SENTINEL. Holy Week & Easter. Sunday Worship at 10:00 am. April 1 Palm Sunday Holy Communion

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1 w orshi p Holy Week & Easter Sunday Worship at 10:00 am April 1 Palm Sunday Holy Communion April 5 Maundy Thursday Worship at 7:30 pm, Communion, Prayer & Darkness Homily by Rev. Patricia Farris April 15 2nd Sunday of Easter April 6 Good Friday Gates Chapel open for Prayer Vigil 9 am to 9 pm Community Service at 12:10 pm at First Presbyterian Church Labyrinth open for walking 2-9 pm April 22 3rd Sunday of Easter April 29 4th Sunday of Easter April 8 Easter Sunday Sunrise Service, 6:30 am, Palisades Park (Santa Monica & Ocean) Easter Worship at 10:00 am in our Sanctuary Family Sunday, Choir, Brass, Organ, Lilies & Alleluias! Sermon by Rev. Robert English 1008 Eleventh Street, Santa Monica, CA info@santamonicaumc.org 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 SENTINEL vol. cxxxvii, no. 4 Waving Palms & Loud Hosannas! Easter Egg Hunt, Lunch & Easter Bunny Photos April 8 Easter FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH Business Administrator Christina Eddy c.eddy@santamonicaumc.org Interim Preschool Director Jennifer Blades j.blades@santamonicaumc.org Office Manager Nancy Perov n.perov@santamonicaumc.org NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID MAILED FROM ZIP CODE PERMIT NO. 100 A New Beginning for the Season of Easter When I moved to Los Angeles in May of 2003, I was young and adventurous and looking for a new life. I also came on a wing and a prayer, as the saying goes, with not much money in my pocket and no job. But, somehow, I had faith that even though I didn t know what God had in store for me, it was going to be what I was looking for. I moved with the secret hope that making such a huge change in my life and starting fresh somewhere new would lead me to a partner for the rest of my journey. Not only did God deliver, but, man, he was fast about it too! Not two months after setting foot on California soil, I met Noel. We had both traveled nearly 3,000 miles across the country to meet each other (having both come from the same university, town, and state - but never having crossed paths). And thus began our life together. Meanwhile, as I struggled to find work that would provide enough to keep a roof over my head, I also shopped for a new church family. I am the daughter of a preacher man and a church-going United Methodist through and through. I knew that finding a supportive community would be my key to survival so far from home. And, boy, was I right, again! I struck up a relationship with Rev. Patricia Farris and was asking for prayers when, first, I was the beneficiary of the Nicodemus Fund, then shortly after, a job in the church office opened up. FUMC literally saved me. And thus began my 8-year chapter as an FUMC employee. I started as the Receptionist at the front desk, answering phones and helping folks coming through the door. Then I quickly took on more and more responsibility. I grew into the Publications Editor and then finally into the Director of Communications. During my first few years in the job, Noel and I helped start the bridge group which became and still is a huge source of friendship, spiritual nurture, and prayer support. The group became our family away from home. In 2006, Noel and I were married in the Sanctuary surrounded by many of you. Then began the next leg of our journey, to expand our family - something I d been looking forward to since I was about 10 years old. Right as Noel and I began to head down that road, personal tragedy hit my family, and hit it hard. We experienced the unexpected death of a young loved one, the end of a marriage, the devastation of attempted suicide, the shock and fear of cancer, and the loss of beloved pets - all in the span of about 2-3 years. While these events were taking place and melding together and causing stress and grief, our dream of having a baby eluded us. Looking back, it s not surprising. But, through it all, we had you. And I continued to work as best I could. Luckily, the time DID come when recovery started to set in. I am very grateful to be able to say that, at this moment in time, each member of my family is healing and living hopeful and happy lives. And Noel and I finally got our long-awaited blessing when Wesley was born last May 10. His birth resulted in a big change around the office; first, while I was away on extended maternity leave, and then, when I returned part-time with Wesley in tow. Everyone was very supportive in allowing me to bring him along - something I will always appreciate. We ve been doing it now for 6 months and I know that having Wesley s young spirit in the office has brought new life into our daily work. But it has also