Richmond First United Methodist News and Events
Pastor’s Perspective
What We Carry, 1 Samuel 1:4-20
Pastor Dan Damon, Richmond 1st UMC, 11-15-15
Introduction
My title today does not come from The Things They Carried, a book of short stories by Tim O’Brien about a platoon of American soldiers in the Vietnam War. It comes rather from a small article in the November 10, 2015 issue of the New York Times. David Brooks wrote about Kennedy Odede, one of the most joy-filled people he has met.
Kennedy grew up in the Kibera slum in Nairobi. He survived many horrors, and with his American wife, Jessica Pasner, has created a school for girls and a community organization called Shining Hope for Communities (Shofco). His new book about their lives is Find Me Unafraid: Love, Loss, and Hope in an African Slum.
When you meet someone as an adult, you may be tempted to think that person has always been like they are now. But to read about Kennedy’s childhood is like descending into a pit.
Kennedy’s grandmother died when he was three and the family moved to a Nairobi slum, living with constant hunger and complete poverty. His drunken stepfather beat him constantly. When he was eight, his best friend died of malaria. Trying to steal a mango, he was caught and almost beaten to death by the mob. A stranger intervened to save him. He joined a gang to survive. The story of suffering and struggle goes on in graphic terms.
So the question that comes to mind of David Brooks is: How did this delightful man emerge from all this suffering? He tried to appreciate the sunrise, a new day, a beauty to behold. He learned to replace a negative addiction with a positive one. Books became a positive addiction for him. They also provided a much needed escape.
Kennedy says, “I grew to know that no situation lasts forever. I used to tell myself that even when the day felt dark, eventually the light would somehow come. Nothing is constant.”
For every bad person he met, he also met a lot of good people. For the priest who abused him there was a man of God who saved him from the mob. His mom taught him that there was a God, and that there were people in our lives who would become what she called “small gods.”
He writes, “As a child, I knew how much my mom loved me.” She intervened in the beatings from his drunken father, and was beaten herself.
She told him that no matter where you are in the world, if you can see the stars, know that I can see them too. Kennedy felt her love always.
“Finally, Shofco saved my life and helped me to remain positive even when the worst happened. It made me feel not like a passive victim, but like I had agency and power to change what was happening in my community.
I think starting Shofco also gave me a sense of the power of ‘ubuntu,’ feeling connected to a universal humanity.”
Retell the Scripture Story
In our lesson from the Hebrew scriptures today Hannah is feeling depressed and powerless, rejected by God and her world. She is barren in a world that values a woman only for her ability to produce a new life. She weeps and does not eat. Her loving husband intervenes and says, “Am I not better to you than ten sons?”
She rose and ate, but was still “in bitterness of soul.” She continued praying before the Lord, and Eli, the priest, noticed that her lips were moving, but no sound was coming out. She spoke in her heart, but Eli thought she was drunk. He told her to put away the wine, but Hannah said to him, “No, my lord, I am a woman of a sorrowful spirit: I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but have poured out my soul before the Lord. Out of the abundance of my complaint and grief have I spoken.” Then Eli said, “Go in peace: and the God of Israel grant you your petition.”
She cried out to God and God heard her prayer. She gave birth to the child Samuel and, keeping her vow, brought the child, Samuel, to the priest to be raised in the house of the Lord.
Application
Our Bishop wrote to us this week. I have adapted his letter for my message today.
“Our hearts are troubled as we watch the images coming out of Paris following the simultaneous terror attacks. Let us be in prayer for Paris and the people of France. Also, please pray for the communities around the world what will not make the news, but cringe under the threat of violence. May the Holy Spirit guide us in ways that will break this cycle of violence.
As fear tries again to dominate, as followers of Jesus let us make our witness that the darkness will not overcome the light. Let us together resist the systems and structures that lead to acts of violence.”
Tell a story from Father Anthony told at the close of the Memorial Service for Linda Pereira (1949-2015).
Linda Pereira found joy in her marriage to Pat, in playing softball [and in ejecting her friends from games when they needed it], in her work, and in gardening. Kennedy found joy and new life in serving his community. Hannah found new life in having a son and giving him to God. Where will you find new life and joy? Can you rise above the trials of your life to find joy in service? I pray that you will.
Let us be in prayer.
