| ||||
Sund
God's CallingSunday, 11 January 2015 Pastor Molly, preaching
8:30amin the Epworth Loungem
in the Sanctuary
Sunday's Scripture:
Mark 1:4-11
Mark 1:4-6 John the Baptizer appeared in the wild, preaching a baptism of life-change that leads to forgiveness of sins. People thronged to him from Judea and Jerusalem and, as they confessed their sins, were baptized by him in the Jordan River into a changed life. John wore a camel-hair habit, tied at the waist with a leather belt. He ate locusts and wild field honey.
7-8 As he preached he said, “The real action comes next: The star in this drama, to whom I’m a mere stagehand, will change your life. I’m baptizing you here in the river, turning your old life in for a kingdom life. His baptism—a holy baptism by the Holy Spirit—will change you from the inside out.”
9-11 At this time, Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. The moment he came out of the water, he saw the sky split open and God’s Spirit, looking like a dove, come down on him. Along with the Spirit, a voice: “You are my Son, chosen and marked by my love, pride of my life.”
John Wesley's Notes-Commentary for Text to read: Mark 1:4-11
Verse 4
[4] John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.
Preaching the baptism of repentance — That is, preaching repentance, and baptizing as a sign and means of it.
Verse 7
[7] And preached, saying, There cometh one mightier than I after me, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and unloose.
The latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose — That is, to do him the very meanest service.
Verse 9
[9] And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan.
Matthew 3:13; Luke 3:21.
Sermon Story "Inside Out Change" by Gary Lee Parker for Sunday, 11 January 2015 Text to read: Mark 1:4-11
Mark 1:4-6 John the Baptizer appeared in the wild, preaching a baptism of life-change that leads to forgiveness of sins. People thronged to him from Judea and Jerusalem and, as they confessed their sins, were baptized by him in the Jordan River into a changed life. John wore a camel-hair habit, tied at the waist with a leather belt. He ate locusts and wild field honey.
7-8 As he preached he said, “The real action comes next: The star in this drama, to whom I’m a mere stagehand, will change your life. I’m baptizing you here in the river, turning your old life in for a kingdom life. His baptism—a holy baptism by the Holy Spirit—will change you from the inside out.”
9-11 At this time, Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. The moment he came out of the water, he saw the sky split open and God’s Spirit, looking like a dove, come down on him. Along with the Spirit, a voice: “You are my Son, chosen and marked by my love, pride of my life.”
Today, as we remember the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist, we remember our own baptism or hearing stories from our parents and godparents of our infant baptism. Here we have a man who was called from the time he was conceived to proclaim the coming of the promised Messiah of Israel to baptize people for their repentance to live holy God-ordained life. Now, we have the promised Messiah coming to this man to be baptized by him. This Promised Messiah is non other than Jesus who is truly God and sinless. We look at His baptism and realize a number of things of Jesus' baptism over the other people being baptized. First, Jesus had no sin to repent from as all of us humans do. Second, Jesus came to be bapotized to relate as God to being fully human as well. The manner of baptism changed after Jesus was baptized because Jesus ushered in the Holy Spirit coming on all people at baptism as Moses alluded to when the he said that he desired all Israel to receive the Holy Spirit. Third, we recognize that our baptism, no matter what mode or infant or adult baptism, is a committment to change our lives by God's Holy Spirit to live God's Holy lives. In Infant Baptism it is a committment that the parents, family, godparents, and the church will raise this child to choose for themselves the live of a follower of Jesus while adult baptism for those who were not baptized as infants to change their lifestyle to live holy lives as God's children by His Holy Spirit. Whichever baptism or mode one does, we need to remember that is all about God's Grace and His Holy Spirit working in us to transform us daily into His loving and merciful children in this world. Where do we go from this moment of baptism? Too often, we go as Jesus did into the wilderness to test our committment to following Jesus. This includes the parents and godparents who baptize their infant because it is so tempting to fall into the mode of raising our child without faith in God, but trust in what we can do as society suggests too often. How do you remember your own baptism? How do you remember your child's baptism and your committment to raise the child in God's faith? How is this lived out when your child is disabled, poor, different orientation of sexuality, or some other problem such as addiction orientation? Lord Jesus, guides us to live out you grace in our lives for Your witness to other people especially our own families.
|
| In This Issue |
| eScrip |
| From the Lay Leader |
| Chancel Choir News |
| Like us on Facebook |
| This Week at Church... |
| 20/30 Group |
  |
| The Church office is open from 9-4, Monday to Thursday. Our regular staff meetings areon Monday at 1:30pm. |
| Adult Bible Study
The Pastor's Bible Study meets Thursdays at 11:00amin May Day Parlor.
|
A Church That Responds to the Needs of the Community Every Wednesday, with help from neighbor congregations and many volunteers, we host Shared Bread, a free meal for the community. (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!
|
WANT TO STAY CURRENT ON
ANNUAL CONFERENCE NEWS?
