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Sunday, November 16
in the Epworth Lounge 9:30am Animate: Bible study in May Day Parlor 10:00am Pop-Up Video in Epworth Lounge 10:30am in the Sanctuary
Sunday's Scripture:
Matthew 25:14-30
Matthew 25:The Story About Investment
14-18 “It’s also like a man going off on an extended trip. He called his servants together and delegated responsibilities. To one he gave five thousand dollars, to another two thousand, to a third one thousand, depending on their abilities. Then he left. Right off, the first servant went to work and doubled his master’s investment. The second did the same. But the man with the single thousand dug a hole and carefully buried his master’s money.
19-21 “After a long absence, the master of those three servants came back and settled up with them. The one given five thousand dollars showed him how he had doubled his investment. His master commended him: ‘Good work! You did your job well. From now on be my partner.’
22-23 “The servant with the two thousand showed how he also had doubled his master’s investment. His master commended him: ‘Good work! You did your job well. From now on be my partner.’
24-25 “The servant given one thousand said, ‘Master, I know you have high standards and hate careless ways, that you demand the best and make no allowances for error. I was afraid I might disappoint you, so I found a good hiding place and secured your money. Here it is, safe and sound down to the last cent.’
26-27 “The master was furious. ‘That’s a terrible way to live! It’s criminal to live cautiously like that! If you knew I was after the best, why did you do less than the least? The least you could have done would have been to invest the sum with the bankers, where at least I would have gotten a little interest.
28-30 “‘Take the thousand and give it to the one who risked the most. And get rid of this “play-it-safe” who won’t go out on a limb. Throw him out into utter darkness.’
John Wesley's Notes-Commentary for Matthew 25:14-30
Verse 14
[14] For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods.
Our Lord proceeds by a parable still plainer (if that can be) to declare the final reward of a harmless man. May God give all such in this their day, ears to hear and hearts to understand it! The kingdom of heaven - That is, the King of heaven, Christ. Mark 13:34; Luke 19:12.
Verse 15
[15] And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey.
To one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one — And who knows whether (all circumstances considered) there be a greater disproportion than this, in the talents of those who have received the most, and those who have received the fewest? According to his own ability - The words may be translated more literally, according to his own mighty power.
And immediately took his journey — To heaven.
Verse 18
[18] But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord's money.
He that had received one — Made his having fewer talents than others a pretence for not improving any.
Went and hid his master's money — Reader, art thou doing the same? Art thou hiding the talent God hath lent thee?
Verse 24
[24] Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed:
I knew thou art a hard man — No. Thou knowest him not. He never knew God, who thinks him a hard master.
Reaping where thou hast not sown — That is, requiring more of us than thou hast given us power to perform. So does every obstinate sinner, in one kind or other, lay the blame of his own sins on God.
Verse 25
[25] And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine.
And I was afraid — Lest if I had improved my talent, I should have had the more to answer for. So from this fear, one will not learn to read, another will not hear sermons!
Verse 26
[26] His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed:
Thou knewest — That I require impossibilities! This is not an allowing, but a strong denial of the charge.
Verse 27
[27] Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury.
Thou oughtest therefore — On that very account, on thy own supposition, to have improved my talent, as far as was possible.
Verse 29
[29] For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath.
To every one that hath shall he given — So close does God keep to this stated rule, from the beginning to the end of the world. Matthew 13:12.
Verse 30
[30] And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
Cast ye the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness — For what? what had he done? It is true he had not done good. But neither is he charged with doing any harm. Why, for this reason, for barely doing no harm, he is consigned to outer darkness. He is pronounced a wicked, because he was a slothful, an unprofitable servant. So mere harmlessness, on which many build their hope of salvation, was the cause of his damnation! There shall be the weeping - Of the careless thoughtless sinner; and the gnashing of teeth - Of the proud and stubborn. The same great truth, that there is no such thing as negative goodness, is in this chapter shown three times: 1. In the parable of the virgins; 2. In the still plainer parable of the servants, who had received the talents; and 3. In a direct unparabolical declaration of the manner wherein our Lord will proceed at the last day. The several parts of each of these exactly answers each other, only each rises above the preceding.
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| In This Issue |
| eScrip |
| Pop Up Video |
| From the Lay Leader |
| Job Openings |
| Chancel Choir News |
| Note from SPRC |
| Like us on Facebook |
| 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.
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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.) _______________________ We seek a social worker to work one-on-one with clients during our weekly free meal ministry, Shared Bread. Applicants would need to be available on Wednesdays from4-7pm. Click through for a full job description and instructions for applications. |
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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MARY CIRCLE MEETING
Monday, November 17
at 7pm
in May Day Parlor
Mary Circle will be meeting a week earlier due to the Thanksgiving holiday. All ladies are welcome. Any questions, can contact Rebecca Thomas.
Rebecca Thomas |
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.
