| First United Methodist of Redondo Beach |
Weekly News
|
Thursday, May 7, 2015
|
Sunday, May 10
Pastor Molly, preaching
8:30am in the Epworth Lounge
9:30am Adult Sunday School in Heath Chapel
10:30am in the Sanctuary
Sunday's Sermon & Scripture:
"Residing in Love"
Acts 10:44-48 & John 15: 9-17
Lectionary Readings:
(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)
Acts 10:44-48
Psalm 98
1 John 5:1-6
John 15:9-17
Lectiionary Texts:
Acts 10:44 Kefa was still saying these things when the Ruach HaKodesh fell on all who were hearing the message. 45 All the believers from the Circumcision faction who had accompanied Kefa were amazed that the gift of the Ruach HaKodesh was also being poured out 46 on the Goyim, for they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God. Kefa’s response was, 47 “Is anyone prepared to prohibit these people from being immersed in water? After all, they have received the Ruach HaKodesh, just as we did.” 48 And he ordered that they be immersed in the name of Yeshua the Messiah. Then they asked Kefa to stay on with them for a few days.
Psalm 98: (0) A psalm:
(1) Sing a new song to Adonai,
because he has done wonders.
His right hand, his holy arm
have won him victory.
2 Adonai has made known his victory;
revealed his vindication in full view of the nations,
3 remembered his grace and faithfulness
to the house of Isra’el.
All the ends of the earth have seen
the victory of our God.
4 Shout for joy to Adonai, all the earth!
Break forth, sing for joy, sing praises!
5 Sing praises to Adonai with the lyre,
with the lyre and melodious music!
6 With trumpets and the sound of the shofar,
shout for joy before the king, Adonai!
7 Let the sea roar, and everything in it;
the world, and those living in it.
8 Let the floods clap their hands;
let the mountains sing together for joy
9 before Adonai, for he has come to judge the earth;
he will judge the world rightly and the peoples fairly.
1 John 5:1 Everyone who believes that Yeshua is the Messiah has God as his father, and everyone who loves a father loves his offspring too. 2 Here is how we know that we love God’s children: when we love God, we also do what he commands. 3 For loving God means obeying his commands. Moreover, his commands are not burdensome, 4 because everything which has God as its Father overcomes the world. And this is what victoriously overcomes the world: our trust. 5 Who does overcome the world if not the person who believes that Yeshua is the Son of God?
6 He is the one who came by means of water and blood, Yeshua the Messiah — not with water only, but with the water and the blood. And the Spirit bears witness, because the Spirit is the truth.
John 15:9 “Just as my Father has loved me, I too have loved you; so stay in my love. 10 If you keep my commands, you will stay in my love — just as I have kept my Father’s commands and stay in his love. 11 I have said this to you so that my joy may be in you, and your joy be complete.
12 “This is my command: that you keep on loving each other just as I have loved you. 13 No one has greater love than a person who lays down his life for his friends. 14 You are my friends, if you do what I command you. 15 I no longer call you slaves, because a slave doesn’t know what his master is about; but I have called you friends, because everything I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. 16 You did not choose me, I chose you; and I have commissioned you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last; so that whatever you ask from the Father in my name he may give you. 17 This is what I command you: keep loving each other!
(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)
Acts 10:44-48
Psalm 98
1 John 5:1-6
John 15:9-17
Lectiionary Texts:
Acts 10:44 Kefa was still saying these things when the Ruach HaKodesh fell on all who were hearing the message. 45 All the believers from the Circumcision faction who had accompanied Kefa were amazed that the gift of the Ruach HaKodesh was also being poured out 46 on the Goyim, for they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God. Kefa’s response was, 47 “Is anyone prepared to prohibit these people from being immersed in water? After all, they have received the Ruach HaKodesh, just as we did.” 48 And he ordered that they be immersed in the name of Yeshua the Messiah. Then they asked Kefa to stay on with them for a few days.
Psalm 98: (0) A psalm:
(1) Sing a new song to Adonai,
because he has done wonders.
His right hand, his holy arm
have won him victory.
2 Adonai has made known his victory;
revealed his vindication in full view of the nations,
3 remembered his grace and faithfulness
to the house of Isra’el.
All the ends of the earth have seen
the victory of our God.
4 Shout for joy to Adonai, all the earth!
Break forth, sing for joy, sing praises!
5 Sing praises to Adonai with the lyre,
with the lyre and melodious music!