CLICK THE IMAGE ON THE RIGHT TO LINK TO THE CAL-PAC WEBSITE.
______________________________
You may also visit the new website for the entire denomination of United Methodist Church here.
|
Want to see photos of past church
activities and events?
Check out our
Flickr page and ourFacebook page
|
|
The Blessing of the Holy Spirit
Sometimes, I wish the signs in my life were as clear as they were for Jesus at his baptism: skies parting, dove descending, voice speaking affirmation. For the most part, God's presence is more subtle. I experience a sense that I should give a friend a call, a nudge that I ought to get involved with something, a sense of peace when I make a decision.
But now and then, God's voice is loud and clear. Like for Jesus at his baptism, it reminds us that we are God's sons and daughters. We are beloved. And are invited to be a part of what God is doing in the world.
I hope you'll join me in looking for the signs--being open to the nudges, and ready to hear God's guidance in some of the voices around us.
grace and peace,
Pastor Molly
|
| Contact Info
Pastor Molly Vetter
|
January Sermon Series:
God's Calling
Stories of how God's using us
to do amazing things.
Worship with us on Sundays
at 8:30 and 10:30am.
|
Big Bear Youth Retreat 2015
The youth group is kicking off 2015 with our annual trip to Big Bear!
If you haven't signed up yet, it's not too late!
Our Price: $100
More Info: Click here!
|
Parking Reminder: If you are able, we encourage you to park at the Wells Fargo bank on Sunday mornings, and walk across the street, reserving the parking lot for those with mobility challenges or for new visitors. We also have a bike rack on the patio, for those who choose to bike to church! Thanks for your consideration.
|
Church Council invites everyone to join us for a Saturday morning of planning and conversation, as we set priorities, move forward with our vision, and build our ministries together. (Plus, besides all that serious stuff, there will be toys to play with, and some special surprises...):
 |
One of our objectives this year for Children's Ministry is to expand the reach of into our local community by providing low-cost-quality enrichment programs for kids.
WE ARE OPENING TWO Spanish Language CLASSES for younger elementary students. Classes start February 3rd.
Tuesdays (3 &4 year olds):
3:45-4:45pm
Tuesdays (5,6 & 7 year olds):
5:00-6:00pm
Expose your child to a foreign language in a FUN Christian environment where they will learn through song, play and manipulative activities.
For more information including tuition cost and teacher bio visit our Children's Page on the Church Website. www.beachfaith.com/children
|
The Lay Looker, Bob Peterson
a view from the pew from a longtime member of our church
"I'm saying Happy New Year due to the fact that this is my first writing for you this year. So, did you hear last Sunday's childrens message as told by Katherine Stanfill? She was pointing to the many religious symbols one can see in our sanctuary just by looking around. Naturally, she mentioned the cross, altar, vestments, etc. which the children dutifully acknowledged. Me, I was wondering if anyone (children, of course) would mention the cymbals the praise band drummer uses, but, no one did.I attended the 11:00 PM candlelight service Christmas Eve and wish to report it was the most beautiful inspiring service we have had in many a year..." Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and ... by Bob Peterson
I'm saying Happy New Year due to the fact that this is my first writing for you this year. So, did you hear last Sunday's childrens message as told by Katherine Stanfill? She was pointing to the many religious symbols one can see in our sanctuary just by looking around. Naturally, she mentioned the cross, altar, vestments, etc. which the children dutifully acknowledged. Me, I was wondering if anyone (children, of course) would mention the cymbals the praise band drummer uses, but, no one did.
I attended the 11:00 PM candlelight service Christmas Eve and wish to report it was the most beautiful inspiring service we have had in many a year. The music, the readings, the candles, the sermon, the entire event was absolutely perfect. If you were there, you'll definitely plan to attend next year and I plan to be there, too.
Speaking of decorations for our Christmas season in the sanctuary, once again the beautiful tree was contributed by the family of the latePauline Dobson as has been hers and Keith's desire for many years. It's a wonderful legacy from their children, no longer in this area.
The white needlepoint Chrismons which were all over the tree were made by our United Methodist Women several years ago and always look as good as the first day they appeared. That, and the many poinsettias donated by you folks plus the liturgical items and the beautifully printed Orders of Worship made our remembering of Jesus' birth one of he most special in a long while. Thanks to all the staff and volunteers who made it happen.
In the Narthex the beautiful nativity scene, donated to our church, was a sight to behold and many people were seen looking closely at the figures, and I am certain, comparing it with others they have seen,
Now, I am anxious to get volunteer greeters for the 10:30 AM services and will have my clip board at the ready for you to select a date to serve. This has got to be the simplest, briefest and most fun volunteer job in the entire church, so, sign in, please.
