| First United Methodist of Redondo Beach |
Weekly News
|
Thursday, July 9, 2015
|
Sunday, July 12
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:
Isaiah 5:8-10
Isaiah 5:8 Woe to those who add house to house
and join field to field,
until there’s no room for anyone else,
and you live in splendor alone on your land.
9 Adonai-Tzva’ot said in my ears,
“Many houses will be brought to ruin,
large, magnificent ones left empty;
10 for a ten-acre vineyard will produce
only five gallons of wine,
and seed from five bushels of grain
will yield but half a bushel.”
John Wesley's Notes-Commentary for Isaiah 5:8-10
Verse 8
[8] Woe unto them that join house to house, that lay field to field, till there be no place, that they may be placed alone in the midst of the earth!
Alone — That they alone may be the lords and owners, and all others only their tenants and servants.
Verse 9
[9] In mine ears said the LORD of hosts, Of a truth many houses shall be desolate, even great and fair, without inhabitant.
In mine ears — I heard God speak what I am about to utter.
Verse 10
[10] Yea, ten acres of vineyard shall yield one bath, and the seed of an homer shall yield an ephah.
One bath — Of wine. The bath contained about eight gallons. Thus an acre did not yield one gallon.
An ephah — Which was of the same quantity with the bath, only the bath was the measure of liquid things, the ephah of dry things; and a ephah was the tenth part of an homer. So instead of the increase which that fruitful land commonly yielded, they should loose nine parts of their seed.Simple Summer Dinner Church - Thursdays from 6-8pm, at the home of Rev. Nicole Reilley and Jeff Luther
In This Issue
The Church office is regularly open from 9am - 4pm,
Monday to Thursday.
Adult Bible Study
The Pastor's Bible Study meets Thursdays at 11:00amin May Day Parlor.
_______________
Adult Sunday School:Bible Study in Health Chapel
9:30-10:15amThe class is a Bible Study and discussion. Led by Helen Stockwell.
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
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 by Darrell Uran.
Nina Dooley is the Chair of our Church Council.
Johnna Kosnoff is our Lay Leader.
READERS FOR SUNDAYWORSHIP & Morning Snack Hosts
We are always looking for people who want to be a part of Sunday morning worship & fellowship. If you would like to be liturgist at either the 8:30 or10:30 service (or both) just click the following link. On the same page, you may sign up to host morning snacks, too. It's a wonderful way to serve. You will receive email confirmation of the date and the office will email all the reading a couple days before.
SIGN UP HERE
Connecting the Dots
I imagine that many of you have seen "101 Dalmatians," though it might have been a few years; since the animated film came out in 1961, it's been enjoyed by generations of people, young and old.
The songs are catchy, the caricatures splendidly evil and relentlessly good, and the story has fun turns. But "101 Dalmatians" can be more than an amusing diversion; the story brings up big themes, too.
I must have first seen it as a child. Somehow, I never noticed that the villian's name is so thinly veiled: Cruella deVil. "That devil woman," as the dalmatians in the story call her. She embodies evil in all its selfish, materialistic splendor, and invites us to see just how ugly evil can look.
So this week, we begin a sermon series we're calling "Connecting the Dots," with big ideas taken from the storyline of this Disney film. As we connect the dots between this children's story and God's hopes for our lives, we'll have opportunities to explore greed and materialism, community, belonging and a whole lot more. I hope you'll join us for the ride!
During this month, there's an extra opportunity for worship: Rev. Nicole is hosting a Simple Summer Dinner Church at her home. If you miss a Sunday because of travels or conflicts, know that you are welcome there, to share in worship around the dinner table. (And, throughout the year, we put sermons on our website, where you can download them as a podcast or listen online!)
Grace and peace,
Pastor Molly
Please note: our Children's Ministry begins a 4-week Summer Sunday School program this week, during the "Connecting the Dots" sermon series, at 10:30am. Even if your kids are not planning to be a part of the BeachFaith Kids' Theatre Arts Camp, we hope they'll join us for these weeks to learn some of the songs and lessons from the show!
Contact Info
Pastor Molly Vetter
PastorMolly@BeachFaith.com
310-372-8445 x 102
New Summer Worship Opportunity continues TONIGHT:
Simple Summer Dinner Church
Thursdays in July, 6-8pm at the home of Rev. Nicole Reilley and Dr. Jeff Luther in RPV
If you missed Sunday, if you have a friend you'd like to introduce to a new style of worship, if you are looking to connect in a different way through participation, community and sharing your thoughts and questions...
