Events

New Membership Class starting Sunday, June 28 at 10 am in Friendship Hall as part of the Adult Sunday School. Please let Pastor Dan know if you are interested in joining our congregation. Regular Sunday School attendees are encouraged to come as well. We will welcome new members on September 13.

Thursday, September 10, 7 pm,  Administrative Board Meeting in Friendship Hall. All interested parties are welcome.

Saturday, September 19, 1-3 pm United Methodist Women’s meeting at Mid Dornan’s home, 220 Bishop Alley, Point Richmond. We will be planning food for the Art Auction and our upcoming Korean Tea.

Sunday, September 20 Susan Peters, Executive Director of the California-Nevada United Methodist Foundation will be our guest preacher. During the coffee hour she will talk to people who are interested in learning how to set up an endowment for our church as part of our planning for the future of our church.  Kristi Johnson is organizing a pot luck lunch.

Sunday, September 20, 7:30 pm, the Dan Damon Quartet with Eileen Johnson will present a jazz concert, “Down By the Riverside” with jazz and congregational song. Suggested donation $15. This is a fundraiser for the church. First United Methodist Church, 201 Martina St., Point Richmond.

Friday, September 25, 7:30 pm, the Point Richmond Jazz series starts the season with Paul Anastasio and Tony Marcus. Tickets online prjazz.org, $20, at door $25. First United Methodist Church, 201 Martina St., Point Richmond.

Saturday, September 26, 4-7 pm, 7th Annual Jean Eakle Art Auction and Gala, Point San Pablo Yacht Club, 700 W. Cutting Blvd. Richmond. Bring your friends! Up for bid will be door prizes, arts and crafts and jewelry. We will have live music, hors d’oeuvres and a no host bar is available. Suggested donation $10 at the door. Tax deductible Donations needed: Arts, crafts, jewelry, pottery, photography, cash or gift certificates for auction and door prizes. Contact Diane, dianefrary@comcast.net or Debbie, debbenko160@aol.com. Donations can be dropped off any Sunday morning 10-11 am and 12-1 pm at First United Methodist Church, 201 Martina St., Point Richmond.

Saturday, October 10: You are invited to a Korean Tea. There are two seatings: 11:30 am and 1:30 pm. We will have three people in authentic Korean dress. Come and enjoy yourselves and learn more about Korean culture and tradition and feast on authentic Korean foods. This should be a fun event for all ages. Bring your friends and children. $20 adults, $10 children. For reservations contact Doreen Leighton at 510 307 5461 or d3leighton@icloud.com. This is a fundraiser for the United Methodist Women to continue their good works in the church and community. First United Methodist Church, 201 Martina Street, Point Richmond. 

Richmond First United Methodist News and Events

Pastor’s Perspective

We plan to joyfully receive new members during the September 13 worship service. Please let Pastor Damon know if you’d like to join the church.

Come Away, Song of Solomon 2:8-13

Pastor Dan Damon, Richmond 1^st UMC, 8-30-15

Introduction

Mid taught the membership class this morning. She read a story from her book, Point Faithful, 2002 that is so good I just have to share it with you.

Rev. Calfee Baptizes Woman, 1906

Rev. D.W. Calfee was five feet seven inches, weighed a good two hundred pounds, and wore a Prince Albert hat ample enough to go one and one-half times around his ample form. In those days Methodist ministers went to Preachers’ Meeting Monday morning almost as regularly as they had gone to church the day before. He was one of the then few remaining frontiersmen for God. During one of these meetings he said, “Boys, I want to warn you—I narrowly escaped with my life yesterday!”

He went on: “A woman wanted to be baptized—by immersion. All right, Sister,” I told her. “There is God the Father, and God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost; all different, but all the same. There is baptism by sprinkling and baptism by pouring, and baptism by immersion; all different, but all the same. Only if you want to be immersed we will do it in God’s open water.” She agreed. So I said we’d do it in the Bay Sunday at 3.

“But boys, there was my downfall—I forgot to check on the tide—and it was out. I said to her, “Sister, I think we’d better wait till some other time.” She said, “No, all my friends are here today (the hill was half covered with them) and we must do it now.” So we started out.

“That water looked a mile away, and in between nothing but the bay’s stickiest mud! I was twice as heavy as she, and sank in at least twice as far. I didn’t know whether I could make it. By the time we reached the water I was clean done out. We managed to get out to where it was ankle deep. I said, “Sister, do you think this is deep enough?” “Oh, no,” she said, “I could never get under here.” Pretty soon I said again, “Sister, don’t you think it is deep enough now?” But she said, “Oh, no, I’m sure it’s not.”

