For some of us who've been doing this our whole lives, church might seem normal. It's useful, at least from time to time, to remember how strange it is:
At church, a diverse community of people (all ages, nations and races) gathers together to see God more clearly in one another. We esteem not the most powerful people, but instead honor those who live with compassion and mercy. We look out for each other, and, more radically, the people outside our community who are most in need. We forgive each other, celebrate and mourn and wait patiently with one another.
We claim salvation through the power of a God who took on human form in the birth of Jesus Christ, and went all the way through his cruel, undeserved death to get to resurrection. We believe that gift of self-giving love saves us. We seek to live with that same love.
This is unusual. It requires a different set of priorities, and a new way of seeing the world. And it is blessing and gift and grace.
I hope you'll come join us as we continue a sermon series called "See and Be Seen." Based on the Gospel of Mark, this series takes us deep into questions we wrestle with about how to see ourselves and how to look at the world. This week, the gospel offers us some corrective lenses that help us adjust our expectations, letting go of what others might want us to be and taking up the call to live lives that honor God. I hope to see you in church!
Grace and peace,
Pastor Molly
In Worship This Week
Sunday, September 16See and Be Seen:
"Correcting for unreaslistic expectations."
Rev. Molly Vetter, preachingMark 8:27-38
Mark 8:27 Yeshua and his talmidim went on to the towns of Caesarea Philippi. On the way, he asked his talmidim, “Who are people saying I am?” 28 “Some say you are Yochanan the Immerser,” they told him, “others say Eliyahu, and still others, one of the prophets.” 29 “But you,” he asked, “who do you say I am?” Kefa answered, “You are the Mashiach.” 30 Then Yeshua warned them not to tell anyone about him. 31 He began teaching them that the Son of Man had to endure much suffering and be rejected by the elders, the head cohanim and the Torah-teachers; and that he had to be put to death; but that after three days, he had to rise again. 32 He spoke very plainly about it. Kefa took him aside and began rebuking him. 33 But, turning around and looking at his talmidim, he rebuked Kefa. “Get behind me, Satan!” he said, “For your thinking is from a human perspective, not from God’s perspective!”
34 Then Yeshua called the crowd and his talmidim to him and told them, “If anyone wants to come after me, let him say ‘No’ to himself, take up his execution-stake, and keep following me. 35 For whoever wants to save his own life will destroy it, but whoever destroys his life for my sake and for the sake of the Good News will save it. 36 Indeed, what will it benefit a person if he gains the whole world but forfeits his life? 37 What could a person give in exchange for his life? 38 For if someone is ashamed of me and of what I say in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man also will be ashamed of him when he comes in his Father’s glory with the holy angels. (Complete Jewish Bible).
Mark 8:27-38
Verse 27
[27] And Jesus went out, and his disciples, into the towns of Caesarea Philippi: and by the way he asked his disciples, saying unto them, Whom do men say that I am?
Matthew 16:13; Luke 9:18.
Verse 30
[30] And he charged them that they should tell no man of him.
He enjoined them silence for the present, 1. That he might not encourage the people to set him up for a temporal king; 2. That he might not provoke the scribes and Pharisees to destroy him before the time and, 3. That he might not forestall the bright evidence which was to be given of his Divine character after his resurrection.
Verse 31
[31] And he began to teach them, that the Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders, and of the chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again.
Matthew 16:21; Luke 9:22.
Verse 32
[32] And he spake that saying openly. And Peter took him, and began to rebuke him.
He spake that saying openly — Or in express terms. Till now he had only intimated it to them.
And Peter taking hold of him — Perhaps by the arms or clothes.
Verse 33
[33] But when he had turned about and looked on his disciples, he rebuked Peter, saying, Get thee behind me, Satan: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but the things that be of men.
Looking on his disciples — That they might the more observe what he said to Peter.
Verse 34
[34] And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
And when he called the people — To hear a truth of the last importance, and one that equally concerned them all.
Let him deny himself — His own will, in all things small and great, however pleasing, and that continually: And take up his cross - Embrace the will of God, however painful, daily, hourly, continually. Thus only can he follow me in holiness to glory.
Verse 35
[35] For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it.
Matthew 16:25; Luke 9:24; Luke 17:33; John 12:25.
Verse 38
[38] Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.
Whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words — That is, avowing whatever I have said (particularly of self denial and the daily cross) both by word and action. Matthew 10:32; Luke 9:26; Luke 12:8. (John Wesley's Explanatory Notes).
