San Diego First United Methodist Church ~ Newsletter ~ Wednesday, 30 October 2013 ~ New Math
My son David, a current student in AP Calculus, long passed me by in his mathematical skills. I can sometimes hear him and his accountant mother processing the math homework that is well beyond my grasp! As I occasionally peer into his textbook or homework I find the letters, numbers and calculations to be somewhat foreign to me having only completed trigonometry in high school! Let it be said, I appreciate someone who is good with numbers! (It is no accident that I married a CPA!)
During these early weeks of November we will be discovering a new kind of "spiritual" math. It is a kind of math that looks like subtraction, but it is actually multiplication. It is the spiritual mathematics of giving. When we choose to give strategically and purposefully in the Name of Jesus, the amount given is not subtracted, speaking spiritually. It is multiplied.
The Apostle Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians 9:10,
"...now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and MULTIPLY your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness." (NASB)
Giving is an act of multiplication in God's hands. What we offer creates blessings that we can never measure with calculators or computers. Giving is not subtraction. Giving is multiplication!
Join us in worship this week, as we all learn some new math about giving. Trust me ... it is far more exciting than calculus.
Craig+
First Church welcomes Richard Annett
as new Director of Student Ministries
After a nationwide search, reviewing 40 applicants, five rounds of interviews, and prayerful discernment, we are happy to announce that Richard Annett will join the First Church family as Director of Student Ministries on November 17.
The process of finding the right person to lead our student ministries has finally come to an end. Two months ago we opened the position for qualified personnel with a solid theological education and a passion for youth ministry to join the staff at First Church. It was truly a nationwide search with nearly 40 applications from across the country. Part of the process included meeting the clergy, SPRC (Staff Parish Relations Committee), and a select group of youth and parents to see how well they could interact and engage theologically, organizationally, and relationally. After five rounds of interviews and prayerful discernment, we are pleased welcome Richard Annett to be part of the staff here at First United Methodist Church of San Diego.
Richard comes to us from the Shepherd of the Hills United Methodist Church in Mission Viejo. (Yes, it is the same church that our senior pastor, Craig Brown, served for eight years prior to coming to San Diego in July.) Richard has experience engaged in youth ministry for the past six years, serving as a counselor at camp, leading Bible studies, and developing curriculum for the youth. For the past two years, he served as the director of youth ministry at the Rancho Santa Margarita campus of Shepherd of the Hills church. His gifts include recruiting and training volunteers for the youth ministry and being actively engaged in the life the youth.
Richard is currently a third year student at Fuller Theological Seminary seeking a Masters of Divinity. His pursuit is to become an ordained minister in the United Methodist Church. We look forward to having him grow our student ministries and be part of the family of First Church. His first Sunday with us will be on November 17. Please welcome him warmly and provide whatever support he may need to develop the lives of our youth in living as disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world
RUN THE RACE
Miss last Sunday?
Watch the video featuring
Todd and Lori Sorbo and family here ...
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WORSHIP
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2013
VESPER COMMUNION | 5:30 PM | Sanctuary | Rev. Greg LaDue
Music for Meditation begins at 5:15 | Free childcare by RSVP - Reserve here
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2013
Text for Next Sunday: 2 Corinthians 9:6 Remember this: he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly. He who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7 Let each man give according as he has determined in his heart; not grudgingly, or under compulsion; for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, that you, always having all sufficiency in everything, may abound to every good work. 9 As it is written,
“He has scattered abroad, he has given to the poor.
His righteousness remains forever.”✡(Messianic WEB)
John Wesley’s Notes~Commentary for 2 Corinthians 9:6~9
Verse 6. He that soweth sparingly shall reap sparingly; he that soweth bountifully shall reap bountifully - A general rule. God will proportion the reward to the work, and the temper whence it proceeds.
Verse 7. Of necessity - Because he cannot tell how to refuse.
