Wednesday, January 29, 2014

San Diego First United Methodist Church’s Newsletter – Wednesday, 29 January 2014 “Double Vision”

San Diego First United Methodist Church’s Newsletter – Wednesday, 29 January 2014 “Double Vision”
In our worship series called "Designed by Jesus" we are exploring the parables of Jesus and the truths they contain about how God has designed all things. These parables are stories Jesus told about the nature of the Kingdom of God. Parables use common language and cultural concepts to convey their spiritual meaning. In other words, they are stories with a double meaning. Take the parable of the vineyard in Matthew 20. The parable tell of a landowner who is either grossly unfair by paying everyone the same wage regardless if they worked all day or one hour or an owner who is generous beyond measure. In the end, those who worked all day feel slighted because they were paid the same as those who only worked on hour. Now the double meaning...
The story is about how people respond to the generosity of God. Some feel it is unfair. To be honest, mercy and grace by definition are unfair. If our relationship with God is built on fairness, we would certainly measure up poorly! But if our relationship with God is built on mercy and grace then we are pleased to receive anything from God. Jesus teaches this simple yet vital truth in a story with double meaning. In a world designed by Jesus, even in our life designed by Jesus, are we ready to embrace the double vision of working in this life to build the life that is to come.  In other words, are we prepared to live life like it was designed by Jesus?
Craig +
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2014
Text to read: Matthew 20:  The Laborers in the Vineyard
1 “For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. 2 After agreeing with the laborers for the usual daily wage,[a] he sent them into his vineyard. 3 When he went out about nine o’clock, he saw others standing idle in the marketplace; 4 and he said to them, ‘You also go into the vineyard, and I will pay you whatever is right.’ So they went. 5 When he went out again about noon and about three o’clock, he did the same. 6 And about five o’clock he went out and found others standing around; and he said to them, ‘Why are you standing here idle all day?’ 7 They said to him, ‘Because no one has hired us.’ He said to them, ‘You also go into the vineyard.’ 8 When evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his manager, ‘Call the laborers and give them their pay, beginning with the last and then going to the first.’ 9 When those hired about five o’clock came, each of them received the usual daily wage.[b] 10 Now when the first came, they thought they would receive more; but each of them also received the usual daily wage.[c] 11 And when they received it, they grumbled against the landowner, 12 saying, ‘These last worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat.’ 13 But he replied to one of them, ‘Friend, I am doing you no wrong; did you not agree with me for the usual daily wage?[d] 14 Take what belongs to you and go; I choose to give to this last the same as I give to you. 15 Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or are you envious because I am generous?’[e] 16 So the last will be first, and the first will be last.”[f]
Footnotes:
a. Matthew 20:2 Gk a denarius
b. Matthew 20:9 Gk a denarius
c. Matthew 20:10 Gk a denarius
d. Matthew 20:13 Gk a denarius
e. Matthew 20:15 Gk is your eye evil because I am good?
f. Matthew 20:16 Other ancient authorities add for many are called but few are chosen
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John Wesley’s Notes/Commentary for Matthew 20:1-16
Verse 1. That some of those who were first called may yet be last, our Lord confirms by the following parable: of which the primary scope is, to show, That many of the Jews would be rejected, and many of the Gentiles accepted; the secondary, That of the Gentiles, many who were first converted would be last and lowest in the kingdom of glory; and many of those who were last converted would be first, and highest therein. The kingdom of heaven is like - That is, the manner of God's proceeding in his kingdom resembles that of a householder. In the morning - At six, called by the Roman and Jews, the first hour. From thence reckoning on to the evening, they called nine, the third hour; twelve, the sixth; three in the afternoon, the ninth; and five, the eleventh. To hire labourers into his vineyard - All who profess to be Christians are in this sense labourers, and are supposed during their life to be working in God's vineyard.
Verse 2. The Roman penny was about seven pence halfpenny. [About thirteen and three quarter cents, American.] This was then the usual price of a day's labour.
Verse 6. About the eleventh hour - That is, very late; long after the rest were called.
Verse 8. In the evening - Of life; or of the world.
Verse 9. Who were hired about the eleventh hour - Either the Gentiles, who were called long after the Jews into the vineyard of the Church of Christ; or those in every age who did not hear, or at least understand the Gospel call, till their day of life was drawing to a period. Some circumstances of the parable seem best to suit the former, some the latter of these senses.
Verse 10. The first supposed they should have received more - Probably the first here may mean the Jews, who supposed they should always be preferred before the Gentiles.
Verse 12. Thou hast made them equal to us - So St. Peter expressly, Acts xv, 9. God-hath put no difference between us (Jews) and them, (Gentiles, ) purifying their hearts by faith. And those who were equally holy here, whenever they were called, will be equally happy hereafter.
Verse 14. It is my will to give to this last called among the heathens even as to the first called among the Jews: yea, and to the late converted publicans and sinners, even as to those who, were called long before.
