From Pastor Molly: Sharing GraceAs of today, we've officially passed the longest night of the year. Yesterday was the winter solstice, which means that starting now, days are growing longer.
It has been a week heavy with news of high-profile attacks around the globe, and with wrenching images from Aleppo, Syria. Plus, there are so many other reminders of brokenness, loss and division. I certainly long for more signs of hope and peace, as fear and violence seem to crowd out the joy of Christmas.
But this is exactly the gift of God's coming at Christmas: Christ is born into a world of division, violence and fear. God dares to come into this world, and invites us to prepare room in our hearts and lives for his presence, even here in this world where there is darkness and grief. We get to bear the light.
I hope you might consider inviting others to join us for worship at Christmas. I suspect that there are many people in our community who are hungry for a reminder of hope; who long for something more meaningful than what we can buy in the store. Perhaps this is the time when your invitation might bring a word of care and hope. We will worship on Christmas Eve at 5pm and 11pm, and on Christmas Day at 10:30.
Grace and peace,
Pastor Molly Vetter
During the week after Christmas, our church office will be open only on Thursday, December 29, from 9-3; Shared Bread will serve dinner as usual. I am so grateful to Rev. Nicole Reilley for preaching on Christmas Day--please help welcome her!
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In Worship This WeekSunday, December 25
Christmas Sunday
"Christmas Changes Everything"
Rev. Nicole Reilley, preaching
Matthew 1:18-25
Scripture Text: Matthew 1:18 Here is how the birth of Yeshua the Messiah took place. When his mother Miryam was engaged to Yosef, before they were married, she was found to be pregnant from the Ruach HaKodesh. 19 Her husband-to-be, Yosef, was a man who did what was right; so he made plans to break the engagement quietly, rather than put her to public shame. 20 But while he was thinking about this, an angel of Adonai appeared to him in a dream and said, “Yosef, son of David, do not be afraid to take Miryam home with you as your wife; for what has been conceived in her is from the Ruach HaKodesh. 21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to name him Yeshua, [which means ‘Adonai saves,’] because he will save his people from their sins.”
22 All this happened in order to fulfill what Adonai had said through the prophet,
23 “The virgin will conceive and bear a son,
and they will call him ‘Immanu El.”[Matthew 1:23 Isaiah 7:14]
(The name means, “God is with us.”)
24 When Yosef awoke he did what the angel of Adonai had told him to do — he took Miryam home to be his wife, 25 but he did not have sexual relations with her until she had given birth to a son, and he named him Yeshua.
John Wesley's Notes-Commentary: Matthew 1:18-25
Verse 19
[19] Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.
A just man — A strict observer of the law: therefore not thinking it right to keep her.
Verse 21
[21] And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.
Jesus — That is, a Saviour. It is the same name with Joshua (who was a type of him) which properly signifies, The Lord, Salvation.
His people — Israel. And all the Israel of God.
Verse 23
[23] Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
They shall call his name Emmanuel — To be called, only means, according to the Hebrew manner of speaking, that the person spoken of shall really and effectually be what he is called, and actually fulfil that title. Thus, Unto us a child is born - and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, the Mighty God, the Prince of Peace - That is, he shall be all these, though not so much nominally, as really, and in effect. And thus was he called Emmanuel; which was no common name of Christ, but points out his nature and office; as he is God incarnate, and dwells by his Spirit in the hearts of his people. It is observable, the words in Isaiah are, Thou (namely, his mother) shalt call; but here, They - that is, all his people, shall call - shall acknowledge him to be Emmanuel, God with us.
Which being interpreted — This is a clear proof that St. Matthew wrote his Gospel in Greek, and not in Hebrew. Isaiah 7:14.
Verse 25
[25] And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.
He knew her not, till after she had brought forth — It cannot be inferred from hence, that he knew her afterward: no more than it can be inferred from that expression, 2 Samuel 6:23, Michal had no child till the day of her death, that she had children afterward. Nor do the words that follow, the first-born son, alter the case. For there are abundance of places, wherein the term first born is used, though there were no subsequent children. Luke 2:7.
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[a guest post] If you're like me, you've been missing the Lay Looker's view of our church, and wondering how he's doing: I'm happy to report that he's doing better after facing some health challenges. And even happier to report that the reason he was absent from worship last Sunday is that he was in Oklahoma, at a surprise 50th birthday party for his grandson. (Five generations of his family were there to celebrate!!) Bob is back in Redondo Beach now, staying with his daughter and her husband for a while longer; he expects to be in worship on Christmas Day. Please join me in praying for a full recovery, and quick!While he's been away, so much has been happening in our congregation, and I didn't want it all to pass without comment. ...
