F I R S T U N I T E D M E T H O D I S T C H U R C H

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1 F I R S T U N I T E D M E T H O D I S T C H U R C H SENTINEL v o l. c x x x v i, n o. 3 M a r c h Happy Chinese New Year! Welcome to the year of the Rabbit! This year, the Preschool celebrated twice - once on the Lunar New Year with a parade and again on February 11. The UCLA Chinese Culture Dance Club performed the Dai Dance and Fan Dance for all the children, parents and teachers. Many children and teachers also dressed in costume. It was fun and festive and gave classes a chance to learn about various Asian cultures. Daylight Saving Time begins on Sunday, March 13. Don t forget to set your clocks FORWARD one hour before bed on Saturday night, March 12. Time to Spring Forward! Photo of the Month Long-time member Paul Smith, who now lives in Connecticut with his wife Andrea, keeps us posted on their ministry there. He sent this photo documenting the harshest winter Connecticut has had on record - a far cry from anything WE ever see here in Santa Monica! Highlights Horizons March Happenings. 3-4 FUMC Opportunities... 5 Worship

2 Horizons by Senior Minister Through Lent: Practicing Resurrection Our 2011 Lenten theme comes from a little book by a colleague of mine, Rev. Donna Schaper. We enter Lent to begin a journey. A journey to a place called resurrection, she writes. I d expand upon that a bit to say that we journey to a life of resurrection, to a mind-set of resurrection, to a world-view of resurrection. We journey towards an ongoing resurrection of our heart and in our soul that changes everything about how we live now. God is even now raising us up to life in Christ. God is even now bringing us from death to life, from fear to trust, from anxiety to hope. This Lent we re going to practice living into all that. We re going to practice resurrection. Another of my favorite authors puts it this way: We live our lives in the practice of what we do not originate and cannot anticipate. When we practice resurrection, we keep company with Jesus, alive and present, who knows where we are going better than we do, which is always from glory unto glory. Lent is a forty-day season of spiritual pilgrimage. It is a journey in prayer, worship, reflection, fasting and generous giving away. But, as someone once quipped, if you don t know where you re going, you ll probably end up someplace else. So let s set our sights on resurrection and start practicing now. There is so much to learn, to question, to ponder, to explore, and to experience. Condolences We extend our deepest sympathy to Levon Fox and his family on the death of his father on February 1. Godspeed Long-time (over 20 years!) staff member Linda Burch is retiring. Though we will miss her presence in the church office, we are lucky that she is also a long-time friend and FUMC member whom we will be seeing more of. Linda and her husband Joe met at FUMC as part of the singles group about 25 years ago and they ve been with us ever since. Joe also recently retired and this will allow them opportunities to visit family (especially the grandchildren), do more traveling and just relax. It s much deserved! We wish Linda Godspeed in her continued journey and thank her for her dedicated years of service, not just as an employee but as a loyal and valued member of our FUMC community. Enjoy the free time! Job Opportunity As you may have guessed, the above announcement means that we have a spot to fill in our office family. We are looking for a full-time Administrative Assistant with excellent computer skills, particularly in Microsoft Office programs. We are a small but mighty office and need a team player who takes pride in the quality and accuracy of their work. The successful candidate will be able to interact effectively and with discretion with employees, the congregation, the general public, vendors, contractors, and outside groups. For the complete job listing and information on how to submit your résumé, go to We Are What We Do Action #16: Give your change to charity. There s always loose change - and there are always charity donation tins. It s a match made in heaven! If you put your spare change into charity donation tins, the world would be a lot better off. So, the next time you buy something and get change back, look around for a charitable place to deposit it (instead of your wallet). After all, one cent per person per week adds up to $158 million per year. from the book Change the World for Ten Bucks

