FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH of SANTA MONICA SENTINEL vol. cxxxix, no. 9 October 2014 Horizons Two special Sundays during the month of October will add richly to our exploration of Believing & Belonging Why Faith? Why Church? Our children will lead in worship on October 12 and our Laity on October 19. From a variety of perspectives, they will share what their faith means to them, what spiritual practices sustain them and bring life, and what it means to be part of a vibrant faith community such as ours. God has brought us all together to be the Body of Christ in this time and place. We are a wonderful mix of old-timers and new comers, of those who are cradle Methodists and those who are brand new to the adventure. What a rich and exciting time this is to be in community with one another and to be growing together in love of God and love of neighbor! Senior Minister Stewardship 2015 The annual giving stewardship campaign invites us each and all to prayerfully consider our financial pledge to support the mission and ministries of First UMC. Each of us who feels a sense of belonging in the fellowship that is First UMC is asked to do our part to support its life, ministries and mission. First UMC relies on the financial contributions of its members and friends to support our work the mission and ministry that we offer, day in and day out, that makes all the difference in our lives and touches the lives of so many beyond these walls. WE are First UMC and, like all faith communities, all that we do is in response to the benefits God pours out upon us. WE each need to do our part to undergird the work of the church. Make a pledge. Stretch what you think you can do. Step out in faith. Learn more at www.santamonicaumc.org or call the church office at 310-393-8258. Pledge cards will be mailed in October. Fill yours in and bring it to worship on Consecration Sunday November 16. 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.
October Calendar Sunday, October 5 - World Communion Sunday 9 a.m. American Red Cross Blood Drive, Simkins Hall 11 a.m. Guidance and Outreach Committee Council Mtg. Rm 203 2:50 p.m. Holy Rollers Softball, Memorial Park, Field 3 Friday, October 10 6 p.m. 7 Principles for Making Marriage Work Date Night, Rm 101 7 p.m. Shareingers Monthly Dinner, Fireside Room Saturday, October 11 9-11 a.m. Blessing of the Animals, Courtyard 1 p.m. United Methodist Women Game Day, Simkins Hall Sunday, October 12 - Children s Sabbath 11 a.m. Third World Handarts, Simkins Hall 2:50 p.m. Holy Rollers Softball, Memorial Park, Field 3 Saturday, October 18 9:30 a.m. Prayer Quilt Workparty, Room 300 Sunday, October 19 - Laity Sunday 11 a.m. Free Blood Pressure Screenings, Simkins Hall 2:50 p.m. Holy Rollers Softball, Memorial Park, Field 3 5 p.m. Missional Worship Gathering, Simkins Hall Wednesday, October 22 6 p.m. SPRC Meeting, Conference Room Friday, October 24 6 p.m. UMYF Halloween Overnighter, Youth Lounge Sunday, October 26 11 a.m. Book-of-the-Month Study/Potluck, Fireside Room 11 a.m. Young Adult Check-in, Chapel 2:50 p.m. Holy Rollers Softball, Memorial Park, Field 1 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 Blood Drive The Health Ministry Council is sponsoring an American Red Cross Community Blood Drive Sunday October 5, from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Sign up at the Sunday Hospitality Table or at the website: www.redcrossblood. org, and enter sponsor code FirstUMCSM. Don t miss this opportunity to help others! For more information about the Council, or to volunteer, contact Dorothy Williams (dorothywil@ gmail.com) or Debi Jenkinson Wong (debijwong@yahoo.com). Blood Drive: Sunday, October 5: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Simkins Hall Blood Drive poster by Dorothy Williams Date Night : 7 Principles for Making Marriage Work Come take advantage of the ministry that lets you reconnect with your spouse over an important marriage principle while on a date! Take part in a 15 minute briefing at the church starting at 6 p.m. sharp, then be on your way and leave the kids for a fun program with us as late as 9:30 p.m. The principle will be Let Your Partner Influence You. Please RSVP to Kurt Poland at k.poland@ santamonicaumc.org. Friday, October 10: 6 p.m. Room 101 Shareringer Fellowship Potluck All are invited to the Shareringer Fellowship Group potluck. Speakers Cindy Simon and Dorothy Miyake will tell about the group they started 4 years ago called Dollies Making A Difference, now sending dollies worldwide, bringing smiles to children, with the motto: To Give Is to Receive. So bring a salad, main dish, or dessert and share in our fellowship. Friday, October 10: 7 p.m. Fireside Room UMW Game Day Calling all players of Bridge, Mahjong, Scrabble and other games, the United Methodist Women invite everyone to their annual Game