Richmond First United Methodist News and Events
Pastor’s Perspective
Re: Richmond First United Methodist News and Events
Dear Friends,
Here are my notes from Sunday. Thanks to all who attended the church conference in Pinole this year. I appreciate your dedication to the life of this church. The Christmas Eve Jazz Service is coming up December 24 at 7 pm. I hope you will put it on your calendars and invite a friend to join us on that evening.
Love and Joy,
Dan
A Servant Heart Matthew 25:1-13
Pastor Dan Damon, Richmond 1st UMC, 11-9-14
Introduction
Eileen’s choir is singing the African-American spiritual “Keep Your Lamps Trimmed and Burning.” Our choir sang it here one year. I am grateful for the music we make in service together. It lifts my spirit. Advent is coming with its theme of watching and being ready for the coming of the Christ child. We are in the closing weeks of the church year. The gospel lessons for the next three weeks are from Matthew 25.
Retell the Scripture Story
Our gospel lesson for today says the kingdom of heaven will be like this:
Ten bridesmaids took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. When the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them; but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. As the bridegroom was delayed, all of them became drowsy and slept. But at midnight there was a shout, ‘Look! Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.’
Then all those bridesmaids got up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ But the wise replied, ‘No! There will not be enough for you and for us; you had better go to the dealers and buy some for yourselves.’ And while they went to buy it, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went with him into the wedding banquet; and the door was shut. Later the other bridesmaids came also, saying, ‘Lord, lord, open to us.’ But he replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I do not know you.’ Keep awake therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.
Near the beginning of the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5:16 Jesus says, “Let your light shine before others that they may see your good works and give glory to God.” One way to understand the oil in this parable is to think of the oil as faith, good works, practices, or spiritual reserves that remain constant and shine during good times as well as during times of grief and waiting for God. If we look at the story this way, we can understand why the bridesmaids cannot share their oil. Just as we cannot share our spiritual reserves, development, or readiness, the bridesmaids cannot borrow these resources from others. Being ready to welcome the Christ is an individual matter, regardless of whether he comes more quickly or more slowly than we expect. We each understand the life of faith and service in our own way. We bring our own gifts and graces to the task. We live our own lives. We make our own choices. Now is the time for active discipleship. Now is the time to take the actions that future generations will thank us for. We use the oil we have. It is ours to use.
Faithful action, done now, prepares us to weather the unexpected timing of God, even as it prepares us for the great heavenly banquet. The Messiah comes in God’s time and we celebrate the feast as we bring our joys and our sorrows to the throne of grace.
Application
In Fiddler on the Roof Tevye has ongoing talks with God. He talks to God about his lame horse, his daughter’s marital hopes, the changing culture around him. Tevye talks to God as one talks to a friend, a partner, or a spouse. He shares the immediate concerns of daily life. Will there be enough food, enough oil, enough faith, hope, and love? We get the sense that nothing in Tevye’s life is kept apart from God. He uses no lengthy, high-sounding prayers to accomplish this. He simply lives in relation to God every instant using short quips, honest pleas for help, and genuine expressions of exasperation and anger. The servant heart is represented in the character of Tevye, not because he is powerful and wealthy, but because he is faithful, hopeful, and loving. He is used by God. God [and the writers of Fiddler] created Tevye, blessed him with a family, a faith tradition, and a sense of history. Tevye lives on in us.
In our reading from the Hebrew Scriptures we heard Joshua challenge his people with these words: Choose this day whom you will serve, but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. The challenge comes to us today. What choice will you make today? What choices will guide you? Have you made a commitment to serve God with your life? There is nothing more important than this choice. Our choices make a difference. Our actions affect the world for good or for ill. Jesus says the servant is the greatest of all in God’s kingdom. What is your reasonable service? How will you choose?
Let us be in prayer.
