We are empowered by the Holy Spirit and enriched by our traditions to move boldly into a shared future where all people are invited to connect with Christ, cultivate faith together, and commit to serve as life-long followers of Jesus Christ.
Pastor Craig BrownMore Than Our Stuff
Back in 1999, I was serving as an Associate Pastor at Palisades UMC in Capistrano Beach. At that time, I was preparing to move to a new appointment as the Senior Pastor at the UMC of Thousand Oaks. Coincidentally, the Senior Pastor I had been serving with, Bruce Warner, was preparing for his retirement. I remember one day in late June, while we were both packing our respective offices, when Bruce came into my office, sat down, and said something of significance.
"Craig, I am glad that when I die, I do not have to take any of this stuff with me!"
After we laughed together over his angst of packing up an entire career's collection of office wares, I reflected with fondness on our years in ministry together. Each time we have moved with its commensurate packing and unpacking I remember Bruce's words. How much time, energy and effort have I put in to all the "stuff" that I just recently packed and unpacked moving to San Diego.
It is a good reminder about what we are called to leave behind in this life. We are more than our stuff. During these days of settling in to our new home in Tierrasanta, I am challenged to live a life beyond my "stuff." I am challenged to live a life of enduring significance.
My joy is that my family and I are finally home and can celebrate sharing the journey of significance with all of you. May God bless you for a life of significance too!
Craig +
Wesley Foundation Sunday
This Sunday, July 27 | All ServicesRepresentatives from the Wesley Foundation at San Diego State University and the University of California San Diego will be with us as we celebrate their campus ministries and take a special offering of support. Beth Cooper, Executive Director/Campus Minister, at Wesley Foundation Ministries-SDSU, shares an update with us -- read it here...
WORSHIP
SUNDAY, JULY 27, 2014Acts 9:1-19
Acts 9: The Blinding of Saul
1-2 All this time Saul was breathing down the necks of the Master’s disciples, out for the kill. He went to the Chief Priest and got arrest warrants to take to the meeting places in Damascus so that if he found anyone there belonging to the Way, whether men or women, he could arrest them and bring them to Jerusalem.
3-4 He set off. When he got to the outskirts of Damascus, he was suddenly dazed by a blinding flash of light. As he fell to the ground, he heard a voice: “Saul, Saul, why are you out to get me?”
5-6 He said, “Who are you, Master?”
“I am Jesus, the One you’re hunting down. I want you to get up and enter the city. In the city you’ll be told what to do next.”
7-9 His companions stood there dumbstruck—they could hear the sound, but couldn’t see anyone—while Saul, picking himself up off the ground, found himself stone-blind. They had to take him by the hand and lead him into Damascus. He continued blind for three days. He ate nothing, drank nothing.
10 There was a disciple in Damascus by the name of Ananias. The Master spoke to him in a vision: “Ananias.”
“Yes, Master?” he answered.
11-12 “Get up and go over to Straight Avenue. Ask at the house of Judas for a man from Tarsus. His name is Saul. He’s there praying. He has just had a dream in which he saw a man named Ananias enter the house and lay hands on him so he could see again.”
13-14 Ananias protested, “Master, you can’t be serious. Everybody’s talking about this man and the terrible things he’s been doing, his reign of terror against your people in Jerusalem! And now he’s shown up here with papers from the Chief Priest that give him license to do the same to us.”
15-16 But the Master said, “Don’t argue. Go! I have picked him as my personal representative to non-Jews and kings and Jews. And now I’m about to show him what he’s in for—the hard suffering that goes with this job.”
17-19 So Ananias went and found the house, placed his hands on blind Saul, and said, “Brother Saul, the Master sent me, the same Jesus you saw on your way here. He sent me so you could see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” No sooner were the words out of his mouth than something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes—he could see again! He got to his feet, was baptized, and sat down with them to a hearty meal.
Plots Against Saul
19-21 Saul spent a few days getting acquainted with the Damascus disciples, but then went right to work, wasting no time, preaching in the meeting places that this Jesus was the Son of God. They were caught off guard by this and, not at all sure they could trust him, they kept saying, “Isn’t this the man who wreaked havoc in Jerusalem among the believers? And didn’t he come here to do the same thing—arrest us and drag us off to jail in Jerusalem for sentencing by the high priests?”
