This Lent, we have adopted the theme “seeking: honest questions for deeper faith” from worship materials provided by a group of pastors and scholars called “Sanctified Art.”
The Gospel stories for Lent this year offer us many stories of Jesus encountering people who are seeking: Nicodemus, the Samaritan woman at the well, a man born without sight. Each person is seeking a new beginning, a different life, a deeper faith. What unfolds is an exchange with Jesus filled with questions and exploration.
Like the characters in our Lenten scriptures, we are also seeking many things: clarity, connection, wonder, justice, balance. We are seeking our calling, the sacred, and how to live as a disciple.
Throughout the turbulence of the past few years, many of us are asking big questions about our lives and our faith. If you are returning to church, or exploring church online or in-person, you probably bring questions and a critical lens. We hope this series will help us unpack some of those big questions in ways that are honest and faithful. Throughout this season, we hope you will continually ask yourself: what am I seeking? What is God seeking?
This Lent, we invite you to engage in the spiritual practice of seeking. We encourage you to stay curious, open, and nimble. We hope you will soften your assumptions and expand your perspectives.
We pray that these questions will create a safe space to explore—to be drawn more deeply into the fullness of life, into the heart of God. We pray they lead to a new beginning, a restoration, a wider grace.
Rev. Patricia Farris Senior Minister
Two Opportunities for Connection:
Conversation with Missions Council
Have you ever wondered about the Mission work that First UMC is involved in? Are you active in serving as a volunteer outside of First UMC? Do you have an idea for a volunteer or service opportunity for the church? Do you want to get involved but you’re not sure how? Missions Council invites all to a round table discussion about the missions work supported by First UMC. Stay after worship on Sunday, March 5, and join us in Simkins Hall for information, fellowship, and a light lunch. Childcare will be provided.
Sunday, March 5, 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. in Simkins Hall
Conversation on Spiritual Life at First UMC
Have you longed for greater spiritual depth and connection in your life? Have you wished for experiences at church that would help you go deeper or learn more? Would you welcome a place to share your questions and prayers? All are welcome to come join an open Conversation on Spiritual Life at First UMC. Bring your questions! Childcare will be provided.
— Patricia Farris, Tricia Guerrero, and Leigh Erlandson
Sunday, March 26, 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. in Simkins Hall
vol.cxlviii, no. 3 • March 2023
FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH of SANTA MONICA LENT 2023
SENTINEL Horizons
A
LENT 2023
This season’s Lenten theme and artwork comes to us from the group A Sanctified Art. Here’s more about the logo and branding:
“An eye feels like a recognizable and even predictable image for the general theme of seeking, however, there is nothing all that simple or straightforward about this Lenten theme. As I studied the texts, I found there was repetition in visual imagery that held the texts together. As I sketched, the logo became layered with imagery that formed more shapes and meaning, sometimes obscuring and revealing more as I went. It was a balance of maintaining the legibility and clarity that is necessary in a logo, while connecting to a theme that is about being unable to find understanding or even tangibility. I wanted the logo at first glance to be somewhat obvious, but at closer inspection, I wanted it to expand, confuse, and surprise. The viewing of the logo itself is a process of seeking meaning.”
—Rev. Lauren Wright Pittman, designer of the theme logo and branding
Gospel of Matthew, Lenten Zoom Bible Study with Rev. Larry Young
Rev. Larry Young will be leading a 6-week study of the Gospel of Matthew, beginning Wednesday, March 1. Duplicate sessions will be offered Wednesdays at 2 and 7 p.m. The study was created for local church use by the Center for Continuing Education at Yale Divinity School, Rev. Young’s alma mater. Each session will deal with some aspect of Jesus’ ministry (Sermon on the Mount, miracles, events leading to the cross, etc.) For each, a study guide and discussion questions will be emailed ahead to class members, and each session will include a video created by Yale personnel. There will be no cost for the class. To register and for Zoom info, visit the website: www.santamonicaumc.org/lent.
