From Pastor Molly: life overflowing
As I was reading this week's scripture passage for Sunday, the story of a woman named Tabitha who was raised back to life, one translation described how "her life overflowed with good works."
I love the idea that our lives could "overflow" with acts of compassion and good works--as if the beautiful and loving things that we do simply flow naturally out of the people we are, and it can't be contained! Faith can live in us in such a way that compassion simply bubbles over, all around us.
In this season of Easter, as Christ's resurrection shatters the power of sin, fear and death, we are invited to a different way of living, in which others can see the generous and kind acts that simply overflow from who we are, all around us.
May it be so![Pastor Molly Vetter]
In Worship This Week
Sunday, April 17
Acts 9:36-43
Acts 9:36 (which means “gazelle”); she was always doing tzedakah and other good deeds. 37 It happened that just at that time, she took sick and died. After washing her, they laid her in a room upstairs. 38 Lud is near Yafo, and the talmidim had heard that Kefa was there, so they sent two men to him and urged him, “Please come to us without delay.” 39 Kefa got up and went with them.
When he arrived, they led him into the upstairs room. All the widows stood by him, sobbing and showing all the dresses and coats Tavita had made them while she was still with them. 40 But Kefa put them all outside, kneeled down and prayed. Then, turning to the body, he said, “Tavita! Get up!” She opened her eyes; and on seeing Kefa, she sat up. 41 He offered her his hand and helped her to her feet; then, calling the believers and the widows, he presented her to them alive. 42 This became known all over Yafo, and many people put their trust in the Lord. 43 Kefa stayed on in Yafo for some time with a man named Shim‘on, a leather-tanner.
John Wesley's Notes-Commentary for Acts 9:36-43
Verse 36
[36] Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did.
Tabitha, which is by interpretation Dorcas — She was probably a Hellenist Jew, known among the Hebrews by the Syriac name Tabitha, while the Greeks called her in their own language, Dorcas. They are both words of the same import, and signify a roe or fawn.
Verse 38
[38] And forasmuch as Lydda was nigh to Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent unto him two men, desiring him that he would not delay to come to them.
The disciples sent to him — Probably none of those at Joppa had the gift of miracles. Nor is it certain that they expected a miracle from him.
Verse 39
[39] Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them.
While she was with the in — That is, before she died.
Verse 40
[40] But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up.
Peter having put them all out — That he might have the better opportunity of wrestling with God in prayer, said, Tabitha, arise.
And she opened her eyes, and seeing Peter, sat up — Who can imagine the surprise of Dorcas, when called back to life? Or of her friends, when they saw her alive? For the sake of themselves, and of the poor, there was cause of rejoicing, and much more, for such a confirmation of the Gospel. Yet to herself it was matter of resignation, not joy, to be called back to these scenes of vanity: but doubtless, her remaining days were still more zealously spent in the service of her Saviour and her God. Thus was a richer treasure laid up for her in heaven, and she afterward returned to a more exceeding weight of glory, than that from which so astonishing a providence had recalled her for a season.
Pastor Molly, preaching
8:30am in Epworth Lounge
10:30am in the Sanctuary
Special Music: "Down to the River to Pray" (Traditional)
"Down To The River To Pray " by Janie West Metzgar & Robert Metzgar
As I went down in the river to pray
Studying about that good old way
And who shall wear the starry crown
Good Lord, show me the way !
O sisters let's go down,
Let's go down, come on down,
O sisters let's go down,
Down in the river to pray.
As I went down in the river to pray
Studying about that good old way
And who shall wear the robe and crown
Good Lord, show me the way !
O brothers let's go down,
Let's go down, come on down,
Come on brothers let's go down,
Down in the river to pray.
As I went down in the river to pray
Studying about that good old way
And who shall wear the starry crown
Good Lord, show me the way !
O fathers let's go down,
Let's go down, come on down,
O fathers let's go down,
Down in the river to pray.
As I went down in the river to pray
Studying about that good old way
And who shall wear the robe and crown
Good Lord, show me the way !
O mothers let's go down,
Let's go down, don't you want to go down,
Come on mothers let's go down,
Down in the river to pray.
As I went down in the river to pray
Studying about that good old way
And who shall wear the starry crown
Good Lord, show me the way !
O sinners let's go down,
Let's go down, come on down,
O sinners let's go down,
Down in the river to pray.
As I went down in the river to pray
Studying about that good old way
And who shall wear the robe and crown
Good Lord, show me the way !
Listen to Sermons onlineSermon Series after Easter: This Changes Everything
Unafraid. No longer enemies. Healed.