Finally the water was nearly six inches deep, and I was plumb tuckered. I had learned my lesson. I didn’t ask her again. I was too tired to take any chances. I just said, “All right, Sister, here’s where we go ahead.” I believed I could get her down deep enough in the mud so that the water would cover her. I tell you it was some job, BUT I DID!”

“But, boys, learn from my downfall. In all your ministry be sure you work WITH God’s tides, not against them!”

Retell the Scripture Story

Norah Jones sang “Come Away with Me” on her debut album in 2002. It is a lovely romantic song. Here are the first lines:

Come away with me

in the night

and I will write you a song.

As you know, romance has been around for a long time. Maybe you didn’t realize we have some love poetry in the Bible. Some time you might try reading the Bible book The Song of Solomon. It is also called “The Songs of Songs,” which is Solomon’s.

Scholars tell us that, like many books of the Bible, this book was attributed to Solomon, but not actually written by him. It is a collection of poems from different writers. This always makes the Bible more powerful and interesting to me—not less. I like to think that God works through people like me— people like us.

The Song of Solomon is similar to other writings in the ancient Near East. Marc Brettler is a Jewish scholar who cites some of these poems in his book, How to Read the Bible. [Jewish Publication Society, 2005]

It was not written as an allegory, but it has been interpreted that way in both rabbinic and Christian traditions. Brettler writes, “Its hearty approach to sexuality does not fit most depictions of love and sex elsewhere in the Bible; but given the nature of the Bible as a diverse collection itself, this should not be surprising. The ambiguity of the imagery in this book contributes to its beauty.“

The Song may have become part of the Bible through its allegorical interpretation [Christ’s love for the church] while at the same time it was treasured by ancient Israelites as a secular work that celebrates human love.

Application

In our lives we need a mixture of work and rest, of service to others and care for ourselves. If we get the balance wrong, everyone suffers. The Song of Songs is for those lovely times away from it all. The letter from James reminds us of the service that accompanies true faith. Faith without works is dead. [James 1:22] On our own we can do little. With God’s help, in communities of faith, we can do much.

James reminds us to be swift to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger. If we hear the word and do not respond with loving actions, we are like people who look in the mirror and go away forgetting what we saw. When we leave the sanctuary to enter Friendship Hall for the coffee hour let us remember what we heard and saw and experienced in our time of worship and prayer. Let us not go away unchanged, unmoved. When we depart from the hall into the world, let us take the light and the hope of this moment with us into the world. Our students need us. Our customers and employees need us. The people on the street need us to carry the light at all times.

James also gives us the practical reminder, “If anyone seems to be religious, but bridles not his/her tongue, this person’s religion is in vain. We all have many thoughts that we do not speak. These thoughts come and go at an amazing rate day after day. Be slow to speak. If the thought is not from love, if the word is not kind, let it pass unvoiced. Build up the community of faith. Do not tear it down with your words or your actions.

Pure religion is this, James says, to visit the orphans and the widows. A simple act of kindness is better than many words spoken in haste.

John Wesley is credited with these words:

“Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, as long as ever you can.”

These words are a call to loving action.

In faith communities we need people who are willing to wash the pots and cups. These are mentioned in the gospel for today [Mark 7:1-23]. I did not select that for reading in the service today, but I have preached on it in the past. Jesus and his followers were being criticized for eating with unclean hands. Jesus responds that some Jews were following the letter of the law by carefully washing their hands, their pot, and their cups, but they were forgetting to follow the spirit of the law, which is love— always love.

As we perform the necessary tasks of community life, whether greeting, making coffee, teaching, or painting, let us always remember to love. When we love and care for ourselves first, then we are able to joyfully and effectively care for others. This is the balance we seek.

Charles Wesley, the hymnwriter, wrote “Come Away to the Skies” for his wife’s birthday. I close today’s sermon with the first of the seven stanzas:

Come away to the skies,

my beloved, arise,

and rejoice in the day you were born.

On this festival day

come exulting away,

and with singing to Zion return.

Let us be in prayer.

Joys and Concerns

Our dear church friend, Pat King, is requesting prayers for healing. She is slowly recovering from surgery and anticipates further surgery later in the fall. Her spirits are good and she hopes to come to church soon.

Please keep Katherine Parker, our missionary, and the people of Nepal in your prayers.

Deby McFadyen is requesting prayers for three young friends who are battling cancer. Please remember Sarah Talkington, Carolyn Thomas a Jimmy Lowe in your prayers.

