The Redondo Beach, California, United States First United Methodist Church's eNews: "Labor Day Weekend, Fall Get-Together next Sunday @ 9:30!" This Sunday: Labor Day Weekend Worship. Next Sunday: Fall Get-Together Ministry Fair @ 9:30!! for Thursday, 1 September 2016From Pastor Molly: Essay QuestionAt least on TV, the new school year is the time for each of us to take a moment and share about what we did on our summer vacations. I know some of you had wonderful adventures. Others of you stayed close to home, or were caught up in life concerns, work or worries of your own.
Here at church, an even more helpful question might be: where have you seen the Holy Spirit working? Where have you felt God's presence around you in recent months?
I suspect that we would have some amazing stories to report.
As we enter this new season in the rhythms of our fall calendars, I encourage you to take a moment to check in with one another. Perhaps over a cookie after worship, or with a Facebook message, text or call, ask each other where you've seen God's presence. And check in with one another, especially reaching out to those who you've been missing. It's a great time to come back together, encouraging and supporting one another with love!
Grace and peace,[Pastor Molly Vetter]
Please note: The church office will be closed Monday, September 5 in observance of the Labor Day holiday
In Worship This WeekSunday, September 4
Philemon 1-21
"Reunited"
Rev. Molly Vetter, preaching
Scripture Text: Philemon 1 From: Sha’ul, a prisoner for the sake of the Messiah Yeshua, and brother Timothy
To: Our dear fellow-worker Philemon, 2 along with sister Apphia, our fellow-soldier Archippus and the congregation that gathers in your home:
3 Grace and shalom to you from God our Father and the Lord Yeshua the Messiah.
4 I thank my God every time I mention you in my prayers, Philemon, 5 for I am hearing about your love and commitment to the Lord Yeshua and to all God’s people. 6 I pray that the fellowship based on your commitment will produce full understanding of every good thing that is ours in union with the Messiah. 7 For your love has given me much joy and encouragement. Brother, you have refreshed the hearts of God’s people.
8 Therefore, I would not hesitate, in union with the Messiah, to direct you to do the thing you ought to do. 9 But since I Sha’ul, am the kind of person I am, an old man and now for the Messiah Yeshua’s sake a prisoner besides, I prefer to appeal to you on the basis of love. 10 My request to you concerns my son, of whom I became the father while here in prison, Onesimus. 11 His name means “useful,” and although he was once useless to you, he has now become most useful — not only to you but also to me; 12 so that in returning him to you I am sending a part of my very heart. 13 I would dearly have loved to keep him with me, in order for him to serve me in your place while I am in prison because of the Good News. 14 But I didn’t want to do anything without your consent, so that the good you do for me may be voluntary and not forced.
15 Perhaps the reason he was separated from you for a brief period was so that you could have him back forever, 16 no longer as a slave but as more than a slave, as a dear brother. And that he is, especially to me. But how much dearer he must be to you, both humanly and in union with the Lord!
17 So if you are in fellowship with me, receive him as you would me. 18 And if he has wronged you in any way or owes you anything, charge it to me.
19 I, Sha’ul, write with my own hand. I will repay it.
(I won’t mention, of course, that you owe me your very life.) 20 Yes, brother, please do me this favor in the Lord; refresh my heart in the Messiah.
21 Trusting that you will respond positively, I write knowing that you will indeed do more than I am asking.
22 One more thing: please get a room ready for me. For I hope that through the prayers of you all God will give me a chance to visit you.
23 Epaphras, my fellow-prisoner for the sake of the Messiah Yeshua, sends greetings to you, 24 as do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas and Luke, my fellow-workers.
25 The grace of the Lord Yeshua the Messiah be with your spirit.
John Wesley's Notes-Commentary for Philemon 1-21
10:30am in the Sanctuary
Special Music: Guest musician Denise Gonzales will sing "I Look to You," and "The Prayer" with Chris Gambol"I Look to You"
Verse 1
[1] Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy our brother, unto Philemon our dearly beloved, and fellowlabourer,
This single epistle infinitely transcends all the wisdom of the world. And it gives us a specimen how Christians ought to treat of secular affairs from higher principles.
Paul a prisoner of Christ — To whom, as such, Philemon could deny nothing.
And Timotheus — This was written before the second epistle to Timothy, Philemon 22.
Verse 2
[2] And to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellowsoldier, and to the church in thy house:
To Apphia — His wife, to whom also the business in part belonged.
