Wednesday, September 4, 2013
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 | Pastor Craig Brown
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Life. Fulfilled.
A word commonly used to describe our faith-life is the word "journey." There are nuances to this word that I appreciate. It has a dynamic form to it, as if we are moving from one place to another. It also implies a known destination. Yet, there is something not quite right about the word journey. From my experience it is just too benign.
I prefer the word "adventure." This word creates a bit of uncertainty about the destination. To be honest, as a Christian I am not always sure how God is moving and leading my life. Often, I have to take one step at a time and trust that God will give me the next step before I get there! Adventure also seems to say that there will be some thrills and spills along the way. It is in these experiences of my life I can see the most significant growth. Adventure suits me well.
This adventure called life is all about the road from transient happiness to lasting joy, from loneliness to community, from insignificance to meaning. As I have discovered and experienced more joy, community, and meaning, my life has become more and more fulfilled. I find that I want less while discovering that I need God more. Part of the adventure is leaving behind all of these transient values and embracing the lasting ones.
This great adventure we are all on is one in which God is leading us to a certain destination called fulfillment. It is here that the adventure ends. I believe that we need to often share together what the end of the adventure looks like. What will it be like to have perfect joy or perfect community?
God's promise is for a life fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Will you consider upgrading your journey for an adventure toward a fulfilled life?
Join us in worship this September and begin the adventure of a lifetime!
Craig+
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 WORSHIP
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WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2013
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VESPER COMMUNION | 5:30 PM | Sanctuary | Rev. Greg LaDue
Music for Meditation begins at 5:15 | Free childcare by RSVP - Reserve here
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Wednesday Night Dinner & Study
6 PM dinner, sign-up info | 6:45-8:15 PM | Linder Hall | Hymn Sing with Bob Plimpton
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SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2013
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TRADITIONAL 8 ~ 9:30 ~ 11 | Sanctuary | Rev. Craig Brown.
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NON-TRADITIONAL Water's Edge | 9:30 | The Cove, United Methodist Center | Rev. Elbert Kim
Band | Communion
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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
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CHAPEL COMMUNION | 10:40 | Trotter Chapel | Rev. Greg LaDue
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Sunday, September 22: BAPTISM for infants and young children | All services | Sanctuary
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 [email protected].
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WEDNESDAY - TONIGHT!
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5:15 PM - Vespers Sanctuary | Music for meditation | Communion.
6 PM - Dinner ($6) Linder Hall | RSVP to the office 619-297-4366 by Mon.
6:45 PM - Hymn Sing: Those Who Sing Pray Twice with Bob Plimpton Linder Hall | A spirited hymn sing of favorites. Every great spiritual movement has been borne on the wings of song, from the time of the Bible through the Reformation, the beginning of the Methodist movement, the Great Awakening, and in our own time. This event is not strictly a "class." It will be an occasion of worship through many of your favorite hymns and a few contemporary worship songs.
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MINISTRY FAIR
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Run the Race Ministry Fair is this Sunday, September 8!
The annual Fall Ministry Fair returns to the lower plaza this Sunday!
The many ministries of First Church will be on display after worship services with volunteers ready to provide information and answer questions.
Don't miss this once-a-year event!
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FOOD MINISTRY
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Peanut Butter and Jelly Drive
Sundays, September 8 & 15
The Loaves & Fishes program is seeking donations of peanut butter, jelly, and sandwich bread. This food ministry is frequently lacking sandwich bread which is popular with our clients. Please feel free to bring sandwich bread any Sunday and leave it on the table in Linder Hall. Your donations may be dropped off in Linder Hall any time during the week, too.Thank you for your continued support of the Food Ministry program.
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CHILDREN & YOUTH
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Fourth Grade Bible Class Starts this Sunday, September 8
We are offering a class for our fourth graders who will receive Bibles on Bible Sunday, October 13. Receiving a Bible is an important tradition at First Church. This class will establish a strong foundation of Biblical knowledge prior to this presentation.
The Bible Class begins Sunday, September 8, as part of the 9:30 AM Sunday School. It will cover Bible essentials and the importance of the Bible in the Christian faith. While receiving a Bible is an important tradition, we would like to establish a strong foundation on Biblical knowledge prior to this presentation. For more information and to sign up, please contact Pastor Jessica.
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Children's and Youth Choirs Sign-up this Sunday, September 8
Ever dreamed of being a millionaire? ...vacationing in the Bahamas? ...driving a Maserati? Then maybe you should buy a lottery ticket! But... if you desire fun, fellowship, and a chance to serve your church, join one of our children's or youth choirs! We sing in worship once a month, have fun rehearsals, and perform musicals -- all this for FREE! There is a choir for every grade level. We would love to have you join us. Stop by the Ministry Fair on Sunday or register here online. First rehearsal is Sunday, September 15.
