Richmond First United Methodist News and Events
Pastor’s Perspective
Savior of the Nations, Luke 3:7-18
Pastor Dan Damon, Richmond 1st UMC, 12-13-15
Introduction
In what way are we to understand Jesus to be the Savior of the Nations? There have been wars and rumors of wars almost since time began. We are preparing to celebrate the birth of the Prince of Peace into this world “made hard by fear.” Will this Prince of Peace defeat the armies of the world? I don’t think so. We remember Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world.” Do you remember the question I have asked over my years with you: How does Christ rule? Do you remember the answer? [by keeping company with pain].
God is with us in this broken and beautiful world. Do you remember the meaning of the name of Jesus, Emmanuel? Last week we sang one of the great Advent songs from the 9th century:
O come, O come, Emmanuel
and ransom captive Israel
that mourns in lonely exile here
until the Son of God appear.
Rejoice! Rejoice!
Emmanuel shall come to thee,
O Israel.
Emmanuel means God is with us. This is one of the deepest truths I know. Along with “God is love” it is a pillar of my spoken and sung faith.
If Jesus is truly the Savior of the Nations, it is by his eternal, loving presence with the poor, the suffering, and the most vulnerable of the earth. The Prince of Peace keeps company with pain. He pitches a tent with us and dwells with us.
Retell the Scripture Story
Zephaniah 3:14-20
Zephaniah was an older contemporary of the prophets Jeremiah, Nahum and Habakkuk, and his lineage links him to one of Judah’s most important reforming kings, Hezekiah (715-687 BC; under Hezekiah Jerusalem was spared from destruction by the Assyrians).
This week’s reading is the last oracle in the collection, where Zephaniah turns from judgment to promise, from terror to joy. The oracle concludes with a promise of restoration and return that was likely added by an editor in the period after the Babylonian Exile.
While Zephaniah’s vivid description of the coming judgment day is perhaps the most well-known feature of his prophecy, he also reveals a “post-judgment” vision of renewal and rejoicing, not just among the survivors of Israel, but also together with the survivors of all the other nations. This “new world order” will be based on humility before God and obedience to God’s commands, no matter the ethnic group: all will have an equal standing before God. By implication, we can only be the human beings that God wants us to be when we widen our circle to include everyone and embrace our common humanity. What are some of the barriers that prevent us from including everyone in our circle, and what might be some of the ways of overcoming them? (from Mark Zier’s notes, ESUMC)
Luke 3:7-18
The message of judgment preached by John the Baptist in this week’s lesson is common with the other gospel writers: God is no respecter of persons, but only of deeds, the “fruits of repentance.” What is different in Luke’s version of John’s preaching is the additional dialogue between John and the crowds: his message may be one of judgment, but when people show a genuine interest in repenting, in changing their ways, John gives them very practical advice. In general, John tells them to share their resources, their food and clothing, with the poor. And when tax collectors and soldiers, two groups in society particularly reviled for their injustices, ask his advice, he gives it! He’s more concerned that they repent than that they be punished.
John the Baptist’s advice is very simple and practical: share, be fair, and be satisfied with what you have.
Fire is a metaphor for that which takes away and is never satisfied. When we say, “if only I had more,” when we already have enough, we are behaving in a way that will bring negative consequences. If we as a society can’t learn to reign in our patterns of consumption, the prospect is not only “global terrorism” of the have-nots against the haves, but also catastrophic ecological disaster. So where do you want to start? (from Mark Zier’s notes, ESUMC)
Application
We need food, clothing, and shelter. We need peace and safety and someone to share these with. We do not need our fears and the things that hold us back from being God’s good people in the world. Is there something good we can do? Then, let’s do it together by the grace and in the power of the Holy Spirit. We are here such a short time, but we can make choices now that will benefit our families and friends in generations to come. In this Advent season let us hear the cry of the Baptist in the wilderness. Let us turn from fear and greed to embrace the light that is surely coming into this dark world. Let us reject the despair that creeps among us and be people of hope and joy. Let us celebrate this day of days, and prepare to tell abroad the story of love and joy, of hope and peace, that is the true spirit of Christmas. Let us make straight in the desert a highway for our God.
Let us be in prayer.
Joys and Concerns
Pasto Dan had ankle fusion surgery on November 19. He is doing well and is pain free! He will need to be using crutches for 6 weeks to keep weight off his foot. He appreciates your prayers and warm wishes for healing. Cards: 226 Nicholl Ave., Point Richmond, 94801.
Deby McFadyen’s father, Jack, died peacefully Saturday morning, Dec. 5. Deby and her mother, Nancy, were with him when he died. He had been suffering from lung cancer. If you would like to send a card to Nancy the address is: 2021 Glitter Ct. Middleburg, FL 32068. Deby’s address: 1334 Mallard Dr. Point Richmond, CA 94801. Our thoughts and prayers are with them as they go through this difficult time.
Jane Carnall reports that her back is improving and she hopes to start driving this week. She thanks everyone for their prayers.
Linda Andrew-Marshall had a knee replacement surgery on November 12 and your prayers for healing are welcome. Cards: PO Box 70222, Point Richmond, 94807. She is home with her son, Aaron, helping her out. She is able to drive again and loves the freedom! She thanks everyone for their love and support. Michael is coming for the holidays.
