Horizons
Many of us United Methodists know that June has come as we’re preparing for the session of our Annual Conference. This year, the California-Pacific Conference will meet mostly in-person for the first time in three years. And we will be led by our new bishop, Dottie Escobedo-Frank. How wonderful it will be to gather with friends and colleagues to give thanks and to lean into God’s future clergy and laity together.
To last year’s theme of “Ending Physical and Spiritual Hunger,” Bishop Dottie has added the word “Nourish.” Nourish God’s people—body, mind, and spirit. How well that fits our focus here at First UMC Santa Monica across these last months. Our community Conversations after worship have been opportunities for fellowship and to share our experiences, hopes and dreams about how we are in mission and how we nurture our spirits and deepen our faith.
Summer 2023: Appalachia Service Project
“We accept people right where they are, just the way they are.”
- ASP Founder Glenn “Tex” Evans
A group of 17 youth and adult volunteers from First UMC Santa Monica will be spending a week this summer (June 17-25) helping residents in Jonesville, VA, working with an organization called Appalachia Service Project. ASP has been active in the Appalachian Mountains for over 50 years.
The youth group is looking forward to helping people gain a safe, warm and dry home to live in, and most of all, they are looking forward to growing in faith through this service leadership opportunity.
Join us on Sunday, June 11 during worship, where the Team will be Commissioned (blessed) during worship, followed by a fundraiser luncheon after worship. More: www.santamonicaumc.org/ysp
YSP Commissioning: Sunday, June 11, 10 a.m. during worship
We are grateful for the worship, music and prayer life of our community of faith which nourishes us—bringing peace, comfort, healing and hope. We are grateful for all the ways we nourish God’s people across the wider community and around the world in service and mission, especially those we have celebrated during our May Month of Service. And this month we will again rejoice to award scholarships to our students, nourishing their amazing minds and deepening their faith and rootedness in the community of faith.
Nourish—body, mind, and soul. Let’s keep going deep and reaching wide. The Spirit is sending us power, light, love and hope.
Rev. Patricia Farris Senior Minister
Youth Service Project Lunch & Learn
Following the Youth Service Project Team commissioning during worship, join the team for a community Simkins Hall.
Visit informational tables set Appalachia Service Project
The lunch will be provided b the YSP fund as a gift for the community, though donations are appreciated. Come for food and fun and learn more about the youth’s service trip!
Support the team: www.santamonicaumc.org/ysp
Sunday, June 11, after worship in Simkins Hall
This year’s Appalachia Service Project theme is based on Luke 10:27, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind and Love your neighbor as yourself.” (NIV)
vol.cxlviii, no. 6 • June 2023 SENTINEL FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH of SANTA MONICA
Worship in the Sanctuary
We worship on Sundays at 10 a.m. in-person in the Sanctuary each week. Masks are optional, but always acceptable and welcome. Everyone is strongly encouraged to get your vaccinations and booster shots. If you feel ill, please choose to worship from home online. Let us know if you need assistance in joining online.
For Holy Communion on June 4, church member Christina Eddy will be baking the bread. Every Communion Sunday, Berneice Southcott prepares the Communion elements before worship, with the help of Congregation Care Associate Anne Premer. Thank you all for your service!
Worship Online
We offer several options for participating in online worship You may join in the service Livestream in real time or later at your convenience on these platforms:
Sundays 10 a.m. Worship Online LIVESTREAM on:
• Website: www.santamonicaumc.org/livestream (no ads)
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/santamonicaumc/live
• YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/c/SantaMonicaUMC
• The First UMC App: (download from the App Store, search FirstUMC_SM)
New on the Website: Sunday Worship Service archives: www.santamonicaumc.org/sunday-service-archive
Audio Sermon Archives: www.santamonicaumc.org/sermon-archives
New Church Calendar: www.santamonicaumc.org/calendar
Nursery Care
Nursery Care is available on Sunday mornings from 9:30 - 11 a.m. in Room 204 in the Education Building. Parents with young children are also welcome to worship in the sanctuary or in the Kids Zone in the narthex.
Sunday School
Sunday School is every Sunday morning in Room 206. We are so grateful to our Sunday School teachers (Dot Plukas and Sandra Jones) for their ongoing care and commitment to our children and families.
