Richmond First United Methodist News and Events

Pastor’s Perspective

Tanya Cothran from Spirit in Action spoke last Sunday. Here is her message.

In my church at home, part of the covenant we say every week include the line, “service is our prayer.”

Our name, Spirit in Action, is another way of saying this. It’s prayer AND it’s service. It’s Spirit AND it’s action.

Del: In the past all too often we have equated spiritual health with being good and feeling good. We didn’t see that part of our spiritual path is not just reaching a goal of morality but a process of daily unfolding, and openness to change, grow and trust God’s process.

Dag Hammerskjold [Dog Hammer-hweld] (secretary general of the United Nations in the 1950s) said, “In our era the road to holiness must pass through the world of action.”

We do have guides on this unfolding path. Mother Teresa, Gandhi, Martin Luther King, Jr., humanitarian aid workers, Ebola doctors – who are expressing God by being and doing, living spirituality and service.

Those are good guides and they can also be daunting guides. Can I really be as good as Mother Theresa?

Sometimes I get caught in what Tara Brach calls the Trance of unworthyness. It’s when I judge myself for not doing more and then I get paralyzed into inaction.

We think of service as big. Some amount of sacrifice. But Mother Theresa said: “If you can’t feed a hundred people, then feed just one.” When I get overwhelmed by the sheer amount of need in the world – what I see around me, and what I know is happening in other places, this quote comforts me.

Service can begin with a single step. Helping the person right in front of me: the person I see on the street. Welcoming the new person to a dance. Sending a book to someone I know will like it. Smile at someone. Caring for a child, or nieces/nephew, or a friend’s child.

SIA is part of my affirmation of the “if you can’t feed a hundred people, then just feed one.” Our programs might not (actually they don’t) help every single person in Kenya, but they do help one more person at a time.

This summer I did meet over 100 people that SIA has supported over the years. We’ve been giving our Small Business Fund $150 grants since 2003 and since then we have supported over 600 families.

It happens one at a time.

Steria Lungu is a widow in Manyamula Village in rural Malawi. She received a grant from SIA in 2010. (Our grants are $150, given in two installments, along with mentoring and training.) She bought some materials and ingredients to start baking and selling donuts. And she is still doing that today. She attends 3 markets a week, some days walking 8 miles, leaving at 4am, to reach bigger markets.

As a widow she didn’t have a lot of support before. [Often skipped meals. Hungry season. Sometimes roof leaked.] Now she can fully provide for herself and her family. And her daughter, Effie, who is a sophomore in High Schoo, goes to a good school.

I got to visit Steria this summer and sit inside her house – the house she built with money saved from her donut business. We sat on the puffy couches with crochet doilies on the arms. We saw a photo of our last visit, from 2011. She said “thank you for coming under my roof.” And she told us that she now has “no problem with food”; that she and her family are still eating from last year’s maize harvest. That is a huge accomplishment.

And more than that: she and 4 other women came together to do their own bit of helping a neighbor. We call it “sharing the gift”. The 5 women all contributed some flour and sugar and took turns helping another woman sell donuts at the markets. (they are popular items!)

Importantly, she contributed to Sharing the Gift because she saw in our local coordinator a model of generosity.

[Canaan Gondwe: mentor, trainer] Because Canaan is generous with his time and with sharing his expertise, Steria and the other women were also willing to give.

Not only was it inspiring to see Steria’s house – one with tin roofing sheets, which she was saving when we visited in 2011, and with stronger bricks – and knowing that her daughter can now attend a good high school. It was also good to affirm that when we are caring and generous (like Canaan is) – when we are being spirit in action, or serving as a form of prayer – other people see that, notice that, and they want to give and serve also.

In a way, we were just helping one person when we gave Steria a grant. In another way we were helping her daughter, her other children, her neighbor, her community (because it is a grant, all the money stays in the community), and all the people who get to eat her yummy donuts!

Maize Mill – COMSIP

•        collective savings and loans group
•        helping with low interest loans
•        Also Sharing the Gift; helping the one person in front of them. Each zone raising 2 piglets collectively.
•        To give to most needy in zone. Then the piglets from those passed on too.
•        Drop à Ripples
•        1 grant à feeds many people

Keeping service small;

•        honoring the truth that there is value in helping one person;
•        “If you’re working for justice and you’re living with compassion and integrity, you’re probably making a difference in peoples’ lives every day. You just might not realize it.”
•        and living a life that reflects prayer – service is my prayer – are all part of my core, real world work as a Christian.

Sum up: just start somewhere. If you can’t help 100 people, just start with one. Know that intention matters over volume. Be that model of spirit in action. Inspire others. Live with compassion for others. And you might be helping more than you know.