Here are my notes from Sunday. Thanks to all who attended the church conference in Pinole this year. I appreciate your dedication to the life of this church. The Christmas Eve Jazz Service is coming up December 24 at 7 pm. I hope you will put it on your calendars and invite a friend to join us on that evening.
Love and Joy,
Dan
A Servant Heart Matthew 25:1-13
Pastor Dan Damon, Richmond 1st UMC, 11-9-14
Introduction
Eileen’s choir is singing the African-American spiritual “Keep Your Lamps Trimmed and Burning.” Our choir sang it here one year. I am grateful for the music we make in service together. It lifts my spirit. Advent is coming with its theme of watching and being ready for the coming of the Christ child. We are in the closing weeks of the church year. The gospel lessons for the next three weeks are from Matthew 25.
Retell the Scripture Story
Our gospel lesson for today says the kingdom of heaven will be like this:
Ten bridesmaids took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. When the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them; but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. As the bridegroom was delayed, all of them became drowsy and slept. But at midnight there was a shout, ‘Look! Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.’
Then all those bridesmaids got up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ But the wise replied, ‘No! There will not be enough for you and for us; you had better go to the dealers and buy some for yourselves.’ And while they went to buy it, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went with him into the wedding banquet; and the door was shut. Later the other bridesmaids came also, saying, ‘Lord, lord, open to us.’ But he replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I do not know you.’ Keep awake therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.
Near the beginning of the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5:16 Jesus says, “Let your light shine before others that they may see your good works and give glory to God.” One way to understand the oil in this parable is to think of the oil as faith, good works, practices, or spiritual reserves that remain constant and shine during good times as well as during times of grief and waiting for God. If we look at the story this way, we can understand why the bridesmaids cannot share their oil. Just as we cannot share our spiritual reserves, development, or readiness, the bridesmaids cannot borrow these resources from others. Being ready to welcome the Christ is an individual matter, regardless of whether he comes more quickly or more slowly than we expect. We each understand the life of faith and service in our own way. We bring our own gifts and graces to the task. We live our own lives. We make our own choices. Now is the time for active discipleship. Now is the time to take the actions that future generations will thank us for. We use the oil we have. It is ours to use.
Faithful action, done now, prepares us to weather the unexpected timing of God, even as it prepares us for the great heavenly banquet. The Messiah comes in God’s time and we celebrate the feast as we bring our joys and our sorrows to the throne of grace.
Application
In Fiddler on the Roof Tevye has ongoing talks with God. He talks to God about his lame horse, his daughter’s marital hopes, the changing culture around him. Tevye talks to God as one talks to a friend, a partner, or a spouse. He shares the immediate concerns of daily life. Will there be enough food, enough oil, enough faith, hope, and love? We get the sense that nothing in Tevye’s life is kept apart from God. He uses no lengthy, high-sounding prayers to accomplish this. He simply lives in relation to God every instant using short quips, honest pleas for help, and genuine expressions of exasperation and anger. The servant heart is represented in the character of Tevye, not because he is powerful and wealthy, but because he is faithful, hopeful, and loving. He is used by God. God [and the writers of Fiddler] created Tevye, blessed him with a family, a faith tradition, and a sense of history. Tevye lives on in us.
In our reading from the Hebrew Scriptures we heard Joshua challenge his people with these words: Choose this day whom you will serve, but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. The challenge comes to us today. What choice will you make today? What choices will guide you? Have you made a commitment to serve God with your life? There is nothing more important than this choice. Our choices make a difference. Our actions affect the world for good or for ill. Jesus says the servant is the greatest of all in God’s kingdom. What is your reasonable service? How will you choose?
Let us be in prayer.
Re: Richmond First United Methodist News and Event
Joys and Concerns
Lauren McLeod welcomes your prayers for healing.
Sandra Kokoruda (Fran Smith’s daughter) is still anemic and unable to proceed with surgery as yet. Please remember her in your prayers.
Molly Smith is requesting prayers for her brother who has been treated for a brain tumor for several years and has recently entered the Hospice program. Prayers for his family and her brother as they go through this very difficult time.
