From Pastor Molly: So Grateful
I started a list of things that I'm grateful for this year, and it got pretty long, quick. I continue to be amazed by the way God is at work in the midst of our church, and how that plays out in a multitude of little, beautiful ways. My list is full of examples, details and particulars. But I am also grateful for the big picture. For the gift of life, for the privilege of being beloved by God, and for the grace of God that assures me I'm always welcome at God's table.
Since our youth and children started rehearsing for the "Joseph" musical, many the catchy lines have gotten stuck in my head. For days. A favorite has the narrators telling a discouraged and jailed Joseph not to give up: "We've read the book, and you come out on top." If you look at the big picture of God's story, those same lines of encouragement could be said to all the rest of us, too.
Advent is a season of waiting, as we prepare for the coming of Christ. We prepare not only for his birth at Christmas, but also (especially) for the coming of Christ's kingdom, here on earth and at the end of days. We have hope during seasons of darkness because of our trust and assurance of this promise: that we'll come out on top. Not us, individually, but all of us together; all the world, which God loves so deeply.
That's a piece of good news I'm needing to hear; the news has had me weighed down with stories of terror and global conflict, of racism and violence and fear. Now, in a season of preparation, I have more reason than ever to go beyond preparing my home and heart for Christmas, but (also) to dare to use my life to speak up for justice, to work for peace, and to proclaim love and forgiveness.[Pastor Molly Vetter]
In Worship This Week
Sunday, November 29
Scripture: Luke 21:25-36
"Yet In Thy Dark Streets Shineth"
Pastor Molly, preaching
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Lectionary Readings for Sunday, 29 November 2015:
(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)
Jeremiah 33:14-16
Psalm 25:1-10
1 Thessalonians 3:9-13
Luke 21:25-36
(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)
Jeremiah 33:14-16
Psalm 25:1-10
1 Thessalonians 3:9-13
Luke 21:25-36
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Lectionary Readings:
Jeremiah 33:14 “Here, the days are coming,” says Adonai, “when I will fulfill this good promise which I have proclaimed for the house of Isra’el and the house of Y’hudah.
15 When those days come, at that time,
I will cause to spring up for David
a Branch of Righteousness.
He will do what is just and right in the land.
16 When those days come, Y’hudah will be saved,
Yerushalayim will live in safety,
and the name given to her will be
Adonai Tzidkenu [Adonai our Righteousness].”
Psalm 25:(0) By David:
(1) I lift my inner being to you, Adonai;
2 I trust you, my God.
Don’t let me be disgraced,
don’t let my enemies gloat over me.
3 No one waiting for you will be disgraced;
disgrace awaits those who break faith for no reason.
4 Make me know your ways, Adonai,
teach me your paths.
5 Guide me in your truth, and teach me;
for you are the God who saves me,
my hope is in you all day long.
6 Remember your compassion and grace, Adonai;
for these are ages old.
7 Don’t remember my youthful sins or transgressions;
but remember me according to your grace
for the sake of your goodness, Adonai.
8 Adonai is good, and he is fair;
this is why he teaches sinners the way [to live],
9 leads the humble to do what is right
and teaches the humble [to live] his way.
10 All Adonai’s paths are grace and truth
to those who keep his covenant and instructions.
1 Thessalonians 3:9 Indeed, how can we thank God enough for you or express to our God all the joy we feel because of you? 10 Night and day we pray as hard as we can that we will be able to see you face to face and supply whatever shortcomings there may be in your trust. 11 May God our Father and our Lord Yeshua direct our way to you.
12 And as for you, may the Lord make you increase and overflow in love toward each other, indeed, toward everyone, just as we do toward you; 13 so that he may give you the inner strength to be blameless, by reason of your holiness, when you stand before God our Father at the coming of our Lord Yeshua with all his angels.
Luke 21:25 “There will appear signs in the sun, moon and stars; and on earth, nations will be in anxiety and bewilderment at the sound and surge of the sea, 26 as people faint with fear at the prospect of what is overtaking the world; for the powers in heaven will be shaken.[Luke 21:26 Haggai 2:6, 21] 27 And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with tremendous power and glory.[Luke 21:27 Daniel 7:13–14] 28 When these things start to happen, stand up and hold your heads high; because you are about to be liberated!”
