From Pastor Molly: My Church
I've started a fall sermon series called "Directions for Faith." My hope is that we might find fresh ways to use the old traditions of our church, as we seek to live our lives toward God. For these first weeks, I'm sharing the rules around which early Methodists based their practice.The first rule, which I shared last week, is that we should show our devotion to God by trying to "do no harm." The rule recognizes how connected we are to others--and how easy it is to harm ourselves, others or God's creation. It's a rule rooted in humility, and an invitation to reflection. During the sermon, I gave homework: to reflect each evening on how your day went--and notice where you may have caused harm. Then, each new day, to try living in a way that seems to avoid harm.
The second rule I will share this week is to "do good." This invitation strikes me with a little more hope-filled vision of my power, reminding me that I have the ability to do loving, merciful, just, compassionate things. I get to do good for myself, my neighbor, and for God.
I would love to hear what you have learned during this past week's homework--what you have observed and noticed. I look forward to continuing the journey with you.
grace and peace,
Pastor Molly
In Worship This WeekSunday, September 17th
"Do Good"
Rev. Molly Vetter, preaching
Matthew 18:21-35
Matthew 18:21 Then Kefa came up and said to him, “Rabbi, how often can my brother sin against me and I have to forgive him? As many as seven times?” 22 “No, not seven times,” answered Yeshua, “but seventy times seven! 23 Because of this, the Kingdom of Heaven may be compared with a king who decided to settle accounts with his deputies. 24 Right away they brought forward a man who owed him many millions; 25 and since he couldn’t pay, his master ordered that he, his wife, his children and all his possessions be sold to pay the debt. 26 But the servant fell down before him. ‘Be patient with me,’ he begged, ‘and I will pay back everything.’ 27 So out of pity for him, the master let him go and forgave the debt.
28 “But as that servant was leaving, he came upon one of his fellow servants who owed him some tiny sum. He grabbed him and began to choke him, crying, ‘Pay back what you owe me!’ 29 His fellow servant fell before him and begged, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay you back.’ 30 But he refused; instead, he had him thrown in jail until he should repay the debt. 31 When the other servants saw what had happened, they were extremely distressed; and they went and told their master everything that had taken place. 32 Then the master summoned his servant and said, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt just because you begged me to do it. 33 Shouldn’t you have had pity on your fellow servant, just as I had pity on you?’ 34 And in anger his master turned him over to the jailers for punishment until he paid back everything he owed. 35 This is how my heavenly Father will treat you, unless you each forgive your brother from your hearts.”
John Wesley's Notes-Commentary: Matthew 18:21-35
Verse 22
[22] Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.
Till seventy times seven — That is, as often as there is occasion. A certain number is put for an uncertain.
Verse 23
[23] Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants.
Therefore — In this respect.
Verse 24
[24] And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents.
One was brought who owed him ten thousand talents — According to the usual computation, if these were talents of gold, this would amount to seventy-two millions sterling. If they were talents of silver, it must have been four millions, four hundred thousand pounds. Hereby our Lord intimates the vast number and weight of our offences against God, and our utter incapacity of making him any satisfaction.
Verse 25
[25] But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made.
As he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold — Such was the power which creditors anciently had over their insolvent debtors in several countries.
Verse 30
[30] And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt.
Went with him before a magistrate, and cast him into prison, protesting he should lie there, till he should pay the whole debt.
Verse 34
[34] And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him.
His lord delivered him to the tormentors — Imprisonment is a much severer punishment in the eastern countries than in ours. State criminals, especially when condemned to it, are not only confined to a very mean and scanty allowance, but are frequently loaded with clogs or heavy yokes, so that they can neither lie nor sit at ease: and by frequent scourgings and sometimes rackings are brought to an untimely end.
Till he should pay all that was due to him — That is, without all hope of release, for this he could never do. How observable is this whole account; as well as the great inference our Lord draws from it: 1. The debtor was freely and fully forgiven; 2. He wilfully and grievously offended; 3. His pardon was retracted, the whole debt required, and the offender delivered to the tormentors for ever. And shall we still say, but when we are once freely and fully forgiven, our pardon can never be retracted? Verily, verily, I say unto you, So likewise will my heavenly Father do to you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.
8:30am in Epworth Lounge10:30am in the Sanctuary
Special Music: "If Ye Love Me," sung by the Chancel Choir
Thomas Talllis: "If ye love me"
John 14:15–17
If ye love me,
keep my commandments,
and I will pray the Father,
and he shall give you another comforter,
that he may 'bide with you forever,
e'en the spirit of truth.
