Did you know that there's a United Methodist Building on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC? Between the Supreme Court and the Senate office buildings, just across from the Capitol lawn, it's the only building on the Hill that's not owned by the US Government. Built with donations from church members around the country who wanted their morals to have an influence on our government and society, it has provided a place for people of faith to gather in conversation and in advocacy for social justice since 1923.
Planning for the 1963 civil rights March on Washington happened there. The Americans with Disabilities Act, which became law in 1990, had its beginnings there. So many campaigns and efforts, for housing, for health care, for women's rights, for children's rights, against war, for criminal justice reform, for climate justice, happened in its walls. You can read even more about the building on the UMC website.
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https://youtu.be/QBRagnOef7w
United Methodist Beacon on Capitol Hill
The United Methodist Building in Washington, D.C. is a Heritage Landmark and the only non-governmental building on Capitol Hill. For almost 100 years, this has been a space for the denomination to advocate for the values of United Methodists. That commitment continues today through the work of the Board of Church and Society.- View more at umc.org/videos
- Read the Terms of Use
(Washington, DC)
The sign in front of the United Methodist Building in Washington, D.C. bears a strong witness in a prime location, next door to the Supreme Court and steps from the U.S. Capitol. This beacon on the Hill shines a light on the beliefs of a church grounded in peace and justice.
The Rev. William Bobby McClain: “Childcare, poverty, human sexuality. This is not something we just decided on. This is biblical. It’s strongly and staunchly and clearly the biblical teachings of Jesus.”
The Rev. William Bobby McClain is a retired preacher and professor who has seen the church come together here to make a stand on social issues.
The Rev. William Bobby McClain: “During the days of segregation black people and white people could meet together and eat together in a segregated Washington, the only place I know of in Washington that people could sit down at the same table and eat together.”
The Board of Church and Society is the only non-government building on the Hill.
In the 1960’s, civil rights leaders met here just steps away from the March on Washington. The landmark Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 was drafted around this conference table. And those protesting wars from Vietnam to Iraq have marched out front.
The Rev. Susan Henry-Crowe: “It’s been Church and Society. It’s been the Board of Temperance. It has been the Board of World Peace. So it’s had different names.”
The Reverend Susan Henry-Crowe leads the agency, housed in this Heritage Landmark of The United Methodist Church.
Rev. Susan Henry-Crowe: “This building has been here since 1923. It preceded the Supreme Court.”
The Temperance Movement had gained momentum under the leadership of Methodists like Frances Willard and Clarence True Wilson. The idea was to move Prohibition efforts to the front line in the nation’s capitol. Construction cost 650,000 dollars. Seventy percent of the donations came from women in gifts as small as 15 cents.
The Rev. Susan Henry-Crowe: “It was the vision of a lot of women and a lot of people who did not have a lot to contribute, but were so profoundly committed to the work that would be carried on here.”
Current advocacy on behalf of the church focuses on more than 30 social issues including affordable healthcare, immigration, climate change, and gun violence. United Methodists can gather here to participate in educational seminars on topics such as human trafficking and gender-based violence, and to make their voices heard by lawmakers.
The Rev. Susan Henry-Crowe: “Many shared commitments about the importance of faith in action come together here in this building.”
The Rev. William Bobby McClain: “Come and see who we are. Come and see what we can do. And come and see what you can do as a Methodist to help transform the world.”
Tag:
For more information, contact www.umcjustice.org.
This video was produced by United Methodist Communications in Nashville, TN.
Media contact is Fran Walsh, 615-742-5458.
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Our church believes in the separation of church and state, and in our calling as Christians to advocate for a society that reflects our values. This Sunday, we will think about our calling to love our neighbors by working for the good of society.
grace and peace,
Pastor Molly
In Worship This Week
Sunday, October 22nd
"Work for Justice"
Rev. Molly Vetter, preaching
Matthew 22:15-22
Scripture Text: Matthew 22:15 Then the P’rushim went away and put together a plan to trap Yeshua with his own words. 16 They sent him some of their talmidim and some members of Herod’s party. They said, “Rabbi, we know that you tell the truth and really teach what God’s way is. You aren’t concerned with what other people think about you, since you pay no attention to a person’s status. 17 So tell us your opinion: does Torah permit paying taxes to the Roman Emperor or not?” 18 Yeshua, however, knowing their malicious intent, said, “You hypocrites! Why are you trying to trap me? 19 Show me the coin used to pay the tax!” They brought him a denarius; 20 and he asked them, “Whose name and picture are these?” 21 “The Emperor’s,” they replied. Yeshua said to them, “Nu, give the Emperor what belongs to the Emperor. And give to God what belongs to God!” 22 On hearing this, they were amazed; and they left him and went away.
