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Sunday, June 8
Confirmation Sunday
10:30am Pentecost Worship in the Sanctuary
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Sunday's Scripture:
Acts 2:1-21
Scripture:
Acts 2:1 Now when the day of Pentecost had come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2 Suddenly there came from the sky a sound like the rushing of a mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. 3 Tongues like fire appeared and were distributed to them, and one sat on each of them. 4 They were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak with other languages, as the Spirit gave them the ability to speak. 5 Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men, from every nation under the sky. 6 When this sound was heard, the multitude came together, and were bewildered, because everyone heard them speaking in his own language. 7 They were all amazed and marveled, saying to one another, “Behold, aren’t all these who speak Galileans? 8 How do we hear, everyone in our own native language? 9 Parthians, Medes, Elamites, and people from Mesopotamia, Judea, Cappadocia, Pontus, Asia, 10 Phrygia, Pamphylia, Egypt, the parts of Libya around Cyrene, visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, 11 Cretans and Arabians: we hear them speaking in our languages the mighty works of God!” 12 They were all amazed, and were perplexed, saying to one another, “What does this mean?” 13 Others, mocking, said, “They are filled with new wine.”
14 But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and spoke out to them, “You men of Judea, and all you who dwell at Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and listen to my words. 15 For these aren’t drunken, as you suppose, seeing it is only the third hour of the day.[a] 16 But this is what has been spoken through the prophet Joel:
17 ‘It will be in the last days, says God,
that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh.
Your sons and your daughters will prophesy.
Your young men will see visions.
Your old men will dream dreams.
18 Yes, and on my servants and on my handmaidens in those days,
I will pour out my Spirit, and they will prophesy.
19 I will show wonders in the sky above,
and signs on the earth beneath;
blood, and fire, and billows of smoke.
20 The sun will be turned into darkness,
and the moon into blood,
before the great and glorious day of the Lord comes.
21 It will be that whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved.’[b]
Footnotes:
a. Acts 2:15 about 9:00 AM
b. Acts 2:21 Joel 2:28-32
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John Wesley's Notes-CommentarY:Acts 2:1-21
Verse 2
[2] And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.
And suddenly there came a sound from heaven — So will the Son of man come to judgment.
And it filled all the house — That is, all that part of the temple where they were sitting.
Verse 3
[3] And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.
And there appeared distinct tongues, as of fire — That is, small flames of fire. This is all which the phrase, tongues of fire, means in the language of the seventy. Yet it might intimate God's touching their tongues as it were (together with their hearts) with Divine fire: his giving them such words as were active and penetrating, even as flaming fire.
Verse 4
[4] And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
And they began to speak with other tongues — The miracle was not in the ears of the hearers, (as some have unaccountably supposed,) but in the mouth of the speakers. And this family praising God together, with the tongues of all the world, was an earnest that the whole world should in due time praise God in their various tongues.
As the Spirit gave them utterance — Moses, the type of the law, was of a slow tongue; but the Gospel speaks with a fiery and flaming one.
Verse 5
[5] And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.
And there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews — Gathered from all parts by the peculiar providence of God.
Verse 6
[6] Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language.
The multitude came together, and were confounded — The motions of their minds were swift and various.
Verse 9
[9] Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia,
Judea — The dialect of which greatly differed from that of Galilee.
Asia — The country strictly so called.
Verse 10
[10] Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes,
Roman sojourners — Born at Rome, but now living at Jerusalem. These seem to have come to Jerusalem after those who are above mentioned. All of them were partly Jews by birth, and partly proselytes.
Verse 11
[11] Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God.
Cretans — One island seems to be mentioned for all.
The wonderful works of God — Probably those which related to the miracles, death, resurrection, and ascension of Christ, together with the effusion of his Spirit, as a fulfilment of his promises, and the glorious dispensations of Gospel grace.
Verse 12
[12] And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this?
They were all amazed — All the devout men.
Verse 13
[13] Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine.
But others mocking — The world begins with mocking, thence proceeds to cavilling, Acts 4:7; to threats, 4:17; to imprisoning, Acts 5:18; blows, 5:40; to slaughter, Acts 7:58. These mockers appear to have been some of the natives of Judea, and inhabitants of Jerusalem, (who understood only the dialect of the country,) by the apostle's immediately directing his discourse to them in the next verse.
They are full of sweet wine — So the Greek word properly signifies. There was no new wine so early in the year as pentecost. Thus natural men are wont to ascribe supernatural things to mere natural causes; and many times as impudently and unskilfully as in the present case.