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John Wesley’s Notes-Commentary:
Acts 9:1-19
Verse 3
[3] And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven:
And suddenly — When God suddenly and vehemently attacks a sinner, it is the highest act of mercy. So Saul, when his rage was come to the height, is taught not to breathe slaughter. And what was wanting in time to confirm him in his discipleship, is compensated by the inexpressible terror he sustained. By his also the suddenly constituted apostle was guarded against the grand snare into which novices are apt to fall.
Verse 4
[4] And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?
He heard a voice — Severe, yet full of grace.
Verse 5
[5] And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.
To kick against the goads — is a Syriac proverb, expressing an attempt that brings nothing but pain.
Verse 6
[6] And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.
It shall be told thee — So God himself sends Saul to be taught by a man, as the angel does Cornelius, Acts 10:5. Admirable condescension! that the Lord deals with us by men, like ourselves.
Verse 7
[7] And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man.
The men — stood - Having risen before Saul; for they also fell to the ground, Acts 26:14. It is probable they all journeyed on foot.
Hearing the noise — But not an articulate voice. And seeing the light, but not Jesus himself, Acts 26:13, etc.
Verse 9
[9] And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink.
And he was three days — An important season! So long he seems to have been in the pangs of the new birth.
Without sight — By scales growing over his eyes, to intimate to him the blindness of the state he had been in, to impress him with a deeper sense of the almighty power of Christ, and to turn his thoughts inward, while he was less capable of conversing with outward objects. This was likewise a manifest token to others, of what had happened to him in his journey, and ought to have humbled and convinced those bigoted Jews, to whom he had been sent from the sanhedrim.
Verse 11
[11] And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth,
Behold he is praying — He was shown thus to Ananias.
Verse 12
[12] And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight.
A man called Ananias — His name also was revealed to Saul.
Verse 13
[13] Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem:
But he answered — How natural it is to reason against God.
Verse 14
[14] And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name.
All that call on thy name — That is, all Christians.
Verse 15
[15] But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:
He is a chosen vessel to bear my name — That is, to testify of me. It is undeniable, that some men are unconditionally chosen or elected, to do some works for God
Verse 16
[16] For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake.
For I — Do thou as thou art commanded. I will take care of the rest; will show him - In fact, through the whole course of his ministry.
How great things he must suffer — So far will he be now from persecuting others.
Verse 17
[17] And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.
The Lord hath sent me — Ananias does not tell Saul all which Christ had said concerning him. It was not expedient that he should know yet to how great a dignity he was called.
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Daily Devotional
Monday, July 21, 2014Read all of Acts 9:1-19.
Make a list of the different "fears" you observe.
Tuesday, July 22, 2014
How does God work to resolve those fears?
What good came from them?
Wednesday, July 23, 2014
Consider your own fears.
What resolution might they find in Christ?
Thursday, July 24, 2014
How can fear become an invitation for deeper faith and trust?
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SANCTUARY WORSHIP
8 AM | 9:30 AM | 11 AM | Pastor Craig BrownMODERN WORSHIP
WATER'S EDGE | at The Cove, Krause United Methodist Center9:30 AM | Band | Communion | Pastor Elbert Kim
F5 CHURCH | Linder Hall | 11 AM | BandPastor Elbert Kim | Pastor Craig's Video Sermon
CHILDREN'S SUNDAY SCHOOL | 9:30 ~ 11:30
Note! No regular Sunday School in July!
All children are invited to worship with their families in the service of their choice.
ON VACATION?
Catch the sanctuary/F5 sermon via audio or video online. It posts to the website every Monday. Find it here... or subscribe through iTunes... WEDNESDAYS
M O R N I N G
10:30 AM - "I AM" study | Linder Lounge
Vespers
E V E N I N G
5:15 PM - Vespers | Sanctuary | Music for meditation | Communion Singing favorite hymns during Vespers this summer.
6 PM - Dinner ($6)| Linder Hall | RSVP to the office 619-297-4366 by Mon.
6:45 PM - "I AM" study | Linder Hall 2
July 23, 7 PM -Summer Sings | Sutherland Music Center
Registration in Trotter Chapel at 6:30, $15.
HEALTH
Disaster Preparedness Workshop for Older AdultsThursday, July 31 | 10 AM - 1:30 PM
Linder Hall | Free Lunch Buffet
RSVP: 760-429-3488 or email cindy@heritageseniorcare.com
Speakers, resources, booklets.
