Psalm 19 begins with such a confident declaration of God's power and wonder, visible in the world around us:
The heavens declare the glory of God;
the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
On clear days like today, when I can look across LA and see snow atop distant mountains, or when beautiful sunset colors cover the sky over the ocean, it's easy to agree. But some days, I'm busy or it's cloudy or I haven't bothered to stop and really look.
Or, honestly, I'm not feeling so glorious about things, so I don't hear it.
This week, Mary Oliver's poetry invites us to look anyhow. Even if we'll don't really feel it, and suspect we won't ever get it completely. She invites us to look as if with arms wide open, ready to perceive and receive all this wonder:
I look; morning to night I am never done with looking.
Looking I mean not just standing around, but standing around
as though with your arms open. (from "Where Does the Temple Begin, Where Does It End?" by Mary Oliver)
Her metaphor of really looking (not just standing around) is convicting: it invites us to consider whether we've really been looking. Are we open to seeing becomes visible if we really look, or are we just standing around with our eyes open? In our conversations, are we really listening to hear someone else, or just waiting until its our turn to talk? When we pray, are we open to what new thing God might be doing in us, or just going through motions?Let's take time this week to look, in case God might be showing us a new and wonder-filled thing.
grace and peace,
Pastor Molly
A word of encouragement to participate in our Lenten Grow Groups. If you haven't joined one, I hope you might still do so. And even if a small group can't work for you this year, be sure to pick up a packet with the free devotional booklet and prayer coloring pages to use at home--I believe that they will, indeed, help your faith flourish. I know that they will deepen your relationship to this community of believers.
Also, a reminder: our UMW Rummage Sale is this Saturday, from 9am-4pm! There's rummage, a boutique of finer items, plus lunch and a bake sale in Naomi's Cafe.
Sunday, March 4:
Third Sunday of Lent
“Boundaries”
Rev. Molly Vetter, preaching
John 2:13-22
John 2:13 It was almost time for the festival of Pesach in Y’hudah, so Yeshua went up to Yerushalayim. 14 In the Temple grounds he found those who were selling cattle, sheep and pigeons, and others who were sitting at tables exchanging money. 15 He made a whip from cords and drove them all out of the Temple grounds, the sheep and cattle as well. He knocked over the money-changers’ tables, scattering their coins; 16 and to the pigeon-sellers he said, “Get these things out of here! How dare you turn my Father’s house into a market?” 17 (His talmidim later recalled that the Tanakh says, “Zeal for your house will devour me.” )[John 2:17 Psalm 69:10(9)] 18 So the Judeans confronted him by asking him, “What miraculous sign can you show us to prove you have the right to do all this?” 19 Yeshua answered them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up again.” 20 The Judeans said, “It took 46 years to build this Temple, and you’re going to raise it in three days?” 21 But the “temple” he had spoken of was his body. 22 Therefore, when he was raised from the dead, his talmidim remembered that he had said this, and they trusted in the Tanakh and in what Yeshua had said.
John Wesley’s Explanatory Notes: John 2:13-22
Verse 14
[14] And found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting:
Oxen, and sheep, and doves — Used for sacrifice: And the changers of money - Those who changed foreign money for that which was current at Jerusalem, for the convenience of them that came from distant countries.
Verse 15
[15] And when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers' money, and overthrew the tables;
Having made a scourge of rushes — (Which were strewed on the ground,) he drove all out of the temple, (that is, the court of it,) both the sheep and the oxen - Though it does not appear that he struck even them; and much less, any of the men. But a terror from God, it is evident, fell upon them.
Verse 17
[17] And his disciples remembered that it was written, The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up.
Psalms 69:9.
Verse 18
[18] Then answered the Jews and said unto him, What sign shewest thou unto us, seeing that thou doest these things?
Then answered the Jews — Either some of those whom he had just driven out, or their friends: What sign showest thou? - So they require a miracle, to confirm a miracle!
Verse 19
[19] Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.
This temple — Doubtless pointing, while he spoke, to his body, the temple and habitation of the Godhead.
Verse 20
[20] Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt thou rear it up in three days?
