| First United Methodist of Redondo Beach |
Weekly News
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Thursday, 18 December 2014
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Sunday, December 21
4th Sunday of Advent
8:30amin the Epworth Lounge 9:30am
Advent Video SundaySchool
10:30am
in Epworth Lounge
in the Sanctuary
Sunday's Scripture:
Luke 1:26-38
Today's Scripture is Luke 1:26-56 & Matthew 1:18-25
Luke 1: A Virgin Conceives
26-28 In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to the Galilean village of Nazareth to a virgin engaged to be married to a man descended from David. His name was Joseph, and the virgin’s name, Mary. Upon entering, Gabriel greeted her:
Good morning!
You’re beautiful with God’s beauty,
Beautiful inside and out!
God be with you.
29-33 She was thoroughly shaken, wondering what was behind a greeting like that. But the angel assured her, “Mary, you have nothing to fear. God has a surprise for you: You will become pregnant and give birth to a son and call his name Jesus.
He will be great,
be called ‘Son of the Highest.’
The Lord God will give him
the throne of his father David;
He will rule Jacob’s house forever—
no end, ever, to his kingdom.”
34 Mary said to the angel, “But how? I’ve never slept with a man.”
35 The angel answered,
The Holy Spirit will come upon you,
the power of the Highest hover over you;
Therefore, the child you bring to birth
will be called Holy, Son of God.
36-38 “And did you know that your cousin Elizabeth conceived a son, old as she is? Everyone called her barren, and here she is six months pregnant! Nothing, you see, is impossible with God.”
And Mary said,
Yes, I see it all now:
I’m the Lord’s maid, ready to serve.
Let it be with me
just as you say.
Then the angel left her.
Blessed Among Women
39-45 Mary didn’t waste a minute. She got up and traveled to a town in Judah in the hill country, straight to Zachariah’s house, and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby in her womb leaped. She was filled with the Holy Spirit, and sang out exuberantly,
You’re so blessed among women,
and the babe in your womb, also blessed!
And why am I so blessed that
the mother of my Lord visits me?
The moment the sound of your
greeting entered my ears,
The babe in my womb
skipped like a lamb for sheer joy.
Blessed woman, who believed what God said,
believed every word would come true!
46-55 And Mary said,
I’m bursting with God-news;
I’m dancing the song of my Savior God.
God took one good look at me, and look what happened—
I’m the most fortunate woman on earth!
What God has done for me will never be forgotten,
the God whose very name is holy, set apart from all others.
His mercy flows in wave after wave
on those who are in awe before him.
He bared his arm and showed his strength,
scattered the bluffing braggarts.
He knocked tyrants off their high horses,
pulled victims out of the mud.
The starving poor sat down to a banquet;
the callous rich were left out in the cold.
He embraced his chosen child, Israel;
he remembered and piled on the mercies, piled them high.
It’s exactly what he promised,
beginning with Abraham and right up to now.
56 Mary stayed with Elizabeth for three months and then went back to her own home.
Matthew 1: The Birth of Jesus
18-19 The birth of Jesus took place like this. His mother, Mary, was engaged to be married to Joseph. Before they came to the marriage bed, Joseph discovered she was pregnant. (It was by the Holy Spirit, but he didn’t know that.) Joseph, chagrined but noble, determined to take care of things quietly so Mary would not be disgraced.
20-23 While he was trying to figure a way out, he had a dream. God’s angel spoke in the dream: “Joseph, son of David, don’t hesitate to get married. Mary’s pregnancy is Spirit-conceived. God’s Holy Spirit has made her pregnant. She will bring a son to birth, and when she does, you, Joseph, will name him Jesus—‘God saves’—because he will save his people from their sins.” This would bring the prophet’s embryonic sermon to full term:
Watch for this—a virgin will get pregnant and bear a son;
They will name him Immanuel (Hebrew for “God is with us”).
24-25 Then Joseph woke up. He did exactly what God’s angel commanded in the dream: He married Mary. But he did not consummate the marriage until she had the baby. He named the baby Jesus.
