This Sunday for worship: Palm Sunday & the Passion Story
Children's Choir and a Donkey procession at 10am - Tacos and Activity Fair after 10:30 worship
From Pastor Molly: That talking donkey
This Sunday will include one of my favorite of our church traditions: a talking donkey. As we remember Jesus' entry into Jerusalem at the start of Holy Week, we reenact the subversive parade that welcomed him as King. Besides that it's just exciting to have a donkey in the sanctuary (and one that talks!!), it's fun to put ourselves into the story, pretending to be there in Jerusalem with him. And to let the donkey help tell the story...
Of course, our version of the Palm Sunday procession won't include the glaring, threatening eyes of the Roman soldiers or the threatened religious leaders keeping watch; as it turns out, not everyone is pleased to welcome a new king. The story continues as tensions mount; Jesus challenges the established order. Our worship will take us into the midst of Holy Week, through Jesus' agony in the garden of Gethsemane and to his death on a cross.
God's love comes into clear focus as Jesus moves through Holy Week, emptying himself and offering forgiveness even from the cross. The story is wrenching, but at the end of the day, it's a declaration of forgiveness and grace; a triumph of love over hatred, and life over death. It turns our expectations on their heads and makes us reexamine our assumptions about the world.
So why not a talking donkey? It may be the least strange thing about it all.[Pastor Molly Vetter]
In Worship This Week
Sunday, March 20
Palm Sunday
Scripture: Luke 22:24-46 &
Luke 22:47-23:43
Text: Luke 22:
24 An argument arose among them as to which of them should be considered the greatest. 25 But Yeshua said to them, “The kings of the Goyim lord it over them; and those in authority over them are given the title, ‘Benefactor.’ 26 But not so with you! On the contrary, let the greater among you become like the younger, and one who rules like one who serves. 27 For who is greater? The one reclining at the table? or the one who serves? It’s the one reclining at the table, isn’t it? But I myself am among you like one who serves.
28 “You are the ones who have stayed with me throughout my trials. 29 Just as my Father gave me the right to rule, so I give you an appointment, 30 namely, to eat and drink at my table in my Kingdom and to sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Isra’el.
31 “Shim‘on, Shim‘on, listen! The Adversary demanded to have you people for himself, to sift you like wheat! 32 But I prayed for you, Shim‘on, that your trust might not fail. And you, once you have turned back in repentance, strengthen your brothers!” 33 Shim‘on said to him, “Lord, I am prepared to go with you both to prison and to death!” 34 Yeshua replied, “I tell you, Kefa, the rooster will not crow today until you have denied three times that you know me.”
35 He said to them, “When I sent you out without wallet, pack or shoes, were you ever short of anything?” “Not a thing,” they answered. 36 “But now,” he said, if you have a wallet or a pack, take it; and if you don’t have a sword, sell your robe to buy one. 37 For I tell you this: the passage from the Tanakh that says, ‘He was counted with transgressors,’[Luke 22:37 Isaiah 53:12] has to be fulfilled in me; since what is happening to me has a purpose.” 38 They said, “Look, Lord, there are two swords right here!” “Enough!” he replied.
39 On leaving, Yeshua went as usual to the Mount of Olives; and the talmidim followed him. 40 When he arrived, he said to them, “Pray that you won’t be put to the test.” 41 He went about a stone’s throw away from them, kneeled down and prayed, 42 “Father, if you are willing, take this cup away from me; still, let not my will but yours be done.” 43 There appeared to him an angel from heaven giving him strength, 44 and in great anguish he prayed more intensely, so that his sweat became like drops of blood falling to the ground. 45 On rising from prayer and coming to the talmidim, he found them sleeping because of their grief. 46 He said to them, “Why are you sleeping? Get up and pray that you won’t be put to the test!”
Luke 22:47 While he was still speaking, a crowd of people arrived, with the man called Y’hudah (one of the Twelve!) leading them. He came up to Yeshua to kiss him, 48 but Yeshua said to him, “Y’hudah, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?” 49 When his followers saw what was going to happen, they said, “Lord, should we use our swords?” 50 One of them struck at the slave of the cohen hagadol and cut off his right ear. 51 But Yeshua answered, “Just let me do this,” and, touching the man’s ear, he healed him.
52 Then Yeshua said to the head cohanim, the officers of the Temple guard and the elders who had come to seize him, “So you came out just as you would to the leader of a rebellion, with swords and clubs? 53 Every day I was there with you in the Temple court, yet you didn’t arrest me. But this is your hour — the hour when darkness rules.”
54 Having seized him, they led him away and brought him into the house of the cohen hagadol. Kefa followed at a distance; 55 but when they had lit a fire in the middle of the courtyard and sat down together, Kefa joined them. 56 One of the servant girls saw him sitting in the light of the fire, stared at him and said, “This man also was with him.” 57 But he denied it: “Lady, I don’t even know him.” 58 A little later, someone else saw him and said, “You’re one of them too”; but Kefa said, “Man, I am not!” 59 About an hour later, another man asserted emphatically, “There can be no doubt that this fellow was with him, because he too is from the Galil!” 60 But Kefa said, “Man, I don’t know what you’re talking about!” And instantly, while he was still speaking, a rooster crowed. 61 The Lord turned and looked straight at Kefa; and Kefa remembered what the Lord had said, “Before the rooster crows today, you will deny me three times.” 62 And he went outside and cried bitterly.
