This afternoon, I just helped prepare our candles for Christmas Eve's evening worship. Now, I'm waiting to meet with our young acolytes for a training in liturgical candle-lighting. I'm excited, as always, about the beauty of Christmas candlelight in our sanctuary. We got the candelabras ready to set against the wall in the front of our sanctuary, on either side of the Gethsemane window and cross; we put them close to the wall, so the light can bounce off those tall, white walls.
I can already imagine how lovely the light looks in the room. I'm especially excited to see it reflecting off the faces of the people who will fill our pews. In the dark of the night, even a lone candle pushes back against the darkness that surrounds it; a room full of hands holding candles is so much brighter!
John's gospel begins with poetic words, describing Jesus as a light that comes into our darkness. A light that cannot be overcome.
This is why we light candles on Christmas, to remember the power and difference that light makes in darkness, and to celebrate the birth of one who gives us hope in all circumstances. We light candles, remembering that we get to be a part of the work of holding up hope in hopelessness. We get to shine love into fears. We get to offer mercy in a selfish world.
May it be so.
grace and peace,
Pastor Molly
I hope you will be able to join us for Christmas worship this year. On Christmas Eve, we will have two morning worship services (8:30 and 10:30am), and two candlelight Christmas Eve services (5pm and 11pm). All ages are welcome!
Sunday, December 24:
Fourth Sunday of Advent
"Revealed"
Rev. Molly Vetter, preaching
Romans 16:25-27
Romans 16:25 Now to God, who can strengthen you, according to my Good News,
in harmony with the revelation of the secret truth
which is the proclamation of Yeshua the Messiah,
kept hidden in silence for ages and ages,
26 but manifested now through prophetic writings,
in keeping with the command of God the Eternal,
and communicated to all the Gentiles
to promote in them trust-grounded obedience —
27 to the only wise God, through Yeshua the Messiah,
be the glory forever and ever!
Amen.
John Wesley’s Explanatory Notes
Romans 16:25-27
Verse 25
[25] Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,
Now to him who is able — The last words of this epistle exactly answer the first, chapter i. 1-5: Romans 1:1-5: in particular, concerning the power of God, the gospel, Jesus Christ, the scriptures, the obedience of faith, all nations.
To establish you — Both Jews and gentiles.
According to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ — That is, according to the tenor of the gospel of Jesus Christ, which I preach.
According to the revelation of the mystery — Of the calling of the gentiles, which, as plainly as it was foretold in the Prophets, was still hid from many even of the believing Jews.
Verse 26
[26] But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:
According to the commandment — The foundation of the apostolical office.
Of the eternal God — A more proper epithet could not be. A new dispensation infers no change in God. Known unto him are all his works, and every variation of them, from eternity.
Made known to all nations — Not barely that they might know, but enjoy it also, through obeying the faith.
Verse 27
[27] To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen.
To the only wise God — Whose manifold wisdom is known in the church through the gospel, Ephesians 3:10. "To him who is able," and, to the wise God," are joined, as 1 Corinthians 1:24, where Christ is styled "the wisdom of God," and "the power of God." To him be glory through Christ Jesus for ever - And let every believer say, Amen!
8:30am in Epworth LoungeJohn Wesley’s Explanatory Notes
Romans 16:25-27
Verse 25
[25] Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,
Now to him who is able — The last words of this epistle exactly answer the first, chapter i. 1-5: Romans 1:1-5: in particular, concerning the power of God, the gospel, Jesus Christ, the scriptures, the obedience of faith, all nations.
To establish you — Both Jews and gentiles.
According to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ — That is, according to the tenor of the gospel of Jesus Christ, which I preach.
According to the revelation of the mystery — Of the calling of the gentiles, which, as plainly as it was foretold in the Prophets, was still hid from many even of the believing Jews.
Verse 26
[26] But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:
According to the commandment — The foundation of the apostolical office.
Of the eternal God — A more proper epithet could not be. A new dispensation infers no change in God. Known unto him are all his works, and every variation of them, from eternity.
Made known to all nations — Not barely that they might know, but enjoy it also, through obeying the faith.
Verse 27
[27] To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen.