John Wesley's Notes-Commentary for Luke 1:26-56 & Matthew 1:18-25
Luke 1
Verse 26
[26] And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth,
In the sixth month — After Elisabeth had conceived.
Verse 27
[27] To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary.
Espoused — It was customary among the Jews, for persons that married to contract before witnesses some time before. And as Christ was to be born of a pure virgin, so the wisdom of God ordered it to be of one espoused, that to prevent reproach he might have a reputed father, according to the flesh.
Verse 28
[28] And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.
Hail, thou highly favoured; the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women — Hail is the salutation used by our Lord to the women after his resurrection: thou art highly favoured, or hast found favour with God, Luke 1:30, is no more than was said of Noah, Moses, and David. The Lord is with thee, was said to Gideon, Judges 6:12; and blessed shall she be above women, of Jael, Judges 5:24. This salutation gives no room for any pretence of paying adoration to the virgin; as having no appearance of a prayer, or of worship offered to her.
Verse 32
[32] He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:
He shall be called the Son of the Highest — In this respect also: and that in a more eminent sense than any, either man or angel, can be called so.
The Lord shall give him the throne of his father David — That is, the spiritual kingdom, of which David's was a type.
Verse 33
[33] And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.
He shall reign over the house of Jacob — In which all true believers are included.
Verse 35
[35] And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.
The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee — The power of God was put forth by the Holy Ghost, as the immediate Divine agent in this work: and so he exerted the power of the Highest as his own power, who together with the Father and the Son is the most high God.
Therefore also — Not only as he is God from eternity, but on this account likewise he shall be called the Son of God.
Verse 36
[36] And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren.
And behold, thy cousin Elisabeth — Though Elisabeth was of the house of Aaron, and Mary of the house of David, by the fathers side, they might be related by their mothers. For the law only forbad heiresses marrying into another tribe. And so other persons continually intermarried; particularly the families of David and of Levi.
Verse 38
[38] And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.
And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord — It is not improbable, that this time of the virgin's humble faith, consent, and expectation, might be the very time of her conceiving.
Verse 39
[39] And Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Juda;
A city of Judah — Probably Hebron, which was situated in the hill country of Judea, and belonged to the house of Aaron.
Verse 41
[41] And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost:
When Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary — The discourse with which she saluted her, giving an account of what the angel had said, the joy of her soul so affected her body, that the very child in her womb was moved in an uncommon manner, as if it leaped for joy.
Verse 45
[45] And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord.
Happy is she that believed — Probably she had in her mind the unbelief of Zacharias.
Verse 46
[46] And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord,
And Mary said — Under a prophetic impulse, several things, which perhaps she herself did not then fully understand.
Verse 47
[47] And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.
My spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour — She seems to turn her thoughts here to Christ himself, who was to be born of her, as the angel had told her, he should be the Son of the Highest, whose name should be Jesus, the Saviour. And she rejoiced in hope of salvation through faith in him, which is a blessing common to all true believers, more than in being his mother after the flesh, which was an honour peculiar to her. And certainly she had the same reason to rejoice in God her Saviour that we have: because he had regarded the low estate of his handmaid, in like manner as he regarded our low estate; and vouchsafed to come and save her and us, when we were reduced to the lowest estate of sin and misery.
Verse 51
[51] He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
He hath wrought strength with his arm — That is, he hath shown the exceeding greatness of his power. She speaks prophetically of those things as already done, which God was about to do by the Messiah.
He hath scattered the proud — Visible and invisible.
Verse 52
[52] He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree.
He hath put down the mighty — Both angels and men.
Verse 54
[54] He hath holpen his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy;
He hath helped his servant Israel — By sending the Messiah.
Verse 55
[55] As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever.
To his seed — His spiritual seed: all true believers.
Verse 56
[56] And Mary abode with her about three months, and returned to her own house.
Mary returned to her own house — And thence soon after to Bethlehem.
