Order of Worship for May 11, 2025: Festival of the Christian Home/Mother's Day

Call to Worship - Those of you joining us from home are invited to light a candle to welcome the presence of the Holy Spirit

Faith of Our Mothers - El Dorado + the United Women in Faith Chorus

Welcome - Stephen Folds

Praise - El Dorado

Passing of the Peace: Through the act of passing the peace of Christ, we offer our sincere desire to love our neighbor.
You are invited to greet one another in the live stream chat on Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook. 

Preparing for AC2025: Cal-Pac Learning Labs

This month, we will host four sessions to help you prepare for this year’s Annual Conference Session:

  1. May 5, 6:30 pm PDT (3:30 pm HST): Introduction to MeetingPulse: This Monday, we’ll introduce you to our new meeting application that we’ll use for our sessions, bringing our hybrid experience and voting process into one easy-to-use platform on your device, whether it’s desktop, mobile, or tablet. Meeting links are sent directly to those who have completed registration for AC2025. 

  2. May 12, 6:30 pm PDT (3:30 pm HST): All About AC2025: This week, we’ll cover everything you need to know to register for and attend Annual Conference 2025. This session is designed for those who may be new to Cal-Pac or attending their first Annual Conference Session as a voting member. No registration needed - join the meeting at this link!

  3. May 19, 6:30 pm PDT (3:30 pm HST): Understanding Constitutional Amendments: Co-hosted with the other Western Jurisdiction conferences, learn about the four proposed amendments to our United Methodist Constitution. Register for this session now!

  4. May 20, 6:30 pm PDT (3:30 pm HST): Financial Matters: Apportionments and Budget: All are invited to attend this presentation of a proposed change to our apportionment system, and our 2026 budget, led by the Council on Finance and Administration, along with the Connectional Table, our Cabinet, and Connectional Ministries. Both of these proposals will be voted on at the 2025 Annual Conference. This learning lab will be especially relevant for Clergy and Lay Members of the Annual Conference, as well as those interested in local church finances and the Conference budget. Register now!

Know Your Rights:

You have constitutional rights:

• DO NOT OPEN THE DOOR if an immigration agent is knocking on the door.

• DO NOT ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS from an immigration agent if they try to talk to you. You have the right to remain silent.

• DO NOT SIGN ANYTHING without first speaking to a lawyer. You have the right to speak with a lawyer.

• If you are outside of your home, ask the agent if you are free to leave and if they say yes, leave calmly.

• GIVE THIS CARD TO THE AGENT. If you are inside of your home, show the card through the window or slide it under the door.

I do not wish to speak with you, answer your questions, or sign or hand you any documents based on my 5th Amendment rights under the United States Constitution.

I do not give you permission to enter my home based on my 4th Amendment rights under the United States Constitution unless you have a warrant to enter, signed by a judge or magistrate with my name on it that you slide under the door.

I do not give you permission to search any of my belongings based on my 4th Amendment rights.

I choose to exercise my constitutional rights.

These cards are available to citizens and noncitizens alike.

CALL TO PRAYER: Called Me Higher- El Dorado

Joys and Concerns: Prayers of the People We believe that the best way to bear our burdens is to share them with one another. You welcome to share your joys and concerns so that our community can hold these things in our hearts as we lift them to God together. 

You are invited to share your prayers in the Facebook Live Chat, or on the YouTube Live chat.

Hebrew Bible Reading: Ruth 1:16-17, 4:13-22

But Ruth said,

“Do not press me to leave you,
    to turn back from following you!
Where you go, I will go;
    where you lodge, I will lodge;
your people shall be my people
    and your God my God.
17 Where you die, I will die,
    and there will I be buried.
May the Lord do thus to me,
    and more as well,
if even death parts me from you!”

The Genealogy of David

13 So Boaz took Ruth, and she became his wife. When they came together, the Lord made her conceive, and she bore a son. 14 Then the women said to Naomi, “Blessed be the Lord, who has not left you this day without next-of-kin,[a]and may his name be renowned in Israel! 15 He shall be to you a restorer of life and a nourisher of your old age, for your daughter-in-law who loves you, who is more to you than seven sons, has borne him.” 16 Then Naomi took the child and laid him in her bosom and became his nurse. 17 The women of the neighborhood gave him a name, saying, “A son has been born to Naomi.” They named him Obed; he became the father of Jesse, the father of David.

18 Now these are the descendants of Perez: Perez became the father of Hezron, 19 Hezron of Ram, Ram of Amminadab, 20 Amminadab of Nahshon, Nahshon of Salmon,[b] 21 Salmon of Boaz, Boaz of Obed, 22 Obed of Jesse, and Jesse of David.

One: This is the word of God for us, the People of God.
All: Thanks be to God!

Sermon: The Bounds of Love are Wide in the Christian Home, Rev. Dr. Mandy McDow, preaching

FESTIVAL OF THE CHRISTIAN HOME - BLESSING OF FAMILIES LITURGY

BLESSING OF OUR INDIVIDUAL CREATION       

Fathering God, you have searched us and known us. You know when we lie down and when we rise up; you discern our thoughts from far away.

Mothering God, it was you who formed our inward parts, you who knit us together in our mother’s womb. We praise you, for we are fearfully and wonderfully made!

Holy Son, you have come into the world as the Word made flesh and dwelling among us, as a constant and abiding reminder that God is always with us, even to the ends of the earth. You are the light that has shined in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. 

Creating Spirit: Where can we go that you are not with us? If we ascend to heaven, you are there. If we make our bed in the depths, you are there. If we perceive the darkness overwhelming us, we know that even the darkness is not dark to you; the night is as bright as the day, for darkness is as light to you. You hem us in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon us. When we come to the end, you are still with us. 

Let us pray:

Loving God, in your wisdom you have created us and given us many gifts.  Today, we thank you for all that we mean to each other and to our friends and families.  We thank you for the love that has brought us to this time and place, and for your love which abides to tie us all together. Where you are, O God, there is love. Amen.

BLESSING OF OUR RELATIONSHIPS         

God, in your wisdom and love, you have created us and called us good. You have created us in your image, and blessed us as men and women. Today we celebrate the joy that we have found in relationship with one another. As you have created us and called us good, so have you said that it is not good that we should be alone, so you have given us helpers as partners. You have given us choice in who we build our relationships with, and we are able to say to one another, as Ruth said to Naomi: 

Where you go, I will go; where you lodge, I will lodge;
          Your people shall be my people, and your God, my God. 

Let us pray:

God, your strength is sufficient for us all. We have committed ourselves one to the other in your presence, so we pray that you will continue to be with us in the unfolding of our future.  Give us strength and courage in times of difficulty, wisdom and love in times of opportunity and challenge, and the sharing of joy in times of happiness and success.  May we continue to grow in your love; through the power of Jesus Christ. Amen.

BLESSING OF OUR FRIENDSHIPS AND FAMILIES OF CHOICE                                                                            

Incarnate Christ: You have modeled to us what it is to be in relationship with one another. You have broken bread with the weary, comforted the lonely, healed the sick, and wept with friends. We see in your witness what it means to love one another as God has loved us. We thank you for calling us friends, because you have made known to us everything that you have heard from our Father in heaven. Thank you for sharing in relationship with us as equals, and helping us to continue to love our friends as you have loved us. Bless us as we form relationships with one another that, as we speak, our souls will be bound up in one another, so that we may love our friends as our own souls, just as Jonathan loved David. 

Let us Pray:

God of friends and families, we are linked together in a community of friendship and support.  We pray for one another. We remember those who cannot be with us today. May we all continue to share in your gifts of love, strength, courage and wisdom, and to know your joy.  Give us growing understanding, sympathy with each other's difficulties, patience with each other's faults, and grace to walk in your ways. Amen. 

BLESSING FOR FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN      

Creator Spirit: You have worked in us to make us open to loving one another in selfless and life-giving ways. For some of us this means the responsibility and joy of raising children. For these lives, which have touched us and blessed us, we thank you. Today we bring to you our children in order that they may be blessed as Christ blessed the children of his day saying, “Let the little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs.” And he took them up in his arms and blessed them. Help us to bless them as they have blessed us. 

Let us pray: 

Loving God: We come today carrying children and youth in our hearts – the children we brought into this world, the children we parent, our grandchildren, nieces, nephews, Godchildren, mentees, the children we care for in our work, and the children we speak out for in our witness. Lord, help us not to be so preoccupied with our purposes that we fail to hear their voices or see their special vision of truth. Keep us with them, ready to listen and to love even as you have loved us, your grown-up and sometimes wayward children. Amen. 

HOLY COMMUNION

INVITATION TO ANOINTING

All are welcome to come forward to be  anointed individually.
If you like, you may come as an individual, or with your spouse or partner, children, or with friends and family of choice. All are welcomed. All are loved. 

Invitation to the Table: As we understand the Body of Christ to be inclusive, we understand God’s table of grace and fellowship can extend into our homes. As you’re able, bring your own elements to this time.

Bread, Juice, Coffee, Muffins… the Body of Christ is comprised of wonder and mystery. Today, we celebrate that God can reach us where we are, even if we are not together.

The Great Mystery of our Faith
All: Christ has died
Christ is risen. 
Christ will come again.

The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name, 
thy kingdom come, thy will be done, 
on earth as it is in heaven. 

Give us this day our daily bread. 
And forgive us our trespasses, 
as we forgive those who trespass against us. 

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. 

For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, 
for ever and ever. Amen.

MUSIC: Where Can I Go? - El Dorado

Benediction

And remember:
God is with you,
God is for you, 
God refuses to be God without you. 
And may all of God’s people say: Amen!

Donate

🌧️ ONLINE ONLY 🌧️ Order of Worship for May 4, 2025: Encountering the Unexpected

Due to rain and wind,
we will be holding worship online only at 10 am PT

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LAFirstUMC/streams

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LAFirstUMC

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lafirstumc/

Call to Worship - Those of you joining us from home are invited to light a candle to welcome the presence of the Holy Spirit

Let the Day Begin - El Dorado

Welcome - Stephen Folds

Come Thou Fount - El Dorado

Passing of the Peace: Through the act of passing the peace of Christ, we offer our sincere desire to love our neighbor.
You are invited to greet one another in the live stream chat on Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook. 

Class resumes this Tuesday, April 1, with Chapter 3.

DISTRICT CONFERENCES

District conferences will take place online at the following times on
Saturday, May 10, 2025

  • 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM PDT: South District Conference & North District Conference.

  • 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM PDT: West District Conference & East District Conference.

  • 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM HST: Hawaii District Conference (Sunday, May 11, 2025, 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM Guam)

District Conference packets will be available later this week.

Preparing for AC2025: Cal-Pac Learning Labs

This month, we will host four sessions to help you prepare for this year’s Annual Conference Session:

  1. May 5, 6:30 pm PDT (3:30 pm HST): Introduction to MeetingPulse: This Monday, we’ll introduce you to our new meeting application that we’ll use for our sessions, bringing our hybrid experience and voting process into one easy-to-use platform on your device, whether it’s desktop, mobile, or tablet. Meeting links are sent directly to those who have completed registration for AC2025. 

  2. May 12, 6:30 pm PDT (3:30 pm HST): All About AC2025: This week, we’ll cover everything you need to know to register for and attend Annual Conference 2025. This session is designed for those who may be new to Cal-Pac or attending their first Annual Conference Session as a voting member. No registration needed - join the meeting at this link!

  3. May 19, 6:30 pm PDT (3:30 pm HST): Understanding Constitutional Amendments: Co-hosted with the other Western Jurisdiction conferences, learn about the four proposed amendments to our United Methodist Constitution. Register for this session now!

  4. May 20, 6:30 pm PDT (3:30 pm HST): Financial Matters: Apportionments and Budget: All are invited to attend this presentation of a proposed change to our apportionment system, and our 2026 budget, led by the Council on Finance and Administration, along with the Connectional Table, our Cabinet, and Connectional Ministries. Both of these proposals will be voted on at the 2025 Annual Conference. This learning lab will be especially relevant for Clergy and Lay Members of the Annual Conference, as well as those interested in local church finances and the Conference budget. Register now!

Know Your Rights:

You have constitutional rights:

• DO NOT OPEN THE DOOR if an immigration agent is knocking on the door.

• DO NOT ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS from an immigration agent if they try to talk to you. You have the right to remain silent.

• DO NOT SIGN ANYTHING without first speaking to a lawyer. You have the right to speak with a lawyer.

• If you are outside of your home, ask the agent if you are free to leave and if they say yes, leave calmly.

• GIVE THIS CARD TO THE AGENT. If you are inside of your home, show the card through the window or slide it under the door.

I do not wish to speak with you, answer your questions, or sign or hand you any documents based on my 5th Amendment rights under the United States Constitution.

I do not give you permission to enter my home based on my 4th Amendment rights under the United States Constitution unless you have a warrant to enter, signed by a judge or magistrate with my name on it that you slide under the door.

I do not give you permission to search any of my belongings based on my 4th Amendment rights.

I choose to exercise my constitutional rights.

These cards are available to citizens and noncitizens alike.

CALL TO PRAYER: Prayer of St. Francis - Sarah McLaughlin- El Dorado

Joys and Concerns: Prayers of the People We believe that the best way to bear our burdens is to share them with one another. You welcome to share your joys and concerns so that our community can hold these things in our hearts as we lift them to God together. 

You are invited to share your prayers in the Facebook Live Chat, or on the YouTube Live chat.

New Testament Reading: Acts 9:1-6, (7-20) - Paul's conversion, baptism, and preaching

Meanwhile Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any who belonged to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.

Now as he was going along and approaching Damascus, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him.

He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?"

He asked, "Who are you, Lord?" The reply came, "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.

But get up and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do."

The men who were traveling with him stood speechless because they heard the voice but saw no one.

Saul got up from the ground, and though his eyes were open, he could see nothing; so they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus.

For three days he was without sight and neither ate nor drank.

Now there was a disciple in Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, "Ananias." He answered, "Here I am, Lord."

The Lord said to him, "Get up and go to the street called Straight, and at the house of Judas look for a man of Tarsus named Saul. At this moment he is praying, and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him so that he might regain his sight."

But Ananias answered, "Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints in Jerusalem, and here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who invoke your name."

But the Lord said to him, "Go, for he is an instrument whom I have chosen to bring my name before gentiles and kings and before the people of Israel; I myself will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name."

So Ananias went and entered the house. He laid his hands on Saul and said, "Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on your way here, has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit."

And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and his sight was restored. Then he got up and was baptized, and after taking some food, he regained his strength. For several days he was with the disciples in Damascus, and immediately he began to proclaim Jesus in the synagogues, saying, "He is the Son of God."

Gospel Lesson - John 21:1-19 - Jesus appears to the disciples

After these things Jesus showed himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias, and he showed himself in this way. Gathered there together were Simon Peter, Thomas called the Twin, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of his disciples.

Simon Peter said to them, "I am going fishing." They said to him, "We will go with you." They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.

Just after daybreak, Jesus stood on the beach, but the disciples did not know that it was Jesus.

Jesus said to them, "Children, you have no fish, have you?" They answered him, "No."

He said to them, "Cast the net to the right side of the boat, and you will find some." So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in because there were so many fish.

That disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, "It is the Lord!" When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment, for he had taken it off, and jumped into the sea.

But the other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, only about a hundred yards off.

When they had gone ashore, they saw a charcoal fire there, with fish on it, and bread.

Jesus said to them, "Bring some of the fish that you have just caught."

So Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, a hundred fifty-three of them, and though there were so many, the net was not torn.

Jesus said to them, "Come and have breakfast." Now none of the disciples dared to ask him, "Who are you?" because they knew it was the Lord.

Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them and did the same with the fish.

This was now the third time that Jesus appeared to the disciples after he was raised from the dead.

When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." Jesus said to him, "Feed my lambs."

A second time he said to him, "Simon son of John, do you love me?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." Jesus said to him, "Tend my sheep."

He said to him the third time, "Simon son of John, do you love me?" Peter felt hurt because he said to him the third time, "Do you love me?" And he said to him, "Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you." Jesus said to him, "Feed my sheep.

Very truly, I tell you, when you were younger, you used to fasten your own belt and to go wherever you wished. But when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will fasten a belt around you and take you where you do not wish to go."

(He said this to indicate the kind of death by which he would glorify God.) After this he said to him, "Follow me."

One: This is the word of God for us, the People of God.
All: Thanks be to God!

Sermon: Encountering the Unexpected, Rev. Dr. Mandy McDow, preaching

HOLY COMMUNION

Invitation to the Table: As we understand the Body of Christ to be inclusive, we understand God’s table of grace and fellowship can extend into our homes. As you’re able, bring your own elements to this time.

Bread, Juice, Coffee, Muffins… the Body of Christ is comprised of wonder and mystery. Today, we celebrate that God can reach us where we are, even if we are not together.

The Great Mystery of our Faith
All: Christ has died
Christ is risen. 
Christ will come again.

The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name, 
thy kingdom come, thy will be done, 
on earth as it is in heaven. 

Give us this day our daily bread. 
And forgive us our trespasses, 
as we forgive those who trespass against us. 

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. 

For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, 
for ever and ever. Amen.

MUSIC: Great are You, Lord - El Dorado

Benediction

And remember:
God is with you,
God is for you, 
God refuses to be God without you. 
And may all of God’s people say: Amen!

Donate

Order of Worship for Easter Sunday - April 20, 2025: The Last Enemy to be Destroyed Is Death

Call to Worship - Those of you joining us from home are invited to light a candle to welcome the presence of the Holy Spirit

Invitation to Worship - Rev. Dr. Mandy McDow

Call to Worship

One: Alleluia! Christ is Risen!
Many: Christ is Risen, indeed! Alleluia!
One: Easter people, raise your voices!
Many: Jesus Christ, our King, is risen!
One: Now we are the ones to shout, “Where, O Death, is your victory?”
Many: Jesus Christ is risen! Alleluia! Amen!

Christ the Lord Is Risen Today-Charles Wesley - El Dorado + United Women in Faith Choir

Superstar - El Dorado

Welcome - Stephen Folds

O Happy Day/My Sweet Lord - Edwin B. Hawkins/George Harrison - El Dorado

Passing of the Peace: Through the act of passing the peace of Christ, we offer our sincere desire to love our neighbor.
You are invited to greet one another in the live stream chat on Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook. 

No Class this week - Class will resume with Chapter 22 on April 30

Know Your Rights:

You have constitutional rights:

• DO NOT OPEN THE DOOR if an immigration agent is knocking on the door.

• DO NOT ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS from an immigration agent if they try to talk to you. You have the right to remain silent.