Verse 8. How remarkable are these words! Each is loaded with matter and increases all the way it goes. All grace - Every kind of blessing. That ye may abound to every good work - God gives us everything, that we may do good therewith, and so receive more blessings. All things in this life, even rewards, are, to the faithful, seeds in order to a future harvest. Prov. xxii, 9
Verse 9. He hath scattered abroad - (A generous word.) With a full hand, without any anxious thought which way each grain falls. His righteousness - His beneficence, with the blessed effects of it. Remaineth for ever - Unexhausted, God still renewing his store. Psalm cxii, 9
Give Only with Joy and Cheer
TRADITIONAL | All Saints Sunday | 8 ~ 9:30 ~ 11 | Sanctuary | Rev. Craig Brown
Prayer ministers will be available to pray with you at the end of each service. Come forward to the altar railing and lift up your joys and concerns.
NON-TRADITIONAL
Water's Edge | 9:30 | The Cove, United Methodist Ctr | Dr. Elbert Kim | Band | Communion
CHILDREN'S SUNDAY SCHOOL | 9:20 | Meeting in Trotter Chapel at 9:20, children are escorted to their Sunday School classrooms. Pick-up is in the amphitheater at 10:30.
Message from Pastor Jessica
The Fall Festival on Sunday was a blast! Thanks to all the families and helpers who came to make the day a fun success. Here are some of the pictures we took – we’d love for you to share some of your pictures with us too!
Blessings,
Pastor Jessica
10:40 COMMUNION | Sanctuary Altar
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WEDNESDAY!
M O R N I N G
10:30 AM - Pastor's Bible Study | Linder Lounge
E V E N I N G
5:15 PM - Vespers Sanctuary | Music for meditation | Communion
6 PM - Dinner ($6) Linder Hall | RSVP to the office 619-297-4366 by Mon.
6:45 PM - Pastor's Bible Study | Linder Hall
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Annual Church Conference
Sunday, November 3 | 12:30 PM | Linder Hall
There will be a limited number of lunch tickets available on Sunda in the office and at the door. Extra seating will be provided for those who want to attend the 12:30 business meeting: reports, election of officers of administrative committees, voting on candidates for ministry, and setting pastoral salaries
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LOAVES & FISHES
November: A Time to Share Our Bounty with Others
Thanksgiving is always a special time for everyone in this church and an especially generous time for the Loaves and Fishes Food Ministry. Check out the many ways you can help provide a Thanksgiving meal to our San Diego neighbors who are in need this holiday season:
Children's Ministry Canned Food Drive, collecting through Nov. 17. The class with the most food wins a special breakfast! Info, below ...
"Brown Bagging" for 150+ Thanksgiving Food Baskets, collecting through Sunday, Nov. 24, before 12:30 PM. Info...
Josue House Thanksgiving Lunch, volunteers provide and serve: Sat., Nov. 23. Info...
Neighborhood Family Meals, volunteers provide and serve: Mondays, Nov. 25 and Dec. 16, 5:30-7 PM. Info...
Mama's Kitchen Food Drive, collecting: Sundays, Nov. 10, 17 & 24. Info....
Children's Ministry Canned Food Drive
The Children's Ministry is collecting canned food throughout November for the Loaves and Fishes Ministry's Thanksgiving Food Baskets! Food items needed during this season are: boxed stuffing mix, canned vegetables, canned fruits, cranberry sauce, canned yams, gravy mix, boxed mashed potatoes, and boxed dessert mix. Consider picking one of these items up at the grocery store and bring it with you to church! The Sunday School class with the most food wins a special breakfast! The competition ends on Sunday, Nov. 17. We could use your help -- email Pastor Jessica or call 619-297-4366, ext. 131, for more information.
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MEMBERSHIP
Explore First Church
Sunday, November 10 | 12:15 PM | Linder Hall 2
Would you like to explore Christianity, Methodism and First Church? You are invited to gather for a meal and time with the pastors and staff. It will be a fun time to break bread, make some new friends and explore membership.
New members will be received on Sunday, November 17, 11 AM.