To the only wise God — Whose manifold wisdom is known in the church through the gospel, Ephesians 3:10. "To him who is able," and, to the wise God," are joined, as 1 Corinthians 1:24, where Christ is styled "the wisdom of God," and "the power of God." To him be glory through Christ Jesus for ever - And let every believer say, Amen!
10:30am in the Sanctuary
Special Presentation: "The Christmas Story according to St. Luke," arranged by Roger Wagner
5:00pm Candlelight Family Worship
11:00pm Candlelight Communion Worship, with the Chancel Choir
Listen to Sermons online
Note: The church office will be closed most of the week after Christmas; we will be open on Wednesday, December 27, from 11am-5pm. Staff will be checking messages at other times.
Visit our Website
News From Our Members
Then last Sunday we had about fifteen of the late Ron Day family, led by Norma Day, her children and their families as they lighted, traditionally, the Advent candles to that date. It meant so much...
Thursday, December 21, 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, 21 December 2017 by Bob Peterson
Two Sundays ago we had the great children's pageant and I want to congratulate all the people who worked so hard to make it possible, beginning with Kristen Harper and all the many parents and helpers on the team. The children were so spectacular in their beautiful costumes, the scenery was so clever, even though "A Cactus Christmas" is rather unusual. But as I watched the children nearly 100% were singing their hearts out with gestures while watching the high school girls and our great staff giving them the clues. It was just a great start of the Christmas feeling and one I'm glad to have seen. Yes, we have a wonderful church life not only now, but all year.
Then last Sunday we had about fifteen of the late Ron Day family, led by Norma Day, her children and their families as they lighted, traditionally, the Advent candles to that date. It meant so much as we remembered Ron and all he has meant to this church over all these years. We also had the tradition of the Walk to the Manger as we took communion and laid our gifts in the crib with the "Baby Jesus" and the straw lining that made us money counters go carefully through the loose straw so as not to miss anything. Incidentally, it's not too late for that special Christmas Offering to be made this Sunday.
Now, Sunday, December 24th, not only do we worship as usual Sunday morning, but we have the privilege of celebrating the 5:00 PM Christmas Eve family and 11:00 PM Candlelight Services, a beloved annual event for many of our congregation. What can be better than extra services in which to remember the coming of our Lord Jesus upon his birth over 2,000 years ago. Hope to see you there.
But wait. There's still one more Sunday in December, the 31st., so won't you come finish the year on Sunday, New Year's Eve Day. What a nice chance to say goodbye to 2017 and welcome in 2018 and say Happy New Year to all our fellow worshipers.
I also wish to say that last Monday, December 18th we had our annual Charge Conference which gave some of us a chance to meet our District Superintendent Rev. Mark Nakagawa who runs a good prompt tight Charge Conference and was a pleasure to hear as he took us through our church year and announced plans to move from here to there in 2018. The 42 page Charge Conference booklet tells us much about our church organization, and shows deep thought as prepared by Pastor Molly Vetter, Administrative Assistant Ernie Valenzuela, our complete staff and the many volunteers who contributed. If you read it you will be proud of our church, our people and our Denomination. Perhaps there is an extra copy at the office so you can look at it or borrow one for your edification.
Click here for past Lay Looker columns
Coming at Church
Is there someone you know who might be looking for ways to make this Christmas season more meaningful? Who might be looking for a place and a community with whom they might celebrate hope, and show compassion? This is a great time to invite friends and neighbors to church!
This Sunday, we will have postcards available for you to take and give to others as invitations to Christmas worship. Our webpage has details you can share, or use our Facebook event to invite friends!
During Advent this year, we invite you to pause. Light candles, pray and draw near to Christ.
We will offer resources for praying at home and with your family. Here is a devotional we recommend; our Family Ministries will also have free devotionals available for families (of all ages) this Sunday in the back of the sanctuary.
This is a season in which we wait for the coming of Christ, not with frenetic impatience, but with a hope-filled pause.
All participants of the Cactus Christmas Pageant are invited to sing a song during the 5:00pm Christmas Eve service!
Email Children's Ministries to let us know if your child will be participating!
See Pageant Photos and Video Online!
