The Redondo Beach, California, United States First United Methodist Church eNews: "VBS Sunday, Water Stories" This Sunday: VBS Sunday Celebration at 10:30, Water Stories for Thursday, 4 August 2016"From Pastor Molly: passing our faith on"
I've been having fun this week, sharing Bible stories with the elementary and middle school kids at Vacation Bible School. It's reminded me of what a wonderful, rich faith we have to share. Stories of courageous people working together to make things happen, of our God who calms our fears, of amazing love.
I'm overwhelmed when I consider all the people who have shared these same stories over the generations, from the first Hebrews who spoke of God's power at creation (even long before the scriptures were ever written down), to the generations of our Christian family that have passed along the power of the good news of Jesus Christ.
I am grateful that this church takes seriously our responsibility to share our faith with new generations. And that we trust young people and new people to step up in leadership as we seek to be the church for now and for the future.
I also love the way that the Bible's stories resonate with stories in our own lives and time. How the fear of the disciples when they were in a boat in a storm isn't so different from our own fears in times of chaos and change. But God speaks to us still, calming the metaphorical waters around us, and inviting us to know God's amazing peace.
I hope you will take time someone soon to (again) share some of the stories of our faith, or the stories of how God is at work in your life. With children, with friends or neighbors--with anyone who will listen. Our faith is better when we pass it along.
Grace and peace,[Pastor Molly Vetter]
In Worship This Week
Sunday, August 7
Matthew 3:13-17
"Righteous"
Rev. Molly Vetter, preaching
Scripture Text for Matthew 3:13 Then Yeshua came from the Galil to the Yarden to be immersed by Yochanan. 14 But Yochanan tried to stop him. “You are coming to me? I ought to be immersed by you!” 15 However, Yeshua answered him, “Let it be this way now, because we should do everything righteousness requires.” Then Yochanan let him. 16 As soon as Yeshua had been immersed, he came up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, he saw the Spirit of God coming down upon him like a dove, 17 and a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; I am well pleased with him.”
John Wesley's Notes-Commentary for Matthew 3:13-17
Verse 13
[13] Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him.
Mark 1:9; Luke 3:21
Verse 15
[15] And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him.
It becometh us to fulfil all righteousness — It becometh every messenger of God to observe all his righteous ordinances. But the particular meaning of our Lord seems to be, that it becometh us to do (me to receive baptism, and you to administer it) in order to fulfil, that is, that I may fully perform every part of the righteous law of God, and the commission he hath given me.
Verse 16
[16] And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:
And Jesus being baptized — Let our Lord's submitting to baptism teach us a holy exactness in the observance of those institutions which owe their obligation merely to a Divine command. Surely thus it becometh all his followers to fulfil all righteousness. Jesus had no sin to wash away. And yet he was baptized. And God owned his ordinance, so as to make it the season of pouring forth the Holy Spirit upon him. And where can we expect this sacred effusion, but in an humble attendance on Divine appointments? Lo, the heavens were opened, and he saw the Spirit of God - St. Luke adds, in a bodily form - Probably in a glorious appearance of fire, perhaps in the shape of a dove, descending with a hovering motion, till it rested upon him. This was a visible token of those secret operations of the blessed Spirit, by which he was anointed in a peculiar manner; and abundantly fitted for his public work.
Verse 17
[17] And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
And lo, a voice — We have here a glorious manifestation of the ever - blessed Trinity: the Father speaking from heaven, the Son spoken to, the Holy Ghost descending upon him.
In whom I delight — What an encomium is this! How poor to this are all other kinds of praise! To he the pleasure, the delight of God, this is praise indeed: this is true glory: this is the highest, the brightest light, that virtue can appear in.