• DO NOT SIGN ANYTHING without first speaking to a lawyer. You have the right to speak with a lawyer.

• If you are outside of your home, ask the agent if you are free to leave and if they say yes, leave calmly.

• GIVE THIS CARD TO THE AGENT. If you are inside of your home, show the card through the window or slide it under the door.

I do not wish to speak with you, answer your questions, or sign or hand you any documents based on my 5th Amendment rights under the United States Constitution.

I do not give you permission to enter my home based on my 4th Amendment rights under the United States Constitution unless you have a warrant to enter, signed by a judge or magistrate with my name on it that you slide under the door.

I do not give you permission to search any of my belongings based on my 4th Amendment rights.

I choose to exercise my constitutional rights.

These cards are available to citizens and noncitizens alike.

CALL TO PRAYER: The Old Rugged Cross - El Dorado

Prayers of the People - Rev. Dr. Mandy McDow

Joys and Concerns: Prayers of the People We believe that the best way to bear our burdens is to share them with one another. You welcome to share your joys and concerns so that our community can hold these things in our hearts as we lift them to God together. 

You are invited to share your prayers in the Facebook Live Chat, or on the YouTube Live chat.

Hebrew Bible Reading: Responsive Reading – Selections from Psalm 104
One: O Holy Creator, you are very great, clothed with the majesty of stars and the light of the
sun.
Many: You set the earth on its foundations so that it shall never be shaken.
One: You make springs that gush forth into the valleys, giving drink to every wild animal. By the
rushing streams, birds nest and sing among the branches.
Many: All the earth is satisfied with the fruit of your work.
One: You cause grass to grow for cattle and plants for people to use, to bring forth food from the
earth. Your sea creatures roam free and cavort in the deep ocean.
Many: All peoples and animals have a home and a purpose for living, by day and by night.
One: When you send forth your breath, your creation lives and the earth is renewed.
Many: We join with all creation in singing praise to our Creator. May our lives manifest your love
and care for all the universe.

Gospel Lesson - John 12:1-8, NRSV - Mary Anoints Jesus

Six days before the Passover Jesus came to Bethany, the home of Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. There they gave a dinner for him. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those at the table with him.Mary took a pound of costly perfume made of pure nard, anointed Jesus’ feet, and wiped them with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (the one who was about to betray him), said, ‘Why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor?’ (He said this not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief; he kept the common purse and used to steal what was put into it.) Jesus said, ‘Leave her alone. She bought it so that she might keep it for the day of my burial. You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me.’

One: This is the word of God for us, the People of God.
All: Thanks be to God!

Sermon: The Earth is the Lord’s, Tom Grode, Lay Leader, preaching

RESPONSE TO THE WORD - Resources and Strategies, Sara Munshin, United Women in Faith President

Epistle Reading: 1 Corinthians 15:19-26, NRSV

If for this life only we have hoped in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied.

But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have died. For since death came through a human being, the resurrection of the dead has also come through a human being; for as all die in Adam, so all will be made alive in Christ. But each in his own order: Christ the first fruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ. Then comes the end, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father, after he has destroyed every ruler and every authority and power. For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death.

Gospel Lesson - Luke 24:1-12, NRSV, The Resurrection of Jesus

But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they came to the tomb, taking the spices that they had prepared. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they went in, they did not find the body.While they were perplexed about this, suddenly two men in dazzling clothes stood beside them. The women were terrified and bowed their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, ‘Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen. Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be handed over to sinners, and be crucified, and on the third day rise again.’Then they remembered his words, and returning from the tomb, they told all this to the eleven and to all the rest. Now it was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them who told this to the apostles. But these words seemed to them an idle tale, and they did not believe them. But Peter got up and ran to the tomb; stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths by themselves; then he went home, amazed at what had happened.

One: This is the word of God for us, the People of God.
All: Thanks be to God!

Sermon: The Last Enemy to Be Destroyed Is Death, Rev. Dr. Mandy McDow, preaching

Holy Communion

The Great Mystery of our Faith

All: Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again.

The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name, 
thy kingdom come, thy will be done, 
on earth as it is in heaven. 

Give us this day our daily bread. 
And forgive us our trespasses, 
as we forgive those who trespass against us. 

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. 

For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, 
for ever and ever. Amen.

MUSIC: In Christ Alone - El Dorado
Benediction

And remember:
God is with you,
God is for you, 
God refuses to be God without you. 
And may all of God’s people say: Amen!

Donate

Order of Worship for the Easter Sunrise Service 2025

GATHERING IN DARKNESS AND SILENCE

CHIMING OF THE HOUR           

BREAKING THE DAWN Remain/Hallelujah Chorus - El Dorado

GREETING AND INTRODUCTION   
Grace to you from Jesus Christ, who was and is, and is to come.
Beloved, our Savior Jesus Christ has passed from death to life.
Hear the word of God: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
In the Word was life and the life was the light of all people.
The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.   

BLESSING OF THE NEW FIRE                                                       
Eternal God, giver of light and life, bless this new flame that by its radiance and warmth we may respond to your love and grace, and be set free from all that separates us from you and from each other; through Jesus Christ, the Sun of Righteousness. Amen.

LIGHTING OF THE PASCHAL CANDLE                  
ONE: May the light of Christ, rising in glory, banish all darkness from our hearts and minds. Christ is our light!  
MANY: Alleluia! Thanks be to God!          

OPENING HYMN: Christ the Lord is Risen Today - El Dorado
            
*GOSPEL LESSON: John 20:1-18
Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the tomb. So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, ‘They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.’ Then Peter and the other disciple set out and went towards the tomb. The two were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. He bent down to look in and saw the linen wrappings lying there, but he did not go in. Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen wrappings lying there, and the cloth that had been on Jesus’ head, not lying with the linen wrappings but rolled up in a place by itself. Then the other disciple, who reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; for as yet they did not understand the scripture, that he must rise from the dead. Then the disciples returned to their homes.

But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb. As she wept, she bent over to look* into the tomb; and she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had been lying, one at the head and the other at the feet.They said to her, ‘Woman, why are you weeping?’ She said to them, ‘They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.’When she had said this, she turned round and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, ‘Woman, why are you weeping? For whom are you looking?’ Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, ‘Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.’ Jesus said to her, ‘Mary!’ She turned and said to him in Hebrew,* ‘Rabbouni!’ (which means Teacher). Jesus said to her, ‘Do not hold on to me, because I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and say to them, “I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.” ’ Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, ‘I have seen the Lord’; and she told them that he had said these things to her.                

EASTER EXAMEN

St. Ignatius created the Examen to be a very short prayer which can be prayed at any time. In the Examen, we review our recent past to find God and his blessings in our daily life.
Ignatius would say that the Examen should be the most important moment of our day, because this moment affects every other moment.

  • Take a deep breath and hold it for a moment - taking in God’s love, light and strength - and let it out slowly, exhaling any worries, cares or fears.

  • Invite the Holy Spirit to help you see Easter as God sees it.

  • This year is different. What was normal a year ago is no longer so.

  • Think about this Easter season, the Resurrection that we are celebrating. Take a moment to recognize how God has been present in the days since last Easter Sunday.

  • Think about the things you have experienced over this past year which you are grateful for.
    Be specific; it can be time spent with your family, new ways to connect with friends, the ability to travel or explore a new opportunity, something special you’ve discovered, warmer weather, sunshine, spring flowers beginning to blossom. Recognize the experience a Resurrection experience. Take a moment to thank God for your gift.

  • As you pay attention to your feelings, ask yourself where God seems to be present in your Easter-Resurrection experience.
    Did you experience God’s love, forgiveness or mercy?
    What graces do you recognize in your Easter experience?

  • Now take a moment and review where you may not have recognized God’s presence in your Easter-Resurrection experience.
    Think deeply about this moment when you saw the need for love and didn’t feel that love.
    What was the behavior that may have distanced you from God in the moment?
    Ask for forgiveness and the grace to recognize God’s presence in all things.

  • Finally, think about what you are hopeful for and what you are looking forward to as the Easter season continues to unfold.
    Offer these to God and ask for God’s blessing on your hopes and dreams.
    Invite God to journey with you throughout the rest of the Easter season and beyond.

  • Let us pray the Lord's Prayer in the language in which you learned it first and best:

    Our Father in heaven,

    Hallowed be your Name.

    Your Kingdom come.

    Your will be done

    on earth, as it is in heaven.

    Give us today our daily bread.

    Forgive us our sins,

    as we forgive those who sin against us.

    Save us from the time of trial,

    and deliver us from evil.

    For the kingdom,

    the power,

    and the glory are yours

    Now and forever.

    Amen.

                                       
RENEWAL OF BAPTISM VOWS                                  
Sisters and Brothers, on this day, when we celebrate the rising of Christ from death, let us gather at the water to celebrate our baptism, which is the sign and seal of our new life in Christ, by saying the promises that were made at our baptism…Do you renounce the spiritual forces of evil?
MANY: I renounce the spiritual forces of evil. 
ONE: Do you believe in God? 
MANY: I believe in God.
ONE: Do you believe in Jesus Christ? 
MANY: I believe in Jesus Christ. 
ONE: Do you believe in the Holy Spirit? 
MANY: I believe in the Holy Spirit.

Closing: O Happy Day/My Sweet Lord – El Dorado

PROCLAMATION AND SENDING FORTH        
One: Go to the world! Go into all the earth! Go preach the cross where Christ renews life’s worth, baptizing as a sign of our rebirth.  
           

 Christ is risen!                         Christos anesti!            
Christ is risen, indeed!         Alethios anesti!             
Alleluia!                                   Alleluia!            
Alleluia!                                 Alleluia!

Join us for Easter Worship at 10:00 am PDT on FB/YouTube/Instagram
or IN PERSON at 1010 S. Flower Street, Los Angeles, CA 90015!

Good Friday Meditation Stations

Welcome to the Guided Meditation for Holy Week

This guide will help you navigate through nine stations throughout the church. This meditation will give you an intimate look at the last hours of Jesus’ life. You are invited to gather some items which may help with your meditation:

  • Each station: your Bible and a candle (or 9 candles, to be extinguished as you complete each station)

  • Station 1: a small bag of coins and a small table, which you could overturn (this takes some courage)

  • Station 2: a plant to represent the Garden of Gethsemane

  • Station 3: sharp wire or sticks, to represent the Crown of Thorns and a piece of purple cloth

  • Station 4: a cross you can lift

  • Station 5: a hammer, nails, small scrap of wood

  • Station 6: a pair of dice

  • Station 7: a place to kneel

  • Station 8: a Bible turned to Psalm 22

  • Station 9: a length of white or linen cloth, a small amount of oil (as if for anointing)

The artwork for each station was painted by my beloved friend, Bobby Strickland, for Saint Mark United Methodist Church in 2008. These paintings were commissioned by the Director of Fine Arts, Jane Burke, and have been a blessing to so many through the years.

****************************************************************************************************************

We are busy people, and these are busy times, and so we’re glad that you’re here and that you’ve taken the time to be in this sacred space.

We are going on a journey today, and at each station, you will encounter a text which describes what Jesus did during Holy Week. As you make your way along the path, we invite you to reflect on the texts. As you leave the tomb—the final place in our journey today—you will have opportunities to think about how the text might affect you in the here and now. What does the text mean for the Christian life today? What does it mean for your life?

Keep in mind that we live in a world where time is based on linear-thinking. We know of life as past, present and future. But, the God of all, who created us to live in this world, is not bound by time. So, the events of Holy Week are not bound by history. The events of Holy Week recur each year as if they are happening all over again.

There’s no need to rush. The goal is to think about the text as if for the first time and then to think about its meaning for your life today. It requires listening with new ears and seeing with new eyes. So, take as much time as you need, and give others the time and space they need as well.
Breathe deeply. Relax. It’s okay to go slowly and let your mind wander.

Our journey begins with Monday of Holy Week, on the day following Palm Sunday. In our first text, commonly referred to as the cleansing of the temple, Jesus enters the temple courtyard, and, seeing the business going on there, begins to drive out those who were buying and selling and he overturns the tables of the moneychangers. He interrupts the temple activity because it had become a substitute for the activity of justice and righteousness which God commands.

What Jesus did in the cleansing of the Temple was an interruption. An interruption of the normal, day-to-day way of doing things. It might have been a Holy interruption, but it was an interruption nonetheless.

An interruption…

Keep that word in mind as you begin. It will be important. Interruption. When you feel ready, you may enter the courtyard, and, as you make your way to the first stop, remember that this is a Sacred Space and a Sacred Time.

Blessings on your journey.

Station One:  Jesus Cleanses the Temple
 

Then they came to Jerusalem. And he entered the temple and began to drive out those who were selling and those who were buying in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who sold doves; and he would not allow anyone to carry anything through t he temple. He was teaching and saying, “Is it not written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations?’ 
But you have made it a den of robbers!”

And when the chief priests and the scribes heard it, they kept looking for a way to kill him; for they were afraid of him, because the whole crowd was spellbound by his teaching. And when the evening came, Jesus and his disciples went out of the city.  
- Mark 11:15-19


If you wish, close your eyes and imagine this scene:

 

        ...Business as usual… then t he violence of Jesus’ anger… the shock of the onlookers…Pause with the scene for a moment, and let it unfold in your imagination.
What in our world,
            The church,
                        Your own life
                                 Makes Christ this angry now?

Invite God into the place where you hold these thoughts, images and feelings in your heart. This is your chance to give these things over to God, and let God be angry with you, for you. Wherever you are, I invite you to “overturn” the tables of the things that have set up camp in your lives and hearts.  Smash them, break them, let them go. Watch as the good intentions that have turned into bad habits & misguided actions are turned on their heads.

When you are ready, continue reading. 

Jesus Prays in Gethsemane, Bobby Strickland

Station Two: Jesus Prays in Gethsemane

 They went to a place called Gethsemane; and he said to his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” He took with him Peter and James and John, and began to be distressed and agitated. And he said to them, “I am deeply grieved, even to death; remain here, and keep awake.” And, going a little farther, he threw himself on the ground and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. He said, “ Abba, Father, for you all things are possible; remove this cup from me; yet, not what I want, but what you want.”

He came and found them sleeping; and he said to Peter, “Simon, are you asleep? Could you not keep awake one hour? Keep awake and pray that you may not come into the time of trial; the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

And again, he went away and prayed, saying the same words. And once more, he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were very heavy; and they did not know what to say to him. He came a third time and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? Enough! The hour has come; the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Get up, let us be going. See, my betrayer is at hand.”  - Mark 14:32-42

Jesus came to the garden to pray. Here, in this quiet space, we invite you to focus on the painting of Christ. Look at his expression. What do you see?

As you read the scripture, how does it make you feel to know that Jesus was distressed… agitated?
What is he asking of the disciples? Why can’t they seem to do it?
How does it make you feel, that Jesus prayed for the hour to pass from him?

Let this be your prayer, as you sit and contemplate:
“Abba, Father, for you all things are possible; remove this cup from me; yet, not what I want, but what you want.”

When you are ready, continue reading.

Jesus Carrying the Cross, Bobby Strickland

Station Three: To Mock Your Reign, O Dearest Lord

Then the soldiers led him into the courtyard of the palace; and they called together the whole cohort. And they clothed him in a purple cloak; and after twisting some thorns into a crown, they put it on him. And they began saluting him, “Hail, King of the Jews!” They struck his head with a reed, spat upon him, and knelt down in homage to him. After mocking him, they stripped him of the purple cloak and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him out to crucify him.—Mark 15:16-20

Here, you will find scraps of purple cloth, and a crown of thorns. I invite you to touch the thorns, to feel how sharp they are, and to run your hands over the soft fabric.

The actions of the soldiers were humiliating and scornful, and yet, during this Holy Week, the mocking and derision still pointed to the truth of the Gospel: that Jesus is the King of the Jews, the Lord of Life, the Son of God and the Son of Man.

What do you find that you mock or deride in your own life? A person? A relationship? A job? Consider why you have such deep feelings, and seek to discover why. Are you afraid, of love? Of success? Of failure?

We mock what we desire, and what we desire most is to be loved. Yet, to receive love is often the most challenging thing for us. So, we hurt Love. We hold it at a distance. We scorn it and question it and wait for Love to leave.

Jesus came that we may know the fullness of God’s love. Like the soldiers, we deny that Love because it is too powerful, too mysterious, too overwhelming. We flood our minds with doubt.  We place a thorny crown on the head of that which we most desire. But, for God, nothing that we do will separate us from God’s love. As you sit, open yourself to the possibility that God’s love does not have to be scorned or mocked, but can be accepted.

When you are ready, continue reading.

Simon of Cyrene, Bobby Strickland

Station Four: Take up Thy Cross, and Follow Me

 The soldiers compelled a passer-by, who was coming in from the country, to carry his cross. It was Simon of Cyrene, the father of Alexander and Rufus . —Mark 15:21

We know little of Simon of Cyrene, except that he was the one chosen to carry the cross for Jesus.

He was willing. Able. Weighted down.

Here, you will find the cross that we use on Sunday mornings. If you are able, I ask you to lift it up out of its stand. Feel the weight in your hands, watch how it pulls you forward, and the force of gravity makes you want to put it down.

As you feel the heaviness of this cross, consider the weight of the cross upon which Christ was crucified. It was massive, made of hewn logs that weren’t hollowed or sanded. Not only was it heavy, it was also rough and abrasive.

When you are called by Jesus to take up your cross, what do you imagine lifting? What, in your life, is so heavy and burdensome that you crave and desire help to carry it?

Who in your life might need help with their cross? Is there someone who is struggling that could use your strength and comfort?

Now: Consider what sort of “cross” Jesus is calling you to carry as you follow him. What makes being a Christian hard for you? What do you struggle with most? 

As you consider the cross, ask Jesus where you are being led. Consider picking up your burden and following where Christ is calling you to go.

 When you are ready, continue reading. 

 

Christ is Crucified, Bobby Strickland

Station Five: Were You There When They Crucified My Lord?

A great number of the people followed him, and among them were women who were beating their breasts and wailing for him. But Jesus turned to them and said, ‘Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me, but weep for yourselves and for your children. For the days are surely coming when they will say, “Blessed are the barren, and the wombs that never bore, and the breasts that never nursed.”

Then they will begin to say to the mountains, “Fall on us”; and to the hills, “Cover us.” For if they do this when the wood is green, what will happen when it is dry?’ Two others also, who were criminals, were led away to be put to death with him. When they came to Golgotha, the place that is called The Skull, they crucified Jesus* there with the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. Then Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.’—Luke 23:27-34

 “And they crucified Jesus there with the criminals.”

It’s horrible. These eight words contain the greatest sin that humankind ever committed. We crucified Jesus, the Son of God, our Savior… the embodiment of love. 

