Epiphany

Monday, January 6, 2025

Making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world by following Jesus, thriving in community, and healing the world.

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Pastor's Corner

Friends,

This morning we had a very meaningful gathering with people from all walks to celebrate the life and light of our dear friend Danimal. Thank you to all who attended the service and/or helped out at our combined Monday Meal and memorial reception. I am also grateful for those of you who have provided extra love and care to Kathleen and Kevin who were with Danimal to the very end. This is the gift of being in community.

Today, on the Day of Epiphany, I can't help but think about the Wise Ones going home, as the scripture reads, "by another road." Those words have popped out at me since preparing for last Sunday's message. I don't know about you, but I am a creature of habit. I probably could -- don't worry, I won't try it -- drive to the church from my home blindfolded. I know where to anticipate traffic, depending on the time of day. And, I know when to change lanes to avoid the potholes (thanks, I-80). I know the road like the back of my hand.

Going home by another road seems, initially, stress inducing. And, if I think about it a bit more, it makes me wonder what I might be missing out on by going home my usual way. What new vistas may be possible? What new restaurants have I missed out on? What neighborhoods do I unintentionally (or intentionally) avoid? What epiphanies are out there waiting to be encountered? Maybe there is a new resolution for us here to try out new roads this New Year.

Journeying with you,

This Week @ First Church | Mon., 1/6 - Sun., 1/12

MONDAY:

Church Office Hours - 9:00 a.m. to Noon.
Celebration of Life for Danimal - 11:15 a.m., Sanctuary.
Helping Hands Monday Meal - Noon.

WEDNESDAY:

Church Office Hours - 9:00 a.m. to Noon.
United Women in Faith - 10:00 a.m., Meeting Room.
Evening Prayer Service - 6:00 p.m. via Zoom.
Trustees Meeting - 7:00 p.m., Meeting Room.

THURSDAY:

Holy Grounds Lectionary Study - 8:00 a.m., Fig Tree Coffee.
Spanish Language Class - 9:30 a.m., Meeting Room.

SATURDAY:

Monthly Recycle Fundraiser Collection - 10-11 a.m., Church Parking Lot.

SUNDAY:

Worship - Baptism of Our Lord Sunday - 10:15 a.m., Sanctuary. Fellowship and Refreshments to follow in Backman Hall.
Inquirers' Gathering - Following Worship in Heritage Chapel.

January 2025 Birthdays!

1/1, Claudia Snyder

1/2, Donnese Brewer

1/5, Carol Trexler

1/13, Karen Kelly

1/15, John Handley

1/17, Kevin Hubert

1/18, Barbara Schwartz

1/19, Joann Ewert

1/20, Carolyn Johnson

1/22, Ruth Ann Baker

1/24, Paul Woicicki

1/25, Sherel Harris

1/28, Shad Begley

1/31, Al Newton

Click Here: Send Us Prayer Requests for the Church Prayer Chain

Looking Ahead & Parish Updates

United Women in Faith Meeting on Wednesday, January 8: 10:00 a.m. in the Meeting Room. Come for a conversation on the Epiphany. Reach out to Nancy William for more info.

Inquirers' Gathering on Sunday, January 12: Are you new (or newish) to First Church and want to learn more about its story, its ministries, and its tradition? Join Pastor Angel for an informal and open conversation about all things First Church and United Methodism. We will meet after worship in Heritage Chapel.

Children's Church returns on Sunday, January 12! Following the 'Praise Report', children (and parents, if you'd like) are welcome to go to the Children's Center for Children's Church. This week the kids will be exploring the story of Jesus' baptism. As a reminder, Children's Church meets on the second and fourth Sunday of every month.

From the Connection - United Methodist Bishops' Pastoral Letter Addressing the Plight of Migrants, Immigrants, and Refugees: "Jesus said, 'When you welcome the stranger, you welcome me….' Matthew 25:35. At no time has the church in the US had a greater opportunity to welcome Jesus among us as he journeys with migrants, immigrants, and refugees than today. We your bishops are clear that the situation these beloved of God face as the Trump Administration comes to power threatens their humanity, livelihood, and basic human rights." Read the full letter here.

"Faith in the Public Square" - A Conversational Sermon: On Sunday, January 26 there will be a "conversational sermon" between Pastor Angel and the Rev. Steve Lundin, a retired United Methodist elder, where they will be discussing the role of faith in our public life and sharing recent experiences in Washington D.C. and in Arizona, respectively. While the church is strictly non-partisan, we will explore our social responsibility as Christians through the lens of Wesleyan heritage, our United Methodist Social Principles, and the call for justice and kindness found within the scriptures. Questions may be submitted to Pastor Angel (pastor.angel@firstumcroseville.org) and may be included as part of the conversational sermon.

“Sock it to ‘em” Socks & Jackets Collection: Help us keep our community warm this winter. We are accepting donations of new socks and new/gently used jackets to give out during our Monday Meal. Bring them to worship or during the week. if you have any questions, please see Kathleen or Pastor.

Assisting Us in Worship - Sunday, Jan. 12

Liturgist: Chris Hurley

Coffee Hour: Dave and Jan Sechrist

Connect with Our Pastor: Rev. Angel Rivero

Pastor Angel is available by appointment Sunday through Thursday. You may schedule an appointment with him by email, phone, or through the Church Office. He is also in the Church Office on Mondays from 9:00 am to Noon for possible "drop-in". Please note that he is typically unavailable on Fridays and Saturdays for his personal / sabbath time (unless otherwise noted).

Email Pastor Angel

First United Methodist Church of Roseville is a part of the Great Northern District of the California-Nevada Conference of The United Methodist Church.

Rev. Blake Busick, Superintendent, Great Northern District

Bishop Sandra Olewine, Resident Bishop, California-Nevada Conference

"Following Jesus. Thriving in Community. Healing the World."

"To make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world."

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