I want to give you a personal reminder about the classical music concert of the Beach Cities Symphony Orchestra scheduled for 8:30 PM Friday evening, January 23rd, 2015 at the Marsee Auditorium at El Camino College, Redondo Beach Blvd. at Crenshaw Blvd. It's free, but parking on campus costs $3.00. The major work is Rimsky-Korsakov's Scheherazade, one of the most beautiful orchestral works of all time. Also scheduled is a cello concerto by Bloch and “The Walk To The Paradise Garden” by Delius. For more details see me orPeter Coffee.
|
From the Lay Leader, Johnna Kosnoff
bi-weekly thoughts and reflections from our church Lay
Leader
|
Sunday Forum with Pastor Molly at 9:30 am in Epworth Lounge:
a report from Lima
On Sunday, January 18, you are invited to join Pastor Molly for a report on her trip to Lima, Peru for the UN Climate Conference this past December.
She participated in the Conference as a representative of the United Methodist Church's General Board of Church and Society.
|
Join the Choir!
There's still room for more voices to join in the singing! We're adding handbells into some of the music, too--so ringers are welcome.
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. |
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 over 50 pledges for our general budget--and we still have a ways to go toward our goal. We are glad to receive your pledges in coming weeks, and hope to receive many more.
Pledge cards are available in the sanctuary, church office, or you can submit pledges online. You can read more about our pledge campaign on our website.
|
Altar Flowers 2015
Would you like to purchase altar flowers for the sanctuary for Sundayworship? It's easy! Just click this link and fill out the order form.
Cost: $45
|
| Community Events and Other Opportunities: click these links for more information
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. |
Wanting more training to be a leader in the church?
On Saturday, February 7, our West District is hosting a one-day training event for church leaders, with workshops on a wide range of topics. The event is from 8am-2pm, at Holman UMC in Los Angeles (3320 W Adams Blvd).
Before January 20, registration (including lunch) is just $10; after January 20, registration is $20.
See a list of workshop, and register online here.
|
To the entire congregation: Please Check Into Church!
Some of you have been contacted about your interests listed in Check Into Church. For those of you who haven't, please stay tuned for updates. The Membership Committee is compiling your results and will be in touch after our All Church "If We Build It..." event.
If you are already as involved as you want to be, just fill in the areas where you are already serving! You may also still "check in" with your gifts, skills and interests: pick up a paper copy in the office or go to our website and complete it. CLICK HERE
|
Special Team-Building Trip for Church R Us Crew
to Disney's California Adventure Park- March 21st, 2015!
Our 4th and 5th Graders have a special opportunity to attend a class entitled "Exploring the Golden State" at Disney's California Adventure Theme Park. This class is a part of their Educational Experience Program and will last 3 hours. After the class (which includes team-building activities and behind the scenes access to attractions) our kids will have a chance to "explore" California Adventure Park on their own! Drop off at church by 7:30amand pick up is at 7:30pm.
Cost is only $65 but I need at least 14 RSVP's (including payment) by January 25th to proceed with the planning of this event. You can mail a check to Katherine in the church office or drop one off anytime.
|
 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.
|
This Week at Church...
UMW Board meeting--Monday, January 12 @ 7pm, May Day Parlor Naomi Circle meeting--Tuesday, January 13 @10am, Epworth Lounge Hannah Circle meeting--Tuesday, January 13, 7pm, May Day Parlor Softball Team meeting--Thursday, January 15 @ 7:30pm, Choir Room
Nursery (6 weeks-2 years):
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 (Preschool- 3rd Grade):
8:30am: Join us in service! Look for special activities on the children's cart that invite children to engage with the message.
10:30am: Sunday School is back! This week's Bible story is "Jesus' Baptism" from Mark 1:4-11 (Spark Story Bible pages 242-245). Through baptism, we remember that we are beloved children of God!
Bring your bibles and bible bag! If you don't have one you will have a chance to make another...
Church R Us (4th and 5th grade):
8:30am: Join us in service! Look for special activities on the children's cart that invite children to engage with the message.
10:30am: CRU class is back! This week's Bible story is "Jesus' Baptism" from Mark 1:4-11. God's son is (extra) ordinary!
Please bring your Bibles back to class if you haven't left yours in the room. We're going to label them this week!
Youth Group (6th-12th grade):
-Big Bear Youth Retreat is this weekend! We leave on Friday evening.
-Middle School Sunday School? Nope! This week, Jan. 11th, is cancelled due to the Big Bear Youth Retreat.
_____________________________
Men's Breakfast:
Our next breakfast is Monday, January 19 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.
|
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!
|
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
___________________________
_
No comments:
Post a Comment