Richmond First United Methodist News and Events

Pastor’s Perspective

The Mystery of the Cross, John 12:20-33

Pastor Dan Damon, Richmond 1^st UMC, 3-22-15

Introduction

In his 1994 book, The Mystical Way in the Gospel of John (Crossing over into God) Professor William Countryman writes:

[p. 94] Jesus is essential for John. To be initiated into him, to be enlightened and brought to new life in him, turns one away from the standards of this world, even those of religion, and replaces them with truth, with an acknowledgement that only God is ultimately true or real, and that everything else is derivative.

Jesus is transparent to God: Belief in Jesus is belief in God; to look at Jesus is to see God.

Retell the Scripture Story

As Christians living in the post-modern world, we acknowledge the light in all faith traditions, including our own. This means that in the story of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection there is a deep and abiding mystery, which leads us always deeper into God. As we read and study, as we sing, pray, and serve, we become more loving, more Christ-like, more humble as we acknowledge we don’t know everything, yet more certain that God is love, and that love is eternal.

In the gospel lesson today Jesus, according to John’s gospel, announces, “the hour is come that the Son of man should be glorified.” He explains, “Except a grain of wheat falls into the ground and die, it abides alone: but if it dies, it brings forth much fruit. If you love your life, you will lose it, but if you give up your life in this world, you will keep it in eternal life.”

Jesus followers didn’t understand. The great theologians of the church have struggled for centuries to understand the stories of Jesus death and resurrection.

In the second century, Irenaus regarded the atonement as the deliverance from captivity by paying a ransom. Jesus gave himself as our ransom to free us. This has been called the Ransom theory.

Early church thinkers like Justin Martyr said that Christ defeated death by suffering, dying, and rising again. This became known as the Christus Victor theory of the atonement. Martin Luther’s great Reformation hymn, “A Might Fortress Is Our God,” uses this model.

Anselm of Canterbury (1033-1109) gave us the Satisfaction Theory of the Atonement in which God’s justice was satisfied by Jesus’ death.

These and other theories have been used over the centuries to help people understand what remains a great mystery of faith. Why did Jesus die? This is the mystery of the cross. We come from God. We return to God. But why is there so much suffering in this world? Where is God in all this pain?

As I wrestle with these questions, I find the story of the passion presents some possible answers to these questions. I am not drawn to previous understandings of the cross. I prefer to seek my own understanding, to use my own reason and experience in the company of the saints who have gone before me. I use the Bible and the tradition of the church, but with John Wesley I use my own reason and experience to interpret the story for a new generation.

If we accept the paradoxical doctrine the Jesus was fully human, and fully divine, we can say that Jesus, as God, suffers death with us. Where is God in our suffering? God is hanging on the cross. Jesus is with us in our suffering. The story touches our hearts as we realize God is with us in our deepest sorrow.

If we refer to the other great paradox of our faith, the doctrine of the Trinity, we may ask what the Father/Mother in heaven was doing or feeling when the son was being crucified by the Romans, who ruled by violence and fear.

I cannot imagine a God in heaven who was happily satisfied that justice was being done; that the final sacrifice was made. I can only imagine that God, like any good parent, wept with the poor and the oppressed of Jesus’ time when Jesus was unjustly killed. I do not think Jesus was born to die. Jesus was born to live and to show us how to live. We are born to live, to love, to help one another along the way. The faith traditions of the world agree that loving your neighbor is the way to God. Killing is an abuse of power, to say the least. Societies cannot exist if murder is allowed. That is why it is in the early list of laws that we call the Ten Commandments, and that Jews understand to be the teaching for life; for life, not for death.

Jesus was born. He came from God, as we all do. He lived in a way that attracted people to him, men and women followed Jesus, and supported him in his ministry to all people. Jesus broke the barriers of religion, racism, sexism, and oppression in his time. He was killed because the rulers of the day felt threatened by him. If there is any glory in the cross, it is that Jesus was willing to face death in service to the cause of justice and love. He did not seek death, but knew it was a possibility. Like Martin Luther King, Jr. he gave himself to the cause of freedom. Jesus knew the hour had come. It could not wait for the next generation. The life Jesus was given was the life he lived, and the life he gave on the cross.

Ruth Duck is currently writing a hymn text. The refrain is this:

Jesus Christ, hope of glory,

gift of God, love’s embrace,

death does not close the story

of your love and boundless grace.

© 2015 Hope Publishing Co.

I agree with Ruth. Death does not close the story of God’s love and boundless grace. Thanks be to God.

Application

Affirming his Mennonite peace tradition, J. Denny Weaver has written a book entitled The Non-Violent Atonement, Eerdmans, 2011. Weaver understands Jesus’ mission as carrying out God’s will “by making the reign of God visible in the world.” However, his “mission is so threatening to the world that sinful human beings and the accumulation of evil they represent conspire to kill Jesus.” Jesus came to fulfill his mission to witness to Bod’s rule, not to seek his own death. His death was not the will of God, but was instigated by the powers that opposed the reign of God. Korean theologian, Andrew Sung Park, in his 2009 book Triune Atonement, writes:

“The way of God’s reign in Jesus shows how nonviolently God confronts evil. Jesus’ confrontation is nonviolent. God’s way of confronting evil shows the nature of God’s reign in history.”

We play a role in Jesus’ death when we side with the powers that killed Jesus. We play a role in the resurrection of Christ when we live out the gospel of love in our own time. Sisters and brothers in Christ, let us live out the gospel in our time, as Jesus did, with courage, faith, and hope.

Let us be in prayer

Joys and Concerns

Terry Cullinane, a dear friend of Fran Smith, has been diagnosed with breast cancer and is undergoing treatment. Terry has helped us numerous times working at the Sweetheart Dinner and with UMW on many of our teas. She is a treasure. Prayers for healing are welcome. If you would like to send a card: 995 Glendora, Oakland 94602.

