From Pastor Molly: exquisite mutuality
I see the power of the resurrection most clearly in the way it transforms the way we see one another. Resurrection takes away our fears, ends the power of sin and death, and enables us to see one another with new eyes.
When I look for people who are living this resurrection life, I am drawn to the powerful ministry of Father Greg Boyle, whose Homeboy Industries is supplying hope into communities where gang violence has divided people against one another. His thoughtful, faithful work asks us to rethink what we're about, and how we see one another.
In an interview with "America," a national Catholic magazine, he wrote about his understanding of his ministry: "We are not invited to rescue, fix or save people. The heart of ministry is to receive people and then enter into the exquisite mutuality God intends for us all. Saving lives is for the Coast Guard. An earnest fellow, working with gang members, asked me once: 'How do you reach them?' I said, 'For starters, stop trying to reach them. Can YOU be reached by them?' This is the essence of a ministry that empowers by listening, receiving and welcoming. My life is saved everyday by contact with folks who are at the margins. And the day won’t ever come when I am more noble, have more courage or am closer to God than these people."
May our lives, too, reflect this saving power.[Pastor Molly Vetter]
In Worship This Week
Sunday, April 10
Acts 9:1-20
Scripture Text: Acts 9:1 Meanwhile, Sha’ul, still breathing murderous threats against the Lord’s talmidim, went to the cohen hagadol 2 and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Dammesek, authorizing him to arrest any people he might find, whether men or women, who belonged to “the Way,” and bring them back to Yerushalayim.
3 He was on the road and nearing Dammesek, when suddenly a light from heaven flashed all around him. 4 Falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, “Sha’ul! Sha’ul! Why do you keep persecuting me?” 5 “Sir, who are you?” he asked. “I am Yeshua, and you are persecuting me. 6 But get up, and go into the city, and you will be told what you have to do.”
7 The men traveling with him stood speechless, hearing the voice but seeing no one. 8 They helped Sha’ul get up off the ground; but when he opened his eyes, he could see nothing. So, leading him by the hand, they brought him into Dammesek. 9 For three days he remained unable to see, and he neither ate nor drank.
10 There was a talmid in Dammesek, Hananyah by name; and in a vision the Lord said to him, “Hananyah!” He said, “Here I am, Lord.” 11 The Lord said to him, “Get up and go to Straight Street, to Y’hudah’s house; and ask for a man from Tarsus named Sha’ul; for he is praying, 12 and in a vision he has seen a man named Hananyah coming in and placing his hands on him to restore his sight.” 13 But Hananyah answered, “Lord, many have told me about this man, how much harm he has done to your people in Yerushalayim; 14 and here he has a warrant from the head cohanim to arrest everyone who calls on your name.” 15 But the Lord said to him, “Go, because this man is my chosen instrument to carry my name to the Goyim, even to their kings, and to the sons of Isra’el as well. 16 For I myself will show him how much he will have to suffer on account of my name.”
17 So Hananyah left and went into the house. Placing his hands on him, he said, “Brother Sha’ul, the Lord — Yeshua, the one who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here — has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Ruach HaKodesh.” 18 In that moment, something like scales fell away from Sha’ul’s eyes; and he could see again. He got up and was immersed; 19 then he ate some food and regained his strength.
Sha’ul spent some days with the talmidim in Dammesek, 20 and immediately he began proclaiming in the synagogues that Yeshua is the Son of God.
John Wesley's Notes-Commentary for: Acts 9:1-20
Verse 3
[3] And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven:
And suddenly — When God suddenly and vehemently attacks a sinner, it is the highest act of mercy. So Saul, when his rage was come to the height, is taught not to breathe slaughter. And what was wanting in time to confirm him in his discipleship, is compensated by the inexpressible terror he sustained. By his also the suddenly constituted apostle was guarded against the grand snare into which novices are apt to fall.
Verse 4
[4] And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?
He heard a voice — Severe, yet full of grace.
Verse 5
[5] And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.
To kick against the goads — is a Syriac proverb, expressing an attempt that brings nothing but pain.
Verse 6
[6] And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.