Verse 19
[19] Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.
A just man — A strict observer of the law: therefore not thinking it right to keep her.
Verse 21
[21] And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.
Jesus — That is, a Saviour. It is the same name with Joshua (who was a type of him) which properly signifies, The Lord, Salvation.
His people — Israel. And all the Israel of God.
Verse 23
[23] Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
They shall call his name Emmanuel — To be called, only means, according to the Hebrew manner of speaking, that the person spoken of shall really and effectually be what he is called, and actually fulfil that title. Thus, Unto us a child is born - and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, the Mighty God, the Prince of Peace - That is, he shall be all these, though not so much nominally, as really, and in effect. And thus was he called Emmanuel; which was no common name of Christ, but points out his nature and office; as he is God incarnate, and dwells by his Spirit in the hearts of his people. It is observable, the words in Isaiah are, Thou (namely, his mother) shalt call; but here, They - that is, all his people, shall call - shall acknowledge him to be Emmanuel, God with us.
Which being interpreted — This is a clear proof that St. Matthew wrote his Gospel in Greek, and not in Hebrew. Isaiah 7:14.
Verse 25
[25] And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.
He knew her not, till after she had brought forth — It cannot be inferred from hence, that he knew her afterward: no more than it can be inferred from that expression, 2 Samuel 6:23, Michal had no child till the day of her death, that she had children afterward. Nor do the words that follow, the first-born son, alter the case. For there are abundance of places, wherein the term first born is used, though there were no subsequent children. Luke 2:7.
Sermon Story from Luke 1:26-56 & Matthew 1:18-25 "The Woman Above All Women" for Sunday, 21 December 2014
We have heard this story over and over again from the Protestant or Catholic perspective, but let us look and see an young women or should I say a girl about the age of 13 or 14 years of age who was very vulnerable. First, she was vulnerable because she was women and cold not receive any formal education in the synagogue or Temple school. Second, she was vulnerable because her father could sign a marriage contract for her to be married to a man who could be an older man. Now, this is what happened to Mary who was contracted to be married to Joseph, an older man, after a time of engagement was up. During this time, she problably lived in her parent's household while Joseph continued to live his own home preparing for the day that he would bring Mary into his home as his wife. Both of these people, Mary and Joseph, were found to be rigtheous or holy according to God's Way. During this time of waiting to be taken as Joseph's wife, an Angel, Gabriel, came to her and spoke God's Words that she would become pregnant by the Holy Spirit. She was frightened because she was a virgin, who had never had sexual relationships with any man, but waiting for the time when Joseph took her into his home as his wife and consummate the marrtiage with sexual relationship. Gabriel simply stated that she is not to be afraid because the child would be God's son conceived by the Holy Spirit and she was to call his name Jesus or Yeshua. Gabriel than went on to say that her older cousin, Elizabeth, who was thought to be barren but was now six months pregnant with son. Mary responded with simple trust that God is to do with her as He desires to do to her and the Angel, Gabriel, left for this time. For whatever reason, Mary decided to join a caravan to the Judean hills to see her cousin, Elizabeth. For whatever reason, there is no mention of Jospeh here as is mention in Matthew while the story of Mary traveling to see her cousin, Elizabeth, is not mentioned in Matthew. As Mary arrived and gave her greetings to Elizabeth, the son in Elizabeth jumped inside of her and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit speaking words as in the Catholic church known as the "Hail Mary:"
Traditional version:
Hail Mary, full of grace.
Our Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou among women,
and blessed is the fruit of thy womb,
Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God,
pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death.
Amen.
Newer version:
Hail Mary, full of grace.
Our Lord is with you.
Blessed are you among women,
and blessed is the fruit of your womb,
Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God,
pray for us sinners,
now and at the hour of our death.
Amen.
For whatever reason, Mary broke out in heer song of praise by the Holy Spirit that we know as the great Magnificant as prophetic to the life and ministry of the baby inside of her.