Sandra Kokoruda (Fran Smith’s daughter) The Latest and Best! Sandra has completed chemotherapy and her scan shows no presence of cancer! She thanks us all for our prayers and she is ecstatically happy.

Pat Dornan and Linda Pereira continue to need your prayers of support. Update: Hospice services have started. Pat says that Linda is more alert and has been able to be up in the wheel chair for short periods of time. Lorraine, Linda’s mother, is home with 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.

News

From Jean Reynolds: I am serving lunch for the CA-NV Philippine Solidarity Task Force basketball tournament Saturday, September 12. Norm and I will make spaghetti sauce for about 150 people. Can you provide 2 – 4 lbs. of plain, cooked and drained spaghetti packed in one-gallon ziplock bags? You can bring it to the church early Saturday morning, or I can pick it up. Thanks in advance for anyone who is able to contribute!

Everyone is invited to the tournament at Alameda Point Gym, 1101 West Red Line Ave, Alameda. During the lunch break, between 12 noon and 1:30 PM, people who went on the Pastoral and Solidarity Visit to the Philippines in July will share what part of the trip impacted them most. Proceeds from the event benefit the Philippine Solidarity Task Force. Task Force members plan annual solidarity visits to the Philippines, share stories of hardships Filipinos face, and advocate for human rights here and in the Philippines. Entry and lunch is just $10.

Pinole UMC is celebrating 125 Years of Blessedness with events throughout October.  October 3 Walkathon; October 10 Concert; October 18 Worship Homecoming; October 30 Trunk or Treat. See attached flyer. 2000 San Pablo Ave., Pinole. Support our sister church if you can.

Pastor Dan will be away at Journey Farthest Out Camp at lake Tahoe, Sept. 27 through Oct.4. Fran Smith will be speaking about her experience regarding reconciling ministries at the San Antonio conference “Gather at the River”. If you are interested in attending the JFO Camp at Zephyr Cove, contact Carol Horn at 530 595 3290 to see if any spaces remain.

News from Camp Liberty in Iraq: Since July 13th the Iraqi government has stopped supplies from entering Camp Liberty. They have prevented supplies of food, fuel and septic tank trucks from entering the compound. The lack of fuel means that the generators can not function so there is no electricity, no sewage system, no air conditioners with the temperature reaching 120 degrees. The United States Committee for Camp Ashraf is asking our Secretary of State, John Kerry, to intervene as well as the United Nations. Please remember these people in your prayers and that actions are taken to reverse this situation. One man has died due to refusal to allow his treatment for cancer.

Katherine Parker, missionary in Nepal: Katherine reports that the emphasis now will be on long-term recovery efforts in Dhang province. Katherine will continue to work with WASH, nutrition and psycho-social support. Non-earthquake work is resuming and Katherine will soon be traveling to Rukum and Rupandehi for the baseline survey of their community health program focusing on maternal and child health.

Generosity

UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief) has donated a $10,000 grant to victims of the fires in Lakeport County. The Lakeport United Methodist Church has opened their Thrift Shop to victims of the fire who may choose donated clothing for free. Two of the three firefighters who died in the fire last week in Washington State were United Methodists.

New Public Address System: Donations are coming in to support our new system. Donations are $45 for a whole piano key which you can color and sign and donations of any amount are welcome. Karen Merkle, who died early in June left a Memorial Donation of $500 to our church. The Memorial Committee has donated the money to our new sound system. Karen would be pleased since music was such a large part of her life. See the display of piano keys and further information at the desk in the back in Friendship Hall. We are about halfway to our goal.

If you would like to donate for relief for the people of Nepal, go to umcor.org the Advance.

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

Events

New Membership Class starting Sunday, June 28 at 10 am in Friendship Hall as part of the Adult Sunday School. Please let Pastor Dan know if you are interested in joining our congregation. Regular Sunday School attendees are encouraged to come as well. We will welcome new members on September 13.

Thursday, September 10, 7 pm,  Administrative Board Meeting in Friendship Hall. All interested parties are welcome.

Saturday, September 19, 1-3 pm United Methodist Women’s meeting at Mid Dornan’s home, 220 Bishop Alley, Point Richmond. We will be planning food for the Art Auction and our upcoming Korean Tea.

Sunday, September 20 Susan Peters, Executive Director of the California-Nevada United Methodist Foundation will be our guest preacher. During the coffee hour she will talk to people who are interested in learning how to set up an endowment for our church as part of our planning for the future of our church.  Kristi Johnson is organizing a pot luck lunch.