Here, you will find a hammer and nails. You are invited to hammer a nail, carefully, into the wood that’s available. Hear the ring of the hammer. The echo of its force.

What have we done, O Lord?

And yet, Jesus’ first words are, “Father, forgive them;
for they know not what they are doing.”

Pray for forgiveness for the things in your life that you find most unforgiveable.
God is willing, if we but ask.

Take a moment to read James Weldon Johnson’s powerful poem: The Crucifixion.

When you are ready, continue reading.

Casting Lots, Bobby Strickland

Station Six: Casting Lots

When the soldiers had crucified Jesus, they took his clothes and divided them into four parts, one for each soldier. They also took his tunic; now the tunic was seamless, woven in one piece from the top. So they said to one another, ‘Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it to see who will get it.’ This was to fulfill what the scripture says,
‘They divided my clothes among themselves,
for my clothing they cast.’
And that is what the soldiers did.
                                                   —John 19:23-25a

Before Jesus died,
the soldiers took charge
and led him out,
“just politics,”
they said.

And suddenly they were there
the skull
the horrid mount
stripped,
naked,
he refused the anesthesia and was pounded into wood.

Gambling, laughing,
cursing, mocking,
weeping, hoping,
praying -

a casino at the cross.
-Brother Maria Anthony Serval 

As you read the poem above, hold the dice in your hands. Roll them around.

A Casino at the Cross…

What do we gamble on today?

We take things that are so trivial, and give them power and value when they have none. A tunic. A simple tunic, gambled away by the soldiers at the foot of the cross.

This is your chance to take away the power that you’ve given to arbitrary things. To set down the dice, and refuse to gamble for something that means nothing. We don’t have to take chances with God. We’ve done our worst, and we’re still loved and forgiven.

 When you are ready, continue reading.


Women Weeping at the Cross, Bobby Strickland

Station Seven: Woman, Behold your Son

 Meanwhile, standing near the cross of Jesus were his mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing beside her, he said to his mother, ‘Woman, here is your son.’ Then he said to the disciple, ‘Here is your mother.’ And from that hour the disciple took her into his own home.        —John 19:25b-27

Jesus has always pushed us to reconsider everything we hold dear—institutions, possessions, now, our family systems.

Jesus says to his weeping mother, who birthed him, nursed him, fled with him, fed him, taught him, rejoiced with him, lost him and found him… “Woman, here is your son.”

He knows that she is looking at her own flesh and blood in its most vulnerable state. As an infant, she washed his feet, belly, chest and head. She knows him intimately. And here, for all the world to see, is her son, naked and dying. Bleeding and wounded. Broken.

It’s a heartbreaking scene. But, Jesus says to the disciple with her, “Here is your mother.” In this absurd moment, on the cross, Jesus shakes even the bond of family. Or so it seems.

Perhaps what Jesus is doing is restoring those bonds, so that when Mary weeps for her son, she will have another to comfort her. Jesus does not leave her alone or abandoned. He provides a new relationship, with the Disciple Whom He Loved.

How is it that Jesus has given you hope out of sorrow? Brought for life, where there was death? How is it that a heartbreaking death made a place for new relationship to begin?

 When you are ready, continue reading.

The Angel Weeps, Bobby Strickland

Station Eight: The Death of Jesus

When it was noon, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon. At three o’clock Jesus cried out with a loud voice,

‘Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?’

which means, ‘My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?’

When some of the bystanders heard it, they said, ‘Listen, he is calling for Elijah.’ And someone ran, filled a sponge with sour wine, put it on a stick, and gave it to him to drink, saying, ‘Wait, let us see whether Elijah will come to take him down.’  Then Jesus gave a loud cry and breathed his last. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. Now when the centurion, who stood facing him, saw that in this way he breathed his last, he said, ‘Truly this man was the Son of God!’ - Mark 15:33-39

Open your Bible, not to the scripture above, but to Psalm 22.

Read it through.

Do you see the echo of the words Jesus shouts from the cross?

Read the Psalm again. Listen and be attentive to the tone throughout this Psalm. How does it change? Do you see the Psalmist moving from one emotion to another?

What does Jesus’ invocation of these words, “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?” tell you about his final moments on the cross? How does it make you feel to think that Jesus felt forsaken… by God?

Remember that Jesus was wholly divine and wholly human. His death was not divine punishment, but truly God suffered and died, as well. If you choose, light the candle, and let it burn for a bit. Blow it out before you leave to signify the darkness of this moment.

When you are ready, continue reading.


The Stone is Rolled at the Tomb, Bobby Strickland

Station Nine: The Sealing of the Tomb

After these things, Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus, though a secret one because of his fear of the Jews, asked Pilate to let him take away the body of Jesus. Pilate gave him permission; so he came and removed his body. Nicodemus, who had at first come to Jesus by night, also came, bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, weighing about a hundred pounds.

 They took the body of Jesus and wrapped it with the spices in linen cloths, according to the burial custom of the Jews. Now there was a garden in the place where he was crucified, and in the garden there was a new tomb in which no one had ever been laid. And so, because it was the Jewish day of Preparation, and the tomb was nearby, they laid Jesus there. - John 19:38-42

After death, all we can do is mourn. We go through the motions of grieving and preparing, and when Death makes itself welcome in our lives, we have to accommodate it. 

Take the anointing oil and a linen cloth. You are invited to use the oil to anoint your head, as a reminder that we will meet death ourselves, one day. Our mortality is always with us, and the promise that we receive is that we are not alone, even in death.

Today, we prepare to bury the body of Jesus. He has been crucified and has died the same death that we will one day face. 

Give thanks that God loves us, even through our own sinfulness and brokenness. God refuses to be without us, even in death.

When you are ready, you may finish in silence.

LENT V - Order of Worship for April 6, 2025: 🌳🌏 GREEN SUNDAY 🌏 🌳 - Tom Grode, preaching

Call to Worship - Those of you joining us from home are invited to light a candle to welcome the presence of the Holy Spirit

All Creatures of Our God and King- St. Francis of Assisi - El Dorado

Welcome - Stephen Folds

Acknowledgement - Tom Grode, Lay Leader

Downtown Los Angeles is classified as an Urban Heat Island and folks in Skid Row, and unhoused folks Downtown, are most vulnerable to the Urban Heat Island effect.  A grassroots planning effort began in the Fall of 2020 in Skid Row called Skid Row Cooling Resources because of the reality of an Urban Heat Island and that resulted in the City program in Skid Row known as Climate Stations.  This Skid Row Cooling Resources Land Acknowledgment was done in consultation with Julia Bogany, Cultural Director of the San Gabriel Band of Mission Indians.

We Acknowledge the Land beneath what man has made.

We Acknowledge the Tongva, Native indigenous people of Los Angeles, and their ancient village Yaangna, what we call Downtown Los Angeles.

We Acknowledge Biddy Mason as the “patron saint” of Downtown Los Angeles, a former slave who became a Matriarch of early Los Angeles.  Biddy Mason was a wealthy landowner and philanthropist to the poor and those in need.

We Acknowledge the Native indigenous people of Los Angeles, their special relationship with Mother Earth, and their hospitality, inviting us into that special relationship.

We Acknowledge the patience, kindness, and compassion of Mother Earth.

On Time God - Abbie Gamboa, Chandler Moore - El Dorado

Passing of the Peace: Through the act of passing the peace of Christ, we offer our sincere desire to love our neighbor.
You are invited to greet one another in the live stream chat on Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook. 

Class continues this Tuesday, April 8, with Chapter 4.

This week, we will be reading Chapter 21

Join us to say the Lord’s Prayer each day at Noon during Lent on Facebook Live

Here are some things you can do right now:

  • Watch the video from the training session we had with Alba Jaramillo from the Immigration Law and Justice Network.

  • Print out and make available these Know your right cards in whatever languages are relevant to your context. Link to know your rights cards.

  • Host a “Know Your Rights” training session at your church or mission area.

  • Host a “Safety Packet” session at your church or mission area.

  • Research and make note of the RRT phone numbers in your area here.

  • Switch to a safe and encrypted messaging app such as Signal.

  • Watch our page for updates.

Know Your Rights:

You have constitutional rights:

• DO NOT OPEN THE DOOR if an immigration agent is knocking on the door.

• DO NOT ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS from an immigration agent if they try to talk to you. You have the right to remain silent.

• DO NOT SIGN ANYTHING without first speaking to a lawyer. You have the right to speak with a lawyer.

• If you are outside of your home, ask the agent if you are free to leave and if they say yes, leave calmly.

• GIVE THIS CARD TO THE AGENT. If you are inside of your home, show the card through the window or slide it under the door.

I do not wish to speak with you, answer your questions, or sign or hand you any documents based on my 5th Amendment rights under the United States Constitution.

I do not give you permission to enter my home based on my 4th Amendment rights under the United States Constitution unless you have a warrant to enter, signed by a judge or magistrate with my name on it that you slide under the door.

I do not give you permission to search any of my belongings based on my 4th Amendment rights.

I choose to exercise my constitutional rights.

These cards are available to citizens and noncitizens alike.

MONETARY DONATIONS: 

We've set up a special fund - the Los Angeles Fires Recovery Fund - where you can contribute directly towards relief and recovery from the effects of the winds and firestorms this week.  www.calpacumc.org/donate 

Check donations payable to the California-Pacific Conference can be mailed to California-Pacific Conference, Los Angeles Fires Recovery Fund, PO Box 6006, Pasadena CA 91102.

Register to Vote for the Downtown Los Angeles Neighborhood Council

Why should I vote for my Neighborhood Council?

Neighborhood Councils form a grassroots level of the City of Los Angeles government. The system was created to connect Los Angeles’ diverse communities to City Hall and was established in 1999 by an amendment to the City Charter. Read more in the handbook here.

What if I don’t live in the Downtown Los Angeles Neighborhood Council boundary area? Can I vote as a Stakeholder?

YES! NC membership is open to all Stakeholders. Los Angeles Administrative Code section 22.801, defines a “Stakeholder” as any individual who:

(1) Lives, works, or owns real property within the boundaries of the NC: https://dlanc.com/boundary-map/ or

(2) Is a Community Interest Stakeholder, defined as an individual who is a member of, or participates in, a Community Organization within the boundaries of the NC.

A “Community Organization” is an entity that has continuously maintained a physical street address within the boundaries of the NC for not less than one year, and that performs ongoing and verifiable activities and operations that confer some benefit on the community within the boundaries of the neighborhood council. A for-profit entity shall not qualify as a Community Organization. Examples of Community Organizations may include Chambers of Commerce, houses of worship or other faith-based organizations, educational institutions, or non-profit organizations.

Area Wide Stakeholder
Stakeholders who are at 16 years of age and live, work or own property within the DLANC boundaries.
(requires documentation)

Area-Wide Homeless Resident
Stakeholder who is at least 16 years of age and who self-attest as homeless within the DLANC boundaries in places not meant for human habitation, such as cars, parks, sidewalks, abandoned buildings, in emergency transitional or residing in supportive housing for homeless persons who originally came from the streets; or who receives assistance (housing or resources) from a homeless services agency. (self-affirmation) To register, you may use the address of the Weingart Center or Downtown Women’s Center.

Social Services Provider (SSP)
Stakeholders who are at least 16 years of age and live, work or own property within the DLANC boundaries. (requires documentation)

At Large
Any stakeholder within the DLANC boundaries and who is at least 16 years of age. (requires documentation)

Neighborhood Council Vote-By-Mail Application Portal

Voters who wish to complete a VBM Application online must first create an Angeleno Account at https://angeleno.lacity.org/. After creating an account, voters can access the NC Portal to apply for a NC Ballot. To access the NC Portal complete the following steps:

1. Click on the ‘Register Today’ button and enter the following information:

a. Email Address
b. Password
c. First and Last Name

2. An email will be sent to the voter confirming creation of the account. Voters must verify email address and activate account, by clicking "Activate Account" in email.

3. Click ‘Services’ to access the NC Portal.

How can I register to vote for the Downtown Neighborhood Council? You can register for a Vote-By-Mail Application this way:

Stakeholders can complete and submit a Vote By Mail Application online at https://clerkappsele.lacity.org/NCElection or obtain a paper application from the City Clerk’s website.

When completing a VBM Application, stakeholders must provide the following information:

1. Neighborhood Council Name* Downtown Los Angeles NC
2. First, Middle, and Last Name*
3. Stakeholder Status (Live, Work, Own Property, or Community Interest)* Community Interest - Worship at Los Angeles First UMC
4. Qualifying Address - If you do not have a permanent address at which to receive your mailed ballot, you may use the Weingart Center at 501 E 6th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90021 (NC Region 6, DLANC) or the Downtown Women’s Center at 442 San Pedro St., Los Angeles, CA 90013 (NC Region 6, DLANC).
5. Date of Birth
6. Mailing Address
7. If documentation is required, documentation must be provided proving stakeholder status. LA First UMC will provide documentation attesting to the fact that you worship at the church. All we need is your legal first and last name which matches your voter registration. E-mail Rev. Mandy to request a letter verifying your status as a stakeholder as one who worships at the church.
8. If submitting a paper application, a voter must also provide their signature.

ALL VOTERS WILL NEED TO PROVIDE PROOF OF AGE AND A PHOTO ID.

Election Timeline:
Candidate Filing Period Ends: Monday February 10, 2025
Vote-By-Mail Application Period Begins: Friday February 21, 2025
Ballot Mailing Period Begins: Tuesday March 18, 2025
Vote-By-Mail Application Period Ends: Sunday April 13, 2025
Mail Ballots/Resends Deadline: Tuesday April 15, 2025
Election Day: Tuesday April 22, 2025

Download the Watch Duty app for up-to-date information on existing and new fires.

CALL TO PRAYER: Called Me Higher -All Sons & Daughters- El Dorado

Prayers of the People - Tom Grode

Leader: In this season of Lent, we remember these words from Psalm 41:

The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it;
the world and all who live in it.

People:  And so, God has entrusted us with the earth’s resources,
inviting us to tend its gardens, its creatures, its forests.
But we have too often forgotten our place as caretakers,
and instead, have exploited the land and the seas.
Today, we come to repent and to reaffirm our promise
to walk gently on the earth and to restore the balance.

Joys and Concerns: Prayers of the People We believe that the best way to bear our burdens is to share them with one another. You welcome to share your joys and concerns so that our community can hold these things in our hearts as we lift them to God together. 

You are invited to share your prayers in the Facebook Live Chat, or on the YouTube Live chat.

Hebrew Bible Reading: Responsive Reading – Selections from Psalm 104
One: O Holy Creator, you are very great, clothed with the majesty of stars and the light of the
sun.
Many: You set the earth on its foundations so that it shall never be shaken.
One: You make springs that gush forth into the valleys, giving drink to every wild animal. By the
rushing streams, birds nest and sing among the branches.
Many: All the earth is satisfied with the fruit of your work.
One: You cause grass to grow for cattle and plants for people to use, to bring forth food from the
earth. Your sea creatures roam free and cavort in the deep ocean.
Many: All peoples and animals have a home and a purpose for living, by day and by night.
One: When you send forth your breath, your creation lives and the earth is renewed.
Many: We join with all creation in singing praise to our Creator. May our lives manifest your love
and care for all the universe.

Gospel Lesson - John 12:1-8, NRSV - Mary Anoints Jesus

Six days before the Passover Jesus came to Bethany, the home of Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. There they gave a dinner for him. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those at the table with him.Mary took a pound of costly perfume made of pure nard, anointed Jesus’ feet, and wiped them with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (the one who was about to betray him), said, ‘Why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor?’ (He said this not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief; he kept the common purse and used to steal what was put into it.) Jesus said, ‘Leave her alone. She bought it so that she might keep it for the day of my burial. You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me.’

One: This is the word of God for us, the People of God.
All: Thanks be to God!

Sermon: The Earth is the Lord’s, Tom Grode, Lay Leader, preaching

RESPONSE TO THE WORD - Resources and Strategies, Sara Munshin, United Women in Faith President

The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name, 
thy kingdom come, thy will be done, 
on earth as it is in heaven. 

Give us this day our daily bread. 
And forgive us our trespasses, 
as we forgive those who trespass against us. 

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. 

For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, 
for ever and ever. Amen.

MUSIC: I Have Decided to Follow Jesus - Sadhu Sundar Singh - El Dorado

Benediction

Benediction:   As we have gathered in worship today for this Green Sunday,

let us remember that our faith is not just in words,
but in actions. The earth is alive with God’s presence.
Let us open our hearts and minds to the lessons of creation,
and offer ourselves as faithful stewards.
Let us go forth from this place,
nourished by the Spirit,
to heal the world and care for the land.

And remember:
God is with you,
God is for you, 
God refuses to be God without you. 
And may all of God’s people say: Amen!

Donate

LENT IV - Order of Worship for March 30, 2025: Integrating Prayer into Daily Life

Call to Worship - Those of you joining us from home are invited to light a candle to welcome the presence of the Holy Spirit

I Have Decided to Follow Jesus - Sadhu Singh - El Dorado

Welcome - Stephen Folds

Who Am I? - Need to Breathe - El Dorado

On Time God - Abbie Gamboa, Chandler Moore - El Dorado

Passing of the Peace: Through the act of passing the peace of Christ, we offer our sincere desire to love our neighbor.
You are invited to greet one another in the live stream chat on Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook. 

Class resumes this Tuesday, April 1, with Chapter 3.

This week, we will be reading Chapter 20 - Guidance

Join us to say the Lord’s Prayer each day at Noon during Lent on Facebook Live

UMCOR Sunday seeks to increase awareness and support for the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR). Gifts given on UMCOR Sunday play a vital role in enhancing the church's global humanitarian response because these funds cover UMCOR's administrative costs. This support ensures that 100% of donations given to UMCOR throughout the year can be directed toward on-the-ground relief and recovery efforts, allowing UMCOR to effectively respond to crises and provide assistance where it's needed most.

Here are some things you can do right now:

  • Watch the video from the training session we had with Alba Jaramillo from the Immigration Law and Justice Network.

  • Print out and make available these Know your right cards in whatever languages are relevant to your context. Link to know your rights cards.

  • Host a “Know Your Rights” training session at your church or mission area.

  • Host a “Safety Packet” session at your church or mission area.

  • Research and make note of the RRT phone numbers in your area here.

  • Switch to a safe and encrypted messaging app such as Signal.

  • Watch our page for updates.

Know Your Rights:

You have constitutional rights:

• DO NOT OPEN THE DOOR if an immigration agent is knocking on the door.

• DO NOT ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS from an immigration agent if they try to talk to you. You have the right to remain silent.