Sandra Kokoruda (Fran Smith’s daughter) up date: Sandra thanks everyone for their prayers and concerns. Fran reports that Sandra is more animated and cheerful than she has been in months. Sandra has undergone 4 chemo treatments and feels good. Both Fran and Sandra ask that prayers continue.

Deby McFadyen is asking for prayers for her father, Jack McFadyen, who has lung cancer. Currently he is doing well.

Pat Dornan and Linda Pereira continue to need your prayers of support and healing. Update: Linda is now at Greenridge Nursing Home, room 2.

Robbie Robinson  would appreciate your prayers.

Helen Wysham welcomes your prayers for healing as she undergoes chemotherapy.

Bobby and Pamella Hall would like to be remembered in prayer as they go through some difficult personal times.

Arpha MacIntyre is requesting prayers as she comes to the end of her life with a terminal illness. Arpha played the piano at our church for many years. If you wish to send a card: Sierra View Homes Retirement Community, 1155 E. Springfield Ave., Reedly, CA 93654. Jane Carnall has spoken with Arpha several times and Arpha is thrilled to be getting cards and messages of love from our church community.

Please keep the people of Camp Liberty in your prayers as chaos reigns in Iraq and near the camp.

News

As you know Lauren McLeod died Saturday morning. For those of you who would like to send cards to family and/or Brian, here are contacts.

Significant Other: Brian Kelly, 2515 San Joaquin St., Richmond, CA 94804.

Lauren’s funeral is next today and if you would like to help with Lauren’s final expenses, donations can be sent to her sister, Jean Norman, 4969 Old Adel Road, Moultrie, GA 31788 or donations to Pruitt Health Hospice, 407 Cowart Ave., Valdesta, GA 31603

Molly Smith’s brother, Ulli, died peacefully at home Sunday morning, March 22, surrounded by his loved ones. Please remember Molly and the family in prayer at this sad time. Molly’s address for cards: 5203 Burlingame Ave., Richmond, CA 94804. I don’t have any other details regarding a service or donations as yet.

Kristi Johnson’s father died March 25 after a long illness. Prayers for Kristi and the family as they gather to honor Earl Greenwalt, Jr. Cards can be sent to Kristi at: 1317 Ptarmigan Dr. #6, Walnut Creek, CA 94595.

Easter flowers: Pat Dornan is coordinating the donation of flowers for Easter in memory or in honor of a loved one. There are three choices this year: 1. Traditional lily, $10  2. Indoor plant such as an orchid, $20 3 Outdoor plant such as a azalea, $20. Requests must be in by April 1. Mail check and order slip to Pat Dornan, 9 Cherrywood Ct., San Pablo CA 94806; phone: 510 237-2062; email: doornob22000@yahoo.com. Please take your plants home after the Easter Service.

CA/Nev Annual Conference registration is open at www.cnumc.org/acs15.

Imagine No Malaria has received the Care2 Innovator Award, an honor given to nonprofit causes that make a difference, by the Nonprofit Technology Conference on March 4 in Austin Texas for their 2014 World Malaria Day Campaign.

Imagine No Malaria receives a “Superhero Award” from the Rotarians Action Group on Malaria at the annual meeting of the Alliance for Malarial Prevention in Geneva, Switzerland. Imagine No Malaria, the only faith based organization to receive the Superhero Red Cape, was recognized for its efforts in reaching rural and hard-to-reach areas with its prevention methods. The award honors the size, breadth and ongoing dedication of the UMC’s work in which thousands have donated, resulting in thousands of children’s lives saved.

United Methodist Women are starting a collection for 10 School Kits. There will be a box in Friendship Hall for your donations. Lists of needed supplies will also be in Friendship Hall for pick up. Remember that you can only donate things that are on the list or UMCOR will remove them. Linda Woody-Wood is generously going to sew the school bags for us again. We would like to have our kits packed up and ready to go to the Annual Conference in June. Update: Rulers have been purchased so cross them off your list.

Generosity

Don’t forget that donations for Imagine No Malaria are always welcome.

Events

.

.Good Friday Service, April 3, 7:30 pm

This year the churches of our Circuit will be observing Good Friday at El Sobrante UMC. The service will feature a mass choir and “Golgatha,” a dramatic interpretation of the passion of our Lord. El Sobrante UMC, 670 Appian Way, El Sobrante.

Easter Sunday, April 5: 8 am garden service, 9 am free community breakfast, 10 am Sunday School and 11 am service with choir. Easter egg hunt after church.

Friday, April 10, 7:30 pm, Point Richmond Acoustic presents Laurie Lewis and The Right Hands. Grammy winner Laurie Lewis, pre-eminent folk and bluegrass singer, songwriter and multi- talented musician brings her band for a splendid concert. Right Hands: Tom Rozum, mandolin, Chad Manning, fiddle, Patrick Sauber, banjo and Max Schwartz, bass. Singer/songwriter Richard Brandenberg will open the show. Advance tickets through Point Richmond Acoustic $20, at the door $25. First United Methodist Church, 201 Martina St., Point Richmond.

Saturday, April 11, 9 am- 1 pm, CA/NV United Methodist Women Legislative Event presents “Seeds of Peace: Alternatives to Violence”. The focus issue is Peaceful Alternatives to Violence with Police Chief Ed Medina from our Richmond Police Dept. speaking. Affecting Change with Domestic Violence Offenders with Donna Pedroza who is working with domestic violence felons through restorative justice methods to help the healing. Registration deadline April 5. First United Methodist Church, 2100 “J” Street, Sacramento. Car pool if enough people are interested in attending. Cost $15. Registration forms in Friendship Hall.

ANNUAL JUNKTIQUE SALE is SAT. MAY 2 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Point Richmond’s Historic First United Methodist Church.

We are now accepting donations of still usable furniture, toys, books, electronics, appliances and other household items as we look forward to our biggest fundraiser of the year.  (Please no clothing, shoes, hide-a-beds, exercise equipment, metal frame recliners, particle board furniture.)

