Thursday, July 30, 2015

First United Methodist of Redondo Beach, California, United States Weekly News for Thursday, 30 July 2015

First United Methodist of Redondo Beach
Weekly News
Thursday, July 30, 2015 
First United Methodist of Redondo Beach, California, United States Weekly News for Thursday, 30 July 2015
Sunday, August 2
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:
Psalm 139
Psalm 139:(0) For the leader. A psalm of David:
(1) Adonai, you have probed me, and you know me.
2 You know when I sit and when I stand up,
you discern my inclinations from afar,
3 you scrutinize my daily activities.
You are so familiar with all my ways
4 that before I speak even a word, Adonai,
you know all about it already.
5 You have hemmed me in both behind and in front
and laid your hand on me.
6 Such wonderful knowledge is beyond me,
far too high for me to reach.
7 Where can I go to escape your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?
8 If I climb up to heaven, you are there;
if I lie down in Sh’ol, you are there.
9 If I fly away with the wings of the dawn
and land beyond the sea,
10 even there your hand would lead me,
your right hand would hold me fast.
11 If I say, “Let darkness surround me,
let the light around me be night,”
12 even darkness like this
is not too dark for you;
rather, night is as clear as day,
darkness and light are the same.
13 For you fashioned my inmost being,
you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
14 I thank you because I am awesomely made,
wonderfully; your works are wonders —
I know this very well.
15 My bones were not hidden from you
when I was being made in secret,
intricately woven in the depths of the earth.
16 Your eyes could see me as an embryo,
but in your book all my days were already written;
my days had been shaped
before any of them existed.
17 God, how I prize your thoughts!
How many of them there are!
18 If I count them, there are more than grains of sand;
if I finish the count, I am still with you.
19 God, if only you would kill off the wicked!
Men of blood, get away from me!
20 They invoke your name for their crafty schemes;
yes, your enemies misuse it.
21 Adonai, how I hate those who hate you!
I feel such disgust with those who defy you!
22 I hate them with unlimited hatred!
They have become my enemies too.
23 Examine me, God, and know my heart;
test me, and know my thoughts.
24 See if there is in me any hurtful way,
and lead me along the eternal way.
John Wesley's Notes-Commentary for 
Psalm 139
Verse 2
[2] Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off.
Afar off — Thou knowest what my thoughts will be in such and such circumstances, long before I know it, yea from all eternity.
Verse 3
[3] Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways.
Compassest — Thou discernest every step I take. It is a metaphor from soldiers besieging their enemies, and setting watches round about them.
Verse 5
[5] Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me.
Beset me — With thy all-seeing providence.
And laid — Thou keepest me, as it were with a strong hand, in thy sight and under thy power.
Verse 6
[6] Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it.
I cannot — Apprehend in what manner thou dost so presently know all things.
Verse 8
[8] If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there.
Hell — If I could hide myself in the lowest parts of the earth.
Verse 9
[9] If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea;
The wings — If I should flee from east to west: for the sea being the western border of Canaan, is often put for the west in scripture. And wings are poetically ascribed to the morning here, as they are elsewhere to the sun, and to the winds.
Verse 16
[16] Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.
Imperfect — When I was first conceived.
Book — In thy counsel and providence, by which thou didst contrive and effect this great work, according to that model which thou hadst appointed.
Verse 17
[17] How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them!
Thoughts — Thy counsels on my behalf. Thou didst not only form me at first, but ever since my conception and birth, thy thoughts have been employed for me.
Verse 18
[18] If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee.
Them — Thy wonderful counsels and works on my behalf come constantly into my mind.
Verse 22
[22] I hate them with perfect hatred: I count them mine enemies.
Perfect hatred — See the difference between the Jewish and the Christian spirit!
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 Studymeets Thursdays at 11:00am in May Day Parlor.
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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.
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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.
United Methodist Communications: Communicating Faith for
75 Years
In 2015, United Methodist Communications celebrates its 75th year of telling the church's story, both within the church and to the world.
Though it has evolved through many name and structural changes, the denomination's communication agency has initiated a very long list of "firsts" throughout its 75-year history.
Click thru here to see their interactive timeline and more about this special anniversary

BeachFaith Kids discuss their roles in the musical, during camp this week.
A Part to Play
This week has felt a little crazy in the church office: our BeachFaith Kids Theater Arts camp began, and the young people attending and helping out keeping our campus full of life. Plus, Ernie's taken some vacation... which always gives me a keener sense of appreciation for just how much he does around here. (My apologies for all the little details we've missed while he's away...) I'm grateful for volunteers who've helped out in the office, too.
It's been fun to listen to the voices of our children, learning songs and dances through the week. I love that there's a part for everyone in the show, from the 3-year olds up.
I also love that there's a part to play in the life of the church for all the rest of us. In the big, public things, as well as the multitude of small details (like washing the towels for Shared Bread, preparing the bank deposit on Sundays, or calling on someone you haven't seen for a while).
It's still summer, but my focus is also turned toward the fall, and we've already begun setting the stage for many good and meaningful things to come. During these long days, especially if you have some time to sit and relax (perhaps by the beach or a pool), I encourage you to consider and pray how it is that you might be called to use your gifts and your time in ministry. I know that big things can happen.
Grace and peace,
Pastor Molly
Contact Info
Pastor Molly Vetter
PastorMolly@BeachFaith.com
310-372-8445 x 102