6 With trumpets and the sound of the shofar,
shout for joy before the king, Adonai!
7 Let the sea roar, and everything in it;
the world, and those living in it.
8 Let the floods clap their hands;
let the mountains sing together for joy
9 before Adonai, for he has come to judge the earth;
he will judge the world rightly and the peoples fairly.
1 John 5:1 Everyone who believes that Yeshua is the Messiah has God as his father, and everyone who loves a father loves his offspring too. 2 Here is how we know that we love God’s children: when we love God, we also do what he commands. 3 For loving God means obeying his commands. Moreover, his commands are not burdensome, 4 because everything which has God as its Father overcomes the world. And this is what victoriously overcomes the world: our trust. 5 Who does overcome the world if not the person who believes that Yeshua is the Son of God?
6 He is the one who came by means of water and blood, Yeshua the Messiah — not with water only, but with the water and the blood. And the Spirit bears witness, because the Spirit is the truth.
John 15:9 “Just as my Father has loved me, I too have loved you; so stay in my love. 10 If you keep my commands, you will stay in my love — just as I have kept my Father’s commands and stay in his love. 11 I have said this to you so that my joy may be in you, and your joy be complete.
12 “This is my command: that you keep on loving each other just as I have loved you. 13 No one has greater love than a person who lays down his life for his friends. 14 You are my friends, if you do what I command you. 15 I no longer call you slaves, because a slave doesn’t know what his master is about; but I have called you friends, because everything I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. 16 You did not choose me, I chose you; and I have commissioned you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last; so that whatever you ask from the Father in my name he may give you. 17 This is what I command you: keep loving each other!
John Wesley's Notes-commentary for
Acts 10:44-48
Verse 44
[44] While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.
The Holy Ghost fell on all that were hearing the word — Thus were they consecrated to God, as the first fruits of the Gentiles. And thus did God give a clear and satisfactory evidence, that he had accepted them as well as the Jews.
Verse 45
[45] And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.
The believers of the circumcision — The believing Jews.
Verse 47
[47] Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?
Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, who have received the Holy Ghost? — He does not say they have the baptism of the Spirit; therefore they do not need baptism with water. But just the contrary: if they have received the Spirit, then baptize them with water. How easily is this question decided, if we will take the word of God for our rule! Either men have received the Holy Ghost or not. If they have not, Repent, saith God, and be baptized, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. If they have, if they are already baptized with the Holy Ghost, then who can forbid water?
Verse 48
[48] And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.
In the name of the Lord — Which implies the Father who anointed him, and the Spirit with which he was anointed to his office. But as the Gentiles had before believed in God the Father, and could not but now believe in the Holy Ghost, under whose powerful influence they were at this very time, there was the less need of taking notice, that they were baptized into the belief and profession of the sacred Three: though doubtless the apostle administered the ordinances in that very form which Christ himself had prescribed.
Psalm 98
Verse 2
[2] The LORD hath made known his salvation: his righteousness hath he openly shewed in the sight of the heathen.
Salvation — The redemption of the world by the Messiah: which was hitherto reserved was a secret among the Jews, yea was not throughly known by the most of the Jews themselves.
Righteousness — His faithfulness in accomplishing this great promise.
1 John 5:1-6
Verse 1
[1] Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him.
The scope and sum of this whole paragraph appears from the conclusion of it, 1 John 5:13: "These things have I written to you who believe, that ye may know that ye who believe have eternal life." So faith is the first and last point with St. John also.
Every one who loveth — God that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him - Hath a natural affection to all his brethren.
Verse 2
[2] By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments.
Hereby we know — This is a plain proof.
That we love the children of God — As his children.
Verse 3
[3] For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.
For this is the love of God — The only sure proof of it.
That we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous — To any that are born of God.
Verse 4
[4] For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.
For whatsoever — This expression implies the most unlimited universality.
Is born of God overcometh the world — Conquers whatever it can lay in the way, either to allure or fright the children of God from keeping his commandments.
And this is the victory — The grand means of overcoming.
Even our faith — Seeing all things are possible to him that believeth.
Verse 5
[5] Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?
