The power of worship is clearest for me in two places: in singing and at the communion table.
Like prayer, worship draws us close to God; in worship, we do this together with others. That sense of community is present in much of our worship, but I feel it especially powerfully when we sing together. I love a beautiful choir song, and treasure the way I'm moved by our amazing band, but what really gets me are the songs we sing where I can hear the voices of the congregation around me. There's something transcendent in singing loudly, together--it transforms by spirit as I experience it with my body, through my lungs, my voice, my ears.
Often, when we line up to receive communion each Sunday, I feel God's presence in our procession to receive the sacrament. I sense the presence of the communion of saints and think of those who have gone on before us, who have shared this holy meal. As we stand together, stepping aside to make space or waiting and watching for our kids to join the line, as we help each other down the aisle, I'm aware of our shared hunger for a taste of divine grace. I give thanks for this community with which to share God's love. As I stand side by side, even with people I might sometimes disagree with, the sweetness and power of God's grace is clear.
I invite you to pay attention in worship this week, to see where you notice the gift of the community that is gathered.
grace and peace,
Pastor Molly
Last Sunday, when we talked about the importance of devotion, I asked you to be praying at a specific time throughout this week. I encourage you to continue this practice, and would love to hear about what you tried and how you experienced it!
Sunday, October 8th
"Worship"
Rev. Molly Vetter, preaching
8:30am in Epworth Lounge
10:30am in the Sanctuary
Special Music: "Hallelujah," sung by the Chancel Choir
"Hallelujah" by Leonard Cohen
[Verse 1]
Now I've heard there was a secret chord
That David played, and it pleased the Lord
But you don't really care for music, do you?
It goes like this, the fourth, the fifth
The minor fall, the major lift
The baffled king composing "Hallelujah"
[Chorus]
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
[Verse 2]
Your faith was strong but you needed proof
You saw her bathing on the roof
Her beauty and the moonlight overthrew you
She tied you to a kitchen chair
She broke your throne and she cut your hair
And from your lips she drew the Hallelujah
[Chorus]
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
[Verse 3]
Baby I have been here before
I know this room, I've walked this floor
I used to live alone before I knew you
I've seen your flag on the marble arch
Love is not a victory march
It's a cold and it's a broken Hallelujah
[Chorus]
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
[Verse 4]
There was a time you let me know
What's really going on below
But now you never show it to me, do you?
And remember when I moved in you
The holy dove was moving too
And every breath we drew was Hallelujah
[Chorus]
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
[Verse 5]
You say I took the name in vain
I don't even know the name
But if I did, well really, what's it to you?
There's a blaze of light in every word
It doesn't matter which you heard
The holy or the broken Hallelujah
[Chorus]
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
[Verse 6]
Maybe there's a God above
But all I've ever learned from love
Was how to shoot somebody who outdrew you
And it's not a cry that you hear at night
It's not somebody who's seen the light
It's a cold and it's a broken Hallelujah
[Chorus]
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
[Verse 7]
I did my best, it wasn't much
I couldn't feel, so I tried to touch
I've told the truth, I didn't come to fool you
And even though it all went wrong
I'll stand before the Lord of Song
With nothing on my tongue but Hallelujah
[Chorus]
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
"Hallelujah Chorus" by Handel
Hallelujah hallelujah hallelujah hallelujah hallelujah
Hallelujah hallelujah hallelujah hallelujah hallelujah
For lord our God omnipotent reigneth
Hallelujah hallelujah hallelujah hallelujah
For lord our God omnipotent reigneth
Hallelujah hallelujah hallelujah hallelujah
For lord our God omnipotent reigneth
Hallelujah hallelujah hallelujah hallelujah
Hallelujah hallelujah hallelujah hallelujah
Hallelujah hallelujah hallelujah hallelujah
(For the lord God omnipotent reigneth)
Hallelujah hallelujah hallelujah hallelujah
For the lord God omnipotent reigneth
(Hallelujah hallelujah hallelujah hallelujah)
Hallelujah
The kingdom of this world;
is become
the kingdom of our Lord,
and of His Christ
and of His Christ
And He shall reign for ever and ever
And he shall reign forever and ever
And he shall reign forever and ever
News From Our Members
Thursday, October 5, 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, 5 October 2017 by Bob Peterson
Saturday, November 4th.....Here comes another special family event. It's the Silent Auction, Variety Show (starring our own people) and Food Trucks, all to feed you, entertain you and as a fund raiser for church expenses. Neighbors, relatives and others are welcome to join you at this special event.