29 Then he told them a parable: “Look at the fig tree, Indeed, all the trees. 30 As soon as they sprout leaves, you can see for yourselves that summer is near. 31 In the same way, when you see these things taking place, you are to know that the Kingdom of God is near! 32 Yes! I tell you that this people will certainly not pass away before it has all happened. 33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will certainly not pass away.
34 “But keep watch on yourselves, or your hearts will become dulled by carousing, drunkenness and the worries of everyday living, and that Day will be sprung upon you suddenly like a trap! 35 For it will close in on everyone, no matter where they live, throughout the whole world. 36 Stay alert, always praying that you will have the strength to escape all the things that will happen and to stand in the presence of the Son of Man.”
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Jeremiah 33:14 “Here, the days are coming,” says Adonai, “when I will fulfill this good promise which I have proclaimed for the house of Isra’el and the house of Y’hudah.
15 When those days come, at that time,
I will cause to spring up for David
a Branch of Righteousness.
He will do what is just and right in the land.
16 When those days come, Y’hudah will be saved,
Yerushalayim will live in safety,
and the name given to her will be
Adonai Tzidkenu [Adonai our Righteousness].”
Psalm 25:(0) By David:
(1) I lift my inner being to you, Adonai;
2 I trust you, my God.
Don’t let me be disgraced,
don’t let my enemies gloat over me.
3 No one waiting for you will be disgraced;
disgrace awaits those who break faith for no reason.
4 Make me know your ways, Adonai,
teach me your paths.
5 Guide me in your truth, and teach me;
for you are the God who saves me,
my hope is in you all day long.
6 Remember your compassion and grace, Adonai;
for these are ages old.
7 Don’t remember my youthful sins or transgressions;
but remember me according to your grace
for the sake of your goodness, Adonai.
8 Adonai is good, and he is fair;
this is why he teaches sinners the way [to live],
9 leads the humble to do what is right
and teaches the humble [to live] his way.
10 All Adonai’s paths are grace and truth
to those who keep his covenant and instructions.
1 Thessalonians 3:9 Indeed, how can we thank God enough for you or express to our God all the joy we feel because of you? 10 Night and day we pray as hard as we can that we will be able to see you face to face and supply whatever shortcomings there may be in your trust. 11 May God our Father and our Lord Yeshua direct our way to you.
12 And as for you, may the Lord make you increase and overflow in love toward each other, indeed, toward everyone, just as we do toward you; 13 so that he may give you the inner strength to be blameless, by reason of your holiness, when you stand before God our Father at the coming of our Lord Yeshua with all his angels.
Luke 21:25 “There will appear signs in the sun, moon and stars; and on earth, nations will be in anxiety and bewilderment at the sound and surge of the sea, 26 as people faint with fear at the prospect of what is overtaking the world; for the powers in heaven will be shaken.[Luke 21:26 Haggai 2:6, 21] 27 And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with tremendous power and glory.[Luke 21:27 Daniel 7:13–14] 28 When these things start to happen, stand up and hold your heads high; because you are about to be liberated!”
29 Then he told them a parable: “Look at the fig tree, Indeed, all the trees. 30 As soon as they sprout leaves, you can see for yourselves that summer is near. 31 In the same way, when you see these things taking place, you are to know that the Kingdom of God is near! 32 Yes! I tell you that this people will certainly not pass away before it has all happened. 33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will certainly not pass away.
34 “But keep watch on yourselves, or your hearts will become dulled by carousing, drunkenness and the worries of everyday living, and that Day will be sprung upon you suddenly like a trap! 35 For it will close in on everyone, no matter where they live, throughout the whole world. 36 Stay alert, always praying that you will have the strength to escape all the things that will happen and to stand in the presence of the Son of Man.”
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John Wesley's Notes Commentary for Jeremiah 33:14-16
Verse 15
[15] In those days, and at that time, will I cause the Branch of righteousness to grow up unto David; and he shall execute judgment and righteousness in the land.
