| First United Methodist of Redondo Beach, California, United States |
Weekly News
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Thursday, 27 November 2014
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Sunday, November 30
First Sunday of Advent
8:30amin the Epworth Lounge 9:30am
Advent Video Bible Study
10:30am
in Epworth Lounge
in the Sanctuary
Sunday's Scripture:
Mark 13:24-37
Mark 13:24-25 “Following those hard times,
Sun will fade out,
moon cloud over,
Stars fall out of the sky,
cosmic powers tremble.
26-27 “And then they’ll see the Son of Man enter in grand style, his Arrival filling the sky—no one will miss it! He’ll dispatch the angels; they will pull in the chosen from the four winds, from pole to pole.
28-31 “Take a lesson from the fig tree. From the moment you notice its buds form, the merest hint of green, you know summer’s just around the corner. And so it is with you. When you see all these things, you know he is at the door. Don’t take this lightly. I’m not just saying this for some future generation, but for this one, too—these things will happen. Sky and earth will wear out; my words won’t wear out.
32-37 “But the exact day and hour? No one knows that, not even heaven’s angels, not even the Son. Only the Father. So keep a sharp lookout, for you don’t know the timetable. It’s like a man who takes a trip, leaving home and putting his servants in charge, each assigned a task, and commanding the gatekeeper to stand watch. So, stay at your post, watching. You have no idea when the homeowner is returning, whether evening, midnight, cockcrow, or morning. You don’t want him showing up unannounced, with you asleep on the job. I say it to you, and I’m saying it to all: Stay at your post. Keep watch.”
John Wesley's Notes-Commentary for Mark 13:24-37
Verse 24
[24] But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light,
But in those days — Which immediately precede the end of the world: after that tribulation - Above described.
Verse 28
[28] Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When her branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is near:
Matthew 24:32; Luke 21:28.
Verse 29
[29] So ye in like manner, when ye shall see these things come to pass, know that it is nigh, even at the doors.
He is nigh — The Son of man.
Verse 30
[30] Verily I say unto you, that this generation shall not pass, till all these things be done.
All these things — Relating to the temple and the city.
Verse 32
[32] But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father.
Of that day — The day of judgment is often in the Scriptures emphatically called that day.
Neither the Son — Not as man: as man he was no more omniscient than omnipresent. But as God he knows all the circumstances of it.
Verse 33
[33] Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.
Matthew 24:42; Luke 21:34.
Verse 34
[34] For the Son of man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch.
The Son of man is as a man taking a far journey - Being about to leave this world and go to the Father, he appoints the services that are to be performed by all his servants, in their several stations. This seems chiefly to respect ministers at the day of judgment: but it may be applied to all men, and to the time of death. Matthew 25:14; Luke 19:12.
Sermon Story "Everyone Will Know" by Gary Lee Parker for Sunday, 30 November 2014
On this first Sunday of Advent, we hear the story of Jesus talking about His return to earth to set up His Kingdom on earth as it is in Heaven. He specifically tells them that everyone will see His return, but you are not to sit back and just wait while doing nothing. Too often, there have been people over the centuries who attempted to set up a time of Jesus' return, but what happens if this time is when we leave our earthly bodies and take on our Heavenly Body or that He is calling us to continue His work to assist Him with bringing the Heavenly Kingdom on Earth as it is in Heaven. There is a reminder of many people who have attempted to build communities on earth that were separate from the larger communities ignoring the needs of the people in society. We continue to look at ways that we can separate ourselves from the world without getting involved in the needs and problems. We have an example of this with the events that have happenedstarting with the killing of Michael Brown II by a Police Officer Wilson. Yes, it was found out that Officer Wilson would not be tried for Michael Brown's murder, but let us look at the situation through the eyes of God and the countries policies which continue Institutional Racism. We see that Officer Wilson pulled the trigger and killed an unarmed young man who is Black, but the policies that created this attitude is the cause of societies' policiies. We even have to look at the church to see if the church's policies have contributed to this event? Our answer comes out Yes. There have been people in the church who listened to the teachings of Jesus and followed His teachings in including all people as equal, but too often there have been policies to support the white people and the wealthy over other cultures and economic status inlcuding the dealing with people who are diabled. We arealize that the church is not perfect, but the God who created the church is and is calling us to trust Him in living out His Holiness towards all people. Yes, there is a connection between Institutional Rascism and the excluding of people who are LGBTQ or different color or different beleifs or different economic Social stauts or even people who are differently abled/disabled. How do you see your life in response to the different people in these stories? What is God calling you do to transform society with God's Holy Love? How is God calling you to repent individually and corporately? May we sing this Hymn "We are God's people, the chosen of the Lord" by Bryan Jeffery Leech (1976)
1. We are God's people, the chosen of the Lord,
Born of His Spirit, established by His Word;
Our cornerstone is Christ alone,
And strong in Him we stand:
O let us live transparently
And walk heart to heart and hand in hand.