Connecting the Dots: a sermon series inspired by Disney's "101 Dalmatians," through August 9.
In worship each Sunday at 8:30 and 10:30am.
Join us as we explore some big ideas, connected to this beloved movie (and its 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 School class, connected to these same themes, during 10:30 worship.
Sign up for our Summer Mission Project


Our BeachFaith Kids have been hosting LemonAid stands to raise money for Imagine No Malaria! Thanks to everyone who's been a part of this project.
YOU can still be a part of it, too!!! Will you sign up HERE?
We're making a difference. Read a recent update about the progress of the United Methodist Church's Imagine No Malaria campaign, and the impact it is making in sub-Saharan Africa.
Tonight: Final Simple Summer Dinner Church

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 read more.
Though tonight is the final night of this summertime worship experiment, Simple Dinner Church will resume for a fall season: 5 weeks starting September 13!
Volunteer support / help needed:
Theatre Arts camp continues next week!
Support our awesome staff!
Did you know our BeachFaith Kids! Day camp is staffed primarily by Youth volunteers & our College Interns? We could use your help and support to make the rest of this two-week camp successful! Check out oursign up genius here to see what you can do to support our amazing team (including hosting a special lunch or snack, costuming, ticket sales, set construction, etc!)

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
On sale this Sunday at church
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.

August Class: Where did the Bible Come From?
Stephen is teaching a class on the history of the Bible August 9th and 16th. The class will focus on how ancient Greek, Hebrew & Aramaic texts get converted to the Bible in our pews! We'll also learn a little bit about how the books of the Bible got selected, and others rejected.
When: August 9th and 16th, 9:30am
Where: Epworth Lounge
Mark your calendar for August 30--join us for an all-church breakfast and ministry fair as we "set the stage" for ministry this fall!
Come learn about the many, different ways we are in ministry together!
Ministry leaders: please make plans for hosting a table during the fair--we'll be sending a bit more information soon. Contact the church office for more info.
The Lay Looker, Bob Peterson
a view from the pew from a longtime member of our church
The Lay Looker by Bob Peterson
Bob Peterson
Bob Peterson's popular column for the Mainsail has found new life, online! Read his view from the pews about church life and community news. You'll enjoy keeping up with the many good things happening in our congregation!
"Curch is Fun this Summer" by Bob Peterson

With Pastor Molly Vetter traveling with our Youth Group and volunteer adults to work in Baja California, Mexico this week, we had a chance to hear Laura Thatcher lead us in worship last Sunday. She, her sons and her mother brought us the message of faith and God’s Love as only a personal testimony can do. Her message was “How do we share God’s Love in our day to day world?” As an assist, Rev. Nicole Reilly officiated at the communion table and all went well. Our choir is out for the summer so we had special music as arranged by Director of Music Jim Raycroft and showing the special piano skills of Mary Ann Stickler playing a Bach work, Prelude No. 21 from the Well-Tempered Clavier for the Postlude.
I keep running into friends and acquaintances who plan to attend the Opening Ceremonies of the Special Olympics World Games this Saturday (July 25) at the Los Angeles Coliseum as these special athletes from over 177 countries open ceremonies for a five day experience all of them are thrilled about. If you get to a venue, most of them are free (except Saturday’s show) and you’ll be impressed as they run, swim, row and many other things to compete not for awards, but for the fun of it all. It is the biggest event here since 1984 Olympic Games. The athletes arrived with care-givers, coaches, trainers and family. Host Cities include all our South Bay Citied and many more from as far away as San Diego.
Church is fun this summer as Pastor Molly preaches using Disney’s 101 Dalmatians to illustrate theological points. The film clips remind me that it’s a great movie. I can say truthfully that our congregation is talking among themselves about this subject before and after worship.

Read 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.

What We Heard:
Worship Questionnaire
Our Worship and Music Committee asked you to respond to a survey questionnaire at the beginning of June. We wanted to share what we heard, and affirm our commitment to continuing to offer meaningful worship for our intergenerational church community.
Our Church Council recently confirmed our current Sunday worship schedule, with a casual 8:30am service in Epworth Lounge, and a celebration worship in the sanctuary at 10:30.
You can read our detailed summary of questionnaire responses here; it will be shared this Sunday, too.

