SENTINEL F I R S T U N I T E D M E T H O D I S T C H U R C H vol. cxxxviii, no. 10 November 2013 Highlights Horizons . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 News & Events . . . . . . 3-4 Community . . . . . . . . . . .5 November Worship . . . .6 Photo of the Month Upward Bound House Founders’ Day Celebration on 9/29/13 - pictured (left to right) Joy Pope, Jean Shelby, Patricia Farris, Christine Mirasy-Glasco. UMW “Twicegiving” Holiday Boutique The United Methodist Women present their 2013 “Twicegiving” Holiday Boutique Friday November 1 (Preview Day; 5 - 8 p.m. $5 entrance, includes soup and bread) and Saturday November 2 (free) from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Find beautiful handmade gifts and homemade goodies. All proceeds benefit missions supported by the UMW. For more information or to volunteer, call Joy Williams at 310-476-9480. Upward Bound House Founders’ Day Celebration on September 29. Blessing of the Animals on October 5. Christoph Bull’s last Sunday at First UMC as organist & baptism of son Max. Linda I’Anson discusses her Fireside Room photo exhibit.
Upward Bound House Founders’ Day Celebration on 9/29/13 - pictured (left to right) Joy Pope, Jean Shelby, Patricia Farris, Christine Mirasy-Glasco.
UMW “Twicegiving” Holiday BoutiqueThe United Methodist Women present their 2013 “Twicegiving” Holiday Boutique Friday November 1 (Preview Day; 5 - 8 p.m. $5 entrance, includes soup and bread) and Saturday November 2 (free) from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Find beautiful handmade gifts and homemade goodies. All proceeds benefit missions supported by the UMW. For more information or to volunteer, call Joy Williams at 310-476-9480.
Upward Bound House Founders’ Day Celebration on September 29.
Blessing of the Animals on October 5.
Christoph Bull’s last Sunday at First UMC
as organist & baptism of son Max.
Linda I’Anson discusses her Fireside Room photo exhibit.
FU M C S e nt i n e l - Nove m b e r 2 01 3 Pa ge 5
CondolencesWe extend our deepest sympathies to the families and friends of this departed loved one: - Vern Busse’s mother, Dolly Imogene Busse, who died October 12.
Congratulations- to Sarah Scribner Rold and Dane Rold, who were married in the First UMC Sanctuary on September 28.- to Whitney Hagan and Mark Dietel, who were married on October 6.
Baptism- Maximilian Adrian Sebastian Bull, son of Christoph Bull and I-Chin Lee, baptized October 6.- Kevin Marshall Quellmalz, baptized October 27.
Thank You“Thank you for such a beautiful baptismal service and reception Sunday [October 6] and for a fantastic time in the last six and half years. I’m looking forward to an opportunity to visit in the future! Please let people know that if they want to stay in touch they should go to my website www.christophbull.com and/or e-mail to [email protected]. Thanks again, much love and light, and God bless you and your ministries, Christoph.”
Flowers for Worship
ChurchNotes
Ho r i zo n sb y
S e n i o r Mi n i s t e r
If you’ve been listening, you know that our 2014 Stewardship/Annual Giving theme is CHERISH THE GIFT. I
hope you’ll each and all take some time to seriously think and pray about First UMC—what are your experiences of relationships, worship, mission, prayer…that are gifts for you and for your family and friends? Make a list. Add these things to your Thanksgiving prayers.
I know that it’s impossible and totally inappropriate to put a monetary value on any of these gifts. But the fact is---it costs money to do what we do, week in and week out. It costs money to open doors, turn on the lights and heat, pay the staff. It costs money to print the orders of worship, replace aging computers, and patch up the leaking roof. It costs money to buy Sunday School supplies, pay the nursery care person, and buy tons of coffee.
Too many of us don’t make a regular financial gift to the church. We need you. All of you. Each one of you. Make a pledge, and then up it a bit. As 2014 unfolds, and the gifts keep coming, you’ll be glad you did.
CHERISH THE GIFT. Pay it forward. Make it happen. And in all things, give thanks to God.
