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Wednesday, August 28, 2013
 
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Elbert Kim - 2013
Rev. Elbert Kim
Trusting God with the Wholeness of Life  

This Sunday, we come to the final installment of our sermon series, In God We Trust, as we look to Jesus in finding wholeness in our lives. But what is wholeness? To be whole means we have all our parts together, not lacking anything but to be complete and fulfilled.  

 

In the Gospel of John, Jesus tells his followers he came that we may have life, and have it abundantly -- life that is good and exciting, life that has meaning and a purpose. Isn't that inviting? Don't we all want that? If there's anything that we can say that everyone has in common, it is the desire to have this full life: to feel fulfilled, accomplished, satisfied and overflowing with joy.

 

Jesus offers this life to us, but he also warns us there are thieves and bandits that lead us astray. Desires that pull our attention away from focusing on what Jesus has to offer. In search for this sense of wholeness, we fill the void with materials and false securities that do not really fulfill us. The emptiness feels like a black hole and the insatiable hunger is never satisfied.

 

Jesus speaks to our need as he stands as the gatekeeper of the sheep pen. He is the good shepherd who knows us and exactly what we need. He offers a life that is complete. Come and join me this Sunday as we claim the promise that Christ offers.

 

Blessings,

Pastor Elbert

Worship WORSHIP

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 28, 2013
VESPER COMMUNION | 5:30 PM | Sanctuary | Rev. Greg LaDue | Singing Favorite Hymns!
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 PM, Book of James class through August 28

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2013

John 10:1-10 | In God We Trust: Wholeness | Daily Devotional
TRADITIONAL  8 ~ 9:30 ~ 11 | Sanctuary | Rev. Elbert Kim
Prayer ministers will be available at the altar in between services. Take the time for personal prayer -- lift up your joys and concerns.
NON-TRADITIONAL Water's Edge | 9:30 | The Cove, United Methodist Center | Rev. Greg LaDue
Band | Communion
CHILDREN'S SUNDAY SCHOOL | 9:20 | Meet in Trotter Chapel
Sunday School Starts! The children will meet at the Chapel at 9:20 and be escorted to their Sunday School classrooms. Children will be in the amphitheater for pick-up at 10:30.
Read Pastor Jessica's weekly message
CHAPEL COMMUNION | 10:40 | Trotter Chapel
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].
ChildrenCHILDREN
Bible Class for Fourth Graders
Fourth Grade Bible Class Starts 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.      

Sunday School Relay
Relay: Running Together in Faith 
Sunday School begins this Sunday, September 1! | Trotter Chapel | 9:20
Whether you've been away for the whole summer or away for a while, we'd love to continue learning the Bible stories with your family! Like a relay race, we are different people with different gifts... and we can all help the children of our church and community grow in faith and in love of God. We are running in faith together! Questions? Contact Pastor Jessica.        
SDSCSSDSCS
Visualizing Social Justice
CALL FOR ENTRIES ends Sunday, September 1
Visualizing Social Justice: A Juried Photography Exhibition
Imagine a world where no one says, "You can't do that because you are handicapped." Picture it and enter!   
Open to: professionals, amateurs, adults and youth. Work will be judged by professionals from the Museum of Photographic Arts. Cash prizes will be awarded. Exhibition dates: Sept. 27 - Oct. 27. Visit the exhibition web page
 wednesdayWEDNESDAYS!
Vespers
5:15 PM - Vespers | Sanctuary | Music for meditation | Worship and Communion. Enjoy singing your favorite hymn requests through the summer. 
 
6 PM - Dinner ($6) | Linder Hall  |  RSVP to the office 619-297-4366 by Mon.

6:45 PM
- Bible Study: Book of James | Linder Lounge | Last class tonight, August 28. Next week, September 4: Hymn Sing | Linder Hall  
MinistryFairMINISTRY FAIR
Run the Race Ministry Fair
Run the Race Ministry Fair is Sunday, September 8!
The annual Fall Ministry Fair returns to the lower plaza on September 8. The many ministries of First Church will be on display after worship services with volunteers ready to provide information and answer questions.

Reserve your ministry table by submitting an online reservation or contact Phyllis Kenney in the church office, 619-297-4366.

 

FOODFOOD MINISTRY
Peanut Butter and Jelly
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.
SERVESERVE
raised hands
Hands and Hearts to Serve
Sundays, Ministry Fair-Plaza 9/8, Patio 9/15

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...

classNEW CLASSES
by Geneen Roth
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.
Family
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 ... 

Pastor Craig Brown
Pastor's Bible Study - Book of Mark
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.
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... 
Alpha - Is There More to Life?

How can I have faith? Why and how do I pray?  

How can I make the most of the rest of my life?

If you ask questions like these, then Alpha is for you. Don't miss our next course. There is a Launch Party on Wednesday, September 25 with Jason Tucker providing beautiful guitar music. The course begins on Wednesday, October 2, and continues through November 13. You may register on-line or at a patio table. Childcare is available with advance registration. The Launch Party meal is our treat. The meals during the course are $6. We begin at 6 PM with dinner; have a talk, small group discussion and end at 8 PM. We welcome all adults for the course and will have special young adult tables with F5 leaders available. Learn more about Alpha and register online... 

healthHEALTH
Male Caregiver Conference
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... 
fundraiserFUNdRAISER
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.
Bunnell Strings
"The Bunnell Strings are a must-see," says Spring Fling Chair, Carol LeBeau.

Tickets are $30 each and are available online here... Sunday ticket sales begin 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!
MusicMUSIC
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...  
Hymn Sing with Bob Plimpton | Wednesday, September 4 | 6:45-8:15 PM | Linder Hall 
We wrap up our summer Wednesday evenings with a spirited hymn sing of the many requested favorites which we were unable to fit into Vespers during July and August -- plus a few of Bob's 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.
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.
 gatheringsGATHERINGS
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:

  1. Saturday, September 7: home of Ed & Jean Magee, 7401 Draper Ave., La Jolla 92037
  2. Sunday, September 8: home of April Ambrosio & John Lynch, 11446 Weatherhill Way, off Scripps Ranch Blvd. on north side of Lake Miramar, 92131
  3. Saturday, September 14: home of Bruce & Carol Dubke, 4701 Date Ave., Unit 321, La Mesa, 91941
  4. Sunday, September 15: home of Joe & Joyce Timmons, 650 Columbia St. Community Room, Downtown, Little Italy 92101
  5. Saturday, September 21: home of Lynette Williamson, 6703 Parkside Ave. Bonita, National City, Paradise Hills 92139
  6. 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.    

F5F5
F5 2013 Champs!
Congratulations  F5 softball team!
F5 -> FELLOWSHIP
FUN | FRIENDS | FAITH | FOLLOW

Are you looking for real community?

Like us on Facebook 

Join us in worship on September 15.
MembershipMEMBERSHIP
Explore
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.
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.

Our Mission Outreach Thrift Store is accepting donations this Sunday,Sept. 1 -- items may be left at the Thrift Store table on the patio near the entrance to Linder Hall. Donation revenue supports local missions.The storefront is located at 3186 Adams Avenue.

Memorial Garden representatives will be in the Garden this Sunday, Sept. 1, from 9-9:30 and 10:30-11 AM to provide information for niches, plaques, services, inurnments, engraving and costs. Meetings can also be arranged by appointment at 619-297-4366.

Take the time for personal prayer. This Sunday, prayer ministers will be available at the altar between services. Come lift up your joys and concerns.

"Real Men" ChristCare group's next meeting is 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.

The church office will be closed Monday, Sept. 2, in observance of the Labor Day holiday.

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.

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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