This Sunday, my sermon will take on another phrase you have probably heard: "Love the sinner, hate the sin."
There's a lot that makes me uncomfortable with this saying. High on this list is that it seems to assume that we who are doing this loving of sinners and hating of sin are ourselves somehow so righteous as to be above sin ourselves. I think this is one of the things that too often keeps people away from church--it can seem to outsiders as though we are the people who've got it all together. I don't want to judge anyone else, but I know that one of the primary reasons I value being a part of church is that you are community of people who, by example and encouragement and prayer, help me live a better life. You help me be more loving, more holy, more like Christ.
I think of the old African-American spiritual: "It's me, it's me, it's me, Oh Lord, standing in the need of prayer."
There's lots more to unpack in this particular phrase, though. We can talk about what "sin" means, what sins we struggle with in our own lives, and what it means to love and hate things. And, of course, I can't think of this particular phrase without thinking of how Christians have applied it, far too judgmentally, to LGBTQ people. So I hope you'll join us in worship on Sunday. (Or join the Thursday evening small group, or catch the sermon on our website podcast...)
grace and peace,
Pastor Molly
We are looking forward to receiving new members in worship on Sunday--I hope you'll join us in welcoming them, officially, to our congregation!
In Worship This WeekSunday, April 15:
Rev. Molly Vetter, preaching
1 John 3:1-7
1 John 3:1
See what love the Father has lavished on us in letting us be called God’s children! For that is what we are. The reason the world does not know us is that it has not known him. 2 Dear friends, we are God’s children now; and it has not yet been made clear what we will become. We do know that when he appears, we will be like him; because we will see him as he really is.
3 And everyone who has this hope in him continues purifying himself, since God is pure. 4 Everyone who keeps sinning is violating Torah — indeed, sin is violation of Torah. 5 You know that he appeared in order to take away sins, and that there is no sin in him. 6 So no one who remains united with him continues sinning; everyone who does continue sinning has neither seen him nor known him.
7 Children, don’t let anyone deceive you — it is the person that keeps on doing what is right who is righteous, just as God is righteous.
(Complete Jewish Bible)Verse 1
[1] Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.
That we should be called — That is, should be, the children of God. Therefore the world knoweth us not - They know not what to make of us. We are a mystery to them.
Verse 2
[2] Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
It doth not yet appear — Even to ourselves.
What we shall be — It is something ineffable, which will raise the children of God to be, in a manner, as God himself. But we know, in general, that when he, the Son of God, shall appear, we shall be like him - The glory of God penetrating our inmost substance.
For we shall see him as he is — Manifestly, without a veil. And that sight will transform us into the same likeness.
Verse 3
[3] And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.
And every one that hath this hope in him — In God.
Verse 4
[4] Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.
Whosoever committeth sin — Thereby transgresseth the holy, just, and good law of God, and so sets his authority at nought; for this is implied in the very nature of sin.
Verse 5
[5] And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.
And ye know that he — Christ.
Was manifested — That he came into the world for this very purpose.
To take away our sins — To destroy them all, root and branch, and leave none remaining.
And in him is no sin — So that he could not suffer on his own account, but to make us as himself.
Verse 6
[6] Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him.
Whosoever abideth in communion with him, by loving faith, sinneth not - While he so abideth. Whosoever sinneth certainly seeth him not - The loving eye of his soul is not then fixed upon God; neither doth he then experimentally know him - Whatever he did in time past.
Verse 7
[7] Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.
Let no one deceive you — Let none persuade you that any man is righteous but he that uniformly practises righteousness; he alone is righteous, after the example of his Lord.(John Wesley’s Explanatory Notes)
8:30am in Epworth Lounge
10:30am in the Sanctuary
Special Music: "One Love" by Bob Marley, sung by the Chancel Choir
Visit our Website
News From Our Members
10:30am in the Sanctuary
Special Music: "One Love" by Bob Marley, sung by the Chancel Choir
"One Love" Bob Marley & the Wailers, Album Exodus
[Verse 1]
One Love! One Heart!