8:30am in Epworth Lounge10:30am in the Sanctuary
Special Music: "Oh, Had I a Golden Thread" by Alexis Wesley, sung by our Chancel Choir; and a special song from our VBS kids!"Oh, Had I a Golden Thread" by Alexis Wesley
Oh, had I a golden thread
And a needle so fine
I would weave a magic spell
Of a rainbow design
Of a rainbow design
In it I would weave the courage
Of women giving birth
And in it I would weave the innocence
Of the children of all the earth
Children of all the earth
I want to show my brothers and sisters
My rainbow design
Cause I would bind up this sorry world
With hand and heart and mind
Oh, hand and heart and mind
Oh, had I a golden thread
And a needle so fine
I would weave a magic spell
Of a rainbow design
Of a rainbow design
or
Oh, had I a golden Thread
And needle so fine
I've weave a magic strand
Of rainbow design
Of rainbow design.
In it I'd weave the bravery
Of women giving birth,
In it I would weave the innocence
Of children over all the earth,
Children of all earth.
Far over the waters
I'd reach my magic band
Through foreign cities,
To every single land,
To every land.
Show my brothers and sisters
My rainbow design,
Bind up this sorry world
With hand and heart and mind,
Hand and heart and mind.
Far over the waters
I'd reach my magic band
To every human being
So they would understand,
So they'd understand.
or
Oh had I a golden thread
And a needle so fine
I would weave a magic spell
Of rainbow design
Of rainbow design
In it I would weave the courage
Of women giving birth
And in it I would weave the innocence
Of the children of all the earth
Children of all the earth
Won't you show my brothers and sisters
My rainbow design
'Cause I I would bind up this sorry world
With hand and my heart and mind
Oh hand and heart and mind
Oh had I a golden thread
And a needle so fine
I I would weave a magic spell
Of rainbow design
Of rainbow design
Oh oh oh
Visit our Website
News From Our Members
The other day while walking from our parking lot South towards Torrance Blvd. I decided to read our church signage. The electric (lighted) sign on the Nursery/Classroom building reads in large red letters FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH on a white background. Below this we read OPEN HEARTS OPEN MINDS OPEN DOORS and SUNDAY WORSHIP 8:30 & 10:30. The bottom line is BEACHFAITH.ORG 310-372-8445, black letters with a white background.
Then, as I walked farther South to the steps leading into the North door of our sanctuary, I looked at the gray granite cornerstone next to the steps. It reads...
Read more here
Thursday, August 4, 2016 by Bob Peterson
Tuesday, August 2nd I received a photo postcard from our youth taken at the beginning of their mission trip to Baja California, Mexico. The photo showed twenty-two or so of our youth plus Stephan Hale, Director of Youth Ministries here at church. What a great looking crowd of young people seeking to do God's work of helping others. I assume many of you readers also got your postcard, but I noticed it was postmarked in Seattle, WA July 20th. How about that! None of them mentioned that fact to me.
Last Sunday it was announced that, as usual, our church choir would take an August vacation from singing for us, returning in September. I know it's traditional, but we'll miss their fine contributions to Sunday Worship sessions. They received an outstanding compliment from Music and Choir Director Jim Raycroft, a wonderful leader and choir conductor. Maestro Jim then led them in as fine a rendition of “Deep River' as I've ever heard. (Incidentally, when I went to the Hollywood Bowl to hear works of Beethoven and Ravel July 26th, there was Jim singing with the Los Angeles Master Choral.) Thanks to all our church singers and instrumental musicians.
Speaking of music, last Sunday our first hymn was “How Great Thou Art” which I first heard at then Bishop Gerald Kennedy's Annual Men's Breakfast, in the late 1950s, at L. A.'s Biltmore Bowl sung by over 500 men. It has since inspired me all these years, as it did last Sunday. Also did you notice the (artificial) camp fire as part of the Vacation Bible School decorations. It was right in front of the lectern burning throughout the service providing the warmth of God's love to all who saw it. Pastor Molly invited us to wear beachwear this Sunday, but I'll leave my swim suit home, thank you.
While reading last week's bulletin I noticed we are having the August potluck Sunday August 14 following worship. Bring some kind of food, join in the lunch and then hear about and see photos of the youth trip to Baja last month. What a nice way to spend a Sunday afternoon for a short time.