• DO NOT SIGN ANYTHING without first speaking to a lawyer. You have the right to speak with a lawyer.

• If you are outside of your home, ask the agent if you are free to leave and if they say yes, leave calmly.

• GIVE THIS CARD TO THE AGENT. If you are inside of your home, show the card through the window or slide it under the door.

I do not wish to speak with you, answer your questions, or sign or hand you any documents based on my 5th Amendment rights under the United States Constitution.

I do not give you permission to enter my home based on my 4th Amendment rights under the United States Constitution unless you have a warrant to enter, signed by a judge or magistrate with my name on it that you slide under the door.

I do not give you permission to search any of my belongings based on my 4th Amendment rights.

I choose to exercise my constitutional rights.

These cards are available to citizens and noncitizens alike.

MONETARY DONATIONS: 

We've set up a special fund - the Los Angeles Fires Recovery Fund - where you can contribute directly towards relief and recovery from the effects of the winds and firestorms this week.  www.calpacumc.org/donate 

Check donations payable to the California-Pacific Conference can be mailed to California-Pacific Conference, Los Angeles Fires Recovery Fund, PO Box 6006, Pasadena CA 91102.

Register to Vote for the Downtown Los Angeles Neighborhood Council

Why should I vote for my Neighborhood Council?

Neighborhood Councils form a grassroots level of the City of Los Angeles government. The system was created to connect Los Angeles’ diverse communities to City Hall and was established in 1999 by an amendment to the City Charter. Read more in the handbook here.

What if I don’t live in the Downtown Los Angeles Neighborhood Council boundary area? Can I vote as a Stakeholder?

YES! NC membership is open to all Stakeholders. Los Angeles Administrative Code section 22.801, defines a “Stakeholder” as any individual who:

(1) Lives, works, or owns real property within the boundaries of the NC: https://dlanc.com/boundary-map/ or

(2) Is a Community Interest Stakeholder, defined as an individual who is a member of, or participates in, a Community Organization within the boundaries of the NC.

A “Community Organization” is an entity that has continuously maintained a physical street address within the boundaries of the NC for not less than one year, and that performs ongoing and verifiable activities and operations that confer some benefit on the community within the boundaries of the neighborhood council. A for-profit entity shall not qualify as a Community Organization. Examples of Community Organizations may include Chambers of Commerce, houses of worship or other faith-based organizations, educational institutions, or non-profit organizations.

Area Wide Stakeholder
Stakeholders who are at 16 years of age and live, work or own property within the DLANC boundaries.
(requires documentation)

Area-Wide Homeless Resident
Stakeholder who is at least 16 years of age and who self-attest as homeless within the DLANC boundaries in places not meant for human habitation, such as cars, parks, sidewalks, abandoned buildings, in emergency transitional or residing in supportive housing for homeless persons who originally came from the streets; or who receives assistance (housing or resources) from a homeless services agency. (self-affirmation) To register, you may use the address of the Weingart Center or Downtown Women’s Center.

Social Services Provider (SSP)
Stakeholders who are at least 16 years of age and live, work or own property within the DLANC boundaries. (requires documentation)

At Large
Any stakeholder within the DLANC boundaries and who is at least 16 years of age. (requires documentation)

Neighborhood Council Vote-By-Mail Application Portal

Voters who wish to complete a VBM Application online must first create an Angeleno Account at https://angeleno.lacity.org/. After creating an account, voters can access the NC Portal to apply for a NC Ballot. To access the NC Portal complete the following steps:

1. Click on the ‘Register Today’ button and enter the following information:

a. Email Address
b. Password
c. First and Last Name

2. An email will be sent to the voter confirming creation of the account. Voters must verify email address and activate account, by clicking "Activate Account" in email.

3. Click ‘Services’ to access the NC Portal.

How can I register to vote for the Downtown Neighborhood Council? You can register for a Vote-By-Mail Application this way:

Stakeholders can complete and submit a Vote By Mail Application online at https://clerkappsele.lacity.org/NCElection or obtain a paper application from the City Clerk’s website.

When completing a VBM Application, stakeholders must provide the following information:

1. Neighborhood Council Name* Downtown Los Angeles NC
2. First, Middle, and Last Name*
3. Stakeholder Status (Live, Work, Own Property, or Community Interest)* Community Interest - Worship at Los Angeles First UMC
4. Qualifying Address - If you do not have a permanent address at which to receive your mailed ballot, you may use the Weingart Center at 501 E 6th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90021 (NC Region 6, DLANC) or the Downtown Women’s Center at 442 San Pedro St., Los Angeles, CA 90013 (NC Region 6, DLANC).
5. Date of Birth
6. Mailing Address
7. If documentation is required, documentation must be provided proving stakeholder status. LA First UMC will provide documentation attesting to the fact that you worship at the church. All we need is your legal first and last name which matches your voter registration. E-mail Rev. Mandy to request a letter verifying your status as a stakeholder as one who worships at the church.
8. If submitting a paper application, a voter must also provide their signature.

ALL VOTERS WILL NEED TO PROVIDE PROOF OF AGE AND A PHOTO ID.

Election Timeline:
Candidate Filing Period Ends: Monday February 10, 2025
Vote-By-Mail Application Period Begins: Friday February 21, 2025
Ballot Mailing Period Begins: Tuesday March 18, 2025
Vote-By-Mail Application Period Ends: Sunday April 13, 2025
Mail Ballots/Resends Deadline: Tuesday April 15, 2025
Election Day: Tuesday April 22, 2025

Download the Watch Duty app for up-to-date information on existing and new fires.

CALL TO PRAYER: Prayer of St. Francis - Sarah McLaughlin- El Dorado

Joys and Concerns: Prayers of the People We believe that the best way to bear our burdens is to share them with one another. You welcome to share your joys and concerns so that our community can hold these things in our hearts as we lift them to God together. 

You are invited to share your prayers in the Facebook Live Chat, or on the YouTube Live chat.

Hebrew Bible Reading: Psalm 32, NRSV - The Joy of Forgiveness

Of David. A Maskil.
Happy are those whose transgression is forgiven,
   whose sin is covered.
Happy are those to whom the Lord imputes no iniquity,
   and in whose spirit there is no deceit.
While I kept silence, my body wasted away
   through my groaning all day long.
For day and night your hand was heavy upon me;
   my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer.
          Selah
Then I acknowledged my sin to you,
   and I did not hide my iniquity;
I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the Lord’,
   and you forgave the guilt of my sin.
          Selah
Therefore let all who are faithful
   offer prayer to you;
at a time of distress, the rush of mighty waters
   shall not reach them.
You are a hiding-place for me;
   you preserve me from trouble;
   you surround me with glad cries of deliverance.
          Selah
I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go;
   I will counsel you with my eye upon you.
Do not be like a horse or a mule, without understanding,
   whose temper must be curbed with bit and bridle,
   else it will not stay near you.
Many are the torments of the wicked,
   but steadfast love surrounds those who trust in the Lord.
Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, O righteous,
   and shout for joy, all you upright in heart.

Gospel Lesson - Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32, NRSV : The Parable of the Lost Sheep

Now all the tax-collectors and sinners were coming near to listen to him.And the Pharisees and the scribes were grumbling and saying, ‘This fellow welcomes sinners and eats with them.’

So he told them this parable:

The Parable of the Prodigal and His Brother

Then Jesus said, ‘There was a man who had two sons. The younger of them said to his father, “Father, give me the share of the property that will belong to me.” So he divided his property between them. A few days later the younger son gathered all he had and travelled to a distant country, and there he squandered his property in dissolute living. When he had spent everything, a severe famine took place throughout that country, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed the pigs. He would gladly have filled himself with the pods that the pigs were eating; and no one gave him anything. But when he came to himself he said, “How many of my father’s hired hands have bread enough and to spare, but here I am dying of hunger! I will get up and go to my father, and I will say to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son; treat me like one of your hired hands.’ ” So he set off and went to his father. But while he was still far off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion; he ran and put his arms around him and kissed him. Then the son said to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.” But the father said to his slaves, “Quickly, bring out a robe—the best one—and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. And get the fatted calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate; for this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found!” And they began to celebrate.

‘Now his elder son was in the field; and when he came and approached the house, he heard music and dancing. He called one of the slaves and asked what was going on. He replied, “Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fatted calf, because he has got him back safe and sound.” Then he became angry and refused to go in. His father came out and began to plead with him. But he answered his father, “Listen! For all these years I have been working like a slave for you, and I have never disobeyed your command; yet you have never given me even a young goat so that I might celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours came back, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fatted calf for him!” Then the father said to him, “Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. But we had to celebrate and rejoice, because this brother of yours was dead and has come to life; he was lost and has been found.”’

One: This is the word of God for us, the People of God.
All: Thanks be to God!

Sermon: Integrating Prayer into Daily Life, Rev. Dr. Mandy McDow, preaching

CALL TO CONFESSION - Joel 2:12-13

The prophet Joel cried out:
Return to the Lord with all your heart,
with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning;
rend your hearts and not your clothing.
For God is gracious and merciful, slow to anger,
and abounding in steadfast love.
Let us confess our sins and repent of our unrighteousness:

PRAYER OF CONFESSION - Isaiah 58:4-7, Joel 2:17

Merciful God, we confess that we are a rebellious people.
We have broken your covenant, and we have tolerated injustice in our land.
We have not shared our food with the hungry,
We have not sheltered the homeless,
and we have not aided the sick and destitute.
We quarrel and fight among ourselves,
and we use religion to cover our deceit.
We have become a mockery of our heritage;
the world looks at us and asks, Where is their God?
Forgive us, O God.
Subdue our rebellious hearts and restore in us the light of salvation;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

DECLARATION OF FORGIVENESS - Isaiah 58:9b-10

If you remove the yoke from among you,
the pointing of the finger, the speaking of evil,
if you offer your food to the hungry and satisfy the needs of the afflicted,
then your light shall rise in the darkness and your gloom be like the noonday.
In the name of Jesus Christ, know that you are forgiven and rejoice.
Thanks be to God!

HOLY COMMUNION

Invitation to the Table: As we understand the Body of Christ to be inclusive, we understand God’s table of grace and fellowship can extend into our homes. As you’re able, bring your own elements to this time.

Bread, Juice, Coffee, Muffins… the Body of Christ is comprised of wonder and mystery. Today, we celebrate that God can reach us where we are, even if we are not together.

The Great Mystery of our Faith
All: Christ has died
Christ is risen. 
Christ will come again.

The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name, 
thy kingdom come, thy will be done, 
on earth as it is in heaven. 

Give us this day our daily bread. 
And forgive us our trespasses, 
as we forgive those who trespass against us. 

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. 

For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, 
for ever and ever. Amen.

MUSIC: Dwell - Casey Corum - El Dorado

Benediction

Beloved, observe a Holy Lent:
Loose the bonds of injustice,
Break the yoke of oppression,
Feed the hungry,
Shelter the poor.
With the blessing of God our creator, Christ our redeemer, and the Spirit our sustainer,
receive the promise of Isaiah:
Your light shall break forth like the dawn,
and your healing shall spring up quickly;
God your protector shall go before you,
and the glory of the Lord shall be your guard.

And remember:
God is with you,
God is for you, 
God refuses to be God without you. 
And may all of God’s people say: Amen!

Donate

LENT III - Order of Worship for March 23, 2025: Embracing Awe

Call to Worship - Those of you joining us from home are invited to light a candle to welcome the presence of the Holy Spirit

Be Thou My Vision - Dallán Forgaill - Eleanor Hull - El Dorado

Welcome - Stephen Folds

If I Was a Bird - Mission House - El Dorado

Passing of the Peace: Through the act of passing the peace of Christ, we offer our sincere desire to love our neighbor.
You are invited to greet one another in the live stream chat on Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook. 

No Class this week due to Mandy’s attendance at the Board of Ordained Ministry Retreat. Class will resume next Tuesday, April 1.

Join us to say the Lord’s Prayer each day at Noon during Lent on Facebook Live

Here are some things you can do right now:

  • Watch the video from the training session we had with Alba Jaramillo from the Immigration Law and Justice Network.

  • Print out and make available these Know your right cards in whatever languages are relevant to your context. Link to know your rights cards.

  • Host a “Know Your Rights” training session at your church or mission area.

  • Host a “Safety Packet” session at your church or mission area.

  • Research and make note of the RRT phone numbers in your area here.

  • Switch to a safe and encrypted messaging app such as Signal.

  • Watch our page for updates.

Additional Reading:

Know Your Rights:

You have constitutional rights:

• DO NOT OPEN THE DOOR if an immigration agent is knocking on the door.

• DO NOT ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS from an immigration agent if they try to talk to you. You have the right to remain silent.

• DO NOT SIGN ANYTHING without first speaking to a lawyer. You have the right to speak with a lawyer.

• If you are outside of your home, ask the agent if you are free to leave and if they say yes, leave calmly.

• GIVE THIS CARD TO THE AGENT. If you are inside of your home, show the card through the window or slide it under the door.

I do not wish to speak with you, answer your questions, or sign or hand you any documents based on my 5th Amendment rights under the United States Constitution.

I do not give you permission to enter my home based on my 4th Amendment rights under the United States Constitution unless you have a warrant to enter, signed by a judge or magistrate with my name on it that you slide under the door.

I do not give you permission to search any of my belongings based on my 4th Amendment rights.

I choose to exercise my constitutional rights.

These cards are available to citizens and noncitizens alike.

MONETARY DONATIONS: 

We've set up a special fund - the Los Angeles Fires Recovery Fund - where you can contribute directly towards relief and recovery from the effects of the winds and firestorms this week.  www.calpacumc.org/donate 

Check donations payable to the California-Pacific Conference can be mailed to California-Pacific Conference, Los Angeles Fires Recovery Fund, PO Box 6006, Pasadena CA 91102.

Register to Vote for the Downtown Los Angeles Neighborhood Council

Why should I vote for my Neighborhood Council?

Neighborhood Councils form a grassroots level of the City of Los Angeles government. The system was created to connect Los Angeles’ diverse communities to City Hall and was established in 1999 by an amendment to the City Charter. Read more in the handbook here.

What if I don’t live in the Downtown Los Angeles Neighborhood Council boundary area? Can I vote as a Stakeholder?

YES! NC membership is open to all Stakeholders. Los Angeles Administrative Code section 22.801, defines a “Stakeholder” as any individual who:

(1) Lives, works, or owns real property within the boundaries of the NC: https://dlanc.com/boundary-map/ or

(2) Is a Community Interest Stakeholder, defined as an individual who is a member of, or participates in, a Community Organization within the boundaries of the NC.

A “Community Organization” is an entity that has continuously maintained a physical street address within the boundaries of the NC for not less than one year, and that performs ongoing and verifiable activities and operations that confer some benefit on the community within the boundaries of the neighborhood council. A for-profit entity shall not qualify as a Community Organization. Examples of Community Organizations may include Chambers of Commerce, houses of worship or other faith-based organizations, educational institutions, or non-profit organizations.

Area Wide Stakeholder
Stakeholders who are at 16 years of age and live, work or own property within the DLANC boundaries.
(requires documentation)

Area-Wide Homeless Resident
Stakeholder who is at least 16 years of age and who self-attest as homeless within the DLANC boundaries in places not meant for human habitation, such as cars, parks, sidewalks, abandoned buildings, in emergency transitional or residing in supportive housing for homeless persons who originally came from the streets; or who receives assistance (housing or resources) from a homeless services agency. (self-affirmation) To register, you may use the address of the Weingart Center or Downtown Women’s Center.

Social Services Provider (SSP)
Stakeholders who are at least 16 years of age and live, work or own property within the DLANC boundaries. (requires documentation)

At Large
Any stakeholder within the DLANC boundaries and who is at least 16 years of age. (requires documentation)

Neighborhood Council Vote-By-Mail Application Portal

Voters who wish to complete a VBM Application online must first create an Angeleno Account at https://angeleno.lacity.org/. After creating an account, voters can access the NC Portal to apply for a NC Ballot. To access the NC Portal complete the following steps:

1. Click on the ‘Register Today’ button and enter the following information:

a. Email Address
b. Password
c. First and Last Name

2. An email will be sent to the voter confirming creation of the account. Voters must verify email address and activate account, by clicking "Activate Account" in email.

3. Click ‘Services’ to access the NC Portal.

How can I register to vote for the Downtown Neighborhood Council? You can register for a Vote-By-Mail Application this way:

Stakeholders can complete and submit a Vote By Mail Application online at https://clerkappsele.lacity.org/NCElection or obtain a paper application from the City Clerk’s website.

When completing a VBM Application, stakeholders must provide the following information:

1. Neighborhood Council Name* Downtown Los Angeles NC
2. First, Middle, and Last Name*
3. Stakeholder Status (Live, Work, Own Property, or Community Interest)* Community Interest - Worship at Los Angeles First UMC
4. Qualifying Address - If you do not have a permanent address at which to receive your mailed ballot, you may use the Weingart Center at 501 E 6th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90021 (NC Region 6, DLANC) or the Downtown Women’s Center at 442 San Pedro St., Los Angeles, CA 90013 (NC Region 6, DLANC).
5. Date of Birth
6. Mailing Address
7. If documentation is required, documentation must be provided proving stakeholder status. LA First UMC will provide documentation attesting to the fact that you worship at the church. All we need is your legal first and last name which matches your voter registration. E-mail Rev. Mandy to request a letter verifying your status as a stakeholder as one who worships at the church.
8. If submitting a paper application, a voter must also provide their signature.

ALL VOTERS WILL NEED TO PROVIDE PROOF OF AGE AND A PHOTO ID.

Election Timeline:
Candidate Filing Period Ends: Monday February 10, 2025
Vote-By-Mail Application Period Begins: Friday February 21, 2025
Ballot Mailing Period Begins: Tuesday March 18, 2025
Vote-By-Mail Application Period Ends: Sunday April 13, 2025
Mail Ballots/Resends Deadline: Tuesday April 15, 2025
Election Day: Tuesday April 22, 2025

Download the Watch Duty app for up-to-date information on existing and new fires.

CALL TO PRAYER: Prayer of St. Francis - Sarah McLaughlin- El Dorado

Joys and Concerns: Prayers of the People We believe that the best way to bear our burdens is to share them with one another. You welcome to share your joys and concerns so that our community can hold these things in our hearts as we lift them to God together. 

You are invited to share your prayers in the Facebook Live Chat, or on the YouTube Live chat.

