Redondo Beach, California, United States
1st United Methodist Church eNews: "Confirmation and Father's Day" This Sunday, 19 June 2016: Confirmation at 10:30 am! for Thursday, 16 June 2016
From Pastor Molly: thirsty, and heartbrokenThe Psalm for this weekend, Psalm 42, uses the image of a dear panting with thirst, craving a drink of water. "My whole being thirsts for God, for the living God," it says.
As I have read and heard stories of the 49 people killed in a mass shooting in Orlando early this past Sunday morning, I have been thirsty for God. I am desperate for hope, for divine love, for a different story to be true. The preciousness of the lives lost cannot be overestimated, and I cannot imagine the heartbreak experienced by those close to them: parents, partners, children, loved ones.
This week, in the midst of investigations, and attempts to find solutions to the problem, I invite us also to simply weep with those who weep. Without hesitation or qualification, God laments with them and with us.
I continue to lift prayers for God's love to prevail, trusting that it will. I pray that I would be able to be a part of what God is doing, even in the midst of such a horrific event. May we, as a church, help build a different story--God's kingdom here on earth, just as it is in heaven.[Pastor Molly Vetter]
I hope you'll make a special point to be here for Confirmation Sunday, and invite others. We will all have a chance to renew and remember our own baptisms, as well.
Please note: The church office will be closed Thursday, June 16--some of us will be away at Annual Conference and others will be celebrating graduation!
In Worship This Week
Sunday, June 19
Confirmation Sunday
Galatians 3:23-29
Rev. Molly Vetter, preaching
Scripture Text for Galatians 3:23 Now before the time for this trusting faithfulness came, we were imprisoned in subjection to the system which results from perverting the Torah into legalism, kept under guard until this yet-to-come trusting faithfulness would be revealed. 24 Accordingly, the Torah functioned as a custodian until the Messiah came, so that we might be declared righteous on the ground of trusting and being faithful. 25 But now that the time for this trusting faithfulness has come, we are no longer under a custodian.
26 For in union with the Messiah, you are all children of God through this trusting faithfulness; 27 because as many of you as were immersed into the Messiah have clothed yourselves with the Messiah, in whom 28 there is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor freeman, neither male nor female; for in union with the Messiah Yeshua, you are all one. 29 Also, if you belong to the Messiah, you are seed of Avraham and heirs according to the promise.
John Wesley's Notes-Commentary for Galatians 3:23-29
Verse 23
[23] But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed.
But before faith — That is, the gospel dispensation.
Came, we were kept — As in close custody.
Under the law — The Mosaic dispensation.
Shut up unto the faith which was to be revealed — Reserved and prepared for the gospel dispensation.
Verse 24
[24] Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.
Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster unto Christ — It was designed to train us up for Christ. And this it did both by its commands, which showed the need we had of his atonement; and its ceremonies, which all pointed us to him.
Verse 25
[25] But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.
But faith — That is, the gospel dispensation. Being come, we are no longer under that schoolmaster - The Mosaic dispensation.
Verse 26
[26] For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.
For ye — Christians. Are all adult sons of God - And so need a schoolmaster no longer.
Verse 27
[27] For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
For as many of you as have testified your faith by being baptized in the name of Christ, have put on Christ - Have received him as your righteousness, and are therefore sons of God through him.
Verse 28
[28] There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.
There is neither Jew nor Greek — That is, there is no difference between them; they are equally accepted through faith.
There is neither male nor female — Circumcision being laid aside, which was peculiar to males, and was designed to put a difference, during that dispensation, between Jews and gentiles.
Verse 29
[29] And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.
If ye are Christ's — That is, believers in him.
8:30 am in Epworth Lounge
10:30am in the Sanctuary
Special Music: "We Are the World" sung by the Children's & Chancel Choir
There comes a time
When we heed a certain call
When the world must come together as one
There are people dying
And it's time to lend a hand to life
The greatest gift of all
We can't go on pretending day by day
That someone, somewhere will soon make a change
We're all a part of God's great big family
And the truth, you know, love is all we need
We are the world
We are the children
We are the ones who make a brighter day
So let's start giving
There is a choice we're making
Were saving our own lives
It's true we'll make a better day, just you and me
Well
Send them your heart
So they'll know that someone cares
And their lives will be stronger and free
As God has shown us by turning stones to bread
And so we all must lend a helping hand
We are the world
We are the children
We are the ones who make a brighter day
So let's start giving
There is a choice we're making
Were saving our own lives
It's true we'll make a better day, just you and me
When you're down and out, there seems no hope at all
But if you just believe there's no way we can fall
Well, well, well, well let us realize oh!
