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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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Friends,
Today, on World AIDS Day, we join with communities around the globe to remember all who have been affected by HIV and AIDS. We remember the millions of lives lost, the families who continue to grieve, the survivors whose stories are marked by resilience, and the many who are living with HIV today. We also honor the caregivers, advocates, medical professionals, and ministries who have worked tirelessly for healing, dignity, and hope.
Today, I remember one of my mentors and friends, the late Rev. Jerry Asheim. Jerry was an ordained Methodist elder who could not fully live into his pastoral call because he was a gay man. In the 1980s, he left Minnesota for California and became a nurse, dedicating himself to caring for people living with HIV and AIDS. His life was a testimony to compassion, courage, and unwavering love.
Our UMC Social Principles remind us that every person is of sacred worth, and they call the church to full inclusion, compassionate care, and advocacy with people living with HIV and AIDS. We are urged to resist stigma, promote access to treatment, and stand with all who suffer.
World AIDS Day invites us to do three things:
1) Remember those we have lost.
2) Support those living with HIV today.
3) and Renew our commitment to a world where healing, access to care, and dignity are available to all.
May we be a community that embodies Christ’s compassion.
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Cookies Needed this Sunday
Ministry Empowerment Fair & Christmas Cookie Exchange
On Sunday, December 7, we invite you to join us for a special combined event during Coffee Hour: our Ministry Empowerment Fair and Christmas Cookie Exchange!
The Ministry Empowerment Fair is an exciting opportunity to discover the many ways you can grow, serve, and connect at First Church Roseville. Representatives from our small groups, ministries, and committees will be available to share what they do and how you can get involved. This is part of our Visioning Team’s commitment to making the full life of the church more accessible for everyone—whether you're new to the community or looking for a fresh place to plug in.
At the same time, we’ll be hosting a festive Christmas Cookie Exchange! Bring a batch of your favorite holiday cookies to share and take home a delightful assortment baked by others. (No worries if you can’t bring cookies this time—you’re still warmly welcome to participate!)
Come, enjoy good food and good company, learn more about the ministries that shape our life together, and celebrate the gifts God is stirring among us. We look forward to seeing you there!
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Day of Belonging - New Members Sunday, December 7
We will be receiving new members on Sunday, December 7 during our worship gathering. If you desire to be baptized and / or received as a member of the First Church community, please reach out to Pastor Angel.
While all are welcomed into the life and ministry of the congregation, membership is an intentional and mutual commitment. It is a response to God’s call to belong—not only to Christ, but to one another. We were not made to live in isolation, but to grow together in grace. Membership expresses our shared responsibility to care for one another, to uphold the ministries of the church, and to help shepherd this community of faith as we follow Christ together.
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Introducing Our New Worshiping Community: WOW - Worship On Wednesday
We are launching a new worshiping community at First Church Roseville!
WOW is our prayer for Wednesday nights—that we might encounter God with amazement, glorify God together, and create moments of holy awe right in the middle of the week.
WOW is designed to be an informal, accessible, and grace-filled worship experience for everyone. While all are welcome, we are giving particular attention to offering a space of welcome, dignity, and spiritual nourishment for our friends and neighbors who are currently unhoused or living on the margins.
WOW will gather on Wednesdays, starting December 3, at 8:00 p.m. in Backman Hall. If you have questions or want to get involved, see Pastor Angel or Wesley Youman.
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Sock-It-To-Me: Sock Collection Drive
Help us share warmth and care this season! We’re collecting clean, new socks for our neighbors who attend the Helping Hands Monday Meal. Each Sunday, you're invited to bring new socks (all sizes welcome!) and place them in the collection bin in the rear of the Sanctuary. Every pair makes a difference — thank you for helping us spread comfort, one step at a time!
We are also welcoming donations of new or gently used jackets and sweaters.
| | | | This Week @ First Church | Mon., 12/01 - Sun., 12/07 | | | |
MONDAY:
- Monday Meal - Meal Service begins at Noon, Backman Hall.
WEDNESDAY:
- Creative Christian Crafters - 10:00 a.m., Backman Hall.
- Trustees Meeting - 7:00 p.m., Meeting Room.
- WOW Service - 8:00 p.m., Backman Hall.
THURSDAY:
- Holy Grounds Lectionary Study - 8:00 a.m., Fig Tree Coffee.
- Spanish-Language Class - 9:30 a.m., Meeting Room.