Day. Reserve a spot at the table for $12 per person. Coffee, tea and delicious pies donated by Marie Callender s will be served. Proceeds go to UMW mission projects. Contact Joy Williams to make your reservation: 310-476-9480 or jwilliams9832@ verizon.net. Saturday, October 11: 1 p.m., Simkins Hall in The Shelby Center Third World Handarts Blessing of the Animals All pets large and small and in-between are welcome to First UMC s 8th annual Blessing of the Animals. Come early at 9:30 a.m. for refreshments and children s activities. Blessings begin at 10 a.m. Please bring new pet food and supplies for the shelter animals. Pick up a commemorative bookmark and be sure to visit the photo booth. Saturday, October 11: 9:30 a.m., in the Courtyard; 10 a.m. Blessings On Sunday October 12 Missions Council and First UMC welcomes back Third World Handarts. After worship all are welcome to come and shop these wonderful artisan crafts in Simkins Hall in The Shelby Center. These unique and beautiful items are made by artists in third world countries and our patronage goes to support their trade and boost the local economy. It s a win-win! Sunday, October 12: 11 a.m., Simkins Hall in The Shelby Center
Community Congratulations To Dee Menzies, who was the recipient of a 2014 Inspirational Hero Award presented by the Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce September 11. Thank Yous A note of thanks fo the Prayer Chain Committee. I know I have been on the list for prayers for quite some time now and I give a big Thank You to all. After 16 months of cleaning and caring for the open wounds on the leg I had radiation on, they are finally starting to heal. I never give up on my journey of faith and believing in God s Love for me and those who are there for me. Many thanks again, - Ellen Wise Condolences We extend our deepest sympathies to the families and friends of these departed loved ones: Tom Kenny s brother Elliott Niles Kenny, who died August 19. Levon Fox s brother Broderick Crawford (Ricky) Fox, who died September 8. Carol Solverson s cousin Joanne Larson, who died August 29. Updates For updates on Jeffrey Hughes, Jr., visit www.jeffreyhughes. shutterfly.com. Available flower dates at press time: October 5 & 19. Please contact the church office to order flowers for one of these dates. Donations to the Sunday Flower Fund are especially welcome. Book-of-the-Month Study & Potluck Finding Our Way: Love and Law in The United Methodist Church, by Rueben Job and Neil Alexander. This month s book is a collection written by eight United Methodist bishops, addressing the questions and conflict around homosexual practice in the church. In this critical time of transformation and new life in our denomination, these essays are helpful in enabling us to listen to one another s views respectfully, as well as in pointing the way to some new options and directions. This is not a rehash of the old same debate, but a new and thoughtful attempt to be faithful in discerning the leading of the Spirit. 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, October 26: 11 a.m., Fireside Room Preparing an estate plan is good Christian stewardship saying thanks to God, expressing your love and concern for family, and showing charity toward others. Join the First UMC Legacy Circle. Contact: info@santamonicaumc.org LOOKING AHEAD NOVEMBER 2 Daylight Saving Time ends. 2 All Saints Sunday 9 Church Charge Conference 12 LA County Dept. of Public Health Flu Clinic, sponsored by Health Ministry Council. 14 & 15 United Methodist Women Christmas Boutique 16 Preschool Fall Festival: Family fun for all! 16 Missional Worship Gathering 16 Consecration Sunday 20, 21, 22 C.A.S.T. performs Disney s 101 Dalmations Kids. 30 Faith in Action Sunday: Sunday School children will work on a project for the community. DECEMBER 5, 6 C.A.S.T. performs The Best Christmas Pagaent Ever. 7 First UMC Music Concert 7, 14, 21 Alternative Christmas 12, 13 A.C.T. performs It s A Wonderful Life. 21 Lessons and Carols 24 Christmas Eve Services 28 Family Sunday: children remain in worship. Westside Food Bank Hunger Walk First UMC member Russ Whittenburg will be participating in the 24th Annual Westside Food Bank Hunger Walk. He is welcoming anyone to join him or sponsor his efforts to raise funds for this important cause. Go to the Westside Food Bank: www. westsidefoodbankca.org, click Hunger Walk - Registration - then Make a Donation and search for Russ. Sunday, October 26: 12 p.m. at Ocean View Park, 2701 Barnard Way in Santa Monica Remembering the Saints Sunday November 2 is All Saints Day, 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. Charge Conference Join First UMC for the annual Church Charge Conference after worship on 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 ministry and mission 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.
