eNEWS Masthead Final           
Wednesday, November 27, 2013
 
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Craig Brown - 2013
Rev. Craig Brown
Adjusting the Contrast         

With Thanksgiving upon us and Christmas around the corner, we are once again in the midst of the cultural holiday season. In the weeks leading up to Christmas there will be a frenzy of shopping, engagements, and other events that will all culminate on December 25. There will be much to do and even much to eat prior to that date! Each year we engage in a similar routine, with the Christians seemingly having no difference from the rest of the culture. We will likely engage in the same preparation.

 

Advent is our season of preparation for Christmas in the Christian Community. The Eastern Orthodox call Advent a "Little Lent." Like the season prior to Easter, Advent calls us to introspection and even repentance. (You will notice that the clergy will vest in black during worship in observance of this "little lent.") Advent is not so much a season for celebration as it is a season for us to examine how we are embodying the virtues of hope, peace, joy and love. This year, First Church will be observing Advent through a series of messages called "Be." Each week we will reflect and make a commitment to "incarnate" these four special virtues in our own lives. Our goal is to prepare for Christmas a little differently than the rest of the world around us.

 

Sometimes our very best witness for Christ can be done simply by living a life that contrast with the norm of our day. May these coming four weeks be a time to adjust your contrast to the hurried and busy world around us. Let us together "be" different this year.
Craig +
 

Worship WORSHIP

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2013
NO VESPER COMMUNION THIS WEDNESDAY, NOV. 27 -- Join us for the 33rd Annual Thanksgiving Eve Interfaith Service with Congregation Beth Israel ath 7:30 PM.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2013

Isaiah 2:1-5
Advent 1: Be Hope    
TRADITIONAL | 8 ~ 9:30 ~ 11 | Sanctuary | Rev. Craig Brown | Communion  
Prayer ministers will be available to pray with you at the end of each service. Come forward to the altar railing and lift up your joys and concerns.
NON-TRADITIONAL   
Water's Edge | 9:30 | The Cove, United Methodist Ctr | Rev. Richard Smith | Band | Communion    
 
Rachel House Sandwich Ministry this Sunday in the Cove 
Take an active part in First Church local mission work during worship -- we'll make lunches for the women and children at Rachel House, a home for abused women and children in San Diego. Pastor Richard Smith will lead worship and communion during this special service. All ages are welcome!  
CHILDREN'S SUNDAY SCHOOL | 9:20 | Meeting in Trotter Chapel at 9:20, children are escorted to their Sunday School classrooms. Pick-up is in the amphitheater at 10:30.
Read Pastor Jessica's weekly message
 WedWEDNESDAY!
M O R N I N G
10:30 AM - NO PASTOR'S BIBLE STUDY TODAY, NOV. 27  
                 Pastor's Bible Study resumes Dec. 4 in Linder Lounge                  
Vespers
E V E N I N G 
5:15 PM - Vespers Sanctuary | Music for meditation | Communion                
        NO VESPERS TONIGHT, WEDNESDAY, NOV. 27 
        Come to the 33rd Annual Thanksgiving Eve Interfaith Service 
        with Congregation Beth Israel 
               at 7:30 PM. Reception follows. 
6 PM - Dinner ($6) Linder Hall | RSVP to the office 619-297-4366 by Mon.
               NO DINNER TONIGHT, WEDNESDAY, NOV. 27.
6:45 PM - NO PASTOR'S BIBLE STUDY TONIGHT, NOV. 27
               Pastor's Bible Study resumes Dec. 4 in Linder Hall  
MusicMUSIC
Advent Choral Concert
Sunday, Dec. 8 & Monday, Dec. 9 | 7 PM | Sanctuary
Saturday, Dec. 7 | 2 PM | Sanctuary | Dress rehearsal
The Cultural Events Committee at First Church proudly presents Messiah on a grand scale as we conclude our celebration of the Music Series' 40th anniversary year with our church's annual Advent Choral Concert. The 180-voice combined Chancel Choir and Masterwork Chorale, Vocal Quartet, members and friends of the San Diego Symphony, Jeff Thayer, concertmaster, and Robert Plimpton, organist, all under the direction of Stanley M. Wicks. Free-will offering. Child care is available by RSVP to the church office: 619-297-4366. Learn more...
Pointsettia
Afternoon Christmas Concert and Carol Sing
with Bob Plimpton and Michael Morgan

Wednesday, Dec. 11 | 1 PM | Sanctuary | Sponsored by Active Adults 

"Hallelujah to the Newborn King" -- Come enjoy a delightful mix of Christmas spirituals, favorite Christmas solos (both vocal and organ), and spirited carol singing by all. First Church organist, Bob Plimpton teams up with Michael Morgan, First Church member and well-known singer and interpreter of African-American spirituals. Michael is the choir director of Christ Episcopal Church in Coronado and director of instrumental music at Warren Walker Middle School.

