First United Methodist Church of Santa Monica - The Sentinel Newsletter, September 2024
SENTINEL SENTINEL
vol.ccxlix, no. 9 • September 2024
HORIZONS
BY REV GREG BATSON
The church of my childhood and youth was Liberty United Methodist Church Located in a rural community in Georgia between Atlanta and Augusta, it was the epitome of a small-town church The community was so small that everyone knew one another, with about 20 extended families comprising the congregation It was part of a three-point charge, which meant that the pastor led three congregations in neighboring communities
The highlight at Liberty each year was Homecoming Held every August (yes, it was very hot and humid), we would gather outside on the church grounds after worship for a feast I don’t remember any of the sermons, but I vividly recall the stone tables loaded with home-cooked food as far as the eye could see There was even a separate table for desserts! As you might imagine, it was the highest-attended Sunday of the year
We are hosting our own Homecoming Sunday here at Santa Monica First UMC on September 15 Our theme is Building our Home: A Celebration of Belonging. In an age where we often find ourselves disconnected and alone, this is an opportunity to return to our church home and reconnect with one another. We will join together for worship at 10 a.m., followed by plenty of food and fellowship for all. There will also be opportunities to learn about our upcoming programs and ministries for this Fall.
Please join us on September 15th. You may not remember the sermon later, but you will remember the sense of belonging as we build our church home together.
HOMECOMING SUNDAY
Invite your friends, neighbors, and co-workers to church with you, then stay for the Homecoming Sunday celebration in the Courtyard. Enjoy your community with delicious food, fun, and festivities for all ages! Sunday, September 15, during 10 a.m. worship, and after worship in the Courtyard
Visit informational tables to learn about the following programs and ministries happening this Fall: Homeboy Industries: Support the September mission opportunity
United Women in Faith: Find out about their upcoming activities
Messy Church: Take home the Fall monthly schedule
Reflections on Moving Toward Life’s Final Transition: Fall Seminar with Rev. Larry Young
Sensing the Divine: Communing with God and Creation: Women’s Retreat with Rev. Keri Olsen Paget
Health Ministry Council: Blood Screening dates, and info about their upcoming Medicare seminar
Blessing of the Animals Recycled Art Table: Create a special “recycled art” creature!
Our home is built in faith in God and trust in one another, with love for all in all we do.
WORSHIP: IN-PERSON AND ONLINE
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
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 worship: www santamonicaumc org/sunday-servicearchive
• Facebook: www facebook com/santamonicaumc/live
• YouTube Channel: @SantaMonicaUMC
• The First UMC App: click on link on the home page of the app (to download from the App Store, search FirstUMC SM)
Let us know if you need assistance in joining online.
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. You are invited to look around and greet a child and their family in worship You might hear a few more giggles and whispers or see some wiggles let’s celebrate the joyful and life-filled presence beloved children bring to our community each week! www.santamonicaumc.org/ childrens-ministry
MEN’S BIBLE STUDY
SEPTEMBER ON-GOING MINISTRIES
• Men’s Bible Study Tuesdays, 7 a m via Zoom
• Open Space Young Adults Sept 4 & 18, Offsite
• Listening Hearts Women’s Group Sept 4 & 18, Coffee and Connect: 10 a m Literati Cafe (12081 Wilshire Blvd, LA CA 90025) Sept 11 & 25, 6:30 p m via Zoom
• Prayer Quilt Ministry Third Saturday of the month: Sept 21, 9:30 a m , Room 300
• The Chancel Choir Thursday night rehearsals returning, 7:40 p m in the Choir Room
• Blood Pressure Screenings Sunday, Sept 22, 11 a m in the Fireside Room
• Sunday School for Kids Sundays, 10 a.m. Meets in the Sanctuary for Children‘s Message, then led to Room 204 (Toddlers) and Room 206 for K through 5th Grade.
