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Easter Sunday, 5 April 2015
Pastor Molly, preaching
6:30am Sunrise Worship on Torrance Beach
8:30am in the Epworth Lounge
9:30am Easter Egg Hunt & Jamba Juice fundraiser for Imagine No Malaria
10:30am in the Sanctuary
Sunday's Story Theme & Scripture: "Freed"
Mark 16:1-8
Mark 16:1 When Shabbat was over, Miryam of Magdala, Miryam the mother of Ya‘akov, and Shlomit bought spices in order to go and anoint Yeshua. 2 Very early the next day, just after sunrise, they went to the tomb. 3 They were asking each other, “Who will roll away the stone from the entrance to the tomb for us?” 4 Then they looked up and saw that the stone, even though it was huge, had been rolled back already. 5 On entering the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right; and they were dumbfounded. 6 But he said, “Don’t be so surprised! You’re looking for Yeshua from Natzeret, who was executed on the stake. He has risen, he’s not here! Look at the place where they laid him. 7 But go and tell his talmidim, especially Kefa, that he is going to the Galil ahead of you. You will see him there, just as he told you.” 8 Trembling but ecstatic they went out and fled from the tomb, and they said nothing to anyone, because they were afraid.
John Wesley's Notes-Commentary for Mark 16:1-8
Verse 2
[2] And very early in the morning the first day of the week, they came unto the sepulchre at the rising of the sun.
At the rising of the sun — They set out while it was yet dark, and came within sight of the sepulchre, for the first time, just as it grew light enough to discern that the stone was rolled away, Matthew 28:1; Luke 24:1; John 20:1. But by the time Mary had called Peter and John, and they had viewed the sepulchre, the sun was rising.
Verse 3
[3] And they said among themselves, Who shall roll us away the stone from the door of the sepulchre?
Who shall roll us away the stone — This seems to have been the only difficulty they apprehended. So they knew nothing of Pilate's having sealed the stone, and placed a guard of soldiers there.
Verse 7
[7] But go your way, tell his disciples and Peter that he goeth before you into Galilee: there shall ye see him, as he said unto you.
And Peter — Though he so oft denied his Lord. What amazing goodness was this!
Sermon Story "He Is Risen, He Is Risen Indeed" by Gary Lee Parker for Sunday, 29 March 2015 with Scripture Text: Mark 16:1 When Shabbat was over, Miryam of Magdala, Miryam the mother of Ya‘akov, and Shlomit bought spices in order to go and anoint Yeshua. 2 Very early the next day, just after sunrise, they went to the tomb. 3 They were asking each other, “Who will roll away the stone from the entrance to the tomb for us?” 4 Then they looked up and saw that the stone, even though it was huge, had been rolled back already. 5 On entering the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right; and they were dumbfounded. 6 But he said, “Don’t be so surprised! You’re looking for Yeshua from Natzeret, who was executed on the stake. He has risen, he’s not here! Look at the place where they laid him. 7 But go and tell his talmidim, especially Kefa, that he is going to the Galil ahead of you. You will see him there, just as he told you.” 8 Trembling but ecstatic they went out and fled from the tomb, and they said nothing to anyone, because they were afraid.
As I was sitting in the synagogue and worshipping God, I heard the Scriptures read from the Tanakh and could not help remember after Jesus was dead from crucifixion and buried in a borrowed tomb and the reponse of the women who went to the tomb to annoint Jesus body for proper burial according to the Jewish rites of burial. At first, they came back and told us that the body was not in the tomb, but was gone. I remember Peter and John running to the tomb to check out what the women told them while the women were going back to the tomb, at least Mary Magdalene did, Peter and John returned and repeted that His body was not there, but was risen as He said He would. Meanwhile, Mary Magdalene went back to the tomb and so two Angels where Jesus' body should have been asking them where Jesus' body was and they responded that He was not there but was rsen from the grave. As Mary Magdalene turned, she saw a man who she thought was a gardener. She asked the man if he took Jesus body please tell her where it is and she would bring it back to the tomb. The man spoke Mary's name and Mary recognized the voice of Jesus and called Him Teacher and clung to Him. Jesus responded to Mary to not cling or touch Him because He has not ascended to the Father because there would be other times that she could touch Him. Jesus, then, asked her to go to His brothers and Galilee and tell them that He would meet them there. When she returned to the Upper room, we were excited that Jesus truly arose from the dead. There were other stories like the two men who walked to Emmaus and met a stranger on the road who asked them what wrong. They told the stranger about what happened to Jesus from Nazareth and what the women saw3 as well as Peter. As they came to their house in Emmaus, they invited the stranger in and he broke bread telling him from the Tanakh what Jesus had to go through and be raised from the dead on the third day. As He broke the bread and gave to them, there eyes were opened and they realized the stranger was Jesus but He disappeared from them. They went back to Jerusalem and told everybody what happened and Jesus appeared to them and ate fish while a few days later He appeared to them when Thomas was with them. He appeared by the lake after a long night of fishing with no luck with fish frying on the fire and He commanded and many fish appeared and He called them in restoring Peter to the fellowship by asking Peter three times if he love Him. Then, Jesus told Peter how he would die. Then on a mountain He ascended to Heaven and the Father when two men standing in the clouds saying do down stare up but go and obey His commands to you because He will return just as He left. How would have responded to what you saw and heard? What character in this story do you relate to? How do you understand His teachings these 2000 years later? May we come and receive His grace as we take and eat His Body and drink His blood through the participation of the bread and wine of the Holy Eucharist singing the Hymn "He Lives, I Serve a Risen Savior" by Alfred Ackley
1. I serve a risen Savior, He's in the world today;
I know that He is living whatever men may say;
I see His hand of mercy, I hear His voice of cheer,
And just the time I need Him, He's always near.