Download the flyer for details
SERVE
Imagine No Malaria$100,000 Imagine No Malaria Drive Kicks Off
Pauly Perrette for Imagine No MalariaHear why NCIS star Pauly Perrette is involved.
Through June 2015 | Resource Guide, Goal Form, Donate
You heard about it again this past Sunday -- First Church joins this extraordinary effort by The United Methodist Church, along with United Nations Foundation, The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation -- global leaders in the fight against malaria. Sponsor a fundraiser or donate directly. Either way, you'll be putting your faith into action to end preventable deaths by malaria in Africa through a program of Prevention, Treatment, Education and Communication. Find out more here...
Children's Book Drive for Neighborhood House, CalexicoSunday, July 27 (or Monday-Friday, 9-5)
Neighborhood House, Calexico, does marvelous work with women and children living in poverty. They offer preschool, daycare and a shelter. They are in need of children's books, both in English and Spanish. If you have new or gently used books you can donate, please bring them to Linder Hall and place them in the bin marked "Children's Book Donations" for this Global Missions Task Force collection project. Thank you in advance for helping with this project!
Time to register your group for the 2014 Ministry Fair! Sunday, September 7 |9 AM - 12:30 PM | Plaza
We'll kick-off the fall with some great ways to get more involved; opportunities to learn about the ministries of the church, and a time to reconnect with friends or connect for the first time. Now is the time to get your ministry/ group/class organized and ready. Theme for this year: Crossroad Celebrations!
Important Dates:
If your Ministry/Group/Class needs a table during this event: Register your ministry online before August 27. Request for printed promotional material: submit to printshop@fumcsd.org no later than August 4. For more information, contact Laura Schwarcz, Phyllis Kenney, or Pastor Jessica at 619-297-4366.
Free Neighborhood Family Meal Update!The monthly community meal at Normal Heights UMC, under the leadership of First Church, will discontinue in its current form after August 25. Both First Church and Normal Heights UMC are currently in a transition, trying to meet the needs of Normal Heights and City Heights neighborhoods. This fall, First Church will put more energy into the Cherokee Point ministry in City Heights as one of our many local mission projects. Read more about the transition...
Got Milk? Donors STILL Needed!Loaves and Fishes Food Ministry still needs "milk donors" to commit to bring one half-gal. of milk to Linder Lounge each Sunday to help supplement the needs of our weekly food distribution to low income families and the elderly at Wesley UMC. To help, contact Brenda Blake. Small groups or other groups can participate. Tom Large explains the situation here.
SENIORS
Older or Elder WorkshopSaturday, August 2 | 8:30 - 11:30 AM | Linder Lounge | RSVP
We are called to become more than just older, we are called to become guides and "elders." Most of those whose lives we read about in Scripture are beyond the youthful years. We are called not just to age, but to acquire wisdom that we might become mentors to those who come after us.
Born before 1964? Claim your state at All States Picnic!Saturday, August 2 | 12:30 - 3:30 PM | Linder Hall | $6/person
If you have not signed to join us you are encouraged to do that so we can get an accurate count for the food. Our entertainment will be Willie Randel, a muscian from Missouri where he was exposed to traditional folk music at an early age. He received his first fiddle from his grandfather and taught himself to play it. Since 1976 Willie has been a member of California State Old Time Fiddlers Association. Willie promises to add a really fun dynamic to our gathering. Sign up online by noon on Wednesday, July 30, or at the patio table this Sunday. Sponsored by Seniors Ministry.
STUDY
Learning to Walk in the Dark - Monday Book StudyMondays, August 4 - 25| 6 - 8:30 PM | Home of Nancy Sunday | RSVP
Barbara Brown Taylor's most recent book, Learning to Walk in the Dark, offers us a very different look at "the dark." Rather than a place of ignorance, danger, fear, and a place to be avoided; the dark is, and can be, a place of nurturance and growth. Led by Rev. Greg LaDue and Nancy Sunday. Purchase the book in the church office ($15) or through your favorite bookseller.
Engaging Sanctuary Worship
Saturday, August 23| 9 - 11:30 AM | Linder Lounge | RSVPLead Pastor Craig Brown and Director of Church Music Stan Wicks offer an inside look at the Sanctuary Worship set to premiere in September. Worship and liturgy are meaningful symbols and metaphors of significant theological truths. This workshop will highlight these theological groundings and explain how Sanctuary Worship deepens our encounter with the mystery and the intimacy we have with God through Jesus Christ. Light refreshments provided.
