The Redondo Beach, California, United States 1st UMC eNews: HAPPY THANKSGIVING! "This Sunday: Making Christmas Meaningful (Advent begins!)" for Thursday, 24 November 2016

The Redondo Beach, California, United States 1st UMC eNews: HAPPY THANKSGIVING! "This Sunday: Making Christmas Meaningful (Advent begins!)" for Thursday, 24 November 2016
From Pastor Molly: A More Meaningful Christmas
Even as I make more preparations for Thanksgiving dinner, I'm aware that Christmas is coming. Stores are already decorated and Thursday's newspaper will be overflowing with ads for Black Friday sales.
There are things I love about all this activity and festivity. I love giving gifts and planning parties. But I do want to invite you to come with me on a journey to try to make all this season of busyness really meaningful. Not just lovely, but life-changing. Not a burden of obligations, but a life-giving invitation to be a part of what God is doing.
Because I love all the energy of planning and preparing for Christmas, this year I invite you to join me in the work of preparing for Christ's coming. I believe we can use all the activities of the season for something more than a Christmas party; I believe we can use it to help make the world ready for the coming of Christ's kingdom.
Each week during Advent, we'll focus on one concrete activity--like cooking, building, planting or singing--that gives us real ways to use our time and energy to help show mercy, share love and work for justice. I know some of you love to create; for others, this talk of making is all a stretch. None of the work requires special skill, though: in the stories and activities of the season, I pray you will find new avenues for building God's kingdom.
Weekly devotionals for individuals or families we be available at church on Sunday, or through our website. Daily stories of inspiration will be posted on our Facebook page. Follow, download and share!
Grace and peace,
Pastor Molly Vetter
I am so grateful to Rev. Nicole Reilley, who will preach in worship this Sunday; I'll be off for the day, enjoying time with extended family over the Thanksgiving holiday.

In Worship This Week
Sunday, November 27
First Sunday of Advent
"Growing Hope"
Rev. Nicole Reilley, preaching
Isaiah 2:1-5
Scripture Text: Isaiah 2:1 This is the word that Yesha‘yahu the son of Amotz saw concerning Y’hudah and Yerushalayim:

2 In the acharit-hayamim

the mountain of Adonai’s house

will be established as the most important mountain.

It will be regarded more highly than the other hills,

and all the Goyim will stream there.

3 Many peoples will go and say,

“Come, let’s go up to the mountain of Adonai,

to the house of the God of Ya‘akov!

He will teach us about his ways,

and we will walk in his paths.”

For out of Tziyon will go forth Torah,

the word of Adonai from Yerushalayim.

4 He will judge between the nations

and arbitrate for many peoples.

Then they will hammer their swords into plow-blades

and their spears into pruning-knives;

nations will not raise swords at each other,

and they will no longer learn war.

5 Descendants of Ya‘akov, come!

Let’s live in the light of Adonai!

John Wesley's Notes-Commentary: Isaiah 2:1-5

Verse 1

[1] The word that Isaiah the son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem.

The word — Or, the matter or thing, as this Hebrew word commonly signifies; the prophecy or vision.

Verse 2

[2] And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the LORD's house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it.

In the last days — In the times of the Messiah. For Christ's institutions were to continue to the end of the world.

The mountain — The temple of the Lord which is upon mount Moriah; which yet is not to be understood literally of that material temple, but mystically of the church of God; as appears from the flowing of all nations to it, which was not to that temple, nor indeed was fulfilled 'till that temple was destroyed.

Exalted — Shall be placed and settled in a most conspicuous and glorious manner, being advanced above all other churches and kingdoms.

Verse 3

[3] And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.

The law — The new law, the doctrine of the gospel, which is frequently called a law, because it hath the nature and power of a law, obliging us no less to the belief and practice of it, than the old law did.

Verse 4

[4] And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.

He — Christ shall set up his authority among all nations, not only giving laws to them, but doing what no other can do, convincing their consciences, changing their hearts, and ordering their lives.

Rebuke — By his word and Spirit, convincing the world of sin; and by his judgments upon his implacable enemies, which obstruct the propagation of the gospel.

Verse 5

[5] O house of Jacob, come ye, and let us walk in the light of the LORD.

The light — Take heed that you do not reject that light which is so clear that even the blind Gentiles will discern it.

