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First United Methodist of Redondo Beach
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Weekly News
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Thursday, April 24,
2014
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Sunday, April 27
8:30 am Informal Worship in Epworth Lounge
9:30 am Contemporary Worship in the Sanctuary
11:00 am Traditional Worship in the Sanctuary
Sunday's Scripture:
John 20:19-31
John 20:19 When therefore it was evening, on that day, the first day of the week, and when the doors were locked where the disciples were assembled, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the middle, and said to them, “Peace be to you.”
20 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. The disciples therefore were glad when they saw the Lord. 21 Jesus therefore said to them again, “Peace be to you. As the Father has sent me, even so I send you.” 22 When he had said this, he breathed on them, and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit! 23 If you forgive anyone’s sins, they have been forgiven them. If you retain anyone’s sins, they have been retained.”
24 But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, wasn’t with them when Jesus came. 25 The other disciples therefore said to him, “We have seen the Lord!”
But he said to them, “Unless I see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”
26 After eight days again his disciples were inside, and Thomas was with them. Jesus came, the doors being locked, and stood in the middle, and said, “Peace be to you.” 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Reach here your finger, and see my hands. Reach here your hand, and put it into my side. Don’t be unbelieving, but believing.”
28 Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!”
29 Jesus said to him, “Because you have seen me,[a] you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen, and have believed.”
30 Therefore Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book; 31 but these are written, that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in his name.
Footnotes:
a. John 20:29 TR adds “Thomas,”
John Wesley's Notes-Commentary
John 20:19-31
Verse 19
[19] Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.
Mark 16:14; Luke 24:36.
Verse 21
[21] Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.
Peace be unto you — This is the foundation of the mission of a true Gospel minister, peace in his own soul, 2 Corinthians 4:1.
As the Father hath sent me, so send I you — Christ was the apostle of the Father, Hebrews 3:1. Peter and the rest, the apostles of Christ.
Verse 22
[22] And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:
He breathed on them — New life and vigour, and saith, as ye receive this breath out of my mouth, so receive ye the Spirit out of my fulness: the Holy Ghost influencing you in a peculiar manner, to fit you for your great embassy. This was an earnest of pentecost.
Verse 23
[23] Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained.
Whose soever sins ye remit — (According to the tenor of the Gospel, that is, supposing them to repent and believe) they are remitted, and whose soever sins ye retain (supposing them to remain impenitent) they are retained. So far is plain. But here arises a difficulty. Are not the sins of one who truly repents, and unfeignedly believes in Christ, remitted, without sacerdotal absolution? And are not the sins of one who does not repent or believe, retained even with it? What then does this commission imply? Can it imply any more than, 1. A power of declaring with authority the Christian terms of pardon; whose sins are remitted and whose retained? As in our daily form of absolution; and 2. A power of inflicting and remitting ecclesiastical censures? That is, of excluding from, and re-admitting into, a Christian congregation.
Verse 26
[26] And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you.
After eight days — On the next Sunday.
Verse 28
[28] And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God.
And Thomas said, My Lord and my God — The disciples had said, We have seen the Lord. Thomas now not only acknowledges him to be the Lord, as he had done before, and to be risen, as his fellow disciples had affirmed, but also confesses his Godhead, and that more explicitly than any other had yet done. And all this he did without putting his hand upon his side.
Verse 30
[30] And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book:
Jesus wrought many miracles, which are not written in this book — Of St. John, nor indeed of the other evangelists.
Verse 31
[31] But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.
But these things are written that ye may believe — That ye may be confirmed in believing. Faith cometh sometimes by reading; though ordinarily by hearing.
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In This Issue
eScrip
20/30 Group
CROP Hunger Walk
From the Lay Leader
Lay Looker
Easter Offering
Prayer Quilting
Like us on Facebook
This Week at Church...
www.beachfaith.org
Adult Bible Study
You are welcome to join our regular Thursday Bible Study with Pastor Molly.
The Pastor's Bible Study meets each Thursday at 11:00am in May Day Parlor.
A Church That Responds to the Needs of the Community
Every Wednesday, with help from neighbor congregations and many volunteers, we host Shared Bread, a free meal for the community.
(Click the logo for more information.)
