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Wednesday, September 25, 2013
 
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Jessica Strysko - 2013
Pastor
Jessica Strysko
On Purpose      
September 29 is Social Action and Justice Sunday, a day when we celebrate local missions in the life of our congregation and community. One of the foundational ways we live out our faith is through service, loving our neighbors as an outpouring of our love for God. James was clear about this when he wrote, "be doers of the word, and not merely hearers" (James 1:22). For Christians, every good work and act of justice is a response to the love that God has shown to us through Jesus.

 

As we think about how to put our faith into action, our sermon series Life. Fulfilled. continues, and focuses on how we move from lack of purpose to purpose. When have you felt that your life had a God-given purpose? What was it? How did you find out that you were called in that way?  

 

When our lives lack purpose, we feel empty, hopeless, bored, apathetic. It is hard to find meaning in day-to-day activities, relationships, or the ups and downs of life when we do not feel a sense of purpose. Just the opposite when we know with certainty that our lives have purpose. Purpose is a blessing to us, and allows us to live into the abundant life Christ offers. 

 

I'm looking forward to worshiping God together with you on Sunday, and celebrating the purpose-filled lives to which we are called.


Blessings,
Jessica

Worship WORSHIP

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2013
VESPER COMMUNION | 5:30 PM | Sanctuary | Rev. Greg LaDue
Music for Meditation begins at 5:15 | Free childcare by RSVP - Reserve here
Wednesday Night Dinner & Study
6 PM dinner, sign-up info | 6:45-8:15 PM | Linder Hall | Classes ...
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2013

 James 1:19-27  |  Life. Fulfilled. Lack of Purpose -> Purpose  |  Daily Devotional
TRADITIONAL  8 ~ 9:30 ~ 11 | Sanctuary | Social Action & Justice Sunday| Rev. Jessica Strysko
NON-TRADITIONAL
Water's Edge | 9:30 | The Cove, United Methodist Center | Rev. Elbert Kim | Band
CHILDREN'S SUNDAY SCHOOL | 9:20 | Meet in Trotter Chapel
The children meet in the Chapel at 9:20 and are escorted to their Sunday School classrooms.
Pick-up is in the amphitheater at 10:30. Read Pastor Jessica's weekly message
CHAPEL COMMUNION | 10:40 | Trotter Chapel
 wednesdayWEDNESDAY!
Vespers
M O R N I N G
10:30 AM - Pastor's Bible Study | Linder Lounge  
E V E N I N G
5:15 PM - Vespers Sanctuary | Music for meditation | Communion 
6 PM - Dinner ($6)  Linder Hall | RSVP to the office 619-297-4366 by Mon.
6 PM - Alpha Launch Party | Linder Lounge
6:30 PM - Shaping Your Family's Future | Linder Hall 2
6:45 PM - Pastor's Bible Study | Linder Hall
6:45 PM - Hymn Class and Sing-Along | Sutherland Family Music Center 
SAandJSA&J 
Social Action & Justice Sunday, September 29  Social Action & Justice
Visit our Faith in Action Fair on this Sunday, 9 AM - 12:30 PM, to learn about new volunteer opportunities: mentoring, tutoring, and other outreach projects. We will have information about volunteer opportunities: Everyone A Reader, Shoes that Fit, Caring for our Neighbors, Interfaith Shelter, AIDS Ministry, Neighborhood Meal, Teen Moms Life Skills Conference, and more. We'll have some of our Community Partner Agencies here to talk about our partnerships with these organizations and volunteer opportunities: International Rescue Committee, METRO, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Monarch School, CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate), and Girls on the Run.
classCLASSES
College Application Seminar for Students and Parents
This Sunday, September 29 | 11 AM - 12 PM | Linder Lounge

Applying to colleges? Become familiar with the process and what is required by colleges. Students: what do you need to know about the SATs and ACTs? What do colleges look for in applications? Parents: how can you be supportive of your child applying? Grace Kim (pastor Elbert's wife) will explain how students and parents can successfully navigate the college application process. Currently teaching AP Chemistry at Coronado High School, Grace has tutored and guided students applying to colleges for the past 15 years. Come and learn what it takes to successfully apply. For more information, Elbert Kim.

