When you think of people who are great at being Christians, what are they like?
I think of people who are both humble and grateful, because they are confident that their greatness comes by the grace of God, not because they're better than everyone else.
I think of people who are wise enough to keep listening to others and learning, because they know they don't know it all. This listening keeps deepening their understanding.
I think of people who are compassionate and generous, who say kind words to others and assume the best. They treat others well, because they see God's presence in everyone they encounter. They think of others when they make decisions.
I think of people who have a clear sense of things, who do the right thing even when it's not popular or easy. They stand up for justice and live out love.
I think of people who live joyfully, because they trust that God isn't done with us yet. They see beauty all around, even in unlikely places, and they enjoy sharing it with others.
What would you add to the list?
In a world where it's so easy to judge our success in measurable things--like the number of "likes" we get on social media, the ranks and roles we achieve in our professional lives, the colleges we attend--I invite you to pause and consider what greatness you wish to be living toward. I challenge you to reflect on how you're doing at these things, and (with me) keep working growing.
Grace and peace,
In Worship This Week
Sunday, September 23
See and Be Seen:
"More Than Getting Likes"
Rev. Molly Vetter, preaching
Mark 9:30-37
Mark 9:30 After leaving that place, they went on through the Galil. Yeshua didn’t want anyone to know, 31 because he was teaching his talmidim. He told them, “The Son of Man will be betrayed into the hands of men who will put him to death; but after he has been killed, three days later he will rise.” 32 But they didn’t understand what he meant, and they were afraid to ask him.33 They arrived at K’far-Nachum. When Yeshua was inside the house, he asked them, “What were you discussing as we were traveling?” 34 But they kept quiet; because on the way, they had been arguing with each other about who was the greatest. 35 He sat down, summoned the Twelve and said to them, “If anyone wants to be first, he must make himself last of all and servant of all.” 36 He took a child and stood him among them. Then he put his arms around him and said to them, 37 “Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes not me but the One who sent me.” (Complete Jewish Bible).
Mark 9:30-37
Verse 30
[30] And they departed thence, and passed through Galilee; and he would not that any man should know it.
They passed through Galilee — Though not through the cities, but by them, in the most private ways.
He was not willing that any should know it: for he taught his disciples — He wanted to be alone with them some time, in order to instruct them fully concerning his sufferings.
The Son of man is delivered — It is as sure as if it were done already. Matthew 17:22; Luke 9:44.
Verse 32
[32] But they understood not that saying, and were afraid to ask him.
They understood not the word — They did not understand how to reconcile the death of our Saviour (nor consequently his resurrection, which supposed his death) with their notions of his temporal kingdom.
Verse 33
[33] And he came to Capernaum: and being in the house he asked them, What was it that ye disputed among yourselves by the way?
Luke 9:46.
Verse 34
[34] But they held their peace: for by the way they had disputed among themselves, who should be the greatest.
Who should be greatest — Prime minister in his kingdom.
Verse 35
[35] And he sat down, and called the twelve, and saith unto them, If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all.
Let him be the least of all — Let him abase himself the most.
Verse 36
[36] And he took a child, and set him in the midst of them: and when he had taken him in his arms, he said unto them,
Matthew 18:2; Luke 9:47.
Verse 37
[37] Whosoever shall receive one of such children in my name, receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me, receiveth not me, but him that sent me.
One such little child — Either in years or in heart. (John Wesley’s Explanatory Notes).
8:30am in Epworth Lounge
10:30am in the Sanctuary
Special Music: "I Want Jesus" sung by our Chancel Choir
"I Want Jesus"
1. I want Jesus to walk with me;
I want Jesus to walk with me;
all along my pilgrim journey,
Lord, I want Jesus to walk with me.
2. In my trials, Lord, walk with me;
in my trials, Lord, walk with me;
when my heart is almost breaking,
Lord, I want Jesus to walk with me.
3. When I’m in trouble, Lord, walk with me;
when I’m in trouble, Lord, walk with me;
when my head is bowed in sorrow,
Lord, I want Jesus to walk with me.