• UMYF Youth Group Sundays, 6 p.m. Youth Lounge For more info, visit: www.santamonicaumc.org
THE CHANCEL CHOIR
Every Sunday during worship, the Chancel Choir graces us with beautiful music They’re back in rehearsals on Thursday nights, beginning September 5, from 7:40 - 8:30 p.m. If you have a “song in your heart,” enjoy the fellowship of other musicians, and want to share your love of Christ through music, join the choir! Email Music Director Dr Jim Smith: djes@roadrunner com to inquire
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 weekly. On the first and third Wednesdays we meet in person at Literati Cafe, and for the second and fourth Wednesdays we meet via Zoom in the evening. All are welcome to join! Contact Tricia Guerrero to learn more: t.guerrero@santamonicaumc.org
September Meetings: Sept 4 & 18, Coffee and Connect: 10 a.m. Literati Cafe (12081 Wilshire Blvd, LA CA 90025) Sept 11 & 25, 6:30 p.m. via Zoom
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. Come by as your schedule permits! For more information and to add yourself to the email list call the church office: 310-393-8258 Tuesdays: 7 a.m., via Zoom
A recent screenshot from Men’s Bible Study, with Pastor Batson (lower left).
SEPTEMBER
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Sun Sept 1 Holy Communion
United Women in Faith Ice Cream social
Mon Sept 2 Labor Day, church campus closed
Wed Sept 4 Open Space meeting (off-site)
Fri Sept 6 Walk the Labyrinth/Chapel Open for Prayers
Sun Sept 8 Moments for Mission: Homeboy Industries
Cyber-Security Workshop
Youth Fall Kick-Off
Tues Sept 10 Good Grief meeting
Wed Sept 11 September Mid-Week Online Recital
Sun Sept 15 Homecoming Sunday
Wed Sept 18 Open Space meeting (off-site)
Sat Sept 21 Prayer Quilt Workparty
Homeboy Industries 5K (off-site)
Messy Church
Sun Sept 22 Blood Pressure Screenings
Tues Sept 24 Good Grief meeting
Sat Sept 28 United Women in Faith Tea
UNITED WOMEN IN FAITH ICE CREAM SOCIAL
The UWF are hosting an Ice Cream social after worship on Sunday, September 1. Stay after church to enjoy fellowship and an end-of-summer treat! Free-will offering taken.
Sunday, September 1, after worship in the Courtyard
WALK THE LABYRINTH & CHAPEL OPEN FOR PRAYERS
The Labyrinth is open every first Friday of the month from 1 p m - 3 p m , in Simkins Hall If you’ve never walked the Labyrinth before, there are printed instructions to help with your walking meditation The First UMC Chapel will also be open for prayers
Come to the Cyber Security workshop led by First UMC members Adam Guerrero, Ben Ing, Will Sweat and Brandon Searfoss on Sunday, September 8, after worship These First UMC members work in the field of cyber security, and will update us on the latest in scams and frauds, and answer any of your questions Scammer fraud is an ongoing issue that has affected many in the congregation Many First UMC staff, including Pastor Greg, have had fake email addresses made in their name. If you receive an email or text and wonder if it is real, please call the church office! (310-393-8258) Staff will never solicit gift cards or donations of any kind.
Sunday, September 8, after worship in the Fireside Room
GOOD GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP
Good Grief is a small group designed to offer opportunities to gather in a supportive community with others who have experienced loss and grief The sessions are guided by Rev Keri to include time for personal reflection, sharing at the level one feels comfortable, and emotional and spiritual support for one another There is no set curriculum or “homework ” The reflection themes and/or activities are based on the needs of the group with the goal of cultivating supportive relationships We will meet at 1 p.m. in the Fireside Room for six Tuesdays this fall: Sept 10/24, Oct 8/22, Nov 5/19. If you are interested, we ask that you commit to all six sessions (as best you can) so a community of trust can develop. If you would like more information or would like to join, please email Rev. Keri at k.olsenpaget@santamonicumc.org.