My soul magnifies the Lord
And my spirit rejoices in God my Savior;
Because He has regarded the lowliness of His handmaid;
For behold, henceforth all generations shall call me blessed;
Because He who is mighty has done great things for me,
and holy is His name;
And His mercy is from generation to generation
on those who fear Him.
He has shown might with His arm,
He has scattered the proud in the conceit of their heart.
He has put down the mighty from their thrones,
and has exalted the lowly.
He has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich He has sent away empty.
He has given help to Israel, his servant, mindful of His mercy
Even as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his posterity forever.
Then, Mary chose to stay for three months with her cousin, elizabeth, until John or Jochanan was born and named by his mother and father. Where do you see yourself in this story? Do you see yourself with great faith or lack of faith? How do you live out this story in your life?
May we sing one or all of these songs:
Be Not Afraid by John Michael Talbot
1.You shall cross the barren desert, but you shall not die of thirst.
You shall wander far in safety though you do not know the way.
You shall speak your words in foreign lands and all will understand.
You shall see the face of God and live.
R.Be not afraid.
I go before you always.
Come follow me, and
I will give you rest.
2.If you pass through raging waters in the sea, you shall not drown.
If you walk amid the burning flames, you shall not be harmed.
If you stand before the pow'r of hell and death is at your side, know that
I am with you through it all.
3. Blessed are your poor, for the kingdom shall be theirs.
Blest are you that weep and mourn, for one day you shall laugh.
And if wicked men insult and hate you all because of me, blessed, blessed are you!
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The Magnificat by mary by Mike Crawford
My soul magnifies the Lord
And my spirit rejoices in God, my Savior
My soul magnifies the Lord
And my spirit rejoices in God
For He has regarded my low estate
For He has regarded my low estate
From now on all generations will call me blessed
From now on all generations will call me blessed
For He who is mighty has done great things for me
For He who is mighty has done great things
Has done great things for me
And Holy – Holy is His name
Holy – Holy is His name
Holy – Holy is Your name
Holy – Holy is Your name
He has shown strength with His arm
He has scattered the proud and has put down the mighty
And He has exalted those of low degree
Yes He has exalted those of low degree
And He, He has satisfied the hungry with good things
Yes He, He has satisfied the hungry with good things
And Holy – Holy is His name
Holy – Holy is His name
Holy – Holy is Your name
Holy – Holy is Your name
Holy – Holy is the Lamb
Holy Who was slain
He will come again
Forever He will reign
Making all things new
Making all things…Holy
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Mother Dearest, Mother Fairest
Verse 1
Mother dearest, Mother fairest,
Help of all, who call on thee.
Virgin purest, brightest, rarest,
Help us, help, we cry to thee.
Verse 2
Lady, help in pain and sorrow,
Soothe those rack'd on beds of pain,
May the golden light of morrow,
Bring them health and joy again.
Verse 3
Lady, help the absent loved ones.
How we miss their presence here.
May the hand of Thy protection
Guide and guard them far and near.
Chorus
Mary, help us, help we pray.
Mary, help us, help we pray.
Help us in all care and sorrow.
Mary, help us, help we pray.
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| In This Issue |
| eScrip |
| From the Lay Leader |
| Chancel Choir News |
| Note from SPRC |
| Like us on Facebook |
| This Week at Church... |
| 20/30 Group |
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The Church office plans to close at noon on December 24, and will be closed Dec 25.
On December 29 & 30, the office will be open from noon-3pm; it will be closed Dec 31& Jan 1.
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| Adult Bible Study
The Pastor's Bible Study meets Thursdays at 11:00amin May Day Parlor. We will not meet on Dec. 25 or Jan. 1.
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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 ON
ANNUAL CONFERENCE NEWS?
CLICK THE IMAGE ON THE RIGHT TO LINK TO THE CAL-PAC WEBSITE.
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You may also visit the new website for the entire denomination of United Methodist Church here.
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Want to see photos of past church
activities and events?
