San Diego, California, United States - Enews, the official newsletter of First United Methodist Church for Wednesday, 23 April 2014 "How is Jesus your way?""I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father but by me."--John 14:6
What does this passage of scripture mean to you?
For years, this scripture has been used to prove that Jesus is the ONLY way to God. I remember being indoctrinated into this understanding in my early years of college. Later in life, one of my professors in seminary caused me to evaluate this passage again. Is it possible that the "Way of Jesus" is the way to God? No one can come to God unless they do so as Jesus did? All in all, this is good theological question that bears, perhaps, a lifetime of thought.
As we begin our church-wide study called "The Way," I would encourage you to do a similar evaluation. As post-resurrection people, what does "The Way" mean to us? How is Jesus your way?
In our small groups, private study and Sunday sermons, we will explore together what it means to make the way of Jesus our way. No matter how you take it, both "ways" lead to Jesus!Craig +
WORSHIP
SUNDAY, APRIL 27, 2014Daily Devotional
SANCTUARY WORSHIP
1 Peter 1:3-9 | John 20:19-31
Text to read: 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,”
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1 Peter 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to his great mercy became our father again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an incorruptible and undefiled inheritance that doesn’t fade away, reserved in Heaven for you, 5 who by the power of God are guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 Wherein you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been put to grief in various trials, 7 that the proof of your faith, which is more precious than gold that perishes even though it is tested by fire, may be found to result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ— 8 whom not having known you love; in whom, though now you don’t see him, yet believing, you rejoice greatly with joy unspeakable and full of glory— 9 receiving the result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
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John Wesley’s Notes-Commentary for
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.
1 Peter 1:3-9
Verse 3
[3] Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ — His Father, with respect to his divine nature; his God, with respect to his human.
Who hath regenerated us to a living hope — An hope which implies true spiritual life, which revives the heart, and makes the soul lively and vigorous.
By the resurrection of Christ — Which is not only a pledge of ours, but a part of the purchase-price. It has also a close connexion with our rising from spiritual death, that as he liveth, so shall we live with him. He was acknowledged to be the Christ, but usually called Jesus till his resurrection; then he was also called Christ.
Verse 4
[4] To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,
To an inheritance — For if we are sons, then heirs.
Incorruptible — Not like earthly treasures.
Undefiled — Pure and holy, incapable of being itself defiled, or of being enjoyed by any polluted soul.
And that fadeth not away — That never decays in its value, sweetness, or beauty, like all the enjoyments of this world, like the garlands of leaves or flowers, with which the ancient conquerors were wont to be crowned.
Reserved in heaven for you — Who "by patient continuance in welldoing, seek for glory and honour and immortality."
Verse 5
[5] Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
Who are kept — The inheritance is reserved; the heirs are kept for it.
By the power of God — Which worketh all in all, which guards us against all our enemies.
Through faith — Through which alone salvation is both received and retained.
Ready to be revealed — That revelation is made in the last day. It was more and more ready to be revealed, ever since Christ came.
Verse 6
[6] Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:
Wherein — That is, in being so kept. Ye even now greatly rejoice, though now for a little while - Such is our whole life, compared to eternity.
If need be — For it is not always needful. If God sees it to be the best means for your spiritual profit.
Ye are in heaviness — Or sorrow; but not in darkness; for they still retained both faith, 1 Peter 1:5, hope, and love; yea, at this very time were rejoicing with joy unspeakable, 1 Peter 1:8.
Verse 7
[7] That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:
That the trial of your faith — That is, your faith which is tried.
Which is much more precious than gold — For gold, though it bear the fire, yet will perish with the world.
May be found — Though it doth not yet appear.
Unto praise — From God himself.
And honour — From men and angels.
And glory — Assigned by the great Judge.
Verse 8
[8] Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:
Having not seen — In the flesh.
Verse 9
[9] Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.
Receiving — Now already.
Salvation — From all sin into all holiness, which is the qualification for, the forerunner and pledge of, eternal salvation.
