, and the special music ending with Handel's Hallelujah Chorus with additional volunteers singing along. It was just grand.
Last Sunday, April 27 also had some special music performed by guest violist Michelle Gasworth. It is not very often we get to hear the beautiful viola as a solo instrument, and she did it wonderfully, a lot of very fine viola playing. Pastor Molly Vetter used the fact that Christ is Risen to emphasize the fact that Jesus' life was given to lead us to make a difference in the world..."
Read the rest of the Lay Looker on our website by clicking here!
Reason for Joy by Bob Peterson 
Easter Sunday has always been a bit of an important day for me, and probably for you. As a child we always wore our very best, and if we had anything new it was certainly worn. However, last Sunday's procession from the parking lot to the sanctuary was just plain outstanding. The portrayal of Jesus astride the donkey by one of our young men made that donkey, Jessie look downright small. It seemed like there were scores of children waving their leaves and then singing Hallelujah like it was going out of style. If you missed it, perhaps you saw the video and got to really appreciate the many children of our church.
This Sunday I get to join a brass quartet at the 11:00 Am service, so we should bring a bit of extra excitement into the Easter service and, for me it's another day of meaningful family events and gatherings. After all, I heard one theologian tell us, without the Easter empty tomb followed by the risen Christ, there would be no Christianity. That alone is reason for joy and our widely held beliefs. Thanks to all in our church who make this special day so wonderful, and especially to Pastor Molly Vetter and all the staff.
Change the World Sunday
May 18 - 9 am
Join our congregation and other United Methodists from our Mission Area in a Sunday of community service worship. 
Instead of our regular worship services, we will meet for prayer, and then spend the morning serving our community, together. Join us as we collect food for Shared Bread, help clean the beach, support Imagine No Malaria and more. 
People of all ages and abilities are encouraged to come as we work together to put our faith into action.
Sierra Service Project Party - 
Saturday, May 3 from 3 - 6 pm
As another summer of service with nearly 2,000 volunteers approaches, Sierra Service Project wants to thank and celebrate with all of our supporters. Everyone including donors, participants, friends, and congregations are invited to an afternoon of food, drinks, and special guests at the home of Nina Dooley and Craig & Erin South at 610 S. Gertruda, Redondo Beach on May 3rd from 3-6 PM. 
Join us as we prepare for a summer full of friendship, service, and, of course, fun! This is a free all ages event designed to connect everyone in the SSP community who reside in the South Bay region. Please contact email Nina Dooley for your RSVP and any questions at. We can't wait to see you there!
Sierra Service Project Weekend A Success
Last weekend 22 youth participated in a weekend of service organized by Sierra Service Project.  We stayed at Wesley UMC in Los Angeles and joined other organizations to plant 100 new trees along Broadway in District 9.  We also weeded and worked in a large Community Garden that will serve the local community. A special thanks to our additional group members (chaperones):  Brad Taylor, Carl Mittendorf, Earnie Neagle and Linda Waterman.
Tithes and Offerings
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. 
Strip-Piecing Quilt Workshop -  
prayers and squaresSaturday, May 17 - 10am-noon   
Prayers and Squares (our prayer quilt ministry) is hosting a quilt workshop on Saturday, May 17. Come learn a simple strip-piecing technique; we will make a prayer quilt together, and you can learn a skill to use on your own. Thanks to some generous fabric donations, we also have fabric that you can use to sew a quilt top on your own. Contact Pastor Molly to help.
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.
 
Join BeachFaith Kids for a Summer Drama Camp in August, for kids age 3 through those entering 6th grade. We will stage a production of The Jungle Book, sharing in fun, music, art, drama and more. 
For age 3-entering 1st graders, camp is from 9am-1pm; for 2nd-6th graders, camp is from 9am-3pm.
(Aftercare is also available for all ages of kids.) 
  
For registration and more information on this special summer opportunity including activities, cost and leadership visit our website!
Help us spread the word- Tell your family and friends...
These last few weeks have been full of life at church!
Check out pictures from our Easter and Palm Sunday celebrations--including worship, the Easter Egg Hung, Jesus riding his donkey into Jerusalem, the kids singing, the petting zoo, hot dogs on the patio, and more! You can see more images of our fun on Flickr:  
Save the Date (and practice your swing...):
2014 Church Golf Tournament - Saturday, June 14 at 10am
(more information and registration on our website)
Trustees Work Day at Church  
On Saturday, April 26, the Trustees sponsored another successful work day at church.  Light fixtures were upgraded, old speakers were removed, painting was completed on the Epworth Patio and...

a BRAND NEW BIKE RACK was installed on the main patio!!!
Like us on FacebookLike 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
This weeks Bible Story is found in Luke 24: 13-35 and tells of a couple Disciples on the "Road to Emmaus".  You can find the story in your Spark Bible on page 488. Join us at 9:30am for a special puppet craft, followed by a group gathering and game.
Church R Us (4th and 5th grade): 
Join us upstairs in the Church R Us room for Sunday School this week at 9:30 am as we continue to look at the Easter story.
Youth Group (6th-12th grade): 
--Confirmation Class resumes this Friday at 5:15 with dinner following at Chic Fil A.  
--Sr. High (9-12th) will meet this Sunday afternoon at 3 PM
Adult Sunday School:  Join us every Sunday at 9:30am for study and discussion of this week's scripture lesson. (May Day Parlor)
Men's Breakfast: Our next breakfast is Monday, May 5 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 South Broadway Street
Redondo Beach, CA |90277 United States
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