San Diego, California, United States - First United Methodist Church ENews "Experience or Understanding?" for Wednesday, 16 July 2014 We are empowered by the Holy Spirit and enriched by our traditions to move boldly into a shared future where all people are invited to connect with Christ, cultivate faith together, and commit to serve as life-long followers of Jesus Christ."Experience or Understanding?"
In reading many of the teachings of Jesus, there are some that are just tough to understand. The parable of the unjust steward in Luke 16 or Jesus' teaching about "hating" family in comparison to him are tough words to hear. To be honest, I have spent a near lifetime trying to process and understand Jesus, but there are times when I have to confess that the meaning is difficult. Sometimes, seeing an example or hearing a story can help.
Consider John 13 when Jesus washes the disciples' feet. Jesus taught often about serving others with much of it falling on deaf ears. This time, Jesus acts it out. By washing the feet of the disciples, Jesus makes his ministry and life clear.
We are now given the same mantle. We must act it out. God's call for us is not to over-intellectualize our faith. We must put flesh on it by acting it out. The world outside may not always understand our words, but we hope they will our actions!
Craig +
Worship WORSHIP
SUNDAY, JULY 20, 2014
Matthew 18:21-35
Matthew 18: A Story About Forgiveness21 At that point Peter got up the nerve to ask, “Master, how many times do I forgive a brother or sister who hurts me? Seven?”
22 Jesus replied, “Seven! Hardly. Try seventy times seven.
23-25 “The kingdom of God is like a king who decided to square accounts with his servants. As he got under way, one servant was brought before him who had run up a debt of a hundred thousand dollars. He couldn’t pay up, so the king ordered the man, along with his wife, children, and goods, to be auctioned off at the slave market.
26-27 “The poor wretch threw himself at the king’s feet and begged, ‘Give me a chance and I’ll pay it all back.’ Touched by his plea, the king let him off, erasing the debt.
28 “The servant was no sooner out of the room when he came upon one of his fellow servants who owed him ten dollars. He seized him by the throat and demanded, ‘Pay up. Now!’
29-31 “The poor wretch threw himself down and begged, ‘Give me a chance and I’ll pay it all back.’ But he wouldn’t do it. He had him arrested and put in jail until the debt was paid. When the other servants saw this going on, they were outraged and brought a detailed report to the king.
32-35 “The king summoned the man and said, ‘You evil servant! I forgave your entire debt when you begged me for mercy. Shouldn’t you be compelled to be merciful to your fellow servant who asked for mercy?’ The king was furious and put the screws to the man until he paid back his entire debt. And that’s exactly what my Father in heaven is going to do to each one of you who doesn’t forgive unconditionally anyone who asks for mercy.”
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John Wesley’s Notes-Commentary:
Matthew 18:21-35
Verse 22
[22] Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.
Till seventy times seven — That is, as often as there is occasion. A certain number is put for an uncertain.
Verse 23
[23] Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants.
Therefore — In this respect.
Verse 24
[24] And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents.
One was brought who owed him ten thousand talents — According to the usual computation, if these were talents of gold, this would amount to seventy-two millions sterling. If they were talents of silver, it must have been four millions, four hundred thousand pounds. Hereby our Lord intimates the vast number and weight of our offences against God, and our utter incapacity of making him any satisfaction.
Verse 25
[25] But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made.
As he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold — Such was the power which creditors anciently had over their insolvent debtors in several countries.
Verse 30
[30] And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt.
Went with him before a magistrate, and cast him into prison, protesting he should lie there, till he should pay the whole debt.
Verse 34
[34] And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him.
His lord delivered him to the tormentors — Imprisonment is a much severer punishment in the eastern countries than in ours. State criminals, especially when condemned to it, are not only confined to a very mean and scanty allowance, but are frequently loaded with clogs or heavy yokes, so that they can neither lie nor sit at ease: and by frequent scourgings and sometimes rackings are brought to an untimely end.
