News – Page 19

Newsletter May 2, 2015

May 2, 2015 by Sara

Richmond First United Methodist News and Events

Pastor’s Perspective

Dear Friends,

Here are my notes from Sunday. I am delighted to learn that some of you have already read “Being Mortal.” As usual, you are ahead of me.

Love and Joy,

Dan

Perspective, Psalm 23

Pastor Dan Damon, Richmond 1^st UMC, 4-26-15

Introduction

We always pray for health and safety. Sometimes our prayers are not answered. We are now praying for the survivors of the Earthquake in Nepal, including our missionary, Katherine Parker. We need to acknowledge our grief and shock when tragedy strikes, and in time we need to learn to trust again in a different way. Maybe we can learn to live our own lives with the perspective that we have a very short time on earth. With that perspective, each day that we live our moments have more value. We may think of our choices as having lasting value for future generations. What kind of legacy are we going to leave behind. Seen through the lens of eternity, our days and nights can take on fuller meaning. Listen to Psalm 23 in two modern paraphrases with this perspective.

Retell the Scripture Story

Because the Lord is my Shepherd, I have everything I need!

He lets me rest in the meadow grass and leads me beside the quiet streams. He gives me new strength. He helps me do what honors him the most.

Even when walking through the dark valley of death I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me, guarding, guiding all the way.

You provide delicious food for me in the presence of my enemies. You have welcomed me as your guest; blessings overflow!

Your goodness and unfailing kindness shall be with me all of my life, and afterwards I will live with you forever in your home.

God, my shepherd!

I don’t need a thing.

You have bedded me down in lush meadows,

you find me quiet pools to drink from.

True to your word,

you let me catch my breath

and send me in the right direction.

Even when the way goes through

Death Valley,

I’m not afraid

when you walk at my side.

Your trusty shepherd’s crook

makes me feel secure.

You serve me a six-course dinner

right in front of my enemies.

You revive my drooping head;

my cup brims with blessing.

Your beauty and love chase after me

every day of my life.

I’m back home in the house of God

for the rest of my life.

Application

This week I have been reading a current non-fiction bestseller Being Mortal by Dr. Atul Gawande, a Harvard professor. He addresses issues of life, aging, and death that we usually don’t like to think about. Listen to a few pages of this new book.

Read pp.46-52

Maybe we can have a book study group later this year. Let me know if you buy the book. It is in first edition hardcover right now.

Our faith teaches us to honor our Creator by living our lives to the fullest. Live each day with hope. Love others as you love yourself, and give thanks and praise to the maker of the rose petal.

Let us be in prayer.

Perspective, Psalm 23

Pastor Dan Damon, Richmond 1^st UMC, 4-26-15

Introduction

Retell the Scripture Story

Because the Lord is my Shepherd, I have everything I need!

He lets me rest in the meadow grass and leads me beside the quiet streams. He gives me new strength. He helps me do what honors him the most.

Even when walking through the dark valley of death I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me, guarding, guiding all the way.

You provide delicious food for me in the presence of my enemies. You have welcomed me as your guest; blessings overflow!

Your goodness and unfailing kindness shall be with me all of my life, and afterwards I will live with you forever in your home.

God, my shepherd!

I don’t need a thing.

You have bedded me down in lush meadows,

you find me quiet pools to drink from.

True to your word,

you let me catch my breath

and send me in the right direction.

Even when the way goes through

Death Valley,

I’m not afraid

when you walk at my side.

Your trusty shepherd’s crook

makes me feel secure.

You serve me a six-course dinner

right in front of my enemies.

You revive my drooping head;

my cup brims with blessing.

Your beauty and love chase after me

every day of my life.

I’m back home in the house of God

for the rest of my life.

Application

Read pp.46-52

Maybe we can have a book study group later this year. Let me know if you buy the book. It is in first edition hardcover right now.

Our faith teaches us to honor our Creator by living our lives to the fullest. Live each day with hope. Love others as you love yourself, and give thanks and praise to the maker of the rose petal.

Let us be in prayer.

Joys and Concerns

Mid Dornan is back from her European cruise with her daughter, Roberta, son-in-law and his mother. Mid is all smiles and had a wonderful time. It’s good to have her home again.

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.

