FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH of SANTA MONICA SENTINEL

Transcription

1 FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH of SANTA MONICA SENTINEL vol. cxxxix, no. 10 November 2014 Horizons Our primary purpose in coming to church is to unfetter the gratitude within us, again and again. -William Sloane Coffin There s a funny thing about coming to church and worshipping God. We always get much more than we bargain for. We come for community we get that, plus God. We come for comfort we get that plus a conviction to live our lives more generously and fully. What if we tried to count all God s benefits? Could we do it? Maybe we could start with what a wise rabbi once suggested: that every day we should offer thanks for just one hundred things, people, abilities, opportunities, unmerited gifts. That would certainly unfetter the gratitude within us, wouldn t it?! What a great way to begin our annual faith journey that we are called to make around the use of the financial resources entrusted to us out of God s great love. Try it 100 thank you s a day. I bet it will change your life, and your giving. Senior Minister Charge/Church Conference Join First UMC for the annual Charge/Church Conference after worship Sunday November 9. A light brunch will be served, and we will engage in a joyful and worshipful celebration of this year s accomplishments. The agenda includes reports on the ministries and missions of First UMC, financial items, membership matters, and election of officers and council members for the coming year. West District Superintendent Kathey Wilborn will preside. Child care will be provided. Sunday, November 9: 11 a.m. after worship, Simkins Hall Cakes for a Cause While you re attending the Charge/Church Conference November 9, be sure to support our youth as they sell Cakes for a Cause. This annual event was started by the youth five years ago to raise money for a mission project serving the poor in different parts of the world. The youth select a cause that they want to support. The youth bake and decorate delicious cakes and cupcakes available for purchase, with all of the funds raised going to support the cause. This year the cause being supported is Imagine No Malaria, whose efforts put our faith into action to end preventable deaths by malaria in Africa. To learn more or to donate, go to: CHARGE CONFERENCE 2014 First United Methodist Church of Santa Monica welcomes you to this community of faith. You ll find singles, seniors, families with young children, youth, newlyweds, young adults.and a full range of programs and opportunities for worship, study, service and fellowship. ALL ARE WELCOME.

2 November Calendar Saturday, November 1 11 a.m. UMW Peanut Brittle Workparty, Simkins Hall Sunday, November 2 - All Saints Sunday Holy Communion Daylight Saving Time ends, fall back one hour! 11 a.m. Newcomer Mingle, Fireside Room 12:30 a.m. Holy Rollers Softball, Memorial Park Field 1 Friday, November 7 7 p.m. Shareringer Monthly Dinner, Fireside Room Saturday, November 8 11 a.m. UMW Peanut Brittle Workparty, Simkins Hall Sunday, November 9 - Baptism 11 a.m. Church Charge Conference, Simkins Hall Tuesday, November 11 8 a.m. Preschool Book Fair Begins, Library (through Nov. 18) Wednesday, November 12 9 a.m. Health Ministry Council Flu Clinic, Simkins Hall 4 p.m. Trustees Meeting, Conference Room Friday, November 14 5 p.m. UMW Christmas Boutique Preview, Simkins Hall Saturday, November 15 9 a.m. UMW Christmas Boutique, Simkins Hall 9 a.m. UMYF Fall Retreat (through Sunday) 9:30 a.m. Prayer Quilt Workparty, Room 300 Sunday, November 16 - Consecration Sunday 11 a.m. Free Blood Pressure Screenings, Simkins Hall 11 a.m. Preschool Fall Festival, Simkins Hall 11 a.m. Boy Scouts Wreath Sales, Alcove 5 p.m. Missional Worship Gathering, Simkins Hall Thursday, November 20 7 p.m. C.A.S.T. 1st-4th Grade performance of Disney s 101 Dalmations Kids, Simkins Hall Friday, November 21 7 p.m. C.A.S.T. 1st-4th Grade performance of Disney s 101 Dalmations Kids, Simkins Hall Saturday, November 22 12:30 p.m. C.A.S.T. 1st-4th Grade performance of Disney s 101 Dalmations Kids, Simkins Hall Sunday, November 23 - Christ the King Sunday 11 a.m. Book-of-the-Month Study & Potluck, Fireside Room 11 a.m. 20s/30s Young Adult Check-in, Chapel 11 a.m. Troup 67 Boy Scouts Wreath Sales, Alcove Thursday, November 27 - Thanksgiving Campus Closed Sunday, November 30 - Faith in Action Sunday, First Day of Advent - Advent Devotional booklets available WEEKLY AT FIRST UMC: Mondays - Church Office Closed Tuesdays 7 a.m. Men s Breakfast Bible Study, Fireside Room Wednesdays 9:30 a.m. United Methodist Women Workparty, Workroom Thursdays 7 p.m. Cross(+)Brew Young Adults, Off-Site (1st & 3rd Thurs.) 7:40 p.m. Chancel Choir Rehearsal, Choir Room Newcomer Mingle If you are interested in learning more about the life of First UMC, come to the Fireside Room Sunday November 2 after worship. Get a cup of coffee, mingle with the pastors, other newcomers and a few leaders of the congregation. Friday, November 2: 11 a.m. after worship, Fireside Room Remembering the Saints November 2 is All Saints Sunday, when thanks is given for the saints of the church during worship service. Names of dear members of First UMC who died during the past year will be read, followed by a time of prayerful silence to also remember family members and friends who have died. We honor them all and give glory to God for their lives. Flowers for Worship Honor the memory of a loved one, or celebrate a special occasion with flowers. Available flower dates at press time: November 23/30. Please contact the church office to order flowers for one of these dates. Donations to the Sunday Flower Fund are always welcome for those Sundays when no flowers are ordered. Flu Clinic The Health Ministry Council and the L.A. County Dept. of Public Health are offering a flu vaccination clinic. Flu vaccinations are recommended for everyone six months of age and older, including healthy adults. There is no charge for this clinic and it is open to all. Wednesday, November 12: 9 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Simkins Hall Year of Hope Boutique First UMC s United Methodist Women s annual Christmas Boutique is just around the corner! There will be many wonderful items available that will make special gifts for everyone on your list, including ornaments, baked goods, toys, jewelry, and candy. Proceeds benefit missions supported by the UMW. Last year s Casserole Corner was a delicious hit. If you would like to contribute a casserole this year, see Carol Reich at the Sunday Hospitality Table to pick up a pan and instructions. The UMW will be making their popular peanut brittle candy Saturday November 1 and 8, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. To volunteer, to donate items for the sale, or for more information, call Joy Williams at Friday Preview, November 14, 5 p.m., Simkins Hall ($5 admission fee includes soup and bread) Saturday, November 15, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. (no charge) Boy Scouts Wreaths Be sure to order your holiday wreaths and greenery from Boy Scout Troop 67. Orders will be taken: Sunday, November 16 & 23, 11 a.m., Simkins Hall