And the church in thy house — The Christians who meet there.
Verse 5
[5] Hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints;
Hearing — Probably from Onesimus.
Verse 6
[6] That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.
I pray that the communication of thy faith may become effectual - That is, that thy faith may be effectually communicated to others, who see and acknowledge thy piety and charity.
Verse 7
[7] For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother.
The saints — To whom Philemon's house was open, Philemon 2.
Verse 8
[8] Wherefore, though I might be much bold in Christ to enjoin thee that which is convenient,
I might be bold in Christ — Through the authority he hath given me.
Verse 9
[9] Yet for love's sake I rather beseech thee, being such an one as Paul the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ.
Yet out of love I rather entreat thee — In how handsome a manner does the apostle just hint, and immediately drop, the consideration of his power to command, and tenderly entreat Philemon to hearken to his friend, his aged friend, and now prisoner for Christ! With what endearment, in the next verse, does he call Onesimus his son, before he names his name! And as soon as he had mentioned it, with what fine address does he just touch on his former faults, and instantly pass on to the happy change that was now made upon him! So disposing Philemon to attend to his request, and the motives wherewith he was going to enforce it.
Verse 10
[10] I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds:
Whom I have begotten in my bonds — The son of my age.
Verse 11
[11] Which in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee and to me:
Now profitable — None should be expected to be a good servant before he is a good man. He manifestly alludes to his name, Onesimus, which signifies profitable.
Verse 12
[12] Whom I have sent again: thou therefore receive him, that is, mine own bowels:
Receive him, that is, my own bowels — Whom I love as my own soul. Such is the natural affection of a father in Christ toward his spiritual children.
Verse 13
[13] Whom I would have retained with me, that in thy stead he might have ministered unto me in the bonds of the gospel:
To serve me in thy stead — To do those services for me which thou, if present, wouldest gladly have done thyself.
Verse 14
[14] But without thy mind would I do nothing; that thy benefit should not be as it were of necessity, but willingly.
That thy benefit might not be by constraint — For Philemon could not have refused it.
Verse 15
[15] For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that thou shouldest receive him for ever;
God might permit him to be separated (a soft word) for a season, that thou mightest have him for ever - Both on earth and in heaven.
Verse 16
[16] Not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved, specially to me, but how much more unto thee, both in the flesh, and in the Lord?
In the flesh — As a dutiful servant.
In the Lord — As a fellow-Christian.
Verse 17
[17] If thou count me therefore a partner, receive him as myself.
If thou accountest me a partner — So that thy things are mine, and mine are thine.
Verse 19
[19] I Paul have written it with mine own hand, I will repay it: albeit I do not say to thee how thou owest unto me even thine own self besides.
I will repay it — If thou requirest it.
Not to say, that then owest me thyself — It cannot be expressed, how great our obligation is to those who have gained our souls to Christ.
Beside — Receiving Onesimus.
Verse 20
[20] Yea, brother, let me have joy of thee in the Lord: refresh my bowels in the Lord.
Refresh my bowels in Christ — Give me the most exquisite and Christian pleasure.
Verse 22
[22] But withal prepare me also a lodging: for I trust that through your prayers I shall be given unto you.
Given to you — Restored to liberty.
8:30am in Epworth Lounge10:30am in the Sanctuary
Special Music: Guest musician Denise Gonzales will sing "I Look to You," and "The Prayer" with Chris Gambol"I Look to You"
1. As I lay me down
Heaven hear me now
I’m lost without a cause
After giving it my all
2. Winter storms have come
And darkened my sun
After all that I’ve been through
Who on earth can I turn to?
Chorus:
I look to you,
I look to you
After all my strength is gone
In you I can be strong
I look to you,
I look to you
And when melodies are gone In you I hear a song
I look to you
3. 'bout to lose my breath
There's no more fighting left
Sinking to rise no more
Searching for that open door
4. And every road that I've taken
Led to my regret
And I don't know if I'm go'n make it
Nothing to do but lift my head
Chorus:
I look to you,
I look to you
After all my strength is gone
In you I can be strong
I look to you,
I look to you
And when melodies are gone In you I hear a song
I look to you
5. My levees are broken
My walls are coming down on me
My rain is falling
Defeat is calling
I need you to set me free
Take me far away from the battle
I need you
Shine on me!
and "The Prayer" by the Songwriters: LEE, MALLORCA/FORBES, DAVID/LEE, JOHN CHARLES DE MALLORCA
1. I pray you'll be our eyes and watch us where we go.
And help us to be wise in times when we don't know
Let this be our prayer when we lose our way
Lead us to the place guide us with your grace
To a place where we'll be safe
La luce che tu hai
2. (I pray we'll find your light)
Nel cuore resterà
(And hold it in our hearts.)
