 eNews
The official email newsletter of the
First United Methodist Church of San Diego
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
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Receive, Not Achieve
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Rev. Mary Allman-Boyle
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On Sunday, June 23, I have the privilege of bringing the message in the sanctuary worship services. You might want to read ahead Galatians 3:23-29. That way you can earn a merit badge or will you? We will be discussing receiving not achieving. The millennial generation (those in their 20s) are now often called "Meritocrats". They have planned for graduate school before even entering college. Trying to measure up can be good, right?
Many in our congregation have achieved great things. Those who work tirelessly on our numerous mission projects accomplish much. That's a good thing, particularly if it comes from a place of faith, from a relationship with Jesus Christ. When we try to merit God's favor, it's all about us. Come and see how Paul, John Wesley, and others tried to earn God's favor. Their lives were changed and they influenced many when they received versus achieved.
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Our blogger this week will be Randy Newton.
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Vacation Bible School ~ Mon.-Fri., July 22-26 ~ 9 AM - 12 PM
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?
Don't miss out on our Early-Bird Special! The cost is $25 per child if you register by July 1 for 5 days of Bible study, games, crafts, music, worship and more!
Register online today! Extended care available, see details...
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Rev. Craig Brown to begin preaching Sunday, July 7
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Rev. Craig Brown
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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. The Staff Parish Relations Committee is working with Rev. Brown on transition details. You can read last week's letter from SPRC Chair, Carl Meuser, explaining logistics and plans here ...If you missed the article introducing Craig and the Brown family to the congregation, you can read it here ... |
New Pastor Receptions: SPRC will be arranging neighborhood in-home receptions to introduce Rev. Brown to the church community in lieu of an all-church reception/receiving line on his first Sunday, July 7. Stay tuned for details in upcoming articles.
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Quiet Disciple, Barbara Fortenbach, honored by UMW
On Saturday, June 8, at Nestor United Methodist Church, Barbara Fortenbach, was presented with the United Methodist Women Quiet Disciple award.
This honor is presented annually to someone who shows dedication above and beyond, yet who is quiet about all she does. Barbara works behind-the-scenes in decorative and art projects from Sunday School to fashion shows. The Pentecost banners in the sanctuary are her artworks.
Congratulations, Barbara.
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Mission Opportunities
 Church Earthquake Repair Mission, Mexicali, MX
October 24-28The 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. 
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 ...
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T hank You!
Dear Friends,
Thank you so much for a grand send-off. It was full of great food, fun, and your very typical, unbelievable generosity. We are most grateful to Carl Meuser and the Staff Parish Committee for all their many hours of hard work and superb care in this time of transition.
God bless all of you in the congregation, and God bless Craig Brown and his family as they come to First Church.
Gratefully,
Jim and Mary Lou Standiford
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Photo Directory Dates Extended!
Imagine coming into a new situation where you are meeting not dozens, but hundreds of new people and you REALLY want to begin putting names with faces. Our new pastor Craig Brown will be in this position, and we want to help him. Our new church directory will be a vital tool.
Take advantage of these added dates: 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.
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Submission of work: Aug. 1 - Sept. 1 Exhibition: Sept. 27 - Oct. 27SDSCS invites professional and amateur photographers, adult and youth, to submit image  s 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.
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Notices
Congratulations to
Leaders in the Bible continues Wednesday evenings through July 31 at 6:45 PM in Linder Lounge. Tonight: "Jacob" with Rev. Greg LaDue. 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. Wednesday Pastor's Bible Study is on break for the summer. 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 before and after services from 9 AM-12:30 PM and is located below the sanctuary and through the sanctuary meeting room (behind the Christ window). 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.
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.
Save the Dates!
- Explore First Church, 7/21
- F5 worship with Rev. Craig Brown preaching, 7/21.
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Worship Services
8, 9:30, 11 AM Sunday Traditional
Service in the Sanctuary
Rev. Mary Allman-Boyle
"Receive, Not Achieve"
Galatians 3:23-29
Acts 9:3-6 (sung)
Sunday Contemporary Service
The Cove at the United Methodist Center
Rev. Elbert Kim Band ~ Communion
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
Rev. Greg LaDue
Bob Plimpton, organist
Child care by prior reservation, 619-297-4366
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In Our Prayers... We invite you to join us as we keep these individuals and families in our prayers this week.
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 Seeking Cleaning Bucket DonationsAssemble & Package Sunday, June 2310:45 AM - 1 PM
Linder Hall 5
In response to the Tornadoes in OK, please join us to assemble Cleaning Buckets for UMCOR. UMCOR West has a shortage of supplies for building their disaster relief kits.
Here's how you can help:
1. Donate any items for, or a completed Cleaning Bucket - see list here ...2. Join us this Sunday, June 23, any time between 10:45 AM - 1 PM in Linder Hall 5 to assemble and package the Cleaning Buckets!3. Make a donation to UMCOR. 
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United Methodist Women
Fashion Show
and Salad Luncheon
Saturday, July 20
12-2 PM, Linder Hall
$20 donation benefits UMW local and global mission. Enjoy a catered salad lunch and -- new this year -- fashions from Chico's!
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Sing Favorite Hymns in Summer Vespers
During July and August in Vespers we will be singing favorite hymns requested by regular attendees -- probably three each Wednesday. Our Vesper service is a spiritual oasis in the middle of our busy week. As we sing, pray, and receive the sacrament, we will "sing and make melody to the Lord with all our hearts." (Eph. 5:19) The service is from 5:30 - 6 PM in the sanctuary with music for prayer and meditation beginning at 5:15. A fellowship meal is at 6, followed by Adult Education at 6:45. Spiritual energy for all!
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Tuesdays, July 2-30
9 AM - 4 PM
Art - Photography, Cooking - Baking, Group Games, Off Campus Adventures Too! Bring a sack lunch. Drop off/pick up in the Cove.
June 27 - August 15
9 AM - 4 PM
District Day at the Beach
at La Jolla Shores via the Church Bus. Bring: towel, swimsuit, sunscreen, $10 or sack lunch. Drop off/pick up in the Cove.
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9:30-10:30: worship at Water's Edge 10:30-11:30: Sermon discussion, community building, snacks.
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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. |
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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. |
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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
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