Linda WoodyWood had hip replacement surgery on Wed., December 2. Once she has recovered let’s pray that she will be pain free. Cards may be sent to Linda at 5584 Circle Drive, El Sobrante, CA 94803.
Susan Wickesser, Doris Swope’s niece, has been cancer free for two years and living life to the fullest. She has just sent a message that new tumors have been found on her lungs. She has started chemotherapy. Please remember her in prayer for healing.
Pat Dornan can use your prayers and support as she grieves the loss of her beloved Linda.
Our dear church friend, Pat King, is sending thanks for the warm wishes and prayers for her recovery.
Kathe Kiehn is asking for healing prayers for her daughter, Karen Gagnier. Karen has survived breast cancer once and is now facing treatment for a new aggressive cancer in her other breast. Karen is currently undergoing a 5-6 week course of chemo and once that is completed she’ll have a second round with different drugs. She is trying to live her life as normally as possible and your prayers are welcome.
Please keep Katherine Parker, our missionary, and the people of Nepal in your prayers.
Deby McFadyen is requesting prayers for two young friends who are battling cancer. Please remember Sarah Talkington and Jimmy Lowe in your prayers.
Helen Wysham welcomes your prayers for healing and gaining strength.
News
Gateway Grant: We have received a $500 grant for work in renovating our church kitchen. Thank you to Kim Butt who wrote the grant request for us.
Ioulia Solovieva sends Christmas Greetings from Moscow!
Pastor Dan will be away January 19-21 at the Gathering of Orders. he will be playing piano for this event at the Mount Herman Conference Center.
The United nations has announced that they have met their 2015 goals for reducing and eliminating Malaria. Internationally they have reached a 60% reduction. In Africa alone a 90% reduction in deaths which are mostly children under five. Their goal is to eliminate Malaria by 2030. More immediate goals are to reduce the occurrence by 40%. Your donations to “Imagine No Malaria” count!
Katherine Parker, missionary in Nepal: Update
The Blockade by Nepali dissidents near the Indian border is causing severe shortage of supplies, mainly fuel and medicines in Nepal. Many businesses have been shut down and hospitals will soon be running out of fuel to run their generators which means that surgeries and life saving incubators for babies will not be operational. The violence at the border has increased. Katherine is safe but electricity is dicey and life is harder. She is having to bathe in cold water and the team she is with are sharply curtailing driving. Hundreds of cars without fuel clog the streets of Katmandu. Winter is causing a crisis as is the loss of fuel for heating. Negotiations between the government and the dissidents is bogged down.
Generosity
Parsonage Sewer Line: The parsonage sewer line is leaking and needs replacement. It’s a long line that connects to the main sewer below the Catholic Church. Estimated cost is $7,100. We will check with Tom Butt when he returns from Paris next week to see if the church would qualify for some funding from the city since it is a historic building. We are also asking our congregation for donations to help fund this project.
General Budget update: We are currently behind our projected budget by $5,252. End of year donations are welcome to close this gap.
We are continuing to move ahead with plans for the long-term financing of our church for generations to come through an Endowment program.
Remember your church in your Will and Living Trust.
Imagine No Malaria continues to need your donations.
Events
Today, Saturday, December 19, 9 am-3 pm: Annual Bake and Crafts Sale. Bring your baked goodies for sale by 9 am, open for donations at 8:30 am. Donations for the crafts can be given to Barbara Haley any time. Point Richmond Community Center.
Thursday, December 24, 7 pm: Christmas Eve Jazz Service featuring the Dan Damon Quartet and Friends. Free will offering. Come early to get a good seat.
Saturday, December 26, 7:30 pm, Point Richmond Jazz Presents the Berkeley Choro Ensemble with Jane Lenoir. Jane Lenoir, flute; Harvey Wainapel, clarinet; Ricardo Peixoto, guitar; Brian Rice, pandeiro; and special guest Irene Sazer, violin. Choro is a unique traditional Brazilian music style that has been compared with styles from the blues, bebop and bluegrass. The word choro in Portuguese means “tears”. Choro had tremdous influence on classical musicians, especially the Brazilian composer, Heitor Villa-Lobos, who wrote a number of works he called “choros”. Advance tickets $18 at prjazz.org, $25 at the door. First United Methodist Church, 201 Martina St., Point Richmond.
Thursday, December 31, 5 pm (New Year’s Eve): The Dan Damon Quartet leads a worship service for the new year at Epworth United Methodist Church, 1953 Hopkins Street, Berkeley.
Finance Committee Meeting: It’s that time of year to plan the General Budget for 2016. The Finance Committee is meeting Saturday, January 9, 1:30 pm at Matthew and Jennifer Foster’s home, 1052 Hawthorne Dr., Rodeo, CA. Please let Fran Smith know if you plan to attend: 510 685 2338 or junosmith@aol.com.
Friday, January 15, 7:30 pm Point Richmond Acoustic Presents Steve Seskin, Craig Caruthers and Don Henry,” Trading songs in the Round”. These are three of the best award winning singers and songwriters working in Nashville today. Tickets in advance $15, at the door $20. First United Methodist Church, 210 Martina St., Point Richmond. For advance tickets and more information about this program: pointacoustic.org.