8:30am in Epworth Lounge
10:30am in the Sanctuary
Special Music: "Come Lord Jesus" by Mark Hayes, and "Down By the Riverside," with lots of extra guests in the band!
"Come Lord Jesus"

All of creation

All of the earth

Make straight a highway

A path for the Lord

Jesus is coming soon

Call back the sinner

Wake up the saint

Let every nation shout of Your fame

Jesus is coming soon

Like a bride waiting for her groom

We'll be a Church ready for You

Every heart longing for our King

We sing

Even so come

Lord Jesus, come

Even so come

Lord Jesus, come

There will be justice

All will be new

Your name forever

Faithful and true

Jesus is coming soon

Like a bride waiting for her groom

We'll be a Church ready for You

Every heart longing for our King

We sing

Even so come

Lord Jesus, come

Even so come

Lord Jesus, come

So we wait

We wait for You

God, we wait

You're coming soon

So we wait

We wait for You

God, we wait

You're coming soon

"Down By the Riverside" by Terry Rendall

I'm gonna lay down my sword and shield

Down by the riverside

Down by the riverside

Down by the riverside

I'm gonna lay down my sword and shield

Down by the riverside

I'm gonna study, study, war no more

I ain't gonna study war no more

Ain't gonna study war no more

I ain't gonna study war no more

I ain't gonna study war no more

Ain't gonna study war no more

I ain't gonna study war no more

I'm gonna lay down my heavy load

Down by the riverside

Down by the riverside

Down by the riverside

I'm gonna lay down my heavy load

Down by the riverside

Gonna study war no more

I ain't gonna study war no more

Ain't gonna study war no more

I ain't gonna study war no more

I ain't gonna study war no more

Ain't gonna study war no more

I ain't gonna study war no more

Ain't gonna study war no more

Ain't gonna study war no more

Ain't gonna study war no more

Ain't gonna study war no more

Ain't gonna study war no more

Ain't gonna study war no more

Yes, laid down ?

Down by the riverside

Down by the riverside

Down by the riverside

I'm gonna lay down my heavy load

Down by the riverside

God is tiding on no more

No more

Listen to Sermons online
Visit our Website
News From Our Members

Now that Thanksgiving is [here] and God is thanked for everything in our lives as well as families, our church, our friends and neighbors, careers, hobbies, and our world, we get to Advent Sunday. If you are like me you refuse to think of Christmas until after Thanksgiving, but our world seems to do otherwise. I really love Thanksgiving, being with family and friends and eating....as good as it can get. My family this year runs from ages four to ninety-five and that's a really long time, but love is all around and we are...The Lay Looker by Bob Peterson

Bob Peterson
Bob 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, November 24, 2016 by Bob Peterson
Now that Thanksgiving is past and God is thanked for everything in our lives as well as families, our church, our friends and neighbors, careers, hobbies, and our world, we get to Advent Sunday. If you are like me you refuse to think of Christmas until after Thanksgiving, but our world seems to do otherwise. I really love Thanksgiving, being with family and friends and eating....as good as it can get. My family this year runs from ages four to ninety-five and that's a really long time, but love is all around and we are all local so my life is great and I hope yours is as well.
Christmas often first arrives with decorations, indoors and outdoors, delighted and lighted. Which brings me to our church decorations for the season. If you are willing to help decorate our campus for the holiday please contact Ernie in the office and add your name to the list. Some of the people who have been doing this in past years are finding it difficult to reach as high as they used to. New, younger and stronger arms and legs can help do the job which includes the church Christmas tree and many other items to remind us of God's Love, Jesus' birth and all that goes with it. Many helpers make the job easier and much quicker to complete.
With all the special things going on, our church welcomes Advent with printed material, decorations, special study, great sermons, a pageant, extremely well prepared music and more. If this doesn't move you to feel God's Gift of the baby Jesus as a special time, then what will?
For many, many years George and Peggy Mercer have led the Corazon trek to Mexico to help poor families with Christmas gifts, work and fellowship. If you cannot help them, at least thank them and perhaps contribute a donation or something to help out. It feels great to help others helping the poor, especially at this season of the year. Their Mission trips to Mexico have always been above and beyond, so we should all thank them many times.
Read it all here
Read Columns from our former Lay Leader, Johnna Kosnoff, here!
Coming at Church

I invite you to make all this season of busyness even more meaningful. Not just lovely, but life-changing. Not a burden of obligations, but a life-giving invitation to be a part of what God is doing.
I believe we can use all the activities of the season for something more than a Christmas party; I believe we can use it to help make the world ready for the coming of Christ’s kingdom.
Pastor Molly
Make Christmas Meaningful
We have prepared a free Advent devotional for you to use at home. It's designed for people of all ages, to use alone, with your family or in a small group. You can pick up a copy on Sunday, or visit our website to find it online!
Children's Ministry will also have Advent Wreaths and other tools for families to use at home during this season--stop by the Fellowship Hall after worship on Sunday, November 27.
The devotional includes a reading for each week, along with questions for thought and conversation, and activities--as well as a page for drawing and imagining.
Christmas Angels for Corazon
This year's Corazon Christmas party in Mexico is set for Saturday, December 3. Once again, our church is sponsoring gifts for 30 families.
We have several children and family angel tags still unclaimed! Help make a family's Christmas by clicking THIS LINK and choosing a family to buy a gift for. Names and gift requests can be found on the sign up page.
All wrapped gifts are due back at church by Sunday, November 27.


