Richmond First United Methodist News and Events
Pastor’s Perspective
Two Pennies, Mark 12:38-44
Pastor Dan Damon, Richmond 1st UMC, 11-8-15
Introduction
The “widow’s mite” was a favorite Bible story of mine as it was taught to me as a child growing up in Rapid City, South Dakota. On the day after Easter 2010, I started this new stewardship hymn for the United Methodist Foundation. Susan Peters, executive director, and Rev. Dr. Betsy Schwarzentraub had come to our church and spoken with us, so the theme was on my mind. The tune is named HENSLEY for a street in Richmond, CA.
A rabbi sat against a wall
and watched the crowd pass by,
the wealthy gave great gifts of gold,
a widow caught his eye.
She gave two copper coins that day,
a gift so small and slight.
A penny’s worth in Palestine
was precious in her sight.
Our teacher called us to his side
and said her gift was small,
but greater than the lavish gifts,
because she gave her all.
The wealthy gave their heavy sums
from an abundant store.
The widow, in her poverty,
had given so much more.
Dan Damon
WORDS and MUSIC © 2011 Hope Publishing Company, Carol Stream, IL 60188. All rights reserved.
Retell the Scripture Story
Jesus said, “Beware of those who like to walk around in fancy dress to be greeted with respect in the town center, to be given places of honor in the churches, and the best seats at the fancy dinners. They devour widows’ houses, and for the sake of appearances say long prayers.”
Jesus sat down by the treasury and watched people bringing their gifts. The rich put in large sums, but a poor widow came and put in two copper coins worth a penny.
Then Jesus called his disciples to him and said, “This widow has put in more than all the rest. For the wealthy have given out of their abundance, but she, out of her poverty, has given everything she had, all she had to live on.”
The story of “the widow’s mite” is recalled in a traditional hymn text written in 1873 by Frances Havergal:
Take my life and let it be
consecrated, Lord, to thee.
Take my moments and my days;
let them flow in endless praise.
Take my hands and let them move
at the impulse of thy love.
Take my feet and let them be
swift and beautiful for thee.
Take my voice and let me sing
always, only, for my King.
Take my lips and let them be
filled with messages from thee.
Take my silver and my gold;
not a mite would I withhold.
Take my intellect and use
every power as thou shalt choose.
Take my will and make it thine;
it shall be no longer mine.
Take my heart it is thine own;
it shall be thy royal throne.
Take my love; my Lord, I pour
at thy feet its treasure store.
Take myself, and I will be
ever, only, all for thee.
Miss Havergal’s scholastic acquirements were extensive, embracing several modern languages, together with Greek and Hebrew. She does not occupy, and did not claim for herself, a prominent place as a poet, but by her distinct individuality she carved out a niche which she alone could fill. Simply and sweetly she sang the love of God, and [her] way of salvation. To this end, and for this object, her whole life and all her powers were consecrated. She lives and speaks in every line of her poetry. Her poems are permeated with the fragrance of her passionate love of Jesus.
Frances Ridley Havergal (1836-1879) was a minister’s daughter. She says, “I committed my soul to the Savior, and earth and heaven seemed brighter from that moment.” Her hymn, “Take My Life and Let it Be,” written six years before her death has been included in over one thousand hymnals and is still widely sung well over one hundred years after its writing.
Application
The gospel of love calls us to give all we have: body, mind, and spirit, to the tasks of justice and compassion. I have filled my message today with stewardship hymns. One of the justice and human rights issues we don’t often consider is “financial justice.” We do hear about the growing gap in our country between the rich and the poor. We hear about the disappearing middle class. What we do with our money matters a great deal. It shows what kind of faith and love we have. Our closing hymn today was written after a 2015 meeting with Susan Peters, Executive Director of the California-Nevada United Methodist Foundation, regarding starting an endowment fund for Richmond First United Methodist Church.
I will not always walk this earth
with gentle step and caring heart,
but now I pray, prepare, and give
to lasting good and living art.
My back is strong. My mind is sound.
Today I lift and carry on,
but younger generations wake
to worship in an unknown dawn.
What can I do with what I have
to help the church in years ahead?
What gift can I now place in trust
for future needs for home or bread?
For children’s children yet to come
like flowers living life’s brief span,
I give this church a lasting gift,
a pledge, a promise, and a plan.
So come with me, come as you are
to celebrate this time on earth,
to sing with hope of future years,
to trust the Spirit for new birth.
Dan Damon
WORDS © 2015 Hope Publishing Company, Carol Stream, IL 60188. All rights reserved.
Saffron Strand is a local organization started by Yvonne Nair. People like us work together to help people like us find what they need. No one has a fancy desk. No one has a fine office away from it all. The chairs are all the same. Everyone is treated with dignity, respect, and trust. People help people with education, job skills, housing, and food. Sara Glaser, graphic artist, drew designs on a pumpkin. I did minor repairs on a bicycle last Wednesday after having lunch and getting acquainted. You have a full time pastor who likes to help out in the community where most needed. We are always looking for ways to put our faith into practice in ways both large and small. The two pennies we give are not seen as a small gift. Mahatma Gandhi said, “Anything you do will seem small, but it is very important that you do it.”