Listen to Sermons online Visit our Website
News From Our Members
Thursday, September 20, 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 
They have all been long time members of our church and have many close friends among us, so it it always good to visit these key people from our former congregations.
Are you bringing stuff for the upcoming Rummage Sale at our church Saturday, October 6th from 9 AM to 4 PM? This one day event raises funds for the UMW (United Methodist Women) and includes the sale, plus The Naomi Cafe in the Epworth Lounge which is worth attending even if you don't buy any of the myriad items on sale. The lunch is good, a bargain and a chance for Christian Fellowship with your church friends.
Headline in last week's Bulletin: "MISSION & SERVICE – Looking for Next Steps at Church? " So, perhaps it was a coincidence that the old rusty condemned steps to the second floor Sunday School classes are about ready to be used after finishing touches such as paint are complete. We have been without those steps for many years and now they are safe, new and pleasant to see. You may take a step to help our church by volunteering, or go up to the second floor outside from the patio once again. Either way you will be going up in the world.
Click here for more of the Lay Looker
Coming at Church
Looking for Next Steps at Church?
We are always inviting you to take a next step as you grow in faith and invovlement in our church community!On our website, you can now more easily see all the Classes and Small Groups at church, as well as current and ongoing Volunteer Opportunities!
See and Be Seen Sermon Series
Topics include:
- "I see you. You matter."
- Correcting for unrealistic expectations.
- More than getting "likes."
- Seeing another point of view.
- #nofilter
- Getting your priorities in focus.
- Unleashing your greatness.
- "You look really tired."
Rummage Sale is Coming on Oct 6
Here are 5 great ways you can help with the UMW rummage sale, which will be Saturday, October 6:- Bake goods for Naomi Cafe--drop them off anytime Thursday or the morning of the sale;
- Set out rummage on Wednesday morning, Oct 3; all day Thursday, Oct 4; Monday morning, Oct 1 (in the Boutique). You can just show up any of these times.
- Stay after worship on Sunday, September 30 to help carry boutique and rummage items up from the basement--after 8:30 and 10:30!
- Volunteer to work the day of the sale. We especially need a strong crew of volunteers at the end of the day, to load remaining items onto the truck.
- Donate handled gift bags or shopping bags, such as those from Macy's, Old Navy, etc--large, medium, even small--for the boutique. We also need bubble wrap, if you have it, and plastic grocery bags (the kind that used to be free). Bring everything to the office, anytime.
All donations should be delivered to the choir room from now until the sale.
Work Day at Church: Sept 29
We invite you to join our Trustees for a volunteer work day at the church, on Saturday, September 29 from 8-11am.We plan to do work to spruce up the campus and set up for the Rummage Sale (which is the following weekend).
Volunteers of all ages and ability levels are welcome.
"See and Be Seen" Daily Photo Challenge
Keep watch for God in the world around us and join in a social media Daily Photo Challenge this month!
Take or find a photo that connects to each of the daily themes, and post it on your social media.
Tag it with #beachfaithsees #seeandbeseen so we can see it, too!
Youth Group Parent Meeting!
For our parent meeting this Sunday, we're having an open house! Parents will join in (most of) youth group, and we'll talk about normal parent meeting stuff. Please note that this means the parent meeting will last two hours this week. See you from 2-4pm on Sunday!Click here for more info!
Young Adults Homeboy 5K
On September 22nd, all young adults are invited to join a church team participating in the Homeboy Industries 5k. Not a runner? That's ok! All are welcome, afterward we'll enjoy brunch out together.Want more info? Contact Stephen!
Parents Night Out is BACK!
PNO is Friday, September 28th from 5-8pm!Drop off your children at church for three hours of programming, starting at 5pm.
The cost is $20.00 for the first child (an additional $10 for the 2nd, $5 for each additional) and includes dinner.
Enjoy an evening out while your kids play games, make crafts, and enjoy fellowship!
It's a great night for all!
Email Chidren@beachfaith.com by Monday, September 24th to save your spot!
