Sunday, June 14, 2015

Redondo Beach, California, United States First United Methodist Church eNews: Youth Sunday! Weekly News for Thursday, 11 June 2015

Redondo Beach, California, United States First United Methodist Church  eNews: Youth Sunday! Weekly News for Thursday, 11 June 2015 
First United Methodist of Redondo Beach
Weekly News
Thursday, June 11, 2015
Sunday, June 14
Youth preaching
8:30am in the Epworth Lounge
9:30am Adult Sunday School in Heath Chapel
10:30am in the Sanctuary
Sunday's Sermon & Scripture:
Mark 4:26-34
Mark 4:26 And he said, “The Kingdom of God is like a man who scatters seed on the ground. 27 Nights he sleeps, days he’s awake; and meanwhile the seeds sprout and grow — how, he doesn’t know. 28 By itself the soil produces a crop — first the stalk, then the head, and finally the full grain in the head. 29 But as soon as the crop is ready, the man comes with his sickle, because it’s harvest-time.”
30 Yeshua also said, “With what can we compare the Kingdom of God? What illustration should we use to describe it? 31 It is like a mustard seed, which, when planted, is the smallest of all the seeds in the field; 32 but after it has been planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all the plants, with such big branches that the birds flying about can build nests in its shade.”
33 With many parables like these he spoke the message to them, to the extent that they were capable of hearing it. 34 He did not say a thing to them without using a parable; when he was alone with his own talmidim he explained everything to them.
John Wesley's Notes-Commentary for Mark 4:26-34
Verse 26
[26] And he said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground;
So is the kingdom of God — The inward kingdom is like seed which a man casts into the ground - This a preacher of the Gospel casts into the heart. And he sleeps and rises night and day - That is, he has it continually in his thoughts. Meantime it springs and grows up he knows not how - Even he that sowed it cannot explain how it grows. For as the earth by a curious kind of mechanism, which the greatest philosophers cannot comprehend, does as it were spontaneously bring forth first the blade, then the ear, then the full corn in the ear: so the soul, in an inexplicable manner, brings forth, first weak graces, then stronger, then full holiness: and all this of itself, as a machine, whose spring of motion is within itself. Yet observe the amazing exactness of the comparison. The earth brings forth no corn (as the soul no holiness) without both the care and toil of man, and the benign influence of heaven.
Verse 29
[29] But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come.
He putteth in the sickle — God cutteth down and gathereth the corn into his garner.
Verse 30
[30] And he said, Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God? or with what comparison shall we compare it?
Matthew 13:31; Luke 13:18.
Verse 33
[33] And with many such parables spake he the word unto them, as they were able to hear it.
He spake the word as they were able to hear it — Adapting it to the capacity of his hearers; and speaking as plain as he could without offending them. A rule never to be forgotten by those who instruct others.
In This Issue
Youth Sunday
Parking Reminder
Dinner Church
From the Lay Leader
Worship Survey
Softball
New Men's Group
Book Club
Women's Retreat Weekend
Altar Flowers
Community Events
Like us on Facebook
This Week at Church...
20/30 Group
www.beachfaith.org


The Church office is regularly open from 9am - 4pm,
Monday to Thursday.
Adult Bible Study
The Pastor's Bible Study meets Thursdays at 11:00amin May Day Parlor.
On June 18, Stephen Hale will teach; we will NOT have class on June 25 (during VBS).
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Adult Sunday School:Bible Study in Health Chapel
9:30-10:15am The class is a Bible Study and discussion. Led by Helen Stockwell.
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!

