Richmond First United Methodist News and Events
Pastor’s Perspective
Dear Friends,
We joyfully received five new members last Sunday. Here are their names:
Annie Ao
Steve Chen
Lara Choe
Rachel Herrin
Ioulia Solovieva
and here is my sermon on Membership. We are looking forward to publishing a new church directory this January.
Love and Joy,
Pastor Dan
Membership, Mark 8:27-38
Pastor Dan Damon, Richmond 1st UMC, 9-13-15
Introduction
Our 90-year-old former president, Jimmy Carter has been teaching Sunday School at Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains, Georgia for years. He has been in the news and drawing crowds recently due to the announcement that his health is failing.
Church-based education has a long tradition. In 18th century England Robert Raikes visited a factory town and saw “wretchedly ragged” children playing in the street. He was told that “on Sundays the children spend their time in noise and riot, playing, cursing, and swearing in a manner so horrid as to convey to any serious mind an idea of hell rather than any other place.”
Raike’s solution was to provide a school for them to attend on their one day off from factory work. At “Sunday School” they would learn reading and writing, as well as moral and biblical lessons.
By 1790 a group of Quakers had imported the plan to America. By 1824 the American Sunday School Union had established a goal to create programs in every needy place between Harrisburg, Pennsylvania and the Rocky Mountains.
The Sunday School movement was remarkably successful. It is estimated that 80 per cent of new church members in 1900 came first to church through a Sunday School class. [from The Atlantic, 9-6-15, Ruth Graham]
I have enjoyed our class this summer, and I look forward to our continuing classes during the school year.
Retell the Scripture Story
Jesus was a little different than the people in Palestine. He stood out from the crowd. People were talking about him and wondering who he was and what he was planning to do. So Jesus asked his closest friends, “Who do people say that I am?” They said, “John the Baptist, Elijah, or one of the prophets.”
Then Jesus asked the question we hear and answer today and each day of our lives. “Who do YOU say that I am?”
Peter said, “You are the Christ.”
Jesus said, “Don’t tell anyone.” And he began to teach them that he must suffer, be rejected by some of the Jewish leaders of the day, be killed by the Romans, and after three days rise again.
But Peter began to say “No,” to these things. Jesus rebuked him saying, “Get behind me Satan, for you do not understand the things of God, but only the ways of the world.”
Then calling all the people to him, Jesus said, “Whoever will come after me will practice self-denial, take up the cross, and follow me. If you try to save your life, you will lose it; but if you lose your life for my sake and the gospel’s, you will save it. For what will if profit you to save your life and to lose your own soul? What will you give in exchange for your soul?”
Are you a follower of Jesus? Do people know you are a Christian? Let them know by your loving and faith-filled words and actions. Let them know what you have found that gives you joy and hope. A light set on a hill cannot be hidden. Let us be that light in the city of Richmond and in the world.
Application
Membership in the United Methodist church does not come by mail order. It is not available online. It comes to us, if we choose it, face to face. We promise to support the local church with our prayers, our presence, our gifts, and our service. The meaning deepens over time. The benefits increase as we pour our time, talent, and treasure into the work of the church. Get involved in the life of this church. This congregation is over a hundred years old and still has a youthful, growing energy. Exercise your membership muscles and discover what you can do. Witness to the people you know. Invite one person to come to church with you some Sunday. This is how we grow.
Are you a Christian? Are you a United Methodist? Are you expanding your vision of care for the world as you attend worship and participate in the life of the church?
It takes a little more effort to be a global church, to listen for the meaning behind the words. The accent may not be from the southern United States, or the upper Midwest. Take the time to listen. Work at breaking down the walls that keep us apart. Break out of your small group. It is worth it. Jesus’ question still comes to us, “Who do people say that I am?” Have you taken the time to discover the riches brought to our church by our new members? Do you know the names of the new members of our church? They will be published in our email news and events and in the bulletin next week. The minutes of the Administrative Board will include the names of our new members reported at next month’s meeting.
I find it is a joy to discover new customs and costumes, new foods, and to learn a few words in an ancient language not mine by birth. In the church, by definition, we reach out to one another. I hope you will take the time and make the effort to get to know our new members. They are amazing people with stories to tell. They are part of the church in the 21st century, and, “Praise God!” they are part of us.
Next week we will hear from Susan Peters about creating an endowment for our congregation. We are looking for ways to take the mission of this church into the future with love. I hope you will continue with me on this exciting journey.
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 later in the fall. Her spirits are good and she hopes to come to church soon.
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 as she undergoes chemotherapy.
Bobby and Pamella Hall would like to be remembered in prayer as they go through some difficult personal times.
News
As Pastor Dan mentioned above we received five new members to our church this past Sunday. It is a joy to welcome them to our church community. Annie Ao, Steve Chen, Lara Choe, Rachel Herrin and Ioulia Solovieva received copies of Mid Dornan’s book, “Point Faithful” a 100 year history of our church, personally presented by Mid.