Bibles for 4th Graders & Preschoolers
On Sunday, October 7th, join us in celebrating the spiritual growth of our children as they are presented with their very own Bibles. Preschoolers receive the Spark Story Bible, and 4th graders, a special edition of the NRSV Bible.Families with Pre-schoolers and 4th graders: Let us know if your child will be participating ASAP, so we can have your Bibles ready.
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
Bible Study Begins: Disciple Fast Track
This 12 week study of the Old Testament goes deep in helping us understand the whole of the Bible story.The class began this week, but it's not too late to join in at either of the class times: during the daytime on Thursdays from 10:30am-noon, and on Tuesday evenings from 8-9:30pm via online video conference.
Interested?
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 Sunday mornings, starting October 28th!Email Children's ministry to sign up!
Inivitation: Meet Inalienable's New Leader
Friday, October 5th from 7-9pm, you are invited to come meet Inalienable's new Program Manager, Sinaí Guevara.Inalienable is the non-profit that has organized our annual Baja Mission trip. Sinaí will be here in the South Bay, talking about her experiences working with Green Peace, Doctors Without Borders, and Inalienable! A native of Mexico City, she has considerable experience working for these NGOs in Mexico. Click here for more info!
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. We are still raising our $2000 share of the building cost; look for the Corazon Donation Angel on Sunday.We also need 10 volunteers to help build this home. This is a great opportunity for anyone interested in living out our faith. (We have a bus to go from Chula Vista to our house build in Mexico and back across the border.) Email George & Peggy Mercer for more info. Or call (310) 748-3921
Giving to the Church: An Invitation
Our annual ministry budget is made possible because of the generous giving of our congregation. This year, we hope to receive about $400,000 from your Sunday offerings and online gifts that we receive as tithes and offerings. (Additionally, we receive about $100,000 in annual income from special fundraisers, income from our endowment, groups that use our campus, and other such sources.) You can contribute to our ministries through the Sunday offering during worship, by sending donations to the church office, or online.
Announcements
Men's Breakfast: Our next breakfast is Monday, October 1, 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, October 12, 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: Back from summer hiatus, our book club is in full swing. Having reviewed our five summer books at the September meeting, the next meeting will be Tuesday, October 16, at 7:00 PM in May Day Parlor. Our October book will be "A Gentleman in Moscow," written by Amor Towles, and the discussion will be led by Helen. Helen and Sally will bring refreshments. Please join us. For more information,contact Ann Gallagher.
Help 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 stop by the sound booth after church or send Matt Parker an email.
A Memorial Service for Joy Slothower will be held at our church on Saturday, September 22 at 11am in the sanctuary, with a reception luncheon to follow.
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): Parents can sign students in as early as 10:20 upstairs in the Sunday School room, we'll start at 10:30! At the end of Sunday School, we'll head back to join our families in worship just in time to have Holy Communion with our families!
Church R Us (Grades 4 & 5): Start out in 10:30 worship with your family, and you'll head to Sunday School during "Passing of the Peace". Look for our youth director, Stephen Hale, who teaches CRU Sunday School!
Youth Ministry (6th-12th grade):
-Middle School Sunday School (10:30am)? Oh yes.
-Youth Group(2-4pm on Sunday)? You know it. Moulton is teaching, AND we have a Parent Meeting/Open House! Click here for more info on the Parent Meeting/Open House.
Young Adults (19-not very specific):
We're doing a Homeboy Industries 5k on September 22nd....and brunch in LA afterwards! Interested? Contact Stephen!
Monday Night Dinner Study (Young-ish Adults and Young-ish Families):
We resume on September 17th! We'll be studying the book "7", by Jen Hatmaker. Dinner for all is at 5:30, in Epworth lounge. Children's programming is available! Email Dawn Kirkemo for information.
Tuesday Night Online Disciple Bible Study: This Disciple Bible Study Fast Track meets online via Zoom from 8-9:30pm. Register and find more information here.
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 Disciple Bible Study:
Meets from 10:30am to noon! Register and find more information here.
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!
Music Notes will be back Next week...
Click here to read past 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
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