2. We are God’s loved ones, the Bride of Christ our Lord,
For we have known it, the love of God outpoured;
Now let us learn how to return
The gift of love once given:
O let us share each joy and care,
And live with a zeal that pleases Heaven.
3. We are the Body of which the Lord is Head,
Called to obey Him, now risen from the dead;
He wills us be a family,
Diverse yet truly one:
O let us give our gifts to God,
And so shall his work on earth be done.
4. We are a temple, the Spirit’s dwelling place,
Formed in great weakness, a cup to hold God’s grace;
We die alone, for on its own
Each ember loses fire:
Yet joined in one the flame burns on
To give warmth and light, and to inspire.
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| In This Issue |
| eScrip |
| From the Lay Leader |
| Job Openings |
| Chancel Choir News |
| Note from SPRC |
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| This Week at Church... |
| 20/30 Group |
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| Adult Bible Study
The Pastor's Bible Study meets each Thursday at 11:00am in May Day Parlor;we will NOT have Bible Study on November 27, Thanksgiving Day.
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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.) |
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 ON
ANNUAL 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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Want to see photos of past church
activities and events?
Check out our
Flickr page and ourFacebook page
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 Softball Update from the membership committee: If you are 18 years of age or older and would like to play on our co-ed slow-pitch softball team for the 2015 Spring League, please email Troy Thomas here with any questions or to sign up!We'll play in the Redondo Beach D league, with games at Alta Vista (or possibly Anderson) Park on Sundayevenings. The earliest games will begin at 5:30pm and the latest games at 8:30pm. |
Order Your Poinsettias Today
We will be decorating our sanctuary with poinsettias for Advent and Christmas. You may purchase and dedicate them in honor or in memory of someone special, or to the glory of God.
Plants are $9.00 each. Forms are available in the church office or click this link to order them online(payment may be mailed or brought to church). Last day to order is Monday, Dec 8. |
 What Are You Hoping to Get for Christmas this Year?
While I love the act of giving beautiful gifts to loved ones, there's something disheartening about how quickly "Christmas" gets reduced to a wish list or shopping list. The "spirit of Christmas" includes heartwarming generosity, but it's a generosity so big that I cannot imagine containing it in gift boxes. It's about the radical love of a God who chooses to be present with us, in flesh. It's about the hope embodied in a God who dared to trust a young woman named Mary to give birth to our Savior, even though she would be compelled to make a trip late in her pregnancy and give birth in a stable, and even though this child and his parents would become refugees shortly after his birth.
But I'm getting ahead of myself; it's not Christmas yet. We're just this Sunday beginning the season of Advent, during which we prepare our hearts and lives for Christ. We begin with a bigger question: What are you waiting for?
To help us make space for Christ, this year we've prepared a special Advent Box devotional--it's a small gift box, with cards inside. On each one, there's something to read and do. You can open this Advent Box with your family, or alone--at the dinner table or wherever you can make space for reflection. I hope you will pick one up on Sunday. And I hope it will provide one small way to remember that this season is about so much more than what we can buy or give--it's about a world-changing gift from God.