Refrain:
He lives, He lives,
Christ Jesus lives today!
He walks with me and talks with me
Along life's narrow way.
He lives, He lives,
Salvation to impart!
You ask me how I know He lives?
He lives within my heart.
2. In all the world around me I see His loving care,
And tho' my heart grows weary I never will despair;
I know that He is leading thro' all the stormy blast,
The day of His appearing will come at last.
Refrain:
He lives, He lives,
Christ Jesus lives today!
He walks with me and talks with me
Along life's narrow way.
He lives, He lives,
Salvation to impart!
You ask me how I know He lives?
He lives within my heart.
3. Rejoice, rejoice, O Christian, lift up your voice and sing
Eternal hallelujahs to Jesus Christ the King!
The hope of all who seek Him, the help of all who find,
None other is so loving, so good and kind.
Refrain:
He lives, He lives,
Christ Jesus lives today!
He walks with me and talks with me
Along life's narrow way.
He lives, He lives,
Salvation to impart!
You ask me how I know He lives?
He lives within my heart.
_____________________________Gary Lee Parker
4147 Idaho Street, Apt. 1
San Diego, California 92104-1844
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In This Issue
Monday to Thursday.
The office will be closed April 6, the Monday after Easter.
Adult Bible Study
The Pastor's Bible Study meets Thursdays at 11:00amin May Day Parlor. We will NOT have class on April 9, but will resume regular classes on April 16.
A Church That Responds to the Needs of the Community
(Click the logo for more information.)
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!
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.
Want to see photos of past church activities and events?
Check out our
Flickr page and ourFacebook page
Do you have concerns, ideas or input about our church that you want to be heard?
You are welcome to reach out to our leaders!
You can contact our Pastor, Molly Vetter.
Our Staff-Parish Relations Committee, which is responsible for staff and pastoral oversight, is led byDarrell Uran.
Nina Dooley is the Chair of our Church Council.
Johnna Kosnoff is our Lay Leader.
READERS FOR SUNDAY WORSHIP
We are always looking for people who want to be a part of Sunday morning worship. If you would like to be liturgist at either the 8:30 or 10:30 service (or both) just click the following link. You will receive email confirmation of the date and the office will email all the reading a couple days before. It's a wonderful way to serve.
SIGN UP HERE
I think I'm still buoyed by the fabulous Sunday we shared last week. Our Palm Pageant was exciting, as always. Singing "Hosanna" with our kids was so much fun. The music was SO rich in our 10:30 worship, and the story of Christ's Passion so powerful. It felt so good to share at the Communion table, remembering the depth of God's love.
The stories from this Holy Week are rich in details. They recount the story of the brokenness of the world, and God's self-giving response of love.
The story for this Easter Sunday starts with the flip side: with the life-giving healing love of Resurrection. What remains is our response: We get to be the ending to the story.
I pray that you will feel the power of God's love, which answers the violence and hate of this world with unthinkable love. In Christ's resurrection, God declares a power even stronger, and a love that cannot die. May we be ready to live lives that claim this power, and that proclaim amazing love for this world.
Grace and peace,
Pastor Molly
I will be away from the office after Easter, until April 16, on vacation with my family; the office will be closed on Monday the 6th, but open after, and can connect with another pastor if you are in need. I will look forward to seeing you after my vacation!
Contact Info
Pastor Molly Vetter
PastorMolly@BeachFaith.com
310-372-8445 x 102
Join us for Sunrise Worship at 6:30am at Torrance Beach, with Riviera UMC. Rev. Mark Sturgess will be preaching, and young people from our church will lead the music as we will share the beauty of Easter morning as the sunrises on the Pacific Ocean.
At 8:30, we will host our Casual Worship in Epworth Lounge, including Communion. Rev. Molly Vetter will share a special message for the day.