Forty and six years — Just so many years before the time of this conversation, Herod the Great had begun his most magnificent reparation of the temple, (one part after another,) which he continued all his life, and which was now going on, and was continued thirty-six years longer, till within six or seven years of the destruction of the state, city, and temple by the Romans.
Verse 22
[22] When therefore he was risen from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this unto them; and they believed the scripture, and the word which Jesus had said.
They believed the scripture, and the word which Jesus had said — Concerning his resurrection.
Verse 14
[14] And found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting:
Oxen, and sheep, and doves — Used for sacrifice: And the changers of money - Those who changed foreign money for that which was current at Jerusalem, for the convenience of them that came from distant countries.
Verse 15
[15] And when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers' money, and overthrew the tables;
Having made a scourge of rushes — (Which were strewed on the ground,) he drove all out of the temple, (that is, the court of it,) both the sheep and the oxen - Though it does not appear that he struck even them; and much less, any of the men. But a terror from God, it is evident, fell upon them.
Verse 17
[17] And his disciples remembered that it was written, The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up.
Psalms 69:9.
Verse 18
[18] Then answered the Jews and said unto him, What sign shewest thou unto us, seeing that thou doest these things?
Then answered the Jews — Either some of those whom he had just driven out, or their friends: What sign showest thou? - So they require a miracle, to confirm a miracle!
Verse 19
[19] Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.
This temple — Doubtless pointing, while he spoke, to his body, the temple and habitation of the Godhead.
Verse 20
[20] Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt thou rear it up in three days?
Forty and six years — Just so many years before the time of this conversation, Herod the Great had begun his most magnificent reparation of the temple, (one part after another,) which he continued all his life, and which was now going on, and was continued thirty-six years longer, till within six or seven years of the destruction of the state, city, and temple by the Romans.
Verse 22
[22] When therefore he was risen from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this unto them; and they believed the scripture, and the word which Jesus had said.
They believed the scripture, and the word which Jesus had said — Concerning his resurrection.
8:30am in Epworth Lounge
10:30am in the Sanctuary
Special Music: “Give Me Jesus” sung by the Chancel Choir
Visit our Website
News From Our Members
It is difficult for me to believe this Sunday is already March 4th. [By then], we will already have had the United Methodist Women's (UMW) first Rummage Sale for 2018 and probably will have heard of their remarkably successful fund raiser for their various mission projects and donations. While most people in the church help out, it is led by Marilyn, Samantha and June and our church staff, so we thank them for their leadership and special work to help our church succeed.
Last Sunday while we listened to the Mark Hayes arrangement of “I Surrender All” as led by Jim Raycroft and sung by our church choir, I had to agree...
Thursday,
March 1, 2018
Bob Peterson
Bob 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, 1 March 2018 by Bob Peterson
It is difficult for me to believe this Sunday is already March 4th. Today, we will already have had the United Methodist Women's (UMW) first Rummage Sale for 2018 and probably will have heard of their remarkably successful fund raiser for their various mission projects and donations. While most people in the church help out, it is led by Marilyn, Samantha and June and our church staff, so we thank them for their leadership and special work to help our church succeed.
Last Sunday while we listened to the Mark Hayes arrangement of "I Surrender All" as led by Jim Raycroft and sung by our church choir, I had to agree with Jim's comments that it was a most beautiful arrangement of that wonderful hymn. Their rendition was sung wholeheartedly and I, for one, was delighted to hear it. Our music program does wondrous things for our worship services and is much appreciated by many.
Now, we come to the time when the people of our congregation donate Easter Lilies and flowers to make April the 1stEaster Sunday worship service more beautiful than ever. I remember my late wife Ada Belle carefully planting the Lilys in our garden following the Easter celebration. Some would grow for years and we would enjoy them. Others seemed to have shorter lives and we would give up on them. But it was a way to keep remembering the Joy of Easter at home as well as at church for some time. Nowadays I just distribute them to my family so they can appreciate her memory awhile.
Next Sunday will be Boy/Girl Scout Sunday and I well remember wearing my Scout uniform to church and school during Boy Scout week in Los Angeles schools. As the troop bugler I blew taps on the street corner in the middle of the intersection at Santa Barbara Avenue and Vermont near the coliseum on Memorial Day. (Now it is Martin Luther king Blvd.) I think these days we would get run over if we tried to stop traffic for the Memorial Day Prayers.