For updates on Jeffrey Hughes, Jr., visit www.jeffreyhughes.shutterfly.com
Available date at press time: November 24. Please contact the church office to order.
COMMUNITY
Church Charge ConferenceJoin First UMC for the annual Church Charge Conference after worship on Sunday November 10 in Simkins Hall in The Shelby Center. A light brunch will be served, and we will engage in a joyful and worshipful celebration of this year’s accomplishments. The agenda includes reports on the ministry and mission of First UMC, financial items, membership matters, and election of officers and council members for the coming year. West District Superintendent Kathey Wilborn will preside. Child care will be provided.
Cakes for a CauseCome to Church Charge Conference and support our youth as they sell Cakes for a Cause. This annual event was started by the youth four years ago to raise money for a mission project serving the poor in different parts of the world. The youth select a cause that they want to support. The youth bake and decorate delicious cakes and cupcakes available for purchase, with all of the funds raised going to support the cause.
This year the cause is to support the work of the Unatti Foundation (http://unattifoundation.org/). The organization serves orphaned children in Nepal. Their work includes providing shelter, food, and education. The youth are excited to support this amazing cause and pray that God will continue to work through this wonderful organization!
Choir Christmas Concer tSave the Date: A Christmas Celebration Concert, Sunday December 8 at 7:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary. Music of the Season, featuring the First UMC Chancel Choir and more!
Haiti Work TeamThis coming January five members of our church family will be partnering with Simi Valley UMC as we return to Haiti to continue our missional relationship with our Haitian brothers and sisters. This year our team consists of Shannon Sturges, Jocelyn Hicks-Garner, Todd and Sherry Erlandson, and Rev. Robert English. Please be praying for us as we prepare for our trip.
Starting November 10 on our Church Charge Conference Sunday, we will be hosting a photo exhibit featuring the photography from our former Haiti work team members. The photos will feature the people we met, the communities we served in, as well as the natural beauty of Haiti. We hope that these images will be signs of grace and hope. Each photo will also be available for purchase in a silent auction format in order to raise funds for the trip. In Christ, Rev. Robert.
Cherish the GiftEach year, First UMC asks its members and friends to make a financial pledge for the coming year to support the work of the church. The theme of this year's giving campaign is "Cherish the Gift." God has been good to First UMC. We have much to celebrate, including music and worship, mission teams, a vital Preschool, programs for children, youth and young adults, improved sound and lighting in the sanctuary, upgrades and improvements on church facilities, study opportunities, and so much more! Cherish this gift!
First UMC relies on financial contributions to support the mission and ministry that the church offers, day in and day out. Whether you're new to pledge-giving or have done it since before you can remember, it's time to make your pledge for 2014. Pledge cards are available on our website www.santamonicaumc.org, in the church office, at the Sunday Hospitality Table, and in the pew racks. Consecration Sunday is November 10.
Every pledge is an act of faith. Every pledge grows the giver. Every pledge is a testament of hope. Every pledge is a commitment to God.
Cherish the GiftPsalm 103:1-2“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is in me, bless God’s holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all God’s benefits.”
Alternative Christmas GivingChristmas and gift-giving go together. The tradition started when the Magi came to the manger with gold, myrrh, and frankincense to laud the birth of Jesus. In the present day, gift-giving often seems to exist only for the benefit of retailers and other entrepreneurs.
Each Advent, through the Alternative Christmas Fair, Missions Council gives us the chance to take “trade” out of tradition and to return to the spirit of gift-giving that impelled those three very wise men long ago – to rejoice in the birth of the Messiah.
Missions Council carefully selects several local and global mission projects each year. You may choose as many as you wish, make a donation as a gift to a friend or loved one, and send a card announcing your gift.
This year’s Alternative Christmas Fair will be held in Simkins Hall in The Shelby Center on the three Sundays before Christmas: December 8, 15, and 22 immediately following the worship service. Come and let Missions Council help you get in touch with your inner Magi.
Westside Community ThanksgivingThe meaningful and massive Westside Community Thanksgiving continues in 2013. Because the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium closed over the summer, a new venue will be announced soon. Stay informed by visiting www.westsidethanksgiving.org.