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Rev. Mark Trotter * | 8 AM | 9:30 | 11 AM
* Rev. Trotter was the Senior Pastor at First Church from 1976 to 2000, retiring after 24 years.MODERN WORSHIP
Exodus 3:7-9
Text for Sunday: Exodus 3:7 Yahweh said, “I have surely seen the affliction of my people who are in Egypt, and have heard their cry because of their taskmasters, for I know their sorrows. 8 I have come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians, and to bring them up out of that land to a good and large land, to a land flowing with milk and honey; to the place of the Canaanite, the Hittite, the Amorite, the Perizzite, the Hivite, and the Jebusite. 9 Now, behold, the cry of the children of Israel has come to me. Moreover I have seen the oppression with which the Egyptians oppress them.
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John Wesley's Notes-Commentary for:
Exodus 3:7-9
Verse 8
[8] And I am come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians, and to bring them up out of that land unto a good land and a large, unto a land flowing with milk and honey; unto the place of the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites.
I am come down to deliver them — When God doth something very extraordinary, he is said to come down to do it, as Isaiah 64:1. This deliverance was typical of our redemption by Christ, and in that the eternal Word did indeed come down from heaven to deliver us.
A large land — So it was, according to its true and ancient bounds, as they are described, Genesis 15:18, and not according to those narrow limits, to which they were afterwards confined for their unbelief and impiety.
A land flowing with milk and honey — A proverbial expression, abounding with the choicest fruits, both for necessity and delight.
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Richard Annett, Director of Student Ministries, preaching live, both services
WATER'S EDGE | at The Cove, Krause United Methodist Center | 9:30 AMBand | Communion
CDs of just-released album by Anxious Sunday still available on Sundays ($15, cash-only)
F5 CHURCH | Linder Hall | 11 AM | BandRichard Annett, Director of Student Ministries, preaching live
CHILDREN'S SUNDAY SCHOOL | 9:30 ~ 11:30
Family worship time and Sunday School schedules here...
Baptism Opportunities for Infants and Young ChildrenSunday, 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 having a child baptized, contact Demmie Divine, 619-297-4366 ext 108.
WEDNESDAYS
5:15 PM - Vespers | Sanctuary | Music for meditation | Communion 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
A Technicolor Promise - Children and Youth Choir MusicalSaturday, 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.
Children's Ministry Family Picnic at Mission BaySunday, May 18 | 3:30 PM | Donation, $10/family | RSVP
Children's Ministry is hosting a Family Picnic
at Playa Pacifica on Mission Bay see all the details, what to bring, etc., here ...
Come join us for an afternoon of fun, games, and a good old fashioned BBQ. Hope to see you there! Questions? Contact Laura Schwarcz.
Children and Youth Ministry Story Tree Tile ProjectWednesday, May 21 | Drop in from 4:30-6:30 PM
$6/tile, pay day of event, no RSVP
Calling all children and youth! Interested in becoming part of the legacy of this church, visible to all who pass by the Sunday School and Children's Growing Center rooms? Join us to paint a tile! We will meet in the plaza. Our theme this year is,"but as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord," Joshua 24:15. This is a drop-in event: come paint a tile and enjoy a sno-cone! Ages 3 and up are welcome to paint one tile (make sure you practice)! Questions? Contact Laura Schwarcz.
STUDY
The Way: Walking in the footsteps of JesusSign 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 on the patio this Sunday or in the church office M-F, $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.
San Diego School of Christian Studies:
Matters of Life and Death
TONIGHT - Wednesday, April 23: What does it mean to be dead?
6:45 PM | The Cove | Tuition: $10 each lecture, students with ID free | Dr. Rebecca Moore
Matthew HerbstIslam, Secularism, and Democracy in Turkey Today
Sunday, May 11 | 12:15 - 3 PM | Linder Lounge
Tuition: $10 each lecture, students with ID free | Optional lunch $7
Register online here ...
This talk considers the interplay between secularism and religion in contemporary Turkey, addressing the secular foundations of the Turkish state, perspectives on the current Islamist ruling party (AKP), and the state of minority rights in Turkey. More info about the class and Dr. Herbst here...
WOMEN
Spring Fling just around the corner: 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 ...
SERVE
Spring into Service at Cherokee PointSpring 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!
MUSIC
Save the Date: Benefit Organ Recital for the Epworth RectoryMonday, 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 ...