John Wesley's Notes-Commentary: Matthew 22:15-22
10:30am in the Sanctuary
Special Music: "The Eyes of All," sung by the Chancel Choir
Visit our Website
News From Our Members
Those of us sitting in the first three or four pews, literally down front, soon learn that in summer months it's a bit cooler there compared to the back slightly higher elevation and naturally warmer. Of course that reverses in the cooler winter Sundays soon to be upon us. We also get a better view of the children and other special events that are presented during the year.
We see the small yellow candle, lit by acolytes each Sunday, now representing June Shors daughter Janine, serving a year's duty in Afghanistan for the U. S. State Department. Each Sunday I think of her and those other military and civilian personnel doing their part to make lives better for...
Click here to read more of the Lay Looker.
Click here to donate!
Donations for Disaster Recovery
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
Our church believes in the separation of church and state, and in our calling as Christians to advocate for a society that reflects our values. This Sunday, we will think about our calling to love our neighbors by working for the good of society.
grace and peace,
Pastor Molly
In Worship This WeekSunday, October 22nd
"Work for Justice"
Rev. Molly Vetter, preaching
Matthew 22:15-22
Scripture Text: Matthew 22:15 Then the P’rushim went away and put together a plan to trap Yeshua with his own words. 16 They sent him some of their talmidim and some members of Herod’s party. They said, “Rabbi, we know that you tell the truth and really teach what God’s way is. You aren’t concerned with what other people think about you, since you pay no attention to a person’s status. 17 So tell us your opinion: does Torah permit paying taxes to the Roman Emperor or not?” 18 Yeshua, however, knowing their malicious intent, said, “You hypocrites! Why are you trying to trap me? 19 Show me the coin used to pay the tax!” They brought him a denarius; 20 and he asked them, “Whose name and picture are these?” 21 “The Emperor’s,” they replied. Yeshua said to them, “Nu, give the Emperor what belongs to the Emperor. And give to God what belongs to God!” 22 On hearing this, they were amazed; and they left him and went away.
John Wesley's Notes-Commentary: Matthew 22:15-22
Verse 15
[15] Then went the Pharisees, and took counsel how they might entangle him in his talk.
Mark 12:13; Luke 20:20.
Verse 16
[16] And they sent out unto him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, Master, we know that thou art true, and teachest the way of God in truth, neither carest thou for any man: for thou regardest not the person of men.
The Herodians were a set of men peculiarly attached to Herod, and consequently zealous for the interest of the Roman government, which was the main support of the dignity and royalty of his family.
Thou regardest not the person of men — Thou favourest no man for his riches or greatness.
Verse 17
[17] Tell us therefore, What thinkest thou? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not?
Is it lawful to give tribute to Cesar? — If he had said, Yes, the Pharisees would have accused him to the people, as a betrayer of the liberties of his country. If he had said, No, the Herodians would have accused him to the Roman governor.
Verse 18
[18] But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, Why tempt ye me, ye hypocrites?
Ye hypocrites — Pretending a scruple of conscience.
Verse 20
[20] And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription
The tribute money — A Roman coin, stamped with the head of Cesar, which was usually paid in tribute.
Verse 21
[21] They say unto him, Caesar's. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's.
They say to him, Cesar's — Plainly acknowledging, by their having received his coin, that they were under his government. And indeed this is a standing rule. The current coin of every nation shows who is the supreme governor of it. Render therefore, ye Pharisees, to Cesar the things which ye yourselves acknowledge to be Cesar's: and, ye Herodians, while ye are zealous for Cesar, see that ye render to God the things that are God's.