Would you like to be a part of our Shared Bread Entertainment?? If you play an instrument and would like to share your talent with those who come for a meal, please
contact Susanne Paulson.
The next date you can add to your calendar:
May 28 from 6:00 to 6:30ish.
Feel free to bring a
friend to play.
Groceries =
$$$ for Church
Looking for an easy way to support our church? Now you can do your grocery shopping and the store will give a percentage back to FUMCRB! Click the image on the left to learn how you can sign up for this easy giving program. Our Stewardship Team can answer any questions!
WANT TO STAY CURRENT ON
ANNUAL CONFERENCE NEWS? CLICK THE IMAGE ON THE RIGHT TO LINK TO THE CAL-PAC WEBSITE.
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You may also visit the new website for the entire denomination of United Methodist Church here.
20/30 group: A new group is starting at FUMCRB - the 20/30 group is a casual gathering of people in their 20's and 30's looking to connect with other young adults who attend the same church. Contact Amanda Kuczun for info on upcoming events!
Want to see photos of past church
activities and events?
Check out our
Flickr page and our Facebook page
Easter Journey
Several years ago, my husband and I joined two friends to walk the final 100 km of the Camino Santiago in Spain. An important medieval pilgrimage route - leading followers to the cathedral housing St. James' tomb - it is increasingly popular again, as a cultural as well as religious journey. (Martin Sheen and Emilio Estevez also helped make "The Way" more famous in their 2010 film.)
There's no official beginning point to the Camino--technically, it begins at the home of anyone who makes the journey. As you reach popular routes, though, there are trail markers. All along the way, small monuments, decorated with a shell, mark the path; yellow arrows guide you around corners. The scallop shell has become an emblem of this journey. There are legends connecting scallops to St. James. Others speak of the shells as having been useful tools for pilgrims, for drawing water to drink or holding food for eating. The radiating lines of the scallop are said to symbolize the various paths we might take, always coming together at the end.
I also believe the shell reminds pilgrims of our baptism. Long a visual symbol of baptism, the shell reminds us that we are a part of Christ's family, and that we are blessed and sent for this work.
The Easter season invites us not just to sit and contemplate, but also to walk--to let the good news of resurrection change the way we move through the world. Unlike the Camino Santiago, we are headed not for a cathedral in Spain, but for the new world that is possible in Christ. Our journey matters, as we look for signs of God's presence and love to point us in good directions. We carry the shell that marks our baptism belonging in Christ, trusting that though we cannot see the whole picture, we will let our steps be guided by God's amazing love.
grace and peace,
Pastor Molly
The Celebration (c) 2013 John August Swanson | Eyekons
PS: For a good walk that is a whole lot closer than Spain, I hope you might join us for the CROP Hunger Walk in San Pedro next weekend. It is so good to walk together...
Contact Info
Pastor Molly Vetter
PastorMolly@BeachFaith.com
(310)372-8445 x 102
CROP Walk - Saturday, May 3 at 10amPoint Fermin State Park, San Pedro
Join us for the 34th Annual CROP Walk and help CROP Stop Hunger. This 10K walk begins and ends at Point Fermin Park in San Pedro; much of the walk with be along the beautiful coastline. Strollers, wheelchairs and joggers welcome!
CROP Hunger Walks are interfaith hunger education and fundraising events sponsored by Church World Service. Walks help to support the overall ministry of CWS, especially grassroots, hunger-fighting development efforts around the world. In addition, 25 percent of the funds support programs in its own community--including Shared Bread, the weekly meal ministry of our congregation.
Register as a part of our BeachFaith Church team--or support someone else who's walking.
More information is available on the CROP Walk website. You can support the effort by walking or by supporting someone who is.
From our Lay Leader, Johnna Kosnoff
Portraits of God's Wondrous Love"At the beginning of Lent, our Membership Committee asked everyone to share how we witnessed God's Wondrous Love in our lives. I thought you'd enjoy seeing the bits of love our church community recounted over the past six weeks:
•In our loving church community
•New baby niece
•In watching our kids joyously share their toys
•Praise for a wonderful visit with Rachel & family in Seattle last weekend
•Adult friends who..."
Read the rest of Johnna's recent Lay Leader reflections online.