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Church Happens at the Table
We are having a potluck (as we often do) this Sunday; this one's a little special. Folks are bringing table service and decorations from home. There will be some extra special sharing around tables. As always, the food will be excellent.
I had a good friend from community-organizing work in an economically impoverished and culturally diverse neighborhood of San Diego; whenever we had a meeting, he'd say, "And let's make it a potluck!" At first, I wondered if he just didn't like to cook, and liked his eating options more if everyone else was making things. The more I came to know him and work with him, I saw that he understood the value of a shared meal--in years of belonging in Christian churches, he'd come to deeply see the value of the potluck. When our meetings were potlucks, everyone smiled more. We shared more life stories, and cared about one another. There was a warmth in our gathering. And no one went hungry.
It's one of those "churchy things" we do--normal for many of us, a little nostalgic, quaint. But it's also one of those things that gets to the heart of what church is about: it's about a people who gather around a table to share food and share our lives. Something changes when we switch from "meeting" to "meal." Our conversation is more generous, we are more at home, we encounter each other as real, complex, beautiful people.
I'm extra-excited that this potluck comes in the heart of a season when we're asked to consider our financial giving to the church--because it reminds us that "church" is much more than a set of programs or a budget. It's a home, a community, a nourishing meal, and a family. Our faith is something we live in every part of our lives. I hope you will be with us at the table on Sunday, and I give thanks that you are a part of this community of faith.
grace and peace,
Pastor Molly
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| Contact Info
Pastor Molly Vetter
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All-Church Potluck
Sunday, November 16
Join us for a welcome "At The Table" after the 10:30 service as we celebrate our church, its ministries, and look ahead to 2015. Bring a dish to share (ok to test Thanksgiving recipes!)
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Animate: Bible
a Bible class for youth and adults, on Sundays thru Nov 23 at 9:30
It's not too late to join his video-based series. Each week, it features one of seven engaging leading voices from our Christian faith. Participants will share in conversation, reading and journaling as a part of the study. Led by Johnna Kosnoff and Pastor Molly.
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November Small Group:
Pop Up Video
small groups on Sunday morning
10-10:20 in Epworth Lounge
On Sunday mornings, join Stephen Hale for short videos about faith and life, and conversation around tables afterwards. Each week, we will watch one short "Nooma" video, featuring popular Christian author and speaker Rob Bell. It will be fresh every week--you are welcome to join anytime.
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Costume help needed for upcoming Children's Christmas Pageant**
Children's Christmas Pageant Rehearsals
continue this Sunday...
All are welcome.
Rehearsals: SundaysNovember 16,23,30 , from
10:00-10:30am
(Note: Rehearsals are BEFORE Sunday School!!)
**Are you willing to help sew/put together adorable Orca, Fox, Hare, Polar Bear costumes for our upcoming production??? We need your help! Please email Lisa Perlot if you are interested.
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Children's Christmas Pageant
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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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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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Fall Stewardship
Pledge Campaign -
and Pie Chart Sunday
We are in the midst of our fall stewardship pledge campaign, when we invite you to consider making a pledge of financial giving to the church for 2015. You should have received a letter with more details this week--it is also available on our website. You are invited to bring you pledge to worship on Sunday, November 23, just before Thanksgiving--or anytime. We have already begun to receive pledged commitments, and are very grateful.
Our church's ministries depend on the financial support of our congregation--and we believe that giving is an important part of our faith lives, as well. We are grateful for the generosity of so many!
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"The Lay Looker" Bob Peterson
a view from the pew from a longtime member of our church
"Most people who go to an all church Pot-Luck such as we are having Sunday, November 16th after the Worship services, know that there will plenty of great food from which to choose. But there is another great spin-off for you if you wish to take the action. Sit with people you don't already know, or with people you barely know. That's the real benefit of a pot-luck. Hope to see you there aroundnoon.Last Sunday I was visiting with Katrina Aldover who was staffing the Corazon table in the patio following worship. She had these lists of items to put together for our philanthropic trip to Tijuana this holiday season. When I told her I didn't shop well for myself, let alone others, she said..."
Read the rest of Bob's recent Lay Looker columns on our website by clicking here.