3 C.A.S.T. Children s After School Theater s 1st-4th graders presents Disney s 101 Dalmations Kids. What could be cuter than kids in dog costumes? Thursday, November 20 & Friday November 21: 7 p.m. Saturday, November 22: 12:30 p.m., Simkins Hall Book-of-the-Month Study & Potluck Revelations: Visions, Prophecy, and Politics in the Book of Revelation by Elaine Pagels Where did the book of Revelation come from? What do its visions of the sevenheaded beast and the apocalyptic images of the end of times mean? Brilliantly weaving scholarship with a deep understanding of the human needs to which religion speaks, Elaine Pagels presents a profound exploration of the Bible s strangest and most controversial book. Read, ponder, pray and come for what will be a lively discussion! The book is available Sundays at the Hospitality Table, for loan in the church office, and in Nook and Kindle formats. Sunday, November 23: 11 a.m., Fireside Room Westside Community Thanksgiving The meaningful and massive Westside Community Thanksgiving continues in a new location this year. There are many service opportunities available. Volunteer, donate time, goods or money. Visit Thursday, November 27: West LA Veterans Administration LOOKING AHEAD DECEMBER 5, 6 C.A.S.T. presents The Best Christmas Pagaent Ever. 7 First UMC Christmas Music Concert 7, 14, 21 Alternative Christmas 12, 13 All Community Theater (A.C.T.) presents It s a Wonderful Life Radio Play. 21 Lessons and Carols 24 Christmas Eve Services 28 Family Sunday: children remain in worship. Choir Christmas Concert Save the Date: A Christmas Celebration Concert. Music of the Season, featuring the First UMC Chancel Choir and more! Sunday, December 7: 7:30 p.m. Sanctuary Community Congratulations To Rev. Robert English, who was nominated for the Jaycees Distinguished Service Award this year. Robert will be on paternity leave during the months of November and December to be baby Olivia s primary caregiver. Paternity leave is provided by the Annual Conference with approval from our bishop, district superintendent and Staff-Parish Relations committee. To Virginia Davis, who celebrated her 107th birthday October 16 and was featured on the cover of both the Santa Monica Mirror and the Santa Monica Daily News. To Kristen Way and Ken Kolesar, who were married in Tennessee October 19. To LaToyia Wertz on the recent arrival of daughter Maddie, and to grandparents Jim Krause and Janet Krause. To Betty Cockerill, former First UMC member and treasurer, who will celebrate her 90th birthday on December 2. Betty is living near her daughter in St. Gregory, Utah. With Gratitude To Linda Diane Anderson, Margaret Gazey, Marilyn Hedges, Cindy McQuade, John and Robin Ramsdell, and Carol Reich for their assistance with Third World Gifts and Handarts annual sale of fair trade crafts in Simkins Hall October 12. The First UMC congregation generously raised $2, for this organization which benefits impoverished people around the world! (www. thirdworldgifts.org.) To Claudia Flanders for cleaning, repairing and ironing the acolyte and crucifer robes and vestments. To Janet Searfoss for keeping the Bride s Room, where the robes and vestments are stored, tidy and organized each week. Condolences We extend our deepest sympathies to the families and friends of these departed loved ones: Dave Patterson s mother Martha French Patterson, who died September 12. Jean Stapleton s brother Dick Stapleton, who died September 28. Thelma Victoria Vicki Salva, who died October 1. Louise Joanne Hammond, who died October 3. Linda Diane Anderson s mother Mary Christian Anderson, who died October 12. Updates For updates on Jeffrey Hughes, Jr., visit shutterfly.com. Aldersgate Christmas Party Aldersgate Retreat Center presents its annual Christmas Party and Silent Auction. Enjoy an evening filled with fine dining, fun and entertainment, featuring the Mark Twain Handbell Choir. Call Penny St. John at to reserve a space, or aldersgateretreat@hotmail.com. Saturday, December 2: 5-9:00 p.m., Aldersgate Retreat Center Poinsettias Beautiful poinsettias will once again grace our sanctuary for the Lessons & Carols Sunday service December 21. Order at the Sunday Hospitality Table or in the church office. Each plant is $12.