I was visiting with Jody Wilkinson who does most of the plant gardening around our church these days. She is pulling weeds, pruning, cutting back, trimming and other things not done by Arnie, our hard working custodian. She says she could use some help on various needy areas so if you like to garden and want our church to look better, talk to Pastor Molly or Jody or Arnie to find out what needs to be done. We see beautiful flowers and think those are great. Perhaps you can assist to help make it look even better.
There are so many things various people do around the church I don't know anyone excepting Molly. Ernie and Arnie who know who does what about our physical facility. Some men like Paul, Don, Joe, Stephen and others do so much it ought to be appreciated more, but, even so, they and others not mentioned keep up the work for God and our Church. Thank them and the Lord.
We encourage everyone to donate to UMCOR (the United Methodist Committee on Relief) through the link here. You can choose to direct your gift to US Disaster relief (including Houston, Florida and Puerto Rico) or International Disaster Relief (including Mexico)--or you can make your donation undesignated. 100% of donations go to relief efforts.
Coming at Church
We are planning our 2nd Annual Variety Show, Silent Auction and Food Trucks (including the return of District Burger) night at church on Saturday, November 4. Mark your calendars, start putting an act together, and think about who you might ask about donations for the auction! Proceeds benefit our church ministries.
Kids and Youth Talent Show skit rehearsal begins this Sunday!
Children and youth are needed to be part of several skits for our November 4th Variety Show!
Rehearsals start this Sunday, October 8th
after 10:30 service. They will last about a half hour. Dress rehearsal will be in the afternoon of Nov. 11th.
Questions? Email Children's Ministries!
Registration Deadline Tomorrow!
We are excited to announce our 2017 BeachFaith Church Golf Tournament, this year at Los Verdes Golf Club in RPV. Again, it will be a four-person scramble--invite a team of friends to play for a day of fun, fellowship and fundraising in support of church ministries. Register online--deadline to register is October 6!
Corazon House Build - October 14
On Saturday, October 14, Redondo First along with 3 other Methodist Churches will be building a house in Mexico. Our portion of the building cost is $2,100. Thank you EVERYONE who took a donation Angel. You helped us reach our goal!!
Want to know more about the house build? Email George and Peggy Mercer or talk to them on Sunday morning.
Registration Deadline Coming!
Our Prayers and Squares Quilting ministry will offer a one-day quilting class on Saturday, October 14 from 9am-2pm. Cost is $20 (includes lunch, supplies); proceeds go to fund prayer quilt supplies. Everyone will make a "Disappearing 9-patch" quilt tip--we think you'll like this fun, accessible pattern. Register now--space is limited! Children are welcome when accompanied by an adult. More details and registration are online.
Email Children's Ministries to save your child's spot!
Drop off your children at church for three hours of programming, starting at 5pm.
The evening costs $20.00 for the 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!
To ensure your child's spot, always be sure to RSVP by the Monday before!
Thank you!
We are pleased to announce that our fall rummage and bake sale made over $7000 for our UMW missions and outreach programs. Hundreds of people from the community showed up to purchase treasures and enjoy a tasty homemade lunch in Naomi's Cafe. Thank you to our hardworking team of United Methodist Women and to all those who volunteered their time, donated rummage and baked treats. Now, on to the Spring Sale in March 2018!!!
Upper-Classmen Retreat
High School juniors and seniors are going to Camp Colby for three days in November to talk about faith, calling, and that which lies ahead.
Stare off into the distance as you read that.
Or, click here for more info!
And we've added a new table centerpiece option! Items delivered to the church will be available for pickup the week of November 27th. Items shipped directly to the Recipient will arrive the first two weeks after Thanksgiving
These wreath sales support the youth group's budget, and they are our biggest fundraiser of the year. Thanks for your support!
Donate to Youth Classrooms?
This year, the youth group has made BIG upgrades to our programming, but we need help getting the furniture together to make that stuff work! Would you consider donating to this specific goal?
This fall, Pastor Molly will preach a sermon series with directions for how to live out your faith. Using tools from our Methodist tradition, we will look at how to live out our faith, with devotion to God and service to others. The series began September 10, and continues for 7 weeks. Read more online.