Verse 14
[14] But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words:
Then Peter standing up — All the gestures, all the words of Peter, show the utmost sobriety; lifted up his voice - With cheerfulness and boldness; and said to them - This discourse has three parts; each of which, Acts 2:14,22,29, begins with the same appellation, men: only to the last part he prefixes with more familiarity the additional word brethren.
Men of Judea — That is, ye that are born in Judea. St. Peter spoke in Hebrew, which they all understood.
Verse 15
[15] For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day.
It is but the third hour of the day — That is, nine in the morning. And on the solemn festivals the Jews rarely ate or drank any thing till noon.
Verse 16
[16] But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel;
But this is that which was spoken of by the prophet — But there is another and better way of accounting for this. Joel 2:28
Verse 17
[17] And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:
The times of the Messiah are frequently called the last days, the Gospel being the last dispensation of Divine grace.
I will pour out of my Spirit — Not on the day of pentecost only, upon all flesh - On persons of every age, sex, and rank.
And your young men shall see visions — In young men the outward sense, are most vigorous, and the bodily strength is entire, whereby they are best qualified to sustain the shock which usually attends the visions of God. In old men the internal senses are most vigorous, suited to divine dreams. Not that the old are wholly excluded from the former, nor the young from the latter.
Verse 18
[18] And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy:
And upon my servants — On those who are literally in a state of servitude.
Verse 19
[19] And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke:
And I will show prodigies in heaven above, and signs on earth beneath — Great revelations of grace are usually attended with great judgments on those who reject it.
In heaven — Treated of, Acts 2:20.
On earth — Described in this verse. Such signs were those mentioned, Acts 2:22, before the passion of Christ; which are so mentioned as to include also those at the very time of the passion and resurrection, at the destruction of Jerusalem, and at the end of the world. Terrible indeed were those prodigies in particular which preceded the destruction of Jerusalem: such as the flaming sword hanging over the city, and the fiery comet pointing down upon it for a year; the light that shone upon the temple and the altar in the night, as if it had been noon-day; the opening of the great and heavy gate of the temple without hands; the voice heard from the most holy place, Let us depart hence; the admonition of Jesus the son of Ananus, crying for seven years together, Wo, wo, wo; the vision of contending armies in the air, and of entrenchments thrown up against a city there represented; the terrible thunders and lightnings, and dreadful earthquakes, which every one considered as portending some great evil: all which, through the singular providence of God, are particularly recorded by Josephus.
Blood — War and slaughter.
Fire — Burnings of houses and towns, involving all in clouds of smoke.
Verse 20
[20] The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord come:
The moon shall be turned into blood — A bloody colour: before the day of the Lord - Eminently the last day; though not excluding any other day or season, wherein the Lord shall manifest his glory, in taking vengeance of his adversaries.
Verse 21
[21] And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.
But — whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord - This expression implies the whole of religion, and particularly prayer uttered in faith; shall be saved - From all those plagues; from sin and hell.
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In This Issue
eScrip
20/30 Group
Pentecost
Summer Worship
Youth Banquet
From the Lay Leader
Job Openings
Lay Looker
Prayer Quilting
Like us on Facebook
This Week at Church...
www.beachfaith.org
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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.
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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.
(Click the logo for more information.)
Thank you to all the kids who entertained everyone with their musical skills this past school year. Shared Bread Entertainment will be taking a break for the summer, but will be back in the fall.
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!
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WANT TO STAY CURRENT ONANNUAL 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.
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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!
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Want to see photos of past church
activities and events?
Check out our
Flickr page and our Facebook page
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By the Power of the Holy Spirit
Not so long ago, in the midst of a much longer story, someone
told me about meeting a man in a park who told her he was out calling his deaf dog. When she walked past him a few moments later, he said, "I bet you came back to find out how to call a deaf dog."It wasn't why she passed that way, but now she was intrigued. "You put your body where the wind is blowing," he said, "and let it carry your scent and call the dog home."
At Pentecost, we honor the gift of the Holy Spirit--the divine breath and wind that reminds us of God. Carrying life, carrying the scent of "home," carrying a power that is beyond us, the Spirit comes. Like fire, it transforms us. Like the appearance of a dove, it signifies blessing and gift.
It has been a blessing and gift to walk alongside our Confirmation class this year. As we celebrate what they have accomplished and learned, we also invite them into our community as members of the congregation; I give thanks that they are a part of this church, and a part of the Spirit's work in our midst.
grace and peace,
Pastor Molly
We will have just ONE worship service this Sunday, at 10:30. I hope to see you there!