The Lay Looker by Bob Peterson
Bob PetersonBob Peterson's popular column for the Mainsail has found new life, online! Read his view from the pews about church life and community news. You'll enjoy keeping up with the many good things happening in our congregation!
Wednesday, December 21, 2016 by Bob Peterson
If you're like me, you've been missing the Lay Looker's view of our church, and wondering how he's doing: I'm happy to report that he's doing better after facing some health challenges. And even happier to report that the reason he was absent from worship last Sunday is that he was in Oklahoma, at a surprise 50th birthday party for his grandson. (Five generations of his family were there to celebrate!!) Bob is back in Redondo Beach now, staying with his daughter and her husband for a while longer; he expects to be in worship on Christmas Day. Please join me in praying for a full recovery, and quick!
While he's been away, so much has been happening in our congregation, and I didn't want it all to pass without comment, so here's my attempt at a "Clergy Looker" column, with reports from the whole past month!
Way back on November 27, Jim Raycroft pulled together an amazing and eclectic music ensemble for worship, including tuba, lots of extra guitars, and handful of youth soloists who joined the choir. As our scripture from Isaiah helped us imagine a time when we will no longer "learn war anymore," their "Down By the Riverside" had us singing that we "ain't gonna study war no more!" Rev. Nicole started us on our Advent journey, growing hope.
On December 4, in the afternoon, our Advent Event was so warm and fun. I don't know if it was the pozole? (Thanks to Risa Vargas for the recipe.) There was so much good food--I especially enjoyed Paul Caldwell's hush puppies and Jen Jacques' sweet potato casserole. Such good comfort food! I suspect it was also aided by the fun service projects, making Shared Bread placemats and assembling care packages for our college kids. I know it was helped by the youth who led us in singing, as well as the fun crafts and the fair-trade gifts for sale. It was so good to be together with the many generations of our church family, including faces old and new.
On December 11, the Children's Ministry Christmas Pageant took us to Australia, with wallabies, kangaroos and kookaburra. Oh! And platypus to lead the way. There were angels, too, and Mary and Joseph, and baby Jesus. I especially loved how well the kids sang some of my favorite Christmas carols. Lisa Welstead and Kristen Harper were a big help to Risa in pulling the pageant together--as was Mary Ann who accompanied them on piano.
Last Sunday, the choir and worship band were just amazing. During 10:30 worship, they took us on an incredible choral journey, with thoughtful settings of so many beloved Christmas songs, interwoven with verses from the Gospel of Luke. It was touching and beautiful. Then, later in worship as is our congregation's tradition, we watched the Holy Family enter our sanctuary and sit up front; the magi led us in bringing our own gifts to baby Jesus. The baby's smile lit up the room! Thanks to the Welstead family, as well as Rick McCandless, Peter Coffee and Eric Prewitt, for such a special Walk to the Manger. (Of course, gratitude goes to Ernie Valenzuela, too, our costumer extraordinaire.)
I know there's lots more coming in the next few days: our youth are sharing in a progressive dinner on Christmas Eve Eve. (Rumor is that they're going to the homes of Stephen and Mary Hale, Samantha Kaiser, and Dan and Kathy Martens!) Our children are going to reprise one of their pageant songs at the 5pm Christmas Eve service, and some young people are playing the prelude on their instruments. At 11, the choir will set a beautiful, mystery-filled tone for the coming of Christmas! Oh, and candlelight. You can't beat Christmas candle light. Hope to see you in worship!
Pastor Molly
Read more here
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Coming at Church
If you're like me, you've been missing the Lay Looker's view of our church, and wondering how he's doing: I'm happy to report that he's doing better after facing some health challenges. And even happier to report that the reason he was absent from worship last Sunday is that he was in Oklahoma, at a surprise 50th birthday party for his grandson. (Five generations of his family were there to celebrate!!) Bob is back in Redondo Beach now, staying with his daughter and her husband for a while longer; he expects to be in worship on Christmas Day. Please join me in praying for a full recovery, and quick!
While he's been away, so much has been happening in our congregation, and I didn't want it all to pass without comment, so here's my attempt at a "Clergy Looker" column, with reports from the whole past month!
Way back on November 27, Jim Raycroft pulled together an amazing and eclectic music ensemble for worship, including tuba, lots of extra guitars, and handful of youth soloists who joined the choir. As our scripture from Isaiah helped us imagine a time when we will no longer "learn war anymore," their "Down By the Riverside" had us singing that we "ain't gonna study war no more!" Rev. Nicole started us on our Advent journey, growing hope.
