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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,
As some of you may know, I love going to the movies—I think it’s because popcorn is my favorite snack. Last week, Martin and I went to see The Testament of Ann Lee. As many of you also know, I’m a church nerd who loves obscure religious history, so a movie about the founder of the Shakers was right up my alley.
For those who may not know, the Shakers were a religious movement that began in the 18th century and were known for their commitment to communal living, simplicity, pacifism, and radical equality. Many would recognize their most famous hymn, “Simple Gifts.” Its familiar line—“’Tis the gift to be simple, ’tis the gift to be free”—captures the heart of Shaker theology: that faith is lived not only in belief, but in the everyday choices we make about how we relate to God, to one another, and to the world.
John Wesley, founder of Methodism, would likely have called the Shakers “enthusiasts,” given the way they danced and expressed themselves in worship. Ironically, early Methodists were also accused of being enthusiasts for their disciplined “method” of practical Christianity.
While I am not a Shaker (can’t dance, sadly), I was amazed to see this story told on the big screen and to imagine what life was like for people seeking religious tolerance in a budding country. It’s a reminder that faith has always been about courage, community, and creativity—and that sometimes, the Spirit moves in ways we don’t expect.
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From the UMC Connection - United Methodist Bishops Condemn Violence in Minnesota
"In recent days, events in Minnesota and beyond have caused deep grief, concern, and alarm across our connection. The use of lethal force in public spaces, the detention of naturalized citizens, members of our indigenous communities, children, documented and undocumented immigrants, and the treatment of other vulnerable persons have weighed heavily on the hearts of many in our church. These actions have unsettled communities, strained trust, and intensified fear among those already living at the margins.
Scripture reminds us that “when one part of the body suffers, we all suffer with them (I Corinthians 12:26)." Read full statement here.
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Upcoming Lenten Worship Series
Breath of Mercy: The Jesus Prayer for Today's World
Lent invites us to slow down, to listen more closely, and to return to the heart of our faith. In a world that often feels rushed, anxious, and divided, this season offers us a sacred pause—a chance to breathe, repent, and receive God’s mercy anew.
This year, as part of our Lenten journey, we will explore the ancient prayer known as The Jesus Prayer: “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me.” First prayed by early Christians seeking a deeper and more constant awareness of God, this simple yet profound prayer has been passed down through generations as a quiet, faithful companion in times of both struggle and hope.
Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, February 18. Each week between Ash Wednesday and Easter Sunday, we will reflect on the words of this prayer and consider how they might speak to us amid today’s struggles.
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Coming Soon - Pastor's Book Club for the Season of Lent
Join Pastor Angel for a Lenten book discussion of When Did We See You?: A Lenten Exploration of Poverty and Wealth by Elizabeth Mae Magill. Meetings will be held Tuesdays at 6:00 p.m. via Zoom, beginning February 24.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
In When Did We See You?, Magill invites us into an honest conversation about faith, money, and community, posing hard questions about poverty, wealth, and what it means to follow Jesus in an economically divided world. With candor, grace, and deep pastoral insight, Magill wrestles with her own material privilege and encourages us to do the same. Grounded in scripture and the author's own life and experience, this study explores how wealth shapes our relationship with God and neighbor and calls us back to Christ's radical way of love, justice, and solidarity with the poor.
| | | | This Week @ First Church | Mon., 1/26 - Sun., 2/1 | | | |
MONDAY:
- Monday Meal - Meal Service begins at Noon, Backman Hall.
WEDNESDAY:
- Ladies' Tea Time - 10:30 a.m., Home of Chris Handley.
THURSDAY:
- Holy Grounds Lectionary Study - 8:00 a.m., Fig Tree Coffee (217 Vernon St).
- Spanish-Language Class - 9:30 a.m., Meeting Room.
SUNDAY:
- Worship with Holy Communion & Children's Church - 10:15 a.m., Sanctuary. Fellowship Time to follow in Backman Hall.
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January/February 2026 Birthdays!
Shad Begley, Jan 28
Al Newton, Jan 31
Connie Witherow, Feb 4
Kirk Watkins, Feb 8
Barbara Hulse, Feb 12
Sue Angove, Feb 19
Veronica Romig, Feb 22
CJ Witherow, Feb 24
| | | | Parish Updates, Community Events, & Connectional News | | | |
2026 Church Directory Update
We are updating our Church Directory and we need your help! If you have changed phone number or email address, or have moved in the last year, please send that info to Nancy Bray or fill our a Contact Info Form on Sunday.
Pastor's Schedule Next Week
Pastor Angel will be away next week, Monday, 2/2 thru Thursday, 2/5, for the Gathering of the Spiritual Leaders, an annual retreat for all United Methodist clergy in the conference, held at Asilomar. He will have access to email and will respond as he's able. For urgent matters, please reach out to either a lay leader or the Church Office.
Memorial Service for Gil Humpherys
We will remember and celebrate the life and witness of Gil Humpherys on Saturday, February 7 at 11:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary. A reception lunch is to follow in Backman Hall. Memorial gifts to First Church may be made in his name.
Fat Tuesday Fundraiser - Pancakes with the Pastor & Silly Bingo
Celebrate Fat Tuesday with this fun fundraiser! Tuesday, February 17, at noon in Backman Hall. Tickets go on sale soon! $15.00 gets you access to a pancake lunch and a Bingo card. Additional Bingo cards may be purchased for $1.00/card.
Pastor’s Book Club for the Season of Lent
Join Pastor Angel for a Lenten book discussion of When Did We See You?: A Lenten Exploration of Poverty and Wealth by Elizabeth Mae Magill. Meetings will be held Tuesdays at 6 p.m. via Zoom, beginning February 24. See Pastor Angel with any questions.
Ash Wednesday Gatherings
Mark the start of your Lenten journey at one of our services on Wednesday, February 18:
- 12:00 p.m. Sanctuary.
- 6:00 p.m., Sanctuary.
Mark Your Calendars - Our Next Ad-Ministry Council Meeting
Join us after worship, at 11:45 a.m. in Heritage Chapel, on Sunday, March 15. This is a time for us to celebrate what God is doing through First Church, to review necessary reports, and to look with hope for what is unfolding. Your voice and insight matters. If you have questions about Ad-Ministry Council, please connect with Liz, Council Chair., or the Pastor.
| | | 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 | Last Wednesday of the Month, 10:30 a.m.
For more info and the address, contact Chris Handley.
Evening Prayer Service | Wednesday, January 14, 6 p.m. via Zoom
Join us for a moment of contemplative prayer and guided reflection.
Holy Grounds Lectionary Study | Thursdays at 8:00 a.m. at Fig Tree Coffee.
Bring your Bible, order a coffee, and join the conversation on this Sunday's scriptures.
Spanish-Language Class | Thursdays, 9:30 a.m., Meeting Room
Come learn Spanish with us! For more info, see Paul Woicicki.
Pastor's Book Club | Will return for Lent 2026!
Men's Breakfast | 1st Saturday of the Month, 8:30 a.m., Backman Hall
No agenda. Just breakfast. Saturday, February 7. For more info, see Dave Sechrist.
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Our Pastor: Rev. Angel Rivero
Pastor Angel is available for pastoral care, general inquiries, and conversation by appointment Monday through Thursday. To schedule a time with him, you may speak with him directly, send an email to pastor.angel@firstumcroseville.org, or leave a message with the Church Office.
Please note that Fridays and Saturdays are his sabbath and personal days off.
Thank you for honoring this time of rest.
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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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