I've had a wild mix of songs bouncing around in my head this week, as I get ready to celebrate All Saints' Sunday.
There's the gospel hymn we'll sing part of on Sunday: "When we all get to heaven, what a day of rejoicing that will be!"
And then there's that old Loretta Lynn song: "Everybody wants to go to heaven, but nobody wants to die."
I prefer the imagery of prophetic visions from scripture that we will sing about: of gathering at the river, with the saints of God. And on All Saints' Sunday, I imagine our feet wading into that river of life, together, as we come to share in worship and holy communion. Even in the midst of the grief of having lost those whom we love from this life, we are invited to know that they are with us still. When we come to worship on Sunday, as we read the names of those we have lost in this past year, we get to taste and know that blessing of our belonging together in Christ. Now and for ever.
I hope you'll join us for worship. We will name the unexpected blessing of God, celebrate the lives of the saints who've gone before us, and share the grace that is here among us now.
grace and peace,
Pastor Molly
Please Note: The church office will be closed on Monday, November 6. We will re-open for regular business Tuesday - Thursday 9 am- 4:30 pm
In Worship This WeekSunday, November 5th
All Saints’ Day
"Blessed"
Rev. Molly Vetter, preaching
Matthew 5:1-12
Scripture Text: Matthew 5:1 Seeing the crowds, Yeshua walked up the hill. After he sat down, his talmidim came to him, 2 and he began to speak. This is what he taught them:
3 “How blessed are the poor in spirit!
for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.
4 “How blessed are those who mourn!
for they will be comforted.
5 “How blessed are the meek!
for they will inherit the Land![Matthew 5:5 Psalm 37:11]
6 “How blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness!
for they will be filled.
7 “How blessed are those who show mercy!
for they will be shown mercy.
8 “How blessed are the pure in heart!
for they will see God.
9 “How blessed are those who make peace!
for they will be called sons of God.
10 “How blessed are those who are persecuted
because they pursue righteousness!
for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.
11 “How blessed you are when people insult you and persecute you and tell all kinds of vicious lies about you because you follow me! 12 Rejoice, be glad, because your reward in heaven is great — they persecuted the prophets before you in the same way.
---
John Wesley’s Explanatory Notes
Matthew 5:1-12
Verse 1
[1] And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him:
And seeing the multitudes — At some distance, as they were coming to him from every quarter.
He went up into the mountain — Which was near: where there was room for them all.
His disciples — not only his twelve disciples, but all who desired to learn of him.
Verse 2
[2] And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying,
And he opened his mouth — A phrase which always denotes a set and solemn discourse; and taught them - To bless men; to make men happy, was the great business for which our Lord came into the world. And accordingly he here pronounces eight blessings together, annexing them to so many steps in Christianity. Knowing that happiness is our common aim, and that an innate instinct continually urges us to the pursuit of it, he in the kindest manner applies to that instinct, and directs it to its proper object. Though all men desire, yet few attain, happiness, because they seek it where it is not to be found. Our Lord therefore begins his Divine institution, which is the complete art of happiness, by laying down before all that have ears to hear, the true and only true method of acquiring it. Observe the benevolent condescension of our Lord. He seems, as it were, to lay aside his supreme authority as our legislator, that he may the better act the part of: our friend and Saviour. Instead of using the lofty style, in positive commands, he, in a more gentle and engaging way, insinuates his will and our duty, by pronouncing those happy who comply with it. 3.
Happy are the poor — In the following discourse there is, 1. A sweet invitation to true holiness and happiness, verse 3-12. Matthew 5:3-12. 2. A persuasive to impart it to others, verse 13-16. Matthew 5:13-16. 3. A description of true Christian holiness, verse 17; chap. ii,12, Matthew 5:17; Matthew 7:12. (in which it is easy to observe, the latter part exactly answers the former.) 4. The conclusion: giving a sure mark of the true way, warning against false prophets, exhorting to follow after holiness.
The poor in spirit — They who are unfeignedly penitent, they who are truly convinced of sin; who see and feel the state they are in by nature, being deeply sensible of their sinfulness, guiltiness, helplessness.
For theirs is the kingdom of heaven — The present inward kingdom: righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost, as well as the eternal kingdom, if they endure to the end. Luke 6:20.
Verse 4
[4] Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
They that mourn — Either for their own sins, or for other men's, and are steadily and habitually serious.
They shall be comforted — More solidly and deeply even in this world, and eternally in heaven.
