Sunday, July 6
Pastor Molly, preaching
8:30am in the Epworth Lounge
10:30am in the Sanctuary Celebrating Baptism
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Sunday's Scripture:
Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23
Matthew 13:1On 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:
Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23
Verse 2
[2] And great multitudes were gathered together unto him, so that he went into a ship, and sat; and the whole multitude stood on the shore.
He went into the vessel — Which constantly waited upon him, while he was on the sea coast.
Verse 3
[3] And he spake many things unto them in parables, saying, Behold, a sower went forth to sow;
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
[4] And when he sowed, some seeds fell by the way side, and the fowls came and devoured them up:
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 hinderances 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
[8] But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold.
Good ground — Soft, not like that by the highway side; deep, not like the stony ground; purged, not full of thorns.
Verse 19
[19] When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side.
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
[20] But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it;
The seed sown on stony places, therefore sprang up soon, because it did not sink deep, Matthew 13:5.
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
[21] Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.
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 pretences for leaving so narrow and rugged a way.
Verse 22
[22] He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.
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, Matthew 13:7. (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
[23] But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.
Some a hundred fold, some sixty, some thirty — That is, in various proportions; some abundantly more than others.
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In This Issue
eScrip
20/30 Group
From the Lay Leader
Like us on Facebook
This Week at Church...
www.beachfaith.org
________________________________Adult Bible Study
The Pastor's Bible Study meets each Thursday at 11:00am in May Day Parlor.
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California-Pacific
Annual Conference
Session 2014
The Annual Conference meeting of our regional church met last week in Redlands--it was good to be gathered together as the diverse, beautiful community that we share in. Pastor Molly had a number of leadership roles, as Chair of the Order of Elders, as Emcee for the Retirement Dinner and more. She's happy to share news that she's been appointed to serve our congregation for another year!
She was also elected to be a delegate to the Jurisdictional Conference of the UMC in 2016, and as the first alternate delegate to our General Conference that same year.
The sessions are over, but information about what happened is still online.
You can see our own Wendy Stanfill share in an Imagine No Malaria presentation via the archived livestream of Wednesday afternoon's Plenary. (The presentation begins at about 1:05:30.)
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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.)
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!
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WANT TO STAY CURRENT ONANNUAL 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.
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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!
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4th (and 5th) of July
Parking Lot Fundraiser
Every Independence Day we "sell" our parking spaces to beach goers. We need a crew of volunteers to cover shifts throughout the day. If you are available this Friday and/or Saturday, please
email Jim Howard.
logic5@verizon.net
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Attention sports fans!!The Membership Committee is looking into starting a FUMCRB softball team this fall and would like to gauge interest. It will be open to men and women 18 years of age or older. All skill levels are welcome. All you need is the desire to play. If interested please email Troy Thomas here and indicate the days/times that you would be available.
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Want to see photos of past church
activities and events?
Check out our
Flickr page and our Facebook page
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Rev. Nicole teaches about the need for clean water in our world at VBSWell Watered
Summer is underway, and, as the parent of a toddler, I have discovered the joy of splash pads. Like fountains that you are supposed to play in, they make it easy to share in how good it feels to catch the cool spray of someone else's splash on a hot day.
This Sunday, we have the privilege of sharing in the baptism of another young child. Like catching the spray of someone else's splash, baptisms remind me of God's abounding, overflowing, life-giving grace. There are serious questions asked at baptism--questions that demand we give ourselves fully to the difficult task of following Christ. But there is also the joy of new life, and the refreshing reminder before everything we're called to, already there is the unfailing love of God.
Water is increasingly precious--in our present drought, we seek to conserve it and make sure there's enough for everyone. At Vacation Bible School, in the Mission Station, our kids learned about the difficulty faced by too many people worldwide who lack access to clean water. Never to be taken for granted, we offer gratitude for the gift of water we receive. As it becomes sacrament, it blesses and refreshes even more.
grace and peace,
Pastor Molly
We continue our summer worship schedule this Sunday, with services at 8:30 and 10:30. I hope to see you there!
*Please note: the Church Office will be closed on Monday, July 7, as an observed holiday for the office staff.*
Contact Info
Pastor Molly Vetter
PastorMolly@BeachFaith.com
310-372-8445 x 102
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Aloha, Caroline!
On Sunday, July 13, we are planning a lunchtime celebration to
honor and thank Caroline for her 9 years as Director of Youth Ministry here.The lunch will be catered with Hawaiian food--join us for $10 ($5 for kids). RSVP by email to make sure there's plenty of food!