C.A.S.T. Fall PerformanceJoin Children’s After School Theater’s 5th-12th Graders in the Fall production of comical One Act Plays by David Ives on Friday November 8, at 7 p.m. and Saturday November 9, at 12:30 p.m.
Preschool Parent CommitteeThis year we have 7 Preschool parent volunteers, both church and non-church members, who serve on this committee along with Kurt Poland, Director of Children & Family Ministries, and Batsheva Spector, Preschool Director. The PPC meets 4 times a year to review school activities. Parent Committee members help disseminate information to the rest of the parents. Last year our interim committee helped create and are now maintaining the new mentoring and ambassador programs. Both of these programs were met with great success and much enthusiasm. These wonderful programs help support the positive spirit of our Preschool community. Next year the PPC will organize an alumni party and invite as many past Preschool families and teachers as we can. If you are a past parent or student, please contact the Preschool office at (310) 395-7292.
Flu ClinicThe Health Ministry Council and the L.A. County Dept. of Public Health are offering a flu vaccination clinic on Wednesday November 13 from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in Simkins Hall in The Shelby Center. Flu vaccinations are recommended for everyone six months of age and older, including healthy adults.
There is no charge for this clinic and it is open to all.
Cross(+)BrewAre you a young adult (20s/30s)? Come and join us for Cross (+)Brew young adult bible study/small group twice a month. We meet on the first and third Thursdays of the month at the 1019 Princeton Street Parsonage from 7 to 9 p.m. What to expect if you come? Pastor Robert, fellowship, food, discussion, prayer with other 20 and 30 year-olds from First UMC and from All Saints Beverly Hills. Questions? Contact Rev. Robert or Rev. Keri.
Fall Festival Suppor ter Thank YousWe want to thank the following donors for their generous sponsorships for the Preschool Fall Festival:
Keopunna Family, Simon Salloom, Gottlieb Family, Menzies Family, Michelle Hung & Marko Rondiak, Kim & Ken Parr, Cappiccille Family, Kim Family, Paul & Lulu Liu, Lee Family, and Mehrabi Family.
FU M C S e nt i n e l - Nove m b e r 2 01 3 Pa ge 3
LOOKING AHEAD December 13 & 14: C.A.S.T. 1st-4th Graders perform Suessical, Jr. Join them for an adventure with Cat in the Hat, Horton, The Grinch and The Whos in Whoville!
Landscape Memorial GiftsA very special thank you to donors memorializing loved ones. Memorial Gifts have made it possible to waterproof the brick planter boxes, preventing water damage in Gates Chapel, and to beautify the gardens facing 11th Street near the Sanctuary and Chapel. Special thank you to the families and friends of Edwin Clair King, Mary Ruth Fugard, Donald Roy Howland, Greg Paul Hammond, Donald Lee Nelson, Margaret Edith Wilson, Harriet Lillian Sharp, Graydon Ashley Peek, Donald Jay Shelby, Doris Maree Peek, Charles Walter Leinbach, Harry Boodakian, Betsy Ann Jex, Henry Rife Jex, Muriel Jane Zartman, Louise May Stead, Carmen Gregorio Casillas, and Catherine Louise Wagner. You too can make a Memorial Gift at any time. Please take a moment to enjoy the drought tolerant, California native plants. Can you spot the Occidentalis, Nummulariums, Fruiticans, Huegelii, Grandifloras, and Hemerocallis plants?May this garden area honor God with beauty and remind us of the lasting legacy of our members.
Remembering All SaintsSunday November 3 is All Saints Day, when thanks is given for the saints of the church during worship service. Names of dear members of First UMC who died during the past year will be read, followed by a time of prayerful silence to remember other family members and friends who have died. We honor them all and give glory to God for their lives.
