Richmond First United Methodist Church

Serving Richmond Since 1900

Newsletter October 4, 2014

by

 

Richmond First United Methodist News and Events

Pastor’s Perspective

Sep 28 at 1:32 PM

Dear Friends,

Here are my notes on prayer. I hope you will read the new book.

How Do You Pray? Exodus 17:1-7
Pastor Dan Damon, Richmond 1st UMC, 9-28-14

Introduction

I found a new book in a surprising place. Have you seen the September
edition of the free magazine, ³Common Ground?² The yoga picture on the cover
caught my eye, but as I looked through the magazine, I was amazed to see a
good article on prayer from various perspectives (including Christian). The
title of the article in the magazine is ³How Do You Pray? Insights from the
Illumined.² The ³illumined² part makes me nervous, because I don¹t know if I
am illumined enoughŠ There are pretty color pictures that help tell the
story. Eileen ordered the book for me. The book is entitled How Do You Pray?
Inspiring Responses from Religious Leaders, Spiritual Guides, Healers,
Activists and Other Lovers of Humanity. It is compiled and edited by Celeste
Yacobini, Monkfish Book Publishing, 2014. I will read some highlights as a
way of showing the many ways that people pray. The book includes brief bios
of the people who are quoted, but, in the interested of time and
objectivity, I will let you research that information on your own, if you
choose to buy the book. You may agree or disagree with what you hear. Prayer
is a deep and wonderful mystery:

My personal prayer is the prayer of the heart‹a prayer born of need and
longing, an opening to the mystery of love that is always present within. It
is a deep prayer of silence and love in which the heart looks toward its
Beloved. Llewelyn Vaughan-Lee

Here is the vital heart of the matter: in the Tibetan language, the word for
prayer is monlam, literal meaning ³aspiration Path.² Prayer power has much
to do with intention, resolve and motivation, focus and clarity, as well as
who we may be praying to and what for. All languages are understood in
prayer, for the prayerful heart has the gift of tongues in which no
translation is necessary. Lama Surya Das

I often say that if I had a prayer, it would be this: God, spare me from the
desire for love, approval, or appreciation. Amen. Byron Katie

I so appreciate having heard, once, Terry Gross interviewing the gay bishop
of New Hampshire. And she asked him, ³What¹s your prayer life like these
days?² He said to her, ³The best thing that I can do is just sit there and
let God love me.² I was so moved by what he shared, I sent him a fan letter
right away. Because that¹s true‹we all say, ³God so loved the world, God
loves me, Jesus loves me,² and so on, but we hardly ever sit down and let
ourselves be loved. That¹s become part of my practice too. Rabbi Zalman
Schachter-Shalomi

Let¹s start with the definition of prayer, the most classical definition
that you learn in Sunday School: ³the lifting up of heart and mind to God.²
It is not saying prayers, obviously; it is not even an action doing this or
that. It is an attitude, an attitude of lifting up heart and mind to God.
So, start the other way around and ask, ³What lifts up your heart and mind?
What gives you a lift?²

I [sometimes] get the impression that the fishing rod is just an excuse for
sitting by the river and meditating. I wouldn¹t be surprised if in many
cases it was really a very deep prayer. Brother David Steindl-Rast

[Feeling as a form of prayer] Without any words, without our hands held in a
certain position or any outward physical expression, this mode of prayer
simply invites us to feel a clear and powerful feeling as if our prayers
have already been answered. Through this intangible ³language,² we
participate in the healing of our bodies, the abundance that comes to our
friends and families, and the peace between nations. Gregg Braden

I pray through poetryŠ I spent most of my life being afraid of poetryŠ I
fell into an extreme depression that was unshakeable. Even though I was a
therapist and spiritual teacher at the time, none of the teachings or
techniques I had access to could touch the place that felt so broken in me.
Until one day I heard a man reciting poems unlike any I had encountered in
school. These were the poems of the inner life, the poems of Rilke and Mary
Oliver, of Rumi and Kabir. Something about the words, the spaces between
them and the resonance of the voice cracked me open. For the first time
since the depression had gripped me, I felt releaseŠ I became inspired to
start memorizing poems myselfŠ I allowed myself to be opened and changed by
the poemŠ Here are a few lines from Walt Whitman¹s Leaves of Grass:

I exist as I am, that is enough,
If no other in the world be aware I sit content,
And if each and all be aware I sit content.
One world is aware and by far the largest to me, and that is myself,
And whether I come to my own today or in ten thousand or ten million years,
I can cheerfully take it now, or with equal cheerfulness I can wait.

Retell the Scripture Story

Briefly re-tell the story so farŠ

And Moses said, ³What shall I do? These people are about ready to stone me!²
What kind of prayer is this? What kind of relationship did Moses have with
God? What relationship did the people have with God at that time? Has
anything changed since then?

If we use some broad categories to understand how people pray, we might
choose: thanks, praise, petition, and meditation. These may be formal or
informal, active or passive. Talk about theseŠ

Application

How do you pray? There are many ways. The way you pray is okay. Choose one
or more, and pray daily. Pray alone. Pray with others. Pray your joys. Pray
your sorrows. Give thanks for each new day, and reach out in concern and
service to the world.

And here is one more for the road:

I am through with everything but You
Dying into the mystery
I open to Your majesty as an orchard welcomes rainŠ
Rumi

Let us be in prayer.
Joys and Concerns
This message comes from John McFayden, Deby;s father, through his church in Florida.
Read the message below from Matt Bonhaus who has a peer in Northern Iraq who is in harms way of the ISIS militants. Then pray for their safety & forward to everyone you can.
Dear Friends,

Just a few minutes ago I received the following text message on my phone from Sean Malone who leads Crisis Relief International (CRI). We then spoke briefly on the phone and I assured him that we would share this urgent prayer need with all of our contacts.

“We lost the city of Queragosh (Qaraqosh). It fell to ISIS and they are beheading children systematically. This is the city we have been smuggling food too. ISIS has pushed back Peshmerga (Kurdish forces) and is within 10 minutes of where our CRI team is working. Thousands more fled into the city of Erbil last night. The UN evacuated it’s staff in Erbil. Our team is unmoved and will stay. Prayer cover needed!”

Please pray sincerely for the deliverance of the people of Northern Iraq from the terrible advancement of ISIS and its extreme Islamic goals for mass conversion or death for Christians across this region.