Check out our
Flickr page and ourFacebook page
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Precious Life
I've been having trouble focusing all day. My heart aches as I think of the horrific accident last night, on PCH in from of St James Catholic Church just blocks away from our church. The details that have been released so far are simply wrenching: of families leaving a church school Christmas program, of casualties and injuries across generations, of grief and pain in a season of celebration and hope.
It feels like such a painful contrast to this season of hope. And yet.
And yet I remember that it is into the darkness of a world of struggle and violence that Jesus Christ was born. It is into this very fragile human life that God came at Christmas, daring to risk being a part of this life, for the sake of love.
We celebrate Christ's birth not inspite of unthinkable tragedies, but because of them. We need Emmanuel--God with us--more than ever.
I am praying for everyone affected--especially those injured or suffering loss. I am praying for the whole of the St. James Parish, too. More than ever, I am longing of Christ's light to shine in the midst of our lives, bringing peace, giving hope, and reminding us that we are held in eternal love.
grace and peace,
Pastor Molly
P.S. This Sunday, in our worship, we will share in our annual "Walk to the Manger," in which we are invited to bring our own gifts to lay in Jesus' manger. At 10:30, we will have a live nativity.
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| Contact Info
Pastor Molly Vetter
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Parking Reminder: If you are able, we encourage you to park at the Wells Fargo bank on Sunday mornings, and walk across the street, reserving the parking lot for those with mobility challenges or for new visitors. We also have a bike rack on the patio, for those who choose to bike to church! Thanks for your consideration.
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You are Invited to:
a Christmas Open House
at the Parsonage: 513 Faye Ln, 90277
This Sunday, December 21, from 3-5pm
Come close to 3 to join up with others to go caroling to some of our homebound members. Songsheets provided--all ages are welcome!
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Big Bear Youth Retreat 2015
The youth group is kicking off 2015 with our annual trip to Big Bear! It will be big, and it will set the tone for the next year. Don't miss it!
Our Price: $100
More Info: Click here!
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This year, Christmas Eve is on a Wednesday; to make space for worship and our Shared Bread meal that night, we are having two candlelight worship services--at 4pm and 11pm.
 Our 4pm worship will be family-friendly--we'll sing through many beloved Christmas songs, read the Christmas story and share candlelight. Some of our young people will sing a special song, too!
At 11pm, our Chancel Choir will sing, and we will also share in Holy Communion, as well as Christmas carols, scripture and candlelight.
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Though it's almost Christmas, you may still pick up an Advent Box and share in our devotional for what's left of the season!
(Daily cards are also posted each day on our
Facebook, Twitter & Instagram accounts.)
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Year-End Giving
We invite you to participate in a Christmas Special Offering, between now and the end of the year. Your gifts will help us reach our ministry goals and obligations.
Also, as a reminder, any pledges or gifts for our 2014 budget--or that you wish to use as tax-deductible contributions for 2014--need to be postmarked or delivered to the church byDecember 31. We are so grateful for your generosity!
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From the Lay Leader, Johnna Kosnoff
bi-weekly thoughts and reflections from our church Lay
Leader
Why carol?
"Pastor Molly is inviting the congregation to meet at the parsonage at 3pm on Sunday to join together in small groups and go caroling at one or two homes and then return to the parsonage for food and fellowship. Our intention is to carol for people in our congregation who are homebound due to age, injury or health issues. But, why do we do this? Do you ever wonder how this tradition got started? Luke 2:13-14 tells us that the birth of Jesus was celebrated with song, "And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men." (Luke 2:13-14). The tradition of singing about the birth of Jesus continued with Latin hymns written specifically for the church. The common person couldn't understand these elite hymns and lost interest in singing them by the 1200s. Again, the dear St. Francis of Assisi made a significant change. In 1223, he revived the celebration of Christmas with..." Read the rest of Johnna's recent "From the Lay Leader" column on our website by clicking here.