First meeting: Tuesday, September 10, 1 p.m. in the Fireside Room
NEW SEASON OF MID-WEEK RECITALS
The Fall season of online 2024-25 Mid-Week Recitals will begin on Wednesday, September 11, at 12:10 p m , featuring Philip Hoch, organ California-native, Dr Philip Hoch, is the new Artist Teacher of Organ and Visiting Assistant Professor of Music at the University of Redlands Conservatory of Music. Dr. Hoch is the organist at Shepherd’s Grove Presbyterian Church in Irvine, California. Philip was introduced to the organ at age five through his grandmoth organist, Dr. Olga Schmidt. After studying w Philip earned a bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Redlands, where he was a student of worldrenowned organist Frederick Swann Following his studies at the University of Redlands, Philip earned a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the Herb Alpert School of Music at the University of California, Los Angeles He studied organ performance with former First UMC organist Dr Christoph Bull, a specialist in improvisation, recreating pop and rock & roll pieces on the organ, and hymnody
To read complete artist’s bios visit the website: www santamonicaumc org/mid-week-recital-series
How to watch the Livestream:
• Facebook: @santamonicaumc
• YouTube Channel: @SantaMonicaUMC
• Website: www.santamonicaumc.org/livestream
• The First UMC App: (To download, go to the App Store, search FirstUMC SM) You may view past recitals on these channels as well.
Wednesday, September 11 at 12:10 p.m., online
2024 HOMEBOY 5K RUN/WALK
Join First UMC member David Wilson as he supports First UMC Mission Partner Homeboy Industries for their 15th Annual Homeboy 5K Run/Walk through historic Downtown Los Angeles! Your support helps Homeboy to continue their mission to provide training and support to formerly gang-involved and previously incarcerated people, allowing them to redirect their lives and become contributing members of our community Join or donate to the team!
www santamonicaumc org/homeboy5k
*Don’t miss David Wilson presenting a Moments for Mission in Worship on Sunday, September 8, to tell us more about Homeboy Industries
Saturday, September 21, 8:30 a.m. Homeboy Industries, 130 W Bruno St, Los Angeles, CA 90012
MESSY CHURCH RETURNS!
First UMC is excited to announce that Messy Church is returning for the Fall! Messy Church is an all age worship experience that explores God’s love in an accessible way At Messy Church, today’s busy families of all shapes and sizes are invited into a welcoming space to experience faith Messy Church meets once a month Everyone is welcomed as they are Whether you are single or partnered, young or old, tidy or messy, have questions or doubts, are filled with joy or struggling with life, you will be welcomed at Messy Church
MESSY CHURCH IS FUN
Engage in activities, crafts and games that bring the month’s biblical story to life.
MESSY CHURCH IS FAITH
Join in a short celebration worship with an interactive bible story, music and prayer.
MESSY CHURCH IS FOOD
Each Messy Church concludes with a meal. Sitting at a table with new and old friends, sharing the stories of our real and messy lives!
Meets one Saturday a month, from 4 – 6 p.m. Saturday, September 21 – Messy Church: A New Beginning www santamonicaumc org/messychurch
If you would like to volunteer to help with this ministry, contact Tricia Guerrero: t guerrero@santamonicaumc org
BLOOD PRESSURE SCREENINGS
Did you know that regular blood pressure screenings can help detect hypertension early, which can reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other complications? The Health Ministry Council continues to offer free monthly blood pressure screenings during Sunday coffee hour We encourage everyone to stop by and check in for a free blood pressure screening and discussion of healthy lifestyle habits for maintaining optimal blood pressure levels Sunday, September 22, after worship in the Alcove
WOMEN’S TEA WITH THE UNITED WOMEN IN FAITH
The United Women in Faith will be hosting their second annual Women’s Tea on Saturday, September 28, from 1 p m - 3 p m
This will be an opportunity for community with other women from First UMC, and to learn about the mission and work of our unit of the United Women in Faith We welcome special guest Tania Batson, Rev. Greg Batson’s spouse, to the Tea!