It shall be told thee — So God himself sends Saul to be taught by a man, as the angel does Cornelius, Acts 10:5. Admirable condescension! that the Lord deals with us by men, like ourselves.
Verse 7
[7] And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man.
The men — stood - Having risen before Saul; for they also fell to the ground, Acts 26:14. It is probable they all journeyed on foot.
Hearing the noise — But not an articulate voice. And seeing the light, but not Jesus himself, Acts 26:13, etc.
Verse 9
[9] And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink.
And he was three days — An important season! So long he seems to have been in the pangs of the new birth.
Without sight — By scales growing over his eyes, to intimate to him the blindness of the state he had been in, to impress him with a deeper sense of the almighty power of Christ, and to turn his thoughts inward, while he was less capable of conversing with outward objects. This was likewise a manifest token to others, of what had happened to him in his journey, and ought to have humbled and convinced those bigoted Jews, to whom he had been sent from the sanhedrim.
Verse 11
[11] And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth,
Behold he is praying — He was shown thus to Ananias.
Verse 12
[12] And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight.
A man called Ananias — His name also was revealed to Saul.
Verse 13
[13] Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem:
But he answered — How natural it is to reason against God.
Verse 14
[14] And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name.
All that call on thy name — That is, all Christians.
Verse 15
[15] But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:
He is a chosen vessel to bear my name — That is, to testify of me. It is undeniable, that some men are unconditionally chosen or elected, to do some works for God
Verse 16
[16] For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake.
For I — Do thou as thou art commanded. I will take care of the rest; will show him - In fact, through the whole course of his ministry.
How great things he must suffer — So far will he be now from persecuting others.
Verse 17
[17] And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.
The Lord hath sent me — Ananias does not tell Saul all which Christ had said concerning him. It was not expedient that he should know yet to how great a dignity he was called.
"This Changes Everything: No Longer Enemies" Pastor Molly, preaching
8:30am in Epworth Lounge
10:30am in the Sanctuary
Special Music: "Laudate Dominum" by W A Mozart
Latin:
Laudate Dominum omnes gentes:
laudate eum omnes populi.
Quoniam confirmata est super nos misericordia eius:
et veritas Domini manet in aeternum.
Gloria Patri, et Filio, et Spiritui Sancto.
Sicut erat in principio, et nunc, et semper,
et in saecula saeculorum. Amen.
Psalm 116:1 I love that Adonai heard
my voice when I prayed;
2 because he turned his ear to me,
I will call on him as long as I live.
3 The cords of death were all around me,
Sh’ol’s constrictions held me fast;
I was finding only distress and anguish.
4 But I called on the name of Adonai:
“Please, Adonai! Save me!”
5 Adonai is merciful and righteous;
yes, our God is compassionate.
6 Adonai preserves the thoughtless;
when I was brought low, he saved me.
7 My soul, return to your rest!
For Adonai has been generous toward you.
8 Yes, you have rescued me from death,
my eyes from tears and my feet from falling.
9 I will go on walking in the presence of Adonai
in the lands of the living.
10 I will keep on trusting even when I say,
“I am utterly miserable,”
11 even when, in my panic, I declare,
“Everything human is deceptive.”
12 How can I repay Adonai
for all his generous dealings with me?
13 I will raise the cup of salvation
and call on the name of Adonai.
14 I will pay my vows to Adonai
in the presence of all his people.
15 From Adonai’s point of view,
the death of those faithful to him is costly.
16 Oh, Adonai! I am your slave;
I am your slave, the son of your slave-girl;
you have removed my fetters.
17 I will offer a sacrifice of thanks to you
and will call on the name of Adonai.
18 I will pay my vows to Adonai
in the presence of all his people,
19 in the courtyards of Adonai’s house,
there in your very heart, Yerushalayim.
Halleluyah!(117:1 Praise Adonai, all you nations!
Worship him, all you peoples!
2 For his grace has overcome us,
and Adonai’s truth continues forever.
Halleluyah!)
English:
Praise the Lord, all nations:
praise him, all peoples.
Because his mercy upon us is confirmed:
and the trustworthiness of the Lord will endure for ever.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen.