"Why carol?" by Johnna Kosnoff
Pastor Molly is inviting the congregation to meet at the parsonage at 3pm on Sunday to join together in small groups and go caroling at one or two homes and then return to the parsonage for food and fellowship. Our intention is to carol for people in our congregation who are homebound due to age, injury or health issues. But, why do we do this? Do you ever wonder how this tradition got started?
Luke 2:13-14 tells us that the birth of Jesus was celebrated with song, “And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” (Luke 2:13-14). The tradition of singing about the birth of Jesus continued with Latin hymns written specifically for the church. The common person couldn’t understand these elite hymns and lost interest in singing them by the 1200s. Again, the dear St. Francis of Assisi made a significant change. In 1223, he revived the celebration of Christmas with musical nativities, including live animals. He encouraged songs to be written in the native languages of the audience, which allowed the songs to be changed from city to city and the audience to participate in the singing. He also did not require the songs be scripturally based like the earlier Latin hymns. The people learned the Christmas songs and continued singing after the play had ended.
In the 1600s the Puritans didn’t believe in such revelry and, with the aid of Oliver Cromwell, the songs, along with all Christmas celebration, were banned. However, because the songs were banned in church, didn’t mean the people stopped singing them in the streets. Apparently, singing was rampant enough that people in the Massachusetts Bay Colony were fined if they were caught singing Christmas songs. In the 1800’s, two collections of Christmas songs were published and Queen Victoria married Prince Albert (a German, who wanted to celebrate Christmas.) People began singing Christmas songs again in church and in the streets. The tradition of Christmas Caroling began. “Carole” is French and means a song of praise and joy. A carole was usually meant to accompany a dance. Originally, when carolers arrived at a doorstep singing, the recipients gave the singers money or food. Nowadays, the carolers sometimes bring the recipient a small gift.
Today, I think we continue the tradition of caroling for a variety of reasons. Some are a bit selfish. When I think of caroling, I am reminded of when my own youth group traveled from home to home singing to the homebound. At the end, we gathered for hot chocolate and games around a cozy fireplace. Maybe I thought of singing praises about the birth of Jesus but, mostly, it was an excuse to get together with my friends.
Today, I see it differently. Sure, it’s still an awesome excuse to gather together with friends and fellowship. However, it’s also an opportunity to make Christmas more about the love of Jesus and less about me. It’s an occasion to forget about the commercialism of this season as we bring the joy of Jesus and the spirit of hope to others. It’s a perfect time to bring songs of comfort and joy to people who cannot leave their homes to seek it on their own. Caroling is a way to spread good cheer. I hope you will join us on Sunday to sing with “a multitude of heavenly hosts, give Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace, and good will toward men.” Dancing is optional.
various internet sources were referenced
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The Lay Looker, Bob Peterson
a view from the pew from a longtime member of our church
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Advent Video Bible Study: Interrupted by Hope
Sunday mornings in Advent, 9:30-10:15, in Epworth Lounge
led by Pastor Molly & Stephen Hale
one more session--this Sunday the 21st
Join us for good conversation about making the season of Advent meaningful. Our conversations will start with short videos from contemporary Christian leaders, including blogger Glennon Doyle Melton (Momastery), preacher Barbara Brown Taylor, contemplative Richard Rohr, and poet Malcolm Guite.
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Join the Choir!
There's still room for more voices to join in the singing! The choir is currently preparing some exciting music for Christmas, including beautiful music for the 11pm Christmas Eve worship service. We're adding handbells into some of the music, too--so ringers are welcome.
Rehearsals are on Wednesday evenings, from 7:30-9pm in the Choir Room. Everyone's welcome. Come share your gifts and be a part of some amazing music-making to glorify God. |
Fall Stewardship Pledge Campaign
Thank you to everyone who has made a pledge of financial commitment to our church and ministries for 2015. We have already received 48 pledges, totaling $201,080 for our general budget--this is nearly 65% of our goal. We are glad to receive your pledges in coming weeks, and hope to receive many more.
Pledge cards are available in the sanctuary, church office, or you can submit pledges online. You can read more about our pledge campaign on our website.
