Of the La Mesa First United Methodist Church

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Of the La Mesa First United Methodist Church Volume 66, Number 03 April/May 2019 The Journey continues. We are currently in the middle of the Lenten season heading towards Easter.

It is a sacred walk that helps us strengthen our faith. But that sacredness of the season does not seem to make a difference when it comes to church attendance on Sunday mornings.

1 Of the La Mesa First United Methodist Church Volume 66, Number 03 April/May 2019 The Journey continues. We are currently in the middle of the Lenten season heading towards Easter. It is an important time of year as we hone our spiritual disciplines and follow Jesus to the cross, all the while with full hope that resurrection awaits at the end of the journey. It is a sacred walk that helps us strengthen our faith. But that sacredness of the season does not seem to make a difference when it comes to church attendance on Sunday mornings. For years, the church has seen a gradual decline, both in terms of attendance and membership. The decision from the Special General Conference has not helped with many members expressing disappointment and even questioning their commitment to the church. But the fact remains that when you come on Sunday mornings, there seems to be a lot of empty pews. Over the years, I have attended numerous meetings and seminars, hoping to address this issue. There are many theories and excuses as to why this has been the trend for the past several decades. Some have blamed the rise of online worship services, where you don t have to get out of bed on Sunday mornings but simply tune into a worship service of your choice that broadcasts over the internet. This isn t a new challenge; there has always been TV evangelists providing entertainment on the set and eager to collect your offering. But the competition of Sunday mornings goes beyond other worship offerings. Sundays are no longer sacred where other organizations have respected that time for worship. Children s sporting events, weekend trips, and the NFL have all intruded upon this time slot. In addition to all these options, we now live in a world where everything in life feels overwhelming. There are demands from work, school, and social events; and if you are sleep deprived from being overworked during the week, the temptation to sleep in on Sunday mornings is just too enticing. Sunday Worship April 7: Fifth Sunday of Lent Luke 7:36-50 Sermon: Walking with Jesus - Love for the Outcasts Holy Communion April 14: Palm Sunday Luke 19:28-40 Sermon: Walking with Jesus - In the Garden April 21: Easter Sunday John 20:19-28 Sermon: Our Defining Story April 28: Second Sunday of Easter Luke 8:26-39 Sermon: Second Chance - Living Past Desolation May 5: Third Sunday of Easter Guest Preacher Holy Communion May 12: Fourth Sunday of Easter Mother s Day UMW Sunday Matthew 15:21-28 Sermon: All Children s Lives Matter Guest Preacher Sharon Whitehurst-Payne May 19: Fifth Sunday of Easter Mark 10:17-31 Sermon: Second Chance - Living Past Rejection May 26: Sixth Sunday of Easter John 8:1-11 Sermon: Second Chance - Living Past Infidelity All this is to say, we live in a world with many demands and going to church on Sunday mornings is a choice that we make. As one writer noted, many people weigh the return on investment of their time spent. So the question to ask is, Is going to church worth it? Continued on page 2 1

Pastor s Article Continued from Page 1 And for the many who have gone to church because they liked the preacher, or the fun youth activities, or the social events, there will always be options other

