Thursday, July 20, 2017

Redondo Beach, California, United States First United Methodist Church for Thursday, 20 July 2017 "eNews: Lessons and parables (and the Baja stockholders meeting) on Sunday" "Lessons and Parables in worship at 8:30 & 10:30am. Baja Stockholders meeting over lunch."

Redondo Beach, California, United States First United Methodist Church for Thursday, 20 July 2017 "eNews: Lessons and parables (and the Baja stockholders meeting) on Sunday" "Lessons and Parables in worship at 8:30 & 10:30am. Baja Stockholders meeting over lunch."

From Pastor Molly: Summer Adventures
Summer is a strange pace around the church. There's the flurry of activity that comes with the special things that happen, like VBS, summer camp and the Baja mission trip. Some of us get to go away on vacation, too, and others take time to host visiting friends and relatives from afar. Someone's always missing, away on a new adventure.
So often, these special summer adventures change us. We see new things, learn more about ourselves, and see how we can serve others. We get a chance to reflect while sitting by a mountain lake, or have time to live our faith with a special boldness as we serve migrant farm workers in Baja.
This Sunday, some of the people who were a part of Baja Mission 2017 will share stories--they planned the event as a way of thanking the stockholders who invested in the summer trip. (Don't let it stop you from coming, though, if you didn't "buy" stock--I know they'll be eager to share stories with anyone who can come!) I got to meet with them last week and catch a glimpse of some of the good stuff that happened, but look forward to hearing more stories and testimony this Sunday.
I've caught glimpses of the amazing things that happened at our BeachFaith Kids Week in the Arts Camp, and at Lazy W Ranch's summer youth camps, too. I've heard stories of other trips--your family vacations or trips to see people, nearby or in other countries. I know you have been experiencing the richness of our world, and pray that it will deepen your sense of identity and calling as children of God.
I hope you'll take time to listen to someone else's stories about what they've been up to this summer--especially, about how they've seen God in the midst of it. And I hope you might share some of what you've experienced, too.
grace and peace,
Pastor Molly
In Worship This Week
Sunday, July 23th
"Together"
Rev. Molly Vetter, preaching
Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43
Scripture Text: Matthew 13:24 Yeshua put before them another parable. “The Kingdom of Heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field; 25 but while people were sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, then went away. 26 When the wheat sprouted and formed heads of grain, the weeds also appeared. 27 The owner’s servants came to him and said, ‘Sir didn’t you sow good seed in your field? Where have the weeds come from?’ 28 He answered, ‘An enemy has done this.’ The servants asked him, ‘Then do you want us to go and pull them up?’ 29 But he said, ‘No, because if you pull up the weeds, you might uproot some of the wheat at the same time. 30 Let them both grow together until the harvest; and at harvest-time I will tell the reapers to collect the weeds first and tie them in bundles to be burned, but to gather the wheat into my barn.’”, 36 Then he left the crowds and went into the house. His talmidim approached him and said, “Explain to us the parable of the weeds in the field.” 37 He answered, “The one who sows the good seed is the Son of Man; 38 the field is the world. As for the good seed, these are the people who belong to the Kingdom; and the weeds are the people who belong to the Evil One. 39 The enemy who sows them is the Adversary, the harvest is the end of the age, and the harvesters are angels. 40 Just as the weeds are collected and burned up in the fire, so will it be at the end of the age. 41 The Son of Man will send forth his angels, and they will collect out of his Kingdom all the things that cause people to sin and all the people who are far from Torah; 42 and they will throw them into the fiery furnace, where people will wail and grind their teeth. 43 Then the righteous will shine forth like the sun in the Kingdom of their Father. Whoever has ears, let him hear!John Wesley's Notes-Commentary: Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 
Verse 24
[24] Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field:
He proposed another parable — in which he farther explains the case of unfruitful hearers. The kingdom of heaven (as has been observed before) sometimes signifies eternal glory: sometimes the way to it, inward religion; sometimes, as here, the Gospel dispensation: the phrase is likewise used for a person or thing relating to any one of those: so in this place it means, Christ preaching the Gospel, who is like a man sowing good seed - The expression, is like, both here and in several other places, only means, that the thing spoken of may be illustrated by the following similitude.
Who sowed good seed in his field — God sowed nothing but good in his whole creation. Christ sowed only the good seed of truth in his Church.
Verse 25
[25] But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way.
But while men slept — They ought to have watched: the Lord of the field sleepeth not.
His enemy came and sowed darnel — This is very like wheat, and commonly grows among wheat rather than among other grain: but tares or vetches are of the pulse kind, and bear no resemblance to wheat.
Verse 26
[26] But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also.
When the blade was sprung up, then appeared the darnel — It was not discerned before: it seldom appears, as soon as the good seed is sown: all at first appears to be peace, and love, and joy.
Verse 27
[27] So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares?
Didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? Whence then hath it darnel? — Not from the parent of good. Even the heathen could say, "No evil can from thee proceed: 'Tis only suffer'd, not decreed: As darkness is not from the sun, Nor mount the shades, till he is gone."