Sundays, 10 a.m. Room 206 page 2
June Ongoing Ministries:
• Men’s Bible Study Tuesdays, 7 a.m. via Zoom
• Open Space Young Adults June meeting: Wednesday, June 7
• Listening Hearts Women’s Group Meetings: Summer Schedule: June 7: Coffee and Connect: 10 a.m. Literati Cafe (12081 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025 ) June 14, 6:30 p.m. via Zoom
• Prayer Quilt Ministry Third Saturday of the month: Saturday, June 17, 9:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. Room 300
• The Chancel Choir No rehearsals during the summer
• Nursery Care Sundays, 9:30 - 11 a.m. Room 204
• Blood Pressure Screenings Sunday, June 18
• Sunday School for Kids Sundays, 10 a.m. in Room 206, for ages 2 and up.
• UMYF Youth Group On summer break
For more information on all of these programs, go to www.santamonicaumc.org/small-groups
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. https://santamonicaumc.org/prayer-requests/
Listening Hearts Women’s Group with Tricia Guerrero
Listening Hearts is a group for women of all ages, grounded in the practices of sacred listening, prayer and reflection. Alongside one another, we share our stories, listen to one another, and grow in God’s loving presence. www.santamonicaumc.org/small-groups
June 7: Coffee and Connect: 10 a.m. Literati Cafe (12081 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025 ) June 14, 6:30 p.m. via Zoom
Monthly Blood Pressure Screenings
The Health Ministry Council hosts Blood Pressure screenings every third Sunday of the month (subject to change.) We are grateful to this ministry for their continued care of the congregation!
Next Screening: June 18, in the Fireside Room
June at a Glance
aradise Valley UMC in Arizona Youth Handbells and Choir will join us for worship
United Women in Faith Senior Scholarship Luncheon outh Service Project Commissioning in worship SP Fundraiser Luncheon (info on page 1) ac Annual Conference
rayer Quilt Ministry meets ather’s Day, Bill Buxton guest preaching ressure Screenings
reschool Spring Concert
WORSHIP 10 a.m. In-Person & Online
Welcome Paradise Valley UMC Youth
Choir and Handbell Ensemble
The Paradise Valley United Methodist Church Youth Choir and Handbell ensembles, under the direction of Dr. Ashley Strawser and collaborative pianist Dr. Joshua Hillmann, are traveling from Arizona on their first tour since 2019. Their previous tours include trips to San Diego, Las Vegas and Santa Monica (2016). Both groups are made up of kids in 6th-12th grade (see photo to the right). The choir’s repertoire includes settings of traditional hymns, spirituals, gospel, world music, and pop. The handbell group rings with 5 octaves of both bells and hand chimes. They are very excited to share their music once again with the congregation of First UMC Santa Monica!
Help us welcome PVUMC on Sunday, June 4, during 10 a.m. worship. Stay past the Postlude for a special 15 minute performance!
Scholarship Sunday
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 25, during 10 a.m. worship
LOOKING FORWARD TO JULY
Haiti Mission: Pennies+ for Haiti
On Sunday, July 9, we welcome Haiti Team leader Todd Erlandson, who will present a Moment for Mission during worship, kicking off this year’s Pennies+ for Haiti fundraiser. Todd explains, “The focus of the campaign is to build Haiti reserves so we can complete repair of storm damaged homes, continue to invest in the yearly peanut harvest and (perhaps) purchase some more goats!” Sundays, July 2, 9 & 16. See buckets in the Narthex and Simkins Hall
Join Open Space in supporting Molly Smith
UWF Senior Scholarship Luncheon
After worship on Sunday, June 4, the UWF will present scholarships to graduating high school seniors Sydney Adamson, Andrew Buxton, Gavin Eddy, Lincoln Hughes, Dara I’Anson, Cristina Marban, and Mikey Strauss at a catered luncheon in the Fireside Room. University professor and Woman of Action Dr. Mira Pak will share valuable advice about managing the first year of college. All are invited to join in the celebration! Suggested donation is $10 to offset food costs.
Sunday, June 4, after worship in the Fireside Room
39th Annual Session of the California-Pacific Conference
Theme: Ending Spiritual & Physical Hunger: Nourish!