Recent donation harvested from Washington Elementary School's gardens (Beach Cities Health District program)
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.

Mid-Year Finance Update
As we enter the second half of the calendar and budget year, we are somewhat behind in contributions to the church. To date, our giving is about $21,000 under what we budgeted; currently, our expenses are also under budget, so our year-to-date deficit is just under $5,000.
Our Finance Committee has prepared a bit more detailed information, which is available here.
Our annual budget is around $500,000, and supports our wonderful staff, helps care for our facilities, and reaches out beyond our walls in mission. By clicking the link above, you can learn more about what ministries our budget supports, and some opportunities to give in support of our work together.

August 23:
Blessing of the Backpacks
Children--and students of all ages--are invited to bring the backpacks or school bags to worship on Sunday, August 23, for a special "Blessing of the Backpacks" as the new school year starts.
READERS FOR SUNDAY WORSHIP & 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 or 10:30 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. (Details are on the sign up page.) You will receive email confirmation of the date and the office will email all the reading a couple days before. SIGN UP HERE

The Baja Trip was Amazing!
Our Baja team of youth and adults is back from their week-long trip to work with Indigenous Migrants (and the organizations that help them) in Vicente Guerrero, Mexico. They shared some stories and reflections this past Sunday morning, and have some photos to share, as well. Thank you to everyone who supported this trip with funds and prayer!
COME CHEER ON OUR SOFTBALL TEAM!
07/26 @ 7:10pm vs Pitch Please
08/02 @ 6:00pm vs Superbad
at Wilson Park - Field #4
2200 Crenshaw Bl, Torrance, CA 90501 map
"Like" their Facebook page to get game updates and see photos.
All-Circle Summer Potluck--United Methodist Women
Thursday, August 20
Women of the church: Mark your calendars and make plans to join us for this summer's All-Circle Potluck, on August 20 in the evening. As always, it will be a fun evening together, and a wonderful opportunity to learn about missions in the church.
Book Club: September 3, 7pm
Book Club met on July 16 to discuss "The Well Women." With several new members, the club has selected as its next read, "Cry, the Beloved Country." Written by Alan Paton and published in 1948, this impassioned novel is the deeply moving story of a native pastor and his son, set against apartheid South Africa, a land and a people riven by racial injustice. Remarkable for its lyricism, unforgettable for character and incident, the book is a classic work of love and hope, courage and endurance, born of the dignity of man. The novel is available on Amazon. Next meeting is set for Thursday, September 3, at 7 pm, at church. All are welcome. For information, contact Ann Gallagher mdgapg@verizon.net
or Laura Thatcher larzlaw@gmail.com

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.
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
Total Cost: $275 (for two nights, six meals, program)
Limited space available - reserve your spot TODAY!
($100 non-refundable deposit required to reserve your spot)
Questions? Contact any of the following:
Peggy Mercer - plmercer2@aol.com
Eloise Elder - sam.elder@verizon.net
Rebecca Thomas - rthomas310@gmail.com
Susanne Paulson - susannecam@msn.com

Prayer Quilt Ministry:
Dyeing Workshop
Friday, August 28, 10am-noon
For our August prayer quilt meeting, Pastor Molly will lead us in a fabric dyeing workshop.
If you wish, bring 100% cotton white fabric or a white piece of clothing to dye. Please pre-wash your fabric. More details will follow. If you do not want to dye something of your own, you can help dye some fabric to use as quilt backs.
New people are always welcome--no experience necessary.
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
Riviera UMC's Rejoice in Art! Fine Art Fair and Exhibition: October 16 & 17, 2015
(show continues thru Oct 30)
California-based artists are invited to enter the juried show "An Ocean View."
Deadline to enter is August 19. Click here for more info
West District Training Conference: for Current and Emerging Leaders February 6, 2016, 8am - 2pm; Location TBD Click here for more info
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...
BeachFaith Kids Theater Arts Camp: July 27 - August 7 (performance on August 9)
Nursery (6 weeks+):
The Nursery is open during both services, for ages 6 weeks to 6 yrs old.(Three year olds and older attend Sunday School.) Located right off of the parking lot across Epworth Lounge. Any questions email the NurseryCoordinator: Adriana Hwang
Children's Ministry (age 3 - 3rd Grade & Church R Us: grades 4-5):
10:30am: Our "Connecting the Dots" Sunday School Series continues 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 how the Dearlys refused to sell their puppies to Cruella, because they were worth more than money.
-Psalm 139, about the sacred worth of all God's children
The kids from BeachFaith Kids Theatre Arts Camp will sing during 10:30 worship, too!!
Youth Group (6th-12th grade):
-Youth Group on Sunday (Aug 2nd, 3-5pm)!
-Don't forget Dodger Day August 14th!
For more info on upcoming youth events, check our website!
Men's Breakfast: Our next breakfast is Monday, August 3, 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 intheir 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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