Read Columns from our former Lay Leader, Johnna Kosnoff, here!Coming at Church
Sermon Series: Water Stories
Through August 21, our worship will celebrate God's creation with Water Stories from the Bible. Each week, we'll share one of the stories where God's saving grace comes through water.
During this 5-week series, our Children's Sunday School will use the special coloring pages and worksheets that connect to the themes.
We also have a special giant coloring poster for each week, which you can color on in the narthex before, after or during worship!
The stories also bridge Bible passages that our VBS will use at the "Surf Shack," and ideas our Performing Arts Camp will use in their "Day at the Beach" show, too!
Thank You to Everyone who's Made Vacation Bible School so FABULOUS!
There's still one day more of our "Surf Shack" VBS 2016, and we know it's gonna be epic.
Thank you to everyone who has made it a week full of God's amazing love, fun games, epic stories, righteous crafts and more. So many people have come together to make this work! A big thanks to Grace Martens and Bryan Hwang for being Co-Directors of VBS, working alongside our excellent staff members. Thanks also to allthe crew leaders, station leaders, helpers, volunteers, lunch donors and more.
During the week of VBS, we have also been raising donations for Imagine No Malaria. So far, we've collected over $500--we hope to gather even more donations tomorrow!
Baja Mission 2016 is back! Come hear our stories.
We're back!
Come to our Baja Stock Holder's Meeting after 10:30 service on August 14th! You're invited (even if you didn't purchase stock).
We're having a potluck, at the suggestion of the Thursday morning Bible Study! Bring a small dish, have a seat, and we'll share our trip with you!
Potluck: Sunday, August 14
Join us for a church potluck lunch on Sunday, August 14, after 10:30 worship!
In addition to the usual fellowship fun, it will also serve as our Stockholders Meeting for the Baja Mission Trip. Anyone is welcome to come hear from the youth and adults who participated this year! All are encouraged to attend.
Special Summer Sunday School!
Summer Fun-Day School will continue through August 14!
This week, we continue "Illustrated Earth" water stories and look forward to VBS!
Email Children's Ministry
This week we'll hear the amazing story of Jesus Baptism, and of God's love for all God's children!
We're gearing up for Performing Arts Camp, starting August 15, with a special Musical Performance on Sunday, August 21 at noon!
Mini Church Work Party: This Sunday at 1:45
Give our Youth and Trustees a hand this Sunday afternoon, starting at 1:45, as they empty out the Youth Room spaces for a special renovation that will begin next week! If enough people come, it shouldn't take more than an hour. Hope to see you there!!
Book Club: Our next book is a work of fiction titled "The Language of Flowers: A Novel" by Vanessa Diffenbaugh. We will meet sometime in September...stay tuned!
More info online; email Ann or Laura.
BeachFaith Kids Summer Performing Arts Camp:
A Day at the Beach
Get ready for some summertime beach tunes, as our Performing Arts camp puts on a new show: A Day at the Beach!
Aug. 15-19; age 3-8th grade.
There is STILL ROOM to register, so go online to learn more and sign up. It's going to be an incredible, fun week, with a fabulous, summertime show featuring beach-y favorites from the Beatles to Broadway. Our own Mary Ann Sticker and Will Martens are collaborating to direct the show, and Risa Vargas and Adriana Hwang are putting together an amazing camp experience.
Sunday, August 21, after 10:30 worship!
Join us for a light lunch and show, featuring an original summertime musical showcase, sung by the kids of our Beachfaith Performing Arts Camp 2016.
Suggested Donation: $10. Tickets are available at the door!
Sponsored by Children and Family Ministries.
Did You Know: Online Directory & Online Giving
Did you know we have an online church directory, which you can access from mobile devices, tablets or home? AND, that you can use to make online donations to the church? For more information contact the church office and sign in to OnRealm!