Contact Info
Pastor Molly Vetter
PastorMolly@BeachFaith.com
310-372-8445 x 102
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Celebrate Pentecost with us - One, Combined Worship Service
Confirmation & the Youth Banquet (afterwards)
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Summer Worship Schedule
This summer, we are trying a new worship schedule, with new opportunities to come together as an intergenerational, inclusive and life-filled congregation. Changes start on June 8, when we will combine for just one worship service at 10:30 a.m. (and celebrate Confirmation and Pentecost). The choir, our contemporary musicians, organ and piano will join together to lead celebratory worship.Starting June 15, we will have TWO worship services through the summer: a casual worship service in Epworth Lounge at 8:30, and a festive combined community worship service in the sanctuary at 10:30. I'm excited about ways we can build on our strengths in worship and music. We will have the privilege of celebrating Linda Waterman's retirement together during this season, with some special choir music that honors her faithful and creative leadership. We will also have some baptisms planned, a Vacation Bible School celebration, and more-during the weeks before our new summer theatre arts camp for kids, we will have an extra children's Sunday School time, too. Often, our children will be with us in worship-our Children's Ministry will offer a special education time for kids during the sermon, too.
I am continually inspired by the warmth of the community in our church, a church "family" that spans generations. I look forward to working with you and our leaders to shape worship that involves our whole community, together. I'm excited and hopeful that we will be energized by how good it is to worship together, and that visitors to our worship will immediately experience the warmth and life of our community when they come to worship with us.
I would be happy to hear from you about your hopes for this summer worship experiment, as we work together to be the church.
-Pastor Molly
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EVERYONE is invited to join us for the 7th Annual Youth Banquet!!!!
This Sunday, June 8th
following worship
TICKETS** are $15 for adults, $8 for kids (free under 3).
Cost includes catered BBQ, ice cream, and games.
****There will be a basket for Kevin Hwang (our Senior) if you would like to bring a card or gift.
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Cancelled.
NO PARENT NIGHT OUT this month (June 6th) due to low RSVP's.
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Stay tuned for next year's schedule!
Worship Helpers: If you would like to participate in worship as a reader or communion server, please email the office. We know summertime schedules are almost set for many of you, so please let us know when you can help. Readers at 8:30 & 10:30 am help serve communion and collect the weekly offering. For 10:30 worship we also need two additional communion servers. Junior and Senior High youth are encouraged to help out, too! We always need videographers in the balcony and sound/computer operators downstairs.
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"Invest" in our Youth Summer Project...Starting this SUNDAY! This summer the youth are asking the congregation to help support their Sierra Service Project trip by purchasing "stock shares" of $25, $50, or $100 (or more). We'll be officially selling stock for the next 3 Sundays. Anyone who purchases a share will receive a postcard from our trip as a "dividend!" Each youth pays the SSP participation fee; funds raised will cover transportation and scholarship costs. This is a GREAT INVESTMENT!
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Welcome to our Summer Interns in Children and Family Ministries
Our Staff-Parish Relations Committee is very pleased to announce that we have hired two summer college interns: Mele Tuuholoaki and Luke McCandless. Both are members of our congregation.
They have already begun their work--both will be with us part-time through the summer, helping support and shape ministry with
young people and families, and across our generations.
Mele Tuuholoaki just finished her second year at Vanguard University in Costa Mesa, where she is studying Psychology. She brings a breadth of experience in children's ministry, as well as an infectious spirit and joy.Luke McCandless just completed his first year at California State University - Long Beach, where he is studying Mechanical Engineering. His optimism is contagious, as he stretches himself into service in new areas. He brings great gifts in music, as well as a deep love of the church.
Please help us welcome Mele and Luke to these roles in our congregation!
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Snacks! Science Lab!
Crafts!
These are just a few of the "workshops" kids will visit at our
annual Vacation Bible School. If you can help with any of these areas and are available anytime from June 23rd-27th from 9:00 a.m. to 12:15 p.m - Let us know! We'd love to have you on our team!
Registration is available ONLINE for both volunteers and children (the program is "geared" for children and youth ages 3- Junior High School).
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Please help us collect the following items for VBS:
(more items listed on our website)- Thank you!
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Join us this Summer at First United Methodist Church of Redondo Beach for a Summer Theatre Arts Camp where kids (Pre-K - 6th Grade) can discover new gifts, experience God's wondrous love and be challenged, encouraged and cared for. During our weeklong Day Camp (August 4th - 8th), kids will practice teamwork and cooperation as they prepare a professional production of "Disney's The Jungle Book Kids."
For more information and to register visit our Website.