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New Acolyte Sign-ups Sundays, September 8 & 15
Sign-ups for new Acolytes will occur between services this Sunday, September 8 on the plaza and next Sunday the 15th on the patio. This is the once-a-year opportunity for youth in grades 5-11 to train (October) to become important leaders in our worship services. Acolytes serve once every 4-6 weeks. Current Acolytes may sign up for Fall/Winter services at the same time. For further information, visit the Acolyte table or phone Ron De Fields, Acolyte Coordinator, at (619) 461-5457.
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Fall Festival Scheduled for Sunday, October 20!
We welcome all superheroes, pumpkins, royalty, and more to join us in Linder Hall for our fifth annual Fall Festival. If your group would like to sponsor a booth, please contact Pastor Jessica.
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SERVE
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Hands and Hearts to Serve
Sundays, Ministry Fair-Plaza September 8, Patio September 15
Have you been wondering how you can best use your special talents -- professional experience, interests and abilities -- within the church? There is a place for you, and you are needed! Our Nominating Committee is developing a slate of incoming members for First Church's administrative committees for 2014 and beyond, and would love to know where you might like to serve. Find out more here...
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NEW CLASSES
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Mondays, September 9 - 30
6:30 - 8 PM
Join other women, read and discuss this book in a safe, supportive atmosphere. Class is led by by Nancy Sunday and will meet at her home.
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NEW - Shaping Your Family's Future
Wednesdays, September 11 - October 2 | 6:30 - 8 PM | Linder Hall 2
It is important to understand family dynamics since our relationships and families tend to be replications of the family system we came from. This life-stage class examines the dynamics of family structures -- including a look at Biblical families -- as we seek to understand how our own relationships are formed.
Come and seek to understand how families function. Led by Rev. Greg LaDue, who is also a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. RSVP here ...
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Ongoing weekly, starting Wednesday, September 11. Led by Pastor Craig Brown
Mornings, 10:30 - 11:30 AM - Linder Lounge - NEW!
Evenings, 6:45 - 7:45 PM - Linder Hall
This in-depth verse-by-verse study will explore how we come to know Jesus in Mark's Gospel along with its implications for our own walk with Christ. Pastor Craig weaves humor, biblical knowledge and life-application together for an engaging time of study and reflection. Both morning and the evening classes are the same, so participants can attend either class. Bring your own Bible and writing materials. Pastor Craig will be supplying a handout each week for notes and reflections.
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Sunday, September 22 | 11 AM - 12 PM | Linder Lounge | Free
A seminar for parents and students (grades 10-12). Learn about college financial aid and types of financial assistance available for college students. The primary responsibility of paying for college rests with the student and family. Don't miss this opportunity to find out how you can pay for college. Presented by First Church member Frank Jonasson, Ed.M., who will share his knowledge and be available to answer your questions. RSVP online...
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Register now!
The Launch Party is September 25 and the course begins Wednesday, October 2, and goes through November 13 with dinner at 6 PM and ending at 8 PM. On November 2 there will be an Alpha "Stay" Retreat day. You don't want to miss it. All are welcome and we will have young adult tables with F5 leaders.
Learn more about Alpha and register online...
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HEALTH
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For Male Family Caregivers:
Batter Up! Getting into the Game of Caregiving
Friday, September 20 | 9 AM - 1 PM | Linder Hall | Free
One out of three family caregivers is a male and recent studies show this number is rapidly rising! If you are a male, providing care to or are concerned about the well-being of an adult family member or friend, then join other male caregivers at this free event sponsored by the Caregiver Coalition of San Diego. Register at 800-827-1008. More details here...
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FUNdRAISER
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Join us for an evening with the Bunnell Strings!
The Bunnell Strings will be 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 brings together a cello, viola, two violins and a double bass, transforming classical, pop, and rock genres with their crossover blend of styles.
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"The Bunnell Strings are a must-see," says Spring Fling Chair, Carol LeBeau.
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Tickets are $30 each and are available online here... or purchase them this Sunday September 8 at the Ministry Fair on the plaza.
Be sure you save the date. This is an event you and your friends don't want to miss!
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MUSIC
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Two opportunities for adults to join a choir!
by Stan Wicks, Director of Church Music
As the fall Music Ministry gets underway, I would like to invite singers from the congregation (you don't have to be an official member) to consider joining one of our adult choirs: Chancel Choir and Contemporary Singers. Read in-depth here...