Who is he that overcometh the world — That is superior to all worldly care, desire, fear? Every believer, and none else. The seventh verse 1 John 5:7 (usually so reckoned) is a brief recapitulation of all which has been before advanced concerning the Father, the Son, and the Spirit. It is cited, in conjunction with the sixth and eighth, 1 John 5:6,8 by Tertullian, Cyprian, and an uninterrupted train of Fathers. And, indeed, what the sun is in the world, what the heart is in a man, what the needle is in the mariner's compass, this verse is in the epistle. By this the sixth, eighth, and ninth verses 1 John 5:6,8,9 are indissolubly connected; as will be evident, beyond all contradiction, when they are accurately considered.
Verse 6
[6] This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth.
This is he — St. John here shows the immovable foundation of that faith that Jesus is the Son of God; not only the testimony of man, but the firm, indubitable testimony of God.
Who came — Jesus is he of whom it was promised that he should come; and who accordingly, is come. And this the Spirit, and the water, and the blood testify.
Even Jesus — Who, coming by water and blood, is by this very thing demonstrated to be the Christ.
Not by the water only — Wherein he was baptized.
But by the water and the blood — Which he shed when he had finished the work his Father had given him to do. He not only undertook at his baptism "to fulfil all righteousness," but on the cross accomplished what he had undertaken; in token whereof, when all was finished, blood and water came out of his side. And it is the Spirit who likewise testifieth - Of Jesus Christ, namely, by Moses and all the prophets, by John the Baptist, by all the apostles, and in all the writings of the New Testament. And against his testimony there can be no exception, because the Spirit is truth - The very God of truth.
John 15:9-17
Verse 9
[9] As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.
Abide ye in my love — Keep your place in my affection. See that ye do not forfeit that invaluable blessing. How needless a caution, if it were impossible for them not to abide therein?
Verse 10
[10] If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.
If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love — On these terms, and no other, ye shall remain the objects of my special affection.
Verse 11
[11] These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.
That my joy might remain in you — The same joy which I feel in loving the Father, and keeping his commandments.
Verse 12
[12] This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.
Your joy will be full, if ye so love one another.
Verse 13
[13] Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
Greater love — To his friends. He here speaks of them only.
Verse 14
[14] Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.
Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you — On this condition, not otherwise. A thunderbolt for Antinomianism! Who then dares assert that God's love does not at all depend on man's works?
Verse 15
[15] Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.
All things — Which might be of service to you.
Verse 16
[16] Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.
Ye — My apostles, have not chosen me, but I have chosen you - As clearly appears from the sacred history: and appointed you, that ye may go and bear fruit - I have chosen and appointed you for this end, that ye may go and convert sinners: and that your fruit may remain - That the fruit of your labours may remain to the end of the world; yea, to eternity; that whatsoever ye shall ask - The consequence of your going and bearing fruit will be, that all your prayers will he heard.
Acts 10:44-48
Verse 44
[44] While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.
The Holy Ghost fell on all that were hearing the word — Thus were they consecrated to God, as the first fruits of the Gentiles. And thus did God give a clear and satisfactory evidence, that he had accepted them as well as the Jews.
Verse 45
[45] And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.
The believers of the circumcision — The believing Jews.
Verse 47
[47] Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?
Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, who have received the Holy Ghost? — He does not say they have the baptism of the Spirit; therefore they do not need baptism with water. But just the contrary: if they have received the Spirit, then baptize them with water. How easily is this question decided, if we will take the word of God for our rule! Either men have received the Holy Ghost or not. If they have not, Repent, saith God, and be baptized, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. If they have, if they are already baptized with the Holy Ghost, then who can forbid water?
Verse 48
[48] And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.
In the name of the Lord — Which implies the Father who anointed him, and the Spirit with which he was anointed to his office. But as the Gentiles had before believed in God the Father, and could not but now believe in the Holy Ghost, under whose powerful influence they were at this very time, there was the less need of taking notice, that they were baptized into the belief and profession of the sacred Three: though doubtless the apostle administered the ordinances in that very form which Christ himself had prescribed.
Psalm 98
Verse 2
[2] The LORD hath made known his salvation: his righteousness hath he openly shewed in the sight of the heathen.
Salvation — The redemption of the world by the Messiah: which was hitherto reserved was a secret among the Jews, yea was not throughly known by the most of the Jews themselves.
Righteousness — His faithfulness in accomplishing this great promise.
1 John 5:1-6
Verse 1
[1] Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him.
The scope and sum of this whole paragraph appears from the conclusion of it, 1 John 5:13: "These things have I written to you who believe, that ye may know that ye who believe have eternal life." So faith is the first and last point with St. John also.