Verse 15. Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with my own? - Yea, doubtless, to give either to Jew or Gentile a reward infinitely greater than he deserves. But can it be inferred from hence, that it is lawful, or possible, for the merciful Father of spirits to "Consign an unborn soul to hell? Or damn him from his mother's womb?" Is thine eye evil because I am good - Art thou envious, because I am gracious? Here is an evident reference to that malignant aspect, which is generally the attendant of a selfish and envious temper.
Verse 16. So the last shall be first, and the first last - Not only with regard to the Jews and Gentiles, but in a thousand other instances. For many are called - All who hear the Gospel; but few chosen - Only those who obey it. Matt. xix, 30; xxii, 14.
Daily Devotional
TRADITIONAL
8 ~ 9:30 ~ 11 | Sanctuary | Rev. Craig Brown
Communion served at all services this Sunday. Note! no communion at 10:40 AM.
NON-TRADITIONAL 
Water's Edge  9:30 | The Cove, United Methodist Ctr | Rev. Elbert Kim | Band | Communion |
This week join us for the hands-on Rachel's House Sandwich ministry! We'll be making 100 sandwiches during our Sunday worship to continue support the Rachels' House, a shelter for battered women and children.
CHILDREN'S SUNDAY SCHOOL  | 9:30 | Children can attend Children's Ministry classes beginning at either 9:30 AM or 11 AM (Please drop your child off at the amphitheater or,  age 3-1st grade, in their classroom). Read about all the details and options here...
F5
Weekly 11 AM Worship starts this Sunday, February 2
Good news! Our F5 Modern Worship Service starts exhibiting weekly at 11 AM beginning Sunday, February 2 as we build to our launch with the public.
Pastor Craig has invited you to prayerfully consider responding to a call from God to attend F5 from February through September to support this important ministry of the church. Register yourself and your family members here...
WEDNESDAY!
M O R N I N G
10:30 AM - Pastor's Bible Study | Linder Lounge
   Vespers          
E V E N I N G
5:15 PM - Vespers | Sanctuary | Music for meditation | Communion
   Through April, Organist Bob Plimpton will divide Vespers planning and playing duties with
   Assoc. Organist Charles Prestinari while Bob participates in the Impact 195 evangelism and     discipleship training program, a ministry of the Rock Church.
6 PM - Dinner ($6)| Linder Hall| RSVP to the office 619-297-4366 by Mon.
6:45 PM - Pastor's Bible Study | Linder Hall
OFF-CAMPUS: Women, Food and God book study | 6:30 PM | Home of Nancy Sunday
Practice of Prayer with Rev. Greg LaDue, 3-week class starts next week: Wednesday Feb. 5 | 6:45 PM | Linder Lounge.
CHILDREN & YOUTH
Children's Ministries Expands Sunday Morning Options
Starting this Sunday, February 2
We are excited to announce that we are expanding (in fact, more than doubling!) the ministry that we are offering to the children and families of our church! This will be a two-part transition, beginning on Sunday, February 2. Children's Ministry will run from 9:30 AM - Noon. Read about all the details and options here ...
This. Is. It. One Big Fundraiser for Student Ministries
Youth Silent Auction -- Donations Needed!
Sunday, March 23 | 7:30 AM - 12:45 PM | Lower Plaza
Student Ministries will be holding only one fundraiser a year and the Youth Silent Auction is it! We need donations and would love you all to donate items by March 9. Donation ideas: football tickets, baseball tickets, gift cards, toys for little ones, basket of chocolate, gifts bags, vacation timeshares, party boats, anything you think others would like to bid on! To donate, contact Richard Annett, 619-297-4366, x118.
SERVE
Soup for "Souper" Bowl Sunday
This Sunday, February 2
Please help the Food Ministry "fill the cooler" with soup for Super Bowl Sunday.  We will be collecting donations of canned soup, packaged soup, boxed soup mixes and crackers this Sunday February 2. You may leave your donations in Linder Hall or in the COVE on those Sundays or anytime during the week. The soup will be given out on Super Bowl Sunday, February 2, during our weekly distribution. 
Interfaith Shelter Network
Interfaith Shelter Volunteers Needed
February 9-22
In it's 27th year, the Interfaith Shelter Network is a collaboration of 120 congregations in seven areas of San Diego working together to house homeless women, children, and men. Several of our rooms will become "home" for 12-15 people who are working towards finding permanent housing.
We need many volunteers to help our guests feel welcome and comfortable while they are here. You can help by preparing the evening meal or staying as an overnight host. Donations of sheets, pillows, towels, and toiletries, as well as cash contributions are greatly appreciated. Please stop by the table on the patio on Sundays through February 2 to sign up to volunteer, or contact Brenda Blake (619-297-4366 ext. 125) with questions.
CLASSES
Practicum Classes Continue
THE PRACTICE OF PRAYER
Wednesdays, February 5, 12, 19 | 6:45-7:30 PM | Linder Lounge
Led by Rev. Elbert Kim.
RSVP ... 
THE PRACTICE OF PERSONAL BIBLE STUDY
Wednesdays through Jan. 22 | 6:45-7:30 PM | Linder Lounge
Sundays, February 2, 9, 16 | 11:15 AM - 12 PM | The Cove
Led by Dr. Greg La Due.