That a change can only come
When we stand together as one
We are the world
We are the children
We are the ones who make a brighter day
So let's start giving
There is a choice we're making
Were saving our own lives
It's true we'll make a better day, just you and me
We are the world
We are the children
We are the ones who make a brighter day
So let's start giving
There is a choice we're making
Were saving our own lives
It's true we'll make a better day, just you and me
We are the world
(Are the world)
We are the children
(Are the children)
We are the ones who'll make a brighter day so lets start giving
(So let's start giving)
There is a choice we're making
Were saving our own lives
It's true we'll make a better day, just you and me
Oh let me hear you!
We are the world
(Are the world)
We are the children
(Are the children)
We are the ones who'll make a brighter day so lets start giving
(So let's start giving)
There is a choice we're making
Were saving our own lives
It's true we'll make a better day, just you and me
We are the world
(Are the world)
We are the children
(Are the children)
We are the ones who'll make a brighter day so lets start giving
(So let's start giving)
There is a choice we're making
Were saving our own lives
It's true we'll make a better day, just you and me
We are the world
(Are the world)
We are the children
(Are the children)
We are the ones who'll make a brighter day so lets start giving
(So let's start giving)
There is a choice we're making
Were saving our own lives
It's true we'll make a better day, just you and me
We are the world
(Are the world)
We are the children
(Are the children)
We are the ones who'll make a brighter day so lets start giving
(So let's start giving)
There is a choice we're making
Were saving our own lives
It's true we'll make a better day, just you and me
We are the world
(Are the world)
We are the children
(Are the children)
We are the ones who'll make a brighter day so lets start giving
(So let's start giving)
There is a choice we're making
Were saving our own lives
It's true we'll make a better day, just you and me
Listen to Sermons online
Visit our Website
News From Our Members
"SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT! The City of Redondo Beach has greatly improved the intersection of Broadway and Torrance Blvd. for pedestrians. The have repainted the crosswalk, added new street markings and installed four bright chartreuse crossing signs. All this is so hard to ignore that some drivers stop at the intersection not knowing why. The point is you'll be safer now if you park Sundays at the Wells Fargo parking lot across the streets from our church, so use it and save our lot for those who need to be closer. I would like to thank whoever had something to do with this improvement.
Last Sunday, Youth Sunday, we were led by young people, sung at by young people and preached to by young people. Following worship we...
Thursday, June 16, 2016 by Bob Peterson
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT! The City of Redondo Beach has greatly improved the intersection of Broadway and Torrance Blvd. for pedestrians. The have repainted the crosswalk, added new street markings and installed four bright chartreuse crossing signs. All this is so hard to ignore that some drivers stop at the intersection not knowing why. The point is you'll be safer now if you park Sundays at the Wells Fargo parking lot across the streets from our church, so use it and save our lot for those who need to be closer. I would like to thank whoever had something to do with this improvement.
Last Sunday, Youth Sunday, we were led by young people, sung at by young people and preached to by young people. Following worship we honored our graduates, our young people and their parents and especially their wonderful teachers and all our church staff. It was great and if you missed it you may be certain it was a wonderful event.
This Sunday we remember our fathers and will see the confirmation of eight or more young people following weeks of study with Pastor Molly and her staff. Don't miss it.
I also must admit that last Sunday's performance of Debussy's Claire de Lune by pianist Mary Ann Stickler was as well done as we will ever hear. Congratulations to Mary Ann and to our Music Director Jim Raycroft who continues to surprise us with beautiful music and insights into its origins.
Read more here
Read Columns from our former Lay Leader, Johnna Kosnoff, here!
Coming at Church
June 19: Confirmation Sunday & Father's Day
We will celebrate Confirmation this Sunday during the 10:30 service! These young people will also be invited to join the church (and there just might be a baptism)!
Luke Aldover, Samantha Aldover, Tatum Dawson, Sydney French, Ethan Light, Amelia Paulson, Todd Potter and James Thatcher are in our Confirmation class. Our confirmands, mentors and teachers are pictured above. Come support them!
Honoring Dads with a gift to UMCOR
This Father's Day we will honor dads with a special gift to UMCOR, the United Methodist Committee on Relief, for their work helping reduce risk from international disasters.
If you would like to contribute an additional gift in honor of your dad--or someone who has been like a dad to you--please make a gift to the church, marked "UMCOR."
YOUTH BANQUET
Youth Banquet was lots of fun!
To see the video we put together celebrating the last year, visit our website: www.beachfaith.org/youth
Thanks to everyone who helped make it possible, especially the Millers and the Harper/Jones's!
