HORIZONS
BY REV. GREG BATSON
SENTINEL SENTINEL
We conclude the 50-day season of Easter season this month on Sunday, June 8th, with the celebration of Pentecost Based on the account found in Acts 2, Pentecost marks the arrival of the Holy Spirit and the birth of the church For over two thousand years, the universal church has shared God’s love through Christ. We look forward to receiving new members on Pentecost Sunday. Through our prayers, presence, gifts, service and witness, we are the Body of Christ for the world.
June also marks the annual gathering of the California-Pacific Conference on June 11-14 in Indian Wells, CA. Both clergy and laity representing over 300 churches in California and Hawaii will meet for worship, fellowship, and conducting the business of our annual conference The theme this year is “Cherish,” building upon the previous themes of “Nourish” and “Flourish ” I look forward to sharing highlights of our work together next month
At the end of June, we will celebrate our youth On June 29, Tricia Guerrero will lead us in worship as we commission our Youth Service Project team for this summer’s trip to the South Bay area of San Diego near the US/Mexico border A fundraiser lunch will follow worship where we will learn more about the work the team will undertake We also look forward to awarding scholarships to our youth and young adults generously provided by the Methodist Foundation in support of their higher education
This is the season of “being the church”; let us do so with joy!
COMMISSIONING OF THE YOUTH SERVICE PROJECT TEAM and LUNCH & LEARN
This year a group of 10 youth and adult volunteers from First UMC Santa Monica will be spending a week (July 5-13, 2025) working in San Diego’s South Bay with an organization called the Sierra Service Project This urban placement will offer opportunities connected to the unique challenges of this area, specifically focusing on poverty, immigration and the environment The type of work includes costly home repair projects for low income families and elderly residents, as well as environmental restoration projects and community-led initiatives.
Following the Youth Service Project Team commissioning during worship, join the team for their YSP Lunch and Learn Fundraiser in Simkins Hall Visit informational tables set up by the team with facts about the Sierra Service Project and the work they do Come for food and fun and learn more about the youth’s service trip to South Bay San Diego this summer!
Support the team: www santamonicaumc org/ysp
Sunday, June 29:
YSP Team Commissioning in worship
Lunch and Learn after worship in Simkins Hall
Suggested donation: $20/person (kids eat free!)
PRESCHOOL SPRING FAIR
Stay after worship on Sunday, June 1, for our Annual Preschool Spring Fair Fun for all ages! Featuring a bake sale, bubbles, arts & crafts, and bounce houses Tickets: $20 for first child / $10 each additional child (all inclusive); $10 for food ticket for adults
Sunday, June 1, 11 a.m. after worship in the Courtyard, Simkins Hall and the Preschool Playground
JUNE MESSY CHURCH
We hope you will join us for our last Messy Church of the season on Saturday, June 7 from 4 - 6 p.m. in the First UMC Courtyard. We will learn about the Fruit of the Spirit and discover ways we can grow in love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, and more through games and crafts, storytelling and song, food and fun We will close out the evening with a delicious cookout for al We'll provide the burgers and hotdogs and all the fixin's (veggie and gluten-free options will be available); and we invite yo to bring a side dish, salad or dessert to share Invite a friend to join you for this special time of Messy Church fun and community!