Till he should pay all that was due to him — That is, without all hope of release, for this he could never do. How observable is this whole account; as well as the great inference our Lord draws from it: 1. The debtor was freely and fully forgiven; 2. He wilfully and grievously offended; 3. His pardon was retracted, the whole debt required, and the offender delivered to the tormentors for ever. And shall we still say, but when we are once freely and fully forgiven, our pardon can never be retracted? Verily, verily, I say unto you, So likewise will my heavenly Father do to you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.
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Daily Devotional
Monday, July 14, 2014Why are we told to forgive so much?>
Does it border on enablement?
Why?
Tuesday, July 15, 2014
What makes forgiveness hard to transact?
Do you enjoy it or just the fruit of it?
Wednesday, July 16, 2014
How can you forgive people that are no longer living?
Why is it important?
Thursday, July 17, 2014
Why is there so much value placed on forgiveness?
What does our own forgiveness have to do with it?
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SANCTUARY WORSHIP
8 AM | 9:30 * | 11 AM | Pastor Craig Brown* 9:30 Sanctuary Worship
Vacation Bible School Sunday will be celebrated in the 9:30 sanctuary service this Sunday, July 20. Kids will share through music and readings about their great week at VBS. We hope you will join us! Pastor Craig will preach a shorter sermon during the 9:30 hour. If you would like to hear his full sermon on that day, attend the 8 or 11 service or listen online Monday.
MODERN WORSHIP
9:30 AM | Band | Communion | Pastor Elbert Kim
F5 CHURCH | Linder Hall | 11 AM | BandPastor Elbert Kim | Pastor Craig's Video Sermon
CHILDREN'S SUNDAY SCHOOL | 9:30 ~ 11:30
Note! No regular Sunday School in July!
All children are invited to worship with their families in the service of their choice.
ON VACATION?
Catch the sanctuary/F5 sermon via audio or video online. It posts to the website every Monday. Find it here... or subscribe through iTunes... Reflections on Laity Sunday - On Sunday, June 29, members Lynette Williamson and George Mitrovich took to the pulpit in the sanctuary services. If you missed this occasion, George Mitrovich offers reflections in an article here... or you may listen to it online here...
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Reflections on Laity Sunday by George Mitrovich
When Pastor Craig asked Lynette Williamson and I to preach on Laity Sunday, he said the theme would be "Power to The People."I asked our pastor if he knew “power to the people” was normally associated with political causes, even radical political causes. He said he did, but the power he had in mind was laity power – and no other.
Lynette and I did our best to address Craig's theme on Laity Sunday, and from your reaction, as expressed following worship and since, we appeared to have fulfilled our pastor’s charge.
Which I note to say the following:
In her homily Lynette said that for a long time she was content to come to church and "park it"; to pay her tithe and be a "good Christian", but there came a time when she was no longer content to just "park it."
And so began a journey that led Lynette to a life of service to our church and, in time, her selection as our lay leader. In that journey she demonstrated power comes to individuals when they commit themselves to loving God with all their heart and to serving others.
In my homily I wanted to drive home the point that while we have a great church, we are but a shadow of what we could be, if we as laity would reach out to family, friends, and colleagues, and invite them to experience First Church – which far too few of us do; a fact indisputable given our declining numbers over several decades.
In my homily I quoted from Karl Barth, the 20th century’s greatest theologian, who wrote in “Call to Discipleship”:
It is not merely a matter of saving our own souls in
the attainment of a private beatitude. We lose our
souls and hazard our eternal salvation, if we will
not accept the public responsibility which we assume
when we become disciples of Jesus. It is more than
doubtful whether we are doing this if our existence
does not force those around us to take notice…”
I then spoke of Matthew Barnett, who was the young pastor of a struggling church in the Echo Park district of Los Angeles. In 1994 his church had 39 members and an average Sunday attendance of 48.
The young pastor began to doubt his call to ministry, so one Saturday night he invited whoever would come to a dinner at the church to discuss what they should do.
They decided to go door-to-door in their neighborhood, not for the purpose of inviting people to church, but to introduce themselves and ask, “Is there anything we can do for you?”
That question became a turning point for the church, and in time the congregation would buy the former Queen of Angels Hospital and turn it into the Dream Center, where the church ministers to gang members, drug addicts, unwed mothers and children without parents, motorcycle groups, taggers, AIDS victims, and various subculture, ethnic and nationality groups. It feeds the homeless and others in need and runs a halfway house for released prisoners. Close to 500 people are housed at the center and receive rehabilitation.