Join us in a 5-week worship experiment this summer. Click thru to
[8] Woe unto them that join house to house, that lay field to field, till there be no place, that they may be placed alone in the midst of the earth!
Alone — That they alone may be the lords and owners, and all others only their tenants and servants.
Verse 9
[9] In mine ears said the LORD of hosts, Of a truth many houses shall be desolate, even great and fair, without inhabitant.
In mine ears — I heard God speak what I am about to utter.
Verse 10
[10] Yea, ten acres of vineyard shall yield one bath, and the seed of an homer shall yield an ephah.
One bath — Of wine. The bath contained about eight gallons. Thus an acre did not yield one gallon.
An ephah — Which was of the same quantity with the bath, only the bath was the measure of liquid things, the ephah of dry things; and a ephah was the tenth part of an homer. So instead of the increase which that fruitful land commonly yielded, they should loose nine parts of their seed.Simple Summer Dinner Church - Thursdays from 6-8pm, at the home of Rev. Nicole Reilley and Jeff Luther
In This Issue
- From the Lay Leader
- Book Club
- Softball
- Women's Retreat Weekend
- Altar Flowers
- Community Events
- Like us on Facebook
- This Week at Church...
- 20/30 Group
- www.beachfaith.org
The Church office is regularly open from 9am - 4pm,
Monday to Thursday.
Adult Bible Study
The Pastor's Bible Study meets Thursdays at 11:00amin May Day Parlor.
_______________
Adult Sunday School:Bible Study in Health Chapel
9:30-10:15amThe class is a Bible Study and discussion. Led by Helen Stockwell.
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
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 by Darrell Uran.
Nina Dooley is the Chair of our Church Council.
Johnna Kosnoff is our Lay Leader.
READERS FOR SUNDAYWORSHIP & Morning Snack Hosts
We are always looking for people who want to be a part of Sunday morning worship & fellowship. If you would like to be liturgist at either the 8:30 or10:30 service (or both) just click the following link. On the same page, you may sign up to host morning snacks, too. It's a wonderful way to serve. You will receive email confirmation of the date and the office will email all the reading a couple days before.
SIGN UP HERE
Connecting the Dots
I imagine that many of you have seen "101 Dalmatians," though it might have been a few years; since the animated film came out in 1961, it's been enjoyed by generations of people, young and old.
The songs are catchy, the caricatures splendidly evil and relentlessly good, and the story has fun turns. But "101 Dalmatians" can be more than an amusing diversion; the story brings up big themes, too.
I must have first seen it as a child. Somehow, I never noticed that the villian's name is so thinly veiled: Cruella deVil. "That devil woman," as the dalmatians in the story call her. She embodies evil in all its selfish, materialistic splendor, and invites us to see just how ugly evil can look.
So this week, we begin a sermon series we're calling "Connecting the Dots," with big ideas taken from the storyline of this Disney film. As we connect the dots between this children's story and God's hopes for our lives, we'll have opportunities to explore greed and materialism, community, belonging and a whole lot more. I hope you'll join us for the ride!
During this month, there's an extra opportunity for worship: Rev. Nicole is hosting a Simple Summer Dinner Church at her home. If you miss a Sunday because of travels or conflicts, know that you are welcome there, to share in worship around the dinner table. (And, throughout the year, we put sermons on our website, where you can download them as a podcast or listen online!)
Grace and peace,
Pastor Molly
Please note: our Children's Ministry begins a 4-week Summer Sunday School program this week, during the "Connecting the Dots" sermon series, at 10:30am. Even if your kids are not planning to be a part of the BeachFaith Kids' Theatre Arts Camp, we hope they'll join us for these weeks to learn some of the songs and lessons from the show!
Contact Info
Pastor Molly Vetter
PastorMolly@BeachFaith.com
310-372-8445 x 102
New Summer Worship Opportunity continues TONIGHT:
Simple Summer Dinner Church
Thursdays in July, 6-8pm at the home of Rev. Nicole Reilley and Dr. Jeff Luther in RPV
If you missed Sunday, if you have a friend you'd like to introduce to a new style of worship, if you are looking to connect in a different way through participation, community and sharing your thoughts and questions...