Ways We GiveAside from generous gifts of time, there are other ways to give to First UMC. Make a donation through your bank account, on a credit card, sign up for ACH debit, with cash, by check, online, and even give stock. Some options can be done recurring. There are creative ways to give as well. For example, any appreciated asset -- cars, boats, land, life insurance policies, qualified retirement plans, real estate, and much more -- can be given in a variety of ways. Have you considered a bequest? Tree of Life gift? Read about our Legacy Circle and what this could mean for your family. Give by doing your online shopping through umcmarket.org. We are always looking for new ways of giving which are both efficient and meaningful to you. Are there other ways you are interested in giving that we haven’t thought to offer (card swipes at the Hospitality Table or in church, Paypal, etc.)? For more information, or to share your insight, contact Christina Eddy, Business Administrator at the church office anytime. Thank you!
Planned Giving - Legacy CircleI am pleased to announce that 39+ families have as of this writing made their commitment to join our Legacy Circle by agreeing to remember the Church or our affiliated Methodist Foundation of Santa Monica (collectively, the “Church”) in their estate plans! Some of these families have already made plans to remember the Church, some are modifying their plans to include the Church, and others don’t have a plan yet but have committed to remembering the Church when they do. You don’t have to provide any details or dollars of your exact plans to join the Legacy Circle – just your commitment, no matter the amount, is what’s important.We plan on announcing the charter members of our Legacy Circle in the Order of Worship on Sunday November 3, All Saints Day. We’d love to have you be a part of this founding charter group so we can include your name on that special day when we remember those who have gone on to our Father as well as renew the promise we make to move forward with the work of the Church in their names. In addition, we will recognize the Legacy Circle members at the Annual Charge Conference on the following Sunday November 10. Of course, if you wish to remain anonymous, we’ll certainly respect that wish!
Feel free to contact the members of the Planned Giving Committee; they’ll be wearing big buttons identifying themselves after Sunday services. Ask them any questions you might have about the details of how this works, including referrals to estate planning attorneys or to various web resources for doing a will yourself. The church office also has the list of attorneys that the Committee members have compiled.
Please check out our planned giving page (http://santamonicaumc.org/#/news-events/planned-giving) on the Church’s website for more detailed information on how to remember the Church in your plans, including the difference between leaving money to the church itself versus our affiliated foundation. - Russ Whittenburg, Planned Giving Chair
Please refer to the calendar insert in your Order of Worship on Sunday mornings for specifics or changes to the schedule and check with your group's leader. For more information about groups of the church, special events or for the complete church calendar, visit our website.
November Coffee Fellowship11/3 - Congregation
11/10 - Amadeus Handbell Choir11/17 - the bridge
11/24 - TBD
N O V E M B E RDaylight Savings Time changes
on Sunday November 3.Don't forget to turn your clocks back
one hour Saturday night November 2.
Aldersgate Christmas Par tyAldersgate Retreat Center presents its annual Christmas Party and Silent Auction on Saturday December 7, from 5 to 9 p.m. Enjoy an evening filled with fine dining, fun and entertainment. Call Melinda Trotti at 310-454-6699 to reserve a space, or email [email protected].
Remembering Doris BattigIn memory of Doris there will be another showing of the video made from pictures of her life on Saturday November 2 at 10:00 a.m. in the Battig home. Please RSVP to Wynn Battig. A sandwich lunch is planned.
FU M C S e nt i n e l - Nove m b e r 2 01 3 Pa ge 5
CondolencesWe extend our deepest sympathies to the families and friends of this departed loved one: - Vern Busse’s mother, Dolly Imogene Busse, who died October 12.
Congratulations- to Sarah Scribner Rold and Dane Rold, who were married in the First UMC Sanctuary on September 28.- to Whitney Hagan and Mark Dietel, who were married on October 6.
Baptism- Maximilian Adrian Sebastian Bull, son of Christoph Bull and I-Chin Lee, baptized October 6.- Kevin Marshall Quellmalz, baptized October 27.
Thank You“Thank you for such a beautiful baptismal service and reception Sunday [October 6] and for a fantastic time in the last six and half years. I’m looking forward to an opportunity to visit in the future! Please let people know that if they want to stay in touch they should go to my website www.christophbull.com and/or e-mail to [email protected]. Thanks again, much love and light, and God bless you and your ministries, Christoph.”