Pat Dornan and Linda Pereira continue to need your prayers of support. Update: Hospice services have started. Pat says that Linda can no longer get out of bed, isn’t eating and probably has a very short time remaining. She is mentally alert. Pat requests that if you have been meaning to stop by, you do it soon. Do stop by for a short visit 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 doing better. She is still in the Residential Treatment area but has been able to return to her own apartment for parts of the day and has been able to play the piano again! 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

Katherine Parker, missionary in Nepal: Huge 7.8 earthquake in Nepal last night. Katherine’s Facebook page says that she is not injured but is staying outside. Prayers for Katherine and the people of Nepal.
Pastor Mark Zier from El Sobrante UMC on April 27th wrote to her that she and the entire country would be in our prayers. She sent this response yesterday:

“Thank you Mark. We are sending off four doctors to Gorka and Lamjen momentarily. Please pray for them as road conditions are not clear and long working days are anticipated. Glad that people are getting through to friends in Kathmandu. Reports I’m hearing is that the fear and anxiety from continued aftershocks and what seems to have been another 6.9 earthquake on a new fault line yesterday at 1pm is a major challenge in Kathmandu. Damage has been high among older buildings, and while devastating is not nearly the magnitude as we have been expecting in the worse case scenario. The challenge right now is uncertainty how to proceed with continued high magnitude quakes and the rain last night in Kathmandu. Some friends of mine chose to sleep in an unstable building rather than get more wet. Difficult choices that each person must make. Thanks for your continued prayers.”

Peace, Katherine

Our friends at WriterCoach Connection are sponsoring a fundraiser on Saturday, May 16, 8 am- 6pm: 7th annual Read-and-Write-a-Thon.

Ten hours of non-stop writings from students and coaches. Come and make a donation or support with your presence. Longfellow Middle School Library, 1500 Derby St., Berkeley.

The Richmond Commission on Aging is presenting its 22nd Annual Senior Nite Out on Saturday, May 2, 6-10:30 pm. This includes dinner, 6:30-7:30 and live entertainment featuring Top Shelf and drawings for prizes. Richmond Memorial Auditorium, 403 Civic Center Plaza. Advance tickets through the Richmond Recreation Dept. 3230 Macdonald Ave. $25, at the door $30.

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

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. Some of you may wish to donate some money towards the purchase of some items. Barbara Haley is willing to do the shopping.

Generosity

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

On April 23rd the United Methodist Church donated 9.6 million dollars to fight malaria. This is the most any community of faith has ever been able to donate.

Events

Today, Junktique Sale! May 2, 9 am-3 pm. Come and buy, come and help, come for lunch, but come! See attached flyer.

Friday, May 8, 7:30 pm Point Richmond Acoustic closes the season with our own Claudia Russell and Bruce Kaplan. Claudia has a knack for crafting tightly woven songs that carry you to the sweet spots of youth and the autumn colors of growing older. Bruce’s accompaniment on the mandolin and electric guitar are spot on. Come celebrate Bruce and Claudia as they bring another terrific season to a close. Tickets. $20. Advance tickets and more info: pointacoustic.org.

Save the Date: Saturday, May 16, 9:30 am to 4:30 pm, District Conference. 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. Donations $15 includes lunch and materials. First United Methodist Church, 502 Virginia St., Vallejo, CA 94590. To register: https://calnev-reg.betrapp.com.

Thursday, May 21, 1 pm, Memorial Service for Lauren McLeod. Come and celebrate her life and mourn the loss of her presence.

Sunday, May 24, 3 pm: The Multi-Cultural Music Fellowship presents the Triskela Celtic Harp Trio and the Bay Area Youth Harp Ensemble playing music from the British Isles, Latin America and California. Suggested donations: children $10, adults $20 except children under 12 $5 and seniors $15. Reserve tickets and more information about the group: multiculturalmusicfellowship@gmail.com. Tickets also available at the door. First United Methodist Church, 201 Martina St., Point Richmond.

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

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Newsletter April 25, 2015

April 25, 2015 by Sara

Richmond First United Methodist News and Events

Pastor’s Perspective

Children of God, Psalm 4

Pastor Dan Damon, Richmond 1^st UMC, 4-19-15

Introduction

In Luke’s gospel for today we heard a resurrection story with some of the themes that we have come to expect: fear, amazement, Jesus saying, “Peace be with you,” and inviting the disciples to notice his new body and to believe. In this story Jesus is hungry and eats fish with the disciples. The theme of witness is here as well. “You are witnesses of these things.”

In the reading from 1 John 3:1-7 the elder of this monastic community writes about being children of God in a world that does not recognize God’s love and power. It is a blessing to be called children of God, but it involves being different. It involves sticking your neck out.

