Thursday, February 4, 2016

This Sunday: Mardi Gras Pancakes (a Celebration for Katherine Stanfill) between services!

Redondo Beach, California, United States 
First United Methodist Church
 eNews: Mardi Gras Pancake Breakfast! for Thursday, 4 February 2016
This Sunday: Mardi Gras Pancakes (a Celebration for Katherine Stanfill) between services!
From Pastor Molly: Lenten Rule of Life
This coming Wednesday is Ash Wednesday, the first day of the season of Lent. In these weeks before Easter, we are invited to undertake special focus on our lives of faith—to take up spiritual practices that deepen our connection to God, and that help us love our neighbors.
This year, I invite you to join me in naming specific ways that we will put faith into practice. I invite you to join me in setting a specific Rule of Life for the season. A Rule of Life is a set of promises you make, about ways you want to live and things you want to do. I’m asking you to make a set of five promises, one to match each of the five commitments that we make in becoming members of this congregation, that we would support the work of the church with our prayers, our presence, our gifts, our service and our witness.
I’ll say more about this Sunday, and will be encouraging you to write your own set of promises. Then, as a community, we can encourage one another along the way.
I will lead an Orientation to this Lenten practice on Sunday, February 14, at 9:30 or 11:45. If you are willing to try this practice for the whole season, I hope you will join me then. Each week of the season, we will focus on one of the five commitments, giving more opportunities for you to try following a Rule of Life.
Wherever you are in your life of faith, I pray that this will be a season of deepening commitment, and a way of drawing ever closer to the life-giving love of God.[Pastor Molly Vetter]

In Worship This Week
Sunday, February 7
Transfiguration Sunday
Scripture: Luke 9:28-3
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Scripture Text: Luke 9:28 About a week after Yeshua said these things, he took Kefa, Yochanan and Ya‘akov with him and went up to the hill country to pray. 29 As he was praying, the appearance of his face changed; and his clothing became gleaming white. 30 Suddenly there were two men talking with him — Moshe and Eliyahu! 31 They appeared in glorious splendor and spoke of his exodus, which he was soon to accomplish in Yerushalayim. 32 Kefa and those with him had been sound asleep; but on becoming fully awake, they saw his glory and the two men standing with him. 33 As the men were leaving Yeshua, Kefa said to him, not knowing what he was saying, “It’s good that we’re here, Rabbi! Let’s put up three shelters — one for you, one for Moshe and one for Eliyahu.” 34 As he spoke, a cloud came and enveloped them. They were frightened as they entered the cloud; 35 and a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is my Son, whom I have chosen. Listen to him!” 36 When the voice spoke, Yeshua was alone once more. They kept quiet — at that time they told no one anything of what they had seen.
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John Wesley's Notes-Commentary for Luke 9:28-36
Verse 28
[28] And it came to pass about an eight days after these sayings, he took Peter and John and James, and went up into a mountain to pray.
Matthew 17:1; Mark 9:2.
Verse 31
[31] Who appeared in glory, and spake of his decease which he should accomplish at Jerusalem.
In glory — Like Christ with whom they talked.
Verse 32
[32] But Peter and they that were with him were heavy with sleep: and when they were awake, they saw his glory, and the two men that stood with him.
They saw his glory — The very same expression in which it is described by St. John, John 1:14; and by St. Peter, 2 Peter 1:16.
Verse 34
[34] While he thus spake, there came a cloud, and overshadowed them: and they feared as they entered into the cloud.
A cloud came and overshadowed them all. And they, the apostles, feared, while they (Moses and Elijah) entered into the cloud, which took them away.
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"A Revelation"
Molly Vetter, preaching
8:30am in Epworth Lounge
10:30am in the Sanctuary
Anthem: "Hear Me, Redeemer" by Henry Mollincone
Hear me, Redeemer,
Send down your love to cleanse my soul.
Lord of Lords, wash away my sinful ways,
Show me the power of your love!
Lord of Lords, shine your light through all my days,
Show me the power of your love!
Hear me Redeemer,
Send down your love to cleanse my soul.
Mighty God, take my hand and lead the way,
Show me the power of your love!
Mighty God, let me praise you every day,
Show me the power of your love!
Listen to Sermons online
Visit our Website
Celebrating Katherine Stanfill: A Mardi Gras Pancake Breakfast!
Join us in showing Katherine how grateful we are for her leadership AND in enjoying a morning of food and fellowship. Sunday, February 7, from 9:15 to 10:30.
All ages are encouraged to attend!
There will be plenty of pancakes, plus games and a chance to say thanks to Katherine. We invite you to sign our memory-photo book for her!
The breakfast is free--with a free-will offering for a gift to Imagine No Malaria in Katherine's honor.
Sign up to bring something online!


