As we move through these final days of Lent leading toward Easter, we are faced with a waiting game. For many who have embraced a Lenten discipline, these final days seem to be the hardest. For those who have yet to embrace such a Lenten practice, these days may seem no different than any other day. That does not mean that they, too are not waiting.
According the the Apostle Paul in Romans 8, we are all waiting for the redemption of all things. This lenten process of waiting makes us "practice" the waiting game. Will Easter come? When will all things be made right? When will God fully redeem all things?
The fact is that we are all waiting.
However, knowing there is an end in sight can keep us moving forward. A pastor once told me the secret to working hard was to ensure that the next vacation was already scheduled! Hope for the future keeps us moving forward. We know that Easter will certainly come, but we also know that God's work of redeeming all things will eventually come.
So as we move through these final days of waiting, may we begin to experience the foretaste of that which is to come!
Craig +
WORSHIP
EASTER SUNDAY, APRIL 20, 2014
John 20:1-18
Sermon theme for coming Sunday (Lent) Lift High the Cross - Victory
Text to read: John 20: Now on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene went early, while it was still dark, to the tomb, and saw the stone taken away from the tomb. 2 Therefore she ran and came to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken away the Lord out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they have laid him!”
3 Therefore Peter and the other disciple went out, and they went toward the tomb. 4 They both ran together. The other disciple outran Peter, and came to the tomb first. 5 Stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths lying, yet he didn’t enter in. 6 Then Simon Peter came, following him, and entered into the tomb. He saw the linen cloths lying, 7 and the cloth that had been on his head, not lying with the linen cloths, but rolled up in a place by itself. 8 So then the other disciple who came first to the tomb also entered in, and he saw and believed. 9 For as yet they didn’t know the Scripture, that he must rise from the dead. 10 So the disciples went away again to their own homes.
11 But Mary was standing outside at the tomb weeping. So, as she wept, she stooped and looked into the tomb, 12 and she saw two angels in white sitting, one at the head, and one at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain. 13 They told her, “Woman, why are you weeping?”
She said to them, “Because they have taken away my Lord, and I don’t know where they have laid him.” 14 When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing, and didn’t know that it was Jesus.
15 Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Who are you looking for?”
She, supposing him to be the gardener, said to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.”
16 Jesus said to her, “Mary.”
She turned and said to him, “Rabboni!”[a] which is to say, “Teacher!”[b]
17 Jesus said to her, “Don’t hold me, for I haven’t yet ascended to my Father; but go to my brothers, and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’”
18 Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that he had said these things to her.
Footnotes:
a. John 20:16 Rabboni is a transliteration of the Hebrew word for “great teacher.”
b. John 20:16 or, Master
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John Wesley’s Notes-Commentary for
John 20:1-18
Verse 3
[3] Peter therefore went forth, and that other disciple, and came to the sepulchre.
Peter went out — Of the city.
Verse 6
[6] Then cometh Simon Peter following him, and went into the sepulchre, and seeth the linen clothes lie,
Peter seeth the linen clothes lie — and the napkin folded up - The angels who ministered to him when he rose, undoubtedly folded up the napkin and linen clothes.
Verse 8
[8] Then went in also that other disciple, which came first to the sepulchre, and he saw, and believed.
He saw — That the body was not there, and believed - That they had taken it away as Mary said.
Verse 9
[9] For as yet they knew not the scripture, that he must rise again from the dead.
For as yet — They had no thought of his rising again.
Verse 10
[10] Then the disciples went away again unto their own home.
They went home — Not seeing what they could do farther.
Verse 11
[11] But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre,
But Mary stood — With more constancy. Mark 16:9.
Verse 16
[16] Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master.
Jesus saith to her, Mary — With his usual voice and accent.
Verse 17
[17] Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.
Touch me not — Or rather, Do not cling to me (for she held him by the feet,) Matthew 28:9. Detain me not now. You will have other opportunities of conversing with me. For I am not ascended to my Father - I have not yet left the world. But go immediately to my brethren - Thus does he intimate in the strongest manner the forgiveness of their fault, even without ever mentioning it. These exquisite touches, which every where abound in the evangelical writings, show how perfectly Christ knew our frame.
I ascend — He anticipates it in his thoughts, and so speaks of it as a thing already present. To my Father and your Father, to my God and your God - This uncommon expression shows that the only - begotten Son has all kind of fellowship with God. And a fellowship with God the Father, some way resembling his own, he bestows upon his brethren. Yet he does not say, Our God: for no creature can be raised to an equality with him: but my God and your God: intimating that the Father is his in a singular and incommunicable manner; and ours through him, in such a kind as a creature is capable of.