We who are in the various GROW groups have reached the half-way points of the studies and even though others are welcome to join us now, it is inspiring to hear the group leaders as well as the comments from our fellow congregants. Hope you make th time for one of these groups during Lent.
Click here for more of the Lay Looker
Coming at Church
3 great ways anyone can help with the rummage sale:
Bake goods for Naomi Cafe--drop them off on the Saturday morning of the sale;
Small Groups to help you Grow
For a meaningful small group experience, sign up to join a six-week Grow Group. These small groups will give you a chance to connect with others as you go deeper in faith, connecting life and the scriptures. Groups meet at different times of day and of the week; 3 of the groups are meeting for the first time today! Join with a friend or by yourself. You'll connect with new people and deepen your love of God!
Help Your Faith Flourish this Lent
We are excited to have free tools to offer you, to help your faith grow this Spring. Starting on Sunday, you can pick up a packet with materials to use at home: a devotional based on scripture and poetry, and prayer coloring pages that use the Psalms.
The Devotional uses Scripture alongside poetry by Mary Oliver. Accessible reflection questions connect big, holy ideas to everyday life.
Lenten Prayer Stations
Each Sunday during Lent, we will have an interactive prayer station available in the narthex (at the back of the sanctuary). Before or after worship, we encourage you to stop there and share in a prayer. (The stations were designed for our Ash Wednesday Prayers and Ashes.)
Our Baja mission team for 2018 will host a taco lunch fundraiser on the Epworth Patio, after 10:30 worship!
Palm Sunday is March 25!
Palm Sunday is a special day at church, and this is a great time to invite friends! Click the image to go to our Facebook Event, and use it to invite other people.
Gather for a photo with our donkey starting at 9:30am. At 10am, we will have our donkey lead the Palm Sunday parade into our sanctuary! 10:30 worship will continue the story, through the powerful story of Christ's passion.
Good Friday: Service of Darkness
Worship with us on Good Friday, March 30 at 7:30pm, as we remember and contemplate Jesus Christ's crucifixion.
Our choir will sing Dale Wood's "Service of Darkness," which includes seven choral meditations on the last words of Jesus Christ. Interspersed with scripture readings of these words that Jesus spoke from the cross, the service will provide a prayerful and meditative space on this holy day.
Celebrate Easter!
Celebrate Resurrection with us.
Sunrise Worship on Torrance Beach at 6:30am
Casual Worship in Epworth Lounge on our campus at 8:30am
Festive Worship with Brass Ensemble in our sanctuary at 10:30am.
(Also: an Easter Egg Hunt for children at 9:45am!)
Parents Night Out 3/16
RSVP now for Parent's Night out, March 16th!
Need a kid free evening? Want to grab sushi with your friends?
Bring your children to Parents Night out!
Drop off your children at church for three hours of programming, starting at 5pm.
The cost is $20.00 for the first child ($10 for the 2nd, $5 for 3rd+) and includes dinner.
Enjoy an evening out while your kids play games, make crafts, and enjoy fellowship!
It's a great night for all!
We request all spots be reserved by the Wednesday prior to the event.
Email Children's Ministry to save a spot!
Help Fill Easter Eggs
Easter is coming!
We will have plastic eggs ready to be taken home by the dozen to be filled for our Children's Easter Egg hunt!
They can be filled with toys and treats, but please no chocolate and no nuts.
Email Children's Ministry if you have any questions.
Summer 2018: Mark Your Calendars!
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
Baja Registration Is Open
You might think of the Baja Mission as a youth mission trip, but it's more than that! Each year, adults (even a Senior Citizen or two!) go from our church. The trip is organized to make good use of people's skills, so consider going!
For more info, click here!
Early Registration: $450
Normal Registration: $495
VBS 2018 is coming! Click here for more info and registration!
Want to help out? Email Children's Ministries!
Week In the Arts
Don't miss out on our very special arts camp!
Children will spend the week learning songs, dancing, and making original art pieces- all culminating in an art show and recital at the end of the week.
Open to all K-6th Graders
$200.00 per camper
Scholarships Available
Click here for more info!