Sunday, September 20, 7:30 pm, the Dan Damon Quartet with Eileen Johnson will present a jazz concert, “Down By the Riverside” with jazz and congregational song. Suggested donation $15. This is a fundraiser for the church. First United Methodist Church, 201 Martina St., Point Richmond.

Friday, September 25, 7:30 pm, the Point Richmond Jazz series starts the season with Paul Anastasio and Tony Marcus. Tickets online prjazz.org, $20, at door $25. First United Methodist Church, 201 Martina St., Point Richmond.

Saturday, September 26, 4-7 pm, 7th Annual Jean Eakle Art Auction and Gala, Point San Pablo Yacht Club, 700 W. Cutting Blvd. Richmond. Bring your friends! Up for bid will be door prizes, arts and crafts and jewelry. We will have live music, hors d’oeuvres and a no host bar is available. Suggested donation $10 at the door. Tax deductible Donations needed: Arts, crafts, jewelry, pottery, photography, cash or gift certificates for auction and door prizes. Contact Diane, dianefrary@comcast.net or Debbie, debbenko160@aol.com. Donations can be dropped off any Sunday morning 10-11 am and 12-1 pm at First United Methodist Church, 201 Martina St., Point Richmond.

Saturday, October 10: You are invited to a Korean Tea. There are two seatings: 11:30 am and 1:30 pm. We will have three people in authentic Korean dress. Come and enjoy yourselves and learn more about Korean culture and tradition and feast on authentic Korean foods. This should be a fun event for all ages. Bring your friends and children. $20 adults, $10 children. For reservations contact Doreen Leighton at 510 307 5461 or d3leighton@icloud.com. This is a fundraiser for the United Methodist Women to continue their good works in the church and community. First United Methodist Church, 201 Martina Street, Point Richmond. 

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

We plan to joyfully receive new members during the September 13 worship service. Please let Pastor Damon know if you’d like to join the church.

The King’s Prayer, 1 Kings 8:22-30, 41-43

Pastor Dan Damon, Richmond 1^st UMC, 8-23-15

Introduction

On October 24 the United Methodist Women of our church will be hosting a Korean Tea. Lara Choe will wear traditional Korean dress. My mother-in-law, Chong Sun “Sun” Johnson and my wife Eileen M. [Mi Ryeo: Korean word for beautiful] Johnson will wear the gowns they wore for a wedding July 9, 1999. I am looking forward to seeing my bride in her wedding dress again.

Sun, Eileen, and I just enjoyed three days and two nights at the St. Bernard Lodge near Lassen Volcanic National Park. We took a walk around Manzanita Lake, saw the mountains and the mud pots, and shot some pool in the evening at the lodge. We drove home on State Route 70 descending through the Feather River Canyon. We enjoyed the great cliff walls and the many railroad and highway bridges as we travelled.

You may know that our district is called Bridges, for the bridges in the bay area. We were in the Great Northern District. We saw a pretty little United Methodist Church in Greenville, CA as we travelled home. They are running a thrift shop there in that lovely small town. Prayer and ministry to the community is a good combination.

Retell the Scripture Story

According to the Bible story, David, a warrior king, was not allowed to build the temple. His son, Solomon built the temple in Jerusalem. This is part of his prayer of dedication:

“When a foreigner, who is not of your people Israel, comes from a distant land because of your name—for they shall hear of your great name, your mighty hand, and your outstretched arm—when a foreigner comes and prays toward this house, then hear in heaven, your dwelling place, and do according to all that the foreigner calls to you, so that all the peoples of the earth may know your name and fear you, as do your people Israel, and so that they may know that your name has been invoked on this house that I have built.” [2 Kings 8:41-43]

We are now a place where people pray to God in many languages: Korean, Mandarin, Russian, Spanish, Taiwanese, Farsi, and English. It is wonderful to find Solomon praying so many years ago for God to hear all the prayers of the world, and not just the prayers of his own people.

Of course, we imagine that now quite easily. We travel the world by sea or by air. We surf the internet and communicate by email, skype, and more. When Eileen and I were courting, long distance calls from Richmond to Chicago cost ten cents a minute. Do you remember those days long ago?

As we read and sang today [Ps 84:3], “The sparrow finds a home near the altar of God.” We may travel far, but we are free to find a home wherever we land. We can say with Ruth, “Your people will be my people, and your God, my God.”