MUSIC
Next Summer Sing is Tonight, July 23summersingsThe Summer Sings are back and is your opportunity to sing major works with San Diego's finest conductors. Scores and refreshments are provided for $15 per sing, free for students and observers. No reservations required. Registration begins in Trotter Chapel at 6:30 PM. Rehearsals are in the Sutherland Family Music Center, 7-9:15 PM. See schedule here...
Join a Summer Choir There are two short-term opportunities to join our choir for four or five weeks: our Summer Soprano/Alto and Tenor/Bass choirs. The Tenor/Bass Choir sings one last Sunday, July 27, at the 9:30 and 11 AM sanctuary services. Rehearsal is Thursday in the Sutherland Music Center, 7-8:30 PM. Sunday morning warm-up begins at 9. Come at 8:45 AM for refreshments and fellowship and sing for one or both services. The Soprano/Alto Choir's first rehearsal is July 31 and follows the same schedule. You are welcome to participate for any length. Questions? Contact our Director of Church Music, Stanley M. Wicks, 619-297-4366, x135.
MEMBERSHIP
New Beginnings: Exploring the Family of FaithSunday, August 10 | 4-8 PM | Linder Lounge
Sign up 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, August 24. Contact Demmie Divine, Membership Secretary, if you would like to attend.
YOUTH & CHILDREN
Children's Growing Center Enrolling KindergartenThe Children's Growing Center at First Church has two openings in the Kindergarten class for the 2014-15 school year. If you are seeking a quality Kindergarten program for your child, or know someone looking for one, please contact CGC Director Denise Vicks. Information about the Kindergarten program can be found on the CGC website here...
Youth and Children Family Beach DaySaturday, August 16 | 10 AM - 3 PM | Mission Beach
$10 per family (for food and drinks)
Calling all families with youth and children! Youth and Children's Ministries invite you to a Family Beach Day at Mission Beach. Come join us for a wonderful day of beach fun... lunch and beach games will be on the agenda.
Register here ...
NOTICES
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.
You're Invited: to the marriage ceremony of First Church Small Group Assistant Beckett Kirk and Kristena Clark on Saturday, August 9, at 4:30 PM in the sanctuary as they tie the knot that binds their relationship in marriage under God.
Join the Active Adults on Wednesday, August 13, at 1 PM in Linder Hall for the ever popular piano and flute duet featuring Carol Aby and Paulette Rose. If you are attending Pastor Craig's Bible study, consider continuing the festivities with lunch and musical performance for only $5. Active Adults is hosting four walkabouts on August 4,11,18,and 25. More information is available in the church office.
McDonalds gift cards for people in need - The Heart of Christianity Class has $5 McDonalds gift cards available to distribute to people in need. Stop by the table on the patio for more information. Donations requested.
Pick up your Church Directory. If you had your photo taken for the directory last summer, you can pick up your free copy in the church office Monday-Friday, 9-5. Questions? Contact Deb Rosevear, 619-297-4366 ext.123.
Next Neighborhood Family Meal is July 28, 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.
The Altar Flower Calendar has many openings for Sundays in September - December. Help us fill those dates. Call Eleene in the church office at 619-297-4366 to make your reservation. Each bouquet is $50.
Save the Date
Baptism of infants and children, September 21. Contact Demmie Divine at 619-297-4366, ext. 108 or email ddivine@fumcsd.org
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.
MISSION OUTREACH THRIFT STORE | 3186 Adams Ave. Open Monday to Saturday 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
A large upholstered chair, $139.
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
William Kneeland passed away on June 19. He was received into membership in 1974 by Rev. C.A. McClain and is survived by his wife, Marilyn. A memorial service will be held in our sanctuary on Thursday, July 31, at 11:00 a.m., Pastor Craig Brown officiating.
Prayer Quilts were presented on Sunday, June 29, for Millie Chamberlain. Please keep these individuals in your prayers.
Members of our congregation in the military who are deployed and their families:
Sam Adams
Will Brown
Jason Constantine
Jake Huntley
Chris Lemon
Carl Meuser
Doug Samples
Collin Sullivan
Matt O'Neal
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2111 CAMINO DEL RIO South
(619)297-4366
WWW.FUMCSD.ORG
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