Richmond First United Methodist News and Events
Pastor’s Perspective
One More Thing, Mark 10:17-31
Pastor Dan Damon, Richmond 1st UMC, 10-11-15
Introduction
On World Communion Sunday we are singing folk hymns from Scotland, England, South Africa, and Sweden, and one of mine inspired by my trip to Zimbabwe several years ago with the Jubilate Choir. I found this article this week as I was working on my sermon. It relates to the endowment work that we are beginning for our local church.
Pacific Northwest Annual Conference Jubilate! Choir
endowed chair in music at Africa University
Adapted from a release by Tom Richardson, director of the Pacific Northwest Conference Jubilate! Choir. <pnwumc.org>
Music training at Africa University, Mutare, Zimbabwe will benefit from new resources this year from the Pacific Northwest Conference Jubilate! Choir Endowed Chair in Music. James Salley, the associate vice-chancellor for institutional advancement, has announced that $10,000 will be awarded from the chair for the 2015-2016 academic year. The first annual distribution of funds from the chair marks the realization of a long-held dream for the members of the Jubilate! Choir. They made the pledge of an endowed chair in music at the official opening of Africa University in 1994.
“The music of Africa has touched us so deeply,” said Patti Jones, a choir member and driving force behind the effort. “To be able to know that training in music at Africa University will continue to grow through this chair is wonderful and exciting.”
An original gift of $31,000 raised by choir members and congregations in the Pacific Northwest Conference has grown to $338,000 in current deposits and planned gifts to fund the endowment.
“This is the first campaign that successfully utilized planned giving vehicles—two gift annuities, one life insurance designation, and a will bequest—to meet its goal of $400,000.00,” said Elaine Jenkins, director of planned giving in the Africa University Development Office.
“This endowment is an enduring legacy from the Pacific Northwest Annual Conference for Africa University,” said Tom Richardson, director of four Jubilate choir tours to Africa University from 1992 to 2013. “The Dream is Alive is both a song and a reality.”
The PNWAC Jubilate! Choir Endowed Chair in Music at Africa University remains open to contributions, bequests and planned giving through the Pacific Northwest Conference Treasurer’s Office and the Africa University Development Office.
[I preached in the chapel there, which was built thanks to a large gift from the Methodist churches in Korea. We sang my first hymn, “If I Take the Wings of the Morning” in that beautiful worship space.]
Retell the Scripture Story
In the gospel lesson today we heard that the young man was very rich. He had followed all the commandments, which is very hard to do. Jesus told him there is one more thing.
He came running
knelt
and said, “Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?”
Jesus, “Only God is good.”
“I have kept the commandments.”
Jesus observed him and loved him.
“One thing you lack. Go, sell all you have and give it to the poor. Then you will have treasure in heaven. Come take up the cross, and follow me.”
And the young man went away sad. He grieved for he had great possessions.
Application
The children in the village in Zimbabwe were real. They had little in the way of material possessions, but much in the way of joy, faith, and hope. We gave them pencils and notepads, but they gave us so much more by way of spirit, love, and memory. I wrote about them in the song we sang this morning:
To the thirsty world,
to the hungry children,
reaching out looking up,
Jesus comes to bless
and to give himself
in this bread, in this cup.
© 2002 Abingdon Press, admin. by The Copyright Co.
What is the one more thing that God is speaking to you about this morning? Is it something to give up, or something to take on? Are you doing too much, or too little? How are you spending your resources of time, money, and energy? Do you feel trapped in patterns that are not working for you? With the help of God and this faith community you can change and grow. You can develop into the mature and loving person you were meant to be. God made you as you are and goes with you every day. You are not now what you will become. Don’t give up. Give yourself time to heal and grow. Keep praying, singing, giving, and growing. Trust God to guide you each day.
Let us be in prayer.
Joys and Concerns
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.
Please keep Katherine Parker, our missionary, and the people of Nepal in your prayers.
Deby McFadyen is requesting prayers for three young friends who are battling cancer. Please remember Sarah Talkington, Carolyn Thomas a Jimmy Lowe in your prayers.