Let's get together and feel all right
Hear the children crying (One Love!)
Hear the children crying (One Heart!)
Saying: give thanks and praise to the Lord and I will feel all right
Saying: let's get together and feel all right. Wo wo-wo wo-wo!
[Verse 2]
Let them all pass all their dirty remarks (One Love!)
There is one question I'd really love to ask (One Heart!)
Is there a place for the hopeless sinner
Who has hurt all mankind just to save his own beliefs?
Believe me
[Verse 3]
One Love! What about the one heart? One Heart!
What about - ? Let's get together and feel all right
As it was in the beginning (One Love!)
So shall it be in the end (One Heart!)
All right!
Give thanks and praise to the Lord and I will feel all right
Let's get together and feel all right
One more thing!
[Verse 4]
Let's get together to fight this Holy Armagiddyon (One Love!)
So when the Man comes there will be no, no doom (One Song!)
Have pity on those whose chances grows thinner
There is no hiding place from the Father of Creation
Listen to Sermons online Visit our Website
News From Our Members
At last Sunday's Pot-Luck lunch there was not only lots of food, but the people there all sang beautifully, I might say, Happy Birthday to me for my 97th birthday which really was Monday, April 9th. Thanks go to Norma Day who made a beautiful cake and to everyone who came to me with congratulations, cards and best wishes. I now understand why my mother, who lived to be five days short of 103 asked us not to wish her “…and many more.” Not that I've had enough, but the thought of many more years of life is, at this age, not appropriate. As long as my health holds up, I love things as they are, but many of my peers have frailties that hinder enjoyment so I don't want any of that.Wasn't it great to see...
Thursday, April 12, 2018
Bob PetersonBob 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, 12 April 2018 by Bob Peterson
At last Sunday's Pot-Luck lunch there not only lots of food, but the people there all sang beautifully, I might say, Happy Birthday to me for my 97th birthday which really was Monday, April 9th. Thanks go to Norma Day who made a beautiful cake and to everyone who came to me with congratulations, cards and best wishes. I now understand why my mother, who lived to be five days short of 103 asked us not to wish her "....and many more." Not that I've had enough, but the thought of many more years of life is, at this age, not appropriate. As long as my health holds up, I love things as they are, but many of my peers have frailties that hinder enjoyment so I don't want any of that.
asn't it great to see, last Sunday so many of our "church using" Boy Scouts of America Troop 851 with their leaders, families and friends, most in uniform. They seem to appreciate the use of our building for meetings and, of course, it is hoped they will return to worship with us in the future.
Pastor Molly Vetter has begun the sermon series of "Half-Truths" as she calls them and next Sunday she will preach on "Love the sinner, hate the sin." I've been known to use that line as biblical, so I plan to be there to hear her take on this non-biblical christian saying. Are you interested too?
Our latest new member class must have about fifteen people in it according to David, never seen without his dog, Carlos, even at the Communion services and our friend and organist Eileen. This will be a special class for us to meet and greet very soon. Want to join them? Call the Church Office.
Click here for more of the Lay Looker
Coming at Church
This series is based on Adam Hamilton's book, "Half Truths:God Helps Those Who Help Themselves and Other Things the Bible Doesn't Say."Half-Truths: Sermon Series after Easter
They are simple phrases. They sound Christian—like something you might find in the Bible. We’ve all heard these words. Maybe we’ve said them. They capture some element of truth, yet they miss the point in important ways.
Join us for a sermon series that tackles some common Christian clichés that don't get it all right:
- Love the sinner, hate the sin.
- God helps those who help themselves.
- God won’t give you more than you can handle.
- God said it, I believe it, that settles it.
Half-Truths: The Small Group
Join us Thursdays from 7-8pm in May Day Parlor, starting April 12.Go deeper in conversation, and connect to others in community with our 5-week "Half-Truths" small group. We'll talk about the ideas from Pastor Molly's sermon and Adam Hamilton's book. Led by Liz Gyori.
