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From Pastor Molly: faith and doubt
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Last Sunday at the Youth Banquet, Stephen spoke about how grateful he is to work with volunteers who are able to create space for the doubts and questions of young people. This Sunday, our scripture passage from the end of Matthew's gospel includes the revelation that as the disciples were gathered with Jesus after his resurrection, some of them doubted. Jesus sent them out anyway, to baptize and teach in the name of our triune God.
Too often, when we speak about faith, we act as though it were the opposite of doubt--as if true faith would eliminate questions. I believe differently: that our questions deepen our connection to a God whose very being is clothed in mystery beyond our understanding.
This Sunday, we celebrate the Holy Trinity, a doctrine that has both clarified and confused my understanding of God. I appreciate the words of Anne Lamott, who acknowledged in Plan B a different way of approaching the difficulty explaining our triune God: "I didn’t need to understand the hypostatic unity of the Trinity; I just needed to turn my life over to whoever came up with redwood trees."
This Sunday, we also celebrate graduates from our congregation. It's no accident that the graduation ceremony is called "commencement;" while it honors the completion of requirements for a degree or program, it also marks the beginning of a new thing. Education doesn't end our thinking, and graduation doesn't indicate that we've learned all we can hope to know. Rather, the deeper we go in our education, the more questions we open up for further pursuit.
I believe it is the same in our faith: the further we go, the more we open up questions. Our doubts give us an avenue for inquiring further into the great mystery of God. And of these questions and considerations point us to a way of life. Toward a giving over of our lives to our God of wonders beyond our comprehension.
grace and peace,
Pastor Molly
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Sunday, June 11
Trinity Sunday
"Authorized"
Rev. Molly Vetter, preaching
Matthew 28:16-20
Scripture Text; Matthew 28:16 So the eleven talmidim went to the hill in the Galil where Yeshua had told them to go. 17 When they saw him, they prostrated themselves before him; but some hesitated. 18 Yeshua came and talked with them. He said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore, go and make people from all nations into talmidim, immersing them into the reality of the Father, the Son and the Ruach HaKodesh, 20 and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember! I will be with you always, yes, even until the end of the age.”
John Wesley's Notes-Commentary: Matthew 28:16-20
Verses:
| 28:16 | To the mountain where Jesus had appointed them - This was probably Mount Tabor, where, (it is commonly supposed,) he had been before transfigured. It seems to have been here also, that he appeared to above five hundred brethren at once. |
| 28:18 | All power is given to me - Even as man. As God, he had all power from eternity. |
| 28:19 | Disciple all nations - Make them my disciples. This includes the whole design of Christ's commission. Baptizing and teaching are the two great branches of that general design. And these were to be determined by the circumstances of things; which made it necessary in baptizing adult Jews or heathens, to teach them before they were baptized; in discipling their children, to baptize them before they were taught; as the Jewish children in all ages were first circumcised, and after taught to do all God had commanded them. 16:15 . |
8:30am in Epworth Lounge
10:30am in the Sanctuary
Special Music: “Go Ye Into All the World,” Chancel Choir
"Go Ye into All the World" by James McGranahan, 1886
Far, far away, in *heathen darkness dwelling, [*death and]
Millions of souls forever may be lost;
Who, who will go, salvation’s story telling,
Looking to Jesus, heeding not the cost?
- Refrain:
“All pow’r is given unto Me,
All pow’r is given unto Me,
Go ye into all the world and preach the Gospel,
And lo, I am with you always.”
- See o’er the world wide open doors inviting,
Soldiers of Christ, arise and enter in!
Christians, awake! your forces all uniting,
Send forth the Gospel, break the chains of sin.
- “Why will you die?” the voice of God is calling;
“Why will you die?” re-echo in His Name;
Jesus has died to save from death appalling,
Life and salvation, therefore, go proclaim.
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Pastor Molly invites you to join her for a class about church membership, on Sunday, June 11 at 9:30am in Epworth Lounge.
This class is especially designed for people who are new to our church, to explore what it means to belong to the church. Whether you are a life-long Methodist, brand new to faith, or have followed any other path to get to our church, this class is an opportunity for you to know more about our congregation, our beliefs and our tradition.