Verse 28
[28] He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up?
He said, An enemy hath done this — A plain answer to the great question concerning the origin of evil. God made men (as he did angels) intelligent creatures, and consequently free either to choose good or evil: but he implanted no evil in the human soul: An enemy (with man's concurrence) hath done this. Darnel, in the Church, is properly outside Christians, such as have the form of godliness, without the power. Open sinners, such as have neither the form nor the power, are not so properly darnel, as thistles and brambles: these ought to be rooted up without delay, and not suffered in the Christian community. Whereas should fallible men attempt to gather up the darnel, they would often root up the wheat with them.
Verse 38
[38] The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one;
The good seed are the children of the kingdom — That is, the children of God, the righteous.
Verse 41
[41] The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity;
They shall gather all things that offend — Whatever had hindered or grieved the children of God; whatever things or persons had hindered the good seed which Christ had sown from taking root or bearing fruit. The Greek word is, All scandals.
8:30am in Epworth Lounge
10:30am in the Sanctuary
Special Music: "Simple Song" by Leonard Bernstein, sung by Aleta Braxton
"Simple Song" by Leonard Bernstein
Sing God a simple song:
Lauda, Laudē
Make it up as you go along:
Lauda, Laudē
Sing like you like to sing.
God loves all simple things,
For God is the simplest of all,
For God is the simplest of all.
I will sing the Lord a new song
To praise Him, to bless Him, to bless the Lord.
I will sing His praises while I live
All of my days.
Blesed is the man who loves the Lord,
Blessed is the man who praises Him.
Lauda, Lauda, Laudē
And walks in His ways.
I will lift up my eyes
To the hills from whence comes my help.
I will lift up my voice to the Lord
Singing Lauda, Laudē.
For the Lord is my shade,
Is the shade upon my right hand,
And the sun shall not smite me by day
Nor the moon by night.
Blessed is the man who loves the Lord,
Lauda, Lauda, Laudē,
And walks in His ways.
Lauda, Lauda, Laudē,
Lauda, Lauda di da di day.
All of my days.
News From Our Members
Our instrumental Musicians, called The Worship Band, continue to surprise us as we learn more of their talents each Sunday. Currently, with the Church Choir off for the summer, we have noticed a few things about them. Last Sunday our great drummer Ed Zajac stepped out from behind his drum set and sang the anthem "Hallelujah " by Leonard Cohen while conductor Jim Raycroft took over the drumming. Cris left his electronic keyboard to play the piano while our Church organist, Mary Ann Stickler left the organ to play the...
Thursday, July 20, 2017
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, 20 July 2017 by Bob Peterson
Our instrumental Musicians, called The Worship Band, continue to surprise us as we learn more of their talents each Sunday. Currently, with the Church Choir off for the summer, we have noticed a few things about them. Last Sunday our great drummer Ed Zajac stepped out from behind his drum set and sang the anthem "Hallelujah " by Leonard Cohen while conductor Jim Raycroft took over the drumming. Cris left his electronic keyboard to play the piano while our Church organist, Mary Ann Stickler left the organ to play the electronic keyboard. I called it the great switcheroo.
To continue , I happened to be invited to the Hollywood Bowl's classical concert Tuesday night and there was Jim Raycroft singing the final movement of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony with the Los Angeles Master Chorale. He was seen on the video several times as the camera passed through his bass section. Also, earlier on the program was the L. A Philharmonic performing Aaron Copeland's music, "Fanfare for the Common Man" and "Portrait of Abraham Lincoln" .There in the French Horn section was Ethan Bearman who played principal next to me the last two Easter Sundays as one of our seven Brass Players. That latter work was narrated by the great Vin Scully of Dodger Baseball fame to a standing ovation of the full Hollywood Bowl.
Also last Sunday we were honored to have two Duff Means attend church. Duff I now back from a facility and his son Duff II visiting here from his home in Virginia. It was another great Sunday.
This Sunday, July 23, we have lunch after worship to hear a report about the recent young person 's trip to Baja Mission 2017. Come, enjoy the food and the fellowship and learn about their experiences by photo and word.
Time and space are limited! Sign up for VBS today!
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.
Click here to register!
Mark your calendars:
All Hands on Deck VBS Prep Day
July 29 at 9:00am
Many hands make light work-
all are welcome!!
Final VBS Meeting for all volunteers, July 30th!
ALL VBS volunteers will be joining together one last time before VBS for a quick meeting and commissioning! We'll meet in Epworth following 10:30 worship.
This meeting will cover important topics and we'll hand out our shirts to wear for Monday of VBS. This meeting is mandatory. See ya there!
There's still time to join us!
Volunteers can be as young as entering 9th grade. Can't commit to the whole week? That's OK. We can always use extra help any day during the week. Just let us know when you're available.
VBS Maker Fun Factory:
July 31-Aug. 4th
Baja Stockholders Meeting!
Everyone at church is invited to the Baja Trip Stockholders Meeting! Baja Mission 2017 participants will report on their work to those who invested in the trip. Come hear how the trip went!
When: July 23, at noon!
Where: The Fellowship Hall
Food: Yep! We'll have a spaghetti-style lunch, too!
New Members Welcome
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.
If you are interested in church membership, please contact Pastor Molly.
Pastor Molly: I've Been Reading What Is the Bible?