Begins TONIGHT, April 12 at 7pm
(no childcare available tonight)
Easter Favoritesfrom the Egg Hunt and Worship
We posted an album of photos from Easter this year--but we would love to add any pictures YOU took! You can send them to us by email, or post them on our Facebookpage.
Palm Sunday Photo Favorites
Check out our album of photos from last Sunday's celebrations!
Do you have some photos you'd be willing to share? Email them to us, our post them on our Facebook page! We'd love to see them.
Support the Baja Team!
This Sunday, we start selling stock for Baja 2018! Your support, by purchasing a share of this trip, helps migrants in Mexico (and might be good for the people on our team, too).
Stop by our table Sunday, or click hereto learn more about the trip!
Do you have some photos you'd be willing to share? Email them to us, our post them on our Facebook page! We'd love to see them.
This Sunday, we start selling stock for Baja 2018! Your support, by purchasing a share of this trip, helps migrants in Mexico (and might be good for the people on our team, too).
Stop by our table Sunday, or click hereto learn more about the trip!
Mothers Day Song Rehearsals Start This Sunday!
We are so thrilled that for a second year, our children will have the opportunity to work with our organist, Mary Ann Stickler, on an original song honoring their moms!
We are so thrilled that for a second year, our children will have the opportunity to work with our organist, Mary Ann Stickler, on an original song honoring their moms!
Rehearsals will be right after 10:30 worship on: April 15th- April 22nd
- April 29th
- May 6th
Three local agencies benefiting the hungry and homeless in the South Bay area are supported by the annual Peninsula / Harbor CROP Hunger Walk. These are: Toberman Neighborhood Center; Shared Bread of the First Methodist Church of Redondo Beach; and Harbor Interfaith ServicesPeninsula-Harbor CROP Walk 2018
This year's Crop Walk is on May 20, 2018. It will take place at the South Coast Botanical Gardens again! The event is from 10am - 2pm.
Beginning this Sunday, April 15, between services, you may sign up to walk, donate to our church team or make a pledge to donate. Just stop by the Crop Walk info table when you're here!
Click here to register to walk on our team or
donate online to our First UMC Redondo team.
New Group For Young Adults and Young FamiliesThroughout Lent, a small group of young(ish) adults and families with young children have been meeting to eat, learn, and pray together on Monday nights. It has been such a positive experience that we have decided to create a space for this beyond the lenten season.
Join us for a family meal, and then separate enrichment and Bible study for kids and adults.
Monday Nights in Epworth Lounge, 5:30-7:00. Child care and dinner provided!
Composer Sunday: Sharon FarberWe are pleased to welcome LA composer Sharon Farber to help lead our 10:30 worship on Sunday, April 22; her music will be featured throughout service. Ms. Farber composes sacred music as well as scores for TV and film. She is Music Director at Temple of the Arts in Beverly Hills. We look forward to welcoming her gifts in our worship service!
Church R' Us Movie Night!Friday, April 13 Church R' Us is having a movie night! It's gonna be awesome. Movies, pizza, and popcorn.
Cost: $10 for food
Time: 5-8pm
Date: Friday, April 13
Bonus fun fact for parents: This is the same night & time as Parents Night Out. This just might help you get a few hours to yourselves!
Register by emailing Stephen.
Click here for more info!
Nethercutt Museum Trip with St. Pauls UMCOur friends at St. Paul's United Methodist Church in Redondo Beach have invited us to join them on a (free!) field trip to the Nethercutt Museum in Sylmar. They have extra room on the bus, and you're welcome you to help fill it.
The bus leaves St. Pauls UMC at 11:30am on Saturday, April 21; it will return to the parking lot at 6 pm or earlier. The guided museum tour will begin at 1:30pm.
For more in formation about the field trip and the museum, click thru here
Want to help out? Email Children's Ministries!
Week In the ArtsChildren will spend the week learning songs, dancing, and making original art pieces- all culminating in an art show and recital at the end of the week.
Open to all K-6th Graders
$200.00 per camper
Scholarships Available
Click here for more info & registration!
