As we move through the month of February, much of our focus as a church is upon our Designed by Jesus worship series that will conclude before Lent begins. This series, based on the parables of Jesus, is helping each of us discover how to live life like we were always meant to live it! While each of us has a life that is designed by Jesus, we also share in a church designed by Jesus as well.
Our church's mission and vision are becoming clearer all the time. On Saturday, February 1, our Church Council gathered in a short retreat to consider our church's vision and where God is calling us. The fruit of that labor will shared with the congregation very soon.
During the opening of the retreat, I shared with the Council that February 6 is an important date in our church's life as it has been designed by Jesus. On that date in 1869, a group of women first convened in the army barracks here in San Diego. That gathering 145 years ago marks the first gathering of our church. Over all those years God has continued to guide and lead us into a design that led us to Mission Valley 50 years ago.
What is God's design for the next 145 years? How about the next 50? On November 22 of this year we will gather to celebrate 50 years in ministry here in Mission Valley. I hope you will set aside this date now, not just for a celebration of our past, but also for a celebration of that which is to come; all under the design by Jesus!
Craig +
WORSHIP
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2014Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23
Text to read: Matthew 13: 1 On that day Jesus went out of the house, and sat by the seaside. 2 Great multitudes gathered to him, so that he entered into a boat, and sat, and all the multitude stood on the beach. 3 He spoke to them many things in parables, saying, “Behold, a farmer went out to sow. 4 As he sowed, some seeds fell by the roadside, and the birds came and devoured them. 5 Others fell on rocky ground, where they didn’t have much soil, and immediately they sprang up, because they had no depth of earth. 6 When the sun had risen, they were scorched. Because they had no root, they withered away. 7 Others fell among thorns. The thorns grew up and choked them. 8 Others fell on good soil, and yielded fruit: some one hundred times as much, some sixty, and some thirty. 9 He who has ears to hear, let him hear.” 18 “Hear, then, the parable of the farmer. 19 When anyone hears the word of the Kingdom, and doesn’t understand it, the evil one comes, and snatches away that which has been sown in his heart. This is what was sown by the roadside. 20 What was sown on the rocky places, this is he who hears the word, and immediately with joy receives it; 21 yet he has no root in himself, but endures for a while. When oppression or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he stumbles. 22 What was sown among the thorns, this is he who hears the word, but the cares of this age and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful. 23 What was sown on the good ground, this is he who hears the word, and understands it, who most certainly bears fruit, and produces, some one hundred times as much, some sixty, and some thirty.”
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John Wesley’s Notes/Commentary for Matthew 13:1–9, 18-23
1. Mark iv, 1; Luke viii, 4.
2. He went into the vessel - Which constantly waited upon him,
while he was on the sea coast.
Verse 3. In parables - The word is here taken in its proper
sense, for apt similes or comparisons. This way of speaking, extremely common
in the eastern countries, drew and fixed the attention of many, and occasioned
the truths delivered to sink the deeper into humble and serious hearers. At the
same time, by an awful mixture of justice and mercy, it hid them from the proud
and careless. In this chapter our Lord delivers seven parables; directing the
four former (as being of general concern) to all the people; the three latter
to his disciples. Behold the sower - How exquisitely proper is this parable to
be an introduction to all the rest! In this our Lord answers a very obvious and
a very important question. The same sower, Christ, and the same preachers sent
by him, always sow the same seed: why has it not always the same effect? He
that hath ears to hear, let him hear!
Verse 4. And while he sowed, some seeds fell by the highway
side, and the birds came and devoured them - It is observable, that our Lord
points out the grand hindrances of our bearing fruit, in the same order as they
occur. The first danger is, that the birds will devour the seed. If it escape
this, there is then another danger, namely, lest it be scorched, and wither
away. It is long after this that the thorns spring up and choke the good seed.
A vast majority of those who hear the word of God, receive the seed as by the
highway side. Of those who do not lose it by the birds, yet many receive it as
on stony places. Many of them who receive it in a better soil, yet suffer the
thorns to grow up, and choke it: so that few even of these endure to the end,
and bear fruit unto perfection: yet in all these cases, it is not the will of
God that hinders, but their own voluntary perverseness.