Verse 5
[5] Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
Happy are the meek — They that hold all their passions and affections evenly balanced.
They shall inherit the earth — They shall have all things really necessary for life and godliness. They shall enjoy whatever portion God hath given them here, and shall hereafter possess the new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.
Verse 6
[6] Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
They that hunger and thirst after righteousness — After the holiness here described. They shall be satisfied with it.
Verse 7
[7] Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
The merciful — The tender-hearted: they who love all men as themselves: They shall obtain mercy - Whatever mercy therefore we desire from God, the same let us show to our brethren. He will repay us a thousand fold, the love we bear to any for his sake.
Verse 8
[8] Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
The pure in heart — The sanctified: they who love God with all their hearts.
They shall see God — In all things here; hereafter in glory.
Verse 9
[9] Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
The peace makers — They that out of love to God and man do all possible good to all men. Peace in the Scripture sense implies all blessings temporal and eternal.
They shall be called the children of God — Shall be acknowledged such by God and man. One would imagine a person of this amiable temper and behaviour would be the darling of mankind. But our Lord well knew it would not be so, as long as Satan was the prince of this world. He therefore warns them before of the treatment all were to expect, who were determined thus to tread in his steps, by immediately subjoining, Happy are they who are persecuted for righteousness' sake. Through this whole discourse we cannot but observe the most exact method which can possibly be conceived. Every paragraph, every sentence, is closely connected both with that which precedes, and that which follows it. And is not this the pattern for every Christian preacher? If any then are able to follow it without any premeditation, well: if not, let them not dare to preach without it. No rhapsody, no incoherency, whether the things spoken be true or false, comes of the Spirit of Christ.
Verse 10
[10] Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
For righteousness' sake — That is, because they have, or follow after, the righteousness here described. He that is truly a righteous man, he that mourns, and he that is pure in heart, yea, all that will live godly in Christ Jesus, shall suffer persecution, 2 Timothy 3:12. The world will always say, Away with such fellows from the earth. They are made to reprove our thoughts. They are grievous to us even to behold. Their lives are not like other men's; their ways are of another fashion.
Verse 11
[11] Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
Revile — When present: say all evil - When you are absent.
Verse 12
[12] Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
John Wesley’s Explanatory Notes
Matthew 5:1-12
Verse 1
[1] And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him:
And seeing the multitudes — At some distance, as they were coming to him from every quarter.
He went up into the mountain — Which was near: where there was room for them all.
His disciples — not only his twelve disciples, but all who desired to learn of him.
Verse 2
[2] And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying,
And he opened his mouth — A phrase which always denotes a set and solemn discourse; and taught them - To bless men; to make men happy, was the great business for which our Lord came into the world. And accordingly he here pronounces eight blessings together, annexing them to so many steps in Christianity. Knowing that happiness is our common aim, and that an innate instinct continually urges us to the pursuit of it, he in the kindest manner applies to that instinct, and directs it to its proper object. Though all men desire, yet few attain, happiness, because they seek it where it is not to be found. Our Lord therefore begins his Divine institution, which is the complete art of happiness, by laying down before all that have ears to hear, the true and only true method of acquiring it. Observe the benevolent condescension of our Lord. He seems, as it were, to lay aside his supreme authority as our legislator, that he may the better act the part of: our friend and Saviour. Instead of using the lofty style, in positive commands, he, in a more gentle and engaging way, insinuates his will and our duty, by pronouncing those happy who comply with it. 3.
Happy are the poor — In the following discourse there is, 1. A sweet invitation to true holiness and happiness, verse 3-12. Matthew 5:3-12. 2. A persuasive to impart it to others, verse 13-16. Matthew 5:13-16. 3. A description of true Christian holiness, verse 17; chap. ii,12, Matthew 5:17; Matthew 7:12. (in which it is easy to observe, the latter part exactly answers the former.) 4. The conclusion: giving a sure mark of the true way, warning against false prophets, exhorting to follow after holiness.
The poor in spirit — They who are unfeignedly penitent, they who are truly convinced of sin; who see and feel the state they are in by nature, being deeply sensible of their sinfulness, guiltiness, helplessness.
For theirs is the kingdom of heaven — The present inward kingdom: righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost, as well as the eternal kingdom, if they endure to the end. Luke 6:20.
Verse 4
[4] Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
They that mourn — Either for their own sins, or for other men's, and are steadily and habitually serious.
They shall be comforted — More solidly and deeply even in this world, and eternally in heaven.
