"Worship on Sunday: Guest Preacher Stephen Hale" for Thursday, 16 February 2017
From Risa Vargas: Into the wilderness
Close your eyes and think of a place where you felt alive. A place where you were able to be exactly who you are created to be, where you had big questions answered or laughed so hard it hurt behind your ears. For me, that place is summer camp. When I think of it, I can smell the air and see the dappled light falling through old trees. When I close my eyes, I can remember the thick presence of God in all that happened in my time at camp.
I started attending United Methodist summer camps in 5th grade, and I faithfully attended every year as a camper. Then I became a counselor, and then I was blessed to be called to lead the weeks of camp. I didn’t miss a year until I was 30! Each and every year, I encountered God in a new way, a way I couldn’t during the busy-ness of the rest of the year. Camp was a place to slow down, encounter a deep and loving community, be loved and mentored by caring and faithful people, and interact with our Creator God. My dearest friends as an adult are those who I got to see that one week a year growing up.
I owe so much to camping ministries! Through camp, God made all my gifts come alive in a way that revealed to me I was meant to work in ministry. Camp has not only given me direction through a life with many twists and turns, but I’ve seen others leave camp changed. I’ve seen angry and hurt campers leave camp renewed by a week of love and purpose and fresh air. God can work anywhere, we know that, but something special happens when we agree to set time apart to live life differently, even for just a week at a time.
This year, we hope to reconnect the children and youth of our church with conference summer camps. So, this Sunday, Cat Holbert, director of Camp Lazy W is coming to visit our church! Please join us to meet her in Epworth at 9:30! She is one of the most fun people I know, so you won’t want to miss out. All are welcome!
Even if you don’t make it to camp this summer (though I hope many do!), I hope that this year, you can find a way to slow down, immerse yourself in community, and reconnect to God in a new way.
May it be so!
Risa Vargas
Pastor Molly is away on a Spiritual Renewal Leave. During this time, we have had some excellent lead worship. Stephen Hale, who is currently our Seminary Intern as well as Youth Director, has handled day-to-day pastoral concerns. Rev. Nicole Reilley has also been helping support him in that work.
-------
In Worship This Week
Sunday, February 19
Lessons from the Sermon on the Mount
"Can You Love Them, Too?"
Stephen Hale, guest preacher
Matthew 5:38-48
Scripture Text: Matthew 5:38 “You have heard that our fathers were told, ‘Eye for eye and tooth for tooth.’[Matthew 5:38 Exodus 21:24; Leviticus 24:20; Deuteronomy 19:21] 39 But I tell you not to stand up against someone who does you wrong. On the contrary, if someone hits you on the right cheek, let him hit you on the left cheek too! 40 If someone wants to sue you for your shirt, let him have your coat as well! 41 And if a soldier forces you to carry his pack for one mile, carry it for two! 42 When someone asks you for something, give it to him; when someone wants to borrow something from you, lend it to him.
43 “You have heard that our fathers were told, ‘Love your neighbor[Matthew 5:43 Leviticus 19:18] — and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! 45 Then you will become children of your Father in heaven. For he makes his sun shine on good and bad people alike, and he sends rain to the righteous and the unrighteous alike. 46 What reward do you get if you love only those who love you? Why, even tax-collectors do that! 47 And if you are friendly only to your friends, are you doing anything out of the ordinary? Even the Goyim do that! 48 Therefore, be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.
John Wesley's Notes-Commentary: Matthew 5:38-48
Verse 38
[38] Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth:
Ye have heard — Our Lord proceeds to enforce such meekness and love on those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake (which he pursues to the end of the chapter) as were utterly unknown to the scribes and Pharisees.
It hath been said — In the law, as a direction to judges, in ease of violent and barbarous assaults.
An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth — And this has been interpreted, as encouraging bitter and rigorous revenge. Deuteronomy 19:21.
Verse 39
[39] But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.
But I say unto you, that ye resist not the evil man — Thus; the Greek word translated resist signifies standing in battle array, striving for victory. If a man smite thee on the right cheek - Return not evil for evil: yea, turn to him the other - Rather than revenge thyself. 40, 41. Where the damage is not great, choose rather to suffer it, though possibly it may on that account be repeated, than to demand an eye for an eye, to enter into a rigorous prosecution of the offender. The meaning of the whole passage seems to be, rather than return evil for evil, when the wrong is purely personal, submit to one bodily wrong after another, give up one part of your goods after another, submit to one instance of compulsion after another. That the words are not literally to be understood, appears from the behaviour of our Lord himself, John 18:22,23.
Verse 41
[41] And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain..
Verse 42
[42] Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.
Thus much for your behaviour toward the violent. As for those who use milder methods, Give to him that asketh thee - Give and lend to any so far, (but no further, for God never contradicts himself) as is consistent with thy engagements to thy creditors, thy family, and the household of faith. Luke 6:30.
Verse 43
[43] Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.