The church basement door facing West Richmond Ave. will be open for drop-off donations:
Wed. mornings through April from 10 am to noon.

          Thurs. evenings through April from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

             Sat. mornings through April from 10 a.m. to Noon

To arrange pick-up, email Jonathan Swett at jnscons@comcast.net,  Bill Thompson at abthompson2@comcast.net,  or Betty Graham at bettygraeham@gmail.com .

Please also email the above people to arrange to help in other ways:  to price, organize or clean items before the sale or to help move merchandise before, during or after the sale.

Don’t forget our Famous Lunch of Chili, Minestrone, Hot Dogs, & Pie from 11:30 a.m. til gone.
The day of the sale, come early and avail yourself of the bargains and unbelievable one-of-a-kind items. And bring a friend!

Save the Date: Saturday, May 16, 10 am to 3 pm, District Conference. Location to be announced. Rev. Schuyler Rhodes has sent this reminder. The Conference includes a Mission Fair with displays by local churches, a fair trade marketplace, training opportunities for Staff-Parish Relations Committee Members, Trustees, church council and more. Plus a briefing on legislation coming up at the Annual Conference.

Ca/Nev Annual Conference, June 17-20 (Wed. thru Sat.). This year’s theme is ” Engaging Faith in the Public Square”. Registration is now open at www.cnum.org/acs15. San Francisco Airport Hyatt Regency, 1333 Old Bayshore Hwy, Burlingame, CA.

Save the Dates: June 14-20 for Mt. Lassen Journey Farthest Out Camp. The camp provides a time apart for spiritual growth and opening our lives to God physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually. The vision is to provide a place where all people are accepted with the unconditional love that Jesus shares. All ages are welcome. Registration is open through  “Mt. Lassen JFO”.

The Methodist Federation for Social Action (MFSA) is meeting in San Antonio, Texas in conjunction with the Reconciling Ministries Network. Gather at the River, Thursday, August 6 to Sunday, August 9. The conference will be working on issues of justice throughout the church and resolutions they would like to see presented at the General Conference in 2016. Register at http://www.gather2015.org/.

Please send submissions for FUMC News and Events to Barbara Haley, editor: bahcats@sbcglobal.net

Richmond First United Methodist News and Events

Pastor’s Perspective

Here is Jean Reynolds’ Sermon from last Sunday.

The scripture I picked today is not the one from the lectionary, but it is one that has been on my mind lately. The Bible passage from Matthew 4: 8-22, tells about Jesus calling people to be his disciples. A similar story is told in three of the gospels – Luke 5: 1-11 and Mark 1: 16-20 are the other two places. Luke prefaces the tale by telling that the fishermen had been unsuccessful during a whole night of fishing, with not even a minnow in their nets; they quit work discouraged. Jesus asked them to try again. Under his watch, their net contained so many fish it nearly sank the boat. When they emptied some of the fish into a second boat, it nearly sank, too. Later, they came ashore, and Jesus asked them to follow him. “SURE!” They immediately took action and went with him. They witnessed Jesus’ power before they gave everything. Luke included more details in his story to convince the listener that James, John, Simon and Andrew might rationally leave behind work, families, and their past lives at Jesus’ invitation. The disciples in the other two versions seem to leave their work without a previous relationship with Jesus. It’s harder to understand their decision.

I recently attended a service of remembrance for people who have been martyrs for their role to seek peace and justice in the Philippines. I helped pick the theme: “Committed to Community.” Often the focus of analysis of the scriptures about the disciples being called is from the perspective that we should be fishers of people, like the disciples became. But at our gathering that evening, we explored what it means to be the ones who are fished. We considered what keeps us in the net – or as Jonathan and Diane would phrase it “caught in the spider web of love.”  Each of us wrote on a fish shape one reason we continue to be committed – a reason we keep our commitment to care.

I have been to the Philippines twice. The last time was in 2013. One of my Filipina-American “kasamas,” or partner in the peace movement, says that the pastoral visits she has made to the Philippines in solidarity with those who struggle make her feel closest to being like Jesus and the way he lived. She feels like she is aligned in Jesus’ path when she listens to and stands with people treated unjustly by their government.

I look at it a different way. I have learned from the activists in the Philippines what a life of commitment looks like. People of all ages there are involved in the peace and justice movement. They have been touched directly by Extra Judicial Killings, False Imprisonment, and Forced Disappearances of themselves, their friends, or family. [Aside: There is no capital punishment in The Philippines. A person cannot be sentenced to death through the legal system. If a powerful person wants you dead, they hire someone on the side or enlist private military.] The people I met are sensitive to the waste of resources fueled by consumerism. They are willing to sacrifice their time and money to care for others in need and to work for a more just government. I don’t feel like Jesus when I go there, I feel like I see him and his influence everywhere in the faces of the people I meet.

So, here’s where the rubber meets the road:

A week ago on Friday, March 6, I got an email from one of my team here that an emergency fact-finding mission to Mindanao, an island in the southern part of the Philippines, was scheduled for the next week. The emergency stemmed from an attack by the military on some people in Mamasapano recently: scores of people were killed in an operation to catch one rebel leader. My Philippine Solidarity Task Force group wanted me to go, and I would have to take a flight Saturday (the next day) in order to arrive in time to join the others on the mission. I don’t know how your lives are, but I had made quite a few prior commitments. The most immediate commitment was for the Saturday I was being asked to leave: I was hosting the “Journey Farthest Out” one-day retreat at our church, and was responsible for leading “Creatives.” I won’t bore you with a list of other things I had planned. When I got out my passport, I realized travel was out of the question. My passport is near its expiration date, and renewal would take longer than a Friday evening. I did not have to choose whether to leave behind my other activities. Since then, I have had to examine the extent of my commitment to community. Do I just think that community is important to me, and take comfort that I am one of the people who care, or am I ready to drop my nets (or in this case, my crayons and water colors) to go where I am needed, even if it conflicts with previously made plans? I find it so easy to live in a kind of gray zone of solving today’s SUDOKU, Jumble, Crossword Puzzle, checking FaceBook, Nextdoor, email, or reading the local news. I know other things have more value: making a phone call, engaging in direct face-to-face conversations with people to share ideas and deepen connections, reading good books, attending live theater, and taking time to write and reflect.