Deby McFadyen is asking for prayers for her father, Jack McFadyen, who has lung cancer and has started chemotherapy and radiation and is suffering from the side effects of the treatments.
Pat Dornan and Linda Pereira continue to need your prayers of support and healing. Pat has some help coming in five hours a day so she can continue her busy schedule and know that Linda is safe.
Robbie Robinson would appreciate your prayers.
Helen Wysham welcomes your prayers for healing as she undergoes chemotherapy.
Please keep the people of Camp Liberty in your prayers as chaos reigns in Iraq and near the camp.
Congratulations Tom Butt for your Mayoral victory!
News
November 9 about 12 church members attended the West Contra Costa Circuit Church Conference, which means we met in conjunction with Pinole and Open Door UMCs. Our Bridges District supervisor, Rev. Schuyler Rhodes officiated. Each church gave a 10 minute presentation on what they have accomplished in the past year. I was impressed with the variety of works the combined churches are doing. The business portion of the meeting was to elect our trustees; nomination and election of members of the Lay Leadership Committee and election of remaining officers/committee members; all of which were unanimously approved by the members of our church. Pastor Dan led us in musical devotion and Eileen Johnson sang a lovely song to remember our friends who have died this past year. You will be hearing more about some of the ideas being presented by the Bridges District.
How Are We Doing? The Ad Board met November 13. Our weekly contributions are up. We had a couple of large expenses this past month which has placed us $7000 behind our projected income for the year.
The CA/Nev United Methodist Foundation has sent a Fall Letter on ways to save on your income taxes. Take a look at the attachment.
Good News: The Annual Christmas Pageant is happening! Unfortunately there were casting problems for the Masquers Playhouse regarding Amahl and the Night Visitors so they had to cancel the production. Tammara Plankers is looking for boys and girls ages 5 years and up who would like to sing in the Pageant/Angel Choir. All are welcome. The Pageant is being presented Sunday, December 21 at 11 am and 7 pm. Rehearsals are Sunday mornings at the church at 10 am. She would like to have the choir firmed up by November 16. This is a fun family event and if any parents would like to sing in the adult choir or participate in some back stage help, let Tammara know. Contact: 510 815 0815 (call or text any time).
Bill and Debbie Benko are just back from a well earned vacation in Cabo San Lucas to celebrate their 24th wedding anniversary!
Katherine Parker, our missionary in Nepal, has sent pictures and a video, see below. Go to Katherine’s Facebook page to hear this and see more photos. Just go to Facebook and type in Katherine Parker.
Generosity
November is “Warm Socks” month! There will be a basket up front near the altar each Sunday until Thanksgiving and then the Mission committee will take them to the Rescue Mission. Used socks, if they are clean and in good condition. are acceptable.
Imagine No Malaria: At the 2013 Annual Conference we pledged to raise 2 million dollars to fight malaria in Africa. We have raised 1.5 million dollars and need 500,000 dollars to meet that pledge by June 2014 which breaks down to 100,000 dollars for our district. The $100,000 Challenge is on in amusing ways. Rev. Schuyler Rhodes, our district bishop, will publicly shave is head at the Annual Conference if the goal is met! The break down for our share is $4 per member and $11 per worshiper per month. Let’s do our share. Checks made out to FUMC with Imagine No Malaria will get there. Check out the website for other challenger promises and follow the contributions: calnevimagine.org.
umcmarket.org is hoping you will shop for the holidays through their website if you do your shopping on line. Go to the site and go to the store of your choice from there. A percentage of your order (no cost to you) comes directly to our church. This is a painless way to help us meet our budget!
Events
Beginning Sunday Oct. 19 through Nov. 30. Pastor Dan and Jean Reynolds will be presenting a course on the Social Principles of the United Methodist Church. This is a seven week course offered during Adult Sunday School, 10-10:45 am. Come and add to the discussion!