Class begins Wednesday, March 1, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., via Zoom
In the Land of the Seeking video
In this season of Lent, we are eased into our seeking journey by listening to the Lenten theme song by Spencer LaJoye titled, “The Land of the Seeking.” The song invites you into an imagined land where you can bring all of yourself—all your questions, fears, and uncertainties. It’s a place where your “worry and wonder can dwell,” as Spencer puts it. Visit: www.santamonicaumc.org/lent
logo imagery key what do you see?
eye- The eye holds all of the logo's imagery and summarizes the theme of seeking, while referencing various narratives from the scriptural texts: Adam & Eve's eyes are opened, Jesus rubs mud on the blind man's eyes, Jesus asks Mary, "Who are you looking for?" The circles that create the pupil and iris can also represent: an aerial view of the well, the water basin
The drop of mud represents the dirt and garden imagery that is found throughout the scriptural texts: the Garden of Eden, the mud that is rubbed in the blind man's eyes, the garden of Gethsemane. It also references when Jesus is mistaken as a gardener at the empty tomb.
water- The drop of water references the many times water is mentioned in the texts. Jesus tells Nicodemus he must be born of water and spirit. Moses strikes a rock to find water. At the well, Jesus asks a Samaritan woman for a drink and offers her living water. Jesus meets the blind man at the pool of Siloam. Jesus washes the disciples' feet. The water drop can also reference a tear; Jesus weeps at the mouth of his friend Lazarus' tomb, and Mary weeps at the mouth of Jesus' tomb.
vessel- The shape of the vessel can be seen as a cup or a jar poured out. The vessel represents: the jar the woman leaves behind at the well after meeting Jesus, the jar of sour wine offered to Jesus while on the cross, and the communion cup present at our remembrance of Christ's sacrifice.
leaf- The leaf represents the foliage present throughout the texts, and further supports the repetition of garden imagery. Adam & Eve create fig leaf coverings in the shadow of the tree of knowledge of good and evil, and upon Jesus' humble entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, the crowds wave palm branches.
© a sanctified art | sanctifiedart.org
Lenten Devotional
The First UMC Lenten Devotional is available to pick up in the Narthex, at the Sunday Hospitality Table, or in the church office. Written by members of the congregation, this year’s edition also features writings from A Sanctified Art for the Sundays in Lent. Sign up online to receive the daily devotional by email (the email version includes the scripture for the day): www.santamonicaumc.org/lent.
Lenten Art Exhibit
Stop by the Fireside Room after worship to view artwork and read statements from artists that are part of a collective called “A Sanctified Art.” Each picture is connected to a Sunday in Lent and the Scripture we will hear in worship. You can also find the images in our Lenten Devotionals for Sundays, reflecting our seeking theme for Lent. The gallery will be open each Sunday during Lent after worship.
Holy Week Schedule
To view the Holy Week schedule (April 2- 9) view the back of the Sentinel, or visit the website: www.santamonicaumc.org/lent
page 2
veil- This curved line and the shape it creates repeats throughout the Seeking branding. The veil references the confusion and revelations that occur in a journey of seeking.
star / night- The star references a couple of the narratives that take place under the veil of night. Nicodemus finds and questions Jesus at night, and Mary comes to the tomb while it is still dark. In reference to the logo's overall eye composition, the star represents the glistening of recognition in one's eye.
mud / garden soil-
at the footwashing, or the stone and tombs of Lazarus and Jesus.
Sunday School is now being held 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
After Worship Social Time
Join others in the courtyard or in Simkins Hall (depending on the weather) after worship to say “Hello!” and enjoy the coffee and donuts table (all donuts individually wrapped). Stop by the Welcome Table and visit with staff member David Penson if you have any questions.
Easter Flowers
Now is the time to donate toward the purchase of Easter Flowers for Easter Sunday morning worship in celebration of a loved one, an event, a joy, or a remembrance. Order online: www.santamonicaumc.org/ flower-fund, or stop by the Sunday Welcome Table and fill out a form. Flowers are $15. Deadline to order is April 4, 2023.
• Men’s Bible Study Tuesdays, 7 a.m. via Zoom
• Open Space Young Adults Wednesday, March 15 meeting
• Listening Hearts Women’s Group
Meetings: March 1 & 15: Coffee and Connect: 10 a.m. Literati Cafe (12081 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025 ) March 8 & 22, 6:30 p.m. via Zoom
• Prayer Quilt Ministry Meets the 3rd Saturday of the month
• The Chancel Choir Meets at 7:40 p.m. on Thursdays
• Nursery Care Sundays, 9:30 - 11 a.m. in Room 204
• Blood Pressure Screenings Third Sunday of the month - March 19
• Sunday School for Kids Sundays, 10 a.m. In-Person in Room 206, for ages 2 and up.