So maybe just start with welcome someone into community. Really showing someone that you love them unconditionally. Cook dinner for someone in need. Say yes to helping. Say no to ignoring need and injustice. Listen to someone’s story who is different from you. And, don’t be afraid to state your needs and accept gifts from others. This is how peace on earth begins with each of us.

spiritinaction.org

 
Joys and Concerns

Lauren McLeod welcomes your prayers for healing.

Sandra Kokoruda (Fran Smith’s daughter) up date: Sandra went home this week with Visiting Nurse assistance. Please keep her in your prayers for healing.She thanks us all for our prayers.

Molly Smith is requesting prayers for her brother who has been treated for a brain tumor for several years and has recently entered the Hospice program. Prayers for his family and her brother as they go through this very difficult time.

Deby McFadyen is asking for prayers for her father, Jack McFadyen, who has lung cancer and has started chemotherapy and radiation and is suffering from the side effects of the treatments.

Pat Dornan and Linda Pereira continue to need your prayers of support and healing.

Update on Linda

The cancer is NOT active at this point but the  serious side effects of the aggressive radiation  are growing and will continue to  increase.  She is deeply depressed and tired of me  in case anyone has 10 minutes to just pop i and say hi

no huge commitment  just needing other faces  and other conversations

Robbie Robinson  would appreciate your prayers.

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

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

News

Our dear friend, Ensieh Yazdan has created a Kickstarter site to protest the throwing of acid in the faces of Irani women. In Oct. and Nov. of this year many women were accosted by men on motorcycles who threw acid in their faces because their faces were not properly veiled. Please visit the sites below for information and opportunities to help.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1009954205/i-am-a-woman

https://www.facebook.com/pages/I-am-a-woman-with-a-world-of-agony/554739127995695

Generosity

Sarah Weems is collecting new unwrapped toys for the Hilltop Richmond YMCA to give to needy children. You may bring your gift to the church and Sarah will pick them up. They also are collecting warm coats. Check your closets for coats you never wear and bring them in!

Pat Dornan thinks you might like to help her with donations for GRIP:

I have  14 people from the GRIP shelter and have found  people to purchase for most of the  members but I am wondering if people of the church might be interested in assisting with what I have left.

2 month old girl,    16 year old girl and 17 year old boy

I have information on the parents but I have already gotten  coats and shoes

I love to  shop and wrap so  that is something I  can do if people want to  just hand off $$$  LOL

Another opportunity to give to the Richmond Childhood Mental Health Program is their constant need for disposable diapers in small sizes (infant through two years) for the parents who have difficulty affording them. They may be left at the church as well.

Imagine No Malaria: At the 2013 Annual Conference we pledged to raise 2 million dollars to fight malaria in Africa. We have raised 1.5 million dollars and need 500,000 dollars to meet that pledge by June 2014 which breaks down to 100,000 dollars for our district. The $100,000 Challenge is on in amusing ways. Rev. Schuyler Rhodes, our district bishop, will publicly shave is head at the Annual Conference if the goal is met! The break down for our share is $4 per member and $11 per worshiper per month. Let’s do our share. Checks made out to FUMC with Imagine No Malaria will get there. Check out the website for other challenger promises and follow the contributions: calnevimagine.org.

umcmarket.org is hoping you will shop for the holidays through their website if you do your shopping on line. Go to the site and go to the store of your choice from there. A percentage of your order (no cost to you) comes directly to our church. This is a painless way to help us meet our budget!

Events

Please join us this Sunday, December 14th for selections from Handel’s “Messiah”  performed by the Joyful Noise Choir with a string quartet, piano and organ, conducted by Pastor Dan Damon, during the 11 A.M. Worship Service.

Annual Church Conference, Sunday Dec. 14 after church, to complete Lay Leader and Membership Reports and to authorize the Pastor Compensation Package. Rev. Mark Zier will chair the meeting. This should only be a 30 min meeting. Come and participate.

Saturday, Dec. 20, 9 am to 3 pm, Bake and Crafts Sale at the Point Richmond Community Center, 139 Washington Ave., Point Richmond. There will be a sign up for goodies in Friendship Hall. Cookies and pies are the best sellers. If you would like to donate, let Barbara Haley at bahcats@sbcglobal.net know. Bring your baked items or craft items to the Community Center between 8&9 am if possible. We always appreciate help with set-up and clean up. If you would like to help at one of the tables, let me know. This is a fundraiser for the First United Methodist Church and the United Methodist Women

Christmas Pageant, Sunday, December 21 at 11 am and 7 pm. This is the Christmas story in word and song  with Masquers Playhouse volunteers. We have good singers, costumes, Angel Choir and fun! We already are hearing the rush of angel wings on Sunday mornings as the children come to rehearse carols under the direction of Tammara Plankers.