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.
Want to see photos of past church activities and events?
Check out our
Flickr page and ourFacebook page
Do you have concerns, ideas or input about our church that you want to be heard?
You are welcome to reach out to our leaders!
You can contact our Pastor, Molly Vetter.
Our Staff-Parish Relations Committee, which is responsible for staff and pastoral oversight, is led byDarrell Uran.
Nina Dooley is the Chair of our Church Council.
Johnna Kosnoff is our Lay Leader.
READERS FOR SUNDAYWORSHIP & Morning Snack Hosts
We are always looking for people who want to be a part of Sunday morning worship & fellowship. If you would like to be liturgist at either the 8:30 or10:30 service (or both) just click the following link. On the same page, you may sign up to host morning snacks, too. It's a wonderful way to serve. You will receive email confirmation of the date and the office will email all the reading a couple days before.
SIGN UP HERE

Pastor Molly and Kevin Donner, after winning a game of Bananagrams on the SSP trip last summer.
Our Graduates
As I've been thinking about the young people from our church who are graduating from high school this year, I'm reminded of what a privilege it is to be a part of this church community, and to have been here long enough to get to see these young people sharing their gifts and becoming such cool people.
There are so many ways I see God's goodness alive in them. Even while active in so many other things, Sabrina Callender-Clewett has been a faithful member of our Staff-Parish Relations Committee, taking seriously her commitment to this church and contributing her insightful perspectives. I've loved watching the ways Jordan Connor connects with other people, and the way she is so good at making sure that people who might be easy to exclude don't get left out. I've seen Kevin Donner say and do things that are exceptionally thoughtful, revealing his deep empathy for others. Kyle Kosnoff is so good at making people smile, and it's so much fun watching him enjoy getting people to laugh. It's been beautiful watching Joe Perlot shine through dramatic arts, and I'm so grateful for the times he's shared that gift and passion at church. I love the way Priscilla Tuuholoaki lets her faith carry her and others in times of struggle, so quickly earning the trust of those she talks with and so faithfully hearing others and holding onto their prayers.
There's a lot more I could say about each of them--they have all helped me see God more clearly. I can only imagine the ways they've been important to you and others in this church.
But this Sunday, I'm really looking forward to hearing from them, and to watching the youth slideshow at the banquet, and to hearing more stories of what God is doing through the young people of our church. There's so much to tell.
Grace and peace,
Pastor Molly
Contact Info
Pastor Molly Vetter
PastorMolly@BeachFaith.com
310-372-8445 x 102


Join us this Sunday, June 14, for Youth Sunday!
The youth will plan and lead worship, and the graduating seniors will speak -- at 8:30 and 10:30. We will also honor others who graduate--at all levels--in worship.
After 10:30 worship, we invite you to the Youth Banquet, to celebrate our youth ministry and graduating seniors. Tickets are $15 ($5, 10 years and under), and lunch will be catered Mexican food. They are available at the door.
We encourage people of all ages and stages of life to come and see what our youth have been up to, and support this meaningful ministry!
Youth Banquet
June 14, 11:30 AM
Everyone invited! Come celebrate our
year of Youth Ministry!
Tickets available at the door: $15
($5, 10 years and under)
Parking Reminder: If you are able, we encourage you to park at the Wells Fargo bank on Sundaymornings, 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.
A New Worship Opportunity this Summer:

Simple Sunday Dinner Church
Thursdays in July, 6-8pm
at the home of Rev. Nicole Reilley and Dr. Jeff Luther in RPV
If you missed Sunday, if you have a friend you'd like to introduce to a new style of worship, if you are looking to connect in a different way through participation, community and sharing your thoughts and questions...
Join us in a 5-week worship experiment this summer. Click thru to read more.

The Lay Looker, Bob Peterson
a view from the pew from a longtime member of our church
Sunday June 14th is Flag Day in America so naturally all of us will the American Flag at our homes. However, at church the Youth are officiating at the worship services, so it's bound to be a wonderful experience for all of us. We not only need to know what our young people are doing but we need to support their programs and activities, so don't miss it.
When the all church picnic took place Sunday May 31st after worship at El Nido Park, I went as a senior and had a great hot dog with salad, fruit and dessert brownies. Visiting with friends at the park tables was very nice, but as things began to pick up for the children and young adults, I sneaked away, remembering church picnics in the past as wonderful..."
"Youth Sunday" by Bob Peterson