2 Pastor s Article Continued from Page 1 And for the many who have gone to church because they liked the preacher, or the fun youth activities, or the social events, there will always be options other than church that will pull you away. Even being involved with social justice and community service, you can find other organizations more active than being part of a church. So why go to church? Why be part of a faith community? The answer is Jesus. The one thing that you can only find in church is a relationship with Christ. It s where the community of faith strives to reflect the life and teachings of Jesus. And even though we re imperfect at emulating Jesus, it is a place where we know we are accepted with our imperfections. So as we continue in our Lenten journey, let us be part of Christ s body in the church and work towards living out his love and grace to all. See you at church! FELLOWSHIP DINNER FUNDRAISER at DAVID SHAW S HOUSE Join us on Monday, April 8 th, at 5:30 PM at the home of David Shaw, 9902 Alto Dr., La Mesa. Street tacos, beverages, and the NCAA men s basketball national championship game (for those that want to watch) will all be on tap for this evening of fellowship, food, and fun! 100% of each person s $25 donation will go directly to support the ministries of La Mesa First United Methodist Church. Children 12 and under are welcome FREE. Join us for this opportunity to share a great meal and socialize with friends, old and new! RSVP by March 31 to David Shaw at shawde@cox.net, or Blessings, Pastor Elbert Music Notes March What s going on in the music department? We have recovered from a wonderful and busy Christmas season and are now immersed in Lenten and Easter music. Look for several guest performers from our congregation to provide music for the Offertory in the next several weeks. Thank you to Jeanie & Dan O Dell, Eric Dewey-Hoffman, Derek Wilton, Paul Rosas and Brian Alba for sharing their gifts of music with all of us. Good Friday We are preparing for another meaningful service on Friday, April 19 th at 7:00 pm. We hope you will join us as we share music from Whispers of the Passion by Joseph Martin incorporated into our Good Friday Worship Service. This evening always proves to be moving, spiritual and poignant as we enter the last days of the Lenten Season. Easter Sunday This is always a favorite Sunday for us. We put away the Lenten music and pull out all of the stops with a Brass Quartet and jubilant Easter anthems. With flowers throughout the Sanctuary and the beautiful flower cross illuminating the altar, the church could not be more beautiful. Please bring your family and friends to celebrate this joyous occasion. Stephanie Draper will be traveling in Switzerland for a couple of weeks visiting relatives including her aunts and her 3-year-old cousin! They will be seeing Zurich, Interlaken, and Gruyeres. Have fun Stephanie and Brent! Our Fiery Spirits will be on vacation for the 2 Sundays she is gone and will return on March 31 st to continue rehearsing their special music for Palm Sunday and Mother s Day! New Face in the Choir Loft Lucinda Rasmussen started singing in choirs only 5 years ago when she started attending Santee UMC and joined the Joyful Voices Choir. Last August, unexpected foundation problems in the house she and her husband Derek had lived in for 23 years forced them to move. After looking at over 20 homes all over East County, they found their home on Campo Road, only 1.5 miles away from La Mesa First UMC! Lucinda officially transferred membership in January and joined our Chancel Choir. Lucinda is an Associate Professor of Social Work at San Diego State University, where she has taught for 23 years. She loves her work and says she never wants to retire! Lucinda grew up in a small town in Idaho near Yellowstone Park and has been married to her husband, Derek, for 44 years. They have two dogs Danny Boy, a little terrier-mix Lucinda found at the Sweetwater shelter, and Boo, an English bulldog. We are sad for Santee to lose her, but happy for us to gain another great church and choir member! Jill 2

How much longer will it take? That has been the question on many minds as we walk into church on Sunday. The scaffolding will be around a bit longer. Hopefully, they will be done right before Easter.

How great will it be to see our steeple back just in time for Easter! When will the solar be installed? Another question that has been on the minds of our congregation.

What I can tell you is the process to add solar to a commercial building is nothing short of pushing a 1000-pound boulder up a two-mile hill!

I do know that we are at the end of the long process of paperwork and scheduling is commencing. I feel comfortable to say that Easter might have three miracles this year!

