6
FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH of SANTA MONICA SENTINEL vol. cxl, no. 4 April 2015 First United Methodist Church of Santa Monica welcomes you to this community of faith. You’ll find singles, seniors, families with young children, youth, newlyweds, young adults….and a full range of programs and opportunities for worship, study, service and fellowship. ALL ARE WELCOME. Horizons Senior Minister April 5: Easter Day Sunrise Service 6:30 a.m. Palisades Park (Santa Monica Blvd. & Ocean Ave.) Bring fresh flowers for the cross. Hot coffee served. Easter Worship 10 a.m. First UMC Sanctuary Family Service, Choir, Brass, Organ, Lilies & Alleluias! (child care provided) What are the origins of April Fool’s Day? They are many, but my favorite is an old story from the early church that Christ began preaching on April 1st, probably in relation to an even earlier custom of dating the Resurrection to March 25th. I suppose none of that makes much sense, nor does the practice of playing jokes on unsuspecting “fools.” But in the spirit of God’s foolishness being wiser than human wisdom, as the Apostle Paul puts it, as April begins maybe it’s helpful for us to remember that as the church, we’re really preaching all the time. These days, the things we do often preach more loudly than the words we say—a welcoming smile, sending a team to Haiti, learning together with our Muslim brothers and sisters, offering food to a hungry visitor, listening and praying with someone at a time of grief or loss, being in worship to sing and praise God together—all these preach a word of hope in a God who makes all things new and whose “foolish” love triumphs over death in every form. Have a wonderful April—April Fool’s Day and all!

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH SENTINELstorage.cloversites.com/firstunitedmethodistchurchofsantamonica/... · Christ Actually: The Son of God for the Secular Age, by James Carroll

  • Upload
    others

  • View
    1

  • Download
    0

Embed Size (px)

Citation preview

Page 1: FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH SENTINELstorage.cloversites.com/firstunitedmethodistchurchofsantamonica/... · Christ Actually: The Son of God for the Secular Age, by James Carroll

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH of SANTA MONICA

SENT INELvol. cxl, no. 4 April 2015

First United Methodist Church of Santa Monica welcomes you to this community of faith. You’ll find singles, seniors, families with young children, youth, newlyweds, young adults….and a full range of programs and opportunities for worship, study, service and fellowship. ALL ARE WELCOME.

WORSHIPSundays at 10:00 a.m.

Horizons

8:45 a.m. Youth Handbell Choir Rehearsal, Choir Room 9 a.m. Lectionary Scripture Discussion, Fireside Room 9 a.m. Partnership with God Sunday School, Room 101 9:15 a.m. Youth Choir Rehearsal, Room 3009:20 a.m. Children’s Choir Rehearsal, Chapel9:30 a.m. Nursery Care, Room 204 10:00 a.m. Worship, Sanctuary 10:10 a.m. Sunday School, Education Bldg. 11:00 a.m. Fellowship, Simkins Hall in The Shelby Center 6:15 p.m. UMYF, Youth Lounge

Sundays At-A-Glance

On the WebsiteRisking Forgiveness is this year’s Lenten theme. Did you know you can listen to all the sermons from this series by visiting the Sermons page? There, you will also be able to hear past sermons and select full services such as Lessons & Anthems or the Youth Service.

http://santamonicaumc.org/#/index-reference/sermons

Church Office Hours: Tues - Fri, 9a.m. - 5 p.m.Chapel Open for Prayer: Mon - Fri, 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.

April 5 - Easter Sunrise, Easter Worship Sermon by Rev. Patricia Farris

April 12 - 2nd Sunday of Easter • Holy Communion Homily by Rev. Robert English

April 19 - 3rd Sunday of Easter Sermon by Rev. Larry Young

April 26 - 4th Sunday of EasterSermon by Rev. Patricia Farris

Senior Minister

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCHof SANTA MONICA1008 Eleventh Street

Santa Monica, CA 90403www.santamonicaumc.org

310.393.8258email: [email protected]

April 5: Easter DaySunrise Service 6:30 a.m.