Thou shalt love thy neighbour; And hate thy enemy — God spoke the former part; the scribes added the latter. Leviticus 19:18.
Verse 44
[44] But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
Bless them that curse you — Speak all the good you can to and of them, who speak all evil to and of you. Repay love in thought, word, and deed, to those who hate you, and show it both in word and deed. Luke 6:27,35.
Verse 45
[45] That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.
That ye may be the children — That is, that ye may continue and appear such before men and angels.
For he maketh his sun to rise — He gives them such blessings as they will receive at his hands. Spiritual blessings they will not receive.
Verse 46
[46] For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?
The publicans — were officers of the revenue, farmers, or receivers of the public money: men employed by the Romans to gather the taxes and customs, which they exacted of the nations they had conquered. These were generally odious for their extortion and oppression, and were reckoned by the Jews as the very scum of the earth.
Verse 47
[47] And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so?
And if ye salute your friends only — Our Lord probably glances at those prejudices, which different sects had against each other, and intimates, that he would not have his followers imbibe that narrow spirit. Would to God this had been more attended to among the unhappy divisions and subdivisions, into which his Church has been crumbled! And that we might at least advance so far, as cordially to embrace our brethren in Christ, of whatever party or denomination they are!
Verse 48
[48] Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.
Therefore ye shall be perfect; as your Father who is in heaven is perfect — So the original runs, referring to all that holiness which is described in the foregoing verses, which our Lord in the beginning of the chapter recommends as happiness, and in the close of it as perfection. And how wise and gracious is this, to sum up, and, as it were, seal all his commandments with a promise! Even the proper promise of the Gospel! That he will put those laws in our minds, and write them in our hearts! He well knew how ready our unbelief would be to cry out, this is impossible! And therefore stakes upon it all the power, truth, and faithfulness of him to whom all things are possible.
-------8:30am in Epworth Lounge
10:30am in the Sanctuary
Special Music: "Create In Me A Clean Heart, O God," sung by our chancel choir;."Create In Me A Clean Heart, O God"
Create in me a clean heart, O God,
And renew a right spirit within me.
Create in me a clean heart, O God,
And renew a right spirit within me.
Cast me not away from Thy presence;
Take not Thy holy Spirit from me.
Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation;
And renew a right spirit within me.
Listen to Sermons onlineVisit our Website
-------
News From Our Members
....
Read Bob Peterson's Lay Looker column here
-------
Coming at Church
Lessons from the Sermon on the Mount
Hear different preachers share about the messages Jesus’ shared in this beloved set of instructions and stories from Matthew’s Gospel. On Feburary 19, our seminary intern and youth director, Stephen Hale will preach on some of the difficult lessons Jesus gave--as we take what we’ve been taught, and go further.
-------
Summer Camp Information meeting
This Sunday!
Join us in Epworth at 9:30am this Sunday, Feb 19th to meet Cat Holbert, director of Camp LazyW! Cat will be telling us about the summer camp programs available for children and youth!
All are invited to attend.
Cat will also be visiting our Sunday School class to play some fun camp games, and be available to chat following the
10:30 service.
-------
Join Us for an All-Church Potluck on February 26!
Help us start the Lenten season and welcome back Pastor Molly! Join us after 10:30 worship for a Mardis Gras-themed potluck in Fellowship Hall. We'll have our own King cake! Just bring a dish to share. If you don't have time to cook, no problem! There's always plenty to share!
-------
ONE DAY ONLY!!
RUMMAGE & BAKE SALE
COMING SOON!!
Saturday, March 4
8am - 4pm
Bake Sale and Lunch served
ALL DAY!
From 2:00 - 4:00pm...
Fill a bag with rummage for only $5
Boutique items are half price!!All proceeds benefit United Methodist Women's
Outreach Programs
Do you have some free time to help us for the rummage sale? Sunday (2/19) at 9:30am - help bring up boutique items from the basement: Wednesday morning (3/1) and Thursday all day (3/2) - help sort and set up the main hall; Saturday(3/4) - help during the sale; and, of course, any home-baked goods to sell in Naomi's Cafe (deliver to church Thursday (3/2). Sign up on Sunday mornings here at church!
-------
Book Club News
Our next read is “Our Souls at Night,” by K. Haruf, the story of two older adults and their nightly conversations. We will meet on Tuesday, February 21 in the May Day Parlor. If you enjoy good books and lively discussion, please join us. For more information, email Ann!
-------
Parents' Night Out is February 24th!
Sign your kids up today!
Drop off your children at church for three hours of programming, starting at 5pm.
The evening costs $20.00 for first child ($10 for the 2nd, $5 for 3rd+) and includes dinner.
Enjoy an evening out while your kids play games, make crafts, and enjoy fellowship!
It's a great night for all!
Email Children's Ministry to reserve your spot
by February 21!
Toddlers through 8th grade welcome!
-------
Mark Your Calendars for Summer 2017!
