This week, as we continue a sermon series based on recent movies, we get a superhero, Black Panther. The drama and action in the film turns on a secret that the world doesn't expect or look for: the (fictional) African nation of Wakanda has access to a precious mineral resource that has allowed them both to develop an incredibly technologically advanced civilization and to conceal it from the world. No one suspects that Wakanda would be capable of such things.
Black Panther's superpowers come from a combination of things: belonging to a royal lineage, proving himself in tribal contest, the powerful effects of a "heart-shaped herb" that is given to him as a part of these carefully-guarded rituals. And, of course, the innovative technology they've developed with this fictional rare mineral, Vibranium.
This is part of what I love about the film: the advancements in technology and science come not in spite of the culture and traditions of this African nation. They are woven into the fabric of Wakandan life, art, ritual and tradition.
I confess that I continue to struggle with my own assumptions and judgments that prevent me from seeing others for what they are, and what they have to offer to the world. I let my own preconceptions and my own limited experiences determine what I believe is possible.
I think this story opens up important conversations for us, today, about how we see one another and how we belong to one another. Our scripture for Sunday, from Ephesians 2, reminds us that the challenge of overcoming divisions has been going on for a very long time. It's as critical as ever, though. I look forward to being with you on Sunday as we hold these stories together and face our present challenges.
with gratitude,
Pastor Molly
Sunday, July 22:
"Messages from the Movies:
Black Panther"
Rev. Molly Vetter, preaching
Ephesians 2:11-22
Ephesians 2:11 Therefore, remember your former state: you Gentiles by birth — called the Uncircumcised by those who, merely because of an operation on their flesh, are called the Circumcised — 12 at that time had no Messiah. You were estranged from the national life of Isra’el. You were foreigners to the covenants embodying God’s promise. You were in this world without hope and without God.
13 But now, you who were once far off have been brought near through the shedding of the Messiah’s blood. 14 For he himself is our shalom — he has made us both one and has broken down the m’chitzah which divided us 15 by destroying in his own body the enmity occasioned by the Torah, with its commands set forth in the form of ordinances. He did this in order to create in union with himself from the two groups a single new humanity and thus make shalom, 16 and in order to reconcile to God both in a single body by being executed on a stake as a criminal and thus in himself killing that enmity.
17 Also, when he came, he announced as Good News shalom toyou far off and shalom to those nearby,[Ephesians 2:17 Isaiah 57:19] 18 news that through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father.
19 So then, you are no longer foreigners and strangers. On the contrary, you are fellow-citizens with God’s people and members of God’s family. 20 You have been built on the foundation of the emissaries and the prophets, with the cornerstone being Yeshua the Messiah himself. 21 In union with him the whole building is held together, and it is growing into a holy temple in union with the Lord. 22 Yes, in union with him, you yourselves are being built together into a spiritual dwelling-place for God! (Complete Jewish Bible).
Ephesians 2:11-22
Verse 1
[1] And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;
And he hath quickened you — In the nineteenth and twentieth verses of the preceding chapter, St. Paul spoke of God's working in them by the same almighty power whereby he raised Christ from the dead. On the mention of this he, in the fulness of his heart, runs into a flow of thought concerning the glory of Christ's exaltation in the three following verses. He here resumes the thread of his discourse.
Who were dead — Not only diseased, but dead; absolutely void of all spiritual life; and as incapable of quickening yourselves, as persons literally dead. In trespasses and sins-Sins seem to be spoken chiefly of the gentiles, who knew not God; trespasses, of the Jews, who had his law, and yet regarded it not, Ephesians 2:5. The latter herein obeyed the flesh; the former, the prince of the power of the air.
Verse 2
[2] Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:
According to the course of this world — The word translated course properly means a long series of times, wherein one corrupt age follows another.
According to the prince of the power of the air — The effect of which power all may perceive, though all do not understand the cause of it: a power unspeakably penetrating and widely diffused; but yet, as to its baneful influences, beneath the orb of believers. The evil spirits are united under one head, the seat of whose dominion is in the air. Here he sometimes raises storms, sometimes makes visionary representations, and is continually roving to and fro.
The spirit that now worketh — With mighty power; and so he did, and doth in all ages.
In the sons of disobedience — In all who do not believe and obey the gospel.
Verse 3
[3] Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.
Among whom we — Jews.
Also, formerly had our conversation: doing the will of the flesh — In gross, brutal sins.
And of the mind — By spiritual, diabolical wickedness. In the former clause, flesh denotes the whole evil nature; in the latter, the body opposed to the soul.
And were by nature — That is, in our natural state.
Children of wrath — Having the wrath of God abiding on us, even as the gentiles. This expression, by nature, occurs also, Galatians 4:8; Romans 2:14; and thrice in the eleventh chapter. Romans 11:24 But in none of these places does it signify, by custom, or practice, or customary practice, as a late writer affirms. Nor can it mean so here For this would make the apostle guilty of gross tautology, their customary sinning having been expressed already, in the former part of the verse. But all these passages agree in expressing what belongs to the nature of the persons spoken of.
Verse 4
[4] But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,
Mercy removes misery: love confers salvation.
Verse 5
[5] Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)
He hath quickened us together with Christ — In conformity to him, and by virtue of our union with him.
By grace ye are saved — Grace is both the beginning and end. The apostle speaks indifferently either in the first or second person; the Jews and gentiles being in the same circumstance, both by nature and by grace. This text lays the axe to the very root of spiritual pride, and all glorying in ourselves. Therefore St. Paul, foreseeing the backwardness of mankind to receive it, yet knowing the absolute necessity of its being received, again asserts the very same truth, Ephesians 2:8, in the very same words.
Verse 6
[6] And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:
And hath raised us up together — Both Jews and gentiles already in spirit; and ere long our bodies too will be raised.
And made us all sit together in heavenly places — This is spoken by way of anticipation. Believers are not yet possessed of their seats in heaven; but each of them has a place prepared for him.
Verse 7
[7] That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.
The ages to come — That is, all succeeding ages.
Verse 8
[8] For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
By grace ye are saved through faith — Grace, without any respect to human worthiness, confers the glorious gift. Faith, with an empty hand, and without any pretence to personal desert, receives the heavenly blessing.
And this is not of yourselves — This refers to the whole preceding clause, That ye are saved through faith, is the gift of God.
Verse 9
[9] Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Not by works — Neither this faith nor this salvation is owing to any works you ever did, will, or can do.
Verse 10
[10] For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
For we are his workmanship — Which proves both that salvation is by faith, and that faith is the gift of God.