The church’s theme, "Find a need and fill it, find a hurt and heal it."
Today the church serves some 35,000 people weekly. All because they asked a question, “Is there something we can do for you?”
I pointed out that in the 92108 zip code, where our church stands in Mission Valley, live approximately 20,000 people, the vast majority of whom have no clue our church exists. If you add the 92116 zip code, which includes University Heights and Kensington, you have additional 30,000 people that live in ignorance of First Church.
That 50,000 people are in the dark about a church that represents the Light of the World, isn’t their fault. It's ours!
Among those 50,000 women and men, children and families, there may be a world of hurt; individuals in need of God’s transforming love, who by experiencing the saving power of Jesus would find life changing power – if only they knew.
Brothers and Sisters, this isn’t rocket science. If the one thousand who come to worship on Sundays at First Church invited one person, family, friend, or colleague, to join them in worship that would double attendance – and in time double our church’s ability to provide even more help to those in need in our communities and city.
Will you do it? Will you this week ask one person, “Is there something I can do for you?”
Blessing in Jesus’ name.
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WEDNESDAYS
M O R N I N G
10:30 AM - "I AM" study meets in Trotter Chapel today, July 16.
Vespers
E V E N I N G
5:15 PM - Vespers | Sanctuary | Music for meditation | Communion Singing favorite hymns during Vespers this summer.
6 PM - Dinner ($6)| Linder Hall | RSVP to the office 619-297-4366 by Mon.
6:45 PM - "I AM" study | Linder Hall 2
July 23, 7 PM - Summer Sings | Sutherland Music Center
Registration in Trotter Chapel at 6:30, $15.
United Methodiat Women
Noon deadline for UMW Fashion Show and Luncheon Tickets!
Saturday, July 19 | 12-2 PM | Linder Hall$20 Ticket sales closes today, July 16, at noon!
Buy online here or at church office
The annual United Methodist Women's Fashion Show and Salad Luncheon Benefit is delighted to have Chico's back again -- with UMW models strolling the runway, showcasing their latest fashions. A catered luncheon is included in the ticket price. Proceeds will benefit the many missions of the UMW.
STUDY
John Wesley
This Saturday: Experiencing Grace 1-Day Workshop
Saturday, July 19 | 9 - 11:30 AM | Linder Lounge | RSVPJoin Pastor Craig for this workshop designed to be a primer for understanding and experiencing God's grace through the tradition of Methodism's founder, John Wesley. Wesley believed it was God's grace acting in concert with human choice that could transform a person's life. As a group, we will retrace the work of grace in our own lives and consider how God's grace can fuel us into a life filled with God's presence and power. Light refreshments will be provided.
Learning to Walk in the Dark - Monday Book StudyMondays, August 4 - 25| 6 - 8:30 PM | Home of Nancy Sunday | RSVP
Barbara Brown Taylor's most recent book, Learning to Walk in the Dark, offers us a very different look at "the dark." Rather than a place of ignorance, danger, fear, and a place to be avoided; the dark is, and can be, a place of nurturance and growth. Led by Rev. Greg LaDue and Nancy Sunday. Purchase the book in the church office ($15) or through your favorite bookseller.
The Marriage Course -- through August 24
Sundays, through Aug. 24 |12:30 - 2 PM | Linder Hall 2 | $40/couple A course for any couple. Whether your relationship is strong or you are struggling, The Marriage Course is a great opportunity to invest in the future of your relationship. Practical talks as a couple -- no group work! The course is taught by Dr. Elbert Kim, Rev. Greg LaDue, and Rev. Jessica Strysko on alternate Sundays. Register here ...
HEALTH
Creating a Culture of Comfort Symposium
Thursday, July 24 | 9 AM - 4 PM | Linder Hall $25 - Free for family caregivers. RSVP by Monday, July 21 Info here...
This symposium is designed to teach caregivers and long term care providers the principles and implementation of a comfort-centered approach to dementia care to minimize problematic behavior and maximize quality of life. Sponsored by Southern Caregiver Resource Center.
