Blessing of the Backpacks! "Jesus Loves the Earth" series continues.
This Monday, I'm headed to Alabama for a week of prayer and study. I'm beginning the Two Year Academy of Spiritual Formation, a course run by the United Methodist Church's Upper Room ministries. Over the next two years, I'll join other pastors and lay people to spend time together once a quarter. The program "combines academic learning with experience in spiritual disciplines and community. The Academy's commitment to an authentic spirituality promotes balance, inner peace and outer peace, holy living and justice living, God's shalom."
I am looking forward to this opportunity to go deeper in my spiritual practices. I am aware of the ongoing challenges we face as we seek to be faithful to God and to faithfully lead the church in a time like this one. I trust that taking time to tend to my spiritual life can only help ground me in the love of God. In an era when "church" is no longer at the center of our cultural life, when we are being strained and pulled apart by political tensions (inside and outside the church), and when I still look forward with hope to the years ahead of me, I'm grateful for a program to help me strengthen my attention to the things that matter most.
I hope you, also, will take opportunities to deepen your own spiritual lives. Keep showing up to church, join a small group, start the Disciple Bible Study, pray every day, find ways to offer yourself in humble service. Live out your faith in private prayer and in worship with the community--in loving your neighbor and working for justice.
with gratitude,
Pastor Molly
This Sunday, we'll be offering special prayers for everyone in school. Join us for a "Blessing of the Backpacks" at 8:30am and 10:30am worship this weekend!
In Worship This Week
Sunday, August 26
"Jesus Loves the Earth: Tend the Sheep"
Rev. Molly Vetter, preaching
Matthew 18:10-14Matthew 18:10 See that you never despise one of these little ones, for I tell you that their angels in heaven are continually seeing the face of my Father in heaven. 11 [Matthew 18:11 Some manuscripts include verse 11: For the Son of Man came to save the lost.]
12 “What’s your opinion? What will somebody do who has a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away? Won’t he leave the ninety-nine on the hillsides and go off to find the stray? 13 And if he happens to find it? Yes! I tell you he is happier over it than over the ninety-nine that never strayed! 14 Thus your Father in heaven does not want even one of these little ones to be lost. (Complete Jewish Bible).
Matthew 18:10-14
Verse 10
[10] Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.
See that ye despise not one of these little ones|-As if they were beneath your notice. Be careful to receive and not to offend, the very weakest believer in Christ: for as inconsiderable as some of these may appear to thee, the very angels of God have a peculiar charge over them: even those of the highest order, who continually appear at the throne of the Most High. To behold the face of God seems to signify the waiting near his throne; and to be an allusion to the office of chief ministers in earthly courts, who daily converse with their princes.
Verse 11
[11] For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost.
Another, and yet a stronger reason for your not despising them is, that I myself came into the world to save them. Luke 19:10.
Verse 12
[12] How think ye? if a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray?
Luke 15:4.
Verse 14
[14] Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish.
So it is not the will of your Father — Neither doth my Father despise the least of them. Observe the gradation. The angels, the Son, the Father. (John Wesley's Explanatory Notes).
8:30am in Epworth Lounge
10:30am in the Sanctuary
Special Music: “California Dreamin'” and "Nothing But the Blood of Jesus", sung by Flames of Goodness
“California Dreamin'” by John Edmund Andrew Phillips / Michelle Gilliam
All the leaves are brown (all the leaves are brown)
And the sky is grey (and the sky is grey)
I've been for a walk (I've been for a walk)
On a winter's day (on a winter's day)
I'd be safe and warm (I'd be safe and warm)
If I was in L.A. (if I was in L.A.)
