First United Methodist Church of Santa Monica - The Sentinel Newsletter, February 2025
SENTINEL SENTINEL
HORIZONS
BY REV. GREG BATSON
The holiday that we most associate with the month of February is Valentine’s Day Celebrated on February 14, it originally commemorated St. Valentine, a Roman priest in the third century CE who was martyred on this date. Of course, Valentine’s Day is now associated with romantic love, with red roses, chocolates and Cupid as its primary symbols
Yet there are many different types of love that we should be aware as expressed in Greek, the original language of the New Testament in the Bible There is eros, the romantic love shared between a couple There is also philia, friendship, that describes the mutual connection that two people feel for each other spiritually. There is storge, which is associated with familial love. And then there is agape, which is the highest form of love, for it signifies both self-giving and covenantal love It is agape that is used to describe the love of God for human beings through Jesus Christ.
In the aftermath of the Palisades and Eaton fires that have devastated Los Angeles County, we now need the agape type of love more than ever. When we reach out to our neighbors through our prayers, gifts, and service, we are embodying God’s love for all of us. Over the next months, there will be opportunities for us to continue being good neighbors We can continue to support others financially through our donation to the Los Angeles Fires Recovery Fund. I also anticipate hands-on disaster response efforts organized by our Annual Conference when the areas are reopened to the public And of course, let’s continue to support our friends and neighbors by checking in on a regular basis.
Celebrate Valentine’s Day this entire month by sharing agape in our community
Agape
Two of our United Methodist churches, Community UMC in Pacific Palisades and Altadena UMC, have been destroyed by the fires You can provide direct assistance to those who suffered these losses by contributing to the Los Angeles Fires Recovery Fund created by our Annual Conference. Go to: www.calpacumc.org/donate Check donations payable to the CaliforniaPacific Conference can be mailed to CaliforniaPacific Conference, Los Angeles Fires Recovery Fund, PO Box 6006, Pasadena CA 91102.
Sunday, February 9 is Children’s Sabbath, a day set aside to celebrate children as active participants in the life of the church Our theme is "Thank you!" and our children are excited to share their stories of God's loving activity in their lives Disciples come in all ages and this week our children will serve as worship leaders throughout the service
Following worship, we invite everyone to help make Thank You cards for the firefighters and first responders in our community. We will have cards at each table in Simkins Hall and we hope you will help us show our appreciation to those who have sacrificed so much in the past month to serve our community during the devastating fires across Los Angeles.
Let us give thanks for God’s love that radiates from our children’s hearts as they lead us in worship, sharing their gifts and their faith
WRITING DEVOTIONS 101
A seminar about approaches to writing for our Lenten Devotional
All are welcome to join us for a presentation and discussion about writing devotion reflections for our Lent and Advent Devotionals We especially invite all those who have never written before, and are curious about the process If you have previously written a devotion and would like to hear how others approach the practice, this seminar is for you too We encourage all participants to share and receive the wisdom and creativity of our writers Grab your coffee and donut after worship, then learn from a panel of writers how this writing practice can be easy, spiritually moving, and create connections within our community Sign up to write a devotion reflection for Lent 2025 by emailing Sarah Rold at: s rold@santamonicaumc org
Sunday, February 2, after worship in the Fireside Room
FEBRUARY MESSY CHURCH
Messy Church is a monthly all age worship experience that explores God’s love in an accessible way Everyone is welcomed as they are Whether you are single or partnered, young or old, tidy or messy, have questions or doubts, are filled with joy or struggling with life, you will be welcomed at Messy Church February's theme: Love God
Saturday, February 1, 4 - 6 p.m. in Simkins Hall
Spring Messy Church Dates:
Meeting one Saturday a month, from 4 – 6 p.m.
Saturday, February 1 – Love God
Saturday, March 1 – Love Your Neighbor
Saturday, May 3 – Jesus Calms the Storm
Saturday, June 7 – Jesus Feeds the Crowd
WALK THE LABYRINTH & CHAPEL OPEN FOR PRAYERS
The Labyrinth is open every first Friday of the month from 1 p m - 3 p m , in Simkins Hall If you’ve never walked the Labyrinth before, it is a quiet space for a walking mediation, no experience necessary Children and families are welcome Finger labyrinths are also available The Chapel is also open for prayers during this time.