Saturday, June 7, 4 - 6 p.m. Courtyard
FIRST UMC MEMBERSHIP
41st ANNUAL SESSION OF THE CALIFORNIAPACIFIC CONFERENCE
With the theme “Ending Spiritual & Physical Hunger: Cherish!” the 41st Annual Session of the California-Pacifi Conference will be held June 11-14, in Indian Wells, CA. Participants from First UMC this year include Rev Greg Batson, Rev Keri Olsen Paget, Rev Larry Young, Mary Crawford, Dick Crawford, Adam Guerrero, Karen Ing, and Todd Erlandson
KEYS TO MAXIMIZING YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY
We’re pleased to announce that we will host a Social Security Seminar, organized by First UMC member David Guyette Topics covered:
Key components of Social Security benefits
Understanding the Impact of Taxes on your Retirement Plan
Exploring Spousal and Survivor Benefit Options
The Social Security Fairness Act: Purpose and Beneficiaries
Lunch will be provided, and all are welcome to attend We especially encourage those nearing retirement, as well as those who may still be years away To assist us in getting an accurate headcount, please RSVP to Anne Premer at a premer@santamonicaumc org by June 13
June 22, 11:15 a.m. in the Fireside Room
WESTSIDE FOOD BANK ONGOING VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY
Membership is a celebration of the fact that someone belongs to our faith community in connection and commitment Our belonging promotes service to and with each other, values mutual care, and develops meaningful and supportive relationships. Becoming a member of First UMC is an act of publicly entering into a relationship with our faith community. The church offers thanks and welcomes in the spirit of belonging to one another. At First UMC, we belong to God and to one another. If you have questions on becoming a member of First UMC, you may contact: Rev. Greg Batson (g.batson@santamonicaumc.org), Rev. Keri Olsen Paget (k olsenpaget@santamonicaumc org), Tricia Guerrero (t guerrero@santamonicaumc org), or call the church office: (310) 393-8258
We will be receiving new members during worship on Sunday, June 8.
SCHOLARSHIP SUNDAY
Westside Food Bank continues to help with the long recovery period in the aftermath of the LA fires. The damage has been devastating, and Westside Food Bank is doing everything in its power to help our community. Join First UMC for the last Fridays of the month to help Westside Food Bank with packaging produce boxes
Fridays: June 27, July 25, August 29, 10:30 a.m - 12 p.m. 1710 22nd Street, SM 90404
Contact Tricia to register: t guerrero@santamonicaumc org
Sign up for a day(s) that works for you
You will need to sign a volunteer waiver and photo release upon arrival
As the school year draws to a close, the young scholars of First UMC are excited about their next educational step. Make sure to attend the 10 a.m. worship service to honor and recognize those being awarded with a Methodist Foundation Scholarship. Sunday, June 29, during 10 a.m. worship
SPEAKING ACROSS DIFFERENCES:
NAVIGATING DIALOGUE IN POLARIZED TIMES
Throughout the summer we invite you to watch this three part minicourse from the Institute for Islamic, Christian, Jewish Studies (ICJS) in Baltimore, MD, featuring Jewish Scholar Ben Sax, PHD This course will interrogate the question of what it means to dialogue within our current sociopolitical climate Very often we teach that tolerance is a virtue in dialogue, yet should we also be tolerant of intolerance? How does that work? This course will consider a variety of views and try to chart a new dialogical path together by examining how different philosophers, political theorists, historians, and theologians have broached these questions during their own times of political peril.
First UMC will provide the links to prerecorded class sessions and resources that you can watch when it is convenient for you Then, via Zoom on the following dates, Rev Keri Olsen Paget will facilitate a dialogue with those who have viewed the content ZOOM SESSIONS:
Wednesday, June 4, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, July 9, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Session One: The Many Ways into Dialogue
Session Two: Dialogue as Liberation
Wednesday, August 6, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Session Three: Dialogue as Resistance
To RSVP and receive the course content please register on the website: www santamonicaumc org/differences-workshop
THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH UNVEILS NEW GUIDING VISION STATEMENT
The Council of Bishops, in conjunction with the Connectional Table, is pleased to announce the unveiling of a new vision statement for The United Methodist Church This vision reflects the Church's deep commitment to embodying God's dream for the world The vision states: The United Methodist Church forms disciples of Jesus Christ who, empowered by the Holy Spirit, love boldly, serve joyfully, and lead courageously in local communities and worldwide connections. This vision statement complements the Church's longstanding mission statement, inspired by Matthew 28:1820: "The mission of The United Methodist Church is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world."