Christmas Eve Jazz Service, December 24 at 7 pm with the Dan Damon Quartet, Dan Damon, piano, Kurt Ribak, bass, Lincoln Adler, sax and Bryan Bowman, drums and , congregational singing with the band, soloists and the Christmas story. Come early, seats fill quickly as people have made this a tradition to share.

Friday, Dec.26 at 7:30 pm, Point Richmond Jazz presents brothers Matt and Kit Eakle in a Celebration of Boxing Day. Matt plays the flute with the David Grisman quintet and Kit plays the violin and is the presenter of Point Richmond Jazz. Join them for a fun evening of eclectic music. Tickets are $15 thru prjazz.org or $20 at the door. First United Methodist Church, 201 Martina St., Point Richmond.

Wednesday, Dec. 31, New Year’s Eve Celebration, 5 pm at Epworth United Methodist Church, 1953 Hopkins St., Berkeley. The Dan Damon Trio leads a worship service for the new year.

Friday, January 9, 6 pm Easter Hill UMC United Methodist Women are presenting missionary Carol Partridge. Carol has been the Director of Christian Education in Macedonia for the past fifteen years. Carol will speak about her experiences and show some videos. Please contact Arinel Greene at 510 223 4226 if you plan to attend. There will be light refreshments so they would like to know how many people are attending. There will be an offering to support Carol’s work if you care to donate. Easter Hill UMC, 3911 Cutting Blvd., 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

Dear Friends,

Here are my notes from Sunday:

Using What You Have, Matthew 25:14-30
Pastor Dan Damon, Richmond 1st UMC, 11-16-14

Introduction

I remember a basketball player at Sunshine Bible Academy who had a lot of
talent, but no desire to develop it. He didn¹t want to work that hard. I
remember saying to myself, ³If I had a talent like that, I would work hard
to develop it. I would try to be the best basketball player I could be.² At
the time I wasn¹t thinking of the talents God has given me. I was just
thinking about sports (and impressing the cheerleaders). I realize now that
I was not meant to be a professional basketball player. Now that I am older,
I read a parable like the one from Matthew 25 today, with new understanding.

Retell the Scripture Story

This week¹s reading, the parable of the talents, is the second of the last
three parables/allegories with which Matthew concludes Jesus¹ ³judgment
discourse.² Here again the focus is on the nature of Christian living until
Christ comes again. A ³talent² in biblical times was the equivalent of 15
years¹ wages.

“For it is as if a man, going on a journey, summoned his slaves and
entrusted his property to them; to one he gave five talents, to another two,
to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away.³

Summarize the story: The one with five made five more, the one with two made
two more.

Now for the difficult part:

³Then the one who had received the one talent also came forward, saying,
‘Master, I knew that you were a harsh man, reaping where you did not sow,
and gathering where you did not scatter seed; so I was afraid, and I went
and hid your talent in the ground. Here you have what is yours.’ But his
master replied, ‘You wicked and lazy slave! You knew, did you, that I reap
where I did not sow, and gather where I did not scatter? Then you ought to
have invested my money with the bankers, and on my return I would have
received what was my own with interest. So take the talent from him, and
give it to the one with the ten talents. For to all those who have, more
will be given, and they will have an abundance; but from those who have
nothing, even what they have will be taken away. As for this worthless
slave, throw him into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and
gnashing of teeth.’²

The last phrase is used only in Matthew. It has been used to support the
idea of a literal, eternal hell, which I reject. The story does show the
consequences of our actions, however, in this life. If we fail to use what
has been given to us for good, there is a negative consequence.

Application

Matthew clearly wants us to understand that ³waiting² for the Second Coming
doesn¹t mean sitting on your hands. The slave who received the one talent
didn¹t lose it, but in fact preserved it. Yet he is condemned. In the
Christian life, it¹s not enough to have gifts and talents; it is absolutely
necessary to use them.

As John Wesley famously said, ³Do all the good you can, by all the means you
can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times
you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can.²

Some of us receive the message, ³You are not good enough.² Some receive the
message, ³You are fine.² What message are you living with? The creative
writer hears something, writes it down, and assumes the idea is good enough.
Then the editor takes over and begins to develop the idea to improve it. The
talents are needed. The courage to develop and use them with humility is
also needed. The fear that makes us bury things in the ground is not
helpful, and leads to nothing good. My parents gave me the message that I
was good enough.

What are you doing with your gifts of time, talent, and treasure? Are you
part of the problem, or part of the solution to the troubles of this world?