Verse 8. Good ground - Soft, not like that by the highway side;
deep, not like the stony ground; purged, not full of thorns.
Verse 19. When any one heareth the word, and considereth it not
- The first and most general cause of unfruitfulness. The wicked one cometh -
Either inwardly; filling the mind with thoughts of other things; or by his
agent. Such are all they that introduce other subjects, when men should be
considering what they have heard.
Verse 20. The seed sown on stony places, therefore sprang up
soon, because it did not sink deep, ver. 5. He receiveth it with joy - Perhaps
with transport, with ecstacy: struck with the beauty of truth, and drawn by the
preventing grace of God.
Verse 21. Yet hath he not root in himself - No deep work of
grace: no change in the ground of his heart. Nay, he has no deep conviction;
and without this, good desires soon wither away. He is offended - He finds a
thousand plausible pretenses for leaving so narrow and rugged a way.
Verse 22. He that received the seed among the thorns, is he that
heareth the word and considereth it - In spite of Satan and his agents: yea,
hath root in himself is deeply convinced, and in a great measure inwardly
changed; so that he will not draw back, even when tribulation or persecution
ariseth. And yet even in him, together with the good seed, the thorns spring
up, ver. 7. (perhaps unperceived at first) till they gradually choke it,
destroy all its life and power, and it becometh unfruitful. Cares are thorns to
the poor: wealth to the rich; the desire of other things to all. The
deceitfulness of riches - Deceitful indeed! for they smile, and betray: kiss,
and smite into hell. They put out the eyes, harden the heart, steal away all
the life of God; fill the soul with pride, anger, love of the world; make men
enemies to the whole cross of Christ! And all the while are eagerly desired,
and vehemently pursued, even by those who believe there is a God!
Verse
23. Some a hundred fold, some sixty, some thirty - That is, in various
proportions; some abundantly more than others.-------
Daily Devotional
TRADITIONAL
8 ~ 9:30 ~ 11 | Sanctuary | Rev. Elbert KimCommunion at the Altar at 10:40 AM.
NON-TRADITIONAL
Water's Edge 9:30 | The Cove, United Methodist Ctr | Rev. Jessica Strysko | Band | Communion
F5 Modern Worship
11 AM | Linder Hall | Band | Sermon live-feed from SanctuaryPastor 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...
CHILDREN'S SUNDAY SCHOOL | 9:30 ~ 11 | 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...
WEDNESDAY!
M O R N I N G10:30 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
6:45 PM - Practice of Prayer| Linder Lounge |Through February 19
ASH WEDNESDAY AND LENT
"Lift High the Cross"Ash Wednesday Worship, Meal and Presentation | March 5
Lessons on the Spirituality of the Cross
Guest Speaker: The Rev. Dr. Cedrick Bridgeforth
5:30 PM Sanctuary Worship
6:30 PM Meal, $10, and Presentation in Linder Hall. Meal tickets can be purchased here online, at the patio table on Sundays, or in the church office Monday-Friday during business hours. Learn more...
Church Conference "Lift High the Cross" - Lessons on the Spirituality of the Cross
Wednesday Lenten Study by Pastor CraigDuring the season of Lent, Pastor Craig will be adapting his Wednesday Bible Study around this year's Lenten theme, "Lift High the Cross." Each week during Lent, with the exception of Holy Week, Pastor Craig will be leading his morning and evening study into five powerful "virtues" of the cross that can shape our lives and the life of the world as seen in the final chapters of the Gospel of Mark. The Wednesday morning class will be held at 10:30 AM with the evening class following Vespers (Organ Meditation-5:15 PM, Vespers-5:30 PM) and dinner. Tickets for dinner can be purchased in the church office at any time.
