Richmond First United Methodist News and Events
Pastor’s Perspective
The Cry for Justice, Luke 21:25-36
Pastor Dan Damon, Richmond 1st UMC, 11-29-15
Introduction
Martin, Civilla Durfee (Jordan Falls, Nova Scotia, August 21, 1866–March 9, 1948, Atlanta, Georgia). Daughter of James N. and Irene (Harding) Holden. She married Rev. John F. Geddes, Congregational minister of Coventryvilee, N.Y. at Jordan Falls Methodist Church, Shelbourne Co., Nova Scotia, on May 19, 1891. There is thus far no information about their marriage and its end.
After several years of teaching school, she married Walter Stillman Martin, a Baptist minister, and traveled with him in evangelistic work. However, because of frail health, she was compelled to remain home much of the time. In 1916, they became members of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). They had one son, A.G. Martin.
In her writing, she used only her initials, “C.D.” rather than her full name of that of her composer-husband. She is reputed to have written several hundred hymns and religious songs. Her first one, “God Will Take Care of You,” written in 1904 became world-famous. Her husband wrote the music for this and many of her other hymns. “His Eye is on the Sparrow” written in 1906 and set to music by Charles H. Gabriel, has also received wide acclaim.
Her husband and collaborator, W.S. Martin (1862-1935) preceded her in death. For the last 29 years of her life, she made her home in Atlanta, Georgia, where she was a member of the First Christian Church.
Retell the Scripture Story
Luke 21:25-36, Context
This week’s gospel reading is the conclusion of Jesus’ final teaching, as Luke records it, in the last few days before his crucifixion, death, and resurrection. Like the parallel passages in Matthew and Mark, here Jesus warns his disciples of the terrors and chaos that they will experience after his death, and before his coming again. The signs that God’s Kingdom is about to be fulfilled include cosmic events that Jesus assures his disciples are to be welcomed, and not feared.
“There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on the earth distress among nations confused by the roaring of the sea and the waves. People will faint from fear and foreboding of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see ‘the Son of Man coming in a cloud’ with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to take place, stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” Then he told them a parable: “Look at the fig tree and all the trees; as soon as they sprout leaves you can see for yourselves and know that summer is already near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. Be on guard so that your hearts are not weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of this life, and that day catch you unexpectedly, like a trap. For it will come upon all who live on the face of the whole earth. Be alert at all times, praying that you may have the strength to escape all these things that will take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.”
Reflection:
Although Christ’s second coming did not take place in the generation that knew the earthly Jesus as this passage seems to imply, Jesus’ advice to be alert, to pray, and to expect God’s Kingdom of justice and peace to come is valid for all generations. (from Rev. Mark Zier, ESUMC, 2015. alt.)
Application
Why should I feel discouraged, why should the shadows come?
Why should my heart be lonely and long for heaven and home?
When Jesus is my portion, my constant friend is he.
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know he watches me.
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know he watches me.
Civilla D. Martin, 1905, (punctuation alt.)
Our communities of faith birth and bathe us in an atmosphere of hope and faith. They nourish us with thanks and praise for the work we are doing for peace and justice in our time, and give us the strength to go on without becoming discouraged. Together we praise a God who includes and transcends gender, a highest good experienced as both person and energy. We give thanks to God and are blessed in our worship of that which we sense, but do not understand. We are finite creatures with infinite longings, and God is at work in us.
Justice is always social justice. It includes the cosmos, all that God created in time and space, all that may seem commonplace to us, and all that still seems wonderful.
I heard Sara Glaser, graphic artist and volunteer at Saffron Strand, sing this song before their Wednesday holiday feast. According to <singout.org> it was written by Joe Glazer around 1947. It has been recorded by Laurie Lewis and many other folks.
Well, I dreamed that I had died
and gone to my reward:
a job in heaven’s textile mill
on a golden boulevard.
(Chorus)
And the mill was made out of marble,
the machines were made out gold,
and nobody ever grew tired,
and nobody ever grew old.