And, to that end, I'd like to share a Christmas tradition from my family--perhaps it's one that you do, too. Instead of purchasing gifts for each other, we make gifts of donations to charity projects in honor of one another. (Sometimes we give a small gift too--like something we've made.) As someone who's privileged enough to have my basic needs met (and more!), it's so inspiring and delightful to get to open these envelopes on Christmas day--to read about the way our giving is multiplied in supporting meaningful projects, ministries and efforts.
There will be several options for ways you can buy these kinds of "gifts" at our All-in-One Advent Fun event on December 14--with donations to support Corazon's housebuilding in Mexico, Shared Bread's ministry of meals, and Imagine No Malaria's effort to end malaria. Or, you can be a part of Giving Tuesday to United Methodist Missions--the first $1 Million will be doubled by a matching gift, and you and search out and support projects of all types throughout the world, all that have been screened and selected by our UMC.
I pray that this week, as you celebrate Thanksgiving, you will experience gratitude that reminds you of how you're held in God's amazing love. And I pray that you enter the Advent season with a spirit of openness, so that you will receive the gift of Christ's coming in a new and powerful way.
grace and peace,
Pastor Molly
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| Contact Info
Pastor Molly Vetter
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Pick up an Advent Box and join us in a special church devotional during the season of Advent.
Advent Boxes are available this Sunday 30, or during the week in the church office.
(A card will also be posted each day on our
Facebook, Twitter & Instagram accounts.)
During the season of Advent, worship will help us consider what we're really waiting for, as we ask that question in a new way each week:
What are you hoping for? What are you searching for? What are you working for? What are you living for?
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Advent Video Bible Study: Interrupted by Hope
Sunday mornings in Advent, 9:30-10:15, in Epworth Lounge
led by Pastor Molly & Stephen Hale
starting Nov 30, through Christmas
Join us for good conversation about making the season of Advent meaningful. Our conversations will start with short videos from contemporary Christian leaders, including blogger Glennon Doyle Melton (Momastery), preacher Barbara Brown Taylor, contemplative Richard Rohr, and poet Malcolm Guite.
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Advent Wreaths available on November 30
from 9:30-10:30am
Save the date and time--our Family Ministries will again be offering everything you need for an Advent Wreath at home, so that you can pray with us during this season. Materials will be available in Fellowship Hall during the 9:30-10:30 hour.(This year there will also be a very special Advent Box devotional in addition to candles and wreaths).
The fresh, evergreen Wreaths & Garlands ordered from the Youth Group will also be available next Sunday, December 7th.
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All-in-One Advent Fun Returns again this Year!
(now with a Variety Show...)
We'll have an advent party for the whole church family, on Sunday, December 14 in Fellowship Hall--from 4-6pm.
There will be carols and crafts, fair trade Christmas shopping and skits, good food and cookies.
Hosted by UMW, Children and Family Ministries, Youth, Missions, Prayers & Squares Quilters, and other fabulous volunteers.
The event is free, with opportunities to support missions and do some shopping for Christmas gifts.
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 Want to Help?: The Mission Team and
Children's
Ministry are
Collecting Candy and Supplies for
"Gingerbread House Table".
You can help make this booth a success by bringing in Candy, Graham Crackers and Treats beforeDecember 7th. THANK YOU in advance!
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Children's Christmas Pageant
-Sunday, December 7
10:30 worship
Mark your calendars now, and invite your friends to join us--the annual Children's Christmas Pageant will be Sunday, December 7, during the 10:30 worship service. This year, our pageant will invite us to travel to the far north, where arctic animals will hear the news of Christmas, and join us on a journey to Bethlehem.
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Children's Pageant Rehearsals
continue...
All children (nursery age-Grade 5) are invited to participate in our Annual Christmas Pageant. We could also use help rehearsing lines with the children and keeping the groups organized. Email Katherine if you can help during rehearsal time.
Rehearsals: Sunday November 30, from
9:30-10:30am (10am-10:30am for Preschoolers)
(Please Note: Rehearsals are BEFORE Sunday School, and now start at 9:30!!)
