Redondo Beach, California, United States First United Methodist Church eNews: Receiving New Members & Read the Bible for Thursday, 21 January 2015 - This Sunday: new members in worship! A Children's Ministry Parent Meeting at 9:30. "Read the Bible" series continues.

Redondo Beach, California, United States 

First United Methodist Church

 eNews: Receiving New Members & Read the Bible for Thursday, 21 January 2015 - This Sunday: new members in worship! A Children's Ministry Parent Meeting at 9:30. "Read the Bible" series continues.

From Pastor Molly: Changes
"Always in the big woods when you leave familiar ground and step off alone into a new place there will be, along with the feelings of curiosity and excitement, a little nagging of dread. It is the ancient fear of the Unknown, and it is your first bond with the wilderness you are going into." (from The Unforeseen Wilderness by Wendell Berry)
I have been feeling the complex emotions of change lately. I have felt the grief of farewells and the excitement of welcoming new friends. All of it has been a reminder that I am not in control of the world. Things I wish would continue to come to an end. Other things--that I wouldn't have known to dream of--begin.
I hope you'll join me in praying for an openness to God's grace in the midst of change, and to trust in the face of mystery and find joy in what lies ahead.[Pastor Molly Vetter]

In Worship This Week
Sunday, January 24
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a

1 Corinthians 12:12 For just as the body is one but has many parts; and all the parts of the body, though many, constitute one body; so it is with the Messiah. 13 For it was by one Spirit that we were all immersed into one body, whether Jews or Gentiles, slaves or free; and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.

14 For indeed the body is not one part but many. 15 If the foot says, “I’m not a hand, so I’m not part of the body,” that doesn’t make it stop being part of the body. 16 And if the ear says, “I’m not an eye, so I’m not part of the body,” that doesn’t make it stop being part of the body. 17 If the whole body were an eye, how could it hear? If it were all hearing, how could it smell? 18 But as it is, God arranged each of the parts in the body exactly as he wanted them. 19 Now if they were all just one part, where would the body be? 20 But as it is, there are indeed many parts, yet just one body. 21 So the eye cannot say to the hand, “I don’t need you”; or the head to the feet, “I don’t need you.” 22 On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be less important turn out to be all the more necessary; 23 and upon body parts which we consider less dignified we bestow greater dignity; and the parts that aren’t attractive are the ones we make as attractive as we can, 24 while our attractive parts have no need for such treatment. Indeed, God has put the body together in such a way that he gives greater dignity to the parts that lack it, 25 So that there will be no disagreements within the body, but rather all the parts will be equally concerned for all the others. 26 Thus if one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it; and if one part is honored, all the parts share its happiness.

27 Now you together constitute the body of the Messiah, and individually you are parts of it. 28 And God has placed in the Messianic Community first, emissaries; second, prophets; third, teachers; then those who work miracles; then those with gifts of healing; those with ability to help; those skilled in administration; and those who speak in various tongues. 29 Not all are emissaries, are they? Not all are prophets, are they? or teachers? or miracle-workers? 30 Not all have gifts of healing, not all speak in tongues, not all interpret, do they? 31 Eagerly seek the better gifts.

But now I will show you the best way of all.

John Wesley's Notes-Commentary for 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a

Verse 12

[12] For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.

So is Christ — That is, the body of Christ, the church.

Verse 13

[13] For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.

For by that one Spirit, which we received in baptism, we are all united in one body.

Whether Jews or gentiles — Who are at the greatest distance from each other by nature.

Whether slaves or freemen — Who are at the greatest distance by law and custom.

We have all drank of one Spirit — In that cup, received by faith, we all imbibed one Spirit, who first inspired, and still preserves, the life of God in our souls.

Verse 15

[15] If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?

The foot is elegantly introduced as speaking of the hand; the ear, of the eye; each, of a part that has some resemblance to it. So among men each is apt to compare himself with those whose gifts some way resemble his own, rather than with those who are at a distance, either above or beneath him.

Is it therefore not of the body — Is the inference good? Perhaps the foot may represent private Christians; the hand, officers in the church; the eye, teachers; the ear, hearers.

Verse 16

[16] And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?

The ear — A less noble part.

The eye — The most noble.

Verse 18

[18] But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.

As it hath pleased him — With the most exquisite wisdom and goodness.

Verse 20

[20] But now are they many members, yet but one body.

But one body — And it is a necessary consequence of this unity, that the several members need one another.

Verse 21

[21] And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.

