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| From Pastor Molly: new things |
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I've been on vacation this past week, with some extended family in Lake Tahoe. We did lots of things all together, but I also arranged for a little time away with just one other person in my family, to be a part of a Japanese printmaking workshop. Held in a beautiful historic building on the shore of the lake, it felt like a very special treat and retreat.
I had a lot of fun playing around with colors and textures, trying out a new art medium. It was a very small group in the class: just 7 of us, including one family of four. All four were adults--a couple in their 30s and their parents. It was clear that participating in this workshop had NOT been the idea of the mother. Toward the end, she just stopped trying to make stuff, and tried to make the best of the whole experience. "It gives me a better appreciation for what it's like to be a kid, when everything you try is new, and your not very good at any of it yet."
I though it was a pretty helpful lesson to take: to remember the humility that comes as we try new things that we're not very good at. To consider others who experience this frustration: kids, as they learn to navigate the world. People new to our community or culture or way of doing things.
It strikes me that this would be a really helpful lesson for us to remember at church, especially when we are welcoming people new to our congregation. For some, everything about church is new. Others come with a lifetime of church experiences, but are new to the particular ways we do things. And, for the rest of us, there's always the challenge of navigating through the inevitable changes that sometimes catch us off guard.
When we feel a bit lost and frustrating at things that are unfamiliar, may we always have the grace to think of others who feel this challenge too.
grace and peace,
Pastor Molly
I'm looking forward to being back in worship this Sunday, to share holy communion, and a baptism at 10:30. This month, I'm starting my sixth year as pastor of our church and my seventeenth year as a pastor, and I'm excited and enthusiastic about what's ahead for us all. Our Baja Mission team returns to the US on Saturday evening, and Sunday should be a great day of celebration!
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Sunday, July 9th
"Carried"
Rev. Molly Vetter, preaching
Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30
Scripture Texts: Matthew 11:16 “Oh, what can I compare this generation with? They’re like children sitting in the marketplaces, calling out to each other,
17 ‘We made happy music,
but you wouldn’t dance!
We made sad music,
but you wouldn’t cry!’
18 For Yochanan came, fasting, not drinking — so they say, ‘He has a demon.’ 19 The Son of Man came, eating freely and drinking wine — so they say, ‘Aha! A glutton and a drunkard! A friend of tax-collectors and sinners!’ Well, the proof of wisdom is in the actions it produces.”
25 It was at that time that Yeshua said, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you concealed these things from the sophisticated and educated and revealed them to ordinary folks. 26 Yes, Father, I thank you that it pleased you to do this.
27 “My Father has handed over everything to me. Indeed, no one fully knows the Son except the Father, and no one fully knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son wishes to reveal him.
28 “Come to me, all of you who are struggling and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, because I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.[Matthew 11:29 Jeremiah 6:16] 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”John Wesley's Notes-Commentary: Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30
Verse 16
[16] But whereunto shall I liken this generation? It is like unto children sitting in the markets, and calling unto their fellows,
This generation — That is, the men of this age. They are like those froward children of whom their fellows complain, that they will be pleased no way.
Verse 18
[18] For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, He hath a devil.
John came neither eating nor drinking — In a rigorous austere way, like Elijah.
And they say, He hath a devil — Is melancholy, from the influence of an evil spirit.
Verse 19
[19] The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold a man gluttonous, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners. But wisdom is justified of her children.
The Son of man came eating and drinking — Conversing in a free, familiar way.
Wisdom is justified by her children — That is, my wisdom herein is acknowledged by those who are truly wise.
Verse 25
[25] At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.
Jesus answering — This word does not always imply, that something had been spoken, to which an answer is now made. It often means no more than the speaking in reference to some action or circumstance preceding. The following words Christ speaks in reference to the case of the cities above mentioned: I thank thee - That is, I acknowledge and joyfully adore the justice and mercy of thy dispensations: Because thou hast hid - That is, because thou hast suffered these things to be hid from men, who are in other respects wise and prudent, while thou hast discovered them to those of the weakest understanding, to them who are only wise to Godward. Luke 10:21.
Verse 27
[27] All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him.
All things are delivered to me — Our Lord, here addressing himself to his disciples, shows why men, wise in other things, do not know this: namely, because none can know it by natural reason: none but those to whom he revealeth it.
Verse 28
[28] Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Come to me — Here he shows to whom he is pleased to reveal these things to the weary and heavy laden; ye that labour - After rest in God: and are heavy laden - With the guilt and power of sin: and I will give you rest - I alone (for none else can) will freely give you (what ye cannot purchase) rest from the guilt of sin by justification, and from the power of sin by sanctification.
Verse 29
[29] Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
Take my yoke upon you — Believe in me: receive me as your prophet, priest, and king.
For I am meek and lowly in heart — Meek toward all men, lowly toward God: and ye shall find rest - Whoever therefore does not find rest of soul, is not meek and lowly. The fault is not in the yoke of Christ: but in thee, who hast not taken it upon thee. Nor is it possible for any one to be discontented, but through want of meekness or lowliness.
Verse 30
[30] For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
For my yoke is easy — Or rather gracious, sweet, benign, delightful: and my burden - Contrary to those of men, is ease, liberty, and honour.
8:30am in Epworth Lounge
10:30am in the Sanctuary
Special Music: “Be Still” and "Little Star" by special guest Felice Hernandez
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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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VBS is coming!
We 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?
Volunteers can be as young as entering 9th grade. We are in need of about 8 more crew leaders and one dynamic person to head up our "Missions" station!
VBS Meeting for all volunteers: July 16th at 9:30am
All hands on deck VBS prep day July 29th 9:00am
Many hands make light work- all are welcome!!
VBS Maker Fun Factory: July 31-Aug. 4th
Email Children's Ministry to volunteer!
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Prayers for our Baja Youth Mission Team!
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Our youth and other volunteers from our church have been working hard and having fun in Baja, Mexico this week as they serve in mission. They are helping in construction projects, leading art and music with children, and many other endeavors. Let's pray for them as they wrap up their week and head home!
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Week In the Arts was a BLAST!
Many thanks to all from the church who supported our Week In The Arts Day Camp!
Eleven children participated and gained skills in dance, musical performance, and visual arts. Deep gratitude to our teachers and counselors who worked tirelessly and made the week happen.
Our end of the week showcase was wonderful and well attended. Our immense appreciation goes out to Nina Dooley for providing delicious and beautiful refreshments for our event!
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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!
Our "maker workshop" is full of your recycled goods and ready to go! Thank you very much for your contributions.
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By becoming a church member, you affirm or reaffirm the covenant of baptism, and claim your commitment to serve Christ through our congregation. We are planning to receive new members in church soon, and would be happy to welcome new people into the life of our congregation.
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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, July 17, 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, July 21, 10am - noon in the choir room. Carolyn Major will teach a bargello piecing technique. 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, July 17 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) We're in church this week. Pick up a coloring activity in the back when you arrive. The nursery will be available for children up to 5 years old.
Church R Us (Grades 4 & 5): We're in church this week!!
Youth Ministry (6th-12th grade): Baja Mission 2017 returns to RB this Saturday night!
-Middle School Sunday School? Nope, it's summer!
-Youth Group(3-5pm on Sunday)? Nope! Normal youth group is hibernating through the summer!
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 S. Broadway | Redondo Beach | CA | 90277
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| Free Meal on Wednesday Nights |
Offering food and friendship to those in need, everyWednesday 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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| Looking for a Way to Volunteer? |
| 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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