Created unto good works — That afterwards we might give ourselves to them.
Which God had before preprepared — The occasions of them: so we must still ascribe the whole to God.
That we might walk in them — Though not be justified by them.
Verse 11
[11] Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands;
Wherefore remember — Such a remembrance strengthens faith, and increases gratitude.
That ye being formerly gentiles in the flesh — Neither circumcised in body nor in spirit. Who were accordingly called the uncircumcision - By way of reproach.
By that which is called the circumcision — By those who call themselves the circumcised, and think this a proof that they are the people of God; and who indeed have that outward circumcision which is performed by hands in the flesh.
Verse 12
[12] That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:
Were at that time without Christ — Having no faith in, or knowledge of, him.
Being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel — Both as to their temporal privileges and spiritual blessings.
And strangers to the covenants of promise — The great promise in both the Jewish and Christian covenant was the Messiah.
Having no hope — Because they had no promise whereon to ground their hope. And being without God - Wholly ignorant of the true God, and so in effect atheists. Such in truth are, more or less, all men, in all ages, till they know God by the teaching of his own Spirit.
In the world — The wide, vain world, wherein ye wandered up and down, unholy and unhappy.
Verse 13
[13] But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.
Far off — From God and his people.
Nigh — Intimately united to both.
Verse 14
[14] For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;
For he is our peace — Not only as he purchased it, but as he is the very bond and centre of union.
He who hath made both — Jews and gentiles, one church. The apostle describes, 1. The conjunction of the gentiles with Israel, Ephesians 2:14,15. And, 2. The conjunction of both with God, Ephesians 2:15-18. Each description is subdivided into two parts. And the former part of the one, concerning abolishing the enmity, answers the former part of the other; the latter part of the one, concerning the evangelical decrees, the latter part of the other.
And hath broken down the middle wall of partition — Alluding to that wall of old, which separated the court of Israel from the court of the gentiles. Such a wall was the ceremonial law, which Christ had now taken away.
Verse 15
[15] Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;
Having abolished by his suffering in the flesh the cause of enmity between the Jews and gentiles, even the law of ceremonial commandments, through his decrees - Which offer mercy to all; see Colossians 2:14.
That he might form the two — Jew and gentile.
Into one new man — one mystical body.
Verse 16
[16] And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:
In one body — One church.
Having slain — By his own death on the cross.
The enmity — Which had been between sinners and God.
Verse 17
[17] And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.
And he came — After his resurrection.
And preached peace — By his ministers and his Spirit.
To you — Gentiles.
That were afar off — At the utmost distance from God.
And to them that were nigh — To the Jews, who were comparatively nigh, being his visible church.
Verse 18
[18] For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.
For through him, we both — Jews and gentiles.
Have access — Liberty of approaching, by the guidance and aid of one Spirit to God as our Father. Christ, the Spirit, and the Father, the three-one God, stand frequently in the same order.
Verse 19
[19] Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;
Therefore ye are no longer strangers, but citizens of the heavenly Jerusalem; no longer foreigners, but received into the very family of God.
Verse 20
[20] And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;
And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets — As the foundation sustains the building, so the word of God, declared by the apostles and prophets, sustains the faith of all believers. God laid the foundation by them; but Christ himself is the chief corner-stone of the foundation. Elsewhere he is termed the foundation itself, 1 Corinthians 3:11.
Verse 21
[21] In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:
On whom all the building fitly framed together — The whole fabric of the universal church rises up like a great pile of living materials.
Into an holy temple in the Lord — Dedicated to Christ, and inhabited by him, in which he displays his presence, and is worshipped and glorified. What is the temple of Diana of the Ephesians, whom ye formerly worshipped, to this? (John Wesley’s Explanatory Notes).
8:30am in Epworth Lounge
10:30am in the Sanctuary
Special Music: "God Help the Outcasts" and “O Sifuni Mungu," featuring guest singer Aleta Braxton and others!
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News From Our Members
Last Monday we had our official church Men's Breakfast at Coco's Restaurant on Hawthorne Blvd. near 182ndStreet and I must say, we were a very small group of just four men. In addition to me, there were Don Pearson, Paul Caldwell and our church custodian, Arnie Sachs. We welcome more men and most of the time have more, but let me tell you of the history of that group. Along about 1968 it was decided to begin a men's breakfast group. Our church had had a long standing evening men's dinner, cooked by church women and it had lost members and was not very popular...
Last Monday we had our official church Men's Breakfast at Coco's Restaurant on Hawthorne Blvd. near 182nd Street and I must say, we were a very small group of just four men. In addition to me, there were Don Pearson, Paul Caldwell and our church custodian, Arnie Sachs. We welcome more men and most of the time have more, but let me tell you of the history of that group. Along about 1968 it was decided to begin a men's breakfast group. Our church had had a long standing evening men's dinner, cooked by church women and it had lost members and was not very popular. They had officers, speakers and programs, but interest had fallen and they had just quit from lack of attendance. So a Pastor asked all church men what they wanted and several planned a breakfast and our first meeting was at The Windjammer Cafe at the Northwest Corner of Catalina Avenue and Avenue I in Redondo Beach. So I had been in the morning newspaper delivery business and it had turned into the evening Herald Examiner. Frankly I missed the mornings up, excepting Sundays, so I looked forward to the breakfasts. Our first meeting was a discussion of what we wanted to do with some of the former evening group attending. I remember Ron Day being there and Mel Anderson and others. Mel wanted bible study, Ron wanted social life and the majority didn't want organization, so that's what was decided. Mel quickly dropped out. And we began meeting the first and third Monday mornings at 6:00 AM each month all year long. Finally the restaurant got bad and closed, so we then moved to the Zig Zag Restaurant on 190th Street on the Torrance side of the street. It had a private room and I made the arrangements with the owner for the use of his private dining room which would seat about 30 or 35. We met there until a fire put it out of business. After that we moved to various restaurants along Hawthorne Blvd. Such as the IHOP, Cocos near Carson Blvd, all of which went out of business until now we are at Coco's near 182nd street. But we never stopped meeting twice a month, even on Holidays.