3 How much longer will it take? That has been the question on many minds as we walk into church on Sunday. The scaffolding will be around a bit longer. Hopefully, they will be done right before Easter. Think of it as our own Lenten burden knowing that in a few more weeks, Christ will lift all of our burdens as he rises on Easter morning. How great will it be to see our steeple back just in time for Easter! When will the solar be installed? Another question that has been on the minds of our congregation. In fact, it has been on my mind constantly for some time now. The answer is I don t know. What I can tell you is the process to add solar to a commercial building is nothing short of pushing a 1000-pound boulder up a two-mile hill! The city, SDG&E, roofing company, the finance company, everyone wants their interest covered. Trying to bring them all to the table together has been a scheduling nightmare. I do know that we are at the end of the long process of paperwork and scheduling is commencing. I feel comfortable to say that Easter might have three miracles this year! What is going on with the downstairs? Most recently, during our last round of rains, we sucked up around 60 gallons of water! We have a quote to repair the leaks, $171, or add sumps to divert the current leaks in two of the places $ The trustees are waiting for the rainy season to end. What a strange statement for Southern CA! Once the weather breaks, we are going to schedule some less expensive alternatives to seal up some key areas and see how that holds back the rains. If you want to be a part of the Stop The Leaks team, contact Rich richmellor@cox.net. Have you been in the Fireside Room lately? If you haven t, you need to go take a look for yourself. The Children s Center has been very busy making our facility amazing! That s all I am saying. Take a walk and be amazed! Spring is just about ready to peek its head out for 2019! Along with spring comes new growth, flowers, and of course weeds. We have an amazing gardener maintaining our property. They only come once a month so if you happen to see a weed, feel free to pull it out and throw it in a trashcan. It takes all of us to care for the facility. Palm Sunday - April 14 at 8:30 and 10:30 am Palm Sunday commemorates the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem and begins the series of observances focusing on the events of Holy Week. Good Friday Choral Service On Friday, April 19th at 7 pm, we will share music from Whispers of the Passion by Joseph Martin. As Lenten shadows fall, please join us and loose yourself in the music and scripture of grace. Children s Easter Event - Saturday, April 20 This will be a fun filled event of crafts, games, and the Easter story. Look for more information to come in the bulletin. Easter Sunday - April 21 at 8:30 and 10:30 am The day in the Christian calendar that celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Join us to celebrate this most important day. For the past 10 years Mary Lou Phillips has been the kitchens compliance officer for La Mesa First UMC. She has worked tirelessly to maintain the equipment and keep us safe. Her level of excellence was reflected in the numerous surprise inspections that resulted in a score of 100 and kept the kitchen at an A rating. With sincere appreciation, we thank Mary Lou for her years of dedication and service. Trustees Saturday, May 18 12:00 2:00 pm in the Social Hall 3

4 April 2019 Calendar Monday April 1 Wednesday April 3 1:00 pm Faith Circle, SH 6:00 pm Interfaith Shelter Wrap-Up, FS Thursday April 4 Sunday April 7 Monday April 8 11:00 am Caring Ministries Committee, GR 5:30 pm Fellowship Dinner at Dave Shaw s Tuesday April 9 5:00 pm Trustees, GR 5:30 pm CC Family Fun Night, FS Wednesday April 10 Thursday April 11 Sunday April 14 Palm Sunday Blood Pressure Check, SH 11:30 am Second Sunday Potluck, SH Monday April 15 3:30 pm Finance Committee, WR 6:30 pm Outreach Committee, WR Tuesday April 16 9:00 am Children s Center Chapel, S Wednesday April 17 9:00 am Children s Center Chapel, S 1 Thursday April 18 Friday April 19 9:30 am Prayers and Squares, LL-29 7:00 pm Good Friday Services, S Saturday April 20 TBD Easter Kids Event Sunday April 21 Easter 9:30 am Easter Egg Hunt, FS Monday April 22 5:30 pm CC Advisory Board, EB-1 Tuesday April 23 Wednesday April 24 1 Thursday April 25 5:30 pm SPRC, WR Saturday April 27 9:00 am Fresh Start, S Sunday April 28 12:00 pm Men s Group, GR 4:00 pm Youth Group, OS Monday April 29 Tuesday April 30 6:30 pm Church Council, GR FS-Fireside, GR-Garner Room, WR-Wesley Room, SH-Social Hall, S-Sanctuary, EO-Elbert s Office, OS-Off Site, PL-Parking Lot LL-Lower Level of Sanctuary Holding in Prayer Dale & Carol Conger-Cross Caroline Saunders Kimberly Wilton Eric Munro RK Kelley The Knowlton Family Phil & Julie Dreylinger David Goff Leonard Meserole Dona Steffe Elizabeth Larkin Children s Center Staff 4