Listen to Sermons online Visit our Website
News From Our Members
Sometimes Pastor Molly Vetter will mention something in her sermons that I have thought about over the years and this past Sunday she did it again, only not about the theology, this was about bumper stickers for the car. Her comment was that she was reluctant to have a bumper sticker that indicated she was a pastor or even a member of our United Methodist faith. Her feeling was that if, while driving, she made an error, which we all do from time to time, people would get the wrong idea about our United Methodist membership. You know, I have had that same feeling for lo, these many years. Perhaps you have, too. If a careless or stupid move is made by by a driver with a Jesus bumper sticker on their car, I wonder sometimes if... Click here to read more of the Lay Looker.
Thursday, September 14, 2017
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!
Thursday, 14 September 2017 by Bob Peterson
Sometimes Pastor Molly Vetter will mention something in her sermons that I have thought about over the years and this past Sunday she did it again, only not about the theology, this was about bumper stickers for the car. Her comment was that she was reluctant to have a bumper sticker that indicated she was a pastor or even a member of our United Methodist faith. Her feeling was that if, while driving, she made an error, which we all do from time to time, people would get the wrong idea about our United Methodist membership. You know, I have had that same feeling for lo, these many years. Perhaps you have, too. If a careless or stupid move is made by by a driver with a Jesus bumper sticker on their car, I wonder sometimes if this person is really trying to follow the life of a Christian by loving others and doing as Jesus would. My thoughts on the subject have never created thoughts of violence such as road rage, or even hatred, but I felt that way about the various things some people stick on their car.
On another subject, the ladies of our church have planned another one-day Rummage sale, for, it seems as if it is a lot less effort than a three day sale, and they seemed to have made nearly the same profit and not been nearly as weary afterwards. I say, more power to them and if more people help out, that helps as well. So, see what you can do to help their huge fundraiser by helping Saturday, September 30, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM and it will make the load of others a bit lighter.
It is so special to have the choir back singing during worship each Sunday. As Music Director Jim Raycroft says, our choir people are dedicated, they rehearse twice a week and really do sound remarkably well as they bring us some of the greatest music we ever hear, live, from the front of our church. Their message often compliments the sermon subject with beautiful harmonies and words. I believe our Sundays need this musical compliment to be a complete worship service. Thanks to all who make this music so wonderful. We need this additional inspiration for our weekly Christian lives.
Donations for Disaster RecoveryWe encourage everyone to donate to UMCOR (the United Methodist Committee on Relief) through the link below. (Through our Sunday offering, we have collected more than $2200 already, with more donations online!) The United Methodist Church pays all overhead costs for UMCOR, which means 100% of donations go to relief efforts. Additionally, UMCOR is a distinct 501(c)3, so many employers will match donations to UMCOR.
Click here to donate!
Coming at Church
New Reusable Church Mugs!This Sunday, we'll have new church mugs available. There are two good ways to get your hands on one:
-Purchase a mug for $10 to take home. (Your purchase also funds a mug that will stay at church for use on Sundays.)
-Use one at church during fellowship time on Sundays, before or after worship!
(Thanks to our Youth who had the idea of washable mugs during their Eco-Justice Retreat in the spring.)
Family Art Night, October 5th!
Come one, come all, to our first Family Art Night. People of all
ages are welcome (even if you don't have kids.)
We'll start with dinner at 5pm and then move into our project for the night.
Pastor Molly and Risa, our Director of Children's Ministries, will teach a fun printmaking project using simple tools.
Check our website for more details!
Corazon House Build - October 14
On Saturday, October 14, Redondo First along with 3 other Methodist Churches will be building a house in Mexico. Our portion of the building cost is $2,250. Thank you EVERYONE who took a donation Angel this past Sunday. We need to raise just $40 more to reach our goal!
Want to know more about the house build? Email George and Peggy Mercer or talk to them on Sunday morning.
Pastor Molly and Risa, our Director of Children's Ministries, will teach a fun printmaking project using simple tools.
Check our website for more details!
Corazon House Build - October 14
On Saturday, October 14, Redondo First along with 3 other Methodist Churches will be building a house in Mexico. Our portion of the building cost is $2,250. Thank you EVERYONE who took a donation Angel this past Sunday. We need to raise just $40 more to reach our goal!