63 Meanwhile, the men who were holding Yeshua made fun of him. They beat him, 64 blindfolded him, and kept asking him, “Now, ‘prophesy’! Who hit you that time?” 65 And they said many other insulting things to him.
66 At daybreak, the people’s council of elders, including both head cohanim and Torah-teachers, met and led him off to their Sanhedrin, 67 where they said, “If you are the Mashiach, tell us.” He answered, “If I tell you, you won’t believe me; 68 and if I ask you, you won’t answer. 69 But from now on, the Son of Man will be sitting at the right hand of HaG’vurah,”[Luke 22:69 Psalm 110:1] 70 They all said, “Does this mean, then, that you are the Son of God?” And he answered them, “You say I am.” 71 They said, “Why do we need additional testimony? We have heard it ourselves from his own mouth!”
23 With that, the whole Sanhedrin got up and brought Yeshua before Pilate, 2 where they started accusing him. “We found this man subverting our nation, forbidding us to pay taxes to the Emperor and claiming that he himself is the Messiah — a king!” 3 Pilate asked him, “Are you the king of the Jews?” And he answered him, “The words are yours.” 4 Pilate said to the head cohanim and the crowds, “I find no ground for a charge against this man.” 5 But they persisted. “He is inciting the people with his teaching throughout all Y’hudah — he started in the Galil, and now he’s here!” 6 On hearing this, Pilate asked if the man was from the Galil; 7 and when he learned that he was under Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent him over to Herod, who at that time happened to be in Yerushalayim too.
8 Herod was delighted to see Yeshua, because he had heard about him and for a long time had been wanting to meet him; indeed, he hoped to see him perform some miracle. 9 He questioned him at great length, but Yeshua made no reply. 10 However, the head cohanim and the Torah-teachers stood there, vehemently pressing their case against him. 11 Herod and his soldiers treated Yeshua with contempt and made fun of him. Then, dressing him in an elegant robe, they sent him back to Pilate. 12 That day Herod and Pilate became friends with each other; previously they had been enemies.
13 Pilate summoned the head cohanim, the leaders and the people, 14 and said to them, “You brought this man before me on a charge of subverting the people. I examined him in your presence and did not find the man guilty of the crime you are accusing him of. 15 And neither did Herod, because he sent him back to us. Clearly, he has not done anything that merits the death penalty. 16 Therefore, what I will do is have him flogged and release him.” 17 [Luke 23:17 Some manuscripts have verse 17: For he was required to release one man to them at the festival.] 18 But with one voice they shouted, “Away with this man! Give us Bar-Abba!” 19 (He was a man who had been thrown in prison for causing a riot in the city and for murder.) 20 Pilate appealed to them again, because he wanted to release Yeshua. 21 But they yelled, “Put him to death on the stake! Put him to death on the stake!” 22 A third time he asked them, “But what has this man done wrong? I haven’t found any reason to put him to death. So I’m going to have him flogged and set free.” 23 But they went on yelling insistently, demanding that he be executed on the stake; and their shouting prevailed. 24 Pilate decided to grant their demand; 25 he released the man who had been thrown in prison for insurrection and murder, the one they had asked for; and Yeshua he surrendered to their will.
26 As the Roman soldiers led Yeshua away, they grabbed hold of a man from Cyrene named Shim‘on, who was on his way in from the country. They put the execution-stake on his back and made him carry it behind Yeshua. 27 Large numbers of people followed, including women crying and wailing over him. 28 Yeshua turned to them and said, “Daughters of Yerushalayim, don’t cry for me; cry for yourselves and your children! 29 For the time is coming when people will say, ‘The childless women are the lucky ones — those whose wombs have never borne a child, whose breasts have never nursed a baby! 30 Then
They will begin to say to the mountains, ‘Fall on us!’
and to the hills, ‘Cover us!’[Luke 23:30 Hosea 10:8c]
31 For if they do these things when the wood is green, what is going to happen when it’s dry?”
32 Two other men, both criminals, were led out to be executed with him. 33 When they came to the place called The Skull, they nailed him to a stake; and they nailed the criminals to stakes, one on the right and one on the left. 34 Yeshua said, “Father, forgive them; they don’t understand what they are doing.”