The branch — The kings they had hitherto had of the line of David, were most of them unrighteous men, but God promises that after the captivity, they should have a branch of David who would execute judgment and righteousness in the land, for the protection and government of those that feared him.
Verse 16
[16] In those days shall Judah be saved, and Jerusalem shall dwell safely: and this is the name wherewith she shall be called, The LORD our righteousness.
Saved — It is the opinion of some that a spiritual salvation and security is promised under these expressions, but by the most and best interpreters, a temporal salvation. This was typical of that spiritual and eternal salvation which is promised to the true Israel of God; as their rest in Canaan typified that rest which remaineth for the people of God.
The Lord our righteousness — There is no such name any where given, either to the Jewish or Christian church, as the Lord our righteousness, but the full import of that name is spoken of Christ, Isaiah 45:23, which text is applied to Christ, Romans 14:11; Philemon 2:10.
Psalm 25:1-10
Verse 2
[2] O my God, I trust in thee: let me not be ashamed, let not mine enemies triumph over me.
Ashamed — Disappointed of my hope.
Verse 3
[3] Yea, let none that wait on thee be ashamed: let them be ashamed which transgress without cause.
Cause — Without any provocation of mine.
Verse 4
[4] Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths.
Teach — Teach me my duty, and cause me to keep close to it, notwithstanding all temptations.
Verse 8
[8] Good and upright is the LORD: therefore will he teach sinners in the way.
Upright — Holy and true, in all his declarations and offers of mercy to sinners.
Therefore — He will not be wanting to such poor sinners as I am, but will guide them into the way of life and peace.
Verse 9
[9] The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way.
The meek — Such as meekly submit themselves to God, and are desirous to be directed and governed by him.
Judgment — In the paths of judgment, in the right way.
Verse 10
[10] All the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies.
Paths — All the dealings of God with them, yea even those that are afflictive, are done in kindness and faithfulness to them.
1 Thessalonians 3:9-13
Verse 10
[10] Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith?
And perfect that which is wanting in your faith — So St. Paul did not know that "they who are once upon the rock no longer need to be taught by man."
Verse 11
[11] Now God himself and our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way unto you.
Direct our way — This prayer is addressed to Christ, as well as to the Father.
Verse 13
[13] To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints.
With all his, Christ's, saints - Both angels and men.
Luke 21:25-36
Verse 25
[25] And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring;
And there shall be — Before the great day, which was typified by the destruction of Jerusalem: signs - Different from those mentioned Luke 21:11, etc. Matthew 24:29; Mark 13:24.
Verse 28
[28] And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.
Now when these things — Mentioned Luke 21:8,10, etc., begin to come to pass, look up with firm faith, and lift up your heads with joy: for your redemption out of many troubles draweth nigh, by God's destroying your implacable enemies.
Verse 29
[29] And he spake to them a parable; Behold the fig tree, and all the trees;
Behold the fig tree and all the trees — Christ spake this in the spring, just before the passover; when all the trees were budding on the mount of Olives, where they then were.
Verse 30
[30] When they now shoot forth, ye see and know of your own selves that summer is now nigh at hand.
Ye know of yourselves — Though none teach you.
Verse 31
[31] So likewise ye, when ye see these things come to pass, know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand.
The kingdom of God is nigh — The destruction of the Jewish city, temple, and religion, to make way for the advancement of my kingdom.
Verse 32
[32] Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass away, till all be fulfilled.
Till all things be effected — All that has been spoken of the destruction of Jerusalem, to which the question, Luke 21:7, relates: and which is treated of from Luke 21:8-24.
Verse 34
[34] And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares.
Take heed, lest at any time your hearts be overloaded with gluttony and drunkenness — And was there need to warn the apostles themselves against such sins as these? Then surely there is reason to warn even strong Christians against the very grossest sins. Neither are we wise, if we think ourselves out of the reach of any sin: and so that day - Of judgment or of death, come upon you, even you that are not of this world-Unawares. Matthew 24:42; Mark 13:33; Luke 12:35.
Verse 35
[35] For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth.
That sit — Careless and at ease.
Verse 36
[36] Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.
Watch ye therefore — This is the general conclusion of all that precedes.