Join us in a 5-week worship experiment this summer. Click thru to
Parking Reminder: If you are able, we encourage you to park at the Wells Fargo bank on Sundaymornings, 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.
Connecting the Dots: a sermon series inspired by Disney's "101 Dalmatians," starting July 12.
In worship each Sunday at 8:30 and 10:30am.
Join us as we explore some big ideas, connected to this beloved movie (and it's tiny puppies...). Connect the dots as we look at Greed, Beauty, Community, Communication, Adoption and more.
This series is inspired by our BeachFaith Kids' Theatre Arts Camp and their production of "Disney's 101 Dalmatians Kids," on Sunday, August 9 after worship. During the series, we will have a special children's Sunday Schoolclass, connected to these same themes, during 10:30 worship.
Connecting the Dots: a sermon series inspired by Disney's "101 Dalmatians," starting July 12.
In worship each Sunday at 8:30 and 10:30am.
Join us as we explore some big ideas, connected to this beloved movie (and it's tiny puppies...). Connect the dots as we look at Greed, Beauty, Community, Communication, Adoption and more.
This series is inspired by our BeachFaith Kids' Theatre Arts Camp and their production of "Disney's 101 Dalmatians Kids," on Sunday, August 9 after worship. During the series, we will have a special children's Sunday Schoolclass, connected to these same themes, during 10:30 worship.
The Lay Looker, Bob Peterson
a view from the pew from a longtime member of our church
"The other day I attended the evening meeting of our church men and learned a bit about their bible study group. Their next meeting will be announced soon. Plan to attend.
I was astounded by the beautiful full color photos of VBS (Vacation Bible School) last June 28th. What a wonderful group of happy children that was. If any church activity makes an impression of Christian Faith in our community, VBS certainly does. I counted well over 110 children in the photo and I'm certain there were more. Thanks to our leaders, parents, staff and volunteers for putting on such an active and successful event...""A Better Place for All " by Bob Peterson
The other day I attended the evening meeting of our church men and learned a bit about their bible study group. Their next meeting will be announced soon. Plan to attend.
I was astounded by the beautiful full color photos of VBS (Vacation Bible School) last June 28th. What a wonderful group of happy children that was. If any church activity makes an impression of Christian Faith in our community, VBS certainly does. I counted well over 110 children in the photo and I’m certain there were more. Thanks to our leaders, parents, staff and volunteers for putting on such an active and successful event.
If you go to Wilson Park for the softball game this, Sunday, July 12 at 8:20 PM, you’ll be among friends and may be invited to play, according to viewer and church historian Paul Caldwell. After all, it’s led by our own people and they play with special rules of which I know nothing. It seems that when men and women are on the same teams, it’s a whole new ballgame.
Last week I read Johnna Kosnoff’s article about attending our United Methodist Church’s Annual Conference as a delegate along with George and Peggy Mercer and Jonathan Tuuholoaki and Pastor Molly Vetter, and it brought back memories of being at Redlands University for the Conference and renewing acquaintances with many of our former pastors, friends from nearby churches and making many new friends each year. These events show who is caring and teaching and leading our denomination. We are not a single church. We are part of a large group of like-thinking Christians who in their many ways try to make the world a better place for all. If you every get a chance to attend one of these Annual Conferences of our church, take it. I believe you will learn a lot about our many United Methodist Clergy and their dedication to our faith and Christianity at large.
If you are attending this church and would like to be a greeter in the morning 10:30 AM Sunday worship service, contact me. This includes new people, former greeters and those just wanting to help a bit. You’ll greet great people attending our church and help make them feel welcome. This Sunday (7/12) your greeters are David Klinger, his grandson Todd Potter and Paul Caldwell.
Read the rest of Bob's recent Lay Looker columns on our website by clicking here.
a view from the pew from a longtime member of our church
"The other day I attended the evening meeting of our church men and learned a bit about their bible study group. Their next meeting will be announced soon. Plan to attend.
I was astounded by the beautiful full color photos of VBS (Vacation Bible School) last June 28th. What a wonderful group of happy children that was. If any church activity makes an impression of Christian Faith in our community, VBS certainly does. I counted well over 110 children in the photo and I'm certain there were more. Thanks to our leaders, parents, staff and volunteers for putting on such an active and successful event...""A Better Place for All " by Bob Peterson
The other day I attended the evening meeting of our church men and learned a bit about their bible study group. Their next meeting will be announced soon. Plan to attend.