We are currently recruiting church groups and individuals from the congregation to help make the event happen: help with set-up, clean-up, to make soup, and to host tables during the event time! Visit our Sign-Up to see how you can help.
All-in-One Advent Fun is Going Global this Year!
Join us for "Joy to the World," an all-church Advent celebration on Sunday, December 4, from 4-6pm. This year, we'll share soup and snacks from around the world, plus enjoy making crafts, singing songs and sharing in fellowship. Ten Thousand Villages will set up a booth, selling fair trade crafts from around the world, too!
We hope to have 3 types of soup from around the world, and we invite everyone to bring a side dish or dessert to share. We hope you might bring a special Christmas treat that comes from your own culture's tradition!

Advent Wreaths and candles will be available in the fellowship hall between our morning services and following the 10:30 service this Sunday.
New candles and supplies to freshen your wreath will also be available!
Christmas Pageant Rehearsals have started!!
This year we're going Outback for "Christmas Down Under!" It's not too late to join us!
Children and Youth are invited to participate! There are parts for those who cannot attend every rehearsal. Just let us know!
Young preschoolers are invited to participate as our adorable manger animals! If you have a little one and you aren't sure they're ready for rehearsals, send me an email!
Performance is:
December 11th at our 10:30am worship service!

Remaining Rehearsals are:
November 27, & Dec 4 9:30am
Dress Rehearsal will be Saturday, December 10th from 10am-12pm
Please let us know if you plan on missing a practice!
Questions? email children's ministries!

Worship with us on Christmas Eve at 5pm and 11pm
Both worship times will include favorite carols, the Christmas story and candlelight. At 11pm, the choir will sing and we will share Communion.

"The Christmas Story" Dec 18 at 10:30
Our Choir will share "The Christmas Story" as arranged by Roger Wagner during our 10:30 worship on Sunday December 18. This classic telling of the Christmas story will include our congregation's tradition of a "Walk to the Manger."

Sunday, December 18, 3-5pm
Pastor Molly and her family invite you to an open house at the parsonage (513 Faye Ln) . From the open house, we'll go out in groups to sing carols at the homes of some of our older and homebound members.

One Worship Service at 10:30: Christmas Day and New Year's Day
On Sundays December 25 and January 1, we will have just one worship service, at 10:30am in the sanctuary. Kids will be with us in worship!

Poinsettias for Christmas
Our church will be decorated with poinsettias for Advent and Christmas. Beginning this Sunday, you may order plants and dedicate them in honor or memory of someone special. The cost of each poinsettia is $9. Look for the order form in this week's bulletin. An online order form will be available next week.
Book Club: We are planning a pre-Christmas party at the home of Sally Donner on Tuesday, Dec. 6 at 7pm. The book to be discussed is F. Backman's "A Man Called Ove," which has been a bestseller this year.
More info, email Ann.

Better Together: Pledge Campaign for 2017 Update
Thank you to everyone who has given a pledge of financial support to the church for 2017. So far, we have received 63 pledges, for $265,590; we are grateful to have received several pledges from people who have never pledged before! We hope to receive $300,000 in pledges, to support an annual ministry budget of $500,000. As comparison, for 2016, we received 61 pledges, totaling $280,000.
We invite you to consider making a pledge of financial support to our church for 2017, if you haven't already.When you make a pledge of giving to the church, at least two things happen. It helps put your faith at the center of your financial decisions, because giving to the church is something you plan from the beginning. (Scripture speaks of this as “first fruits”—that we give to God first, not just what’s left over.) It also helps us as a congregation, to make more strategic plans for ministry for the coming year. We hope you will give prayerful thought to whether this is a step you are willing to take.
-Your 2016 Stewardship Team: Gary Baughman, Deirdre Briese, Grace and Jon Saari, Holly Walters, Stephen Hale and Pastor Molly Vetter

You can read more about our church budget, and also submit a pledge online, here.

Online Giving Options
Did you know there are two good ways to give to the church online?
Give through OnRealm, our church directory and database. Arrange one-time or recurring donations, via bank transfer.
Give through our website, via PayPal.
An Invitation to Church Membership!
Pastor Molly is planning to receive new members into our congregation on Sunday, December 4; if you are interested in joining the church or in knowing more about what that means, please contact her to set up a time to talk!

Announcements
Men's Breakfast: Our next breakfast is Monday, December 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.
Prayer Quilt Ministry: Know someone in need of prayer? You can sponsor a free prayer quilt for them. Next Quilt Workshop: Friday, December 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) Meet us for Christmas Pageant Rehearsals at 9:30 in the fellowship hall! Afterward, we will stay in the fellowship hall for our end of the month Sunday School celebration then join our families for communion! Don't forget your Sunday School offering!
Church R Us (Grades 4 & 5): Meet us for Christmas Pageant Rehearsals at 9:30 in the fellowship hall! Afterward, we will stay in the fellowship hall for our end of the month Sunday School celebration!
Youth Ministry (6th-12th grade):
- Middle School Sunday School? Yep!
-Youth Group? Nope! Because of the Retreat, we're cancelling Youth Group.
-Remember: Youth have been invited to participate in the Children's Pageant this year! Contact Risa for more info.
-Remember: We're helping at Shared Bread next Wednesday (Nov 30).
Young Adults (19-not very specific):
We gather together socially on the regular, though somewhat erratically. Contact Stephen Hale in the church office to be kept in the loop!
Adult Sunday School: Bible Study and Discussion in May Day Parlor. Sunday mornings from 9:30-10:15am. Led by Helen Stockwell and Paul Caldwell.
Thursday Pastor's Bible Study:
Thursday mornings from 11:00-noon, in May Day Parlor. All are welcome. We will not meet this week due to the Thanksgiving holiday.
United Methodist News & Events