Palisades Park (Santa Monica Blvd. & Ocean Ave.)

Bring fresh flowers for the cross. Hot coffee served.

Easter Worship10 a.m. First UMC Sanctuary

Family Service, Choir, Brass, Organ, Lilies & Alleluias!(child care provided)

What are the origins of April Fool’s Day? They are many, but my favorite is an old story from the early church that Christ began preaching on April 1st, probably in relation to an even earlier custom of dating the Resurrection to March 25th.

I suppose none of that makes much sense, nor does the practice of playing jokes on unsuspecting “fools.” But in the spirit of God’s foolishness being wiser than human wisdom, as the Apostle Paul puts it, as April begins maybe it’s helpful for us to remember that as the church, we’re really preaching all the time. These days, the things we do often preach more loudly than the words we

say—a welcoming smile, sending a team to Haiti, learning together with our Muslim brothers and sisters, offering food to a hungry visitor, listening and praying with someone at a time of grief or loss, being in worship to sing and praise God together—all these preach a word of hope in a God who makes all things new and whose “foolish” love triumphs over death in every form.

Have a wonderful April—April Fool’s Day and all!

Page 2: FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH SENTINELstorage.cloversites.com/firstunitedmethodistchurchofsantamonica/... · Christ Actually: The Son of God for the Secular Age, by James Carroll

CommunityCongratulations• to Ruben Quintana, for completing the LA Marathon!• to Heidi Crooks, for being honored by the Armenian International Medical Fund at their March 7 Gala dinner.• to Margo Dimitrova and Nick Rogers (son of Carl Rogers & Debrah Wiley), who were married March 18.• to Kurt Poland, who was approved as a Certified Candidate yesterday by the West District Committee on Ordained Ministry.His name will be presented at the District Conference May 2nd. We rejoice with him in this next step on the path to ordained ministry.

CondolencesWe extend our deepest sympathies to the families and friends of these departed loved ones: • Leslie Talt’s brother Scott Nairn died March 8.• Phebe Guerrero’s aunt Terista Toledo died March 11.

Births • Caleb Archibald Eskridge, born March 6 to parents Adam & Brittany Eskridge, and grandparents Mike & Patty Eskridge.• Parents Pete and Annalisa Peterson welcomed daughter Sigrid Peterson, born in March 2014. Pete and Annalisa were Sunday ushers at First UMC and recently moved to Minnesota.

April CalendarThursday, April 2 - Maundy Thursday 7:30 p.m. Maundy Thursday service, Sanctuary (S)Friday, April 3 - Good Friday9 a.m. - 9 p.m. Gates Chapel open for prayer12:10 p.m. Community Good Friday Service, First Presbyterian Church of Santa Monica, (1220 2nd. St. SM)1 p.m. - 9 p.m. Labyrinth open for walking, Simkins Hall (SH)Sunday, April 5 - Easter Sunday6:30 a.m. Easter Sunrise Service, Palisades Park (Santa Monica Blvd. & Ocean Ave.)10 a.m. Easter Celebration Worship, SWednesday, April 812:10 p.m. April Mid-Week Recital/Reception, S/Fireside RoomFriday, April 107 p.m. Shareringer Monthly Dinner, FRSunday, April 1211:15 a.m. “What We Talk about When We Talk about God,” 1st of a 2-part series with Kurt Poland, FRWednesday, April 15 - Sentinel Submissions Due Saturday, April 189:30 a.m. Prayer Quilt Workparty, WRSunday, April 1911 a.m. Free Blood Pressure Screenings, SH11:15 a.m. “What We Talk about When We Talk about God,” 2nd of a 2-part series with Kurt Poland, FR5 p.m. Missional Worship Gathering, SHSunday, April 2611 a.m. April Book-of-the-Month Study/Potluck, FR11 a.m. 20s/30s Young Adult Check-in, ChapelTuesday, April 287 p.m. Church Council Meeting, FR