Verse 5
[5] Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
Happy are the meek — They that hold all their passions and affections evenly balanced.
They shall inherit the earth — They shall have all things really necessary for life and godliness. They shall enjoy whatever portion God hath given them here, and shall hereafter possess the new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.
Verse 6
[6] Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
They that hunger and thirst after righteousness — After the holiness here described. They shall be satisfied with it.
Verse 7
[7] Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
The merciful — The tender-hearted: they who love all men as themselves: They shall obtain mercy - Whatever mercy therefore we desire from God, the same let us show to our brethren. He will repay us a thousand fold, the love we bear to any for his sake.
Verse 8
[8] Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
The pure in heart — The sanctified: they who love God with all their hearts.
They shall see God — In all things here; hereafter in glory.
Verse 9
[9] Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
The peace makers — They that out of love to God and man do all possible good to all men. Peace in the Scripture sense implies all blessings temporal and eternal.
They shall be called the children of God — Shall be acknowledged such by God and man. One would imagine a person of this amiable temper and behaviour would be the darling of mankind. But our Lord well knew it would not be so, as long as Satan was the prince of this world. He therefore warns them before of the treatment all were to expect, who were determined thus to tread in his steps, by immediately subjoining, Happy are they who are persecuted for righteousness' sake. Through this whole discourse we cannot but observe the most exact method which can possibly be conceived. Every paragraph, every sentence, is closely connected both with that which precedes, and that which follows it. And is not this the pattern for every Christian preacher? If any then are able to follow it without any premeditation, well: if not, let them not dare to preach without it. No rhapsody, no incoherency, whether the things spoken be true or false, comes of the Spirit of Christ.
Verse 10
[10] Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
For righteousness' sake — That is, because they have, or follow after, the righteousness here described. He that is truly a righteous man, he that mourns, and he that is pure in heart, yea, all that will live godly in Christ Jesus, shall suffer persecution, 2 Timothy 3:12. The world will always say, Away with such fellows from the earth. They are made to reprove our thoughts. They are grievous to us even to behold. Their lives are not like other men's; their ways are of another fashion.
Verse 11
[11] Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
Revile — When present: say all evil - When you are absent.
Verse 12
[12] Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
---
8:30 am in Epworth Lounge10:30 am in the Sanctuary
Special Music: "For All The Saints," sung by the Chancel Choir
"FOR ALL THE SAINTS" by William W. How
1. For all the saints, who from their labors rest,
Who Thee by faith before the world confessed,
Thy Name, O Jesus, be forever blessed.
Alleluia, Alleluia!
2. Thou wast their Rock, their Fortress and their Might;
Thou, Lord, their Captain in the well fought fight;
Thou, in the darkness drear, their one true Light.
Alleluia, Alleluia!
3. For the Apostles’ glorious company,
Who bearing forth the Cross o’er land and sea,
Shook all the mighty world, we sing to Thee:
Alleluia, Alleluia!
4. For the Evangelists, by whose blest word,
Like fourfold streams, the garden of the Lord,
Is fair and fruitful, be Thy Name adored.
Alleluia, Alleluia!
5. For Martyrs, who with rapture kindled eye,
Saw the bright crown descending from the sky,
And seeing, grasped it, Thee we glorify.
Alleluia, Alleluia!
6. O blest communion, fellowship divine!
We feebly struggle, they in glory shine;
All are one in Thee, for all are Thine.
Alleluia, Alleluia!
7. O may Thy soldiers, faithful, true and bold,
Fight as the saints who nobly fought of old,
And win with them the victor’s crown of gold.
Alleluia, Alleluia!
8. And when the strife is fierce, the warfare long,
Steals on the ear the distant triumph song,
And hearts are brave, again, and arms are strong.
Alleluia, Alleluia!
9. The golden evening brightens in the west;
Soon, soon to faithful warriors comes their rest;
Sweet is the calm of paradise the blessed.
Alleluia, Alleluia!
10. But lo! there breaks a yet more glorious day;
The saints triumphant rise in bright array;
The King of glory passes on His way.
Alleluia, Alleluia!
11. From earth’s wide bounds, from ocean’s farthest coast,
Through gates of pearl streams in the countless host,
And singing to Father, Son and Holy Ghost:
Alleluia, Alleluia!
