Next Wednesday, March 5, is Ash Wednesday, when we begin our most holy of seasons in the life of the church. Lent and Easter work together to give our lives a sense of rhythm and renewal. We experience rhythm as these seasons give us some cadence to the ebb and flow of life. Lent, being a 40-day fast, provides us with time for repentance, discipline and focused affection on God and God's world. This rhythm also expresses itself in Easter, being a 50-day feast, as an opportunity to rejoice in God's redemption and victory over sin and its far reaching effects. Each of us live in this rhythm from introspection leading toward expression. It is "healthy" for us to practice this rhythm in our annual Lent/Easter practice.
The product of this rhythm is renewal. After this 90-day season we will discover new things about ourselves and the world we live in as part of God's creation. The liturgical cycle is our gift leading toward renewal. God leads each of us by the power of the Holy Spirit toward a renewed sense of life. Let us all enter into this season of a blessed Lent with expectant hearts that God will renew us as we discover how to "Lift High the Cross."
Craig +
Business Manager Tom Hamilton Transitions to New Role
at First Church
Having served as the full-time Business Manager for the last 11 years, Tom Hamilton announced his plans to move into a part-time role beginning July 1, 2014. Tom has been asked by Lead Pastor Craig Brown to remain on a part-time basis to provide support for special projects that the church will be undertaking as part of the Church Council's strategic planning process due to be completed by the end of the year.
"Tom has been a critical and much-needed support to me and our church during this time of pastoral transition. I am very much looking forward to working with Tom in his new role beginning in July," Pastor Craig said in affirming Tom's leadership. In his new part-time role, Tom and his wife Carol will have greater flexibility to travel and enjoy time together while still serving in an important capacity at First Church.
Pastor Craig and the Staff-Parish Relations Committee will begin the search for Tom's successor (filling a new role as Executive Administrator-job posting here) immediately. The hope is that there will be an "overlap" period with the church's new Executive Administrator before Tom's transition takes place at the end of June. Let us all join together in giving Tom thanks for a job well-done!
WORSHIP
SUNDAY, MARCH 2, 2014Matthew 17:1-20
Text to read: Matthew 17: 1 After six days, Jesus took with him
Peter, James, and John his brother, and brought them up into a high mountain by
themselves. 2 He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and
his garments became as white as the light. 3 Behold, Moses and Elijah appeared
to them talking with him.
4 Peter answered, and said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to
be here. If you want, let’s make three tents here: one for you, one for Moses,
and one for Elijah.”
5 While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud
overshadowed them. Behold, a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is my
beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Listen to him.”
6 When the disciples heard it, they fell on their faces, and
were very afraid. 7 Jesus came and touched them and said, “Get up, and don’t be
afraid.” 8 Lifting up their eyes, they saw no one, except Jesus alone.
14 When they came to the multitude, a man came to him, kneeling
down to him, saying,
18 Jesus rebuked him, the demon went out of him, and the boy was
cured from that hour.
19 Then the disciples came to Jesus privately, and said, “Why
weren’t we able to cast it out?”
20 He said to them, “Because of your unbelief. For most
certainly I tell you, if you have faith as a grain of mustard seed, you will
tell this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing
will be impossible for you.
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John Wesley’s Notes-Commentary for
Matthew 17:1-8, 14, 18-20
Verse 1. A high mountain - Probably Mount Tabor. Mark ix, 2;
Luke ix, 28.
Verse 2. And was transfigured - Or transformed. The indwelling
Deity darted out its rays through the veil of the flesh; and that with such
transcendent splendour, that he no longer bore the form of a servant. His face
shone with Divine majesty, like the sun in its strength; and all his body was
so irradiated by it, that his clothes could not conceal its glory, but became
white and glittering as the very light, with which he covered himself as with a
garment.
Verse 3. There appeared Moses and Elijah - Here for the full
confirmation of their faith in Jesus, Moses, the giver of the law, Elijah, the
most zealous of all the prophets, and God speaking from heaven, all bore
witness to him.
Verse 4. Let us make three tents - The words of rapturous
surprise. He says three, not six: because the apostles desired to be with their
Master.
Verse 5. Hear ye him - As superior even to Moses and the
prophets. See Deut. xviii, 17.
Verse 7. Be not afraid - And doubtless the same moment he gave
them courage and strength.
Verse 14. Mark ix, 14; Luke xi, 37.
Verse
20. Because of your unbelief - Because in this particular they had not faith.
If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed - That is, the least measure of it.
But it is certain, the faith which is here spoken of does not always imply
saving faith. Many have had it who thereby cast out devils, and yet will at
last have their portion with them. It is only a supernatural persuasion given a
man, that God will work thus by him at that hour. Now, though I have all this
faith so as to remove mountains, yet if I have not the faith which worketh by
love, I am nothing. To remove mountains was a proverbial phrase among the Jews,
and is still retained in their writings, to express a thing which is very
difficult, and to appearance impossible. Matt. xxi, 21; Luke xvii, 6.-------
Daily Devotional
TRADITIONAL
8 ~ 9:30 ~ 11 | Sanctuary | Rev. Craig Brown
Communion at the Altar at 10:40 AM.