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Wednesday, September 25 | 6:45 PM | Sutherland Music Center | Led by Stan Wicks. We will explore the great line of Lutheran hymnody from the beginning of the Reformation until the present. Experience how this great body of repertoire shaped the Protestant movement and its worship practice. The worship practices set in motion in the 16th century had a tremendous impact on the Wesley brothers and the beginning of Methodism in the 18th century, and continue to impact worship in the 21st century. Many of the hymns (or chorales as they were originally named) will be familiar to you.
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 Vocalist Ron Banks Headlines September 29 Pops Concert
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...
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F5
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F5 -> FRIENDS
FUN | FELLOWSHIP | FAITH | FOLLOW
<- F5 at the Padres making new friends.
Join us in worship @5 PM in Linder Hall on September 15.
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MEMBERSHIP
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Explore First Church
Sunday, September 15 | 12:15 PM | Linder Hall 2
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, September 29, 11 AM. Questions? Contact Demmie Divine, 619-297-4366.
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SDSCS
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Visualizing Social Justice: A Juried Photography Exhibition
SAVE THE DATE: Saturday, September 28 | Trotter Chapel & Linder Hall
The jury is out... judging images submitted to this photography exhibition presented by the San Diego of Christian Studies.
Exhibition Opening and Reception
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 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 the details and register here ...
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MISSION
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First Church Volunteers Join NY-Sandy Relief Mission Team
The South District UMC New York - Sandy Relief Mission Team departs October 5 for a week-long work trip helping with relief efforts for communities affected by hurricane Sandy. Team members from First Church 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. If you are interested in offering additional sponsorship, read more ...
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GATHERINGS
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NEIGHBORHOOD GATHERINGS FOR CRAIG & FAMILY
Come and meet Pastor Craig Brown and family at a Neighborhood Gathering near you! Each gathering will be from 3 - 5 PM at the following locations:
- Saturday, September 7: home of Ed & Jean Magee, 7401 Draper Ave., La Jolla 92037
- Sunday, September 8: home of April Ambrosio & John Lynch, 11446 Weatherhill Way, off Scripps Ranch Blvd. on north side of Lake Miramar, 92131
- Saturday, September 14: home of Bruce & Carol Dubke, 4701 Date Ave., Unit 321, La Mesa, 91941
- Sunday, September 15: home of Joe & Joyce Timmons, 650 Columbia St. Community Room, Downtown, Little Italy 92101
- Saturday, September 21: home of Lynette Williamson, 6703 Parkside Ave. Bonita, National City, Paradise Hills 92139
- Sunday, September 22: home of Doug & Vera Stanfield, 15373 Avenida Rorras, Rancho Bernardo 92128
If you live in one of these areas and would like to attend a gathering please RSVP with the date of the gathering to Demmie Divine, 619-297-4366 x108.
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NOTICES
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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. "Real Men" ChristCare group's next meeting is tomorrow, Thursday, Sept. 5, at 6:30 PM in Linder Hall 4. The study will be on Accountability. Snacks provided. At month's end they will provide a Vesper service for our mission project at the Psych Hospital. Please come by and check out this group.
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.
Please wear your name tag this Sunday and every week. If you need a replacement, please contact Beckett Kirk -- he will be happy to provide you with a new one.
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 September and October. Please help us fill those dates. Call Eleene in the church office at 619-297-4366 to make your reservation. Each bouquet is $50. Fall Prevention Awareness Week, Sept 22-28: The County of San Diego's Fall Prevention Task Force has planned six events in locations around the County to educate older adults and caregivers on how to prevent falls. Locations include downtown San Diego, Chula Vista, La Mesa, Carlsbad, Poway, and Vista. Each event will feature dynamic speakers, balance screenings, and exhibitors with local resources. All events are free - please register by calling the Southern Caregiver Resource Center at 1-800-827-1008. Save the Date: Ladies of First Church - Mark your calendar and save the date for the upcoming Women's Fall Retreat on Saturday, October 26, 2913, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., here in Linder Hall. Tickets are $45 per person. More info to follow.
Lay Servant Basic Course, at First United Methodist Church, Chula Vista, 1200 East H St., Chula Vista, CA 91910. September 20-21. Instructors: Steve Letchworth and David Balk. To sign up or call for more information: 619-778-4361, or church office, 619-656-2525. Deadline: Sept. 6.Employment Opportunities:- First Church Director of Student Ministries for youth in grades 6-12 and college ages 18-23. Full time. See job posting here...
- Point Loma Nazarene University has numerous job listings such as Programmer/Analyst, Web Editor, Records Assistant, Student Financial Services Advisor, Human Resources Information Coordinator, Administrative Assistant. Find more on the PLNU website.
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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
2111 CAMINO DEL RIO S. IN MISSION VALLEY | 619-297-4366 | WWW.FUMCSD.ORG
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