8:30am in Epworth Lounge10:30am in the Sanctuary
Special Music: "The Eyes of All," sung by the Chancel Choir
"The Eyes of All" by Jean Berger
The eyes of all wait upon thee; and thou givest them their meat in due season.
Thou openest thine hand, and satisfiest the desire of ev'ry living thing, of ev'ry living thing.
Listen to Sermons online Visit our Website
News From Our Members
Those of us sitting in the first three or four pews, literally down front, soon learn that in summer months it's a bit cooler there compared to the back slightly higher elevation and naturally warmer. Of course that reverses in the cooler winter Sundays soon to be upon us. We also get a better view of the children and other special events that are presented during the year.We see the small yellow candle, lit by acolytes each Sunday, now representing June Shors daughter Janine, serving a year's duty in Afghanistan for the U. S. State Department. Each Sunday I think of her and those other military and civilian personnel doing their part to make lives better for...
Click here to read more of the Lay Looker.
Click here to donate!
Donations for Disaster RecoveryWe 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
Silent Auction, Variety Show, Food Trucks on Saturday, November 4, from 5-8pm
We are planning our 2nd Annual Variety Show, Silent Auction and Food Trucks night at church on Saturday, November 4. Invite your friends and neighbors to this free community event! People can purchase dinner from the diverse food trucks, bid on an amazing variety of items and experiences in our silent auction, and enjoy the talents of our intergenerational community in the variety show!
Help spread the word: Share the Event on your Facebook page! Pick up flyer postcards to give to friends and neighbors!
Donate to the Silent Auction
Last year we had some creative contributions to the Silent Auction. Some of you put theme baskets together and some donated individual items. Would you consider donating again? Here's a list of ideas. Be sure to fill out the donation form on our auction page.
You can help recruit donations, too--print this letter and give it to a business you know and love! We have all the supplies you need to help you out. Check out our event page for more information!
Spread the Word: the Best of LA's Food Trucks in our Church Parking Lot on Nov. 4!
Bring dinner money and enjoy good food from one of these excellent LA food trucks that will be in the church parking lot on November 4, from 5-8pm!
It's not to late to be in a talent show skit! 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.
Questions? Email Children's Ministries!
Wanna Be in the Show?
There's still a little time left to volunteer for an act in our Nov. 4 Variety Show! Now's the time to act: email Don Jones and let him know about your act--how long it will be, who's involved, what set-up you need and any sound or visual needs you have.
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.
Survey Results: Readiness 360 Report this Sunday at 9:30am in Epworth Lounge
We invite you to a Q & A conversation on Sunday, October 22, at 9:30am; we will share results from the congregational survey many of you participated in, regarding our church's spiritual and practical readiness for faithful and effective ministry in the 21st century. Members of our core Readiness 360 Team will be there to help the conversation!
Celebrating 500 Years of the Reformation
On Sunday, October 29, we will join other Christians in celebrating the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation. It was on October 31, 1517 that Martin Luther shared his 95 Theses, raising objection to church practices that included the selling of indulgences. During worship, we will sing a classic Lutheran hymn, and re-commit ourselves to the ongoing work of reforming our faith!
October Parents Night Out is coming! Save the date for Friday, October 27th!
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, please RSVP by Monday!
ALL SAINTS SUNDAY
Help spread the word: Share the Event on your Facebook page! Pick up flyer postcards to give to friends and neighbors!
Donate to the Silent Auction
Last year we had some creative contributions to the Silent Auction. Some of you put theme baskets together and some donated individual items. Would you consider donating again? Here's a list of ideas. Be sure to fill out the donation form on our auction page.You can help recruit donations, too--print this letter and give it to a business you know and love! We have all the supplies you need to help you out. Check out our event page for more information!
Spread the Word: the Best of LA's Food Trucks in our Church Parking Lot on Nov. 4!Bring dinner money and enjoy good food from one of these excellent LA food trucks that will be in the church parking lot on November 4, from 5-8pm!
- Humble Crust : Artisan Flatbreads
- Papa Fritz : Belgian fusion waffles & fries
- LA Donut : Donuts and ice cream
- District Burger : Burgers!
It's not to late to be in a talent show skit! 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.
Questions? Email Children's Ministries!