Summer Camp at Lazy W RanchThe cost is $445 for traditional camps and $475 for adventure camp.
Financial assistance is available, get in touch with Risa for more details!
Adventure Camp (Grades 7-10) June 24-29, 2018
Little Canyoneers (Grades 1-3) July 1-4, 2018
Elementary Camp (Grades 3-6) July 8-13, 2018
Junior High Camp (Grades 6-9) July 15-20, 2018
Senior High Camp (Grades 9-Class of '18 Seniors) July 22-28, 2018
Click here for more information on Lazy W Camps!
To register for camp or learn more about other Cal-Pac Camps, click here!
Announcements
Men's Breakfast: Our next breakfast is Monday, April 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: Join us for our monthly quilting workshop Friday, April 13, 10am - noon in the choir room. There's something for everyone to do to help. 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.
Book Club, April 17 @ 7:00pm: For April Katharine has selected "The Round House" by Louise Erdrich. It is on the UMW Book List, our UMW has two copies, and is available on Amazon and in some libraries. We meet in May Day Parlor. For more information, contact Ann Gallagher.
In Memoriam: Rev. William Murray Gibbons We remember and give thanks for the life of Rev. Murray Gibbons, who served as Associate Pastor here at Redondo Beach First, from1961-63. Rev. Gibbons, age 85, passed away peacefully, April 1, 2018 at his home after an illness. We received the news of his passing from East District Superintendent , Rev. Jan Wiley, who remembers him as "a man of faith and also of humor. A true South Carolinian, he loved to tell stories and to interact with people...Rev. Murray is now part of the great cloud of witnesses..." Read his obituary here.
This Week: Children, Youth & Adults
Nursery (6 weeks+): The Nursery is open during both services, for ages 6 weeks to 5 yrs old. Located right off of the parking lot across from Epworth Lounge. Please know that children of any age are always welcome in worship. Any questions email the Nursery Coordinator: Adriana Hwang
Children's Ministry (age 3 - 3rd Grade): We'll start out upstairs in the Sunday School room, sign in as early at 10:20. We will explore a Bible story, play, and make a craft! Afterward, we'll join our families in worship for Holy 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 (10:30am)? YES!
-Youth Group(2-4pm on Sunday)? YES!
Young Adults (19-not very specific):
We have a Monday night group for Young Adults and Young families. Our next meeting is April 9th, 5:30-7:00, we'll enjoy a meal together then share in bible study, discussions, and prayer. Child care is available. Contact Risa for more info.
Adult Sunday School: Bible Study and Discussion in May Day Parlor. Sunday mornings from 9:30-10:15am. Led by Helen Stockwell. All are welcome.
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.
First United Methodist Church of Redondo Beach
(310)372-8445 main
(310)372-5696 fax
Ongoing Ministries
Free Meal on Wednesday NightsOffering food and friendship to those in need, every Wednesday night since 1992. More info here.
SHARED BREAD NEEDS DONATIONS OF:
Men’s jeans waist sizes 32- 38; Men’s new socks, white or grey only- all sizes; Men’s tennis shoes - especially sizes 9.5 to 11.5
Please bring them to church on Sunday, or to the office during the week.
DESSERTS FOR SHARED BREAD
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!
Next week we will feature the music of composer Sharon Farber. Joining us for the celebration will be another good friend and singer, Ilysia Pierce. After pursuing a career in the theatre since childhood, Ilysia says it was "beshert," meant to be, when Rabbi David Baron heard her sing. It was after that meeting that Ilysia redirected her life and began her journey as the Cantor of Temple of the Arts in Beverly Hills (where I met her). She has studied with Tova Marcos, who trains leading cantors in Los Angeles, and she has led Shabbat and High Holy Day services since 1999. In 2003 Rabbi David Baron and the Temple produced a CD, Enlighten, which has elicited outstanding audience and critical review. Ilysia's stirring rendition of "We Came to Sing in Jerusalem" was chosen to be on the Keeping the Faith, Voices for Israel 2 CD benefiting survivors of terrorism in Israel (www.voicesforisrael.org/faith/). Her vocal talents were also featured in the title song, "Keeping the Faith.” Ilysia's emotional and powerful version of "Lift My Eyes" by Sam Glaser was chosen for...Thursday, April 12, 2018 - Music Notes
Music Director, Jim Raycroft, will share upcoming worship music
selections and a little bit of history, too.