They divided up his clothes by throwing dice.[Luke 23:34 Psalm 22:19(18)] 35 The people stood watching, and the rulers sneered at him.[Luke 23:35 Psalm 22:8(7)] “He saved others,” they said, “so if he really is the Messiah, the one chosen by God, let him save himself!” 36 The soldiers too ridiculed him; they came up, offered him vinegar[Luke 23:36 Psalm 69:22(21)] 37 and said, “If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself!” 38 And there was a notice over him which read,
THIS IS
THE KING OF THE JEWS
39 One of the criminals hanging there hurled insults at him. “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!” 40 But the other one spoke up and rebuked the first, saying, “Have you no fear of God? You’re getting the same punishment as he is. 41 Ours is only fair; we’re getting what we deserve for what we did. But this man did nothing wrong.” 42 Then he said, “Yeshua, remember me when you come as King.” 43 Yeshua said to him, “Yes! I promise that you will be with me today in Gan-‘Eden.”
John Wesley's Notes-Commentary for Luke 22:24-46
Verse 24
[24] And there was also a strife among them, which of them should be accounted the greatest.
There was also a contention among them — It is highly probable, this was the same dispute which is mentioned by St. Matthew and St. Mark: and consequently, though it is related here, it happened some time before.
Verse 25
[25] And he said unto them, The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and they that exercise authority upon them are called benefactors.
They that exercise the most arbitrary authority over them, have from their flatterers the vain title of benefactors.
Verse 26
[26] But ye shall not be so: but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve.
But ye are to be benefactors to mankind, not by governing, but by serving.
Verse 27
[27] For whether is greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth? is not he that sitteth at meat? but I am among you as he that serveth.
For — This he proves by his own example.
I am in the midst of you — Just now: see with your eyes. I take no state upon me, but sit in the midst, on a level with the lowest of you.
Verse 28
[28] Ye are they which have continued with me in my temptations.
Ye have continued with me in my temptations — And all his life was nothing else, particularly from his entering on his public ministry.
Verse 29
[29] And I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me;
And I — Will preserve you in all your temptations, till ye enter into the kingdom of glory: appoint to you - By these very words. Not a primacy to one, but a kingdom to every one: on the same terms: as my Father hath appointed to me - Who have fought and conquered.
Verse 30
[30] That ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
That ye may eat and drink at my table — That is, that ye may enjoy the highest happiness, as guests, not as servants. These expressions seem to be primarily applicable to the twelve apostles, and secondarily, to all Christ's servants and disciples, whose spiritual powers, honours, and delights, are here represented in figurative terms, with respect to their advancement both in the kingdom of grace and of glory.
Verse 31
[31] And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:
Satan hath desired to have you — My apostles, that he might sift you as wheat - Try you to the uttermost.
Verse 32
[32] But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.
But I have prayed for thee — Who wilt be in the greatest danger of all: that thy faith fail not - Altogether: and when thou art returned - From thy flight, strengthen thy brethren - All that are weak in faith; perhaps scandalized at thy fall.
Verse 34
[34] And he said, I tell thee, Peter, the cock shall not crow this day, before that thou shalt thrice deny that thou knowest me.
It shall not be the time of cock crowing this day — The common time of cock crowing (which is usually about three in the morning) probably did not come till after the cock which Peter heard had crowed twice, if not oftener.
Verse 35
[35] And he said unto them, When I sent you without purse, and scrip, and shoes, lacked ye any thing? And they said, Nothing.
When I sent you — lacked ye any thing - Were ye not borne above all want and danger?
Verse 36
[36] Then said he unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one.
But now — You will be quite in another situation. You will want every thing.
He that hath no sword, let him sell his garment and buy one — It is plain, this is not to be taken literally. It only means, This will be a time of extreme danger.
Verse 37
[37] For I say unto you, that this that is written must yet be accomplished in me, And he was reckoned among the transgressors: for the things concerning me have an end.
The things which are written concerning me have an end - Are now drawing to a period; are upon the point of being accomplished. Isaiah 53:12.
Verse 38
[38] And they said, Lord, behold, here are two swords. And he said unto them, It is enough.
Here are two swords — Many of Galilee carried them when they travelled, to defend themselves against robbers and assassins, who much infested their roads. But did the apostles need to seek such defence? And he said; It is enough - I did not mean literally, that every one of you must have a sword.
Verse 39
[39] And he came out, and went, as he was wont, to the mount of Olives; and his disciples also followed him.
Matthew 26:30.
Verse 40
[40] And when he was at the place, he said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation.
The place — The garden of Gethsemane.
Verse 43
[43] And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him.
Strengthening him — Lest his body should sink and die before the time.
Verse 44
[44] And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.
And being in an agony — Probably just now grappling with the powers of darkness: feeling the weight of the wrath of God, and at the same time surrounded with a mighty host of devils, who exercised all their force and malice to persecute and distract his wounded spirit.
He prayed more earnestly — Even with stronger cries and tars: and his sweat - As cold as the weather was, was as it were great drops of blood - Which, by the vehement distress of his soul, were forced out of the pores, in so great a quantity as afterward united in large, thick, grumous drops, and even fell to the ground.
Verse 48
[48] But Jesus said unto him, Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss?
Betrayest thou the Son of man — He whom thou knowest to be the Son of man, the Christ?