Every one who loveth — God that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him - Hath a natural affection to all his brethren.
Verse 2
[2] By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments.
Hereby we know — This is a plain proof.
That we love the children of God — As his children.
Verse 3
[3] For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.
For this is the love of God — The only sure proof of it.
That we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous — To any that are born of God.
Verse 4
[4] For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.
For whatsoever — This expression implies the most unlimited universality.
Is born of God overcometh the world — Conquers whatever it can lay in the way, either to allure or fright the children of God from keeping his commandments.
And this is the victory — The grand means of overcoming.
Even our faith — Seeing all things are possible to him that believeth.
Verse 5
[5] Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?
Who is he that overcometh the world — That is superior to all worldly care, desire, fear? Every believer, and none else. The seventh verse 1 John 5:7 (usually so reckoned) is a brief recapitulation of all which has been before advanced concerning the Father, the Son, and the Spirit. It is cited, in conjunction with the sixth and eighth, 1 John 5:6,8 by Tertullian, Cyprian, and an uninterrupted train of Fathers. And, indeed, what the sun is in the world, what the heart is in a man, what the needle is in the mariner's compass, this verse is in the epistle. By this the sixth, eighth, and ninth verses 1 John 5:6,8,9 are indissolubly connected; as will be evident, beyond all contradiction, when they are accurately considered.
Verse 6
[6] This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth.
This is he — St. John here shows the immovable foundation of that faith that Jesus is the Son of God; not only the testimony of man, but the firm, indubitable testimony of God.
Who came — Jesus is he of whom it was promised that he should come; and who accordingly, is come. And this the Spirit, and the water, and the blood testify.
Even Jesus — Who, coming by water and blood, is by this very thing demonstrated to be the Christ.
Not by the water only — Wherein he was baptized.
But by the water and the blood — Which he shed when he had finished the work his Father had given him to do. He not only undertook at his baptism "to fulfil all righteousness," but on the cross accomplished what he had undertaken; in token whereof, when all was finished, blood and water came out of his side. And it is the Spirit who likewise testifieth - Of Jesus Christ, namely, by Moses and all the prophets, by John the Baptist, by all the apostles, and in all the writings of the New Testament. And against his testimony there can be no exception, because the Spirit is truth - The very God of truth.
John 15:9-17
Verse 9
[9] As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.
Abide ye in my love — Keep your place in my affection. See that ye do not forfeit that invaluable blessing. How needless a caution, if it were impossible for them not to abide therein?
Verse 10
[10] If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.
If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love — On these terms, and no other, ye shall remain the objects of my special affection.
Verse 11
[11] These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.
That my joy might remain in you — The same joy which I feel in loving the Father, and keeping his commandments.
Verse 12
[12] This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.
Your joy will be full, if ye so love one another.
Verse 13
[13] Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
Greater love — To his friends. He here speaks of them only.
Verse 14
[14] Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.
Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you — On this condition, not otherwise. A thunderbolt for Antinomianism! Who then dares assert that God's love does not at all depend on man's works?
Verse 15
[15] Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.
All things — Which might be of service to you.
Verse 16
[16] Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.
Ye — My apostles, have not chosen me, but I have chosen you - As clearly appears from the sacred history: and appointed you, that ye may go and bear fruit - I have chosen and appointed you for this end, that ye may go and convert sinners: and that your fruit may remain - That the fruit of your labours may remain to the end of the world; yea, to eternity; that whatsoever ye shall ask - The consequence of your going and bearing fruit will be, that all your prayers will he heard.
_________________________________
Upper Room Ministries, a ministry of Discipleship Ministries
PO Box 340004
Nashville, Tennessee 37203-0004 United States
___________________________________
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Sermon Story "Friends Bearing Fruit" by Gary Lee Parker for Sunday, 10 May 2015 with Scripture: John 15:9 “Just as my Father has loved me, I too have loved you; so stay in my love. 10 If you keep my commands, you will stay in my love — just as I have kept my Father’s commands and stay in his love. 11 I have said this to you so that my joy may be in you, and your joy be complete.
12 “This is my command: that you keep on loving each other just as I have loved you. 13 No one has greater love than a person who lays down his life for his friends. 14 You are my friends, if you do what I command you. 15 I no longer call you slaves, because a slave doesn’t know what his master is about; but I have called you friends, because everything I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. 16 You did not choose me, I chose you; and I have commissioned you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last; so that whatever you ask from the Father in my name he may give you. 17 This is what I command you: keep loving each other!