California dreamin' (California dreamin')
On such a winter's day
Stopped into a church
I passed along the way
Well, I got down on my knees (got down on my knees)
And I pretend to pray (I pretend to pray)
You know the preacher like the cold (preacher like the cold)
He knows I'm gonna stay (knows I'm gonna stay)
California dreamin' (California dreamin')
On such a winter's day
All the leaves are brown (all the leaves are brown)
And the sky is grey (and the sky is grey)
I've been for a walk (I've been for a walk)
On a winter's day (on a winter's day)
If I didn't tell her (if I didn't tell her)
I could leave today (I could leave today)
California dreamin' (California dreamin')
On such a winter's day (California dreamin')
On such a winter's day (California dreamin')
On such a winter's day
***
"Nothing But the Blood of Jesus" by Deniece Williams / Robert Lowery
What can wash away my sin?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus
What can make me whole again?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus
Come to us, Lord
You reward those who earnestly, diligently seek You
I wanna see Your face, I wanna know Your way
Come to us, Lord
We want You more than this life
More than our way Your way is higher
Your thoughts are higher
We surrender here tonight
What can wash away my sin?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus
What can make me whole again?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus
Oh, precious is the flow
That makes me white as snow
No other fount I know
Nothing but the blood of Jesus
Oh, precious is the flow
That makes me white as snow
No other fount I know
Nothing but the blood of Jesus
Nothing but the blood of Jesus
Listen to Sermons online
Visit our Website
News From Our Members
Thursdsy, August 23, 2018
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! by Bob Peterson 
Wasn't it fun to see the large crowd of children in church last Sunday as they did songs and dances from VBS, Vacation Bible School, the previous week and entertained us as they relived their exciting songs and moves of their learning week. Their theme was RENEW: GROW IN FAITH, HAVE FUN and CHANGE THE WORLD, sort of a Four Way Test such as Rotary International uses in their 35,000 Rotary Clubs all over the world. Our children showed that they had learned ethics, the Bible and other life changing statutes to live by. Also close friendships were created, for instance my five year old Great Grand-daughter, Vivian Thompson became special friends with her teacher, high school graduate Grace Martens now headed in the East of our country for college. Little things can really affect us and our families for life.
Another pot-luck Sunday luncheon will be here after the 10:30 AM Worship Service, September 9th so save that date for your entire family. We all seem to enjoy the Church Pot-Luck Luncheons after the second service, so note the date and we'll see you there. I also notice there is another talent show planned for November. If you don't know about it, read your church bulletin, so thoughtfully prepared by Ernie and Pastor Molly. Everything you need to know is included each week.
Click here for more of the Lay Looker
Coming at Church
Game Night: Sunday, August 26
Get out your favorite games: Game Night is this Sunday, from 4-7pm at the church!Come have some fun, playing games you love (or are up to try out) with friends of all ages from church. You are welcome to bring games you like to play, or just come ready to join others in a game.
The event is FREE, and open to all ages. We'll also have tacos for sale from Villegas Tacos: all you can eat for $10 ($5 for kids under 12).
TONIGHT!! UMW All-Circle Potluck Dinner
All women in the church are invited to our annual summertime All-Circle Potluck on Thursday, August 23 at 6pm. Besides usual good food and fellowship, we will hear about the work of CCI, the Canine Companions for Independence. Everyone is encouraged to bring a favorite dish to share, as well as reusable dinnerware that you can use and take home!
Youth Rock Climbing Event!
Our Back to School Lock-In is mostly at church...EXCEPT WE'RE ALS GOING ROCK CLIMBING!!! It's (Fri-Sat) August 24-25.Click here for more details!
Blessing of the Backpacks: Sunday, August 26 in worship
Bring your backpack or school bag to worship on Sunday, August 26 for a Blessing of the Backpacks! Students of all ages are welcome to be a part of this prayer blessing at the beginning of the school year.We will bless backpacks during both our 8:30am and 10:30am worship.
Open House Sunday on Sept 9
Join us to kick off the fall season with an Open House Sunday on September 9. Between services we will have fun activities and information about our church community. After 10:30 worship, we will have a Potluck Lunch. We hope you will invite a friend to come check us out!If you're a leader in a church group, please check in with us by the end of August, to make sure your events are included in our fall church calendar!