You can watch (or share!) our BeachFaith Kids Christmas Pageant online now. Whether you missed it, or just want to enjoy it again, you can see "Cactus Christmas."
You can also see some photos from the pageant on our Flickr site--enjoy and share them with your friends and family.
Thank you to everyone who has submitted a pledge of financial giving for 2018. To date, we have received 48 pledges, totaling $226,500. (As comparison, for 2017, we received 66 pledges totaling $282,510.) We are well on our way to our goal of approximately $320,000. We encourage you to pledge now, if you haven't already: You can read more or submit a pledge here.
We are grateful for your generosity!
Read stories from church members about "Generations of Generosity" on our website!
Did You Know: View Your Church Giving Record
Last week, we mailed out records of your giving to those who have donated to the church. Anytime, you can log onto OnRealm, our cloud-based church directory, to view or print a record of your giving to the church. You can also set up or manage secure, electronic giving to the church. Arrange a one-time gift or a recurring donation. Plus, you can access contact information for other church members, to better stay in touch with the community! If you don't already have a login, contact the office for an invitation to join.
As we near the end of the calendar year, we encourage you to consider special giving to the ministries of the church. To make sure your gift is tax-deductible in 2017, please make sure it arrives to the church by December 31. This year, that's a Sunday!
Your generous giving this year has been at or ahead of our budget, but we count on year-end gifts to be able to meet all our commitments. Thanks for making this possible.
Update: WiFi on CampusOver the past two years, we have been updating and improving WiFi access on our campus. Now, there is a guest network that is available to anyone on campus. It has a password that we are happy to share, and invite you to share.
- The network is: First UMC Guests
- The password is: openhearts
(Most of) The T-Shirts are in the office and will be available for pick up this Sunday. If you can't be here Sunday, we will have limited office hours next week. Stephen will be here, Wednesday, 11am - 5pm. We'll be back to regular office hours on January 2.
A few folks' T-Shirts are delayed; they already got an email. If you didn't...your shirt is here!
If you have questions, contact Stephen!
Responding to Southern California Wild Fires
We join others in lifting prayers for the many people and communities in southern California that are threatened and affected by wildfires, including people from our own regional church. Our Annual Conference is working to coordinate response to this disaster, and invites contributions to UMCOR (The United Methodist Committee on Relief). Read our Bishop's call to action here.
Vacation Bible School:
(age 3-8th grade) August 13-17
BeachFaith Kids Arts Camp:
(K-5th grade) July 30-August 3
Baja Mission Trip:
with Inalienable (youth & adults) July 7-14
Summer Camps: at Lazy W Ranch & other sites
Spiritual Gifts Class in January
Congratulations! You're gifted!
Come and learn how God has uniquely gifted you and where your dreams and passions might lead you to serve. You’ll study the Bible, use personal assessments, connect with others and brainstorm ideas for putting your gifts into action, here at the church and throughout the community.
Spiritual Gifts Class: Monday evenings, starting January 22 (Led by Liz Gyori) Register online.
Do You Have Questions for God? (We do, too!)
Join us on Sundays in January, as Pastor Molly takes on big questions.
(Have a question on your mind? Email it to Pastor Molly!)
Announcements
Men's Breakfast: Our next breakfast is Monday, January 1, 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, January 12, 10am - 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.
Book Club, January 16, 2018 at 7PM: Vika, our January hostess, has selected for our discussion, “Living as a Covenant Community,” by Evy McDonald, which was used for study at UMW’s Mission U last summer. The book is available on the UMW website for $10, and the kindle from Amazon for $5.00. Vika is contacting women in our district who attended Mission U, to borrow copies and make them available on the UMW bookshelf in May Day Parlor. Assisting Vika with refreshments will be Eloise Elder. 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 5 yrs old. Located right off of the parking lot across from Epworth Lounge. Nursery care will be available on December 24th during the 8:30 and 10:30 services only. Please know that children of any age are always welcome in worship. Any questions email the Nursery Coordinator: Adriana Hwang
Children's Ministry (age 3 - 3rd Grade):
No Sunday school this week, we will enjoy a wonderful Christmas Eve day service with our families. There will be a moment with children AND a fun activity pack just for this week! Regular Sunday school will resume on December 31st!