Listen to Sermons onlineSermon Series after Easter:
This Changes Everything
Unafraid. No longer enemies. Healed.
Everything's changed by the good news of Easter. In worship, we celebrate the beautiful transformation of God's amazing grace. It makes us unafraid, changes enemies into friends, and heals us. Each week, we will share stories of what God is doing for us and through us. Join us for the transformation, on April 3, 10 & 17.
Visit our Website
News From Our Members
"Last Sunday's Pot-Luck Luncheon was a great social gathering with excellent food. Actually, we had enough food for another twenty or thirty adults. So, plan on attending our next Pot-Luck scheduled for Sunday, May 1, 2016, following Worship at noon. You'll be glad you were there.
Have you taken a close look at the beautiful butterfly banners on either side of the sanctuary? They are on paper now, thus being lighter to raise than previously with cloth. Ernie says anything can be placed on them, so...
Read more here
April 7, 2016 by Bob Peterson
Last Sunday's Pot-Luck Luncheon was a great social gathering with excellent food. Actually, we had enough food for another twenty or thirty adults. So, plan on attending our next Pot-Luck scheduled for Sunday, May 1, 2016, following Worship at noon. You'll be glad you were there.
Have you taken a close look at the beautiful butterfly banners on either side of the sanctuary? They are on paper now, thus being lighter to raise than previously with cloth. Ernie says anything can be placed on them, so we'll see what happens next.
Have you been listening to the postlude each Sunday? The special music is prepared and performed by either our church organist or a member of the band and are musically wonderful. It's a great way end a worship service in meditation or appreciation of our musician's talent. We can applaud and show our appreciation at the end.
Last Sunday Pastor Molly Vetter read a quote from a British clergyman who writes a column called “The Loose Canon” for his parishioners. The fact that he is a “Canon” makes it a joke, one I loved.
Ar the recent Men's Breakfast, Ron Day's guest was Arnie Sachs, Church Custodian and we had a great time visiting with him and learned a few things about our facility as well. One thing Arnie did mention was that he had been on the job for our church over two years now and was awarded a week's vacation. If you haven't thanked him for doing a great job, now is the time to do it.
Read Columns from our former Lay Leader, Johnna Kosnoff, here!
Coming at Church
Potluck Lunches this Spring
We invite you to join your church family for a potluck after 10:30 worship. Bring a dish to share - enjoy the fellowship!
Mark your calendars for the next two potlucks: May 1 & June 5.
Peninsula Harbor Crop Hunger Walk
Join us Sunday, April 17th for Peninsula Harbor’s annual 4K CROP Hunger Walk, which will begin with registration/children’s activities at 11:00 am, our opening ceremony at 12:30 pm, & the walk at 1:00 pm! (Bring your own lunch for a picnic at the park during the registration time.) 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.
We are also collecting donations of some housewares to give to the family whose home will be build. Email George or Peggy Mercer for more info about the build or the gifts!
Parents Night Out at Church
Families are invited to join us for Parents' Night out: 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.
Care Packages for College Students
The children are packing care packages for college students on April 17th!
Want to help? Sign up here to bring the contents for these packages!
Contents are for 20 college students, and need to be dropped off at church before April 17th. Thanks!
BeachFaith Kids Summer Performing Arts Camp: Aug. 15-19; age 3-6th grade.
Mark you calendars now--details to follow.
Children's Choir: Mother's Day
Kids (age 3 - 5th grade) are invited to join in a special Children's Choir to sing on Mother's Day. There will be two rehearsals: Sundays April 24 & May 1, from 11:40-noon. The children will sing in 10:30 worship on Sunday, May 8 (with a before-worship rehearsal that day, at 10am).
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.
Pastor's Class on April 17:
The UMC at a Time of Change--General Conference 2016
Pastor Molly invites you to join her on April 17 from 9:30-10:15 in Epworth Lounge for a presentation about some of the challenges and questions our United Methodist Church will face at our General Conference in Portland this May. Pastor Molly was a delegate to GC in 2008 and 2012, and will participate as our first alternate delegate at this international gathering this year.