ALL SAINTS SUNDAY
On November 5 in worship, we will remember those saints who have passed in the last year. If you would like to include a loved one in our slide presentation, please email a photo to the office of the person, along with their name and relationship to you. All submissions should be in by November 2. Email here 
Announcements
Men's Breakfast: Our next breakfast is Monday, October 16, 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: Quilting Class for Beginners will be held on Saturday, October 14, 2017 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Want to learn how to make a quilt? We will learn how to cut fabric, piece it together and sew it up! Cost is $20 and is due by October 11. Lunch included. More information is online. Know someone in need of prayer? Anyone is invited to sponsor a free prayer quilt. The Quilt Request Form is online or in the church office.
Church Council: Our September meeting will be on Monday, October 16 at 7pm in Epworth Lounge. For more information, contact Chair Dan Martens.
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.
A Memorial Service for Rae Linda Brown will be this Saturday, October 7 at 1pm in our sanctuary. Her family requests that guests wear bright colors (rather than somber ones); there will be a reception afterwards in the Fellowship Hall.
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 HwangChildren's Ministry (age 3 - 3rd Grade):
Preschool-3rd Grade Sunday School begins at 10:30 upstairs and children must be signed in by parents. Students will be accompanied back to the church service to join their families for communion.
Church R Us (Grades 4 & 5): Start out in Worship with your family, then head to classl with our youth director, Stephen Hale during "Passing of the Peace". You'll head back to church for communion!
Youth Ministry (6th-12th grade):
-Middle School Sunday School? YESSS!!!!!!!!!
-Youth Group(2-4pm on Sunday)? Yaaaaaas!!! Come! Bring your friends!
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:
We usually meet 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.
Riviera UMC: Annual Fine Art Fair and Exhibition
This premier South Bay art event features a national juried show as well as 30 local artists in tents and booths, from 11am-5pm, October 14 - 15, in a family-friendly, fun atmosphere. There will be live music, art demonstrations, food trucks, a kids’ art show, gift boutique and more. (After opening weekend, the fine art exhibition will continue until October 29 during select gallery hours.)Additional festivities include: an opportunity drawing for original artwork (raffle tickets for $5), a Holiday Boutique of handmade gifts and baked goods, plus a kids’ art show by Canvas & Clay, Redondo Beach.
All Rejoice in Art! activities include free admission and free parking,
First United Methodist Church of Redondo Beach
310-372-8445 main
310-372-5696 fax
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 (when you come for church) through Wednesday to the church kitchen (or the office if kitchen is closed.) Wednesday deliveries
should be here by 4:00pm to help us plan our meal better. THANK YOU!
The band Hillsong United was formed in 1998 from close friends within the Hillsong youth ministry (called “Powerhouse Youth”). So many songs were being written within the youth ministry that it was suggested they make an album. The songs One and Everyday were recorded and released with the annual Hillsong worship album in 1999. They both achieved gold sales status in Australia, and the band has gone on to win five Dove Awards in 2014 and were nominated for an American Music Award and won the Billboard Music Award Top Christian Artist in 2015. Their song You’ll Come was released...
Thursday, October 5, 2017 - Music Notes
Music Director, Jim Raycroft, will
share upcoming worship music
selections and a little bit of history, too.
Jim Raycroft
Thursday, 5 October
2017 by Jim Raycroft
The band Hillsong United was formed in 1998 from close friends within the Hillsong youth ministry (called "Powerhouse Youth"). So many songs were being written within the youth ministry that it was suggested they make an album. The songs One and Everyday were recorded and released with the annual Hillsong worship album in 1999. They both achieved gold sales status in Australia, and the band has gone on to win five Dove Awards in 2014 and were nominated for an American Music Award and won the Billboard Music Award Top Christian Artist in 2015. Their song You'll Come was released in 2008 on the album The I Heart Revolution: With Hearts As One. The album was first in the trilogy I Heart Revolution project, and reached #29 on the Billboard Christian Artists chart and #8 on the Aria Albums chart.