Verse 49
[49] When they which were about him saw what would follow, they said unto him, Lord, shall we smite with the sword?
Seeing what would follow — That they were just going to seize him. Matthew 26:51; Mark 14:47.
Verse 51
[51] And Jesus answered and said, Suffer ye thus far. And he touched his ear, and healed him.
Suffer me at least to have my hands at liberty thus far, while I do one more act of mercy.
Verse 52
[52] Then Jesus said unto the chief priests, and captains of the temple, and the elders, which were come to him, Be ye come out, as against a thief, with swords and staves?
Jesus said to the chief priests, and captains, and the elders who were come — And all these came of their own accord: the soldiers and servants were sent.
Verse 53
[53] When I was daily with you in the temple, ye stretched forth no hands against me: but this is your hour, and the power of darkness.
This is your hour — Before which ye could not take me: and the power of darkness - The time when Satan has power.
Verse 54
[54] Then took they him, and led him, and brought him into the high priest's house. And Peter followed afar off.
Matthew 26:57; Mark 14:53; John 18:12.
Verse 58
[58] And after a little while another saw him, and said, Thou art also of them. And Peter said, Man, I am not.
Another man saw him and said — Observe here, in order to reconcile the four evangelists, that divers persons concurred in charging Peter with belonging to Christ. 1. The maid that led him in, afterward seeing him at the fire, first put the question to him, and then positively affirmed, that he was with Christ. 2. Another maid accused him to the standers by, and gave occasion to the man here mentioned, to renew the charge against him, which caused the second denial. 3. Others of the company took notice of his being a Galilean, and were seconded by the kinsman of Malchus, who affirmed he had seen him in the garden. And this drew on the third denial.
Verse 59
[59] And about the space of one hour after another confidently affirmed, saying, Of a truth this fellow also was with him: for he is a Galilaean.
And about one hour after — So he did not recollect himself in all that time.
Verse 63
[63] And the men that held Jesus mocked him, and smote him.
Matthew 26:67; Mark 14:65.
Verse 64
[64] And when they had blindfolded him, they struck him on the face, and asked him, saying, Prophesy, who is it that smote thee?
And having blindfolded him, they struck him on the face — This is placed by St. Matthew and Mark, after the council's condemning him. Probably he was abused in the same manner, both before and after his condemnation.
Verse 65
[65] And many other things blasphemously spake they against him.
Many other things blasphemously spake they against him — The expression is remarkable. They charged him with blasphemy, because he said he was the Son of God: but the evangelist fixes that charge on them, because he really was so.
Verse 66
[66] And as soon as it was day, the elders of the people and the chief priests and the scribes came together, and led him into their council, saying,
Matthew 26:63; Mark 14:61.
Verse 70
[70] Then said they all, Art thou then the Son of God? And he said unto them, Ye say that I am.
They all said, Art thou then the Son of God? — Both these, the Son of God, and the Son of man, were known titles of the Messiah; the one taken from his Divine, and the other from his human nature.
Verse 4
[4] Then said Pilate to the chief priests and to the people, I find no fault in this man.
Then said Pilate — After having heard his defence-I find no fault in this man - I do not find that he either asserts or attempts any thing seditious or injurious to Cesar.
Verse 5
[5] And they were the more fierce, saying, He stirreth up the people, teaching throughout all Jewry, beginning from Galilee to this place.
He stirreth up the people, beginning from Galilee — Probably they mentioned Galilee to alarm Pilate, because the Galileans were notorious for sedition and rebellion.
Verse 7
[7] And as soon as he knew that he belonged unto Herod's jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod, who himself also was at Jerusalem at that time.
He sent him to Herod — As his proper judge.
Verse 8
[8] And when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceeding glad: for he was desirous to see him of a long season, because he had heard many things of him; and he hoped to have seen some miracle done by him.
He had been long desirous to see him — Out of mere curiosity.
Verse 9
[9] Then he questioned with him in many words; but he answered him nothing.
He questioned him — Probably concerning the miracles which were reported to have been wrought by him.
Verse 11
[11] And Herod with his men of war set him at nought, and mocked him, and arrayed him in a gorgeous robe, and sent him again to Pilate.
Herod set him at nought — Probably judging him to be a fool, because he answered nothing.
In a splendid robe — In royal apparel; intimating that he feared nothing from this king.
Verse 15
[15] No, nor yet Herod: for I sent you to him; and, lo, nothing worthy of death is done unto him.
He hath done nothing worthy of death — According to the judgment of Herod also.
Verse 16
[16] I will therefore chastise him, and release him.
I will therefore chastise him — Here Pilate began to give ground, which only encouraged them to press on. Matthew 27:15; Mark 15:6; John 18:39.
Verse 22
[22] And he said unto them the third time, Why, what evil hath he done? I have found no cause of death in him: I will therefore chastise him, and let him go.
He said to them the third time, Why, what evil hath he done? — As Peter, a disciple of Christ, dishonoured him by denying him thrice, so Pilate, a heathen, honoured Christ, by thrice owning him to be innocent.