That ye may be counted worthy — This word sometimes signifies an honour conferred on a person, as when the apostles are said to be counted worthy to suffer shame for Christ, Acts 5:41. Sometimes meet or becoming: as when John the Baptist exhorts, to bring fruits worthy of repentance, Luke 3:8. And so to be counted worthy to escape, is to have the honour of it, and to be fitted or prepared for it.
To stand — With joy and triumph: not to fall before him as his enemies.
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The Upper Room Ministries
Verse 15
[15] In those days, and at that time, will I cause the Branch of righteousness to grow up unto David; and he shall execute judgment and righteousness in the land.
The branch — The kings they had hitherto had of the line of David, were most of them unrighteous men, but God promises that after the captivity, they should have a branch of David who would execute judgment and righteousness in the land, for the protection and government of those that feared him.
Verse 16
[16] In those days shall Judah be saved, and Jerusalem shall dwell safely: and this is the name wherewith she shall be called, The LORD our righteousness.
Saved — It is the opinion of some that a spiritual salvation and security is promised under these expressions, but by the most and best interpreters, a temporal salvation. This was typical of that spiritual and eternal salvation which is promised to the true Israel of God; as their rest in Canaan typified that rest which remaineth for the people of God.
The Lord our righteousness — There is no such name any where given, either to the Jewish or Christian church, as the Lord our righteousness, but the full import of that name is spoken of Christ, Isaiah 45:23, which text is applied to Christ, Romans 14:11; Philemon 2:10.
Psalm 25:1-10
Verse 2
[2] O my God, I trust in thee: let me not be ashamed, let not mine enemies triumph over me.
Ashamed — Disappointed of my hope.
Verse 3
[3] Yea, let none that wait on thee be ashamed: let them be ashamed which transgress without cause.
Cause — Without any provocation of mine.
Verse 4
[4] Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths.
Teach — Teach me my duty, and cause me to keep close to it, notwithstanding all temptations.
Verse 8
[8] Good and upright is the LORD: therefore will he teach sinners in the way.
Upright — Holy and true, in all his declarations and offers of mercy to sinners.
Therefore — He will not be wanting to such poor sinners as I am, but will guide them into the way of life and peace.
Verse 9
[9] The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way.
The meek — Such as meekly submit themselves to God, and are desirous to be directed and governed by him.
Judgment — In the paths of judgment, in the right way.
Verse 10
[10] All the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies.
Paths — All the dealings of God with them, yea even those that are afflictive, are done in kindness and faithfulness to them.
1 Thessalonians 3:9-13
Verse 10
[10] Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith?
And perfect that which is wanting in your faith — So St. Paul did not know that "they who are once upon the rock no longer need to be taught by man."
Verse 11
[11] Now God himself and our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way unto you.
Direct our way — This prayer is addressed to Christ, as well as to the Father.
Verse 13
[13] To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints.
With all his, Christ's, saints - Both angels and men.
Luke 21:25-36
Verse 25
[25] And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring;
And there shall be — Before the great day, which was typified by the destruction of Jerusalem: signs - Different from those mentioned Luke 21:11, etc. Matthew 24:29; Mark 13:24.
Verse 28
[28] And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.
Now when these things — Mentioned Luke 21:8,10, etc., begin to come to pass, look up with firm faith, and lift up your heads with joy: for your redemption out of many troubles draweth nigh, by God's destroying your implacable enemies.
Verse 29
[29] And he spake to them a parable; Behold the fig tree, and all the trees;
Behold the fig tree and all the trees — Christ spake this in the spring, just before the passover; when all the trees were budding on the mount of Olives, where they then were.
Verse 30
[30] When they now shoot forth, ye see and know of your own selves that summer is now nigh at hand.
Ye know of yourselves — Though none teach you.
Verse 31
[31] So likewise ye, when ye see these things come to pass, know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand.
The kingdom of God is nigh — The destruction of the Jewish city, temple, and religion, to make way for the advancement of my kingdom.
Verse 32
[32] Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass away, till all be fulfilled.
Till all things be effected — All that has been spoken of the destruction of Jerusalem, to which the question, Luke 21:7, relates: and which is treated of from Luke 21:8-24.
Verse 34
[34] And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares.