Nor the head — The highest part of all.

To the foot — The very lowest.

Verse 22

[22] Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary:

The members which appear to be weaker — Being of a more delicate and tender structure; perhaps the brains and bowels, or the veins, arteries, and other minute channels in the body.

Verse 23

[23] And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness.

We surround with more abundant honour — By so carefully covering them.

More abundant comeliness — By the help of dress.

Verse 24

[24] For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked:

Giving more abundant honour to that which lacked — As being cared for and served by the noblest parts.

Verse 27

[27] Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.

Now ye — Corinthians.

Are the body and members of Christ — part of them, I mean, not the whole body.

Verse 28

[28] And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.

First apostles — Who plant the gospel in the heathen nations.

Secondly prophets — Who either foretel things to come, or speak by extra-ordinary inspiration, for the edification of the church.

Thirdly teachers — Who precede even those that work miracles. Under prophets and teachers are comprised evangelists and pastors, Ephesians 4:11.

Helps, governments — It does not appear that these mean distinct offices: rather, any persons might be called helps, from a peculiar dexterity in helping the distressed; and governments, from a peculiar talent for governing or presiding in assemblies.

Verse 31

[31] But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.

Ye covet earnestly the best gifts — And they are worth your pursuit, though but few of you can attain them. But there is a far more excellent gift than all these; and one which all may, yea, must attain or perish.

We Need Each Other

A Paraphrase of 1 Corinthians 12:12-26

For just as the body is one and has many kinds of members and all the members of the body, thought many, are one one body, so it is with Christ. For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body - healthy, wise, disabled, slow learners, and all were made to drink of one Spirt.

For the church does not consist of one kind of member, but of many. If the person in a wheelchair said, "Becuae I am not able to walk, I cannot belong to the church with no ramps," that would not make him/her any less a part of the body. And a person with Down Syndrome felt that, because she/he could not fit into the church's education program, she/he did not belong to the church, that would not make her/him any less a part of the body.

If the whole church were teachers, where would the learners be? If the whole church were well off, where would the needy be? As it is, God arranged the kinds of people in a church, each one of them, as He chose. If all were a single kind, where would the church be?

As it is, many kinds of people are needed, yet there is one church. People who are able to read the creeds cannot say to the nonreaders, "we really don't need you." Nor can folks who are emotionally stable say that they don't need those who are emotionally ill. On the contrary, the people of the church who seem weaker are indispensable. Those people who are handicapped in some way, we invest greater honor. And those who are disfigured are treated with the modesty which those who are handsom do not require. This is how God has composed the church, giving greater honor to those who have disabilities, so that there may be no discord in the membership, and that members may have the same care for one another.

If one member suffers, all suffer together, if one member is honored all rejoice together.[Author Unknown].

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"one body" Molly Vetter, preaching
8:30am in Epworth Lounge
10:30am in the Sanctuary
Anthem: "His Eye is On the Sparrow"

"

His Eye Is On The Sparrow" by

 Mrs. C. D. Martin 

1. Why should I feel discouraged? 

Why should the shadows come? 

Why should my heart be lonely 

and long for heaven and home, 

When Jesus is my portion? 

My constant friend is he: 

His eye is on the sparrow, 

and I know he watches me. 

Refrain: 

I sing because I'm happy, 

I sing because I'm free, 

for his eye is on the sparrow, 

and I know he watches me. 

2. "Let not your heart be troubled," 

his tender word I hear, 

and resting on his goodness, 

I lose my doubts and fears; 

though by the path he leadeth 

but one step I may see: 

His eye is on the sparrow, 

and I know he watches me. 

Refrain: 

I sing because I'm happy, 

I sing because I'm free, 

for his eye is on the sparrow, 

and I know he watches me.  

3. Whenever I am tempted, 

whenever clouds arise, 

when song gives place to sighing, 

when hope within me dies; 

I draw the closer to him, 

from care he sets me free: 

His eye is on the sparrow, 

and I know he watches me. 

Refrain: 

I sing because I'm happy, 

I sing because I'm free, 

for his eye is on the sparrow, 

and I know he watches me.  

Listen to Sermons online
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Read the Bible: a series in January
This Month Week: A worship series (+ new year's resolution): Read the Bible.Especially if reading scripture has left you confused or skeptical, these big questions may help you through its complexities! For deeper engagement, Pastor Molly has twobook suggestions to help you read Bible thoughtfully. This week's assignment:Each day, read in Psalms, looking at the first verse or two of each Psalm, until you find one that resonates with you. Read that whole Psalm, as a prayer.