As we have read the Scripture passage, but especially the Gospel, we read about the fruit of the Spirit. We have talked about the furuits that come with be a follower of Jesus, but there is one that is predominent over all the others. This fruit is Love. Jesus Says that we bear fruit of Love, but too often we overlook this fruit. We look at other gifts that bring praise to God, yes, but brings praise of people. Love is an effort to bring peace to the community we live in at all costs to our own personal agendas to bring us the ful credit or credit at all. How do you seek this gift of love? Will you seek to love enemies as well as friends and reltives? We come to remember the love God displayed in the death and shedding of Jesus blood as we come to eat the Body of Jesus and drink His blood as we partake in the Holy Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist singing the Hymn " They'll Know We Are Christians"
12 “This is my command: that you keep on loving each other just as I have loved you. 13 No one has greater love than a person who lays down his life for his friends. 14 You are my friends, if you do what I command you. 15 I no longer call you slaves, because a slave doesn’t know what his master is about; but I have called you friends, because everything I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. 16 You did not choose me, I chose you; and I have commissioned you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last; so that whatever you ask from the Father in my name he may give you. 17 This is what I command you: keep loving each other!
As we have read the Scripture passage, but especially the Gospel, we read about the fruit of the Spirit. We have talked about the furuits that come with be a follower of Jesus, but there is one that is predominent over all the others. This fruit is Love. Jesus Says that we bear fruit of Love, but too often we overlook this fruit. We look at other gifts that bring praise to God, yes, but brings praise of people. Love is an effort to bring peace to the community we live in at all costs to our own personal agendas to bring us the ful credit or credit at all. How do you seek this gift of love? Will you seek to love enemies as well as friends and reltives? We come to remember the love God displayed in the death and shedding of Jesus blood as we come to eat the Body of Jesus and drink His blood as we partake in the Holy Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist singing the Hymn " They'll Know We Are Christians"
We are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord
We are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord
And we pray that all unity may one day be restored
And they'll know we are Christians by our love, by our love
They will know we are Christians by our love
We will work with each other, we will work side by side
We will work with each other, we will work side by side
And we'll guard each one's dignity and save each one's pride
And they'll know we are Christians by our love, by our love
They will know we are Christians by our love
By our love, by our love
And they'll know we are Christians by our love, by our love
They will know we are Christians by our love
We will walk with each other, we will walk hand in hand
We will walk with each other, we will walk hand in hand
And together we'll spread the news that God is in our land
And they'll know we are Christians by our love, by our love
They will know we are Christians by our love
By our love, by our love
And they'll know we are Christians by our love, by our love
They will know we are Christians by our love
Love is patient, love is kind
Never boasts, not full of pride
Always hopes, always trusts
The evidence of Christ in us
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Gary Lee Parker
4147 Idaho Street, Apt. 1
San Diego, California 92104-1844, United States
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In This Issue____________________________
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A Day of Prayer
Today is the National Day of Prayer--a day for joining people of faith throughout our country, to pray for our nation and our leaders. Prayer is powerful, both because it makes a difference for those for whom we pray, and because it makes a difference for us.
A friend described it like this: taking time in prayer is a bit like learning to tune into God's radio frequency--it makes you more ready to hear what God will have to say. Or maybe, if you don't listen to the radio anymore, there are fresh metaphors. In a world of smart phone apps, regular prayer changes your notification settings, so that the nudges, promptings and messages from God show up more clearly.
Join me in taking time for prayer today, for your own faithfulness, for our church, for our nation and our world. I invite you to try a new form of prayer--or one that is different from what you do normally. Read about several ways to pray here, or ask someone whose faithfulness inspires you how they pray (and try that).
Grace and peace,
Pastor Molly
Contact Info
Pastor Molly Vetter
PastorMolly@BeachFaith.com
310-372-8445 x 102
Sermon Series: A Place to Call Home
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 began a new sermon series on April 19, exploring what it means to find a home in God.
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.
This Mother's Day (May 10), we will honor mothers in a special way:
with a gift to support disaster relief work in Nepal.
So, instead of giving out flowers in honor of our mothers this Sunday at our8:30 and 10:30 worship services, we will have simple flower stickers to give. We'll send the money we would have spent on flowers to UMCOR, the United Methodist Committee on Relief, for their disaster relief work in Nepal, following the recent earthquake. Go to our website and learn how you can give.