Former church members like Thelma and Tom Stade and Gene and Patty Koester and a few others would return to visit, but not so much lately. One time in the 1990's I was the Lay Delegate to our Annual Conference in Redlands and they had a special meeting just for men's group members and my table had about ten men from various churches and they started around the table saying which church and what their men's group did. I was the last to speak and mentioned that we (then) had about twenty members, no programs, no officers, just social fellowship; no missions, etc. It turned out that of all the ten churches, we met the most days of the year, had the best regular membership and a couple of men told me they envied our group. Well, it seems as if those days are gone forever and we have no more eateries to close up. If we don't get some new members we'll be the ones closing up. Join us August 6thor 20th and we hope you'll like us and keep us going. By the way, over the years no male Pastor ever made more than one visit to our breakfasts, most never did show up. It had to do with Mondays being a day of rest for Pastors, following busy Sundays. We have invited Pastor Molly, but she says it's just for men. Again, I invite you to come at 7:00 AM, in their back room, that's when Cocos opens their doors.
Click here for more of the Lay Looker
Coming at Church
Mid-summer Sermon Series
All July, our sermon series will be taking us to the movies, as we connect Christian theology to these from recent films. They're all on video or available streaming, so we hope you might pop some popcorn and watch them, too. We'll talk about Black Panther(July 22) and Coco(July 29).
VBS Volunteer Meeting, Sunday, July 22nd
Calling ALL VBS volunteers!
We will have a mandatory meeting Sunday, July 22nd, right after 10:30 worship in Epworth lounge.
Please email Risa with any questions, or to find out how to make up this meeting if you can't make it.
August Sermon Series:
Jesus Loves the Earth
His teaching is full of stories and metaphors that draw lessons from the natural world. He spoke of farmers and fishermen, of mother hens and fig trees, inviting us to think deeply about the world around us.
We believe that Jesus' teachings have a lot to say to us as we try to navigate our ecological responsibilities today.
Join Pastor Molly for this five week sermon series, starting August 5.
The Baja Team is Back!
We went. We served. We made it back safely.
Come to the Baja Stockholder's Recap on August 5th after 10:30 worship. We'll have lunch and stories! (Everyone's welcome.)
Plus...we've been working on a Theology of Poverty. We'll share our ideas there!
We have special opportunities for kids on Sunday mornings this Summer!
Options for Children at Church in Summer!
We love having children in worship, and through the summer, we encourage families to attend together!
For much of the summer, our children's Sunday School is on break, but two special things are happening:
-We have special children's activity books available to pick up as kids enter the sanctuary, with things they can work on during worship.
-Some weeks, we also have special Summer FunDay School activities planned: the kids will be invited to meet up at the Passing of the Peace to leave the sanctuary and go for a lesson during part of worship--they'll return for Communion.
Our next Fun-Day School is this Sunday, July 22nd!
Wanted: Sound Board Operators
We are looking for 8-10+ people to volunteer to be part of a rotation of sound board operators. There are no requirements other than a desire to help out. Volunteers should either meet me after church or send me (Matt Parker) an email at mjp.sandiego@gmail.com.
Capital Campaign: Stepping Up
Our Trustees and Church Council invite you to consider a special gift to a summer capital campaign, aimed at funding three critical upgrades on campus: new exterior stairs on our education building, new flooring in Epworth Lounge, and upgraded LED lights in Fellowship Hall and through the campus. We have received $30,140 in pledges and gifts from 32 different families (toward our $50,000 goal)! It is not too late to make a gift--click through for more information or to make a donation!
Online Video Bible Study Group Has Begun!
Join us for an online, interactive video Bible study this summer! We will read through "Consider the Birds: A Provocative Guide to Birds of the Bible," by Debbie Blue. Our small group meets via online video chat, so you can join in from wherever you are this summer, on your laptop, smart phone or tablet!
We meet up online on Tuesday evenings, from 8:30-9:30pm, through Google Hangouts. The group is led by Lillian Naveira, Eileen Raycroft and Pastor Molly Vetter, and will continue for 10 weeks over the summer. Next up is Chapter 5 (The Ostrich--Comedy and Tragedy) on Tuesday, July 24.
Click through for more information, including the link to log on!
Game Night: Sunday, August 26
Mark your calendars and get out your favorite games: We're going to have a church game night in August! Come have some fun, playing games you love (or are up to try out) with friends of all ages from church.
Donations and volunteers needed for our Summer Programming
This summer, we will share the love of God with over 100 children from our community.
You can help make it happen!
We would love your old gardening supplies, left over seeds and soil,
We also need people! We are looking for many helping hands!
Click Here to read job descriptions and view our donation wishlist.
To buy something from our Amazon wishlist and have it sent directly to the church,CLICK HERE!
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 & registration!
October 20: Church Golf Tournament
Mark your calendars now, and make plans to join us for our 2018 church golf tournament. We will return to the beautiful Los Verdes Golf Course for the tournament, which benefits the ministries of our church.
Questions? Contact Gary Baughman at church
VBS 2018
Grow in faith. Have Fun. Change the world!
VBS 2018 is coming: August 13-17 Click here for more info and registration!
We will be inspired each day by the vastness of God's amazing creation and love! There will be games, crafts, and more each day, while we learn about the Parable of the Sower.
Coming This Fall:
We'll invite you on a trip through the wardrobe to Narnia.
Kids, youth, and grown-ups are all invited along.
(Talk to Kristin Harper if you're ready to know more...)
Announcements
Men's Breakfast: Our next breakfast is Monday, August 6, at 7AM. Coco's Restaurant, 18120 Hawthorne Blvd. (Hawthorne and 182nd). All men of the church and their friends are welcome to join us for fellowship.
Prayer Quilt Ministry: Join us for our monthly quilting workshop Friday, August 10, starting at 10am. 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.
Summer Sleep-Away Camps for Kids: To register for church camp at Lazy W Ranch in San Juan Capistrano or learn more about other Cal-Pac Camps, click here!
Book Club: Next meeting, Tuesday, September 18. We are on summer hiatus and have chosen a few books for you to enjoy. The books we selected are: The Chilbury Ladies’ Choir, by Jennifer Ryan; Hillbilly Elegy, by J. D. Vance; Uncommon Type, by Tom Hanks; Dancing in a Distant Place, by Isla Dewar; and The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society, by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrow. Read as many as you wish; we will briefly discuss all of them when next we meet. Happy reading until September!For more information, contact Ann Gallagher.
Office Staff Vacation Volunteers: Do you have a couple hours to spare? Would you be interested in answering the phone and greeting visitors to the office? Ernie will be on vacation July 26-August 3. We would love to have someone come in to answer the phone during staff meeting and while the staff is out for lunch. (Usually sometime between 11am and 2pm) Email Ernie if you think you can help out.