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CHILDREN & YOUTH
Time and Talents Pledge
As the church's stewardship campaign "Run the Race" continues, we remember that we are never too young to begin learning about thankful and generous living!That is why we are inviting the families involved in the Children's Ministry to consider together what it means to live using our gifts for God. A "Time and Talents Pledge Sheet" has been mailed to you and your children.Read all about it here ...
Sky Zone for Youth
Sunday, Nov. 10 | 12 - 3 PM | $15 |Drop-off, pick-up in the Cove area
Bring friends for an afternoon of food and frolicking at Sky Zone. Deadline for sign-up is this Sunday, Nov. 3. Contact Charlotte Watson for questions or more information.
Confirmation Orientation November 17, Classes Begin December 1
Sunday, Nov. 17 | 11:30 AM | Middle School Room
We invite all youth in grade 7 or older to join our upcoming Confirmation class. A Confirmation orientation meeting for youth and family members will be on Sunday, November 17, at 11:30 AM in the Middle School room at the United Methodist Center (ground floor). Classes will meet weekly starting Sunday, December 1, from 11:30-12:30 in the same location and continue through Easter Sunday, April 20, when confirmands will become members of the church. Read more about Confirmation here ...
Seeking Youth Grades 7-12, and College-age Students for Angel Duty
Participate in the beauty of Christmas Eve at First Church by being an angel that carries the light of Christ into the congregation, lighting their candles. Youth in grades 7-12 are needed for 7 and 9 PM worship, and college-age students for the 11 PM service. There will be a practice on December 17, 4:30-5:30 and December 22, 12:15-1 PM. Contact Charlotte Watson or Kayleigh Neel to volunteer or for more information.
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MISSION
Christmas Cards for Prison Ministries
We will again collect new, unused Christmas cards for prison ministries. The state prison near Otay Mesa needs 8,000 new cards. Inmates have no way to buy cards and are very appreciative of this small gesture from the community. Inmates will send them to friends and family during the holidays. If you have any extra cards, please consider donating them. As it gets closer to December, look for the bin in Linder Hall marked "Prison Ministries." ~ Mary Beth Klauer
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PILGRIMAGE
Informational Gatherings for Pastor Craig's
Christian England & Scotland Pilgrimage, October 2014
Sundays Nov. 10 & Dec. 15 | 12:15-1:15 PM | The Cove
Make your advance plans now to join Pastor Craig and others from First Church on a life-changing Pilgrimage to England and Scotland for an exploration of our Celtic and Wesleyan roots. Join in one of these gatherings to get all the details!
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F5
F5 Worship
FUN * FAITH * FOLLOW * FRIENDS * FELLOWSHIP
Sunday, November 17 | 5 PM | Linder Hall
Join Pastors Mary & Elbert and the F5 band for a dynamic evening of worship and fellowship.
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MUSIC
A San Diego School of Christian Studies lecture
Handel's Messiah:
Understanding and Appreciating the Great Work
Wednesday, Nov. 20 | 6:45 PM | Sanctuary | Childcare with RSVP here...
Resident organist Bob Plimpton will present a lecture to enhance the understanding and appreciation of Handel's Messiah. He will provide a background of it's origin -- explaining it is not only great music, but also a theological exposition of God's eternal purpose in redemption. The lecture is designed to enter more deeply into this work which our choir, soloists and orchestra will perform two weeks later in the sanctuary on Sunday and Monday, December 8 and 9 at 7 PM. Read more in-depth here ...
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NOTICES
Fall back! Daylight Savings Time ends at midnight this Saturday. Turn your clock back one hour before going to bed!
Books available - A few years ago, First Church held a churchwide study called Unbinding Your Heart. We still have a surplus of these books. If you know of a ministry or organization that could use these, please contact Beckett Kirk.
Friday Night Singles (50+ or -) meets every Friday at 6 PM for a meal followed by various activities. Email Karen Maczka or call 619-263-3743.