Take heed, lest at any time your hearts be overloaded with gluttony and drunkenness — And was there need to warn the apostles themselves against such sins as these? Then surely there is reason to warn even strong Christians against the very grossest sins. Neither are we wise, if we think ourselves out of the reach of any sin: and so that day - Of judgment or of death, come upon you, even you that are not of this world-Unawares. Matthew 24:42; Mark 13:33; Luke 12:35.
Verse 35
[35] For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth.
That sit — Careless and at ease.
Verse 36
[36] Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.
Watch ye therefore — This is the general conclusion of all that precedes.
That ye may be counted worthy — This word sometimes signifies an honour conferred on a person, as when the apostles are said to be counted worthy to suffer shame for Christ, Acts 5:41. Sometimes meet or becoming: as when John the Baptist exhorts, to bring fruits worthy of repentance, Luke 3:8. And so to be counted worthy to escape, is to have the honour of it, and to be fitted or prepared for it.
To stand — With joy and triumph: not to fall before him as his enemies.
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The Upper Room Ministries
PO Box 340004
Nashville, Tennessee 37203-0004 United States
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Sermon Story "The Coming Days" by Gary Lee Parker for Sunday, 29 November 2015 with Scripture: Jeremiah 33:14 “Here, the days are coming,” says Adonai, “when I will fulfill this good promise which I have proclaimed for the house of Isra’el and the house of Y’hudah.
15 When those days come, at that time,
I will cause to spring up for David
a Branch of Righteousness.
He will do what is just and right in the land.
16 When those days come, Y’hudah will be saved,
Yerushalayim will live in safety,
and the name given to her will be
Adonai Tzidkenu [Adonai our Righteousness].”
---------------------
We coem to realize that as we read the Scripture for today, God through the prophet was attempting to encourage the Israelites as conqueored and exiled people or soon to be conquered and exile that God will not forgive them. In this short pasage we can see where God is going to send a root of David to be ruler over all of Israel and that there will be be peace on all sides of Israel while all the nations will honor Israel and worship their God. In this passage, we see the coming of the Messiah which was fulfilled in the coming of Yeshua on the earth to be born, suffer, die, be buried, be resurrected, and ascend back into the Heavens. Yet, even with the coming of the Messiah Yeshua, the full promise will not be fulfilled until He returns in all of His Glory to set up Heaven on Earth with eternal peace and salvation. We are living in the inbetween times yet God is calling us to work with Him to recreate His creation on earth as it is in Heaven. This includes the full and active inclusion in His church of people who have been marginalised such as the people who are differently abled. We read and reflect on this passage asking: How do I understand this message for today? How have I lived out God's Message in love and mercy in recreating His creation? What is God asking me to be and do for His Kingdom? We come to seek God's Blessings and Power to be all we are called to be in coming and eating the Body of Jesus and Drinking His Blood in our participation of the Holy Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist. We come to receive from God singing the Hymn "Soon and Very Soon" by Andre Crouch:
Chorus:
Soon and very soon we are going to see the king x3
Halelujha, halelujha, were going to see the king (sp)
No more cryin there, we are going to see the king X3
Halelujha, halelujha, were going to see the king (sp)
Bridge:
Should there be any rivers we must cross
Should there be any mountains we must climb
God will supplt all the strength that we need
Give us strength till we reach the other side... go in to verse
Verse:
We have come from every nation, God has already signed our name. Jesus took his blood and he washed my sins.. he washed them all away. Yet there are those of us who have laid down our lives but we all shall meet again on the other side... soon and very soon.
Chorus:
Soon and very soon we are going to see the king x3
Halelujha, halelujha, were going to see the king (sp)
No more cryin there, we are going to see the king X3
Halelujha, halelujha, were going to see the king (sp)
Bridge:
Should there be any rivers we must cross
Should there be any mountains we must climb
God will supplt all the strength that we need
Give us strength till we reach the other side... go in to verse
---------------------
Gary Lee Parker
4147 Idaho Street, Apt. 1
San Diego, California 92104-1844, United States
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8:30am in Epworth Lounge---------------------
Sermon Story "The Coming Days" by Gary Lee Parker for Sunday, 29 November 2015 with Scripture: Jeremiah 33:14 “Here, the days are coming,” says Adonai, “when I will fulfill this good promise which I have proclaimed for the house of Isra’el and the house of Y’hudah.