"Pot-Luck!" by Bob Peterson Most people who go to an all church Pot-Luck such as we are having Sunday, November 16th after the Worship services, know that there will plenty of great food from which to choose. But there is another great spin-off for you if you wish to take the action. Sit with people you don't already know, or with people you barely know. That's the real benefit of a pot-luck. Hope to see you there around noon. Last Sunday I was visiting with Katrina Aldover who was staffing the Corazon table in the patio following worship. She had these lists of items to put together for our philanthropic trip to Tijuana this holiday season. When I told her I didn't shop well for myself, let alone others, she said, well money donated helps just as well. I said I can do that, so if you have questions about how to help those South of our U. S. border stop by the table and get answers. This is a worthwhile project. I keep seeing our church members at various South Bay activities including Community Concerts at Redondo High School's auditorium, as well as events at Harbor College and El Camino College. This reminds me to remind you to come to my Beach Cities Symphony's free concert Friday, Nov 21st at 8:15 PM, (Pre-concert lecture at 7:30 PM). I guarantee you will be delighted and impressed with the 85-piece symphony's presentation of The Grand Canyon Suite. It's always been a crowd pleaser. Just walk in the door of the Marsee Auditorium and enjoy. Oh, by the way, this is the month our finance committee needs our pledges so they can set our year 2015 budget with some accuracy. I'll do my part. How about you? |
From the Lay Leader, Johnna Kosnoff
bi-weekly thoughts and reflections from our church Lay
Leader
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 We are so pleased to announce the Shared Bread was recently honored at the South Coast Interfaith Council Festival of Music Benefit Concert. They were presented certificates from the cities of Long Beach and Los Angeles and the Council itself in recognition of their dedication to the community---providing a safe place for those who need a warm home cooked meal every week. Congratulations to all those who volunteer and support Shared Bread!   |
Part-Time Job Openings
We are currently seeking part-time staff members:
Shared Bread Counselor - We seek a social worker to work one-on-one with clients during our weekly free meal ministry, Shared Bread. Applicants would need to be available on Wednesdays from 4-7pm. (This position is funded through a grant.)
Substitute Nursery Teacher-- We seek a regular substitute nursery teacher to help provide safe and appropriate childcare in our nursery on Sunday mornings and at other church activities, as scheduled--approximately one Sunday each month, and for other church activities as available.
More information and instructions for applicants are available online.
Please share these openings with people you know how might be willing to help support these important ministries!
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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. |
| Community Events and Other Opportunities: click these links for more information
Definiens Concert
Sunday, November 23 @ 4 PM, Hope UMC, Torrance
Come to enjoy musical delights of this talented musical group featuring our former organist, Dr. Jeanette Yaryan |
| Part-time General Office Help Wanted: Duties will include answering the telephone, reception, computer keyboarding, filing and other general office as needed. The office is in Torrance. Call John Kirk (church member) at (424) 247-9378. |
To the entire congregation: If you haven't Checked Into Church yet, please do this week!
Even if you are already well connected in our church, will you complete
 thequestionnaire? It will be helpful for our membership committee to know that you do not need assistance connecting in our church. It's easy; 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 |
Advent Wreaths and Devotions available from
9:30-10:30 on Sunday, November 30th
 Save the date and time to come and receive your Advent materials during the 9:30-10:30 hour. This year there will be a very special devotional "box" in addition to candles and wreaths. Don't miss it! |
| The Mission Team and Children's Ministry is starting to Collect Candy and Supplies for "Gingerbread House Table"  Last year everyone had a blast building houses at our All-In -One-Advent-Fun party. This year the party is on December 14th and the "building houses" booth will be staffed by Corazon volunteers. You can hear all about their trip to Mexico delivering presents while you make a fun decoration for your Christmas table. You can help make this booth a success by bringing in Candy, Crackers and Treats before Deceber 7th.
THANK YOU in advance! Sign up here to bring supplies
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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 provideyou 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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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...
Church Council: Saturday, Nov 17, 7pm in Epworth Lounge
Mary Circle: Monday, Nov 17, 7pm in May Day Parlor. Trailhead Conference, Thursday,11/13 - Saturday, 11/15, 9am - 5pm in Fellowship Hall, Epworth Lounge and Sanctuary (These areas will not be available to any other groups during these times.)
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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.
10:00am-10:30am: Pageant Rehearsal upstairs in Sunday School Room! (see article above)
10:30am: YOU DID IT! This week we'll be celebrating our many "Talents" (lesson based on Matthew 25:14-30 "Parable of Talents") and the fact that we FILLED our Popcorn jar- With a very special POPCORN PARTY! Don't miss the fun craft and movie. No need to bring your bible bag this week (although we will be reading the lesson found on pages 316-317 following the film).
Church R Us (4th and 5th grade):
10:00am-10:30am: Pageant Rehearsal upstairs in Sunday School Room! (see article above)
10:30am: Special Craft and video this week (on our new TV! in CRU room!) in addition to Pageant prep.
Don't forget about rehearsals for the Pageant at 10:00am- there are special parts just for your class.
Youth Group (6th-12th grade):
-Middle School Sunday School? Yep! Be 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! We have to...well. If you were there last week, you know what we're doing this week!
Adult Sunday School:
Note: We will not have our "Animate:Bible" study this Sunday morning, because of Pie Chart Sunday; join us next week in May Day Parlor at9:30am. See article above.
Pop-Up Video: Join us for a new small group for youth and adults--on Sundays from 10-10:20 in Epworth Lounge. Video and discussion. Led by Stephen Hale.
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Men's Breakfast:
Our next breakfast is Monday, November 17 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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