Announcements
Men's Breakfast: Our next breakfast is Monday, March 5, 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, March 9, 10am - noon in the choir room. There's something for everyone to do to help. 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, March 20, 2018 at 7PM: Helen Stockwell has selected “Peace Like a River,” a best-selling novel by Leif Enger, who took the title from the lyrics of the hymn "It Is Well with My Soul.” It is the beautifully written story of a loving family living in wintry Minnesota, who together experience miracles, hardships and tragedy, and was a Book of the Year, when it was published in 2001.We meet in May Day Parlor. 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. 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): We'll start out upstairs in the Sunday School room, sign in as early at 10:20. We will explore a Bible story, play, and make a craft! Afterward, we'll join our families in worship for Holy Communion.
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!
Youth Ministry (6th-12th grade):
-Middle School Sunday School? YES!!!!
-Youth Group(2-4pm on Sunday)? Nope! We're meeting at the Rummage Sale on Saturday from 3-5:30!
Young Adults (19-not very specific):
"Grow Groups" have started for Lent! There are many to choose from, Young Adults and young families are encouraged to join the Monday night group that meets at church, but are welcome at any of them. Click here for more info!
Adult Sunday School: Bible Study and Discussion in May Day Parlor. Sunday mornings from 9:30-10:15am. Led by Helen Stockwell. During Lent, the group will meet as a Lenten Grow Group. All are welcome.
Thursday Pastor's Bible Study:
We usually meet Thursday mornings from 11:00-noon, in May Day Parlor. Starting February 22, the group will meet as a Lenten Grow Group. 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.
Free Meal on Wednesday Nights
Offering food and friendship to those in need, every Wednesday night since 1992. More info here.
SHARED BREAD NEEDS DONATIONS OF:
Men’s jeans waist sizes 32- 38; Men’s new socks, white or grey only- all sizes; Men’s tennis shoes - especially sizes 9.5 to 11.5
Please bring them to church on Sunday, or to the office during the week.
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!
Our prayer song this week has lyrics written by that great hymn writer, Isaac Watts, who wrote the words for no less than 15 hymns in our hymn book, including O God Our Help In Ages Past, Joy To The World and When I Survey The Wondrous Cross. The words for this week’s prayer song actually appear twice in the hymnbook, set to music by 2 different composers. This version was set to music by Lowell Mason, who also has 14 hymns in our hymn book, including Nearer, My God, To Thee and The Lord’s Prayer. However, the bulk of his contribution to our hymn book is in the form of arrangements of other composers’ melodies, which include O, For A Thousand Tongues to Sing (which is used 4 times to different lyrics) and Joy To The World (which was written by Handel). Lowell was born in Medford, Massachusetts, and became music director at his first church when he was 17. ...
Thursday, March 1, 2018 - Music Notes
Music Director, Jim Raycroft, will
share upcoming worship music
selections and a little bit of history, too.
Jim Raycroft
Thursday, 1 March 2018 by Jim Raycroft
Our prayer song this week has lyrics written by that great hymn writer, Isaac Watts, who wrote the words for no less than 15 hymns in our hymn book, including O God Our Help In Ages Past, Joy To The World and When I Survey The Wondrous Cross. The words for this week's prayer song actually appear twice in the hymnbook, set to music by 2 different composers. This version was set to music by Lowell Mason, who also has 14 hymns in our hymn book, including Nearer, My God, To Theeand The Lord's Prayer. However, the bulk of his contribution to our hymn book is in the form of arrangements of other composers' melodies, which include O, For A Thousand Tongues to Sing (which is used 4 times to different lyrics) and Joy To The World (which was written by Handel). Lowell was born in Medford, Massachusetts, and became music director at his first church when he was 17. He spent the early years of his adult life in Savannah, Georgia, where he became a banker, doing music on the side. He was heavily into music, though, and published the first of 2 hymnals in 1822. He then moved to Boston to continue his banking career, and became music director for 3 different churches. He later moved to New York City, where he became music director at 5th Avenue Presbyterian Church, and was responsible for developing congregational singing so good it considered the best congregational singing in town. He retired in 1860, and his son, Henry, was co-founder of Mason and Hamlin, a company that, to this day, produces world-class pianos.