Pat Dornan and Linda Pereira continue to need your prayers of support. Update: Hospice services continue. Pat says that Linda is not able to get out of bed and is sleeping most of the time. Lorraine, Linda’s mother, is home with attendant care and volunteers are bringing her over to see Linda to supplement Pat’s help. Pat is very grateful for the assistance.
Helen Wysham welcomes your prayers for healing and gaining strength. Chemotherapy has been completed!
News
Pay/Pal is almost here! The Administrative Board has been thinking about modernizing our payment system especially for use at Junktique and the Art Auction. Matthew Foster did a trial run at the Art Auction and the system seems to be working. We are now getting a PayPal button for our website to make giving when you are away easier. Our donations always go down in the summer months when people are away on vacation. Our expenses remain the same. Keep it in mind. We will let you know when it has been added.
Our Korean Tea was this past Saturday and what an event it was! Lara Choe did most of the planning and food preparation and United Methodist Women did the decorating, plating and clean up. Lara had members of the Oakland Korean Methodist Church come and perform their special drumming music for our enjoyment. Many people were dressed in Korean clothing which made the event more festive. A special “Thank you” to Lara and all her hard work. Many thanks as well to the people who came and supported us by partaking in our tea. We couldn’t have had the success we had without your support. Many thanks as well to those who donated money and couldn’t be there. Doreen Leighton and Fran Smith outdid themselves as well as all those who waited tables, helped set up and take down and the kitchen workers. We earned over $1500 which allows us to send money to various organizations performing good works in our community and to contribute to the upcoming kitchen project.
Pinole UMC is celebrating 125 Years of Blessedness with events throughout October. October 3 Walkathon; October 10 Concert; October 18 Worship Homecoming; October 30 Trunk or Treat. See attached flyer. 2000 San Pablo Ave., Pinole. Support our sister church if you can.
News from Camp Liberty in Iraq: Since July 13th the Iraqi government has stopped supplies from entering Camp Liberty. They have prevented supplies of food, fuel and septic tank trucks from entering the compound. The lack of fuel means that the generators can not function so there is no electricity, no sewage system, no air conditioners with the temperature reaching 120 degrees. The United States Committee for Camp Ashraf is asking our Secretary of State, John Kerry, to intervene as well as the United Nations. Please remember these people in your prayers and that actions are taken to reverse this situation. One man has died due to refusal to allow his treatment for cancer.
Katherine Parker, missionary in Nepal: Katherine reports that the emphasis now will be on long-term recovery.
New Public Address System: Donations are coming in to support our new system. Donations are $45 for a whole piano key which you can color and sign and donations of any amount are welcome. Karen Merkle, who died early in June left a Memorial Donation of $500 to our church. The Memorial Committee has donated the money to our new sound system. Karen would be pleased since music was such a large part of her life. See the display of piano keys and further information at the desk in the back in Friendship Hall. We have met our goal! Pat Dornan has generously donated $1500 for our sound system. Our gratitude and sincere thanks to Pat for her donation.
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.
Did you know that there is no limitation on the size of a charitable gift that may be given at the time of your death? No matter how large, the gift is tax deductible for Federal estate purposes.
Imagine No Malaria continues to need your donations.
Events
Friday, October 23, 7:30 pm: Point Richmond Jazz presents Carlos Reyes. Carlos is a world-renowned violinist and harpist. Carlos was born in Paraguay and now lives in the Bay Area. His charismatic personality and outstanding musical talents are a potent combination insuring a great concert. He has started a program in Paraguay to bring back musical instruments to the children. Come and hear him. Tickets: $18 through prjazz.org and $25 at the door. First United Methodist Church, 201 Martina, Point Richmond.
Saturday, October 24, 2 pm: A Gathering to Remember Eli Botchan. Eli was a long-time friend/partner of our own Heather Damon. United Methodist Women are offering to help with refreshments. We will set up, bring something if you like, and stay and clean up. If you would like to help, contact Barbara Haley at bahcats@sbcglobal.net.
Sunday, October 25, after church: Finance Committee Meeting.
Sunday, November 1, after church: Publicity Committee Meeting.
Sunday, November 1, after church: Thanksgiving Dinner Planning Meeting.
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.
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! Times and pricing to come.
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.