Verse 26
[26] And as they led him away, they laid hold upon one Simon, a Cyrenian, coming out of the country, and on him they laid the cross, that he might bear it after Jesus.
Matthew 27:31; Mark 15:21; John 19:16.
Verse 30
[30] Then shall they begin to say to the mountains, Fall on us; and to the hills, Cover us.
Hosea 10:8.
Verse 31
[31] For if they do these things in a green tree, what shall be done in the dry?
If they do these things in the green tree, what shall be done in the dry? — Our Lord makes use of a proverbial expression, frequent among the Jews, who compare a good man to a green tree, and a bad man to a dead one: as if he had said, If an innocent person suffer thus, what will become of the wicked? Of those who are as ready for destruction as dry wood for the fire?
Verse 34
[34] Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.
Then said Jesus — Our Lord passed most of the time on the cross in silence: yet seven sentences which he spoke thereon are recorded by the four evangelists, though no one evangelist has recorded them all. Hence it appears that the four Gospels are, as it were, four parts, which, joined together, make one symphony. Sometimes one of these only, sometimes two or three, sometimes all sound together.
Father — So he speaks both in the beginning and at the end of his sufferings on the cross: Forgive them - How striking is this passage! While they are actually nailing him to the cross, he seems to feel the injury they did to their own souls more than the wounds they gave him; and as it were to forget his own anguish out of a concern for their own salvation. And how eminently was his prayer heard! It procured forgiveness for all that were penitent, and a suspension of vengeance even for the impenitent.
Verse 35
[35] And the people stood beholding. And the rulers also with them derided him, saying, He saved others; let him save himself, if he be Christ, the chosen of God.
If thou be the Christ; Luke 23:37.
If thou be the king — The priests deride the name of Messiah: the soldiers the name of king.
Verse 38
[38] And a superscription also was written over him in letters of Greek, and Latin, and Hebrew, THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.
Matthew 27:37; Mark 15:26; John 19:19.
Verse 39
[39] And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us.
And one of the malefactors reviled him — St. Matthew says, the robbers: St. Mark, they that were crucified with him, reviled him. Either therefore St. Matthew and Mark put the plural for the singular (as the best authors sometimes do) or both reviled him at the first, till one of them felt "the overwhelming power of saving grace."
Verse 40
[40] But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation?
The other rebuked him — What a surprising degree was here of repentance, faith, and other graces! And what abundance of good works, in his public confession of his sin, reproof of his fellow criminal, his honourable testimony to Christ, and profession of faith in him, while he was in so disgraceful circumstances as were stumbling even to his disciples! This shows the power of Divine grace. But it encourages none to put off their repentance to the last hour; since, as far as appears, this was the first time this criminal had an opportunity of knowing any thing of Christ, and his conversion was designed to put a peculiar glory on our Saviour in his lowest state, while his enemies derided him, and his own disciples either denied or forsook him.
Verse 42
[42] And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.
Remember me when thou comest — From heaven, in thy kingdom - He acknowledges him a king, and such a king, as after he is dead, can profit the dead. The apostles themselves had not then so clear conceptions of the kingdom of Christ.
Verse 43
[43] And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.
In paradise — The place where the souls of the righteous remain from death till the resurrection. As if he had said, I will not only remember thee then, but this very day.
"Rule of Life"
Pastor Molly, preaching
8:30am in Epworth Lounge
10:30am in the Sanctuary
Special Music: "Gethsemane," by Andrew Lloyd Webber, from Jesus Christ Superstar; "Lacrymosa," by W A Mozart, from Requiem
"Gethsemane"
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During Lent: Spiritual Practices
We invite you to take on 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. We encourage you to form a small group of others to Check In with along the way. Read more here.
How's it Going with your Lenten Promises and Practices?
Pastor Molly would love to hear about the ways you've been living out your faith with your prayers, your presence, your gifts, your service and your witness! If you have a moment to send an email, post on Facebook, or say something the next time you see here, please do!
News From Our Members
"An opportunity missed! Last Sunday our church was honored with a visit from our Conference District Superintendent, Rev. Kathey Wilborn and her daughter. While I was busy caring for the offering, they left without me getting to say hello, welcome back, how nice to see you. Her daughter, LeGrace, has grown up beautifully and it would have been good to renew acquaintance again..."
Read more here
Thursday,
Read Columns from our former Lay Leader, Johnna Kosnoff, here!
Coming at Church
Palm Sunday, Good Friday and Easter are such special times at church--we encourage you to think about friends or neighbors you might invite to join us for worship!
Palm Sunday: Procession at 10am
Join us for worship at 8:30 & 10:30, plus a special palm procession--with donkey!--at10am. The children will sing, too. After worship, stay for tacos (to raise money for the Baja mission trip) and an Activities Fair in Fellowship Hall.