So, take a moment with me this morning, if you will, to think about the things you say you care about: the things you like to think are most important to you. And consider just how much you are willing to do to live out that commitment. Jesus disciples left their jobs behind, and their families. I do not know if they liked fishing, but it was their life work. It was what they knew would support them. It was a connection to their families. They didn’t achieve success as some people would measure it, but the world was changed from their work. If we can jar ourselves out of our comfortable habits once in awhile, the rewards and results can be remarkable and can change the world.

Update:  An International Peoples’ Tribunal (IPT) is set to convene on July 16-18, 2015 in Washington DC. Former US Congresswoman and peace advocate Cynthia McKinney will be among the distinguished panel of jurors who will hear live testimonies of witnesses from the Philippines. Organizations who called for the IPT include: the National Lawyers Guild, International Coalition for Human Rights in the Philippines, International Association of Democratic Lawyers, and IBON International.

The IPT will focus on the ongoing human rights violations in the Philippines and hold actions of President Aquino and the United States government accountable before the international community. The IPT will also probe the role increased US military presence and intervention in the Philippines plays in worsening the state of human rights in the country.

Joys and Concerns

Mid Received a call on 3/9l from Joanne Cheyne saying her sister, Betty Ellis, died.  She lived in Issaquah, WA.

Joanne commented that Betty loved this church where she was once a member.  She taught Sunday School, played the church piano, sang in the Choir active and Joanne repeated, “She loved this church”.  Refer to page 119 in Point Faithful, the 100 year history of this church. 

Joanne is asking for prayers for Betty. 

Lauren McLeod welcomes your prayers for healing.

Sandra Kokoruda (Fran Smith’s daughter) up date: Sandra thanks everyone for their prayers and concerns. Fran reports that Sandra is more animated and cheerful than she has been in months. Sandra has undergone 3 chemo treatments and feels good. Both Fran and Sandra ask that prayers continue.

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. Currently he is doing well.

Pat Dornan and Linda Pereira continue to need your prayers of support and healing. Update: Linda is now at Greenridge Nursing Home, room 2.

Robbie Robinson  would appreciate your prayers.

Helen Wysham welcomes your prayers for healing as she undergoes chemotherapy.

Bobby and Pamella Hall would like to be remembered in prayer as they go through some difficult personal times.

Arpha MacIntyre is requesting prayers as she comes to the end of her life with a terminal illness. Arpha played the piano at our church for many years. If you wish to send a card: Sierra View Homes Retirement Community, 1155 E. Springfield Ave., Reedly, CA 93654. Jane Carnall has spoken with Arpha several times and Arpha is thrilled to be getting cards and messages of love from our church community.

Please keep the people of Camp Liberty in your prayers as chaos reigns in Iraq and near the camp.

News

Kathe Kiehn and Heinz Lankford have been ceremoniously installed as our new Sweethearts. Robert Love, emcee, roasted them in a fantastical and funny story of their lives which generated much laughter. Other friends made more sincere remarks attached to stories of their commitment to the Point Richmond Community. Tammara Plankers passed on the Sweetheart Standard.  Our cook, Ingrid, made a scrumptious dinner for us to enjoy. Pastor Dan played the piano as we gathered. Our gratitude and thanks to Fran Smith for organizing this event and decorating festively with hearts and flowers.

CA/Nev Annual Conference registration is open at www.cnumc.org/acs15.

Imagine No Malaria has received the Care2 Innovator Award, an honor given to nonprofit causes that make a difference, by the Nonprofit Technology Conference on March 4 in Austin Texas for their 2014 World Malaria Day Campaign.

Imagine No Malaria receives a “Superhero Award” from the Rotarians Action Group on Malaria at the annual meeting of the Alliance for Malarial Prevention in Geneva, Switzerland. Imagine No Malaria, the only faith based organization to receive the Superhero Red Cape, was recognized for its efforts in reaching rural and hard-to-reach areas with its prevention methods. The award honors the size, breadth and ongoing dedication of the UMC’s work in which thousands have donated, resulting in thousands of children’s lives saved.

United Methodist Women are starting a collection for 10 School Kits. There will be a box in Friendship Hall for your donations. Lists of needed supplies will also be in Friendship Hall for pick up. Remember that you can only donate things that are on the list or UMCOR will remove them. Linda Woody-Wood is generously going to sew the school bags for us again. We would like to have our kits packed up and ready to go to the Annual Conference in June. Update: Rulers have been purchased so cross them off your list.

Generosity
Pastor Brian Adkins from Open Door UMC has sent this message.

The director of Children’s Ministries at Open Door, Liza Schlosser, is heading to Palestine with deacon Mike Friedrich, et al. I’m sending along her fund raising information in case you have someone in your congregation who is passionate about the cause and cannot go on the trip but would like to help a young person get there.

I’ve copied Liza, in case you or others want to reach out to her.

Here’s the link to her fundraising page:

https://life.indiegogo.com/fundraisers/let-s-send-liza-to-palestine

Don’t forget that donations for Imagine No Malaria are always welcome.

Events

.

Saturday, March 21, 10 am to 12 pm, United Methodist Women are meeting with Lara Choe to discuss a Korean Tea in the fall. We will meet at Doreen Leighton’s home, 236 Castro St., Point Richmond.

Sunday, March22, Outreach Committee is meeting after church. the major business is Junktique.  To refresh your minds, members of the committee are: Fran Smith; Chair, Pat Pearson, Betty Graham, Doreen Leighton, Tom Baynes, Steve Shank, Mim Drake, Scott Mclean, Robert Davis, Julio Osegueda and all who wish to help with Junktique plans.