• UMYF Youth Group Meets Sundays, 6 - 8 p.m. in the Youth Lounge
For more information on all of these programs, go to www.santamonicaumc.org/small-groups
page 3
WORSHIP 10 a.m. In-Person & Online
March at a Glance
Wed Mar 1 Gospel of Matthew Lenten Bible Study class begins
Sun Mar 5 Holy Communion, Second Sunday in Lent
A Conversation with Missions Council
Wed Mar 8 March Mid-Week Recital
United Women in Faith meeting
Sun Mar 12 St. Patrick’s Day Luncheon
Daylight Saving Time begins (Spring
Forward!)
Wed Mar 15 Open Space Gathering
Sat Mar 18 Walk the Labyrinth in Simkins Hall
Wed Mar 22 United Women in Faith meeting
Sun Mar 26 Ser vice of Lessons and Anthems
Conversation on Spiritual Life at First UMC
For Sunday, March 5, the First UMC Youth will be baking the communion bread during their Youth Group meeting. We give thanks for our youth!
March Online Mid-Week Recital
The March Mid-Week Recital features Cantilena Trio: Susan Greenberg, flute; Jon Lee Keenan, tenor; and Kenton Youngstrom, guitar. Flutist Susan Greenberg enjoys a versatile career as soloist, chamber musician, symphony player, and recording artist. The Los Angeles Times has described her playing as “brilliant,” “elegant” and “supple,” and has lauded her “panache” and “musical projection.” Jon Lee Keenan, tenor, grew up exposed to a wide variety of music ranging from rock-n-roll and bluegrass to classical and jazz in his home town of Las Vegas, NV. Since joining with the Los Angeles Master Chorale in 2007, Jon has appeared as a featured soloist in each season: recent highlights include Magnus Lindberg’s Graffiti with Esa Pekka Solonen the Los Angeles Philharmonic and singing the role of Evangelist in Bach’s St. Matthew Passion. Kenton Youngstrom, guitar is active as a producer, composer, arranger, recording artist and educator. His eclectic career has taken him around the world, appearing in concerts in Europe, the Far East, Canada, Mexico, and throughout the U.S.
How to watch:
• Facebook Live - Search @santamonicaumc
• YouTube Live- Search “Santa Monica UMC”
• Website - www.santamonicaumc.org/livestream
• The App - download the app at the App Store, search FirstUMC_SM
March Mid-Week Recital: Wednesday, March 8, 12:10 p.m. Livestream. Available to watch anytime afterwards on the above platforms.
Open Space Young Adults
Open Space is a young adult ministry that offers community for young adults to journey alongside one another in spiritual discovery, growth, and belonging. They gather once a month in person, and sometimes on Zoom, for conversations on faith and life, engaging in prayer and study. Visit: www.santamonicaumc.org/open-space
Next Gathering: Wednesday, March 15 page 4
St. Patrick’s Day Luncheon is back!
Women of Action, a circle of United Women in Faith (formerly United Methodist Women), in partnership with Fellowship and Events and Children’s Ministry, ALL ARE WELCOME to the 21st Annual St. Patrick’s Day Luncheon on March 12, at 11:15 a.m. in Simkins Hall. The suggested donation of $10 per person includes lunch and a rousing singalong with virtuoso piano accompaniment. Children are welcome and will be provided seasonal crafting materials. Children under 5 will be admitted for free. Tickets will be available on Sunday March 5, and on the day of the event. Don’t forget to wear green!
Sunday, March 12, 11:15 a.m., in Simkins Hall
Walk the First UMC Labyrinth
First UMC is pleased to announce the Labyrinth will be open for walking for the first time since 2019, as a complement to your Lenten practice. The Labyrinth laid in the Simkins Hall floor of First UMC is a replica of the Chartres Labyrinth laid in the cathedral around 1220 CE. Walking the Labyrinth is an ancient spiritual practice, a way to quiet our minds and open our spirits to the presence of the Holy. Every step a prayer.
Saturday, March 18, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. in Simkins Hall Good Friday, April 7, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. in Simkins Hall
Service of Lessons & Anthems
This service of Lessons & Anthems is an annual tradition. This is a solemn service, designed to prepare our hearts and minds for Holy Week. In word and music, we will remember the last days of Jesus’ life–his witness, his teaching, his faithfulness.