“This is a Kairos moment in the life of The United Methodist Church. This new vision is not simply a statement or a plan, it is a catalyst for transformation,” said Bishop Tracy Smith Malone, President of the Council of Bishops “It is a vision that will help the Church embrace the divine opportunities before us, to follow where God is leading us, and to more fully engage in our mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world ”
Lookingforward to
UNITED WOMEN IN FAITH BOOK STUDY
The United Women in Faith are hosting an in-person book study featuring the book, Raise Your Voice: Why We Stay Silent and How to Speak Up, by Kathy Khang. Activist Kathy Khang roots our voice and identity in the image of God. Khang offers insights from faithful heroes who raised their voices for the sake of God's justice and she shows how we can do the same today in person, in social media, in organizations, and in the public square. Find the book at local book stores, or on Amazon (paperback/Kindle/audiobook)
Sunday, July 13, 11:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. Alcove
THIRD ANNUAL COMMUNITY FREE MARKET
First UMC is pleased to present the third annual Community Free Market–a one day event where all are welcome to come by and pick up FREE new or gently used kitchen /household items! Now’s the perfect time to declutter and donate your gently used goods to the Market We're gladly accepting:
Kitchenware & housewares
Small appliances
Holiday decorations
Toys & books
We will NOT be accepting furniture, clothing of any kind, electronics, large appliances, or items that aren’t gently used or new. Contact Janet Guyette: 310-663-9861 or janetlguyette@gmail.com, with questions.
Drop-off days: Saturday, August 9, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. Sunday, August 17, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Third Annual Community Free Market: Saturday, August 23, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. in the Courtyard
CELEBRATING OUR GRADUATES
Let’s celebrate our high school and college graduates! Congratulations! We are so proud of each of you.
The High School 2025 Graduates
Kate Beckerman is graduating from Harvard-Westlake High School She plans to attend New York University to study Global Liberal Studies and Public Health
Sebastàn Fouquette is graduating from Santa Monica High School. He plans to attend Fordham University to study marketing.
Gavin Kirtley is graduating from Santa Monica High School. He plans to attend Hope International University as a student athlete to study business.
Cooper Nessel is graduating from Santa Monica High School. He plans to attend Santa Monica College and study political psychology.
Isabella K. Ohr is graduating from Marlborough School. She plans to attend Harvard University Ashton Stanfill is graduating from GALA He plans to attend UC Santa Cruz to study Environmental Science
The College 2025 Graduates
Cormac Flanders graduated from California Lutheran University, where he studied multimedia with an emphasis on graphic design.
Emily Plukas graduated from Pratt Institute with a Bachelors of Industrial Design.
Natalia Quintana graduated from Wellesley College with a BA in Comparative Literature, magna cum laude. She plans on pursuing a Master's of Library and Information Science.
Leo Rapoport graduated from UC Davis with a Bachelors in Sustainable Environmental Design
CELEBRATING PRIDE MONTH
First UMC member Alejandro Quintana offers his reflections on how the Methodist Foundation Scholarships have impacted his educational journey:
In the summer before my junior year of college, I was given the opportunity to participate in a summer institute in St Louis hosted by the American Society of Papyrologists As the program’s funding was earmarked for graduate students and early career professors, the cost of travel, room, and board fell upon me and my family Thanks to scholarships from First UMC of Santa Monica, I was able to participate in this unexpected opportunity without worrying about funding Now, as a papyrologist embarking on my final year of a PhD in Classics and History at Yale, I am so grateful for my church community and for those who sponsored these scholarships.
First UMC of Santa Monica financially supported my studies through college at Harvard and into my first years as a graduate student at Yale This aid has helped me pay for tuition, participate in seminars, and conduct research in graduate school Through these scholarships, my church community provided me with the flexibility to discover who I wanted to be and stood alongside me on every step of this journey – from political science to law to classical literature and finally discovering ancient history where I feel at home
Our church’s ability to support the academic and professional journeys of its students is really special and reflects a commitment to intellectual and spiritual growth as Christians and Methodists. These values that shaped me growing up at First UMC continue to define my work and my life. Every now and then in my research on daily life in Egypt in the first centuries after Christ, I am confronted by a term or a concept that vividly takes me back to a memory from my confirmation classes at church, and I am filled with an indescribable mix of nostalgia, warmth, and understanding One might call it faith
Pride month is the month where members of the LGBTQIA+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transexual, Queer, Intersex, Asexual /Ally plus) celebrate their differences and bring attention to the continued stigma against members of the community In America it is celebrated in June
On May 1, 2024, Delegates and observers from the Western Jurisdiction celebrated after harmful language for LGBTQIA+ persons was removed from the Book of Discipline at General Conference 2024 in Charlotte, North Carolina “We’ve made it clear that all of God’s children are beloved and free to serve and respond to God’s call I felt the lift of a weight of 32 years since answering God’s call to serve as an ordained elder in the United Methodist Church Though I expected celebration and elation, the depth of joy in my heart surprised me.”