been very challenging, for me and for Wesley. After much thought, prayer and discussion, Noel and I decided that I would leave my post at FUMC to pursue being a full-time mom. It will be a different sort of challenge, but one that I look forward to tackling. As of Good Friday, April 6, I will cease to be an FUMC employee and journey into being just a church member like most of the rest of you. Easter will bring with it new meaning and new life in many ways for me this year. I look forward to seeing what blossoms and I look forward to doing it with your love and support. Thank you all so much for being the welcoming and caring church family, clergy, and co-workers I have so needed these last 9 years. May you continue to serve in this capacity for many such souls in years to come. God bless and much love, from Rachel, Noel & Wesley Eaton. Photo of the Month Highlights We welcomed Bishop Hans Växby to worship on Sunday, March 18. He shared with us his experiences with his United Methodist Church jurisdiction in Russia and Central Asia. Horizons News & Events Welcome Sarah Holy Week/Easter Office Assistants Nancy Thompson n.thompson@santamonicaumc.org Sarah Scribner s.scribner@santamonicaumc.org April 2012

2 Horizons b y Senior Minister Easter comes earlier this year than last. Easter, based on the lunar calendar, is April 8th, putting Palm Sunday on April 1st, April Fools Day. That s somewhat appropriate, isn t it? Knowing what s coming on Friday of that week, we re tempted to wonder if God isn t playing a trick on us as Jesus makes his triumphant entrance into the city. Bottom line, of course: it s no joke. Our God has the most amazing way of turning things inside out and upside down. An end becomes a beginning. A defeat becomes a victory. Suffering gives way to salvation. A death becomes the doorway into everlasting life. Double check your calendars and make the worship of this Holy Week a priority. Invite your friends and co-workers. God s gift to us at Easter is a gift that will last a life-time and beyond. It s a gift for those times when you think there s no tomorrow. It s a gift for when our logic and best-laid plans reach a dead-end. It s the gift of life, life fulfilled beyond our imagining, for now, and for later. Come experience the best trick of all the gift of life made new. Patricia Farris The arm of our international United Methodist Church known as the General Board of Global Ministries (GBGM) has a new space on the web. Check out w w w.um c m i s s i o n.or g to see how we re connecting the church in mission. General Conference 2012 The General Conference, the highest decision-making body of The United Methodist Church, meets every four years. This year, the 988 delegates and some 4,000 volunteers will meet April 25-May 4 in Tampa, Florida. This is an intense time of worship, plenary speakers, and decision-making. We Methodists believe in what John Wesley called holy conferencing, that is, that the Holy Spirit is present when the church gathers in prayer and deliberation. To be elected a delegate by our California- Pacific Annual Conference is a high honor and huge responsibility. There are significant proposals coming before this General Conference that could significantly impact our national and global structure. We will also address a variety of social issues as an increasingly global church. This year, for the first time, over 37% of the delegates come from outside the U.S. Worship will be led by Marcia McFee, whom many of you will remember as one of our resource leaders for our Worship Renewal grants. I covet your prayers as we seek to discern together how best to forward our mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. As I continue in study and prayerful preparation, I welcome your questions and input. --Rev. Patricia Farris Calling New Pew Crew Members! We need people to straighten/re-fill pew pockets one Sunday a month. If you can convince someone to assist you, then two people can split the Sunday -- it makes the work go faster! If you can t commit to that, we also need people who can assist with the pew duties every 5th Sunday (on months with more than four Sundays), after special events, or on the occasion where a regular pew crew member can t make it. Please contact Mira at uclaphded@yahoo.com or leave your information in the church office. Church Notes Special Coffee Hour On May 6, the daughters of former member John Huntzicker will honor his memory by sponsoring flowers for our worship service and by hosting our Coffee Fellowship. Be sure to stop by and say hello to Wendi and Diane. Flowers for Worship If you would like to dedicate flowers for worship on a Sunday, please contact the church office. Dates available in April as of the printing of this issue include: April 22 & 29.