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Financial Peace University Returns: Preview 10/6
PREVIEW: Sunday, Oct. 6 | 10:45 AM and 12 PM | Linder Lounge
CLASS STARTS: Wednesday, Oct. 16 | 6:45-8:15 PM | Linder Lounge

By the end of each month, are you struggling with your finances? Financial Peace University can help you manage your money and have fun doing it!

Interested? Please join us Sunday, October 6, for two special Previews explaining the course. Then, join us for the next class of Financial Peace University, beginning October 16. Read more here ... 

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Sowing for the Future Harvest
Sunday, October 6 | 11 AM - 12 PM | Linder Lounge | Refreshments

Don't miss this opportunity to consider the Scripture's call to stewardship and the planned giving tools available to help you achieve this goal. Planned giving tools that provide the donor with lifetime income will be included.

 

The Endowment Development Committee invites you to join the Rev. Greg Batson, President/CEO of the California-Pacific United Methodist Foundation, as he introduces: Wills/Bequests, IRA Charitable Rollovers, Charitable Gift Annuities, and

Charitable Remainder Trusts. There will be time to visit with Rev. Batson following his presentation. RSVP here ...   
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NEW: DivorceCare Support Group
Sundays, October 27 - January 19 | 11 AM - 12:30 PM | Linder Hall 5
DivorceCare� is a support group for people who are going through, or have gone through divorce. Each meeting will begin with a 30-40 minute video covering that week's topic. Afterwards, the video will be discussed, and we'll talk about what is going on in each other's lives. Although participation is encouraged and appreciated, it is never required. The cost is $15 which covers the cost of the workbook. For more information about the meetings, visit www.divorcecare.org/about.
MissionMISSION
Sandy Damage
First Church Volunteers Join NY-Sandy Relief Mission Team
District Big Band Jazz Fundraiser: Monday, Sept. 30, 7-8 PM | Linder Hall
Tickets ($10/adult, $5/child) at the door or on sale Sunday, Sept. 29
The South District UMC New York - Sandy Relief Mission Team departs October 5 for a week-long work trip helping communities affected by hurricane Sandy. First Church Team members include: Marjory Clyne, Brooke Collins, Kurt Dahlvig and Jeremy Silva. Please keep these and the 16 other volunteers in your prayers. Each team member has paid a portion of the trip cost. To help defray costs, all are invited to hear Rey Vinole's Big Band and sample hors d'oeurves and desserts, $10/adult, $5/child, more info here ...  For trip details, read here ...
UMCOR Colorado Flood Relief
A First Church online donation site has been activated in response to the call by UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief) for prayer and donations to aid those in the Rocky Mountain Conference who have been affected by flooding in Colorado. 100% of donations are directed toward disaster relief. Donate here ...
MusicMUSIC
Ron Banks Vocalist Ron Banks Headlines September 29 Pops Concert
This Sunday, September 29 | 7 PM | Linder Hall
The Cultural Events Committee's fall concert season will get underway with Ron Banks performing "Bass-Baritone Boffo Broadway Bonanza." This annual pops concert will feature a singer who is familiar to many at First Church, having served as the Chancel Choir bass soloist and section leader at the beginning of an avocation that has blossomed into a full-blown musical theater career. Pianist Diane Snodgrass will serve as accompanist. The Musical Merit Foundation of Greater San Diego is co-sponsoring this event for their former scholarship award winner, and a "welcome back" reception will be held for Ron following the performance. A donation will be collected at the door and child care is available by contacting the church office in advance. Read in-depth here...  
SDSCSSDSCS
Visualizing Social Justice
Visualizing Social Justice: A Juried Photography Exhibition
This Saturday, September 28 | Trotter Chapel & Linder Hall 

Exhibition Opening and Reception, 4-5 PM  

You are invited to the opening and reception of this exhibition that bears witness to social justice and realities of hope -- juried by professionals at the Museum of Photographic Art in San Diego's Balboa Park. Images will be on display in Trotter Chapel and an artists' reception will take place in Linder Hall. Then, stay for the program and lecture from 5-7 PM focusing on the practice of social justice, see below. 