Jester Hairston was a local treasure. One of the most recognizable names in the world of spirituals, Jester was born the grandson of slaves, who worked the Hairston Plantation in Belews Creek, North Carolina. His parents moved to Homestead, PA (outside Pittsburgh), where he graduated high school. He then studied at, as one of the first black individuals admitted, and graduated from Tufts College outside Boston in 1929. He sang with the Hall Johnson Choir in Harlem for a while, but was almost fired because of his Boston accent (Johnson told him "we're singing ain't and cain't, and you're singing shahn't and cahn't – they don't mix!"). His work on Broadway with that choir took him to Hollywood, where he began working regularly on movies, television and radio. He began writing and arranging, especially spirituals, with Mary's Little Boy Child composed in 1956. Most of us have seen the movie Lilies of the Field (1963), starring Sidney Poitier. Those wonderful scenes where Sidney is singing "Amen, amen, amen", which he teaches to the nuns – that song was composed and arranged by Jester for the movie, and Sidney's singing isn't Sidney – it's Jester. Jester lived out his life in Los Angeles, traveling all over the world teaching and conducting and spreading the word of spirituals. He also worked as an actor in front of the camera, in such movies as The Alamo, To Kill A Mockingbird and In The Heat Of The Night, to name a few. Many of the singers in town were his protégés, and "Jester stories" abound at local music events. We lost Jester on January 18, 2000, at the age of 98, and most of the musical world in Los Angeles attended the funeral service. Our anthem this week, Give Me Jesus, is one of his classics.
Lauren Daigle is a singer/songwriter from Lafayette, Louisiana, where she grew up surrounded by the musical influences of Cajun, Zydeco and Blues. Her first solo album, How Can It Be, was released in April of 2015 and ultimately went gold. In 2015, the GMA (Gospel Music Awards) awarded her the title of New Artist of the Year, and her single How Can It Be was awarded Song of the Year. The following year, she won the GMA Dove Awards for Artist of the Year, Songwriter of the Year, and Best Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year, with her single Trust in You. Her song First was also nominated for a Dove Award for Song of the Year in 2016, and won the title of Song of the Year from the K-Love Fan Awards. If you saw the movie Blade Runner 2049, you would have heard her song Almost Human.
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 God Of This City was written by a worship band from Belfast, Ireland called Bluetree. They composed the piece (and I'm not making this up!) in Padia, Thailand at a bar that also doubled as a brothel. Chris Tomlin heard the song at concert of worship bands in Belfast when the band took him aside and played the song for him. He was so inspired by the message that he gave the song his own unique treatment and recorded it on the 2008 album Passion: God Of This City, which won the Dove Award in 2009 for Special Event Album of the Year.
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.
4th-8th Graders needed to Acolyte!
Acolytes are needed for 10:30 worship each week. If you've been trained, you can sign up via our "sign up genius" (click here!)
If you are interested in being trained, email children's ministries!
Our UMW is back to their regular meeting times.
Circle Meeting Time
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.
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
Campus WiFi network is: First UMC Guests; Password is: openhearts
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.
10:30am in the Sanctuary
Special Music: “Give Me Jesus” sung by the Chancel Choir
“Give Me Jesus” by Daniel O. Teasley, published 1907
1. I am here a pilgrim stranger,
Give me Jesus alone;
He will guard my soul from danger,
Give me Jesus alone.
Refrain 1:
Give me Jesus alone,
Give me Jesus alone;
Till I reach my home in glory
Give me Jesus alone.
2. When the pow’rs of sin beset me,
Give me Jesus alone;
When my friends on earth forget me,
Give me Jesus alone.
Refrain 2:
Give me Jesus alone,
Give me Jesus alone;
Every hour and every moment,
Give me Jesus alone.
3. Though the world its praise should offer,
Give me Jesus alone;
With my Lord I’ll meekly suffer,
Give me Jesus alone.
Refrain 3:
Give me Jesus alone,
Give me Jesus alone;
Let the world deride or flatter,
Give me Jesus alone.
4. When my heart for joy is singing,
Give me Jesus alone;
Or when pain my heart is wringing,
Give me Jesus alone.