WEEKLY AT FIRST UMC:Mondays - Church Office ClosedTuesdays 7 a.m. Men’s Breakfast Bible Study, Fireside Room7:30 p.m. Amadeus Handbells Rehearsal, Choir RoomWednesdays 9:30 a.m. United Methodist Women Workparty, WorkroomThursdays7 p.m. Cross(+)Brew Young Adults, Off-Site (1st & 3rd Thurs.)7:40 p.m. Chancel Choir Rehearsal, Choir Room

Mid-Week Recital for AprilTake a break from your day and spend your lunch hour listening to beautiful music! Enjoy the April Mid-Week Recital with organist Weicheng Zhao. Zhao is currently enrolled in the Doctor of Musical Arts program at USC, and is organist at St. Bede the Venerable Catholic Church, in La Cañada.

FREE Concert Wednesday, April 8: 12:10 - 12:40 p.m., in the Sanctuary, Reception following in Fireside Room.

Labyrinth Open on Good Friday On Good Friday the Labyrinth will be open for meditation and reflection. Since 2008 when the permanent labyrinth was first installed in The Shelby Center, it has been available for groups within the church and the community at large to enjoy. A brochure will be available on-site with suggestions on the stages of the Labyrinth Walk.

Friday, April 3: 1 - 9 p.m. Simkins Hall in The Shelby Center

Maundy Thursday Service First UMC offers a traditional Maundy Thursday Service with Holy Communion and Tenebrae on April 2 in the Sanctuary. Tenebrae is Latin for “shadows” and is characterized by the gradual extinguishing of candles as the Passion narrative is read.

This meaningful service is open to all.

Thursday, April 2: 7:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary

Book-of-the-Month Study & PotluckChrist Actually: The Son of God for the Secular Age, by James Carroll

Critically acclaimed and bestselling author James Carroll has explored every aspect of Christianity, faith, and Jesus Christ except this central one: What can we believe about—and how can we believe in—Jesus in the twenty-first century in light

of the Holocaust and other atrocities of the twentieth century and the drift from religion that followed? Rev. Patricia Farris leads the lively discussion. Bring a dish to share.

Sunday, April 26: 11 a.m., in the Fireside Room

2-Part Series: “What We Talk about When We Talk about God”Do you have deep questions about what Christians believe? Have you ever longed for an opportunity to be candid with your questions, and even your concerns? If so, First UMC invites you to What We Talk about When We Talk about God hosted by Kurt Poland. Both events will start with a 10-minute presentation by Kurt, then the floor will open up for questions, discussion, and interchange. Bring your hardest, deepest questions. Seriously. The bashful don’t learn. Contact Kurt Poland at [email protected] for more information, or to ask a question.

Sundays, April 12 & 19: 11:15 a.m., in the Fireside Room

Vacation Bible School - Call for VolunteersIt’s time to start volunteering for VBS! This coming July 27-31, Children’s Ministry at First UMC will be needing all the help it can get. VBS doesn’t happen without volunteers. Frankly, VBS doesn’t happen without YOU!

If you’re creative, try volunteering one day to be a part of the bible story for the kids! If you’re a foodie, try coming and helping with snacks one day! If you’re a geek, we need all the science help we can get! And if you like to work with your hands, then don’t miss the opportunity to help us decorate and clean up. Vacation Bible School is an especially important week in the life of the church. It is one of the most active weeks of outreach in the church year. This is the time to start making a difference! This is the time to start making Disciples! Contact Kurt Poland at [email protected] for more information.

VBS: July 27 - July 31: 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Standing TogetherContinuing with a series that started several years ago, 10 members of our congregation are participating with 10 members of our local Muslim community in a 7-session series on Sunday afternoons from 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. The program is intended to help bridge the gap between Christians and Muslims by building understanding, fostering loving and compassionate relationships, and engaging the participants with one another about their beliefs and practices.