The 39th Annual Session of the California-Pacific Conference will be held June 14-17, in Los Angeles, CA. More than twice as many people will be staying on-site at this year’s annual conference compared to last year. The Conference will be live-streamed for other non-elected Lay or voting Clergy members of the California-Pacific Conference on the website: calpacumc.org/ac2023
Join Open Space on Sunday, July 9 at 4 p.m. to see Back Porch at the Victory Theatre Center. Purchase your ticket and we’ll see you there! Fun fact: Church member Molly Smith worked as the Costume Designer for this show and we’re excited to support her work. Back Porch is about the clash of values when Hollywood descends upon a small Kansas town in 1955 to shoot scenes for the classic film, Picnic. Sparks fly in more ways than one when the two cultures intermingle. All tickets are $25. Show runs from Friday, June 2 – Sunday, July 9. Molly says, “I am very excited to be designing costumes for this wonderful retelling of William Inge’s Picnic. I hope to see you there!”
Sunday, July 9, 4 p.m. Victory Theatre Center, 3324 W. Victory Blvd, Burbank, CA 91505 For information and to purchase tickets, call (818) 533-1611 or visit www.onstage411.com, search “Back Porch”
Let’s Talk about Aging with Dignity
Grab a coffee after worship and join us for an informal discussion on The Five Wishes and Planning a Memorial Service. Learn about completing The Five Wishes, which is the first easy-to-use Living Will that talks about your personal, emotional and spiritual needs as well as your medical wishes. We’ll also provide the steps, as well as supportive guidance, in planning a memorial service.
Sunday, July 16, after worship in Simkins Hall
UWF Christmas in July Boutique Sale
Save the date for Sunday, July 23 after worship, as the United Women in Faith hold a “Christmas in July” Boutique Sale, benefitting the missions supported by the UWF. More details coming soon.
Paradise Valley UMC Youth Choir and Handbell Ensemble
Communion Server Ministry
Each month when communion is offered in church, members of the Communion Server Ministry take communion out to those who cannot be present during the service. By including others, we expand the Table of the Lord to include those who cannot be present in body. The volunteers who are involved in this ministry feel blessed in being able to serve in this way. If you are interested in becoming a communion server, please contact Anne Premer (a.premer@santamonicaumc.org) or the church office. We offer training and on-going support to our communion servers.
Giving Matters
There are many ways to contribute to the mission and ministry of First UMC. You may give online via the QR code on the right (take a photo of the code with your phone camera), via mail, or onsite through the church office mail slot. To learn more about ways to give, including the annual Stewardship campaign, Planned Giving, Tree of Life, support for the Music Program, and the flower fund, visit: www.santamonicaumc.org/give
Scammer Fraud Lookout!
Don’t have a scare – BE AWARE
How many of us have witnessed a scammer trying to scam?
Your best defense is AWARENESS!
Helpful Tips:
• Don’t click on email or text links unless you are sure who the sender is. Social media sites can have fraudulent profiles set up and share viruses unsuspectedly through pictures and links.
Request a Prayer Quilt
Led by Sue Payne and Maile Marquand, the Prayer Quilt Ministry continues to offer 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 (mailemarquand@gmail.com) or Sue Payne (sue.f.payne@ gmail.com).
3. Select the quilt if some are already made, or suggest colors if one is to be selected for you. Once the quilt selection has been made, First UMC will display the quilt in the Friday Community Email, and also 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 Prayer Quilt Ministry meeting is Saturday, June 17, 9:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. in Room 300 in the Education Building. Contact info@santamonicaumc.org if you would like to volunteer.
• Prayer Quilts Can Be Tied in Worship
If you’re present in the Sanctuary during Worship, you may tie your own prayer knots on the quilt for the recipient; if you are unable to attend Worship in person, call or email Sarah in the church office to request a tie be made on the quilt for you; she will let you know the requested prayers: Sarah Rold (310.393.8258), or s.rold@ santamonicaumc.org. Online prayers will be collected Tuesday –Friday of the following week, and the prayer knots will be tied by the church staff.