New: Added rehearsal on Saturday, December 6th 9-10am
(run through on stage in Sanctuary & Costume check)
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The Lay Looker, Bob Peterson
a view from the pew from a longtime member of our church
This is the season we get busy and I have forgotten a couple of things and am embarrassed by it. However, those of us active in church should make certain we do not forget the various activities we need to attend, or do or whatever. So, please remember the Advent Video Bible Study beginning Sunday at 9:30am in the Epworth Lounge. This study continues through Christmas and will make the holiday season more meaningful. You will be welcomed by Pastor Molly and Stephen Hale each week.Perhaps some of you, like me, forgot your Thanksgiving special offering last week. Well, the finance staff reports you can still contribute by marking a gift for Thanksgiving. That's what I intend to do. Pastor Molly has a way with words and phrases that help us remember her messages through each week. This is an important...
Read the rest of Bob's recent Lay Looker columns on our website by clicking here.
"A Busy Season" by Bob Peterson This is the season we get busy and I have forgotten a couple of things and am embarrassed by it. However, those of us active in church should make certain we do not forget the various activities we need to attend, or do or whatever. So, please remember the Advent Video Bible Study beginning Sunday at 9:30am in the Epworth Lounge. This study continues through Christmas and will make the holiday season more meaningful. You will be welcomed by Pastor Molly and Stephen Hale each week. Perhaps some of you, like me, forgot your thanksgiving special offering last week. Well, the finance staff reports you can still contribute by marking a gift for Thanksgiving. That's what I intend to do. Pastor Molly has a way with words and phrases that help us remember her messages through each week. This is an important talent for Ministers and we are the beneficiaries of a wonderful leader. Last Sunday's sermon was a special one about God's presence here and everywhere. Her words are worth remembering. When my family began attending this church in 1950, the North wall was not as we now see it. There were folding doors which allowed for extra seating in the next room if needed, or the space would be used for Sunday School classes or even meals as the kitchen was there as well, a bit to the West. So many changes have happened over the years as well as new members and worshipers attending that it's hard to recall them when once in a while a former active member walks in and we try to recollect names and former times. Being in this beautiful but ever changing community has its pluses, but the changes never stop. So, we all should get ready to welcome the birth of Jesus' days with all our love and help for those of our own families as well as those in need. |
From the Lay Leader, Johnna Kosnoff
bi-weekly thoughts and reflections from our church Lay
Leader
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Fall Stewardship
Pledge Campaign
Thank you to everyone who has made a pledge of financial commitment to our church and ministries for 2015. We have already received 42 pledges, totaling $179,480 for our general budget--this is about 55% of our goal. We are glad to receive your pledges in coming weeks. Pledge cards are available in the sanctuary, church office, or you can submit pledges online.
We also celebrate your generosity in our Thanksgiving Offering last weekend; we have received just over $2000. These funds support our ministries this year, putting your contributions to work for the sake of the ministry of the church.
You can read more about our pledge campaign on our website.
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Annual Church Charge Conference
Monday, December 15 @ 7pm in Epworth Lounge
District Superintendent Kathey Wilborn will join our congregation to lead our yearly Charge Conference on Monday, December 15 at 7pm. This is the meeting where we handle administrative matters of the church and give a report of our ministries in the past year. We will approve leadership for our administrative committees, and discuss our annual budget. Because this is a Church Conference, all members of the congregation are allowed a vote, and encouraged to attend.
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This year, Christmas Eve is on a Wednesday; to make space for worship and our Shared Bread meal that night, we are having two candlelight worship services--at 4pm and 11pm.
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You are Invited to:
a Christmas Open House
at the Parsonage
Sunday, December 21, from 3-5pm
(We'll also include the chance to go carol to some of our homebound members--details to follow!)
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Pastor Molly to Travel to UN Climate Summit
In just over a week, Pastor Molly will travel to the UN's climate summit in Lima, Peru, as a representative of the United Methodist Church's General Board of Church and Society. She will join a handful of other church leaders, participating with other non-governmental organizations. You are invited to keep her and the work of this meeting in your prayers--she will be gone from December 5-12.
We are pleased to welcome Rev. Nicole Reilley as guest preacher and worship leader in both of our worship services on Sunday, December 7.