A Thanksgiving Message from our Bishop
As we prepare for Thanksgiving I am reminded of the political storm in the U.S. we find ourselves in. For some, the question is, “how can we be thankful in the midst of the controversies and conflicts we face.” To me, that is the wrong question. The question should be: “how can we not be thankful for all that God has provided for us as our first response.” ... 
Bishop Hagiya’s 2016 Thanksgiving Message
As we prepare for Thanksgiving I am reminded of the political storm in the U.S. we find ourselves in. For some, the question is, “how can we be thankful in the midst of the controversies and conflicts we face.” To me, that is the wrong question. The question should be: “how can we not be thankful for all that God has provided for us as our first response.” No matter what our challenges, God has given us the gift of life, and our response must be one of profound gratitude. Thanksgiving embodies this gratitude, and let us remember to first stop and give thanks.
I would also like to remind us that the very word, “Thanksgiving,” incorporates the twin concepts of “thanks” and “giving.” First, we are thankful, and second, because of this thankfulness, we should give. Isn’t this tracing back to our U.S. origin of providing a feast for others in our gratitude for God providing for us? Thus, our faith should remind us to be thankful, and in our thankfulness, we give to others.
I don’t think it is by any accident that our U.S. “Giving Tuesday” falls on Nov. 29 of this year. It is a movement whereby we are able to give to major causes of compassion and justice. Perhaps, at no recent time in our American history does “Giving Tuesday,” provide the opportunity to do something constructive in light of our feelings about our recent elections. If you are angry or happy, frustrated or vindicated, or somewhere between, all of us can do something positive by giving to others. Thanksgiving reminds us that we must be thankful, but our response to being thankful is to give.
I hope and pray that you will join me during this season, both to be thankful and to give.
Be the Hope,
Bishop Grant
Los Angeles Area Resident Bishop
The United Methodist Church

Read the rest of Bishop Hagiya's statement 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

310-372-5696 fax

Email

Website
Ongoing Ministries

Free Meal on Wednesday Nights
Offering food and friendship to those in need, every Wednesday night since 1992. More info here.
Desserts for Shared Bread
We continue to accept dessert donations for our Shared Bread program. Homemade treats are treasured by our guests – but purchased treats would be wonderful, as well. 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.

Happy Thanksgiving. Music Notes will be back next week.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, November 24, 2016 - Music Notes by Jim Raycroft

Happy Thanksgiving. Music Notes will be back next week!

Read more about our music here!
Our choir is back for the fall, and regular rehearsals have moved to Thursday evenings! Join the choir for rehearsal each Thursday, from 7:30 to 9pm in the Choir Room. Contact Jim Raycroft for more info.
United Methodist Women’s Reading Program Any one can read the books and our own local UMW unit will get credit! click here for information about the program.

Support missions through recycling!
Bring your plastic bottles and aluminum cans to church every Sunday. By recycling we can support Corazon, Crop Walk, Habitat for Humanity and some of the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) programs: Syrian refugee relief, eradicating hunger, clean water, ending malaria and fighting HIV/AIDS. Please bring your cans and bottles.


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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The Redondo Beach, California, United States 1st UMC eNews: Thanksgiving Sunday - Better Together! "This Sunday: Thanksgiving Sunday!"
From Pastor Molly: With Thanksgiving
This is the final week of our fall "Better Together" theme, and we have a wild story to share in worship. It's also Thanksgiving Sunday. Both of which have given me an excuse to take account of some of the things for which I am grateful. I know that I am certainly better for being a part of this congregation.
I am grateful for the oldest members of our church. Yesterday, I had occasion for conversation with several of our members who are more than 90 years old--I am inspired and energized by their passion for the work of the church, and by their wisdom and good humor.
I am grateful for the energy people new to our congregation, families and people of all ages. I am especially grateful for the way they help me keep view of just how incredible our community is.
I am grateful for the diversity of our church: in age, ethnicity, ability, gender, sexual orientation, politics, personality and more. I am made better by working with you all.
I am grateful for our commitment to serving others--through Shared Bread, Corazon Christmas gifts, and so much more. Similarly, I am thankful for our ongoing commitment to ministry with younger people, through our children and youth ministry programs. These values embody our love, our hope and our trust in the future.
There's much more I could say, but I want to give you a chance to reflect on your own gratitude: what are you grateful for about our church community? I'd love to hear your thoughts.
Grace and peace,
Pastor Molly Vetter
This Sunday, we will collect a special Thanksgiving Offering. We sent you a note and a special offering envelope yesterday. If you're able, I invite you to consider a special gift, marking your gratitude to God!