Wanna Be in the Show?There's still a little time left to volunteer for an act in our Nov. 4 Variety Show! Now's the time to act: email Don Jones and let him know about your act--how long it will be, who's involved, what set-up you need and any sound or visual needs you have.
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.
Survey Results: Readiness 360 Report this Sunday at 9:30am in Epworth LoungeWe invite you to a Q & A conversation on Sunday, October 22, at 9:30am; we will share results from the congregational survey many of you participated in, regarding our church's spiritual and practical readiness for faithful and effective ministry in the 21st century. Members of our core Readiness 360 Team will be there to help the conversation!
Celebrating 500 Years of the ReformationOn Sunday, October 29, we will join other Christians in celebrating the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation. It was on October 31, 1517 that Martin Luther shared his 95 Theses, raising objection to church practices that included the selling of indulgences. During worship, we will sing a classic Lutheran hymn, and re-commit ourselves to the ongoing work of reforming our faith!
October Parents Night Out is coming! Save the date for Friday, October 27th!
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, please RSVP by Monday!
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. Photos may also be hand delivered to the office where we will scan them instantly and return them to you. All submissions should be in by November 2. Email here
Church Women United: Nov 4
Church Women United will have their World Community Day meeting on Friday, November 3, at Mt Sinai Missionary Church in San Pedro. The program will be "Kindling New Fires for Peace."
Reservations for the lunch ($5) are due by Monday, October 30. We will meet at church and carpool. ALL women in the church are invited to attend. RSVP to Jackie Heite 310-371-3707
Directions to Mt. Sinai Church
Corazon House Build - October 14
Thank you to everyone who was a part of our Corazon House Build Project this year! It was an amazing day.
More of our photos are on our Flickr site--click through to enjoy them!
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!
Click here to register to attend!
Wreath Sales are Back!
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!
Click here to order online or click here for printable forms!
Directions for Faith
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 one week more. Read more online.
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?
Click here to learn more!
Announcements
Men's Breakfast: Our next breakfast is Monday, November 6, 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: Join us for our monthly quilting workshop Friday, November 10, 10am - noon in the choir room. Even if you haven't tried quilt-making before, this is a great way to begin. Know someone in need of prayer? Anyone can sponsor a free prayer quilt. The Quilt Request Form is online or in the church office.
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 Duff Means will be held at our church on Sunday, November 5, at 3pm in the sanctuary.
Book Club, Tuesday, Nov 28: The next meeting of the book club will be Tuesday, Nov. 28, in May Day Parlor. Sally Donner will lead our discussion of "The Glass Castle," by Jeanette Walls. For more information, contact Ann Gallagher.
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):
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 class 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 are starting a new group ! We plan to meet once a week to discuss our faith, and how that relates to the real world. Interested? Click here to share your preferences regarding timing.
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.
Bishop Grant Hagiya invites you to join him in praying for our church, and for the work of the Way Forward Commission, of which he is a part. Read more here.
The Council also named a parallel prayer initiative named “Praying our Way Forward.” This initiative assigns a week of prayer for every Conference in The United Methodist Church. The dates assigned to the California-Pacific Conference for prayer for the work of the Commission are August 27 thru September 2, 2017.
Our California-Pacifiic Conference Resident Bishop Grant J. Hagiya calls us to pray for specific areas of ministry each day…
Dear friend,
As I have been working on the Commission on the Way Forward, it has become increasing clear to me that all of our projections and planning, while important, cannot cover all the complexities of our church life. What I mean by this is that we cannot see everything and represent every position in the breadth of our church. Only God sees from that complete and whole perspective, and as much as we try to be in deep communion with God on the Commission, as human servants we come up short.
The only way we are going to positively move forward on this impasse over human sexuality is to turn to God, fall on our knees in humble confession, and ask for God’s direction and wisdom. This is the very reason our prayers are so important for the Commission’s work. I am convinced that as a member of the Commission, the most important thing for me to do is to pray. It is more important than my study, thinking, and strategizing for the Commission’s work. I need to simply pray!
I am asking you to join me in the most important thing that we can do for our church. It is now time for all of us to turn to God, and not rely on ourselves to come up with a way forward. God has a way for us, and if we are faithful in prayer, we may find it.
