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eNews
The official email newsletter of the
First United Methodist Church of San Diego
Wednesday, June 5, 2013 
The Last Word - Grace

Dr. Jim Standiford
Dr. Jim Standiford

Roger Bannister, the former British runner of four minute mile fame, once said, "I started out as a carpenter. I made up for skill with a lot of nails." Most likely many of us, me for certain, could say something similar about our early contributions to life. Yet in time, as we mature in thought and ability, we grow to understand ourselves better and discover ways to enrich our own lives and the lives of others.

 

Goethe once wrote, "I have come to the frightening conclusion that I am the decisive element. It is my personal approach that creates the climate. It is my daily mood that makes the weather. I possess tremendous power to make life miserable or joyous. I can be a tool for torture or an instrument of inspiration. I can humiliate or humor, hurt or heal. In all situations, it is my response that decides whether a crisis is escalated or de-escalated, and a person is humanized or dehumanized."

 

This Sunday, my last as your pastor, I invite you to think with me about how the grace of God can help us in this process of becoming all that God wishes us to be.

 

See you in worship,

Jim Standiford

In Real Life 

Our blogger this week is Greg LaDue.

BEGINS TONIGHT!
Summer Wednesday Night Class Schedule
 

Leaders of the BIble This summer on Wednesday nights come worship with us at Vespers, then have a meal with friends and attend the summer class that begins tonight, June 5, at 6:45 in Linder Lounge. During June and July we will look at the great leaders in Biblical history -- Leaders of the Bible.

In July, we will examine the leaders that will be the focus of the sermons by our new Senior Pastor, Rev. Craig Brown. This will prepare us with some background for the sermon he will preach the following Sunday.

Rev. Elbert Kim, Rev. Jessica Strysko and Re.v Greg LaDue will lead us in examining the lives of these great Biblical leaders. See the line-up here ...
F5 church 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?
Hamburger
Then treat him to a burger at Bully's Restaurant with some friends. RSVP to our Facebook Event at Facebook.com/f5church.
New Monday Book Study: Speaking Christian
Mondays, June 17-July 22 ~ 6:30 PM
Led by Greg LaDue and Nancy Sunday

Speaking Christian

A new book study, Speaking Christian: Why Christian Words Have Lost Their Meaning and Power - And How They Can Be Restored
by Marcus Borg, will meet for six weeks at the home of Nancy Sunday (please register here and the address will be sent in the confirmation email).  

 

The book examines key words in our faith like: sin, redemption, savior, Bible, salvation. These words have a contemporary meaning that varies within Christian cultures, but what did they originally mean?

 

Obtain the book on your own and begin by reading the first 40 pages. Then come and join us June 17 as we examine the language we assume we all know and understand ... but perhaps not?

 

For more information email  Rev. Greg LaDue or call 619-297-2571, x. 132.

Vacation Bible School ~ Mon.-Fri., July 22-26 ~ 9 AM - 12 PM 
VBS Fun Fair
 

Wow, the whole world is coming together! At Everywhere Fun Fair we will meet neighbors from Japan, Zimbabwe, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Mexico, in addition to neighbors from Biblical times. Everyone we meet will remind us that Jesus teaches us to love God by loving our neighbors. What does it mean to be a good neighbor?  

 

Join us for Vacation Bible School 2013 to find out! Mark your calendar for July 22 - 26. Don't miss out on our Early-Bird Special! The cost is $25 per child if you register by July 1 for five days of Bible study, games, crafts, music, worship and more!     

Register online today! Extended care available, see details... 

 

We still need volunteers to help us out. See our online volunteer form or contact Rev. Jessica Strysko if you're interested.

Mission Opportunities and News

Mexicali Mission Trip
Church Earthquake Repair Mission, Mexicali, MX
October 24-28
The Methodist Church in Mexico has many needs. One church in Colonia ProHogar, which is located in Mexicali, was damaged by the earthquake of several years ago. We are putting together a work team to go to Mexicali and work on the church. It is located just over the border in Mexico. The work team is hoping to stay overnight at the United Methodist Church in El Centro which is about an hour and a half from San Diego.

 

We are tentatively planning to leave October 24, and return October 28.  If you would like to join us or have further questions, there will be an informational meeting on Sunday, July 7, at 12 PM in Linder Hall 5. If you are unable to attend the meeting but are interested, please contact Rev. Jessica Strysko.

Sandy Damage
2013 South District Sandy Relief New York Mission Team 
October 5 - 12  
A team of up to 28 people from churches in our area will travel to Massapequa, a city on Long Island, NY, to offer our support. Cost will be $900 per participant. This covers plane tickets, rental vehicles, food, and lodging. Deposit of $200 is required, but scholarships are available. Email Jennifer Demaree, district team leader, if you are interested, or call her at 619-540-5257.
Read in-depth article by Rev. Jessica Strysko ...

Brooke Collins
Brooke on a Mission
Last time we caught up with First Church member Brooke Collins, she was blogging her experience as part of the District Indiana Work Team, rebuilding tornado-ravaged homes in early March. Her prayers of discernment have now led her to pack her bags and head out to Agua Viva Serves in Los Chiles, Costa Rica where she has been invited to serve as an individual volunteer with the United Methodist Global Ministries program.

But, before she begins that journey at the end of June, she is currently in Zimbabwe with members of her childhood church, Pleasant Valley UMC in Wichita, KS. This church is part of the Chabadza Covenant (a Shona word which roughly translates to people in relationship working alongside each other for mutual benefit) with Dambanda UMC in Zimbabwe.