In Worship This Week
Sunday, November 20
Thanksgiving Sunday
"For Just Such a Time as This"
Rev. Molly Vetter, preaching
Esther 4:9-17
Scripture Texts: Esther 4:9 Hatakh returned and told Ester what Mordekhai had said.

10 Then Ester spoke to Hatakh and gave him this message for Mordekhai: 11 “All the king’s officials, as well as the people in the royal provinces, know that if anyone, man or woman, approaches the king in the inner courtyard without being summoned, there is just one law — he must be put to death — unless the king holds out the gold scepter for him to remain alive; and I haven’t been summoned to the king for the past thirty days.”

12 Upon being told what Ester had said, Mordekhai 13 asked them to give Ester this answer: “Don’t suppose that merely because you happen to be in the royal palace you will escape any more than the other Jews. 14 For if you fail to speak up now, relief and deliverance will come to the Jews from a different direction; but you and your father’s family will perish. Who knows whether you didn’t come into your royal position precisely for such a time as this.”

15 Ester had them return this answer to Mordekhai: 16 “Go, assemble all the Jews to be found in Shushan, and have them fast for me, neither eating nor drinking for three days, night and day; also I and the girls attending me will fast the same way. Then I will go in to the king, which is against the law; and if I perish, I perish.” 17 Then Mordekhai went his way and did everything Ester had ordered him to do.

John Wesley's Notes-Commentary: Esther 4:9-17

Verse 11

[11] All the king's servants, and the people of the king's provinces, do know, that whosoever, whether man or woman, shall come unto the king into the inner court, who is not called, there is one law of his to put him to death, except such to whom the king shall hold out the golden sceptre, that he may live: but I have not been called to come in unto the king these thirty days.

Inner court — Within which, the king's residence and throne was.

Not called — This was decreed, to maintain both the majesty, and the safety of the king's person; and by the contrivance of the greater officers of state, that few or none might have access to the king but themselves and their friends.

I have not been called, … — Which gives me just cause to fear that the king's affections are alienated from me, and that neither my person nor petition will be acceptable to him.

Verse 14

[14] For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father's house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?

From another place — This was the language of strong faith, against hope believing in hope.

Who knoweth — It is probable God hath raised thee to this honour for this very season. We should every one of us consider, for what end God has put us in the place where we are? And when an opportunity offers of serving God and our generation, we must take care not to let it slip.

Verse 16

[16] Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish.

Fast — And pray; so as you use to do, leave off your common dinners by day, and suppers at night, and eat and drink no more than mere necessity requires; that so you may give yourselves to constant and fervent prayers.

Maidens — Which she had chosen to attend upon her person, and were doubtless either of the Jewish nation, or Proselytes.

Which is not, … — Which may belong, either 1. to the thing only, that as they did fast, so she would. Or, rather, 2. to the time of three days and three nights; for so she might do, though she went to the king on the third day. For the fast began at evening, and so she might continue her fast three whole nights, and two whole days, and the greatest part of the third; a part of a day being reputed a day in the account of scripture, and other authors: of which see on Matthew 12:40. Yea, she might fast all that day too: for it is probable she went not to the king 'till he had dined; when she supposed she might find him in the most mild and pleasant humour, and then returned to her apartment, where she fasted 'till the evening.

8:30am in Epworth Lounge
10:30am in the Sanctuary
Special Music: "Praise You"
"Praise You" by Camille D. Yarbrough, Norman Cook

We've come a long long way together, 

Through the hard times and the good.

I have to celebrate you baby, 

I have to praise you like I should

Listen to Sermons online
Visit our Website
News From Our Members

When our church all comes together for a special event such as the Auction and Talent show Saturday Nov.12th, it turns out to be a wonderful event. We must have had well over 200 in attendance watching various talented people ages 6 up to seniors, eating from the busy food trucks and bidding on many items in a silent auction and more. There must have been a welcome amount added to our budget from this fund-raiser which was a fun evening for all. Thanks to our...The Lay Looker by Bob Peterson