Flowers for Worship
ChurchNotes
Ho r i zo n sb y
S e n i o r Mi n i s t e r
If you’ve been listening, you know that our 2014 Stewardship/Annual Giving theme is CHERISH THE GIFT. I
hope you’ll each and all take some time to seriously think and pray about First UMC—what are your experiences of relationships, worship, mission, prayer…that are gifts for you and for your family and friends? Make a list. Add these things to your Thanksgiving prayers.
I know that it’s impossible and totally inappropriate to put a monetary value on any of these gifts. But the fact is---it costs money to do what we do, week in and week out. It costs money to open doors, turn on the lights and heat, pay the staff. It costs money to print the orders of worship, replace aging computers, and patch up the leaking roof. It costs money to buy Sunday School supplies, pay the nursery care person, and buy tons of coffee.
Too many of us don’t make a regular financial gift to the church. We need you. All of you. Each one of you. Make a pledge, and then up it a bit. As 2014 unfolds, and the gifts keep coming, you’ll be glad you did.
CHERISH THE GIFT. Pay it forward. Make it happen. And in all things, give thanks to God.
For updates on Jeffrey Hughes, Jr., visit www.jeffreyhughes.shutterfly.com
Available date at press time: November 24. Please contact the church office to order.
COMMUNITY
Church Charge ConferenceJoin First UMC for the annual Church Charge Conference after worship on Sunday November 10 in Simkins Hall in The Shelby Center. A light brunch will be served, and we will engage in a joyful and worshipful celebration of this year’s accomplishments. The agenda includes reports on the ministry and mission of First UMC, financial items, membership matters, and election of officers and council members for the coming year. West District Superintendent Kathey Wilborn will preside. Child care will be provided.
Cakes for a CauseCome to Church Charge Conference and support our youth as they sell Cakes for a Cause. This annual event was started by the youth four years ago to raise money for a mission project serving the poor in different parts of the world. The youth select a cause that they want to support. The youth bake and decorate delicious cakes and cupcakes available for purchase, with all of the funds raised going to support the cause.
This year the cause is to support the work of the Unatti Foundation (http://unattifoundation.org/). The organization serves orphaned children in Nepal. Their work includes providing shelter, food, and education. The youth are excited to support this amazing cause and pray that God will continue to work through this wonderful organization!
Choir Christmas Concer tSave the Date: A Christmas Celebration Concert, Sunday December 8 at 7:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary. Music of the Season, featuring the First UMC Chancel Choir and more!
Haiti Work TeamThis coming January five members of our church family will be partnering with Simi Valley UMC as we return to Haiti to continue our missional relationship with our Haitian brothers and sisters. This year our team consists of Shannon Sturges, Jocelyn Hicks-Garner, Todd and Sherry Erlandson, and Rev. Robert English. Please be praying for us as we prepare for our trip.
Starting November 10 on our Church Charge Conference Sunday, we will be hosting a photo exhibit featuring the photography from our former Haiti work team members. The photos will feature the people we met, the communities we served in, as well as the natural beauty of Haiti. We hope that these images will be signs of grace and hope. Each photo will also be available for purchase in a silent auction format in order to raise funds for the trip. In Christ, Rev. Robert.
Cherish the GiftEach year, First UMC asks its members and friends to make a financial pledge for the coming year to support the work of the church. The theme of this year's giving campaign is "Cherish the Gift." God has been good to First UMC. We have much to celebrate, including music and worship, mission teams, a vital Preschool, programs for children, youth and young adults, improved sound and lighting in the sanctuary, upgrades and improvements on church facilities, study opportunities, and so much more! Cherish this gift!
First UMC relies on financial contributions to support the mission and ministry that the church offers, day in and day out. Whether you're new to pledge-giving or have done it since before you can remember, it's time to make your pledge for 2014. Pledge cards are available on our website www.santamonicaumc.org, in the church office, at the Sunday Hospitality Table, and in the pew racks. Consecration Sunday is November 10.
Every pledge is an act of faith. Every pledge grows the giver. Every pledge is a testament of hope. Every pledge is a commitment to God.