Listen to Sermons online Visit our Website
News From Our Members
Whew! What a week. Beginning last Sunday with Reformation Sunday, Wednesday completed the World Series and my photo was in The Breeze promoting my Symphony's Friday night concert at El Camino College. Then there was preparation for Talent Night, being advertised as Food Truck Night Saturday, 5 to 8 PM. Women of our church joined others in San Pedro for a program on World Peace and today, Sunday, we honor the memory of lost loves in an All Saints Day worship period.. With all the world tragedies one wouldn't think of all these other bright and...Thursday, November 2, 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, 2 November 2017 by Bob Peterson
Whew! What a week. Beginning last Sunday with Reformation Sunday, Wednesday completed the World Series and my photo was in The Breeze promoting my Symphony's Friday night concert at El Camino College. Then there was preparation for Talent Night, being advertised as Food Truck Night Saturday 5 to 8 PM. Women of our church joined others in San Pedro for a program on World Peace and Sunday, November 5, we honor the memory of lost loves in an All Saints Day worship period. With all the world tragedies one wouldn't think of all these other bright and beautiful things. Hope you enjoy them. We also have the 3:00 PM Memorial Service for Duff Means Sunday.
November produces Thanksgiving which leads to Christmas holiday decorations and shopping. It is with Christian Love that we give more to charities at this time of year, and especially to our church.
With special music, the Christmas Pageant, poinsettias, and many other events, it will really be difficult to find time to entertain friends and relatives and keep Jesus' words in our minds for this upcoming season of Love and giving.
If you are like me, you will attend church, pray together and donate more than we usually do. As they say, Keep the Faith and our church in our thoughts and prayers each day. You see, Christmas is not just for children, although they are uppermost in our thoughts at this time. It is also for us older folk who remember the wonderful Christmases of former years and try to make this one even better for someone.
Click here to read more of the Lay Looker.
Click here to donate!Donations for Disaster Recovery
We encourage everyone to donate to UMCOR (the United Methodist Committee on Relief) through the link here. You can choose to direct your gift to US Disaster relief (including Houston, Florida and Puerto Rico) or International Disaster Relief (including Mexico)--or you can make your donation undesignated. 100% of donations go to relief efforts.
Coming at Church
Silent Auction, Variety Show, Food Trucks on Saturday, November 4, from 5-8 pmOur 2nd Annual Variety Show, Silent Auction and Food Trucksnight at church is coming on Saturday, November 4. Invite your friends and neighbors to this free community event! People can purchase dinner from the diverse food trucks, bid on an amazing variety of items and experiences in our silent auction, and enjoy the talents of our intergenerational community in the variety show!
Help spread the word: Share the Event on your Facebook page! Pick up flyer postcards to give to friends and neighbors!
Come ready to bid at the Silent Auction!
We have a wonderful list of items that will be up for bid at the silent auction on Saturday night! Please come ready to bid. All the proceeds from the auction go to supporting the ministries of our congregation.
The silent auction will close in two sections, at 6:30 and 7pm. You can pay for your auction items with cash, check or credit card.
You can read our tentative list of auction items here!
Bring dinner money and enjoy good food from one of these excellent LA food trucks that will be in the church parking lot on November 4, from 5-8 pm!
- Humble Crust : Artisan Flatbreads
- Papa Fritz : Belgian fusion waffles & fries
- LA Donut : Donuts and ice cream
- District Burger : Burgers!
Christmas Pageant Rehearsals begin Sunday at 9:30!All children and youth are invited to join us as we begin rehearsing for our Christmas Pageant. We will meet this week in the fellowship hall at 9:30.
The pageant will be December 10th, and will meet each Sunday until then.
Rehearsals will be in the fellowship hall from 9:30 to 10:15. See you there!
Last Week for Wreaths!Get your wreath orders in this week! Sunday is the last day to submit an order.
Items delivered to the church will be available for pickup the week of November 27th. Items shipped directly to the Recipient will arrive the first two weeks after Thanksgiving
These wreath sales support the youth group's budget, and they are our biggest fundraiser of the year. Thanks for your support!
Click here to order online or click here for printable forms!
Women's Retreat: Spring 2018, March 9-11All women are invited!
Our topics will include:
· Why friendship with God matters
· Loving ourselves—isn't that being selfish? (Nope)
· Loving ourselves—isn't that being selfish? (Nope)
· How loving others is loving God
Limited space available – reserve your spot TODAY!
CLICK HERE for more info.
Generations of Generosity: Stewardship for 2018Over the next several weeks, join us in telling stories about generosity in our lives. We invite you to reflect on these questions:
Who taught you to be generous?
Why is it important to be generous as a Christian?
What are some of the church ministries you are glad to be able to support?