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!
Do You Have Orphan Quilt Blocks?
"Orphans" are those blocks you made for a project that just never got finished. Maybe you stashed them away in a box, hoping they'd find a home in a quilt someday. Our Prayers and Squares Quilt Group invites you to donate orphan quilt blocks! We would love to put them together into a prayer quilt, to give to someone in need of prayer! At our April 15 meeting (from 10am-noon), we'll start putting them together.
Read more here.
Guest Preacher: Rev. Nicole Reilley
We are pleased to welcome Rev. Nicole Reilley as preacher on Sundays April 24 and May 1. Rev. Nicole is the Director of New Ministries for our California-Pacific Annual Conference of the UMC. Previously, she served as Interim Pastor of our congregation (in 2012), and she continues to hold her charge conference membership here. Rev. Nicole will preach and teach on "Life After Death" (April 24) and "Life Before Death" (May 1).
Easter Was a Day of Celebration!
Thank you to everyone who helped make Easter so special!
Our youth did a great job leading music at the beach for our Sunrise service. The early morning was beautiful (and dolphins swam by).
Our 8:30 worship met outdoors on Epworth Patio, and had musical accompaniment from the birds.
The Easter egg hunt was great fun--we're glad to have so many kids in our church, and to see our families hanging out together. (Thanks to all the egg stuffers who helped, too.)
Worship was incredible at 10:30--from the bold timpani that began the prelude through the final "Hallelujah" at the end of Handel's Chorus. It was a joy to baptize Izzy during worship, and a privilege to share in Holy Communion. Grace Martens led the Time with Children, and Pastor Molly share another story of butterflies in her sermon.
Thanks also to everyone who invited a friend, or helped welcome a new visitor. We will continue the joy of the season in weeks to come!
Announcements
Men's Breakfast: Our next breakfast is Monday, April 18, 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, April 15, 10am-noon. This meeting will include making quilts to use up "orphan" blocks that someone made but never found a home in a quilt. If you have orphan blocks at your house, we encourage you to consider donating them to our prayer quilt group! 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): This week's story: "Saul Meets Jesus" (Acts 9:1-20) Jesus' Light brightens dark places and helps us see things we have not seen before.
The children are packing care packages for college students on April 17th!
Want to help? Sign up here to bring the contents for these packages!
Contents are for 20 college students, and need to be dropped off at church before April 17th. Thanks!
Church R Us (Special Class for Grades 4 & 5): We meet in the upstairs classroom above the nursery. This week we will read "Saul Meets Jesus" (Acts 9:1-20)
Youth Ministry (6th-12th grade):
-Nope!! No Middle school Sunday School this week! We're at SSP Weekend of Service!
-Confirmation meetings start Tuesday (4/12 at 6pm)!!
-Youth Group? Nope, we're at SSP Weekend of Service!
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. All are welcome!
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.
Prayers for the Church of Pakistan
"As Easter Sunday ended in Lahore, Pakistan, Bishop Sammy Azariah was still at a hospital visiting those injured by a suicide bomb attack in a public park where many Christian families were celebrating the holiday. ..."
Read more about our Christian brothers and sisters in the Church of Pakistan, and their response to last Sunday's bombing.
Photo courtesy of the World Council of Churches
Bishop Samuel Azariah, second from left, the moderator of the Church of Pakistan, was host of a conference in Lahore earlier in March on interreligious cooperation. Azariah asked for prayers for peace and “wisdom” from political and religious leaders after the Easter Sunday terrorist attack in Pakistan.
Easter attack on Pakistan’s Christians by Linda Bloom, NEW YORK (UMNS)
As Easter Sunday ended in Lahore, Pakistan, Bishop Sammy Azariah was still at a hospital visiting those injured by a suicide bomb attack in a public park where many Christian families were celebrating the holiday.
In an email sent to the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries, Azariah — the moderator of the Church of Pakistan — reported that a number of people from the church were injured in the attack. Lahore is the historic center of Christianity in Pakistan.
“According to my information, over 100 people (mostly children and women) from different faith communities have died,” he wrote. “It is correct that a large number of them are Christians.”