3 April Mid-Week Recital Join us for our next recital on Wednesday, April 11, at 12:10 pm in the Sanctuary to hear Kathleen Scheide, harp, and Žofie Vokálková, flute. Our Mid-Week Recital series is always free and open to the public and includes a light reception for the artists in the Fireside Room after each concert. All are invited. Tell your friends and neighbors! Epworth Apartments Epworth Apartments are a mission of the LA District of the UMC. They are opening on April 20. The apartments will be occupied by young adults who are either homeless, coming out of foster care, or referred by the probation service. They will have case managers to help them establish themselves in work or school, and will live in their units until they wish to move out. Funds and furnishings are still being accepted to set up the apartments. For more information, visit the Hospitality Table in Simkins Hall during Coffee Fellowship on Sundays. For more information, please contact Bee Campbell at bdcamp@earthlink.net. CAST Presents: Man of La Mancha Come "Dream the Impossible Dream" with the CAST production of Man of La Mancha. This award-winning musical draws on the immortal characters created some 400 years ago in the novel Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes. Cervantes, himself, plays a role in the story-within-a-story that unfolds after he and his manservant, Sancho, are imprisoned and must face the Spanish Inquisition. Fellow prisoners hold a mock trial to determine his guilt or innocence and in his defense Cervantes offers the story of Don Quixote. Performances are Friday and Saturday, April 27 and 28, at 7pm and Sunday, April 29, at 1pm. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for seniors/children. Spirit Quest Spirit Quest Retreat for all Jr. High Youth is taking place on April at Camp Hess Kramer in Malibu. The theme for the weekend is "There Might Be Giants" - retelling the story of David and its message for youth today. Please pray for our youth who will be learning and growing in their walk with God. I am excited about this weekend that I will spend with our youth and the youth across our conference! --Rev. Robert English Big Sunday Weekend: May 4, 5 & 6 The mission of Big Sunday is to build community through community service. The belief behind the event is that everyone has some way that they can help somebody else. Big Sunday weekend is when thousands of people from California, of all ages and all backgrounds, work together at hundreds of nonprofits, schools and other agencies that need their help. Last year on Big Sunday Weekend, 50,000 volunteers turned out some as individuals, others with their families, still others as part of a class, church, synagogue, mosque, business or club to lend a hand at more than 500 different projects from San Diego to San Francisco, making Big Sunday Weekend one of the largest regional community service events in America. On Big Sunday Weekend there are opportunities for every passion, talent, skill and age. Projects are scheduled throughout the weekend, and can last anywhere from one hour to two full days. Big Sunday Weekend also includes special events such as art shows, sports days, yard sales and blood drives. Plus, last year on Big Sunday Weekend, more than 85 truckloads of clothes, books, food, furniture, musical instruments, luggage, toys and other items were donated. FUMC has a long-standing tradition of participating in Big Sunday. Join us this year! To learn more and to participate this year, visit LOOKING AHEAD Preschool Spring Fair: May 5 Join us for food, games and activities, crafts, and fun for the whole family AND support the Preschool! Peter Pan: May 18, 19 & 20 Our younger children in the CAST program will perform Peter Pan. Don't miss it! F U M C S e n t i n e l - A p r i l P a g e 3