Ash Wednesday Worship
We will join other area congregations in a community Ash Wednesday worship service on February 10 at 7:30pm, at Torrance First UMC (1551 El Prado, Torrance, CA 90501). A combined choir from several congregations will sing during worship, and Rev. Stacy Dickson will preach. Worship will include the imposition of ashes. A reception will follow--you are invite to bring a veggie tray or similar food to share (but not required!)
During Lent: Spiritual Practices
We invite you to take on new spiritual practices during Lent. Using the five commitments of our church's membership vows, we are asking you to come up with five promises about how you will seek to live out your faith. Then, we encourage you to find a small group of others to Check In with along the way. Read more here.
Join Pastor Molly for a 45-minute orientation to this Lenten practice nextSunday, February 14, at either 9:30 or 11:45, in Epworth Lounge!

News From Our Members

"Last Sunday following worship I found myself stopped in the aisle by about eight women of our church. Trying to be funny, I asked which of our circles this group was. It turns out they were all planning on attending our church Women's Retreat in Montecito (Santa Barbara) and were discussing who would ride with each person driving. They assured me they had over twenty women who would be there with Rev. Nicole leading the group. Sounds as if it will be a big success for them..."
Read more here
February 4, 2016 by Bob Peterson   
Last Sunday following worship I found myself stopped in the aisle by about eight women of our church. Trying to be funny, I asked which of our circles this group was. It turns out they were all planning on attending our church Women's Retreat in Montecito (Santa Barbara) and were discussing who would ride with each person driving. They assured me they had over twenty women who would be there with Rev. Nicole leading the group. Sounds as if it will be a big success for them.
Remembering last Sunday's sermon by Pastor Molly Vetter about love and 1 Corinthians 13: 1-13, a longtime friend of mine, the late Bob Content of Hermosa Beach who use to attend Wilshire United Methodist Church had as his life-long project, a saying that went like this: "Love one another teaches us to disagree wthout being disagreeable." In his many contacts with children as students, fellow campers, etc., he always made sure they heard this phrase. It was his message to the world which, if followed, could truly make us better.
This Sunday, February 7, we share a Mardi Gras pancake breakfast between services and I'll be looking for a few friends there. We also get to support our church Shared Bread program with food, money and love. See you about 9:15am.
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Welcome to our New Members
On January 24, we welcomed 18 new members into our congregation: Greta Allen, Deirdre and Al Briese, Jack Dickert, Carrie and Matthew Getty, Stephen Hale, Kristin Harper and Don Jones, Christina and Scott Kennedy, Carol and Tom Ledbetter, Barbara Livesay, Mary Nordine, Chuck Normandy, Donna Sheehan, and Amy Werner. We are glad to have you as a part of our church body!
Read Columns from our former Lay Leader, Johnna Kosnoff, here!
Coming at Church
THIS SUNDAY!!

Souper Bowl Sunday is Feb 7!
Our annual Sunday to support Shared Bread – our hot meal program that feeds the hungry every Wednesday.
Be part of this important outreach and bring Monetary Gifts & Canned Goods to either service. We need:
Canned green beans, peas, and corn; Canned fruit; Pasta sauce; Salad dressing: Italian or Ranch; Mayonnaise; Cake and brownie mix; Frosting
…and we give thanks for your support and volunteerism throughout the year!
(See below for another way to support the program.)
Confirmation Class: Middle School
All young people in grades 6-8 are invited to participate in our church Confirmation Class this Spring.
Confirmation is an important part of how we prepare young people in faith; it is an opportunity for us to teach about our faith, and a way for young people to claim a faith of their own. For more info, contact Stephen.


Changes: Children & Family Ministries
We are looking for a new Director of Children and Family Ministries--we encourage you to check out our job posting, and pass it along to people you know of who might apply!

Our Sunday School Volunteer Team and an Interim Director!
We are thrilled to announce that Adriana Hwang has agreed to serve as a part-time Interim Director of Children and Family Ministries for our church. In coming weeks, she will work with our team of volunteers (and Children's Assistant Meagan Callahan) to keep our excellent Sunday School program going. If you are willing to lend a hand as a volunteer with our Children's Ministry, please let us know!

Valentine's Bouquets!
Want to send a Valentine's Balloon Bouquet to a loved one on February 14th? The youth group would be happy to deliver one!
We're taking orders this Sunday and next between services and after 10:30 service!
We're only doing one size this year (why be complicated?) for $20!

Our United Methodist Women's Rummage Sale is coming!
Friday, March 4: 9am-4pm
Saturday, March 5: 9am - noon
If you have tables to loan for the boutique, please bring them to church by Thurs, Feb 25
Mark Your Calendars: Monthly Parents Night Out this Spring
Families are invited to join us for Parents' Night out each month.
Mark your calendars for Fridays, February 26 and March 18, from 5:30-8:30.
Sponsored by Children and Family Ministries.


First Sunday Potlucks this Spring!
We invite you to join your church family for a potluck after 10:30 worship on the first Sunday of each month, starting March 6. Bring a dish to share - enjoy the fellowship!
(On February 7, please join us for Mardi Gras Pancakes between services!)
Potato Bar Fundraiser Feb 21!
Speaking of potlucks, our church will have a meal together February 21st. The youth group is raising funds for Church World Service and their work with refugees in Europe. Click here for more information!
This meal is a Baked Potato bar! Drop a few bucks in the donation bucket, put a topping or seven on your potato, and meet a new friend in the fellowship hall after the 10:30 service on February 21st!


