SENTINEL
Horizons
We continue to journey together through this 50-day season of Eastertide, asking ourselves: “What Are You Seeing?” What new life do you see springing up? Where are you seeing signs of the Risen Christ? What new commitments and dreams is our Risen Lord calling forth in you?
Responding to our Missions and Service Conversation a few weeks ago and requests from many of you, our Missions Council has designated the month of May as a Month of Service. They have researched and pulled together a list of local mission opportunities that make it possible for us to jump into hands-on service in our community as individuals and as families. It’s all here in the pages of this Sentinel. Check them out and let us know what your experience is like.
Also be sure and let us know what additional ways you are already involved in service in our community. We want to hear your stories and celebrate all the ways in which the First UMC family makes possible vital service and care for all the people of our community.
Service Opportunities
Remember the words of St. Teresa of Avila which draw us to the heart of incarnation faith and life:
Yours are the feet with which he walks to do good, Yours are the hands, with which he blesses all the world.
Christ has no body now on earth but yours.
Rev. Patricia Farris Senior Minister
Let us move beyond the church walls and out into our community! Join together for a month of serving in faith with our Mission Partners. There are hands-on service opportunities for all ages. Choose a day that works with your schedule, sign up with the leader for that activity, and then show up ready to put your faith into action and make a difference in our community!
Saturday, May 6, 8-11:00 a.m. – The People Concern
The People Concern host an on-going sandwich making service. Location: The Access Center, 503 Olympic Blvd. SM 90401
Sign up with Linda Diane Anderson – landolinda@ca.rr.com www.thepeopleconcern.org
Saturday, May 20, 11 a.m. – Westside Food Bank
Food sorting day at their new facility.
Location: 11800 Olympic, LA 90064, 2nd Warehouse Annex.
Sign up with: Leigh Erlandson – leigh@marchstudio.com www.wsfb.org
Sunday, May 21, 8:15 a.m. – Home Run for Kids
supporting Upward Bound House
More info on page 3. Sign up here: www.santamonicaumc.org/home-run-for-kids
Saturday, May 27, 10 a.m. – Harvest Home
At their new Pico Home, Harvest Home hosts Donation Days on Saturdays, to help collect, sort, and fold items donated that day or during the week. There are tasks for all ages.
Location: 1205 S. Corning St. LA 90035
Sign up with: Jocelyn Hicks-Garner –joce23@msn.com
www.harvesthomela.org/
vol.cxlviii, no. 5 • May 2023
FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH of SANTA MONICA
SENTINEL
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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 May 7, and for the Home Run for Kids pre5k communion service, church member Ben Ing will be baking the bread. Every Communion Sunday, Berneice Southcott prepares the Communion elements before worship. Thank you, Ben and Berneice!
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:
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/santamonicaumc/live
• Website: www.santamonicaumc.org/livestream
• YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/c/SantaMonicaUMC
• The First UMC App: (download from the App Store, search FirstUMC_SM)
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
After Worship Social Time
Join others in the courtyard or in Simkins Hall “Hello!” and enjoy the coffee and donuts table. Stop by the Welcome Table and visit with staff member David Penson if you have any questions.
May Ongoing Ministries:
• Men’s Bible Study Tuesdays, 7 a.m. via Zoom
• Open Space Young Adults May meeting: Wednesday, May 17
• Listening Hearts Women’s Group Meetings: May 3 & 17: Coffee and Connect: 10 a.m. Literati Cafe (12081 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025 ) May 10 & 24, 6:30 p.m. via Zoom
• Prayer Quilt Ministry Third Saturday of the month: Saturday, May 20, 9:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. Room 300
• The Chancel Choir Meets at 7:40 p.m. on Thursdays
• Nursery Care Sundays, 9:30 - 11 a.m. Room 204
• Blood Pressure Screenings Sunday, May 28* (note date change)
• Sunday School for Kids Sundays, 10 a.m. in Room 206, for ages 2 and up.