We celebrate the generations of generosity in our church, and give thanks for God's work in our midst!
Upper-Classmen RetreatHigh 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!
Click here to register to attend!
Announcements
Men's Breakfast: Our next breakfast is Monday, November 6, 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: Join us for our monthly quilting workshop Friday, November 10, 10 am - noon in the choir room. Even if you haven't tried quilt-making before, this is a great way to begin. Know someone in need of prayer? Anyone can sponsor a free prayer quilt. The Quilt Request Form is online or in the church office.
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 Duff Means will be held at our church on Sunday, November 5, at 3 pm in the sanctuary.
Book Club, Tuesday, Nov 28: The next meeting of the book club will be Tuesday, Nov. 28, in May Day Parlor. Sally Donner will lead our discussion of "The Glass Castle," by Jeanette Walls. For more information, contact Ann Gallagher.
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):
Come to the Fellowship Hall at 9:30 for our first Christmas Pageant Rehearsal!
Preschool-3rd Grade Sunday School begins at 10:30 upstairs and children must be signed in by parents. Students will be accompanied back to the church service to join their families for communion after Sunday School.
Church R Us (Grades 4 & 5): Start out in Worship with your family, then head to class with our youth director, Stephen Hale during "Passing of the Peace." You'll head back to church for communion!
Come to the Fellowship Hall at 9:30 for our first Christmas Pageant Rehearsal!
Youth Ministry (6th-12th grade):
-Middle School Sunday School? YESSS!!!!!!!!!
-Youth Group(2-4pm on Sunday)? Yes, though we're only meeting for 1 hour (2-3pm), because of Duff Mean's Memorial Service.
Young Adults (19-not very specific):
We are starting a new group ! We plan to meet once a week to discuss our faith, and how that relates to the real world. Interested? Click here to share your preferences regarding timing.
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.
Click here to register to attend!
Announcements
Men's Breakfast: Our next breakfast is Monday, November 6, 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: Join us for our monthly quilting workshop Friday, November 10, 10 am - noon in the choir room. Even if you haven't tried quilt-making before, this is a great way to begin. Know someone in need of prayer? Anyone can sponsor a free prayer quilt. The Quilt Request Form is online or in the church office.
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 Duff Means will be held at our church on Sunday, November 5, at 3 pm in the sanctuary.
Book Club, Tuesday, Nov 28: The next meeting of the book club will be Tuesday, Nov. 28, in May Day Parlor. Sally Donner will lead our discussion of "The Glass Castle," by Jeanette Walls. For more information, contact Ann Gallagher.
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):
Come to the Fellowship Hall at 9:30 for our first Christmas Pageant Rehearsal!
Preschool-3rd Grade Sunday School begins at 10:30 upstairs and children must be signed in by parents. Students will be accompanied back to the church service to join their families for communion after Sunday School.
Church R Us (Grades 4 & 5): Start out in Worship with your family, then head to class with our youth director, Stephen Hale during "Passing of the Peace." You'll head back to church for communion!
Come to the Fellowship Hall at 9:30 for our first Christmas Pageant Rehearsal!
Youth Ministry (6th-12th grade):
-Middle School Sunday School? YESSS!!!!!!!!!
-Youth Group(2-4pm on Sunday)? Yes, though we're only meeting for 1 hour (2-3pm), because of Duff Mean's Memorial Service.
Young Adults (19-not very specific):
We are starting a new group ! We plan to meet once a week to discuss our faith, and how that relates to the real world. Interested? Click here to share your preferences regarding timing.
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.
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!
Matt Redman is an English Christian worship leader currently based in Brighton. He has won 10 Dove Awards for everything from Worship Song of the Year 2005 (for Blessed Be Your Name) to Songwriter of the Year 2013. His album 10,000 Reasons was released in 2012 and the title track went on to be #1 on the Billboard Christian Songs chart, where it remained for 13 weeks. 10,000 Reasons also won Grammy Awards in 2013 for Best Contemporary Christian Music Song and Best Gospel/Contemporary Christian Music Performance. One Day (When We All Get To Heaven) is a new song from a new album – Glory Song, released in September of this year. Glory Song takes a more “gospel” approach, using lots of background singers that gives the album a choral feel. Today, Matt and his wife, Beth, are ...Thursday, November 2, 2017 - Music Notes
Music Director, Jim Raycroft, will share upcoming worship music
selections and a little bit of history, too.