I was astounded by the beautiful full color photos of VBS (Vacation Bible School) last June 28th. What a wonderful group of happy children that was. If any church activity makes an impression of Christian Faith in our community, VBS certainly does. I counted well over 110 children in the photo and I’m certain there were more. Thanks to our leaders, parents, staff and volunteers for putting on such an active and successful event.
If you go to Wilson Park for the softball game this, Sunday, July 12 at 8:20 PM, you’ll be among friends and may be invited to play, according to viewer and church historian Paul Caldwell. After all, it’s led by our own people and they play with special rules of which I know nothing. It seems that when men and women are on the same teams, it’s a whole new ballgame.
Last week I read Johnna Kosnoff’s article about attending our United Methodist Church’s Annual Conference as a delegate along with George and Peggy Mercer and Jonathan Tuuholoaki and Pastor Molly Vetter, and it brought back memories of being at Redlands University for the Conference and renewing acquaintances with many of our former pastors, friends from nearby churches and making many new friends each year. These events show who is caring and teaching and leading our denomination. We are not a single church. We are part of a large group of like-thinking Christians who in their many ways try to make the world a better place for all. If you every get a chance to attend one of these Annual Conferences of our church, take it. I believe you will learn a lot about our many United Methodist Clergy and their dedication to our faith and Christianity at large.
If you are attending this church and would like to be a greeter in the morning 10:30 AM Sunday worship service, contact me. This includes new people, former greeters and those just wanting to help a bit. You’ll greet great people attending our church and help make them feel welcome. This Sunday (7/12) your greeters are David Klinger, his grandson Todd Potter and Paul Caldwell.
Read the rest of Bob's recent Lay Looker columns on our website by clicking here.
From the Lay Leader, Johnna Kosnoff
bi-weekly thoughts and reflections from our church Lay Leader
Read Johnna's recent "From the Lay Leader" column on our website by clicking here.
There is limited space available for our Day Camp. Sign up today!
Theatre Arts Camp
July 27th - August 7th
Age 3 - 6th Grade
YOU'RE INVITED:
Come see our
production of "Disney's 101
Dalmatians Kids"
on Sunday, Aug. 9th at noon!
Tickets: $15 (includes lunch)
$5 children 10 and younger
Shared Bread is looking for volunteers
to wash the dish towels they use every Wednesday. (It's usually about two loads worth.) Just pick them up Wednesday at 7:30pm or Thursday during office hours, launder them and return before the next Wednesday's meal. A laundry basket is provided. Go to our sign up genius page to view open dates.
Shared Bread would like to thank Nicole Perlot, who has been performing this task faithfully every week and is now taking a well-deserved break.
RSVP: Church R Us (Grades 4th & 5th) Special Activities!
Tuesday, July 14th: Minion Movie Night
@Del Amo, 5:30pm-9pm (details TBA)
Monday, July 20th: Bowling & Laser Tag,
4:45pm-8pm (Gable House Bowl in Torrance)
Lead Roles for CRUers in Theatre Arts camp! 7/27-8/7
Tuesday, August 18th: Raging Waters Trip, 8:30am-??? (Details TBA)
United Methodist Dodger Night 2015
Friday, August 14 --- 7:10pm
Fireworks night!
Reserve Level Tickets: $26.00
Purchase your tickets in the Church office.
Deadline to order is Wednesday, July 15.
Have questions? Email Jen Jacques here.
$2 from every ticket will support the Imagine No Malaria Campaign
bi-weekly thoughts and reflections from our church Lay Leader
Read Johnna's recent "From the Lay Leader" column on our website by clicking here.
There is limited space available for our Day Camp. Sign up today!
Theatre Arts Camp
July 27th - August 7th
Age 3 - 6th Grade
YOU'RE INVITED:
Come see our
production of "Disney's 101
Dalmatians Kids"
on Sunday, Aug. 9th at noon!
Tickets: $15 (includes lunch)
$5 children 10 and younger
Shared Bread is looking for volunteers
to wash the dish towels they use every Wednesday. (It's usually about two loads worth.) Just pick them up Wednesday at 7:30pm or Thursday during office hours, launder them and return before the next Wednesday's meal. A laundry basket is provided. Go to our sign up genius page to view open dates.
Shared Bread would like to thank Nicole Perlot, who has been performing this task faithfully every week and is now taking a well-deserved break.