15 When those days come, at that time,
I will cause to spring up for David
a Branch of Righteousness.
He will do what is just and right in the land.
16 When those days come, Y’hudah will be saved,
Yerushalayim will live in safety,
and the name given to her will be
Adonai Tzidkenu [Adonai our Righteousness].”
---------------------
We coem to realize that as we read the Scripture for today, God through the prophet was attempting to encourage the Israelites as conqueored and exiled people or soon to be conquered and exile that God will not forgive them. In this short pasage we can see where God is going to send a root of David to be ruler over all of Israel and that there will be be peace on all sides of Israel while all the nations will honor Israel and worship their God. In this passage, we see the coming of the Messiah which was fulfilled in the coming of Yeshua on the earth to be born, suffer, die, be buried, be resurrected, and ascend back into the Heavens. Yet, even with the coming of the Messiah Yeshua, the full promise will not be fulfilled until He returns in all of His Glory to set up Heaven on Earth with eternal peace and salvation. We are living in the inbetween times yet God is calling us to work with Him to recreate His creation on earth as it is in Heaven. This includes the full and active inclusion in His church of people who have been marginalised such as the people who are differently abled. We read and reflect on this passage asking: How do I understand this message for today? How have I lived out God's Message in love and mercy in recreating His creation? What is God asking me to be and do for His Kingdom? We come to seek God's Blessings and Power to be all we are called to be in coming and eating the Body of Jesus and Drinking His Blood in our participation of the Holy Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist. We come to receive from God singing the Hymn "Soon and Very Soon" by Andre Crouch:
Chorus:
Soon and very soon we are going to see the king x3
Halelujha, halelujha, were going to see the king (sp)
No more cryin there, we are going to see the king X3
Halelujha, halelujha, were going to see the king (sp)
Bridge:
Should there be any rivers we must cross
Should there be any mountains we must climb
God will supplt all the strength that we need
Give us strength till we reach the other side... go in to verse
Verse:
We have come from every nation, God has already signed our name. Jesus took his blood and he washed my sins.. he washed them all away. Yet there are those of us who have laid down our lives but we all shall meet again on the other side... soon and very soon.
Chorus:
Soon and very soon we are going to see the king x3
Halelujha, halelujha, were going to see the king (sp)
No more cryin there, we are going to see the king X3
Halelujha, halelujha, were going to see the king (sp)
Bridge:
Should there be any rivers we must cross
Should there be any mountains we must climb
God will supplt all the strength that we need
Give us strength till we reach the other side... go in to verse
---------------------
Gary Lee Parker
4147 Idaho Street, Apt. 1
San Diego, California 92104-1844, United States
---------------------
10:30am in the Sanctuary
Anthem: Mary's Boy Child, plus an offertory sung by Pauline Tamale
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Advent Wreaths for Home
this Sunday in Fellowship Hall
Advent Wreaths, Calendars & prayers will be available to decorate and take home, before or after our 10:30am service this Sunday. You can also pick up new candles for an existing wreath.
(We invite a $5 donations to help cover costs of the supplies.)
Sign up to help out with this & other Advent Events!
Sign up before it's too late:
Children's Christmas Pageant!
Our Annual Christmas pageant will be Sunday, Dec 13th at the 10:30am service. Children ages 2-5th grade are invited to sign up to be a part of it. This year we will travel to Hawaii! There will be crabs, coconuts, sea-stars, sharks and surfers!There are only 3 rehearsals:
Sun, Nov. 29 & Dec. 6 @ 9:30-10:30am; Sat, Dec 12 @ 9-10:30am.
Sign ups are overdue (but still open): Please register before Sunday!
CD and Parts available in the office.
ADULTS: Want to help with costumes?email Lisa
Sign up for Pageant here
Advent Class for Parents (and others): Nov 29 & December 6
Join us for the first two weeks of Advent, as we take time for a spiritual recharge, and for fellowship with each other. Pastor Molly will lead this session, and invites anyone to join her. From 9:30-10:15am in Epworth Lounge.