"Portraits of God's Wondrous Love" by Johnna Kosnoff
At the beginning of Lent, our Membership Committee asked everyone to share how we witnessed God’s Wondrous Love in our lives. I thought you’d enjoy seeing the bits of love our church community recounted over the past six weeks:
In our loving church community
New baby niece
In watching our kids joyously share their toys
Praise for a wonderful visit with Rachel & family in Seattle last weekend
Adult friends who provide excellent guidance for my teens and support system for me
Our growing Sunday School Program
Friends
The Memory of a cherished friend, Bob Crownover. His dedication and integrity will not be forgotten.
Loving friends who support me with encouragement and prayer
The love Betty showed in caring for Bob
Lisa Perlot’s amazing dinners for our Monday night Lenten small group
Confirmands & Mentors – Passing down knowledge; building relationships
My family
FUMCRB devotion to youth
In the laughter of my son
Joyous children in Sunday School having tons of fun
Answered prayer
Mark, Drew, Brandon, Kristen, Marcelle, Melissa all have jobs
A new patio for the youth and other groups to meet outside
Rejuvenation of Spring
Loving family and friends
Beautiful sunrise and sunsets
The amazing planet we live on
In my children’s joyful faces and my parents loving care
I see God’s love in my garden. I’m amazed at the tiniest of complex detail in each flower, bug and bee.
In God’s provision of scripture to help us live our daily lives with joy and guidance.
Perhaps this will inspire all of us to continue watching for God’s Wondrous Love and praising God when we see it. The bible encourages us to cast our burdens on the Lord (Psalm 55:22 and 1 Peter 5:7). It also directs us to praise God for his mighty acts (Psalm 150) and to tell of his wondrous works (1 Chronicles 16:8-13). Let’s continue sharing God’s wondrous works of love in our lives, even after the day of Easter resurrection is past.
Lay Looker by Bob Peterson
Read recent editions of the Lay Looker on our website by clicking here!
Change the World SundayMay 18 - 9am
Join our congregation and other United Methodists from our Mission Area in a Sunday of community service worship.
Instead of our regular worship services, we will meet for prayer, and then spend the morning serving our community, together. Join us as we collect food for Shared Bread, help clean the beach, support Imagine No Malaria and more.
The Youth are selling MOTHER'S DAY CARDS to support Imagine No Malaria!
The cards are $10 each--the cost of a life-saving bed net. You are invited to honor your mother, grandmother, aunt, friend and anyone who has helped "mother" you with this simple life-saving gift. The cards will be available on Sundays before Mother's Day.
Trustees Work Day at Church This Saturday, April 26 at 8:30am-noon
We have a long list of projects that are just right for you! Bring some work gloves and let's see how much we can get done together!
A Children's Ministry UMKIC project...
Packing College Care Packages after Sunday SchoolThe UMKIC kids (that's ALL our young ones!) will be making cards of encouragement and packing them in Care Packages for our College Church Friends during their Finals Week. Please come help with the cards and packing immediately after the 9:30am service, this Sunday 4/27.
Donations of $5 Starbucks Cards or cash to help pay for shipping would be super helpful!
Sierra Service Project Party - Saturday, May 3 from 3 - 6pm
As another summer of service with nearly 2,000 volunteers approaches, Sierra Service Project wants to thank and celebrate with all of our supporters. Everyone including donors, participants, friends, and congregations are invited to an afternoon of food, drinks, and special guests at the home of Nina Dooley and Craig & Erin South at 610 S. Gertruda, Redondo Beach on May 3rd from 3-6 PM.
Join us as we prepare for a summer full of friendship, service, and, of course, fun! This is a free all ages event designed to connect everyone in the SSP community who reside in the South Bay region. Please contact email Nina Dooley for your RSVP and any questions at. We can't wait to see you there!
Sierra Service Project Weekend
Please keep our young people in your prayers--23 of our young people and 5 adults are going on a Sierra Service Project experience in South Los Angeles this weekend. Returning the same site our Sr High group visited last summer, they will serve, learn and pray together in ministry with the community. Mary Circle is going to the movies!
This Monday we are going to view the 7:25pm showing of "Heaven Is For Real" at AMC Del Amo 18. Everyone is welcome! Bring a friend and join us. Tickets are $13.00 for general admission and $12.00 for seniors. Questions? Email Rebecca Thomas.
