Redondo Beach, California. United States First United Methodist Church eNews: Shared Bread Anniversary, Joseph and more! for Thursday, 5 November 2015

Redondo Beach, California. United States First United Methodist Church eNews: Shared Bread Anniversary, Joseph and more! for Thursday, 5 November 2015
From Pastor Molly: The Work of the People
In the pantry room that Shared Bread uses near our church kitchen, one section of the wall is covered with used name tags. Each of them bears the name of one volunteer--one of the multitude of people who has made it possible for us to offer a free meal to anyone who's hungry, on every Wednesday for the past 23 years.
I know that the names on those tags only tell part of the story; there are so many people that help behind the scenes: at the dishwasher, picking up from the Farmer's Market, setting up tables, and so many other things.
Though some of them show uncommon grace under pressure, and have given so many years of regular commitment that I can't count, all of those volunteers are regular people, like the rest of us. Part of the miracle of Shared Bread is that all these people come together, offering the piece they have to share, and that it becomes truly beautiful as it's blessed by the grace of God.
At the end of the day, I think that's what church is: a lot of imperfect (but beloved) people using their time, efforts and dedication to do the work of God. I'm so grateful to be a part of it all.[Pastor Molly Vetter]
This Sunday, we continue our series on the story of "Joseph" in worship--and this is the last weekend before the show. So be sure to get your tickets!

In Worship This Week
Sunday, November 8
Scripture: Genesis 41:9-36
"Visions and Dreams"
Pastor Molly, preaching
Scripture Text: Genesis 41:9 Then the chief cupbearer said to Pharaoh, “Today reminds me of something wherein I am at fault: 10 Pharaoh was angry with his officials and put me in the prison of the house of the captain of the guard, me and the chief baker. 11 One night both I and he had dreams, and each man’s dream had its own meaning. 12 There was with us a young man, a Hebrew, a servant of the captain of the guard; and we told him our dreams, and he interpreted them for us — he interpreted each man’s dream individually. 13 And it came about as he interpreted to us — I was restored to my office, and he was hanged.”

14 Then Pharaoh summoned Yosef, and they brought him quickly out of the dungeon. He shaved himself, changed his clothes, and came in to Pharaoh.

(A: ii) 15 Pharaoh said to Yosef, “I had a dream, and there is no one who can interpret it; but I’ve heard it said about you that when you hear a dream, you can interpret it.” 16 Yosef answered Pharaoh, “It isn’t in me. God will give Pharaoh an answer that will set his mind at peace.” (S: ii) 17 Pharaoh said to Yosef, “In my dream, I stood at the edge of the river; 18 and there came up out of the river seven cows, fat and sleek; and they began feeding in the swamp grass. 19 After them, there came up out of the river seven more cows, poor, miserable-looking and lean — I’ve never seen such bad-looking cows in all the land of Egypt! 20 Then the lean and miserable-looking cows ate up the first seven fat cows. 21 But after they had eaten them up, one couldn’t tell that they had eaten them; because they were as miserable-looking as before. At this point I woke up. 22 But I dreamed again and saw seven full, ripe ears of grain growing out of a single stalk. 23 After them, seven ears, thin and blasted by the east wind, sprang up. 24 And the thin ears swallowed up the seven ripe ears. I told this to the magicians, but none of them could explain it to me.”

25 Yosef said to Pharaoh, “The dreams of Pharaoh are the same: God has told Pharaoh what he is about to do. 26 The seven good cows are seven years, and the seven good ears of grain are seven years — the dreams are the same. 27 Likewise the seven lean and miserable-looking cows that came up after them are seven years, and also the seven empty ears blasted by the east wind — there will be seven years of famine. 28 This is what I told Pharaoh: God has shown Pharaoh what he is about to do. 29 Here it is: there will be seven years of abundance throughout the whole land of Egypt; 30 but afterwards, there will come seven years of famine; and Egypt will forget all the abundance. The famine will consume the land, 31 and the abundance will not be known in the land because of the famine that will follow, because it will be truly terrible. 32 Why was the dream doubled for Pharaoh? Because the matter has been fixed by God, and God will shortly cause it to happen.

33 “Therefore, Pharaoh should look for a man both discreet and wise to put in charge of the land of Egypt. 34 Pharaoh should do this, and he should appoint supervisors over the land to receive a twenty percent tax on the produce of the land of Egypt during the seven years of abundance. 35 They should gather all the food produced during these good years coming up and set aside grain under the supervision of Pharaoh to be used for food in the cities, and they should store it. 36 This will be the land’s food supply for the seven years of famine that will come over the land of Egypt, so that the land will not perish as a result of the famine.”