Jim Raycroft
Thursday, 12 April 2018 by Jim Raycroft
Next week [April 22] we will feature the music of composer Sharon Farber. Joining us for the celebration will be another good friend and singer Ilysia Pierce. After pursuing a career in the theatre since childhood, Ilysia says it was "beshert," meant to be, when Rabbi David Baron heard her sing. It was after that meeting that Ilysia redirected her life and began her journey as the Cantor of Temple of the Arts in Beverly Hills (where I met her). She has studied with Tova Marcos, who trains leading cantors in Los Angeles, and she has led Shabbat and High Holy Day services since 1999. In 2003 Rabbi David Baron and the Temple produced a CD, Enlighten, which has elicited outstanding audience and critical review. Ilysia's stirring rendition of "We Came to Sing in Jerusalem" was chosen to be on the Keeping the Faith, Voices for Israel 2 CD benefiting survivors of terrorism in Israel (www.voicesforisrael.org/faith/). Her vocal talents were also featured in the title song, "Keeping the Faith." Ilysia's emotional and powerful version of "Lift My Eyes" by Sam Glaser was chosen for his 25th Anniversary Tribute CD, Stages. Prior to her tenure at the Temple, Ilysia enjoyed a successful career entertaining audiences on stage, television, nightclubs and in concert. Some of her theatrical highlights include: Disney's King David, an oratorio concert sparking the reopening of the New Amsterdam Theatre in New York (the original home of Ziegfeld Follies), Disney's Beauty and the Beast, playing the Narrator in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Hodel in Fiddler on the Roof, Frumah-Sara in Fiddler on the Roof with Theodore Bikel and Lainie Kazan, Eva Peron in Evita, for which she received a Dramalogue Critics' Choice award for outstanding performance, and Johanna in Sweeney Todd.Ilysia continues to share her vocal talents outside the Temple of the Arts. Her reputation as a consummate performer has prompted invitations to sing in concerts as the featured guest artist at local venues such as the Walt Disney Concert Hall, the Ford Amphitheatre, the Saban Theatre, various fundraising events, including the Jewish Federation, and at Pan Pacific Park's Holocaust Memorial Yom HaShoah. Of all her successes and accomplishments, Ilysia says she is most thankful for her supportive family and friends. She feels blessed to have the most loyal and loving husband, David, and two beautiful children, Braxton and Madison. Watch her here (she's the one in the black dress).
Bob Marley was a Jamaican composer/singer/recording artist who became a world-renowned cultural icon and synonymous with Jamaica and reggae music. In fact, today Jamaica still uses his song One Love in their tourism ads. He was born in 1945 and fused reggae, ska and rocksteady styles of music into his compositions. He started his career with his band The Wailers in 1963, which released some of the earliest reggae recordings. When the band disbanded in 1974, he moved to England and embarked on a solo career with the 1977 release of his mega-hit album Exodus. It had 4 hit singles – Exodus, Jamming, Waiting In Vain and One Love. It went stayed on the British album charts for 56 consecutive weeks, sold 75 million records and established him as one of the best-selling recording artists of all time. He tragically died young, at the age of 36, of melanoma in Miami in 1981.
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 Wonder is the title song from the album of the same name which was released in 2017. The album was released in June, and the single, Wonder, was released in May, along with the music video. The album charted at #21 on Billboard 200 and at #1 on Billboard Christian Albums.
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.
Acolytes are needed for 10:30 worship each week. If you've been trained, you can sign up via our "sign up genius" (click here!)
If you are interested in being trained, email children's ministries!
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.
Sunday Worship Liturgist Sign Up
Campus WiFi network is: First UMC Guests; Password is: openhearts
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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