Note: The class is scheduled during Sunday Pageant rehearsals, so our parents of young kids can drop them off at practice, and attend. Older youth are welcome to join us, too!
All-Church Advent Fun: Dec 6 from 4-6pm in Fellowship Hall!
It's a whole lot of Advent and Christmas fun, rolled into one event! Join us as we celebrate the season with our church community. People of all ages are encouraged to attend--
the event is free, with opportunities to support missions of the church.
Our Youth and Children will have crafts that you can make and give for Christmas
Our Missions Committee will host a gingerbread house building station
Our UMW and others are bringing good food to eat during the event
Shared Bread and Imagine No Malaria will have opportunities for you to make donations as Christmas gifts to others (with a lovely card you can give them!)
Ten Thousand Villages will set up a gift shop with lovely handicrafts from around the world, in support of fair-trade artisans
Our Choir will help us sing some favorite Christmas carols
Pastor Molly will share the Christmas story.
Sunday, December 6, from 4-6pm in Fellowship Hall. More information here
"Gingerbread" House supplies
Help Wanted: All-in-One Advent Event Supplies & Food
We're looking for help bringing food and supplies for our Advent event on December 6 from 4-6; there are lots of easy ways you can help out!
Our Children and Youth Ministries are sponsoring cool crafts: Sign Up to bring in Gingerbread House Supplies
Our UMW and others are bringing food: Sign Up to bring food for the party
Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room
Advent 2015
Advent starts on November 29. This year, in worship and in devotions at home, we will be invited to ponder the meaning of beautiful phrases from beloved Christmas songs.
A daily devotional is available in the church office. "Why this Jubilee," by Rev. James Howell explores the deeper meaning of words in our Christmas music. Each book is $10.
Church 2016 Pledge Campaign
It is still not too late to make a pledge commitment of financial giving for 2016. Read more about our campaign here. You can submit a pledge online, or at church.
To date, we have received 55 pledges, totaling $266,000; we hope to receive additional commitments, so we can continue to fund ministries of this congregation. We hope to receive around $400,000 in tithes and offerings each year to continue our growing ministries.
News From Our Members
Sometimes things happen during our church worship services that eventually turn into traditions. The last two infant baptisms performed by Pastor Molly Vetter have possibly produced such an event. Following the entire baptism she announced to the church that the new member of our church family was to be carried around the sanctuary byKatharine Crawley, herself a happy Grandmother, so our congregation could see her better. When she handed this baby to Katharine; the infant...
read more here
"We Can Make the World a Bit Better" by Bob Peterson
Sometimes things happen during our church worship services that eventually turn into traditions. The last two infant baptisms performed by Pastor Molly Vetter have possibly produced such an event. Following the entire baptism she announced to the church that the new member of our church family was to be carried around the sanctuary by Katharine Crawley, herself a happy Grandmother, so our congregation could see her better. When she handed this baby to Katharine; the infant looked quickly at her mother to make certain this was alright. Then, as the foursome, Mother, Father, Katharine and the newly baptized baby began walking toward the aisle closer to attendees, all seemed well with the star of the production.
You should have seen all the smiling faces this child saw looking at her. Afterwards, of course, the mother carried the baby back to the pew and all was well with the world. I asked Katharine who enjoyed it most, her or the baby and she said, “Oh, what a thrill it was for me to hold this new Child, the granddaughter of Ann and Marty Gallagher.” What a beautiful event at our church on that Thanksgiving Sunday.
Often I thank our Lord for happenings in my life, in the life of our church and the world. In this time of so much terror it’s necessary for us to strive even harder to make our lives mean something to each other and to bring Jesus’ message of Love forth so people see good and not so much evil.
Thank you for being important to my church, to Jesus’ church, to your church and to Pastor Molly’s church. We can make the world a bit better by following Him every day.
Read the latest Lay Leader column here
Coming at Church
Advent Wreath Devotions are ready for you to use at home! The weekly devotions coordinate with our church theme, using verses from Christmas carols. Pick up a copy on Sunday, or download one.