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From the Lay Leader, Johnna Kosnoff
What a treat we get this weekend! We celebrate both Confirmation and Pentecost on the same Sunday! It's befitting that on the very day so many of our youth will become full members of our church, we also celebrate the arrival of the Holy Spirit, as described in Acts 2. It's a great reminder that Confirmation is "both a human act of commitment and the gracious action of the Holy Spirit strengthening and empowering discipleship," [Book of Discipline ¶216]. Of course, this isn't exactly how it works but...Read the rest of Johnna's recent Lay Leader reflections online.
Pouring Out by Johnna Kosnoff
What a treat we get this weekend! We celebrate both Confirmation and Pentecost on the same Sunday! It’s befitting that on the very day so many of our youth will become full members of our church, we also celebrate the arrival of the Holy Spirit, as described in Acts 2. It’s a great reminder that Confirmation is “both a human act of commitment and the gracious action of the Holy Spirit strengthening and empowering discipleship,” [Book of Discipline ¶216]. Of course, this isn’t exactly how it works but it’s helpful to picture the Holy Spirit pouring out a unique gift onto our youth as each one professes his/her faith and commits to a life of Christ-like discipleship.
1 Corinthians 12:4-13 tells us the Holy Spirit distributes a diversity of gifts to God’s people (speaking, wisdom, faith, healing, power, etc.). Although the gifts are unique to the person, all of the gifts are from God and given for the common good of his kingdom. It’s invigorating to realize these youth, with their unique gifts, will become full members of our church. Although we may not see it immediately, our church will be forever changed through the new ministries and new activities these youth will bring into our body of Christ.
We also have an opportunity to be involved in this holy process. On Sunday, we will reaffirm our commitment to nurture one another (and these youth) through love, forgiveness and prayer. It’ll be interesting to see how God uses our nurturing to further enable these new members. I’m eager to see how God will empower them to grow his kingdom in our church, the community and the larger world. Confirmation and Pentecost will definitely be a day for celebration! Come one, Come All.
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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.
Aso, 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.
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Lay Looker, by Bob Peterson
Read recent editions of the Lay Looker on our website by clicking here!
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Did you know:
Sermons (and more) are available online?
Through our website, you can access sermons and more--including
occasional anthems, songs and speakers. There are videos of many sermons past; recently, we have begun podcasting audio recordings--so you can subscribe and download and listen wherever you are. (So even when you travel, you don't have to miss out!)___________________________________
Scrap Quilting Workshop -
Friday, June 13 - 10am-noon
Prayers and Squares (our prayer quilt ministry) is hosting a
quilt workshop on Friday, June 13, in May Day Parlor. Pastor Molly will teach simple scrap piecing technique, making half square triangles; we will make a prayer quilt together, and you can learn a skill to use on your own. If you have scraps at home and want to bring any 5" squares, that would be helpful. 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.
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Graduation Sunday, June 15
We will celebrate Graduation Sunday on June 15, Fathers Day! Please email us information about members of your family who are graduating this year--their names (and relationship to you), school, degree (if applicable), and plans for next year (if applicable). Invite your friends and family to help us celebrate their accomplishments in worship on June 15 in all our services. ___________________________________
Corazon House Build
We are invited to join Faith UMC for a House Build in Tijuana, Mexico on Saturday, June 28th. We'll be partnering with Corazon, Inc., an internationally recognized leader in community development in Tijuana and Tecate, Mexico. They have been building homes for the poor for over 30 years. The cost of the house is around $8,000 which has been paid for by a grant from the Mexican government. Talk to George Mercer or Click here for more information about the weekend and how to sign up.___________________________________
Attention sports fans!!
The Membership Committee is looking into starting a FUMCRB softball team this fall and would like to gauge interest. It will be open to men and women 18 years of age or older. All skill levels are welcome. All you need is the desire to play. If interested please email Troy Thomas here and indicate the days/times that you would be available.___________________________________
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.
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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
Families are together in worship today as we celebrate Pentecost! Look for a special activity booklet to help keep our kids engaged during worship.
Church R Us (4th and 5th grade):
Our Summer Schedule will be out this Sunday! Look for an email soon.
Youth Group (6th-12th grade):
--LAST Confirmation Class this week at 5:15 PM
--PARTY TIME!!!! Join us after Worship for the Annual Youth Banquet. We'll honor Kevin Hwang and our Confirmands, recognize our volunteers, and celebrate the year!
Adult Sunday School: Our Adult Sunday School class will be on hiatus for the summer. Stay tuned for the start-up date later this summer.
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Men's Breakfast: Our next breakfast is Monday, June 16 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
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