RSVP: Church R Us (Grades 4th & 5th) Special Activities!
Tuesday, July 14th: Minion Movie Night
@Del Amo, 5:30pm-9pm (details TBA)
Monday, July 20th: Bowling & Laser Tag,
4:45pm-8pm (Gable House Bowl in Torrance)
Lead Roles for CRUers in Theatre Arts camp! 7/27-8/7
Tuesday, August 18th: Raging Waters Trip, 8:30am-??? (Details TBA)
United Methodist Dodger Night 2015
Friday, August 14 --- 7:10pm
Fireworks night!
Reserve Level Tickets: $26.00
Purchase your tickets in the Church office.
Deadline to order is Wednesday, July 15.
Have questions? Email Jen Jacques here.
$2 from every ticket will support the Imagine No Malaria Campaign
BOOK CLUB: July 16, 7pm
Next gathering will be Thursday, July 16, 7:00pm, in the May Day Parlor, and the book selected for discussion is "The Well Women." A contemporary novel by Ladine Housholder, it tells the story of a group of women friends who travel to the West Bank city of Nablus to visit the historic site of Jacob's Well, where Jesus encountered the Samaritan woman. This book is on the UMW 2015 reading program list, and available for sign-out in MayDay Parlor. It is also available from Amazon. We hope you will circle the date and plan to join us.
Any questions? Call or email Ann at 310-371-8379 mdgapg@verizonnet or Laura (310) 686-370 larzlaw@gmail.com
Sign up for our Summer Mission Project!
Kaylee & Emily Hazard kicked off our LemonAid mission ........
by inviting friends to host a stand with them. They raised $55 for Imagine No Malaria Cal-Pac UMC!!! Will you sign up HERE? It's a wonderful way to spread the word and help save lives!
PARKING LOT FUNDRAISER UPDATE
We rented out the Church parking lot over the 4th of July weekend and took in $1,620.
Thank you to the volunteers who spent hours in the sun: Jim Howard, Carl Harrison, Arnie Sachs, Don Pearson, Bob Peterson, Vika & Ofa Tuuholoaki, Paul Caldwell, Jonathan Tuuholoaki, Carol & Whit Walter and Joe Zeiler.
Next gathering will be Thursday, July 16, 7:00pm, in the May Day Parlor, and the book selected for discussion is "The Well Women." A contemporary novel by Ladine Housholder, it tells the story of a group of women friends who travel to the West Bank city of Nablus to visit the historic site of Jacob's Well, where Jesus encountered the Samaritan woman. This book is on the UMW 2015 reading program list, and available for sign-out in MayDay Parlor. It is also available from Amazon. We hope you will circle the date and plan to join us.
Any questions? Call or email Ann at 310-371-8379 mdgapg@verizonnet or Laura (310) 686-370 larzlaw@gmail.com
Sign up for our Summer Mission Project!
Kaylee & Emily Hazard kicked off our LemonAid mission ........
by inviting friends to host a stand with them. They raised $55 for Imagine No Malaria Cal-Pac UMC!!! Will you sign up HERE? It's a wonderful way to spread the word and help save lives!
PARKING LOT FUNDRAISER UPDATE
We rented out the Church parking lot over the 4th of July weekend and took in $1,620.
Thank you to the volunteers who spent hours in the sun: Jim Howard, Carl Harrison, Arnie Sachs, Don Pearson, Bob Peterson, Vika & Ofa Tuuholoaki, Paul Caldwell, Jonathan Tuuholoaki, Carol & Whit Walter and Joe Zeiler.
COME CHEER ON OUR SOFTBALL TEAM!
July 12 @ 8:20pm vs. Spartans at Wilson Park - Field #4
2200 Crenshaw Bl, Torrance, CA 90501 map
"Like" their Facebook page to get game updates and see photos.
Prayers and Squares Quilt Ministry
Join us on Friday, July 17, from 10am-noon for a meeting of our Prayers and Squares quilt ministry. We will have some small projects to work on, and Pastor Molly will share a String Quilt block for us to learn and make together. As usual, you are welcome to come, regardless of your sewing skill or experience. If you have them, please bring rotary cutters and mats, as well as portable sewing machines.
Save the Date...
First UMC Redondo Beach
Women's Spiritual Weekend Retreat
February 5 - 7, 2016
La Casa de Maria
Santa Barbara, California
We will learn about leading a simple, beautiful and amazing life.