Friday, March 27, 7:30 pm, PRJazz presents Christian Howes. Christian is a renowned violinist, performer and educator. he was nominated for Violinist of the Year, placed first in Downbeat Critics Poll, headlined six concerts at Lincoln Center and has toured internationally. First United Methodist Church, 201 Martina St., Point Richmond. Tickets $15 in advance, $20 at the door, For tickets and more info: prjazz.org. The Workshop will be Friday, March  27, 4pm at the church address. to sign up for the workshop: prjazz.org.

Good Friday Service, April 3, 7:30 pm

This year the churches of our Circuit will be observing Good Friday at El Sobrante UMC. The service will feature a mass choir and “Golgatha,” a dramatic interpretation of the passion of our Lord. The drama involves 8 characters and a narrator. Those interested in participating in this dramatic interpretation are invited to contact Noel Stout, noelstout@yahoo.com, 510-754-1503. El Sobrante UMC, 670 Appian Way, El Sobrante.

Easter Sunday, April 5: 8 am garden service, 9 am free community breakfast, 10 am Sunday School and 11 am service with choir. Easter egg hunt after church.

Saturday, April 11, 9 am- 1 pm, CA/NV United Methodist Women Legislative Event presents “Seeds of Peace: Alternatives to Violence”. The focus issue is Peaceful Alternatives to Violence with Police Chief Ed Medina from our Richmond Police Dept. speaking. Affecting Change with Domestic Violence Offenders with Donna Pedroza who is working with domestic violence felons through restorative justice methods to help the healing. Registration deadline April 5. First United Methodist Church, 2100 “J” Street, Sacramento. Car pool if enough people are interested in attending. Cost $15. Registration forms in Friendship Hall.

Save the Date: Saturday, May 16, 10 am to 3 pm, District Conference. Location to be announced. Rev. Schuyler Rhodes has sent this reminder. The Conference includes a Mission Fair with displays by local churches, a fair trade marketplace, training opportunities for Staff-Parish Relations Committee Members, Trustees, church council and more. Plus a briefing on legislation coming up at the Annual Conference.

Ca/Nev Annual Conference, June 17-20 (Wed. thru Sat.). This year’s theme is ” Engaging Faith in the Public Square”. Registration is now open at www.cnum.org/acs15. San Francisco Airport Hyatt Regency, 1333 Old Bayshore Hwy, Burlingame, CA.

Save the Dates: June 14-20 for Mt. Lassen Journey Farthest Out Camp. The camp provides a time apart for spiritual growth and opening our lives to God physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually. The vision is to provide a place where all people are accepted with the unconditional love that Jesus shares. All ages are welcome. Registration is open through  “Mt. Lassen JFO”.

The Methodist Federation for Social Action (MFSA) is meeting in San Antonio, Texas in conjunction with the Reconciling Ministries Network. Gather at the River, Thursday, August 6 to Sunday, August 9. The conference will be working on issues of justice throughout the church and resolutions they would like to see presented at the General Conference in 2016. Register at http://www.gather2015.org/.

Please send submissions for FUMC News and Events to Barbara Haley, editor: bahcats@sbcglobal.net

Richmond First United Methodist News and Events

Pastor’s Perspective

Dear Friends,

We heard a sermon from John-David Webster last week, and this week Jean Reynolds will be leading the service. I will be sharing my gifts with the Patterson Federated Church. Eileen and I are reading Lenten devotions at breakfast, using a guide called “Seek God for the City.” Tikiko, the pastor at St. Luke’s gave us a copy when we were there for Ash Wednesday. Using that guide, we are praying for all the countries of the world during Lent. I am looking forward to Easter in the Garden, and the whole morning celebration. Thank you for your faithfulness to our church and our ministries.

Love and Hope,

Dan

Joys and Concerns

Mid Received a call on 3/9l from Joanne Cheyne saying her sister, Betty Ellis, died.  She lived in Issaquah, WA.

Joanne commented that Betty loved this church where she was once a member.  She taught Sunday School, played the church piano, sang in the Choir active and Joanne repeated, “She loved this church”.  Refer to page 119 in Point Faithful, the 100 year history of this church. 

Joanne is asking for prayers for Betty. 

Lauren McLeod welcomes your prayers for healing.

Sandra Kokoruda (Fran Smith’s daughter) up date: Sandra thanks everyone for their prayers and concerns. Fran reports that Sandra is more animated and cheerful than she has been in months. Sandra has undergone 3 chemo treatments and feels good. Both Fran and Sandra ask that prayers continue.

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. Currently he is doing well.

Pat Dornan and Linda Pereira continue to need your prayers of support and healing. Update: Linda was hospitalized this week for tests because of a decline in consciousness and inability to move her legs. She is now alert but her brain and legs don’t seem to be connecting. She may return home this weekend with increased attendant care.

Robbie Robinson  would appreciate your prayers.

Helen Wysham welcomes your prayers for healing as she undergoes chemotherapy.

Bobby and Pamella Hall would like to be remembered in prayer as they go through some difficult personal times.

Arpha MacIntyre is requesting prayers as she comes to the end of her life with a terminal illness. Arpha played the piano at our church for many years. If you wish to send a card: Sierra View Homes Retirement Community, 1155 E. Springfield Ave., Reedly, CA 93654.

Please keep the people of Camp Liberty in your prayers as chaos reigns in Iraq and near the camp.

News

Missionaries Larry and Jane Kies have sent a letter from Africa. Please see attached.

Beginning Sunday, February 15 we will be honoring the memory of Helen Valentine with donations of your coins, checks or paper money to enable the children of the church to make a donation to the Heifer Project. We will be collecting through March 14. bring your coins, Norm Reynolds loves to roll them up for deposite in our Heifer Fund. March 15 is the last Sunday, so bring your coins!