- Rev. Dr. Kristin Stoneking, Bishop of the Mountain Sky Conference
PRIDE WORSHIP SERVICE
St Augustine by the Sea Episcopal Church in Santa Monica is hosting a Pride worship service on Friday, June 13, 7:30 p.m. All are welcome! 1227 4 Street, SM 90403 th
Community News
THANK YOU!
We’re filled with gratitude for you your support, generosity, and participation has made a real difference in our Pennies for Peanuts 2025 campaign! Thanks to your help, we raised over $2,000 and the impact is being felt as the peanut crops offer tangible support and hope for our partners in Haiti.
BIRTHS
Wylie Edward Hickok born May 3, 2025, to parents Wade Hickok and Kelsey Maguire and siblings Kiana and Hudson.
CONGRATULATIONS
First UMC Member Jessica Jones and Kameron Gsell were married on May 25, 2025 Tricia Guerrero officiated
REV. KERI OLSEN PAGET
Our Staff Parish Relations Committee has recommended Rev Keri Olsen Paget expand her role as Deacon Associate of Spiritual Formation She has been working quarter time, and will now move into half time ministry on July 1, 2025. All members of the church were invited to vote for this expansion of her appointment via a special Charge Conference on Zoom held Wednesday, May 21
Keri says: “It has been an honor to learn about the deep spiritual roots of this community and witness how individuals and groups grow and flourish in their faith I can’t wait to see how we will continue to bloom and grow through the work of the Holy Spirit ”
WE WELCOME COMMUNITY UMC TO
CAMPUS
Over the past few months, we have helped many community members of Pacific Palisades in the aftermath of the January wildfire. This includes the Community United Methodist Church whose sanctuary and properties were destroyed For example, we provided a space for that congregation to collect and distribute essential items immediately after the fire and hosted a music concert for them in our sanctuary this past week Recently, in response to a request from their pastor, The Rev Catie Coots, we have been working together to provide a safe and welcoming worship space for the Community UMC congregation We have reached an agreement and are pleased to announce that we are sharing some of our facility space and resources with these fellow United Methodists
Now’s the time to send in your cherished family favorite, a dish with a story, or something that brings back fond memorieswe’d love to feature your recipe!
• Share your recipe: Submit one or two recipe(s) that have been passed down through your family or hold a special place in your heart
• Include a photo: Share a picture whether it’s of the dish itself or a beloved family photo to bring your recipe to life
• Tell us why: Write a short (2-3 sentence) story about why this recipe means so much to you and your family.
• Submit your recipes to: Tina Gage: t.gage@santamonicaumc.org Or drop them off at the Sunday Welcome Table.
EXTENDED Deadline: Sunday, June 15 Cookbooks will be available for purchase in the Fall
On May 4th, the Community UMC congregation began to use our Chapel for Sunday worship at 11 a.m. We are also providing parking on the 3rd floor of our parking garage, a space for a coffee/fellowship hour following worship, a Sunday School room, and office space We anticipate this arrangement for the next year and will work together to coordinate our schedules for special events This is a concrete way we can help our neighbors as they move forward during this time of transition
As we to continue the celebration of resurrection and new life in Christ, let us welcome the staff and members of Community UMC with open arms and generous hospitality.