Join us for worship on February 9 for Children's Sabbath, where the First UMC children lead worship Bibles will also be blessed on this day, and given to any fourth grader who would like to receive one Receiving a Bible is a special and important step in the faith journey of our children We rejoice as a community and with our families as our children grow in their love for God and one another Contact Tricia: t guerrero@santamonicaumc org, if you know a fourth grader who would like to receive a Bible Sunday, February 9, during 10 a.m. worship
FEBRUARY ONLINE MID-WEEK RECITAL
First UMC is pleased to present the Online February Mid-Week Recital, featuring Erin Wood, soprano, and Philip Hoch, organ. Wood is an accomplished vocalist and an El Camino applied music faculty member with a distinguished opera career. She has been praised for her portrayals of Verdi and Wagner heroines featuring her “soaring soprano,” “immense voice full of grit at the bottom and transcendent radiance at the top,” and “volcanic outpouring of sound ”
FLOWERS
Do you have a loved one you would like to dedicate flowers to on a given week? The church office can take your order, and the cost is $80 Order at the Sunday Welcome Table, or online: www santamonicaumc org/flower-fund
Available Sundays: February 9/16/23
Hoch is a faculty member at the University of Redlands and prolific concert organist from Southern California’s Inland Empire His areas of specialization include organ performance, transcription studies, minimalism studies, organ registration practices, liturgical studies, and works by Philip Glass
Visit the website: www santamonicaumc org/mid-week-recital-series
How to watch the Livestream:
• Facebook: @santamonicaumc
• YouTube Channel: @SantaMonicaUMC
• Website: www.santamonicaumc.org/livestream
• The First UMC App: (Go to the App Store, search FirstUMC SM)
You may view past recitals on these channels as well. Wednesday, February 12, at 12:10 p.m., online
THE 90+ BIRTHDAY CLUB
Each month after worship, during coffee hour, we acknowledge our cherished members who are celebrating their 90+ birthday that month with a birthday cake and song. This acknowledgement is more than just a celebration of age; it’s an opportunity for fellowship and connection, allowing us to learn from the rich life journeys of our seniors We look forward to seeing you there as we uplift and honor the lives that have shaped our community!
Sunday, February 16, after worship: celebrating Ellen Wise
KIDS NIGHT OUT
Kids Night Out is back in February! While parents enjoy a welldeserved night out, children are provided a safe and fun evening of games, activities and crafts, pizza dinner, and a movie with our trained childcare team Saturday, February 22, 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. in the Education Building
Community News
DEATHS
First UMC member Kathy Hall’s mother, Marion Hall, died December 19, 2024
First UMC member Janet Rawuka’s daughter, Pamela Sue Rawuka, died on December 28, 2024
First UMC Member Jennie Elena Scheer died December 31, 2024
First UMC member Ilsavada (Ilsa) Elaine Wollman, died on January 4, 2025
We give thanks for the life and life everlasting of Edith Andersen, who died on January 18, 2025
STEWARDSHIP
In our 150th year together, we celebrate and we give thanks to ALL that have pledged gifts in 2025. We have raised $525k in pledges so far! Together, these gifts will help us remain a strong and vibrant congregation nurturing the community through worship, music, missions, pastoral, and adult/children/family ministries. THANK YOU.
Looking Forward to
ASH WEDNESDAY
Ash Wednesday begins the season of Lent - a time of introspection and self-examination of our lives and relationship with God The ritual of the ashes represent a visual reminder of the day as we pause to remember our physical limits in contrast to the infinity of God Here at First UMC, we offer two Ash Wednesday services in the Chapel The ashes used for the services come from the burned palms of last year’s Palm Sunday Service We invite you to this intimate and reflective service that marks the beginning of the Lenten season March 5, 12 p.m. & 7 p.m., in the Chapel
LENTEN BOOK STUDY
Join Rev Greg Batson and Rev Larry Young as they co-host a 5 week Lenten Book Study based on the book The Third Day, by Bishop Tom Berlin Tom Berlin uses his gifts of storytelling and understanding of the Scriptures to connect the reader to the experiences of several individuals around Jesus in his final days, focusing on new life and redemption rather than loss Class schedule: (same class, one in-person and one online) Sundays, 11:30 a m , in the Fireside Room led by Rev Larry Young
March 9, 16, 23, 30 & April 6
Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m., via Zoom led by Rev. Greg Batson
March 12, 19, 26, April 2 & 9 Book info and Zoom link to follow.