3 10 Great Dates and Another 10 Great Dates So what are you doing Friday nights? Beginning March 4 (and continuing every 1st Friday of the month through December) join us for 10 Great Dates to Energize Your Marriage. This insightful book and video course by David and Claudia Arp helps spark romance with memory-making evenings built on key, marriage-enriching themes such as: communication, conflict, encouragement, creative love life, balancing roles of parent and partner. After a short video that sets the stage for discussion, couples are sent out for their own private dates. Whether newlywed or newly retired, full house or empty nest, sandwich generation or gen-x, parents of toddler or parents of teen, ho hum or humming along, all types of marriages benefit from the investment in great dates. For those of you who have already completed the original 10 Great Dates, join us beginning March 4 (and every 1st Friday of the month through December) for Another 10 Great Dates. We will be following the same casual and fun format as before, but will focus on the book and DVD Seven Principles for Making your Marriage Work by John Gottman. The seven principles will guide you on the path toward a harmonious and long-lasting relationship. It is the definitive guide for anyone who wants their relationship to attain its highest potential. Childcare will be provided for both Date Nights! The cost for both programs is only $100 per couple. That is only $10 a date! For more information or to register, please contact Rev. Camille Mattick at ext 104. Please note that couples may start after March 4 to fit schedules. Missing 1-2 dates is okay. Time for Wearin of the Green The UMW Women of Action in partnership with Fellowship & Events and Children s Ministry invite everyone to the 12th annual St. Patrick s Day luncheon on Sunday, March 13, at 11:30 am in Simkins Hall. The cost is $8.00 per person and includes lunch, dessert, a beverage, a sing-along led by Carol Reich and Carl Rogers, and the piano stylings of Janet Searfoss. Children are welcome and will be provided materials to create seasonal crafts. Those under 5 years of age will be admitted free. Don t forget to wear green! To purchase tickets, please stop by the UMW table during Coffee Fellowship on Sunday morning. The Season of Lent Begins Join us for Ash Wednesday services on Wednesday, March 9, at either 12:15 pm or 7:30 pm in the Chapel. This meaningful annual worship begins our journey with Christ through the forty days of Lent, practicing Resurrection living as we go. This quiet, reflective service includes the imposition of ashes and Holy Communion. All are welcome. Jesus at the Movies Throughout the years, movie makers have been intrigued by the story of Jesus Christ. They have tried, with varying degrees of success, to capture the life of Jesus on film. This Lent we will study 4 of these films and discuss their different expressions on the meaning of Christ s life, his teachings, and relationships. Join us for a light supper and discussion as we watch clips from: The Greatest Story Ever Told, Jesus Christ Superstar, The Last Temptation of Christ, and Jesus of Montreal. The study will meet in Simkins Hall, on Wednesdays from 7:00-8:30 pm, March 16 - April 6. Childcare is available. Join Patricia Farris, Robert English, Camille Mattick, and David Bremer as we take a closer look at Jesus at the Movies. March Book Study All are invited to the next Book Study & Potluck on Sunday, March 27, at 11:30 am in the Fireside Room. The book for discussion will be Accompany Them with Singing: The Christian Funeral by Thomas G. Long, on sale now on Sundays in the church office or at the Hospitality Table during Coffee Fellowship. Thomas Long, Bandy Professor of Preaching at Candler School of Theology, puts before us a book that goes against the grain of what is popular and trendy. What