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 She also requests prayers for a friend, Sara Talkington who has just been diagnosed with a brain tumor. She’s married with a 4 year old so
Pat Dornan and Linda Pereira continue to need your prayers of support and healing. Linda is walking with  the use of a walker for stability. 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.
News

Pastor Dan is away this week playing the piano at the Tahoe Journey Farthest Out Camp. Jean Reynolds will share her faith on Sunday, October 5.
 The Russian Tea, given by the United Methodist Women as a fundraiser, was a huge success! We raised around $1,600 to be used to continue work in the kitchen. We are replacing the pink counters and the sink after the holidays. Your purchase of tickets and presence at the tea makes this possible and we thank you so much for supporting our tea. Ioulia Solovieva came to us in the spring when we were beginning to plan a tea and wanted very much to have a Russian Tea. She led us in decorating ideas and foods that would be found in a Russian Tea. We went for a “tasting” lunch at Babushka in Walnut Creek for ideas. Then we had courageous bakers to take on the making of piroshkies, Russian Tea Cakes and other assorted delectable sandwiches and desserts. Fran, Doreen and Ioulia did the lovely decorations and turned Friendship Hall into a delightful milieu for the tea. Then it was populated with our friends and new friends who seemed to have a good time and good appetite! Many thanks to all who helped in any capacity.

 
Mark your calendar!  6th Annual Jean Eakle Silent Auction fundraiser is coming up on Saturday, October 25, 2014 from 4-7 p.m. at the Point San Pablo Yacht Club @ 700 W. Cutting Blvd., Richmond.  There will be arts & crafts for bidding, door prizes, music, hors d’oeuvres, good people and good fun!  Suggested donation at door $10.
Donations needed!  Do you craft, knit, crochet, make jewelry, sculpt, paint etc., or would like to donate cash or gift certificates?  Please contact Debbie Benko @ 510-517-6724; DebBenko160@aol.com; or bring your tax deductible donations to the church on Sunday’s between 10 and 1 p.m. 

Camp Liberty Update: With the current fighting and chaos in Irag, our Irani friends in Camp Liberty need your prayers and support. I am sure this is a harrowing time for them. It is reported that there are armed guards at the gates with guns pointed into the camp at all times.
Jean Ziegler, member of the United Nations Human Rights Council, is calling on the United Nations to send their “Blue Helmets” forces to protect the people in Camps Liberty and Ashraf.

Generosity
How are we doing? The Ad Board met September 11 and Norm Reynolds gave the financial report to date. Collections are down, which is normal for the summer months, but it leaves us behind $3000 in projected income. We have several fundraisers still to come this fall: Art Auction, Dinner/Theater and the Christmas Bake Sale where we hope to make up some of the deficit.

Events
Sunday, Oct. 5 is World Communion Sunday, one of the UMC’s special opportunities to give to help others. The moneys from this particular Sunday provide scholarships to national and international ethnic minorities who wouldn’t normally be able to afford an education. The often return to their communities  to foster change. Nelson Mandela said, “Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world” Consider a gift to make a positive change for others.


Fri. Oct. 10, 7:30 p.m. – Point Acoustic Series opens the Fall Season with Calaveras – Singer-songwriters Greg Beattie and Victoria Blythe, along with instrumentalists Dave Decker, Sam Bevan and Mark Holzinger, combine voices and a half dozen acoustic instruments into original songs that are both fresh and timeless – from the roots of American traditional song forms to explorations of contemporary sounds. See wwwcalaverassongs.com for more info.  Opening the show will be California banjo sweetheart, singer-songwriter Erin Inglish.  For more info, please visit http://www.erininglish.com/ .  Tickets are $15 in advance, or $20 at the door.  Get tickets online at Brown Paper Tickets   Season Pass: Save $60 and get preferred seating by purchasing the entire series for just $100 for all eight shows. Front row seating will be held for season pass holders until 10 minutes before the show.   Another great deal: The 2×4 pass. This entitles 2 people admission into any 4 shows of their choice and also costs $100. (2×4 pass holders do not get preferred seating.)
Sunday, Oct. 12 after church the Lay Leadership Committee will be meeting. As a reminder members are: Diane Frary, Jean Reynolds, Alice Thompson, Fran Smith and Steve Aleshire.
Sunday, October 12 at 5 pm the SF Munich Trio will be having a concert at our church. Rebecca Rust, cello, Friedrich Edelmann, bassoon and Miles Graber, piano We always look forward to their concerts. They have been playing in China and Italy with rave reviews. This is a don’t miss concert, their music is extraordinary. If you love classical music come and enjoy. Tickets are $15 at the door. If you would like to help with refreshments, let Barbara Haley know at bahcats@sbcglobal.net.Visit their website at http://www.edelmann-rust.com/ for information about them and their playing.
The Point Richmond Jazz Concert series begins Friday, October 24 at 7:30 pm. The season opens with Jason Anick and Rhythm Future. This quartet performs dynamic and fiery arrangements of Gypsy Jazz standards and original compositions. First United Methodist Church, 201 Martina St., Richmond. Season Tickets for 8 concerts, $100. For more information about the performers and tickets go to prjazz.org. Tickets $20 at the door, $15 on line.

 
6th Annual Jean Eakle Silent Auction: Saturday, October 25, 2014, 4-7 pm, Point San Pablo Yacht Club, 700 W. Cutting Blvd, Richmond. Donation at door $10. We will have arts & crafts for bidding, door prizes, music and hors d’oeuvres to satisfy other senses and a good time!
Donations needed!  Are you an artist who would like to donate your goods or maybe you have art in storage you have been meaning to donate?  Please donate your tax deductible items by contacting Debbie Benko @ 510-517-6724 or DebBenko160@aol.com.
Please send submissions for FUMC News and Events to Barbara Haley, editor: bahcats@sbcglobal.net.
__._,_.___

Posted by: BARBARA HALEY <bahcats@sbcglobal.net>

Newsletter September 20

by

 

 

Richmond First United Methodist News and Events

Pastor’s Perspective

 

 