• If a “friend” emails you and asks for a favor, call them on the telephone or discuss in person. The email or phone number could have the “friend’s name” but be programmed to a different number. Federal Trade Commission has developed an informative website on how to recognize and avoid scams. Read more here: https://consumer.ftc.gov/scams
• And specifically phishing scams read more here: https://consumer.ftc. gov/articles/how-recognize-and-avoid-phishing-scams
Personal info means PERSONAL. Don’t have a scareDon’t share - BE AWARE!
World Labyrinth Day - A Global Success!
Report from the World Labyrinth Society: “On the first Saturday in May, over the past 15 years, labyrinth enthusiasts, curious people, and those who refuse to give up hope for the possibility of peace find a Labyrinth near them or participate in a virtual labyrinth walk for global peace. This year 26 countries participated, every continent except Antarctica joined in, and hundreds of walks were registered. The Labyrinth Society Global Group was lit up like a Christmas Tree with posts from all over featuring labyrinths worldwide.” First UMC was proud to participate in World Labyrinth Day on Saturday, May 6 in Simkins Hall. Look for upcoming opportunities to Walk the Labyrinth soon.
Read the May 4, 2023 LA Times article Feeling lost? L.A.’s labyrinths can help you return to center with mention of First UMC!
www.santamonicaumc.org/labyrinth
Flowers: To order flowers to remember or honor a loved one for Sunday Worship service, go to: www.santamonicaumc.org/flower-fund.
Open dates in June: June 4 & June 18
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First UMC member Mary Crawford (right), on a visit as a Communion Server.
A beautiful prayer quilt displayed during worship.
First UMC Member Profile: Bill Buxton
interview byTina Gage, Communications Director
We are excited to welcome long-time (21 years!) First UMC member Bill Buxton to preach on Sunday, June 18, during worship. Bill is a Neurologist at Providence St. John’s Health Center, and the Pacific Neuroscience Institute in Santa Monica, and has just completed a Certificate program at Duke Divinity School in North Carolina. Following the certificate program, he decided to continue his education, and will be starting the Master of Divinity program at Duke in August.
Hello Bill! Tell me about your Certificate Program. How were you able to take this course and maintain your work schedule?
I was excited when I found out about this program at Duke, the second year in its hybrid mode, that combined health care with ministry and theology. The certificate itself is in Theology and Health Care, under the Theology, Medicine and Culture Program, and is a one-year certificate program for Christian health care practitioners. The programs are geared towards professionals in the field, so I was able to get away for the first two weeks of in-person classes, with the rest online.
Is this something that you’ve always had an interest in?
I’ve always felt a calling to being involved in ministry as a lay person, which was a big part of my life before entering the medical profession. I was excited to find out about the program that combined health care with ministry and theology, and this seemed to be a perfect way to explore where God is leading me mid-career. It’s helped me grow in both ways: I feel a stronger sense of calling in healthcare, and I’m really excited about more involvement in ministry. I’m also excited about bringing more of a faith perspective into my work.
After the certificate program, what compelled you to go further and enter the Master of Divinity program?
In completing the certificate program, I realized that even in addition to the healthcare aspects, I wanted to learn more and grow in my own theological knowledge. When I started the program, I had the opportunity to begin a support group through our practice for those with early dementia. The group curriculum brings in Jewish and Christian theology, and I learned a lot through those participants.
Vacation Bible Camp - Register Now!
It’s not too late to sign up for Vacation Bible Camp, happening Monday, July 31 - Friday, August 4, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. on the First UMC campus. This year’s theme is Hero Hotline: Called Together to Serve God. As kids (called Heroes) experience Bible stories through music, drama and storytelling, games, arts and crafts, science, and even snacks, they’ll learn that Heroes are called to Follow Jesus, Help Others, Work Together, Listen to God, and Show Grace! And, best of all, they’ll be invited to answer this call at VBC, at church, at home, and every area of their lives. Volunteer opportunties are available for all ages.
Sign up: www.santamonicaumc.org/vbc
Bill Buxton, above, and with Verna, and sons Andrew and John at the 2019 Blessing of the Animals.
(Not pictured, son William.)
I definitely want to continue in that role and ministry, and I’m excited to continue learning from both school and in dialogue with the support groups.