Everything's changed by the good news of Easter. In worship, we celebrate the beautiful transformation of God's amazing grace. It makes us unafraid, changes enemies into friends, and heals us. Each week, we will share stories of what God is doing for us and through us. Join us for the transformation, on April 3, 10 & 17.
Visit our Website
News From Our Members
"Last Sunday during prayers from the people someone mentioned my birthday and I was forced to admit I had celebrated my 95th birthday, Saturday, April 9th.
Therefore let me tell you a few things I know about this church after attending regularly since 1950. My wife and family first walked into the sanctuary in the fall of 1948. On the North wall there were glassed folding partitions which allowed the sanctuary to become a large room with tables for classes or...
Read more here
Thursday, April 14, 2016 by Bob Peterson
Last Sunday during prayers from the people someone mentioned my birthday and I was forced to admit I had celebrated my 95th birthday Saturday, April 9th.
Therefore, let me tell you a few things I know about this church after attending regularly since 1950. My wife and family first walked into the sanctuary in the fall of 1948. On the North wall there were glassed folding partitions which allowed the sanctuary to become a large room with tables for classes or in other cases a dining room. There were two aisles dividing the pews. We, however, saw this church as an old church and didn't keep attending. We looked around for another church. We kept our membership in the Southwest Community Methodist Church located at 83rd Street and Gramercy in South L. A. Two years later a new Pastor had been assigned here and my wife, Ada Belle, and I had known Rev. Hylton Sanders and his wife Dorothy at High School Summer Camps at Radford not too far from San Bernardino. That first Sunday our two small children (7 & 4) came back from Sunday School saying, “Oh, we like this Sunday School better”! That settled it and I, after transferring our membership here in 1952, am still attending.
Yes, parking was a problem but we usually parked on Catalina Avenue, before parking meters. There was a facility called The Barn, which housed an adult Sunday School Class of young marrieds and we made some close friends there for several years. Dorothy Sanders taught that class and led us in social activities as well. This church grew until we filled the sanctuary three times each Sunday with standing room only Easter Sundays.
Over the years Sanctuary modifications have taken place, along with new Sunday School rooms, the Choir Room, Fellowship hall, kitchen, Epworth Lounge, patio and parking lot. But then you all know what's here now.
Read Columns from our former Lay Leader, Johnna Kosnoff, here!
Coming at Church
Pastor's Class on April 17:
The UMC at a Time of Change--General Conference 2016
Pastor Molly invites you to join her on April 17 from 9:30-10:15 in Epworth Lounge for a presentation about some of the challenges and questions our United Methodist Church will face at our General Conference in Portland this May. Pastor Molly was a delegate to GC in 2008 and 2012, and will participate as our first alternate delegate at this international gathering this year.
Stephen & Mary are Getting Married!
And you're invited to the reception!
Their Wedding Reception is in the Fellowship Hall May 1, 6-9pm. Youth group families already received an invitation, and you're invited, too!
See you there!
Potluck Lunches this Spring
We invite you to join your church family for a potluck after 10:30 worship. Bring a dish to share - enjoy the fellowship!
Mark your calendars for the next two potlucks: May 1 & June 5.
This weekend we are sending a team to Mexico for the Corazon "Super Build." Four houses will be built and the keys will be handed over to the families all in one day! Please pray for the recipient families and these members of our build team: Jeffery Tuuholoaki, NIck Hartland, Nancy Reiss, Kevin and Bryan Hwang, George and Peggy Mercer, Linsey and Mattie Miller, and Dave and Kate Ouwerkerk.
Peninsula Harbor Crop Hunger Walk
Join us Sunday, April 17th for Peninsula Harbor’s annual 4K CROP Hunger Walk, which will begin with registration/children’s activities at 11:00 am, our opening ceremony at 12:30 pm, & the walk at 1:00 pm! (Bring your own lunch for a picnic at the park during the registration time.) Sign up Sunday on the church patio.
To learn more about the walk click here
Parents Night Out at Church
Families are invited to join us for Parents' Night out: April 23, May 20
RSVP to children@beachfaith.com asap to make sure there's a spot for your family!
BeachFaith Kids Summer Performing Arts Camp:
Aug. 15-19; age 3-6th grade.
Mark you calendars now--details to follow.
Sponsored by Children and Family Ministries.
Children's Choir: Mother's Day
Kids (age 3 - 5th grade) are invited to join in a special Children's Choir to sing on Mother's Day. There will be two rehearsals: Sundays April 24 & May 1, from 11:40-noon. The children will sing in 10:30 worship on Sunday, May 8 (with a before-worship rehearsal that day, at 10am).