A ricordarci che
(When stars go out each night,)
Eterna stella sei
Nella mia preghiera
(Let this be our prayer)
Quanta fede see'è
(When shadows fill our day)
3. Lead us to a place, guide us with your grace
Give us faith so we'll be safe
Sogniamo un mondo senza più violenza
Un mondo di giustizia e di speranza
Ognuno lo dia la mano al suo vicino
Simbolo di pace, di fraternità
La forza che ci dà
4. (We ask that life be kind)
È il desiderio che
(And watch us from above)
Ognuno trovi amor
(We hope each soul will find)
Intorno e dentro sé
(Another soul to love)
5. Let this be our prayer (Let this be our prayer),
Just like every child
Need to find a place, guide us with your grace
Give us faith so we'll be safe
È la fede che
Hai acceso in noi,
Sento che ci salverà
Visit our WebsiteNews From Our Members
Last Sunday, verse two of the Hebrews Scripture reading included the phrase “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it.” My experience was not at church, but following a Tuesday lunch meeting at my club, the Hermosa Beach Rotary Club, I spoke to a visiting Rotarian whom I had yet to speak to and asked him his name and club while we both were in the parking lot. Then I noticed his parking sticker for U. S. Congress and asked him about that. He answered that he was the Senior Senator from Oklahoma and was attending our club as a make-up while in California. He and I visited at least a half hour as his curiosity about our Rotary Club Building in Hermosa Beach opened the door for a delightful talk about our respective Rotary Clubs and other subjects. To this day, that has been the only...Read more here
The Lay Looker by Bob Peterson
Bob PetersonBob Peterson's popular column for the Mainsail has found new life, online! Read his view from the pews about church life and community news. You'll enjoy keeping up with the many good things happening in our congregation!
Thursday, September 1, 2016 by Bob Peterson
Last Sunday, verse two of the Hebrews Scripture reading included the phrase “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it.” My experience was not at church, but following a Tuesday lunch meeting at my club, the Hermosa Beach Rotary Club, I spoke to a visiting Rotarian whom I had yet to speak to and asked him his name and club while we both were in the parking lot. Then I noticed his parking sticker for U. S. Congress and asked him about that. He answered that he was the Senior Senator from Oklahoma and was attending our club as a make-up while in California. He and I visited at least a half hour as his curiosity about our Rotary Club Building in Hermosa Beach opened the door for a delightful talk about our respective Rotary Clubs and other subjects. To this day, that has been the only U.S. Senator or Congressman I ever talked with. I've heard many on Radio and TV, but even while visiting Washington D.C. I missed speaking with any real member of Congress.
I still remember my first Sunday School teacher and other teachers while in the low grades of school. You may remember some of yours as well, and that's a good thing. My most influential Music teacher was “Mr. Dee”, short for Louis J. Dippolito who led the instrumental music classes for Horace Mann Junior High School (7th, 8th & 9th grades) in South L. A. He inspired me to continue playing French Horn which I do until this day. What a great teacher and individual he was. These are a couple of reasons I admire our Church Sunday School teachers and the excellent work they do. My personal involvement was as teacher for our church Junior High Girls class along with Susie Hefner when she and her daughter Brooke were here at Redondo Beach First United Methodist Church. We were a team and it's really fun to continue connecting with students and their families after all these years.
So, think of the work our church does and how the impressions and values being taught last for years and years. My memories go back nearly 95 years, but only 66 years at this wonderful church. How about yours? Perhaps you could share a story or incident with our church HistorianPaul Caldwell.
Read Columns from our former Lay Leader, Johnna Kosnoff, here!
Coming at Church
Parking Lot Fundraiser THIS Weekend!We will rent out the parking lot to “beach-goers” for the holiday weekend. We could use some volunteers to work the lot Saturday (9/3), Sunday afternoon (9/4) and Monday (9/5). Please contact Paul Caldwell to sign up for a two hour shift. Men, women, and youth are welcome. Email Paul to help!