We want to share some of the books, films, blogs and podcasts that helped us see new perspectives on our faith.
What I'm Reading: "What is the Bible?" by Rob Bell
Weekly thoughts on theology, church life and more from our Pastor, Molly Vetter.
Thursday, 13 July 2017 by Molly Vetter

I've been reading a new book by Rob Bell: What is the Bible? How an ancient library of poems, letters, and stories can transform the way you think and feel about everything. As has been the case with his books and videos before, I'm finding Rob Bell's book to be an engaging and fresh way of looking at the Bible. I encourage you to check it out. Bell has an 
impressive way of speaking about scripture, which is both really accessible (that is, not burdened by lots of insider language that only biblical scholars understand) and exceptionally deep (that is, he goes into detail and nuance that allows the richness of scripture to come to life and opens up a way to engage deep ideas). I think he didn't write it for me, really: it's written for people who have ignored or dismissed the Bible. His ideas aren't new, but he shares them with a fresh clarity. If you've had a hard time finding the Bible to be life-giving, this book might help; if you want ways to talk about scripture with people who've never given it much chance, this book shows one way.
Read Pastor Molly's words about Rob Bell's new book here.
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.
Announcements
Men's Breakfast: Our next breakfast is Monday, August 7, 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.
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) and Church R Us (Grades 4 & 5):
FUN-day School is back! We'll start out in church this week, then during "Passing of the Peace" we'll head to the fellowship hall for a fun activity! We'll rejoin our families at the end of worship! The nursery will be available for children up to 5 years old.
Youth Ministry (6th-12th grade):
-Middle School Sunday School? Nope, it's summer!
-Youth Group(3-5pm on Sunday)? Nope! Normal youth group is hibernating through the summer!
-Baja stockholders luncheon this Sunday (after 10:30 worship)
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.
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 | 310-372-5696 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
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.)
Once again we are blest with the voice and talents of our friend Aleta Braxton. I met Aleta in the fall of 1983, when I was a member of Disneyland’s Dickens Carolers and she was the leader. We carpooled to Anaheim a lot that season and have been friends and colleagues ever since. She performed in LA Opera's 1986 inaugural production of Otello (along with me), has appeared in more than 130 productions and was a soloist in Porgy and Bess and Oklahoma. She toured as a soloist with the Roger Wagner Chorale and McNeil Jubilee Singers and has sung with the LA Master Chorale for 30 seasons as a chorister and soloist. Her long list of film soundtracks include The Jungle Book, Frozen, Creed, Amistad and TV appearances such as Malcom in the Middle, The Crazy Ones, Transparent and Glee. Ms. Braxton has also directed productions for...
Thursday, July 20, 2017 - Music Notes
Music Director, Jim Raycroft, will
share upcoming worship music
selections and a little bit of history, too.
Jim Raycroft
Thursday, 20 July 2017 by Jim Raycroft
Once again we are blest with the voice and talents of our friend Aleta Braxton. I met Aleta in the fall of 1983, when I was a member of Disneyland's Dickens Carolers and she was the leader. We carpooled to Anaheim a lot that season and have been friends and colleagues ever since. She performed in LA Opera's 1986 inaugural production of Otello (along with me), has appeared in more than 130 productions and was a soloist in Porgy and Bess and Oklahoma. She toured as a soloist with the Roger Wagner Chorale and McNeil Jubilee Singers and has sung with the LA Master Chorale for 30 seasons as a chorister and soloist. Her long list of film soundtracks include The Jungle Book, Frozen, Creed, Amistad and TV appearances such as Malcom in the Middle, The Crazy Ones, Transparent and Glee. Ms. Braxton has also directed productions for Lyric Opera of Los Angeles including the West Coast premiere of Wagner's first opera Die Feen. She has sung on recordings for Disney and LA Master Chorale as well as recordings with Christina Aguilera and Barbra Streisand. In addition to singing, Ms. Braxton performs voice-overs and teaches workshops. She is currently the choir director for New Hope Lutheran Church in Agoura Hills and is on the cantoring staff at St. Charles Borromeo in North Hollywood.
In 1971, Jacqueline Kennedy commissioned Leonard Bernstein to write a piece for the opening ceremonies of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington D.C. Initially, he intended to write a traditional Mass, but ultimately chose to create a more innovative format. Its official title is MASS: A Theatre Piece for Singers, Players and Dancers. It was intended to be staged but is often presented in a standard concert presentation. The liturgical parts are in Latin, but there are additional texts in English written by Bernstein, Broadway composer Stephen Schwarz and Paul Simon. It premiered on September 8, 1971, conducted by Maurice Peress. A Simple Song is the second piece in the work, following the opening Kyrie Eleison, and is sung by "The Celebrant".
People Need The Lord is a ballad by Greg Nelson and Phill McHugh written in 1983 and recorded by Steve Green. Greg Nelson is a composer/arranger/orchestrator who is also a Nashville record producer with 20 Dove (Christian Music) awards and has produced 13 gold records and 7 platinum records. He gave People Need The Lord to singer Steve Green, who released it on his self-titled album in 1984. It is now considered to be a Christian classic, and the chorus can be found in The Faith We Sing (#2244).
Next week, we will be joined by another long-time friend of mine, Tonoccus McClain. Tonoccus and I sang together in the Master Chorale for several years until he joined the touring company of The Lion King. Now he's back in town, and I grabbed him for our worship service. You won't want to miss it.
MASS: A Theatre Piece for Singers, Players and Dancers
1971) 110 min
Text