Refrain 4:
Give me Jesus alone,
Give me Jesus alone;
In the sunshine or the shadow,
Give me Jesus alone.
5. Passing through life’s verdant meadow,
Give me Jesus alone;
Or through death’s dark gloomy shadow,
Give me Jesus alone.
Refrain 5:
Give me Jesus alone,
Give me Jesus alone;
Whether life or death await me,
Give me Jesus alone.
Listen to Sermons online Visit our Website
News From Our Members
Last Sunday while we listened to the Mark Hayes arrangement of “I Surrender All” as led by Jim Raycroft and sung by our church choir, I had to agree...
Thursday,
March 1, 2018
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, 1 March 2018 by Bob Peterson
It is difficult for me to believe this Sunday is already March 4th. Today, we will already have had the United Methodist Women's (UMW) first Rummage Sale for 2018 and probably will have heard of their remarkably successful fund raiser for their various mission projects and donations. While most people in the church help out, it is led by Marilyn, Samantha and June and our church staff, so we thank them for their leadership and special work to help our church succeed.
Last Sunday while we listened to the Mark Hayes arrangement of "I Surrender All" as led by Jim Raycroft and sung by our church choir, I had to agree with Jim's comments that it was a most beautiful arrangement of that wonderful hymn. Their rendition was sung wholeheartedly and I, for one, was delighted to hear it. Our music program does wondrous things for our worship services and is much appreciated by many.
Now, we come to the time when the people of our congregation donate Easter Lilies and flowers to make April the 1stEaster Sunday worship service more beautiful than ever. I remember my late wife Ada Belle carefully planting the Lilys in our garden following the Easter celebration. Some would grow for years and we would enjoy them. Others seemed to have shorter lives and we would give up on them. But it was a way to keep remembering the Joy of Easter at home as well as at church for some time. Nowadays I just distribute them to my family so they can appreciate her memory awhile.
Next Sunday will be Boy/Girl Scout Sunday and I well remember wearing my Scout uniform to church and school during Boy Scout week in Los Angeles schools. As the troop bugler I blew taps on the street corner in the middle of the intersection at Santa Barbara Avenue and Vermont near the coliseum on Memorial Day. (Now it is Martin Luther king Blvd.) I think these days we would get run over if we tried to stop traffic for the Memorial Day Prayers.
We who are in the various GROW groups have reached the half-way points of the studies and even though others are welcome to join us now, it is inspiring to hear the group leaders as well as the comments from our fellow congregants. Hope you make th time for one of these groups during Lent.
Click here for more of the Lay Looker
Coming at Church
Bake goods for Naomi Cafe--drop them off on the Saturday morning of the sale;
- Volunteer to work the day of the sale. We especially need a strong crew at the end of the day, to load up the remaining items onto the truck. Show up at 3!
- Come shop at the sale! Get lunch at Naomi's Cafe, and purchase some baked goods.
- Our United Methodist Women's Rummage Sale raises funds in support of mission projects in our community and around the world. Read more about our UMW's mission work here!
Small Groups to help you Grow
For a meaningful small group experience, sign up to join a six-week Grow Group. These small groups will give you a chance to connect with others as you go deeper in faith, connecting life and the scriptures. Groups meet at different times of day and of the week; 3 of the groups are meeting for the first time today! Join with a friend or by yourself. You'll connect with new people and deepen your love of God!
We are excited to have free tools to offer you, to help your faith grow this Spring. Starting on Sunday, you can pick up a packet with materials to use at home: a devotional based on scripture and poetry, and prayer coloring pages that use the Psalms.
The Devotional uses Scripture alongside poetry by Mary Oliver. Accessible reflection questions connect big, holy ideas to everyday life.
Lenten Prayer Stations
Each Sunday during Lent, we will have an interactive prayer station available in the narthex (at the back of the sanctuary). Before or after worship, we encourage you to stop there and share in a prayer. (The stations were designed for our Ash Wednesday Prayers and Ashes.)
Palm Sunday is March 25!
Palm Sunday is a special day at church, and this is a great time to invite friends! Click the image to go to our Facebook Event, and use it to invite other people.
Gather for a photo with our donkey starting at 9:30am. At 10am, we will have our donkey lead the Palm Sunday parade into our sanctuary! 10:30 worship will continue the story, through the powerful story of Christ's passion.