8:30am in Epworth Lounge
10:30am in the Sanctuary
Special Music: "He, Watching Over Israel," sung by our Chancel Choir; "Climb Every Mountain," sung by Audrey Yoder."He, Watching Over Israel"
He watching o're israel slumbers not nor sleeps He slumbers not
nor sleeps He watching slumbers not nor sleep He watching o'er israel slumbers not nor sleep slumbers not nor sleep shouldst thou walking in grief? languish shouldst thou walking in grief? languish (mixed voices) He slumbers not sleeps, not he watching o're israel slumbers not nor sleep
"Climb Every Mountain" by Oscar Hammerstein Ii / Richard Rodgers
Climb ev'ry mountain
Search high and low
Follow ev'ry by-way
Every path you know
Climb ev'ry mountain
Ford ev'ry stream
Follow ev'ry rainbow
'Till you find your dream
A dream that will need
All the love you can give
Everyday of your life
For as long as you live
Climb ev'ry mountain
Ford ev'ry stream
Follow ev'ry rainbow
'Till you find your dream
Climb ev'ry mountain
Ford ev'ry stream
Follow ev'ry rainbow
'Till you find your dream
Visit our Website
News From Our Members
September 13,2018
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
Other groups looking for volunteers at the Open House were the Choir, wasn't it great to have them back for the 10:30 AM Worship Service following their summer off time and didn't we still have great music during their vacation? I really appreciate their music and the talent that Music Director Jim Raycroft arranged for us all summer. Another group you may want to join is the Welcoming Group which puts out the food snacks, coffee and punch currently being served near The Epworth Lounge and the parking lot. They want you to join and help out from time to time.
The Pot-Luck Luncheon last Sunday was very well attended and there was lots of great food. I counted at least twelve salads of various types and I was near the last of the line. It is always good and I and you should thank all the ladies of he church who pitch in prepare the buffet line up, and then clean up afterwards. Without them we would have to do it ourselves. Yes, many take home the left-overs, but the rest of us don't. We just leave it for others to take care of. Pot-Lucks are fun. We get to visit our old friends, or meet new ones and more than one person can be seen during the luncheon moving from table to table to catch up on something or get better acquainted. When we have the next one, be sure and visit with someone you don't know and your friendships will grow and grow. Long live the pot-luck.
Click here for more of the Lay Looker
Coming at Church
Looking for Next Steps at Church?
We are always inviting you to take a next step as you grow in faith and invovlement in our church community!
On our website, you can now more easily see all the Classes and Small Groups at church, as well as current and ongoing Volunteer Opportunities!
See and Be Seen Sermon Series
Topics include:
- "I see you. You matter."
- Correcting for unrealistic expectations.
- More than getting "likes."
- Seeing another point of view.
- #nofilter
- Getting your priorities in focus.
- Unleashing your greatness.
- "You look really tired."
Keep watch for God in the world around us and join in a social media Daily Photo Challenge this month!
Take or find a photo that connects to each of the daily themes, and post it on your social media.
Tag it with #beachfaithsees #seeandbeseen so we can see it, too!
Youth Group Is Back For Fall!
Now that it's fall, most Sunday afternoons, youth group meets from 2-4pm)! We'll meet in the youth basement, play games, eat snacks, and talk about what it means to have friends. This week, Lisa is leading.Click here for more info!
Young Adults Homeboy 5K
On September 22nd, all young adults are invited to join a church team participating in the Homeboy Industries 5k. Not a runner? That's ok! All are welcome, afterward we'll enjoy brunch out together.Want more info? Contact Stephen!
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.
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
Looking for a Deeper Look at the Whole Bible?
This coming year, we invite you to be a part of a 24-week Disciple Bible Study Fast Track class. With 12 weeks in the Old Testament and 12 weeks in the New Testament, the class with go deeper in understanding the whole of the Bible story. In the midst of our busy lives, this study is designed to help us understand with the Bible has to say to us as disciples of Jesus Christ, today.We are planning to offer the study twice: during the daytime on Thursdays from 10:30am-noon, and on Tuesday evenings from 8-9:30pm via online video conference. We plan to start September 18 and 20!
Interested?
Purchase the study workbook on your own, or order with our group for $20 (includes shipping) here.