Our Mission Outreach Thrift Store is accepting donations this Sunday, Nov. 3. Items may be left at the Thrift Store tables on the patio near the entrance to Linder Hall or on the plaza. Donation revenue supports local missions.The storefront is located at 3186 Adams Avenue.
Memorial Garden representatives are available this Sunday, Nov. 3, from 9-9:30 and 10:30-11 AM in the Garden to provide information for niches, plaques, services, inurnments, engraving and costs. Meetings can also be arranged by appointment at 619-297-4366. Visit the Garden and let us assist you in this part of your estate planning.
Our "Just a Little Gift" Shop" is open every Sunday before and after services from 9 AM-12:30 PM. It is located below the sanctuary, through the sanctuary meeting room (behind the Christ window).
Free Neighborhood Family Meal: Next meal is on Monday, November 25, 5:30-7 PM. Help provide and serve food and enjoy fellowship with families, teens, seniors and people in need of a nutritious, hot meal at Normal Heights UMC, 4650 Mansfield St. Volunteers prepare and bring a main dish, salad or dessert. Email Brenda Blake or call 619-297-4366 x125, to sign up.
Prayers & Squares Prayer Quilt Ministry meets twice a month. For our next meeting, see our 2013 schedule.
The 2013 Altar Flower Calendar has openings for Sundays in November and December. Please help us fill those dates. Call Eleene in the church office at 619-297-4366 to make your reservation. Each bouquet is $50.
The 2014 Upper Room Disciplines are now for sale in the church office. They are for sale @ $15.
SAVE THE DATES:
UMW Bake Sale, Sunday, Nov. 24, 9 AM - 12:30 PM, Linder Hall.
Pancake Breakfast Youth Fundraiser, November 24, 8:45 AM - 12 :15 PM.
33rd Annual Thanksgiving Interfaith Service with Congregation Beth Israel, Wednesday, Nov. 27, 7:30 PM in the Sanctuary. Senior Rabbi Michael Berk will deliver the Thanksgiving message, and the Temple Choir and our Chancel Choir will participate. A reception follows the service in Linder Hall.
Thanksgiving Dinner at First Church, Thursday, Nov. 27, 12-3 PM in Linder Hall. Free, reservations required. Sign-up in church office beginning Nov. 6.
Family Christmas Tea, Saturday, Dec. 14, 12-2 PM. Tea and lunch with carols, and gingerbread houses! Sponsored by UMW and Children's Ministry.
Brown Jordan Patio Table and Chairs at our Thrift Store
A very nice patio table with four swivel chairs have been donated to the Thrift Store. It is light green and priced at $395.
Proceeds from the Thrift Store support several local missions and the United Methodist Women. Last year we raised $35,000 for local missions. The Thrift Store's address is 3186 Adams Ave. and is open Monday to Saturday.
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In Our Prayers
We invite you to join us as we keep these individuals and families in our prayers this week.
IN MEMORIAM
Lee Albert passed away on October 21. He was received into membership in 2006 by Rev. Jim Standiford and is survived by his sister, Elaine. A memorial servce will be held in our sanctuary on Sunday, November 10, at 12:30 p.m.
John K. Meyer passed away on October 14. He was received into membership on November 12, 1978, by Rev. Mark Trotter. He was predeceased by his wife, Donna, in 2012 and is survived by his daughter, Paula Sundstrom, and son, Damon Meyer. A memorial service will be held in Trotter Chapel on Saturday, November 2 at 10:00 a.m. with inurnment in the Memorial Garden, Rev. Ken Licht officiating. A reception will follow in Linder Hall.
Our sympathy is with Erin McWay and family on the recent loss of her mother.
Members of our congregation in the military who are deployed and their families:
Sam Adams
Adam Beauregard
Jeffrey Njuyen
Doug Samples
Collin Sullivan
Adam Beauregard
Jeffrey Njuyen
Doug Samples
Collin Sullivan
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First United Methodist Church of San Diego
2111 CAMINO DEL RIO South IN MISSION VALLEY
San Diego, CA 92108 United States
619-297-4366
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