There is a verse near the end of [John 6] that I’d like to highlight today, as I touch on three of the four readings in the lectionary. Jesus asked the twelve, “Do you also wish to go away?” Many were turning back and no longer followed him. But Peter said, “Lord, to whom can we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and know that you are the Holy One of God.” [v. 68]

Application

There are United Methodist Churches all around us. They are located in Pinole, El Sobrante, on Cutting, on the Arlington, and on Barrett. I meet with the United Methodist pastors once a month for prayer, bridge-building, support, and mission strategy. Brian Adkins, pastor of Open Door United Methodist Church, 6226 Arlington Boulevard, Richmond, read this prayer to open our recent circuit meeting. I’d like to read it as I close my sermon today. It is from The Gates of the House (The New Union Home Prayer Book) by Chaim Stern, p. 94.

Unless God builds the house, its builders toil in vain. [Ps. 127:1]

“Creator of the universe, by whose will the world is renewed day by day, you have implanted in us a spark of your creative will. You have made us your partners in the building of the world, and we are grateful.

Often we cannot know the outcome of our work. At times, in our ignorance or our greed, we mar the landscape of your creation. Enlighten [us] with your wisdom, therefore, that we do not impoverish the very world that sustains our lives. Let us gain our livelihoods honorably; and as we strive for ourselves, let nothing we do be built upon another’s ruin or result in misery and pain. Rather, let us add to the contentment of others, through our devotion to justice, goodness, and truth.

In this enterprise we need strength. We need a clear vision and wise judgment. But more than all this we need the wisdom not to become so immersed in our task that we neglect our dear ones, or injure our health, or become remote from You, Divine Spirit of the world, the Well of living waters. May we walk with those we love in the light of your presence, O God, and use all our powers for blessing. Amen.”

I invite you now to share your joys and concerns, either aloud, or in the stillness of your heart, knowing that God speaks your language, knowing that God hears and understands, for God speaks the language of the heart.

Let us be in prayer.

Joys and Concerns

Our dear church friend, Pat King, is requesting prayers for healing. She is slowly recovering from surgery and anticipates further surgery later in the fall. Her spirits are good and she hopes to come to church soon.

Please keep Katherine Parker, our missionary, and the people of Nepal in your prayers.

Deby McFadyen is requesting prayers for three young friends who are battling cancer. Please remember Sarah Talkington, Carolyn Thomas a Jimmy Lowe in your prayers.

Sandra Kokoruda (Fran Smith’s daughter) update: Sandra thanks everyone for their prayers and concerns. Fran reports that Sandra is more animated and cheerful. She is having chemotherapy every two weeks and it should be completed the end of August. After the chemo she will have a follow up MRI. Both Fran and Sandra ask that prayers continue.

Pat Dornan and Linda Pereira continue to need your prayers of support. Update: Hospice services have started. Pat says that Linda is more alert and has been able to be up in the wheel chair for short periods of time. Lorraine, Linda’s mother, is home with 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.

News

Saturday, August 29, 6-8 pm, Panel Discussion sponsored by the Iranian American Community of Northern California. The panel will discuss the 1988 massacre of over 30,000 political prisoners in Iran. They will also discuss current issues related to the Iran Nuclear Deal and human rights issues regarding the mistreatment of political prisoners and the crackdown on any type of social dissent. UC Berkeley International House, Chevron Auditorium, 2299 Piedmont Ave., Berkeley. Free: RSVP: http://goo.gl/EMOEqX.

Saturday, August 29 El Sobrante UMC presents Sweet Pea and The Beans along with the Kairos Band. There will be an ice cream social starting at 5 pm and the concert starts at 7 pm. 670 Apian Way, El Sobrante. Support our sister church if you can.

Jean Reynolds went to San Antonio, Texas for the “Gather at the River” conference and she ended up having her appendix removed! She returned home on Monday and on Tuesday was participating in Vacation Bible School and loving it! She is truly thankful for the wonderful help she has had with Pastor Dan, Bethany Reynolds, Rachel Herrin, Bill Thompson and others stepping in to help make the week a success. Every day there were more children as word spread through the community about what fun it is. There were 15-18 children attending!

United Methodist Women’s Retreat:  Six women and Pastor Dan met at Mid Dornan’s cabin on the Russian River for a day of business, election of officers, sharing and fellowship among the Redwoods. New officers: Doreen Leighton remains President, Kristi Johnson, Secretary and Barbara Haley, Treasurer. We discussed food for our Korean tea and we will be going to lunch at a Korean restaurant to sample foods Aug. 30th after church for more ideas. Anyone who is interested in helping with food preparation is welcome to come. Pastor Dan brought his Indian flute and played background music as we visited at break times. We discussed plans for the coming year and areas of interest for our energy and resources to be used best. Our sincere thanks to Mid for providing such a lovely place to meet. As always, the food was great with special thanks to Doreen for that wonderful berry and peach pie!