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 Do you love taking photos with your phone? First UMC has joined the world of Instagram; a fun and simple photo sharing platform available through your smart phone or tablet. Simply download Instagram, create an account, search @firstumcsantamonica then hit follow. Be sure to add the hashtag #firstumcsantamonica to the caption of your own posted photos and Voilà! you ve just shared it with the rest of the church community! Stay tuned for an upcoming First UMC Instagram Photo Exhibit! To learn more about Instagram visit: http://santamonicaumc.org/#/welcome/social-media WORSHIP Sundays at 10:00 a.m. October 5 - World Communion Sunday Homily by Rev. Patricia Farris October 12 - Children s Sabbath 4th Grade Bible Presentation Coordinated by Kurt Poland October 19 - Laity Sunday Coordinated by Michael Lamb, Lay Leader October 26-20th Sunday in Kingdomtide Sermon by Rev. Robert English 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 204 10:00 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
New Life for the First UMC Library The love of reading and study has long been a hallmark of life here at First UMC. We give thanks for all the saints who have supported and maintained our Library over the years, generation to generation. And now a new generation of children, from our own Sunday School families and Preschool, will find a brightly refurbished space for reading and small classes. Many of the Library s books have been relocated to allow easy access for those seeking reference works for discussion groups and sermon preparation. Historic works on Methodism have gone to the Library at the Claremont School of Theology where they can be properly maintained and preserved. Some books that were dated or damaged have been donated to the American Book Drive to benefit public school libraries in Santa Monica. The First UMC Library will remain a learning space - a place for all to meet, gather, reflect, read, and keep our children s library area a space for children. We will also keep congregational books of interest there with past Book Study books available for checkout. Drop in on Sunday mornings and enjoy a book! Missed It Last Month? Monthly Events at First UMC Missional Worship Gathering: 3rd Sunday of the month This alternative worship with Rev. Robert English continues with sermons and Holy Communion, 5 p.m. Simkins Hall. Happenings at First UMC Photos courtesy of Allan Walker 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 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. Welcome Claremont School of Theology Intern Tricia Lindley! 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. Fun and festivities at the Fall Kick-Off For more information on any of the programs listed, come by the Sunday Hospitality Table or visit our website. Ella Louie Baptism Preschool Corner Preschool Fall Festival Come join in on the annual Preschool Fall Festival! There will be music, games, a bounce house, and most importantly a chili cookoff. If you think your chili is a candidate for this year s winner, contact Kurt Poland at k.poland@santamonicaumc.org. It is sure to be an event full of fun, families, friends, and festivity. Sunday, November 16: 11:30 a.m. after worship. Youth Service Team Report-Back On Instagram @firstumcsantamonica OCTOBER EVENTS: 1 Ice Cream Social, 5:30 p.m. 17 First UMC Preschool Family Movie Night, 5:30 p.m. 31 Halloween Parade, 9 a.m. Blessing of the Backpacks Share your church photos using: #firstumcsantamonica
New Life for the First UMC Library The love of reading and study has long been a hallmark of life here at First UMC. We give thanks for all the saints who have supported and maintained our Library over the years, generation to generation. And now a new generation of children, from our own Sunday School families and Preschool, will find a brightly refurbished space for reading and small classes. Many of the Library s books have been relocated to allow easy access for those seeking reference works for discussion groups and sermon preparation. Historic works on Methodism have gone to the Library at the Claremont School of Theology where they can be properly maintained and preserved. Some books that were dated or damaged have been donated to the American Book Drive to benefit public school libraries in Santa Monica. The First UMC Library will remain a learning space - a place for all to meet, gather, reflect, read, and keep our children s library area a space for children. We will also keep congregational books of interest there with past Book Study books available for checkout. Drop in on Sunday mornings and enjoy a book! Missed It Last Month? Monthly Events at First UMC Missional Worship Gathering: 3rd Sunday of the month This alternative worship with Rev. Robert English continues with sermons and Holy Communion, 5 p.m. Simkins Hall. Happenings at First UMC Photos courtesy of Allan Walker 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 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. Welcome Claremont School of Theology Intern Tricia Lindley! 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. Fun and festivities at the Fall Kick-Off For more information on any of the programs listed, come by the Sunday Hospitality Table or visit our website. Ella Louie Baptism Preschool Corner Preschool Fall Festival Come join in on the annual Preschool Fall Festival! There will be music, games, a bounce house, and most importantly a chili cookoff. If you think your chili is a candidate for this year s winner, contact Kurt Poland at k.poland@santamonicaumc.org. It is sure to be an event full of fun, families, friends, and festivity. Sunday, November 16: 11:30 a.m. after worship. Youth Service Team Report-Back On Instagram @firstumcsantamonica OCTOBER EVENTS: 1 Ice Cream Social, 5:30 p.m. 17 First UMC Preschool Family Movie Night, 5:30 p.m. 31 Halloween Parade, 9 a.m. Blessing of the Backpacks Share your church photos using: #firstumcsantamonica