• UMYF Youth Group End of Year Party: May 7, 6-8 p.m., then off for the summer
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
Upcoming Dates: May 3 & 17, Coffee and Connect, 10 a.m. at Literati Cafe; May 10 & 24, 6:30 p.m. via Zoom
May at a Glance
Sat May 6 World Labyrinth Day
Sat May 6 The People Concern Service Opportunity
Sun May 7 Holy Communion
Moments for Mission
UBH Presentation after worship
Youth End of Year Party
Wed May 10 May Mid-Week Recital
Fri May 12 Jack Pearson Memorial
Sun May 14 Mother ’s Day Tea and treats after worship
Methodist Foundation Scholarship application due
Sat May 20 Prayer Quilt Workparty
Sat May 20 Westside Food Bank Food Sorting Day
Sun May 21 Home Run for Kids
Preschool Spring Fair
Sat May 27 Har vest Home Service Day
Sun May 28 Pentecost
Blood Pressure Screenings
Mon May 29 Memorial Day
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WORSHIP 10 a.m. In-Person & Online
Join World Labyrinth Day at First
UMC
First UMC is pleased to be a part of this year's World Labyrinth Day. The Labyrinth Society—in collaboration with Veriditas, The Legacy Labyrinth Project, and the Australian Labyrinth Network—invites you to join in celebrating the day together on Saturday, May 6, 2023.
Walk as One at 1 p.m. On this 15th Annual World Labyrinth Day, as in previous years, many will walk a labyrinth at 1 p.m. local time creating a unified rolling wave of peaceful energy passing from one time zone to the next around the globe. If you've never walked the Labyrinth before, we have printed literature with a suggested meditation to help guide you on your walk.
Saturday, May 6, 12 – 2 p.m. Simkins Hall
Moments for Mission and Presentation by Upward Bound House
On Sunday, May 7, Moments for Mission in worship will feature First UMC member and Upward Bound House board member, Kim Defenderfer, discussing Upward Bound House’s Annual Home Run for Kids. After worship, grab your coffee and stop in the Fireside Room to hear Christine Mirasy-Glasco, President and CEO of Upward Bound House, talk about the recent UBH expansions and new developments to address housing issues and homelessness across Los Angeles.
Sunday, May 7, 10 a.m. Moments for Mission Upward Bound House Presentation: 11:15 a.m. in the Fireside Room
Methodist Foundation Scholarships
The Methodist Foundation of Santa Monica, founded in 1967, exists to provide aid to religious, educational and charitable causes. The Foundation is administered by a volunteer Board of Trustees with First UMC member John Youngman currently serving as president.
First UMC has a long tradition of honoring the academic achievements of students in our church and community who pursue post-secondary education.
Every year the Loans & Scholarships committee has the pleasure of acknowledging outstanding scholars, including graduating high school seniors, continuing undergraduates, and graduate students, for their scholastic excellence, commitment to community, and dedication to our church.
Students - Apply Now! The application is on website, or stop by the church office. Deadline to apply is Sunday, May 14 (includes essay.) www.santamonicaumc.org/methodistfoundation
Calling All Graduates!
First UMC wants to recognize all its graduates. Let us know where you’re graduating from, your major, and what your future plans are. Deadline Monday, May 15. Contact Sarah Rold in the church office: (310-393-8258 x 106 or s.rold@santamonicaumc.org
Mother’s Day Tea
Stay after worship on Sunday, May 14, for a special Mother’s Day Tea in the Courtyard. We’ll have special snacks and a wide variety of teas for all to enjoy!
Sunday, May 14, after worship in the Courtyard
Christine Mirasy-Glasco
May Online Mid-Week Recital
The May Mid-Week Recital features Evan Kahn, cello; and Amy Zanrosso, piano. California-based Evan Kahn has been praised as “a cellist deserved of serious listening” for bringing his “electrifying … nuanced and colorful” style to all of his collaborations, from concerti to chamber music to contemporary performances. Amy Zanrosso has appeared as a soloist with the Symphony of the Kootenays, the Russian Chamber Orchestra and the Contra Costa Chamber Orchestra. To read their full bios, visit the website: www.santamonicaumc.org/mid-week-recital-series
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 Mid-Week Recital: Wednesday, May 10, 12:10 p.m. Livestream Available to watch anytime afterwards on the above platforms.
Upward Bound House: 11th Annual Home Run for Kids
UBH presents the 11th Annual Home Run For Kids, a day of exercise, food, and fun all for a good cause! Includes a 5k Run/Walk and a Kiddie K (1km) for families. Join the First UMC Church and Preschool Team!
Sign up here: www.santamonicaumc.org/home-run-for-kids
Before the race, First UMC will hold a brief on-site prayer/blessing at 8:15 a.m. Look for the white First UMC tent. Find out what it means to pray on your feet!