Hebrew Bible Reading: Psalm 63, NRSV - Comfort and Assurance in God’s Presence

A Psalm of David, when he was in the Wilderness of Judah.
O God, you are my God, I seek you,
   my soul thirsts for you;
my flesh faints for you,
   as in a dry and weary land where there is no water.
So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary,
   beholding your power and glory.
Because your steadfast love is better than life,
   my lips will praise you.
So I will bless you as long as I live;
   I will lift up my hands and call on your name.
My soul is satisfied as with a rich feast,
   and my mouth praises you with joyful lips
when I think of you on my bed,
   and meditate on you in the watches of the night;
for you have been my help,
   and in the shadow of your wings I sing for joy.
My soul clings to you;
   your right hand upholds me.
But those who seek to destroy my life
   shall go down into the depths of the earth;
they shall be given over to the power of the sword,
   they shall be prey for jackals.
But the king shall rejoice in God;
   all who swear by him shall exult,
   for the mouths of liars will be stopped.

Gospel Lesson - Luke 13:1-9, NRSV - Repent or Perish

At that very time there were some present who told him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. He asked them, ‘Do you think that because these Galileans suffered in this way they were worse sinners than all other Galileans? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all perish as they did. Or those eighteen who were killed when the tower of Siloam fell on them—do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others living in Jerusalem? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all perish just as they did.’
The Parable of the Barren Fig Tree
Then he told this parable: ‘A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came looking for fruit on it and found none. So he said to the gardener, “See here! For three years I have come looking for fruit on this fig tree, and still I find none. Cut it down! Why should it be wasting the soil?” He replied, “Sir, let it alone for one more year, until I dig round it and put manure on it. If it bears fruit next year, well and good; but if not, you can cut it down.”’

One: This is the word of God for us, the People of God.
All: Thanks be to God!

Sermon: Cultivating Gratitude, Rev. Dr. Mandy McDow, preaching

CALL TO CONFESSION - Joel 2:12-13

The prophet Joel cried out:
Return to the Lord with all your heart,
with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning;
rend your hearts and not your clothing.
For God is gracious and merciful, slow to anger,
and abounding in steadfast love.
Let us confess our sins and repent of our unrighteousness:

PRAYER OF CONFESSION - Isaiah 58:4-7, Joel 2:17

Merciful God, we confess that we are a rebellious people.
We have broken your covenant, and we have tolerated injustice in our land.
We have not shared our food with the hungry,
We have not sheltered the homeless,
and we have not aided the sick and destitute.
We quarrel and fight among ourselves,
and we use religion to cover our deceit.
We have become a mockery of our heritage;
the world looks at us and asks, Where is their God?
Forgive us, O God.
Subdue our rebellious hearts and restore in us the light of salvation;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

DECLARATION OF FORGIVENESS - Isaiah 58:9b-10

If you remove the yoke from among you,
the pointing of the finger, the speaking of evil,
if you offer your food to the hungry and satisfy the needs of the afflicted,
then your light shall rise in the darkness and your gloom be like the noonday.
In the name of Jesus Christ, know that you are forgiven and rejoice.
Thanks be to God!

HOLY COMMUNION

Invitation to the Table: As we understand the Body of Christ to be inclusive, we understand God’s table of grace and fellowship can extend into our homes. As you’re able, bring your own elements to this time.

Bread, Juice, Coffee, Muffins… the Body of Christ is comprised of wonder and mystery. Today, we celebrate that God can reach us where we are, even if we are not together.

The Great Mystery of our Faith
All: Christ has died
Christ is risen. 
Christ will come again.

The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name, 
thy kingdom come, thy will be done, 
on earth as it is in heaven. 

Give us this day our daily bread. 
And forgive us our trespasses, 
as we forgive those who trespass against us. 

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. 

For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, 
for ever and ever. Amen.

MUSIC: Called Me Higher - All Sons and Daughters - El Dorado

Benediction

Beloved, observe a Holy Lent:
Loose the bonds of injustice,
Break the yoke of oppression,
Feed the hungry,
Shelter the poor.
With the blessing of God our creator, Christ our redeemer, and the Spirit our sustainer,
receive the promise of Isaiah:
Your light shall break forth like the dawn,
and your healing shall spring up quickly;
God your protector shall go before you,
and the glory of the Lord shall be your guard.

And remember:
God is with you,
God is for you, 
God refuses to be God without you. 
And may all of God’s people say: Amen!

Donate

LENT II - Order of Worship for March 16, 2025: Cultivating Gratitude

LOS ANGELES MARATHON: TODAY!
3 a.m., Sunday, March 16, 2025 through 10:30 a.m., Sunday, March 16, 2025
 Many roads throughout LA will be closed either partially or fully, starting as early as 3 a.m.
for the Los Angeles Marathon.
Click here for month in depth coverage on which streets will be affected and at exactly what time. 

Call to Worship - Those of you joining us from home are invited to light a candle to welcome the presence of the Holy Spirit

Who Am I? - Need to Breathe - El Dorado

Welcome - Stephen Folds

Called Me Higher - All Sons and Daughters - El Dorado

Passing of the Peace: Through the act of passing the peace of Christ, we offer our sincere desire to love our neighbor.
You are invited to greet one another in the live stream chat on Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook. 

Class resumes this week with Chapter 16 (John 1)

Join us to say the Lord’s Prayer each day at Noon during Lent on Facebook Live

Here are some things you can do right now:

  • Watch the video from the training session we had with Alba Jaramillo from the Immigration Law and Justice Network.

  • Print out and make available these Know your right cards in whatever languages are relevant to your context. Link to know your rights cards.

  • Host a “Know Your Rights” training session at your church or mission area.

  • Host a “Safety Packet” session at your church or mission area.

  • Research and make note of the RRT phone numbers in your area here.

  • Switch to a safe and encrypted messaging app such as Signal.

  • Watch our page for updates.

Additional Reading:

Know Your Rights:

You have constitutional rights:

• DO NOT OPEN THE DOOR if an immigration agent is knocking on the door.

• DO NOT ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS from an immigration agent if they try to talk to you. You have the right to remain silent.

• DO NOT SIGN ANYTHING without first speaking to a lawyer. You have the right to speak with a lawyer.

• If you are outside of your home, ask the agent if you are free to leave and if they say yes, leave calmly.

• GIVE THIS CARD TO THE AGENT. If you are inside of your home, show the card through the window or slide it under the door.

I do not wish to speak with you, answer your questions, or sign or hand you any documents based on my 5th Amendment rights under the United States Constitution.

I do not give you permission to enter my home based on my 4th Amendment rights under the United States Constitution unless you have a warrant to enter, signed by a judge or magistrate with my name on it that you slide under the door.

I do not give you permission to search any of my belongings based on my 4th Amendment rights.

I choose to exercise my constitutional rights.

These cards are available to citizens and noncitizens alike.

MONETARY DONATIONS: 

We've set up a special fund - the Los Angeles Fires Recovery Fund - where you can contribute directly towards relief and recovery from the effects of the winds and firestorms this week.  www.calpacumc.org/donate 

Check donations payable to the California-Pacific Conference can be mailed to California-Pacific Conference, Los Angeles Fires Recovery Fund, PO Box 6006, Pasadena CA 91102.

Register to Vote for the Downtown Los Angeles Neighborhood Council

Why should I vote for my Neighborhood Council?

Neighborhood Councils form a grassroots level of the City of Los Angeles government. The system was created to connect Los Angeles’ diverse communities to City Hall and was established in 1999 by an amendment to the City Charter. Read more in the handbook here.

What if I don’t live in the Downtown Los Angeles Neighborhood Council boundary area? Can I vote as a Stakeholder?

YES! NC membership is open to all Stakeholders. Los Angeles Administrative Code section 22.801, defines a “Stakeholder” as any individual who:

(1) Lives, works, or owns real property within the boundaries of the NC: https://dlanc.com/boundary-map/ or

(2) Is a Community Interest Stakeholder, defined as an individual who is a member of, or participates in, a Community Organization within the boundaries of the NC.

A “Community Organization” is an entity that has continuously maintained a physical street address within the boundaries of the NC for not less than one year, and that performs ongoing and verifiable activities and operations that confer some benefit on the community within the boundaries of the neighborhood council. A for-profit entity shall not qualify as a Community Organization. Examples of Community Organizations may include Chambers of Commerce, houses of worship or other faith-based organizations, educational institutions, or non-profit organizations.

Area Wide Stakeholder
Stakeholders who are at 16 years of age and live, work or own property within the DLANC boundaries.
(requires documentation)

Area-Wide Homeless Resident
Stakeholder who is at least 16 years of age and who self-attest as homeless within the DLANC boundaries in places not meant for human habitation, such as cars, parks, sidewalks, abandoned buildings, in emergency transitional or residing in supportive housing for homeless persons who originally came from the streets; or who receives assistance (housing or resources) from a homeless services agency. (self-affirmation) To register, you may use the address of the Weingart Center or Downtown Women’s Center.

Social Services Provider (SSP)
Stakeholders who are at least 16 years of age and live, work or own property within the DLANC boundaries. (requires documentation)

At Large
Any stakeholder within the DLANC boundaries and who is at least 16 years of age. (requires documentation)

Neighborhood Council Vote-By-Mail Application Portal

Voters who wish to complete a VBM Application online must first create an Angeleno Account at https://angeleno.lacity.org/. After creating an account, voters can access the NC Portal to apply for a NC Ballot. To access the NC Portal complete the following steps:

1. Click on the ‘Register Today’ button and enter the following information:

a. Email Address
b. Password
c. First and Last Name

2. An email will be sent to the voter confirming creation of the account. Voters must verify email address and activate account, by clicking "Activate Account" in email.

3. Click ‘Services’ to access the NC Portal.

How can I register to vote for the Downtown Neighborhood Council? You can register for a Vote-By-Mail Application this way:

Stakeholders can complete and submit a Vote By Mail Application online at https://clerkappsele.lacity.org/NCElection or obtain a paper application from the City Clerk’s website.

When completing a VBM Application, stakeholders must provide the following information:

1. Neighborhood Council Name* Downtown Los Angeles NC
2. First, Middle, and Last Name*
3. Stakeholder Status (Live, Work, Own Property, or Community Interest)* Community Interest - Worship at Los Angeles First UMC
4. Qualifying Address - If you do not have a permanent address at which to receive your mailed ballot, you may use the Weingart Center at 501 E 6th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90021 (NC Region 6, DLANC) or the Downtown Women’s Center at 442 San Pedro St., Los Angeles, CA 90013 (NC Region 6, DLANC).
5. Date of Birth
6. Mailing Address
7. If documentation is required, documentation must be provided proving stakeholder status. LA First UMC will provide documentation attesting to the fact that you worship at the church. All we need is your legal first and last name which matches your voter registration. E-mail Rev. Mandy to request a letter verifying your status as a stakeholder as one who worships at the church.
8. If submitting a paper application, a voter must also provide their signature.

ALL VOTERS WILL NEED TO PROVIDE PROOF OF AGE AND A PHOTO ID.

Election Timeline:
Candidate Filing Period Ends: Monday February 10, 2025
Vote-By-Mail Application Period Begins: Friday February 21, 2025
Ballot Mailing Period Begins: Tuesday March 18, 2025
Vote-By-Mail Application Period Ends: Sunday April 13, 2025
Mail Ballots/Resends Deadline: Tuesday April 15, 2025
Election Day: Tuesday April 22, 2025

Download the Watch Duty app for up-to-date information on existing and new fires.

CALL TO PRAYER: Prayer of St. Francis - Sarah McLaughlin- El Dorado

Joys and Concerns: Prayers of the People We believe that the best way to bear our burdens is to share them with one another. You welcome to share your joys and concerns so that our community can hold these things in our hearts as we lift them to God together. 

You are invited to share your prayers in the Facebook Live Chat, or on the YouTube Live chat.

Hebrew Bible Reading: Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18 - God’s Covenant with Abram

After these things the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision, ‘Do not be afraid, Abram, I am your shield; your reward shall be very great.’ But Abram said, ‘O Lord God, what will you give me, for I continue childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?’ And Abram said, ‘You have given me no offspring, and so a slave born in my house is to be my heir.’ But the word of the Lord came to him, ‘This man shall not be your heir; no one but your very own issue shall be your heir.’ He brought him outside and said, ‘Look towards heaven and count the stars, if you are able to count them.’ Then he said to him, ‘So shall your descendants be.’And he believed the Lord; and the Lord reckoned it to him as righteousness.

Then he said to him, ‘I am the Lord who brought you from Ur of the Chaldeans, to give you this land to possess.’ But he said, ‘O Lord God, how am I to know that I shall possess it?’ He said to him, ‘Bring me a heifer three years old, a female goat three years old, a ram three years old, a turtle-dove, and a young pigeon.’ He brought him all these and cut them in two, laying each half over against the other; but he did not cut the birds in two. And when birds of prey came down on the carcasses, Abram drove them away.

As the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram, and a deep and terrifying darkness descended upon him.

When the sun had gone down and it was dark, a smoking fire-pot and a flaming torch passed between these pieces. On that day the Lord made a covenant with Abram, saying, ‘To your descendants I give this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the river Euphrates.

Gospel Lesson - Luke 13:31-55 - The Lament over Jerusalem

At that very hour some Pharisees came and said to him, ‘Get away from here, for Herod wants to kill you.’ He said to them, ‘Go and tell that fox for me, “Listen, I am casting out demons and performing cures today and tomorrow, and on the third day I finish my work. Yet today, tomorrow, and the next day I must be on my way, because it is impossible for a prophet to be killed away from Jerusalem.” Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! See, your house is left to you. And I tell you, you will not see me until the time comes when you say, “Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.””

One: This is the word of God for us, the People of God.
All: Thanks be to God!

Sermon: Cultivating Gratitude, Rev. Dr. Mandy McDow, preaching

CALL TO CONFESSION - Joel 2:12-13

The prophet Joel cried out:
Return to the Lord with all your heart,
with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning;
rend your hearts and not your clothing.
For God is gracious and merciful, slow to anger,
and abounding in steadfast love.
Let us confess our sins and repent of our unrighteousness:

PRAYER OF CONFESSION - Isaiah 58:4-7, Joel 2:17

Merciful God, we confess that we are a rebellious people.
We have broken your covenant, and we have tolerated injustice in our land.
We have not shared our food with the hungry,
We have not sheltered the homeless,
and we have not aided the sick and destitute.
We quarrel and fight among ourselves,
and we use religion to cover our deceit.
We have become a mockery of our heritage;
the world looks at us and asks, Where is their God?
Forgive us, O God.
Subdue our rebellious hearts and restore in us the light of salvation;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

DECLARATION OF FORGIVENESS - Isaiah 58:9b-10

If you remove the yoke from among you,
the pointing of the finger, the speaking of evil,
if you offer your food to the hungry and satisfy the needs of the afflicted,
then your light shall rise in the darkness and your gloom be like the noonday.
In the name of Jesus Christ, know that you are forgiven and rejoice.
Thanks be to God!

HOLY COMMUNION

Invitation to the Table: As we understand the Body of Christ to be inclusive, we understand God’s table of grace and fellowship can extend into our homes. As you’re able, bring your own elements to this time.

Bread, Juice, Coffee, Muffins… the Body of Christ is comprised of wonder and mystery. Today, we celebrate that God can reach us where we are, even if we are not together.

The Great Mystery of our Faith
All: Christ has died
Christ is risen. 
Christ will come again.

The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name, 
thy kingdom come, thy will be done, 
on earth as it is in heaven. 

Give us this day our daily bread. 
And forgive us our trespasses, 
as we forgive those who trespass against us. 

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. 

For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, 
for ever and ever. Amen.

MUSIC: How Great Thou Art - Carl Boberg & Stuart K. Hine - El Dorado

Benediction

Beloved, observe a Holy Lent:
Loose the bonds of injustice,
Break the yoke of oppression,
Feed the hungry,
Shelter the poor.
With the blessing of God our creator, Christ our redeemer, and the Spirit our sustainer,
receive the promise of Isaiah:
Your light shall break forth like the dawn,
and your healing shall spring up quickly;
God your protector shall go before you,
and the glory of the Lord shall be your guard.

And remember:
God is with you,
God is for you, 
God refuses to be God without you. 
And may all of God’s people say: Amen!

Donate

LENT I - Order of Worship for March 9, 2025: Discovering Help Through the Power of Prayer

Call to Worship - Those of you joining us from home are invited to light a candle to welcome the presence of the Holy Spirit

From the Dust - Paul Zach - El Dorado

Welcome - Stephen Folds

Come Ye Sinners - - Joseph Hart - El Dorado

Passing of the Peace: Through the act of passing the peace of Christ, we offer our sincere desire to love our neighbor.
You are invited to greet one another in the live stream chat on Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook. 

Class resumes this week with Chapter 16 (John 1)

Here are some things you can do right now:

  • Watch the video from the training session we had with Alba Jaramillo from the Immigration Law and Justice Network.

  • Print out and make available these Know your right cards in whatever languages are relevant to your context. Link to know your rights cards.

  • Host a “Know Your Rights” training session at your church or mission area.

  • Host a “Safety Packet” session at your church or mission area.

  • Research and make note of the RRT phone numbers in your area here.

  • Switch to a safe and encrypted messaging app such as Signal.

  • Watch our page for updates.

Additional Reading:

Know Your Rights:

You have constitutional rights:

• DO NOT OPEN THE DOOR if an immigration agent is knocking on the door.

• DO NOT ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS from an immigration agent if they try to talk to you. You have the right to remain silent.

• DO NOT SIGN ANYTHING without first speaking to a lawyer. You have the right to speak with a lawyer.

• If you are outside of your home, ask the agent if you are free to leave and if they say yes, leave calmly.

• GIVE THIS CARD TO THE AGENT. If you are inside of your home, show the card through the window or slide it under the door.

I do not wish to speak with you, answer your questions, or sign or hand you any documents based on my 5th Amendment rights under the United States Constitution.

I do not give you permission to enter my home based on my 4th Amendment rights under the United States Constitution unless you have a warrant to enter, signed by a judge or magistrate with my name on it that you slide under the door.

I do not give you permission to search any of my belongings based on my 4th Amendment rights.

I choose to exercise my constitutional rights.

These cards are available to citizens and noncitizens alike.

MONETARY DONATIONS: 

We've set up a special fund - the Los Angeles Fires Recovery Fund - where you can contribute directly towards relief and recovery from the effects of the winds and firestorms this week.  www.calpacumc.org/donate 

Check donations payable to the California-Pacific Conference can be mailed to California-Pacific Conference, Los Angeles Fires Recovery Fund, PO Box 6006, Pasadena CA 91102.

Download the Watch Duty app for up-to-date information on existing and new fires.

