First United Methodist of Redondo Beach
Weekly News
July 30, 2015 
Sunday, August 2

Pastor Molly, preaching 

 

8:30am

in the Epworth Lounge

 

9:30am 

Adult Sunday School 
in Heath Chapel
     
10:30am

in the Sanctuary

   

Sunday's Sermon & Scripture:

Psalm 139

      
 
Simple Summer Dinner Church - Thursdays from 6-8pm, at the home of Rev. Nicole Reilley and Jeff Luther 
In This Issue
The Church office is regularly open from 9am - 4pm,
Monday to Thursday.
Adult Bible Study
 
The Pastor's Bible Study meets Thursdays at 11:00am in May Day Parlor.
_______________

Adult Sunday School:
Bible Study 
in Health Chapel
9:30-10:15am
The class is a Bible Study and discussion. Led by Helen Stockwell.

A Church That Responds to the Needs of the Community

Shared Bread  

Every Wednesday, with help from neighbor congregations and many volunteers, we host Shared Bread, a free meal for the community.

(Click the logo for more information.)

 

escrip
Groceries = 
$$$ for Church
Looking for an easy way to support our church? Now you can do your grocery shopping and the store will give a percentage back to FUMCRB! Click the image on the left to learn how you can sign up for this easy giving program.  Our Stewardship Team can  answer any questions! 
WANT TO STAY CURRENT ON
ANNUAL CONFERENCE NEWS? 

CLICK  THE IMAGE ON THE RIGHT TO LINK TO THE CAL-PAC WEBSITE.
________________________________ 
 
You may also visit the new website for the entire denomination of United Methodist Church here. 
Want to see photos of past church 
activities and events?

Check out our 
Do you have concerns, ideas or input about our church that you want to be heard?

You are welcome to reach out to our leaders!
You can contact our Pastor,  Molly Vetter.
 Our Staff-Parish Relations Committee, which is responsible for staff and pastoral oversight, is led by Darrell Uran.
Nina Dooley is the Chair of our Church Council.
Johnna Kosnoff is our Lay Leader.
United Methodist Communications: Communicating Faith for
75 Years


In 2015, United Methodist Communications celebrates its 75th year of telling the church's story, both within the church and to the world. 


Though it has evolved through many name and structural changes, the denomination's communication agency has initiated a very long list of "firsts" throughout its 75-year history.

 

Click thru here to see their interactive timeline and more about this special anniversary
BeachFaith Kids discuss their roles in the musical, during camp this week.
A Part to Play

This week has felt a little crazy in the church office: our BeachFaith Kids Theater Arts camp began, and the young people attending and helping out keeping our campus full of life. Plus, Ernie's taken some vacation... which always gives me a keener sense of appreciation for just how much he does around here. (My apologies for all the little details we've missed while he's away...) I'm grateful for volunteers who've helped out in the office, too.

It's been fun to listen to the voices of our children, learning songs and dances through the week. I love that there's a part for everyone in the show, from the 3-year olds up. 

I also love that there's a part to play in the life of the church for all the rest of us. In the big, public things, as well as the multitude of small details (like washing the towels for Shared Bread, preparing the bank deposit on Sundays, or calling on someone you haven't seen for a while). 

It's still summer, but my focus is also turned toward the fall, and we've already begun setting the stage for many good and meaningful things to come. During these long days, especially if you have some time to sit and relax (perhaps by the beach or a pool), I encourage you to consider and pray how it is that you might be called to use your gifts and your time in ministry. I know that big things can happen.

Grace and peace,

Pastor Molly
Contact Info
Pastor Molly Vetter
310-372-8445 x 102
Connecting the Dots: a sermon series i nspired by Disney's "101 Dalmatians," through August 9. 
In worship each Sunday at 8:30 and 10:30am.

Join us as we explore some big ideas, connected to this beloved movie (and its tiny puppies...).  Connect the dots as we look at Greed, Beauty, Community, Communication, Adoption and more.

This series is inspired by our BeachFaith Kids' Theatre Arts Camp and their production of "Disney's 101 Dalmatians Kids," on Sunday, August 9 after worship. During the series, we will have a special children's Sunday School class, connected to these same themes, during 10:30 worship.
Sign up for our Summer Mission Project     

Our BeachFaith Kids have been hosting LemonAid stands to raise money for Imagine No Malaria! Thanks to everyone who's been a part of this project.
 
YOU can still be a part of it, too!!!  Will you sign up HERE? 

We're making a difference. Read a recent update about the progress of the United Methodist Church's Imagine No Malaria campaign, and the impact it is making in sub-Saharan Africa.
Tonight: Final Simple Summer Dinner Church  
 
Simple Summer Dinner Church
Thursdays in July,  6-8pm
at the home of Rev. Nicole Reilley and Dr. Jeff Luther in RPV

I f you missed Sunday, if you have a friend you'd like to introduce to a new style of worship, if you are looking to connect in a different way through participation, community and sharing your thoughts and questions... 
Join us in a 5-week worship experiment this summer. Click thru to read more.