Good Friday: Service of Darkness
Worship with us on Good Friday, March 30 at 7:30pm, as we remember and contemplate Jesus Christ's crucifixion.
Our choir will sing Dale Wood's "Service of Darkness," which includes seven choral meditations on the last words of Jesus Christ. Interspersed with scripture readings of these words that Jesus spoke from the cross, the service will provide a prayerful and meditative space on this holy day.
Celebrate Resurrection with us.
Sunrise Worship on Torrance Beach at 6:30am
Casual Worship in Epworth Lounge on our campus at 8:30am
Festive Worship with Brass Ensemble in our sanctuary at 10:30am.
(Also: an Easter Egg Hunt for children at 9:45am!)
RSVP now for Parent's Night out, March 16th!
Need a kid free evening? Want to grab sushi with your friends?
Bring your children to Parents Night out!
Drop off your children at church for three hours of programming, starting at 5pm.
The cost is $20.00 for the first child ($10 for the 2nd, $5 for 3rd+) and includes dinner.
Enjoy an evening out while your kids play games, make crafts, and enjoy fellowship!
It's a great night for all!
We request all spots be reserved by the Wednesday prior to the event.
Email Children's Ministry to save a spot!
Help Fill Easter Eggs
Easter is coming!
We will have plastic eggs ready to be taken home by the dozen to be filled for our Children's Easter Egg hunt!
They can be filled with toys and treats, but please no chocolate and no nuts.
Email Children's Ministry if you have any questions.
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
Baja Registration Is Open
You might think of the Baja Mission as a youth mission trip, but it's more than that! Each year, adults (even a Senior Citizen or two!) go from our church. The trip is organized to make good use of people's skills, so consider going!
For more info, click here!
Early Registration: $450
Normal Registration: $495
Want to help out? Email Children's Ministries!
Don't miss out on our very special arts camp!
Children will spend the week learning songs, dancing, and making original art pieces- all culminating in an art show and recital at the end of the week.
Open to all K-6th Graders
$200.00 per camper
Scholarships Available
Click here for more info!
Announcements
Men's Breakfast: Our next breakfast is Monday, March 5, 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, March 9, 10am - noon in the choir room. There's something for everyone to do to help. 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, March 20, 2018 at 7PM: Helen Stockwell has selected “Peace Like a River,” a best-selling novel by Leif Enger, who took the title from the lyrics of the hymn "It Is Well with My Soul.” It is the beautifully written story of a loving family living in wintry Minnesota, who together experience miracles, hardships and tragedy, and was a Book of the Year, when it was published in 2001.We meet in May Day Parlor. 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. 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): We'll start out upstairs in the Sunday School room, sign in as early at 10:20. We will explore a Bible story, play, and make a craft! Afterward, we'll join our families in worship for Holy Communion.
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!
Youth Ministry (6th-12th grade):
-Middle School Sunday School? YES!!!!
-Youth Group(2-4pm on Sunday)? Nope! We're meeting at the Rummage Sale on Saturday from 3-5:30!
Young Adults (19-not very specific):
"Grow Groups" have started for Lent! There are many to choose from, Young Adults and young families are encouraged to join the Monday night group that meets at church, but are welcome at any of them. Click here for more info!
Adult Sunday School: Bible Study and Discussion in May Day Parlor. Sunday mornings from 9:30-10:15am. Led by Helen Stockwell. During Lent, the group will meet as a Lenten Grow Group. All are welcome.
Thursday Pastor's Bible Study:
We usually meet Thursday mornings from 11:00-noon, in May Day Parlor. Starting February 22, the group will meet as a Lenten Grow Group. 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.
SHARED BREAD NEEDS DONATIONS OF:
Men’s jeans waist sizes 32- 38; Men’s new socks, white or grey only- all sizes; Men’s tennis shoes - especially sizes 9.5 to 11.5
Please bring them to church on Sunday, or to the office during the week.
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, March 1, 2018 - Music Notes
Music Director, Jim Raycroft, will share upcoming worship music
selections and a little bit of history, too.