Our four sessions will include:
Expectation Be Gone! Are We Happy Yet?
Pause for Peace and Living a Simple Life, Home and Faith.
Come and be refreshed!
Leader: Rev Nicole Reilley
Cost: $275 (includes $100 non-refundable deposit)
Email Peggy Mercer for more information here
From Pastor Molly: On Marriage
I've read a multitude of reflections about last week's Supreme Court ruling, establishing marriage equality as a protected civil right in the US. I want to add a few things to the conversation in our congregation.
I know that our church includes people who are gay and straight, as well as people who are married, single, divorced, widowed and in long-term relationships; I also know that our congregation includes people who hold diverse theological perspectives. I am grateful to be a part of a community that includes such diversity.
I want to say a few things, clearly:
-Our church is a place where all people are welcome and included, regardless of sexual orientation.
-I believe there is great value in marriage, to our civil society and to our religious life. I celebrate commitments like marriage that encourage our becoming people of faithfulness, generosity, compassion and care. I hope and expect that marriages will help our church, making us a people more focused beyond ourselves and onto God..."On Marriage" by Molly Vetter
I’ve read a multitude of reflections about last week’s Supreme Court ruling, establishingmarriage equality as a protected civil right in the US. I want to add a few things to the conversation in our congregation.
I know that our church includes people who are gay and straight, as well as people who are married, single, divorced, widowed and in long-term relationships; I also know that our congregation includes people who hold diverse theological perspectives. I am grateful to be a part of a community that includes such diversity.
I want to say a few things, clearly:
-Our church is a place where all people are welcome and included, regardless of sexual orientation.
-I believe there is great value in marriage, to our civil society and to our religious life. I celebrate commitments like marriage that encourage our becoming people of faithfulness, generosity, compassion and care. I hope and expect that marriages will help our church, making us a people more focused beyond ourselves and onto God.
Marriage is a strange thing: it asks a lot of us. True faithfulness in marriage is so much more than our sexual behavior; it demands we live with generosity and selflessness. I have been privileged to know marriages that have shown me the beauty possible in human relationships, by the grace of God.
That blessing of God is something that no church or court can control.
Jesus never spoke directly about homosexuality. In our own time, this conversation is at the center of public debate. I pray that we will remember the messages at the center of Christ’s good news, and that they will speak with relevance into our time.
Personally, I am so glad about the Supreme Court ruling; I think of what it will mean for a cousin, who can now formally adopt her wife’s child. I think with sadness about those for whom this came too late: friends who lost life partners before their marriages were legally recognized, and who faced administrative hurdles in handling even the details of their deaths. I think of what a blessing it has been to me to have a community recognize and honor my own marriage, and I pray that others will have that same experience.
Our United Methodist Church has said a lot of different things about same-sex marriage: our California-Pacific Annual Conference (our regional church body) again this past month reaffirmed our desire to be fully inclusive of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) persons, including in ordination and marriage. We again petitioned the General Conference of the UMC (our global church body) to change policies that prohibit this full inclusion; presently, our global Church’s official policies speak against same-sex marriages.
I’ve been up close to these conversations at our most recent General Conferences (in 2008 and 2012). Even so, I have become convinced that the most important conversations we have are the ones we have with the communities right around us—and with the people in our families and congregations. May we be a people who seek mutual understanding and who extend to one another grace.
Want to read more? Here are two articles I have found helpful:
-Tony Campolo, a prominent evangelical preacher, recently went public with his change of mind regarding same-sex marriage. Read his reflections here.
-David Lose, President of the Lutheran Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, writes a cleardescription of the seven passages in the Bible that are used to oppose homosexuality, and describes how they are often interpreted, here.
July 12 @ 8:20pm vs. Spartans at Wilson Park - Field #4
2200 Crenshaw Bl, Torrance, CA 90501 map
"Like" their Facebook page to get game updates and see photos.
Prayers and Squares Quilt Ministry
Join us on Friday, July 17, from 10am-noon for a meeting of our Prayers and Squares quilt ministry. We will have some small projects to work on, and Pastor Molly will share a String Quilt block for us to learn and make together. As usual, you are welcome to come, regardless of your sewing skill or experience. If you have them, please bring rotary cutters and mats, as well as portable sewing machines.
Save the Date...