May Friendship Day Friday, May 2 at 10:30am
"Through God Our Hands Can Serve"
Sponsored by Church Women United
Palos Verdes Peninsula/South Bay Unit
There will be two speakers form The Neighborhood Church and one from Habitat for Humanity
All women are encouraged to attend!
The program will be followed by a luncheon.
($5 Suggested donation) Lunch reservations are required.
Please let Jackie Heite know if you would like to attend the luncheon by Sunday, April 27th.
Hosted by: The Neighborhood Church
415 Paseo Del Mar, Palos Verdes Estates map
Tithes and Offerings
We encourage you to look into our electronic giving program. It takes just a few minutes to setup a recurring giving plan through Realm (our new database system). Email the office for an invitation to Realm or visit the church website to download and complete a paper authorization form.
Strip-Piecing Quilt Workshop -
Saturday, May 17 - 10am-noon Prayers and Squares (our prayer quilt ministry) is hosting a quilt workshop on Saturday, May 17. Come learn a simple strip-piecing technique; we will make a prayer quilt together, and you can learn a skill to use on your own. You do not need to have sewing experience to participate--there is a job for everyone. You are encouraged to bring a rotary cutter, mat and rulers, as well as your sewing machine.
Thanks to some generous fabric donations, we also have fabric that you can use to sew a quilt top on your own. Contact Pastor Molly to help.
We also have quilts ready for prayers--
if you would like to sponsor a free quilt for someone you know, we simply ask that you ask the recipient's permission, and then be here on a Sunday to help people tie knots and say prayers. Request forms are available in the church office or on our website.
Save the Date (and practice your swing...):
2014 Church Golf Tournament - Saturday, June 14 at 10am
(more information and registration on our website)
These last few weeks have been full of life at church!
Check out pictures from our Easter and Palm Sunday celebrations--including worship, the Easter Egg Hung, Jesus riding his donkey into Jerusalem, the kids singing, the petting zoo, hot dogs on the patio, and more! You can see more images of our fun on Flickr: Look! A New Dishwasher!
We are happy to report that we have a new
dishwasher in our church kitchen! This past Wednesday night, as our faithful dishwashing volunteers tried it out, everyone was all smiles. We even prayed a blessing on the new washer, grateful that it helps us clean up every week as we serve a meal through Shared Bread, living the love of Christ in our community.
Like us on Facebook! Visit the page and "like" us so you can see and share the latest photos, news and links from the church.
This Week at Church...
Church Council
Join us for our monthly church council meeting at 7pm in Epworth Lounge. Hear reports from staff and other church leaders and learn more about the "happenings" at church.
Nursery
The Nursery is open all three services for ages 6 weeks to 4 yrs old. Located right off of the parking lot across Epworth Lounge. Any questions email the Nursery Coordinator: Adriana Hwang
Children's Ministry
This week in Sunday School we will be hearing the story of Thomas, a disciple who had "doubts" about Jesus' Resurrection. There will be a baking project this week, a special craft and game. See you at 9:30am.
After Sunday School: We are sending College Care Packages. Please bring a $5 Starbucks gift card and/or a cash donation to help with shipping.
Our children's blog now has it's own page- Check it out!
Church R Us (4th and 5th grade):
Join us upstairs in the Church R Us room for Sunday School this week at 9:30am.
Youth Group (6th-12th grade):
There's no youth group this week as we will have spent the weekend together serving a community in Los Angeles! We'll get together next week!
Adult Sunday School: Join us every Sunday at 9:30am for study and discussion of this week's scripture lesson. (May Day Parlor)
Men's Breakfast: Our next breakfast is Monday, May 5 at 7AM. All men of the church and their friends are welcome to join us for fellowship. At Billy's Deli, 5160 W 190th St, Torrance, CA 90503.
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First United Methodist Church of Redondo Beach
(310)372-8445 main (310)372-5696 fax
Reverend Molly Vetter, Lead & Teaching Pastor PastorMolly@beachfaith.com
Ernie Valenzuela, Administrative Assistant x101 Ernie@beachfaith.com
First United Methodist Church
243 South Broadway Street
Redondo Beach, CA 90277 United States
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