Dear Friends,
Here are my notes from last Sunday:
The Things We Do, Matthew 18:21-35 Pastor Dan Damon, Richmond 1st UMC, 9-14-14
Introduction
Our gospel lesson concluded last week with these words of encouragement: ³Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.² It is good to be together again in this time and place.
I closed my sermon last week with thoughts of my father: He had cerebral palsy, he did poorly in school, but married a public health nurse, had three ³good enough² children, and lived to be 93. He was non-judgmental and approving of me (giving me the gift of good self-esteem), and occasionally came up with a good turn of phrase. I remember these sayings: ³Marriage is a lot of give and take.² ³If you¹d like to talk about it, we can.²
It was safe for me to express anger at the lunch table with the family present. He would often say, ³I¹m sorry.² I would forgive my father, and we would go back to his bicycle shop with a better relationship. And from last week, referring to a customer¹s poorly maintained bicycle, he would often say, ³We can make it a little better.²
To close the service last week we sang the theme song from the Western Methodist Justice Movement retreat, ³With the People We Have² (we can build a better world). How did you do this week? Did you take any small steps toward building a better world? Did you practice your music? Did you write a letter to your congressman? Did you forgive anyone this week?
It is not the things we believe, but the things we do that determine who we are. It is not our doctrines, but our behavior that gives our lives meaning. The big words are orthodoxy and orthopraxis, right belief and right practice. In typical ³Christian talk² it is common to ask, ³Are you a believer?² [In the South people still ask, ³Where do you go to church?² In California, if it comes up at all, the question might be, ³Do you go to church?²]
In Judaism it is more common to ask, ³Are you practicing?² Here in this church I teach the practice of love, the living of faith, and the life of hope. Your beliefs are your own. Your thoughts are your own. I will never argue with you about them. It is only as they affect your behavior that they become of interest to the community within and outside these walls.
Practice peace, justice, hope, love, and living each moment with joy.
Retell the Scripture Story
As usual, there are problematic aspects to our readings today: The ³Hebrews get across the Red Sea, but the Egyptian soldiers drown.² That is how the story is told. Scholars I respect don¹t think it happened that way. This is part of the story of origin that can be used to show God¹s power and guidance, but we need to be careful how we interpret it. All of us are ³chosen² by God, if any of us are. If one wins at the expense of another, we do not have shalom.
The gospel ends with a ³forgive or else² threatening message. According to the story, the king delivered the unjust servant to the tormentors until he paid all his debt. And the final application to our lives: So shall my heavenly Father do to you, if you do not forgive everyone.²
All I can tell you is that the Bible has a lot of great things in it, but it has some dangerous parts also. You might want to read it with a commentary, or come to our adult Bible study to get a little help with some of the troubling passages. Here we might say, that is just how it works: If we do not forgive, we are bound by that resentment for life. We can¹t blame God for that. It is the nature of things. We forgive, and we are set free of the thing that had bound us. The old story puts it in a way that is hard to swallow for post-moderns.
But the opening question is easier to understand. Our gospel lesson opens with an honest question from Peter (not George Peter, just Peter). He asks Jesus, ³How many times do I have to forgive someone who sins against me? As many as seven times?² Jesus gives him this answer: Forgiveness, 70 x 7= infinity [symbolically].
and this story: The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his slaves. The slave owed ten thousand talents (a lot), and couldn¹t pay, so he was to be sold, his wife, his children, all his possessions, so that payment could be made. The slave fell on his knees and begged for mercy. ²Have patience with me and I will pay you everything.² Out of pity for him, the lord released him and forgave him the debt.
But the slave went out and refused to forgive a fellow slave who owed him one hundred denarii (not much). Seizing him by the throat, he said, pay up. The slave begged for mercy, but was given none, and thrown in debtor¹s prison. Other slaves reported this to the lord. Then the lord summoned the unforgiving slave, saying: ³You wicked slave! I forgave you a great debt because you pleaded with me. Should you not have had mercy on your fellow slave, as I had mercy on you? And in anger the lord threw the slave in prison until he would pay his entire debt.
This, as I have said, is a difficult story, but it shows the need to be forgiven and the need to forgive. The community cannot function without forgiveness. Our families cannot function without forgiveness. We give it, and we receive it. We learn from the actions, not the beliefs of others. If someone has hurt you, you forgive them, and you are free, but you remember not to let them hurt you in that way again. We are more cautious, knowing what happened in the past.
Presbyterian minister, Marjorie Thompson writes: ³To forgive is to make a conscious choice to release the person who has wounded us from the sentence of our judgment, however justified that judgment may be. It represents a choice to leave behind our resentment and desire for retribution, however fair such punishment may seemŠ. Forgiveness involves excusing persons from the punitive consequences they deserve because of their behavior. The behavior remains condemned, but the offender is released from its effects as far as the forgiver is concerned. Forgiveness means the power of the original wound to hold us trapped is broken.²
Or you might think about this conversation, one prisoner to another: ³Have you forgiven your captors yet?² ³I will never do that.² ³Then they still have you in prison, don¹t they?²
Forgiveness is necessary for us to live and thrive in this world. Address conflicts with honesty. Forgive. Learn. Move on into deeper relationship. Practice love.
Application
A traditional prayer of confession (UMH 890) goes like this:
We confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us; that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your name. Amen.
Some of the ideas could be rephrased thus:
We admit that we have missed the mark in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone. We have not loved with our whole heart, we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly turn away from things that hurt us, others, and the cosmos. We forgive ourselves, and those who have hurt us. We will live today with love and hope. So be it.
Life is a tapestry of joy and sorrow. Every day is a new day. Let us learn, love, and explore together, as we make things a little better.
Let us be in prayer.

 

 

 

 

Joys and Concerns

 

 

Lauren McLeod welcomes your prayers for healing.

 

Kristi and Russ Johnson have returned home.

 

Mid Dornan is having a pacemaker inserted next Wednesday, Please keep her in your prayers for a speedy recovery.

 

 

Sandra Kokoruda (Fran Smith’s daughter) is having severe medical problems. She recently moved to South Dakota where the medical community has been more responsive to her medical needs than here in California. Sandra had a severe bleeding episode, but after multiple transfusions she is home and doing better. The doctors are testing her to try to determine where the bleeding is coming from. Sandra and her son, Robert are moving into their own apartment which should decrease the stress she has been under, Robert is taking good care of her. Please continue to remember them and Fran 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 She also requests prayers for a friend, Sara Talkington who has just been diagnosed with a brain tumor. She’s married with a 4 year old so

 

Pat Dornan and Linda Pereira continue to need your prayers of support and healing. Linda is walking with  the use of a walker for stability. 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.

 

 

 

News

 

 

 

Katherine Parker  from Nepal, our missionary:

August 31

On route to Rupandehi (in the Terai lowlands) with UMN Health Team members Sushma and Rakshya. We’ll be meeting partners to give orientation to the new phase Community Health Program and I’ll be interviewing some social mobilizers to learn …more about their group engagement process. Exciting bit is that I saw the Himalayas (snowy mountains, not just the “hills” around Kathmandu) again for the first time since the monsoon rains came. This picture taken from a moving vehicle is terrible, but I am excited for cooler weather and clear skies to return. See More

— at Kalanki Ktm.