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Baptism Class: Sunday, June 25 at 9:30am
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Join Pastor Molly for a one-day class about baptism. This class is designed especially for parents considering baptizing their children, but is open to all adults, youth and children who would want to know more about the sacrament of baptism, which is our formal initiation into the Church. (Even if you've already been baptized, or are not sure you would want to be baptized, you are welcome to come be a part of our conversation.)
The class fulfills the required preparation for baptism; at the class, you will also get more information about how and when to schedule a baptism. In Epworth Lounge.
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Childcare will be available for young children during the class, in the nursery.
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Our children need YOU!
This summer we expect to share God's amazing love with over 100 children from our community, can you help us make that happen? We need volunteers from age 15-26 to join us for a variety of roles!
A Week In The Arts Camp: June 26-30
VBS Maker Fun Factory: July 31-Aug. 4th
Other ways you can help:
Bring in clean, craftable recyclables
(cans, old kitchen utensils, craft supplies/scraps, useable hardware and old tools, paper towel rolls, lids, tops of squeezable apple sauce, and more!)
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Time is running out to sign up for Week In the Arts!
June 26- 30, 2017
$200 per camper
Campers will get to have daily experiences with music, dance, and visual arts!
Click here to register!
Financial assistance is available for all our summer programming, contact Children's Ministries for more info.
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West District UMW Honors Two of Our Own
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On June 3, West District UMW held a celebration tea honoring the legacy of women within the United Methodist Women organization. "There are many women worthy to be honored and praised. Women that have touched our lives with their love, their gifts, and unending service. They leave a precious legacy for future generations."
Two of the honorees were from our church: Vika Tuuholoaki and Jackie Heite. Below are a few of the reasons they were chosen.
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Vika Tuuholoaki
"Our loving Lord gave Vika many talents. Starting off with the ability to make friends and work very hard. No matter the work to be done, she is right there ready to do more than her share...Vika is currently the Conference UMW Program Resource Coordinator...She is always there for each of us and a wonderful mother as well.
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Jackie Heite
"Jackie..a pillar of our Redondo Beach First United Methodist Women unit for 50 years, she has served in several offices and continues to lead UMW events at local and district levels. With a smile and grace, Jackie projects warmth to those around her...That is a priceless legacy that we honor."
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Baja Meetings Start Sunday!
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We meet in Epworth:
June 11, 18, and 25th after church!
We'll be done by 2pm each day.
This week, we expect to be joined by Faith Community Nazarene Church of Placentia. We've got some new things planned for this year. These meetings will be great!
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Have an Old Camera to Donate?
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Do you have an older digital camera you would be willing to donate to the Baja Mission 2017 trip? If it still works, we've got a great use for it! To donate, please drop cameras off in the church office, or email Stephen with questions! Thanks!
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Thanks to everyone who has contributed to our supply drive!
You can still donate: grab a tag from the board on the patio on Sunday, purchase the item on the tag and bring it back to church...
OR purchase something from our Amazon Wishlist & have it shipped directly to church!
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Registration for Vacation Bible School is OPEN!
All 3 year olds through 8th graders are invited to join us for a fun week of learning we were designed by God for a purpose!
VBS is $45.00 for one child, $75 for two, and $90.00 for three or more!
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Holiday Parking Lot Rental Results
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Renting the parking lot over the Memorial Day weekend produced
$ 1,020 for the general budget!
Thank you to all the people who volunteered to assist: Gary Baughman (twice), Karen Baughman, Stuart Everson, Dave Klinger, Don Pearson, Troy Thomas, Whit Walter, Carol Walter, Arnie Sachs and, especially organizer, Paul Caldwell
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Book Club on Summer Hiatus: Our Book Club is taking a summer vacation, with no meetings in June, July, and August. We will meet again Tuesday, September 19. There are four selections for enjoyable summer reading: “I Capture the Castle,” by Dodie Smith; “Marriage of Opposites,” by Alice Hoffman; “Sally Ride,” by Lynn Sherr; and “The Shoemaker’s Wife,” by Adriana Trigiani. For more information, on our club, contact Ann Gallagher.
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Men's Breakfast: Our next breakfast is Monday, June 19, 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 Friday, June 16, 10am - noon in the choir room. Sue Christman will teach a new paper piecing quilt project. Even if you haven't tried quilt-making before, this is a great 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.
Church Council: Council will meet Monday, June 19 at 7PM in Epworth Lounge. This is the monthly meeting of the governing body of the church, comprised of each committee chair and several at-large members. All are welcome to attend.