Vacation Bible School: (age 3-8th grade) July 31-August 4
BeachFaith Kids Arts Camp: (K-8th grade) June 26-30
Baja Mission Trip with Inalienable:(youth & adults) July 1-8
-------
Baja Registration Opens Tomorrow!
Thinking about going on Baja Mission 2017 (July 1-8)? Registration opens on February 17th!
Early Registration: $400 (but you have to make your $100 deposit and register by March 15).
Normal Registration: $475 (which requires registration and $100 deposit by May 15).Contact Stephen for more info!
-------
Lent begins March 1; we invite you to join us for a special six-week study and sermon series, about what we believe, and why. Walking through the traditional statements of faith that are a part of our Apostles’ Creed, we will have a chance to look closely at what it means (and doesn’t mean) to say we believe. Based on a new book by United Methodist pastor Adam Hamilton, called Creed, this study will be used across all the age levels of our congregation, to open up conversation and deepen our faith.
So far, these are the study groups being offered. Think about which might work for you and sign up on Sundays here at church, or email the office:
-------
Sunday afternoons, starting March 12, 12:00 - 1:00 at Veterans Park, children welcome, hosted by Dawn Kirkemo
Monday evenings, starting March 6, 6:30-8 PM at the home of Brad Taylor for YOUTH ONLY (Lawndale)
Wednesday evenings, March 15, 22, 29, April 5 & 12 - 6:30- 8 PM at Rev,. Nicole's home (15 Gaucho Dr Rolling Hills Estates)
Wednesday mornings, starting March 8, 10:30-11:30am at the home of Helen Stockwell (North Redondo)Thursday mornings, starting March 9, 11-noon in May Day Parlor with Pastor Molly
We're hoping to have a couple more options for you very soon. Stay tuned!
An Invitation to LEARN and LEAD:
Would you consider serving as a leader for a small group during our Lent this year? For the six weeks of Lent, we will invite people to meet together weekly, in small groups, where we will watch a video lesson that goes with the book, and share in conversation together. Would you be willing to lead or help lead one of those small groups?
From March 1 to April 16, your small group could meet at whatever day and time is good for you, either at your home or the church--it would be up to you to choose options that are good.
If you are willing to lead one of the these groups Rev. Nicole invites you to our final training session; you just need to attend the one.
The remaining 30-minute training session is:
Sundays, February 19 after 10:30 worship!
Email the office and let us know which session you will attend.
You can see a little more about the study book here
-------
Gently Used Clothing Needed...
Do you have some gently used clothing that you would like to donate? Shared Bread is in need of men's jeans, t-shirts, coats/jackets and blankets. It's best to have sizes L and XL and pants waist 32" and up. You can bring all donations to the office during the week or to fellowship hall on Sunday mornings.
-------
Announcements
Men's Breakfast: Our next breakfast is Monday, February 20, at 7AM. Coco's Restaurant, 18120 Hawthorne Blvd. (Hawthorne and 182nd). All men of the church and their friends are welcome to join us for fellowship.
Prayer Quilt Ministry: Know someone in need of prayer? You can sponsor a free prayer quilt for them. Join us for our monthly quilting workshop. Even if you haven't tried quilt-making before, 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 upstairs in the Sunday School room at 10:30! Cat Holbert, camp director of Lazy W, will be joining us to play some fun camp games!
Church R Us (Grades 4 & 5): Start out in church with your families, then meet Jen for Sunday School during "Passing of the Peace"! You'll rejoin your family for communion!
Youth Ministry (6th-12th grade):
- Middle School Sunday School? Yes! We're hanging out with Cat from Camp!
-Youth Group? Yep! It's a normal, 3-5pm youth group!
-Baja Registration opens Feb 17!
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.
-------
United Methodist News & Events
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.
Two new ways to help: bring donations of items on Super Bowl Sunday, or volunteer to bring milk for our dinners. See above for both!
-------
Carl F. Mueller was born in Sheboygan, Wisconsin in 1892. He graduated Elmhurst College in 1910, and in 1915 became music director at Grand Avenue Congregational Church in Milwaukee and married his wife, Lenore Ann Ekhardt. In 1927, he moved to New Jersey and met John Finley Williamson, founder of Westminster Choir College and became organist and choir director at Central Presbyterian Church in Montclair, New Jersey. It was during his residency there, until 1953, that he wrote this week’s choir anthem, Create In Me A Clean Heart, O God, based on Psalm 51. Psalm 51 is, of course, the Psalm David gave to the chief musician when Nathan the prophet came unto him after he had gone in to Bathsheba...
Read more about our music here
-------
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, aluminum cans AND CRV glass bottles 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
-------
Ongoing Ministries
Offering food and friendship to those in need, every Wednesday night since 1992. More info here.
Two new ways to help: bring donations of items on Super Bowl Sunday, or volunteer to bring milk for our dinners. See above for both!
-------
Read more about our music here
-------
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, aluminum cans AND CRV glass bottles 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
-------
-------
No comments:
Post a Comment