Children's Ministry Parent Meeting: Sunday at 9:30 in Epworth Lounge
Pastor Molly will lead the meeting, with Ms. Katherine. Please come prepared to speak up and to volunteer in support of this important ministry!
Childcare is available in the nursery--babies and older children are welcome in the meeting, too.
Our Director of Children and Family Ministries, Katherine Stanfill, will be leaving her position at church in early February. We wanted to share this message from Katherine:
Over the last several months I have realized that between my continued education and extenuating, unexpected family circumstances, I have not been able to give 100% of my time and effort to my job and my family. Because of this, I believe that I need to resign my position as Director of Children’s Ministries at FUMCRB.
I have truly loved my time at the church. I cannot express in adequate words how much this time at FUMCRB has meant to my family and me. Your kids are AMAZING. This community is AMAZING. I just love you all so... so much.
This was a very difficult decision to make. I will do everything I can to help in this transition and what will come next.
Lots of Jesus love,[Katherine]
We hope you can join us in celebrating Katherine's ministry and offering her our thanks, at a Mardi Gras Pancake Breakfast on Sunday, February 7, between our worship services!

Changes: Children & Family Ministries
We are looking for a new Director of Children and Family Ministries--we encourage you to check out our job posting, and pass it along to people you know of who might apply!
In the interim, we will also be looking for volunteers to step up and help make sure our Sunday School and Children's Ministries continue well. If you would consider being a part of this effort, please contact Pastor Molly (or come to the Parent Meeting on Sunday!)
Annual Church Conference
Our annual Church (Charge) Conference will be Monday, January 25 at 7pm in Epworth Lounge. All church members are invited--we will elect leadership for our administrative committees, finalize our 2016 budget, and share stories of ministry.

Thank You for your Generosity!
We are so grateful for the generosity of our congregation at the end of 2015! We ended the year in a really strong financial position, due in large part to the graciousness of your giving at Christmas and in the month of December. We were able to fully fund our ministries in 2015, and contribute the whole of our apportionment asking to the larger church.

News From Our Members

One of the things unique to our Beach Cities/South Bay area is that it is an area where many people come to and leave from. In one of my experiences in the 1950s a Real Estate friend of mine reported that a survey of many who live here found that they moved an average of 3-1/2 times within the South Bay. It happened to me and perhaps to you.
Therefore it is with sorrow that we said goodbye to our...
Read more here
"January 21, 2016" by Bob Peterson One of the things unique to our Beach Cities/South Bay area is that it is an area where many people come to and leave from. In one of my experiences in the 1950s a Real Estate friend of mine reported that a survey of many who live here found that they moved an average of 3-1/2 times within the South Bay. It happened to me and perhaps to you.
Therefore it is with sorrow that we said goodbye to our very active Lay Leader Johnna Kosnoff and her family as they have moved to the state of Washington due to David's employment opportunity. Johnna has been our church Lay Leader for nearly two years and has been writing articles in our Order of Worship every other week. Unlike my writing (gossip?) she has inspired many of us to live a more Christlike life, pray more and read the bible more. Her speaking from the altar has also been inspiring as she served as Lay Leader. Johnna, we will miss you and wish you and your family the best of everything life has to offer. I personally hope you find your christian home there and perhaps a leadership role as well.
If you read this before Friday evening, January 22 you still have time to attend a classical music concert at El Camino College's Marsee Auditorium as the Beach Cities Symphony presents the second concert of its 66th season. It is free and features organ soloists James Hurd performing Camille Saint-Saëns' Symphony No. 3, Opus 78 with the orchestra. Dr. Hurd is a faculty member at El Camino College and Church Organist at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church in Redondo Beach. Another soloist will be well known cellist Armen Ksajikian performing Variations on a Rococo Theme, Opus 33 by Tchaikovsky, accompanied by the orchestra. If you attend this free concert, be prepared to pay a $3 parking fee for campus.parking.
I also hope to see you Monday, January 25, 7:00 PM, at our Annual Church Charge Conference in the Epworth Lounge by the parking lot.

Read past Lay Leader columns here
Coming at Church

Souper Bowl Sunday is Feb 7!
Our annual Sunday to support Shared Bread – our hot meal program that feeds the hungry every Wednesday.
Be part of this important outreach and bring Monetary Gifts & Canned Goods to either service. We need:
Canned green beans, peas, and corn; Canned fruit; Pasta sauce; Salad dressing: Italian or Ranch; Mayonnaise; Cake and brownie mix; Frosting
…and we give thanks for your support and volunteerism throughout the year!
(See below for another way to support the program.)