Please RSVP to the event by Wednesday, September 18: UWFsantamonica@gmail com
Childcare is available upon request Let Jamie Jones know if you would like childcare: j.jones@santamonicaumc.org
Saturday, September 28, 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. Simkins Hall
A scene from last year’s tea
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 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 meeting date is Saturday, September 21, 9:30 a.m.12 p.m., Room 300. Contact info@santamonicaumc.org if you would like to volunteer. Prayer Quilt Ministry on the website: www.santamonicaumc.org/prayerquiltministry
Father Greg Boyle and David Wilson
PENNIES + FOR HAITI 2024:
COMMUNITY NEWS
MEMORIAL
A memorial for First UMC member Edith Rachel Schidel will be held on Saturday, September 28, 11 a.m. in the Chapel, followed by a reception.
THANK YOU!
To the United Women in Faith, who responded to the needs of three call-outs for Back to School supplies, impacting the lives of many school children and teachers:
1. UWF funded Upward Bound House with a donation to fill 25 backpacks prepped with school supplies.
2. UWF supported Sherman High School in Riverside CA with a $5,000 donation. Sherman Indian High School is one of four Boarding Schools still under the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Office of Indian Education. Sherman Indian High School has undergone many changes over the years, and unlike former Boarding Schools whose focus was assimilation by eliminating “The Indian,” the school now offers a balanced program that seeks to assure a quality education to students from many tribes, along with cultural awareness and inclusion
Thank You! We are grateful for the good work made possible through your support and participation We raised nearly 3k through this year’s Pennies + for Haiti campaign! We give thanks for you, for our friends in Haiti, and for all that has been built through the years To read past blog posts, and to view Haiti Team Leader Todd Erlandson’s recent Moments for Mission update, visit the website: www santamonicaumc org/haiti
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/
FLOWERS
3 UWF provided care packages to the First UMC Preschool Teachers as a way of showing appreciation for all they do
(Left) Tricia Guerrero with Brandon Searfoss and Adam Guerrero, dropped off backpack donations to Upward Bound House; and (right) Preschool Co-Associate Directors Johanna Holman and Dane Rold, who along with all of the preschool teachers, received care packages funded by the United Women in Faith
OPEN SPACE YOUNG ADULTS
A place of community for “youngish” adults (loosely in your 20’s, 30’s even 40’s!) We 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 People ask us what this means For us, it means that everyone is invited to the table, just as you are It means holding space for one another as we explore spiritual meaning. It means gathering together and learning ways to better love the world around us. And it means we have a lot of fun together! We would love to answer any questions or get you connected. Email Tricia: t.guerrero@santamonicaumc.org On the website: www.santamonicaumc.org/open-space
September Meetings: September 4 & 18, Off-site
Do you have a loved one you would like to dedicate flowers to on a given week? The church office can assist with the dedication and the cost is $80 Order at the Sunday Welcome Table, or online: www santamonicaumc org/flower-fund
Available Sundays: September 1/8/15/22
CONGREGATION CARE
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.
This summer’s Messy Camp mission project was dedicated to serving our local community Throughout the week, the children created care packages for the homebound members of First UMC Santa Monica Each child was paired with a member of our church community who is unable to participate in church community regularly due to illness, disability, or distance. Our Congregation Care Associate, Anne Premer will then deliver the bags during her weekly visits. Our hope is that these care bags will bring a touch of God’s love and brighten their day with a smile.
Looking forward to
BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS 2024
We look forward to our 17th Annual Blessing of the Animals! This year we will have:
• Walk-Up blessings in the First UMC Courtyard.
• Kids can bring stuffed lovies to be blessed.