4 APRIL Sunday, April 1 - Palm Sunday/Holy Communion 9 am Partnership with God Easter Brunch, FR 11:15 am Easter Egg Hunt & Family Brunch, SH/CY Monday, April 2 - Church Office Closed Preschool Closed for Spring Break through April 6 Thursday, April 5 - Maundy Thursday 6 pm Trustee Investment Sub-Committee, Bus Admin Office 7:30 pm Maundy Thursday Service, S Friday, April 6 - Good Friday 9 am - 9 pm Prayer Vigil, Gates Chapel 12:10 pm Community Service, First Pres (1220 2nd St) 2-9 pm Labyrinth Walks, SH Sunday, April 8 - EASTER 6:30 am Sunrise Service, Palisades Park (Ocean & Santa Monica) 10 am Easter Celebration Worship, S 11:15 am the bridge Easter Potluck, Rm 308 Monday, April 9 - Church Office Closed 9:30 am Intercessory Prayer Group, FR Tuesday, April 10 5:30 pm Trustees, CR 7 pm Investment Committee, CR Wednesday, April 11 12:10 pm Mid-Week Recital & Reception, S/FR 7 pm SPRC, CR Saturday, April 14 1 pm Harry Boodakian Memorial Service & Reception, S/SH Sunday, April 15-2nd Sunday of Easter 9 am Shareringers Sunday School, Rm am Blood Pressure Screenings, FR/SH Monday, April 16 - Church Office Closed 4 pm CAST Rehearsal (Peter Pan), SH 6 pm Abigail Circle (UMW), FR 6:30 pm CAST Rehearsal (Man of LaMancha), Rm 301A Thursday, April 19 5:30 pm Preschool Parents Meeting, SH Friday, April 20 LA District Epworth Apartments Opening Preschool Earth Day Celebration UMYF Jr. High to Spirit Quest Saturday, April 21 9:30 am Prayer Quilt Ministry Work Party, Rm pm UMW Game Day, SH Alcove Sunday, April 22-3rd Sunday of Easter Monday, April 23 9:30 am Intercessory Prayer Group, FR 4 pm CAST Rehearsal (Peter Pan), SH 6:30 pm CAST Rehearsal (Man of LaMancha), Rm 301A Tuesday, April 24 5 pm CAST Rehearsal (Man of LaMancha), SH April 25 - May 4 - UMC General Conference, Tampa, FL Wednesday, April 25 5 pm CAST Rehearsal (Man of LaMancha), Rm 301A/SH Thursday, April 26 5 pm CAST Rehearsal (Man of LaMancha), Rm 301A/SH Friday, April 27 7 pm Man of La Mancha Performance, SH Saturday, April 28 7 pm Man of La Mancha Performance, SH Sunday, April 29-4th Sunday of Easter 1 pm Man of La Mancha Performance, SH Monday, April 30 4 pm CAST Rehearsal (Peter Pan), SH Church Office Hours Tues - Fri, 9 am - 5 pm Weekly at FUMC * Sundays 8:45 am Youth Handbell Choir, CHR 9 am Partnership with God, Rm am Lectionary Scripture Discussion, 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 6:15 pm UMYF, 3rd Floor Edu Bldg 6:30 pm Open Table, Off-site Mondays - Church Office Closed 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 8 am Women s Bible Study, FR 7:40 pm Chancel Choir Rehearsal, CHR * Food Drive for April: Pork & Beans Chapel Open for Prayer Mon - Fri, 10 am - 4 pm 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. April Coffee Fellowship April 1: Fellowship & Events April 8: CONGREGATION April 15: TBA April 22: Health Ministry April 29: Spiritual Formation 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 Being Good Examples Our members Joe & Nancy Owens were featured in the Santa Monica Daily Press on February 28 for their recent creation of special scholarships for Santa Monica College students. We are proud of Joe & Nancy for being such good examples of God s love by giving back to our community. Visit to read the full article. Thanks We want to express our appreciation to Berneice Southcott, Carol Reich, Leslie & Anson Nordby, and Jim & Laura Farrand for graciously hosting the group of St. Olaf organ students who were visiting Santa Monica and worshipped with us on Sunday, March 18. We love being in ministry as a welcoming congregation! Condolences We extend our deepest sympathies to the families and friends of these departed loved ones: - Rebecca Arnold s father, Rev. Daniel Arnold, who died December Jean Stapleton s mother Mary Stapleton, who died February 9. - John Huntzicker, who died February Harry Boodakian, who died February 24. A memorial service will be held in the Sanctuary on April 14 at 1:00pm followed by a reception in Simkins Hall. - Graydon Peek, who died February 29. A funeral was held in Gates Chapel on March 9. - Jennifer Blades sister Laurie, who died March Ken Rasmussen s mother Hazel Rasmussen, who died March 17. Congratulations - Darin McGuire and Kathy Peters, who were married in the Sanctuary on March Lawrence Roney and