Joys and Concerns
Pasto Dan had ankle fusion surgery on November 19. He is resting at home and thanks everyone for their prayers. Surgery took a little longer than expected. He hopes to be at church on Sunday and will give his sermon sitting down. Cards can be sent to 226 Nicholl Ave., Point Richmond 94801.
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 as well as the help of Kaiser Home Health Care. She had increased swelling in her knee and went to Kaiser to have it checked out. Turns out she needs to keep her leg higher and once she did this, the swelling is going down. She thanks everyone for their cards and food and prayers.
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. She has been asked to play the keyboard for the current musical at the Masquers Playhouse and is finding it a joyful experience but it takes most of her energy.
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. Chemotherapy has been completed!
News
Pastor Dan invited the founder, Yvonne Nair, of Saffron Strand to speak about their work. Their mission is to work with the homeless to prepare them with the skills for the job market. They also teach people to read. This is an all volunteer group. Their enthusiasm for the work is evident. They are here in Point Richmond and have been here for seven years. If you have interest in doing some volunteer work with them, contact Yvonne Nair at 510 275 9594 or Yvonne@saffronstrand.org. They are located at 147 W. Richmond Ave., Point Richmond.
Camp Liberty Update: Missiles landed in Camp Liberty on Thursday killing 23 people and injuring many others. The injured have been taken to Baghdad hospitals for care. Our State Department and the United Nations are condemning the attack, but it is unclear what action may take place.
Pay/Pal is here! Our website, pointrichmondmethodist.org now has a donation tag that takes you to PayPal. The Home Page does not have it, but any page for the news or events has it listed on the right-hand side of the page. Just scroll down to Donate. This makes it easy for when you miss church, you can still participate by giving.
Katherine Parker, missionary in Nepal: Katherine reports that Nepal is in a political/governmental crisis. They recently passed a new Constitution and a minority group near India is protesting discrimination and stopping the delivery of oil from India, needed for heating as winter approaches. There have been riots and police killings of insurgents. So far most of the difficulty has not been in Katmandu where Katherine is except for workers striking.
Generosity
We are continuing to move ahead with plans for the long-term financing of our church for generations to come through an Endowment program.
Anyone can give an endowment gift. Any size gift may be made as an endowment. You may do this now or as part of your estate.
Imagine No Malaria continues to need your donations.
Events
November is warm socks month! Please bring your new warm socks for the people at the Richmond Rescue Mission. There will be a basket near the altar for your donations.
Thursday, November 26, 12-2 pm, Community Thanksgiving Dinner lovingly prepared for our community to enjoy. Interfaith Service of Thanks, 11:30 am. If you wish to help, contact Fran Smith 510 685 2338 or junosmith@aol.com.
Friday, November 27, 7:30 pm: Point Richmond Jazz presents Solene Le Van. This 18 year old prodigy is originally from France, but now lives in L.A. She has toured the world as part of the La Van Family Band, led by her classical pianist father, Eric Le Van. She is “breaking out” on her own as a jazz violinist and singer. She is currently attending Princeton and majoring in voice and violin. Don’t miss this new talent. See her first right here in the Point! Tickets are $18 online at prjazz.org or $25 at the door. Bring the whole family. First United Methodist Church, 201 Martina St., Point Richmond.
Tuesday, December 1: Giving Tuesday. Matching funds for gifts: umcmissiongiving.org.
Thursday, December 3: Dinner/Theater. Dinner at Hotel Mac and Theater at the Masquers Playhouse for the musical “The World Goes ‘Round”. Songs by Kander and Ebb the men who created Cabaret and Chicago. Save the date and invite friends! Tickets are $55. Dinner at 6 pm, Theater at 8 pm. Contact Jean Reynolds for tickets at 510 734 3942 or sweetheart05@mac.com. Let’s have a sell-out event! Please see attached.
Saturday, December 5, 1 pm: Annual All Church Conference, held at El Sobrante United Methodist Church. Bridges District Superintendent, Rev. Schuyler Rhodes will preside. All are welcome. 670 Appian Way, El Sobrante.
Saturday, December 12, 4:30 pm, United Methodist Women’s Annual Christmas Party and Dinner. Kristi Johnson is hosting at her home 1317 Ptarmigan Drive #6, Walnut Creek. Please let Kristi know what you can bring. The ham is provided by UMW and the rest is up to us. If you would like to bring gifts for the Rescue Mission, please do so. Doreen Leighton will be taking her van to car pool. Let her know if you would like a ride. Kristi’s phone number: 925 787-1235. All are welcome.
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.