In Memoriam: Elizabeth M. Gingerich, MD
We are sharing news of the recent passing of former church member, Beth Gingerich. Beth "died peacefully at home on the sixth of July 6,2018, at the age of 63, from complications of pancreatic cancer. She celebrated 25 years of marriage to Ann Shepardson in March of this year; they were a couple for 32 years. In addition to Ann, she leaves her mother, Neeltje Gingerich; her brother, Ron Gingerich; her sister and brother-in-law, Carolyn and Phillip Ragatz; her nephews, Zachariah and Caleb Ragatz; and numerous extended- and chosen-family members; colleagues; and friends. Beth was raised in a musical household, played several instruments, and loved to sing. For the past 20 years she sang with Coro Allegro, was a section leader, and served on the Board of Directors for five of those years. Her other passions included gardening, quilting, and pet cats. She graduated from Baylor College of Medicine in 1981 and did a fellowship in Community Medicine there before completing her residency in Psychiatry at Tufts/New England Medical Center. In addition, she trained with the Northeastern Society for Group Psychotherapy (NSGP). She dedicated her career to community psychiatry, working for 30 years at the Somerville Mental Health Clinic, which in recent years became part of Riverside Community Care, Inc. She also maintained a private psychotherapy practice at her home office in Medford. A Quaker memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations to Coro Allegro, 67 Newbury Street, Boston, MA 02116 would be appreciated."
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): It's summer, so we'll be in church with our families! Rev. Arnston will be preaching about the movie, "The Greatest Showman"! As always, There will be fun activity pages and books to read at our children's station.
Church R Us (Grades 4 & 5): Sunday School is officially in summer mode.
Youth Ministry (6th-12th grade):
-Middle School Sunday School (10:30am)? No, we're on a break. But! Keep an eye out for Middle School VBS! We're doing something WAY different than the Elementary School kids.
-Youth Group(2-4pm on Sunday)? We're on a break!
Young Adults (19-not very specific):
We have a Monday night group for Young Adults and Young families. We meet 5:30-7:00, enjoy a meal together then share in bible study, discussions, and prayer. Child care is available. Stay tuned for more Young Adult events!
Monday Night Dinner Study (Young-ish Adults and Young-ish Families):
We meet in Epworth at 5:30 Monday Nights for a meal and bible study. Children's programming available. Questions? Email Dawn Kirkemo!
Adult Sunday School: Bible Study and Discussion in May Day Parlor. Sunday mornings from 9:30-10:15am. Led by Helen Stockwell. All are welcome.
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-PacificAnnual 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 always accepts donations of the following:new underwear- men's and women's, all sizes; Sweatpants/sweatshirts-L/XL (hooded, zip up, dark colors); Men’s jeans waist sizes 32- 34; Men’s new socks, white or grey only- all sizes; Men’s tennis shoes - especially sizes 9.5 to 11.5; new or used brown paper bags with handles.
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 musical guest this week is Aleta Braxton. I met Aleta in the fall of 1983, when I was a member of Disneyland’s Dickens Carolers and she was the leader. We carpooled to Anaheim a lot that season and have been friends and colleagues ever since. She performed in LA Opera's 1986 inaugural production of Otello, has appeared in more than 130 productions and was a soloist in Porgy and Bess andOklahoma. She toured as a soloist with the Roger Wagner Chorale and McNeil Jubilee Singers and has sung with the LA Master Chorale for 30 seasons as a chorister and soloist. Her long list of film soundtracks include The Jungle Book, Frozen, Creed, Amistad and TV appearances such as Malcom in the Middle, The Crazy Ones, Transparentand Glee. Ms. Braxton has also directed productions for...
Verse 1
[1] And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;
And he hath quickened you — In the nineteenth and twentieth verses of the preceding chapter, St. Paul spoke of God's working in them by the same almighty power whereby he raised Christ from the dead. On the mention of this he, in the fulness of his heart, runs into a flow of thought concerning the glory of Christ's exaltation in the three following verses. He here resumes the thread of his discourse.
Who were dead — Not only diseased, but dead; absolutely void of all spiritual life; and as incapable of quickening yourselves, as persons literally dead. In trespasses and sins-Sins seem to be spoken chiefly of the gentiles, who knew not God; trespasses, of the Jews, who had his law, and yet regarded it not, Ephesians 2:5. The latter herein obeyed the flesh; the former, the prince of the power of the air.
Verse 2
[2] Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:
According to the course of this world — The word translated course properly means a long series of times, wherein one corrupt age follows another.
According to the prince of the power of the air — The effect of which power all may perceive, though all do not understand the cause of it: a power unspeakably penetrating and widely diffused; but yet, as to its baneful influences, beneath the orb of believers. The evil spirits are united under one head, the seat of whose dominion is in the air. Here he sometimes raises storms, sometimes makes visionary representations, and is continually roving to and fro.
The spirit that now worketh — With mighty power; and so he did, and doth in all ages.
In the sons of disobedience — In all who do not believe and obey the gospel.
Verse 3
[3] Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.
Among whom we — Jews.
Also, formerly had our conversation: doing the will of the flesh — In gross, brutal sins.
And of the mind — By spiritual, diabolical wickedness. In the former clause, flesh denotes the whole evil nature; in the latter, the body opposed to the soul.
And were by nature — That is, in our natural state.
Children of wrath — Having the wrath of God abiding on us, even as the gentiles. This expression, by nature, occurs also, Galatians 4:8; Romans 2:14; and thrice in the eleventh chapter. Romans 11:24 But in none of these places does it signify, by custom, or practice, or customary practice, as a late writer affirms. Nor can it mean so here For this would make the apostle guilty of gross tautology, their customary sinning having been expressed already, in the former part of the verse. But all these passages agree in expressing what belongs to the nature of the persons spoken of.
Verse 4
[4] But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,
Mercy removes misery: love confers salvation.
Verse 5
[5] Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)
He hath quickened us together with Christ — In conformity to him, and by virtue of our union with him.
By grace ye are saved — Grace is both the beginning and end. The apostle speaks indifferently either in the first or second person; the Jews and gentiles being in the same circumstance, both by nature and by grace. This text lays the axe to the very root of spiritual pride, and all glorying in ourselves. Therefore St. Paul, foreseeing the backwardness of mankind to receive it, yet knowing the absolute necessity of its being received, again asserts the very same truth, Ephesians 2:8, in the very same words.
Verse 6
[6] And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:
And hath raised us up together — Both Jews and gentiles already in spirit; and ere long our bodies too will be raised.
And made us all sit together in heavenly places — This is spoken by way of anticipation. Believers are not yet possessed of their seats in heaven; but each of them has a place prepared for him.
Verse 7
[7] That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.
The ages to come — That is, all succeeding ages.