Bob Peterson
Bob 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, November 17, 2016 by Bob Peterson
When our church all comes together for a special event such as the Auction and Talent show Saturday Nov.12th, it turns out to be a wonderful event. We must have had well over 200 in attendance watching various talented people ages 6 up to seniors, eating from the busy food trucks and bidding on many items in a silent auction and more. There must have been a welcome amount added to our budget from this fund-raiser which was a fun evening for all. Thanks to our church staff and volunteer leaders for the great work.
Last week's church bulletin insert touted the past 24 years of many, many folks working on the Wednesday night Shared Bread program of feeding our hungry people from around the South Bay. During the holiday it becomes even more important. The list of supporters was impressive and it shows how God's works can involved many other individuals and groups. If you are helping, you know it, but if you have yet to pitch in, as volunteer or with a donation, please do it this month and they will benefit from you and me and anyone else caring to help out. TWENTY FOUR YEARS.....That's a long time to serve others with a continuing program and they have calculated that something over 135,000 meals have been served. God's work, indeed.
One of the things I learned while checking out the silent auction items was that our Children and Family Ministries Director, Risa Vargas loves to paint. She even donated and sold one of her paintings to help the fund-raiser. Thank you Risa.
Last Sunday, as Pastor Molly Vetter preached, we learned how her and Matt's son got his name, Jonah and a whole bunch of other stuff about "Loving Your Enemies." I hope you, as I do, leave our church inspired and eager to do God's work in our world and to make it a better place for all people to live and grow in the Spirit of Love.
Can it be that we will soon celebrate Thanksgiving and are headed into the season of Advent? Where does the time go while we are having fun such as the recent talent/auction show. Still haven't pledged? Do it this Sunday.Read it all here
Read Columns from our former Lay Leader, Johnna Kosnoff, here!
Coming at Church
Mark Your Calendar for 2016 Advent Events!
Advent begins Nov 27, with Advent Wreaths and Devotions available at church!
The Corazon Christmas Party will be Saturday, December 3 in Tijuana.
Our All-in-One Advent Event is Sunday, December 4 from 4-6pm.
The Children's Christmas Pageant will be in 10:30 worship on December 11.
Go Christmas Caroling with the church on Sunday, December 18!

Worship with us on Christmas Eve--
Family Candlelight Worship at 5pm
Candlelight Communion Worship at 11pm
On both Christmas Day and New Years' Day, we will have ONE all-church Sunday worship service at 10:30am.
Charge Conference at Church Council Meeting on November 21
Our November Church Council meeting will be Monday, November 21 at 7pm in Epworth Lounge. The meeting will include a Called Charge Conference, to approve the pastor's compensation package, according to church rules. All are welcome to attend. Rev. Amy Aitken, pastor at Riviera UMC, will be the Presiding Elder.
Better Together: Pledge Campaign for 2017 Update
Thank you to everyone who has given a pledge of financial support to the church for 2017. So far, we have received 60 pledges, for $257,785; we are grateful to have received several pledges from people who have never pledged before! We hope to receive $300,000 in pledges, to support an annual ministry budget of $500,000. As comparison, for 2016, we received 61 pledges, totaling $280,000.
We invite you to consider making a pledge of financial support to our church for 2017, if you haven't already.When you make a pledge of giving to the church, at least two things happen. It helps put your faith at the center of your financial decisions, because giving to the church is something you plan from the beginning. (Scripture speaks of this as “first fruits”—that we give to God first, not just what’s left over.) It also helps us as a congregation, to make more strategic plans for ministry for the coming year. We hope you will give prayerful thought to whether this is a step you are willing to take.
-Your 2016 Stewardship Team: Gary Baughman, Deirdre Briese, Grace and Jon Saari, Holly Walters, Stephen Hale and Pastor Molly Vetter

You can read more about our church budget, and also submit a pledge online, here.

More Than Amazing...
Thank you to everyone who made our Food Trucks, Silent Auction and Talent Show event such a success! We were especially glad to enjoy an evening of fellowship, and to welcome many of our neighbors in the community to come to our campus. Special thanks to all the volunteers who put the event together! With funds raised by the Silent Auction and just a few expenses, we raised $4,000 for our ministries!
Christmas Angels for Corazon
This year's Corazon Christmas party in Mexico is set for Saturday, December 3. Once again, our church is sponsoring gifts for 30 families. Look for the Corazon Christmas Angels Tree this Sunday on the patio. There you will find gift requests and more information. All wrapped gifts are due back at church by Sunday, November 27.


Online Giving Options
Did you know there are two good ways to give to the church online?
Give through OnRealm, our church directory and database. Arrange one-time or recurring donations, via bank transfer.
Give through our website, via PayPal.
Christmas Pageant Rehearsals have started!!
This year we're going Outback for "Christmas Down Under!" It's not too late to join us!
Children and Youth are invited to participate! There are parts for those who cannot attend every rehearsal. Just let us know!
Young preschoolers are invited to participate as our adorable manger animals! If you have a little one and you aren't sure they're ready for rehearsals, send me an email!
Performance is:
December 11th at our 10:30am worship service!

Remaining Rehearsals are:
November 20, 27, & Dec 4 9:30am
Dress Rehearsal will be Saturday, December 10th from 10am-12pm
Questions? email children's ministries!

