Thursday, November 22, 2018

Happy Thanksgiving! from The Water Edge Community of The United Methodist Church in Ocean Beach, California, United States for Thursday, 22 November 2018

Happy Thanksgiving! from The Water Edge Community of The United Methodist Church in Ocean Beach, California, United States for Thursday, 22 November 2018
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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2018
"Seeing as God Sees"
Abby hiking
I'm looking forward to being back with the Water's Edge Faith Community after a nice time of vacation with my family. We went on a road trip to the five national parks in southern Utah - Zion, Bryce, Capitol Reef, Arches, and Canyonlands. We had only planned on visiting three of those, but we were close enough to make it to all five in the end.
Also, we had somewhat expected that this trip would be a grand, hopefully humorous, misadventure... with much driving, a toddler, and unknown conditions and winter weather. Yet everything worked out beautifully: it was cold, but we had no snow, rain, or ice on the roads. Our little one was a champion - very patient and a good little hiker too!
As I reflect on this trip and consider our focus this Sunday, "Seeing as God Sees," I am reminded that there is so much to be grateful for - even in times of difficulty, loss, or challenge. The beauty of the earth around us is stunning, and the vastness of all that God has made is a reminder that we are small, yet beloved creatures in it. I pray that you experience a blessed Thanksgiving, full of gratitude and good company, and look forward to gathering with you this Sunday.
Blessings, Jessica
2019 Stewardship Campaign Update on Nov. 21, 2018
"Setting the Table" Total pledges = 360 households
Total amount = $1,196,353
Average pledge/year = $3,323 ($277 per month)
As this year's stewardship campaign comes to an end, we give thanks for all of your financial commitments to the work of First Church in 2019 and beyond. Did you miss the deadline? Pledges are still being accepted through December. You may submit your pledge online here...
Upcoming Events for The OB Campus
1984 Sunset Cliffs Boulevare
San Diego California 92107, United States
Light A Candle Advent Retreat
Saturday, Nov. 24 from 8:30 - 11:30 AM at the OB Sanctuary Please RSVP by 11/22
Rev. Richard Smith with help from Dr. Bill Stephenson and Pastor Jessica, will lead this Advent retreat in the OB Sanctuary. The theme is "Light A Candle" that is also the focus in worship this season. There will be opportunities for conversation, prayerful reflection, and spiritual growth during this retreat of waiting for new beginnings. Please plan to join us. Participation is free.
Sunday Morning Conversations
Sundays | 9 - 9:45 AM | OB Campus
Dr. Stephenson has written two sessions for the "in between" times enroute to Advent (12/2). On November 25, the group will have conversation about the disciple, Nathaniel: "Whatever became of Nathaniel?" Then, we begin a four-week series by Hamilton, called, "Christmas According to Joseph," led by Kurt Goldacker.
Rachel's House Sandwich Ministry
Sunday, Dec. 2 | 10 AM | OB Sanctuary
During our regular service on December 2, we'll be making 100 sandwich lunches for the women staying at Rachel's House. The shelter provides a safe and drug-free environment for homeless and low-income women and children in San Diego County. Many of the Water's Edge community bring the food items needed to create the lunches. We also collect travel size toiletries that we donate. Please add your name to the sign-up sheet during coming Sundays.
Help decorate Water's Edge for Christmas - Mark your calendars!
Sunday, Dec. 23 | 11 AM | OB Sanctuary
Join the leadership team for a decorating party as we prepare for our Christmas Eve service. Pizza will be provided as we assemble luminarias, string lights, arrange candles, hang liturgical banners, and more! We will simultaneously run a rehearsal of the Christmas Eve service so that all those involved in reading and leading will know how everything will flow the next night. Many hands make light work, so thank you for planning to attend!
Community Events in OB
OB Holiday Craft Fair
Saturdays, Nov. 24 - Dec. 22 | 9 AM - 4 PM | Newport Ave. & Abbott St.
Another way to support our community is by attending The Ocean Beach Town Council's 2018 Craft Fairs at the foot of Newport Avenue and Abbott Street. All fairs are 9 AM to 4 PM unless otherwise specified. For more information on the fairs, call 619-846-6269.
More Events
Ongoing Missions at OB Campus
1984 Sunset Cliffs Boulevard
San Diego California 92107, United States
Thank you from Loaves and Fishes Ministry!
The Loaves & Fishes Ministry would like to express our deepest gratitude to our church congregation, Kids First children, Students 1st, and Choir members, for helping us surpass our goal of making 400+ Thanksgiving baskets. Thanks to your generosity we were able to distribute the fixin's for approximately 557 complete Thanksgiving dinners! Thanksgiving food was distributed at Wesley United Methodist Church on Sunday, November 18. There were many happy and grateful faces leaving the area that afternoon.
OB Emergency Food Bank
Here in Ocean Beach we support an already well-established food ministry run by several churches. The OB Emergency Food Bank has been feeding people from OB and surrounding areas for 40 years. The distribution takes place at our church three times a week. If you want to participate, contact Pastor Jessica for more details on what types of donations are needed.
Upcoming Events at Mission Valley Campus
2111 Camino del Rio South
San Diego California 92108, United States
First Church Charge Conference
Sunday, Dec. 2 | 12:30 - 2:30 PM | The Cove (UMC building)
This is the annual fall United Methodist Charge Conference held with the congregation. The agenda will include matters of business, administration and a review of the spiritual life of the membership. The South District Superintendent, Rev. John Farley, will preside.
Yugo Mission Trip
Thursday, Feb. 14 through Monday, Feb. 18, 2019
For the past few years, First Church has sent a team of people down to Ensenada to work with an organization called Yugo. Absolutely no building skills are required, and there is no age limit on who can go. If there is interest and enough volunteers, we may even be able to do a VBS for the local children. Cost is $350 adult and $200 children. Please sign up by February 1, 2019. Learn more...

Join us on Sundays, at 10 AM
1984 Sunset Cliffs Boulevard in Ocean Beach
Pastor Jessica Strysko revjess@watersedgeob.org
Water's Edge Faith Community
The United Methodist Church
1984 Sunset Cliffs Boulevard
San Diego, California 92107, United States
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