• All are invited to bring donations of pet food for our local pet shelters
• View beautiful animal art by the congregation and friends in the Fireside Room Don’t miss this annual tradition! www santamonicaumc org/blessings-animals
Saturday, October 5, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m., in the First UMC Courtyard
Some scenes from last year’s Blessing of the Animals
blessingoftheanimals
BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS ART EXHIBIT CALL OUT FOR ART
The Blessing of the Animals Art Exhibit in the Fireside Room will be held alongside the Blessing of the Animals in the Courtyard We’re excited to once again put the call out for art from YOU, the congregation, and any artist friends or family that would like to participate This year, we have a new twist on our theme - we invite all to create their favorite species out of found objects or everyday household items - i.e. Recycled Art! Look for opportunities during Coffee Hour on September 15, Homecoming Sunday, to create your creatures - we’ll provide materials and space for you to create. Or, work on your piece at home, and bring you artwork to the church office before or by Tuesday, September 24. The exhibit will run thru October. If you have questions, call or email Tina Gage: 310-393-8258 x 110; t.gage@santamonicaumc.org. (See examples of recycled art on the back page of the Sentinel) Saturday,October5,10a.m.-12p.m.,intheFiresideRoom
FALL SEMINAR WITH REV. LARRY YOUNG
Rev Larry Young will be leading a seminar entitled, “Reflections on Moving Toward Life’s Final Transition ” Death is a subject that evokes anxiety and resistance for many of us yet our faith offers us resources for making the rest of our lives a more peaceful and meaningful time Not only the Scriptures but also our Methodist tradition bear witness to outlooks and understandings that offer us a more hopeful perspective on what lies ahead. And several contemporary people of faith add their witness for making the journey.
The class will begin in person on Sunday, October 6, 11:30 a.m., and will run for 4 weeks. For those unable to meet on Sundays, a Zoom class may also be offered on Wednesday afternoon or evening. There will be no cost or assigned text. Sign-ups will begin following Homecoming Sunday worship on September 15. Look for Rev. Larry's sign-up table in the courtyard.
LET'S TALK ABOUT MEDICARE WORKSHOP
Join us after worship on Sunday, October 13, to talk about Medicare for 2025. Our guest speaker, Bruce Johnston, is a Medicare expert who has been assisting folks with their Medicare-related health insurance coverage for more than 25 years. He's also a preferred broker for UCLA and Providence St. John's health care systems. Open enrollment for Medicare starts October 15 and continues through December 7 So bring your questions and join us for an informative discussion! If you'd like additional information, please email Anne Premer at a premer@santamonicaumc org Sunday, October 13, at 11 a.m. in the Fireside Room
WOMEN’S SPIRITUAL RETREAT
Sign Up Now: November 8 -10, 2024
Rev Keri Olsen Paget, Tania Batson and Sue Conklin, LCSW will be leading a retreat for women on the campus of Brave Grace in Silverado Canyon, entitled “Sensing the Divine: Communing with God and Creation ” We will have the opportunity to pray, reflect and engage in calming and healing encounters with horses No experience with horses required, and riding will not be expected. The retreat can accommodate up to 10 participants. More details to come. If you are interested in learning more about this opportunity please contact Rev. Keri via email at k.olsenpaget@santamonicaumc.org.
Rev Keri Olsen Paget, Tania Batson, and Sue Conklin will lead “Sensing the Divine: Communing with God and Creation”
Community Photos
Messy Camp was a huge success! Thanks to Jamie Jones and all of the volunteers for their leadership To hear the NPR interview with Tricia Guerrero and Jamie Jones discussing Messy Camp, “Not your parents' VBS: How Vacation Bible Schools are changing to meet new needs“ visit the website: www.santamonicaumc.org/messy-camp
First UMC member Janet Guyette organized the 2nd Annual Community Free Market, with gently-used goods donated by church members, and available for free to church and community members Thank you Janet!
The Youth Service Project Report
Back was held on August 18, with the youth sharing stories of their work with the Sierra Service Project
Thank you to Sue Payne and Char Smith for leading the Companions in Christ Bible Study.
PRESCHOOL CORNER
Martha Ross, Evelyne Markel, Linda Diane Anderson, Janet Searfoss, and Dorothy Nichols after a fun and fulfilling morning making sandwiches and trail mix and assembling sack lunches for distribution to homeless clients at The People Concern’s Annenberg Access Center. To join in, email Linda Diane at landolinda@ca.rr.com. First Day of Preschool!
Back to School Blessings were celebrated on Sunday, August 25, where all students, teachers and First UMC preschool teachers, were offered a blessing.
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