We are asked to take risks for justice and human rights (to put it in modern terms). John’s community sees a sharp distinction between good and evil. They live separated from the world and yet they struggle with sin as we all do. Even in a monastic community the people are only moving on to perfection. They haven’t all arrived at the stage of enlightenment or union with God.

Retell the Scripture Story

I’d like to spend my time today with the Psalm appointed for our reading on the third Sunday of Easter. Listen to the Psalm in two versions. The first is the New Revised Standard Version.

Psalm 4 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

To the leader: with stringed instruments. A Psalm of David.

Answer me when I call, O God of my right!

You gave me room when I was in distress.

Be gracious to me, and hear my prayer.

How long, you people, shall my honor suffer shame?

How long will you love vain words, and seek after lies? Selah

But know that the Lord has set apart the faithful for himself;

the Lord hears when I call to him.

When you are disturbed, do not sin;

ponder it on your beds, and be silent. Selah

Offer right sacrifices,

and put your trust in the Lord.

There are many who say, “O that we might see some good!

Let the light of your face shine on us, O Lord!”

You have put gladness in my heart

more than when their grain and wine abound.

I will both lie down and sleep in peace;

for you alone, O Lord, make me lie down in safety.

New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Listen to the Psalm again in a modern paraphrase by Eugene Peterson. Notice how the more dynamic language brings us into the present day.

Psalm 4 The Message (MSG)

When I call, give me answers. God, take my side!

Once, in a tight place, you gave me room;

Now I’m in trouble again: grace me! hear me!

You rabble—how long do I put up with your scorn?

How long will you lust after lies?

How long will you live crazed by illusion?

Look at this: look who got picked by God!

He listens the split second I call to him.

Complain if you must, but don’t lash out.

Keep your mouth shut, and let your heart do the talking.

Build your case before God and wait for his verdict.

Why is everyone hungry for more?

“More, more,” they say. “More, more.”

I have God’s more-than-enough,

More joy in one ordinary day

Than they get in all their shopping sprees.

At day’s end I’m ready for sound sleep,

For you, God, have put my life back together.

Application

Not all the sacred songs and prayers are for the church gathered for worship. There are many times when we need to spend time alone with God. Every day we need to cultivate a sense of God’s presence with us, even when we are alone. Psalm 4 gives us the invitation to spend time alone with God at the end of each day.

What keeps you up at night? We live in a culture of instant gratification. We spend money for that which is not bread, for things that do not satisfy us in the long run. We lie awake replaying the day’s events like a video in our mind. We seek peace and tranquility as we work and as we rest, but too often it eludes us. This is precisely the time for prayer. The psalms show us many types and times for prayer: invocation, confession, intercession, and thanksgiving.

As children we are taught to pray at bedtime. Perhaps the power of nighttime is in its stillness. Maybe we sense the “luminous darkness” spoken of by mystics from Gregory of Nyssa to Howard Thurman. When we feel caught between the mercy of God and the treachery of humanity, let us take time to pray. If you are able, please pick up a Bible and turn to the Psalms. It is easy to find. It is the big book in the middle of the many books. Luther called the Psalms, “the little Bible.” No matter how we are feeling, there is a Psalm, a prayer for us to pray. Read it more than once. Meditate on the message, and be at peace. Especially in hard times, count your blessings, and be at peace, living as children of God in a world that needs you.

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.

Julio Osegueda reports that his wife Carol’s ninety-three year old mother died peacefully this past week. If you would like to send notes or cards: 5 Sand Point Dr., Richmond, 94801

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.

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

News

GRIP Board calling an Emergency Meeting, Sunday, April 26, 3 pm. The GRIP Board is inviting all congregations to an emergency meeting to discuss recent financial difficulties and the almost closure of the Emergency Shelter and Souper Center. The need for every involved congregation to support GRIP is vital for continuation of these vital services. Come and hear how we can help. Hope Lutheran Church, 2830 May Road, El Sobrante.

After church tomorrow is the day we carry sale items up to Friendship Hall for the sale next Saturday. If you can help, please flex your muscles and come help. Homemade soup lunch for helpers!

Karen Bianchini who used to work for the Early Childhood Mental Health Program, which we support with donations of diapers, told us that Lynn Martin, the director of the program, was found murdered in her home about a month ago. The staff is having a hard time absorbing the loss of Lynn and the manner of her death. Our sympathies are extended to them. If you would like to send a card or note to the staff: Early Childhood Mental Health Program, 4101 Macdonald Ave., Richmond, 94805.