Edie Chiarappa, who were married on February Late-breaking news: they ve done it! The Mark Twain Ringers are on their way to the 2012 Olympic Games in London! They leave August 1. We are so proud of the ringers, their families, and their Director Extraordinaire, Ron Theile! Stay tuned for details and photos of their trip. Welcome, Sarah! We have a new face in the office! If our new administrative assistant Sarah Scribner looks familiar to you, it may be because she is Claudia Flanders niece and has spent two weeks most summers visiting Claudia and FUMC. Three years ago, she and fiancé Dane Rold moved to Southern California and have been active in the bridge and other FUMC activities. Sarah has a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Montana and a certification from the Montana School of Massage. She brings a wonderful exuberance to the front office. Stop by and say hello! Calling All Spirit Sisters Rev. Dorothy Worley co-leads the eleventh St. James Spirit Sisters Retreat on May 4-6 at the Poverello of Assisi Retreat House in San Fernando. All women are welcome to attend to this retreat designed for the renewal of mind, body and spirit. For more information, please contact Pastor Dorothy at rworley777@verizon.net, or call her at or Save the Date! Make sure to save the date and mark your calendars. Vacation Bible School 2012 "OPERATION OVERBOARD: DARE TO GO DEEP WITH GOD" will take place July 30 through August 3. Registration forms are available on our website, in the church office and at the Sunday Hospitality Table. If you have any questions, please contact Claudia Flanders at claudia.flanders@gmail.com or Camille Mattick at c.mattick@santamonicaumc.org Lay Speaking School If you are not currently a Lay Speaker, you may be interested in pursuing that office once you have experienced the courses. The emphases in Lay Speaking Ministries are Leading, Caring and Communicating. Lay Speakers are called to proclaim the gospel in many different ways, in leadership and supportive roles, to help others grow in a life-giving relationship with Jesus Christ. The classes will take place on Monday nights beginning April 16. Brochures are available in the church office. Contact us for more information! F U M C Sentinel - Ap r i l page 5

6 w orshi p Holy Week & Easter Sunday Worship at 10:00 am April 1 Palm Sunday Holy Communion April 5 Maundy Thursday Worship at 7:30 pm, Communion, Prayer & Darkness Homily by Rev. Patricia Farris April 15 2nd Sunday of Easter April 6 Good Friday Gates Chapel open for Prayer Vigil 9 am to 9 pm Community Service at 12:10 pm at First Presbyterian Church Labyrinth open for walking 2-9 pm April 22 3rd Sunday of Easter April 29 4th Sunday of Easter April 8 Easter Sunday Sunrise Service, 6:30 am, Palisades Park (Santa Monica & Ocean) Easter Worship at 10:00 am in our Sanctuary Family Sunday, Choir, Brass, Organ, Lilies & Alleluias! Sermon by Rev. Robert English 1008 Eleventh Street, Santa Monica, CA info@santamonicaumc.org 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 SENTINEL vol. cxxxvii, no. 4 Waving Palms & Loud Hosannas! Easter Egg Hunt, Lunch & Easter Bunny Photos April 8 Easter FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH Business Administrator Christina Eddy c.eddy@santamonicaumc.org Interim Preschool Director Jennifer Blades j.blades@santamonicaumc.org Office Manager Nancy Perov n.perov@santamonicaumc.org NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID MAILED FROM ZIP CODE PERMIT NO. 100 A New Beginning for the Season of Easter When I moved to Los Angeles in May of 2003, I was young and adventurous and looking for a new life. I also came on a wing and a prayer, as the saying goes, with not much money in my pocket and no job. But, somehow, I had faith that even though I didn t know what God had in store for me, it was going to be what I was looking for. I moved with the secret hope that making such a huge change in my life and starting fresh somewhere new would lead me to a partner for the rest of my journey. Not only did God deliver, but, man, he