Church R Us (Grades 4 & 5): It's Christmas. Worship with your family!
Youth Ministry (6th-12th grade):
-Middle School Sunday School? Nope! It's Christmas. Go to church with your family!
-Youth Group(2-4pm on Sunday)? Nope. It's Christmas Eve.
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 Helen Stockwell .
Thursday Pastor's Bible Study:
We usually meet Thursday mornings from 11:00-noon, in May Day Parlor. All are welcome. We will not meet on Thursday, December 28.
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
(310)372-8445 main
(310)372-5696 fax
Ongoing Ministries
Offering food and friendship to those in need, every Wednesday night since 1992. More info here.
DESSERTS FOR SHARED BREAD
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!
Chris Tomlin was born in Texas in 1972 and learned to play guitar by playing along with Willy Nelson recordings. He has become one of the dominant forces in contemporary Christian music, and in 2012 CCLI announced that his songs were played 3 million times in churches that year. His 2013 album Burning Lights debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, only the fourth Christian album ever to open at No. 1, and he was pronounced the most sung songwriter in...
Thursday, December 21, 2017 - Music Notes
Music Director, Jim Raycroft, will share upcoming worship music
selections and a little bit of history, too.
Jim Raycroft
Thursday, 21 December 2017 by Jim Raycroft
This week we say goodbye, or at least "Until the next time", to our soprano section leader Susan Kasenow. Susan took over for Caroline McKenzie and has blessed us with her voice and talents. Her travel schedule is becoming a burden, and so she can't continue with us on a regular basis. But we will undoubtedly be seeing her from time to time. Happy travels, Susan.
Chris Tomlin was born in Texas in 1972 and learned to play guitar by playing along with Willy Nelson recordings. He has become one of the dominant forces in contemporary Christian music, and in 2012 CCLI announced that his songs were played 3 million times in churches that year. His 2013 album Burning Lights debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, only the fourth Christian album ever to open at No. 1, and he was pronounced the most sung songwriter in the world that year. The song It's Christmas is a medley of Away In A Mangerand Go Tell It On The Mountain, wrapped in a bluesy groove, and was released on the album Adore: Christmas Songs Of Worship, which was released in 2015.
In 1963, NBC contacted the legendary Roger Wagner about creating a Christmas show to be broadcast live. The result was a 20 minute concert of Christmas carols, separated by incidental music that underscored a narrator, who narrated the story of Christmas according to St. Luke. Roger chose a selection of 8 carols, some familiar like We Three Kings and Joy To The World, and a couple less familiar – Gesu Bambino by Pietro Yon and The Virgin's Slumber Song by Max Reger. Pietro Yon was an Italian-born organist and composer who was organist at the Vatican when he was offered a job as organist at St. Francis Xavier Church in Manhattan in 1907. It was during this tenure that he wrote Gesu Bambino (1917), and in 1926 became assistant organist at St Patrick's Cathedral, and then in 1928 became music director at the Cathedral until his death in 1943. Max Reger was a German composer who worked primarily in the Leipzig area from the late 1800's to the early 1900's and wrote hundreds of pieces of music. The Virgin's Slumber Song was originally a folk song to the tune of the German Christmas carol "Joseph dearest, Joseph mild", and Reger took this song in 1912, near the end of his life, and transformed it into an art song, originally called Maria Wiegenlied. Edward Teschemacher supplied the English translation we now know. The show was broadcast in 1964, sung by the Roger Wagner Chorale, accompanied by the NBC Orchestra, conducted by Roger and narrated by Tennessee Ernie Ford. An accompanying album was released by Capitol and is still available on Amazon. From that year on, The Christmas Story According to St. Luke was the closer for every Christmas concert performed by the Los Angeles Master Chorale, and was always narrated by a celebrity narrator, like Jean Stapleton and Orson Wells. I was fortunate to have experienced the last such concert (Christmas of 1985), as Roger retired from the Master Chorale at the end of that season. The narrator that year was Pernell Roberts, star of the hit television show Trapper John, M.D. (and Bonanza before that), and I recall that the concert was so long (2 hours and 45 minutes) that it forced the Chorale management to pay us overtime. I'm fond of this piece, as I think it has a strong appeal to young and old – classic without being trendy – and brings the story of the first Christmas to life in a way that's accessible to pretty much everyone.