The mill was built in a garden.
No dust, no dirt could be found.
The air was clean and it smelled so sweet
with the flowers and the trees all around.
It was quiet and peaceful in heaven,
there was no clatter or boom,
and we heard the most beautiful music
as we worked at the spindle and the loom.
(Chorus)
And the mill was made out of marble,
the machines were made out gold,
and nobody ever grew tired,
and nobody ever grew old.
There was no unemployment in heaven,
we worked steady all through the year
we always had food for the children,
we were never haunted by fear.
(Chorus)
And the mill was made out of marble,
the machines were made out gold,
and nobody ever grew tired,
and nobody ever grew old.
When I awoke from my dream about heaven,
well, I wondered if there could be
a mill, like that one, here on earth
for people like you and me.
(Chorus)
And the mill was made out of marble,
the machines were made out gold,
and nobody ever grew tired,
and nobody ever grew old.
Our hymns and songs can express some of our concerns for the most vulnerable. They do not often give answers. We sing because we have a song, not because we have the answer. We sing because we have hope. We sing because we have a faith. We sing with others who are struggling to care for the hurts of this world. Our hymns can open conversations about many things that are difficult to talk about. If we feel shame or fear, a good hymn text may give us an entry point, a way to begin a helpful conversation. We will continue to try to make a positive difference in the only world we know as Jesus walks beside us. This is our story— this is our song.
Let us be in prayer.
Joys and Concerns
Pasto Dan had ankle fusion surgery on November 19. He is doing well and is pain free! He will need to be using crutches for 6 weeks to keep weight off his foot. He appreciates your prayers and warm wishes for healing. Cards: 226 Nicholl Ave., Point Richmond, 94801.
Kristi Johnson reports that Russ is going home today. Good news indeed.
Jane Carnall is happy to be back with our church community. She has been having difficulties with her back and pulled muscles which are improving. She welcomes your prayers for healing.
Mayor Tom Butt and Shirley are off to Paris for two weeks for the international conference for city mayors. Tom will be presenting about our decrease in energy use with Marin County Energy (MCE). Let’s wish them a safe journey, time for fun and a productive conference outcome.
Linda Andrew-Marshall had a knee replacement surgery on November 12 and your prayers for healing are welcome. Cards: PO Box 70222, Point Richmond, 94807. She is home with her son, Aaron, helping her out. She starts outpatient physical therapy this week.
Linda WoodyWood is having hip replacement surgery on Wed., December 2. Once she has recovered let’s pray that she will be pain free. Cards may be sent to Linda at 5584 Circle Drive, El Sobrante, CA 94803.
Susan Wickesser, Doris Swope’s niece, has been cancer free for two years and living life to the fullest. She has just sent a message that new tumors have been found on her lungs. She has started chemotherapy. Please remember her in prayer for healing.
Pat Dornan can use your prayers and support as she grieves the loss of her beloved Linda.
Our dear church friend, Pat King, is sending thanks for the warm wishes and prayers for her recovery. She has been asked to play the keyboard for the current musical at the Masquers Playhouse and is finding it a joyful experience but it takes most of her energy.
Kathe Kiehn is asking for healing prayers for her daughter, Karen Gagnier. Karen has survived breast cancer once and is now facing treatment for a new aggressive cancer in her other breast. Karen is currently undergoing a 5-6 week course of chemo and once that is completed she’ll have a second round with different drugs. She is trying to live her life as normally as possible and your prayers are welcome.
Please keep Katherine Parker, our missionary, and the people of Nepal in your prayers.
Deby McFadyen is requesting prayers for two young friends who are battling cancer. Please remember Sarah Talkington and Jimmy Lowe in your prayers.
Helen Wysham welcomes your prayers for healing and gaining strength. Chemotherapy has been completed!
News
Tanya Cothran from Spirit in Action will be speaking Sunday, December 6.