Imagine No Malaria receives a “Superhero Award” from the Rotarians Action Group on Malaria at the annual meeting of the Alliance for Malarial Prevention in Geneva, Switzerland. Imagine No Malaria, the only faith based organization to receive the Superhero Red Cape, was recognized for its efforts in reaching rural and hard-to-reach areas with its prevention methods. The award honors the size, breadth and ongoing dedication of the UMC’s work in which thousands have donated, resulting in thousands of children’s lives saved.

United Methodist Women are starting a collection for 10 School Kits. There will be a box in Friendship Hall for your donations. Lists of needed supplies will also be in Friendship Hall for pick up. Remember that you can only donate things that are on the list or UMCOR will remove them. Linda Woody-Wood is generously going to sew the school bags for us again. We would like to have our kits packed up and ready to go to the Annual Conference in June. Update: Rulers have been purchased so cross them off your list.

One Great Hour of Sharing is coming March 15. This special Sunday donation goes to support the administrative costs for UMCOR which allows all the donations to UMCOR to be used for the needy.

Generosity
Pastor Brian Adkins from Open Door UMC has sent this message.

The director of Children’s Ministries at Open Door, Liza Schlosser, is heading to Palestine with deacon Mike Friedrich, et al. I’m sending along her fund raising information in case you have someone in your congregation who is passionate about the cause and cannot go on the trip but would like to help a young person get there.

I’ve copied Liza, in case you or others want to reach out to her.

Here’s the link to her fundraising page:

https://life.indiegogo.com/fundraisers/let-s-send-liza-to-palestine

Don’t forget that donations for Imagine No Malaria are always welcome.

Events

Beginning Sunday, February 15 thru March 15, we will be collecting coins and other forms of money, in memory of Helen Valentine and contributing the donations to buy animals or plants chosen by the children in the church for Heifer International.

Saturday, March 14, Annual Sweetheart Dinner: Heinz Lankford and Kathe Kiehn will be installed as our new sweethearts for 2015. Come and celebrate with us. Gathering music at 6:30 pm and dinner at 7 pm. San Pablo Yacht Club, 700 W. Cutting Blvd., Point Richmond. Tickets are $50 and reservations through Fran Smith at junosmith@aol.com. Mail checks to Fran at 2149 Beaujolais Ct. Fairfield, CA 94533. See attached flyer.

Sunday, March 15 Special Sunday. Your special donations for One Great Hour of Sharing Sunday go to pay the administrative costs for UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief). This ensures that the gifts you give to UMCOR all go to help those in need.

Tuesday, March 17, 9:30 am, Church Women United will be meeting at Easter Hill UMC, 2911 Cutting Blvd., Richmond. Gather at 9:30, meeting at 10 am, “World Day of Prayer”. Contact Jean Reynolds at 510 734 3942 or sweetheart05@mac.com for more information.

Saturday, March 21, 10 am to 12 pm, United Methodist Women are meeting with Lara Choe to discuss a Korean Tea in the fall. We will meet at Doreen Leighton’s home, 236 Castro St., Point Richmond.

Friday, March 27, 7:30 pm, PRJazz presents Christian Howes. Christian is a renowned violinist, performer and educator. he was nominated for Violinist of the Year, placed first in Downbeat Critics Poll, headlined six concerts at Lincoln Center and has toured internationally. First United Methodist Church, 201 Martina St., Point Richmond. Tickets $15 in advance, $20 at the door, For tickets and more info: prjazz.org. The Workshop will be Friday, March  27, 4pm at the church address. to sign up for the workshop: prjazz.org.

Good Friday Service, April 3, 7:30 pm

This year the churches of our Circuit will be observing Good Friday at El Sobrante UMC. The service will feature a mass choir and “Golgatha,” a dramatic interpretation of the passion of our Lord. The drama involves 8 characters and a narrator. Those interested in participating in this dramatic interpretation are invited to contact Noel Stout, noelstout@yahoo.com, 510-754-1503. El Sobrante UMC, 670 Appian Way, El Sobrante.

Easter Sunday, April 5: 8 am garden service, 9 am free community breakfast, 10 am Sunday School and 11 am service with choir.

Saturday, April 11, 9 am- 1 pm, CA/NV United Methodist Women Legislative Event presents “Seeds of Peace: Alternatives to Violence”. The focus issues is Peaceful Alternatives to Violence with Police Chief Ed Medina from our Richmond Police Dept. speaking. Affecting Change with Domestic Violence Offenders with Donna Pedroza who is working with domestic violence felons through restorative justice methods to help the healing. Registration deadline April 5. First United Methodist church, 2100 “J” Street, Sacramento. Car pool if enough people are interested in attending. Cost $15. Registration forms in Friendship Hall.

Save the Date: Saturday, May 16, 10 am to 3 pm, District Conference. Location to be announced. Rev. Schuyler Rhodes has sent this reminder. The Conference includes a Mission Fair with displays by local churches, a fair trade marketplace, training opportunities for Staff-Parish Relations Committee Members, Trustees, church council and more. Plus a briefing on legislation coming up at the Annual Conference.

Save the Dates: June 14-20 for Mt. Lassen Journey Farthest Out Camp. The camp provides a time apart for spiritual growth and opening our lives to God physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually. The vision is to provide a place where all people are accepted with the unconditional love that Jesus shares. All ages are welcome. Registration is open through  “Mt. Lassen JFO”.

The Methodist Federation for Social Action (MFSA) is meeting in San Antonio, Texas in conjunction with the Reconciling Ministries Network. Gather at the River, Thursday, August 6 to Sunday, August 9. The conference will be working on issues of justice throughout the church and issues they would like to see presented at the General Conference in 2016. Register at http://www.gather2015.org/.