On December 4, in the afternoon, our Advent Event was so warm and fun. I don't know if it was the pozole? (Thanks to Risa Vargas for the recipe.) There was so much good food--I especially enjoyed Paul Caldwell's hush puppies and Jen Jacques' sweet potato casserole. Such good comfort food! I suspect it was also aided by the fun service projects, making Shared Bread placemats and assembling care packages for our college kids. I know it was helped by the youth who led us in singing, as well as the fun crafts and the fair-trade gifts for sale. It was so good to be together with the many generations of our church family, including faces old and new.
On December 11, the Children's Ministry Christmas Pageant took us to Australia, with wallabies, kangaroos and kookaburra. Oh! And platypus to lead the way. There were angels, too, and Mary and Joseph, and baby Jesus. I especially loved how well the kids sang some of my favorite Christmas carols. Lisa Welstead and Kristen Harper were a big help to Risa in pulling the pageant together--as was Mary Ann who accompanied them on piano.
Last Sunday, the choir and worship band were just amazing. During 10:30 worship, they took us on an incredible choral journey, with thoughtful settings of so many beloved Christmas songs, interwoven with verses from the Gospel of Luke. It was touching and beautiful. Then, later in worship as is our congregation's tradition, we watched the Holy Family enter our sanctuary and sit up front; the magi led us in bringing our own gifts to baby Jesus. The baby's smile lit up the room! Thanks to the Welstead family, as well as Rick McCandless, Peter Coffee and Eric Prewitt, for such a special Walk to the Manger. (Of course, gratitude goes to Ernie Valenzuela, too, our costumer extraordinaire.)
I know there's lots more coming in the next few days: our youth are sharing in a progressive dinner on Christmas Eve Eve. (Rumor is that they're going to the homes of Stephen and Mary Hale, Samantha Kaiser, and Dan and Kathy Martens!) Our children are going to reprise one of their pageant songs at the 5pm Christmas Eve service, and some young people are playing the prelude on their instruments. At 11, the choir will set a beautiful, mystery-filled tone for the coming of Christmas! Oh, and candlelight. You can't beat Christmas candle light. Hope to see you in worship!
Pastor Molly
Read more here
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Coming at Church
To receive a charitable deduction for 2016 giving, we need to receive your gifts by December 31. You may give in person, by mail or online, through OnRealm, or through our website, via PayPal. End of Year Giving
We encourage you to consider making an additional gift to the church here at the end of the year. We count on your generosity to make our ministries possible!! To meet our 2016 budget, we will need people to step up with extra generosity at the end of the year.
In 2015, we received over 20% of our annual donations during December, and we depend on this same kind of generosity again this year, in order to make our ministry obligations, including our apportionment giving.
Our Advent devotion is still available online, or for download. We invite you to take time during your holiday break, to make this Christmas especially meaningful. Worship with us on Christmas Eve at 5pm and 11pmBoth worship times will include favorite carols, the Christmas story and candlelight. At 11pm, the choir will sing and we will share Communion.
One Worship Service at 10:30: Christmas Day On Sunday December 25, we will have just one worship service, at 10:30am in the sanctuary. Rev. Nicole Reilley will be preaching. Kids will be with us in worship!
Our nursery will be closedNew Year's Day: One Worship Service at 10:30amStart the new year well! Join us for worship on Sunday, January 1--we will have one worship service at 10:30am in the sanctuary. During worship, in an old Methodist tradition, we will renew our covenant as followers of Jesus. It is a special time to set our priorities and begin the year faithfully.
Check out photos from our Children's Christmas Pageant!
Click here to go to our Flickr.com site where you see photos from this year's pageant and so much more!
Sunday School is also on break and will resume January 8th!
We are excited to welcome children of all ages to be part of worship!
There will be coloring and activity sheets available at each service and as always, please feel free to use our children's corner in the Narthex during worship.
Renewal Leave for Pastor MollyI am so grateful that I will be taking a leave for spiritual growth and renewal in early 2017, from January 23-February 22. We clergy are expected to take a month of such a leave once in every four years; now that I'm in my fifth year here, I have arranged to take this sabbath time away.
I last took a renewal leave back in 2009, for two months; it was so good for my ministry and spirit, and I trust this opportunity will be rich, too.
During my leave, I plan to travel to France, where my husband Matt, will be working for a short while. I look forward to getting to learn and explore with our son, Jonah, as well.