Verse 8
[8] For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
By grace ye are saved through faith — Grace, without any respect to human worthiness, confers the glorious gift. Faith, with an empty hand, and without any pretence to personal desert, receives the heavenly blessing.
And this is not of yourselves — This refers to the whole preceding clause, That ye are saved through faith, is the gift of God.
Verse 9
[9] Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Not by works — Neither this faith nor this salvation is owing to any works you ever did, will, or can do.
Verse 10
[10] For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
For we are his workmanship — Which proves both that salvation is by faith, and that faith is the gift of God.
Created unto good works — That afterwards we might give ourselves to them.
Which God had before preprepared — The occasions of them: so we must still ascribe the whole to God.
That we might walk in them — Though not be justified by them.
Verse 11
[11] Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands;
Wherefore remember — Such a remembrance strengthens faith, and increases gratitude.
That ye being formerly gentiles in the flesh — Neither circumcised in body nor in spirit. Who were accordingly called the uncircumcision - By way of reproach.
By that which is called the circumcision — By those who call themselves the circumcised, and think this a proof that they are the people of God; and who indeed have that outward circumcision which is performed by hands in the flesh.
Verse 12
[12] That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:
Were at that time without Christ — Having no faith in, or knowledge of, him.
Being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel — Both as to their temporal privileges and spiritual blessings.
And strangers to the covenants of promise — The great promise in both the Jewish and Christian covenant was the Messiah.
Having no hope — Because they had no promise whereon to ground their hope. And being without God - Wholly ignorant of the true God, and so in effect atheists. Such in truth are, more or less, all men, in all ages, till they know God by the teaching of his own Spirit.
In the world — The wide, vain world, wherein ye wandered up and down, unholy and unhappy.
Verse 13
[13] But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.
Far off — From God and his people.
Nigh — Intimately united to both.
Verse 14
[14] For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;
For he is our peace — Not only as he purchased it, but as he is the very bond and centre of union.
He who hath made both — Jews and gentiles, one church. The apostle describes, 1. The conjunction of the gentiles with Israel, Ephesians 2:14,15. And, 2. The conjunction of both with God, Ephesians 2:15-18. Each description is subdivided into two parts. And the former part of the one, concerning abolishing the enmity, answers the former part of the other; the latter part of the one, concerning the evangelical decrees, the latter part of the other.
And hath broken down the middle wall of partition — Alluding to that wall of old, which separated the court of Israel from the court of the gentiles. Such a wall was the ceremonial law, which Christ had now taken away.
Verse 15
[15] Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;
Having abolished by his suffering in the flesh the cause of enmity between the Jews and gentiles, even the law of ceremonial commandments, through his decrees - Which offer mercy to all; see Colossians 2:14.
That he might form the two — Jew and gentile.
Into one new man — one mystical body.
Verse 16
[16] And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:
In one body — One church.
Having slain — By his own death on the cross.
The enmity — Which had been between sinners and God.
Verse 17
[17] And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.
And he came — After his resurrection.
And preached peace — By his ministers and his Spirit.
To you — Gentiles.
That were afar off — At the utmost distance from God.
And to them that were nigh — To the Jews, who were comparatively nigh, being his visible church.
Verse 18
[18] For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.
For through him, we both — Jews and gentiles.
Have access — Liberty of approaching, by the guidance and aid of one Spirit to God as our Father. Christ, the Spirit, and the Father, the three-one God, stand frequently in the same order.
Verse 19
[19] Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;
Therefore ye are no longer strangers, but citizens of the heavenly Jerusalem; no longer foreigners, but received into the very family of God.
Verse 20
[20] And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;
And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets — As the foundation sustains the building, so the word of God, declared by the apostles and prophets, sustains the faith of all believers. God laid the foundation by them; but Christ himself is the chief corner-stone of the foundation. Elsewhere he is termed the foundation itself, 1 Corinthians 3:11.
Verse 21
[21] In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:
On whom all the building fitly framed together — The whole fabric of the universal church rises up like a great pile of living materials.
Into an holy temple in the Lord — Dedicated to Christ, and inhabited by him, in which he displays his presence, and is worshipped and glorified. What is the temple of Diana of the Ephesians, whom ye formerly worshipped, to this? (John Wesley’s Explanatory Notes).
8:30am in Epworth Lounge
10:30am in the Sanctuary
Special Music: "God Help the Outcasts" and “O Sifuni Mungu," featuring guest singer Aleta Braxton and others!
"God Help the Outcasts" by Alan Irwin Menken & Stephen Laurence Schwartz
I don't know if You can hear me
Or if You're even there
I don't know if You would listen
To a gypsy's prayer
Yes, I know I'm just an outcast
I shouldn't speak to you
Still I see Your face and wonder
Were You once an outcast too?
God help the outcasts
Hungry from birth
Show them the mercy
They don't find on earth
God help my people
We look to You still
God help the outcasts
Or nobody will
I ask for wealth
I ask for fame
I ask for glory to shine on my name
I ask for love I can posess
I ask for God and His angels to bless me
I ask for nothing
I can get by
But I know so many
Less lucky than I
Please help my people
The poor and downtrod
I thought we all were
The children of God
God help the outcasts
Children of God!
“O Sifuni Mungu," by Asukulu Mukalay, David Maddux, Marty Mccall & Mmunga Mulongoy
Viumbe vyote vya mungu wetu
Na mfalme wetu
Viumbe vyote vya mungu wetu
Na mfalme wetu
Pazeni sauti ili nasi mwimbe
Pazeni sauti ili nasi mwimbe
Watu wote
Viumbe vyote
Awaye yote
Sifu mungu
Watu wote
Viumbe vyote
Awaye yote
Sifu mungu
All creatures of our God and King
(O sifuni mungu)
Lift up your voice and with us sing
(O sifuni mungu)
Thou burning sun with golden beam
(Imbeni, imbeni)
Thou silver moon with softer gleam
(Pazeni sauti imbeni)
Viumbe vyote vya mungu wetu na mfalme wetu
Viumbe vyote vya mungu wetu na mfalme wetu
Pazeni sauti ili nasi mwimbe
Pazeni sauti ili nasi mwimbe
All men
(Watu wote)
All creatures
(Viumbe vyote)
Everybody
(Awaye yote)
Praise the Lord
(Sifu mungu)
All men
(Watu wote)
All creatures
(Viumbe vyote)
Everybody
(Awaye yote)
Praise the Lord
(Sifu mungu)
Thou rushing wind that art so strong
(O sifuni mungu)
Ye clouds that sail in heaven along
(O sifuni mungu)
Thou rising morn in praise rejoice
(Imbeni, imbeni)
Ye lights of evening find a voice
(Pazeni sauti imbeni)
Viumbe vyote vya mungu wetu na mfalme wetu
Viumbe vyote vya mungu wetu na mfalme wetu
Pazeni sauti ili nasi mwimbe
Pazeni sauti ili nasi mwimbe
All men
(Watu wote)
All creatures
(Viumbe vyote)
Everybody
(Awaye yote)
Praise the Lord
(Sifu mungu)
All men
(Watu wote)
All creatures
(Viumbe vyote)
Everybody
(Awaye yote)
Praise the Lord
(Sifu mungu)
Thou flowing water pure and clear
Make music for thy Lord to hear
Thou fire, so masterful and bright
That givest man both warmth and light.