Tell me more about your current practice…
I’m a neurologist, focusing on balance and neuromuscular problems. My wife Verna is also a neurologist, and we have worked together since completing training. Her focus is on Alzheimers, and through the program we’ve collaborated more, and I’ve gotten a better sense of what she does on the Alzheimer’s front more than I have in the past. The program also opened up an opportunity to talk about faith matters with colleagues more, so it’s really been an enriching experience for our practice as a whole.
This is not a job interview, but, where do you see yourself in five years?
Moving forward I hope to continue other ministry opportunities, whether that means being a full-time chaplain, or exploring a hybrid healthcare/ministry role, or support ministry in the church. It’s exciting to think of the future possibilities, but right now I’m enjoying my current role and continuing to learn and grow from that. And, I’m really looking forward to my sermon at church in June, where I’ll be talking about the issues that have come up in the support group.
Thank you for talking with me Bill, and for sharing this with the congregation! I’m inspired by your path in continuing your education, and I can’t wait to see what happens next.
UMC Bishop Announces District Superintendent Nakagawa’s Retirement
Rev. Dr. Dottie Escobedo-Frank, resident bishop of the Los Angeles area for the United Methodist Church, announced that Rev. Mark M. Nakagawa will enter into retirement beginning on July 1, 2023. For nearly 30 years, Mark has served the California-Pacific Conference as a senior pastor and later as a district superintendent. He served as pastor for six years at West Los Angeles UMC and 16 years at Centenary UMC. He has served as the West District superintendent with dedication and wisdom since 2016.
A Farewell Celebration will be held for Rev. Mark on Saturday, June 24 at Rolling Hills UMC. More details coming soon.
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Rev. Mark Nakagawa, center, speaking at the First UMC Charge Conference last November
Celebrating Our Graduates
Let’s celebrate our high school and college graduates, and also certificate earners. Congratulations! We are so proud of each of you.
The High School 2023 Graduates
Sydney Adamson is graduating from Marlborough School. She plans to attend Texas Christian University, working towards a double major degree in Biology and Engineering.
Andrew Buxton is graduating from Brentwood School. He plans to attend University of California, Berkeley, studying Economics/ Business/Entrepreneurship/Finance.
Gavin Eddy is graduating from Damien High School. He plans to attend University of California, Berkeley this Fall on an academic athletic scholarship studying Business. He looks forward to pitching for the Cal Bears in 2025!
Lincoln Hughes is graduating from Santa Monica High School. He plans to attend San Francisco State University, studying Psychology.
Dara I’Anson is graduating from Emma Willard School. She plans to attend Penn State University, studying Biomedical Engineering.
Cristina Marban is graduating from La Jolla Country Day School in San Diego. She plans to study international relations on a pre-law track at Boston College.
Mikey Strauss is graduating from Santa Monica High School. He plans to attend Santa Monica College for the next two years and is looking forward to digital designing, 3D printing and drone flying.
The College 2023 Graduates
Jamie Jones is graduating from University of California, Berkeley with a degree in Molecular Cell Biology with an emphasis on biochemistry, biophysics and structural biology. She plans to attend Medical school and become a pediatrician.
Jack Kelley is graduating from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo(Cal Poly SLO) with a B.S. in Business Administration concentrating in Real Estate Finance and a minor in Real Property Development.
Dane Rold received his A.A. degree in Early Childhood Education from Santa Monica College. He plans to go to CSUN in the Fall to continue his B.A. in Early Childhood Education.
Lauryn Wilson is graduating from USC Gould School of Law with a Master of Studies in Law.
Haylie Rae Wollitz is graduating from New York Law School with a Degree in Juris Doctorate with a Certificate in Fashion Law. She plans to take the NY Bar exam in July ‘23 and the CA Bar exam in Feb ‘24.
Certificate Earners
Bill Buxton received a Certificate in Theology and Health Care, under the Theology, Medicine and Culture Program at Duke University - a one-year certificate program for Christian health care practitioners. He plans to attend their Master of Divinity program in August with an interest in Pastoral Care and Chaplaincy. *We look forward to Bill preaching in worship on Sunday, June 18.
Anne Premer received a certificate in Pastoral Care from Loyola Marymount University.
Congratulations!