Preparing an estate plan is good Christian stewardship–saying thanks to God, expressing your love and concern for family, and showing charity toward others. Join the First UMC Legacy Circle.

Contact: [email protected]

Letter to the CongregationTo the most wonderful congregation ever:As most of you know, I am leaving First UMC. My last day is Easter Sunday, April 5. As of April 7, I will be working in Santa Monica three days a week in a medical office next to St. John’s Hospital, and will certainly be attending events at First UMC throughout the year. Sarah Rold, Shalimar Carducci, David Penson and everyone else in the church office will take good care of you.

When I came here ten years ago in January 2005, I had no idea what amazing people I would meet! Thank you for your support and love. You will always be in my heart.

If you would like to keep in touch with me (and I hope you will!), my cell phone number is 310-428-2701 and my personal email address is [email protected]. - Nancy Perov

Nancy’s warm relational style has endeared her to church members and community groups alike. She has always been ready to assist with programs, plans and arrangements in a caring way. She will be greatly missed! - First UMC Office Staff

Missed It Last Month?Monthly Events at First UMCMissional Worship Gathering: 3rd Sunday of the monthA simple, quiet, formal yet informal gathering, with a conversational sermon and a celebration of Holy Communion. All are welcome. 5 p.m. Simkins Hall in The Shelby Center.

Health Ministry Council: 3rd Sunday of the monthFree Blood Pressure Screenings, 11 a.m. Simkins Hall.

Book-of-the-Month Study & Potluck: 4th Sunday of the monthexcept where noted - Join Senior Pastor Rev. Patricia Farris for serious study and reflection on contemporary theological writing. 11 a.m. Fireside Room.

Young Adult Check-in: 4th Sunday of the month 20/30 year-olds meet after worship. 11 a.m. Gates Chapel.

Prayer Quilt Ministry: 3rd Saturday of the monthYou don’t need to be a quilter or even know how to sew! 9:30 a.m. Room 300.

For more information on any of the programs listed, come by the Sunday Hospitality Table or visit our website.

Stained glass as seen in the Sanctuary, depicting historical Methodist organizations and sites. The church image (second from the left) is St. John’s First United Methodist Church, arguably thought to be the first United Methodist Church.

Page 3: FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH SENTINELstorage.cloversites.com/firstunitedmethodistchurchofsantamonica/... · Christ Actually: The Son of God for the Secular Age, by James Carroll

Preschool CornerMarch Happenings at First UMC

Celebrating Chinese New Year!

PRESCHOOL EVENTS FOR APRIL

1 – Field Trip to Santa Monica Pier - Pre-K and TK kids3 – Good Friday - school closed 6-10 – Spring Break - school closed15 – Preschool Parent Coffee (8:15 - 9:15 a.m. in the Courtyard)16 – “Power Struggles and Postive Disciplining” with Debra Green, Ph.D , 6 p.m.

Commissioning the Haiti Work Team

Brazilian guitarist Flavio Apro at the March Mid-Week Recital

UMW/Women of Action’sSt. Patrick’s Day Luncheon

Cindy McQuade after co-emceeing St. Patrick’s day luncheon. Wig made by Joy Peterman!

LOOKING AHEADMAY3 – UMW Luncheon for Graduates8, 9 & 10 – C.A.S.T. teen performance 17 – Choir Recognition17 – First UMC Spring Concert17 – Missional Worship Gathering24 – Book-of-the-Month Study/Potluck31 – Faith in Action Sunday31 – United Methodist Youth Fellowship (UMYF) Silent Auction Dinner Show

The Haiti Work Team demonstrates how a “Bucket Line” works

Working at the site

In Leveque

After the concert, with Malcolm Dole, Flavio Apro, his wife, and Barbara Smith

Office Staff going-away party for Nancy Perov

Bryan’s SmileOur own Melanie Gullett has responded to the death of her son, Bryan, and his struggle with drug addition, by creating a programmatic resource for parents and their 10-17 year olds. For more information about their approach and dates of upcoming events, see www.bryanssmile.com or contact Melanie through the church office.