 

 

Faith In Action, newsletter from the General Board of Church and Society, has several articles regarding the United Methodist Church involvement in caring for the unaccompanied children crossing our borders. To read the articles go to gbcs@umc-gbcs.com.

 

 

Mark your calendar!  6th Annual Jean Eakle Silent Auction fundraiser is coming up on Saturday, October 25, 2014 from 4-7 p.m. at the Point San Pablo Yacht Club @ 700 W. Cutting Blvd., Richmond.  There will be arts & crafts for bidding, door prizes, music, hors d’oeuvres, good people and good fun!  Suggested donation at door $10.

Donations needed!  Do you craft, knit, crochet, make jewelry, sculpt, paint etc., or would like to donate cash or gift certificates?  Please contact Debbie Benko @ 510-517-6724; DebBenko160@aol.com; or bring your tax deductible donations to the church on Sunday’s between 10 and 1 p.m.

 

 

Camp Liberty Update: With the current fighting and chaos in Irag, our Irani friends in Camp Liberty need your prayers and support. I am sure this is a harrowing time for them. It is reported that there are armed guards at the gates with guns pointed into the camp at all times.

Jean Ziegler, member of the United Nations Human Rights Council, is calling on the United Nations to send their “Blue Helmets” forces to protect the people in Camps Liberty and Ashraf.

 

 

Generosity

 

The United Methodist Church has a shopping site a umcmarket.org where you can sign up and when you shop on line through the Market Place a percentage of your purchase comes to our church. They have updated the site and it is easier to use and user friendly. This is a very easy way to give. During the month of September umcmarket.org will donate $5 to our church for every new person who signs up and uses the site to make a purchase!

 

How are we doing? The Ad Board met September 11 and Norm Reynolds gave the financial report to date. Collections are down, which is normal for the summer months, but it leaves us behind $3000 in projected income. We have several fundraisers still to come this fall: Art Auction, Dinner/Theater and the Christmas Bake Sale where we hope to make up some of the deficit.

 

Events
Fri. Oct. 10, 7:30 p.m. – Point Acoustic Series opens the Fall Season with Calaveras – Singer-songwriters Greg Beattie and Victoria Blythe, along with instrumentalists Dave Decker, Sam Bevan and Mark Holzinger, combine voices and a half dozen acoustic instruments into original songs that are both fresh and timeless – from the roots of American traditional song forms to explorations of contemporary sounds. See wwwcalaverassongs.com for more info.  Opening the show will be California banjo sweetheart, singer-songwriter Erin Inglish.  For more info, please visit http://www.erininglish.com/ .  Tickets are $15 in advance, or $20 at the door.  Get tickets online atBrown Paper Tickets   Season Pass: Save $60 and get preferred seating by purchasing the entire series for just $100 for all eight shows. Front row seating will be held for season pass holders until 10 minutes before the show.   Another great deal: The 2×4 pass. This entitles 2 people admission into any 4 shows of their choice and also costs $100. (2×4 pass holders do not get preferred seating.)

Sunday, October 12 at 5 pm the SF Munich Trio will be having a concert at our church. Rebecca Rust, cello, Friedrich Edelmann, bassoon and Miles Graber, piano We always look forward to their concerts. They have been playing in China and Italy with rave reviews. This is a don’t miss concert, their music is extraordinary. If you love classical music come and enjoy. Tickets are $15 at the door. If you would like to help with refreshments, let Barbara Haley know at bahcats@sbcglobal.net.Visit their website at http://www.edelmann-rust.com/ for information about them and their playing.

 

The Point Richmond Jazz Concert series begins Friday, October 24 at 7:30 pm. The season opens with Jason Anick and Rhythm Future. This quartet performs dynamic and fiery arrangements of Gypsy Jazz standards and original compositions. First United Methodist Church, 201 Martina St., Richmond. Season Tickets for 8 concerts, $100. For more information about the performers and tickets go to prjazz.org. Tickets $20 at the door, $15 on line.

 

6th Annual Jean Eakle Silent Auction: Saturday, October 25, 2014, 4-7 pm, Point San Pablo Yacht Club, 700 W. Cutting Blvd, Richmond. Donation at door $10. We will have arts & crafts for bidding, door prizes, music and hors d’oeuvres to satisfy other senses and a good time!

Donations needed!  Are you an artist who would like to donate your goods or maybe you have art in storage you have been meaning to donate?  Please donate your tax deductible items by contacting Debbie Benko @ 510-517-6724 or DebBenko160@aol.com.

 

 

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

Newsletter September 6, 2014

by

[Attachment(s) from BARBARA HALEY included below]

 

Richmond First United Methodist News and Events

Pastor’s Perspective

 

Please see Jacqueline Corl-Seidel’s message from Sunday. Attached.

Joys and Concerns

 

 

Lauren McLeod welcomes your prayers for healing.

 

Kristi and Russ Johnson have detoured back to Idaho because her father was hospitalized. He is being transferred to a nursing home this week and once he is familiar with his surroundings, they will come home.

 

Mid Dornan is back at home! The cardiologist decided that the slow heart rate was being caused by her medications so they adjusted them and her heart rate improved.

 

Sandra Kokoruda (Fran Smith’s daughter) is having severe medical problems. She recently moved to South Dakota where the medical community has been more responsive to her medical needs than here in California. Sandra had a severe bleeding episode, but after multiple transfusions she is home and doing better. The doctors are testing her to try to determine where the bleeding is coming from. Sandra and her son, Robert are moving into their own apartment which should decrease the stress she has been under, Robert is taking good care of her. Please continue to remember them and Fran 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 She also requests prayers for a friend, Sara Talkington who has just been diagnosed with a brain tumor. She’s married with a 4 year old so

 

Pat Dornan and Linda Pereira continue to need your prayers of support and healing. Linda is walking with  the use of a walker for stability. 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.

 

Donna Roselius is requesting our prayers for healing. She continues to battle cancer and had further surgery on Tuesday. Donna is now living in Oregon. She was the founder of the Point Richmond History Association and a strong supporter of our church. Many of you may remember her and will want to add her to your prayer list.

 

News

 

 

 

Katherine Parker  from Nepal, our missionary:

August 31

On route to Rupandehi (in the Terai lowlands) with UMN Health Team members Sushma and Rakshya. We’ll be meeting partners to give orientation to the new phase Community Health Program and I’ll be interviewing some social mobilizers to learn …more about their group engagement process. Exciting bit is that I saw the Himalayas (snowy mountains, not just the “hills” around Kathmandu) again for the first time since the monsoon rains came. This picture taken from a moving vehicle is terrible, but I am excited for cooler weather and clear skies to return. See More

— at Kalanki Ktm.