Louis-Claude Daquin (1694-1772) was a Parisian composer who was a child prodigy. He performed at the court of Louis XIV at age 6 and conducted his own choral work, Beatus Vir, at age 8. In 1739 he was appointed organist to King Louis XV and in 1755 he became organist at Notre Dame. He was a dazzling performer at the keyboard, but not much of his music survives. His organ and harpsichord music is best known, and his 12 Noels for organ are standard repertoire. The 10th Noel, which we hear this week by guest organist Eileen Raycroft, is derived from a French wine-drinking song. One would assume he was at the pub for a quick one and heard this tune being sung, then ran home and wrote the organ piece.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.
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.
Circle Meeting Time
- Naomi Circle 2nd Tuesday @ 10:00am
- Hannah Circle 2nd Tuesday @ 7:00pm
- Mary Circle 4th Monday @ 7:00pm
Want to know more? Click Here!
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 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.
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.
---
Redondo Beach, California, United States 1st First United Methodist Church eNews Thursday, 14 December: "Walk to the Manger" Third Sunday of Advent. Worship at 8:30 & 10:30am--Walk to the Manger!
This Advent, I’ve been inviting you to join me in taking a pause—in stopping from the ordinary to turn our hearts toward hope. I believe the good news of the season is beautiful, powerful and transformative enough that it ought to make us stop for a moment. In our pause, we catch sight of a hope that is bigger that we might comfortably dare to believe. As we light candles in our advent wreaths, and share candlelight through the sanctuary on Christmas eve, the light helps us see with the light of God’s hope.
The advent light gives us a glimpse of the world-changing love of God, as it is born into our world in Jesus Christ. In this tiny child, laid in a manger, God declares love for all humanity. The sweetness of Christmas hope is much more than the warm feeling of this precious child: it also gives us courage to live out divine love in the world. We respond with our lives, bringing to baby Jesus the gifts of our hearts, our work, our persistence, our compassion.
I pray that the reflection of this season will help set you firmly on a path that walks with the love of Christ. I think of a beloved poem by Howard Thurman. Dr. Thurman was a theologian and civil rights pioneer who mentored a generation of leaders in the last century, including Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. Here’s “The Work of Christmas”:
When the song of the angels is stilled,
when the star in the sky is gone,
when the kings and princes are home,
when the shepherds are back with their flocks, the work of Christmas begins:
to find the lost,
to heal the broken,
to feed the hungry,
to release the prisoner,
to rebuild the nations,
to bring peace among the people,
to make music in the heart.
I am praying that the good news of Christmas will startle you with an awareness of God’s life-changing love. I pray that it will embolden and empower you to do the work of Christmas, even far after the decorations come down. grace and peace,
Pastor Molly
I hope you will be able to join us for Christmas worship this year. On Christmas Eve, we will have two morning worship services (8:30 and 10:30am), and two candlelight Christmas Eve services (5pm and 11pm). This Sunday, worship will include a Walk to the Manger. At 10:30 there will be a living nativity—you are invited to walk forward to give your Christmas offering at the manger. We will have a special Christmas Offering envelope that you may use; you can also give online. Your gifts enable our ongoing ministries.
Sunday, December 17:
Third Sunday of Advent
"Garments of Salvation"
Rev. Molly Vetter, preaching
Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11
Isaiah 61:1 The Spirit of Adonai Elohim is upon me,
because Adonai has anointed me
to announce good news to the poor.
He has sent me to heal the brokenhearted;
to proclaim freedom to the captives,
to let out into light those bound in the dark;
2 to proclaim the year of the favor of Adonai
and the day of vengeance of our God;
to comfort all who mourn,
3 yes, provide for those in Tziyon who mourn,
giving them garlands instead of ashes,
the oil of gladness instead of mourning,
a cloak of praise instead of a heavy spirit,
so that they will be called oaks of righteousness
planted by Adonai, in which he takes pride.