Potluck Lunch - Sunday, July 5
We invite you to join your church family for a potluck after 10:30 worship on July 10, We will welcome Risa Vargas as Director of Children and Family Ministries. Bring a dish to share - enjoy the fellowship!
Thanks for Your Support!
We raised $2,612 to help send our church to Baja this summer!
What does that mean? It means 11 trip participants had half their registration costs paid, while 3 more people had their Registrations paid for various reasons!
Thanks everyone! And make sure to put August 14th on your calendars, when we will report in on our trip!
Youth Summer Volunteer Internships
We have a number of volunteer internships for youth at church this summer. We expect this to help young people develop in all sorts of helpful ways. They'll learn work skills, develop their own identity, and be in a supportive church environment.
Some internships will install a computer network at church (we're getting Wifi!), while others help at the Performing Arts Camp.
Click here for more info!
Volunteers Needed: VBS
We are looking for volunteers for Vacation Bible School! We seek people to help lead during VBS, August 1-5, as teachers and as crew leaders. We also are looking for help with various tasks, like snacks or registration. And, we continue to have the bulletin board out on Sunday, with specific supplies you can volunteer to donate!Email us to volunteer or ask questions, or catch Grace, Bryan or Ms. Adriana on Sunday.
Book Club: Our next book is a work of fiction titled "The Language of Flowers: A Novel" by Vanessa Diffenbaugh. We will meet sometime in September...stay tuned!
More info online; email Ann or Laura.
Our Church Foundation:
The Gift that Keeps Giving
Over the years, gifts to our church’s Endowment Fund from estates, wills, trusts and donations have been invested. Because this is an endowment, only income is withdrawn and the principle is retained to grow and continue to produce income. So far this year $9,514.25 has been received by our church budget from our Endowment Fund income. Thus gifts to the Endowment Fund keep on giving to our church’s program.
The Endowment Fund which is monitored by the Endowment Committee has grown to a value of $1,495,005.11. That is a 5.04% increase for the year to date. Funds are invested in professionally managed stocks and mutual funds. The committee meets regularly to review the status.
Please consider being a part of this by including the Endowment Fund of First United Methodist Church Redondo Beach in your will or trust. It will become the gift that keeps on giving.
Information on the fund’s investments is available in the church office or by contacting the committee.
Special 4-Week Sunday School Program Begins June 26!
We'll have 4 Sundays of FUN withhands-on activities to engage your kids during worship. (Things may even get a little messy!) For ages 3 years thru 5th grade. June 26, July 3,10 and 17.
Have questions?
Email Children's Ministry
BeachFaith Kids Summer Performing Arts Camp:
A Day at the Beach
Get ready for some summertime beach tunes, as our Performing Arts camp puts on a new show: A Day at the Beach!
Aug. 15-19; age 3-6th grade.
Mark you calendars now--more info online.
Vacation Bible School 2016:
August 1-5
Register Now Online!
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.
Sponsored by Children and Family Ministries.
Announcements
Men's Breakfast: Our next breakfast is Monday, June 20, 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, July 8, 10am-noon.--if you haven't tried this quilt-making, this is a great easy way to begin. 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): This week children will be in worship to witness Confirmation. There will be a special children's moment.
Church R Us (Special Class for Grades 4 & 5): We meet in the upstairs classroom above the nursery. This week children will be in worship to witness Confirmation. There will be a special children's moment.
Youth Ministry (6th-12th grade):
-Nope!! No Middle School Sunday School through the summer!
-Confirmation: We're getting Confirmed on Sunday (6/19)!
-Youth Group (3-5pm)? Nah, son. It's Father's Day.
-Bowling: We're going Bowling June 25th! Check the Youth Group Email, or email the church office for more details!
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. All are welcome. NO Bible Study this Thursday, June 16. Pastor Molly will be at Annual Conference in Redlands.
United Methodist News & Events
Response to the Attack in Orland, from Bishop Carcaño
This morning we woke up to the atrocity of the mass shooting in Orlando, Florida, the worst mass shooting in the history of the United States. We mourn with the families and the loved ones of those who were murdered and injured. We are so aware of the moral injury that such an expression of hate and prejudice inflicts upon us all. ...
Response to the Attack in Orlando, FL
Friends,
This morning we woke up to the atrocity of the mass shooting in Orlando, Florida, the worst mass shooting in the history of the United States. We mourn with the families and the loved ones of those who were murdered and injured. We are so aware of the moral injury that such an expression of hate and prejudice inflicts upon us all.