CALL TO PRAYER: Prayer of St. Francis - Sarah McLaughlin- El Dorado

Joys and Concerns: Prayers of the People We believe that the best way to bear our burdens is to share them with one another. You welcome to share your joys and concerns so that our community can hold these things in our hearts as we lift them to God together. 

You are invited to share your prayers in the Facebook Live Chat, or on the YouTube Live chat.

Hebrew Bible Reading: Deuteronomy 26:1-11, NRSV - First Fruits and Tithes

When you have come into the land that the Lord your God is giving you as an inheritance to possess, and you possess it, and settle in it, you shall take some of the first of all the fruit of the ground, which you harvest from the land that the Lord your God is giving you, and you shall put it in a basket and go to the place that the Lord your God will choose as a dwelling for his name. You shall go to the priest who is in office at that time, and say to him, ‘Today I declare to the Lord your God that I have come into the land that the Lord swore to our ancestors to give us.’ When the priest takes the basket from your hand and sets it down before the altar of the Lord your God, you shall make this response before the Lord your God: ‘A wandering Aramean was my ancestor; he went down into Egypt and lived there as an alien, few in number, and there he became a great nation, mighty and populous. When the Egyptians treated us harshly and afflicted us, by imposing hard labour on us, we cried to the Lord, the God of our ancestors; the Lord heard our voice and saw our affliction, our toil, and our oppression. The Lord brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm, with a terrifying display of power, and with signs and wonders; and he brought us into this place and gave us this land, a land flowing with milk and honey. So now I bring the first of the fruit of the ground that you, O Lord, have given me.’ You shall set it down before the Lord your God and bow down before the Lord your God. Then you, together with the Levites and the aliens who reside among you, shall celebrate with all the bounty that the Lord your God has given to you and to your house.

Gospel Lesson - Luke 4:1-13, NRSV - The Temptation of Jesus

Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing at all during those days, and when they were over, he was famished. The devil said to him, ‘If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become a loaf of bread.’ Jesus answered him, ‘It is written, “One does not live by bread alone.” ’

Then the devil led him up and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. And the devil said to him, ‘To you I will give their glory and all this authority; for it has been given over to me, and I give it to anyone I please. If you, then, will worship me, it will all be yours.’ Jesus answered him, ‘It is written,
“Worship the Lord your God,
   and serve only him.” ’

Then the devil took him to Jerusalem, and placed him on the pinnacle of the temple, saying to him, ‘If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here, for it is written,
“He will command his angels concerning you,
   to protect you”,
and
“On their hands they will bear you up,
   so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.” ’
Jesus answered him, ‘It is said, “Do not put the Lord your God to the test.” ’ When the devil had finished every test, he departed from him until an opportune time.

One: This is the word of God for us, the People of God.
All: Thanks be to God!

Sermon: Discovering Help Through the Power of Prayer, Rev. Dr. Mandy McDow, preaching

CALL TO CONFESSION - Joel 2:12-13

The prophet Joel cried out:
Return to the Lord with all your heart,
with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning;
rend your hearts and not your clothing.
For God is gracious and merciful, slow to anger,
and abounding in steadfast love.
Let us confess our sins and repent of our unrighteousness:

PRAYER OF CONFESSION - Isaiah 58:4-7, Joel 2:17

Merciful God, we confess that we are a rebellious people.
We have broken your covenant, and we have tolerated injustice in our land.
We have not shared our food with the hungry,
We have not sheltered the homeless,
and we have not aided the sick and destitute.
We quarrel and fight among ourselves,
and we use religion to cover our deceit.
We have become a mockery of our heritage;
the world looks at us and asks, Where is their God?
Forgive us, O God.
Subdue our rebellious hearts and restore in us the light of salvation;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

DECLARATION OF FORGIVENESS - Isaiah 58:9b-10

If you remove the yoke from among you,
the pointing of the finger, the speaking of evil,
if you offer your food to the hungry and satisfy the needs of the afflicted,
then your light shall rise in the darkness and your gloom be like the noonday.
In the name of Jesus Christ, know that you are forgiven and rejoice.
Thanks be to God!

BLESSING OF THE OIL, ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF THE ASHES

Bless, O God, these ashes and those who receive them.
Let them be for us a reminder of our mortality,
a call to sincere repentance,
and a testimony to your abundant mercy in Jesus Christ. Amen.

Remember that you are dust.
Remember, for your sake, God created the world.

HOLY COMMUNION AND ADMINISTRATION OF ASHES

Invitation to the Table: As we understand the Body of Christ to be inclusive, we understand God’s table of grace and fellowship can extend into our homes. As you’re able, bring your own elements to this time.

Bread, Juice, Coffee, Muffins… the Body of Christ is comprised of wonder and mystery. Today, we celebrate that God can reach us where we are, even if we are not together.

The Great Mystery of our Faith
All: Christ has died
Christ is risen. 
Christ will come again.

The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name, 
thy kingdom come, thy will be done, 
on earth as it is in heaven. 

Give us this day our daily bread. 
And forgive us our trespasses, 
as we forgive those who trespass against us. 

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. 

For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, 
for ever and ever. Amen.

MUSIC: Remain - Mutemath - El Dorado

Benediction

Beloved, observe a Holy Lent:
Loose the bonds of injustice,
Break the yoke of oppression,
Feed the hungry,
Shelter the poor.
With the blessing of God our creator, Christ our redeemer, and the Spirit our sustainer,
receive the promise of Isaiah:
Your light shall break forth like the dawn,
and your healing shall spring up quickly;
God your protector shall go before you,
and the glory of the Lord shall be your guard.

And remember:
God is with you,
God is for you, 
God refuses to be God without you. 
And may all of God’s people say: Amen!

Donate

Order of Worship for Ash Wednesday 2025

Call to Worship - You are invited to light a candle in your home to welcome the presence of the Holy Spirit

Remain - El Dorado

Passing of the Peace: Through the act of passing the peace of Christ, we offer our sincere desire to love our neighbor.

CALL TO CONFESSION - Joel 2:12-13

The prophet Joel cried out:
Return to the Lord with all your heart,
with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning;
rend your hearts and not your clothing.
For God is gracious and merciful, slow to anger,
and abounding in steadfast love.
Let us confess our sins and repent of our unrighteousness:

PRAYER OF CONFESSION - Isaiah 58:4-7, Joel 2:17

Merciful God, we confess that we are a rebellious people.
We have broken your covenant, and we have tolerated injustice in our land.
We have not shared our food with the hungry,
We have not sheltered the homeless,
and we have not aided the sick and destitute.
We quarrel and fight among ourselves,
and we use religion to cover our deceit.
We have become a mockery of our heritage;
the world looks at us and asks, Where is their God?
Forgive us, O God.
Subdue our rebellious hearts and restore in us the light of salvation;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

A Moment of Consideration: Come, Ye Sinners - El Dorado

Prepare
Reconcile
Repent
Mercy
Mortality
Know Yourself
Prayer
Fasting
Deny Yourself
Read Scripture
Listen
Silence
Dust
Ashes
Kneel . . . Now

DECLARATION OF FORGIVENESS - Isaiah 58:9b-10

If you remove the yoke from among you,
the pointing of the finger, the speaking of evil,
if you offer your food to the hungry and satisfy the needs of the afflicted,
then your light shall rise in the darkness and your gloom be like the noonday.
In the name of Jesus Christ, know that you are forgiven and rejoice.
Thanks be to God!

BLESSING OF THE OIL, ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF THE ASHES

Bless, O God, these ashes and those who receive them.
Let them be for us a remidner of our mortality,
a call to sincere repentance,
and a testimony to your abundant mercy in Jesus Christ. Amen.

Remember that you are dust.
Remember, for your sake, God created the world.

The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name, 
thy kingdom come, thy will be done, 
on earth as it is in heaven. 

Give us this day our daily bread. 
And forgive us our trespasses, 
as we forgive those who trespass against us. 

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. 

For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, 
for ever and ever. Amen.

A Song of Hope: From the Dust - El Dorado

Benediction: Isaiah 58:6-8

Beloved, observe a Holy Lent:
Loose the bonds of injustice,
Break the yoke of oppression,
Feed the hungry,
Shelter the poor.
With the blessing of God our creator, Christ our redeemer, and the Spirit our sustainer,
receive the promise of Isaiah:
Your light shall break forth like the dawn,
and your healing shall spring up quickly;
God your protector shall go before you,
and the glory of the Lord shall be your guard.

Go in peace to love and serve God, in all that you do.
Amen.

Order of Worship for March 2, 2025: Transfiguration Sunday - This Is My Son, the Beloved, in Whom I Am Well Pleased

Call to Worship - Those of you joining us from home are invited to light a candle to welcome the presence of the Holy Spirit

Earth Song - El Dorado

Welcome - Rev. Dr. Mandy Mcdow

Great Are You, Lord - El Dorado

Passing of the Peace: Through the act of passing the peace of Christ, we offer our sincere desire to love our neighbor.
You are invited to greet one another in the live stream chat on Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook. 

Class resumes next week with Chapter 16 (John 1)

Here are some things you can do right now:

  • Watch the video from the training session we had with Alba Jaramillo from the Immigration Law and Justice Network.

  • Print out and make available these Know your right cards in whatever languages are relevant to your context. Link to know your rights cards.

  • Host a “Know Your Rights” training session at your church or mission area.

  • Host a “Safety Packet” session at your church or mission area.

  • Research and make note of the RRT phone numbers in your area here.

  • Switch to a safe and encrypted messaging app such as Signal.

  • Watch our page for updates.

Additional Reading:

Know Your Rights:

You have constitutional rights:

• DO NOT OPEN THE DOOR if an immigration agent is knocking on the door.

• DO NOT ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS from an immigration agent if they try to talk to you. You have the right to remain silent.

• DO NOT SIGN ANYTHING without first speaking to a lawyer. You have the right to speak with a lawyer.

• If you are outside of your home, ask the agent if you are free to leave and if they say yes, leave calmly.

• GIVE THIS CARD TO THE AGENT. If you are inside of your home, show the card through the window or slide it under the door.

I do not wish to speak with you, answer your questions, or sign or hand you any documents based on my 5th Amendment rights under the United States Constitution.

I do not give you permission to enter my home based on my 4th Amendment rights under the United States Constitution unless you have a warrant to enter, signed by a judge or magistrate with my name on it that you slide under the door.

I do not give you permission to search any of my belongings based on my 4th Amendment rights.

I choose to exercise my constitutional rights.

These cards are available to citizens and noncitizens alike.

MONETARY DONATIONS: 

We've set up a special fund - the Los Angeles Fires Recovery Fund - where you can contribute directly towards relief and recovery from the effects of the winds and firestorms this week.  www.calpacumc.org/donate 

Check donations payable to the California-Pacific Conference can be mailed to California-Pacific Conference, Los Angeles Fires Recovery Fund, PO Box 6006, Pasadena CA 91102.

Download the Watch Duty app for up-to-date information on existing and new fires.

CALL TO PRAYER: Sweet, Sweet Spirit - El Dorado

Joys and Concerns: Prayers of the People We believe that the best way to bear our burdens is to share them with one another. You welcome to share your joys and concerns so that our community can hold these things in our hearts as we lift them to God together. 

You are invited to share your prayers in the Facebook Live Chat, or on the YouTube Live chat.

Hebrew Bible Reading: Exodus 34:29-35, NRSV

Moses came down from Mount Sinai. As he came down from the mountain with the two tablets of the covenant in his hand, Moses did not know that the skin of his face shone because he had been talking with God. When Aaron and all the Israelites saw Moses, the skin of his face was shining, and they were afraid to come near him. But Moses called to them; and Aaron and all the leaders of the congregation returned to him, and Moses spoke with them. Afterwards all the Israelites came near, and he gave them in commandment all that the Lord had spoken with him on Mount Sinai. When Moses had finished speaking with them, he put a veil on his face; but whenever Moses went in before the Lord to speak with him, he would take the veil off, until he came out; and when he came out, and told the Israelites what he had been commanded, the Israelites would see the face of Moses, that the skin of his face was shining; and Moses would put the veil on his face again, until he went in to speak with him.

Gospel Lesson - Luke 9:28-36, NRSV - The Transfiguration

Now about eight days after these sayings Jesus took with him Peter and John and James, and went up on the mountain to pray. And while he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became dazzling white. Suddenly they saw two men, Moses and Elijah, talking to him. They appeared in glory and were speaking of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. Now Peter and his companions were weighed down with sleep; but since they had stayed awake, they saw his glory and the two men who stood with him. Just as they were leaving him, Peter said to Jesus, ‘Master, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah’—not knowing what he said. While he was saying this, a cloud came and overshadowed them; and they were terrified as they entered the cloud.Then from the cloud came a voice that said, ‘This is my Son, my Chosen;listen to him!’ When the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. And they kept silent and in those days told no one any of the things they had seen.

One: This is the word of God for us, the People of God.
All: Thanks be to God!

Sermon: Transfiguration Sunday: This is my son, the Beloved, in whom I am well pleased, Rev. Dr. Mandy McDow, preaching

HOLY COMMUNION

Invitation to the Table: As we understand the Body of Christ to be inclusive, we understand God’s table of grace and fellowship can extend into our homes. As you’re able, bring your own elements to this time.

Bread, Juice, Coffee, Muffins… the Body of Christ is comprised of wonder and mystery. Today, we celebrate that God can reach us where we are, even if we are not together.

The Great Mystery of our Faith
All: Christ has died
Christ is risen. 
Christ will come again.

The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name, 
thy kingdom come, thy will be done, 
on earth as it is in heaven. 

Give us this day our daily bread. 
And forgive us our trespasses, 
as we forgive those who trespass against us. 

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. 

For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, 
for ever and ever. Amen.

MUSIC: Great is Thy Faithfulness - El Dorado

Benediction Remember:
God is with you,
God is for you, 
God refuses to be God without you. 
And may all of God’s people say: Amen!

Donate

Order of Worship for February 23, 2025: Love your Enemies and Pray for Those Who Hurt You

Call to Worship - Those of you joining us from home are invited to light a candle to welcome the presence of the Holy Spirit

Who Am I? - Need to Breathe - El Dorado

Welcome - Stephen Folds

Be Thou My Vision - St. Dallán Forgaill, Eleanor Hull- El Dorado

Passing of the Peace: Through the act of passing the peace of Christ, we offer our sincere desire to love our neighbor.
You are invited to greet one another in the live stream chat on Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook. 

Class resumes this week with Chapter 15 (Psalms)

No matter your heritage, culture, or racial background, Black history is EVERYONE’s story. Here are 29 ways you, your family, and your congregation can celebrate and participate in Black History Month. - The UMC General Commission on Religion and Race

  1. Patronize a local or online Black-owned business. 

  2. Attend church, Bible study, or worship at a historically Black church and experience the Gospel from another vantage point. 

  3. Sing hymns or songs during worship by a composer from the African diaspora. Include the history of the song or hymn in the church bulletin or on your website. 

  4. Attend or co-host a Black history or Black culture event in your community, in partnership with a Black congregation. 

  5. Take a church family field trip to a Black history site or museum in your area.  

  6. Learn more about “Black Harry” Hosier (c. 1750-1806), an African-American Methodist preacher and evangelist.

  7. Research other Black United Methodist leaders from our church’s heritage. 

  8. Fearlessly learn more about how racism has and still affects Black people around the world and start confronting racism. 

  9. Donate to a Black nonprofit or empowerment organization in your community. 

  10. Watch a film by and about the heritage and lives of Black people. Titles to consider: “Antwone Fisher,” “Malcolm X,” “If Beale Street Could Talk,” “Hidden Figures,” “The Hate U Give,” and “One Night in Miami.” 

  11. Watch and discuss documentaries about the Civil Rights movement and other series on the challenges and triumphs of Black people. Suggestions: “Eyes on the Prize,” and Henry Louis Gates’ recent series, “The Black Church: This Is Our Story. This Is Our Song.” 

  12. Visit a landmark about the lives of local Black heroes in your area. 

  13. Read a contemporary book by a Black author. 

  14. Read a story featuring a Black hero to your children, grandchildren, or to a local school class. 

  15. Seek out and talk with a Black elder (75 or older) about their experience in your community. 

  16. Study one of the 54 nations on the continent of Africa, including the language, culture, current events. 

  17. Donate to one of the 12 United Methodist-related historically Black colleges and universities in the United States and Zimbabwe. 

  18. Learn about an unsung hero of Black history. 

  19. Attend shows featuring local Black artists, actors, poets, local musicians, or dancers. 

  20. Explore the breadth of Black music, from jazz to hip-hop, and gospel to southern African folk songs. 

  21. Call out racism and prejudice aimed at Black people and other People of Color in your church and community. 

  22. Learn about “colorism” and how it plays out in our society. 

  23. Learn more about the Black UMC caucus, Black Methodists for Church Renewal.

  24. Subscribe to and learn from Black media and the Black press.

  25. Engage in positive, supportive conversations about Black history and culture on social media.

  26. Learn the lyrics to “Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing”.

  27. Read Dr. King’s “Letter from a Birmingham Jail.” The letter can be found here: Letter from Birmingham Jail (csuchico.edu)

  28. Read a biography of an influential Black figure, such as Nelson Mandela, Malcolm X, Shirley Chisolm, Kobe Bryant, Michelle Obama, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Justice Thurgood Marshall, the Rev. Joseph Lowery.

  29. Register and vote.

Rev. Dr. Denyse Barnes, Director of Justice and Compassion Essential Ministry Team

Sanctuary churches are no longer a tool we can employ due to the executive order giving ICE permission to enter schools, religious buildings, and other places traditionally considered ones of sanctuary.  If, however, you are interested in taking part in this work in other ways, some of them are listed below.  Please reach out to Rev. Denyse dbarnes@calpacumc.org if you would like to add your church or missions group to the list of those taking part in this work.

Here are some things you can do right now:

  • Watch the video from the training session we had with Alba Jaramillo from the Immigration Law and Justice Network.

  • Print out and make available these Know your right cards in whatever languages are relevant to your context. Link to know your rights cards.

  • Host a “Know Your Rights” training session at your church or mission area.

  • Host a “Safety Packet” session at your church or mission area.

  • Research and make note of the RRT phone numbers in your area here.

  • Switch to a safe and encrypted messaging app such as Signal.

  • Watch our page for updates.

Additional Reading:

Know Your Rights:

You have constitutional rights:

• DO NOT OPEN THE DOOR if an immigration agent is knocking on the door.

• DO NOT ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS from an immigration agent if they try to talk to you. You have the right to remain silent.

• DO NOT SIGN ANYTHING without first speaking to a lawyer. You have the right to speak with a lawyer.