ST. PATRICK’S DAY LUNCHEON
Women of Action, a circle of United Women in Faith, in partnership with Fellowship and Events and Children’s Ministry, will present the 23rd Annual St. Patrick’s Day Luncheon on March 16. The proceeds will benefit Children, Youth and Family Collaborative, which serves foster youth both during and after their school years. CYFC Director Lydia Templeton is an FUMC Covenant Missionary. The suggested donation of $12 per person includes lunch, a spirited singalong led by JoAnne Bailey and the ACT Singers with virtuoso piano accompaniment by Mary Crawford, and spellbinding prestidigitation by Ron Theile Emcees Cindy McQuade and David Mayhan will supply the witty banter, colorful quips, and Irish antics Craft materials for children (and young-at-heart adults) will be provided Children under 5 dine free Purchase your ticket online or at the door: www santamonicaumc org/uwf Sunday, March 16, 11:15 a.m. in Simkins Hall
Don’t forget to wear green!
On January 7, 2025, the Palisades Fire began burning in the Santa Monica Mountains of Los Angeles County, destroying large areas of Pacific Palisades, Topanga, and Malibu; it was part of a series of wildfires around Southern California being driven by an extreme Santa Ana wind event The First UMC campus was under evacuation warning for 3 days Luckily, the fire did not reach the First UMC campus, but sadly several church and preschool families lost their homes to the fire
A PRAYER FOR THE GATHERED COMMUNITY
By Rev. Karin Ellis (La Canada UMC)
Holy One, Creator of us all, we come to you with everything that is in our hearts and everything we are carrying in our bodies
We pray for the beloved communities of Altadena and Pacific Palisades that have lost so much- homes, churches, stores, playgrounds, schools, parks, libraries, gathering places, restaurants, barbershops, and hair salons- all of the places where we gather as community. Help us weep together, share stories, and hold one another close just as you hold us close during this tender time
We pray for the family members and friends who have lost loved ones May your comforting presence be with them, and may we offer support and care as best we can
We pray for those who are suffering from illness. We know you are the great Healer and so we ask that you bring healing to body, mind, and soul. And may we participate in your Healing Spirit as we care for one another
We pray for those who have no home and for those who are still waiting to return home In this uncertain time, we ask that they will be guided by those who have expertise in helping them find a place to live
We pray that we might “feel all the feels ” Help us to know it is ok to be exhausted, angry, frustrated, uncertain, scared, and all the other feelings and thoughts that go through our mind and our body And at the end of the day, help us turn these thoughts and feelings over to you so we can rest well Holy One, in the midst of it all, we also give you thanks and praise
We are grateful for the gift of this day and the ability to open our eyes once again
We are thankful for the opportunity to gather as your people, part of the body of Christ, to nourish and uphold one another as we do your good work
We are grateful for all the first responders and public leaders and officials who have helped us and guided us during these chaotic times
Most of all, we are thankful for your abiding love, O God, a love that will never end no matter what Thank you for holding us close, for caring for us, for never leaving us.
And when it is time, Gracious God, help us come together as your people to rebuild our cities, to once again build up the foundations of our lives so that our communities will flourish
We ask all of this in your name, and in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, the One who teaches us how to live lovingly with each other, how to serve faithfully, and how to bring forth hope and new life
Amen.
Westwood UMC held “A Service of Prayer & Conversation for Those Affected by the Southern CA Wildfires” on Sunday, January 13, with Rev Greg Batson participating
The Sunday School kids made Thank You cards for the firefighters Cal-Pac Conference Wildfire Updates
We continue to pray for our congregations and communities during the current fire disaster Current updates and resources can be found on the Cal-Pac website: www.calpacumc.org/lafires2025/
Community Photos
The annual Advent Brunch brought the church family together to celebrate the season Alternative Christmas (above) with Jocelyn Hicks-Garner(left) and Cindy McQuade (above right) was also highlighted for two Sundays during the season.
