The Redondo Beach, California, United States 1st United Methodist Church eNews: "GO!" "This Sunday: Summer Fun-Day School begins!" for Thursday, 23 June 2016From Pastor Molly: big promisesIt was such a joy to share in the baptism and confirmation of six of our youth last Sunday; this week, we will share Confirmation with two other youth.
Whenever I read the vows we ask at baptism, I'm reminded of how big these promises are: they're a commitment to loving God with our whole selves. With all of our lives. Some days, I'm overwhelmed with what they demand of me. (God wants me to resist evil, injustice and oppression in whatever forms they present themselves? I'm comfortable trying to be a generally good person, but that's a tall order!)
Other days, I'm blown away that God would trust me with this kind of responsibility. (God is giving ME freedom and power?!? Jesus asks ME to put my whole trust in his grace?!?)
Always, it comes to me as an invitation to take up a life that is bigger than me.
In these promises, we claim a faith that is lived out in daily life. With faith we go--to work, to family, to advocate, to comfort, to heal, to grieve, to serve. It sends us out from our comfortable places, and gives us a bold new identity. May it be so.[Pastor Molly Vetter]
This week our Children's Ministry is starting a 4-week summer Fun-Day School! The kids will start in worship, then leave after the Children's Time to do an activity together. They'll join us again for Communion and the end of worship. Please invite friends!
This week I start a three week sermon series: Go. Each week, I'll share a story from Luke's gospel, where Jesus sends us out into lives of action and faith.
In Worship This Week
Sunday, June 26
Luke 9:51-62
Rev. Molly Vetter, preaching
Scripture Text: Luke 9:51 As the time approached for him to be taken up into heaven, he made his decision to set out for Yerushalayim. 52 He sent messengers ahead of him, who went and entered a village in Shomron to make preparations for him. 53 However, the people there would not let him stay, because his destination was Yerushalayim. 54 When the talmidim Ya‘akov and Yochanan saw this, they said, “Sir, do you want us to call down fire from heaven to destroy them?”[Luke 9:54 2 Kings 1:9–16] 55 But he turned and rebuked them.[Luke 9:55 Some manuscripts have verses 9:55b–56a: . . . and he said, “You don’t know what Spirit you are of; 56 for the Son of Man did not come to destroy people’s lives, but to save.”] 56 And they went on to another village.
57 As they were traveling on the road, a man said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.” 58 Yeshua answered him, “The foxes have holes, and the birds flying about have nests, but the Son of Man has no home of his own.” 59 To another he said, “Follow me!” but the man replied, “Sir, first let me go away and bury my father.” 60 Yeshua said, “Let the dead bury their own dead; you, go and proclaim the Kingdom of God!” 61 Yet another said, “I will follow you, sir, but first let me say good-by to the people at home.” 62 To him Yeshua said, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and keeps looking back is fit to serve in the Kingdom of God.”
John Wesley's Notes-Commentary for Luke 9:51-62
Verse 51
[51] And it came to pass, when the time was come that he should be received up, he stedfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem,
The days are fulfilled that he should be received up — That is, the time of his passion was now at hand. St. Luke looks through this, to the glory which was to follow.
He steadfastly set his face — Without fear of his enemies, or shame of the cross, Hebrews 12:2.
Verse 52
[52] And sent messengers before his face: and they went, and entered into a village of the Samaritans, to make ready for him.
He sent messengers to make ready — A lodging and needful entertainment for him and those with him.
Verse 53
[53] And they did not receive him, because his face was as though he would go to Jerusalem.
His face was as though he would go to Jerusalem — It plainly appeared, he was going to worship at the temple, and thereby, in effect, to condemn the Samaritan worship at Mount Gerizim.
Verse 54
[54] And when his disciples James and John saw this, they said, Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did?
As Elisha did — At or near this very place, which might put it into the minds of the apostles to make the motion now, rather than at any other time or place, where Christ had received the like affront.
Verse 55
[55] But he turned, and rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of.
Ye know not what manner of spirit — The spirit of Christianity is. It is not a spirit of wrath and vengeance, but of peace, and gentleness, and love.
Verse 57
[57] And it came to pass, that, as they went in the way, a certain man said unto him, Lord, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest.
Matthew 8:19.
Verse 58
[58] And Jesus said unto him, Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.
But Jesus said to him — First understand the terms: consider on what conditions thou art to follow me.
Verse 61
[61] And another also said, Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house.
Suffer me first to bid them farewell that are in my house — As Elisha did after Elijah had called him from the plough, 1 Kings 19:19; to which our Lord's answer seems to allude.
Verse 62
[62] And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.
Is fit for the kingdom of God — Either to propagate or to receive it.