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

Generosity

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

On April 23rd the United Methodist Church donated 9.6 million dollars to fight malaria. This is the most any community of faith has ever been able to donate.

Events

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!

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

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Newsletter April 18, 2015

April 18, 2015 by Sara

Richmond First United Methodist News and Events

Pastor’s Perspective

Limits, John 20:19-31

Pastor Dan Damon, Richmond 1^st UMC, 4-12-15

Introduction

Thomas is the most scientific of the disciples. He wants to test the risen Christ by placing his fingers in the wounds. Do you remember the details of the story?

In John’s gospel Mary Magdalene, a woman who was a disciple/follower of Jesus, became the first witness to the resurrection. The risen Christ called her by name and she recognized him. She told the men what she had seen and heard.

Retell the Scripture Story

In our lesson today ten of the eleven remaining male disciples were huddled in fear behind locked doors, and Jesus, the risen Christ, stood among them and said “Peace be with you.”

This is John’s Pentecost. Luke gives us the story with wind and fire and many languages being understood, but John tells the story in the locked room.

Jesus showed the eleven his hands and his side and the disciples rejoiced to see the Lord. Jesus says again “Peace be with you.” He then continues, “As the Father has sent me, so send I you.”

This is the great commission as told by John. Christians are sent into the world with the good news of peace, love, and new life.

When Jesus had said this, he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.”

This may be more power than we want, but if you think about it, you can see that this is how forgiveness works. If we do not forgive, there are consequences both to us and to the other. This is not God’s problem, but ours. When we forgive, we are forgiven. Do you remember the line from the Lord’s Prayer? “Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us.” This is how it works.

And now we come to the scientific method. Thomas was not with them. He missed Pentecost.

Do you notice that in these stories people had to experience the risen Christ for themselves? They could be told about an experience, but they did not take the word of others. When they had an experience of their own, they were transformed from the fearful to the faithful who would change the world.

Thomas said, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands, and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe.”

A week later, not right away, Thomas was with the others in the room and Jesus appeared again saying, “Peace be with you.” Jesus didn’t wait for Thomas to express his doubt, but addressed him immediately, “Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe.”

Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!”

Jesus said, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

Application

Most of us have not seen the risen Christ, except in the people gathered here. We did not live at the time of Jesus’ earthly ministry. We have responded to something in our hearts that says, “Come. Follow me. Tell the others what you have seen and heard. Live in the light, and share your joy with others. This is the great good news.”

My friend, Ray Pitsker, told me of his experience. When he was a teen, he says Jesus appeared to him. Ray said it wasn’t merely a vision. It was real. Ray’s faith was absolute. I learned a lot from Ray about how to be a person of faith in this world. Ray lived and died as a person of faith. His memory is a blessing to me and to those who knew him.

My faith is mixed with doubt most of the time, but I try to serve the faith, not the doubt. I practice the faith, believing in the practice more than the doctrines. Beyond belief, beyond the scientific method, there is an unseen world that we can sense as we share the sacrament of Holy Communion. The body and blood of Christ given for us reminds us of the great love of God for all creation. We remember Jesus. We remember those who have received communion here and those who have distributed the elements.

A mystery of the Christian faith is the belief in the bodily resurrection. This is recorded in the songs and stories of our faith tradition. In this post-modern world, I find it comforting to think that everything doesn’t quite fit in the test tube. The scientific method has its limits. There are mysteries remaining that can still fill us with wonder.

Let us be in prayer.

Joys and Concerns

Julio Osegueda reports that his wife Carol’s ninety-three year old mother died peacefully this past week. If you would like to send notes or cards: 5 Sand Point Dr., Richmond, 94801

Pat Dornan and Linda Pereira continue to need your prayers of support and healing. Update: Linda will be having Hospice services starting next week which should be a benefit to both of them. Linda has great difficulty standing for transfers and is becoming discouraged. Do stop by and visit 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.

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

News

Saturday, April 18 at 3 pm, Epworth UMC is sponsoring a Spirituals Sing Along and Workshop led by Dr. Lynne Morrow, Music Director of Pacific Edge Voices, Oakland Symphony Chorus, and Professor of Voice at Sonoma State. All are welcome. Tickets $10 advance and $15 at the door, children $5. Tickets: PacificEdgeVoices.org or 510 848 8022. 1953 Hopkins St., Berkeley.