– Pastor Greg
Sunday Flowers: Order Sunday Flowers for a loved one. The cost is $80. Order at the Sunday Welcome Table, or online: www.santamonicaumc.org/flower-fund
Available Sundays: June 15/29
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, June 21, 9:30 a.m.12 p.m., Room 300. Contact info@santamonicaumc.org if you would like to volunteer www santamonicaumc org/prayerquiltministry
Community Photos
The first History and Archives Gathering Thank you to those who helped identify church members in archived photos!
May Messy Church included celebrating World Labyrinth Day
The United Women in Faith held their annual Senior High Scholarship luncheon, celebrating seniors Gavin Kirtley, Cooper Nessel, and Ashton Stanfill (Not pictured, Kate Beckerman, Sebastàn Fouquette, and Isabella K Ohr)
Pastor Greg was a guest reader during Preschool Chapel
The Spring Concert was an afternoon filled with beautiful choral music, and we celebrated Jim and Barbara Smith’s 60 years at First UMC during the reception
the recorded concert, go to: www santamonicaumc org/music-theater
The Youth Group’s annual Mayhem
WORSHIP
Pastor Greg at the pulpit
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 bake the bread for this month’s Holy Communion. 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.
ONGOING MINISTRIES
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
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 Youth Group meetings are on break for the summer. Contact Tricia with questions: t guerrero@santamonicauc org
THE CHANCEL CHOIR
Sing in the Chancel Choir! Thursday evening rehearsals are on summer break. Contact Jim Smith if you are interested: djes@roadrunner.com
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 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
June 4 & 18, Coffee and Connect: 10 a.m. Literati Cafe (12081 Wilshire Blvd, LA CA 90025)
June 11, 2 p.m. via Zoom
PRAYER REQUESTS
The First UMC Prayer Group is a network of persons who provide regular, dependable, and confidential prayer support You may send a prayer request to the church at any time, and our Prayer Group will be notified of your request Call the church office, or visit: www santamonicaumc org/prayer-requests/
OPEN SPACE
June Gathering: Sunday, June 8, 11:30 a.m. Offsite Open Space Summer Gathering
Calling all young adults! Join us for a casual backyard get-together in July to celebrate the summer and connect with one another. If you're interested in attending, reach out to Tricia Guerrero: t guerrero@santamonicauc org, or call 310-393-8258 x104 Sunday, July 20 at 5 p.m. Offsite
CONGREGATION CARE
Feel free to leave a phone message anytime (310-393-8258) or email message for any of the church staff. The Pastoral Care line (310-393-8258 and enter extension 1), is always available for people to leave a message requesting care. Pastoral Care Resources: If you have any questions, need assistance, or would like to volunteer to help with our homebound folks, please contact: Anne Premer: a premer@santamonicaumc org or (310)393-8258 ext 103 To see a full list of local community resources, go to the First UMC Congregation Care Resources webpage: www santamonicaumc org/care
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
MESSY CAMP REGISTRATION CONTINUES
Coming this summer, July 28 - August 1! Join us for an unforgettable week of adventure at Messy Camp, where kids will explore the amazing creatures and wonders of God’s Wild World! Each day, kids will enjoy hands-on science experiments, exciting games, Bible story adventures, creative crafts, catchy songs, and participate in a hands-on mission project It’s going to be a fun and wild ride you won’t want to miss! Come get messy and see how wild and wonderful God’s world can be!
The cost is $150 for the first child and $125 for each additional sibling Sign-ups close on July 14 We can’t wait to explore God’s Wild World with you!
Monday, July 28 - Friday, August 1, 9 a.m.- 3 p.m. Registration on the website: www santamonicaumc org/messy-camp
BECOME A PART OF HISTORY!
In celebration of the 150th Anniversary, we are asking all to consider making a special milestone gift The special donations received will be used to digitize the Sanctuary welcome monument sign, located at the corner of 11th & Washington, so we can spread our message throughout the community. Additional amounts will be used for fellowship and events during the Fall. Donations accepted anytime, online or a part of Sunday's offering. Thank you!
Artist rendering of signage (not exact representation)