- Pastor's Book Club - 6:00 p.m., Heritage Chapel / Zoom.
FRIDAY:
- Ring Out Danger - 9:35 a.m., Church Street Entrance.
SATURDAY:
- Men's Breakfast - 8:00 a.m., Backman Hall.
- Monthly Recycle Fundraiser - 10-11 a.m., Church Parking Lot.
SUNDAY: Second Sunday of Advent
- Choir Rehearsal - 8:30 a.m., Sanctuary.
- Worship w/ Holy Communion & Children's Church - 10:15 a.m., Sanctuary.
- Ministry Empowerment Fair & Christmas Cookie Exchange during Fellowship Time in Backman Hall.
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December 2025 Birthdays!
Beth Aitken, Dec 7
Rin Berkley, Dec 8
Rebecca McGuire, Dec 10
Victoria Rogers, Dec 13
Grace Downing, Dec 16
Chris Handley, Dec 20
Ray Davis, Dec 27
Chase Witherow, Dec 29
Larry Koncewicz, Dec 30
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A Word from Wesley
"Is your heart whole with God? Full of love and zeal to set up his kingdom on earth?"
-- "Scriptural Christianity" 1744
| | | | Parish & Community Updates | | | |
Advent Worship Series, From the Stump, New Life - Restoration, Resilience, Rebirth: Out of what seems lifeless, God brings forth new life. This Advent, we listen again to Isaiah’s vision of a shoot springing from the stump of Jesse and to Matthew’s story of Christ’s coming. In a world that feels weary and worn, these ancient words call us to hope—to trust that God’s promise still takes root, grows strong, and bears fruit.
Ministry Empowerment Fair & Christmas Cookie Exchange: Mark your calendars for our first-ever Ministry Empowerment Fair, happening Sunday, Dec. 7, during fellowship time! This will be a wonderful opportunity to learn more about the ministries, small groups, and committees of First Church Roseville and discover ways you can get involved, share your gifts, and help shape our ministry together.
Community Memorial Service for the Unhoused: Sunday, Dec. 21, 3:00 p.m., Bethel Lutheran Church (1050 Douglas Blvd.). Join our homeless neighbors and community faith leaders in remembering those we lost this past year. Event organized by the Roseville Advocates for the Homeless and Placer People of Faith Together.
Christmas Eve Services at First Church Roseville: Wednesday, Dec. 24, Sanctuary.
- 4:00 p.m., Family Service for All Ages
- 8:00 p.m., Candlelight Service
WOW presents NYE Covenant Renewal Service & Game Night: Wednesday, Dec. 31, at 8:00 p.m. in Backman Hall. Join WOW for New Year's Eve for this special service using the Wesley Covenant Prayer. Following worship, you're invited to join us for a game night and pizza party. For more info, see Pastor Angel.
| | | Get Involved: Ongoing Small Groups | | | |
Creative Christian Crafters | 1st & 3rd Wednesdays of the Month, 10 a.m., Craft Room
For more info, see Ruth Ann Baker.
Women's Tea Time Social | Will return in 2026! Keep an eye out!
Evening Prayer Service | 2nd & 4th Wednesdays of the Month, 6 p.m. via Zoom
Join us for a moment of contemplative prayer and guided reflection.
Holy Grounds Lectionary Study | Thursdays, 8 a.m. at Fig Tree Coffee
Join us as we discuss the Sunday scripture. Bring your Bible and join the conversation!
Spanish-Language Class | Thursdays, 9 a.m., Meeting Room
Come learn Spanish with us! For more info, see Paul Woicicki.
Pastor's Book Club | Thursdays, 6 p.m., Heritage Chapel & Zoom.
This will be last gathering for Cherished Belonging, discussing the final chapter.
Men's Breakfast | 1st Saturday of the Month, 8:30 a.m., Backman Hall
No agenda. Just breakfast. Saturday, December 6. For more info, see Dave Sechrist.
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Our Pastor: Rev. Angel Rivero
Pastor Angel is available for pastoral care, general inquiries, etc., by appointment Monday through Thursday. You may get on his calendar by speaking with him, sending him an email (pastor.angel@firstumcroseville.org), or leaving a message at the Church Office. Please note that Fridays and Saturdays are his sabbath / personal days off.
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First Church Roseville is a congregation of The United Methodist Church and is located in the Great Northern District of the California-Nevada Conference.
The Rev. Mike Harrell, 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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