Please send submissions for FUMC News and Events to Barbara Haley, editor: bahcats@sbcglobal.net

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Richmond First United Methodist News and Events

Pastor’s Perspective

Dear Friends,

Here are my notes from last Sunday:

My Soul’s Work, Mark 8:31-38

Pastor Dan Damon, Richmond 1^st UMC, 3-1-15

Introduction

The Holy Club was an organization at Christ Church, Oxford, set up by brothers John and Charles Wesley in 1729, who later contributed to the formation of the Methodist Church. Jeering college students scoffed at these “Methodists” who tried to systematically serve God every hour of the day. Members of the Holy Club set aside time for praying, examining their spiritual lives, studying the Bible, and meeting together. In addition, they took food to poor families, visited lonely people in prison, and taught orphans how to read. Members of the organization celebrated Holy Communion frequently and fasted on Wednesdays and Fridays until 3 P.M. Fellows of the Holy Club also studied and discussed the Greek New Testament as well as the Classics. Critics of the Holy Club on the Oxford Campus made up this rhyme:

This organization is often said to be the root of the influential Methodist Church. Meeting at 4 am they regularly asked one another “How is it with your soul?

Retell the Scripture Story

Jesus teaches the disciples that he must suffer, be rejected and killed, and after three days rise again.

Peter rebuked him.

Jesus says to Peter, “You don’t understand the ways of God.”

Jesus then said to the people, “If you will come after me, deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow me. If you try to save your life, you will lose it. If you lose your life for my sake, you will save it. What will it profit you if you gain the whole world, but lose your own soul? What will you give in exchange for your soul?”

Application

Here is a letter I received recently from a person who has been both hurt and helped by the church in her soul’s work. Let me read it [edited] to you:

Dear Rev. Damon,

My name is Debbie Richards I’m a Christian and I also happen to be a Transgender woman Male to Female Non-operative. Four years ago I decided to go through with the transition. In the process of deciding, I had to also decide whether or not to stay at my current Church. After a lot of prayer and meditation I decided I would stay. I wrote a coming out letter and explained that the majority of the Church was welcoming to me. There were some people who didn’t understand and still don’t.

In January of 2012 I had gone out of town for a planning retreat for Gay Lesbian Affirming Disciples [GLAD] Alliance. When I came home I learned that there was a very slanderous and hurtful letter written and handed out to all the adult Sunday school classes in my home church referring to me. I had spent one year of transition living full time as a woman at that point. This woman used my birth name and there was NOBODY in the Church who didn’t know who that was. I was called a “tool of the devil sent to separate and conquer.” I was very hurt and was ready to leave. I prayed to God for the next few weeks asking for discernment if i should stay or go and where would I go living in a small town with only one affirming Church in the town.
About two weeks after this incident had occurred, our minister was out of town and the son-in-law of the woman who had written the letter about me was preaching that day. He knew his mother-in-law would be there and she was. He preached about inclusion and made it a point to mention transgender people in his message. The hymn of discipleship for that day was your song, “Strong Gentle Children.” When the second verse started playing, I had my answer. I heard the entire verse: “Strong hurting children, angry and terrified, open the secrets your life has concealed. Though you are wounded, know you are not to blame, cry out your story till truth is revealed.”

I heard God loud and clear that day during that song, I heard God tell me “Though you are wounded, KNOW YOU ARE NOT to blame, CRY OUT your story till TRUTH is revealed. So, that is what I did. I stayed. I knew I was not to blame and I cried out my story as much as I possibly could.  This song has meant so much to me because of that message. I thank you for it. It has helped me heal, and has given me strength to move on.

About a year after that incident, I ended up having to move out of state because being transgender in a small town in Indiana sometimes doesn’t work. I am now in Louisville Kentucky and I have been a member of an Open and Affirming Congregation for a year, We are hosting a service for the Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR) (a day set aside to remember and memorialize transgender people all around the world who have been murdered just for being who they were due to the unfortunate ignorance and hatred in the world. You can find out more on TDOR at the website. http://tdor.info/about-2/)

At my church I am singing special music in the service. The song I picked is  “Strong Gentle Children” because this song has spoken to me so personally as a transgender and as a transgender woman.

Thank you, Rev. Damon, for writing this song and sharing these words of healing with the world. I just wanted to send you a personal thank you and share with you my story about how your song has touched my life so much with healing. Thank you so very much Rev. Damon.
In Christ,

A Strong Hurting Child,

Debbie Richards

What is the work of your soul this Lenten season? Do you know? Have you thought about it? Is Lent a time for reflection? Is it a time to turn away from a hurtful behavior? Is it a time to turn toward life, joy, and health? The friends of John Wesley used to greet each other with the question, “How is it with your soul?” The question is still good after more than two hundred years. I invite you to live with this question during this holy season.

Let us be in prayer

Joys and Concerns

Lauren McLeod welcomes your prayers for healing.

Sandra Kokoruda (Fran Smith’s daughter) up date: Sandra thanks everyone for their prayers and concerns. Fran reports that Sandra is more animated and cheerful than she has been in months. The wound has healed, the drain is out and the infection is gone! The IV port for chemo was inserted this week and treatment will begin on Tuesday. Both Fran and Sandra ask that prayers continue.

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. Currently he is doing well.

Pat Dornan and Linda Pereira continue to need your prayers of support and healing. Update: Linda is pretty much in a wheelchair and using a walkerto try to cut down on the number of falls she has been having.They are still open to visitors, so drop by if you can.

Robbie Robinson  would appreciate your prayers.

Helen Wysham welcomes your prayers for healing as she undergoes chemotherapy.

Bobby and Pamella Hall would like to be remembered in prayer as they go through some difficult personal times.

Arpha MacIntyre is requesting prayers as she comes to the end of her life with a terminal illness. Arpha played the piano at our church for many years

Please keep the people of Camp Liberty in your prayers as chaos reigns in Iraq and near the camp.

News

Don’t forget that this Saturday, March 7, we
turn our clocks AHEAD one hour at bedtime — Spring ahead.

Beginning Sunday, February 15 we will be honoring the memory of Helen Valentine with donations of your coins, checks or paper money to enable the children of the church to make a donation to the Heifer Project. We will be collecting through March 14. bring your coins, Norm Reynolds loves to roll them up for deposite in our Heifer Fund.