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Rev. Dr. Art Cribbs
Exec. Director of CLUE-California (Clergy and Laity United for Economic Justice)
Faith Out Front: Putting into Practice Social Justice Ministry
This Saturday, September 28 | 5-7 PM | Linder Hall
Tuition: $10 -- Register here
Free for students and those who submitted photographs 
There is a reason the religious leaders called into question Jesus' authority. Jesus had no known record of having attended an accredited university or seminary. He did not belong to an official, recognized religious order with standing of ordination. Jesus lived his faith publicly. Today, followers of Jesus continue to put our Faith Out Front. Rev. Cribbs will present a perspective on practical Christianity that integrates the Gospel and our daily lives as a means of giving purpose to who we are, what we believe, and the way we publicly practice our faith. 
fundraiserFUNdRAISER
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"The Bunnell Strings
are a must-see," says
Spring Fling Chair,
Carol LeBeau.
Join us for an evening with the Bunnell Strings!
The featured entertainment at this year's FUNdraiser!
Saturday, October 5 | 5 - 7 PM | Linder Hall.

This energetic string quintet of siblings returns to First Church, following their well-received performance at the Spring Fling earlier this year.
You will be thrilled by their music and touched by their story of faith, family and music.The Bunnell family quintet transforms classical, pop, and rock genres with their crossover blend of styles.

Tickets are $30 each and are available online here... or purchase them Sundays on the patio or in the church office week days.
This is an event you and your friends don't want to miss!
F5F5
Pizza
Like us on FacebookF5  Pizza Pizza!
Sunday, October 13 | 4:15 PM | Linder Hall
Come and welcome the District youth and parents to F5. We will feast on pizza and salad at round tables in Linder Hall and join in worship. Pastor Craig will share his testimony and bring the message. You don't want to miss this youthful night! RSVP here ...
FAITH | FUN | FELLOWSHIP | FOLLOW | FRIENDS
ChildrenCHILDREN
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Fall Festival Seeking Fun Booth Sponsors!

The Children's Ministry is asking all FUMC-affiliated groups to sponsor a booth. Families can lead crafts or games, too! All are welcome to join in the fun. Sponsors provide the raw materials and supervision for the booth. Prizes will be provided by the Children's Ministry and distributed among the various booths. Last year, we had over 400 people participate!

 

If you want to help, but are short on inspiration, contact Pastor Jessica for ideas. Individuals can help in the kitchen or with decorating. Please contact us by October 6.      

WomenWOMEN
Women's Fall Retreat
Saturday, October 26 | 9 AM - 3:30 PM | Linder Hall
Come be refreshed for your journey as we hear from Jane Rubietta, our guest speaker! Registration is $45 per person.
Bring your BFF!
 Register here...
HealthHEALTH
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Nurse's Notes by Dorothy Howard, Parish Nurse
FLU SHOTS 
Again this year, the County is not providing us with flu vaccine so we will not be offering a vaccination clinic. Anyone who can obtain a flu shot should do so. All health care providers should have a supply. The Health and Human Services Agency provides low-cost vaccination for anyone. Please be an active advocate and get vaccinated! Be diligent with hand washing, keeping hands away from face, good nutrition, and hydration during flu season. Let's set a goal to be flu-free this year!

FRONTOTEMPORAL DEMENTIA SEMINAR | Saturday, Oct. 19 | 8:30 AM - 12 PM | Linder Hall 
Sponsored by Southern Caregivers Resource Center, UCSD Shiley-Marcos Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration.
Free in-home care is available for your loved one -- must register by Friday, Sept. 27 for this service. Read how to register and more here ...  

