The print edition of the "First Church" newsletter covers three Sundays: May 26, June 2, and June 9. Thus, it is the last print edition for which I will be writing a "Musings."  

 

First, let me say what a humbling honor it has been to be one of your pastors, and to be a part of this congregation's staff. Both congregation and staff have blessed Mary Lou and me in more ways than you can imagine. We will always be grateful for this privilege which has been ours.

 

Second, our parish nurse, Dorothy Howard, is helping me cull through my library. Most of my books are about as ancient as I, but Dorothy will have some of them out on a table on several Sundays. If you wish a volume or many volumes please leave a donation. The funds will go to missions, and the leftovers to the city library system.

 

Third, after I retire I will not be available for baptisms, weddings, or funerals; in other words, I will not be available for pastoral services. This is as it should be, and is our United Methodist practice. Craig Brown will be your new Senior Pastor and it will be his joy and responsibility to join the other clergy in being your pastor. He will not only be of service to you in those specific times of life, but he will be in position to do the necessary follow-up that is part of offering such help.

 

Mary Lou and I will be away for awhile. We will worship in a number of different places. However, it is our hope to eventually return to First Church and make it our church home. Craig has graciously agreed to let me place my Charge Conference relationship here.

 

We are both so grateful for our time here. We will continue to pray for you. You are getting a wonderful pastor. Love him and serve alongside him.

 

Thanks be to God,

Jim Standiford

Our blogger this week is Mary Allman-Boyle.

First Church will host a Celebration of Ministry for departing Senior Pastor Dr. Jim Standiford. This guarantees to be an evening full of fine food, great music, laughter and joy in recalling the gifts that Rev. Standiford has brought to First Church.  

 

There are a few tickets ($20 per person) left. Please call the church office (619-297-4366) for availability first, then stop by to purchase, M-F, 9 AM - 5:00 PM. Online sales have closed.

 

You are invited to contribute your personal sentiments and well wishes in writing to express what Jim's ministry has meant to you.

• Write or type your sentiments on stationery no larger than 8.5 x 11 inches.
• Mail or hand deliver your submission flat and unfolded to the church office no later than Sunday, May 26.

You are also invited to make a personal monetary contribution as a "Love Gift" that will be presented to Jim and Mary Lou during the dinner. This is a modest effort to express our collective good wishes for both of them. Contributions may be received by the church office in the form of cash or checks (made payable to FUMC) or online. 

Most all Christians are aware of the Trinity: God as Father, Son and Holy Spirit. We are aware of God as Creator, Jesus as brother and God incarnate, but our understanding of the Holy Spirit is a bit less clear to us.

How and or what is the Holy Spirit? What is the role of the Holy Spirit? Why does it matter?

Join Rev. Gregory LaDue to examine this somewhat neglected aspect of God.

Bring your friends for a day of fun and fellowship on the golf course on June 7. Torrey Pines and the Farmers Open have nothing on First Church. Our Sixth Annual Golf FUNdraising event is not only great fun, but back by popular demand are the Rubber Duck races!! You don't want to miss it!

Activities begin with registration at 12 PM and Shotgun Start at 1:30. The tournament wraps up with dinner at 6 PM, including the awards program and opportunity drawing.

This church-wide tourney is a great chance to enjoy a day of golf, while helping to offset budget line items that support missions and outreach of our church. Help us reach our goal this year of 88 participating golfers! Sponsorship opportunities:

• Ace Tee Sponsor-$500;
• Albatross Sponsor-$250;
• Eagle Sponsor-$100;
• Birdie Sponsor-$75;
• Fore Sponsor-$25.

Register online or on the patio on Sundays through May 26. Registration fee includes green fee, cart, range balls, tee gift bag and BBQ dinner. Registration closes May 31 at 12 PM.

• One player-$150
• Two players-$300
• Three players-$450
• Fourplayers-$600.   

For more information contact: Saundra Sinn at 619-297-3442.

Vespers is a mid-week celebration of word, table and song. Vespers comes from the Monastic tradition of celebrating God's presence at various times during the day. Vespers is that time at the end of the day when work is concluded for the day and the community gathers and worships as the day closes.  

Our Vespers service begins around 5:15 PM each Wednesday as the chimes call us from where we are in the world to gather in the sanctuary for worship. From 5:15-5:30 we meditate as music guides us into a time of being with God. At 5:30 we begin worship and hear God's word in song, Scripture, and share in Holy Communion together.   

During the summer we will be singing hymns suggested by the congregation. We'll solicit your favorites and we will sing as many as possible through summer and early fall.  

Vespers is a wonderful time mid-week to connect with that which binds us together. Come join us and bring a friend. 

Blessings, Rev. Greg LaDue

Visualizing Social Justice 
A Juried Photography Exhibition 

Submission of work: Aug. 1 - Sept. 1
Exhibition: Sept. 27 - Oct. 27

SDSCS invites professional and amateur photographers, adult and youth, to submit images to jury for the upcoming photography exhibit, Visualizing Social Justice.

Images should illustrate an instance of social justice: a visual representation of a problem or the solution in our world today. The exhibition will reflect the theme that God expects all people to:

• love kindness,  
• act justly, and  
• relate to one another humbly and respectfully  

and is an opportunity to bear witness to social justice and the realities of hope.

 

The exhibit will be judged by three professionals from the Museum of Photographic Arts in Balboa Park and prizes will be awarded:

 

• 1st place-$200 (Adult and Youth categories)
• 2nd place-$100 (Adult and Youth categories)
• Best of Show-$200

For detailed guidelines, visit the Visualizing Social Justice web page. or pick up an exhibition brochure on campus. 

 In Our Prayers...

We invite you to join us as we keep these individuals and families in our prayers this week.  

   

Daily Twitter Prayer 

The once-a-year ceremony honoring our Acolytes will include the awarding of new cross-pendants to those who have served for various numbers of years. The symbolism of Acolyte actions will be explained to the congregation. This is a rare opportunity to see most of the Acolytes gathered in one place. You are invited to come support them.

You are cordially invited to celebrate the wedding of Randal and Chat Newton in the sanctuary, followed by cake and cookies in Linder Lounge.

***

A six-week class led by Rev. Elbert Kim, Rev. Greg LaDue and Rev. Jessica Strysko that explores key leaders and their characteristics.

Rehearsals Thursday evenings from 7:00-8:30 p.m. in Sutherland Family Music Center.
Soprano/Alto Choir sings July 14 through August 4 (9:30 and 11:00 a.m. services)
Tenor/Bass Choir sings August 11 through September 1 (9:30 and 11:00 a.m. services)
No audition required!
For more info contact Stan Wicks, Director of Church Music.

Perform choral masterworks with guest directors. Wednesday evenings from 7-9:15 PM on July 10, 24 and August 7 and 21 in Sutherland Family Music Center. Registration fee: $15 per sing or $50 for all four
No audition required! For more info contact Katie Englund, registrar.

Living Proof Youth Choir from Christ United Methodist Church, Plano, Texas singing in Vespers and in concert on Wednesday, July 17

Our new Church Photo Directory needs your photo to be complete. Appointments are available through the end of May. For participating, you will receive a free 8x10 photo and a free church directory. Sign up online  or contact the church office at 619-297-4366 for more information.