Book Club: Our next book, Anne Perry’s “Silent Nights," is actually two books in one—both are murder mysteries. Perry is a prolific mystery writer, with her own very dark back story. Our next meeting will be in May Day Parlor at church on Jan 28, at 7 pm. Questions about book club? More info online, or email Ann or Laura.

Lent begins February 10. Deepen your faith with spiritual practices for life.
We look forward to sharing some of the practices that help us love God with our prayers, presence, gifts, service and witness, as followers of Christ.

Mark your calendar:
Join us for a Mardi Gras Pancake Breakfast on Sunday, February 7, from 9:15-10:30!
The breakfast will also be a Celebration for Katherine Stanfill--come ready to honor her and be together with the church family.

Ash Wednesday Worship
We will join other area congregations in a community Ash Wednesday worship service on February 10 at 7:30pm, at Torrance First UMC (1551 El Prado, Torrance, CA 90501). A combined choir from several congregations will sing during worship, and Rev. Stacy Dickson will preach. Worship will include the imposition of ashes. A reception will follow--you are invite to bring a veggie tray or similar food to share (but not required!)

Our youth group had these T-Shirts made in response to a certain hate group's visit to Redondo Union High School Monday morning. Those folks told our LGBT+ classmates that God hates them.
We think that’s not what Jesus said. So we wore our shirts all week to school.
We're selling the shirts on Sunday morning (or on our website here)!
The proceeds for these shirts will go to theLos Angeles LGBT Center’s Youth Center for homeless teens. Shockingly high numbers of teens become homeless when their families believe what was said Monday morning by this hate group (here's a great summary of the problem). What better way to respond to their work than by supporting the LGBT Homeless Shelter?

Save the Date: Vacation Bible School 2016 will be in AUGUST
We're planning to shake up our summer schedule next year, and move Vacation Bible School to August in 2016!
We've got in on our church calendar forAugust 1-5, and hope you can plan to join us. We'll be looking for young surfers to attend, and volunteers of all ages.
Announcements
Men's Breakfast: Our next breakfast is Monday, February 1, 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, January 22, 10am-noon. We will learn a new 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. 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: Sunday's Bible Story: 1 CORINTHIANS 12:12-31A: One Body, Many Parts: This week’s theme is BODY. Our church is one body made up of many parts. All the members have unique gifts to share as they love and care for one another. Parent Meeting at 9:30! (see above)
Church R Us (Special Class for Grades 4 & 5):
10:30am: CRU meets above the Nursery! Sunday's Lesson: 1 CORINTHIANS 12:12-31A, Paul reminds us that we are all unique and important to the body of Christ. Parent Meeting at 9:30! (see above)
Youth Ministry (6th-12th grade):
-Yes! Sunday School this week!!
-Yes! Youth Group Sunday (3-5pm)! It'll be better than a poke in the eye with a stick!
Adult Sunday School: Bible Study and Discussion in May Day Parlor. Sunday mornings from 9:30-10:15am. Led by Helen Stockwell.
Thursday Pastor's Bible Study:
Thursday mornings from 11:00-noon, in May Day Parlor. Led by Pastor Molly Vetter.
United Methodist News & Events
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.
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.

DESSERTS NEEDED FOR SHARED BREAD
Shared Bread has lost our biggest desserts donor – Albertsons. Would you consider buying or baking a dessert for our Shared Bread program? Homemade treats are treasured by our guests – but a cheesecake from Costco or cupcakes from Ralphs would be wonderful. Please wrap desserts tightly and mark for Shared Bread. Deliver Sunday through Wednesday to the church kitchen (or the office if kitchen is closed.)
If you are able to bake or buy dessert on a regular basis, please contact Nina Dooley . Thanks for your sweet caring

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.

Corazon "Super Build"
Saturday, April 16: A Corazon house build, involving several churches and volunteer groups working to make a difference in the lives of many. We hope you will consider participating in this outreach opportunity. Email George or Peggy Mercer for more info.

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

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.

We have many spots to fill for liturgists on Sunday mornings. The following link will take you the sign up. Please check it out.
Sunday Worship Liturgist Sign Up
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.
Connect with us

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First United Methodist Church

243 South Broadway

Redondo Beach, California 90277, United States
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