Everybody wants to be somebody. Since the dawn of history, human beings have been trying to move up the scale of importance. The clincher used by the serpent to tempt Adam and Eve was, "When you eat of the fruit, your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil" (Genesis 3:5). Henri Nouwen says that ever since then, we have been tempted to replace love with power: "The long painful history of the church is the history of people ever and again tempted to choose power over love, control over the cross, being a leader over being led." This is a theme running through the Bible, through human history, and through our own psyche.

 

We see the truth of this observation too often as we see people posturing to "one-up" someone else to get a position, win a contract, make a name for themselves. Occasionally we see the opposite as well, as in the teachers in Moore, Oklahoma, who became "somebodies" as they offered their bodies as shields for their school children. They taught us a lot by their actions.

 

Sunday's sermon title is "What Do You Do with Jesus?" Jesus says repeatedly, "Follow Me." Whether the Oklahoma teachers are Christian or not, they followed Jesus. They really preached!

 

See you Sunday,

Jim Standiford

Our blogger this week is Elbert Kim.

High school youth and their leaders are planning the 2013 Sierra Service Project (SSP) trip to Susanville Indian Rancheria (approx. 90 miles north of Reno) from July 26- Aug. 4.

Our youth will join with those from other churches for a week of spiritual growth, service, mission outreach, and Christian fellowship. This work trip will offer home repair, painting and a variety of construction work including building porches, stairs, and wheelchair ramps. It promises to be a rewarding learning experience.   

This Sunday, June 2, is Sierra Service Project Pledge Sunday. You will hear the youth tell you why your support for this Youth Ministry mission project is so important. You will also get the chance to talk to the participants at their table on the patio between services. All who pledges support will receive a personal note of thanks from youth on the trip.

 

The Celebration dinner honoring Dr. Standiford's 44 years in ministry has sold out. But, you can still participate in his retirement celebration:

• Write a short note showing your appreciation for his ministry in your life. 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 by, Sunday, June 2. 
• Participate in a monetary gift from the congregation for Jim and Mary Lou as they enter this new chapter of their lives. Contributions may be received by the church office (cash or checks payable to FUMC), or made online. by 4 PM Friday, June 7.

Bring your friends for a day of fun and fellowship on the golf course. Registration begins at 12 PM and a Shotgun Start at 1:30. The tournament wraps up with dinner at 6 PM, with awards and opportunity drawing.

Enjoy a day of golf while helping to support church missions and outreach Our goal this year is to reach 88 participating golfers!

Sponsorship opportunities include: Ace Tee-$500, Albatross-$250, Eagle-$100, Birdie Sponsor-$75, and Fore-$25.

You can sill register online. 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 Four players-$600. Questions? Contact: Saundra Sinn at 619-297-3442.

Father's Day and Burger Night at Bully's
Sunday, June 16 ~ 5 PM ~ Linder Hall

What better way to make an impression on Dad or a friend, than to take him to an image rich, fun worship service with rockin' praise music?

Then treat him to a burger at Bully's Restaurant with some friends. RSVP to our Facebook Event at Facebook.com/f5church.

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. 

Free Neighborhood Family Meal: Help provide and serve food and enjoy fellowship with families, teens, seniors and people in need of a nutritious, hot meal on Monday, June 24, 5:30 to 7 PM, 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, ext. 125, to sign up.

 In Our Prayers...

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

   

Daily Twitter Prayer 

How and or what is the Holy Spirit? What is the role of the Holy Spirit? Why does it matter? Examine this aspect of God with Rev. Greg LaDue.

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

There are still opportunities  to have your photo taken for the new Church Photo Directory. Appointment dates have been extended through Sunday, June 2. You will receive a free 8x10 photo and a free church directory for participating. Sign up online or contact the church office at 619-297-4366.