Anxious Sunday CD available in Church Office and onlineYour very own Water's Edge Worship Band 'Anxious Sunday' debut CD 'Overcome' is now on sale in the church office! The CD includes 10 new original songs for worship! 20% of all Church Office sales will be donated to the church: $15/each or 2 for $25.
CDs can also be ordered online at www.cdbaby.com -- individual tracks, too.
Album and individual songs are available on iTunes -- search 'Anxious Sunday Overcome.' See our music video on YouTube -- search 'Anxious Sunday We Will Overcome.'
Chancel Choir
Join an Adult ChoirFULL ARTICLE HERE...
During this post-Easter season we encourage those in our congregation and newcomers to consider joining one of our adult choirs as a short-term opportunity through the end of our regular choir season: Chancel Choir (sings weekly) or Contemporary Singers (sings about once a month). There are no auditions. Visit our Adult Choir music ministry web page more information.
After the end of our regular season (June 29), we will begin our Summer Choir season. The Tenor/Bass Choir will sing during the month of July and the Soprano/Alto Choir will sing in August through Labor Day weekend.
Thanks to Charles Prestinari
An unfortunate result of the sudden demise of San Diego Opera is the loss of our wonderful associate organist, Charles Prestinari. A resident of New Jersey, Charles came to San Diego as chorus master of the Opera. He and his wife Bridget had hoped to generate enough income to settle in San Diego. Unfortunately they will now be leaving at the end of April. Charles has conducting opportunities this summer in NJ and CO, and they plan to spend time this fall "doing the opera scene" in Europe. Charles will be playing in the sanctuary services this Sunday, April 27, and in Vespers on Wednesday, April 30. You will want to thank him for his service to our church and assure him of your love and prayers.
MISSION
Mission Sunday, May 18Meet Romy - our Covenant Missionary serving in Cambodia
Rev. Dr. Romeo Del Rosario is a missionary with the General Board of Global Ministries of the United Methodist Church serving as country director of the United Methodist Mission in Cambodia. Romy, as we know him, has long been a covenant missionary with First Church and we have enjoyed a long relationship with him. Currently, he is in charge of a team of workers that includes Cambodians and nine missionaries from different parts of the world.
In Cambodia he oversees the emerging Methodist Church. Cambodian Christians are involved in evangelizing ministries, promoting Christian education and discipleship, community health and food production, leadership training, community organization, livelihood skills training and church construction. He teaches at the Cambodian Methodist Bible School and has also taught at Union Theological Seminary in the Philippines. Romeo supports pastoral ministry and church growth. We are lucky to have an enthusiastic spiritual leader representing us!
FUNDRAISER
Golf TournamentSave the Date: Holy Hole-In-One Charity Golf Tournament
Friday, June 13 | 12 PM | Eastlake Country Club and Golf Course
Get ready for a fun day on the links at this 7th annual golf tournament fundraiser supporting First Church missions and outreach.
Register to play online or Sundays starting May 11. Registration fee $150/player includes green fee, cart, range balls, tee gift bag and BBQ dinner. There are five sponsorship levels and underwriting opportunities available -- contact Saundra Sinn, 619-297-4366, x157.
NOTICES
The Loaves & Fishes Food Ministry would like to thank all who donated hams, chickens, & eggs for our Easter food drive. They were distributed on Sunday, April 20, with plenty to go around for everyone who was there. Your generous giving continues to be a blessing to this ministry.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.
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.
MISSION OUTREACH THRIFT STORE
3186 Adams Ave.
Open Monday to Saturday 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Heavy copper mixing bowl, $89.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
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.
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.
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.
Dyanna Smith passed away on April 14. She was received into membership in 2010 by Dr. Jim Standiford and is survived by her husband, Leslie, and son, Sean. A memorial service is planned for early June.
Elizabeth "Liz" Tripp passed away on April 12. She was received into membership in 1996 by Rev. Susan Gregg-Schroeder and is survived by her husband, Charles, son, Scott Tripp, daughter, Suzanne Tripp, and three grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, May 9, in our sanctuary.
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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eNEWS, the official newsletter of First United Methodist Church
2111 CAMINO DEL RIO South
San Diego, CA 92108
(619)297-4366
WWW.FUMCSD.ORG
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