First United Methodist Church of Temple City FROM PASTOR MARTIN FINAU Greetings and Blessings to you, First United Methodist Church of Temple City, As the days have gotten closer to my arrival as your Pastor, I am both excited and anxious to meet each and every one of you all. Allow me to share a little about myself. I was born in Long Beach, California but I am of Tongan descent. I have lived in six differ- ent cities as a pastor’s kid and by choice, so I am culturally immerged. I received my Bachelor’s of Sociology degree in 2014 from McMurry University in Abilene, Texas and have obtained my Master’s of Divinity de- gree in 2017 from Candler School of Theolo- gy in Atlanta, Georgia. I am passionate about our Church and Com- munity. More importantly, through the active work of youth and the empowerment of the local community through the Gospel of Jesus Christ. My work experience has been with non-profit organizations, universities, and Continued on page 2 Pg. 3 - Life Group Study Pg. 4 - MOPS, Scouts, Sunday School Pg. 5 - Eve Circle Pg. 8 - Health Ministries Pg. 9 - Stewardship, Pg.11 - About Tonga JULY HIGHLIGHTS JUlY 2019 “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” • James 4:6 (NIV)
Transcript
First United Methodist Church
of Temple City
FROM PASTOR MARTIN FINAU
Greetings and Blessings to you, First United Methodist Church of Temple City,
As the days have gotten closer to my arrival as your Pastor, I am both excited and anxious to meet each and every one of you all.
Allow me to share a little about myself. I was born in Long Beach, California but I am of Tongan descent. I have lived in six differ-ent cities as a pastor’s kid and by choice, so I am culturally immerged. I received my Bachelor’s of Sociology degree in 2014 from McMurry University in Abilene, Texas and have obtained my Master’s of Divinity de-gree in 2017 from Candler School of Theolo-gy in Atlanta, Georgia.
I am passionate about our Church and Com-munity. More importantly, through the active work of youth and the empowerment of the local community through the Gospel of Jesus Christ. My work experience has been with non-profit organizations, universities, and
Continued on page 2
Pg. 3 - Life Group Study
Pg. 4 - MOPS, Scouts, Sunday School Pg. 5 - Eve Circle Pg. 8 - Health Ministries Pg. 9 - Stewardship, Pg.11 - About Tonga
JULY HIGHLIGHTS
JUlY 2019
“God
opposes
the proud
but
shows favor
to the
humble.”
• James 4:6
(NIV)
hospitals; but God is actively at work, especially in the local church. When I am not working or volunteering in ministry, my hobbies include hiking, reading, and getting to know people.
I have heard so much great news about the First United Methodist Church of Temple City, which is perhaps why I am so excited. From your active outreach ministries, to your church fellowship; I can sense that Temple City UMC is a church that is filled with great love, joy, and compassion. I am excited to be your pastor, to work and fellowship with you all and work hard towards grow-ing our local church together!
I look forward to the opportunity to meet you all as your pastor and please know that I am praying for you all.
May God bless you all,
Pastor Martin Finau
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Summer Camp registration is open!
Hey Kids! Don’t miss out on the chance of a lifetime to go to summer camp. Kids from 1st to 12th can go. Our camps are week long, overnight, Christian based camps
where your child will engage in worship, small group activities, large group activities and games. They could also participate in activities, such as swimming, archery, ropes courses and many, many more. Information can be found at www.calpacumc.org/summercamp. At summer camp, your child will grow in their faith, learn leadership skills, grow their self-esteem, develop inter-personal skills with peers and adults, make life-long friendships and have fun.
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Beginnings: Longing to Belong
Life Group Study
This is an in-depth study exploring the importance of community in the Christian faith, and uses fire as its central metaphor.
Join one of the groups in the discussions and gain a better understanding of the basis of our faith. Sessions include a video presentation, and the Bible story that is the springboard for each week.
Tuesdays at 10:00 am in the Fireside Room Thursday at 9:00 am (Men’s Group) in the Fireside Room Saturdays at 10:30 am at Baldwin Gardens.
WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT TONGA? WANT TO KNOW ABOUT THE SPECIAL CLOTHING ITEMS?
SEE PAGE 11 AND FIND OUT!
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TROOP 161
This year, for our Summer Camp experience, we are returning to Fiesta Island near San Diego. About 20 scouts and four adults will be leaving July 28th and returning August 3rd.
Also don’t forget to stop by our Shave Ice booth at the Wednesday Night Concerts in the Park throughout the rest of the summer.
- Christine Vergara, Scout Representative
MOPS Temple City
The search is on for another volunteer to help run the childcare during our regular MOPS meetings. Our schedule is yet to be determined, but will most likely be on Saturdays, twice a month and we expect to begin in late August.
Please contact me if you have, or know someone who has the experience and are interested.
- Fiona Reimers, 626/629-0285
Children’s Sunday School
Sunday School kids will be learning about how Joshua fought the battle of Jericho and delving into other old testament stories.
Thank you,
Fiona Reimers
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Prayer Meeting
Prayer is powerful and effective (James 5:16). Join us in the Pastor’s office the first Friday of the month for a special time of prayer for the church and the community. All are invited.
MONTHLY FOOD DRIVE Please keep bringing in non-perishable food items for
El Monte Emergency Resources.