Additionally, we are gathering favorite pictures and movie clips of Caroline--and it's not too late to participate. If you have a favorite or two to share, please email them to Pastor Molly! (And help us spread that word to others who know and treasure her.) If you would like to help with the party, please note that in your RSVP. :)
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A Farewell Celebration for Linda and Dr. JeanetteOn Sunday, July 27, we will have a lunchtime party honoring Linda Waterman at her retirement, and honoring Dr. Jeanette Yaryan as she moves on to next adventures.
Besides sharing lunch together, we're planning some good, musical fun--including an opportunity for anyone to "join the choir" as we sing through a couple favorite anthems.
Everyone's welcome to be a part of the fun!!
http://vols.pt/UaSJ http://vols.pt/UaSJ8K 8K
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Make something sour into something sweet... Our Children's Ministry invites people of all ages to join in to host LemonAid stands in your neighborhood this summer. We have all the supplies--and can even recruit kids to help--so you can be a part of helping with this effort to support the Imagine No Malaria campaign. (Read more about INM here.)
Please sign up for LemonAid Stand to end Malaria - here's how it works in 3 easy steps:
1. Click this link to go to our invitation page on VolunteerSpot
2. Enter your email address: (You will NOT need to register an account on VolunteerSpot)
3. Sign up! Choose your spots - VolunteerSpot will send you an automated confirmation and reminders. Easy!
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Sunday Schedule Updates:
Social Hour Between ServicesBeginning on July 13, we will host a special Social Hour between our worship services (between 9:15 and 10:30). We hope it will provide occasions to share in conversation and fellowship with others in the congregation. There will be good coffee, lemonade or punch and some snacks.
Beginning July 13, we will also have a special Social Hour Forum from 10-10:30 in Epworth Lounge. Each week, we'll have a different topic; anyone is welcome to participate in this conversation.
Between July 13 and August 10, our Children's Ministry will host an extra time of Sunday School, starting at 10. The kids will then come down to join us for the beginning of worship at 10:30, and return to Sunday School after the Children's Time, for the rest of the worship hour. Their lessons will be shaped around "The Jungle Book," in these weeks before our new Theatre Arts Camp.
On July 13, our Social Hour Forum will be a conversation with Pastor Molly about Worship - in advance of our Church Council meeting for July, we seek more input and feedback from the congregation about our Sunday Schedule. We plan to decide whether to keep just two services on Sundays, or return to three, for the fall. All are welcome; if you are not able to make this gathering, but have something to add to the conversation, please contact Pastor Molly.
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Summer Worship ScheduleWe will have TWO worship services through the summer: a casual worship service
in Epworth Lounge at 8:30, and a festive combined community worship service in the sanctuary at 10:30.
Join us for these exciting upcoming Sundays:
July 6 - Our holiday weekend worship shares a favorite parable of Jesus; we will celebrate the baptism of Karalyn (Trey and Krys) Kyle at 10:30.
July 13 - We begin a series of sermons with themes drawn from "The Jungle Book" - starting off with a reminder that "All the World is God's Creation." After worship, we will celebrate Caroline's ministry as we wish her "Aloha."
July 20 - Rev. Nicole Reilley will be back to preaching on the advice to "Be Careful Who You Trust." (Pastor Molly will be with the youth on an SSP trip.)
July 27 - Pastor Molly will preach, "Don't worry about 'Stuff'" and we will celebrate the worship gifts of Linda and Dr. Jeanette with extra-special music.
Worship Helpers Needed: Liturgists and communion servers for 8:30 & 10:30 worship throughout the summer. If you are available to help out, pleas sign up here. Junior and Senior High youth are encouraged to help, too! We also need videographers in the balcony and sound/computer operators downstairs.
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Join us this Summer at First United Methodist Church of Redondo Beach for a Summer Theatre Arts Camp for kids
(Entering (1st- 6th Grade)- only 10 more spots!! (Preschool is now full)
Register now!
During our weeklong Day Camp (August 4th - 8th), kids will practice teamwork and cooperation as they prepare a professional production of "Disney's The Jungle Book Kids."
For more information and to register visit our Website.
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From the Lay Leader, Johnna Kosnoff
After a week of VBS Workshop of Wonders and Imagining, Building,
Growing, Working and Walking with God, it seemed appropriate that the movie offered on our flight to Indiana today was The Lego Movie. In case you aren't familiar with the Lego movie, here's a brief synopsis of the part I want to share: It's the story of an ordinary construction worker who discovers that he is special - and so is everyone else - because each one of us has unique gifts and special talents that we can use to make our world a better place. It's part of what we were teaching the kids at VBS but it's also part of what we, as adult Disciples of Christ, need to remember. We are each called in unique and special ways to..."Read more of Johnna's recent Lay Leader reflections online.