4 FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH of SANTA MONICA 1008 Eleventh Street Santa Monica, CA Church Office Hours: Tues - Fri, 9a.m. - 5 p.m. Chapel Open for Prayer: Mon - Fri, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. On the Website As the season of giving thanks draws near, why not pay it forward by giving our time? Check out the volunteer page to discover what is available to you through First UMC of Santa Monica. WORSHIP Sundays at 10:00 a.m. November 2 - All Saints Sunday Holy Communion Homily by Rev. Patricia Farris November 9 - Charge Conference Sermon by Rev. Patricia Farris November 16 - Consecration Sunday Sermon by Rev. Patricia Farris November 23 - Christ the King Sunday Sermon by Tricia Lindley November 30-1st Sunday of Advent Sermon by Rev. Patricia Farris Sundays At-A-Glance 8:45 a.m. Youth Handbell Choir Rehearsal, Choir Room 9 a.m. Lectionary Scripture Discussion, Fireside Room 9 a.m. Partnership with God Sunday School, Room 101 9:15 a.m. Youth Choir Rehearsal, Room 300 9:20 a.m. Children s Choir Rehearsal, Chapel 9:30 a.m. Nursery Care, Room :00 a.m. Worship, Sanctuary 10:10 a.m. Sunday School, Education Bldg. 11:00 a.m. Fellowship, Simkins Hall in The Shelby Center 6:15 p.m. UMYF, Youth Lounge

5 Missed It Last Month? Monthly Events at First UMC Missional Worship Gathering: 3rd Sunday of the month A simple, quiet, formal yet informal gathering, with a conversational sermon and a celebration of Holy Communion. All are welcome. 5 p.m. Simkins Hall. Health Ministry Council: 3rd Sunday of the month Free Blood Pressure Screenings, 11 a.m. Alcove. Book-of-the-Month Study & Potluck: 4th Sunday of the month Join Senior Pastor Rev. Patricia Farris for serious study and reflection on contemporary theological writing. 11 a.m. Fireside Room. Young Adult Check-in: 4th Sunday of the month 20/30 year olds meet in Gates Chapel after worship 11 a.m. Prayer Quilt Ministry: 3rd Saturday of the month You don t need to be a quilter or even know how to sew! 9:30 a.m. Room 300. For more information on any of the programs listed, come by the Sunday Hospitality Table or visit our website. Preschool Corner First UMC Financial Stewardship FAQs Why is my financial support of First UMC important? For the support of our ministries and mission, the financial giving from the congregation of close to $1 million annually is a key component in our planning. Happenings at First UMC Blessing of the Animals 2014 What is a pledge? A pledge is a commitment by you to give a stated amount to First UMC for the following year usually in monthly payments (or weekly or quarterly, if that works better for you). Why does the church prefer that I make a pledge rather than putting money in the plate each Sunday? Quite simply, First UMC can rely on your pledge as predictable income whether you are in worship that Sunday or not. This enables us to accurately budget for the coming year s expenses in all that we are called to do. What is an appropriate pledge? The amount of your pledge is between you and God. It is a Holy Habit of generosity that you cultivate over your lifetime. As a frame of reference, it may be helpful for you to know that in 2014, the average annual pledge was just over $3,500. What options are available for fulfilling my pledge? We welcome cash, checks, credit cards via our secure on-line website, automatic checking drafts, and gifts of appreciated stock. The church business office is happy to assist you with any of these options. When am I asked to pledge? This year, we will consecrate (make holy) our giving in worship on Consecration Sunday, November 16. Bring your completed pledge card to worship with you. You may also pledge at any time during the year. First UMC s Preschool held its first Movie Night to a packed crowd in Simkins Hall. Stay tuned for the next Movie Night coming soon! Why is this important to me? We believe and we belong! Generous giving opens our hearts to live in the awareness of the abundance of God s gifts lavished upon us. For more information about giving, please visit our website at: santamonicaumc.org/give. PRESCHOOL NOVEMBER EVENTS: 10 & 17 Speech and Language screening 11 Parent/Teacher Conference day 11 through 18 Preschool Book Fair The hours for the Fair are 8-9:30 a.m., 12-1:30 p.m. and 4-5:30p.m Fall Festival & Chili Cook-Off: 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Fun for the entire family! Preschool: d.rold@ santamonicaumc.org if interested in participating or to buy advance tickets. Make your best chili for the cook-off! 27 & 28 School closed in observance of Thanksgiving. Thanks to all who made this year s Blessing of the Animals a special event: Karen Hopkins (coordinator), Karen Furnas (refreshments), Joy Peterman (children s activities), photographer Allan Walker, staff members Shalimar Carducci and Tina Gage, and, of course, to all who attended!