At 9:45, our Children's Ministry will host an Easter Egg Hunt on the church lawn. We will have Jamba Juice smoothies available, as a fundraiser in support of Imagine No Malaria.
At 10:30, we gather in festive intergenerational worship in the sanctuary, with choir, brass ensemble, organ and band. We celebrate that "Christ the Lord is Risen Today," and sing a special "Hallelujah Chorus" to send out into the joy of the day.
These worship services are a great time to invite friends and neighbors to our church! Help us spread the word...
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.
Maundy Thursday Worship TONIGHT! at Riviera UMC
You are invited to join our neighbor congregation, Riviera UMC (375 Palos Verdes Blvd) for a Maundy Thursday simple meal and worship. Pastor Molly and members of our Choir will participate, as well.
The meal begins at 6:30, in their Fellowship Hall; worship will begin in the Hall and move upstairs.
A Story to Tell
Our Lenten small groups are ending their series, and there are just a few more days for journaling your stories. But the work of story-telling is just begun, as we spread the good news of God's work in our lives.
Our youth group asked several people in the church to tell us their stories. You can see more of how God has worked in some of the lives of our congregation--we've shared pieces from these videos in worship. Watch more of them here.
Church T-Shirts!
We have new church T-Shirts! They will be available April 19th. The youth group is selling them to help raise funds for our Baja Trip!
Men's shirts and women's shirts (Yes! They're REAL women's T-Shirts) are different colors! We also have a church hoodie!
T-Shirt Price: $20 Hoodie Price: $35
Guest Preacher: Reverend Nicole Reilley
Next Sunday, April 12, we are pleased to welcome Rev. Nicole Reilley as guest preacher. Rev. Nicole is the Director of New Ministries for our California-Pacific Annual Conference, and a part of our congregation. She also served as Interim Pastor here in 2012. We're always glad to have Rev. Nicole and her husband, Jeff, as part of our congregation, and are pleased to welcome her back to the pulpit!
Rev. Nicole will be preaching on the story of Doubting Thomas, on "Why Doubt is Part of My Faith."
Tuesdays from 3:45-4:45pm
Preschool-Kindergarten
Tuesdays from 5:00-6:00pm
1st & 2nd Grade (6-8 year olds)
For more info/registration click here
The Lay Looker with Bob Peterson
"Allow me to speak a bit about my personal life this Easter week. My son, Grandson and I were able to spend six days in Washington D.C. and returned Monday 3-30-15 about midnight. Therefore I missed our church Palm Sunday and the experience of the procession of the donkey in our sanctuary. In the past I have heard comments like, "What child wouldn't love a Sunday School that has Jesus on a donkey come into the church and talking about the experience?"
Meanwhile, I was treated to an excellent performance of Bach's St. John Passion on Palm Sunday at our Washington National Cathedral. The huge crowd showed its approval with a..."
Read the rest of Bob's recent Lay Looker columns on our website by clicking here.
"The Handshake of Friendship" by Bob Peterson
Last Sunday's pot-luck luncheon immediately following worship was great. No person ever brings something for the meal that isn't good. If you missed it, make plans now for the next one in April for the fellowship is as great as the food. Watch the church calendar for the date.
Our very busy Lay Leader, Johnna Kosnoff reports that the church Informational Guide which is designed for new visitors and guests has been revised and up-dated. She should know because it was her project along with Pastor Molly and Ernie Valenzuela. She suggests newcomers to take a copy and learn about our church and its various programs. There are copies outside the sanctuary doors on both the North and South entrances and in the office. She wants ushers and greeters to direct newcomers to take a copy home. However I have been looking this 2015 edition over and feel that many of us could learn about several facets of our church that we need to know. There is a brief one page history of our church that you would appreciate reading as well as lots of details about various groups. Pick up a copy and see if you don't like everything we do to make the church important, to improve our journey of faith and to get to know one another better. Thank you, Johnna, for this important work.
When I see ushers, greeters, liturgists, musicians teachers and others doing their jobs each Sunday I try to remember to thank them, and it would be nice for you to do that as well. Pastor Molly Vetter is much appreciated each Sunday for her meaningful sermons and leadership, and these others try to help make the entire package one of welcoming and try to exhibit a sense of Christian Fellowship that shows a love of our neighbors and, hopefully to strangers in our midst.
With Easter around the corner, visitors will be more abundant so step forward, offer the handshake of friendship and let the world know we are pleased to make a new acquaintance.
From the Lay Leader, Johnna Kosnoff
bi-weekly thoughts and reflections from our church Lay LeaderRead Johnna's recent "From the Lay Leader" column on our website by clicking here.
IT'S TIME TO PLAY BALL, or at least practice!!