Sunday, March 26, 10 a.m., online and in-person worship
Vacation Bible Camp - Save the Date!
Mark your calendars for Vacation Bible Camp, happening Monday, July 31 - Friday, August 4, on the First UMC campus. This year’s theme is Hero Hotline: Called Together to Serve God. VBC invites children to answer the call to serve God together. Join the Professor and Super Meer as young Heroes learn to strive for the things that bring peace and the things that build each other up as we are taught in Romans 14:19. More info to come!
United Women in Faith - at First UMC
and Beyond
United Women in Faith seeks to connect and nurture women through Christian spiritual formation, leadership development, creative fellowship, and education so that they can inspire, influence and impact local and global communities. Formerly known as United Methodist Women (starting in the 1860’s), this group has changed the name to be more inclusive.
Our focus is on education and mission, including a priority towards helping women, children and families. All monies raised throughout the year go to local and global missions.
Here at First UMC, we present High School Senior Scholarships to the graduates every June and we contribute to the annual fundraising for the Youth Service Project. Through the years we have supported ministries including Angel Tree, Messy Church, Step Up on Second Street and the Westside Food Bank, The People Concern, Children, Youth, Family Collaborative, The Wesley Foundation serving UCLA, and the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR). We welcome your involvement in any and all ways, in person and in prayer.
– Karen Ing and Robin Henning, Co-chairs of United Women in Faith
On the website: www.santamonicaumc.org/uwf
United Women in Faith – a Global Connection
Driven by God’s love and united in sisterhood, we work to improve the lives of women, children and youth. Every day, we show up. We take action. We get it done. And we invite you to join us.
- Who We Are: We’re a sisterhood acting in faith to tackle the hard work of the world without hesitation.
- What We Do: We connect spiritual women to act boldly for justice and transform communities.
Find out more about the work of the global United Women in Faith –www.uwfaith.org
Global United Women in Faith Monthly Podcast
Join monthly podcast conversations with the global United Women in Faith, hosted by Jennifer R. Farmer. Each month, they’ll explore timely themes and resources, from expert insights on ways to live your faith to inspiring interviews with spiritual leaders. Visit their Events Calendar to join the live podcasts, view past episodes, and sign up to receive email reminders. Go to: https://uwfaith.org/events/calendar
Preschool Corner
Preschool Teachers Attend Conference
On February 17-18, the teachers and staff of First UMC Preschool attended an ECSTEM (Early Childhood Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Conference here in Santa Monica. The teachers were able to visit the brand new Santa Monica Early Childhood Lab School Campus and other early childhood destinations around Santa Monica. The staff then attended wonderful learning sessions of new ideas and ways to bring more STEM to the classrooms. The conference instilled determination and inspiration to fill the children’s lives with even more discovery and curiosity. Many of these ideas and plans will be brought to fruition in the new STEM/Art Lab extension of the large yard. We plan to transform this area into a place where children can discover the wonders of being creative.
- Johanna Holman, Site Supervisor and teacher
Preschool Enrollment Happening Now!
Preschool is enrolling for current and next year. Toddler, Preschool ages 2-5, and new TK program. Schedule a tour today with Dee Menzies, Preschool Director at 310-395-7292, or visit our webpage for more information:
We ❤ Grandparents!
We look forward to the annual special event on March 3 of Preschool children inviting grandparents and special friends for coffee, snacks, book fair and reading. Special times together make the world of play joyful!
page 5
The Preschool kids of Room 106 celebrated Valentine’s Day with Upward Bound House Senior Villa
Community News
Thank You to the Methodist Foundation!
The Methodist Foundation of Santa Monica received a large donation from the Wilson Family Gift Fund in 2022. Robert and Marion Wilson were long time supporters of the church community. The purpose of the gift was for the Foundation to help people in the community in the near future. The Foundation unanimously awarded amounts in December, 2022, to five organizations, ranging from $40k to $125k, that demonstrated alignment with the objectives of directly assisting people in the community. The recipients were; UCLA Wesley Foundation, Upward Bound House, First UMC Preschool, Children, Youth, and Family Collaborative, and First UMC Youth Service Project. Foundation President John Youngman stated in the award letters “I’m sure that the funds will be put to good use to make our community a little better, a little nicer, and a little happier.” Thank you to the Foundation and the Wilson Family from all five recipients. We can’t wait to share the experiences that this generosity will bring to the community this year.