Liturgy of the Roman Mass (in Latin); Additional texts by Stephen Schwartz and Leonard Bernstein (in English)
World Premiere:September 8, 1971. John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Washington DC, United States | Gordon Davidson, director / Alvin Ailey, choreographer / Maurice Peress, conductor
Scoring
(Celebrant (lead solo); Soloists (ca. 20 from Street People); SATB Robed Choir (ca. 60); Boys' Choir (ca. 20 with boyS solo); Street People (ca. 45 singer-dancers) Stage Orchestra (in costume, acting as cast members): 2(I,II=picc).2(II=corA).3(=3sax(SAT)/Ebcl/bcl).2(II-dbn) - 4.4.3.1-perc(2)-2elect.guitars-bass guitar-2elec.kybds Pit Orchestra: harp-2Allen org-timp.perc(3-4)-strings-pre-recorded tape)
Arrangements
Two Meditations from MASS
(1971) 8 min
for orchestra
  • Scoring: Perc(2)-organ-harp-pft-strings
Three Meditations from MASS (1977)
Celebrations from MASS

(1999) 25 min
for baritone, boy soprano, mixed chorus, children's chorus, and orchestra
Scoring: 2(I,II=picc).2(II=corA).3(II=Ebcl,III=bcl).2-4.4.3.1-timp.perc(6-8)-pedal org-elec.gtr(=acoustic gtr)-bass gtr-harp-strings
Transcriptions
Suite from MASS

for brass quintet and concert band (arr. Mike Sweeney)
Purchasing/Licensing
To perform MASS, please contact the theatrical agent, Boosey & Hawkes. For general licensing inquiries, click here.
"People Need The Lord" by Greg Nelson and Phill McHugh
Everyday they pass me by
I can see it in their eyes
Empty people filled with care
Headed who knows where
On they go through private pain
Living fear to fear
Laughter hides their silent cries
Only Jesus hears
People need the Lord, people need the Lord
At the end of broken dreams, He's the open door
People need the Lord, people need the Lord
When will we realize people need the Lord
We are called to take His light
To a world where wrong seems right
What would be too great a cost
For sharing life with one who's lost
Through His love our hearts can feel
All the grief they bear
They must hear the words of life
Only we can share
People need the Lord, people need the Lord
At the end of broken dreams, He's the open door
People need the Lord, people need the Lord
When will we realize that we must give our lives
For people need the Lord
People need the Lord
Click here to read more Music Notes!
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.
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.
Parking Reminder: If you are able, we encourage you to parkFirst United Methodist Church of Redondo Beach
243 South Broadway
Redondo Beach, California 90277, United States at the Wells Fargo bank onSunday 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 of Redondo Beach
243 South Broadway
Redondo Beach, California 90277, United States
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