John Wesley's Notes-Commentary for Genesis 41:9-36

Verse 9

[9] Then spake the chief butler unto Pharaoh, saying, I do remember my faults this day:

I remember my faults this day — in forgetting Joseph. Some think he means his faults against Pharaoh, for which he was imprisoned, and then he would insinuate, that through Pharaoh had forgiven him, he had not forgiven himself. God's time for the enlargement of his people will appear, at last, to be the fittest time. If the chief butler had at first used his interest for Joseph's enlargement, and had obtained, it is probable, he would have gone back to the land of the Hebrews, and then he had neither been so blessed himself, nor such a blessing to his family. But staying two years longer, and coming out upon this occasion to interpret the king's dreams, way was made for his preferment. The king can scarce allow him time, but that decency required it, to shave himself, and to change his raiment, Genesis 41:14. It is done with all possible expedition, and Joseph is brought in perhaps almost as much surprised as Peter was, Acts 12:9, so suddenly is his captivity brought back, that he is as one that dreams, Psalms 126:1. Pharaoh immediately, without enquiring who or whence he was tells him his business, that he expected he should interpret his dream.

Verse 16

[16] And Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying, It is not in me: God shall give Pharaoh an answer of peace.

(1.) He gives honour to God; It is not in me; God must give it. Great gifts then appear most graceful and illustrious, when those that have them use them humbly, and take not the praise of them to themselves, but give it to God, (2.) He shews respect to Pharaoh, and hearty good-will to him, supposing that the interpretation would be an answer of peace. Those that consult God's oracles may expect an answer of peace.

Verse 29

[29] Behold, there come seven years of great plenty throughout all the land of Egypt:

See the goodness of God, in sending the seven years of plenty before those of famine, that provision might be made accordingly. How wonderful wisely has Providence, that great house-keeper, ordered the affairs of this numerous family from the beginning! Great variety of seasons there have been and the produce of the earth sometimes more, and sometimes less; yet take one time with another, what was miraculous concerning the manna, is ordinarily verified in the common course of Providence; He that gathers much has nothing over, and he that gathers little has no lack, Exodus 16:18.

Verse 30

[30] And there shall arise after them seven years of famine; and all the plenty shall be forgotten in the land of Egypt; and the famine shall consume the land;

See the perishing nature of our worldly enjoyments. The great increase of the years of plenty was quite lost and swallowed up in the years of famine; and the overplus of it, which seemed very much, yet did but just serve to keep men alive.

8:30am in Epworth Lounge
10:30am in the Sanctuary, with the Band and Choir
Anthem: Zadok the Priest, by G F Handel, and Go Go Joseph from our youth and kids' musical!
Listen to Sermons online
Visit our Website
Sermon Series in November:
Joseph's Story
On Sundays November 1, 8 & 15: We will share the story of biblical story of Joseph, favored son of Jacob. It's a wild tale of family love and jealousy, violence and regret, of God working in mysterious ways, through famine and exile and (eventually) forgiveness.
Read more here

"Joseph" Musical and All-Church Fundraiser--Tickets Are Selling Fast!

It's more than a youth musical--it's an all-church gala! Join us Saturday, November 14 at 5pm for a Dinner Theater and Silent Auction, or Sunday, November 15 at 11:30am for a Lunch Matinee.

Tickets (reserved seats) are on sale now--fewer than half the seats remain, so act quickly!
There are still ways to help as we move closer to the event--contact the church office to volunteer or learn more.
Are You Ready to Become a Church Member
We plan to receive new members of our church on Sunday, November 22. If you are interested in membership, or have questions about what it means, please contact Pastor Molly.
Email Pastor Molly


Church 2016 Pledge Campaign
We invite you to consider making a pledge of financial support to our church for 2016.
Though we prayed a prayer of dedication for financial pledges this past Sunday, it is still not too late to make a pledge commitment for 2016. Read more about our campaign here. You can submit a pledge online, or at church.
To date, we have received 46 pledges, totaling $228,140; we hope to receive additional commitments, so we can continue to fund ministries of this congregation.
Sign up for our Children's Christmas Pageant!
Our Annual Christmas pageant will take place on Sunday, December 13th at the 10:30am service. Children ages 2-5th grade are invited to sign up to be a part of it. This year we will travel to Hawaii! There will be crabs, coconuts, sea-stars, sharks and surfers! There are only 3 rehearsals:
Sun, Nov. 29 & Dec. 6 @ 9:30-10:30am, Sat, Dec 12 @ 9-10:30am.
Sign up before Wednesday November 11th to receive your part.
ADULTS: Want to help with costumes? email Lisa


Advent Class for Parents (and others): Nov 29 & Jan 6
"Let every heart prepare Him room," sings the line from "Joy to the World." This year, we invite you to join us for the first two weeks of Advent, as we take time for a spiritual recharge, and for fellowship with each other. Pastor Molly will lead this session, and invites anyone to join her.