Good Friday worship at 7:30pm
Share in a moving worship experience, as we meditate on the 7 last words of Christ. Featuring our Choir, singing Dale Wood's "Service of Darkness," plus candlelight, prayer and more.
Celebrate Easter with Us!
Worship at 8:30 & 10:30am, plus an Easter Egg Hunt at 10am on the lawn! Or join us at 6:30am for a Sunrise Service on Torrance Beach. Our 10:30 service includes a brass ensemble and more!
Children's Choir & Donkey-Led Procession at 10am Sunday
At 10am on March 20, we will celebrate Palm Sunday with a special donkey-led palm procession in the sanctuary. The kids will help us sing "Hosanna" fromJesus Christ Superstar. Then, after Pastor Molly and the donkey share a lesson about Palm Sunday, the Children's Choir will sing a song.
Join us on the patio at 10 to join the festivities. People of all ages are encouraged to participate--invite your friends, too!
Taco Fundraiser & Activity Fair This Sunday after 10:30 worship
Stay after worship this week, for a taco lunch, in support of our youth who will go on the Baja Mission Trip this summer. They'll be serving tacos and sharing stories on the Epworth Patio.
Our Children's Ministry will host a free Activity Fair on the stage and in Fellowship Hall, too--with Holy Week crafts and coloring pages for all ages.
Potluck Lunches this Spring
We invite you to join your church family for a potluck after 10:30 worship on the first Sunday of April, May and June. Bring a dish to share - enjoy the fellowship! So mark your calendars for the next three potlucks: April 3, May 1 & June 5.
Parents Night Out at Church
Families are invited to join us for Parents' Night out: March 18, April 23, May 20
RSVP to children@beachfaith.com asap to make sure there's a spot for your family!
Sponsored by Children and Family Ministries.
Thank you to the many people who have stepped up as volunteers with our Sunday School! New volunteers are welcome--come help or teach. Questions? Contact Adriana
Book Club: Our next book is "The Street Lawyer," by John Grisham It is the story of a corporate lawyer who is held hostage, along with other associates, by a homeless man. The transformation of Mike following this experience is well suited to our learning more about the plight of the homeless. Join us Thursday, April 21, 7 pm
More info online; email Ann or Laura.
Vacation Bible School 2016: August 1-5
We hope you can join us for VBS, for ages 3-8th grade! 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!
If you took empty eggs for the Children's Easter Egg Hunt, please bring filled eggs back to church this Sunday, March 20!
Announcements
Men's Breakfast: Our next breakfast is Monday, March 21, 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, March 18, 10am-noon. This meeting will include a quilt backing/binding tutorial and we will work on various projects. Through April we will meet on the Third Friday of each Month! 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. Located right off of the parking lot across from 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: PALM SUNDAY: "Luke’s Holy Week" (Luke 22:14—23:56 ) Today is the beginning of holy week.
Church R Us (Special Class for Grades 4 & 5):
10:30am: CRU meets above the Nursery! Sunday's Lesson: PALM SUNDAY: "Luke’s Holy Week" (Luke 22:14—23:56 )Today we start the week when the church remembers Jesus crucifixion
Youth Ministry (6th-12th grade):
-Nope! No Middle school Sunday School this week!
-Youth Group? Nope! We're helping with the Taco Fundraiser (if you're going to Baja) and the activities in the Fellowship Hall after church!
Adult Sunday School: Bible Study and Discussion in May Day Parlor. Sunday mornings from 9:30-10:15am. Led by Helen Stockwell. (Feb 28 will meet in Epworth Lounge)
Thursday Pastor's Bible Study:
Thursday mornings from 11:00-noon, in May Day Parlor. Led by Pastor Molly.
United Methodist News & Events
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.
Call to Prayer: Fiji
The California-Pacific Conference is called to prayer for Fiji after a cyclone has killed 29 people and has raised the potential for outbreaks of Zika and Dengue viruses.
Bishop Minerva G. Carcaño has conveyed prayers of encouragement to General Board of Global Ministries Missionary family the Neal's (Wes, Jerusha, Mercy and Josiah), of which Rev. Wesley Neal is a member of the California-Pacific Conference, who have been serving in Fiji since 2014.
Just recently, they sent an update on the on-the-ground conditions. Read the letter here.
General Conference 2016
The United Methodist Church’s top legislative body will meet in Portland, Oregon on May 10-20, 2016.
General Conference is the top policy-making body of The United Methodist Church which meets once every four years. The conference can revise church law, as well as adopt resolutions on current moral, social, public policy and economic issues. It also approves plans and budgets for church-wide programs.Read more.
Pastor Molly will attend as a Reserve Delegate for our Annual Conference.
We invite you to join with others in praying for the church before and during this event.