CRUCIAL CONVERSATIONS: A free conference helping families and seniors navigate end of life decisions, Wednesday, October 23, Balboa Park Club. More info here ... 
SeniorsSENIOR MINISTRIES
Greg LaDue - 2013
Pastor Greg LaDue Named Pastor for Senior Ministries
Carl Meuser, Staff-Parish Relations Committee Chair, and Lead Pastor Craig Brown are pleased to announce that Pastor Greg LaDue has been named Pastor for Senior Ministries. Pastor Greg will assume his new responsibilities beginning October 1 as part of First Church's pastoral team.

"Greg has already proven himself as a leader who helps our ministries with seniors thrive. I am blessed to know that we will now have direct pastoral covering for one of our most significant groups in the life of the church," said Pastor Craig.

Sunday, October 13 will be a special Sunday in all of our worship services as we officially install Pastor Greg in this new ministry for our seniors. May we join in prayer for Greg and our seniors as they embark together into new and exciting ministries!
pilgrimagePILGRIMAGE
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Pastor Craig Brown to Lead Pilgrimage to
Christian England and Scotland in October of 2014
Make your advance plans now to join Pastor Craig and others from First Church on a life-changing Pilgrimage to England and Scotland. Pastor Craig is planning now to lead a group from our church for an exploration of our Celtic and Wesleyan roots. In the months of October, November and December of this year, Pastor Craig will host several informational gatherings about the pilgrimage and how to sign up for this powerful experience. These informational gatherings will be all held in The Cove from 12:15-1:15 each Sunday. Make plans to join in one of these gatherings on October 27, November 10, and December 15.
NoticesNOTICES
Friday Night Singles (50+ or -) meets every Friday at 6 PM for a meal followed by various activities. Email Karen Maczka or call 619-263-3743.

New-Acolyte Training will be conducted this Saturday, September 28, from 9-11 AM. A guided tour of the sanctuary symbols will be included. Candidates who missed the sign-up can participate by calling Ron De Fields, Acolyte Coordinator, 619-461-5457.

Ralph's Rewards Card for Missions - By registering your Ralph's Rewards Card, Ralph's will contribute to our Missions ministries at First Church. You can register at www.ralphs.com, begin by selecting the "Create an Account" button and follow the prompts. Be sure to designate The First United Methodist Church of San Diego #82033 to receive the funds from your shopping. If you already participate, you must renew each year by registering at the same website. Sign-in and follow the prompts.

Our "Just a Little Gift" Shop" is open every Sunday before and after services from 9 AM-12:30 PM. It is located below the sanctuary, through the sanctuary meeting room (behind the Christ window).

Free Neighborhood Family Meal: Next meal is on Monday, September 30, 5:30-7 PM. Help provide and serve food and enjoy fellowship with families, teens, seniors and people in need of a nutritious, hot meal at Normal Heights UMC, 4650 Mansfield St. Volunteers prepare and bring a main dish, salad or dessert. Email Brenda Blake or call 619-297-4366 x125, to sign up.

Prayers & Squares Prayer Quilt Ministry meets twice a month. For our next meeting, see our 2013 schedule.

The 2013 Altar Flower Calendar has openings for Sundays in October and November. Please help us fill those dates. Call Eleene in the church office at 619-297-4366 to make your reservation. Each bouquet is $50.

You are invited to celebrate the appointment of Rev. John Farley as District Superintendent of the South District on Sunday, October 6, at San Dieguito UMC, 170 Calle Magdalena, in Encinitas.

3 PM service in sanctuary, catered reception follows at 4.

Save the Date:

  • Flights of Fancy Recital, Sunday, October 27, 7 PM. Organist Bob Plimpton teams up with cellist Aaron Bullard for this Cultural Events Music Series presentation. 

Employment Opportunities: Point Loma Nazarene University -- Sr. Electrician, Advancement Services Specialist, Temporary Shuttle Bus Driver, University Advancement Assistant, Programmer/Analyst, Resident Director-Female, Nurse Practitioner-Part Time. For more information and additional postings, visit www.pointloma.edu

eNEWS, the official newsletter of First United Methodist Church of San Diego, is published every Wednesday.
To submit an article for consideration, send to [email protected]
by the Wednesday of the week prior to publication



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