Welcome New Staff MemberCongratulations and welcome David Penson as our newest full-time staff member! David will take over the Membership and Facilities Coordinator position, as Sarah Rold assumes the role of Lead Coordinator. David will be at the Hospitality Table on Sundays - stop by and introduce yourself!

Pastoral Care Needs If you have a pastoral care emergency outside of normal business hours, contact our hotline at 310-393-8258 and enter extension 114. Leave your name and phone number and a pastor will return your call as soon as possible.

JUNE7 – All Church Summerfest7 – Missions Book Sale14 – C.A.S.T. kids performance18 – Cal-Pac Annual Conference21 – Missional Worship Gathering

Summerfest!

JULY18 – Youth Service Project Trip departure27 thru 31– Vacation Bible School

Page 4: FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH SENTINELstorage.cloversites.com/firstunitedmethodistchurchofsantamonica/... · Christ Actually: The Son of God for the Secular Age, by James Carroll

Preschool CornerMarch Happenings at First UMC

Celebrating Chinese New Year!

PRESCHOOL EVENTS FOR APRIL

1 – Field Trip to Santa Monica Pier - Pre-K and TK kids3 – Good Friday - school closed 6-10 – Spring Break - school closed15 – Preschool Parent Coffee (8:15 - 9:15 a.m. in the Courtyard)16 – “Power Struggles and Postive Disciplining” with Debra Green, Ph.D , 6 p.m.

Commissioning the Haiti Work Team

Brazilian guitarist Flavio Apro at the March Mid-Week Recital

UMW/Women of Action’sSt. Patrick’s Day Luncheon

Cindy McQuade after co-emceeing St. Patrick’s day luncheon. Wig made by Joy Peterman!

LOOKING AHEADMAY3 – UMW Luncheon for Graduates8, 9 & 10 – C.A.S.T. teen performance 17 – Choir Recognition17 – First UMC Spring Concert17 – Missional Worship Gathering24 – Book-of-the-Month Study/Potluck31 – Faith in Action Sunday31 – United Methodist Youth Fellowship (UMYF) Silent Auction Dinner Show

The Haiti Work Team demonstrates how a “Bucket Line” works

Working at the site

In Leveque

After the concert, with Malcolm Dole, Flavio Apro, his wife, and Barbara Smith

Office Staff going-away party for Nancy Perov

Bryan’s SmileOur own Melanie Gullett has responded to the death of her son, Bryan, and his struggle with drug addition, by creating a programmatic resource for parents and their 10-17 year olds. For more information about their approach and dates of upcoming events, see www.bryanssmile.com or contact Melanie through the church office.

Welcome New Staff MemberCongratulations and welcome David Penson as our newest full-time staff member! David will take over the Membership and Facilities Coordinator position, as Sarah Rold assumes the role of Lead Coordinator. David will be at the Hospitality Table on Sundays - stop by and introduce yourself!

Pastoral Care Needs If you have a pastoral care emergency outside of normal business hours, contact our hotline at 310-393-8258 and enter extension 114. Leave your name and phone number and a pastor will return your call as soon as possible.

JUNE7 – All Church Summerfest7 – Missions Book Sale14 – C.A.S.T. kids performance18 – Cal-Pac Annual Conference21 – Missional Worship Gathering

Summerfest!

JULY18 – Youth Service Project Trip departure27 thru 31– Vacation Bible School

Page 5: FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH SENTINELstorage.cloversites.com/firstunitedmethodistchurchofsantamonica/... · Christ Actually: The Son of God for the Secular Age, by James Carroll

CommunityCongratulations• to Ruben Quintana, for completing the LA Marathon!• to Heidi Crooks, for being honored by the Armenian International Medical Fund at their March 7 Gala dinner.• to Margo Dimitrova and Nick Rogers (son of Carl Rogers & Debrah Wiley), who were married March 18.• to Kurt Poland, who was approved as a Certified Candidate yesterday by the West District Committee on Ordained Ministry.His name will be presented at the District Conference May 2nd. We rejoice with him in this next step on the path to ordained ministry.