Deaths
We extend our deepest sympathies to the families and friends of these departed loved ones:
• First UMC member Lazaro Carrera Eslao, who died October 18, 2022.
• First UMC member Rosalie Heacock Thompson, who died December 12, 2022.
• First UMC member Dan Laws Smith Shackelford, brother of Lee Shackelford, who died February 6.
Memorials
• A memorial for First UMC member Dorothy Anne Harris Mayeur (Dotti), will be held on Saturday, March 25, 1 p.m. in the First UMC Chapel.
Prayer Requests
The First UMC Prayer Group is a network of persons who provide regular, dependable, and confidential prayer support. Led by Ruthie Smoot, the prayer group communicates regularly via email. You may send a prayer request to the church at any time, and our Prayer Group will be notified of your request.
Go to: https://santamonicaumc.org/prayer-requests/
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
UMCOR: Earthquake Relief for Turkey and Syria
Join us in prayer for the people of Turkey and Syria who have experienced two devastating earthquakes, followed by another recent aftershock. UMCOR has released initial solidarity grants to longstanding partner, International Blue Crescent (IBC) and Forum for Development Culture and Dialogue (working in Syria) to help provide tents, heaters, blankets, warm clothes, ready to eat meals and first aid kits to those who have been displaced. You can donate to UMCOR
International Disaster Response and Recovery Advance here: http:// ow.ly/APs450MKGNa
Communion Servers Needed
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.
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.
COMMUNITY NEWS Orchestra Santa Monica
Orchestra Santa Monica continues the celebration of their 10-Year Anniversary. Concert tickets are free throughout the season. May Concert: Strauss Der Rosenkavalier and Operatic Favorites
Sunday, May 7, 2 p.m., Santa Monica College Performing Arts Center
Eli and Edythe Broad Stage, 1310 11th St, Santa Monica Reserve your tickets: https://orchestrasantamonica.org
LA Marathon
The 38th Annual LA Marathon takes place on Sunday, March 19 Participants will set out on starting at Dodger Stadium and finishing on the Avenue of the Stars in Century City. To view road closures for that day that might affect your drive to church, view: https://www. lamarathon.com/pages/lam-road-closures
page 6
Community Photos
This year’s Ash Wednesday services were held at 12 p.m. and 7 p.m. in the Chapel. The noon service was preceeded by a luncheon in the Fireside Room (right). Thank you to Listening Hearts Women’s Group for providing the delicious lunch!
Youth Counselors surprised the Youth with a Snatch Breakfast before Sunday worship
Kids Night Out: Tricia leading with the help of First UMC Youth, for a night of fun for kids of all ages!
Children and youth worked together on a special Valentine’s activity creating cards and putting care packages together for homebound church members.
page 7
Tricia Guerrero training Dominic Rold for the role of acolyte–duties include lighting the altar candles during worship.
FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OF SANTA MONICA
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
FIRST UMC
HOLY WEEK SCHEDULE
APRIL 2: PALM SUNDAY
10 a.m. Sanctuary Worship
Waving of Palms and Loud Hosannas!
• After Church: Easter Hop-By
APRIL 6: MAUNDY THURSDAY
• Community Maundy Thursday Service
Time to be announced
St. Paul’s Lutheran Church (958 Lincoln Blvd)
APRIL 7: GOOD FRIDAY
• Prayer Vigil 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., First UMC Chapel Open all day to pray and “watch with Jesus.”
• Good Friday Service Time to be announced
St. Paul’s Lutheran Church (958 Lincoln Blvd)
• Good Friday Labyrinth Walk 9 a.m.- 3 p.m. Simkins Hall. The Labyrinth will be open for walking, every step a prayer.
APRIL 9: EASTER SUNDAY
6:30 a.m. Easter Sunrise Service
Palisades Park (*Washington Ave. & Ocean Ave.)
*note new location - no longer at Santa Monica Blvd. Bring fresh flowers for the cross, and a lawn chair or blankets. Hot coffee served.
10 a.m. Easter Celebration Worship
First UMC Sanctuary
Family Service, Choir, Brass, Organ, Flowers, and Alleluias! (nursery care provided)