Sermon Series:
Jesus Loves the Earth
His teaching is full of stories and metaphors that draw lessons from the natural world. He spoke of farmers and fishermen, of mother hens and fig trees, inviting us to think deeply about the world around us.We believe that Jesus' teachings have a lot to say to us as we try to navigate our ecological responsibilities today.
Join Pastor Molly for sermon series, through September 2.
Thanks VBS Volunteers!
We are so grateful to all our church has done to open our doors to all the kids who have grown in faith this week!Our volunteers were loving, fun, and hardworking!
If you know someone who helped with VBS last week, make sure to say thanks for all they have done.
We have special opportunities for kids on Sunday mornings this Summer!
Options for Children at Church in Summer!
We love having children in worship, and through the summer, we encourage families to attend together!For much of the summer, our children's Sunday School is on break. We have special children's activity books available to pick up as kids enter the sanctuary, with things they can work on during worship.
We encourage you to help your kids participate in worship as much as they are able! Help them follow along in the bulletin if they can read, and talk about what the experienced and remembered afterwards!
Wanted: Sound Board Operators
We are looking for 8-10+ people to volunteer to be part of a rotation of sound board operators. There are no requirements other than a desire to help out. Volunteers should either meet me after church or send me (Matt Parker) an email at mjp.sandiego@gmail.com.
New Three-Week Study begins August 28:
Online Video Bible Study
Join us for an online, interactive video Bible study. We will read Anne Lamott's Help Thanks Wow: the three essential prayers. Our small group meets via online video chat, so you can join in from wherever you are this summer, on your laptop, smart phone or tablet!We meet up online on Tuesday evenings, from 8:30-9:30pm, through Google Hangouts. The group is led by Lillian Naveira, Eileen Raycroft and Pastor Molly Vetter. Join us to discuss one of the chapters each week: August 28, September 4 & 11.
Click through for more information, including the link to log on!
October 20: Church Golf Tournament
Mark your calendars now, and make plans to join us for our 2018 church golf tournament. We will return to the beautiful Los Verdes Golf Course for the tournament, which benefits the ministries of our church.Questions? Contact Gary Baughman at church
Looking for a Deeper Look at the Whole Bible?
This coming year, we invite you to be a part of a 24-week Disciple Bible Study Fast Track class. With 12 weeks in the Old Testament and 12 weeks in the New Testament, the class with go deeper in understanding the whole of the Bible story. In the midst of our busy lives, this study is designed to help us understand with the Bible has to say to us as disciples of Jesus Christ, today.We are planning to offer the study twice: during the daytime on Thursdays from 10:30am-noon, and on Tuesday evenings from 8-9:30pm via online video conference. We plan to start September 18 and 20!
Interested?
Purchase the study workbook on your own, or order with our group for $20 (includes shipping) here.
A Night on Broadway (Redondo Beach)
Save the Date: Our annual fall talent show, silent auction and food trucks event is scheduled for Saturday, November 10, from 5-8pm! True to our street address, we're planning to call it "A Night on Broadway."We hope you'll start thinking about what talents and auction items you can share! You don't have to limit yourself to Broadway-themed acts, but they're not a bad place to start...
Christmas Pageant Rehearsals coming soon!
All children are invited to join us for our annual Christmas Pageant! Rehearsals will begin on October 28th!Stay tuned for more details!
Help Needed for Parking Lot Fundraiser: Labor Day Weekend
As usual, we will be renting the lot over the holiday, but we need some help. Please volunteer for a shift by contacting Paul Caldwell As of now, we plan to work Sunday and Monday, September 2 and 3.
Corazon House Build 2018
This will be our 20th Anniversary Corazon House Build! On Saturday, October 13, Redondo Beach First along with, Aldersgate, Abundant Life and University UMC's will build a home in one day. Our contribution for the material is $2,000. To date we've raised just over $1300. Look for the Corazon Donation Angels on a Sunday soon.