Viumbe vyote vya mungu
Viumbe vyote vya mungu
Pazeni sauti
Pazeni sauti
Tusifu mungu
Let all things their Creator bless
(O sifuni mungu)
And worship Him in humbleness
(O sifuni mungu)
O praise the Father, praise the Son
(Imbeni, imbeni)
And praise the Spirit, three in one
(Pazeni sauti imbeni)
Viumbe vyote vya mungu wetu na mfalme wetu
Viumbe vyote vya mungu wetu na mfalme wetu
Pazeni sauti ili nasi mwimbe
Pazeni sauti ili nasi mwimbe
All men
(Watu wote)
All creatures
(Viumbe vyote)
Everybody
(Awaye yote)
Praise the Lord
(Sifu mungu)
All men
(Watu wote)
All creatures
(Viumbe vyote)
Everybody
(Awaye yote)
Praise the Lord
(Aifu mungu)
O sifuni mungu
(Imbeni)
O sifuni mungu
(Imbeni)
O sifuni mungu
(Imbeni)
Tusifu mungu
O sifuni mungu
(Imbeni)
O sifuni mungu
(Imbeni)
O sifuni mungu
(Imbeni)
Tusifu mungu
Tusifu mungu
Tusifu mungu
Pazeni sauti no wote imbeni
O sifuni mungu
Listen to Sermons onlineVisit our Website
News From Our Members
Thursday, July 19, 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! by Bob Peterson Last Monday we had our official church Men's Breakfast at Coco's Restaurant on Hawthorne Blvd. near 182nd Street and I must say, we were a very small group of just four men. In addition to me, there were Don Pearson, Paul Caldwell and our church custodian, Arnie Sachs. We welcome more men and most of the time have more, but let me tell you of the history of that group. Along about 1968 it was decided to begin a men's breakfast group. Our church had had a long standing evening men's dinner, cooked by church women and it had lost members and was not very popular. They had officers, speakers and programs, but interest had fallen and they had just quit from lack of attendance. So a Pastor asked all church men what they wanted and several planned a breakfast and our first meeting was at The Windjammer Cafe at the Northwest Corner of Catalina Avenue and Avenue I in Redondo Beach. So I had been in the morning newspaper delivery business and it had turned into the evening Herald Examiner. Frankly I missed the mornings up, excepting Sundays, so I looked forward to the breakfasts. Our first meeting was a discussion of what we wanted to do with some of the former evening group attending. I remember Ron Day being there and Mel Anderson and others. Mel wanted bible study, Ron wanted social life and the majority didn't want organization, so that's what was decided. Mel quickly dropped out. And we began meeting the first and third Monday mornings at 6:00 AM each month all year long. Finally the restaurant got bad and closed, so we then moved to the Zig Zag Restaurant on 190th Street on the Torrance side of the street. It had a private room and I made the arrangements with the owner for the use of his private dining room which would seat about 30 or 35. We met there until a fire put it out of business. After that we moved to various restaurants along Hawthorne Blvd. Such as the IHOP, Cocos near Carson Blvd, all of which went out of business until now we are at Coco's near 182nd street. But we never stopped meeting twice a month, even on Holidays.Former church members like Thelma and Tom Stade and Gene and Patty Koester and a few others would return to visit, but not so much lately. One time in the 1990's I was the Lay Delegate to our Annual Conference in Redlands and they had a special meeting just for men's group members and my table had about ten men from various churches and they started around the table saying which church and what their men's group did. I was the last to speak and mentioned that we (then) had about twenty members, no programs, no officers, just social fellowship; no missions, etc. It turned out that of all the ten churches, we met the most days of the year, had the best regular membership and a couple of men told me they envied our group. Well, it seems as if those days are gone forever and we have no more eateries to close up. If we don't get some new members we'll be the ones closing up. Join us August 6thor 20th and we hope you'll like us and keep us going. By the way, over the years no male Pastor ever made more than one visit to our breakfasts, most never did show up. It had to do with Mondays being a day of rest for Pastors, following busy Sundays. We have invited Pastor Molly, but she says it's just for men. Again, I invite you to come at 7:00 AM, in their back room, that's when Cocos opens their doors.
Click here for more of the Lay Looker
Coming at Church
All July, our sermon series will be taking us to the movies, as we connect Christian theology to these from recent films. They're all on video or available streaming, so we hope you might pop some popcorn and watch them, too. We'll talk about Black Panther(July 22) and Coco(July 29).
VBS Volunteer Meeting, Sunday, July 22nd
Calling ALL VBS volunteers!
We will have a mandatory meeting Sunday, July 22nd, right after 10:30 worship in Epworth lounge.
Please email Risa with any questions, or to find out how to make up this meeting if you can't make it.
Jesus Loves the Earth
His teaching is full of stories and metaphors that draw lessons from the natural world. He spoke of farmers and fishermen, of mother hens and fig trees, inviting us to think deeply about the world around us.
We believe that Jesus' teachings have a lot to say to us as we try to navigate our ecological responsibilities today.
Join Pastor Molly for this five week sermon series, starting August 5.
The Baja Team is Back!
We went. We served. We made it back safely.
Come to the Baja Stockholder's Recap on August 5th after 10:30 worship. We'll have lunch and stories! (Everyone's welcome.)
Plus...we've been working on a Theology of Poverty. We'll share our ideas there!
Options for Children at Church in Summer!
We love having children in worship, and through the summer, we encourage families to attend together!
For much of the summer, our children's Sunday School is on break, but two special things are happening:
-We have special children's activity books available to pick up as kids enter the sanctuary, with things they can work on during worship.
-Some weeks, we also have special Summer FunDay School activities planned: the kids will be invited to meet up at the Passing of the Peace to leave the sanctuary and go for a lesson during part of worship--they'll return for Communion.