4 They will rebuild the ancient ruins,
restore sites long destroyed;
they will renew the ruined cities,
destroyed many generations ago., 8 “For I, Adonai, love justice;
I hate robbery for burnt offerings.
So I will be faithful to reward them
and make an eternal covenant with them.”
9 Their descendants will be known among the nations,
their offspring among the peoples;
all who see them will acknowledge
that they are the seed Adonai has blessed.
10 I am so joyful in Adonai!
My soul rejoices in my God,
for he has clothed me in salvation,
dressed me with a robe of triumph,
like a bridegroom wearing a festive turban,
like a bride adorned with her jewels.
11 For just as the earth brings forth its plants,
or a garden makes its plants spring up,
so Adonai, God, will cause victory and glory
to spring up before all nations.
John Wesley’s Explanatory Notes
Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11
Verse 1
[1] The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;
Upon me — Though the prophet may speak of himself, yet it is principally to be understood of Christ.
Anointed — Set me apart, both capacitating him with gifts, and commissioning him with authority; and yet more, as it is applied to Christ, a power to make all effectual, from whence he hath also the name of Messiah among the Hebrews, and of Christ among the Greeks; nay, Christ alone among the prophets hath obtained this name, Psalms 45:7. The prophet describes first, who Christ is, and then what are his offices.
Liberty — This appertains to Christ's kingly office, whereby he proclaims liberty from the dominion of sin, and from the fear of hell.
Verse 2
[2] To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn;
Vengeance — It being necessary, that where God will deliver his people, he should take vengeance on their enemies; principally on the enemies of his church, and the spiritual ones chiefly, Satan, sin, and death.
Verse 3
[3] To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.
Ashes — By ashes understand whatever is proper for days of mourning, as by beauty whatever may become times of rejoicing.
Oil of joy — He calls it oil of joy in allusion to those anointings they were wont to use in times of joy, gladness for heaviness; and it is called a garment in allusion to their festival ornaments, for they had garments appropriated to their conditions, some suitable to times of rejoicing, and some to times of mourning.
Called — That they may be so.
Trees — That they shall be firm, solid, and well rooted, being by faith engrafted into Christ, and bringing forth fruit suitable to the soil wherein they are planted.
Verse 8
[8] For I the LORD love judgment, I hate robbery for burnt offering; and I will direct their work in truth, and I will make an everlasting covenant with them.
Love judgment — I will do them right, for I love justice in myself, and in them that practise it.
Robbery — All things gotten by injustice, though it be for sacrifice.
Direct — I will lead them so, that they shall do all things in sincerity.
Everlasting covenant — Though you have broken covenant with me, yet I will renew my ancient covenant made with your fathers, confirmed with the blood of Christ, and it shall be everlasting, never to be abrogated.
Verse 9
[9] And their seed shall be known among the Gentiles, and their offspring among the people: all that see them shall acknowledge them, that they are the seed which the LORD hath blessed.
Shall be — That is, eminently a promise of the increase of the church; such shall be their prosperity, and multiplying, that they shall be known abroad by their great increase; or else, the meaning is, the church shall have a seed of the Gentiles, whereas the church has been confined to one corner of the world, now it shall remain in one nation alone no more, but shall fill all the nations of the earth.
Hath blessed — There shall be such visible characters of God's love to them, and of God's grace in them.
Verse 10
[10] I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.
I will — This is spoken in the person of the church.
Garments, … — With salvation as with a garment, and with righteousness as with a robe.
Verse 11
[11] For as the earth bringeth forth her bud, and as the garden causeth the things that are sown in it to spring forth; so the Lord GOD will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations.
Righteousness — His great work of salvation shall break out and appear.
Praise — As the natural product, and fruit of it.
8:30am in Epworth Lounge
10:30am in the Sanctuary
Special Presentation: Traditional "Walk to the Manger" during 10:30 worship; "En Lo Mas Azul del Cielo" by Emilio Dublanc
Listen to Sermons online
Visit our Website
News From Our Members
Click here for past Lay Looker columns
Coming at Church
Responding to Southern California Wild Fires
We join others in lifting prayers for the many people and communities in southern California that are threatened and affected by wildfires this week, including people from our own congregation and regional church. Our Annual Conference is working to coordinate response to this disaster, and invites contributions to UMCOR (The United Methodist Committee on Relief). Read more about the church's response here.