First UMC Redondo Beach
Women's Spiritual Weekend Retreat
February 5 - 7, 2016
La Casa de Maria
Santa Barbara, California
We will learn about leading a simple, beautiful and amazing life.
Our four sessions will include:
Expectation Be Gone! Are We Happy Yet?
Pause for Peace and Living a Simple Life, Home and Faith.
Come and be refreshed!
Leader: Rev Nicole Reilley
Cost: $275 (includes $100 non-refundable deposit)
Email Peggy Mercer for more information here
From Pastor Molly: On Marriage
I've read a multitude of reflections about last week's Supreme Court ruling, establishing marriage equality as a protected civil right in the US. I want to add a few things to the conversation in our congregation.
I know that our church includes people who are gay and straight, as well as people who are married, single, divorced, widowed and in long-term relationships; I also know that our congregation includes people who hold diverse theological perspectives. I am grateful to be a part of a community that includes such diversity.
I want to say a few things, clearly:
-Our church is a place where all people are welcome and included, regardless of sexual orientation.
-I believe there is great value in marriage, to our civil society and to our religious life. I celebrate commitments like marriage that encourage our becoming people of faithfulness, generosity, compassion and care. I hope and expect that marriages will help our church, making us a people more focused beyond ourselves and onto God..."On Marriage" by Molly Vetter
I’ve read a multitude of reflections about last week’s Supreme Court ruling, establishingmarriage equality as a protected civil right in the US. I want to add a few things to the conversation in our congregation.
I know that our church includes people who are gay and straight, as well as people who are married, single, divorced, widowed and in long-term relationships; I also know that our congregation includes people who hold diverse theological perspectives. I am grateful to be a part of a community that includes such diversity.
I want to say a few things, clearly:
-Our church is a place where all people are welcome and included, regardless of sexual orientation.
-I believe there is great value in marriage, to our civil society and to our religious life. I celebrate commitments like marriage that encourage our becoming people of faithfulness, generosity, compassion and care. I hope and expect that marriages will help our church, making us a people more focused beyond ourselves and onto God.
Marriage is a strange thing: it asks a lot of us. True faithfulness in marriage is so much more than our sexual behavior; it demands we live with generosity and selflessness. I have been privileged to know marriages that have shown me the beauty possible in human relationships, by the grace of God.
That blessing of God is something that no church or court can control.
Jesus never spoke directly about homosexuality. In our own time, this conversation is at the center of public debate. I pray that we will remember the messages at the center of Christ’s good news, and that they will speak with relevance into our time.
Personally, I am so glad about the Supreme Court ruling; I think of what it will mean for a cousin, who can now formally adopt her wife’s child. I think with sadness about those for whom this came too late: friends who lost life partners before their marriages were legally recognized, and who faced administrative hurdles in handling even the details of their deaths. I think of what a blessing it has been to me to have a community recognize and honor my own marriage, and I pray that others will have that same experience.
Our United Methodist Church has said a lot of different things about same-sex marriage: our California-Pacific Annual Conference (our regional church body) again this past month reaffirmed our desire to be fully inclusive of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) persons, including in ordination and marriage. We again petitioned the General Conference of the UMC (our global church body) to change policies that prohibit this full inclusion; presently, our global Church’s official policies speak against same-sex marriages.
I’ve been up close to these conversations at our most recent General Conferences (in 2008 and 2012). Even so, I have become convinced that the most important conversations we have are the ones we have with the communities right around us—and with the people in our families and congregations. May we be a people who seek mutual understanding and who extend to one another grace.
Want to read more? Here are two articles I have found helpful:
-Tony Campolo, a prominent evangelical preacher, recently went public with his change of mind regarding same-sex marriage. Read his reflections here.
-David Lose, President of the Lutheran Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, writes a cleardescription of the seven passages in the Bible that are used to oppose homosexuality, and describes how they are often interpreted, here.
A Caring Community
Did you know that we have a ministry that organizes meals and other assistance for church folks in times of need? In the past, we've helped arrange rides to medical appointments, meals for people recovering from surgery, and more. Leila Grantz coordinates this ministry, using online sign-up tools. If you want to be a part of the group that she emails when there is an opportunity to help, or if you know someone who's in need of a little help, please contact the church office or Leila.
THANK YOU! 113 Children Enrolled, 46 full time volunteers,
$2000 RAISED FOR IMAGINE NO MALARIA- "Let's go!"