Pinole UMC is celebrating 125 Years of Blessedness with events throughout October.  October 3 Walkathon; October 10 Concert; October 18 Worship Homecoming; October 30 Trunk or Treat. See attached flyer. 2000 San Pablo Ave., Pinole. Support our sister church if you can.

Pastor Dan will be away at Journey Farthest Out Camp at lake Tahoe, Sept. 27 through Oct.4. Fran Smith will be speaking about her experience regarding reconciling ministries at the San Antonio conference “Gather at the River”. If you are interested in attending the JFO Camp at Zephyr Cove, contact Carol Horn at 530 595 3290 to see if any spaces remain.

News from Camp Liberty in Iraq: Since July 13th the Iraqi government has stopped supplies from entering Camp Liberty. They have prevented supplies of food, fuel and septic tank trucks from entering the compound. The lack of fuel means that the generators can not function so there is no electricity, no sewage system, no air conditioners with the temperature reaching 120 degrees. The United States Committee for Camp Ashraf is asking our Secretary of State, John Kerry, to intervene as well as the United Nations. Please remember these people in your prayers and that actions are taken to reverse this situation. One man has died due to refusal to allow his treatment for cancer.

Katherine Parker, missionary in Nepal: Katherine reports that the emphasis now will be on long-term recovery efforts in Dhang province. Katherine will continue to work with WASH, nutrition and psycho-social support. Non-earthquake work is resuming and Katherine will soon be traveling to Rukum and Rupandehi for the baseline survey of their community health program focusing on maternal and child health.

Generosity

Art Auction: Debbie Benko is requesting items for door prizes of gift baskets with a theme, such as a coffee basket, chocolate basket, spa items (nice soap, lotion, loofah scrub), tea basket, dog or cat treat basket. You get the idea. Please bring your items to church.

Update from Debbie:

I have 4 baskets started and am always looking for other ideas.  Coffee Basket is pretty much done.  The other 3 baskets could use some help:

Coffee Basket could use 2 mugs (not necessary) and that’s all we need.  (already have french press, 1 pkg. each of original & french vanilla Dunken Donuts coffee brand and a tin of Trader Joes Espresso Pillows candy)

Pasta Basket could use marinara sauce, parmesan cheese, wooden spoon, apron and ? (already have Farberware 4 qt. sauce pan, Alfredo sauce & spaghetti noodles)

Breakfast Basket needs a lot of help. Could use a couple more syrups, berry syrup, canned blueberries, pancake flipper, apron and ?  (already have maple syrup & Trader Joes pancake)

Candy Basket could use more candy and could make 2 baskets depending on how much is donated (already have 1 pkg of Lancaster Vanilla & Caramel Soft Cremes, large Reese’s sticks, large Reese’s Peanut Butter cups, Toblerone Swiss Chocolate, Trader Joes Dark Chocolate bar & Belgian Chocolate bar).

UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief) has donated a $10,000 grant to victims of the fires in Lakeport County. The Lakeport United Methodist Church has opened their Thrift Shop to victims of the fire who may choose donated clothing for free. Two of the three firefighters who died in the fire last week in Washington State were United Methodists.

New Public Address System: Donations are coming in to support our new system. Donations are $45 for a whole piano key which you can color and sign and donations of any amount are welcome. Karen Merkle, who died early in June left a Memorial Donation of $500 to our church. The Memorial Committee has donated the money to our new sound system. Karen would be pleased since music was such a large part of her life. See the display of piano keys and further information at the desk in the back in Friendship Hall. We are about halfway to our goal.

If you would like to donate for relief for the people of Nepal, go to umcor.org the Advance.

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

Events

New Membership Class starting Sunday, June 28 at 10 am in Friendship Hall as part of the Adult Sunday School. Please let Pastor Dan know if you are interested in joining our congregation. Regular Sunday School attendees are encouraged to come as well. We will welcome new members on September 13.

Sunday, September 20 Susan Peters, Executive Director of the California-Nevada United Methodist Foundation will be our guest preacher. During the coffee hour she will talk to people who are interested in learning how to set up an endowment for our church as part of our planning for the future of our church.  Kristi Johnson is organizing a pot luck lunch.

Sunday, September 20, 7:30 pm, the Dan Damon Quartet with Eileen Johnson will present a jazz concert, “Down By the Riverside” with jazz and congregational song. Suggested donation $15. This is a fundraiser for the church. First United Methodist Church, 201 Martina St., Point Richmond.