Want to know more about the house build? Email George and Peggy Mercer or talk to them on Sunday morning.
Readiness 360+: We Want to Hear From You!This fall, our congregation will join a cohort of United Methodist Churches in our West District for a 15-month project of church growth and deepening vitality. We encourage you to help us start this work by filling out an online survey--it should take fewer than 30 minutes. Find the survey here. Survey code # 8034751127. We encourage you to pray for those who will join the leadership team, and for everyone who will be a part of our shared work!
Sunday School is BACK!Fall is here and Sunday School is back!
Preschool-3rd Grade Sunday School begins at 10:30 upstairs and must be signed in by parents. Children will be accompanied back to the church service to join their families for communion.
4th & 5th Grades and Middle Schoolers will start out in 10:30 worship, then head to their class with our youth director, Stephen Hale during "Passing of the Peace". They will also return to church for communion.
We can't wait to spend this year growing together!
Questions? Email Children's Ministries!
Upper-Classmen Retreat
High School juniors and seniors are going to Camp Colby for three days in November to talk about faith, calling, and that which lies ahead.Stare off into the distance as you read that.
Or, click here for more info!
Come learn about AJS!AJS is visiting! We'll have coffee and desserts and learn about their work for justice, human rights and transparency in government in Honduras. Come listen on Sept 26th, and spread the word!Click here for more info!
Bibles for 3-year-olds and 4th Graders
On Sunday, October 8th, join us in celebrating the spiritual growth of our children as they are presented with their very own Bibles. Preschoolers receive the Spark Story Bible, and 4th graders, a special edition of the NRSV Bible.Families with 3-year-olds and 4th graders: Let us know if your child will be participating by September 25th, so we can have your Bibles ready.
Save the Date: Silent Auction, Talent Show,
Food Trucks on Saturday, November 4
We are planning our 2nd Annual Talent Show, Silent Auction and Food Trucks night at church on Saturday, November 4. Mark your calendars, start putting an act together, and think about who you might ask about donations for the auction! Proceeds benefit our church ministries.Young Adult Board Game
NightIf you need childcare, please RSVP to Risa!
More details are right here!
Directions for FaithThis fall, Pastor Molly will preach a sermon series with directions for how to live out your faith. Using tools from our Methodist tradition, we will look at how to live out our faith, with devotion to God and service to others. The series began September 10, and continues for 7 weeks. Read more online.
If your child is interested and hasn't been trained, please send us an email!
Click HERE to see our online sign up page for acolytes and add your name to a couple of dates!
October 21: Golf TournamentWe are excited to announce our 2017 BeachFaith Church Golf Tournament, this year at Los Verdes Golf Club in RPV. Again, it will be a four-person scramble--invite a team of friends to play for a day of fun, fellowship and fundraising in support of church ministries. Register online.
Book Club, Tuesday, Sep. 19: Our Book Club had the summer off and we're eager to begin meeting again. Join us in May Day Parlor at 7pm, Tuesday, September 19. We plan to discuss the four summer reading selections: “I Capture the Castle,” by Dodie Smith; “Marriage of Opposites,” by Alice Hoffman; “Sally Ride,” by Lynn Sherr; and “The Shoemaker’s Wife,” by Adriana Trigiani. For more information, on our club, contact Ann Gallagher.
Sept 30: Fall Rummage SaleMark your calendars for our UMW fall rummage sale!
It will be One Day Only, on Saturday, Sept. 30!
9am - 4pm
Naomi's Cafe is open all day! Boutique items will be discounted 50% from noon - 2pm; Special Price in main rummage room, $5 per bag, 2 -4pm only!
Volunteer: UMW Rummage Sale
There are lots of ways to help support the UMW Rummage Sale.
Two easy ways for new people to get involved are:
- Make baked goods for sale in Naomi's Cafe (Bring them by the church office during the week before, or even on Saturday morning!)
- Help set up the sale, on Wednesday morning (Sept 27) or Thursday morning to afternoon (Sept 28). Drop in to help.
Beginning Quilting ClassOur Prayers and Squares Quilting ministry will offer a one-day quilting class on Saturday, October 14 from 9am-2pm. Cost is $20 (includes lunch, supplies); proceeds go to fund prayer quilt supplies. Register now--space is limited! Children are welcome when accompanied by an adult. More details and registration are online.