 

The Western Methodist Justice Movement just had a retreat at Lake Tahoe. They have composed an open letter to the Council of Bishops of the United Methodist Church requesting action on several timely Human Rights issues. Please see the attached letter.

 

Faith In Action, newsletter from the General Board of Church and Society, has several articles regarding the United Methodist Church involvement in caring for the unaccompanied children crossing our borders. To read the articles go to gbcs@umc-gbcs.com.

 

Plans are underway for our 6th Annual Jean Eakle Silent Auction on October 25, 2014, 4-7 pm at the Point San Pablo Yacht Club, 700 W. Cutting Blvd. Art work, jewelry, arts& crafts, raffle, hors d’oeuvres, music and a whole lot of fun! Suggested donation $10. Letters will be going out soon to encourage local businesses to donate. We are hoping to raffle off dinners for two, gym memberships, gift certificates, etc.  We plan to have items for sale as well as auction items. Do you have art work you no longer use? Do you knit, crochet, weave, potter, make jewelry, paint or sculpt? Would you like to donate to the auction?  Can you recommend a contact person for businesses that may be interested in helping us out?  Please contact Debbie Benko @ 510-517-6724 or DebBenko160@aol.com< mailto:DebBenko160@aol.com

 

 

 

 

Alice Thompson announced that both the Joyful Noise Choir and Children’s Sunday School will be starting this Sunday.

 

 

Camp Liberty Update: With the current fighting and chaos in Irag, our Irani friends in Camp Liberty need your prayers and support. I am sure this is a harrowing time for them. It is reported that there are armed guards at the gates with guns pointed into the camp at all times.

Jean Ziegler, member of the United Nations Human Rights Council, is calling on the United Nations to send their “Blue Helmets” forces to protect the people in Camps Liberty and Ashraf.

*Please see article from the Washington Times.

 

 

Generosity

 

The United Methodist Church has a shopping site a umcmarket.org where you can sign up and when you shop on line through the Market Place a percentage of your purchase comes to our church. They have updated the site and it is easier to use and user friendly. This is a very easy way to give.

 

Events

 

Thursday, Sept. 11 is the next Administrative Board Meeting, 7 pm in Friendship Hall.

 

Wednesday, Sept. 17 United Methodist women make dinner for GRIP. If you would like to help or donate money towards the food, contact Doreen Leighton at 510 307 5461 or d3leighton@me.com.

 

Saturday, September 20 the United Methodist Women will be having a Russian Tea. Save the date and come and enjoy some traditional Russian Tea items. There will be two seatings, 11:30 am and 1 pm. Reservations through Doreen Leighton at 510 307 5461 or d3leighton@me.com. Please mail checks to Doreen at 236 Castro St., Richmond 94801. Tickets at the door are available , space permitting. Tickets: Adults $20/Children $10. This is a fundraiser.

Sunday, October 12 at 5 pm the SF Munich Trio will be having a concert at our church. Rebecca Rust, cello, Friedrich Edelmann, bassoon and Miles Graber, piano We always look forward to their concerts. They have been playing in China and Italy with rave reviews. This is a don’t miss concert, their music is extraordinary. If you love classical music come and enjoy. Tickets are $15 at the door. If you would like to help with refreshments, let Barbara Haley know at bahcats@sbcglobal.net.Visit their website at http://www.edelmann-rust.com/ for information about them and their playing.

 

The Point Richmond Jazz Concert series begins Friday, October 24 at 7:30 pm. The season opens with Jason Anick and Rhythm Future. This quartet performs dynamic and fiery arrangements of Gypsy Jazz standards and original compositions. First United Methodist Church, 201 Martina St., Richmond. Season Tickets for 8 concerts, $100. For more information about the performers and tickets go to prjazz.org. Tickets $20 at the door, $15 on line.

 

6th Annual Jean Eakle Silent Auction: Saturday, October 25, 2014, 4-7 pm, Point San Pablo Yacht Club, 700 W. Cutting Blvd, Richmond. Donation at door $10. We will have arts/crafts for bidding; music and hors d’oeuvres to satisfy other senses and a good time! To donate or offer help, contact Debbie Benko: 510 517 6724 or DebBenko160@aol.com. Donations needed! Tax deductible donations are needed. If you craft, knit, crochet, make jewelry, sculpt, paint etc.and would like to give, contact Debbie as above.

 

 

 

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

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Newsletter August 9, 2014

by

 

Richmond First United Methodist News and Events

 

Pastor’s Perspective

 

Interpretation, Genesis 32:22-31

Pastor Dan Damon, Richmond 1st UMC, 8-3-14

 

Introduction

We live in a world marred by wars and rumors of wars. People claim God is on their side as they kill, kidnap, and steal. They claim they are the chosen ones, on the chosen way, following the true faith. They cite the Bible, the Koran, or some other holy authority as a way of staking claims that feed their desire for power. We may feel powerless to understand these tides of hate, let alone to stop them from continuing down through the ages.

 

I heard the phrase “our sphere of influence” last week at Journey Farthest Out camp. Ian Adamson, the speaker, does interventions with seriously mentally ill people. He is the CEO of a non-profit organization with 35 employees. He said we can make changes within our sphere of influence. We can till the soil where we are, we can love the people around us with a consistent, long-term love [like the steadfast love of God] which will make a difference to some. If we cannot do everything, we can still do something.

 

Retell the Scripture Story

All of us have stories of origin— stories that tell us where we come from. We may tell them often, or never. We may be fully conscious of their implications, or more or less unconscious. We have scientific and biological origins, faith origins, cultural and language origins. These stories give our lives meaning. They help us move on from tragedy. They give us hope for the future. These can be called “master stories” [James Fowler, Stages of Faith] or etiological tales [and this is the reason that to this day the place is called…] Stories of origin in science [the big bang, but what was before the space dust?] take us only so far. They are limited. Stories of origin in religions, [Judaism, Islam, Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism, Native American spiritualities] help us understand who we are and how we are to live, but they only take us so far, and they require thoughtful and compassionate interpretation.  We all have stories of origin. We may not tell them often. We may not even be fully aware of them, but we have them.