Though tonight is the final night of this summertime worship experiment, Simple Dinner Church will resume for a fall season: 5 weeks starting September 13!
Volunteer support / help needed: 
Theatre Arts camp continues next week!
  Support our awesome staff!
Did you know our BeachFaith Kids! Day camp is staffed primarily by Youth volunteers & our College Interns? We could use your help and support to make the rest of this two-week camp successful! Check out our sign up genius here to see what you can do to support our amazing team (including hosting a special lunch or snack, costuming, ticket sales, set construction, etc!)
 
YOU'RE INVITED:
Come see our  production of "Disney's 101
Dalmatians Kids"  on Sunday, Aug. 9t h at noon!
Tickets: $15 (includes lunch)
$5 children 10 and younger

On sale this Sunday at church 
Parking Reminder: If you are able, we encourage you to park at the Wells Fargo bank on Sunday mornings, and walk across the street, reserving the parking lot for those with mobility challenges or for new visitors.  We also have a bike rack on the patio, for those who choose to bike to church.  Thanks for your consideration.
August Class: Where did the Bible Come From?

Stephen is teaching a class on the history of the Bible August 9th and 16th. The class will focus on how ancient Greek, Hebrew & Aramaic texts get converted to the Bible in our pews! We'll also learn a little bit about how the books of the Bible got selected, and others rejected. 

When: August 9th and 16th, 9:30am

Where: Epworth Lounge

Mark your calendar for August 30--join us for an all-church breakfast and ministry fair as we "set the stage" for ministry this fall!

Come learn about the many, different ways we are in ministry together!

Ministry leaders: please make plans for hosting a table during the fair--we'll be sending a bit more information soon. Contact the church office for more info.
Lay Looker The Lay Looker, Bob Peterson  
a view from the pew from a longtime member of our church

 

Read Bob's recent Lay Looker columns on our website by clicking here.  

From the Lay Leader, Johnna Kosnoff  
bi-weekly thoughts and reflections from our church Lay Leader
worship, serving communion, Grace
What We Heard: 
Worship Questionnaire
Our Worship and Music Committee asked you to respond to a survey questionnaire at the beginning of June. We wanted to share what we heard, and affirm our commitment to continuing to offer meaningful worship for our intergenerational church community.

Our Church Council recently confirmed our current Sunday worship schedule, with a casual 8:30am service in Epworth Lounge, and a celebration worship in the sanctuary at 10:30.

You can read our detailed summary of questionnaire responses here; it will be shared this Sunday, too.
Recent donation harvested from Washington Elementary School's gardens (Beach Cities Health District program)
Shared Bread
is looking
for volunteers
to wash the dish towels they use every Wednesday. (It's usually about two loads worth.) Just pick them up Wednesday at 7:30pm or Thursday during office hours, launder them and return before the next Wednesday's meal. A laundry basket is provided. Go to our sign up genius page to view open dates.

Mid-Year Finance Update
As we enter the second half of the calendar and budget year, we are somewhat behind in contributions to the church. To date, our giving is about $21,000 under what we budgeted; currently, our expenses are also under budget, so our year-to-date deficit is just under $5,000.

Our Finance Committee has prepared a bit more detailed information, which is available here.

Our annual budget is around $500,000, and supports our wonderful staff, helps care for our facilities, and reaches out beyond our walls in mission. By clicking the link above, you can learn more about what ministries our budget supports, and some opportunities to give in support of our work together.
August 23:
Blessing of the Backpacks

Children--and students of all ages--are invited to bring the backpacks or school bags to worship on Sunday, August 23, for a special "Blessing of the Backpacks" as the new school year starts.
 
READERS FOR SUNDAY WORSHIP & Morning Snack Hosts
We are always looking for people who want to be a part of Sunday morning worship & fellowship.  If you would like to be liturgist at either the 8:30 or 10:30 service (or both) just click the following link.   On the same page, you may sign up to host morning snacks, too. It's a wonderful way to serve. (Details are on the sign up page.) You will receive email confirmation of the date and the office will email all the reading a couple days before.           SIGN UP HERE
 
The Baja Trip was Amazing!

Our Baja team of youth and adults is back from their week-long trip to work with Indigenous Migrants (and the organizations that help them) in Vicente Guerrero, Mexico. They shared some stories and reflections this past Sunday morning, and have some photos to share, as well. Thank you to everyone who supported this trip with funds and prayer!

COME CHEER ON OUR SOFTBALL TEAM!

  

07/26 @ 7:10pm vs Pitch Please
08/02 @ 6:00pm vs Superbad

at Wilson Park - Field #4 

2200 Crenshaw Bl, Torrance, CA 90501 map 

 

  "Like" their Facebook page to get game updates and see photos.