Let us be in prayer.
Joys and Concerns
Linda Andrew-Marshall had a knee replacement surgery on Thursday and your prayers for healing are welcome. Cards: PO Box 70222, Point Richmond, 94807.
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 and chemotherapy will be starting soon. Please remember her in prayer for healing.
Armand Westerveldt lost her husband, Brent, October 17. She would welcome phone contact and visits. She may welcome being taken to the grocery store. If anyone would like to help, please let me know at:bahcats@sbcglobal.net and we can make a schedule. If you would like to send a card, her contact information is: 219 Nicholl Ave., Point Richmond, CA 94801: Phone # 510 375 3934.
Pat Dornan can use your prayers and support as she grieves the loss of her beloved Linda.
Our dear church friend, Pat King, is requesting prayers for healing. She is slowly recovering from surgery and anticipates further surgery December or January. She is making every attempt to join us at Sunday Worship.
Kathe Kiehn is requesting prayers for healing 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. Kathe says that Karen is strong and will make it through this, but extra prayers are more than 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
Pastor Dan invited the founder, Yvonne Nair, of Saffron Strand to speak about their work. Their mission is to work with the homeless to prepare them with the skills for the job market. They also teach people to read. This is an all volunteer group. Their enthusiasm for the work is evident. They are here in Point Richmond and have been here for seven years. If you have interest in doing some volunteer work with them, contact Yvonne Nair at 510 275 9594 or Yvonne@saffronstrand.org. They are located at 147 W. Richmond Ave., Point Richmond.
Sadly, Deby McFadyen’s friend, Carolyn Thomas died on November 5 from pancreatic cancer. Remember Deby in your prayers for the loss of her friend.
Linda Pereira, Pat Dornan’s beloved Spouse, died quietly in her sleep during the night of October 31. Rosary Service, Friday, November 13, 7 pm at St. Joseph’s Holy Angels, 2540 Church Lane, San Pablo, CA. Memorial Service is Saturday, November 14 at 11 am. Same place as above. Gathering after the Memorial Service at Pat’s home, 9 Cherrywood Court, San Pablo, CA 94806. Cards may be sent to Pat at the Cherrywood address.
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: Katherine reports that Nepal is in a political/governmental crisis. They recently passed a new Constitution and a minority group near India is protesting discrimination and stopping the delivery of oil from India, needed for heating as winter approaches. There have been riots and police killings of insurgents. So far most of the difficulty has not been in Katmandu where Katherine is except for workers striking.
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.
Giving to the church through your Will is the most common way to continue your support beyond your lifetime. When your Estate Plan is prepared, consider a gift to the Church.
Imagine No Malaria continues to need your donations.
Events
November is warm socks month! Please bring your new warm socks for the people at the Richmond Rescue Mission. There will be a basket near the altar for your donations.
Thursday, November 26, 12-2 pm, Community Thanksgiving Dinner lovingly prepared for our community to enjoy. Interfaith Service of Thanks, 11:30 am. If you wish to help, contact Fran Smith: 707 427 2131 or junosmith@aol.com.
Friday, November 27, 7:30 pm: Point Richmond Jazz presents Solene Le Van. This 18 year old prodigy is originally from France, but now lives in L.A. She has toured the world as part of the La Van Family Band, led by her classical pianist father, Eric Le Van. She is “breaking out” on her own as a jazz violinist and singer. She is currently attending Princeton and majoring in voice and violin. Don’t miss this new talent. See her first right here in the Point! Tickets are $18 online at prjazz.org or $25 at the door. Bring the whole family. First United Methodist Church, 201 Martina St., Point Richmond.
Tuesday, December 1: Giving Tuesday. Matching funds for gifts: umcmissiongiving.org. Please see attached.
Thursday, December 3: Dinner/Theater. Dinner at Hotel Mac and Theater at the Masquers Playhouse for the musical “The World Goes ‘Round”. Songs by Kander and Ebb the men who created Cabaret and Chicago. Save the date and invite friends! Tickets are $55. Dinner at 6 pm, Theater at 8 pm. Contact Jean Reynolds for tickets at 510 734 3942 or sweetheart05@mac.com. Let’s have a sell-out event! Please see attached.
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.
Saturday, December 12, 4:30 pm, United Methodist Women’s Annual Christmas Party and Dinner. Kristi Johnson is hosting at her home 1317 Ptarmigan Drive #6, Walnut Creek. Please let Kristi know what you can bring. 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. Doreen Leighton will be taking her van to car pool. Let her know if you would like a ride. Kristi’s phone number: 925 787-1235. 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.
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