From 9:30-10:15am in Epworth Lounge.
Note: The class is scheduled at the same time as the Children's Christmas Pageant rehearsals, which means our parents of young kids can drop them off at practice, and still have this little space in time for tending their faith during Advent. Older youth are welcome to join us, too!
News From Our Members

Who You Know Matters
I’m reading a book Pastor Molly loaned to me and this jumped out at me: “You are the only person whose life touches all of the people you know, work with and meet every day. You may be the only one praying for them. You may be the person Christ has put in their lives to help. We can pray for the ones we don’t know yet who God could...
read more here

"Who You Know Matters: by Johnna Kosnoff

I’m reading a book Pastor Molly loaned to me and this jumped out at me: “You are the only person whose life touches all of the people you know, work with and meet every day. You may be the only one praying for them. You may be the person Christ has put in their lives to help. We can pray for the ones we don’t know yet who God could use us to help. Evangelism is about relationships. All relationships are in God’s hands. So are all people.” [Unbinding the Gospel by Martha Grace Reese]

This is a simple statement, yet a beautiful thing to ponder as we read the story of Joseph. I think of Joseph and how the people he knew (the cup bearer) provided him the opportunity to interpret Pharaoh’s dreams and a way to later help Egypt and his own family. The one cupbearer knew both Joseph and Pharaoh. Perhaps the cupbearer was unknowingly put in Joseph’s life at just the right time to be able to help Joseph later. Maybe you and I are put in someone’s life at just the right time to be able to help them.

While I pray for people I know on a fairly regular basis (and I think it’s important to continue) I wonder whom else I (or you) know only vaguely, or do not even know yet, who needs a prayer. It’s encouraging to think we can be cupbearers for someone we barely know. I hope you’ll join me in keeping your eyes open for ways to be in prayer for others. After all, you’re the only person whose life touches ALL of the people you know.

A Special Note from Our Lay Leader, Johnna Kosnoff..
Another Adventure Awaits Hi Friends,
It looks like another adventure is in front of me. We are moving to Seattle! David begins a job with Amazon on November 30th. We are currently searching for a school district suitable for our 16 year old son, Joshua, as well as a home. Joshua and I plan to join David as soon as we find the right place to live. It may be as early as Thanksgiving that we all head north, or as late as the end of Joshua’s first semester at Redondo, which is in mid-January. I will certainly keep you posted as developments occur.
Many of you know my family has moved fairly often. In the (almost) 25 years of marriage, David and I have had...
Read the rest here
"Another Adventure Awaits" by Johnna Kosnoff  

Hi Friends,

It looks like another adventure is in front of me. We are moving to Seattle! David begins a job with Amazon on November 30th. We are currently searching for a school district suitable for our 16 year old son, Joshua, as well as a home. Joshua and I plan to join David as soon as we find the right place to live. It may be as early as Thanksgiving that we all head north, or as late as the end of Joshua’s first semester at Redondo, which is in mid-January. I will certainly keep you posted as developments occur.

Many of you know my family has moved fairly often. In the (almost) 25 years of marriage, David and I have had 11 addresses, covering 5 states (Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin & California) and 2 countries (U.S. and Hong Kong).  Moving away from people we love and hold dear is certainly difficult for us. However, when a job opportunity arises, we try to embrace it as an occasion to explore new areas, meet new people and enhance our lives. Spending time in Seattle, and the general Northwest area, will be new for us so, we are quite excited!

Since we returned from HK, 4.5 years ago, life has been full: getting re-acclimated to schools and life in Redondo, traveling to Indiana when my brother was battling (and lost) cancer, starting seminary and withdrawing only a month later, becoming your Lay Leader and planning for Kyle’s college adventure and now a move. Through all of the ups and downs, you, my brothers and sisters in Christ, have been a constant source of support: encouraging me as a mom, loving me as a friend and accepting me as your Lay Leader. I am so grateful to have been blessed in such beautiful ways by this community and I hope to continue sharing with one another from a distance. (E-mail works and maybe some of you will visit me!)

Some of you will wonder about my Lay Leader position. This transition is happening so fast that I imagine Pastor Molly hasn’t yet figured that out. I hope all of you will be in prayer for her as she discerns this position. I trust God will open her eyes to the proper person to step into this role. I also trust that God will plant the seed in the heart of the one who should step in. It’s an exciting time at Redondo First UMC!