A Night on Broadway (Redondo Beach)
Save the Date: Our annual fall talent show, silent auction and food trucks event is scheduled for Saturday, November 10, from 5-8pm! True to our street address, we're planning to call it "A Night on Broadway."We hope you'll start thinking about what talents and auction items you can share! You don't have to limit yourself to Broadway-themed acts, but they're not a bad place to start...
Christmas Pageant Rehearsals coming soon!
All children are invited to join us for our annual Christmas Pageant! Rehearsals will begin on Sunday mornings, starting October 28th!Email Children's ministry to sign up!
Inivitation: Meet Inalienable's New Leader
Friday, October 5th from 7-9pm, you are invited to come meet Inalienable's new Program Manager, Sinaí Guevara.Inalienable is the non-profit that has organized our annual Baja Mission trip. Sinaí will be here in the South Bay, talking about her experiences working with Green Peace, Doctors Without Borders, and Inalienable! A native of Mexico City, she has considerable experience working for these NGOs in Mexico. Click here for more info!
Corazon House Build 2018
This will be our 20th Anniversary Corazon House Build! On Saturday, October 13, Redondo Beach First along with, Aldersgate, Abundant Life and University UMC's will build a home in one day. We are still raising our $2000 share of the building cost; look for the Corazon Donation Angel on Sunday.
We also need 10 volunteers to help build this home. This is a great opportunity for anyone interested in living out our faith. (We have a bus to go from Chula Vista to our house build in Mexico and back across the border.) Email George & Peggy Mercer for more info. Or call (310) 748-3921
Rummage Sale is Coming on Oct 6
Here are 5 great ways you can help with the UMW rummage sale, which will be Saturday, October 6:Bake goods for Naomi Cafe--drop them off anytime Thursday or the morning of the sale;
Set out rummage on Wednesday morning, Oct 3; all day Thursday, Oct 4; Monday morning, Oct 1 (in the Boutique). You can just show up any of these times.
Stay after worship on Sunday, September 30 to help carry boutique and rummage items up from the basement--after 8:30 and 10:30!
Volunteer to work the day of the sale. We especially need a strong crew of volunteers at the end of the day, to load remaining items onto the truck.
Donate handled gift bags or shopping bags, such as those from Macy's, Old Navy, etc--large, medium, even small--for the boutique. We also need bubble wrap, if you have it, and plastic grocery bags (the kind that used to be free). Bring everything to the office, anytime.
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!
All donations should be delivered to the choir room from now until the sale.
We invite you to join our Trustees for a volunteer work day at the church, on Saturday, September 29 from 8-11am.
We plan to do work to spruce up the campus and set up for the Rummage Sale (which is the following weekend).
Volunteers of all ages and ability levels are welcome.
Giving to the Church: An Invitation
Our annual ministry budget is made possible because of the generous giving of our congregation. This year, we hope to receive about $400,000 from your Sunday offerings and online gifts that we receive as tithes and offerings. (Additionally, we receive about $100,000 in annual income from special fundraisers, income from our endowment, groups that use our campus, and other such sources.) You can contribute to our ministries through the Sunday offering during worship, by sending donations to the church office, or online.
Men's Breakfast: Our next breakfast is Monday, September 17, 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, September 14, 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.
Book Club: Our first book club meeting, set for Tuesday night, Sept. 18, at 7 pm, is coming up soon. We have five summer books to review, and I am hoping some of you will assist with discussion leadership. Helen will led discussion of Hillbilly Elegy, I will lead discussion of Dancing in a Distant Place. I would like volunteers for Tom Hank’s Uncommon Type; The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society and The Chilbury Ladies’ Choir.
All that is needed is about three leading questions which will spark debate. We will limit discussion of each book to 15 minutes, in order to complete all during our 80-90 minutes time. Also, if you wish to assist with refreshments for this first meeting, let me know. For more information, contact Ann Gallagher.
A Memorial Service for Joy Slothower will be held at our church on Saturday, September 22 at 11am in the sanctuary, with a reception luncheon to follow.
Notes of Thanks from our Church Family:
From Vika Tuuholoaki: Vika and Grace Tuuholoaki sent a letter of gratitude to God and the church for all the support offered during her recent move, and Grace's move to college.
From Doug Heite: Doug Heite sent a letter expressing his great gratitude for the prayers and support of our congregation during his struggles with his shoulder. Following his last surgery, recovery has been long and difficult, and has prevented him from driving. Through this long time, he has been unable to be with us in person, but has appreciated the church as a source of prayer and hope throughout so many days.