Tuesday, Nov. 18, 6 pm Ahmad Sokar, Mayor of Wadi Foquin in Palestine, will be speaking about their struggles to hold onto their land. Easter Hill United Methodist Church, 3911 Cutting Blvd., Richmond. See attached flyer.
Thursday, Nov. 27, 12-2 pm, Annual Thanksgiving Dinner lovingly prepared for our community to enjoy. Interfaith Service of Thanks, 11:30 am which is a chance to raise your voices in gratitude for all you have received this past year. If you wish to help, contact Fran Smith at 707 426 4483 or junosmith@aol.com. Fran has the sign up list for the week of Nov. 24. Volunteers are needed evenings starting at 6 pm.
Friday, Nov. 28, 7:30 pm, Point Richmond Jazz presents the Anthony Blea Afro-Cuban Quartet.
Having played with Afro-Cuban bands here in San Francisco and New York City Anthony continues to play a wide variety of music in the Bay Area and internationally. He has played and recorded with many artists including, Israel Lopez “Cachao”, Ray Charles, S.F. Opera
Orchestra, John Santos Ensemble, Jazz Mafia, Charanga 76, Orquesta Broadway, the Musical Art Quartet, and leads his own group,
Anthony Blea y su Charanga.” Anthony is a professor of Music at the San Francisco City College where he teaches Orchestra, Violin and Community Choir. Tickets $15. Workshop with the artist follows Saturday, Nov.29, 11 am. Both events at First United Methodist Church, 201 Martina St., Point Richmond. For advance tickets and more info on the workshops: prjazz.org.
Saturday, Nov. 29 Point Richmond Annual Tree Lighting: 5 pm, in the Triangle. Our church choir has been invited to sing at this event and anyone who would like to come and sing is welcome.
Sunday, Nov. 30, United Methodist Student Day. This is special Sunday where your gifts go for scholarships and low cost loans to provide college education for students who wish to make a difference in the world with their service.
Thursday, Dec 4, save the date! Our Annual Dinner/Theater Fundraiser will be that evening. Dinner at the Hotel Mac and My Three Angels at the Masquers Playhouse. Arrive for dinner between 5:30 and 6:30: Curtain at 8 pm. Tickets are $50 which includes dinner, tax and tip plus the show. I recently had lunch at Hotel Mac and the prime rib alone is $32, so the tickets may seem expensive, but it’s still a good deal! See attached flyer and spread the word to your friends. We have 88 theater seats to fill and need your help to do it. Jean Reynolds has tickets: 510 734 3942 or sweetheart05@mac.com.
Saturday, Dec. 6, United Methodist Women Annual Christmas Dinner at 4 pm. You are invited to bring diapers (infant to toddler sizes) for The Richmond Childhood Mental Health Program participants as part of our giving for the Christmas season. Kristi and Russ Johnson are hosting at their new home: 1317 Ptarmigan Dr. #6, Walnut Creek. Parking is at a premium so we will carpool and Kristi needs to know who is driving and how many in the car to easily get us through the security gate. She will provide maps for parking and finding her unit. If you wish to bring some food, contact Kristi at kristija48@gmail.com. for suggestions.
Annual Church Conference, Sunday Dec. 14 after church, to complete Lay Leader and Membership Reports and to authorize the Pastor Compensation Package. Rev. Mark Zier will chair the meeting. This should only be a 30 min meeting. Come and participate.
Christmas Pageant, Sunday, December 21 at 11 am and 7 pm. This is the Christmas story in word and song with Masquers Playhouse volunteers. We have good singers, costumes, Angel Choir and fun! We already are hearing the rush of angel wings on Sunday mornings as the children come to rehearse carols under the direction of Tammara Plankers.
Christmas Eve Jazz Service, December 24 at 7 pm.
Please send submissions for FUMC News and Events to Barbara Haley, editor: bahcats@sbcglobal.net.
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