 

We have been hearing readings from the Abraham saga in Genesis [even Psalm 105:11 from last week says, “To you I will give the land of Canaan as your portion for an inheritance.”] We have heard the origin story and the covenant God made with Abraham. We have heard that the Jews are “God’s chosen people.” Have you heard of “the scandal of particularity?” In Christian stories, the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us [John 1:14]. Jesus, a man, God/human, in limited place and time, particular, scandalous because Jesus is a particular gender, in one place and time, the product of one religious tradition [Judaism.] In the Hebrew scriptures God works with particular people, too, making covenants with Adam [and Eve], Noah [and his family and all the animals], Abraham and Sarah [also caring for Hagar and Ishmael], David, and Jeremiah’s covenant written on the human heart. In these stories we see a developing awareness of humanity in relation to the highest good which is love. In Micah 6:8 we read [and sing] “What does the Lord require of you but to love kindness, to do justice, and to walk humbly with your God.” Notice the humility. We do not have all the answers.

 

Where do you come from? What is your ultimate concern? [Paul Tillich] What stories give your life meaning? [Are you the “black sheep” of your family? I told myself I was for years. It is bad in two ways: It equates black with being bad, and it perpetuates my acting out in harmful ways.] What stories are you telling yourself? Are the interpretations helpful or harmful? Do you see God loving only you and those like you, or do you see the universal vision that James Fowler talks about in “Stages of Faith” the stories and religious symbols that point beyond themselves to the beautiful, mystical vision of peace of earth and justice for all creation?

 

In the Abraham saga we hear of God’s covenant relationship with Abram, now called Abraham. It is good that God works with individuals, families and nations. It is devastating if we interpret this to mean one family or nation can disregard the human rights and dignity of other persons, families, and nations. We are seeing tragic loss of life every day because people interpret these stories in destructive, selfish, even maniacal ways. There are horrible stories of origin in the Bible. Many sensitive and thoughtful people quit reading the Bible and stop attending church when they read these stories, or hear them read in worship. The God who is love is misunderstood as a God of military conquest and vengeance. We need to purge this way of thinking and acting from our selves and from our societies. This takes time, and effort, and willingness to change. We do not arrive at perfection in this life, but we continue to learn and grow, to study, and to work for the changes that we pray for. The Bible is a guide that requires interpretation, daily and weekly.

 

In the Psalm 17:7 today we read: “Wondrously show your steadfast love, O savior of those who seek refuge from their adversaries at your right hand.” I think of the children on the border as I read these words. They are part of our family. With God’s help we can do something to help them. We can sing of justice, pray for both the oppressor and the oppressed, and we can use the power of God to act with compassion. How will you use the power God has given you?

 

In the gospel lesson today we here the good news. When faced with a large crowd of hungry people in the wilderness, Jesus tells the disciples: Give them something to eat. [He has faith in them.] Later on the disciples are tossed on the sea by a great storm, but Jesus comes to them saying: Be of good cheer; it is I; do not be afraid. Peter leaps out into the sea at Jesus’ invitation, but starts to sink. He cries, “Lord, save me.” Jesus stretched forth his hand and saves the risk taker, saying “Why did you doubt?”

 

According to these formative stories, we have the power to act to make a difference in this hurting and fearful world. God is with us, as God is with all creation. This means the solution rests with us, as we act with the power of the God who is love.

Application

What are your stories of origin? How do you interpret them? Are you bound by literalism, or freed by poetry and mysticism? Can you pray with me today for peace and justice for all? Can you act in faith in your sphere of influence to feed the hungry, house the homeless, and comfort those who mourn? Let peace begin with me, with us. I have asked Sarah to conclude the sermon today with one of my hymns that has been called “post-modern”. Listen to the way it opens our “God language” and our story of origin. Does the poetry speak to a deep place within you? I hope so.

 

Shadow and substance,

wonder and mystery,

spellbinding spinner of atoms and earth;

Soul of the cosmos,

person and energy,

Source of our being, we sing of your worth.

 

We are your image,

formed in community;

sisters and brothers of Adam and Eve.

You gave us color,

custom and history;

teach us to honor what others receive.

 

Naming the nameless,

Spirit of unity,

scanning the heavens for signs of your care;

God of the ages,

give us humility;

guide us to mystical union in prayer.

Daniel Charles Damon 
Words © 1994 Hope Publishing Company

 

Sarah Thompson sings “Shadow and Substance.”

 

Let us continue in prayer

Joys and Concerns

  • Pastor Dan received an email below from a friend and collaborator, Patrick Matsikenyiri who is a retired music professor at Africa University in Zimbabwe. His wife, Avis, needs a hip replacement and he lacks the financial resources for her to have the surgery. Our prayers are with them.

 

  • Subject: It never rain, it pours. Hope this finds you well. Aves has been diagnosed Anthritis in the hip. Doctor has advised hip replacement. This is a major issue when resources are not available. I am appealing in case you know who would help some., that will be very helpful. I thought of this saying, Share happiness it multiplies, share sorrow it divides. One other way is to encourage churches , groups and individuals to buy my books from GBGM in New York and from Abingdon Publishers in Nashville Tn. The money would be deposited in my BB&T Bank No. 5134227070. We have delayed due to insufficient resources and yet the pain is deepening.. What ever help we get we will appreciate much. Hope all is well with you. Warm greetings from Aves as struggles.

 

  • Lauren McLeod welcomes your prayers for healing.

 

  • Sandra Kokoruda (Fran Smith’s daughter) is having severe medical problems. She recently moved to North Dakota where the medical community has been more responsive to her medical needs than here in California but she had not followed through with contact until it became emergent. Fran is particularly stressed because it’s difficult to be so far away although Sandra’s physician has been in contact with her. Pleas add them in your prayers for healing and compassionate support.

 

  • Kristi and Russ Johnson are now in Denver awaiting the birth of a new baby and baby sitting the two year old to help out. Russ is recovering nicely from his pacemaker surgery. Please remember them in your prayers for healing.

 

  • 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 She also requests prayers for a friend, Sara Talkington who has just been diagnosed with a brain tumor. She’s married with a 4 year old so

 

  •  Pat Dornan and Linda Pereira continue to need your prayers of support and healing. Linda had surgery to remove the hematoma. She is home but weak.
  • Robbie Robinson  would appreciate your prayers.

 

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

 

  • Donna Roselius is requesting our prayers for healing. She continues to battle cancer and had further surgery on Tuesday. Donna is now living in Oregon. She was the founder of the Point Richmond History Association and a strong supporter of our church. Many of you may remember her and will want to add her to your prayer list.