Please join me in prayer for our United Methodist Church:
Bishop Grant J. Hagiya
California-Pacific ConferenceThe Judicial Council of the United Methodist Church will meet at a hotel near LAX next week, from October 24-27. Like the Supreme Court of the US, the Judicial Council of the UMC is our highest judicial body. They will hear a number of cases, including several that relate to the church's understanding of homosexuality and its implications on those who are in ministry in the church. Please hold the meeting in your prayers, as well as everyone affected by its decisions.
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!
Jean Berger was born in Germany as Arthur Schlossberg to a Jewish family in 1909 and grew up in Alsace-Lorraine, France. After studying at the universities in Vienna and Heidelberg, he eventually obtained his PhD in music under the tutelage of Heinrich Besseler and went on to be assistant conductor of the Mannheim Opera. After the Nazis gained control of Germany, he moved to Paris, where he adopted the name Jean Berger, to honor his German father and French mother. He toured widely as an accompanist and pianist, and in 1939 moved to Rio de Janeiro, where he was on the faculty of the Brazilian Conservatory and was resident conductor at the Municipal Theatre in Rio. In 1941, he moved to the U.S. and served in the army, and then became an American citizen. After the war, he worked as an arranger for CBS and NBC and as an...
Church Women United: Nov 4Church Women United will have their World Community Day meeting on Friday, November 3, at Mt Sinai Missionary Church in San Pedro. The program will be "Kindling New Fires for Peace."
Reservations for the lunch ($5) are due by Monday, October 30. We will meet at church and carpool. ALL women in the church are invited to attend. RSVP to Jackie Heite 310-371-3707
Directions to Mt. Sinai Church
Corazon House Build - October 14
Thank you to everyone who was a part of our Corazon House Build Project this year! It was an amazing day.More of our photos are on our Flickr site--click through to enjoy them!
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!
Click here to register to attend!
Wreath Sales are Back!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!
Click here to order online or click here for printable forms!
Directions for FaithThis 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 one week more. Read more online.
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?Click here to learn more!
Announcements
Men's Breakfast: Our next breakfast is Monday, November 6, 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: Join us for our monthly quilting workshop Friday, November 10, 10am - noon in the choir room. Even if you haven't tried quilt-making before, this is a great way to begin. Know someone in need of prayer? Anyone can sponsor a free prayer quilt. The Quilt Request Form is online or in the church office.
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 Duff Means will be held at our church on Sunday, November 5, at 3pm in the sanctuary.
Book Club, Tuesday, Nov 28: The next meeting of the book club will be Tuesday, Nov. 28, in May Day Parlor. Sally Donner will lead our discussion of "The Glass Castle," by Jeanette Walls. For more information, contact Ann Gallagher.
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):
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 class 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 are starting a new group ! We plan to meet once a week to discuss our faith, and how that relates to the real world. Interested? Click here to share your preferences regarding timing.
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.
Bishop Grant Hagiya invites you to join him in praying for our church, and for the work of the Way Forward Commission, of which he is a part. Read more here.
PRAYER FOR THE WAY FORWARD 2017 (CAL-PAC)
Commonly Asked Questions- What is the Commission on the Way Forward? – The 32-member commission is accountable to the Council of Bishops, which named the members following a mandate from the 2016 General Conference and is charged by the General Conference with developing proposals for the bishops to find a way forward and for unity in the UMC on issues related to human sexuality. The Commission includes two leaders of the Wesleyan Covenant Association as well as at least three openly gay members. All told, the commission includes eight bishops, 11 laity, 11 elders and two deacons from nine countries. California-Pacific Conference Resident Bishop Grant J. Hagiya is a member of this Commission.
- What led to its creation? – At the 2016 General Conference (Portland, OR), a vote of 428 to 405 was taken to suspend debate and defer decisions on human sexuality, following the recommendation of the Council of Bishops, to a Commission on the Way Forward which would develop specific proposals to the Council of Bishops.
- What has the Commission accomplished so far? – The Commission issued a status report in July 2017 that has summarized their method of working and their conclusions thus far. The report includes their hopes for a “looser” church structure, a “tighter” essential theology and doctrine, and a “thinner” Book of Discipline.