You can catch up with Brooke when she returns to worship at First Church on Sunday, June 16. You can also follow her blog, Brooke on a Mission, donate, or subscribe to her newsletter.
San Diego School of Christian Studies presents 
Visualizing Social Justice 
A Juried Photography Exhibition
 
Submission of work: Aug. 1 - Sept. 1
Call For EntriesExhibition: Sept. 27 - Oct. 27

SDSCS invites professional and amateur photographers, adult and youth, to submit imageVisualizing Social Justices 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. 

Notices

It's not too late to participate in a monetary gift from the congregation
for Jim and Mary Lou Standiford as they enter retirement -- 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.

Pastor's Bible Study
is on break for the summer.

Meeting the Holy Spirit Class continues Sundays through June 23, at 11 AM in Linder Hall 2.

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.

Name tags: Thanks to all of you who wear your name tags, and thanks to those who make sure we know who you are, with or without a name tag. In the spirit of hospitality towards our new minister, Rev. Craig Brown, please wear your name tag every week. If you need a replacement, please contact Beckett Kirk and he will be happy to provide you with a new one.
 
 
Our "Just a Little Gift' Shop" is open
every Sunday from 9 AM-12:30 PM and is located below the sanctuary and through the sanctuary meeting room (behind the Christ window). NOTE: The shop will be closed Sunday, June 16 (Father's Day).

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.

Prayers & Squares Prayer Quilt Ministry meets twice a month. For our next meeting, see our 2013 schedule here.

The 2013 Altar Flower Calendar has openings for all Sundays in June and July. Please help us fill those dates. Call Eleene in the church office at 619-297-4366 to make your reservation. Each bouquet is $50.

Point Loma Nazarene University has many job openings: Web Designer, Web Developer, Senior Electrician, Associate VP of Human Resources, Graduate Student Financial Services Assistant, Post-Baccalaureate Records Specialist, Assistant Director for Transfer Recruitment, Campus Visit Assistant. Visit the PLNU website to apply.

Save the Dates!

  • Newly appointed Senior Pastor Craig Brown's first Sunday, 7/7  
  • UMW Fashion Show and Salad Luncheon. Fashions from Chico's. 7/20
In This Issue
Summer Wed. Night
Fathers & Burgers
New Book Study
VBS Registration
Missions!
Photo Exhibition
Notices
In Our Prayers
Sermons Online
Graduate Recognition
Photo Directory
Youth Summer
Tornado Response
Summer Choir
Summer Sings
Guest Choir
Worship Services
8, 9:30, 11 AM
Sunday Traditional
 Service
 in the Sanctuary
Dr. Jim Standiford 

"Nothing Can Separate Us"

1 Corinthians 15:3-9
Romans 8:31-35,-37-39

~
DR. JIM STANDIFORD'S LAST SUNDAY AS FIRST CHURCH SENIOR PASTOR

Sunday Contemporary Service 
The Cove at the United Methodist Center
Dr. Elbert Kim  

Band ~ Communion 

Like us on Facebook 
The Water's Edge at Fumcsd

Trotter Chapel

~~~ 

Children's Church is on break for the summer. Children should meet here at 9:20 or in the Cove at 9:30 for worship during the month of June. Children will leave worship at the usual time for Sunday School.
 ~~~
10:40 AM
Chapel Communion

Wednesday
5:30 PM
Rev. Greg LaDue
Bob Plimpton, organist
Child care by prior reservation, 619-297-4366
Wednesday Nights  
6 PM Dinner, 
sign-up info
 
JUNE 5, 12, 19   
 In Our Prayers...

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

Calling all high school and college grads!
Graduate Recognition
Sunday, June 16
9:30 AM ~ Sanctuary 
Graduation

Graduates will be recognized in the June 12 eNews and in worship on June 16. If you, or a family member is graduating from high school or college, please send information -- name, high school and future plans or college and degree received -- to Demmie Divine in the church office by June 7.

Photo Session for Church Directory
Photo Directory Dates Extended!
There are still opportunities  to have your photo taken for the new Church Photo Directory. Appointment dates have been extended and are available four additional days this month: Saturday, June 22; Sunday, June 23;  Saturday, June 29; and Sunday, June 30.
     Sign up online or contact the church office at 619-297-4366.
     You will receive a free 8x10 photo and a free church directory for participating.
Youth Ministry
Pool Party & BBQ 
Summer Kick-off
Sunday, June 16 
10:30 AM - 3 PM
- Carpool from The Cove
-Swim, BBQ & games at Allied Gard Rec Ctr & Park
-Pick up at park
Cost/Sign-up deadline: $5, 6/9
***
Middle School Wonderweek 
California Coastal Cruisin' 
June 23-28  
Enjoy beach towns while studying Matthew 4:18-22
Highlights: Hearst Castle, Mystery Spot Santa Cruz, Anacapa Island Excursion.
Cost/Sign-up deadline: $250, 6/9
***
Summer Socials:
GAMES 
Tuesdays, July 2-30 
Art - Photography, Cooking - Baking, Group Games, Off Campus Adventures Too!
BEACH
Thursdays,
June 27 - August 15
District Day at the Beach
at La Jolla Shores via the Church Bus. Bring: towel, swimsuit, sunscreen, $10 or sack lunch.

Qs? email Randal Newton
or call 619-297-4366
UMCOR
UMVOR Tornado Response
Remember the people of Oklahoma and pray for them. Make your prayers an act of love with a donation to UMCOR.
Treble Clef
Join a Summer Choir!
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.
Summer Sings!
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.
Guest Choir - July 17
Living Proof Youth Choir from Christ United Methodist Church, Plano, Texas singing in Vespers and in concert on Wednesday, July 17
 
www.fumcsd.org   |   619-297-4366