 

News

 

  • Plans are underway for our 6th Annual Jean Eakle Silent Auction on October 25, 2014, 4-7 pm at the Point San Pablo Yacht Club, 700 W. Cutting Blvd. Art work, jewelry, arts & crafts, raffle, hors d’oeuvres, music and a whole lot of fun! Suggested donation $10. Letters will be going out soon to encourage local businesses to donate. We are hoping to raffle off dinners for two, gym memberships, gift certificates, etc.  We plan to have items for sale as well as auction items. Do you have art work you no longer use? Do you knit, crochet, weave, potter, make jewelry, paint or sculpt? Would you like to donate to the auction?  Can you recommend a contact person for businesses that may be interested in helping us out?  Please contact Debbie Benko @ 510-517-6724 or DebBenko160@aol.com <mailto:DebBenko160@aol.com

.

  • Camp Liberty Update: With the current fighting and chaos in Irag, our Irani friends in Camp Liberty need your prayers and support. I am sure this is a harrowing time for them. It is reported that there are armed guards at the gates with guns pointed into the camp at all times.
  • Pastor Dan’s time away this summer:

 

  • August 11-20 Vacation in Hawaii.
  • August 28-September1 Western Methodist Justice Movement Meeting at Lake Tahoe.

Generosity

 

The United Methodist Church has a shopping site a umcmarket.org where you can sign up and when you shop on line through the Market Place a percentage of your purchase comes to our church. They have updated the site and it is easier to use and user friendly. This is a very easy way to give.

Events

  • Finance Committee Meeting is scheduled for Saturday August 9, 1:00 pm at Matt and Jennifer Foster’s home.1052 Hawthorne Dr., Rodeo

 

  • Administrative Board Meeting is Thursday, August 14, 7 pm in Friendship Hall..

 

  • Sunday, August 17, Jean Reynolds will be faith sharing.

 

  • Labor Day Weekend: August 29 through September 1st  2014, Stepping Out in Faith, sponsored by the Western Methodist Justice Movement which advocates compassionate US immigration policies, fully inclusive UMC ministries, human rights in the Philippines, a just peace for Israel-Palestine, reproductive justice and more.
  • Registration is open. Lake Tahoe, Zephyr Point Retreat Center. For more info and to register: wmjm.org. Last day to register is August 15th.

 

  • Saturday, September 20 the United Methodist Women will be having a Russian Tea. Save the date! More information as it becomes available.

 

  • Sunday, October 12 at 5 pm the SF Munich Trio will be having a concert at our church. Rebecca Rust, cello, Friedrich Edelmann, bassoon and Miles Graber, piano We always look forward to their concerts. They have been playing in China and Italy with rave reviews. This is a don’t miss concert, their music is extraordinary. If you love classical music come and enjoy. Tickets are $15 at the door. If you would like to help with refreshments, let Barbara Haley know at bahcats@sbcglobal.net.Visit their website at http://www.edelmann-rust.com/ for information about them and their playing.

 

  • The Point Richmond Jazz Concert series begins Friday, October 24 at 7:30 pm. The season opens with Jason Anick and Rhythm Future. This quartet performs dynamic and fiery arrangements of Gypsy Jazz standards and original compositions. First United Methodist Church, 201 Martina St., Richmond. Season Tickets for 8 concerts, $100. For more information about the performers and tickets go to prjazz.org. Tickets $20 at the door, $15 on line.

 

  • 6th Annual Jean Eakle Silent Auction: Saturday, October 25, 2014, 4-7 pm, Point San Pablo Yacht Club, 700 W. Cutting Blvd, Richmond. Donation at door $10. We will have arts/crafts for bidding; music and hors d’oeuvres to satisfy other senses and a good time! To donate or offer help, contact Debbie Benko: 510 517 6724 or DebBenko160@aol.com. Donations needed! Tax deductible donations are needed. If you craft, knit, crochet, make jewelry, sculpt, paint etc.and would like to give, contact Debbie as above.

 

.

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

 

 

 

Newsletter July 26,2014

by


Richmond First United Methodist News and Events
Pastor’s Perspective
Dear friends,

I’ll see you next Sunday. I’m playing for camp Monday through Friday this
week.

Here are my notes from last week:

Finding a Home, Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43
Pastor Dan Damon, Richmond 1st UMC, 7-20-14

Introduction

Tell stories about the wonderful Hymn Society conferenceŠ

Singing without a Net, John Bell

At Your Altars, when the books didn¹t arrive

Global Songs, Swee Hong Lim

Teacher of songwriting

Next Year in New Orleans

Sing and play the Invitation Song parody:

Are you coming with me
on down to the sea?
The river will take you there.
Just get in a boat
that has an outboard motor,
or else you can come by air.

There’s a city that has
great food and hot jazz.
Like mockingbirds we will sing.
From there you can see
the lazy Mississippi
roll on as our songs take wing.

The scholars in the moonlight
will cry aloud for ink and pen.
They’ll write immortal hymns by the hour,
and set us singing God’s praise again.

I can see Richard Leach
right there on the beach,
and Mel’s gonna be there, too.
there’s room for some more,
so treat the folks you care for
next year in New Orleans.

a  parody by Dan Damon, 2014
(Richard Leach and Mel Bringle have approved this message.

Retell the Scripture Story

We heard part of the Abraham saga today in our reading from Genesis 28. ³We
are climbing Jacob¹s Ladder² is the African American spiritual associated
with the story. When Jacob awakened from his dream, he said, ³Surely the
Lord is in the place, and I knew it not.² v. 16

When did you discover that the Lord who is love is in this place? Was it
years ago, or only very recently? Are you finding a home with us? I hope so.
As United Methodists we bring a variety of beliefs together under one roof,
united by a concern for human rights, justice and peace, and celebrating and
acknowledging the universals of love and truth, joy and sorrow, hope and
grace for each new day. I ask you if you are practicing your faith. I do not
ask if you believe the right things. We come together here in a spirit of
love and service to the world as it is, and as it may become.

Turning to the gospel lesson, we notice the parable of the sower. The
kingdom of heaven is likened to a sower who sowed good seed in his field.
But his enemy came by night and sowed weeds and went away. The sower told
his servants to let them both grow together, then at harvest time, to cut
and burn the weeds first, and then they would have wheat to gather in the
barn.

The disciples did not understand this parable, so they asked Jesus to
explain it. He said, ³He that sows is the Son of humanity; the field is the
world, the good seed are the children of the kingdom, the weeds are the
hurtful things in us [in modern terms, are the shadow side]. In the story we
hear that God allows the good and bad to co-exist until the harvest, the
close of human history.

Every gardener knows the truth of this story: there are flowers and weeds,
growing together. Of course some times what you call a weed, I call a
flower. The good and the things we call bad grow together on the earth. Each
has a place. As Mary Lee once told me, ³There¹s a lot of good stuff in that
mud.² This is a difficult parable, but it encourages us to take an honest
look at ourselves and our choices. Are you finding a fertile field, sinking
roots, growing and bearing fruit of your kind where God has planted you? I
trust you are finding good soil here, today, with us. Thank you for being
part of our garden today.