"Making a Difference" by Johnna Kosnoff
After a week of VBS Workshop of Wonders and Imagining, Building, Growing, Working and Walking with God, it seemed appropriate that the movie offered on our flight to Indiana today was The Lego Movie. In case you aren’t familiar with the Lego movie, here’s a brief synopsis of the part I want to share: It’s the story of an ordinary construction worker who discovers that he is special – and so is everyone else – because each one of us has unique gifts and special talents that we can use to make our world a better place. It’s part of what we were teaching the kids at VBS but it’s also part of what we, as adult Disciples of Christ, need to remember. We are each called in unique and special ways to share our gifts and talents to transform this world into a more Christ-like place.
We are meant to learn, grow and adapt in our faith individually, not in competition with one another, to better connect to God and to become the person God intends us to be. We do this by reading scripture, praying, worshiping and fellowshipping with others who believe what we believe. As mature believers in Jesus, we are also instructed to encourage others to develop their faith by studying together and by going out into our community to share Christ’s love and grace with those who do not know Him.
If you aren’t already involved in the community in some way, whether it’s volunteering in the schools or a charity, coaching a little league team, playing in an adult league or being part of a community or global organization, I encourage you to jump in. If it’s unsettling, I encourage you to step out of your comfort zone and let God stretch you. Take your special talent and unique gifts and let people outside our church see Christ’s love through you. It’s part of Imagining, Building, Growing, Working and Walking with God and it will make a difference in our world
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Pancakes!
It's a joy to share with you that we raised $467 at the pancake breakfast! With that amount of money, Imagine No Malaria can purchase nets or medicine for 46 more people in Africa who, otherwise, might not receive prevention nets or treatment for malaria. We are so fortunate to be part of a church family who want to care for God's people all over the world. With much gratitude, the Membership Committee & Missions Team thank you for your support.
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Donor Drive at Faith UMC R U a Match?
Sunday, July 13, 12 - 4pm
Faith United Methodist Church
2115 W. 182nd Street, Torrance 90504
The Klinger/Potter families are helping the Nihei/Fredrickson family in Northern CA find a bone marrow donor for their son Baylor, age 7. He is currently hospitalized with leukemia; to survive he needs a donor within three months. The donor must be half Asian, half Caucasian, ages 18 to 44. The Asian-Caucasian database of 400,000 has been searched but no one matches.This drive is a search for a match not only for Baylor, but for all those in the registry in need of a donor. If you are willing to be added to the database, they ask that you be willing to donate to ANY patient. Feel free to download the Donor Drive Flyer and forward to others.
For information about Baylor, click here to go to his Facebook page
For information about the donor database, click here.
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The Lay Looker, Bob Peterson
Read Bob's recent Lay Lookers on our website by clicking here.
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Scrap Quilting Workshop -
Tuesday, July 15 - 7-9pm
Prayers and Squares (our prayer quilt ministry) is hosting our
next quilt workshop on Tuesday, July 15, in May Day Parlor. Click thru for more information about this month's project. 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.
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THANK YOU:Workshop of Wonders- VBS!
Thank you to all our Visioneers and Faith Builders who made last week happen! Your dedication to the program helped make it a success. We also appreciate all of the donated funds and supplies.
Who's ready to "Gear Up" for next year! :)
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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.
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This Week at Church...
Nursery
The Nursery is open during both 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
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Children's Ministry: Happy Fourth of July Weekend!
Check out our new Worship Cart this week at the 10:30am service! It will be filled with activities that will connect you to Worship.
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Church R Us (4th and 5th grade):
Join in the Worship Notes Challenge this summer...see the kid's cart in the sanctuary for details.
RSVP now for Movie Night on July 8th. We're seeing Earth To Echo. Time will be announced on Friday via Church R Us email.
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Youth Group (6th-12th grade):
--Join in the Worship Notes Challenge this summer...see the kid's cart in the sanctuary for details.
--This Thursday(7/10) is Skyzone Night from 5-8 pm. RSVP now to caroline@beachfaith.com
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Adult Sunday School: Our Adult Sunday School class will be on hiatus for the summer. Stay tuned for the start-up date in the fall.
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Men's Breakfast: Our next breakfast is Monday, July 7 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 S. Broadway Street
Redondo Beach, CA 90277 United States
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