Is there someone you know who might be looking for ways to make this Christmas season more meaningful? Who might be looking for a place and a community with whom they might celebrate hope, and show compassion? This is a great time to invite friends and neighbors to church!
This Sunday, we will have postcards available for you to take and give to others as invitations to Christmas worship. Our webpage has details you can share, or use our Facebook event to invite friends!
Questions? Find Ms. Risa on Sunday in the narthex as you enter worship.
Order your Christmas Poinsettias here
Pastor Molly and her family invite you to an open house at the parsonage (513 Faye Ln). From the open house, we'll go out in groups to sing carols at the homes of some of our older and homebound members. Come lend your voice to bring Christmas cheer to members of our congregation who might not be able to join us at church this year!
During Advent this year, we invite you to pause. Light candles, pray and draw near to Christ.
We will offer resources for praying at home and with your family. Here is a devotional we recommend; our Family Ministries will also have free devotionals available for families (of all ages) this Sunday in the back of the sanctuary.
This is a season in which we wait for the coming of Christ, not with frenetic impatience, but with a hope-filled pause.
Acolyte Training For Christmas Eve and Beyond!There will be an acolyte training for all
4th-8th graders on Wednesday, December 20th from 4:30-5:30pm.
New Acolytes should arrive at 4:30
Experienced acolytes arrive at 5:00
We need many acolytes at both Christmas Eve services, so please plan on attending!
Acolyte sign ups can always be accessed with this link.
Or Sign up with Adriana Hwang
Email Children's Ministries to let us know if your child will be participating!
See Pageant Photos and Video Online!You can watch (or share!) our BeachFaith Kids Christmas Pageant online now. Whether you missed it, or just want to enjoy it again, you can see "Cactus Christmas."
You can also see some photos from the pageant on our Flickr site--enjoy and share them with your friends and family.
We are grateful for your generosity!
Read stories from church members about "Generations of Generosity" on our website!
Did You Know: View Your Church Giving RecordThis week, we mailed out records of your giving to those who have donated to the church. Anytime, you can log onto OnRealm, our cloud-based church directory, to view or print a record of your giving to the church. You can also set up or manage secure, electronic giving to the church. Arrange a one-time gift or a recurring donation. Plus, you can access contact information for other church members, to better stay in touch with the community! If you don't already have a login, contact the office for an invitation to join.
As we near the end of the calendar year, we encourage you to consider special giving to the ministries of the church. To make sure your gift is tax-deductible in 2017, please make sure it arrives to the church by December 31. This year, that's a Sunday!
Your generous giving this year has been at or ahead of our budget, but we count on year-end gifts to be able to meet all our commitments. Thanks for making this possible.
Slightly bad news: The T-Shirt company won't have our shirts ready by this Sunday. We expect them to be available around Thursday, Dec.21st.
If you have questions, contact Stephen!
Update: WiFi on Campus
Over the past two years, we have been updating and improving WiFi access on our campus. Now, there is a guest network that is available to anyone on campus. It has a password that we are happy to share, and invite you to share.
- The network is: First UMC Guests
- The password is: openhearts
Men's Breakfast: Our next breakfast is Monday, December 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: Join us for our monthly quilting workshop Friday, January 12, 10am - 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.
All-Church Charge Conference, December 18 at 7pm in Epworth Lounge: All church members are invited to participate in our annual Church Charge Conference. At this open meeting, we will report on our ministries from the past year, and name goals and direction moving forward. We will officially nominate leaders for our administrative committees, along with other business. Our Conference will be led by our West District Superintendent, Rev. Mark Nakagawa.
Book Club, January 16, 2018 at 7PM: Vika, our January hostess, has selected for our discussion, “Living as a Covenant Community,” by Evy McDonald, which was used for study at UMW’s Mission U last summer. The book is available on the UMW website for $10, and the kindle from Amazon for $5.00. Vika is contacting women in our district who attended Mission U, to borrow copies and make them available on the UMW bookshelf in May Day Parlor. Assisting Vika with refreshments will be Eloise Elder. 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 5 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):
Start out in worship with your family this week, during "Passing of the Peace", meet Risa & Adriana in the back to head out for a quick activity. We'll head back to church for Communion with our families.