As I have prayed for the victims of this latest shooting, for the shooter and his family, for the people of Orlando, and for us, I have been struck by a concern that has penetrated my heart. Is it possible that we United Methodists with such a negative attitude and position against LGBTQI persons contribute to such a crime? When we say that those who are of a homosexual gender identity are living lives that are incompatible with Christian teaching, that they are not to be included in our ordained leadership, and that they are not important enough for us to invest resources of the Church in advocating for their well-being, in essence when we say that our LGBTQI brothers and sisters are not worthy of the fullness of life that Christ offers us all, are we not contributing to the kind of thinking that promotes doing harm to these our brothers and sisters, our children, the sacred children of God?
I want you to think and pray with me about this. We cannot just stand-by and allow what happened in Orlando, Florida to go without our deep and prayerful reflection and our repentance and conversion wherever that is necessary in the life of our Church. Standing with the people of Orlando in their shock, their despair and grief as many have called us to do starting with President Obama, is not enough. As disciples of Jesus Christ we must stand for abundant life for all God’s children including our LGBTQI brothers and sisters.
Peace,
Bishop Minerva G. Carcaño
Los Angeles Area Resident Bishop
The United Methodist Church
Updated: June 13, 2016, added “G” to “LBTQI” on last line to correct typo.Read the whole message here
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
Website
Ongoing Ministries
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.
Music Notes by Jim Raycroft
"...It was on Monday, January 28, 1985, 9:00 p.m. that limos began to arrive at the Chaplain Stage at A&M Records to record a historic event – dozens of music stars contributing their voices to a song, the proceeds of which would go towards relieving hunger in Africa, especially Ethiopia. A pet project of Harry Belafonte, the song was written by Lionel Ritchie and Michael Jackson, and produced and conducted by Quincy Jones...
Music Notes - Thursday, June 16, 2016 by Jim Raycroft
On the east side of La Brea Blvd, between Sunset and De Longpre, sits the venerable Charlie Chaplin Studios, begun in 1917 and opened in 1918. Chaplin filmed most of his great movies there. When he left Hollywood in 1952, he sold the studio, and it was used to film the Adventures of Superman. In 1960, it was sold to Red Skelton, who shot his shows there, then in 1962 it was sold to CBS, who used it to shoot Perry Mason. In 1966 it was sold to Herb Alpert to be used as the headquarters for A&M Records. In 2000, it was sold to the Jim Henson Company, where today it is used for shooting various Muppet-related adventures and is a registered historical landmark.
It was on Monday, January 28, 1985, 9:00 p.m. that limos began to arrive at the Chaplain Stage at A&M Records to record a historic event – dozens of music stars contributing their voices to a song, the proceeds of which would go towards relieving hunger in Africa, especially Ethiopia. A pet project of Harry Belafonte, the song was written by Lionel Ritchie and Michael Jackson, and produced and conducted by Quincy Jones. The stars, some of whom came directly there from the American Music Awards, were greeted by a sign at the door that said “Please check your egos at the door”, and by Stevie Wonder, who promised that if the recording was not done in one take, he and Ray Charles (both blind) would personally drive them all home.
The final recording began at 10:30 p.m. and was completed at 8 a.m. More than 45 of America’s top musicians took part, with over 50 that had to be turned away. The project ultimately raised $63 million (over $136 million today) and was eventually named the biggest selling single in both US and pop music history, becoming the first single ever certified multi-platinum with global sales surpassing 20 million copies.
For our purposes, this song is particularly appropriate this week, not only in light of the scripture verses this week, which talk about us all being children of God, but also in light of the violence in Orlando…”We are the world, we are the children……we are all a part of God’s great big family, and the truth that love is all we need…” It’s also appropriate that our children are doing the bulk of the heavy lifting in terms the solo work. The adult choir and band are just there to provide support services.
This Sunday and next Sunday, Mary Ann will be in Nebraska, so my wife Eileen will be filling in for her on the organ.
Our Famous Postlude last Sunday was the piano classic Clair de Lune, played stunningly by Mary Ann. It’s one of my absolute favorites, and on my bucket list to learn to play (“Good luck!”says Mary Ann).
This week’s Famous Postlude was assigned to Cris last fall, and he’s been working on it all this time, because it’s hard. But it’s also probably the most recognized and unique piano solo in all of piano repertoire. It had its own segment in Fantasia 2000, and we hear pieces of it in commercials for United Airlines. You’re not going to hear this in your average church, so be there or be sorry!read the entire piece here.
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.
Hearing Assistance Devices are available on Sunday mornings. Just ask for one at the audio/video booth in the sanctuary.
Connect with us
First United Methodist Church
243 South Broadway
Redondo Beach, California 90277, United States
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