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

Generosity

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

Events

Sunday, April 19, Native American Sunday. Special donations for funding Native American Seminary students, assisting Native American congregations to honor their heritage and be followers of Jesus.

Friday, April 24, 7:30 pm, PRJazz presents Enion Pelta-Tiller and Taarka. Taarka is described as a virtuosic ensemble featuring strings and vocals with beautiful compositions, high-energy performance and songs weaving the sounds of old and new. Enion Pelta-Tiller, violin, vocalist, David Tiller, guitar, vocalist, Ross Martin, guitar and Sam Guisman, bass. First United Methodist Church, 201 Martina St., Point Richmond. Advance tickets $15, at the door $20. Tickets through prjazz.org.

Saturday, April 25, 11 am to 1 pm, Workshop with Enion Pelta-Tiller First United Methodist Church, 201 Martina St.,Point Richmond. Further info: prjazz.org.

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

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.

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

Newsletter April 11. 2015

April 11, 2015 by Sara

Richmond First United Methodist News and Events

Pastor’s Perspective

Memory, Spirit, and Love, Mark 16:1-8

Pastor Dan Damon, Richmond 1^st UMC, 4-5-15

Introduction

I usually preach from the gospel of John 20:1-18 on Easter Sunday, but this year I am using the alternate reading from Mark 15. It has an uncomfortably abrupt ending. Scholars tell us that longer endings were added to Mark’s gospel, but our reading today stops at an odd place.

Listen to the way Mark, the earliest gospel writer, tells the Easter story:

Retell the Scripture Story: When the Sabbath was over,

Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome

bought spices so that they could anoint Jesus’ body.

Very early, when the sun had just risen, they went to the tomb.

“Who will roll away the stone?”

When they looked up, they saw that the large stone had been rolled back.

Entering the tomb, they saw a young man, dressed in a white robe, sitting on the right side; and they were alarmed.

“Do not be alarmed; you are looking for Jesus of Nazareth who was crucified. He has been raised; he is not here. Look, there is the place they laid him.”

Go tell his disciples and Peter that he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him, just as he told you.”

So they went out and fled from the tomb, for terror and amazement had seized them; and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid.

That, scholars tell us, is the original ending of the earliest Gospel in the oldest manuscripts that survive. It is easy to see how early readers, preachers, scribes, and editors might have added: “And all that had been commanded them they told briefly to those around Peter. And afterward Jesus himself sent out through them, from east to west, the sacred and imperishable proclamation of eternal salvation.” [Mark 15:8b, the shorter ending of Mark] Later editors appear to have added vs. 9-20. There is no certainty here, but it seems like additional resurrection stories were told and later written down as the faith grew from the shadow of the cross to the wonder of the resurrection. All the stories were carried in oral tradition for forty years, or so, before anything was reduced to writing.

If you have ever had a mystical experience and later tried to tell someone about it, and even later tried to write it down, you will understand a little of the problem that faced the women and men who were among Jesus’ earliest followers. The telling of your experience is a reduction of the experience. The writing of it is a further reduction of the experience itself. Yet without the written record, the stories might not have come down the centuries to us.

How did the Christian faith begin? We have the stories of the birth of Jesus, his life and work, his death and resurrection. It is a miracle that a new world religion came from a poor Jew, crucified at a young age in a conquered country. But the stories spread like wildfire in all directions. People couldn’t stop talking about Jesus.

It was and still is amazing to see and feel the faith, the hope, the love, the peace of God within us, and all around us. How did it happen? It is a wonder and a mystery, yet it is a historic fact that the church was born and has grown into a major faith tradition spanning the globe.

Of course with this growth came all the problems of misuse of money and power. The history of the church is not all glorious—far from it. Today, as we celebrate our own faith tradition, we are learning also to honor the light in other faith traditions. We no longer feel we have the only way to God. We do not impose our views on others. Our prayer each week honors the light in all faith traditions.

The labyrinth in our garden is a pre-Christian, pre-Jewish tool for meditation and spiritual reflection. I invite you to walk it after the service today. There is only one path to the center. It is not a maze, but a winding path toward the center. You may stay in the center as long as you like, and then follow the same winding path back out. On this high holy day let us remember people of all faith traditions and no particular faith tradition who live by the law of love and seek the light. Let us proclaim our faith with respect and humility this Easter morning.