Our next Fun-Day School is this Sunday, July 22nd!
Wanted: Sound Board Operators
We are looking for 8-10+ people to volunteer to be part of a rotation of sound board operators. There are no requirements other than a desire to help out. Volunteers should either meet me after church or send me (Matt Parker) an email at mjp.sandiego@gmail.com.
Our Trustees and Church Council invite you to consider a special gift to a summer capital campaign, aimed at funding three critical upgrades on campus: new exterior stairs on our education building, new flooring in Epworth Lounge, and upgraded LED lights in Fellowship Hall and through the campus. We have received $30,140 in pledges and gifts from 32 different families (toward our $50,000 goal)! It is not too late to make a gift--click through for more information or to make a donation!
Online Video Bible Study Group Has Begun!
Join us for an online, interactive video Bible study this summer! We will read through "Consider the Birds: A Provocative Guide to Birds of the Bible," by Debbie Blue. Our small group meets via online video chat, so you can join in from wherever you are this summer, on your laptop, smart phone or tablet!
We meet up online on Tuesday evenings, from 8:30-9:30pm, through Google Hangouts. The group is led by Lillian Naveira, Eileen Raycroft and Pastor Molly Vetter, and will continue for 10 weeks over the summer. Next up is Chapter 5 (The Ostrich--Comedy and Tragedy) on Tuesday, July 24.
Click through for more information, including the link to log on!
Mark your calendars and get out your favorite games: We're going to have a church game night in August! Come have some fun, playing games you love (or are up to try out) with friends of all ages from church.
Donations and volunteers needed for our Summer Programming
This summer, we will share the love of God with over 100 children from our community.
You can help make it happen!
We would love your old gardening supplies, left over seeds and soil,
We also need people! We are looking for many helping hands!
Click Here to read job descriptions and view our donation wishlist.
To buy something from our Amazon wishlist and have it sent directly to the church,CLICK HERE!
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 & registration!
October 20: Church Golf Tournament
Mark your calendars now, and make plans to join us for our 2018 church golf tournament. We will return to the beautiful Los Verdes Golf Course for the tournament, which benefits the ministries of our church.
Questions? Contact Gary Baughman at church
Grow in faith. Have Fun. Change the world!
VBS 2018 is coming: August 13-17 Click here for more info and registration!
We will be inspired each day by the vastness of God's amazing creation and love! There will be games, crafts, and more each day, while we learn about the Parable of the Sower.
We'll invite you on a trip through the wardrobe to Narnia.
Kids, youth, and grown-ups are all invited along.
(Talk to Kristin Harper if you're ready to know more...)
Announcements
Men's Breakfast: Our next breakfast is Monday, August 6, at 7AM. Coco's Restaurant, 18120 Hawthorne Blvd. (Hawthorne and 182nd). All men of the church and their friends are welcome to join us for fellowship.
Prayer Quilt Ministry: Join us for our monthly quilting workshop Friday, August 10, starting at 10am. 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.
Summer Sleep-Away Camps for Kids: To register for church camp at Lazy W Ranch in San Juan Capistrano or learn more about other Cal-Pac Camps, click here!
Book Club: Next meeting, Tuesday, September 18. We are on summer hiatus and have chosen a few books for you to enjoy. The books we selected are: The Chilbury Ladies’ Choir, by Jennifer Ryan; Hillbilly Elegy, by J. D. Vance; Uncommon Type, by Tom Hanks; Dancing in a Distant Place, by Isla Dewar; and The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society, by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrow. Read as many as you wish; we will briefly discuss all of them when next we meet. Happy reading until September!For more information, contact Ann Gallagher.
Office Staff Vacation Volunteers: Do you have a couple hours to spare? Would you be interested in answering the phone and greeting visitors to the office? Ernie will be on vacation July 26-August 3. We would love to have someone come in to answer the phone during staff meeting and while the staff is out for lunch. (Usually sometime between 11am and 2pm) Email Ernie if you think you can help out.
In Memoriam: Elizabeth M. Gingerich, MD
We are sharing news of the recent passing of former church member, Beth Gingerich. Beth "died peacefully at home on the sixth of July 6,2018, at the age of 63, from complications of pancreatic cancer. She celebrated 25 years of marriage to Ann Shepardson in March of this year; they were a couple for 32 years. In addition to Ann, she leaves her mother, Neeltje Gingerich; her brother, Ron Gingerich; her sister and brother-in-law, Carolyn and Phillip Ragatz; her nephews, Zachariah and Caleb Ragatz; and numerous extended- and chosen-family members; colleagues; and friends. Beth was raised in a musical household, played several instruments, and loved to sing. For the past 20 years she sang with Coro Allegro, was a section leader, and served on the Board of Directors for five of those years. Her other passions included gardening, quilting, and pet cats. She graduated from Baylor College of Medicine in 1981 and did a fellowship in Community Medicine there before completing her residency in Psychiatry at Tufts/New England Medical Center. In addition, she trained with the Northeastern Society for Group Psychotherapy (NSGP). She dedicated her career to community psychiatry, working for 30 years at the Somerville Mental Health Clinic, which in recent years became part of Riverside Community Care, Inc. She also maintained a private psychotherapy practice at her home office in Medford. A Quaker memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations to Coro Allegro, 67 Newbury Street, Boston, MA 02116 would be appreciated."
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): It's summer, so we'll be in church with our families! Rev. Arnston will be preaching about the movie, "The Greatest Showman"! As always, There will be fun activity pages and books to read at our children's station.
Church R Us (Grades 4 & 5): Sunday School is officially in summer mode.
Youth Ministry (6th-12th grade):
-Middle School Sunday School (10:30am)? No, we're on a break. But! Keep an eye out for Middle School VBS! We're doing something WAY different than the Elementary School kids.
-Youth Group(2-4pm on Sunday)? We're on a break!
Young Adults (19-not very specific):
We have a Monday night group for Young Adults and Young families. We meet 5:30-7:00, enjoy a meal together then share in bible study, discussions, and prayer. Child care is available. Stay tuned for more Young Adult events!
Monday Night Dinner Study (Young-ish Adults and Young-ish Families):
We meet in Epworth at 5:30 Monday Nights for a meal and bible study. Children's programming available. Questions? Email Dawn Kirkemo!
Adult Sunday School: Bible Study and Discussion in May Day Parlor. Sunday mornings from 9:30-10:15am. Led by Helen Stockwell. All are welcome.