SERVE
Interfaith Shelter NetworkCORRECTION
First Church is hosting The Interfaith Shelter Network February 9-22, not the dates listed in Sunday's worship bulletin announcements, which were incorrect. Please contact Brenda Blake (619-297-4366 ext. 125) to volunteer or for more information.
"Come & See" Event
Wednesday, Feb. 19, 10 AM - 1 PM | Cherokee Point Elementary School
You are invited to "Come and See" how God might be calling you to reach out in service to a child or a parent. Potential volunteers from our church are encouraged to join us at Cherokee Point Elementary School (3735 38th St, San Diego, CA 92105) as we learn how we can partner with the school to facilitate a positive and lasting change in the lives of children and families living in poverty.
Learn about several volunteer opportunities:
10:00-10:30 - English Language Development (ELD)/Computer classes
10:30-11:00 - Pathfinders (Peer conflict resolution program)
11:00-11:30 - Everyone A Reader tutor
11:30-12:30 - Break, Debrief, parents talk about upcoming programs, photos of programs
12:30-1:00 - Youth Leadership and Primetime (after school tutoring) program
Questions? Unable to attend? Please contact Brenda Blake or Pastor Jessica Strysko.
AIDS Ribbon
First Church AIDS Ministry presents
Women and AIDS Workshops:
Living with HIV | Sunday, Feb. 23 | 9:30 - 10:30 AM | Trotter Chapel
Magic Bullets or Social Justice | Sunday, March 2 | 9:30 - 10:30 AM | Trotter Chapel.
The AIDS ministry group will be presenting two workshops on the topic of Women and HIV/AIDS. Our goal is to provide some basic information about HIV, give participants an understanding of how HIV/AIDS impacts the lives of women in our community, and suggest ways that our congregation can become more involved in this important ministry. The workshops will be facilitated by Kathleen Grove, Professor of Sociology at Palomar College. For more information, contact Brenda Blake.
CLASSES
San Diego School of Christian Studies presentsIlluminating 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 ...
Faith In Our Families Class
Sundays, March 2-23 | 11:15 AM - 12:15 PM | The Cove
Do you ever wonder how to talk to your child about God? Ever wish you could pray together as a family, but not sure how to start? Have you considered reading the Bible with your family, but are nervous about the questions they might ask, or feel like you might not know "enough" about the stories? Are you interested in finding practical ways to grow in Christian faith as a family?
If you are a parent, grandparent, or guardian and answered yes to any of these questions, we want to invite you to join in our "Faith in Our Families" class on Sundays March 2-23 from 11:15 AM - 12:15 PM. If your child is in childcare or in our Children's Ministry during thathour, childcare is available until 12:30 PM so you can participate in the entire class. More info here ...
Practicum Classes Continue
THE PRACTICE OF PRAYER
Wednesdays, through February 19 | 6:45-7:30 PM | Linder LoungeLed by Rev. Elbert Kim.
THE PRACTICE OF PERSONAL BIBLE STUDY
Sundays, through February 16 | 11:15 AM - 12 PM | The Cove
Led by Dr. Greg La Due.
MUSIC
Organ and Piano RecitalSunday, 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. Read in-depth article...
CHILDREN & YOUTH
This. Is. It. One Big Fundraiser for Student MinistriesYouth 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.
New expanded Children's Ministry hours
We are currently expanding the ministry to the children and families of our church! This two-part process, that began last week, means that our Children's Ministry now runs until noon.
How it works:
Children can attend their classes beginning at either 9:30 AM or 11 AM (Please drop your child in at the amphitheater or, for those age 3-1st grade, in their classroom). Parents/Guardians can pick their children up from Children's Ministry at either 10:30 AM or noon. (Please sign your child out from the amphitheater or, for those age 3-1st grade, in their classroom). Read about all the details and options here ...
PILGRIMAGE 2014
Sign Up Today for the Christian Pilgrimage to England and Scotland October 2014Pastor Craig and Pastor Jessica are finalizing plans and preparations for our church's pilgrimage to England and Scotland this fall. If you previously attended one of the informational gatherings, please submit your registrations before the end of February. You can turn in your form and deposit at the church office. Want to know more information or want to invite a friend or family member? Please visit http://www.pilgrimtours.com/groups/fumcsdengland.htm for all the details.