Let us be in prayer.

Re: Richmond First United Methodist News and Event

Joys and Concerns

Lauren McLeod welcomes your prayers for healing.

Sandra Kokoruda (Fran Smith’s daughter) is still anemic and unable to proceed with surgery as yet. Please remember her in your prayers.

Molly Smith is requesting prayers for her brother who has been treated for a brain tumor for several years and has recently entered the Hospice program. Prayers for his family and her brother as they go through this very difficult time.

Deby McFadyen is asking for prayers for her father, Jack McFadyen, who has lung cancer and has started chemotherapy and radiation and is suffering from the side effects of the treatments.

Pat Dornan and Linda Pereira continue to need your prayers of support and healing. Pat has some help coming in five hours a day so she can continue her busy schedule and know that Linda is safe.

Robbie Robinson  would appreciate your prayers.

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

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

  

News

November 9 about 12 church members attended the West Contra Costa Circuit Church Conference, which means we met in conjunction with Pinole and Open Door UMCs. Our Bridges District supervisor, Rev. Schuyler Rhodes officiated. Each church gave a 10 minute presentation on what they have accomplished in the past year. I was impressed with the variety of works the combined churches are doing. The business portion of the meeting was to elect our trustees; nomination and election of members of the Lay Leadership Committee and election of remaining officers/committee members; all of which were unanimously approved by the members of our church. Pastor Dan led us in musical devotion and Eileen Johnson sang a lovely song to remember our friends who have died this past year. You will be hearing more about some of the ideas being presented by the Bridges District.

Pastor Dan and his music are the subject of an article in Reformed Worship written by David Music, a professor of church music at Baylor University in Waco, Texas entitled “The Music of Dan Damon”. Please read the attached copy of the article below, See with the Eyes…

How Are We Doing? The Ad Board met November 13. Our weekly contributions are up. We had a couple of large expenses this past month which has placed us $7000 behind our projected income for the year.

The CA/Nev United Methodist Foundation has sent a Fall Letter on ways to save on your income taxes. Take a look at the attachment.

Bill and Debbie Benko are just back from a well earned vacation in Cabo San Lucas to celebrate their 24th wedding anniversary!

Katherine Parker has sent an email.

an email update from Katherine in Nepal

Poinsettias are blooming and temperatures are dropping in Kathmandu.  Christmas must be coming.  At the United Mission to Nepal (UMN), I am working to expand our Adolescent Sexual Reproductive Health program to reach deaf and blind youth in western Nepal.  Our health team is also joining in consultations for the new UMN five-year plan.  This week we are seeking to clarify the people living in poverty in each region with whom we will work. It is exciting to be part of this planning process. Earlier this month, I spent two weeks in a home stay in the Chitwan District in the Terai lowlands.  I stayed with a Christian family to work on my religious vocabulary. The Terai is south of Kathmandu towards the Indian Ocean.  Part of the experience was an overnight visit to a church that we reached by walking two hours into the jungle. I also learned to sing The Lord’s Prayer in Nepali.  I do not yet feel confident enough to pray extemporaneously in Nepali, but I can certainly now understand and participate in worship more fully. I was honored to meet Christians and visit churches among several ethnic minority groups, including Tamang, Chepang and Rai. Several of these groups are identified in our next five-year plan, especially with regard to religious-based conflict resolution.  Read on for opportunities to multiply your financial contributions to this work by making an on-line gift on Tuesday, December 2. I appreciate your continued support for me to join with the people of Nepal as we work together to realize the Christ’s promise of fullness of life for all. Thank you. Your sister in service for Christ, Katherine

Generosity

November is “Warm Socks” month! There will be a basket up front near the altar each Sunday until Thanksgiving and then the Mission committee will take them to the Rescue Mission. Used socks, if they are clean and in good condition. are acceptable.

Sarah Weems is collecting new unwrapped toys for the Hilltop Richmond YMCA to give to needy children. You may bring your gift to the church and Sarah will pick them up.

Another opportunity to give to the Richmond Childhood Mental Health Program is their constant need for disposable diapers in small sizes (infant through two years) for the parents who have difficulty affording them. They may be left at the church as well.

Imagine No Malaria: At the 2013 Annual Conference we pledged to raise 2 million dollars to fight malaria in Africa. We have raised 1.5 million dollars and need 500,000 dollars to meet that pledge by June 2014 which breaks down to 100,000 dollars for our district. The $100,000 Challenge is on in amusing ways. Rev. Schuyler Rhodes, our district bishop, will publicly shave is head at the Annual Conference if the goal is met! The break down for our share is $4 per member and $11 per worshiper per month. Let’s do our share. Checks made out to FUMC with Imagine No Malaria will get there. Check out the website for other challenger promises and follow the contributions: calnevimagine.org.

umcmarket.org is hoping you will shop for the holidays through their website if you do your shopping on line. Go to the site and go to the store of your choice from there. A percentage of your order (no cost to you) comes directly to our church. This is a painless way to help us meet our budget!