We also need 10 volunteers to help build this home. This is a great opportunity for anyone interested in having fun, learning how to build a house in one day, meeting our neighbors in Mexico and how they live, wonderful camaraderie, and living out our faith. It's an opportunity to know that you have helped make a home for a hard working family and the hope for theirs and their children's success in life. Contact George Mercer for more info.
Announcements
Men's Breakfast: Our next breakfast is Monday, September 3, 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, September 14, starting at 10am. 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: Next meeting, Tuesday, September 18. We are on summer hiatus and have chosen a few books for you to enjoy. The books we selected are: The Chilbury Ladies’ Choir, by Jennifer Ryan; Hillbilly Elegy, by J. D. Vance; Uncommon Type, by Tom Hanks; Dancing in a Distant Place, by Isla Dewar; and The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society, by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrow. Read as many as you wish; we will briefly discuss all of them when next we meet. Happy reading until September! 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 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 HwangChildren's Ministry (age 3 - 3rd Grade): Sunday School is in summer mode for just 2 more weeks. We will be in worship with our families this week! As always, There will be fun activity pages and books to read at our children's station.
Church R Us (Grades 4 & 5): Sunday School is officially in summer mode, which means that we are excited to have you join your family in worship!
Youth Ministry (6th-12th grade):
-Middle School Sunday School (10:30am)? No, we're on a break.
-Youth Group(2-4pm on Sunday)? We're having a Rock-Climbing Lock-In Friday! Click here for more info!
Young Adults (19-not very specific):
Stay tuned for more Young Adult events!
Monday Night Dinner Study (Young-ish Adults and Young-ish Families):
Email Dawn Kirkemo for information.
Tuesday Night Online Video Bible Study: This week we begin Help Thanks Wow by Anne Lamott. We'll talk about the final chapter. Click through for more information, including the link to log on! Tuesdays from 8:30-9:30pm.
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 Nights
Offering food and friendship to those in need, every Wednesday night since 1992. More info here.Shared Bread always accepts donations of the following: new underwear- men's and women's, all sizes; Sweatpants/sweatshirts-L/XL (hooded, zip up, dark colors); Men’s jeans waist sizes 32- 34; Men’s new socks, white or grey only- all sizes; Men’s tennis shoes - especially sizes 9.5 to 11.5; new or used brown paper bags with handles.
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 deliveriesshould 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...
Thursday, August 23, 2018 - Music Notes
Jim Raycroft
Music Director, Jim Raycroft, will share upcoming worship music
selections and a little bit of history, too.
by Jim Raycroft
Our musical guests this week call themselves "The Flames of Goodness". Founder Francis Thompson, whose stage name is Francis Coche', has been a jazz singer for many years and assembled the group after feeling the need to sing with others, and found her compatriots singing in local church choirs. They contacted the church last May and offered to sing for us at some point, and we asked them if they were available to join us this Sunday. It's a pleasure to have them sharing with us this week. Next week, our musical guests will be our own Tuuholoaki Family, who will bring us their own magical style of music.
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.
California Dreamin' is a song that was written by John and Michelle Phillips, known as members of the group The Mamas and the Papas. John and Michelle were living in New York at the time and were members of the folk group New Journeymen, which evolved into The Mamas and the Papas. John had a dream about the song one night and woke Michelle up to help him write it. It was eventually recorded by Barry McGuire, with backup vocals sung by The Mamas and the Papas, and using the famous Los Angeles-based session band The Wrecking Crew. They then recorded their own version of the song using the same instrumental tracks and the same backup vocals that they had sung, laying their own lead vocals overtop and adding a flute solo. It was released in 1965, but didn't gain any traction until January of 1966. It eventually reached #4 on Billboard's Hot 100 and on Cashbox, staying there for 20 weeks. It was the #1 single on Billboard for 1966 and reached #23 on the UK charts.
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.
4th-8th Graders needed to Acolyte!
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. We appreciate all recycling donations,but the blue recycling bins are only for CA RV or CRV. We don't get any funds from milk cartons, or other plastics that are not CRV.
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
***
No comments:
Post a Comment