All-Circle Summer Potluck--
United Methodist Women
Thursday, August 20
Women of the church: Mark your calendars and make plans to join us for this summer's All-Circle Potluck, on August 20 in the evening. As always, it will be a fun evening together, and a wonderful opportunity to learn about missions in the church.
Book Club: September 3, 7pm
Book Club met on July 16 to discuss "The Well Women." With several new members, the club has selected as its next read, "Cry, the Beloved Country." Written by Alan Paton and published in 1948, this impassioned novel is the deeply moving story of a native pastor and his son, set against apartheid South Africa, a land and a people riven by racial injustice. Remarkable for its lyricism, unforgettable for character and incident, the book is a classic work of love and hope, courage and endurance, born of the dignity of man. The novel is available on Amazon. Next meeting is set for Thursday, September 3, at 7 pm, at church. All are welcome. For information, contact Ann Gallagher [email protected]
or Laura Thatcher [email protected] 

A Caring Community

Did you know that we have a ministry that organizes meals and other assistance for church folks in times of need? In the past, we've helped arrange rides to medical appointments, meals for people recovering from surgery, and more. Leila Grantz coordinates this ministry, using online sign-up tools. If you want to be a part of the group that she emails when there is an opportunity to help, or if you know someone who's in need of a little help, please contact the church office or Leila. 

Save the Date...

First UMC Redondo Beach
Women's Spiritual Weekend Retreat

February 5 - 7, 2016
La Casa de Maria 
Santa Barbara, California

We will learn about leading a simple, beautiful and amazing life.

Our four sessions will include:

Expectation Be Gone! Are We Happy Yet?

Pause for Peace and Living a Simple Life, Home and Faith.

Come and be refreshed!

Leader: Rev Nicole Reilley

 

Total Cost: $275 (for two nights, six meals, program)

Limited space available - reserve your spot TODAY!

($100 non-refundable deposit required to reserve your spot)

 

Questions? Contact any of the following:  

Peggy Mercer -  [email protected] 

Eloise Elder - [email protected]

Rebecca Thomas - [email protected]

Susanne Paulson - [email protected]

prayers and squares

Prayer Quilt Ministry:

Dyeing Workshop

Friday, August 28, 10am-noon

 

For our August prayer quilt meeting, Pastor Molly will lead us in a fabric dyeing workshop.

 

If you wish, bring 100% cotton white fabric or a white piece of clothing to dye. Please pre-wash your fabric. More details will follow. If you do not want to dye something of your own, you can help dye some fabric to use as quilt backs.


 

New people are always welcome--no experience necessary.

Altar Flowers 2015
Would you like to purchase altar flowers for the sanctuary for Sunday worship?  It's easy!  Just click this link and fill out the order form.  
Cost: $45

Community Events and Other Opportunities:

click these headings for links for more information

 

Riviera UMC's Rejoice in Art! Fine Art Fair and Exhibition: October 16 & 17, 2015
 (show continues thru Oct 30)
California-based artists are invited to enter the juried show "An Ocean View." 
Deadline to enter is August 19. Click here for more info
 
West District Training Conference: for Current and Emerging Leaders   February 6, 2016, 8am - 2pm; Location TBD Click here for more info

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This Week at Church...
 
BeachFaith Kids Theater Arts Camp: July 27 - August 7 (performance on August 9)

                                                                                   
 
Nursery (6 weeks+):
The Nursery is open during both services, for ages 6 weeks to 6 yrs old. (Three year olds and older attend Sunday School.) Located right off of the parking lot across Epworth Lounge. Any questions email the Nursery Coordinator:  Adriana Hwang
 
Children's Ministry (age 3 - 3rd Grade & Church R Us: grades 4-5) :
10:30am: Our "Connecting the Dots" Sunday School Series continues this Sunday! We will be exploring themes from 101 Dalmatians- EVERYONE is welcome (You don't have to be attending our upcoming Theatre Arts camp). This week we'll talk about how the Dearlys refused to sell their puppies to Cruella, because they were worth more than money. 
-Psalm 139, about the sacred worth of all God's children
The kids from BeachFaith Kids Theatre Arts Camp will sing during 10:30 worship, too!!

Youth Group (6th-12th grade): 
-Youth Group on Sunday (Aug 2nd, 3-5pm)!
-Don't forget Dodger Day August 14th!
 
For more info on upcoming youth events, check our website!

Men's Breakfast: Our next breakfast is Monday, August 3, at 7AM Coco's Restaurant, 18120 Hawthorne Blvd. (Hawthorne and 182nd)    All men of the church and their friends are welcome to join us for fellowship.

20/30 group: This young adult group is a casual gathering of people intheir 20's and 30's looking to connect with other young adults who attend the same church. Contact  Amanda Kuczun  for info o n upcoming events!
First United Methodist Church of Redondo Beach
310-372-8445 main   310-372-5696 fax
Reverend Molly Vetter, Lead & Teaching Pastor [email protected] 
Ernie Valenzuela, Administrative Assistant  x101   [email protected]