5 May 2019 Calendar Wednesday May 1 1:00 pm Faith Circle, SH Thursday May 2 Sunday May 5 Monday May 6 12:00 pm UMW Days for Girls, LL Tuesday May 7 Thursday May 9 Sunday May 12 Mother s Day 9:30 am Blood Pressure Check, SH Children s Choir Rehearsal, EB-11 11:30 am Second Sunday Potluck, SH Monday May 13 11:00 am Caring Ministries Committee, GR 12:00 pm UMW Days for Girls, LL Tuesday May 14 6:00 m Trustees, GR Wednesday May 15 Thursday May 16 Friday May 17 9:30 am Prayers & Squares, LL 29 Saturday May 18 12:00 pm UMW Mother s Day Tea, SH Sunday May 19 4:00 pm Youth Group, OS Monday May 20 12:00 pm UMW Days for Girls, LL 3:30 pm Finance Committee, WR 5:30 pm CC Advisory Council Meeting, EB-1 6:30 pm Community Outreach, WR Tuesday May 21 9:00 am Children s Center Chapel, S Wednesday May 22 9:00 am Children s Center Chapel, S Thursday May 23 5:30 pm SPRC, WR Saturday May 25 9:00 am Fresh Start Breakfast, SH Sunday May 26 9:30 am Children s Choir Rehearsal, EB11 12:00 pm Men s Group, GR Monday May 27 Memorial Day Office Closed TBD Prayer Group, GR TBD UMW Days for Girls, LL Tuesday May 28 6:30 pm Church Council, GR Wednesday May 29 Thursday May 30 FS-Fireside, GR-Garner Room, WR-Wesley Room, SH-Social Hall, S-Sanctuary, EO-Elbert s Office, OS-Off Site, PL-Parking Lot LL-Lower Level of Sanctuary Office Hours: Monday-Thursday, 9 am - 1 pm We are closed on Friday. Mirror Deadline for next issue: Wednesday, May 15, 2019 The Mirror is now a bi-monthly publication. The May deadline is for the months of June and July Please plan accordingly. 5

Worship Wise continued book, dismiss whatever insults your own soul, and your very flesh shall be a great poem. May the joy and hope of Easter be with each of you.

Instead of eggs, though, an elephant entered in the form of the voting results at the Special Conference in St. Louis and you really can t just ignore the elephant sitting in the room.

There will be a formal judicial review of the Traditional Plan, which won a majority position in voting, later in February. The results could effect significant changes in the plan.

6 Worship Wise continued book, dismiss whatever insults your own soul, and your very flesh shall be a great poem. May the joy and hope of Easter be with each of you. Worship-Wise The topic was to have been Easter Eggs. A nice, light, easy symbolic subject for this Spring issue of The Mirror. A little, non-caloric treat as we approach the end of Lent. Instead of eggs, though, an elephant entered in the form of the voting results at the Special Conference in St. Louis and you really can t just ignore the elephant sitting in the room. So the eggs, like Humpty-Dumpty, fell off the wall. At the time of this writing the United Methodist Church could be considered in disarray over issues of human sexuality. There will be a formal judicial review of the Traditional Plan, which won a majority position in voting, later in February. The results could effect significant changes in the plan. Annual Conferences in June will surely take up discussion about what it all means and just what is next. Some church members, probably on both sides of this issue, are questioning whether to stay or go. Much is unsettled and unsettling and the way forward remains elusive. This, then, is a really good time to remember that God has the patience of eons with our unruly selves. I am reminded of a line from a song by Dan Bern: God said time, time belongs to me. Time s my secret weapon, my final advantage. And knowing that the promise given to us by the Lamb of God will still come, on time, at Easter regardless of our struggles. Which does allow me to point out the symbol of eggs being an ancient sign of hope and new life. So while the UMC sorts itself, perhaps following Walt Whitman s suggestions from The Leaves of Grass would be a good way forward for the time being: This is what you shall do: love the earth and sun and the animals, despise riches, give alms to every one that asks, stand up for the stupid and crazy, devote your income and labor to others, hate tyrants, argue not concerning God, have patience and indulgence toward the people, take off your hat to nothing known or unknown or to any man or number of men, go freely with powerful uneducated persons and with the young and with the mothers of families, read these leaves in the open air every season on every year of your life, re-examine all you have been told at school or church or in any Continued A bi-monthly offering from the Worship & Arts Committee addressing seasonal events, information, and other miscellany of the Christian Year Caring Ministry Time for Prayer Members of Caring Ministries provide an opportunity for personal prayer on the 4 th Sunday of every month. Our Time for Prayer dates are April 28 th and May 26 th in the Sanctuary at the end of 10:30 Service. Sunday Morning Book Group We meet Sundays in the Wesley Room, at the back of the Sanctuary after Second Service, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The Sunday Morning Book Group is combining our love of reading and our love of movies with God in the Movies: A Guide for Exploring Four Decades of Film, by Barsotti, Johnston & Winter. "Spirituality in movies? You bet! With their book God in the Movies, Catherine M. Barsotti and Robert K. Johnston present a host of insightful essays. Each gives us eyes to see the subtle but powerful nuggets of spiritual wisdom tucked into mainstream Hollywood films. You've seen most of these movies; now take a second look. You'll be amazed at what you'll find!" David C. McFadzean, writer, producer, partner, Wind Dancer Films (Bernie and TV's Home Improvement) Eric Dewey-Hoffman 6

Finance Fundraising Update: Our annual rummage sale held on 2/9 brought in $4,119.00. Many, many thanks to all that participated both great and small, especially Cathy, Nancy, and Kimberly.