CalPac Young Adult Retreat at Lazy W October 6-8Young Adult Retreat at Lazy W is an annual event for any young adult, ages 18-35(ish) who seeks to nourish their relationship with God through Jesus Christ, or just explore what that means.
Get more information and register here:
CLICK ME!
Announcements
Men's Breakfast: Our next breakfast is Monday, September 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.Prayer Quilt Ministry: Quilting Class for Beginners will be held on Saturday, October 14, 2017 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Want to learn how to make a quilt? We will learn how to cut fabric, piece it together and sew it up! Cost is $20 and is due by October 11. Lunch included. More information is online. Know someone in need of prayer? Anyone is invited to sponsor a free prayer quilt. The Quilt Request Form is online or in the church office.
Church Council: Our September meeting will be on Monday, September 18 at 7pm in Epworth Lounge. For more information, contact Chair Dan Martens.
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.
A Memorial Service for Rae Linda Brown will Saturday, October 7 at 1pm in our sanctuary. Her family requests that guests wear bright colors (rather than somber ones); there will be a reception afterwards in the Fellowship Hall.
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):
Preschool-3rd Grade Sunday School begins at 10:30 upstairs and must be signed in by parents. Children will be accompanied back to the church service to join their families for communion. This Fall, our Sunday School will be embarking on an exciting "road trip" as we learn about our "Directions for Faith!" Be sure to join us for Sunday School so you can get this week's sticker! (If you already have a map you can leave it at home.)
Church R Us (Grades 4 & 5): Sunday School starts again this week!! Start out in Worship with your family, then head to classl with our youth director, Stephen Hale during "Passing of the Peace". You'll head back to church for communion!
Youth Ministry (6th-12th grade):
-Middle School Sunday School? YESSS!!!!!!!!!
-Youth Group(2-4pm on Sunday)? YES! Though this week is board game day! Bring a favorite...
-High School! Many of us are at the Liturgists Gathering! Click here for deets!
Young Adults (19-not very specific):
We have a board game & pizza night (with childcare available) Sept 23. Click here for more details!
Adult Sunday School: Bible Study and Discussion in May Day Parlor. Sunday mornings from 9:30-10:15am. Led by Paul Caldwell and Helen Stockwell .
Thursday Pastor's Bible Study:
We usually meet 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.
Bishop Grant Hagiya invites you to join him in praying for our church, and for the work of the Way Forward Commission, of which he is a part. Read more here.
First United Methodist Church of Redondo Beach
310-372-8445 main
310-372-5696 fax
Ongoing Ministries
Free Meal on Wednesday NightsOffering food and friendship to those in need, every Wednesday night since 1992. More info here.
DESSERTS FOR SHARED BREAD
Our dessert supply is still low! Would you like to help? Homemade treats are treasured by our guests – but purchased treats would be wonderful, as well. Please wrap desserts tightly and mark for Shared Bread. Deliver Sunday (when you come for church) through Wednesday to the church kitchen (or the office if kitchen is closed.) Wednesday deliveries
should be here by 4:00pm to help us plan our meal better. THANK YOU!
Thomas Tallis was born around 1505, which places him about half a century before William Shakespeare. Little is known about his early years, and in fact, there are no contemporary portraits of him – nobody painted his portrait while he was alive, so we don’t even know what he looked like. There is a rare sample of his signature, in which he spells his name “Tallys”. He eventually ended up at Canterbury Cathedral, where he was sent to Court in 1543 as Gentleman of the Chapel Royal. There he wrote and performed for King Henry VIII, King Edward VI, Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth I (until his death in 1585). It was during his Elizabethan period that he wrote one of his most famous works, the unique motet Spem In Alium, a piece written for 8 five voice choirs. We sang that piece at the Disney Hall, and the surround effect is remarkable. In 1575, he and his student, William Byrd, were...Click here to read more Music Notes!
Thursday, September 14, 2017 - Music Notes
Music Director, Jim Raycroft, will share upcoming worship music
selections and a little bit of history, too.