This Sunday, special offering for fire victims. Please see attached letter from Bishop Warner H. Brown.
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Sandra Kokruda, Fran Smith’s daughter, came for a visit to celebrate her cancer free status and to personally hug and thank us for our prayers. It was a delight to see her.
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.
Pastor Dan will be away at Journey Farthest Out Camp at lake Tahoe, Sept. 27 through Oct.4. Fran Smith will be speaking about her experience regarding reconciling ministries at the San Antonio conference “Gather at the River”. If you are interested in attending the JFO Camp at Zephyr Cove, contact Carol Horn at 530 595 3290 to see if any spaces remain.
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.
Update from Katherine’s mother, Martha:
Thank you for asking about Katherine. The work goes on, not as dramatically but the recovery will take a long time as the areas UMN is working in is quite remote and getting building materials to these remote areas is challenging in the best of times. Katherine also says the government is struggling at this time so there are many strikes happening which also make some of the work challenging. Over all there is much to do but she will be taking a break in October, so we hope she will be rejuvenated and continues to serve in the spirit of our Lord Jesus Christ. I will pass on your greetings. She will be in itineration here in California in the Spring 2016, she will be contacting you in the near future for a visit. Thank you for your continued support of the mission in Nepal and Cambodia.
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 are about halfway to our goal.
If you would like to donate for relief for the people of Nepal, go to umcor.org the Advance.
Don’t forget that donations for Imagine No Malaria are always welcome.
Events
Saturday, September 19, 1-3 pm United Methodist Women’s meeting at Mid Dornan’s home, 220 Bishop Alley, Point Richmond. We will be planning food for the Art Auction and our upcoming Korean Tea.
Sunday, September 20 Susan Peters, Executive Director of the California-Nevada United Methodist Foundation will be our guest preacher. During the coffee hour she will talk to people who are interested in learning how to set up an endowment for our church as part of our planning for the future of our church. Kristi Johnson is organizing a pot luck lunch.
Sunday, September 20, 7:30 pm, the Dan Damon Quartet with Eileen Johnson will present a jazz concert, “Down By the Riverside” with jazz and congregational song. Suggested donation $15. This is a fundraiser for the church. First United Methodist Church, 201 Martina St., Point Richmond.
Friday, September 25, 8 pm, the Point Richmond Jazz series starts the season with Paul Anastasio and Tony Marcus. Tickets online prjazz.org, $18, at door $25. First United Methodist Church, 201 Martina St., Point Richmond.
Saturday, September 26, 4-7 pm, 7th Annual Jean Eakle Art Auction and Gala, Point San Pablo Yacht Club, 700 W. Cutting Blvd. Richmond. Bring your friends! Up for bid will be door prizes, arts and crafts and jewelry. We will have live music, hors d’oeuvres and a no host bar is available. Suggested donation $10 at the door. Tax deductible Donations needed: Arts, crafts, jewelry, pottery, photography, cash or gift certificates for auction and door prizes. Contact Diane, dianefrary@comcast.net or Debbie, debbenko160@aol.com. Donations can be dropped off any Sunday morning 10-11 am and 12-1 pm at First United Methodist Church, 201 Martina St., Point Richmond.
Sunday, September 27 after church: Publicity Committee Meeting.
Friday, Oct. 9, 7:30 pm – Point Richmond Acoustic Series returns with Reid Jamieson and Carolyn Mill to open the 2015-2016 season. This duo excels with beautiful voices, incredible harmony & award-winning songs. Jaspar Lepak opens this show. This Americana songstress has a gift for melody that is only surpassed by her poetry. For more info & to get $15 tickets online, see www.pointrichmondacoustic.org , $20 tickets at the door the night of the concert.
Saturday, October 10: You are invited to a Korean Tea. There are two seatings: 11:30 am and 1:30 pm. We will have three people in authentic Korean dress. Come and enjoy yourselves and learn more about Korean culture and tradition and feast on authentic Korean foods. This should be a fun event for all ages. Bring your friends and children. $20 adults, $10 children. For reservations contact Doreen Leighton at 510 307 5461 or d3leighton@icloud.com. This is a fundraiser for the United Methodist Women to continue their good works in the church and community. First United Methodist Church, 201 Martina Street, Point Richmond.
Sunday, October 11, 6 pm: The Hymn Society Presents,An evening of Singing with Jim & Jean Strathdee.
Internationally honored song writers, worship leaders and concert artists, their music offers hope and encouragement with songs of love, justice, and healing and for all the Earth. Free will offering, reception to follow. El Sobrante United Methodist Church, 670 Appian Way, El Sobrante.
Please send submissions for FUMC News and Events to Barbara Haley, editor: bahcats@sbcglobal.net
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