We are currently recruiting church groups and individuals from the congregation to help make the event happen: help with set-up, clean-up, to make soup, and to host tables during the event time! Visit our Sign-Up to see how you can help.
All-in-One Advent Fun is Going Global this Year!
Join us for "Joy to the World," an all-church Advent celebration on Sunday, December 4, from 4-6pm. This year, we'll share soup and snacks from around the world, plus enjoy making crafts, singing songs and sharing in fellowship. Ten Thousand Villages will set up a booth, selling fair trade crafts from around the world, too!
We hope to have 3 types of soup from around the world, and we invite everyone to bring a side dish or dessert to share. We hope you might bring a special Christmas treat that comes from your own culture's tradition!
Book Club: We are planning a pre-Christmas party at the home of Sally Donner on Tuesday, Dec. 6 at 7pm. The book to be discussed is F. Backman's "A Man Called Ove," which has been a bestseller this year.
More info, email Ann.

An Invitation to Church Membership!
Pastor Molly is planning to receive new members into our congregation on Sunday, December 4; if you are interested in joining the church or in knowing more about what that means, please contact her to set up a time to talk!

Announcements
Men's Breakfast: Our next breakfast is Monday, November 21, 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.
Prayer Quilt Ministry: Know someone in need of prayer? You can sponsor a free prayer quilt for them. Next Quilt Workshop: Friday, December 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) Meet us for Christmas Pageant Rehearsals at 9:30 in the fellowship hall! Afterward, we will head straight to our Sunday School classroom! We'll be learning all about the bravery of Queen Esther! Don't forget your Sunday School offering!
Church R Us (Grades 4 & 5): Meet us for Christmas Pageant Rehearsals at 9:30 in the fellowship hall! Afterward, you can head Sunday School upstairs or to worship with your families! There is no middle school sunday school this week.
Youth Ministry (6th-12th grade):
- Middle School Sunday School? Nope!
-Youth Group? Nope! Youth staff are away at the National Youth Workers Convention!
-Remember: Youth have been invited to participate in the Children's Pageant this year! Contact Risa for more info.
-Remember: The Youth Group is doing a retreat the day after Thanksgiving! We're spending the night in San Clemente, and it's going to be RELAXING!
Young Adults (19-not very specific):
We gather together socially on the regular, though somewhat erratically. Contact Stephen Hale in the church office to be kept in the loop!
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

A Word from our Bishop, after the Election
For several months now, we have been pondering the question of, “how will I vote?” Today, so many of us, no matter how we voted, are now in the midst of answering the next question of, “how will I live?" ... Bishop Hagiya’s Statement on the 2016 Election

For several months now, we have been pondering the question of, “how will I vote?” Today, so many of us, no matter how we voted, are now in the midst of answering the next question of, “how will I live?”
This election in particular has clearly been an emotionally turbulent period of our history. And, the results of the election have revealed to us how truly divided we are as a nation. The reality is that we are a diverse people, something of which we have been keenly aware here in the California-Pacific Conference.
Diversity is not only manifest in the realm of political or social issues, but also in the state of being of many near us. While some might celebrate yesterday’s outcome, there are others who are now feeling fearful of its consequences because of their personal identity, because of their immigration status, or as they painfully hear questions from their children about whether or not their future is whole and secure.
In such a time as this, I believe that we as United Methodists must embrace the deeper question of, “how will I lead?”
We are a people of Christian faith who carry a unique message of healing, restoration and prophetic witness. We need to be the caring voice of calm and healing to a divided nation. We also must be willing to take bold prophetic stands if the least and most vulnerable of our community are harmed and mistreated. I believe that it is our call to carry this message to whomever our neighbors might be and however our communities might be composed.
My prayer for you is that you might join me in fulfilling our call in this important moment as clergy, laity, members, or otherwise of the California-Pacific Conference of The United Methodist Church.
Be the Hope,
Bishop Grant
Los Angeles Area Resident Bishop
The United Methodist Church

Read the rest of Bishop Hagiya's statement 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

310-372-5696 fax

Email

Website
Ongoing Ministries

Free Meal on Wednesday Nights
Offering food and friendship to those in need, every Wednesday night since 1992. More info here.
Desserts for Shared Bread
We continue to accept dessert donations for our Shared Bread program. Homemade treats are treasured by our guests – but purchased treats would be wonderful, as well. 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.