Imagine No Malaria receives a “Superhero Award” from the Rotarians Action Group on Malaria at the annual meeting of the Alliance for Malarial Prevention in Geneva, Switzerland. Imagine No Malaria, the only faith based organization to receive the Superhero Red Cape, was recognized for its efforts in reaching rural and hard-to-reach areas with its prevention methods. The award honors the size, breadth and ongoing dedication of the UMC’s work in which thousands have donated, resulting in thousands of children’s lives saved.

The World Health Organization’s World Malaria Report 2014 shows a dramatic decrease in deaths. Sub-Saharan Africa is where 90% of the cases occur and UMCOR will be giving out millions of bed nets this year from your donations to Imagine No Malaria, which is short $10 million dollars of the $75 million needed. The bed nets in Africa will go to areas where access is most limited hoping to increase the use to 90-98% of the people. WHO states we are on the right course. Won’t you help with a donation?

United Methodist Women are starting a collection for 10 School Kits. There will be a box in Friendship Hall for your donations. Lists of needed supplies will also be in Friendship Hall for pick up. Remember that you can only donate things that are on the list or UMCOR will remove them. Linda Woody-Wood is generously going to sew the school bags for us again. We would like to have our kits packed up and ready to go to the Annual Conference in June. Update: Rulers have been purchased so cross them off your list.

One Great Hour of Sharing is coming March 15. This special Sunday donation goes to support the administrative costs for UMCOR which allows all the donations to UMCOR to be used for the needy.

Generosity

 
Pastor Brian Adkins from Open Door UMC has sent this message.

The director of Children’s Ministries at Open Door, Liza Schlosser, is heading to Palestine with deacon Mike Friedrich, et al. I’m sending along her fund raising information in case you have someone in your congregation who is passionate about the cause and cannot go on the trip but would like to help a young person get there.

I’ve copied Liza, in case you or others want to reach out to her.

Here’s the link to her fundraising page:

https://life.indiegogo.com/fundraisers/let-s-send-liza-to-palestine

Many thanks,

Brian

Don’t forget that donations for Imagine No Malaria are always welcome.

Events

Beginning Sunday, February 15 thru March 14, we will be collecting coins and other forms of money, in memory of Helen Valentine and contributing the donations to buy animals or plants chosen by the children in the church for Heifer International.

Saturday, March 7, 10 am to 4 pm, All JFO Spring Retreat. Journey Farthest Out provides camping experiences for development of body, mind and spirit by giving an opportunity to explore one’s inner spirituality and find ways to go farther out in one’s relationship to God. Come for a day of meditation, singing, speaker, creative/sharing, prayer group, World Prayer Broadcast and a blessing ceremony. Light breakfast provided, bring a bag lunch. RSVP to Jean Reynolds 510 734 3942 or sweetheart05@mac.com. More information at: jfocamps.com/home.

Sunday, March 8: Pastor Dan and JFO Song Leader John David Webster will be presenting our sermon in song.

Thursday, March 12, Administrative Board Meeting, 7 pm in Friendship Hall.

Friday, March 13, 7:30 pm, Point Richmond Acoustic presents Ernest Troost with special guest Laura Zucker. Singer, songwriter, bluesman, Ernest Troost, mixes traditional country blues and ragtime influences with spell-binding lyrics. Laura Zucker writes straightforward, wonderfully crafted songs reminiscent of Carole King’s “Tapestry” period. Advance tickets $15, at the door, $20. First United Methodist Church, 201 Martina St. Point Richmond. More info and advance ticket sales at Point Richmond Acoustic.

Saturday, March 14, Annual Sweetheart Dinner: Heinz Lankford and Kathe Kiehn will be installed as our new sweethearts for 2015. Come and celebrate with us. Gathering music at 6:30 pm and dinner at 7 pm. San Pablo Yacht Club, 700 W. Cutting Blvd., Point Richmond. Tickets are $50 and reservations through Fran Smith at junosmith@aol.com. Mail checks to Fran at 2149 Beaujolais Ct. Fairfield, CA 94533. See attached flyer.

Sunday, March 15 Special Sunday. Your special donations for One Great Hour of Sharing Sunday go to pay the administrative costs for UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief). This ensures that the gifts you give to UMCOR all go to help those in need.

Tuesday, March 17, 9:30 am, Church Women United will be meeting at Easter Hill UMC, 2911 Cutting Blvd., Richmond. Gather at 9:30, meeting at 10 am, “World Day of Prayer”. Contact Jean Reynolds at 510 734 3942 or sweetheart05@mac.com for more information.

Good Friday Service, April 3, 7:30 pm

This year the churches of our Circuit will be observing Good Friday at El Sobrante UMC. The service will feature a mass choir and “Golgatha,” a dramatic interpretation of the passion of our Lord. The drama involves 8 characters and a narrator. Those interested in participating in this dramatic interpretation are invited to contact Noel Stout, noelstout@yahoo.com, 510-754-1503. El Sobrante UMC, 670 Appian Way, El Sobrante.

Save the Date: Saturday, May 16, 10 am to 3 pm, District Conference. Location to be announced. Rev. Schuyler Rhodes has sent this reminder. The Conference includes a Mission Fair with displays by local churches, a fair trade marketplace, training opportunities for Staff-Parish Relations Committee Members, Trustees, church council and more. Plus a briefing on legislation coming up at the Annual Conference.

Save the Dates: June 14-20 for Mt. Lassen Journey Farthest Out Camp. Just to let you know the dates. More info in March, including registration.

The Methodist Federation for Social Action (MFSA) is meeting in San Antonio, Texas in conjunction with the Reconciling Ministries Network. Gather at the River, Thursday, August 6 to Sunday, August 9. The conference will be working on issues of justice throughout the church and issues they would like to see presented at the General Conference in 2016. Register at http://www.gather2015.org/.

Please send submissions for FUMC News and Events to Barbara Haley, editor: bahcats@sbcglobal.net.

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