Please see separate article for vital information regarding this very fun event! Linda Mucha will be hosting a fellowship dinner fundraiser at her home on June 17 beginning at 5:30 pm.

4481 or 4rmjp@cox.net. We would like to welcome our new kitchen compliance officer, Samantha Mellor. Sam comes to us with years of experience as a bakery manager for Nothing Bunt Cakes.

7 Finance Fundraising Update: Our annual rummage sale held on 2/9 brought in $4, Many, many thanks to all that participated both great and small, especially Cathy, Nancy, and Kimberly. On February 28, we had a great time at Himalayan Cuisine with 35 in attendance. Much fun was had by all and the dinner was delicious! Dave Shaw s fellowship/fundraiser will be at his home is April 8. Please see separate article for vital information regarding this very fun event! Linda Mucha will be hosting a fellowship dinner fundraiser at her home on June 17 beginning at 5:30 pm. More information to follow. If you hare interested in being a part of the finance committee or have ideas on fundraising for our Church s programs, please contact Muriel Mellor at or 4rmjp@cox.net. We would like to welcome our new kitchen compliance officer, Samantha Mellor. Sam comes to us with years of experience as a bakery manager for Nothing Bunt Cakes. We are so pleased to benefit from the experience she brings with her to this position. April BIRTHDAYS Ada Ginger Knapp (96) 02 Leonard Meserole (96) 02 Esther Brasmer 09 Omar De Los Reyes 14 Barbara Macci 18 Barry Tarvin 18 Jan Burt 20 Dona Shaw 22 Alexander Kramer 23 Lois Knowlton 24 Linda Horrell 25 Elizabeth Larkin 26 Kathy Haase 30 May BIRTHDAYS Noah Woodworth 05 Rosalie Weas 06 David Rege 07 Phil Dreylinger 10 Stephanie Draper 12 Genevieve Grant (98) 13 Roger Knowlton 13 Bill Shaw 16 Jorge Pacheco 18 Mary Lou Moore 24 Beverlyee Mugg 27 Eric Odendahl 28 Caroline Saunders (93) 29 Online Giving Simplify your giving to the church by setting up automatic payments either through credit card or electronic fund transfer. Setup your profile and automatic payments and don t worry about bringing your checkbooks anymore. Go to our church website at: and click on the upper right hand corner on the Giving tab. Church Staff Rev. Dr. Elbert Kim, Senior Pastor Ekim@lamesaumc.com Ray Swavely, Director of Youth Ministries Ray@lamesaumc.com Robin McKinney, Children s Center Director LMUMCC@gmail.com Tina Piccolo, Church Administrator Tina@lamesaumc.com Esther Brasmer, Finance Secretary Esther@lamesaumc.com Jill Coady, Director of Music Ministries Jill@lamesaumc.com Stephanie Draper, Fiery Spirit Choir Director Stephanie@lamesaumc.com Bill Haworth Organist/Accompanist Eric Dewey-Hoffman Lay Leader Debbie Millican/Suzanne Simon (Miss. Sue) Childcare/Nursery Stephanie Westgate Sunday Custodian 7

THE METHODIST MIRROR is published by the First United Methodist Church of La Mesa, 4690 Palm Avenue, La Mesa, CA 91941-5595.

8 THE METHODIST MIRROR is published by the First United Methodist Church of La Mesa, 4690 Palm Avenue, La Mesa, CA METHODIST MIRROR 4690 Palm Avenue, La Mesa, CA (619) RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED Easter Sunday, April 9:45 am Fireside Park Multiple age groups. Please bring your baskets! 8

Of the La Mesa First United Methodist Church

Of the La Mesa First United Methodist Church Volume 64, Number 12 December 2017 The month of December seems to be a busy time for everyone. There are numerous parties to attend, last minute shopping to