Scenes from one of the Youth weekly Sunday night meetings
First UMC member Jack Fry’s birthday was celebrated on Sunday, January 5
Rev Keri Olsen Paget, Tricia Guerrero, and Anne Premer hosted a Women’s Christmas Brunch on Friday, January 3
Christmas Eve 2024
11 p m Communion Service was led by the Batson Family, with Pastor Batson leading service, Tania performed the Offertory with son Tom on organ, and sons Dan and Wes served as lectors.
7 p.m. Candlelight Service: a candleabra caught fire prior to worship (no damage done). Because of smoke in the Sanctuary, the service was quickly moved into Simkins Hall.
PRESCHOOL CORNER
Every week, Preschool Teachers Ms Tonia and Ms Gloria of Room 107 send the class parents an email update about what the kids are learning for the upcoming week Here’s a sample of their weekly emails
Polar Pals Gazette
Hello, families, We celebrate each family's culture, traditions, and uniqueness. Embracing this diversity and the collaboration of family dynamics is a wonderful experience. We believe that everyone has vivid moments and important family histories to share. We can reflect on both the positive and challenging times, and it brings us joy to know that we have a school community as well. We value you and cherish every day we can spend with your children.
As actor Michael J. Fox said, "Family is not the important thing. It's everything."
Enjoy your day tomorrow!
Ms.ToniaandMs.Gloria
3 p m Family Service: Dena Nearing, baby Eloise, and Ken Lundin as the Holy Family
Installation of Lay Leadership Team on January 5
WORSHIP IN THE SANCTUARY
We worship on Sundays at 10 a.m. in-person in the Sanctuary each week. If you feel ill, please choose to worship from home online.
COMMUNION SUNDAYS
Tania Batson will be baking the bread for Communion Sunday. Berneice Southcott prepares the Communion elements before worship, with the help of Congregation Care Associate Anne Premer. Mary Crawford and Rose Kujawa help take care of the elements after worship. Thank you all for your service!
WORSHIP ONLINE
Sundays 10 a m Worship Online LIVESTREAM on:
• Website: www santamonicaumc org/livestream
After 10 a m livestream airs, go to: www santamonicaumc org/sunday-service-archive
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/santamonicaumc
• YouTube Channel: @SantaMonicaUMC
• The First UMC App: Go the App Store, search FirstUMC SM
Let us know if you need assistance in joining online.
CHILDREN'S MINISTRY / SUNDAY SCHOOL
Families are invited to begin worship in the Sanctuary
Following the Children's Message, children are guided to Sunday School for ages 12 months through 5th grade in the Education Building Parents with infants are welcome to worship in the Sanctuary or in the “Prayer Ground” Family Area in the Narthex. Let’s celebrate the joyful and life-filled presence beloved children bring to our community each week! www.santamonicaumc.org/childrens-ministry
OPEN SPACE YOUNG ADULTS
A place of community for “youngish” adults (loosely in your 20’s, 30’s… even 40’s!). We seek to journey alongside one another in spiritual discovery, growth, and belonging. We gather monthly for conversations and connection. February meeting: February 19, 7 p.m. off-site
Spencer and Lindsay Dewald introduced their new baby at January’s Open Space meeting
FEBRUARY ON-GOING MINISTRIES
• Men’s Bible Study Tuesdays, 7 a m via Zoom
• Open Space Young Adults Wednesday Feb 8, Offsite
• Listening Hearts Women’s Group Feb 5 /19, Coffee and Connect: 10 a m Literati Cafe (12081 Wilshire Blvd, LA CA 90025) Feb 12, *1 p m , via Zoom (*note new time)
• Prayer Quilt Ministry Third Saturday of the month: Feb 15
• The Chancel Choir Thursday night rehearsals: 7:40 p m in the Choir Room
• Blood Pressure Screenings Sunday, Feb 23, 11 a m Alcove
• Sunday School for Kids Sundays, 10 a m Meets in the Sanctuary for Children‘s Message, then led to Room 204 (Toddlers) and Room 206 for K through 5th Grade.