Read Bob Peterson's Lay Looker here
Coming at Church

The Silent Auction is Coming!
At the Saturday evening gala production of "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat," we will host a silent auction, in support of our church ministries.
There are lots of exciting items to bid on--from handmade quilts to fine watches, legal help to set up estate plans, and more. Plus baskets for kids, grownups and everyone in between!
Get your tickets to the dinner theater and auction, and come ready to bid!
Our thanks to everyone who has donated such beautiful things.

Book Club: The End of Your Life Book Club, by Will Schwalbe; Thursday, November 19 at 7pm at the Thatcher home. Book Info Questions about book club? Email Ann or Laura.

Women's Spiritual Retreat Weekend
Limited space available in shared rooms!
February 5 -7, 2016 at La Casa de Maria in Santa Barbara. Led by Rev. Nicole Reilley. As a reminder, for those attending, the second installment of $100 is due by November 15th.
Read more here

Save the date! Corazon Christmas Party... aka "Fiesta de Navidad" is Saturday, Dec 5. We can always use more volunteers to help bring Christmas cheer to the local Mexican community. For more details, please email George Mercer.

World Community Day program and luncheon in our fellowship hall on Friday, Nov 6 @ 10:00amRev. Molly Vetter of Redondo 1st UMC will be the guest speaker. More info here.

Tell Us About Yourself...
Please take a moment to tell us about your skills and interests through our online questionnaire. New questions for 2015!

Do You Know Pro Tools or Logic
The Music Department is looking for someone who knows ProTools, Logic, or comparable program for recording and mixing worship service audio.
Contact Jim Raycroft.
Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room
Advent 2015
Advent starts on November 29. This year, in worship and in devotions at home, we will be invited to ponder the meaning of beautiful phrases from beloved Christmas songs.
Do you have a favorite line from a Christmas song?
Email it to Pastor Molly!

Men's Breakfast: Our next breakfast is Monday, November 16, 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!
Prayer Quilt Ministry: Know someone in need of prayer? You can sponsor a free prayer quilt for them. Next Quilt Workshop: Friday, November 20, 10am-noon. We will learn a simple "Disappearing 9-Patch" quilt block pattern, and work on other projects. More information is online.
Meals and More: 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.
This Week: Children, Youth & Adults
Nursery (6 weeks+):
The Nursery is open during both services, for ages 6 weeks to 6 yrs old. (Three year olds and older attend Sunday School at 10:30.) Located right off of the parking lot across Epworth Lounge. Any questions email the Nursery Coordinator: Adriana Hwang
Children's Ministry (age 3 - 3rd Grade & Church R Us: grades 4-5):
10:30am Sunday School: An enslaved Joseph unexpectedly rises to power. This week we will talk about all the "surprising ways" we can help people. Genesis 41: 39-40
Church R Us (Special Class for Grades 4 & 5):
10:30am: Join us upstairs above the Nursery. An enslaved Joseph unexpectedly rises to power. This week we will talk about all the "surprising ways" we can help people. Genesis 41: 39-40
Youth Ministry (6th-12th grade):
- Yes! Middle School Sunday School this week!
- Youth Group Sunday (3-5pm)!
- Redondo Union plays Mira Costa Friday (Nov 6th, 7pm) at Costa. Stephen will be there. Will YOU be there?
- Remember the camping retreat is in two weekends (Nov 20-22)!
Children & Youth: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
Rehearsal schedule is posted online for those in the cast.
To volunteer to help with the crew (costumes, sets, tech, etc.), contact Stephen! There are lots of jobs that don't require major time commitment--we'd love to have you involved.
Adult Sunday School: Bible Study and Discussion (new location)
Sunday mornings from 9:30-10:15am, in May Day Parlor. Led by Helen Stockwell.
Thursday Pastor's Bible Study:
Thursday mornings from 11:00-noon, in May Day Parlor. Led by Pastor Molly Vetter.
Community Events
Riviera UMC: Rejoice in Art! Fine Art Exhibition Thru October 30
West District Training Conference: for Current and Emerging Leaders - on January 30, 2016 from 8am-2pm at Holman UMC in Los Angeles
Our congregation is a part of the El Tordondo Mission Area, in the West District of theCalifornia-Pacific Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church.
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. Thanks for your consideration.
First United Methodist Church of Redondo Beach

243 South Broadway

Redondo Beach, California 90277 United States
310-372-8445 main

310-372-5696 fax

Email

Website
Ongoing Ministries

Free Meal on Wednesday Nights
Offering food and friendship to those in need, every Wednesday night since 1992. More info here.

Choir & Our Music Ministry
Join our choir and lend your voice to help us worship God together. Choir rehearses most Wednesday nights, from 7:30-9pm. We are always looking for instrumentalists and musical guests, too. Contact Jim Raycroft for more info.
Connect with us

First United Methodist Church

243 South Broadway

Redondo Beach, California 90277 United States
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