It was a quick trip to Redlands this year for the 2013 Annual Conference. Of all my years of going to Conference, this was the shortest, starting Thursday morning and concluding Saturday evening with the celebration of the Ordination Service. All the work that had to be completed, reports presented, and proposals debated were done during the three days, which meant that there was not a lot of down time for rest.

 

The major highlight of this year's Annual Conference was the presence of our new resident Bishop Minerva Carca�o. She presided over the sessions with grace and wisdom, providing clear direction to where our church needs to go. With the theme "How Firm a Foundation," Bishop Carca�o presented her hopes and vision for the conference. Issues discussed during the plenary sessions included continual work on the district realignment, approval of Constitutional amendments, and resolutions on such topics as Immigration Reform, Biblical Obedience, and Mass Incarcerations.

 

An added joy for the delegation from First Church was to hear Jim Standiford preach once more as he gave the message for the Memorial Service. After the sermon, a couple seated in front of us leaned over to the other and said, "That was really good." I could not help but think, "I know and First Church has been blessed to have Jim's messages during his years in San Diego." There was a retirement dinner this year instead of a worship service honoring the retirees. Our Church Council chair, Peter Opsal, spoke at the dinner, expressing gratitude for Jim's years of service.

 

We quickly learned that three days of dealing with all the matters at Annual Conference is not enough. The length has been extended back to four days for next year. With the celebration of the Ordination Service, the Annual Conference concluded its sessions and we return to our local areas of mission to continue the work of Jesus Christ. We are reminded that we do the work, not alone, but with the larger connection of our United Methodist Church. Let us join together in doing that work. Come and worship this Sunday as we respond to God's call to be his disciples.

 

Blessings,

Elbert Kim

Our blogger this week will be Greg LaDue.

The Loaves and Fishes food ministry requests donations of hot dogs, buns, and baked beans for our annual 4th of July hot dog drive.  

 

In recent months, we've noticed a huge increase in the number of clients we serve, rising from 90 to an average of 140 per week. Please help us to ensure that every family and individual we serve will be given a package of hot dogs and buns as well as canned baked beans at the food distribution this Sunday, June 30. Donations may be dropped off in the cooler in Linder Hall on Sunday, June 30.

 

Our Food Ministry is always in need of milk and eggs on a weekly basis. We invite you to being these items each week and leave them in the cooler in Linder Hall. If you are interested in learning more about volunteer opportunities in this ministry please feel free to contact Brenda Blake at 619-297-4366 ext. 125 or [email protected].

June 30 ~ 10:45 AM and Noon ~ Linder Hall 2

Class begins Sunday, July 14 

 

 

Financial Peace University is a video-based course, led by Dave Ramsey, personal money management expert. Each class consists of a DVD lesson, followed by small group discussions and a brief homework assignment. FPU offers a proven method to eliminate debt and to manage money through simple, no nonsense applications.

 

The 9-week course begins Sunday, July 14, from 11 AM - 12:30 PM, in Linder Hall 5. You are invited to join the class and learn how to better manage your money and your life. Whether you are struggling to make ends meet or are financially secure, FPU has something for everyone.  

 

Ready to enroll? Register here ... 

Rev. Craig Brown

Rev. Craig Brown will begin his appointment at First Church on July 1 and preach in the sanctuary services on July 7. Rev. Brown has met with the clergy team in preparation for summer worship.

SPRC Chair, Carl Meuser, details Pastor Craig transition plans here ...

Read about Pastor Craig and family ...

Join a Summer Choir!
The Music Ministry is looking for singers to join us for the annual Summer Choir program. Each year we divide our summer Sundays in half and create Soprano/Alto and Tenor/Bass Choirs to sing in our sanctuary worship services at 9:30 and 11 AM. The Soprano/Alto Choir will sing July 14 - August 4. Rehearsals begin on Thursday, July 11. More info here ...

Summer Sings are back!
If you enjoy singing large choral works come join us in the Sutherland Music Center for one, two, three or four Wednesday evenings in July and August. Three guest directors and our own Dr. Stan Wicks will conduct 100+ singers and soloists by first reviewing the choral parts, then reading through the entire work with the soloists in an informal "performance." More info and schedule here ...

Guest Youth Choir from Texas Sings at First Church
The Living Proof Youth Choir, under the direction of Trey West, from Christ United Methodist Church, Plano, TX, will sing at our Wednesday Evening Vesper Communion Service on July 17 at 5:15 PM and will provide a brief concert after dinner, concluding around 7:45 PM. Their repertoire will include many familiar sacred songs such as "Steal Away," "Go and Tell John," and "Amazing Grace." This would be a wonderful evening for the entire family, especially those with children and youth. RSVP to the church office for dinner reservations ($6 per person) by noon on Monday, July 15.

It's time again to clean off your counters, desks, and dresser drawers and start collecting change for the annual "Shoes That Fit" program. This year's change drive for needy students will be held on Sundays, July 21 and 28. Last year we donated over 2,200 items of clothing, uniforms, shoes, socks, underwear, and hygiene items to our seven adopted elementary schools and three nonprofit organizations.

Thank you for our continued support. Questions? Email Vicki Misner or call 619-581-0712.

 In Our Prayers...

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

   

Daily Twitter Prayer 

Next F5 Worship
Sunday, July 21

5 PM ~ Linder Hall

Visualizing Social Justice  

A Juried Photography Exhibition