Application

In Mark’s Gospel the women were courageous, but frightened.

They were forging a new relationship with Jesus

through memory, spirit, and love.

They were amazed and terrified.

And they were forging a new relationship with Jesus

through memory, spirit, and love.

In the original ending they told no one what they had seen and heard.

But they were forging a new relationship with Jesus

through memory, spirit, and love.

After two thousand years we may still be afraid to share what we have heard and seen, but the command to “go and tell” still comes to us from the empty tomb.

I share my faith everywhere I go. Do you?

Sometimes I use words, sometimes music, sometimes my spirit shines out the message of God’s eternal love.

I care for people in memory. I remember the saints who have gone before us.

I care for people in spirit. In a way that might be invisible.

And I care for people in love, which is eternal.

These relationships forged by memory, spirit and love are real and true and lasting. This is our soul’s work. I invite you to join me in this work, forging a new relationship with the risen Christ through memory, spirit, and love.

I’d like to close with an Easter hymn text I wrote last year. The text expresses both joy and sorrow, both the faith and the doubt that are common elements in all human life experience.

Every week, every worship experience, if we are honest, brings us a little of each. And God is with us. And Christ is risen. And we are the body of the risen Christ, here and now. Can you see it?

Can you see the living Christ

in the people gathered here

bringing sorrow, bringing joy,

as the Spirit draws us near?

Can you hear the living Christ

in the songs of young and old,

in the voices of the world,

in the stories often told?

Can you sense the living Christ

in the praise the earth can give,

as the colors leap with joy

in the garden where you live?

Can you feel the living Christ

in the love that holds us fast,

as the mortar holds the stone

while it echoes praises past?

Risen Christ, we see your face

in the people gathered here

bringing sorrow, bringing joy,

as your Spirit draws us near.

Risen Christ, we walk by faith,

moved by what we cannot see,

till our sorrow turns to joy,

and you come to set us free.

Dan Damon, rev. 2014

Let us be in prayer.

Joys and Concerns

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

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

Many thanks to Debbie Benko who organized the Easter Egg Hunt and to the many people who helped hide the eggs, brought in eggs and assisted during the hunt!

A huge “Thank you” to Pat Dornan who decorated the church so beautifully and arranged the flower display.

And the largest “Thank you” of all to Pastor Dan for making the Easter Services special.

News from Camp Liberty. Sunday, April 12, 1-3 pm Rally to protest the Iraqi Government’s detention of a resident of Camp Liberty since March 24. There are rumors that he will be extradited to Iran, where he will face probable torture and death. The Rally will be held in Union Square, San Francisco.

Glide Memorial UMC, Tuesday, April 14, Panel Discussion on Prop 47: Before and After Race and Social (In)Justice in California. Thousands of inmates are now eligible for release and opportunities for a fresh start. Panel consists of an author of Prop 47, Law professor and an attorney. Part of the discussion will cover re-entry issues. Glide Freedom Hall, 330 Ellis St., San Francisco. Door open at 6 pm. panel at 6:30 pm with refreshments after the discussion. More info: comm@calnevumc.org

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

Generosity

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

Events

Saturday, April 25, 11 am to 1 pm, Workshop with Enion Pelta-Tiller. 714 Western Drive, Point Richmond. Further info: prjazz.org.

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

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.

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

Newsletter April 4, 2015

April 4, 2015 by Sara

Richmond First United Methodist News and Events

Pastor’s Perspective

Dear Friends,

We are celebrating Easter this Sunday with an 8 am service in the garden. Heather plans to help out with that service. I always look forward to this outdoor worship experience. At 9 am we will again offer a free community breakfast. We will clear the plates away in time for 10 am Sunday School, and 11 am worship in our beautiful sanctuary. At noon we will have an Easter Egg Hunt in the garden. This is one of my favorite days of the year. I hope you can join us.

If you would like to know more about joining the church please let me know.

Love and Joy,

Pastor Dan Damon

Joys and Concerns

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 came home on Tuesday. She has a hospital bed downstairs and Pat had handrails put in the downstairs shower. Short visits are welcome. Linda really wants to be at home so any support you can give Pat will be appreciated.

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.

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

News

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.

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

Generosity

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

Events

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 Deputy 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.

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.

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

Newsletter May 2, 2015

Newsletter April 25, 2015

Newsletter April 18, 2015

Newsletter April 11. 2015

Newsletter April 4, 2015

Location

Worship

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