Jim Raycroft
Thursday, 1 March 2018 by Jim Raycroft
Our prayer song this week has lyrics written by that great hymn writer, Isaac Watts, who wrote the words for no less than 15 hymns in our hymn book, including O God Our Help In Ages Past, Joy To The World and When I Survey The Wondrous Cross. The words for this week's prayer song actually appear twice in the hymnbook, set to music by 2 different composers. This version was set to music by Lowell Mason, who also has 14 hymns in our hymn book, including Nearer, My God, To Theeand The Lord's Prayer. However, the bulk of his contribution to our hymn book is in the form of arrangements of other composers' melodies, which include O, For A Thousand Tongues to Sing (which is used 4 times to different lyrics) and Joy To The World (which was written by Handel). Lowell was born in Medford, Massachusetts, and became music director at his first church when he was 17. He spent the early years of his adult life in Savannah, Georgia, where he became a banker, doing music on the side. He was heavily into music, though, and published the first of 2 hymnals in 1822. He then moved to Boston to continue his banking career, and became music director for 3 different churches. He later moved to New York City, where he became music director at 5th Avenue Presbyterian Church, and was responsible for developing congregational singing so good it considered the best congregational singing in town. He retired in 1860, and his son, Henry, was co-founder of Mason and Hamlin, a company that, to this day, produces world-class pianos.
Jester Hairston was a local treasure. One of the most recognizable names in the world of spirituals, Jester was born the grandson of slaves, who worked the Hairston Plantation in Belews Creek, North Carolina. His parents moved to Homestead, PA (outside Pittsburgh), where he graduated high school. He then studied at, as one of the first black individuals admitted, and graduated from Tufts College outside Boston in 1929. He sang with the Hall Johnson Choir in Harlem for a while, but was almost fired because of his Boston accent (Johnson told him "we're singing ain't and cain't, and you're singing shahn't and cahn't – they don't mix!"). His work on Broadway with that choir took him to Hollywood, where he began working regularly on movies, television and radio. He began writing and arranging, especially spirituals, with Mary's Little Boy Child composed in 1956. Most of us have seen the movie Lilies of the Field (1963), starring Sidney Poitier. Those wonderful scenes where Sidney is singing "Amen, amen, amen", which he teaches to the nuns – that song was composed and arranged by Jester for the movie, and Sidney's singing isn't Sidney – it's Jester. Jester lived out his life in Los Angeles, traveling all over the world teaching and conducting and spreading the word of spirituals. He also worked as an actor in front of the camera, in such movies as The Alamo, To Kill A Mockingbird and In The Heat Of The Night, to name a few. Many of the singers in town were his protégés, and "Jester stories" abound at local music events. We lost Jester on January 18, 2000, at the age of 98, and most of the musical world in Los Angeles attended the funeral service. Our anthem this week, Give Me Jesus, is one of his classics.
Lauren Daigle is a singer/songwriter from Lafayette, Louisiana, where she grew up surrounded by the musical influences of Cajun, Zydeco and Blues. Her first solo album, How Can It Be, was released in April of 2015 and ultimately went gold. In 2015, the GMA (Gospel Music Awards) awarded her the title of New Artist of the Year, and her single How Can It Be was awarded Song of the Year. The following year, she won the GMA Dove Awards for Artist of the Year, Songwriter of the Year, and Best Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year, with her single Trust in You. Her song First was also nominated for a Dove Award for Song of the Year in 2016, and won the title of Song of the Year from the K-Love Fan Awards. If you saw the movie Blade Runner 2049, you would have heard her song Almost Human.
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 God Of This City was written by a worship band from Belfast, Ireland called Bluetree. They composed the piece (and I'm not making this up!) in Padia, Thailand at a bar that also doubled as a brothel. Chris Tomlin heard the song at concert of worship bands in Belfast when the band took him aside and played the song for him. He was so inspired by the message that he gave the song his own unique treatment and recorded it on the 2008 album Passion: God Of This City, which won the Dove Award in 2009 for Special Event Album of the Year.
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.
Acolytes are needed for 10:30 worship each week. If you've been trained, you can sign up via our "sign up genius" (click here!)
If you are interested in being trained, email children's ministries!
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
Campus WiFi network is: First UMC Guests; Password is: openhearts
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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