 RSVP ...
San Diego School of Christian Studies presents
Illuminating the Word with Dr. Lori Anne Ferrell
Lunch & Learn | Sunday, Feb. 23 | 12:15-3 PM
Tuition: $10, students free with ID | Lunch $7, optional  Register here ...
Why would anyone cut apart a Bible? Why was such sacred "scrapbooking" the rage of the Age of Enlightenment? Lori Anne Ferrell (Claremont Graduate University) will explicate the motives behind the eccentric hobby of "extra-illustration," whereby pious collectors and bibliophiles tailored scripture to reflect their aesthetic tastes, turning the good book into a cabinet of art, memorabilia, and curiosity. This talk comes with lots of pretty--or pretty striking pictures. Come prepared to ooh and ahh, or scream in protest. Read more here ...
FELLOWSHIP
Run the Race All-Church Celebration Sunday
Sunday, Feb. 9 | 12:15-1:15 | Linder Hall | Pizza/salad Lunch, $5 Donation
You are invited to an all-church Celebration Sunday! There will be food and a good time had by all. We are celebrating many many things as together we Run the Race, including: the launch of full-service Children's Ministry, new vision for the youth, F5 going weekly at 11 AM, and new Senior's Ministries.
MUSIC
Organ and Piano Recital
Sunday, Feb. 23 | 7 PM | Sanctuary
First Church Resident Organist, Robert Plimpton, teams up with pianist Bryan Verhoye for an evening of music featuring Beethoven's Piano Concerto # 5 Emperor -- orchestral arrangement for organ by Robert Plimpton -- and other works by Bach, Messiaen, Clokey and Robert J. Greene, Jr. More...
NOTICES
Friday Night Singles (50+ or -) meets every Friday at 6 PM for a meal followed by activities. Email Karen Maczka or call 619-263-3743.
Memorial Garden representatives are available 1st Sunday of the month, 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. 
Burial plots available. First Church is offering a number of burial plots to members and friends of FUMC. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who might be interested in selecting a burial location as part of their pre-burial arrangements. While this is not something we often think about, burial sites can quickly become a much-needed commodity when final arrangements are not made in advance. Each site is well below the current market value of the properties. More information here ... or contact Saundra Sinn, 619-297-3442.
The 2014 Upper Room Disciplines are now for sale in the church office. Price $15.
Next Neighborhood Family Meal is Monday, Feb. 24, 5:30-7 PM at Normal Heights UMC. 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.
The Altar Flower Calendar has openings for Sundays in February 2014. Please help us fill those dates. Call Eleene in the church office at 619-297-4366 to make your reservation. Each bouquet is $50.
Sponsor a Prayer Quilt for someone in need of prayer -- whatever the reason. Submit a request
or call Cheryl Johnson at 619-297-7575.
Prayers & Squares Prayer Quilt Ministry meets twice a month. For our next meeting, see our 2014 schedule.
Our "Just a Little Gift' Shop" is open Sundays from 9 AM. to 12:30 PM. It's located below the sanctuary and through the sanctuary meeting room.
Save the Dates:
Active Adults monthly program | Wednesday, Feb. 12, 1 PM | The Notables.  
Women and AIDS Workshops Presented by AIDS Ministry: "Living with HIV"  Feb. 23  and "Magic Bullets or Social Justice" Mar. 2.
Operation Family Caregiver - Educational conference for military family caregivers Mar. 7
Baptism for Infants and young children, Sunday, May 4, at 8, 9:30 and 11 AM services. If you are interested in having a child baptized call Demmie at 19-297-4366, ext. 108, or email her at ddivine@fumcsd.org.    
Eastlake
drop-leaf table
NOW $295
Pussycat doll
$25
MISSION OUTREACH THRIFT STORE 
3186 Adams Ave.
Open Monday to Saturday 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Additional items are being added every day.
Proceeds from the Thrift Store support several local missions and the United Methodist Women.
Last year we raised $34,000 for local missions.
Thrift Store donations may be brought to the church this Sunday, February 2. There will be two tables for donations, one on the patio near the entrance to Linder Hall and another on the plaza.
In Our Prayers
We invite you to join us as we keep these individuals and families in our prayers this week.
IN MEMORIAM
Sheldon Brockett passed away on January 17. He was received into membership in 1983 by Rev. Mark Trotter and is survived by his children Katherine Deal and David Eastman. A memorial service will be held on Friday, January 31, at 2:00 p.m., Rev. Mark Trotter officiating. A reception will follow at the Town and Country.
Prayer Quilts were presented on Sunday, January 26, for Judy Earle and Danilo Vuckovich. Please keep these individuals in your prayers.
Members of our congregation in the military who are deployed and their families:
Sam Adams
Adam Beauregard
Jason Constantine
Jeffrey Nguyen
Doug Samples
Collin Sullivan
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First United Methodist Church
2111 CAMINO DEL RIO South IN MISSION VALLEY
(619)297-4366
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