First United Methodist Church of Redondo Beach
Pastor Molly, preaching
8:30am in Epworth Lounge
10:30am in the Sanctuary
Special Music: "Gethsemane," by Andrew Lloyd Webber, from Jesus Christ Superstar; "Lacrymosa," by W A Mozart, from Requiem
"Gethsemane"
Verse 1
To see the King of heaven fall
In anguish to His knees
The Light and Hope of all the world
Now overwhelmed with grief
What nameless horrors must He see
To cry out in the garden
Oh take this cup away from Me
Yet not My will but Yours
Yet not My will but Yours
Verse 2
To know each friend will fall away
And heaven's voice be still
For hell to have its vengeful day
Upon Golgotha's hill
No words describe the Saviour's plight
To be by God forsaken
Till wrath and love are satisfied
And every sin is paid
And every sin is paid
Verse 3
What took Him to this wretched place
What kept Him on this road
His love for Adam's cursed race
For every broken soul
No sin too slight to overlook
No crime too great to carry
All mingled in this poisoned cup
And yet He drank it all
The Saviour drank it all
The Saviour drank it all
Listen to Sermons onlineVisit our Website
During Lent: Spiritual Practices
We invite you to take on 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. We encourage you to form a small group of others to Check In with along the way. Read more here.
How's it Going with your Lenten Promises and Practices?
Pastor Molly would love to hear about the ways you've been living out your faith with your prayers, your presence, your gifts, your service and your witness! If you have a moment to send an email, post on Facebook, or say something the next time you see here, please do!
News From Our Members
"An opportunity missed! Last Sunday our church was honored with a visit from our Conference District Superintendent, Rev. Kathey Wilborn and her daughter. While I was busy caring for the offering, they left without me getting to say hello, welcome back, how nice to see you. Her daughter, LeGrace, has grown up beautifully and it would have been good to renew acquaintance again..."
Read more here
Thursday,
March 17, 2016
by Bob Peterson
An opportunity missed! Last Sunday our church was honored with a visit from our Conference District Superintendent, Rev. Kathey Wilborn and her daughter. While I was busy caring for the for the offering, they left without me getting to say hello, welcome back, how nice to see you. Her daughter, LeGrace, has grown up beautifully and it would have been good to renew acquaintance again.
During our Sunday Potluck last week I sat with Nancy and David Klinger and their grandson, Todd Potter. It seems that young Todd wishes to become a writer and as he was at the previous week's combined church confirmation class retreat, he decided to write up the weekend. I have read his essay and indeed, he is already a writer for he told of meeting new friends, learning from faculty, clergy and others, being inspired and his experiences at this event. Todd's writing is very mature and shows his insights, impressions and the fact that this was moving experience for him and the other four from our church who, with Pastor Molly and Stephen Hale completed our contingent. If you visit with Todd, ask about his visit to Lazy W Ranch Camp near Capistrano for the retreat. He learned a lot.
Perhaps four or five years ago we had a palm Sunday similar to this Sunday's celebration with a walk from the parking lot to the sanctuary following the donkey with "Jesus" aboard, waving palm fronds, singing and shouting "hallelujah," all with great excitement. That year I was in a brass group for special music and the lady playing trombone turned to me and said, "What child wouldn't love a church that brings a live donkey into the sanctuary for Palm Sunday." This year we continue to follow the tradition and you'll hear the donkey's opinions about carrying Christ into the church. It's a hoot, if you don't mind my saying so. Don't you just love our church?
Coming at Church
Palm Sunday, Good Friday and Easter are such special times at church--we encourage you to think about friends or neighbors you might invite to join us for worship!
Palm Sunday: Procession at 10am
Join us for worship at 8:30 & 10:30, plus a special palm procession--with donkey!--at10am. The children will sing, too. After worship, stay for tacos (to raise money for the Baja mission trip) and an Activities Fair in Fellowship Hall.
Good Friday worship at 7:30pm
Share in a moving worship experience, as we meditate on the 7 last words of Christ. Featuring our Choir, singing Dale Wood's "Service of Darkness," plus candlelight, prayer and more.
Celebrate Easter with Us!
Worship at 8:30 & 10:30am, plus an Easter Egg Hunt at 10am on the lawn! Or join us at 6:30am for a Sunrise Service on Torrance Beach. Our 10:30 service includes a brass ensemble and more!
Children's Choir & Donkey-Led Procession at 10am Sunday
At 10am on March 20, we will celebrate Palm Sunday with a special donkey-led palm procession in the sanctuary. The kids will help us sing "Hosanna" fromJesus Christ Superstar. Then, after Pastor Molly and the donkey share a lesson about Palm Sunday, the Children's Choir will sing a song.
Join us on the patio at 10 to join the festivities. People of all ages are encouraged to participate--invite your friends, too!
Taco Fundraiser & Activity Fair This Sunday after 10:30 worship
Stay after worship this week, for a taco lunch, in support of our youth who will go on the Baja Mission Trip this summer. They'll be serving tacos and sharing stories on the Epworth Patio.
Our Children's Ministry will host a free Activity Fair on the stage and in Fellowship Hall, too--with Holy Week crafts and coloring pages for all ages.
Potluck Lunches this Spring
We invite you to join your church family for a potluck after 10:30 worship on the first Sunday of April, May and June. Bring a dish to share - enjoy the fellowship! So mark your calendars for the next three potlucks: April 3, May 1 & June 5.