CondolencesWe extend our deepest sympathies to the families and friends of these departed loved ones: • Leslie Talt’s brother Scott Nairn died March 8.• Phebe Guerrero’s aunt Terista Toledo died March 11.

Births • Caleb Archibald Eskridge, born March 6 to parents Adam & Brittany Eskridge, and grandparents Mike & Patty Eskridge.• Parents Pete and Annalisa Peterson welcomed daughter Sigrid Peterson, born in March 2014. Pete and Annalisa were Sunday ushers at First UMC and recently moved to Minnesota.

April CalendarThursday, April 2 - Maundy Thursday 7:30 p.m. Maundy Thursday service, Sanctuary (S)Friday, April 3 - Good Friday9 a.m. - 9 p.m. Gates Chapel open for prayer12:10 p.m. Community Good Friday Service, First Presbyterian Church of Santa Monica, (1220 2nd. St. SM)1 p.m. - 9 p.m. Labyrinth open for walking, Simkins Hall (SH)Sunday, April 5 - Easter Sunday6:30 a.m. Easter Sunrise Service, Palisades Park (Santa Monica Blvd. & Ocean Ave.)10 a.m. Easter Celebration Worship, SWednesday, April 812:10 p.m. April Mid-Week Recital/Reception, S/Fireside RoomFriday, April 107 p.m. Shareringer Monthly Dinner, FRSunday, April 1211:15 a.m. “What We Talk about When We Talk about God,” 1st of a 2-part series with Kurt Poland, FRWednesday, April 15 - Sentinel Submissions Due Saturday, April 189:30 a.m. Prayer Quilt Workparty, WRSunday, April 1911 a.m. Free Blood Pressure Screenings, SH11:15 a.m. “What We Talk about When We Talk about God,” 2nd of a 2-part series with Kurt Poland, FR5 p.m. Missional Worship Gathering, SHSunday, April 2611 a.m. April Book-of-the-Month Study/Potluck, FR11 a.m. 20s/30s Young Adult Check-in, ChapelTuesday, April 287 p.m. Church Council Meeting, FR

WEEKLY AT FIRST UMC:Mondays - Church Office ClosedTuesdays 7 a.m. Men’s Breakfast Bible Study, Fireside Room7:30 p.m. Amadeus Handbells Rehearsal, Choir RoomWednesdays 9:30 a.m. United Methodist Women Workparty, WorkroomThursdays7 p.m. Cross(+)Brew Young Adults, Off-Site (1st & 3rd Thurs.)7:40 p.m. Chancel Choir Rehearsal, Choir Room

Mid-Week Recital for AprilTake a break from your day and spend your lunch hour listening to beautiful music! Enjoy the April Mid-Week Recital with organist Weicheng Zhao. Zhao is currently enrolled in the Doctor of Musical Arts program at USC, and is organist at St. Bede the Venerable Catholic Church, in La Cañada.

FREE Concert Wednesday, April 8: 12:10 - 12:40 p.m., in the Sanctuary, Reception following in Fireside Room.

Labyrinth Open on Good Friday On Good Friday the Labyrinth will be open for meditation and reflection. Since 2008 when the permanent labyrinth was first installed in The Shelby Center, it has been available for groups within the church and the community at large to enjoy. A brochure will be available on-site with suggestions on the stages of the Labyrinth Walk.

Friday, April 3: 1 - 9 p.m. Simkins Hall in The Shelby Center

Maundy Thursday Service First UMC offers a traditional Maundy Thursday Service with Holy Communion and Tenebrae on April 2 in the Sanctuary. Tenebrae is Latin for “shadows” and is characterized by the gradual extinguishing of candles as the Passion narrative is read.

