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