 

All are welcome to attend - congregation and friends. Enjoy lunch at 12 PM in Linder Hall prior to the concert. Lunch reservation deadline is 12 PM, Monday December 9 -- call 619-297-4366 to reserve.  

Carol Sing
Christmas Carol Sing-along - Something Old, Something New
with Stan Wicks

Wednesday, Dec. 11 | 6:45 PM | Linder Hall  

Come, learn about and sing carols that have been handed down to us from the earliest European and American traditions as well as those composed in recent years. Stay afterwards for Christmas goodies. Childcare is available by RSVP to the church office: 619-297-4366

Bagged Groceries
Thank you from the Loaves & Fishes Food Ministry
The Food Ministry would like to express the deepest gratitude to our congregation; Sunday School children, and Choir members, for helping us surpass our goal of making 150-plus Thanksgiving baskets. Thanks to your generosity we were able to distribute the fixin's for approximately 445 complete Thanksgiving dinners! The food was distributed at Wesley United Methodist Church on Sunday, November 24. There were many happy and grateful faces leaving the area that afternoon.

Many of our church members enjoyed sharing a meal and fellowship with approximately 200 guests at our Neighborhood Family Meal on Monday, November 25 at the Normal Heights United Methodist Church. On Monday, December 16, we will share a Christmas Dinner as well and look forward to our youth hosting a cookie decorating table as well as a good old fashion Christmas sing-a-long.
Read more...

Message from Brenda Blake
Director Church and Community Work
  

The Social Action & Justice Committee invites members of our congregation to join us in two upcoming community events in December and January.  

  1. Annual Project Homeless Connect - December 4  A day-long resource fair for homeless individuals and families at Golden Hall adjacent to the Civic Administration Building in downtown San Diego, Donations of hygiene items, new socks, used clothing, and hats are also needed. To volunteer, visit the San Diego Housing Commission website at www.sdhc.org .Donation items can be dropped off at Golden Hall the afternoon of December 3.  
  2. Annual Point in Time Count - January 24
    This event counts the visible unsheltered homeless from 4 - 7 AM.  To volunteer, visit the RTFH website at www.rthsd.org or email COUNTSD@rtfhsd.org 
local MISSIONS
Alternative Christmas Fair
Give gifts that can change and brighten the world!

ALTERNATIVE CHRISTMAS GIFT FAIR  

Sundays, Dec. 1 & 8 | 9-12:30 PM | Linder Hall    

Instead of giving more stuff to friends and family, consider giving meaningful gifts that can change someone's life and demonstrate God's love. Make a donation to any of a variety of important and vibrant mission projects in our community and around the world. You choose the projects you want to support, "shop" by making a donation, and get a card to give as a gift to someone. Our online store opens Black Friday, Nov. 29!

Recent mission trips to New York and Mexicali
During the month of October, our church was involved in two mission work trips. Four people from our church joined a district led team and went to New York to offer construction assistance to those affected by Super Storm Sandy
 
A team of ten, led by our church, including people from Camarillo, Descanso, and San Diegito United Methodist churches, went to Mexicali, Mexico to repair a water and earthquake damaged ceiling at a Methodist parsonage. To learn more about these trips, contact Rev. Jessica Strysko  and take a look at the photos from the Mexicali mission trip..
 
ChildrenSTUDENT MINISTRIES
Seeking Youth Grades 7-12, and College-age Students for Angel Duty
Participate in the beauty of Christmas Eve at First Church by being an angel that carries the light of Christ into the congregation, lighting their candles. Youth in grades 7-12 are needed for 7 and 9 PM worship, and college-age students for the 11 PM service. There will be a practice on December 17, 4:30-5:30 and December 22, 12:15-1 PM. Contact Charlotte Watson or Kayleigh Neel to volunteer or for more information.
3rd Annual Family Christmas Tea

Saturday, December 14 | 12-2 PM | Linder Hall 2 | $5 / Family 

The United Methodist Women are again sponsoring this festive lunch and tea served by dads, grandfathers, brothers, uncles! The tickets cost includes tea, sandwiches, and dessert. There will be music, singing, and the making of gingerbread houses for the children while adults have a fun quiz. Plan to come to this wonderful Christmas event. 
ThanksgivingTHANKSGIVING
Thanksgiving Eve Worship
33rd Annual Thanksgiving Interfaith Service with Congregation Beth Israel
Wednesday, Nov. 27 | 7:30 PM | Sanctuary 
Senior Rabbi Michael Berk will deliver the Thanksgiving message, and the Temple Choir and our Chancel Choir will participate. A reception follows the service in Linder Hall. Your help is appreciated to provide snacks. Sign-up sheet will be available in the church office and on the patio (11/24). We will again partner with Beth Israel in a food drive to benefit Mama's Kitchen. Collection bins will be available in Linder Hall and in the lower foyer that evening (11/27). Learn more...
classesNEW CLASSES
Annual Advent (one-day) Retreat - Theme: Let it be
Saturday, Nov. 30 | 8:30 AM (check-in) 9 AM to 3 PM | Linder Lounge
An exploration through contemplative prayer, reflection and open conversation of biblical traditions during Advent. Learn to let go of the unrealistic expectations of commercial Christmas and learn to ponder the season like Mary, the mother of Jesus. Goodies available at arrival and a modest lunch is provided. No cost. Free-will offering. RSVP online. The retreat is lead by Rev. Richard Smith, psychologist and poet Bill Stephenson, and Chris Hagen, San Diego Centering Prayer.
Telling Your Story - Small Group Experience
Wednesdays, Dec. 4 to 18|6:45 - 8 PM | Linder Lounge