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This Week: Children, Youth & Adults
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Nursery (6 weeks+): The Nursery is open during both services, for ages 6 weeks to 6 yrs old. Located right off of the parking lot across from Epworth Lounge. Any questions email the Nursery Coordinator: Adriana Hwang
Children's Ministry (age 3 - 3rd Grade) This week is our final Sunday School class for the school year! Join us upstairs at 10:30 for a time of creativity as we celebrate a wonderful year of learning and growing together, and anticipate our amazing Summer programs! See you there!
Church R Us (Grades 4 & 5): After "passing of the peace" head to Sunday School with Jen for her last Sunday, and the last CRU Sunday School of the school year.
-Middle School Sunday School? Yes! It's Jen's last day!
-Youth Group(3-5pm on Sunday)? Nope! Normal youth group is hibernating through the summer!
-Beach Day Saturday in Redondo Beach (1-7pm). At 5, we'll move to the church for hot dogs, veggie dogs, and a firepit. Text Stephen or Jen before you arrive so we can tell you what life guard tower we are near!
-Baja Meetings start this Sunday after the 10:30 service! We’ll get a party platter from Subway, and we'll eat together as we start! That means lunch is prepared for you in Epworth Lounge. We’ll leave out a basket, so you can donate a few bucks to help pay for lunch. Bring Work Clothes to the Meeting: There is a good chance we’ll practice a new skill for the Baja trip this year.
Young Adults (19-not very specific):
We get together occasionally. Contact Stephen for more info!
Adult Sunday School: Bible Study and Discussion in May Day Parlor. Sunday mornings from 9:30-10:15am. Led by Paul Caldwell and Helen Stockwell .
Thursday Pastor's Bible Study:
Thursday mornings from 11:00-noon, in May Day Parlor. All are welcome.
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United Methodist News & Events
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First United Methodist Church of Redondo Beach
243 South Broadway
Redondo Beach, California 90277, United States
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Free Meal on Wednesday Nights
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Offering food and friendship to those in need, every Wednesday night since 1992. More info here.
DESSERTS FOR SHARED BREAD
Our dessert supply is still low! Would you like to help? 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.)
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Chris Tomlin was born in Texas in 1972 and learned to play guitar by playing along with Willy Nelson recordings. He has become one of the dominant forces in contemporary Christian music, and in 2012 CCLI announced that his songs were played 3 million times in churches that year. His 2013 album Burning Lights debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, only the fourth Christian album ever to open at No. 1, and he was pronounced the most sung songwriter in the world that year. The song Take My Life is his take on the old hymn (found at #399 in our hymnal) Take My Life and Let It Be, with the original words written...
Read more music notes here
Thursday, June 8, 2017 - Music Notes
Music Director, Jim Raycroft, will
share upcoming worship music
selections and a little bit of history, too.
Jim Raycroft
Thursday, 8 June 2017 by Jim Raycroft
Chris Tomlin was born in Texas in 1972 and learned to play guitar by playing along with Willy Nelson recordings. He has become one of the dominant forces in contemporary Christian music, and in 2012 CCLI announced that his songs were played 3 million times in churches that year. His 2013 album Burning Lights debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, only the fourth Christian album ever to open at No. 1, and he was pronounced the most sung songwriter in the world that year. The song Take My Life is his take on the old hymn (found at #399 in our hymnal) Take My Life and Let It Be, with the original words written in 1873 by Frances Havergal. It was released in 2004 on the album Hymns Ancient and Modern, which was recorded live at the Passion Conference 2003.
Jester Hairston was a local treasure. One of the most recognizable names in the world of spirituals, Jester was born the grandson of slaves, who worked the Hairston Plantation in Belews Creek, North Carolina. His parents moved to Homestead, PA (outside Pittsburgh), where he graduated high school. He then studied at, as one of the first black individuals admitted, and graduated from Tufts College outside Boston in 1929. He sang with the Hall Johnson Choir in Harlem for a while, but was almost fired because of his Boston accent (Johnson told him "we're singing ain't and cain't, and you're singing shahn't and cahn't – they don't mix!"). His work on Broadway with that choir took him to Hollywood, where he began working regularly on movies, television and radio. He began writing and arranging, especially spirituals, with Mary's Little Boy Child composed in 1956. Most of us have seen the movie Lilies of the Field (1963), starring Sidney Poitier. Those wonderful scenes where Sidney is singing "Amen, amen, amen", which he teaches to the nuns – that song was composed and arranged by Jester for the movie, and Sidney's singing isn't Sidney – it's Jester. Jester lived out his life in Los Angeles, traveling all over the world teaching and conducting and spreading the word of spirituals. He also worked as an actor in front of the camera, in such movies as The Alamo, To Kill A Mockingbird and In The Heat Of The Night, to name a few. Many of the singers in town were his protégés, and "Jester stories" abound at local music events. We lost Jester on January 18, 2000, at the age of 98, and most of the musical world in Los Angeles attended the funeral service. Our anthem this week, Hold On!, is one of his classics.