was fast about it too! Not two months after setting foot on California soil, I met Noel. We had both traveled nearly 3,000 miles across the country to meet each other (having both come from the same university, town, and state - but never having crossed paths). And thus began our life together. Meanwhile, as I struggled to find work that would provide enough to keep a roof over my head, I also shopped for a new church family. I am the daughter of a preacher man and a church-going United Methodist through and through. I knew that finding a supportive community would be my key to survival so far from home. And, boy, was I right, again! I struck up a relationship with Rev. Patricia Farris and was asking for prayers when, first, I was the beneficiary of the Nicodemus Fund, then shortly after, a job in the church office opened up. FUMC literally saved me. And thus began my 8-year chapter as an FUMC employee. I started as the Receptionist at the front desk, answering phones and helping folks coming through the door. Then I quickly took on more and more responsibility. I grew into the Publications Editor and then finally into the Director of Communications. During my first few years in the job, Noel and I helped start the bridge group which became and still is a huge source of friendship, spiritual nurture, and prayer support. The group became our family away from home. In 2006, Noel and I were married in the Sanctuary surrounded by many of you. Then began the next leg of our journey, to expand our family - something I d been looking forward to since I was about 10 years old. Right as Noel and I began to head down that road, personal tragedy hit my family, and hit it hard. We experienced the unexpected death of a young loved one, the end of a marriage, the devastation of attempted suicide, the shock and fear of cancer, and the loss of beloved pets - all in the span of about 2-3 years. While these events were taking place and melding together and causing stress and grief, our dream of having a baby eluded us. Looking back, it s not surprising. But, through it all, we had you. And I continued to work as best I could. Luckily, the time DID come when recovery started to set in. I am very grateful to be able to say that, at this moment in time, each member of my family is healing and living hopeful and happy lives. And Noel and I finally got our long-awaited blessing when Wesley was born last May 10. His birth resulted in a big change around the office; first, while I was away on extended maternity leave, and then, when I returned part-time with Wesley in tow. Everyone was very supportive in allowing me to bring him along - something I will always appreciate. We ve been doing it now for 6 months and I know that having Wesley s young spirit in the office has brought new life into our daily work. But it has also been very challenging, for me and for Wesley. After much thought, prayer and discussion, Noel and I decided that I would leave my post at FUMC to pursue being a full-time mom. It will be a different sort of challenge, but one that I look forward to tackling. As of Good Friday, April 6, I will cease to be an FUMC employee and journey into being just a church member like most of the rest of you. Easter will bring with it new meaning and new life in many ways for me this year. I look forward to seeing what blossoms and I look forward to doing it with your love and support. Thank you all so much for being the welcoming and caring church family, clergy, and co-workers I have so needed these last 9 years. May you continue to serve in this capacity for many such souls in years to come. God bless and much love, from Rachel, Noel & Wesley Eaton. Photo of the Month Highlights We welcomed Bishop Hans Växby to worship on Sunday, March 18. He shared with us his experiences with his United Methodist Church jurisdiction in Russia and Central Asia. Horizons News & Events Welcome Sarah Holy Week/Easter Office Assistants Nancy Thompson n.thompson@santamonicaumc.org Sarah Scribner s.scribner@santamonicaumc.org April 2012