Friday, September 25, 7:30 pm, the Point Richmond Jazz series starts the season with Paul Anastasio and Tony Marcus. Tickets online prjazz.org, $20, at door $25. First United Methodist Church, 201 Martina St., Point Richmond.

Saturday, September 26, 4-7 pm, 7th Annual Jean Eakle Art Auction and Gala: Tax deductible Donations needed: Arts, crafts, jewelry, pottery, photography, cash or gift certificates for auction and door prizes. Contact Diane, dianefrary@comcast.net or Debbie, debbenko160@aol.com. Donations can be dropped off any Sunday morning 10-11 am and 12-1 pm at First United Methodist Church, 201 Martina St., Point Richmond.

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

We plan to joyfully receive new members during the September 13 worship service. Please let Pastor Damon know if you’d like to join the church.

Dear friends:

Here are my notes from Sunday.

A Prayer for Wisdom, 2 Kings 2:10-12, 3:3-14

Pastor Dan Damon, Richmond 1^st UMC, 8-16-15

Introduction

Tell some United Methodist Women’s retreat stories:

“She was her own work of art.”

“Your child is not broken.”

A story of reaching in to a situation of abuse, neglect, and isolation with hands of caring.

Safety is not the goal. Living fully to the end is the goal.

“Comparisons are odious.”

Retell the Scripture Story

Solomon’s prayer and God’s response:

He prayed for wisdom. “I am like a little child. I don’t know how to go out or come in.”

God gave him wisdom, wealth, and a legacy. “I have given you what you asked for. And I have also given you what you did not ask for– both riches and honor.

Add the story of the prostitute’s baby that follows the reading for today.

Application

I’d like to close today with another page from My Grandfather’s Blessings (stories of strength, refuge, and belonging) by Rachel Naomi Remen, Riverhead Books, 2000. It is a book of wisdom.

Read p.127

Let us be in prayer.

Unless God builds the house, its builders toil in vain. Ps. 127:1

Creator of the universe, by whose will the world is renewed day by day, you have implanted in us a spark of your creative will. You have made us your partners in the building of the world, and we are grateful.

Often we cannot know the outcome of our work. At times, in our ignorance or our greed, we mar the landscape of your creation. Enlighten [us] with your wisdom, therefore, that we do not impoverish the very world that sustains our lives. Let us gain our livelihoods honorable; and as we strive for ourselves, let nothing we do be built upon another’s ruin or result in misery and pain. Rather, let us add to the contentment of others, through our devotion to justice, goodness, and truth.

In this enterprise we need strength. We need a clear vision and wise judgment. But more than all this we need the wisdom not to become so immersed in our task that we neglect our dear ones, or injure our health, or become remote from You, Divine Spirit of the world, the Well of living waters. May we walk with those we love in the light of your presence, O God, and use all our powers for blessing.

from The Gates of the House (The New Union Home Prayer Book) by Chaim Stern, p. 94

Joys and Concerns

Our dear church friend, Pat King, is requesting prayers for healing. She is slowly recovering from surgery.

Please keep Katherine Parker, our missionary, and the people of Nepal in your prayers.

Deby McFadyen is requesting prayers for three young friends who are battling cancer. Please remember Sarah Talkington, Carolyn Thomas a Jimmy Lowe in your prayers.

Sandra Kokoruda (Fran Smith’s daughter) update: Sandra thanks everyone for their prayers and concerns. Fran reports that Sandra is more animated and cheerful. She is having chemotherapy every two weeks and it should be completed the end of August. Both Fran and Sandra ask that prayers continue.

Pat Dornan and Linda Pereira continue to need your prayers of support. Update: Hospice services have started. Pat says that Linda is more alert and has been able to be up in the wheel chair for short periods of time. Lorraine, Linda’s mother, is home with 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.

News

Saturday, August 29, 6-8 pm, Panel Discussion sponsored by the Iranian American Community of Northern California. The panel will discuss the 1988 massacre of over 30,000 political prisoners in Iran. They will also discuss current issues related to the Iran Nuclear Deal and human rights issues regarding the mistreatment of political prisoners and the crackdown on any type of social dissent. UC Berkeley International House, Chevron Auditorium, 2299 Piedmont Ave., Berkeley. Free: RSVP: http://goo.gl/EMOEqX.