Sunday, June 14th is Flag Day in America so naturally all of us will have displayed the American Flag at our homes. However, at church the Youth are officiating at the worship services, so it's bound to be a wonderful experience for all of us. We not only need to know what our young people are doing but we need to support their programs and activities, so don't miss it.
When the all church picnic took place Sunday May 31st after worship at El Nido Park, I went as a senior and had a great hot dog with salad, fruit and dessert brownies. Visiting with friends at the park tables was very nice, but as things began to pick up for the children and young adults, I sneaked away, remembering church picnics in the past as wonderful active events with everyone enjoying the day outdoors.
With staff changes happening, particularly in the music department, we await with interest as Music Director Jim Raycroft plans for the summer and fall seasons up to Christmas. With interim musicians filling in, our church music continues on a high level of talent bringing worship unique experiences each week. This is a time of transition and we all need to be supportive of our church leaders as they fill vacancies and cope with vacations as well.
One of the unsung heroes these days is Arnie Sachs, Custodian, who does such a lot of preparing, cleaning, arranging things and still takes time to visit and listen to our comments and remarks about our needs. If anyone needs a thank you now and then, it's Arnie.
I met a lady from Tucson, Arizona who says she will be with our Beach Cities location during the summer before heading back home at the end of the year. Believe me, if I lived in Arizona, I would love to be at our beaches during the summer, enjoying the cooler weather. We may have the current June Gloom, but it's a lot better than trying to beat the heat. By the way, if you ever find the sanctuary a bit warm, please note that the front rows are a bit lower than the back and therefore cooler. There are usually enough empty seats in front to accommodate you and your friends. Also, in case of an emergency, the front left exit goes out to Torrance Blvd. with no stairs to navigate. That information may just be the best kept secret of our facility.

Read the rest of Bob's recent Lay Looker columns on our website by clicking here.
From the Lay Leader, Johnna Kosnoff
bi-weekly thoughts and reflections from our church Lay Leader
Read Johnna's recent "From the Lay Leader" column on our website by clicking here.
A Worship Survey
As we reach the 1-year anniversary of our blended 10:30 worship service, our Worship and Music Committee wants to know more about your worship experiences.
Last Sunday during worship, we invited folks to take a moment to answer these reflective questions:
During the past year, what have you found meaningful and helpful during worship?
During the past year, what musical highlights and/or presentations do you recall as having an impact on your Sunday worship?
Has anything gotten in the way of your experiencing a meaningful worship? If so, please explain.
Do you invite others to worship with us? Why or why not? (If so, what do you highlight in your invitation?)
What do you take with you from Sunday worship for the following week?
We hope you will take time to answer these questions--we're collecting your feedback through this Sunday (June 14). Download and print the survey here, complete it online here, or pick one up (and turn it in) on Sunday.
Worship and Music Update
You may have noticed a few things are different in our 10:30 worship service. We've rearranged the front of the church a bit, and we're experimenting with music, too. With the departure of all the members of the God's Way Praise Band, we will have interim musicians with us through June and July, to help lead the diverse musical styles of our blended worship service. Mary Ann Stickler is also with us as interim organist/pianist, at least through July.
Currently, Jim Raycroft is working with singers to lead our worship songs, with a special rehearsal just after regular choir rehearsal on Wednesday nights; the full band will join in on Sunday mornings. As always, we invite people who are interested in being a part of our worship music to contact Jim. New singers are always welcome at Choir Rehearsals, on Wednesday evenings at 7:30.
COME CHEER ON OUR SOFTBALL TEAM!
NEXT GAME: June 7 --- 7:10pm vs Pitch Please at Wilson Park Field -
2200 Crenshaw Bl, Torrance, CA 90501 map
Download the whole schedule of games here(subject to change)
"Like" their Facebook page to get game updates and see photos.
Our team has played well--thanks to everyone who's played and cheered us on. We have a 1-1 record, and are ranked 2nd in the league!
To All Men of the church,
Our new men's ministry group is meeting this coming Monday, June 15th at 7:00 PM. Our next topic will involve the Bible, led by Don Pearson. Don has provided a study guide and an outline for the discussion.
We want to invite all men to this meeting. If you are interested, talk to anyone of the following:
Chad Ahrens, Gary Baughman, Paul Caldwell, Carl Harrison, John Kirk, Don Pearson, Darrell Uran & Joe Zeiler
BOOK CLUB: July 16, 7pm
Book Club met for the first time on May 28 to discuss Father Greg Boyle's book, "Tattoos on the Heart." Discussion and observations, together with laughs, digressions, and yummy desserts, made for an enjoyable evening.
Next gathering will be Thursday, July 16, 7:00pm, in the May Day Parlor, and the book selected for discussion is "The Well Women." A contemporary novel by Ladine Housholder, it tells the story of a group of women friends who travel to the West Bank city of Nablus to visit the historic site of Jacob's Well, where Jesus encountered the Samaritan woman. This book is on the UMW 2015 reading program list, and available for sign-out in MayDay Parlor. It is also available from Amazon. We hope you will circle the date and plan to join us.
Any questions? Call or email Ann at 310-371-8379mdgapg@verizonnet or Laura (310) 686-370 larzlaw@gmail.com