MODERN
Water's Edge
9:30 AM | The Cove, United Methodist Ctr | Pastor Elbert Kim | Band | Communion
F5 church
11 AM | Linder Hall | Band | Pastor Craig - message live-stream from Sanctuary
Pastor Craig has invited you to prayerfully consider responding to a call from God to attend F5 from September to support this important ministry of the church. Register yourself and your family members here...
CHILDREN'S SUNDAY SCHOOL | 9:30 ~ 11:30
IMPORTANT - Read about all the NEW details here regarding family worship time and Sunday School schedule!
The First Sunday in Lent - March 9, 2014
On the first Sunday in Lent we will celebrate with Holy Communion at all services.
TRADITIONAL SANCTUARY SERVICES
8:00 and 11:00 - Communion will be received at the High Altar by intinction.
9:30 - Communion will be received congregational style in the pews.
New in the sanctuary:
- In addition to using loaf bread for intinction, gluten-free wafers will be available, too.
- Holy Communion will be celebrated each Sunday in Lent at the 8:00 service, by intinction at the High Altar.
Prayer ministers on all-church communion Sundays:
As is our practice, you will have an opportunity to come to the High Altar for prayer on all-church communion Sundays. Prayer ministers will be available at all services to pray with you if you so desire.
WEDNESDAY!
M O R N I N G -TODAY, FEBRUARY 26 10:30 AM - Pastor's Bible Study | Linder Lounge
E V E N I N G - TONIGHT, FEBRUARY 26
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
6:45 PM - Practicum on Fasting | Linder Lounge | led by Rev. Elbert Kim
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, in the church office through Friday, and at the patio table this Sunday (the last day to purchase), Learn more...
"Lift High the Cross" - Lessons on the Spirituality of the Cross
Wednesday Lenten Study by Pastor Craig
10:30 AM Linder Lounge | 6:45 PM Linder Hall
During 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 this 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.
Lenten Vespers - by Rev. Greg LaDue
Make mid-week Vespers a part of your Lenten devotional. Real all about it here...
COVENANT CIRCLE
Covenant Circle Sunday, March 2. Stop by Our Table!In honor of Covenant Circle Sunday, members and friends are invited to stop by the patio table after worship, enjoy a sweet treat, and hear about the history of the Covenant Circle and its role in the life of the church today.
Covenant Circle membership helps to ensure that the legacy of First Church is enriched, preserved and passed along to future generations. Covenant Circle members will be available to answer questions and share their personal stories about what membership means to them. The event is sponsored by the Covenant Circle Planning Committee For more information, contact Saundra Sinn, 619-297-3442.
SERVE
First Church AIDS Ministry presentsWomen and AIDS Workshop
Magic Bullets or Social Justice | Sunday, March 2
9:30 - 10:30 AM | Trotter Chapel
The workshop will 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 workshop will be facilitated by Kathleen Grove, Professor of Sociology at Palomar College. For more information, contact Brenda Blake.
Kick-Off Party for Cherokee Point Elementary Volunteers
Sunday, March 2 | 12:30 - 1:30 PM | The Cove
You are invited to a Kick-Off Party! This event is for those who have decided to be a part of our church-wide ministry with Cherokee Point Elementary School. If you know you want to be involved in some way (even if you're not sure how), we would love for you to join us! Lunch will be provided. We'll celebrate together, answer questions, and make final preparations to start volunteering in early March. RSVP by e-mailing Brenda Blake.
CLASSES
Practicum on Fasting - Tonight Only! Wednesday, February 26 | 6:45-8:00 PM | Linder Lounge
Fasting is one of the spiritual disciplines that has been practiced and upheld by our church fathers for generations. Yet many of us today are unfamiliar with this spiritual tool and don't know where to start when it comes to fasting. The one-hour class will be a brief introduction to fasting, looking at the purpose, preparation and practice.
Faith In Our Families Class - Starts Sunday!
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 that hour, childcare is available until 12:30 PM so you can participate in the entire class. More info here ...
Come study the book of Acts Sunday morning!
Sundays March 9, 23; April 6
9:15-10:45 AM | Office Conference Room
Sunday Morning Mix ChristCare is a small, mixed group committed to building Christian community, reflecting on God's word to grow in personal discipleship. We have begun a stimulating study of the book of Acts, one chapter per session. Please come explore your faith and fellowship with us this Sunday.