Events

Beginning Sunday Oct. 19 through Nov. 30. Pastor Dan and Jean Reynolds will be presenting a course on the Social Principles of the United Methodist Church. This is a seven week course offered during Adult Sunday School, 10-10:45 am. Come and add to the discussion!

Thursday, Nov. 27, 12-2 pm, Annual Thanksgiving Dinner lovingly prepared for our community to enjoy. Interfaith Service of Thanks, 11:30 am which is a chance to raise your voices in gratitude  for all you have received this past year. If you wish to help, contact Fran Smith at 707 426 4483 or junosmith@aol.com. Fran has the sign up list for the week of Nov. 24. Volunteers are needed evenings starting at 6 pm.

Friday, Nov. 28, 7:30 pm, Point Richmond Jazz presents the Anthony Blea Afro-Cuban Quartet.

Having played with Afro-Cuban bands here in San Francisco and New York City Anthony continues to play a wide variety of music in the Bay Area and internationally. He has played and recorded with many artists including, Israel Lopez “Cachao”, Ray Charles, S.F. Opera

Orchestra, John Santos Ensemble, Jazz Mafia, Charanga 76, Orquesta Broadway, the Musical Art Quartet, and leads his own group,

Anthony Blea y su Charanga.” Anthony is a professor of Music at the San Francisco City College where he teaches Orchestra, Violin and Community Choir. Tickets $15.  Workshop with the artist follows Saturday, Nov.29, 11 am. Both events at First United Methodist Church, 201 Martina St., Point Richmond. For advance tickets and more info on the workshops: prjazz.org.

Saturday, Nov. 29 Point Richmond Annual Tree Lighting: 5 pm, in the Triangle. Our church choir has been invited to sing at this event and anyone who would like to come and sing is welcome.

Sunday, Nov. 30, United Methodist Student Day. This is special Sunday where your gifts go for scholarships and low cost loans to provide college education for students who wish to make a difference in the world with their service.

Thursday, Dec 4, save the date! Our Annual Dinner/Theater Fundraiser will be that evening. Dinner at the Hotel Mac and My Three Angels at the Masquers Playhouse. Arrive for dinner between 5:30 and 6:30: Curtain at 8 pm. Tickets are $50 which includes dinner, tax and tip plus the show. I recently had lunch at Hotel Mac and the prime rib alone is $32, so the tickets may seem expensive, but it’s still a good deal! See attached flyer and spread the word to your friends. We have 88 theater seats to fill and need your help to do it. Jean Reynolds has tickets: 510 734 3942 or sweetheart05@mac.com.

Saturday, Dec. 6, United Methodist Women Annual Christmas Dinner at 4 pm. You are invited to bring diapers (infant to toddler sizes) for The Richmond Childhood Mental Health Program participants as part of our giving for the Christmas season. Kristi and Russ Johnson are hosting at their new home: 1317 Ptarmigan Dr. #6, Walnut Creek. Parking is at a premium so we will carpool and Kristi needs to know who is driving and how many in the car to easily get us through the security gate. She will provide maps for parking and finding her unit. If you wish to bring some food, contact Kristi at kristija48@gmail.com. for suggestions.

Annual Church Conference, Sunday Dec. 14 after church, to complete Lay Leader and Membership Reports and to authorize the Pastor Compensation Package. Rev. Mark Zier will chair the meeting. This should only be a 30 min meeting. Come and participate.

Christmas Pageant, Sunday, December 21 at 11 am and 7 pm. This is the Christmas story in word and song  with Masquers Playhouse volunteers. We have good singers, costumes, Angel Choir and fun! We already are hearing the rush of angel wings on Sunday mornings as the children come to rehearse carols under the direction of Tammara Plankers.

Christmas Eve Jazz Service, December 24 at 7 pm.

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

Fall 2014 Newsletter.pdf

Dinner_theater 14.pdf

Attachment(s) from BARBARA HALEY | View attachments on the web

1 of 1 File(s)

See with the Eyes of God – Dan Damon.pdf

Attachment(s) from BARBARA HALEY | View attachments on the web

3 of 3 File(s)

Fall 2014 Newsletter.pdf

Flyer for Ahmad Sokar visit 11-18-14.docx

Dinner_theater 14.pdf