Church R Us (Grades 4 & 5): Join us after the Passing of the Peace!
Youth Ministry (6th-12th grade):
-Middle School Sunday School? Yep!
-Youth Group(2-4pm on Sunday)? Actually, we're having a Christmas Party from 5-8pm.Click here for more info on the party!
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 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.
First United Methodist Church of Redondo Beach
(310)372-8445 main
(310)372-5696 fax
Ongoing MinistriesOffering food and friendship to those in need, every Wednesday night since 1992. More info here.
DESSERTS FOR SHARED BREAD
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!
Thursday, December 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 December 2017 by Jim Raycroft
There is a legend that the song Greensleeves was composed by King Henry VIII for his future queen Anne Boleyn, but the style of the tune is more closely based on a style of Italian song that didn't arrive in England until after Henry's death, so the song is more likely to be Elizabethan in origin. The first known appearance of the tune was registered in London in September of 1580 by Richard Jones as "A Newe Northen Dittye of ye Ladye Greene Sleves". It showed up periodically over the years in song books and as a lute song, until 1871, when it appeared paired with the lyrics from a poem called The Manger Throne, which was written in 1865 by William Chatterton Dix. Dix was an insurance company manager who was stricken with a severe illness that left him bedridden and suffering from depression. During that time, he read the bible comprehensively and underwent a spiritual renewal, which caused him to author a number of poems that ended up in our hymnal, including Alleluia, Sing To Jesus and As With Gladness Men Of Old. It is uncertain exactly who paired the poem with the tune, but the book it first appeared in was called Christmas Carols Old and New, which was edited by Henry Ramsden Bramley and John Stainer. John Stainer was a composer and organist, eventually the organist at St. Paul's Cathedral and then Professor of Music at Oxford University, whose music was very popular during his lifetime, although is seldom heard today except for his cantata The Crucifixion. Stainer was responsible for the musical arrangement that we all know, so it's assumed that he was the one who put words to melody for What Child Is This. Ultimately, Stainer was responsible for the choral arrangements for many of the classic English carols we know and love, including God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen and Good Christian Men, Rejoice.
Ariel Quintana was born in Argentina and came to the U.S. in 1988 with his new bride Helene. After finishing his DMA in Choral Conducting at USC, he went on to be Assistant Conductor of the Los Angeles Master Chorale, and is now Director of Choral Activities at La Sierra University, Choir Conductor at Loma Linda University, Director of Music at Hollywood Presbyterian Church and Adjunct Professor at CSU San Bernardino and Azusa Pacific University. Ariel has been a friend for years, and I asked him to give us a copy of this week's anthem, En Lo Más Azul Del Cielo. Of all the composers I know, Ariel writes some of the most melodic and enchanting music I've ever heard, and this piece, Ariel's arrangement of an Argentinian Christmas song, is absolutely beautiful. Composer Emilio DuBlanc, who lived from 1911-1990, was an important composer in Argentina, but little of his music has escaped the Argentinian borders. The lyrics tell an enchanting and fanciful story of the Immaculate Conception, wrapped in a peaceful, melodic musical arrangement, where the voices imitate the strumming of a guitar. It's one of my favorite songs for Christmas.
Magnificat was the first piece of music that J.S. Bach composed in Latin, a setting of the biblical canticle Magnificat for 5 part chorus, soloists and orchestra. Et Exultavit Spiritus Meus (my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Savior) is the second movement, a solo for soprano and comes from Luke 1:47. Originally written in 1723, he revised it periodically over the years, with the final version completed in 1733. This final version in D major (instead of the original Eb) is the version we all know, and it has become one of Bach's most popular vocal works.
Next week, the choir will present the Christmas Story According to St. Luke, a journey through the nativity story, interspersed with familiar Christmas carols and accompanied by our wonderful musicians in a glorious orchestral accompaniment. Don't miss it!Click here to read more Music Notes!
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.
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.
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 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.
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
---
No comments:
Post a Comment