• If you are outside of your home, ask the agent if you are free to leave and if they say yes, leave calmly.

• GIVE THIS CARD TO THE AGENT. If you are inside of your home, show the card through the window or slide it under the door.

I do not wish to speak with you, answer your questions, or sign or hand you any documents based on my 5th Amendment rights under the United States Constitution.

I do not give you permission to enter my home based on my 4th Amendment rights under the United States Constitution unless you have a warrant to enter, signed by a judge or magistrate with my name on it that you slide under the door.

I do not give you permission to search any of my belongings based on my 4th Amendment rights.

I choose to exercise my constitutional rights.

These cards are available to citizens and noncitizens alike.

As the United States faces potential large-scale immigration policy changes, including the likely mass deportation of thousands of migrants, Global Ministries and UMCOR will prioritize protecting migrants’ rights, reaffirming a longstanding commitment to core humanitarian principles. We will intensify efforts to amplify the voices of migrants and create pathways for integration. Through comprehensive programs spanning global advocacy, church engagement, legal support and practical assistance, Global Ministries and UMCOR will continue to provide hope and support to those most vulnerable in their journey to safety and opportunity.

There are several ways that individuals, pastors and local churches can get involved in ministry with migrants and refugees:

Pray for the protection and well-being of migrants, for bold leadership and for positive action on the part of individuals, churches and communities.    

Volunteer with local organizations in your community. Contact Church World Service, Immigration Law and Justice Network or similar organizations to see how you can assist the affiliate nearest you.

Implement a Mustard Seed Migration Grant project to assist migrants in your own community. Applications for grants of $2,000 will be accepted up to December 13, 2024. Learn more and apply here.

Contact your elected officials to let them know that you welcome migrants. You can sign up for Church World Service Action Alerts to learn how to become involved in advocacy efforts that support migrant rights.

Donate to the Global Migration Advance (#3022144) to support programming that aids migrants and refugees. Give here.

MONETARY DONATIONS: 

We've set up a special fund - the Los Angeles Fires Recovery Fund - where you can contribute directly towards relief and recovery from the effects of the winds and firestorms this week.  www.calpacumc.org/donate 

Check donations payable to the California-Pacific Conference can be mailed to California-Pacific Conference, Los Angeles Fires Recovery Fund, PO Box 6006, Pasadena CA 91102.

If you'd like to include a QR code to donate in your worship bulletins or slides this weekend, you can download that at this link.

TARGET GIFT CARDS

We are collecting gift cards to Target for clothing and other immediate needs items. Please send gift cards of any denomination to the conference office for distribution:
Denyse Barnes
c/o California-Pacific Annual Conference
PO Box 6006
Pasadena, CA 91102-6006

WILDFIRES RESOURCE HUB NEXT WEEK:

Meet with national, state, and local community based organizations collaborating to provide crucial resources and information to those impacted by the 2025 LA Wildfires. 

DISTRICT SUPPORT CONTACTS

If you or your church needs support or would like to offer help, please reach out to a designated contact from your district below for coordination:
WEST: Rev. Allison Mark, communications@faithsouthbay.org
NORTH: Rev. Alex Powell, info@bfumc.net, 818-845-1531
EAST: Dorman Jung, depjung9@gmail.com
CALPAC: Rev. Dr. Denyse Barnes, dbarnes@calpacumc.org

ALTADENA UMC:

The congregation of Altadena UMC is requesting gift cards to Target for clothing and other immediate needs items.

1) Altadena UMC GoFundMe Page: Goal of $16,000 ($2.300 raised so far)

2) Altadena UMC's Cash App for Tithes & Offerings: $abundantlife349

Please put in the note “AUMC Disaster Relief”

3) Calpacumc.org/donate

Please send gift cards of any denomination to the conference office for distribution:
Denyse Barnes
c/o California-Pacific Annual Conference
PO Box 6006
Pasadena, CA 91102-6006

Download the Watch Duty app for up-to-date information on existing and new fires.

List of resources for LA wildfire victims

CALL TO PRAYER: Just a Closer Walk With Thee - Traditional Gospel - El Dorado

Joys and Concerns: Prayers of the People We believe that the best way to bear our burdens is to share them with one another. You welcome to share your joys and concerns so that our community can hold these things in our hearts as we lift them to God together. 

You are invited to share your prayers in the Facebook Live Chat, or on the YouTube Live chat.

Hebrew Bible Reading: Genesis 45:3-11; 15, NRSV

Joseph said to his brothers, ‘I am Joseph. Is my father still alive?’ But his brothers could not answer him, so dismayed were they at his presence.

Then Joseph said to his brothers, ‘Come closer to me.’ And they came closer. He said, ‘I am your brother Joseph, whom you sold into Egypt. And now do not be distressed, or angry with yourselves, because you sold me here; for God sent me before you to preserve life. For the famine has been in the land these two years; and there are five more years in which there will be neither ploughing nor harvest. God sent me before you to preserve for you a remnant on earth, and to keep alive for you many survivors. So it was not you who sent me here, but God; he has made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house and ruler over all the land of Egypt. Hurry and go up to my father and say to him, “Thus says your son Joseph, God has made me lord of all Egypt; come down to me, do not delay. You shall settle in the land of Goshen, and you shall be near me, you and your children and your children’s children, as well as your flocks, your herds, and all that you have. I will provide for you there—since there are five more years of famine to come—so that you and your household, and all that you have, will not come to poverty.” And he kissed all his brothers and wept upon them; and after that his brothers talked with him.

Gospel Lesson - Luke 6:27-38, NRSV

Love for Enemies

‘But I say to you that listen, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. If anyone strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also; and from anyone who takes away your coat do not withhold even your shirt. Give to everyone who begs from you; and if anyone takes away your goods, do not ask for them again. Do to others as you would have them do to you.

‘If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. If you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive as much again. But love your enemies, do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return. Your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High; for he is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.

Judging Others

‘Do not judge, and you will not be judged; do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven; give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap; for the measure you give will be the measure you get back.’

One: This is the word of God for us, the People of God.
All: Thanks be to God!

Sermon: Love Your Enemies and Pray for Those Who Hurt You, Rev. Dr. Mandy McDow, preaching

HOLY COMMUNION

Invitation to the Table: As we understand the Body of Christ to be inclusive, we understand God’s table of grace and fellowship can extend into our homes. As you’re able, bring your own elements to this time.

Bread, Juice, Coffee, Muffins… the Body of Christ is comprised of wonder and mystery. Today, we celebrate that God can reach us where we are, even if we are not together.

The Great Mystery of our Faith
All: Christ has died
Christ is risen. 
Christ will come again.

The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name, 
thy kingdom come, thy will be done, 
on earth as it is in heaven. 

Give us this day our daily bread. 
And forgive us our trespasses, 
as we forgive those who trespass against us. 

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. 

For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, 
for ever and ever. Amen.

MUSIC: Paradoxology- Temitope - El Dorado

Benediction Remember:
God is with you,
God is for you, 
God refuses to be God without you. 
And may all of God’s people say: Amen!

Donate

Order of Worship for February 16, 2025: Blessings and Woes - Blessed are those who trust in the Lord

Call to Worship - Those of you joining us from home are invited to light a candle to welcome the presence of the Holy Spirit

Praise - Seph Schlueter - El Dorado

Welcome - Stephen Folds

How Great Thou Art - Carl Boberg, Stuart K Hine,- El Dorado

Passing of the Peace: Through the act of passing the peace of Christ, we offer our sincere desire to love our neighbor.
You are invited to greet one another in the live stream chat on Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook. 

Class resumes this week with Chapter 14 (Psalms)

No matter your heritage, culture, or racial background, Black history is EVERYONE’s story. Here are 29 ways you, your family, and your congregation can celebrate and participate in Black History Month. - The UMC General Commission on Religion and Race

  1. Patronize a local or online Black-owned business. 

  2. Attend church, Bible study, or worship at a historically Black church and experience the Gospel from another vantage point. 

  3. Sing hymns or songs during worship by a composer from the African diaspora. Include the history of the song or hymn in the church bulletin or on your website. 

  4. Attend or co-host a Black history or Black culture event in your community, in partnership with a Black congregation. 

  5. Take a church family field trip to a Black history site or museum in your area.  

  6. Learn more about “Black Harry” Hosier (c. 1750-1806), an African-American Methodist preacher and evangelist.

  7. Research other Black United Methodist leaders from our church’s heritage. 

  8. Fearlessly learn more about how racism has and still affects Black people around the world and start confronting racism. 

  9. Donate to a Black nonprofit or empowerment organization in your community. 

  10. Watch a film by and about the heritage and lives of Black people. Titles to consider: “Antwone Fisher,” “Malcolm X,” “If Beale Street Could Talk,” “Hidden Figures,” “The Hate U Give,” and “One Night in Miami.” 

  11. Watch and discuss documentaries about the Civil Rights movement and other series on the challenges and triumphs of Black people. Suggestions: “Eyes on the Prize,” and Henry Louis Gates’ recent series, “The Black Church: This Is Our Story. This Is Our Song.” 

  12. Visit a landmark about the lives of local Black heroes in your area. 

  13. Read a contemporary book by a Black author. 

  14. Read a story featuring a Black hero to your children, grandchildren, or to a local school class. 

  15. Seek out and talk with a Black elder (75 or older) about their experience in your community. 

  16. Study one of the 54 nations on the continent of Africa, including the language, culture, current events. 

  17. Donate to one of the 12 United Methodist-related historically Black colleges and universities in the United States and Zimbabwe. 

  18. Learn about an unsung hero of Black history. 

  19. Attend shows featuring local Black artists, actors, poets, local musicians, or dancers. 

  20. Explore the breadth of Black music, from jazz to hip-hop, and gospel to southern African folk songs. 

  21. Call out racism and prejudice aimed at Black people and other People of Color in your church and community. 

  22. Learn about “colorism” and how it plays out in our society. 

  23. Learn more about the Black UMC caucus, Black Methodists for Church Renewal.

  24. Subscribe to and learn from Black media and the Black press.

  25. Engage in positive, supportive conversations about Black history and culture on social media.

  26. Learn the lyrics to “Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing”.

  27. Read Dr. King’s “Letter from a Birmingham Jail.” The letter can be found here: Letter from Birmingham Jail (csuchico.edu)

  28. Read a biography of an influential Black figure, such as Nelson Mandela, Malcolm X, Shirley Chisolm, Kobe Bryant, Michelle Obama, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Justice Thurgood Marshall, the Rev. Joseph Lowery.

  29. Register and vote.

Rev. Dr. Denyse Barnes, Director of Justice and Compassion Essential Ministry Team

Sanctuary churches are no longer a tool we can employ due to the executive order giving ICE permission to enter schools, religious buildings, and other places traditionally considered ones of sanctuary.  If, however, you are interested in taking part in this work in other ways, some of them are listed below.  Please reach out to Rev. Denyse dbarnes@calpacumc.org if you would like to add your church or missions group to the list of those taking part in this work.

Here are some things you can do right now:

  • Watch the video from the training session we had with Alba Jaramillo from the Immigration Law and Justice Network.

  • Print out and make available these Know your right cards in whatever languages are relevant to your context. Link to know your rights cards.

  • Host a “Know Your Rights” training session at your church or mission area.

  • Host a “Safety Packet” session at your church or mission area.

  • Research and make note of the RRT phone numbers in your area here.

  • Switch to a safe and encrypted messaging app such as Signal.

  • Watch our page for updates.

Additional Reading:

Know Your Rights:

You have constitutional rights:

• DO NOT OPEN THE DOOR if an immigration agent is knocking on the door.

• DO NOT ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS from an immigration agent if they try to talk to you. You have the right to remain silent.

• DO NOT SIGN ANYTHING without first speaking to a lawyer. You have the right to speak with a lawyer.

• If you are outside of your home, ask the agent if you are free to leave and if they say yes, leave calmly.

• GIVE THIS CARD TO THE AGENT. If you are inside of your home, show the card through the window or slide it under the door.

I do not wish to speak with you, answer your questions, or sign or hand you any documents based on my 5th Amendment rights under the United States Constitution.

I do not give you permission to enter my home based on my 4th Amendment rights under the United States Constitution unless you have a warrant to enter, signed by a judge or magistrate with my name on it that you slide under the door.

I do not give you permission to search any of my belongings based on my 4th Amendment rights.

I choose to exercise my constitutional rights.

These cards are available to citizens and noncitizens alike.

As the United States faces potential large-scale immigration policy changes, including the likely mass deportation of thousands of migrants, Global Ministries and UMCOR will prioritize protecting migrants’ rights, reaffirming a longstanding commitment to core humanitarian principles. We will intensify efforts to amplify the voices of migrants and create pathways for integration. Through comprehensive programs spanning global advocacy, church engagement, legal support and practical assistance, Global Ministries and UMCOR will continue to provide hope and support to those most vulnerable in their journey to safety and opportunity.

There are several ways that individuals, pastors and local churches can get involved in ministry with migrants and refugees:

Pray for the protection and well-being of migrants, for bold leadership and for positive action on the part of individuals, churches and communities.    

Volunteer with local organizations in your community. Contact Church World Service, Immigration Law and Justice Network or similar organizations to see how you can assist the affiliate nearest you.

Implement a Mustard Seed Migration Grant project to assist migrants in your own community. Applications for grants of $2,000 will be accepted up to December 13, 2024. Learn more and apply here.

Contact your elected officials to let them know that you welcome migrants. You can sign up for Church World Service Action Alerts to learn how to become involved in advocacy efforts that support migrant rights.

Donate to the Global Migration Advance (#3022144) to support programming that aids migrants and refugees. Give here.

MONETARY DONATIONS: 

We've set up a special fund - the Los Angeles Fires Recovery Fund - where you can contribute directly towards relief and recovery from the effects of the winds and firestorms this week.  www.calpacumc.org/donate 

Check donations payable to the California-Pacific Conference can be mailed to California-Pacific Conference, Los Angeles Fires Recovery Fund, PO Box 6006, Pasadena CA 91102.

If you'd like to include a QR code to donate in your worship bulletins or slides this weekend, you can download that at this link.

TARGET GIFT CARDS

We are collecting gift cards to Target for clothing and other immediate needs items. Please send gift cards of any denomination to the conference office for distribution:
Denyse Barnes
c/o California-Pacific Annual Conference
PO Box 6006
Pasadena, CA 91102-6006

WILDFIRES RESOURCE HUB NEXT WEEK:

Meet with national, state, and local community based organizations collaborating to provide crucial resources and information to those impacted by the 2025 LA Wildfires. 

DISTRICT SUPPORT CONTACTS

If you or your church needs support or would like to offer help, please reach out to a designated contact from your district below for coordination:
WEST: Rev. Allison Mark, communications@faithsouthbay.org
NORTH: Rev. Alex Powell, info@bfumc.net, 818-845-1531
EAST: Dorman Jung, depjung9@gmail.com
CALPAC: Rev. Dr. Denyse Barnes, dbarnes@calpacumc.org

ALTADENA UMC:

The congregation of Altadena UMC is requesting gift cards to Target for clothing and other immediate needs items.

1) Altadena UMC GoFundMe Page: Goal of $16,000 ($2.300 raised so far)

2) Altadena UMC's Cash App for Tithes & Offerings: $abundantlife349

Please put in the note “AUMC Disaster Relief”

3) Calpacumc.org/donate

Please send gift cards of any denomination to the conference office for distribution:
Denyse Barnes
c/o California-Pacific Annual Conference
PO Box 6006
Pasadena, CA 91102-6006

Download the Watch Duty app for up-to-date information on existing and new fires.

List of resources for LA wildfire victims

CALL TO PRAYER: Paradoxology - Temitope - El Dorado

Joys and Concerns: Prayers of the People We believe that the best way to bear our burdens is to share them with one another. You welcome to share your joys and concerns so that our community can hold these things in our hearts as we lift them to God together. 

You are invited to share your prayers in the Facebook Live Chat, or on the YouTube Live chat.

Hebrew Bible Reading: Jeremiah 17: 5-10, NRSV

Thus says the Lord:
Cursed are those who trust in mere mortals
   and make mere flesh their strength,
   whose hearts turn away from the Lord.
They shall be like a shrub in the desert,
   and shall not see when relief comes.
They shall live in the parched places of the wilderness,
   in an uninhabited salt land.
Blessed are those who trust in the Lord,
   whose trust is the Lord.
They shall be like a tree planted by water,
   sending out its roots by the stream.
It shall not fear when heat comes,
   and its leaves shall stay green;
in the year of drought it is not anxious,
   and it does not cease to bear fruit.
The heart is devious above all else;
   it is perverse—
   who can understand it?
I the Lord test the mind
   and search the heart,
to give to all according to their ways,
   according to the fruit of their doings.

Gospel Lesson - Jesus Teaches and Heals

He came down with them and stood on a level place, with a great crowd of his disciples and a great multitude of people from all Judea, Jerusalem, and the coast of Tyre and Sidon. They had come to hear him and to be healed of their diseases; and those who were troubled with unclean spirits were cured. And all in the crowd were trying to touch him, for power came out from him and healed all of them.

Blessings and Woes

Then he looked up at his disciples and said:
‘Blessed are you who are poor,
   for yours is the kingdom of God.
‘Blessed are you who are hungry now,
   for you will be filled.
‘Blessed are you who weep now,
   for you will laugh.

‘Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude you, revile you, and defame you on account of the Son of Man. Rejoice on that day and leap for joy, for surely your reward is great in heaven; for that is what their ancestors did to the prophets.
‘But woe to you who are rich,
   for you have received your consolation.
‘Woe to you who are full now,
   for you will be hungry.
‘Woe to you who are laughing now,
   for you will mourn and weep.

‘Woe to you when all speak well of you, for that is what their ancestors did to the false prophets.One: This is the word of God for us, the People of God.
All: Thanks be to God!

Sermon: Blessings and Woes - Blessed are those who trust in the Lord, Rev. Dr. Mandy McDow, preaching

HOLY COMMUNION

Invitation to the Table: As we understand the Body of Christ to be inclusive, we understand God’s table of grace and fellowship can extend into our homes. As you’re able, bring your own elements to this time.

Bread, Juice, Coffee, Muffins… the Body of Christ is comprised of wonder and mystery. Today, we celebrate that God can reach us where we are, even if we are not together.

The Great Mystery of our Faith
All: Christ has died
Christ is risen. 
Christ will come again.

The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name, 
thy kingdom come, thy will be done, 
on earth as it is in heaven. 

Give us this day our daily bread. 
And forgive us our trespasses, 
as we forgive those who trespass against us. 

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. 

For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, 
for ever and ever. Amen.