Born August 29, 1958, the 8th of 10 children, Michael Joseph Jackson went on to become one of the most influential figures in the world of entertainment. Dubbed the "King Of Pop", he made his debut at the age of 6 performing with his brothers as a member of the Jackson Five, first playing congas and tambourine, then starting to share lead vocals with Jermaine in 1965. He began his solo career in 1971, releasing 4 studio albums between 1972 and 1975. His film career began in 1978, when he moved to New York to star as the Scarecrow in The Wiz. The movie was a box office flop, but the film's musical arranger, Quincy Jones, agreed to produce Michael's next solo album. In 1979, he broke his nose during a complex dance move, bringing about the first of his famous nose jobs (the first was a failure, and he complained that he had trouble breathing). His 5th solo album, Off The Wall, was released in 1979, had 4 hit singles, and provided him with 3 awards at the American Music Awards: Favorite Soul/R&B Album, Favorite Soul/R&B Male Artist, and Favorite Soul/R&B Single for Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough. Thriller was released in 1982, won 7 Grammys and 8 American Music Awards, and spawned 3 major music videos – Thriller, Billie Jean and Beat It, all of which helped to solidify the fledgling entertainment channel MTV. Thriller is the only music video to have been inducted into the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress.
In 1983 he performed at the Motown Records 25th anniversary concert at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium, where he debuted what was to become his signature dance move, the moonwalk – taught to him by former Soul Train dancer and Shalamar member Jeffrey Daniel 3 years earlier. We Are The World happened in 1985 (becoming one of the best-selling singles in history – 20 million copies, generating $63 million for charity), and Bad was released in 1987 (his first solo album in 5 years). Bad generated 7 singles that charted and 5 became #1 hits (the record for any album), and became the best-selling album in history (over 45 million copies to date). This week's offertory, Man In The Mirror, was released on that album and is one of his most acclaimed songs. It was said to be one of his favorite songs, and was nominated for "Record of the Year" at the 1988 Grammy Awards. The instrumental opening was played at the end of his memorial service as his casket was being carried out, and a spotlight illuminated a lone, empty microphone. Personally, I remember meeting him backstage at Disneyland one summer afternoon (around 1988) while singing with the Dapper Dans (Disneyland's barbershop quartet). The word came down that he was visiting and wanted to see Mickey and Minnie. So, the characters put on their heads and went over to cavort for him. I'll never forget seeing him standing there in a trench coat and fedora (in August!) and giggling at the antics of Mickey and Minnie.
Hailing from Marietta, Georgia, Third Day is a Christian rock band formed at YMCA Camp High Harbour in 1991 by high-schoolers Mac Powell and Mark Lee. The name Third Day is a reference to Jesus' resurrection on the third day after crucifixion. Over the years, like most bands, they had several different musicians playing with them and released their first independent album, Long Time Forgotten, in 1994. In 1995, they signed a contract with Reunion Records and released their second album Third Day in 1996. That year they were nominated for a Dove Award for New Artist of the Year and their video Consuming Fire won a Billboard Music Award for Best Christian Video. In 2004, they released their seventh album Wire, toured the U.S. and Europe, collaborated on Mel Gibson's film The Passion of the Christ, played at the Republican National Convention and were featured on 60 Minutes. Their hit single, Soul On Fire, is from their album Soul On Fire of 2014, and spent 19 weeks on the Billboard charts, peaking at No. 2 on Hot Christian Songs and No. 3 on Christian Digital Songs
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Looking for a Way to Volunteer?
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The Welcome Team is looking for volunteers who can help about once a month between the two services and/or immediately after the 10:30 service. Go to our "Want to Help" page to learn more about this awesome ministry, as well as several other current ways you can lend a hand in ministry.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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