This meaningful service is open to all.

Thursday, April 2: 7:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary

Book-of-the-Month Study & PotluckChrist Actually: The Son of God for the Secular Age, by James Carroll

Critically acclaimed and bestselling author James Carroll has explored every aspect of Christianity, faith, and Jesus Christ except this central one: What can we believe about—and how can we believe in—Jesus in the twenty-first century in light

of the Holocaust and other atrocities of the twentieth century and the drift from religion that followed? Rev. Patricia Farris leads the lively discussion. Bring a dish to share.

Sunday, April 26: 11 a.m., in the Fireside Room

2-Part Series: “What We Talk about When We Talk about God”Do you have deep questions about what Christians believe? Have you ever longed for an opportunity to be candid with your questions, and even your concerns? If so, First UMC invites you to What We Talk about When We Talk about God hosted by Kurt Poland. Both events will start with a 10-minute presentation by Kurt, then the floor will open up for questions, discussion, and interchange. Bring your hardest, deepest questions. Seriously. The bashful don’t learn. Contact Kurt Poland at [email protected] for more information, or to ask a question.

Sundays, April 12 & 19: 11:15 a.m., in the Fireside Room

Vacation Bible School - Call for VolunteersIt’s time to start volunteering for VBS! This coming July 27-31, Children’s Ministry at First UMC will be needing all the help it can get. VBS doesn’t happen without volunteers. Frankly, VBS doesn’t happen without YOU!

If you’re creative, try volunteering one day to be a part of the bible story for the kids! If you’re a foodie, try coming and helping with snacks one day! If you’re a geek, we need all the science help we can get! And if you like to work with your hands, then don’t miss the opportunity to help us decorate and clean up. Vacation Bible School is an especially important week in the life of the church. It is one of the most active weeks of outreach in the church year. This is the time to start making a difference! This is the time to start making Disciples! Contact Kurt Poland at [email protected] for more information.

VBS: July 27 - July 31: 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Standing TogetherContinuing with a series that started several years ago, 10 members of our congregation are participating with 10 members of our local Muslim community in a 7-session series on Sunday afternoons from 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. The program is intended to help bridge the gap between Christians and Muslims by building understanding, fostering loving and compassionate relationships, and engaging the participants with one another about their beliefs and practices.

Preparing an estate plan is good Christian stewardship–saying thanks to God, expressing your love and concern for family, and showing charity toward others. Join the First UMC Legacy Circle.

Contact: [email protected]

Letter to the CongregationTo the most wonderful congregation ever:As most of you know, I am leaving First UMC. My last day is Easter Sunday, April 5. As of April 7, I will be working in Santa Monica three days a week in a medical office next to St. John’s Hospital, and will certainly be attending events at First UMC throughout the year. Sarah Rold, Shalimar Carducci, David Penson and everyone else in the church office will take good care of you.

When I came here ten years ago in January 2005, I had no idea what amazing people I would meet! Thank you for your support and love. You will always be in my heart.

If you would like to keep in touch with me (and I hope you will!), my cell phone number is 310-428-2701 and my personal email address is [email protected]. - Nancy Perov

Nancy’s warm relational style has endeared her to church members and community groups alike. She has always been ready to assist with programs, plans and arrangements in a caring way. She will be greatly missed! - First UMC Office Staff

Missed It Last Month?Monthly Events at First UMCMissional Worship Gathering: 3rd Sunday of the monthA simple, quiet, formal yet informal gathering, with a conversational sermon and a celebration of Holy Communion. All are welcome. 5 p.m. Simkins Hall in The Shelby Center.

Health Ministry Council: 3rd Sunday of the monthFree Blood Pressure Screenings, 11 a.m. Simkins Hall.

Book-of-the-Month Study & Potluck: 4th Sunday of the monthexcept where noted - Join Senior Pastor Rev. Patricia Farris for serious study and reflection on contemporary theological writing. 11 a.m. Fireside Room.