Corazon Gift Angels: Thank you everyone who picked up an "angel." You will help make Christmas a little more special for our Corazon families. Wrapped gifts are due back at church this Sunday, Nov 29.
Book Club: Our next book, Anne Perry’s “Silent Nights," is actually two books in one—both are murder mysteries. Perry is a prolific mystery writer, with her own very dark back story. Our next meeting will be in May Day Parlor at church on Jan 28, at 7 pm. Questions about book club? More info online, or email Ann or Laura.
Our church has received a digital advertising grant from United Methodist Communications, which will run online ads that match our national tv ads during advent, and link people in our area to our church and website. We're grateful to have these free ads -- look for them online!
New Ways to Recycle at Church
With encouragement from our dedicated Custodian, Arnie, we've recently added new recycle bins to our church campus.Mixed recyclables can be placed in any marked recycle bin--please help us care for God's creation by using them!
Men's Breakfast: Our next breakfast is Monday, December 7, 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!
Prayer Quilt Ministry: Know someone in need of prayer? You can sponsor a free prayer quilt for them. Next Quilt Workshop: Friday, December 4, 10am-noon. We will learn a new quilt block pattern, and work on other projects. More information is online.
Meals and More: 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.
This Week: Children, Youth & Adults
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 at 10:30.) 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 & Church R Us: grades 4-5):
10:30am Sunday School: We will start in church this week! Following the Children's moment we will go up to our Sunday School classroom to begin a three-week lesson on the Christmas story. At the end of these next three weeks every child will have a special nativity set to take home for Christmas. (Don't forget pageant rehearsal at 9:30am!)
Church R Us (Special Class for Grades 4 & 5):
10:30am: We will start in church this week! Following the Children's moment we will venture to our CRU room to begin a three week long project and lesson focused on the characters within the Christmas story. (Don't forget pageant rehearsal at 9:30am!)
Youth Ministry (6th-12th grade):
- Yep! Sunday School this week! And next week! And the week after!
- Youth Group this Sunday (11/29)!
- The Youth Group is doing a food drive November 29th for Shared Bread. If you're buying specifically for Shared Bread, check the list of items in this week's youth email, oremail Stephen for that list! Remember that Shared Bread benefits from uniformity in their donations!
-We are going to Corazon Christmas Party Dec. 5th!
Adult Sunday School: Bible Study and Discussion (new location)
Sunday mornings from 9:30-10:15am. For Nov 29 & Dec 6, we will join the Advent Study with Pastor Molly in Epworth Lounge!
Thursday Pastor's Bible Study:
Thursday mornings from 11:00-noon, in May Day Parlor. Led by Pastor Molly Vetter. (No Bible Study on Thanksgiving Day!)
United Methodist News & Events
LA Interfaith Thanksgiving Service
Bishop Minerva G. Carcaño invites you to an Interfaith Thanksgiving Service, sponsored by the LA Council of Religious Leaders. Sunday, Nov 29 @ 4pm at the Episcopal Cathedral Center of St Paul.
Link
West District Training Conference: for Current and Emerging Leaders - on January 30, 2016 from 8am-2pm at Holman UMC in Los Angeles
Our congregation is a part of the El Tordondo Mission Area, in the West District of theCalifornia-Pacific Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church.
First United Methodist Church of Redondo Beach
243 South Broadway
Redondo Beach, California 90277 United States
310-372-8445 main
310-372-5696 fax
Website
Ongoing Ministries
Free Meal on Wednesday Nights
Offering food and friendship to those in need, every Wednesday night since 1992. More info here.
Choir & Our Music Ministry
Join our choir and lend your voice to help us worship God together. Choir rehearses most Wednesday nights, from 7:30-9pm. We are always looking for instrumentalists and musical guests, too. Contact Jim Raycroft for more info.
Tell Us About Yourself...
Please take a moment to tell us about your skills and interests through our online questionnaire. New questions for 2015!
Do You Know Pro Tools or Logic
The Music Department is looking for someone who knows ProTools, Logic, or comparable program for recording and mixing worship service audio.
Contact Jim Raycroft.
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. Thanks for your consideration.
Connect with us
First United Methodist Church
243 South Broadway
Redondo Beach, California 90277, United States
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