Thank you for all your support during our Vacation Bible School. We had a lot of kids and volunteers here LIVING & MOVING for God. Check out some of the fun in our Flickr Album
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
BAJA MEETINGS CONTINUE SUNDAY
Meetings for the Baja Mission summer trip continue this Sunday (12:15-2pm)! Go get lunch, then bring it back to Epworth! We'll eat together, and start around 12:15 or so.
July 12, then
August 2
This Sunday during worship, we will offer a prayer of commissioning on the youth and adults who will travel to Baja on the trip; the group will leave on Saturday, July 18.
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...
Church Council: Monday, July 13 @ 7pm in Epworth Lounge
Book Club: Thursday, July 16 @ 7pm in May Day Parlor
Ambitions Talent Show (outside organization): Friday, July 17 (fellowship unavailable for other groups)
Nursery (6 weeks+):
The Nursery is open during both services, for ages 6 weeks to 6 yrs old. Located right off of the parking lot across Epworth Lounge. Any questions email the Nursery Coordinator: Adriana Hwang
Children's Ministry (age 3 - 3rd Grade):
10:30am: Our "Connecting the Dots" Sunday School Series starts this Sunday! We will be exploring themes from 101 Dalmatians- EVERYONE is welcome (You don't have to be attending our upcoming Theatre Arts camp). This week we'll talk about the dangers of materialism and greed. Cruella DeVil is obsessed with her desire to have a coat made from dalmatian puppies.
Church R Us (4th and 5th grade):
10:30am: Our "Connecting the Dots" Sunday School Series starts this Sunday! We will be exploring themes from 101 Dalmatians- EVERYONE is welcome (You don't have to be attending our upcoming Theatre Arts camp). This week we'll talk about the dangers of materialism and greed. Cruella DeVil is obsessed with her desire to have a coat made from dalmatian puppies. (Be sure to RSVP for our Minion Movie night out on July 14th!)
Youth Group (6th-12th grade):
-Middle School Sunday School? Nope!
-Baja Meeting Sunday (12:15ish-2pm): 2nd of 3 pre-trip meetings!
-Youth Group (3-5pm): OH YES. It will be fun!
-Girls Night/Boys Night (Thursday July 9, 6-10pm)
-Tuesday Lunch at Paisanos Pizza (Tuesday, 1-3pm): Here's a map!
For more info on upcoming youth events, check our website!
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Men's Breakfast:
Our next breakfast is Monday, July 20, 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
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 Council: Monday, July 13 @ 7pm in Epworth Lounge
Book Club: Thursday, July 16 @ 7pm in May Day Parlor
Ambitions Talent Show (outside organization): Friday, July 17 (fellowship unavailable for other groups)
Nursery (6 weeks+):
The Nursery is open during both services, for ages 6 weeks to 6 yrs old. Located right off of the parking lot across Epworth Lounge. Any questions email the Nursery Coordinator: Adriana Hwang
Children's Ministry (age 3 - 3rd Grade):
10:30am: Our "Connecting the Dots" Sunday School Series starts this Sunday! We will be exploring themes from 101 Dalmatians- EVERYONE is welcome (You don't have to be attending our upcoming Theatre Arts camp). This week we'll talk about the dangers of materialism and greed. Cruella DeVil is obsessed with her desire to have a coat made from dalmatian puppies.
Church R Us (4th and 5th grade):
10:30am: Our "Connecting the Dots" Sunday School Series starts this Sunday! We will be exploring themes from 101 Dalmatians- EVERYONE is welcome (You don't have to be attending our upcoming Theatre Arts camp). This week we'll talk about the dangers of materialism and greed. Cruella DeVil is obsessed with her desire to have a coat made from dalmatian puppies. (Be sure to RSVP for our Minion Movie night out on July 14th!)
Youth Group (6th-12th grade):
-Middle School Sunday School? Nope!
-Baja Meeting Sunday (12:15ish-2pm): 2nd of 3 pre-trip meetings!
-Youth Group (3-5pm): OH YES. It will be fun!
-Girls Night/Boys Night (Thursday July 9, 6-10pm)
-Tuesday Lunch at Paisanos Pizza (Tuesday, 1-3pm): Here's a map!
For more info on upcoming youth events, check our website!
__________________________________
Men's Breakfast:
Our next breakfast is Monday, July 20, 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
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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