is a Christian funeral, his book asks, urging reflection, repentance, and rekindled longing for the church to act as the church and worship as the church. Covering theology, Scripture, church history, liturgy, and music, as well as contemporary burial practices, it challenges many of our un-examined beliefs, such as an emphasis on immortality, and the relationship between body and soul. It questions practices that hide the body and individualize the service right out of the community of faith. The role of the community of faith, Long maintains, is to carry the saint home to God, accompanying them with prayers and singing. This book will trouble you, disturb you and give you lots to think about. It helps us be the church. We may not all agree, and we most likely will not agree with everything Long asserts, but we will be clearer and more faithful for engaging the questions. LOOKING AHEAD Palm Sunday: 10 am worship on April 17. Maundy Thursday: 7:30 pm worship on April 21. Good Friday: 12:15 pm Community Service at Brentwood Presbyterian Church. Easter Sunday: 6:30 am Sunrise Service (off-site) & 10 am worship in the Sanctuary. F U M C S e n t i n e l - M a r c h P a g e 3

4 MARCH Wednesday, March 2 12:10 pm Mid-Week Recital & Reception, S/FR Martha Masters, guitar Monday, March 7 (Church Office Closed) Tuesday, March 8 5:30 pm Trustees, CR 7 pm Preschool Committee, Rm 203 Wednesday, March 9 - Ash Wednesday (Lent Begins) 12:15 pm Ash Wednesday Service, Chapel 7:30 pm Ash Wednesday Service, Chapel Saturday, March 12 **Set your clocks forward one hour before bed! Sunday, March 13 - First Sunday in Lent Daylight Saving Time Begins! 9 am Shareringers Sunday School, Rm :30 am St. Patrick s Day Luncheon, SH 12 noon Confirmation Class, Youth Lounge Monday, March 14 (Church Office Closed) 9 am Intercessory Prayer Group, FR Wednesday, March 16 7 pm Jesus at the Movies Lenten Series, SH Thursday, March 17 7 am - 5 pm Preschool Silent Auction Preview, Rm 101 Friday, March 18 7 am - 5 pm Preschool Silent Auction Preview, Rm 101 Saturday, March 19 9:30 am Prayer Quilt Workparty, Rm pm Preschool Silent Auction, Off-site Sunday, March am Blood Pressure Screenings, FR Monday, March 21 Wednesday, March 23 7 pm Jesus at the Movies Lenten Series, SH Sunday, March 27 - Third Sunday in Lent 11:30 am Rev. Farris Book Study & Potluck, FR 12 noon Confirmation Class, Youth Lounge Monday, March 28 (Church Office Closed) 9 am Intercessory Prayer Group, FR Wednesday, March 30 7 pm Jesus at the Movies Lenten Series, SH Church Office Hours Tues - Fri, 9 am - 5 pm Weekly at FUMC Chapel Open for Prayer Mon - Fri, 10 am - 4 pm Sundays 8:45 am Youth Handbell Choir, CHR 9 am Partnership with God, Rm am Lectionary Scripture Discussion w/ Pastors, FR 9 am Nursery Care, Rm 204 9:15 am Youth Choir, Rm 300 9:20 am Children s Choir, Chapel * 10 am Worship, S 10:15 am Sunday School, Edu Bldg 10:50 am Cherub Choir, Rm am Coffee Fellowship, SH 11 am Hospitality Table, SH 5 pm UMYF Orchestra, Rm 300 6:15 pm UMYF, 3rd Floor Edu Bldg 6:30 pm Open Table, Off-site Mondays (Church Office Closed) 7 pm Women s Bible Study, Rm 203 Tuesdays 7 am Men s Breakfast Bible Study, FR 7:30 pm Amadeus Handbell Choir, CHR Wednesdays 10 am UMW Work Party & Lunch, WR 7 pm the bridge, Rm 308 Thursdays * 6:30 pm PAUSE Worship Gathering, Chapel 7:30 pm Chancel Choir Rehearsal, CHR * Food Drive Item for March: Pork & Beans Please refer to the calendar insert in your Order of Worship on Sunday mornings for specifics or changes to the schedule. For more information about groups of the church, special events or for the complete church calendar visit our website. Mid-Week Recital Join us on March 2 (first Wednesday) at 12:10 pm to hear Martha Masters, guitar. A small reception will follow in the Fireside Room. Spread the word about this FREE music offering to your friends, family, coworkers and neighbors. It s the perfect length for a lunch-break or mid-day treat! March Coffee Fellowship Mar 6: CONGREGATION Mar 13: Women of Action Mar 20: Spiritual Formation Mar 27: the bridge CHR = Choir Room; CR = Conference Room; CY = Courtyard; FR = Fireside Room; L = Library; MH = Member s Home; OS = Off Site; S = Sanctuary; SH = Simkins Hall; WR = Work Room (UMW)