A New Way to Connect with your Church Family!
Our church is now using an online, cloud-based system for keeping our records. As a part of this system, members and regular attenders of the church can be invited to log on, where you can find an always-updated church directory, access to information about church groups and committees, and easy options for electronic giving. It's accessible from smart phones, tablets or computers.
Our children and youth departments are switching to this system for keeping all of our registration info--including emergency contact info and health information that we need for events and trips.
You have likely already received an invitation to join Realm--let us know if you need another email reminder, so you can follow the link and log on!
From the Lay Leader, Johnna Kosnoff
bi-weekly thoughts and reflections from our church LayLeader
Somewhere This Morning
"I came across this Gathering Call and at first I found it a little humorous. When I read it a second time, I found it sobering. As we prepare to honor mothers this Sunday, I want to share parts of it with you.
Somewhere this morning, mothers are awakening and saying: "Good morning, Lord. Thank you for another day!"
Somewhere this morning, mothers are awakening and saying: "Oh Lord, not another day."
Somewhere this morning, mothers are awakening and saying: "Oh Lord, order my steps this day."
Somewhere this morning, mothers are awakening and saying: "Oh Lord, will I make it through this day?"
Somewhere this morning, mothers are awakening on the other side of glory and saying: "Oh Lord, we knew you didn't bring us this far to leave us. Thank you, Lord, for eternal life!"
Being a mother can be both joyful and heart breaking. We give so much of ourselves to others. When things go well, our hearts are full of joy; but, when things are not going well..."
"Come, Holy Spirit" by Johnna Kosnoff
Sunday is Pentecost and I hear it’s celebrated big around here – with canons and red streamers and, even, bright red suits. So, remember to wear your red and orange this Sunday in honor of the Holy Spirit. Christians celebrate Pentecost on the seventh Sunday after Easter. I’m sure you’ve heard the story from Acts 2 (if not, you’ll probably hear it Sunday morning) of when a sound came from heaven and tongues of fire rested on each of the disciples and they began to speak in tongues as directed by the Spirit. It’s a pretty cool story.
Some say Jews celebrated Pentecost long before Christians because they annually celebrated the Feast of the Tabernacles (Sukkot), one of their major pilgrimage festivals, on this same day. This feast was also known as the “Firstfruits of the Wheat Harvest,” and “Day of First-Fruits” and it was celebrated 50 days after the Sabbath of Passover. (Pentecost comes from a Greek word that means “fifty.”) It was a holiday that required people take the day off and travel to Jerusalem in order to bring the first fruits of their harvest to the temple for God. I’m sure they brought them with hearts of thanksgiving as well as hope that God would bless the rest of their harvest. The streets of Jerusalem were probably full of people celebrating this special time.
I like the connection of Jews giving thanks for their first fruits of Harvest with todays Christians giving thanks for the arrival of the Holy Spirit because this arrival marked the “first fruits” of the Christian church. Once the believers were baptized with one Spirit, they considered themselves to be one body and they began the all-important work of going to all nations and making disciples of Jesus Christ, just as we are called to do today. It’s even part of our UMC mission statement.
I’ll be in the Mid-west this Sunday so, again, I miss the fun tradition of honoring the Spirit with canons. However, I’ll wear red on this day and give thanks for you and the Spirit of God that makes us one.
Read the rest of Johnna's recent "From the Lay Leader" column on our website by clicking here.
The Lay Looker, Bob Peterson
a view from the pew from a longtime member of our church
Read Bob's recent Lay Looker columns on our website by clicking here.
BeachFaith Kids: Summer Programs
(Click the titles to register)
Vacation Bible School
Age 3-8th grade
Please sign up early!
June 22-26th, 9am-12:15pm
--Volunteers needed for VBS
BeachFaith Theatre Arts Camp
Age 3-6th Grade
Spaces filling up fast!
July 27th-August 7th
Production of "Disney's 101 Dalmatians Kids"
on Sunday, Aug. 9th 12noon
Volunteers Needed:
VBS June 22-26
It takes a large team to make each year successful - Will you come and join the fun? (SENIOR HIGH YOUTH!- We need your leadership!)
Register online & let us know what your interests/talents are!
Training and Prep Meeting:
Come and help us decorate all the rooms!