Disaster Preparedness Workshop for Older AdultsThursday, July 31 | 10 AM - 1:30 PM
Linder Hall | Free Lunch Buffet
RSVP: 760-429-3488 or email cindy@heritageseniorcare.com
Speakers, resources, booklets.
Download the flyer for details
MUSIC
Next Summer Sing is July 23summersings
The Summer Sings are back and is your opportunity to sing major works with San Diego's finest conductors. Scores and refreshments are provided for $15 per sing, free for students and observers. No reservations required. Registration begins in Trotter Chapel at 6:30 PM. Rehearsals are in the Sutherland Family Music Center, 7-9:15 PM. See schedule here... SummerChoir
Join a Summer Choir
There are two short-term opportunities to join our choir for four or five weeks: our Summer Soprano/Alto and Tenor/Bass choirs. The Tenor/Bass Choir sings at the 9:30 and 11 AM Sunday sanctuary services through July 27. Rehearsals are Thursdays in the Sutherland Music Center, 7-8:30 PM. Sunday morning warm-up begins at 9. Come at 8:45 AM for refreshments and fellowship and sing for one or both services. The Soprano/Alto Choir's first rehearsal is July 30. You are welcome to participate for any length. Questions? Contact our Director of Church Music, Dr. Stanley M. Wicks, 619-297-4366, ext. 135.YOUTH & CHILDREN
Children's Growing Center Enrolling Kindergarten
The Children's Growing Center at First Church has two openings in the Kindergarten class for the 2014-15 school year. If you are seeking a quality Kindergarten program for your child, or know someone looking for one, please contact CGC Director Denise Vicks. Information about the Kindergarten program can be found on the CGC website here...DivorceCare 4 Kids seeking leaders
This fall we will offer DivorceCare 4 Kids, a course open to all children who have been or are currently experiencing divorce within their home. The class is grounded in God's great and never ending love for children and how to walk through a divorce. We are looking for two adult leaders available to teach the course with the curriculum already designed. Interested? Please contact Laura Schwarcz. Thursday Beach
Thursdays, through July 24 | 9 AM - 4 PM | La Jolla ShoresMiddle and high school youth can participate in District days at the beach on Thursdays during the month of July. Come to the church at 9 AM or meet us at La Jolla Shores. Bring a sack lunch or money for food, towel, and sunscreen. Questions? Contact Richard Annett, Director of Student Ministries.
Beach Ball
Youth and Children Family Beach Day
Saturday, August 16 | 10 AM - 3 PM | Mission Beach$10 per family (for food and drinks)
Calling all families with youth and children! Youth and Children's Ministries invite you to a Family Beach Day at Mission Beach. Come join us for a wonderful day of beach fun... lunch and beach games will be on the agenda.
Register here ...
SERVE
Children's Book Drive for Neighborhood House, Calexico
Sundays through July 27 (or Monday-Friday, 9-5)Neighborhood House, Calexico, does marvelous work with women and children living in poverty. They offer preschool, daycare and a shelter. They are in need of children's books, both in English and Spanish. If you have new or gently used books you can donate, please bring them to Linder Hall and place them in the bin marked "Children's Book Donations" for this Global Missions Task Force collection project. Thank you in advance for helping with this project!
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Time to register your group for the 2014 Ministry Fair! Sunday, September 7 |9 AM - 12:30 PM | Plaza
We'll kick-off the fall with some great ways to get more involved; opportunities to learn about the ministries of the church, and a time to reconnect with friends or connect for the first time. Now is the time to get your ministry / group / class organized and ready. Theme for this year: Crossroad Celebrations!
Important Dates:
If your Ministry/Group/Class needs a table during this event: Register your ministry online
before August 27. Request for printed promotional material: submit printshop@fumcsd.org no later than August 4. For more information, contact Laura Schwarcz, Phyllis Kenney, or Pastor Jessica at 619-297-4366.
Free Neighborhood Family Meal Update!
The monthly community meal at Normal Heights UMC, under the leadership of First Church, will discontinue in its current form after August 25. Both First Church and Normal Heights UMC are currently in a transition, trying to meet the needs of Normal Heights and City Heights neighborhoods. This fall, First Church will put more energy into the Cherokee Point ministry in City Heights as one of our many local mission projects. Read more about the transition...Got Milk? Donors STILL Needed!