Sunday, May 21, 8:15 a.m. in Brentwood (11620 San Vicente Blvd)
Preschool Spring Fair
Save the Date and stay after worship on Sunday, May 21, for the Annual Preschool Spring Fair. All are welcome! Festivities include a bounce house, food & drinks, bake sale, and more.
Sunday, May 21, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m., in the Courtyard and Simkins Hall
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United Women in Faith Senior Scholarship Luncheon
After a three year haitus, the United Women in Faith are excited to celebrate seven graduates for a special scholarship recognition, on Sunday, June 4 after worship in the Fireside Room. All are invited to join in the celebration! There is a $10 charge for the lunch to offset costs. Please RSVP to Joy Williams by May 31 (for lunch count): 310-709-6608, or: joy.williams9832@gmail.com
Sunday, June 4, after worship in the Fireside Room
MORE JUNE HIGHLIGHTS:
June 4 Paradise Valley UMC in Arizona Youth Handbell Choir will join us for worship.
June 14 - 17 Cal-Pac Annual Conference
June 17 - 25 Youth Service Project Trip
June 25 Scholarship Sunday
Vacation Bible Camp - Register Now!
Sign up now 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. 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. Volunteer opportunties for teens/youth are available! Visit: www. santamonicaumc.org/vbc
COMMUNITY NEWS Orchestra Santa Monica
Orchestra Santa Monica welcomes all to their upcoming May 7 concert “Der Rosenkavalier and Operatic Favorites” at the Broad Stage. They are celebrating their 10-year anniversary of bringing high-quality classical music to the community and are presenting a very special concert program with over 65 orchestra musicians and 4 fabulous singers. Tickets are free to all but must be reserved in advance: www.OrchestraSantaMonica.org/tickets-event-info
Sunday, May 7, 2 p.m. The Broad Stage
Santa Monica College Performing Arts Center, 1310 11th St., Santa Monica
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: May 28*, in the Fireside Room (*note date change)
Flowers: To order flowers to remember or honor a loved one for Sunday Worship service, go to: www.santamonicaumc.org/flower-fund.
Open Space
Open Space is a community for young adults in their 20’s and 30’s that journey alongside one another in spiritual discovery, growth, and belonging. They seek to foster an open-minded culture where all are invited to spark deep conversation and find spiritual meaning in a safe and diverse environment. To learn more about Open Space and to join their next meeting follow them @OpenSpaceSM or email Tricia Guerrero at t.guerrero@santamonicaumc.org
Men’s Bible Study Zoom Meetings
Men’s Bible Study is a weekly meeting where men of all ages and generations gather to ground themselves in the Holy Scripture during online breakfast. 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 online as your schedule permits! For more info and to sign up, go to: www.santamonicaumc.org/biblestudy.
Every Tuesday, 7 a.m., via Zoom
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, May 20, 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.
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LOOKING FORWARD TO JUNE
Haiti Update
“Just what is Eglise Methodiste d’ Haiti doing during this crisis?”
- Excerpt from April 2023 update from David
Draeger, EMH Mission Volunteer Coordinator
This is a time of great spiritual need for the people of Haiti. Some congregations have had their physical sanctuary violated and confiscated by gangs and are unable to access their normal place of worship. Some congregants must face potential violence as they travel to their local place of worship. The world gives the people of Haiti all the reasons to be discouraged and simply give up hope. Yet despite all the reasons to be hopeless, the people of Haiti, at least the Methodists that I am most familiar with, remain hopeful. The ordained pastors, sometimes without pay for months on end, faithfully lead their people through prayer, teaching, powerful worship, and pastoral care.
Since the District Annual Conference in January, all the Circuits have held their annual conferences where the members of the Methodist Church of Haiti meet, worship and conduct the business of the Church. I attended the Port au Prince convention for all its member congregations which ended on Palm Sunday with Holy Communion. Due to insecurity, the participants slept at the New College Bird campus.
An interesting anecdote from the Port au Prince convention. There was no violence, threat of violence or disturbance around New College Bird where the convention was held, normally it is a hot bed of negative activity. There also seemed to be an abnormal number of young children in attendance at Sunday School with over one hundred in attendance. At worship on Sunday morning, one of the known gang members from the immediate neighborhood of the sanctuary told the Bishop that the extra kids were children of gang members who had brought their children to church because they recognized the good things the church was doing.