6 Missed It Last Month? Monthly Events at First UMC Missional Worship Gathering: 3rd Sunday of the month A simple, quiet, formal yet informal gathering, with a conversational sermon and a celebration of Holy Communion. All are welcome. 5 p.m. Simkins Hall. Health Ministry Council: 3rd Sunday of the month Free Blood Pressure Screenings, 11 a.m. Alcove. Book-of-the-Month Study & Potluck: 4th Sunday of the month Join Senior Pastor Rev. Patricia Farris for serious study and reflection on contemporary theological writing. 11 a.m. Fireside Room. Young Adult Check-in: 4th Sunday of the month 20/30 year olds meet in Gates Chapel after worship 11 a.m. Prayer Quilt Ministry: 3rd Saturday of the month You don t need to be a quilter or even know how to sew! 9:30 a.m. Room 300. For more information on any of the programs listed, come by the Sunday Hospitality Table or visit our website. Preschool Corner First UMC Financial Stewardship FAQs Why is my financial support of First UMC important? For the support of our ministries and mission, the financial giving from the congregation of close to $1 million annually is a key component in our planning. Happenings at First UMC Blessing of the Animals 2014 What is a pledge? A pledge is a commitment by you to give a stated amount to First UMC for the following year usually in monthly payments (or weekly or quarterly, if that works better for you). Why does the church prefer that I make a pledge rather than putting money in the plate each Sunday? Quite simply, First UMC can rely on your pledge as predictable income whether you are in worship that Sunday or not. This enables us to accurately budget for the coming year s expenses in all that we are called to do. What is an appropriate pledge? The amount of your pledge is between you and God. It is a Holy Habit of generosity that you cultivate over your lifetime. As a frame of reference, it may be helpful for you to know that in 2014, the average annual pledge was just over $3,500. What options are available for fulfilling my pledge? We welcome cash, checks, credit cards via our secure on-line website, automatic checking drafts, and gifts of appreciated stock. The church business office is happy to assist you with any of these options. When am I asked to pledge? This year, we will consecrate (make holy) our giving in worship on Consecration Sunday, November 16. Bring your completed pledge card to worship with you. You may also pledge at any time during the year. First UMC s Preschool held its first Movie Night to a packed crowd in Simkins Hall. Stay tuned for the next Movie Night coming soon! Why is this important to me? We believe and we belong! Generous giving opens our hearts to live in the awareness of the abundance of God s gifts lavished upon us. For more information about giving, please visit our website at: santamonicaumc.org/give. PRESCHOOL NOVEMBER EVENTS: 10 & 17 Speech and Language screening 11 Parent/Teacher Conference day 11 through 18 Preschool Book Fair The hours for the Fair are 8-9:30 a.m., 12-1:30 p.m. and 4-5:30p.m Fall Festival & Chili Cook-Off: 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Fun for the entire family! Preschool: d.rold@ santamonicaumc.org if interested in participating or to buy advance tickets. Make your best chili for the cook-off! 27 & 28 School closed in observance of Thanksgiving. Thanks to all who made this year s Blessing of the Animals a special event: Karen Hopkins (coordinator), Karen Furnas (refreshments), Joy Peterman (children s activities), photographer Allan Walker, staff members Shalimar Carducci and Tina Gage, and, of course, to all who attended!