- What is the Called Special Session in 2019? – A report by the Council of Bishops based on the proposals of the Commission on the Way Forward will be given and voted upon by a specially called session of General Conference to be held from February 23 thru 26, 2019 in St. Louis, Missouri. The Commission on General Conference, which plans the lawmaking assemblies, has set the delegate number at 864 — about 58 percent from the United States and 30 percent from Africa. The remaining delegates are from the Philippines, Europe and Eurasia as well as 10 from “concordat” churches with which The United Methodist Church has formal relationships.
The Council also named a parallel prayer initiative named “Praying our Way Forward.” This initiative assigns a week of prayer for every Conference in The United Methodist Church. The dates assigned to the California-Pacific Conference for prayer for the work of the Commission are August 27 thru September 2, 2017.
Our California-Pacifiic Conference Resident Bishop Grant J. Hagiya calls us to pray for specific areas of ministry each day…
Dear friend,
As I have been working on the Commission on the Way Forward, it has become increasing clear to me that all of our projections and planning, while important, cannot cover all the complexities of our church life. What I mean by this is that we cannot see everything and represent every position in the breadth of our church. Only God sees from that complete and whole perspective, and as much as we try to be in deep communion with God on the Commission, as human servants we come up short.
The only way we are going to positively move forward on this impasse over human sexuality is to turn to God, fall on our knees in humble confession, and ask for God’s direction and wisdom. This is the very reason our prayers are so important for the Commission’s work. I am convinced that as a member of the Commission, the most important thing for me to do is to pray. It is more important than my study, thinking, and strategizing for the Commission’s work. I need to simply pray!
I am asking you to join me in the most important thing that we can do for our church. It is now time for all of us to turn to God, and not rely on ourselves to come up with a way forward. God has a way for us, and if we are faithful in prayer, we may find it.
Please join me in prayer for our United Methodist Church:
- 27 – The whole United Methodist Church
- 28 – The Commission on the Way Forward
- 29 – The Council of Bishops
- 30 – The 2019 General Conference Special Called Session
- 31 – The Lay People of The UMC
- 1 – The Clergy of The UMC
- 2 – The Way Forward Conversation in Cal-Pac
Bishop Grant J. Hagiya
California-Pacific ConferenceThe Judicial Council of the United Methodist Church will meet at a hotel near LAX next week, from October 24-27. Like the Supreme Court of the US, the Judicial Council of the UMC is our highest judicial body. They will hear a number of cases, including several that relate to the church's understanding of homosexuality and its implications on those who are in ministry in the church. Please hold the meeting in your prayers, as well as everyone affected by its decisions.
First United Methodist Church of Redondo Beach
310-372-8445 main
310-372-5696 fax
Ongoing MinistriesFree Meal on Wednesday NightsOffering 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!
Jean Berger was born in Germany as Arthur Schlossberg to a Jewish family in 1909 and grew up in Alsace-Lorraine, France. After studying at the universities in Vienna and Heidelberg, he eventually obtained his PhD in music under the tutelage of Heinrich Besseler and went on to be assistant conductor of the Mannheim Opera. After the Nazis gained control of Germany, he moved to Paris, where he adopted the name Jean Berger, to honor his German father and French mother. He toured widely as an accompanist and pianist, and in 1939 moved to Rio de Janeiro, where he was on the faculty of the Brazilian Conservatory and was resident conductor at the Municipal Theatre in Rio. In 1941, he moved to the U.S. and served in the army, and then became an American citizen. After the war, he worked as an arranger for CBS and NBC and as an...
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.
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.
Our UMW is back to their regular meeting times.
Circle Meeting Time
United Methodist Women’s Reading Program: There are many titles to choose from with new ones added every year! Books are available in the UMW library located in May Day Parlor. 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!
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.
Our UMW is back to their regular meeting times.Circle Meeting Time
- Naomi Circle - 2nd Tuesday @ 10:00am
- Hannah Circle - 2nd Tuesday @ 7:00pm
- Mary Circle - 4th Monday @ 7:00pm
United Methodist Women’s Reading Program: There are many titles to choose from with new ones added every year! Books are available in the UMW library located in May Day Parlor. 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.
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
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