Handel's Messiah, A Soulful Celebration was a project conceived by Take 6 alum Mervyn Warren. He enlisted some of the greatest names in gospel and R&B to help him take 16 pieces of music from the familiar Messiah of Handel, and re-interpret them with a gospel soul. The album was widely praised for its use of a broad range of African-American musical genres, including spirituals, blues, ragtime, big band, jazz fusion, R&B and hip hop. It received numerous awards, including the 1992 Dove Award for Contemporary Gospel Album of the Year and the 1992 Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Soul Gospel Album. It was in preparations for the 1992 Grammys that someone noticed that there was also a traditional version of the Messiah up for an award, this time for Best Performance of a Choral Work – The Messiah, by Martin Pearlman and the Boston Baroque Orchestra and Chorus. It was decided to combine the 2 Hallelujah Choruses into one big performance for the ceremonies - hire 21 singers from the Los Angeles Master Chorale (the same number that was in the Boston recording), bring in the original chorus that sang on the Soulful Celebration, start with the traditional and have the Soulful singers "interrupt" them and join them on stage for a big sing finale. I was one of those fortunate singers, and got the opportunity to meet some of the great artists in person (I stood next to Phylicia Rashad in the front row during rehearsals). The all-star chorus consisted of such widely disparate artists as Andrae and Sandra Crouch, Al Jarreau, Johnny Mathis, Marilyn McCoo, Vanessa Williams and Chaka Khan. It was during those rehearsals that I was able to chat with Andrae Crouch, and he asked me "I wonder what Handel would have thought about what we did to his music?" I told him "I think he would have loved it. He was always ripping off his own music for other uses, but I think he would have loved the idea that someone could have taken his music and made it relevant and meaningful to a whole new generation, culture and race of people." There was a video of that performance on YouTube for a while, but was removed. However, I grabbed it before it went away and you can view it on my website. I've said it before, and I'll say it again – our choir is amazing. This piece – Hallelujah from The Soulful Celebration – is absolutely beyond most church choirs. But I can't think of a better way to celebrate, rejoice and worship, than to sing this piece. Feel free to dance, sway, and clap along at the end.
Soulful Celebration:Hallelujah!
Music by:
George Frideric Handel,
Lyrics by:
Charles Jennens,
Arrangement:
Mervyn Warren
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
For the Lord God omnipotent reigneth
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
For the Lord God omnipotent reigneth
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
For the Lord God omnipotent reigneth
For the Lord God omnipotent reigneth
Hallelujah
For the Lord God omnipotent reigneth
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
The kingdom of this world
Is become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ
And of His Christ
And He shall reign for ever and ever
And He shall reign for ever and ever
And He shall reign for ever and ever
And He shall reign for ever and ever
King of Kings
For ever and ever
And Lord of Lords
Hallelujah, hallelujah
King of Kings
For ever and ever
And Lord of Lords
Hallelujah, hallelujah
King of Kings
For ever and ever
And Lord of Lords
King of Kings, and Lord of Lords
And He shall reign for ever and ever
And He shall reign for ever and ever
King of Kings
For ever and ever
And Lord of Lords
Hallelujah, hallelujah
And He shall reign for ever and ever
King of Kings
And Lord of Lords
King of Kings
And Lord of Lords
King of Kings
And Lord of Lords
And He shall reign for ever and ever
Hallelujah, hallelujah
And He shall reign for ever and ever
Hallelujah, hallelujah
Hallelujah, hallelujah
Hallelujah, hallelujah
The government shall be on His shoulders
Hallelujah, hallelujah
Hallelujah, hallelujah
Hallelujah, hallelujah
We praise You because You reign
Hallelujah, hallelujah
We praise You because You rule
Hallelujah, hallelujah
Hallelujah, hallelujah
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. 
Calling All Gardeners!
Do you have a couple hours once or twice a month to help maintain our beautiful church gardens? Tasks would include pruning, planting, weeding and watering. Whatever you can help with, we'd love to have you join our team! Duties could change seasonally. Sign up through the church office, or by talking with Jody Wilkinson.
Circle Meeting Time
- Naomi Circle 2nd Tuesday @ 10:00am
- Hannah Circle 2nd Tuesday @ 7:00pm
- Mary Circle 4th Monday @ 7:00pm
Women's Retreat: Spring 2018
All women are invited!
Our topics will include:
· Why friendship with God matters
· Loving ourselves—isn't that being selfish? (Nope)
· How loving others is loving God
Limited space available – reserve your spot TODAY!
CLICK HERE for more info.
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. 
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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