“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink.” (Matthew 25:35)
- Hilde Garrison
Eve Circle News
The Eve Circle group has postponed the decision on whether to continue. We will be dark over the summer and meet again on Monday, September 9th at 11:00 at Marcia Galland’s home. At that time we will discuss continuing or disbanding. Please mark your calendars now. We will gather and pray together as we contemplate the best course for us to take. Thank you,
Sharon Smoron,
President, UMW, Eve Circle
BLOOD PRESSURE SCREENING SUNDAY, JULY 28th
Keep track of this vital information and be pro-active about your health.
HEALTH MINISTRIES MOMENT
SUN & SKIN
We welcome the sun and warm weather, but with it comes some words of caution from the American Cancer Society regarding the effect sun has on your skin.
Skin cancer is by far the most common form of cancer and if you know what to look for, finding it early when it’s small and has not spread, makes skin cancer much easier to treat. Some doctors recommend that you check your own skin about once a month. Look at your skin in a well-lit room in front of a full-length mirror. Use a hand-held mirror to look at areas that are hard to see.
Use the “ABCDE rule” to look for some of the common signs of mela-noma which is one of the deadliest forms of skin cancer: Asymmetry- one part of a mole or birthmark doesn’t match the other. Border- edges are irregular, ragged, notched, or blurred. Color- color is not the same all over- brown, black, patches of pink red white or blue. Diameter- spot larger than ¼ inch across- size of a pencil eraser. Evolving- changing size, shape, or color.
Basal Cell carcinoma- usually grows on areas that get the most sun such as arms, face, head, neck. Watch for growths with raised edges and lower area in their center. Open sores that don’t heal, or that heal and then come back.
Squamous cell carcinomas- rough scaly read patches, which might crust or bleed, raised growths or lumps sometimes with a lower area in the center, open sores, wart-like growths.
Not all skin cancers look like these descriptions, though, so point out anything you’re concerned about to your doctor.
(Cont’d. on next page.)
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SHARING GOD’S GIFTS
A Christian Steward sacrifices.
Christian stewards follow Jesus’ teaching to sacrifice what they have out of gratitude for their many blessings. (Mark 12:41-44)
- Your Finance Team
Children & Youth Highlights
Children’s Ministry
Sundays @ 10:00 am
Youth are Invited!
Board Games, Fun, Singing, Foosball,
Food & Drinks, Getting to Know God
Fridays @8:00pm &Sundays @ 10:00am
Life Groups
The best way to grow in faith is to connect with other believers in a caring supportive environment. Life Groups are a place to read the scriptures, ask questions, connect with other people, and give and receive spiritual support.
(Health Ministries Moment Cont’d. from page 8.)
Sunscreen, long sleeves and hats are important protections against the sun’s rays. We have become more and more aware of the effects. All ages as well as skin tones.
Be alert. Be cautious Be prepared.
- Marcia Galland, R.N., Faith Community Nurse
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7th - Susan Ross 8th - Inah Oh 25th - Clarissa Shan-Lewis 27th - Martin Finau, Bob Ross 30th - Joan Henderson 31st - Jennifer Swanson
Have You Connected With Us?
Stay in touch and keep up to date.
Email pictures/videos at events to: [email protected] and we can post them online.
Be sure to include a description!
VOLUNTEERS WANTED
Be trained to use the audio/visual equipment for Sunday mornings.
Please contact the office ASAP if you need to reschedule so we can arrange coverage. Become a liturgist. Speak with one of the regulars or contact the office (626) 286-3129. .
Choir Rehearsals resume late August
Thursdays at 7:30 pm
in the Fireside Room.
Add your voice to worship.
Just speak with Clarissa.
Women’s Group Eve Circle
Meeting, Monday, September 9th, @ 7:00 pm
off campus. See Sharon Smoron’s
article on page 5.
Men’s Group
Thursdays at 9:00 am, and occasionally @ 11:30 am.
Fellowship, Special Programs and Outings
All are welcome.
See Ray Eckhardt.
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LET’S LEARN ABOUT TONGA!
Pastor Finau is of Tongan descent. For those who do not know, the Kingdom of Tonga is a
Polynesian island and is the only monarchy in the South Pacific. His mother is from the village of Longolongo, while his father is from the village of Tatakamotonga. Tonga is compromised of 169 islands, where 36 islands are inhabited.
Protestantism is the biggest religion in Tonga. 97.2% of the population of the country are Christians. Due to this faith, Tongan business is closed on Sundays. The flag is widely recognized due to the red cross symbol-izing Christianity coming to the islands, the white stands for purity while the red represents the blood of Jesus Christ.
On Sundays, you will occasionally see Pastor Martin or other Tongan congregants wear their traditional attire, the Ta’ovala and the Kiekie. The Ta’ovala is the traditional woven mat that is worn by Tongan’s like a suit and tie is worn by westerners. It is a formal attire that one must wear to school, work, church, or other events. Wearing a Ta’ovala shows respect and authority. There are different styles of Ta’ovala that can be worn for different occasions. But the most common are made from the leaves of the pandanus plant. A “Kiekie” is worn around the waist of a woman dressing up to go out. It is best described as a belt with strands that hang down below the knee. The Kafa is a braided rope, used to tie the Ta’ovala up with (like a belt). Traditionally it is made from the inner fiber of the coconut husk and braided together. Some Kafa is made from human hair from a dead relative, this type of kafa is held in very high regard and treasured by the family.
If you are wanting to know more about the Tongan culture, Pastor Finau would love to share more about his identity and his heritage with you.