HEALTH
Operation Family CaregiverFriday, March 7 | 8 AM - 12:30 PM | Free
Understanding a Traumatic Brain Injury and Post-Traumatic Stress can be very confusing. Recognizing the profound impact it has on families can leave caregivers feeling overwhelmed. First Church Health Ministry and the Southern Caregiver Resource Center brings you experts in the field of TBI and PTSD and how to access community resources to help support you and your family. RSVP to 8588-268-4432. More details here ...
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. Note from Nurse Dorothy: Free Smoke Alarms for Seniors! Are You 62 or older? Do you own your own home? Having a working smoke alarm in your home cuts your chances of dying in a house fire by 50%. To sign up for your FREE Smoke Alarm Installation call Brittany Herrin at 858-541-2277, ext. 18 e-mail: bherrin@burninstitute.org.
The church office will be closed Monday, February 17, in observance of Presidents' Day.
The next Pt. Loma Bible Study will be on Thursday, February 27, at 7 PM at the home of the Lawrences. Steve Ford will lead us in "Great Chapters of the Bible" starting with John 4. Please call Sandy at 619-222-2351 for more information.
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/March 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, 9 AM to 12:30 PM. It's located below the sanctuary and through the sanctuary meeting room.
Save the Dates:
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.
Spring Fling 2014, Saturday, May 10. Are you hungry for something satisfying? This year's "Spring Fling" is for the foodie in every woman! Bring your appetite because a fabulous "feast" awaits you, featuring Food Network and Cooking Channel star, Melissa d'Arabian.
Antique sterling silver carving set with case. Made in Paris. $120.
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.
In Our Prayers
We invite you to join us as we keep these individuals and families in our prayers this week.IN MEMORIAM
David Sailors passed away on January 28. He was received into membership in 1975 by C.A. McClain and is survived by his wife, Abby, daughters, Mandy and Jeanne (Justin) Adams, and granddaughters, Breanna, Samantha, Meghan and Molly (Santo). A memorial service will be held in the sanctuary on Saturday, March 1, at 2:00 p.m.
Samuel Walter Harvey passed away on February 7. He was received into membership in 1994 by Susan Gregg-Schroeder and is survived by his son Samuel (Vikki), grandchildren Kym Harvey (John Imeg), Samuel Harvey (Dianna), and four great-grandchildren. Services are scheduled for noon on Saturday, February 22, at La Vida Real in Rancho San Diego.
Prayer Quilts were presented on Sunday, February 2, for Yvette Porter Moore and Matt, Aubrena and Noah O'Neal. Please keep these individuals in your prayers.
Our sympathy is with Betsy Blakely and family on the loss of her brother-in-law, Neil Morgan, on February 1.
Our sympathy is with Ann Collica on the loss of her brother, Frederick McDonald, who passed away on January 25 in Knoxville, Tennessee.
Our sympathy is with Cherié, Louis, Marieka and Nicole Spitzen on the loss of Cherié's father, Harold Lindell, on January 23, in Rancho San Diego.
Our sympathy is with Perlita, Glenn, Rory Urbano and the Ambrosio, Salazar and Urbano families on the loss of Perlita’s husband, Sally, Glenn and Rory’s father and Salvacion Ambrosio’s brother, Tim Urbano, who passed away on February 1. Services were held Tuesday, February 11, at El Camino Memorial Park.
Congratulations to Niall Cargill and Rolita Gaylen who were married on January 18 in our sanctuary by Rev. Mary allman- Boyle.
Congratulations to Clara Akers who celebrated her 90th birthday on February 11.
Members of our congregation in the military who are deployed and their families:
Sam Adams
Jason Constantine
Doug Samples
Collin Sullivan
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First United Methodist Church
2111 CAMINO DEL RIO South
San Diego, CA 92108 IN MISSION VALLEY United States
(619)297-4366
WWW.FUMCSD.ORG
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