• UMYF Youth Group Sundays, Feb 2 /9/16/23, Youth Lounge
MEN’S BIBLE STUDY
Men’s Bible Study is a weekly Zoom meeting where men of all ages and generations gather to ground themselves in the Holy Scripture. As men try to navigate the stresses and complexities of this modern world and daily life, Men’s Bible Study is a place for community, prayer and fellowship through the sharing of God’s Holy word. Come by as your schedule permits! For more information and to add yourself to the email list call the church office: 310-393-8258 Tuesdays: 7 a.m., via Zoom
LISTENING HEARTS WOMEN’S GROUP
Listening Hearts is a group for women of all ages, grounded in the practices of sacred listening, prayer and reflection We gather both in person and online All are welcome to join! Contact Tricia Guerrero to learn more: t.guerrero@santamonicaumc.org
February Meetings: Feb 5 /19, Coffee and Connect: 10 a.m. Literati Cafe (12081 Wilshire Blvd, LA CA 90025) Feb 12, *1 p.m. via Zoom (*note new time)
BLOOD PRESSURE SCREENINGS
The Health Ministry Council continues to offer free monthly blood pressure screenings during Sunday coffee hour We encourage everyone to stop by and check in for a free blood pressure screening! Sunday, February 23, after worship in the Alcove
YOUTH MINISTRY
Youth Group is open to all 6th - 12th graders in the community They gather on Sunday evenings for dinner, games and a program or topic for discussion and reflection February Meetings: February 2/9/16/23, in the Youth Lounge www santamonicaumc org/youth-ministry
Scan to visit the website @santamonicaumc www santamonicaumc org
FIRST UMC OFFICE HOURS
Monday - Thursday 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., and by appointment. (Office closed on Fridays.) Pastoral Care : 310-393-8258, enter ext. 1
February at a Glance
Sat Feb 1 Messy Church
Sun Feb 2 Holy Communion Writing Devotions 101 Youth Group meeting
Mon Feb 3 UWF board meeting via Zoom
Fri Feb 7 Preschool Coffee Hour
Walk the Labyrinth/Chapel open
Sun Feb 9 Children’s Sabbath / 4th Grade Bibles
Youth Group Superbowl Sunday
Wed Feb 12 February Mid-Week Recital
Sat Feb 15 Prayer Quilt Workparty
Sun Feb 16 90+ Birthday Celebration / Ellen Wise
Mon Feb 17 President’s Day - Preschool closed Confirmation Retreat
Wed Feb 19 Open Space Young Adults Meeting
Sat Feb 22 Kids Night Out
Sun, Feb 23 Baptism
Free Blood Pressure Screenings Youth Group meeting
Mon Feb 24 Missions Team meeting via Zoom ...and more!
CITY OF SANTA MONICA BLACK HISTORY MONTH
The City of Santa Monica is hosting several events in celebration of Black History Month. A few of the events include: "Film Screening & Panel Discussion: Wade in the Water: A Journey into Black Surfing and Aquatic Culture”
Saturday, Feb 1, 2025, 2 - 4 p m Main Library, 601 Santa Monica Blvd , Santa Monica, CA 90401 MLK Jr Auditorium Ferris Wheel Lighting for Black History Month
Saturday, Feb 1, dusk (around 5 PM) to midnight, Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier
The 2025 Black History [every] Month Project
A year-long celebration of works that highlight the rich heritage of African American arts, artists and culture. For event listings, visit the website: www santamonicaplayhouse com/black-history-every-month html
REQUEST A PRAYER QUILT
Led by Sue Payne and Maile Marquand, the Prayer Quilt Ministry offers Prayer Quilts to those in need. To request a quilt: 1. Talk to the intended recipient. Ask if the person is willing to be prayed for and to receive a quilt Ask what specific prayers are wished for There is no charge for the quilt – it is a gift of love 2 Contact Maile Marquand and Sue Payne at: prayerquilts@santamonicaumc org (Prayer quilts may only be requested and sponsored by members of the First UMC congregation.) 3 Select the quilt, if some are already made, or suggest colors if one is to be selected for you First UMC will display the quilt in the Friday Community Email, and during Sunday 10 a m worship, where you may tie a prayer knot during in-person worship, or view the quilt on the Livestream
The next meeting date is Saturday, February 15, 9:30 a.m.12 p.m., Room 300.
Contact info@santamonicaumc org if you would like to volunteer. www.santamonicaumc.org/prayerquiltministry