Jesus, God-with-us. As we prepare for Christmas come share your experiences. On the first 3 Wednesdays of December join together to share, pray and listen to eachother's story. Dinner at 6 PM ($6) in Linder Lounge followed by small group time at 6:45 to 8 PM.  

MembershipMEMBERSHIP
Explore
Explore First Church

Sunday, Dec. 8 | 12:15 PM | Linder Hall 2 

Would you like to explore Christianity, Methodism and First Church? You are invited to gather for a meal and time with the pastors and staff. It will be a fun time to break bread, make some new friends and explore membership. 

New members will be received on Sunday, December 15, 11 AM.

ChristmasCHRISTMAS
Sunday, Dec. 22 | 3 PM | Lower plaza
Come join in Las Posadas following Mary and Joseph as they arrive at Bethlehem looking for room in the Inn. Have some refreshments and spend time with the animals of the living nativity. Robe in costumes and have your picture taken with the Holy Family. Follow them into worship at 4 PM. Sing Christmas carols with a praise band and participate in a beautiful candlelighting service. A wonderful way for the community to come together. 
All Christmas Worship at First Church
Longest Night Vespers | Wednesday, Dec. 18 | 5:30 PM | Sanctuary
Christmas on the Plaza | Sunday, Dec. 22 | 3 PM | Lower Plaza
Family Candlelight Worship | Sunday, Dec. 22 | 4:15 PM | Sanctuary 
Christmas Eve Services | Tuesday, Dec. 24 | 4:30, 7, 9 & 11 PM | Sanctuary
Christmas Day Worship | Wednesday, Dec. 25 | 11 AM | Sanctuary
NoticesNOTICES
UMCOR Typhoon Haiyan Donation Button
Donate here ...
Sponsor a Prayer Quilt for someone in need of prayer -- what ever the reason. Submit a request
or call Cheryl Johnson at 619-275-1578.
 
 (50+ or -) meets every Friday at  
6 PM for a meal followed by various activities.
Email Karen Maczka or call 619-263-3743. 
 
Our Mission Outreach Thrift Store is accepting donations this Sunday, Nov. 3. Items may be left at the Thrift Store tables on the patio near the entrance to Linder Hall or on the plaza. Donation revenue supports local missions.The storefront is located at 3186 Adams Avenue.

Memorial Garden representatives are available 1st Sunday of the month, from 9-9:30 and 10:30-11 AM in the Garden to provide information for niches, plaques, services, inurnments, engraving and costs. Meetings can also be arranged by appointment at 619-297-4366. Visit the Garden and let us assist you in this part of your estate planning. 
 
Free Neighborhood Family Meal: Next meal is on Monday, December 16, 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 December. Please help us fill those dates. Call Eleene in the church office at 619-297-4366 to make your reservation. Each bouquet is $50.
 
Christmas Cards for Prison Ministries. We collect new, unused Christmas cards for prison ministries. Bring your cards to the bin in Linder Hall marked "Prison Ministries." 
 
Informational Gatherings for Pastor Craig's Christian England & Scotland Pilgrimage, October 2014
Sunday, Dec. 15 | 12:15-1:15 PM | The Cove
 
The 2014 Upper Room Disciplines are now for sale in the church office.
They are $15. 

SAVE THE DATES:
 
  • Baptism for Infants and young children will take place on Sunday, January 12, 2014, at 8, 9:30 and 11 AM services. If you are interested in having a child baptized call Demmie in the church office at 619-297-4366, ext. 108, or email her at ddivine@fumcsd.org.
A wide variety of Christmas gifts, decorations, cards and dishes are now available to various prices. Additional items are being added every day.

Mission Outreach Thrift Store |3186 Adams Ave. | Open Monday to Saturday 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Proceeds from the Thrift Store support several local missions and the United Methodist Women. Last year we raised $35,000 for local missions.

eNEWS, the official newsletter of First United Methodist Church of San Diego, is published every Wednesday.
To submit an article for consideration, send to printshop@fumcsd.org
by the Wednesday of the week prior to publication



2111 CAMINO DEL RIO S. IN MISSION VALLEY | 619-297-4366 | WWW.FUMCSD.ORG