Cherish the GiftPsalm 103:1-2“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is in me, bless God’s holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all God’s benefits.”
Alternative Christmas GivingChristmas and gift-giving go together. The tradition started when the Magi came to the manger with gold, myrrh, and frankincense to laud the birth of Jesus. In the present day, gift-giving often seems to exist only for the benefit of retailers and other entrepreneurs.
Each Advent, through the Alternative Christmas Fair, Missions Council gives us the chance to take “trade” out of tradition and to return to the spirit of gift-giving that impelled those three very wise men long ago – to rejoice in the birth of the Messiah.
Missions Council carefully selects several local and global mission projects each year. You may choose as many as you wish, make a donation as a gift to a friend or loved one, and send a card announcing your gift.
This year’s Alternative Christmas Fair will be held in Simkins Hall in The Shelby Center on the three Sundays before Christmas: December 8, 15, and 22 immediately following the worship service. Come and let Missions Council help you get in touch with your inner Magi.
Westside Community ThanksgivingThe meaningful and massive Westside Community Thanksgiving continues in 2013. Because the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium closed over the summer, a new venue will be announced soon. Stay informed by visiting www.westsidethanksgiving.org.
C.A.S.T. Fall PerformanceJoin Children’s After School Theater’s 5th-12th Graders in the Fall production of comical One Act Plays by David Ives on Friday November 8, at 7 p.m. and Saturday November 9, at 12:30 p.m.
Preschool Parent CommitteeThis year we have 7 Preschool parent volunteers, both church and non-church members, who serve on this committee along with Kurt Poland, Director of Children & Family Ministries, and Batsheva Spector, Preschool Director. The PPC meets 4 times a year to review school activities. Parent Committee members help disseminate information to the rest of the parents. Last year our interim committee helped create and are now maintaining the new mentoring and ambassador programs. Both of these programs were met with great success and much enthusiasm. These wonderful programs help support the positive spirit of our Preschool community. Next year the PPC will organize an alumni party and invite as many past Preschool families and teachers as we can. If you are a past parent or student, please contact the Preschool office at (310) 395-7292.
Flu ClinicThe Health Ministry Council and the L.A. County Dept. of Public Health are offering a flu vaccination clinic on Wednesday November 13 from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in Simkins Hall in The Shelby Center. Flu vaccinations are recommended for everyone six months of age and older, including healthy adults.
There is no charge for this clinic and it is open to all.
Cross(+)BrewAre you a young adult (20s/30s)? Come and join us for Cross (+)Brew young adult bible study/small group twice a month. We meet on the first and third Thursdays of the month at the 1019 Princeton Street Parsonage from 7 to 9 p.m. What to expect if you come? Pastor Robert, fellowship, food, discussion, prayer with other 20 and 30 year-olds from First UMC and from All Saints Beverly Hills. Questions? Contact Rev. Robert or Rev. Keri.
Fall Festival Suppor ter Thank YousWe want to thank the following donors for their generous sponsorships for the Preschool Fall Festival:
Keopunna Family, Simon Salloom, Gottlieb Family, Menzies Family, Michelle Hung & Marko Rondiak, Kim & Ken Parr, Cappiccille Family, Kim Family, Paul & Lulu Liu, Lee Family, and Mehrabi Family.
Upward Bound House Founders’ Day Celebration on 9/29/13 - pictured (left to right) Joy Pope, Jean Shelby, Patricia Farris, Christine Mirasy-Glasco.
UMW “Twicegiving” Holiday BoutiqueThe United Methodist Women present their 2013 “Twicegiving” Holiday Boutique Friday November 1 (Preview Day; 5 - 8 p.m. $5 entrance, includes soup and bread) and Saturday November 2 (free) from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Find beautiful handmade gifts and homemade goodies. All proceeds benefit missions supported by the UMW. For more information or to volunteer, call Joy Williams at 310-476-9480.
Upward Bound House Founders’ Day Celebration on September 29.
Blessing of the Animals on October 5.
Christoph Bull’s last Sunday at First UMC
as organist & baptism of son Max.
Linda I’Anson discusses her Fireside Room photo exhibit.