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): Sunday School is back! Parents can sign students in as early as 10:20 upstairs in the Sunday School room, we'll start at 10:30! At the end of Sunday School, we'll head back to join our families in worship just in time to have Holy Communion with our families!
Church R Us (Grades 4 & 5): Start out in 10:30 worship with your family, and you'll head to Sunday School during "Passing of the Peace". Look for our youth director, Stephen Hale, who teaches CRU Sunday School!
Youth Ministry (6th-12th grade):
-Middle School Sunday School (10:30am)? Oh yes. And Mary is teaching!
-Youth Group(2-4pm on Sunday)? You know it. Youth Ministries assistant Lisa is leading!
Young Adults (19-not very specific):
We're doing a Homeboy Industries 5k on September 22nd....and brunch in LA afterwards! Interested? Contact Stephen!
Monday Night Dinner Study (Young-ish Adults and Young-ish Families):
We resume on September 17th! We'll be studying the book "7", by Jen Hatmaker. Dinner for all is at 5:30, in Epworth lounge. Children's programming is available! Email Dawn Kirkemo for information.
Tuesday Night Online Video Bible Study: This week we begin meeting as the Disciple Bible Study Fast Track, from 8-9:30pm. Register and order a book here.
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. Beginning September 20, this will become a Disciple Bible Study, meeting from 10:30am to noon! Register and order a book here.
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
Email
Ongoing Ministries
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!
September 13, 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
Elijah is an oratorio by Felix Mendelssohn, which tells the story of Elijah as told in the Books of Kings, and with a few Psalms sprinkled throughout. It was commissioned by the Birmingham Festival and was written first in German, Mendelssohn's native tongue, then promptly translated into English, which he spoke equally well. The English version was premiered at the Birmingham Festival in 1846 and then 2 years later the German version was premiered a few months after Mendelssohn's death in 1848. It was modeled after the music of Bach and Handel, which he revered. In fact, Mendelssohn produced the first performance of Bach's St. Matthew Passion since the composer's passing, and was responsible for the revival of interest in Bach's music. This week's anthem – He, Watching Over Israel, Slumbers Not Nor Sleeps - is #29 in the 2nd half of the work. It is a simple, pleasing anthem that is very popular with church choirs, with Elijah itself being a favorite of amateur choral societies in English speaking countries.
The Sound of Music (in case you've been living on a desert island for the past 70 years) is a musical written by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II, from a book by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse. It was based on the memoir of Maria von Trapp – "The Story of the Trapp Family Singers". That memoir was first made into a German movie in 1956, Die Trapp Familie, and a 1958 sequel, Die Trapp-Familie in Amerika. It was suggested by stage director Vincent Donehue as a vehicle for Mary Martin (Martin's producer husband, Richard Halliday, agreed), and was planned originally to be a non-musical play featuring songs from the Trapp Family repertoire. But it was finally decided to be handed over to Rodgers and Hammerstein, where it ended up being the last musical they wrote together (Hammerstein died of stomach cancer 9 months after the Broadway premier in 1959). Details of the history of the von Trapp family were altered for the musical. Von Trapp actually wrote to the Nonnberg Abbey (where they were eventually married, not the Salzburg Cathedral) in 1926 asking for a governess to tutor his sick daughter, and the abbess sent Maria. The book writers changed the names and ages of all the children and made her the tutor for all the kids. Von Trapp was offered a commission in the German navy, but since he opposed the Nazis, they left Austria right after the Anschluss (the annexation of Austria by Germany on March 12, 1938), traveling by train to Italy, and then on to London and America. To make the story more dramatic, the writers had them escape by foot over the Alps into Switzerland. The song Climb Every Mountain (notice how they tied it into the ending yet to come?) is the finale to the 1st act, and is sung by the Mother Abbess to Maria, urging her to search for and find the life she was meant to live. The musical won 5 Tony Awards that year, out of 9 nominations, including Best Musical, Best Actress in a Musical (Mary Martin as Maria), Best Featured Actress in a Musical (Patricia Neway as Mother Abbess), Best Scenic Design and Best Conductor and Music Director. On March 2, 1965, Twentieth Century Fox released a film adaptation starring Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer (a role that he actually hated). Rodgers wrote 2 new songs specifically for the film – I Have Confidence and Something Good – and the movie won 5 Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director (Robert Wise).
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.
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. We appreciate all recycling donations,but the blue recycling bins are only for CA RV or CRV. We don't get any funds from milk cartons, or other plastics that are not CRV.
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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