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Daily Devotional
Monday – On this day in holy week, Jesus cleansed the temple.
What place does anger have in your life?
Just or unjust?
Tuesday – On this day in holy week, Jesus confronted religious leaders.
What makes for a person of religious integrity?
Wednesday - On this day in holy week, Jesus taught on taxes and giving. How are taxes and giving different? Which has the most power?
Thursday - On this day in holy week, Jesus instituted communion. What is the significance of communion for you?
Friday - On this day in holy week, Jesus died a criminals death. What meaning does the cross have for you?
Saturday - On this day in holy week, the world lay waiting in expectant hope. What are you hoping for today? Why?
Sunday - Pray for those in the grips of death that they might see a vision of Jesus, resurrected!
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SANCTUARY WORSHIP
Pastor Craig Brown | 8 AM | 9:30 | 11 AM
Chancel Choir with brass quartet, timpani and organ featuring Beethoven's "Hallelujah!"
MODERN WORSHIP
WATER'S EDGE | at The Cove, Krause United Methodist Center
9:30 AM | Pastor Elbert Kim | Band | Communion
CDs of just-released album by Anxious Sunday still available on Sundays ($15, cash-only)
F5 CHURCH | Linder Hall
11 AM | Band | Communion
Pastors Elbert Kim, Mary Allman-Boyle and Pastor Craig Brown's video message from the Sanctuary
Pastor Craig has invited you to prayerfully consider attending F5 through September to support this important ministry of the church. Register yourself and your family members here...
CHILDREN'S SUNDAY SCHOOL | 9:30 ~ 11:30
Easter Sunday info here ...
Family worship time and Sunday School schedules here...
HOLY WEEK WORSHIP
Holy Week and Easter Worship Services
For a complete listing of the five special Holy Week worship services,
visit this web page ...
For details about a specific service, click on the worship service below:
- Holy Week Wednesday Vespers | 5:30 PM | read this blog for description
- Holy (Maundy) Thursday | 7:30 PM
- Good Friday | 12:10 PM
- Stations of the Cross | Good Friday | 7-9 PM, come and go
- Labyrinth Walk | Saturday | 10 AM - 2 PM | Linder Lounge (indoor/portable)
and outdoors west of Music Center
- Easter Vigil and Confirmation | Saturday | 7:15 PM
Easter Vigil
Stations of the Cross - New for Good Friday
Friday, April 18 | 7-9 PM | Church Campus and Trotter Chapel
First Church invites you on a journey of engaging prayerfully with 14 biblical Stations of the Cross. On Good Friday evening, stations will be set up around the outside of the church, all focusing artistically on one part of Jesus' life beginning on the Mount of Olives and ending on the cross.
Artists have been invited to create artwork for each station. The Scripture associated with the station will be their inspiration and each will have a plaque with the verse(s). Participants will walk around at their own pace, visit each station, read the Scripture, and prayerfully ponder the artwork. Communion will be available all evening in Trotter Chapel.
As we gather prayerfully, contemplating our own and the world's brokenness, we also gather to worship God trusting in God's grace. Be a part of what promises to be a powerful journey.
Labyrinth Walk, Holy Saturday, April 19
Saturday, April 19 | 10 AM - 2 PM
As part of your Holy Week devotions, come Holy Saturday and walk the Labyrinth. The outdoor Labyrinth is located behind the Music Center and the portable Labyrinth will be set up in Linder Lounge. This is a very personal experience that will add immensely to your inner journey as Lent comes to a close.
New format for Saturday Easter Vigil service, April 19
Saturday, April 19 | 7:15 PM
All are invited to join in a very special time of worship the evening before Easter. This service is an ancient time of worship in the Christian tradition when the shift from Lent to Easter actually happens. Worship will begin in the Memorial Garden and process to the sanctuary. Historically, this is also the time when new Christians are received into the community faith. As such, we will receive our entire class of confirmands during worship. Both Pastor Craig and our Director of Student Ministries, Richard Annett will bring the message. More details here...
Baptism Opportunities for Adults and Children
Older children and adults: Easter Vigil, Saturday, April 19, 7:15 PM
Infants and young children: Sunday, May 4, at any service:
8:00 sanctuary;9:30 or 11 sanctuary or modern (Water's Edge or F5).
If you are interested in being baptized, or having a child baptized, contact Demmie Divine, 619-297-4366 ext 108.