10:30am in the Sanctuary
Special Music: "I Will Follow Him" by Franck Pourcel and Norman Gimbel, sung by guest soloist Caroline McKenzie and Chancel Choir; "Come Sunday" by Duke Ellington; and a big, fabulous surprise organ postlude!"I Will Follow Him" by Franck Pourcel and Norman Gimbel
I love him, I love him, I love him,
And where he goes I'll follow, I'll follow, I'll follow
I will follow him
Follow him wherever he may go
There isn't an ocean too deep
A mountain so high it can keep me away
I must follow him
Ever since he touched my hand I knew
That near him I always must be
And nothing can keep him from me
He is my destiny
I love him, I love him, I love him,
And where he goes I'll follow, I'll follow, I'll follow
He'll always be my true love, my true love, my true love
From now until forever, forever, forever
I will follow him
Follow him wherever he may go
There isn't an ocean too deep
A mountain so high it can keep, keep me away
Away from my love
I love him, I love him, I love him,
And where he goes I'll follow, I'll follow, I'll follow
He'll always be my true love, my true love, my true love
From now until forever, forever, forever
I will follow him
Follow him wherever he may go
There isn't an ocean too deep
A mountain so high it can keep, keep me away
Away from my love
(And where he goes I'll follow, I'll follow, I'll follow)
(I know I'll always love him, I love him, I love him)
(And where he goes I'll follow, I'll follow, I'll follow)
(I know I'll always love him.............FADE)
News From Our Members
"Many wonderful things happen in the life of our church people. Many times we don't hear about them.
Last Sunday was Fathers Day, and as I watched people enter church I noticed a large family group entering our sanctuary. Later I approached the tall, black suited father and jokingly said he got the prize for bringing the most people into our congregation. He was Rev. Paul Henshaw, Megan French's father, a retired Pastor, who along with his wife, Barb, live in Pleasanton, California. After the worship service he handed me a handwritten note which I wish to share with you...
Thursday, June 23, 2016 by Bob Peterson
Many wonderful things happen in the life of our church people. Many times we don't hear about them.
Last Sunday was Fathers Day, and as I watched people enter church I noticed a large family group entering our sanctuary. Later I approached the tall, black suited father and jokingly said he got the prize for bringing the most people into our congregation. He was Rev. Paul Henshaw, Megan French's father, a retired Pastor, who along with his wife, Barb, live in Pleasanton, California. After the worship service he handed me a handwritten note which I wish to share with you.
“Bob – You said I got the prize for bringing the greatest number of family members this morning. My children, Megan and Jason, planned this Fathers Day weekend as a surprise to me and so I am thankful for my wife Barb, who gave me the opportunity to be a father - for Megan and Jason, who tried so patiently to teach me how to be a better father – for Megan & Eric and Jessica & Jason for promoting me to Grandfather and most of all for Sydney, Joshua, Jacob and Miller for allowing me to be Papa in their lives. I'm so grateful. (signed) Paul Henshaw”
The confirmation class was honored last Sunday, as well, and we applauded and reaffirmed our faith along with them as they were honored along with their mentors and Pastor Molly and staff. What outstanding youth we have in this church.
I had a brief visit with our church custodian Arnie Sachs who attended our Men's Breakfast last Monday. In talking with him I learned of his plans for many improvements and maintenance of our campus. It surely is an ongoing effort to keep our facility looking as good as it does and things in good repair. Never fear, he has lots of work planned when and if he gets the time and help to do it.
By the way, there is a planned pot-luck lunch July 10th
Coming at Church
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
Parking Lot Fundraiser - 4th of July
We will rent out the parking lot to “beach-goers” for the holiday weekend. We could use some volunteers to work the lot Saturday (7/2), Sunday afternoon (7/3) and Monday (7/4). Please contact Paul Caldwell to sign up for a two hour shift. Men, women, and youth are welcome.
email Paul Caldwell
Potluck Lunch - Sunday, July 10
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!
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.
Thank you for your gifts to UMCOR
For Father's Day, several of you honored dads with a special gift to UMCOR, the United Methodist Committee on Relief. Through your generosity we raised $180.
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.
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.
Confirmation Sunday
We celebrated Confirmation for 6 of our confirmands this past Sunday during the 10:30 service!
Tatum Dawson, Sydney French, James Thatcher, Todd Potter, Luke Aldover, and Amelia Paulson.
This Sunday, June 26, we will witness confirmation for two more: Ethan Light, Samantha Aldover. Come support them!
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!
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!
Did You Know:
Online Directory & Online Giving
Did you know we have an online church directory, which you can access from mobile devices, tablets or home? AND, that you can use to make online donations to the church? For more information contact the church office and sign in to OnRealm!
Announcements
Men's Breakfast: Our next breakfast is Monday, July 4, 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 we begin Fun-Day School! Children should sit with their families at the start of worship. After the Children's Time, we'll go do a fun, hands-on activity together--and we'll be back from Holy Communion at the end of worship!
Church R Us (Special Class for Grades 4 & 5): This week we begin Fun-Day School! Children should sit with their families at the start of worship. After the Children's Time, we'll go do a fun, hands-on activity together--and we'll be back from Holy Communion at the end of worship!
Youth Ministry (6th-12th grade):
-Nope!! No Middle School Sunday School through the summer!
-First Baja Meeting is Sunday after church! Get lunch, and bring it back to Epworth!
-Youth Group (3-5pm)? Nah, son. Regular Youth Group resumes in the fall!
-Bowling: We're going Bowling Saturday! 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.
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. ...Read the whole message here
Our congregation is a part of the El Tordondo Mission Area, in the West District of the California-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.
Music Notes by Jim Raycroft
Read past "Music Notes" 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
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
Read past "Music Notes" 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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