Loaves and Fishes Food Ministry still needs "milk donors" to commit to bring one half-gal. of milk to Linder Lounge each Sunday to help supplement the needs of our weekly food distribution to low income families and the elderly at Wesley UMC. To help, contact Brenda Blake. Small groups or other groups can participate. Tom Large explains the situation here. Are you a young adult interested in mission?
Do you want to make a difference in the world around you, showing your love for God by serving others? The United Methodist Church has wonderful opportunities for you to be a part of Generation Transformation, with short-term, long-term, and flexible mission opportunities for young adults, ages 18-30. If you're interested, contact Pastor Jessica for more information, or check out UMC Mission.orgSENIORS
Older or Elder Workshop
Saturday, August 2 | 8:30 - 11:30 AM | Linder Lounge | RSVPWe are called to become more than just older, we are called to become guides and "elders." Most of those whose lives we read about in Scripture are beyond the youthful years. We are called not just to age, but to acquire wisdom that we might become mentors to those who come after us.
Born before 1964? Claim your state at All States Picnic!Saturday, August 2 | 12:30 - 3:30 PM | Linder Hall | $6/person
Join in a fun afternoon as we gather around the states we came from and get to know each other. The cost covers a picnic meal. Stop by the patio table on Sundays to sign up, or sign up online by noon on Wednesday, July 30. Sponsored by Seniors Ministry.
MEMBERSHIP
New Beginnings: Exploring the Family of FaithSunday, August 10 | 4-8 PM | Linder Lounge
Sign up for this exciting exploration with Pastor Craig and the clergy. Together we will discuss biblical perspectives on:
1. What Does Church Membership Mean?
2. What is Our Household All About?
3. The Blessings of Our Household (and our Discipleship Pathway)
4. Responsibilities of Being in This Household
We will share dinner together. Those who are prepared for membership will be received Sunday, August 24. Contact Demmie Divine, Membership Secretary, if you would like to attend.
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.
McDonalds gift cards for people in need - The Heart of Christianity Class has $5 McDonalds gift cards available to distribute to people in need. Stop by the table on the patio for more information. Donations requested.
Pick up your Church Directory. If you had your photo taken for the directory last summer, you can pick up your free copy in the church office Monday-Friday, 9-5. Questions? Contact Deb Rosevear, 619-297-4366 ext.123.
Next Neighborhood Family Meal is July 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.
The Altar Flower Calendar has openings for Sundays in July/August 2014. Help us fill those dates. Call Eleene in the church office at 619-297-4366 to make your reservation. Each bouquet is $50.
Save the Dates
Wesley Foundation Sunday, July 27
Fiesta Musica Latina with Bob Plimpton, organ and Marco Labastida, tenor, July 21 Spreckels Organ Pavilion, Balboa Park. Join this facebook event and invite your friends!
Baptism of infants and children, September 21. Contact Demmie Divine at 619-297-4366 ext. 108 or email ddivine@fumcsd.org
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 PMExercise spin cycle, BF 718, $75.
Proceeds from the Thrift Store support several local missions and the United Methodist Women. Last year we raised $34,000 for local missions.
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In Our Prayers
We invite you to join us as we keep these individuals and families in our prayers this week.
IN MEMORIAM
William Kneeland passed away on June 19. He was received into membership in 1974 by Rev. C.A. McClain and is survived by his wife, Marilyn. A memorial service will be held in our sanctuary on Thursday, July 31, at 11:00 a.m., Pastor Craig Brown officiating.
Prayer Quilts were presented on Sunday, June 29, for Millie Chamberlain. Please keep these individuals in your prayers.
Members of our congregation in the military who are deployed and their families:
Sam Adams
Will Brown
Jason Constantine
Jake Huntley
Chris Lemon
Carl Meuser
Doug Samples
Collin Sullivan
Matt O'Neal
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by the Wednesday of the week prior to publication
First United Methodist Church of San Diego
2111 Camino del Rio South
San Diego, CA 92108 United States-------
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