Richmond First United Methodist News and Events
Pastor’s Perspective
New Heavens, New Earth, Revelation 21:1-6a
Pastor Dan Damon, Richmond 1st UMC, 11-1-15
Introduction
On this All Saints Day our choir sang a George Tingley arrangement of a Roberta Towland-Raybold tune with this text by Brian Wren:
Give thanks for each departed life,
for gifts, achievements, love and strife–
For struggles lost, attempted, won
give thanks, now all is said and done.
Take time with words too weak, too few,
to tell and treasure what we knew,
since every life is fully known,
if God is real, by God alone.*
And if we struggle to explain
remembered injury and pain,
let heaven’s news of sin forgiven
move us to cherish goodness given.
For childhood, youth, a span of years,
ambitions, hopes and conquered fears,
and all the ways our lives were blessed,
say “Friend, farewell. Now be at rest.”
*Or “and judged with love by God alone,”
Brian Wren © 2012 Hope Publishing Company
Brian Wren has had several strokes. He is more aware now of his brief life span. He is still writing in retirement. His wife, Susan, has taken early retirement to care for him. Brian is writing hymns for the end of life with the hope of the life to come. A new hymn collection is due out this summer from Hope Publishing Company. This text will be included. It is now available from Hope’s online hymnody. He has a vision of a new heaven and a new earth. He is still sharing his vision of hope with the world as it is.
Retell the Scripture Story
As we remember those who have gone before us, we are grateful to the poets and prophets who have given us words to guide us and help us remember with love and spirit. We are grateful to the mystics and musicians who give us a song to sing in these trying times. It is a song of compassion and hope, a song of justice and peace for this world made new every morning. We are grateful to the Hebrew poet who wrote: The heavens are telling the glory of God and the firmament (the expanse of heaven) shows God’s handiwork. [Psalm 19:1]
We are grateful to John who, while exiled on the island of Patmos, wrote down his vision of a new heaven and a new earth. The world he lived in was much like our own. It was filled with violence, with wars and rumors of wars. There was hunger, poverty, and slavery. The rich and those who abused power were there. The poor cried out to God for help. In this world, alone on an island, John saw something better, and he wrote it down. He shared his vision with generations of people yet to come. He is one of the saints we remember on this day.
The book of Revelation is a fitting close to the Bible. Its final chapters depict the goal toward which the biblical message of redemption is focused. The Revelation to John may be described as an inspired picture-book that makes a powerful appeal to the reader’s imagination. It uses poetic imagery and should not be read as a literal prediction of the future. You might think of it as an art gallery. By nurturing the vision of God’s just and merciful government of the whole creation, the church in all ages has been encouraged and sustained despite the fiercest battles being fought.
John writes: Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. [Rev. 21:1]
In this vision the sea is a symbol of turbulence and unrest. This turbulence is no more. All creation is renewed and freed from imperfections. The problem of pain and suffering is no more. Death is no more. The tears are wiped from our eyes. We see the Alpha and Omega, the A and the Z, the beginning and the end. And to the thirsty God gives the water of life.
Here in California we pray and long for the rains to come. We hope to get some rain today. We pray that our corner of the earth will be made new with the winter rains. In this church we mourn the death of our friends in Camp Liberty due to the recent missile attacks. I will be joining our friends this afternoon on Union Square from 2-4 pm as we condemn this injustice and call for our government to take protective action for the survivors. I want to stand with Ensieh, Parvis, and Ali in the midst of their pain. I include them in the communion of saints from all faith traditions and from all countries of the world. We pray and work for freedom and justice to come to Iran and to the whole world.
In this church we remember with love those who gathered in the railroad car for the first Christian worship services in the young city of Richmond, CA. We give thanks for those who designed and built the little wooden church, now gone. We give thanks to those who built the church we enjoy today. We give thanks for the saints who have gone before us.
In this church we remember with love Linda Pereira who died last night, and all who have passed away after a long struggle with illness. We remember Liam and Eli who passed away too soon. We pray for the families and friends of those who are gone from this earthly life. Their memory is a blessing to us, even as we mourn their loss. With John of Patmos, with Brian Wren, with our Iranian-American friends, and with the prophet Isaiah we envision a new heaven and a new earth where every tear is wiped from our eyes.
Application
I close today with the lectionary reading from Isaiah selected for All Saints Day. The ancient prophet lifts up a vision for us to ponder, a vision of hope for a new earth:
On this mountain the Lord of hosts will make for all peoples
a feast of rich food, a feast of well-aged wines,
of rich food filled with marrow, of well-aged wines strained clear.
And he will destroy on this mountain
the shroud that is cast over all peoples,
the sheet that is spread over all nations;
he will swallow up death forever.
Then the Lord God will wipe away the tears from all faces,
and the disgrace of his people he will take away from all the earth,
for the Lord has spoken.
It will be said on that day,
Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, so that he might save us.
This is the Lord for whom we have waited;
let us be glad and rejoice in his salvation. [Isaiah 25:6-9, NRSV]
Let us be in prayer.
Joys and Concerns
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
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
UMCOR (United Methodist Church Organization for Relief) has donated $2.4 million dollars for the people of Syria and Iraq who are displaced in emergency aid plus 16,800 health kits, 6000 school kits, 784 layette kits, 440 family food vouchers which feed a family for two months, 1000 emergency kits containing fresh water filters and hygiene items.
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.
Today, Saturday November 7: United Methodist Women Meeting,1-3 pm at Doreen’s home, 236 Castro St., Point Richmond.
Thursday, November 12, 7 pm: Administrative Board Meeting, Friendship Hall. All interested persons are welcome.
Friday, November 13, 7:30 pm: Point Richmond Acoustic presents Katie Dahl and Friends. Katie is a singer/songwriter of folk music from Wisconsin. She’s got a gorgeous alto voice which she uses to fine effect on her carefully wrought lyrics and beautiful melodies. Katie’s husband, Rich Higdon, accompanies her on bass and percussion. Claudia Russell and Bruce Kaplan will back her on vocals and mandolin as well as open the show. Tickets: $15 richmondacoustic.org, $20 at the door. First United Methodist Church, 201 Martina, Point Richmond.
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 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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