First UMC member Brian Eskridge won “Women’s Swim Coach of the Year” at the 3C2A State Meet, representing Santa Monica College. The women’s swim team, the “Santa Monica College Corsairs,” won the Swimming and Diving championship for the first time. Congratulations Coach Brian!
CST and Methodist Foundation News
Each year at the Claremont School of Theology Commencement, a student is awarded the “First UMC of Santa Monica Edwin and Frances Witman Pastoral Care” award. Provided by the Foundation of the First UMC Santa Monica, it is given to a graduate who shows excellence or great promise in the practice of pastoral care, in memory of the Rev. Edwin H. Witman, a former pastor of the church, and his wife, Frances. This year’s awardee is Yeyoung Kim
Deaths
We extend our deepest sympathies to the families and friends of these departed loved ones:
• First UMC Member Walter Ringwald, who died on May 15.
First UMC Members Community Outreach
On April 30, First UMC member Sandra Jones walked the Best Buddies Friendship Walk in Los Angeles, the leading walk in the country supporting inclusion for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (also known as IDD). Here she is with some of her workmates from Decron Properties. Way to go, Sandra!
Congregation Care Corner
If you have any questions or need pastoral care, you may always call the Pastoral Care line (310-393-8258 and enter extension 1), which is available for people to leave a message requesting care. If you have questions, need assistance, or would like to volunteer to help with our homebound folks, please contact Congregation Care Associate: Anne Premer: a.premer@santamonicaumc.org. Or, call (310)393-8258 ext. 103. Visit the website for Community Care - a list of local resources including info for senior assistance, Medicare, American Red Cross, bereavement resources, and more!
Visit: www.santamonicaumc.org/care
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Preschool Corner
Preschool Spring Concert
The Preschool is excited to bring back their Spring Concert! On Friday, June 23, they we will host a coffee hour after drop-off for parents and loved ones to enjoy. At 9:15 a.m. they will open the doors to the sanctuary where the children will sing songs of Spring! It is a wonderful event and they thrilled to bring it back this year. All are welcome to hear the adorable preschoolers sing. Friday, June 23, 9:15 a.m. in the Sanctuary
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Scenes from the Preschool Spring Fair, held on Sunday, May 21, in the Courtyard and Simkins Hall
Look for photos of the Harvest Home service day in the July/August Sentinel!
1008 Eleventh St.
Santa Monica, CA 90403
email: info@santamonicaumcorg
310.393.8258
www.santamonicaumc.org
@santamonicaumc
FIRST UMC OFFICE HOURS
Tuesday - Friday 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., and by appointment
Pastoral care by appointment only: 310-393-8258, enter ext. 1
Stay Connected
To join in fellowship and ministry online, here’s how to connect:
First UMC website: www.santamonicaumc.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/santamonicaumc
Instagram: @santamonicaumc
YouTube: www.youtube.com/c/SantaMonicaUMC
The First UMC App:
First UMC offers a free app - download it and give it a try! With the app, you can:
- Participate in Sunday’s service, in real time or anytime at your convenience, right from your smartphone or IPad.
- Access our calendar of our events
- Invite a friend to an event, or share info about a special program we offer.
- Access an audio/written Bible with a built-in daily reading plan.
To download the app, go to: https://subsplash.com/76vw/app Or, go to the App Store, search FirstUMC_SM
Moments for Mission - Upward Bound House
Thank you to First UMC Member and Upward Bound House Board Member Kim Defenderfer for his inspiring Mission Moment on Sunday, May 7, about the connection between First UMC and Upward Bound House, and some recent statistics from UBH:
• First UMC funded the opening of Upward Bound House in 1992 with 68 units for lowincome seniors,and 22 units for families with minor children.
• Current budget is over 10 million dollars, spanning into Culver City and South Los Angeles.
• Everyday, 300 families and 600 children receive support from UBH programs.
• Every year, UBH moves 200 families and 400 children into permanent housing, with a 96% success rate.
Many thanks also to Christine Mirasy-Glasco, President and CEO of Upward Bound House, for her wonderful presentation after worship discussing the recent UBH expansions and new developments to address housing issues and homelessness across Los Angeles. We also appreciated a tour of the facility afterwards.
FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OF SANTA MONICA