The official death toll stood at 70 on March 28, including at least 29 children. The Pakistani Taliban's Jamaat-ur-Ahrar faction claimed responsibility, according to Reuters, and said it was targeting Christians.
“The continued experience of the cross is not only painful, but does strengthen (us) to move forward in hope for healing and reconciliation,” said Azariah, who noted he had met some of the victims at the Easter sunrise service.
“Please continue to pray for peace, and wisdom upon the religious and political leaders of the world, especially Pakistan, to deal with this menace of religious extremism and violence in unity and with firmness,” he said.
‘Sense of outrage’
For Thomas Kemper, top executive for Global Ministries, the Easter Sunday attack evoked both prayers and “a sense of outrage” over the horror and inhumanity.
Kemper expressed his sorrow to the families of those killed, the many injured and the Church of Pakistan. In a statement, he called for prayer in the face of “a never ending series of violence against the minority Christian community of Pakistan.”
“Again and again we pray for peace, reconciliation, and safety for all the people of that troubled country. While we condemn their actions, we also pray for the perpetrators, asking God to lead them to the righteousness of nonviolence.”
The United Methodist Church maintains ties and ministries with the Church of Pakistan, a united Protestant denomination whose 1970 merger included Methodists. Currently, Global Ministries is helping support Insar Gohar, a church staff member, who is attending United Methodist Claremont School of Theology.
Gohar lost two children and his mother when the All Saints Church in Peshawar, which dated from the 19th century, was bombed in September 2013. His wife, Uzma Insar, was badly injured.
Kemper said Christians in Pakistan have endured “decades of violence at the hands of extremist factions within the major Muslim population. They endure with a remarkable resilience that should be an example to followers of Jesus Christ everywhere, showing strength in the face of hardship and faith in the love of God in all circumstances.”
Rachel Lampard, vice-president designate of the British Methodist Conference, visited the Church of Pakistan in Lahore earlier this month and posted a prayer on Facebook in response to the terrorist attack.
“We hold before you the Christians and the Muslims who are working for reconciliation in Pakistan,” the prayer said in part. “Who bravely speak out against injustice, and demonstrate that Christianity and Islam are religions of peace.”
Protect freedom of belief
The Rev. Olav Fykse Tveit, head of the World Council of Churches, called the attack “particularly shocking” for its targeting of young children enjoying Easter Sunday afternoon in Gulshan-e-Iqbal park.
“In the face of this brutality, the human family, all people of faith and of good will, must stand together to recommit to respecting and caring for one another, to protecting one another, and to preventing such violence,” he said in a statement.
Tveit called upon Pakistan’s government to protect all people in Pakistan. “The principle of freedom of religion and belief for all people must be affirmed and protected in Pakistan, and throughout the world, as a fundamental ethical and legal responsibility of government.”
Azariah is a member of the World Council of Churches Central Committee.
Earlier this month, he and the Church of Pakistan in Lahore hosted a conference, “Pilgrimage of Life towards Reconciliation,” which brought together representatives from all dioceses in Pakistan, as well as several international partners from Norway.
The focus was on interreligious cooperation, both in Norway, with its minority Muslim population, and in Pakistan, with its majority Muslim population.
Threats to children
Marvin Pervez, the former director of the Afghanistan/Pakistan program of Church World Service who now leads Community World Service Asia, told United Methodist News Service that his team and their families were safe but in mourning. “Pakistanis all around the country are in shock at the barbaric attack at the children's park,” he said.
“First, they came for Malala, who was an advocate for education and now they are attacking our schools, universities and parks,” Pervez added. “They are trying to hit us where it hurts the most, our kids.
“But we, as a nation, have decided that we want a just, fair, equal and democratic Pakistan (and) these terror groups will not weaken our resolve,” he said.
“We are grateful to friends and communities around the globe who are showing solidarity and praying for Pakistan.”