MEMBERSHIP
New Beginnings: Exploring the Family of FaithSunday, March 16 | 4-8 PM | Linder Lounge
Sign up today for this exciting exploration with Pastor Craig and the clergy. Together we will discuss biblical perspectives on:
1. What Does Church Membership Mean?
2. What is Our Household All About?
3. The Blessings of Our Household (and our Discipleship Pathway)
4. Responsibilities of Being in This Household
We will share dinner together. Those who are prepared for membership will be received Sunday, March 30. Please reply to Demmie Divine, Membership Secretary, if you would like to participate, ddivine@fumcsd.org.
CHILDREN & YOUTH
Children's Sunday School Schedule beginning this Sunday, March 2!
We have fully transitioned into our new Children's Ministry schedule! Here's how it works:
All children participating in Children's Ministry will begin by going to worship with their families in whatever worship service their families attend (Sanctuary, Water's Edge, or F5). This is true for children who arrive at or before 9:30 and those who arrive at 11am -- all will begin in worship seated with their family.
Note: If your child is staying for the whole morning, we will take them into a worship service at 11 and sit together. After around 15 minutes in worship, the children will be dismissed for Children's Ministry, and their teachers will gather and lead them down to either Sunday School (at 9:30) or to the Bible Stations (at 11).
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.
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 ...
Make the Best of Your Options
Thursday, March 13 | 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM | Linder Hall | Free
The Caregiver Coalition of San Diego is presenting a free educational program for family caregivers focusing on how to make the best of one's options and resources. Dr. John Daly, a UCSD geriatric physician, will speak on the importance of understanding and responding to needs of a loved one.
Breakfast and free adult on-site daycare (must register) will be provided. See schedule here ... Please call to register at 1-800-827-4277; or register here...
WOMEN
Mark your calendar: Spring Fling scheduled May 10!Saturday, May 10 | 11 AM | Sanctuary & Linder Hall | $20 purchase online
Are you hungry for something satisfying? Whether you're a gourmet cook or culinarily-challenged, 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.
Details here ...
NOTICES
Upcoming Memorial Services can be found on our In Our Prayers page on the First Church website. Scheduled as of 2/25/14: services for Barbara Scott, David Sailors and Richard W. "Bill" Biddle.The next Pt. Loma Bible Study is 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.
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.
Griefshare Class continues in Trotter Chapel at 11 AM on Sundays for those who have lost a loved one. You are welcome to join at any time. Please contact Ken Licht at 619-297-4366, x111, for information.
DivorceCare(R) begins another session this Sunday, March 2 through May 25, at 12:30 PM for those who are going through, or have gone through divorce. Information here ...
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.
Next Neighborhood Family Meal is March 31, 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.
Church Ushers Urgently Needed - If you are looking for a place to volunteer your time in ministry, please consider being an usher at one of our Sunday morning sanctuary services. New ushers are urgently needed at all our services: 8, 9:30 and 11. You may choose the service time and amount of Sundays in a month that works best for you. The only requirement is the ability to reach out to others with the love of Christ, extending genuine hospitality. Please contact our Head Usher, H. E. Reichert, at 619-424-7961, or leave your name and number with the church office.
The Altar Flower Calendar has openings for Sundays in March/April 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.
Mission Outreach Thrift Store is accepting donations this Sunday, March 2. Items may be left at the Thrift Store tables on the patio near the entrance to Linder Hall or on the plaza.
Williams-Sonoma Provence Salt Keeper, $30.
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
Richard W. "Bill" Biddle passed away on February 17. He was received into membership in 1975 by Rev. C.A. McClain. He was predeceased by his wife, Mary Lou in 2011. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, March 2, at 1:30 p.m. in Trotter Chapel.
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 (Santo) Fragale and Jeanne (Justin) Adams, and granddaughters, Breanna, Samantha, Meghan and Molly. A memorial service will be held in our sanctuary on Saturday, March 1, at 2:00 p.m. with a reception following.
Barbara Ann Scott passed away on February 16. She was received into membership in 1983 by Rev. Mark Trotter and is survived by her husband, John; children, David, Bradley, Ellen Scott Grable; grandchildren, Charity Grable, Natalie Cunha, Alexander Grable, Dustin Scott, Lillie Scott; and three great-grandchildren. A memorial service will beheld on Friday, February 28, at 12:00 noon in Trotter Chapel.
Prayer Quilts were presented on Sunday, February 23, to Calvin Wilder; and David, Linda, and Penny Winn. Please keep these individuals in your prayers.
Congratulations to David and Mistique Fletcher on the birth of Bailey Lynn, February 14 in Arizona. Proud grandparents are John Fletcher and Wilma Stewart. Proud uncle is Mike Fletcher.
Members of our congregation in the military who are deployed and their families:
Sam Adams
Jason Constantine
Jake Huntley
Doug Samples
Collin Sullivan
Jeffrey Nguyen
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First United Methodist Church of San Diego
2111 CAMINO DEL RIO South
San Diego, CA 92108
(619)297-4366
WWW.FUMCSD.ORG
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