Book Club: Our next book is "The Street Lawyer," by John Grisham It is the story of a corporate lawyer who is held hostage, along with other associates, by a homeless man. The transformation of Mike following this experience is well suited to our learning more about the plight of the homeless. Join us Thursday, April 21, 7 pm
More info online; email Ann or Laura.
Vacation Bible School 2016: August 1-5
We hope you can join us for VBS, for ages 3-8th grade! We'll be looking for young "surfers" to attend, and volunteers of all ages. Registration is open now, and we are looking for volunteers for all sorts of jobs, before, during and after our VBS week.
Did You Hear About Our New Headphones?
Do you have trouble hearing what's happening during Sunday worship? If so, we have four hearing assistance devices with new headphones available for use. They may be borrowed from the Audio/Video techs on Sunday mornings. We have regular and earbud style headphones. Try them next time your here!
Baja Trip 2016: July 16-23
Youth and others from the church can sign up now to be a part of Baja Mission 2016, as we return to Mexico for another week this summer.
Now is the time to think about whether you can join us this summer--the trip will be July 16-23, and is open to people of all ages.
Visit our website for more information!
Do You Have Orphan Quilt Blocks?
"Orphans" are those blocks you made for a project that just never got finished. Maybe you stashed them away in a box, hoping they'd find a home in a quilt someday. Our Prayers and Squares Quilt Group invites you to donate orphan quilt blocks! We would love to put them together into a prayer quilt, to give to someone in need of prayer! At our April 15 meeting (from 10am-noon), we'll start putting them together.
Read more here.
Guest Preacher: Rev. Nicole Reilley
We are pleased to welcome Rev. Nicole Reilley as preacher on Sundays April 24 and May 1. Rev. Nicole is the Director of New Ministries for our California-Pacific Annual Conference of the UMC. Previously, she served as Interim Pastor of our congregation (in 2012), and she continues to hold her charge conference membership here. Rev. Nicole will preach and teach on "Life After Death" (April 24) and "Life Before Death" (May 1).
Announcements
Men's Breakfast: Our next breakfast is Monday, April 18, 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, April 15, 10am-noon. This meeting will include making quilts to use up "orphan" blocks that someone made but never found a home in a quilt. If you have orphan blocks at your house, we encourage you to consider donating them to our prayer quilt group! 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 from Epworth Lounge. Any questions email the Nursery Coordinator: Adriana Hwang
Children's Ministry (age 3 - 3rd Grade & Church R Us: grades 4-5): This week's story: "Peter Raises Tabitha" (Acts 9:36-43) Tabitha was a woman who cared for people in need. She even made them clothing. Tabitha's hands were always helping hands. The children will be packing care packages for college students!
Church R Us (Special Class for Grades 4 & 5): We meet in the upstairs classroom above the nursery. This week we will read "Peter Raises Tabitha" (Acts 9:36-43)Tabitha's hands were always helping hands.
Youth Ministry (6th-12th grade):
-Yep!! Middle school Sunday School this week!
-Confirmation meetings are happening on Tuesday (4/19)!
-Youth Group? Yep, but just for High School! We're talking about dating!
Adult Sunday School: Bible Study and Discussion in May Day Parlor. Sunday mornings from 9:30-10:15am. Led by Helen Stockwell. (This Sunday, April 17, we will meet in Epworth Lounge to hear Pastor Molly's presentation on the UMC General Conference. )
Thursday Pastor's Bible Study:
Thursday mornings from 11:00-noon, in May Day Parlor. All are welcome!
Church Council:
Monday, April 18 at 7:00pm in Epworth Lounge All are invited to this monthly meeting of church leaders, staff and volunteers. Join us as we discuss past, present and future projects and events.
United Methodist News & Events
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
310-372-8445 main
310-372-5696 fax
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.
The California-Pacific Conference has introduced Safe Gatherings, an online abuse prevention program that screens and educates staff and volunteers to help prevent abuse of children, youth, and vulnerable adults in group settings.
Our congregation's staff and volunteers are participating in this program which includes an application, background check, and the online training every three years. (Some of you may have already received invitations to participate in the screening or provide a reference for one of our volunteers.)
We are excited to be a part of this new program as we continue to grow and offer a safe space for all.
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
First United Methodist Church
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.
The California-Pacific Conference has introduced Safe Gatherings, an online abuse prevention program that screens and educates staff and volunteers to help prevent abuse of children, youth, and vulnerable adults in group settings.
Our congregation's staff and volunteers are participating in this program which includes an application, background check, and the online training every three years. (Some of you may have already received invitations to participate in the screening or provide a reference for one of our volunteers.)
We are excited to be a part of this new program as we continue to grow and offer a safe space for all.
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
First United Methodist Church
243 South Broadway
Redondo Beach, California 90277, United States
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