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| Community Events and Other Opportunities: click these links for more information
January 17 - 19, 2015, Camp Wrightwood
Winter Camp, sponsored by our Annual Conference, is only $95 for the weekend, including activities, staff, and meals. It's a wonderful opportunity for children and teens to spend a weekend with their peers from across the conference and (hopefully!) enjoy some time in the snow. |
To the entire congregation: Please Check Into Church!
Your results will be helpful for our membership committee to know areas of interest in our church and see who still needs assistance connecting in our church. If you are already as involved as you want to be, just fill in the areas where you are already serving! You may pick up a paper copy in the office or go to our website and complete it. CLICK HERE
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Look what fun we've been having!
Click through to see more pictures from ourPageant (left) or All-in-One Advent Fun (above)!
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Report from our Annual Church Charge Conference
Monday, December 15 @ 7pm in Epworth Lounge
Our thanks to District Superintendent Kathey Wilborn and everyone from our congregation who came out for our yearly Charge Conference on Monday. We heard reports of our ministries in 2014, and voted on leadership for many of our church committees as well as an operating budget for 2015.
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A Note from Staff-Parish Relations Committee
The SPRC is preparing the evaluations for our upcoming Charge Conference. This is an important time of year when we look at the accomplishments of the current year and establish goals for 2015. The committee has been meeting and sharing our thoughts with the staff and lay leadership. We have created an email address to provide you with the opportunity to share your joys or concerns with our committee. SPRC@BeachFaith.com This e-mail address is private and will only be accessed through our committee. If you would prefer to speak to someone personally, here is the list of members:
Gary Baughman, Sabrina Callender-Clewett, Nancy Colwell, Ron Day ,Johnna Kosnoff, Kathy McCandless, Jonathan Tuuholoaki, Darrell Uran and Joe Zeiler The SPRC is working hard to provide our wonderful staff with the support they need to be successful. We encourage you to be a part of this work. Thank you for your support of our church. |
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This Week at Church...
Nursery (6 weeks-2 years):
The Nursery is open during both services: 8:30am for ages 6 weeks to 6 yrs old and 10:30am for children 6 weeks to 4 yrs old. Located right off of the parking lot across Epworth Lounge. Any questions email the Nursery Coordinator: Adriana Hwang
Children's Ministry (Preschool- 3rd Grade):
8:30am & 10:30am: Join us in service! Look for special activities book that invite children to engage with the message. (There will be a Children's Moment and the "Walk to the Manger" at the 10:30am service- See you there!)
Church R Us (4th and 5th grade):
8:30am & 10:30am: Join us in service! Look for special activities book that invite children to engage with the message. (There will be a Children's Moment and the "Walk to the Manger" at the 10:30am service- See you there!)
Youth Group (6th-12th grade):
-Big Bear Youth Retreat Sign-ups are online! Check out the promo video and sign up here!
-Middle School Sunday School? Nope! See you next week!
Remember, we do it every other week.
-Youth Group cancelled for Caroling and Fun at Pastor Molly's House! Meet at the parsonage at 3! There will be fun stuff....there will be caroling....it will be BEAUTIFUL!Adult Sunday School:
Advent Video Bible Study: A study and conversation about advent, in Epworth Lounge from 9:30-10:15. Led by Pastor Molly and Stephen Hale.
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Men's Breakfast:
Our next breakfast is Monday, January 5 at 7AM. Coco's Restaurant, 18120 Hawthorne Blvd. (Hawthorne and 182nd) All men of the church and their friends are welcome to join us for fellowship.
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20/30 group: This young adult 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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First United Methodist Church of Redondo Beach
310-372-8445 main 310-372-5696 fax
Reverend Molly Vetter, Lead & Teaching Pastor PastorMolly@beachfaith.com
Ernie Valenzuela, Administrative Assistant x101 Ernie@beachfaith.com
First United Methodist Church
243 South Broadway Street
Redondo Beach, California 90277 United States
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