Saturday, June 20 @ 9am
Contact Katherine for more info: children@beachfaith.com
Items we are collecting for Vacation Bible School:
scooters pogo sticks skateboards helmets
kneepads old tires skates plastic hubcaps
cones road signs sports jerseys license plates
Mark your Calendar:
Potluck Lunch Sunday, May 17
Be with us for these special times of food and fellowship and intergenerational sharing. At the May potluck, we'll also be welcoming the new members who've joined our church this year--so come ready to learn more about people in our congregation!
These Potlucks will be on Sunday, following the 10:30 worship services--everyone's welcome, just bring a dish or dessert to share.
POSTPONED---All-Church Work Day
Saturday, May 16
Our Trustees are postponing the All-Church Work Day,
previously scheduled for Saturday, May 16. Stay tuned for the new date as there will be projects for people of all ages and abilities--as we volunteer to help keep our campus beautiful.
We are pleased to announce that we have elected a newChair of Trustees, Mark Elenbaas. Mark and the Board of Trustees are working at reorganizing some of the way we handle church maintenance projects, and would love to know of people who have willingness and skill in any kind of maintenance project, from painting to electrical work, from cleaning to carpentry. If you would be willing to lend a hand at this work, even occasionally, let us know!
Adelaide Stevens Harrington Memorial Service
Adelaide passed from this life on Monday, April 27, at home in Redondo Beach, CA; she was born on June 29, 1919 in Long Beach, CA. She is survived by her daughter, Lianna (Abdul Siddiqui), as well as five grandchildren and five great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ross; and son, Steven.
There will be a memorial service for Adelaide at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 16 at the church. There will be a private burial at another time, at Mt. View Memorial Park in Altadena, CA.
BOOK CLUB FORMING.... (date change)
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 28, 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
Quilt Ministry Workshop
Saturday, May 30; 9:30-11:30am
Join our quilt group for a May Quilt workshop on Saturday, May 30 at 9:30am in May Day Parlor.
We will learn to sew a new quilt block pattern, and work on ongoing projects. People of any skill level are welcome--even if you have no sewing experience.
If you are able to bring a portable sewing machine, scissors, rotary cutter & mat, those are always welcome; you do not have to bring anything to participate.
Church T-Shirts on Sale this Sunday!!
The youth group is selling our newly designed church t-shirts to them to help raise funds for their 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
Baja Mission 2015
18 people have signed up to go so far from our church!
Our costs are $6725. We've already raised about 3/4 of the total, and we're still trying to raise $1561.
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!
SOFTBALL TEAM!
Our softball team will begin their season in May at Wilson Park on Sundays and start between 6:00pm and 8:00pm.
"Like" their Facebook page to get game updates and see photos.
We are hoping for a good turn out. We have bats and balls and may even be able to scrape up a glove if you do not have one. Spectators are welcome too. Hope to see you there! Please feel free to contact Troy Thomas if you have any questions
Save the Date...
First UMC Redondo Beach Women's Spiritual Weekend Retreat
February 5 - 7, 2016
La Casa de Maria
Santa Barbara, California
More information to follow...
Altar Flowers 2015
Would you like to purchase altar flowers for the sanctuary for Sunday worship? 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
CalPac Summer Camps 2015: "Living in the Spirit"
Sign up now--discounts for early registration.
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...
Naomi Circle meeting: Tuesday, May 12 at 10am in Epworth Lounge
Hannah Circle meeting: Tuesday, May 12 at 7pm in May Day Parlor
Memorial Service for Adelaide Harrington: Saturday, May 16 at 2pm
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):
10:30am:
This week we will be learning about all the Mother's in the Bible. Come ready for a special lesson.
Church R Us (4th and 5th grade):
10:30am: This weeks bible story is "The Holy Spirit Comes Down". "Jesus wants everyone to follow him-that means you!" Acts 10:44-48,
What do you know about the Holy Spirit? Do you talk about it much at your church or in your family?
Youth Group (6th-12th grade):
-Youth Group This Week--Cancelled for Mother's Day!
-Youth Group Next Week-- Read chapter 2 of Tattoos on the Heart!
-Middle School Sunday School? Nope!! Next week we're continuing our series on The Fruit of the Spirit!
-Sarah & Ben's Baby Shower is Saturday, June 6th!
For more info on upcoming youth events, check our website!
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Men's Breakfast:
Our next breakfast is Monday, May 18, 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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