WEDNESDAYS
5:15 PM - Vespers | Sanctuary | Music for meditation | Communion Tonight: Holy Week Lenten Vesper service.
Vesper worship from Easter to Pentecost... info here
6:45 PM Bible Study has ended and will resume in the fall.
Please consider joining a Wednesday evening group for the all-church study, The Way. Info below... Short-run studies will be offered Wednesday evenings this summer. Watch this space!
Wednesday evening dinners are on hiatus and will resume May 7.
YOUTH & CHILDREN
Egg HuntChildren and worship: Easter Sunday, April 20PalmSUnday
All children will begin attending a sanctuary or modern (Water's Edge, F5) worship service with their families. After a blessing of the children, they will be dismissed for Sunday school. Please remember to sign your child in with the pink check-in card (found in the pew racks in the sanctuary, and check-in table at modern worship). All children will be picked up in the Amphitheater following the worship service.
Glow in the dark egg hunt
Glow-in-the-Dark Egg Hunt 2014
What it looks like to host 600 children and parents on our campus
for 90 minutes of crazy glow-in-the dark games and fun!
Check out the photo album here...
Palm Sunday 2014
Palm Sunday 2014 Album
Who doesn't love a parade?
Check out the photo album here...
A Technicolor Promise - Children and Youth Choir Musical
Saturday, May 3 at 4 PM | Sunday May 4 at 12:30 PM | Linder Hall
You won't want to miss this fresh version of the story of Noah, sung and performed by our children and youth choirs under the direction of Kathy Fait.
The performance is free. A free-will donation will be taken.
On Sunday, May 4, lunch will be offered from 10:30-12:20 in Linder Lounge. Lunch is $6.00 and will include sandwich, salad or chips and a beverage.
Lunch tickets will be sold on Sunday, April 27, between services on the patio, or purchase online here.
STUDY
San Diego School of Christian Studies:
Matters of Life and Death
TONIGHT - Wednesday, April 16: What does it mean to be alive?
Wednesday, April 23: What does it mean to be dead?
6:45-8:45 PM | The Cove
Tuition: $10 each lecture, students with ID free, register online...
Dr. Rebecca Moore, SDSU, examines different cultural perspectives on life and death through the lenses of religion, anthropology, biology, and ethics. More info about the classes and Dr. Moore, here...
The Way: Walking in the footsteps of Jesus
Sign up now for The Way all-church study
May - June 8 (Pentecost)
Beginning in May, travel to the Holy Land via The Way: Walking in the Footsteps of Jesus, Adam Hamilton's Bible study trilogy on the life of Jesus. Retrace the footsteps of Jesus from his baptism to the temptations to the heart of his ministry, including people he loved, the enemies he made, the parables he taught, and the roads that he traveled. Pray through the devotion guide, reflect on the sermon and participate in a small group. This year we offer lunch and groups after worship, and several neighborhood groups, too.
Books are available for purchase in the church office this Sunday, $15/book, $8/devotion guide. Lunch on Sundays for group members by reservation, $5/person. Sign up online here... Questions? Contact Beckett Kirk at bkirk@fumcsd.org.
SERVE
Easter Eggs
Food Ministry Easter Outreach
Sunday, April 20
Each Sunday our food ministry provides assistance in the form of supplemental food to low-income families and individuals. We served over 6,000 people in 2013. On Easter Sunday, we would like to provide each family with a ham (canned or fresh) or chicken (large whole roasting) and a dozen eggs (hard-boiled and colored or fresh) in addition to the regular distribution items. Bring a ham or chicken, and eggs to Linder Lounge on Sunday where Brenda Blake will take your donation. Cash donations are also greatly appreciated to help support this project. Please feel free to contact Brenda Blake, 619-297-4366 ext. 125.
Spring into Service at Cherokee Point
Spring break is the perfect time to get ready to serve at Cherokee Point Elementary School! Children return to school the week of April 28 and summer break doesn't start until July 21, allowing 3 months of outreach time! Talk to Brenda Blake, our Director of Church and Community Work, or Pastor Jessica about the many opportunities to serve: reading with students, teaching parents computer skills, starting a community garden, and helping with Saturday School tutoring. Find a complete list here... Fill out a volunteer form and get a current TB test or provide documentation (past 3 years). Take this opportunity to spring into service!