Parents Night Out at Church
Families are invited to join us for Parents' Night out: March 18, April 23, May 20
RSVP to children@beachfaith.com asap to make sure there's a spot for your family!
Sponsored by Children and Family Ministries.
Thank you to the many people who have stepped up as volunteers with our Sunday School! New volunteers are welcome--come help or teach. Questions? Contact Adriana
Book Club: Our next book is "The Street Lawyer," by John Grisham It is the story of a corporate lawyer who is held hostage, along with other associates, by a homeless man. The transformation of Mike following this experience is well suited to our learning more about the plight of the homeless. Join us Thursday, April 21, 7 pm
More info online; email Ann or Laura.
Vacation Bible School 2016: August 1-5
We hope you can join us for VBS, for ages 3-8th grade! 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!
If you took empty eggs for the Children's Easter Egg Hunt, please bring filled eggs back to church this Sunday, March 20!
Announcements
Men's Breakfast: Our next breakfast is Monday, March 21, 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, March 18, 10am-noon. This meeting will include a quilt backing/binding tutorial and we will work on various projects. Through April we will meet on the Third Friday of each Month! 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. Located right off of the parking lot across from 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: PALM SUNDAY: "Luke’s Holy Week" (Luke 22:14—23:56 ) Today is the beginning of holy week.
Church R Us (Special Class for Grades 4 & 5):
10:30am: CRU meets above the Nursery! Sunday's Lesson: PALM SUNDAY: "Luke’s Holy Week" (Luke 22:14—23:56 )Today we start the week when the church remembers Jesus crucifixion
Youth Ministry (6th-12th grade):
-Nope! No Middle school Sunday School this week!
-Youth Group? Nope! We're helping with the Taco Fundraiser (if you're going to Baja) and the activities in the Fellowship Hall after church!
Adult Sunday School: Bible Study and Discussion in May Day Parlor. Sunday mornings from 9:30-10:15am. Led by Helen Stockwell. (Feb 28 will meet in Epworth Lounge)
Thursday Pastor's Bible Study:
Thursday mornings from 11:00-noon, in May Day Parlor. Led by Pastor Molly.
United Methodist News & Events
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.
Call to Prayer: Fiji
The California-Pacific Conference is called to prayer for Fiji after a cyclone has killed 29 people and has raised the potential for outbreaks of Zika and Dengue viruses.
Bishop Minerva G. Carcaño has conveyed prayers of encouragement to General Board of Global Ministries Missionary family the Neal's (Wes, Jerusha, Mercy and Josiah), of which Rev. Wesley Neal is a member of the California-Pacific Conference, who have been serving in Fiji since 2014.
Just recently, they sent an update on the on-the-ground conditions. Read the letter here.
General Conference 2016
The United Methodist Church’s top legislative body will meet in Portland, Oregon on May 10-20, 2016.
General Conference is the top policy-making body of The United Methodist Church which meets once every four years. The conference can revise church law, as well as adopt resolutions on current moral, social, public policy and economic issues. It also approves plans and budgets for church-wide programs.Read more.
Pastor Molly will attend as a Reserve Delegate for our Annual Conference.
We invite you to join with others in praying for the church before and during this event.
First United Methodist Church of Redondo Beach
243 South Broadway
Redondo Beach, California 90277, United States
310-372-8445 main
310-372-8445 main
310-372-5696 fax
Website
Ongoing Ministries
The UNITED METHODIST WOMEN'S Spring Rummage and Bake sale was a success due to the efforts of so many volunteers (and shoppers!). Net proceeds of more than $6400 will help continue the UMW's support of local and global missions.
Start your spring cleaning now and bring in your gently used treasures for our next sale in October.
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.
Peninsula Harbor Crop Hunger WalkJoin us on Sunday, April 17th for Peninsula Harbor’s annual CROP Hunger Walk, which will begin with registration/children’s activities at 11:00 a.m., our opening ceremony at 12:30 p.m., and the walk at 1:00 p.m.! Sign up Sunday on the church patio.
To learn more about the walk click here
Register online here for the April 16 house build with Faith United Methodist Church of Torrance.
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.
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
Ongoing Ministries
The UNITED METHODIST WOMEN'S Spring Rummage and Bake sale was a success due to the efforts of so many volunteers (and shoppers!). Net proceeds of more than $6400 will help continue the UMW's support of local and global missions.
Start your spring cleaning now and bring in your gently used treasures for our next sale in October.
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.
Peninsula Harbor Crop Hunger WalkJoin us on Sunday, April 17th for Peninsula Harbor’s annual CROP Hunger Walk, which will begin with registration/children’s activities at 11:00 a.m., our opening ceremony at 12:30 p.m., and the walk at 1:00 p.m.! Sign up Sunday on the church patio.
To learn more about the walk click here
Register online here for the April 16 house build with Faith United Methodist Church of Torrance.
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.
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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