Julie Brody came to us in October of 2014, and immediately captivated the congregation. She studied at USC Thornton School of Music, graduating with Honors in 2007. She won the Los Angeles Vocal Power Singing Competition Musical Theatre division, and placed second in the Opera division. She was the Southern California Motion Picture Council Outstanding Vocal Performer of the Year and won the First Place Scholarship in the Washington D.C. Regional Classical Vocal Competition. She has sung all over North America, including at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. and at Disneyland, and was singing in a rock opera version of Phantom of the Opera when we first met her. That show has now been offered a residency at an off-Broadway theatre in New York, and they...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, November 17, 2016 - Music Notes by Jim Raycroft
Julie Brody came to us in October of 2014, and immediately captivated the congregation. She studied at USC Thornton School of Music, graduating with Honors in 2007. She won the Los Angeles Vocal Power Singing Competition Musical Theatre division, and placed second in the Opera division. She was the Southern California Motion Picture Council Outstanding Vocal Performer of the Year and won the First Place Scholarship in the Washington D.C. Regional Classical Vocal Competition. She has sung all over North America, including at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. and at Disneyland, and was singing in a rock opera version of Phantom of the Opera when we first met her. That show has now been offered a residency at an off-Broadway theatre in New York, and they offered her her old job in the show. So, she's going to be going on a sabbatical for a while, but she will definitely be back (even if I have to form a posse and go hunt her down). I would invite you all to visit her website www.juliebrody.com to learn a bit more about her and hear some of her music from outside the church. While she's gone, we'll be enjoying a residency of our good friend Caroline McKenzie, who has enchanted us in the past with her renditions of Come Sunday, What A Wonderful World and I Will Follow Him.
Michael Gungor is an American singer/songwriter who leads the musical collective Gungor. He began his career in Grand Rapids, Michigan, producing albums from his church through Integrity Media. He released his first album, Bigger Than My Imagination, in 2003, which contained the Dove-nominated single Friend Of God. He later formed the Michael Gungor Band, which consisted of his wife Lisa on vocals, his brother David Gungor on bass and John Arndt on piano, Josh Eatmon on drums and former Desperation Band member Michael Rossback as a guitarist and producer. In 2010, he renamed the band Gungor and has released or collaborated on 18 albums to date. The song Us For Them was part of an ambitious project called Soul, Spirit, Body – a trilogy of albums that was kicked off with the August 2015 release of the album One Wild Life: Soul, which contained Us For Them. That release was followed in March of 2016 with the album One Wild Life: Spirit, and the September 2016 release of the album One Wild Life: Body. Michael and his wife Lisa live here in Los Angeles with their daughters Amelie and Lucie.
The Brooklyn Tabernacle is a non-denominational, multi-cultural church in the heart of downtown Brooklyn that began as a small congregation worshiping in a rundown building, and has grown into a congregation of over 16,000. The husband and wife team of Pastor Jim Cymbala and music director Carol Cymbala took over leadership of the 30 member congregation in 1971. By the 1980's, the church had grown enough to purchase the 1383-seat Carlton Theatre and convert it into their sanctuary. By 2002, they had outgrown that facility and purchased Loew's Metropolitan Theatre, a former vaudeville theatre, and renovated it into a state-of-the-art, 3,200-seat worship facility.
The choir began with just 9 members in 1971 and grew with the church. Carol Cymbala began writing music for the choir, and they recorded their first album in the 1980's. Now numbering over 280 members, their music is sung all over the world, and they sang at the 2013 inauguration of President Obama. This week's anthem, Praise You, was written by Elizabeth Goodine and arranged by Carol Cymbala. It will feature our wonderful soprano soloist Julie Brody in her last appearance with us for a few months while she is on sabbatical singing on Broadway.
Read more about our music here!
Our choir is back for the fall, and regular rehearsals have moved to Thursday evenings! Join the choir for rehearsal each Thursday, from 7:30 to 9pm in the Choir Room. Contact Jim Raycroft for more info.
United Methodist Women’s Reading Program Any one can read the books and our own local UMW unit will get credit! click here for information about the program.

Support missions through recycling!
Redondo Beach First supports various missions throughout the year and we have come up a way for all of us to help. Just bring your plastic bottles and aluminum cans to church every Sunday. By recycling we can support Corazon, Crop Walk, Habitat for Humanity and some of the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) programs: Syrian refugee relief, eradicating hunger, clean water, ending malaria and fighting HIV/AIDS. Please bring your cans and bottles.


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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Tonight! More than a silent auction, a talent show & food trucks from First United Methodist Church of Redondo Beach, California, United States "Fall Fundraiser tonight from 5-8pm--Silent Auction, Talent Show, Food Trucks"
Be a part of the fun at church tonight!
Fellowship Hall has been turned into a Redondo Pier scene and some wonderful auction items are ready for bids. Fabulous acts are ready for the show, and gourmet food trucks are coming. All ages are invited to a special evening at church!
Join us Saturday from 5-8pm.
Starting at 5:00, the food trucks will be serving, the auction opens, and there's face-painting for the kids. Come get some food and enjoy eating in the Hall!
Around 6:00, the Talent Show will start.
At 6:30, the first Silent Auction items close!
At 7:00, the rest of the Silent Auction closes.
Around 7:30, the Show will finish and auction items are ready for purchase, with cash, check or credit card.
Visit our Facebook Page for More Info!
Help us spread the word--forward this invitation to your friends and neighbors!
First United Methodist Church of Redondo Beach

310.372.8445

www.beachfaith.com
STAY CONNECTED
First United Methodist Church

243 South Broadway

Redondo Beach, California 90277, United States
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