Application

I will close today with an unpublished hymn text regarding the universal
need to find a home.

All people need a home,

a place to feel secure,

where common needs are known and met,

a home that will endure.

All people need a home,

a welcome at the door,

a place to share and to enjoy,

a home for rich and poor.

All people need a home,

a place where hurts can heal,

where help is given and received,

a home where love is real.

God, help us build a world

where all can feel secure,

a place where all can live and love,

a world that will endure.

Dan Damon, 2014

WORDS © 2014 Hope Publishing Company, Carol Stream, IL 60188. All rights
reserved.

Let us be in prayer.

    

Joys and Concerns
  • Pastor Dan received an email below from a friend and collaborator, Patrick Matsikenyiri who is a retired music professor at Africa University in Zimbabwe. His wife, Avis, needs a hip replacement and he lacks the financial resources for her to have the surgery. Our prayers are with them.
Subject: It never rain, it pours. Hope this finds you well. Aves has been diagnosed Anthritis in the hip. Doctor has advised hip replacement. This is a major issue when resources are not available. I am appealing in case you know who would help some., that will be very helpful. I thought of this saying, Share happiness it multiplies, share sorrow it divides. One other way is to encourage churches , groups and individuals to buy my books from GBGM in New York and from Abingdon Publishers in Nashville Tn. The money would be deposited in my BB&T Bank No. 5134227070. We have delayed due to insufficient resources and yet the pain is deepening.. What ever help we get we will appreciate much. Hope all is well with you. Warm greetings from Aves as struggles.
  • Lauren McLeod welcomes your prayers for healing.
  • Sandra Kokoruda (Fran Smith’s daughter) is having severe medical problems. She recently moved to North Dakota where the medical community has been more responsive to her medical needs than here in California but she had not followed through with contact until it became emergent. Fran is particularly stressed because it’s difficult to be so far away although Sandra’s physician has been in contact with her. Pleas add them in your prayers for healing and compassionate support.
  • Kristi and Russ Johnson went to Idaho for Kristi’s nephew’s wedding. Russ was having some medical difficulties and tests have shown that he needs a pacemaker. Kaiser services are available to them. They would be pleased to have your prayers for healing.
  • 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 She also requests prayers for a friend, Sara Talkington who has just been diagnosed with a brain tumor. She’s married with a 4 year old so
  •  Pat Dornan and Linda Pereira continue to need your prayers of support and healing. Linda had surgery to remove the hematoma. She is home but weak.
  • Robbie Robinson  would appreciate your prayers.
  • Helen Wysham welcomes your prayers for healing as she undergoes chemotherapy.
  • News
  • Plans are underway for our 6th Annual Jean Eakle Silent Auction on October 25, 2014, 4-7 pm at the Point San Pablo Yacht Club, 700 W. Cutting Blvd. Art work, jewelry, arts & crafts, raffle, hors d’oeuvres, music and a whole lot of fun! Suggested donation $10. Letters will be going out soon to encourage local businesses to donate. We are hoping to raffle off dinners for two, gym memberships, gift certificates, etc.  We plan to have items for sale as well as auction items. Do you have art work you no longer use? Do you knit, crochet, weave, potter, make jewelry, paint or sculpt? Would you like to donate to the auction?  Can you recommend a contact person for businesses that may be interested in helping us out?  Please contact Debbie Benko @ 510-517-6724 or DebBenko160@aol.com <mailto:DebBenko160@aol.com
  • The new Sunday School windows are in! They are a match to the previous windows BUT you can easily open them to get cross ventilation. Jonathan Swett is painting them this week Thank you Jonathan for your hours of work and the beautiful job you always do.
  • George Peter Tingley who is a composer, has been treating us with his music during services. This past Sunday he played and we sang three new hymns he had composed. Hymn writing is new to him and Pastor Dan is mentoring him. The hymns were lovely and George was delighted to hear them sung for the first time.
  • Camp Liberty Update: With the current fighting and chaos in Irag, our Irani friends in Camp Liberty need your prayers and support. I am sure this is a harrowing time for them. It is reported that there are armed guards at the gates with guns pointed into the camp at all times.
  • Our missionary, Katherine Parker in Nepal: We only need about $30 to complete our $500 sponsorship donation. Won’t you consider giving so we can continue to sponsor her good work?
  •  Kia Croom (Public Relations) from GRIP will worship with us and speak briefly to update us on GRIP on Sunday, July 27.
  • Pastor Dan’s time away this summer:
  • August 11-20 Vacation in Hawaii.
  • August 28-September1 Western Methodist Justice Movement Meeting at Lake Tahoe.
  • The Administrative Board will not be meeting in July, The next meeting is Thursday, August 14 at 7 pm in Friendship Hall.
   

Generosity
 
The United Methodist Church has a shopping site a umcmarket.org where you can sign up and when you shop on line through the Market Place a percentage of your purchase comes to our church. They have updated the site and it is easier to use and user friendly. This is a very easy way to give.
Events
  • Vacation Bible School: August 4-8, 9-11:30 am in Friendship Hall. This is always a fun time with the children. If you would like to help or bring snacks let Jean Reynolds know at 510 734 3942 or sweetheart05@mac.com. They need refreshments every day and lunch is provided on Friday.
  • Finance Committee Meeting is scheduled for Saturday August 9, 1:00 pm at Matt and Jennifer Foster’s home.1052 Hawthorne Dr., Rodeo.
  • Labor Day Weekend: August 29 through September 1st  2014, Stepping Out in Faith, sponsored by the Western Methodist Justice Movement which advocates compassionate US immigration policies, fully inclusive UMC ministries, human rights in the Philippines, a just peace for Israel-Palestine, reproductive justice and more.
  • Registration is open. Lake Tahoe, Zephyr Point Retreat Center. For more info and to register: wmjm.org.
  • 6th Annual Jean Eakle Silent Auction: Saturday, October 25, 2014, 4-7 pm, Point San Pablo Yacht Club, 700 W. Cutting Blvd, Richmond. Donation at door $10. We will have arts/crafts for bidding; music and hors d’oeuvres to satisfy other senses and a good time! To donate or offer help, contact Debbie Benko: 510 517 6724 or DebBenko160@aol.com.

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

Location

201 Martina Street
(at West Richmond Avenue)
Richmond, CA 94801

Worship

Sunday Morning at 11 am
Followed by Coffee Hour
Adult Bible Study at 10 am

Make a Donation