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Join the Choir!
There's still room for more voices to join in the singing!
Rehearsals are on Wednesdayevenings, from 7:30-9pm in the Choir Room. Everyone's welcome. Come share your gifts and be a part of some amazing music-making to glorify God. |
Welcome to our Choir Section Leaders
We are pleased to welcome two new section leaders to our Chancel Choir: Alto Sue Christman and Soprano Julie Brody. They join our other two section leaders--Tenor Rick McCandless and Bass Herb Nomura--in providing vocal leadership in each section of the choir. (Funding for these positions comes from contributions to our Friends of Music account.)
Sue and Julie have been singing with us over the past couple of weeks--people join us in saying hello and welcoming them to our church!
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| Community Events and Other Opportunities: click these links for more information Winter Camp for Kids and Teens
January 17 - 19, 2015, Camp Wrightwood Winter Camp, sponsored by our Annual Conference, is only $95 for the weekend, including activities, staff, and meals. It's a wonderful opportunity for children and teens to spend a weekend with their peers from across the conference and (hopefully!) enjoy some time in the snow.
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To the entire congregation: Please Check Into Church!
Your results will be helpful for our membership committee to know areas of interest in our church and see who still needs assistance connecting in our church. If you are already as involved as you want to be, just fill in the areas where you are already serving! You may pick up a paper copy in the office or go to our website and complete it. CLICK HERE
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A Note from Staff-Parish Relations Committee
The SPRC is preparing the evaluations for our upcoming Charge Conference. This is an important time of year when we look at the accomplishments of the current year and establish goals for 2015. The committee has been meeting and sharing our thoughts with the staff and lay leadership. We have created an email address to provide you with the opportunity to share your joys or concerns with our committee. SPRC@BeachFaith.com This e-mail address is private and will only be accessed through our committee. If you would prefer to speak to someone personally, here is the list of members:
Gary Baughman, Sabrina Callender-Clewett, Nancy Colwell, Ron Day ,Johnna Kosnoff, Kathy McCandless, Jonathan Tuuholoaki, Darrell Uran and Joe Zeiler The SPRC is working hard to provide our wonderful staff with the support they need to be successful. We encourage you to be a part of this work. Thank you for your support of our church. |
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This Week at Church...
The Prayers and Squares Quilt Ministry will meet in the Robe Room at church on Tuesday, December 2 from 4-5pm to prepare our craft for the All-in-One Advent Event.
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Nursery
The Nursery is open during both services: 8:30am for ages 6 weeks to 6 yrs old and 10:30am for children 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:
8:30am: Join us in church for special challenges and activities that invite children to participate in the worship service.
9:30am-10:30am: Pageant Rehearsal takes place in the Fellowship Hall today! (see article above)
10:30am: Advent Lesson This weeks Bible story is: "Angels Visit" from Luke 1:26-38. Read it ahead of time in your Spark Storybook Bible on page 196-201.
Church R Us (4th and 5th grade):
9:30am-10:30am: Pageant Rehearsal takes place in the Fellowship Hall today! (see article above)10:30am: This weeks Bible story is: "Angels Visit" from Luke 1:26-38.
Join us upstairs in the CRU room for Donuts and good discussion.
Youth Group (6th-12th grade):
-Middle School Sunday School? Yep! See you there!
Remember, we do it every other week.
-Youth Group on Sunday Afternoon (3-5pm): We're practicing for the All-in-One Advent Fun event on December 14th! Those of us not directly involved in the skit will get to do fun stuff! And enjoy each other's company! Can you believe it?
Adult Sunday School:
Advent Video Bible Study
: A study and conversation about advent, in Epworth Lounge from 9:30-10:15. Led by Pastor Molly and Stephen Hale.
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Men's Breakfast:
Our next breakfast is Monday, December 1 at 7AM. Coco's Restaurant, 18120 Hawthorne Blvd. (Hawthorne and 182nd) All men of the church and their friends are welcome to join us for fellowship.
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20/30 group: This young adult 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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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, California 90277 United States
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