Our Thanksgiving Dinner was a great success. Many people from the community enjoyed the food. Thank you so much to Kristi Johnson and Fran Smith who organized and help to keep thing running on schedule. Thank you to our cooks Tinna Manansala and Paul Garnett for their skills. Thank you to all the people who helped in any way and for the support of the Point Richmond community.
Our Dinner/Theater event was Thursday night. About 45 people attended. As usual the food at Hotel Mac was delicious and the music from the songs of Kander and Ebb, “The World Goes ‘Round” was fun with very good singers. Thank you to everyone who participated either by your presence or by donation.
According to the United Nations Refugee Agency the number of people forcibly displaced at the end of 2014 is a staggering 59.5 million. That is 1 in every 122 persons on earth is a refugee, displaced or seeking asylum!
Camp Liberty Update: Missiles landed in Camp Liberty on Thursday killing 23 people and injuring many others. The injured have been taken to Baghdad hospitals for care. Our State Department and the United Nations are condemning the attack, but it is unclear what action may take place.
Pay/Pal is here! Our website, pointrichmondmethodist.org now has a donation tag that takes you to PayPal. The Home Page does not have it, but any page for the news or events has it listed on the right-hand side of the page. Just scroll down to Donate. This makes it easy for when you miss church, you can still participate by giving.
Katherine Parker, missionary in Nepal:
Happy morning listening to Handel’s Messiah Overture (the only part I managed to download) and feeling grateful. It was so exciting to have the power come back for an hour this morning (the generator at the local hydro plant was out for several days). I had coffee and was able to heat water to wash up (and do some laundry too).
Generosity
We are continuing to move ahead with plans for the long-term financing of our church for generations to come through an Endowment program.
Remember your church in your Will and Living Trust.
Imagine No Malaria continues to need your donations.
Events
Today,Saturday, December 5, 1 pm: Annual All Church Conference, held at El Sobrante United Methodist Church. Bridges District Superintendent, Rev. Schuyler Rhodes will preside. All are welcome. 670 Appian Way, El Sobrante.
Friday, December 11, 7:30 pm, Point Richmond Acoustic Presents Maria Muldaur, legendary Blues and Americana performer. She is presenting a special “Christmas at the Oasis” holiday show, backed by some of the best Bay Area musicians. First United Methodist Church, 201 Martina St., Point Richmond. Advance tickets $20 through pointacoustic.org or $25 at the door. Tickets are going quickly and they expect a sell out, so get your tickets quickly.
Saturday, December 12, 6 pm, United Methodist Women’s Annual Christmas Party and Dinner. Mid Dornan is hosting at her home with daughter Pat’s help at 220 Bishop Alley, Pont Richmond. Parking is difficult so you may want to park on Washington and walk the short distance up to the house. The ham is provided by UMW and the rest is up to us. If you would like to bring gifts for the Rescue Mission, please do so. Contact Doreen Leighton for food to bring: 510 307 5461 or d3leighton@me.com. All are welcome.
Saturday, December 19, 9 am-3 pm: Annual Bake and Crafts Sale. Bring your baked goodies for sale by 9 am, open for donations at 8:30 am. Donations for the crafts can be given to Barbara Haley any time. Point Richmond Community Center.
Thursday, December 24,7 pm: Christmas Eve Jazz Service featuring the Dan Damon Quartet and Friends. Free will offering. Come early to get a good seat.
Saturday, December 26, 7:30 pm, Point Richmond Jazz Presents the Berkeley Choro Ensemble with Jane Lenoir. Jane Lenoir, flute; Harvey Wainapel, clarinet; Ricardo Peixoto, guitar; Brian Rice, pandeiro; and special guest Irene Sazer, violin. Choro is a unique traditional Brazilian music style that has been compared with styles from the blues, bebop and bluegrass. The word choro in Portuguese means “tears”. Choro had tremdous influence on classical musicians, especially the Brazilian composer, Heitor Villa-Lobos, who wrote a number of works he called “choros”. Advance tickets $18 at prjazz.org, $25 at the door. First United Methodist Church, 201 Martina St., Point Richmond.