Fall Get-Together: Sunday, Sept 11
from 9:15-10:30am
To kick off the fall ministry season, we invite you to a Sunday ministry fair, with food combinations that are better together, and ways to be involved in the life and ministry of our church. Find out more about how you can be involved in the work of this community!
All ages are welcome. Free breakfast food provided, and lots of opportunities for you to jump in.
Ministry leaders: make sure to reserve a table at the Get-Together, so you can save about your work and invite others to be a part of it! Contact Ernie in the church office to make sure you're on the list!
Sunday School's Back: Sept 11Sunday School and Church R Us is back beginning September 11th!
Stay tuned for more details!
Help our kids grow!Teach Sunday School!
Children's Ministry is seeking volunteers to teach Sunday school once a month!
Lessons and supplies will be provided, as well as tons of support and admiration!
Ready to sign up? Need more details?Email Risa!
Mark your
calendars for Sept 16th! It's the return of Parents' Night Out!
Drop off your children (Toddlers-5th Grade) at church for three hours of programming, starting at 5pm.The evening costs $20.00 for first child ($10 for second, $5 for third or more). Parents get a night out, and the children finding time for fellowship at church. It is a fun night for all! Email Children's Ministry to reserve your spot by Monday, September 12.
Looking for Good Stories!What group or person has made a difference for you, if your life and faith? Pastor Molly is looking for stories about how our lives have been changed for the better because of others. Let her know if you have one to tell!
Coming this Fall: Better Together
It's a church theme, a sermon series and more! All fall, we will be celebrating how we're Better Together, remembering how God works in the lives of communities and in our relationships. As the writer of Ecclesiastes said, "And though one might prevail against another, two will withstand one. A threefold cord is not quickly broken." (Ecclesiastes 4:12)It goes much deeper, too--we come to know about God because of the people in whom we have seen God at work. Our faith and love make sense when we live them out with other people here on earth.
There's much more to say, and we hope you'll be a part of this whole meaningful season.
Book Club: Our next book is a work of fiction titled "The Language of Flowers: A Novel" by Vanessa Diffenbaugh. We will meet Tuesday, September 27 at 7pm in May Day Parlor.More info online; email Ann or Laura.
Youth Group Resumes Sept 18!Summer's almost over, and we've got a few fun events left, but regular, Sunday afternoon youth group resumes on Sept 18th!
Our youth group normally meets in the youth room from 3-5pm on Sunday afternoons for games, prayer, music, Bible study, and community. Oy, what a community!
Choir Rehearsals moving to Thursday nights!Our choir will be back on Sunday, September 11, and regular rehearsals are moving to Thursday evenings! Join the choir for rehearsal each Thursday, starting September 8, from 7:30 to 9pm in the Choir Room. Contact Jim Raycroft for more info.
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!
Annual Church Golf Tournament: Saturday, October 15Join us on Saturday, October 15 for a First United Methodist Church of Redondo Beach Golf Tournament!
We will be playing at a local course, Alondra Park Golf Course and the tournament is a four person scramble. It's a great opportunity to invite friends and neighbors to join your foursome. (You may register as an individual or a foursome.; $80 per player) Tee times will begin at 10 a.m.
Click here for more info and to reserve your spot
Stephen and others on Baja Mission 2015.Seminary Intern: Stephen HaleWe are pleased to welcome Stephen Hale into one additional new role during this school year: as a seminary intern. In addition to his work as our Youth Director, Stephen will be working with Pastor Molly and lay leaders in the church, learning and serving in a variety of pastoral roles as a part of a Field Education requirement in his MDiv program at the Claremont School of Theology. You will hear more about what this means for the church in coming weeks!
United Methodist Women’s Reading Program Update by Eloise ElderThank you to all the women & youth who have participating in our reading program. The books we have read have increased our knowledge, spiritual growth, awareness of social action and mission areas and ways to nurture our communities.
Special thanks to the following women and youth who completed one of the plans:
PLAN 1 (5 books): Helen Stockwell, Jackie Heite and...
click here to see more names and information about the program.
Announcements
Men's Breakfast: Our next breakfast is Monday, September 5, 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, September 9, 10am-noon.--if you haven't tried 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) & Church R Us (Grades 4 & 5): Kids will be with us in worship today. Look for a fun activity sheet in the back!
Youth Ministry (6th-12th grade):
Friday night, Sept 2nd, we're having a Lock-In at church!
-Nope!! No Middle School Sunday School until Sept 11th!
-Youth Group (3-5pm)? Nah, son. Regular Youth Group resumes Sept 18th!