5 Living Green: An Easy Five by Rachel Eaton Here are 5 habits you can establish that are just as important if not even more so than just recycling: 1. Drink less bottled water (or cut it out all together) = 2.6 tons CO2 2. Skip one mid-range flight (how about a stay-cation?) = 1 ton CO2 3. Go Vegetarian or Vegan (at least once a week) = 1 to 2 tons CO2 4. Wash your clothes in cold water and air-dry them = 1 ton CO2 5. Sign up for Green Power = 7 tons CO2 For more information on reducing your carbon footprint, visit and search for green habits. Welcoming New Members into Our Family of Faith If you are interested in learning more about becoming a member of FUMC, see any of our pastors, visit the Hospitality Table during Coffee Fellowship on Sundays, or contact the church office. Classes are sometimes offered that focus on membership and we periodically receive new members during worship on Sunday mornings. Check out our website for information about who we are as a congregation and to learn more about our United Methodist denomination. Altar Flowers At press time, all of the Sundays in March are available for altar flowers. Our beautiful arrangements, provided by Mike Eskridge of Culver Center Flowers, are $76 (for the pair), and the flowers are yours to keep, if you wish! Please call the church office or visit the Hospitality Table on Sundays to place your request. Green Thumbs Welcome! If you love digging in dirt, consider volunteering your gardening efforts to help keep the church grounds beautiful. For more information, please contact Christina Eddy in the church office ext Parent Education Offering at the Preschool Mark your calendars. On April 6 at 6:30 pm the Preschool invites all parents, caregivers and teachers to a safety seminar. Pattie Fitzgerald, certified Child Predator Safety Educator from Safely Ever-After, will lead an insightful and educational presentation. Come learn how to talk to your family about personal safety with effective, child-friendly language and concepts... in a non-fearful manner! Lectionary Scripture Discussion Series (9 am Sundays, Fireside Room) March 6 - Rev. Patricia Farris Exodus 24:12-18; Psalm 99; 2 Peter 1:16-21; Matthew 17:1-9 March 13 - Rev. Robert English Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7; Psalm 32; Romans 5:12-19; Matthew 4:1-11 March 20 Genesis 12:1-4a; Psalm 121; Romans 4:1-5, 13-17; John 3:1-17 March 27 Exodus 17:1-7; Psalm 95; Romans 5:1-11; John 4:5-42 F U M C Sentinel - Ma rc h Page 5

6 Thursdays at 6:30 pm worship Sundays at 10:00 am We collect food each time we gather for worship for the Westside Food Bank. March = Pork & Beans PAUSE Worship Gathering March 3 Transfiguration Rev. Camille Mattick March 10 Where are we going? Rev. Robert English March 17 Are we there yet? Rev. Robert English March 24 Are we lost? Rev. Camille Mattick March 31 The Land Beyond Lost Rev. Patricia Farris LENT Begins March 9 - Ash Wednesday Worship in the Chapel at 12:15 pm & 7:30 pm 1008 Eleventh Street, Santa Monica, CA info@santamonicaumc.org Through Lent: Practicing Resurrection Sunday Worship March 6 Holy Communion Sermon by Rev. Patricia Farris Lay Lector: Rachel Eaton All are invited to pick up a Lenten Devotional Booklet. March 13 Sermon by Rev. Patricia Farris Lay Lector: Michael Olsson March 20 Sermon by Rev. Patricia Farris Lay Lector: Ruth Peeples March 27 Sermon by Rev. Robert English Lay Lector: Noel Eaton NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID MAILED FROM ZIP CODE PERMIT NO. 100 Senior Minister Rev. Patricia Farris p.farris@santamonicaumc.org Youth & Intergenerational Rev. Robert English r.english@santamonicaumc.org Children & Family Life Rev. Camille Mattick c.mattick@santamonicaumc.org Music Jim Smith djes@roadrunner.com L. A. District Superintendent Rev. Cedrick Bridgeforth Bishop Mary Ann Swenson Business Administrator Christina Eddy c.eddy@santamonicaumc.org Office Manager Nancy Perov n.perov@santamonicaumc.org Communications Rachel Eaton r.eaton@santamonicaumc.org FUMC Preschool Charleen Smith, Director c.smith@santamonicaumc.org Jennifer Blades, Assistant Director j.blades@santamonicaumc.org