While I'm away, many of the pastoral responsibilities will be handled by Stephen Hale as a part of his seminary internship; Rev. Nicole Reilley will be supporting him, too. There will certainly be opportunities for many of you to step up and into some additional roles while I'm away, too, and I am so grateful for your willingness to make this possible.
Pastor Molly
Next Parents Night Out:Friday, January 27, 2017
Drop off your children at church for three hours of programming, starting at 5pm.
The evening costs $20.00 for first child ($10 for the 2nd, $5 for 3rd+) and includes dinner.
Enjoy an evening out while your kids play games, make crafts, and enjoy fellowship!
It's a great night for all!
Email Children's Ministry to reserve your spot no later than Monday, January 23rd!
Toddlers through 8th grade welcome!
Book Club News
The book club met for a Christmas party and lively discussion of Backman’s “A Man Called Ove,” at Sally Donner’s house on Dec. 6. Our next selection is the novel, “The Nightingale,” by Kristin Hanna. We will meet in the church’s May Day Parlor at 7:00 pm on Tuesday, January 17. We shall also choose books for the next few months at that meeting. Why not start the new year by reading good books? Join us. For more information, email Ann
Annual Church Charge Conference:January 15 at 3pm, Epworth Lounge
Our District Superintendent, Rev. Mark Nakagawa, will preside over our annual Church Charge Conference on Sunday, January 15 at 3pm, in Epworth Lounge. At this annual meeting, we will report on our ministries, share about our vision forward, and officially elect leadership for our committees. All members are entitled a vote, and all people are welcome.
Better Together: Pledge Campaign for 2017 Update
Thank you to everyone who has given a pledge of financial support to the church for 2017. So far, we have received 66 pledges, for $280,830.; we are grateful to have received several pledges from people who have never pledged before! We hope to receive $300,000 in pledges, to support an annual ministry budget of $500,000.
We invite you to consider making a pledge of financial support to our church for 2017, if you haven't already.When you make a pledge of giving to the church, at least two things happen. It helps put your faith at the center of your financial decisions, because giving to the church is something you plan from the beginning. It also helps us as a congregation, to make more strategic plans for ministry for the coming year. We hope you will give prayerful thought to whether this is a step you are willing to take.
-Your 2016 Stewardship Team: Gary Baughman, Deirdre Briese, Grace and Jon Saari, Holly Walters, Stephen Hale and Pastor Molly Vetter
You can read more about our church budget, and also submit a pledge online, here.
Mark Your Calendars for Summer 2017!Vacation Bible School: (age 3-8th grade) July 31-August 4
BeachFaith Kids Arts Camp: (K-8th grade) June 26-30
Baja Mission Trip with Inalienable:(youth & adults) July 1-8
Announcements
Men's Breakfast: Our next breakfast is Monday, January 2, 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.
Prayer Quilt Ministry: Know someone in need of prayer? You can sponsor a free prayer quilt for them. Our next quilting workshop is Friday, January 13 at 10am. Join us for our monthly quilting workshop.--if you haven't tried 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) No Sunday School this week!
Merry Christmas! Sunday School will resume January 8th!
Church R Us (Grades 4 & 5): No Sunday School this week!
Merry Christmas! Sunday School will resume January 8th!
Youth Ministry (6th-12th grade):
- Middle School Sunday School? Nope! Sunday School resumes Jan 8!
-Youth Group? Nope! It's Christmas.
-The Christmas Party is Dec 23! It's a Progressive Dinner!
-The Winter Retreat is January 27-9!
Young Adults (19-not very specific):
We gather together socially on the regular, though somewhat erratically. Contact Stephen Hale in the church office to be kept in the loop!
Adult Sunday School: Bible Study and Discussion in May Day Parlor. Sunday mornings from 9:30-10:15am. Led by Helen Stockwell and Paul Caldwell.
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 the California-Pacific Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church.
First United Methodist Church of Redondo Beach
243 South Broadway
Redondo Beach, California 90277, United States
310-372-8445 main
310-372-8445 main
310-372-5696 fax
Website
Ongoing Ministries
Ongoing Ministries
Free Meal on Wednesday NightsOffering food and friendship to those in need, every Wednesday night since 1992. More info here.
United Methodist Women’s Reading Program Any one can read the books and our own local UMW unit will get credit! click here for information about the program.
Support missions through recycling! Bring your plastic bottles, aluminum cans AND CRV glass bottles to church every Sunday. By recycling we can support Corazon, Crop Walk, Habitat for Humanity and some of the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) programs: Syrian refugee relief, eradicating hunger, clean water, ending malaria and fighting HIV/AIDS. Please bring your cans and bottles.
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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