A Caring Community
Did you know that we have a ministry that organizes meals and other assistance for church folks in times of need? In the past, we've helped arrange rides to medical appointments, meals for people recovering from surgery, and more. Leila Grantz coordinates this ministry, using online sign-up tools. If you want to be a part of the group that she emails when there is an opportunity to help, or if you know someone who's in need of a little help, please contact the church office or Leila.
We are currently organizing meals in for the Schempp family during Daniel's deployment, and also coordinate delivery of a Shared Bread meal to the Davisons each week.
We did not get enough sign ups to
make Parent Night Out happen this month.
There will be no Child, CRU or Youth meeting this Friday. Please stay tuned for future events and be sure to RSVP early. :)

VOLUNTEERS STILL NEEDED: Training and Prep Meeting:
Come and help us decorate all the rooms! We'll feed you :)
Saturday, June 20 @ 9am -12pm
Contact Katherine for more info:children@beachfaith.com
Sunday is the last day we are collecting items for Vacation Bible School:
Click here to see list of what we still need!
BeachFaith Kids: Summer Programs
(Click the titles to register)

Vacation Bible School
Age 3-8th grade
Junior Highers- Please sign up early. Special activities are being planned for your age group!
June 22-26th, 9am-12:15pm

BeachFaith Theatre
Arts Camp
July 27th- August 7th
Age 3-6th Grade
Production of "Disney's 101 Dalmatians Kids"
on Sunday, Aug. 9th 12noon
A New Way to Connect with your Church Family!

Our church is now using an online, cloud-based system for keeping our records. As a part of this system, members and regular attenders of the church can be invited to log on, where you can find an always-updated church directory, access to information about church groups and committees, and easy options for electronic giving. It's accessible from smart phones, tablets or computers.
Our children and youth departments are switching to this system for keeping all of our registration info--including emergency contact info and health information that we need for events and trips.
You have likely already received an invitation to join Realm--let us know if you need another email reminder, so you can follow the link and log on!
Save the Date...

First UMC Redondo Beach
Women's Spiritual Weekend Retreat
February 5 - 7, 2016
La Casa de Maria
Santa Barbara, California
More information to follow...
Altar Flowers 2015
Would you like to purchase altar flowers for the sanctuary for Sunday worship? It's easy! Just click this link and fill out the order form.
Cost: $45
Community Events and Other Opportunities:
click these headings for links for more information
CalPac Summer Camps 2015: "Living in the Spirit"
Sign up now--discounts for early registration.
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.
This Week at Church...
Men's Ministry meeting: Monday, June 15 at 7pm
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 NurseryCoordinator: Adriana Hwang
Children's Ministry (Preschool- 3rd Grade):
10:30am:Youth Sunday! No Sunday School this week- Check out the children's table in the Narthex for special activities.
Church R Us (4th and 5th grade):
10:30am: Youth Sunday! No Sunday School this week- Check out the children's table in the Narthex for special CRU level activities.
Youth Group (6th-12th grade):
-Middle School Sunday School? Nope!
-YOUTH SUNDAY! It's Youth Sunday! Youth should be at church by8:00AM if they have a part in the 8:30 service, and by 8:30 if they do not. We will have PLENTY of work to do for everyone! See you there!
For more info on upcoming youth events, check our website!
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Men's Breakfast:
Our next breakfast is Monday, June 15, 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.
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!
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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