Choir Room Work Party
Jim Raycroft invites you to join him for a one-day Choir Room Work Party on Saturday, August 20, starting at 9am. The main project will be to work on our choir music library, helping catalogue the library, and scan in music to our online database. We'll plan to work until around 3pm (with a lunch break). Hope to see you there!
Every August, our United Methodist Women gather for their yearly All-Circle Potluck. As part of the evening, they hear about and offer support for community programs. This year, Nina Dooley will talk about her work with the nonprofit LINC Housing based in Long
Beach that builds and owns affordable apartments. LINC’s Welcome Home program provides basic housewares for residents who arrive with very few possessions and need support to thrive independently. The new residents will have been living on the street. They will be moving into empty apartments and may need a little help getting settled. Will you help UMW support LINC?
Your donation of new items provides bedding, kitchen, and bath essentials to make their new apartments truly a
“home,” giving them a foundation for positive transformation.
Here are things they need:
- All-in-One Bedding Sets: matching sheets, comforter, pillowcases (full or matched twins)
- Pillows: standard size
- Dishes: boxed set of 4 or more placesettings
- Flatware: boxed set of 4 or more placesettings
- Cookware: boxed set of 3 – 6 pans and skillet
- Mixing Bowl Set
- Kitchen Knife Set
- Kitchen Towels: set of 3 or more
- Bath Towels: Set of 2 each Bath, hand and washcloth (solid colors)
- Bath Mat (solid colors)
- Shower Curtain
- Monetary contributions to "Welcome Home" are also accepted.
Trustees Building Updates
Our Trustees have been hard at work, taking care of some necessary and exciting improvements to our campus, including fixing some plumbing problems in our classroom building, re-doing the floor in our Youth Rooms, and installing air conditioning and a new heater in the office. Some of these projects are in process, and some are starting in the next week--please keep them in your prayers! Thanks to everyone who's helped make them happen.
Announcements
Men's Breakfast: Our next breakfast is Monday, August 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, August 12, 10am-noon.--if you haven't tried this quilt-making, this is a great easy way to begin. 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): This week we continue Fun-Day School! Children should sit with their families at the start of worship. After the Children's Time, we'll go do a fun, hands-on activity together--and we'll be back from Holy Communion at the end of worship!
Church R Us (Special Class for Grades 4 & 5): This week we continue Fun-Day School! Children should sit with their families at the start of worship. After the Children's Time, we'll go do a fun, hands-on activity together--and we'll be back from Holy Communion at the end of worship!
Youth Ministry (6th-12th grade):
-We're going to Raging Waters Tuesday, so please RSVP by emailing Stephen!
-We're going to see a bunch of bands at the Greek on Sept. 10th. RSVP by August 15th!
-Nope!! No Middle School Sunday School through the summer!
-Youth Group (3-5pm)? Nah, son. Regular Youth Group resumes Sept 18th!
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. 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.
First United Methodist Church of Redondo Beach
Men's Breakfast: Our next breakfast is Monday, August 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, August 12, 10am-noon.--if you haven't tried this quilt-making, this is a great easy way to begin. 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): This week we continue Fun-Day School! Children should sit with their families at the start of worship. After the Children's Time, we'll go do a fun, hands-on activity together--and we'll be back from Holy Communion at the end of worship!
Church R Us (Special Class for Grades 4 & 5): This week we continue Fun-Day School! Children should sit with their families at the start of worship. After the Children's Time, we'll go do a fun, hands-on activity together--and we'll be back from Holy Communion at the end of worship!
Youth Ministry (6th-12th grade):
-We're going to Raging Waters Tuesday, so please RSVP by emailing Stephen!
-We're going to see a bunch of bands at the Greek on Sept. 10th. RSVP by August 15th!
-Nope!! No Middle School Sunday School through the summer!
-Youth Group (3-5pm)? Nah, son. Regular Youth Group resumes Sept 18th!
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. 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.
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.