COVENANT CIRCLE
Covenant Circle
Covenant Circle Luncheon
Sunday, May 4 |12:30 PM | The Dana on Mission Bay
The Covenant Circle annual luncheon is a time when members and friends gather to honor those members who passed the previous year, as well as welcome new members to the Covenant Circle -- where members share their blessings through legacy gifts that ensure our many First Church missions continue and grow for generations who follow. For more information about membership, please contact Saundra Sinn, 619-297-3442. Last day to make a luncheon reservation is April 21.
WOMEN
Mark your calendar: Spring Fling is coming 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 ...
MUSIC
Ann Collica
Ann Collica: 60 Years with the Chancel Choir
This month, the Chancel Choir celebrates Ann Collica's 60-year anniversary singing with the choir, making her the longest serving member.
Ann has been a member since 1954. Read about how she came to San Diego, joining the choir, and her years of service here...
Congratulations Ann!
Save the Date: Benefit Organ Recital for the Epworth Rectory
Monday, May 12 | 7 PM | Sanctuary | Free-will Offering
World-renowned organ virtuoso, Dr. Joyce Jones, will present a recital in our sanctuary to benefit the restoration of the Epworth Rectory, the birthplace of the founder of the Methodist movement, John Wesley. Read in-depth about the about Dr. Jones and the recital repertoire on the event page on our website ...
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. Dates of upcoming memorial services for Louise Haun and Janet Rice can be found on the In Our Prayers page on our website.
DivorceCare(R) continues this Sunday through May 25, at 12:30 PM for those who are going through, or have gone through divorce. Information here ...
The next Pt. Loma Bible Study will be at the Barnes' home on Thursday, April 24, at 7 PM. Lorraine Barnes will lead us in a lesson that includes a short lecture on the quality of Jesus' "Radical Discipleship" plus discussion items and interesting facts about Jesus, the Gospel writers and the Bible. Please call Sandy at 619-222-2351 for more information.
Nurses Notes: "Stroll Through the Gaslamp Quarter and Stingaree" with Walkabout International
Friday, April 25, 10-11:30 AM. Meet at the Balboa Theater, 4th and E St. Call 858-573-0090 for reservation.
Next Neighborhood Family Meal is April 28, 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. Address: 4650 Mansfield St. Volunteers prepare and bring a main dish, salad or dessert. Email Brenda Blake or call 619-297-4366, x125.
Childcare Workers Needed. Parents, grandparents, retirees: Looking to earn little extra cash? Want to spend some time with our youngest children? Children's Ministry is seeking individuals who would like to work in our church nursery during Sunday worship services, and during special events held on campus. Interested? Contact Laura Schwarcz for more details, 619-297-4366, x140.
The Altar Flower Calendar has openings for Sundays in May/June 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 Date!
Holy Hole-In-One Charity Golf Tournament - Friday, June 13, 12 PM, Eastlake Country Club, Chula Vista. Contact Saundra Sinn for information.
MISSION OUTREACH THRIFT STORE
3186 Adams Ave.
Open Monday to Saturday 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
<<< Antique child's wicker rocking chair, $59.
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
Janet Rice passed away on March 31. She was received into membership in 1973 and is survived by her four children, Sally (Larry) Fox, Barbara (Jeff) Mitchum, Jean (Brian) Davis and Joyce Sammons. A memorial service will be held Saturday, April 26, at 2:00 p.m. in our sanctuary, Rev. Craig Brown officiating.
Louise Haun passed away on March 29. She was received into membership in 1977 by Rev. Mark Trotter and is survived by her spouse, Albert, children, Garry and Dixie (Mike) Blaylock and five grandchildren. Services will be held on Friday, April 25, at 11:00 a.m. in our sanctuary, Rev. Ken Licht officiating.
John Scott passed away on April 7. He was received into membership in 1983 by Rev. Mark Trotter and is survived by his children, David Scott, Bradley Scott, Ellen Scott Grable, and grandchildren, Charity Grable, Natalie Cunha, Alexander Grable, Dustin Scott and Lily Scott, and three great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, April 23, at 1:00 p.m. in Trotter Chapel, Rev. Ken Licht officiating.
Opal Rose Sundstrum passed away on April 6. She was received into membership in 1969 by C. A. McClain, Jr. and is survived by her daughter, Judy, and granddaughter, Kara Dotter. A graveside service will be held April 11.
Members of our congregation in the military who are deployed and their families:
Sam Adams
Will Brown
Jason Constantine
Jake Huntley
Chris Lemon
Doug Samples
Collin Sullivan
Matt O'Neal
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First United Methodist Church
2111 CAMINO DEL RIO South
(619)297-4366
WWW.FUMCSD.ORG
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