Thanks for your support!
The youth group's Love Thy Neighbor fundraiser was a big success! We're still delivering orders this weekend (and next week).
We're not taking new orders, though we hope to have a few extras when all orders are delivered!
The proceeds for these shirts will go to the Los Angeles LGBT Center’s Youth Center for homeless teens. Shockingly high numbers of teens become homeless when their families believe what was said Monday morning by this hate group (here's a great summary of the problem). What better way to respond to their work than by supporting the LGBT Homeless Shelter?
Read the Bible: Recap
It was good to read the Bible together (and to think about how we read and approach the Bible!) in January. Even though the month is officially over, it's not too late to do more Bible reading. :)
Find all the assignments and more recommended reading here.


Book Club: Our next book is "I Am Malala: the Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban."Author Malala Yousafzai was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her act of defiance. Join us March 10 at 7pm in May Day Parlor. More info online; email Ann or Laura.

We had a great Annual Church Charge Conference in January; thanks to those who attended, and to everyone who shares in the ministries of our church. We have so much to celebrate about the good work we are able to do, together.
You can pick up a packet of our Conference Reports in the office.

Save the Date: Vacation Bible School 2016 will be in AUGUST
We're planning to shake up our summer schedule next year, and move Vacation Bible School to August in 2016!
We've got in on our church calendar forAugust 1-5, and hope you can plan to join us. We'll be looking for young surfers to attend, and volunteers of all ages.
Baja Trip 2016: July 16-23
Youth and others from the church can sign up now to be a part of Baja Mission 2016, as we return to Mexico for another week this summer.
Now is the time to think about whether you can join us this summer--the trip will be July 16-23, and is open to people of all ages.
Visit our website for more information!

Announcements
Men's Breakfast: Our next breakfast is Monday, February 15, 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, February 19, 10am-noon. Through April we will meet on the Third Friday of each Month! We will demonstrate how to put the quilt together with batting and backing, 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.
Memorial Service for Bob Thune: Join us Saturday, February 20 at 2 pm, with a reception to follow (hosted by our UMW).
This Week: Children, Youth & Adults
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 & Church R Us: grades 4-5):
10:30am Sunday School: Sunday's Bible Story: Jesus Is Transfigured" (Luke 9:28-36)Today Luke tells a story about a time three of Jesus’ disciples climbed a mountain with him to pray. When they got to the top, they saw and heard something so amazing they wanted to stay on top of the mountain forever.
Volunteer Teaching Meeting at 9:30! (see above)
Church R Us (Special Class for Grades 4 & 5):
10:30am: CRU meets above the Nursery! Sunday's Lesson: Jesus Is Transfigured" (Luke 9:28-36) God's Call: This week’s lesson is: following Jesus changes us!Volunteer Teacher Meeting at 9:30! (see above)
Youth Ministry (6th-12th grade):
-Yes! Sunday School this week!!
-Nope! No Youth Group Sunday (3-5pm)!
Women's Retreat: Over twenty women from our church will join Rev. Nicole Reilley for a women's retreat in Santa Barbara this weekend. We hold them in prayer as they retreat together!
Adult Sunday School: Bible Study and Discussion in May Day Parlor. Sunday mornings from 9:30-10:15am. Led by Helen Stockwell.
Thursday Pastor's Bible Study:
Thursday mornings from 11:00-noon, in May Day Parlor. Led this week by Stephen Hale.
CHARMS Retreat:
Our church will host the annual retreat of the California and Hawaii Association of Retired Ministers and their Spouses (CHARMS), next Wednesday, February 10. If you see them around campus, please help welcome them here!
United Methodist News & Events
Our congregation is a part of the El Tordondo Mission Area, in the West District of the California-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
Website
Ongoing Ministries

Free Meal on Wednesday Nights
Offering food and friendship to those in need, every Wednesday night since 1992. More info here.

Desserts Needed for Shared Bread
Shared Bread has lost our biggest desserts donor – Albertsons. Would you consider buying or baking a dessert for our Shared Bread program? Homemade treats are treasured by our guests – but a cheesecake from Costco or cupcakes from Ralphs would be wonderful. Please wrap desserts tightly and mark for Shared Bread. Deliver Sunday through Wednesday to the church kitchen (or the office if kitchen is closed.)
If you are able to bake or buy dessert on a regular basis, please contact Nina Dooley . Thanks for your sweet caring

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.

Corazon "Super Build"
Saturday, April 16: A Corazon house build, involving several churches and volunteer groups working to make a difference in the lives of many. We hope you will consider participating in this outreach opportunity. Email George or Peggy Mercer for more info.

Tell Us About Yourself...
Please take a moment to tell us about your skills and interests through our online questionnaire.

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.

We have many spots to fill for liturgists on Sunday mornings. The following link will take you the sign up. Please check it out.
Sunday Worship Liturgist Sign Up
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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