Jim Raycroft
Thursday, 14 September 2017 by Jim Raycroft
Thomas Tallis was born around 1505, which places him about half a century before William Shakespeare. Little is known about his early years, and in fact, there are no contemporary portraits of him – nobody painted his portrait while he was alive, so we don't even know what he looked like. There is a rare sample of his signature, in which he spells his name "Tallys". He eventually ended up at Canterbury Cathedral, where he was sent to Court in 1543 as Gentleman of the Chapel Royal. There he wrote and performed for King Henry VIII, King Edward VI, Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth I (until his death in 1585). It was during his Elizabethan period that he wrote one of his most famous works, the unique motet Spem In Alium, a piece written for 8 five voice choirs. We sang that piece at the Disney Hall, and the surround effect is remarkable. In 1575, he and his student, William Byrd, were given a 21 year monopoly by Queen Elizabeth I for polyphonic music, and a patent to print and publish music, which was one of the first arrangements of this kind in the country. He had exclusive rights to print any music in any language, and he and Byrd were the only ones allowed to use the paper that was used in printing music. His anthem If Ye Love Me is his most famous anthem, was from the time of Edward's reign, and is judged to be on par with his later works during his Elizabethan period. It was first published in 1560 in a book titled Certaine notes set forthe in foure and three partes.
The band Hillsong United was formed in 1998 from close friends within the Hillsong youth ministry (called "Powerhouse Youth"). So many songs were being written within the youth ministry that it was suggested they make an album. The songs One and Everyday were recorded and released with the annual Hillsong worship album in 1999. They both achieved gold sales status in Australia, and the band has gone on to win five Dove Awards in 2014 and were nominated for an American Music Award and won the Billboard Music Award Top Christian Artistin 2015. Their song Wonder is the title song from the album of the same name which was released in 2017. The album was released in June, and the single, Wonder, was released in May, along with the music video. The album charted at #21 on Billboard 200 and at #1 on Billboard Christian Albums.
Switchfoot is an alternative rock band from San Diego (the word "switchfoot" is a surfing term and they all love to surf). The band formed in 1996 as Chin Up, featuring brothers Jon (guitar/vocals) and Tim (bass/vocals) Foreman, as a primarily Contemporary Christian band. Their 3rd album, Learning To Breathe, released by Sparrow Records in 2000, was nominated for a Grammy for Best Rock Gospel Album. Then in 2002, their music was featured in the movie A Walk To Remember, starring Mandy Moore, who sang their song Only Hope during a scene. This led to their being signed by Columbia Records/Sony BMG in 2003 and the release of the hugely successful album A Beautiful Letdown, which has been certified double platinum, and began a movement away from being an exclusively Christian band and towards the mainstream (hence the term "switchfoot" - switching feet on the surfboard to face a new direction). In 2016, they signed a recording and co-publishing deal with Vanguard Records and the Bicycle Music Company. They then released their 10th studio album, Where the Light Shines Through, which includes the song Live It Well, and are in the process of releasing their first film Live From The Hollywood Palladium.
When I first arrived on the scene here, I had a series of meetings with Molly to get acquainted and to get a feel for the kinds of things she likes musically. I asked her "If you could have any piece of music written for you, what would it be?" and she replied that she'd always had a hankering for a setting of O Sacred Head Now Wounded with a cello solo. So, I wrote it for her as an Easter gift and it was debuted on Palm Sunday that year, with the cello solo played by a friend of mine from the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra. Next week we'll be welcoming back our young cellist friend, Charlie Metzler-Winslow, who will play the solo as we reprise the piece during the offertory. He'll also play something for us for the postlude, so be there or be square.
Latin
Spem in alium nunquam habui
Praeter in te, Deus Israel
Qui irasceris et propitius eriset omnia peccata hominumin tribulatione dimittis
Domine Deus
Creator caeli et terraere
spice humilitatem nostram
English translation
I have never put my hope in any other
but in Thee, God of Israel
who canst show both wrath and graciousness,and who absolves all the sins
of suffering man
Lord God,Creator of Heaven and Earth
Regard our humility
English contrafactum
Sing and glorify heaven's high Majesty,
Author of this blessed harmony;
Sound divine praises
With melodious graces;
This is the day, holy day, happy day,
For ever give it greeting, Love and joy
heart and voice meeting:
Live Henry princely and mighty,
Harry live in thy creation happy.Looking for a Way to Volunteer?
The Welcome Team is looking for volunteers who can help about once a month between the two services and/or immediately after the 10:30 service. Go to our "Want to Help" page to learn more about this awesome ministry, as well as several other current ways you can lend a hand in ministry.
Calling All Gardeners!Do you have a couple hours once or twice a month to help maintain our beautiful church gardens? Tasks would include pruning, planting, weeding and watering. Whatever you can help with, we'd love to have you join our team! Duties could change seasonally. Sign up through the church office, or by talking with Jody Wilkinson.
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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