Jim Raycroft
Thursday, 2 November 2017 by Jim Raycroft
Matt Redman is an English Christian worship leader currently based in Brighton. He has won 10 Dove Awards for everything from Worship Song of the Year 2005 (for Blessed Be Your Name) to Songwriter of the Year 2013. His album 10,000 Reasons was released in 2012 and the title track went on to be #1 on the Billboard Christian Songs chart, where it remained for 13 weeks. 10,000 Reasons also won Grammy Awards in 2013 for Best Contemporary Christian Music Song and Best Gospel/Contemporary Christian Music Performance. One Day (When We All Get To Heaven) is a new song from a new album – Glory Song, released in September of this year. Glory Song takes a more "gospel" approach, using lots of background singers that gives the album a choral feel. Today, Matt and his wife, Beth, are members of St. Peter's Church in Brighton, England and have 5 children.
David Haas is an Eagan, Minnesota-based composer where he is the director of the Emmaus Center for Music, Prayer and Ministry. In the same way that Cokesbury is the publisher for the Methodist church, Oregon Catholic Press and G.I.A (which originally stood for Gregorian Institute of America) Publications in Chicago are the publishers for the Catholic church, and David is one of the dominant forces at G.I.A. He is known for songs like You Are Mine, We Are Called, Now We Remain, and this week's opening song, Blest Are They, all of which are included in not only the Catholic Music Missal, but also in the hymnbooks of the Methodist and Lutheran churches.
When The Saints Go Marching In is an American gospel hymn. It originated as a Christian hymn, but is most usually played by Dixieland jazz bands. The origins are unclear, although it appears to have evolved from several similarly titled pieces, including When the Saints Are Marching In (1896) and When the Saints March In for Crowning (1908). The first known recording of the tune was in 1923 by the Paramount Jubilee Singers. Although the record title was listed as When The Saints Come Marching In, the group sings the modern lyrics of When The Saints Go Marching In. Most early renditions were slow and stately, but began to pick up the tempo as time went on. Louis Armstrong was the first to record the tune as a secular dance number in 1938. He wrote that his sister informed him that she felt the "secular performance style of the traditional church tune was inappropriate and irreligious".
Shall We Gather At The River, or At The River, are the familiar names of the popular American hymn tune Hanson Place, written in 1864 by Baptist minister and poet Robert Lowry and named for the Hanson Place Baptist Church in Brooklyn where Lowry sometimes served. He was responsible creating for several familiar hymns, although probably the most loved is Shall We Gather At The River. He described the writing experience as follows:
"One afternoon in July, 1864, when I was pastor at Hanson Place Baptist Church, Brooklyn, the weather was oppressively hot, and I was lying on a lounge in a state of physical exhaustion. I was almost incapable of bodily exertion, and my imagination began to take to itself wins. Visions of the future passed before me with startling vividness. The imagery of the Apocalypse took the form of a tableau. Brightest of all were the throne, the heavenly river, and the gathering of the saints. My soul seemed to take new life from the celestial outlook. I began to wonder why the hymn-writers had said so much about the 'river of death' and so little about 'the pure water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb." As I mused the words began to construct themselves. They came first as a question of Christian inquiry, 'Shall we gather?' Then they broke out in a chorus, as an answer of Christian faith, 'Yes, we'll gather.' On this question and answer the hymn developed itself. The music came with the hymn."
The song was first published in the 1865 Sunday School book Happy Voices. It went on to be included in most hymnals and became a "standard". In 1954, Aaron Copland arranged it for solo voice and piano, and included it in his collection of "Old American Songs, Set 2, Number 4". In 1964, it was arranged for SATB choir by his student, Ray Wilding-White, which has since gone on to become part of classic repertoire.
Over the years it has been arranged by many writers, including Charles Ives and Aaron Copeland, and has been used extensively in Hollywood films, especially westerns by John Ford (it was his favorite hymn). Internationally, the tune was used for one of the most popular hymns in Sweden, as well as one of Sweden's most popular drinking songs, and a popular parody song in Japan.
Click here to read more Music Notes!
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.
Our UMW is back to their regular meeting times.Circle Meeting Time
- Naomi Circle 2nd Tuesday @ 10:00am
- Hannah Circle 2nd Tuesday @ 7:00pm
- Mary Circle 4th Monday @ 7:00pm
United Methodist Women’s Reading Program: There are many titles to choose from with new ones added every year! Books are available in the UMW library located in May Day Parlor. 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 andsome 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.
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First United Methodist Church
243 South Broadway
Redondo Beach, California 90277, United States
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