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-PacificAnnual 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 always accepts donations of the following:new underwear- men's and women's, all sizes; Sweatpants/sweatshirts-L/XL (hooded, zip up, dark colors); Men’s jeans waist sizes 32- 34; Men’s new socks, white or grey only- all sizes; Men’s tennis shoes - especially sizes 9.5 to 11.5; new or used brown paper bags with handles.
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, July 19, 2018 - Music Notes
Jim Raycroft
Music Director, Jim Raycroft, will
share upcoming worship music
selections and a little bit of history, too. by Jim Raycroft
Our musical guest this week is Aleta Braxton. I met Aleta in the fall of 1983, when I was a member of Disneyland’s Dickens Carolers and she was the leader. We carpooled to Anaheim a lot that season and have been friends and colleagues ever since. She performed in LA Opera's 1986 inaugural production of Otello, has appeared in more than 130 productions and was a soloist in Porgy and Bess and Oklahoma. She toured as a soloist with the Roger Wagner Chorale and McNeil Jubilee Singers and has sung with the LA Master Chorale for 30 seasons as a chorister and soloist. Her long list of film soundtracks include The Jungle Book, Frozen, Creed, Amistad and TV appearances such as Malcom in the Middle, The Crazy Ones, Transparent and Glee. Ms. Braxton has also directed productions for Lyric Opera of Los Angeles including the West Coast premiere of Wagner's first opera Die Feen. She has sung on recordings for Disney and LA Master Chorale as well as recordings with Christina Aguilera and Barbra Streisand. In addition to singing, Ms. Braxton performs voice-overs and teaches workshops. She is currently the choir director for New Hope Lutheran Church in Agoura Hills and is on the cantoring staff at St. Charles Borromeo in North Hollywood.
God Help The Outcasts is a song from the 1996 Disney movie The Hunchback of Notre Dame, with words by Stephen Schwartz (of Godspell fame) and music by Alan Menkin. It’s the only song of the character Esmeralda, and was sung by singer Heidi Mollenhauer (the character was voiced by Demi Moore). It was considered for replacement with the song Someday, but ultimately God Help The Outcasts, with its religious overtones (the song is sung by Esmeralda in the church) was considered to be more appropriate. The pop version, for the end credits, was sung by Bette Midler, and was dubbed by critics as being too sentimental and overwrought. The original is a sweet ballad where Esmeralda asks God to shield the outcasts, like Quasimodo, and the Roma, such as herself, from racism and discrimination. It was ultimately covered by such artists as Canadian artist Lara Fabian, who released the song in an “official” French version, and the voice of the little mermaid, Jodi Benson.
First Call is a Christian vocal group out of Nashville. They first met as vocalists doing session work in Nashville in the 70’s as background singers and, like the Singers Unlimited, felt they could create a better market for themselves by offering themselves as “a pre-made trio that sings together regularly”. They quickly became the first call on most of the Nashville studio producers’ lists, which is where they got their name. They won a Grammy for their work on the tribute album Tribute: The Songs of Andrea Crouch, and received the GMA Dove award for “Group of the Year” in 1988 and 1989. The song O Sifuni Mungu is in a combination of Swahili and English, and translates directly as All Creatures Of Our God And King. It was recorded in 1987 as part of their album Something Takes Over, and features the sound effects and mouth and finger percussion of the Mas brothers from Zaire. Like most of the First Call pieces, it features their SAT trio singing layered over a 4 part choral setting, which, in concert, they would pre-record and sing their trio part live overtop. It was a sensation when it came out, and has been performed by groups all over the world.
Click here to read more Music Notes!
Looking for a Way to Volunteer?
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
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.
share upcoming worship music
selections and a little bit of history, too. by Jim Raycroft
Our musical guest this week is Aleta Braxton. I met Aleta in the fall of 1983, when I was a member of Disneyland’s Dickens Carolers and she was the leader. We carpooled to Anaheim a lot that season and have been friends and colleagues ever since. She performed in LA Opera's 1986 inaugural production of Otello, has appeared in more than 130 productions and was a soloist in Porgy and Bess and Oklahoma. She toured as a soloist with the Roger Wagner Chorale and McNeil Jubilee Singers and has sung with the LA Master Chorale for 30 seasons as a chorister and soloist. Her long list of film soundtracks include The Jungle Book, Frozen, Creed, Amistad and TV appearances such as Malcom in the Middle, The Crazy Ones, Transparent and Glee. Ms. Braxton has also directed productions for Lyric Opera of Los Angeles including the West Coast premiere of Wagner's first opera Die Feen. She has sung on recordings for Disney and LA Master Chorale as well as recordings with Christina Aguilera and Barbra Streisand. In addition to singing, Ms. Braxton performs voice-overs and teaches workshops. She is currently the choir director for New Hope Lutheran Church in Agoura Hills and is on the cantoring staff at St. Charles Borromeo in North Hollywood.
God Help The Outcasts is a song from the 1996 Disney movie The Hunchback of Notre Dame, with words by Stephen Schwartz (of Godspell fame) and music by Alan Menkin. It’s the only song of the character Esmeralda, and was sung by singer Heidi Mollenhauer (the character was voiced by Demi Moore). It was considered for replacement with the song Someday, but ultimately God Help The Outcasts, with its religious overtones (the song is sung by Esmeralda in the church) was considered to be more appropriate. The pop version, for the end credits, was sung by Bette Midler, and was dubbed by critics as being too sentimental and overwrought. The original is a sweet ballad where Esmeralda asks God to shield the outcasts, like Quasimodo, and the Roma, such as herself, from racism and discrimination. It was ultimately covered by such artists as Canadian artist Lara Fabian, who released the song in an “official” French version, and the voice of the little mermaid, Jodi Benson.
First Call is a Christian vocal group out of Nashville. They first met as vocalists doing session work in Nashville in the 70’s as background singers and, like the Singers Unlimited, felt they could create a better market for themselves by offering themselves as “a pre-made trio that sings together regularly”. They quickly became the first call on most of the Nashville studio producers’ lists, which is where they got their name. They won a Grammy for their work on the tribute album Tribute: The Songs of Andrea Crouch, and received the GMA Dove award for “Group of the Year” in 1988 and 1989. The song O Sifuni Mungu is in a combination of Swahili and English, and translates directly as All Creatures Of Our God And King. It was recorded in 1987 as part of their album Something Takes Over, and features the sound effects and mouth and finger percussion of the Mas brothers from Zaire. Like most of the First Call pieces, it features their SAT trio singing layered over a 4 part choral setting, which, in concert, they would pre-record and sing their trio part live overtop. It was a sensation when it came out, and has been performed by groups all over the world.
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
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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