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 & EventsOur congregation is a part of the El Tordondo Mission Area, in the West District of theCalifornia-Pacific Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church.
You are invited to join area United Methodists for the West District Episcopal Welcome for our new Bishop Grant J. Hagiya, and our new West District Superintendent Welcome for Rev. Mark M. Nakagawa on Saturday - September 10, 2017 from 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM at Rolling Hills UMC (26438 Crenshaw Blvd, Rolling Hills Estates, CA 90274). Childcare will be available--RSVP with child's name and age.
First United Methodist Church of Redondo Beach, California, United States
243 South Broadway
Redondo Beach, California 90277, United States
310-372-8445 main
310-372-8445 main
310-372-5696 fax
Website
Ongoing Ministries
Ongoing Ministries
Free Meal on Wednesday NightsOffering food and friendship to those in need, every Wednesday night since 1992. More info here.
DESSERTS needed for SHARED BREAD
Shared Bread is running low on their supply of desserts. 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.)
Thanks for your sweet caring.
We Are Messengers is an Irish worship band from Monaghan, Ireland. They formed in 2015 under the leadership of husband and wife team Darren and Heidi Mulligan. Darren spent time in the U.S. playing his guitar before returning to Ireland to marry his wife, and with the intention of setting music aside forever. However, music still called, and he began filling in with a local praise band called The Remission Flow and began travelling with them. The self-titled debut album, We Are Messengers, was released on April 22 of this year by Word Records and Curb Records, and peaked at #10 on the Billboard Magazine charts and contained the hit...Read more about our music here!
Music Notes by Jim Raycroft
Music Director, Jim Raycroft, will share upcoming worship music
selections and a little bit of history, too.
Jim Raycroft
Thursday, September 1, 2016 - Music Notes by Jim Raycroft
We Are Messengers is an Irish worship band from Monaghan, Ireland. They formed in 2015 under the leadership of husband and wife team Darren and Heidi Mulligan. Darren spent time in the U.S. playing his guitar before returning to Ireland to marry his wife, and with the intention of setting music aside forever. However, music still called, and he began filling in with a local praise band called The Remission Flow and began travelling with them. The self-titled debut album,We Are Messengers, was released on April 22 of this year by Word Records and Curb Records, and peaked at #10 on the Billboard Magazine charts and contained the hit single Everything Comes Alive.
I Look To You was the title of the hit single from the album of the same name by Whitney Houston. It was written by R. Kelly (Robert Kelly), was her seventh album and was released to very favorable reviews in 2009. The single was her highest charting single in seven years and reached #19 within 3 days of its release. It was later recorded as a duet with R. Kelly, and the duet version was released seven months after her death. R. Kelly sang it at her funeral service on February 18, 2012, which was broadcast and streamed live to a worldwide audience. Houston said that the powerful piano ballad “sums up the album” and was all she wanted to say at that stage of her life.
The Prayer was written by David Foster and Carol Bayer Sager, with input and Italian translations from Alberto Testa and Tony Renis. The original English version was recorded by Celine Dion, and the original Italian version was recorded by Andrea Bocelli. They first appeared in the soundtrack for the movie Quest For Camelot in 1998, a soundtrack that I also sang in, and then the duet version was released a few months later on separate albums by both artists. The song won a Golden Globe for Best Original Song, and was nominated for an Oscar in 1999 for Best Original Song and a Grammy in 2000 for Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals.
This week our musical guests are someone familiar and someone new. Chris Gambol has been a friend and regular guest for almost 2 years, having first dropped by to sing a little calypso with the choir 2 years ago this October. This week, he brings a special guest, a young voice student of his that will blow you away. He sent me a YouTube video clip of her singing and asked if there might be a time she could sing for us. My response was “Are you kidding? How soon can she be ready?” Denise Alyssa Gonzales is a junior at Royal High School and is currently studying voice with Christopher Gambol. She is a straight "A" student and an International Baccalaureate candidate. A former competitive swimmer, Denise loves to stay active in the pool as well as in school and choir. She has been in choir for two years, singing in their Concert Choir and Chamber Jazz. She has also earned various awards from singing competitions, including first place in the 2014 First Annual Royal High School Talent Show. Denise has also sung with the Filipino American Symphony Orchestra, has been featured as a front act for many popular Filipino musicians at live concerts, and sings at karaoke bars. She enjoys singing and performing for the Lord and touching people's hearts with every song's message.
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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