Grace Like Rain, a re-setting of the hymn Amazing Grace released in 2003, is the title track of the debut album of Todd Agnew. Initially, he wasn’t looking for a recording contract, but simply to make an album for the student camps and conferences that filled his schedule. Upon hearing his music, Ardent Records in Memphis convinced him that his music needed a larger stage, and a star was born. He has released five albums to date, is known for performing barefoot on stage, andGrace Like Rain has been purchased over a million times and continues to be on the list of the 250 most sung worship songs in America.
Wade In The Water is a...
Read more here.
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.
Hearing Assistance Devices are available on Sunday mornings. Just ask for one at the audio/video booth in the sanctuary.
Connect with us
First United Methodist Church
Ongoing Ministries
Offering food and friendship to those in need, every Wednesday night since 1992. More info here.
Wade In The Water is a...
Read more here.
Music Notes by Jim Raycroft
Music Director, Jim Raycroft, will share upcoming worship music selections and a little bit of history, too.
Jim Raycroft
Thursday, August 4, 2016 - Music Notes by Jim Raycroft
Grace Like Rain, a re-setting of the hymn Amazing Grace released in 2003, is the title track of the debut album of Todd Agnew. Initially, he wasn’t looking for a recording contract, but simply to make an album for the student camps and conferences that filled his schedule. Upon hearing his music, Ardent Records in Memphis convinced him that his music needed a larger stage, and a star was born. He has released five albums to date, is known for performing barefoot on stage, and Grace Like Rain has been purchased over a million times and continues to be on the list of the 250 most sung worship songs in America.
Wade In The Water is a negro spiritual that belongs to the genre “code songs”. Slaves were not allowed to congregate, for fear of fomenting revolution, but they were allowed to sing in the fields, as long as the lyrics weren’t too revolutionary. Biblical subjects were considered relatively safe, which gave birth to the “spiritual”. However, the slaves got past the problem of disallowed communication with code songs, which were spirituals that had a secondary meaning. Swing Low, Sweet Chariot referred to the town of Ripley, West Virginia, which was a station in the underground railroad. Slaves would make their way to the banks of the Ohio River and wait for the people of Ripley to come across in rowboats at night to take them to safety – “Well, I looked over Jordan and what I did I see….a band of angels comin’ after me…”. Wade In The Water was a code song that told the listener that there were slave hunters or bounty hunters ahead, and to go in the opposite direction. Harriet Tubman used the song to remind escaping slaves to get off the trail and into the water so that the dogs employed by slavers lost the trail.
This week we’re joined by contralto Alexis Wesley. A very versatile singing actor, Alexis is at home in opera, musical theatre, jazz and pop. Currently living in Los Angeles, she has performed principal roles with Pacific Opera Project, The Definiens Project and Independent Opera Company. Her roles include Mrs. Lovett (Sweeney Todd), Charlotte (A Little Night Music), Prudie Cupp (Pump Boys & Dinettes), Dunyasha (The Tsar’s Bride), Giulietta (Les Contes d’Hoffmann), Larina (Eugene Onégin), Marcellina (Le Nozze di Figaro), Kate (Madama Butterfly), Suora Infermiera (Suor Angelica) and Tree/Raft (A Shipwreck Opera). Her oratorio solo work includes Mendelssohn’s Elijah, Handel’s Messiah, Bernstein’s Chichester Psalms, Saint-Saëns’s Christmas Oratorio, Kodály’s Missa Brevis, Fauré’s Requiem, Britten’s Ceremony of Carols and Vivaldi’s Gloria. She is a frequent soloist with LA Lawyers Philharmonic, including performances at Walt Disney Concert Hall and Shrine Auditorium. She has been a section leader for Lutheran Church of the Master in Los Angeles since 2004. Originally from Cincinnati, she holds a BA in Music & International Affairs from Xavier University, an MM in Voice from Cal. State University–Northridge and is a graduate of the Stella Adler Conservatory of Acting in NYC.
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.
Hearing Assistance Devices are available on Sunday mornings. Just ask for one at the audio/video booth in the sanctuary.
Connect with us
First United Methodist Church
243 South Broadway
Redondo Beach, California 90277, United States
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