Bloom is a United Methodist News Service multimedia reporter based in New York. Follow her at https://twitter.com/umcscribe or contact her at (646) 369-3759 or newsdesk@umcom.org
A prayer in response to the park blast in Lahore, Pakistan, which has killed at least 70 people, some of whom were celebrating Easter, and injured dozens more. #PrayforPakistan
Loving God,
This Easter we find our celebrations of your resurrection also touched by utter sadness.
We bring before you the people of Pakistan.
We grieve for those who are dead and wounded in the bomb blast in Lahore,
For the children and families whose lives have been torn apart.
We pray for the Christians of Pakistan,
For the Church of Pakistan, and the Dioceses of Raiwind and Lahore,
Where you are worshipped faithfully,
by people witnessing to your love in their lives and work.
We hold before you the Christians and the Muslims who are working for reconciliation in Pakistan,
Who bravely speak out against injustice,
And demonstrate that Christianity and Islam are religions of peace.
And we pray for those who do not want peace,
Who choose to maim and kill their fellow humans.
We are lost for words as we struggle to understand,
And we simply pray for them.
Compassionate God,
This Easter has become a time of grief and bewilderment
As we hold our sisters and brothers before you.
In the face of overwhelming sadness,
Help us remember that you showed us that another way is possible,
Your way.
And though the suffering of Good Friday may cast a long shadow,
We hold onto the promise of the resurrection and new life in Christ,
We ask your prayers in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ,
Amen
Written by Rachel Lampard, Vice-President Designate of the Methodist Conference, who visited the Church of Pakistan in Lahore earlier this month.
Please share and use this prayer.
Easter Message from our Bishop
On this day we remember… we remember that on that glorious Sunday the women went to the tomb and found it empty. Angels in dazzling white like lightning appeared to them and said to them, “Why do you seek the living among the dead?" ...
Read the rest of Bishop Carcaño’s Easter Message here
“Remember” – Bishop Carcaño’s Easter Message 2016
Luke 24:1-12
Scripture Text: Luke 24:1 but the next day, while it was still very early, they took the spices they had prepared, went to the tomb, 2 and found the stone rolled away from the tomb! 3 On entering, they discovered that the body of the Lord Yeshua was gone! 4 They were standing there, not knowing what to think about it, when suddenly two men in dazzlingly bright clothing stood next to them. 5 Terror-stricken, they bowed down with their faces to the ground. The two men said to them, “Why are you looking for the living among the dead? 6 He is not here; he has been raised. Remember how he told you while he was still in the Galil, 7 ‘The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men and be executed on a stake as a criminal, but on the third day be raised again’?” 8 Then they remembered his words; 9 and, returning from the tomb, they told everything to the Eleven and to all the rest. 10 The women who told the emissaries these things were Miryam of Magdala, Yochanah, Miryam the mother of Ya‘akov, and the others in their circle.
Our Lord Jesus had been tortured, crucified, had died and been buried. But on that morning as the women went to his grave to anoint his body with aromatic and soothing spices, they found that the stone to the tomb where they had seen Jesus’ dead body buried, that very stone, had been removed making it possible for them to enter that dark and cold place of death. But Jesus, Jesus they did not find!
We have no police investigations, laboratory reports, or security cameras to confirm what we remember. But with hundreds of thousands of others from throughout the centuries, we remember by faith and we believe. We believe that Jesus our Lord was not in that tomb on that glorious and amazing morning because he had been resurrected by the mighty power of God.
Jesus’ resurrection is God’s response to the cruelty of the world that crucified Jesus. It is God’s response to death. It is God’s response to our human need for salvation from all that causes us suffering, and from our sin. In faith remember! Remember that Christ is Risen. Christ is Risen indeed!
May our Risen Lord bless you and bless all of God’s creation on this Easter!