Jean Reynolds went to San Antonio, Texas for the “Gather at the River” conference and she ended up having her appendix removed! She returned home on Monday and on Tuesday was participating in Vacation Bible School and loving it! She is truly thankful for the wonderful help she has had with Pastor Dan, Bethany Reynolds, Rachel Herrin, Bill Thompson and others stepping in to help make the week a success. Every day there were more children as word spread through the community about what fun it is. There were 15-18 children attending!

United Methodist Women’s Retreat:  Six women and Pastor Dan met at Mid Dornan’s cabin on the Russian River for a day of business, election of officers, sharing and fellowship among the Redwoods. New officers: Doreen Leighton remains President, Kristi Johnson, Secretary and Barbara Haley, Treasurer. We discussed food for our Korean tea and we will be going to lunch at a Korean restaurant to sample foods Aug. 30th after church for more ideas. Anyone who is interested in helping with food preparation is welcome to come. Pastor Dan brought his Indian flute and played background music as we visited at break times. We discussed plans for the coming year and areas of interest for our energy and resources to be used best. Our sincere thanks to Mid for providing such a lovely place to meet. As always, the food was great with special thanks to Doreen for that wonderful berry and peach pie!

Pastor Dan will be away at Journey Farthest Out Camp at lake Tahoe, Sept. 27 through Oct.4. Fran Smith will be speaking about her experience regarding reconciling ministries at the San Antonio conference “Gather at the River”. If you are interested in attending the JFO Camp at Zephyr Cove, contact Carol Horn at 530 595 3290 to see if any spaces remain.

News from Camp Liberty in Iraq: Since July 13th the Iraqi government has stopped supplies from entering Camp Liberty. They have prevented supplies of food, fuel and septic tank trucks from entering the compound. The lack of fuel means that the generators can not function so there is no electricity, no sewage system, no air conditioners with the temperature reaching 120 degrees. The United States Committee for Camp Ashraf is asking our Secretary of State, John Kerry, to intervene as well as the United Nations. Please remember these people in your prayers and that actions are taken to reverse this situation.

Katherine Parker, missionary in Nepal: Katherine reports that the emphasis now will be on long-term recovery efforts in Dhang province. Katherine will continue to work with WASH, nutrition and psycho-social support. Non-earthquake work is resuming and Katherine will soon be traveling to Rukum and Rupandehi for the baseline survey of their community health program focusing on maternal and child health.

Generosity

Art Auction: Debbie Benko is requesting items for door prizes of gift baskets with a theme, such as a coffee basket, chocolate basket, spa items (nice soap, lotion, loofah scrub), tea basket, dog or cat treat basket. You get the idea. Please bring your items to church.

New Public Address System: Donations are coming in to support our new system. Donations are $45 for a whole piano key which you can color and sign and donations of any amount are welcome. Karen Merkle, who died early in June left a Memorial Donation of $500 to our church. The Memorial Committee has donated the money to our new sound system. Karen would be pleased since music was such a large part of her life. See the display of piano keys and further information at the desk in the back in Friendship Hall. We are about halfway to our goal.

If you would like to donate for relief for the people of Nepal, go to umcor.org the Advance.

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

Events

New Membership Class starting Sunday, June 28 at 10 am in Friendship Hall as part of the Adult Sunday School. Please let Pastor Dan know if you are interested in joining our congregation. Regular Sunday School attendees are encouraged to come as well. We will welcome new members on September 13.

Sunday, September 20 Susan Peters, Executive Director of the California-Nevada United Methodist Foundation will be our guest preacher. During the coffee hour she will talk to people who are interested in learning how to set up an endowment for our church as part of our planning for the future of our church.  Kristi Johnson is organizing a pot luck lunch.

Sunday, September 20, 7:30 pm, the Dan Damon Quartet with Eileen Johnson will present a jazz concert, “Down By the Riverside” with jazz and congregational song. Suggested donation $15. This is a fundraiser for the church. First United Methodist Church, 201 Martina St., Point Richmond.

Friday, September 25, 7:30 pm, the Point Richmond Jazz series starts the season with Paul Anastasio and Tony Marcus. Tickets online prjazz.org, $20, at door $25. First United Methodist Church, 201 Martina St., Point Richmond.

Saturday, September 26, 4-7 pm, 7th Annual Jean Eakle Art Auction and Gala: Tax deductible Donations needed: Arts, crafts, jewelry, pottery, photography, cash or gift certificates for auction and door prizes. Contact Diane, dianefrary@comcast.net or Debbie, debbenko160@aol.com. Donations can be dropped off any Sunday morning 10-11 am and 12-1 pm at First United Methodist Church, 201 Martina St., Point Richmond.

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