It's official! Our softball team will be part of the Torrance Spring/Summer League beginning in May. Games will be played at Wilson Park on Sundays and start between6:00pm and 8:00pm.
"Like" their Facebook page to get game updates and see photos.
For those of you who have signed up to play, our next practice will beSunday, April 19th at 5:00 at
La Romeria Park, 19501 Inglewood Avenue, Torrance, CA 90503.
There will be a final practice on April 26th, but it will be at a different location. Please feel free to contact Troy Thomas if you have any questions.
Bible Study in Health Chapel
9:30-10:15am, Beginning April 12
Our regular, adult Sunday School class resumes on April 12. The class is a Bible Study and discussion. Led by Helen Stockwell.
VBS June 22-26
It takes a large team to make each year successful - Will you come and join in the fun? Register online and let us know what your interests/talents are!
Volunteer Planning Meeting for Lead Team:
April 19th @ 11:30am
Training and Prep Meeting: June 7th @ 11:30am
Contact Katherine for more info: children@beachfaith.com
Potluck Lunches this Spring
Be with us for these special times of food and fellowship and intergenerational sharing.
Please join us for the next mid-month potluck lunches this Spring, on April 19 & May 17! These Potlucks will be on Sunday, following the 10:30 worship services--everyone's welcome, just bring a dish or dessert to share.
17 people have signed up to go so far from our church!
Our costs are $6375. We've already raise about a third of that, and we're still trying to raise $2812.
Please consider donating! Donations can be made to the church, and then write "Baja trip" in the memo line.
Check out our page on the church website for more info!
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Update from Baja:
You may have seen news of the farmworkers strike in Baja--these workers are the people we will work with this summer. As we send this, Stephen Hale is visiting the area with other leaders from Baja Mission Ministries--making arrangements for the summer trip, and helping provide food relief for the workers as they negotiate for a more just wage and working conditions. Our prayers are with Stephen and the leaders, the farmworkers and their families, and the companies that employ them.
BOOK CLUB FORMING....
CALLING ALL READERS. This spring, our youth will be visiting Homeboy Industries as part of the Sierra Service Project Weekend. They will also be reading Tattoos on the Heart by Father Greg Boyle. Anyone interested in discussing this transforming book about God's love and work in the community is invited to join Ann Gallagher and Laura Thatcher for an evening of lively discussion and fellowship. This first Book Club gathering will be on Thursday, May 21, in the church May Day Parlor at 7 pm. Hope to see you. Any questions? Call or email Ann at310-371-8379 mdgapg@verizonnet or Laura (310) 686-370larzlaw@gmail.com
In Resurrection, Jesus makes a home for us that's something new, wild and different. It's home where we're loved unconditionally, where we become family with unlikely people, and a "home" that isn't restricted to any one place.
Pastor Molly begins a new sermon series on April 19, as we explore what it means to find a home in God.
BeachFaith Kids: Summer Programs
(Click the titles to register)
Age 3-8th grade
LIMITED SPACE AVAILABLE FOR PRESCHOOL!
June 22-26th, 9am-12:15pm
--Volunteers needed for VBS--see above!--
Age 3-6th Grade
LIMITED SPACE AVAILABLE FOR PRESCHOOL!
July 27th-August 7th
Production on Sunday, Aug. 9th
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 headings for links for more information
Pageant of Our Lord - Rolling Hills Covenant Church, through Easter.
"The Last Supper:" A Sanctuary Drama
Manhattan Beach Community Church - April 2nd and 3rd at 7:30pm
CalPac Summer Camps 2015: "Living in the Spirit" Sign up now--discounts for early registration.
41st Annual Long Beach Bach Festival
Now thru April 12, 2015
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...
Church office closed Monday, 4/6
UMW Board Meeting- Monday, 4/6 at 7pm in May Day Parlor
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 NurseryCoordinator: Adriana Hwang
Children's Ministry (Preschool- 3rd Grade):
9:45am: Easter Egg Hunt! BYOB (Bring Your Own Basket)
10:30am: Join Pastor Molly and Katherine in Church for Worship and a special Children's Message.
Church R Us (4th and 5th grade):
9:45am:
Easter Egg Hunt! BYOB (Bring Your Own Basket)
10:30am: Join Pastor Molly and Katherine in Church for Worship and a special Children's Message.
Youth Group (6th-12th grade):
-Dead Sea Scrolls: Youth. Seriously. Go to this class! It'll be super interesting! We are participating in the trip to California Science Center for youth group April 26th! Click here for more details.
-Youth Group This Week: CANCELLED! It's Easter! Go be with your families!
-Middle School Sunday School? Nope! We meet next April 19th.
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Men's Breakfast:
Our next breakfast is Monday, April 6, 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 South Broadway Street
Redondo Beach, California 90277 United States
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