United Women in Faith Podcast: Earth Day 2023: Invest in the Planet
Join the United Women in Faith for bimonthly conversations, hosted by Jennifer R. Farmer. Each month, they explore timely themes and resources, from expert insights on ways to live your faith to inspiring interviews with spiritual leaders. Visit their Event Listings webpage to view upcoming podcast: https://uwfaith.org/events/calendar Their April podcast was Earth Day Is Invest in Our Planet. Listen to this and past episodes here: www.uwfaith.org/resources/podcasts.
YSP 2023: Appalachia Service Project
A group of 20 youth and adult volunteers from First UMC Santa Monica will be spending a week this summer (June 17-25, 2023) 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, growing in faith through this service leadership opportunity. Save the Date for their upcoming Commissioning and Trip Fundraiser: Sunday, June 11, during and after worship
The churches that can remain open are filled to capacity, not only with members of the Methodist Church of Haiti, but with people of other denominations and the unchurched. In an atmosphere of total chaos, EMH is growing not only in numbers but in its strength as a community of faith. In a time that it might seem logical for people to give up and abandon the church, the church is growing.
In a time when church members could react with gloom, doom, and despair they are filled with joy and hope for the future. In this desperate time, people are able to strengthen their bonds with each other and reassure themselves that life is worth living and return to the war-torn neighborhoods in which they live with a renewed hope for survival.
You ask me what the Methodist Church of Haiti is doing during these times, it is bringing the hope of the Light of Jesus Christ to the people of Haiti.
Scenes in Haiti from a Youth Conference church service, and a food distribution day.
How can you help? Pray for Haiti. Read and learn more about Haiti’s history and culture. And participate in Pennies for Haiti coming July 2023!
UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief)
UMCOR and its partners respond to disasters in the U.S. and across the globe every day. For the most up-to-date information, follow the UMCOR Facebook page: www. facebook.com/UMCOR
• From the April 23 post: “During a noon prayer on 19 April, the World Council of Churches called for global solidarity with the people of Sudan as an escalating conflict has plunged many innocent people into a situation in which they are barely able to survive...” Read more: www.facebook.com/UMCOR
Mission and Outreach Community Partners
We at First UMC work in partnership with a variety of groups and organizations throughout our community and the larger UMC to bring hope and healing where it is needed most. Together we can change lives and transform the world.
To read more about the Outreach and Missions supported by First UMC, visit the website: www.santamonicaumc.org/outreach-missions
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Congratulations!
• Congratulations to First UMC member and Preschool Site Supervisor Johanna Holman on her engagement to Marvin Cortez.
• Congratulations to First UMC member Paul Leoni, and in honor of Marilyn Leoni, who were honored at the 76th Annual Mad Hatter Tea Party at the Santa Monica Elks Lodge on April 16. Proceeds benefited the Children’s Dental Care through the SM Breakfast Club Welfare Fund.
Thank You!
• Thank you to all Lenten Devotional writers for sharing your heartfelt reflections with the congregation during the Lenten season. If you would like to re-read, or listen to any of the Holy Week audio devotions, you may still visit the website (scroll down to the middle of the page): https://santamonicaumc.org/lent/
Deaths
We extend our deepest sympathies to the families and friends of these departed loved ones:
• First UMC Member Steven K. Edmondson, who died recently.
• First UMC member Alice E. Stevenson, who died April 2.
• First UMC member Melanie Hutsell and husband Fred Rapoport on the death of her mother Claudia Hensley Hutsell, who died on April 8.
• First UMC member Gordon D. Fraser, who died April 13.
Memorials
• A memorial for First UMC member Jack Pearson will be held Friday, May 12, at 11 a.m. in the First UMC Sanctuary. For those unable to attend in person, here is the Livestream link via YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=efazY7jwTRY
First UMC Members Community Outreach
On April 1, First UMC member Linda Diane Anderson, along with team members Julie Nameth, Barbara Wong, and Linda Sallas walked 3.1 miles on Kenneth Hahn Park trails to raise money for Sojourn Services for Adult and Child Victims of Domestic Violence. Thank you, Linda Diane and team, for your service.
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.
• 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!
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
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.
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, MODE (on-demand transportation for seniors and individuals with disabilities) bereavement resources, and more!
Visit: www.santamonicaumc.org/care
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