Young Adult Check-in: 4th Sunday of the month 20/30 year-olds meet after worship. 11 a.m. Gates Chapel.

Prayer Quilt Ministry: 3rd Saturday of the monthYou don’t need to be a quilter or even know how to sew! 9:30 a.m. Room 300.

For more information on any of the programs listed, come by the Sunday Hospitality Table or visit our website.

Stained glass as seen in the Sanctuary, depicting historical Methodist organizations and sites. The church image (second from the left) is St. John’s First United Methodist Church, arguably thought to be the first United Methodist Church.

Page 6: FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH SENTINELstorage.cloversites.com/firstunitedmethodistchurchofsantamonica/... · Christ Actually: The Son of God for the Secular Age, by James Carroll

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH of SANTA MONICA

SENT INELvol. cxl, no. 4 April 2015

First United Methodist Church of Santa Monica welcomes you to this community of faith. You’ll find singles, seniors, families with young children, youth, newlyweds, young adults….and a full range of programs and opportunities for worship, study, service and fellowship. ALL ARE WELCOME.

WORSHIPSundays at 10:00 a.m.

Horizons

8:45 a.m. Youth Handbell Choir Rehearsal, Choir Room 9 a.m. Lectionary Scripture Discussion, Fireside Room 9 a.m. Partnership with God Sunday School, Room 101 9:15 a.m. Youth Choir Rehearsal, Room 3009:20 a.m. Children’s Choir Rehearsal, Chapel9:30 a.m. Nursery Care, Room 204 10:00 a.m. Worship, Sanctuary 10:10 a.m. Sunday School, Education Bldg. 11:00 a.m. Fellowship, Simkins Hall in The Shelby Center 6:15 p.m. UMYF, Youth Lounge

Sundays At-A-Glance

On the WebsiteRisking Forgiveness is this year’s Lenten theme. Did you know you can listen to all the sermons from this series by visiting the Sermons page? There, you will also be able to hear past sermons and select full services such as Lessons & Anthems or the Youth Service.

http://santamonicaumc.org/#/index-reference/sermons

Church Office Hours: Tues - Fri, 9a.m. - 5 p.m.Chapel Open for Prayer: Mon - Fri, 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.

April 5 - Easter Sunrise, Easter Worship Sermon by Rev. Patricia Farris

April 12 - 2nd Sunday of Easter • Holy Communion Homily by Rev. Robert English

April 19 - 3rd Sunday of Easter Sermon by Rev. Larry Young

April 26 - 4th Sunday of EasterSermon by Rev. Patricia Farris

Senior Minister

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCHof SANTA MONICA1008 Eleventh Street

Santa Monica, CA 90403www.santamonicaumc.org

310.393.8258email: [email protected]

April 5: Easter DaySunrise Service 6:30 a.m.

Palisades Park (Santa Monica Blvd. & Ocean Ave.)

Bring fresh flowers for the cross. Hot coffee served.

Easter Worship10 a.m. First UMC Sanctuary

Family Service, Choir, Brass, Organ, Lilies & Alleluias!(child care provided)

What are the origins of April Fool’s Day? They are many, but my favorite is an old story from the early church that Christ began preaching on April 1st, probably in relation to an even earlier custom of dating the Resurrection to March 25th.

I suppose none of that makes much sense, nor does the practice of playing jokes on unsuspecting “fools.” But in the spirit of God’s foolishness being wiser than human wisdom, as the Apostle Paul puts it, as April begins maybe it’s helpful for us to remember that as the church, we’re really preaching all the time. These days, the things we do often preach more loudly than the words we

say—a welcoming smile, sending a team to Haiti, learning together with our Muslim brothers and sisters, offering food to a hungry visitor, listening and praying with someone at a time of grief or loss, being in worship to sing and praise God together—all these preach a word of hope in a God who makes all things new and whose “foolish” love triumphs over death in every form.

Have a wonderful April—April Fool’s Day and all!