Bishop Minerva G. Carcaño
Los Angeles Area Resident Bishop
The United Methodist Church
First United Methodist Church of Redondo Beach
Scripture Text: Luke 24:1 but the next day, while it was still very early, they took the spices they had prepared, went to the tomb, 2 and found the stone rolled away from the tomb! 3 On entering, they discovered that the body of the Lord Yeshua was gone! 4 They were standing there, not knowing what to think about it, when suddenly two men in dazzlingly bright clothing stood next to them. 5 Terror-stricken, they bowed down with their faces to the ground. The two men said to them, “Why are you looking for the living among the dead? 6 He is not here; he has been raised. Remember how he told you while he was still in the Galil, 7 ‘The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men and be executed on a stake as a criminal, but on the third day be raised again’?” 8 Then they remembered his words; 9 and, returning from the tomb, they told everything to the Eleven and to all the rest. 10 The women who told the emissaries these things were Miryam of Magdala, Yochanah, Miryam the mother of Ya‘akov, and the others in their circle.
11 But the emissaries didn’t believe them; in fact, they thought that what they said was utter nonsense! 12 However, Kefa got up and ran to the tomb. Stooping down, he saw only the burial cloths and went home wondering what had happened.
On this day we remember… we remember that on that glorious Sunday the women went to the tomb and found it empty. Angels in dazzling white like lightning appeared to them and said to them, “Why do you seek the living among the dead?”Our Lord Jesus had been tortured, crucified, had died and been buried. But on that morning as the women went to his grave to anoint his body with aromatic and soothing spices, they found that the stone to the tomb where they had seen Jesus’ dead body buried, that very stone, had been removed making it possible for them to enter that dark and cold place of death. But Jesus, Jesus they did not find!
We have no police investigations, laboratory reports, or security cameras to confirm what we remember. But with hundreds of thousands of others from throughout the centuries, we remember by faith and we believe. We believe that Jesus our Lord was not in that tomb on that glorious and amazing morning because he had been resurrected by the mighty power of God.
Jesus’ resurrection is God’s response to the cruelty of the world that crucified Jesus. It is God’s response to death. It is God’s response to our human need for salvation from all that causes us suffering, and from our sin. In faith remember! Remember that Christ is Risen. Christ is Risen indeed!
May our Risen Lord bless you and bless all of God’s creation on this Easter!
Bishop Minerva G. Carcaño
Los Angeles Area Resident Bishop
The United Methodist Church
First United Methodist Church of Redondo Beach
243 South Broadway
Redondo Beach, California 90277, United States
310-372-8445 main
310-372-8445 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.
Have you heard of the "Pastor's Pantry" in the church office?
As you know, our Shared Bread program provides a hot delicious meal every Wednesday evening for anyone who needs it. Sometimes we have visitors on other days who need just a little snack to help them get through their day. That's what the "Pastor's Pantry" is for. We keep easy-open, individual sized snack food to give away: crackers, granola bars, fruit cups, small waters/juice boxes...anything small and easy to open. If you would like to donate to the pantry, please bring items to the church office. It really is a wonderful extension of our Shared Bread food ministry. Thank you for your support.
The California-Pacific Conference has introduced Safe Gatherings, an online abuse prevention program that screens and educates staff and volunteers to help prevent abuse of children, youth, and vulnerable adults in group settings.
Our congregation's staff and volunteers are participating in this program which includes an application, background check, and the online training every three years. (Some of you may have already received invitations to participate in the screening or provide a reference for one of our volunteers.)
We are excited to be a part of this new program as we continue to grow and offer a safe space for all.
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
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.
Have you heard of the "Pastor's Pantry" in the church office?
As you know, our Shared Bread program provides a hot delicious meal every Wednesday evening for anyone who needs it. Sometimes we have visitors on other days who need just a little snack to help them get through their day. That's what the "Pastor's Pantry" is for. We keep easy-open, individual sized snack food to give away: crackers, granola bars, fruit cups, small waters/juice boxes...anything small and easy to open. If you would like to donate to the pantry, please bring items to the church office. It really is a wonderful extension of our Shared Bread food ministry. Thank you for your support.
The California-Pacific Conference has introduced Safe Gatherings, an online abuse prevention program that screens and educates staff and volunteers to help prevent abuse of children, youth, and vulnerable adults in group settings.
Our congregation's staff and volunteers are participating in this program which includes an application, background check, and the online training every three years. (Some of you may have already received invitations to participate in the screening or provide a reference for one of our volunteers.)
We are excited to be a part of this new program as we continue to grow and offer a safe space for all.
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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