MUSIC: Sinking Deep - Young & Free - El Dorado

Benediction Remember:
God is with you,
God is for you, 
God refuses to be God without you. 
And may all of God’s people say: Amen!

Donate

Order of Worship for February 9, 2025: But by the grace of God, I am what I am, Tom Grode, preaching

Call to Worship - Those of you joining us from home are invited to light a candle to welcome the presence of the Holy Spirit

Isaiah 61 - Matt Maher - El Dorado

Where Do I Go? - Ellie Holcolmb - El Dorado

Welcome - Stephen Folds

Blessed Assurance - Fanny Crosby- El Dorado

Passing of the Peace: Through the act of passing the peace of Christ, we offer our sincere desire to love our neighbor.
You are invited to greet one another in the live stream chat on Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook. 

Class resumes this week with Chapter 14 (Psalms)

No matter your heritage, culture, or racial background, Black history is EVERYONE’s story. Here are 29 ways you, your family, and your congregation can celebrate and participate in Black History Month. - The UMC General Commission on Religion and Race

  1. Patronize a local or online Black-owned business. 

  2. Attend church, Bible study, or worship at a historically Black church and experience the Gospel from another vantage point. 

  3. Sing hymns or songs during worship by a composer from the African diaspora. Include the history of the song or hymn in the church bulletin or on your website. 

  4. Attend or co-host a Black history or Black culture event in your community, in partnership with a Black congregation. 

  5. Take a church family field trip to a Black history site or museum in your area.  

  6. Learn more about “Black Harry” Hosier (c. 1750-1806), an African-American Methodist preacher and evangelist.

  7. Research other Black United Methodist leaders from our church’s heritage. 

  8. Fearlessly learn more about how racism has and still affects Black people around the world and start confronting racism. 

  9. Donate to a Black nonprofit or empowerment organization in your community. 

  10. Watch a film by and about the heritage and lives of Black people. Titles to consider: “Antwone Fisher,” “Malcolm X,” “If Beale Street Could Talk,” “Hidden Figures,” “The Hate U Give,” and “One Night in Miami.” 

  11. Watch and discuss documentaries about the Civil Rights movement and other series on the challenges and triumphs of Black people. Suggestions: “Eyes on the Prize,” and Henry Louis Gates’ recent series, “The Black Church: This Is Our Story. This Is Our Song.” 

  12. Visit a landmark about the lives of local Black heroes in your area. 

  13. Read a contemporary book by a Black author. 

  14. Read a story featuring a Black hero to your children, grandchildren, or to a local school class. 

  15. Seek out and talk with a Black elder (75 or older) about their experience in your community. 

  16. Study one of the 54 nations on the continent of Africa, including the language, culture, current events. 

  17. Donate to one of the 12 United Methodist-related historically Black colleges and universities in the United States and Zimbabwe. 

  18. Learn about an unsung hero of Black history. 

  19. Attend shows featuring local Black artists, actors, poets, local musicians, or dancers. 

  20. Explore the breadth of Black music, from jazz to hip-hop, and gospel to southern African folk songs. 

  21. Call out racism and prejudice aimed at Black people and other People of Color in your church and community. 

  22. Learn about “colorism” and how it plays out in our society. 

  23. Learn more about the Black UMC caucus, Black Methodists for Church Renewal.

  24. Subscribe to and learn from Black media and the Black press.

  25. Engage in positive, supportive conversations about Black history and culture on social media.

  26. Learn the lyrics to “Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing”.

  27. Read Dr. King’s “Letter from a Birmingham Jail.” The letter can be found here: Letter from Birmingham Jail (csuchico.edu)

  28. Read a biography of an influential Black figure, such as Nelson Mandela, Malcolm X, Shirley Chisolm, Kobe Bryant, Michelle Obama, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Justice Thurgood Marshall, the Rev. Joseph Lowery.

  29. Register and vote.

Rev. Dr. Denyse Barnes, Director of Justice and Compassion Essential Ministry Team

Our call as followers of Jesus has always been to love others, to take care of the stranger in our midst and the alien in our land.  Following the inauguration of a new President and administration this week, a number of executive orders aimed at removing undocumented migrants have been signed and are being put into action.  You can read more about these here.

The immigration strategy group leadership team met this week and will be meeting with the full group next week to further discuss, inform, and strategize.  This is a volatile, fast-moving, and quickly evolving situation, and we will be updating ways in which you can help and respond.  We have a network of churches from our border to LA who work together in keeping people safe, transporting them where they need to go, and sharing resources and information.

One of the things our group is so good at is understanding the intersectionality of all those who are in this situation currently and paying particular attention to those who are afraid for more than one reason because of who they are.  We are also working with CLUE, LA Voice, and the UMC RRT teams to gather information and know ways in which we are able to best respond.

Sanctuary churches are no longer a tool we can employ due to the executive order giving ICE permission to enter schools, religious buildings, and other places traditionally considered ones of sanctuary.  If, however, you are interested in taking part in this work in other ways, some of them are listed below.  Please reach out to Rev. Denyse dbarnes@calpacumc.org if you would like to add your church or missions group to the list of those taking part in this work.

Here are some things you can do right now:

  • Watch the video from the training session we had with Alba Jaramillo from the Immigration Law and Justice Network.

  • Print out and make available these Know your right cards in whatever languages are relevant to your context. Link to know your rights cards.

  • Host a “Know Your Rights” training session at your church or mission area.

  • Host a “Safety Packet” session at your church or mission area.

  • Research and make note of the RRT phone numbers in your area here.

  • Switch to a safe and encrypted messaging app such as Signal.

  • Watch our page for updates.

Additional Reading:

Know Your Rights:

You have constitutional rights:

• DO NOT OPEN THE DOOR if an immigration agent is knocking on the door.

• DO NOT ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS from an immigration agent if they try to talk to you. You have the right to remain silent.

• DO NOT SIGN ANYTHING without first speaking to a lawyer. You have the right to speak with a lawyer.

• If you are outside of your home, ask the agent if you are free to leave and if they say yes, leave calmly.

• GIVE THIS CARD TO THE AGENT. If you are inside of your home, show the card through the window or slide it under the door.

I do not wish to speak with you, answer your questions, or sign or hand you any documents based on my 5th Amendment rights under the United States Constitution.

I do not give you permission to enter my home based on my 4th Amendment rights under the United States Constitution unless you have a warrant to enter, signed by a judge or magistrate with my name on it that you slide under the door.

I do not give you permission to search any of my belongings based on my 4th Amendment rights.

I choose to exercise my constitutional rights.

These cards are available to citizens and noncitizens alike.

As the United States faces potential large-scale immigration policy changes, including the likely mass deportation of thousands of migrants, Global Ministries and UMCOR will prioritize protecting migrants’ rights, reaffirming a longstanding commitment to core humanitarian principles. We will intensify efforts to amplify the voices of migrants and create pathways for integration. Through comprehensive programs spanning global advocacy, church engagement, legal support and practical assistance, Global Ministries and UMCOR will continue to provide hope and support to those most vulnerable in their journey to safety and opportunity.

There are several ways that individuals, pastors and local churches can get involved in ministry with migrants and refugees:

Pray for the protection and well-being of migrants, for bold leadership and for positive action on the part of individuals, churches and communities.    

Volunteer with local organizations in your community. Contact Church World Service, Immigration Law and Justice Network or similar organizations to see how you can assist the affiliate nearest you.

Implement a Mustard Seed Migration Grant project to assist migrants in your own community. Applications for grants of $2,000 will be accepted up to December 13, 2024. Learn more and apply here.

Contact your elected officials to let them know that you welcome migrants. You can sign up for Church World Service Action Alerts to learn how to become involved in advocacy efforts that support migrant rights.

Donate to the Global Migration Advance (#3022144) to support programming that aids migrants and refugees. Give here.

MONETARY DONATIONS: 

We've set up a special fund - the Los Angeles Fires Recovery Fund - where you can contribute directly towards relief and recovery from the effects of the winds and firestorms this week.  www.calpacumc.org/donate 

Check donations payable to the California-Pacific Conference can be mailed to California-Pacific Conference, Los Angeles Fires Recovery Fund, PO Box 6006, Pasadena CA 91102.

If you'd like to include a QR code to donate in your worship bulletins or slides this weekend, you can download that at this link.

TARGET GIFT CARDS

We are collecting gift cards to Target for clothing and other immediate needs items. Please send gift cards of any denomination to the conference office for distribution:
Denyse Barnes
c/o California-Pacific Annual Conference
PO Box 6006
Pasadena, CA 91102-6006

WILDFIRES RESOURCE HUB NEXT WEEK:

Meet with national, state, and local community based organizations collaborating to provide crucial resources and information to those impacted by the 2025 LA Wildfires. 

DISTRICT SUPPORT CONTACTS

If you or your church needs support or would like to offer help, please reach out to a designated contact from your district below for coordination:
WEST: Rev. Allison Mark, communications@faithsouthbay.org
NORTH: Rev. Alex Powell, info@bfumc.net, 818-845-1531
EAST: Dorman Jung, depjung9@gmail.com
CALPAC: Rev. Dr. Denyse Barnes, dbarnes@calpacumc.org

ALTADENA UMC:

The congregation of Altadena UMC is requesting gift cards to Target for clothing and other immediate needs items.

1) Altadena UMC GoFundMe Page: Goal of $16,000 ($2.300 raised so far)

2) Altadena UMC's Cash App for Tithes & Offerings: $abundantlife349

Please put in the note “AUMC Disaster Relief”

3) Calpacumc.org/donate

Please send gift cards of any denomination to the conference office for distribution:
Denyse Barnes
c/o California-Pacific Annual Conference
PO Box 6006
Pasadena, CA 91102-6006

Download the Watch Duty app for up-to-date information on existing and new fires.

List of resources for LA wildfire victims

CALL TO PRAYER: Great is Thy Faithfulness - Thomas Chisholm - El Dorado

Joys and Concerns: Prayers of the People We believe that the best way to bear our burdens is to share them with one another. You welcome to share your joys and concerns so that our community can hold these things in our hearts as we lift them to God together. 

You are invited to share your prayers in the Facebook Live Chat, or on the YouTube Live chat.

Epistle Lesson: I Corinthians 15:1-11, NRSV,  The Resurrection of Christ

Now I should remind you, brothers and sisters, of the good news that I proclaimed to you, which you in turn received, in which also you stand,through which also you are being saved, if you hold firmly to the message that I proclaimed to you—unless you have come to believe in vain.

For I handed on to you as of first importance what I in turn had received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the scriptures, and that he was buried, and that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers and sisters at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have died. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. Last of all, as to someone untimely born, he appeared also to me. For I am the least of the apostles, unfit to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace towards me has not been in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them—though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me. Whether then it was I or they, so we proclaim and so you have come to believe.

Gospel Lesson - Luke 5:1-11, NRSV, Jesus Calls the First Disciples

Once while Jesus was standing beside the lake of Gennesaret, and the crowd was pressing in on him to hear the word of God, he saw two boats there at the shore of the lake; the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets. He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little way from the shore. Then he sat down and taught the crowds from the boat. When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, ‘Put out into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch.’ Simon answered, ‘Master, we have worked all night long but have caught nothing. Yet if you say so, I will let down the nets.’When they had done this, they caught so many fish that their nets were beginning to break. So they signalled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both boats, so that they began to sink. But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, ‘Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!’ For he and all who were with him were amazed at the catch of fish that they had taken;and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. Then Jesus said to Simon, ‘Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching people.’ When they had brought their boats to shore, they left everything and followed him.

One: This is the word of God for us, the People of God.
All: Thanks be to God!

Sermon: But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace towards me has not been in vain, Tom Grode, Lay Leader

The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name, 
thy kingdom come, thy will be done, 
on earth as it is in heaven. 

Give us this day our daily bread. 
And forgive us our trespasses, 
as we forgive those who trespass against us. 

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. 

For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, 
for ever and ever. Amen.

MUSIC: Times Like These - Foo Fighters - El Dorado

Benediction Remember:
God is with you,
God is for you, 
God refuses to be God without you. 
And may all of God’s people say: Amen!

Donate

Order of Worship for February 2, 2025: Be Not Afraid But Find Comfort in the Face of Fear

Call to Worship - Those of you joining us from home are invited to light a candle to welcome the presence of the Holy Spirit

Isaiah 61 - Matt Maher - El Dorado

Welcome - Rev. Dr. Mandy McDow

Firm Foundation (He Won’t) - Cody Carnes - El Dorado

Passing of the Peace: Through the act of passing the peace of Christ, we offer our sincere desire to love our neighbor.
You are invited to greet one another in the live stream chat on Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook. 

United Women in Faith will hold a program after worship today! Lunch will be served.

No Class on Wednesday, February 5 - Class will resume the following week with Chapter 14 (Psalms)

No matter your heritage, culture, or racial background, Black history is EVERYONE’s story. Here are 29 ways you, your family, and your congregation can celebrate and participate in Black History Month. - The UMC General Commission on Religion and Race

  1. Patronize a local or online Black-owned business. 

  2. Attend church, Bible study, or worship at a historically Black church and experience the Gospel from another vantage point. 

  3. Sing hymns or songs during worship by a composer from the African diaspora. Include the history of the song or hymn in the church bulletin or on your website. 

  4. Attend or co-host a Black history or Black culture event in your community, in partnership with a Black congregation. 

  5. Take a church family field trip to a Black history site or museum in your area.  

  6. Learn more about “Black Harry” Hosier (c. 1750-1806), an African-American Methodist preacher and evangelist.

  7. Research other Black United Methodist leaders from our church’s heritage. 

  8. Fearlessly learn more about how racism has and still affects Black people around the world and start confronting racism. 

  9. Donate to a Black nonprofit or empowerment organization in your community. 

  10. Watch a film by and about the heritage and lives of Black people. Titles to consider: “Antwone Fisher,” “Malcolm X,” “If Beale Street Could Talk,” “Hidden Figures,” “The Hate U Give,” and “One Night in Miami.” 

  11. Watch and discuss documentaries about the Civil Rights movement and other series on the challenges and triumphs of Black people. Suggestions: “Eyes on the Prize,” and Henry Louis Gates’ recent series, “The Black Church: This Is Our Story. This Is Our Song.” 

  12. Visit a landmark about the lives of local Black heroes in your area. 

  13. Read a contemporary book by a Black author. 

  14. Read a story featuring a Black hero to your children, grandchildren, or to a local school class. 

  15. Seek out and talk with a Black elder (75 or older) about their experience in your community. 

  16. Study one of the 54 nations on the continent of Africa, including the language, culture, current events. 

  17. Donate to one of the 12 United Methodist-related historically Black colleges and universities in the United States and Zimbabwe. 

  18. Learn about an unsung hero of Black history. 

  19. Attend shows featuring local Black artists, actors, poets, local musicians, or dancers. 

  20. Explore the breadth of Black music, from jazz to hip-hop, and gospel to southern African folk songs. 

  21. Call out racism and prejudice aimed at Black people and other People of Color in your church and community. 

  22. Learn about “colorism” and how it plays out in our society. 

  23. Learn more about the Black UMC caucus, Black Methodists for Church Renewal.

  24. Subscribe to and learn from Black media and the Black press.

  25. Engage in positive, supportive conversations about Black history and culture on social media.

  26. Learn the lyrics to “Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing”.

  27. Read Dr. King’s “Letter from a Birmingham Jail.” The letter can be found here: Letter from Birmingham Jail (csuchico.edu)

  28. Read a biography of an influential Black figure, such as Nelson Mandela, Malcolm X, Shirley Chisolm, Kobe Bryant, Michelle Obama, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Justice Thurgood Marshall, the Rev. Joseph Lowery.

  29. Register and vote.

Rev. Dr. Denyse Barnes, Director of Justice and Compassion Essential Ministry Team

Our call as followers of Jesus has always been to love others, to take care of the stranger in our midst and the alien in our land.  Following the inauguration of a new President and administration this week, a number of executive orders aimed at removing undocumented migrants have been signed and are being put into action.  You can read more about these here.

The immigration strategy group leadership team met this week and will be meeting with the full group next week to further discuss, inform, and strategize.  This is a volatile, fast-moving, and quickly evolving situation, and we will be updating ways in which you can help and respond.  We have a network of churches from our border to LA who work together in keeping people safe, transporting them where they need to go, and sharing resources and information.

One of the things our group is so good at is understanding the intersectionality of all those who are in this situation currently and paying particular attention to those who are afraid for more than one reason because of who they are.  We are also working with CLUE, LA Voice, and the UMC RRT teams to gather information and know ways in which we are able to best respond.

Sanctuary churches are no longer a tool we can employ due to the executive order giving ICE permission to enter schools, religious buildings, and other places traditionally considered ones of sanctuary.  If, however, you are interested in taking part in this work in other ways, some of them are listed below.  Please reach out to Rev. Denyse dbarnes@calpacumc.org if you would like to add your church or missions group to the list of those taking part in this work.

Here are some things you can do right now:

  • Watch the video from the training session we had with Alba Jaramillo from the Immigration Law and Justice Network.

  • Print out and make available these Know your right cards in whatever languages are relevant to your context. Link to know your rights cards.

  • Host a “Know Your Rights” training session at your church or mission area.

  • Host a “Safety Packet” session at your church or mission area.

  • Research and make note of the RRT phone numbers in your area here.

  • Switch to a safe and encrypted messaging app such as Signal.

  • Watch our page for updates.

Additional Reading:

Know Your Rights:

You have constitutional rights:

• DO NOT OPEN THE DOOR if an immigration agent is knocking on the door.

• DO NOT ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS from an immigration agent if they try to talk to you. You have the right to remain silent.

• DO NOT SIGN ANYTHING without first speaking to a lawyer. You have the right to speak with a lawyer.

• If you are outside of your home, ask the agent if you are free to leave and if they say yes, leave calmly.

• GIVE THIS CARD TO THE AGENT. If you are inside of your home, show the card through the window or slide it under the door.

I do not wish to speak with you, answer your questions, or sign or hand you any documents based on my 5th Amendment rights under the United States Constitution.

I do not give you permission to enter my home based on my 4th Amendment rights under the United States Constitution unless you have a warrant to enter, signed by a judge or magistrate with my name on it that you slide under the door.

I do not give you permission to search any of my belongings based on my 4th Amendment rights.

I choose to exercise my constitutional rights.

These cards are available to citizens and noncitizens alike.

As the United States faces potential large-scale immigration policy changes, including the likely mass deportation of thousands of migrants, Global Ministries and UMCOR will prioritize protecting migrants’ rights, reaffirming a longstanding commitment to core humanitarian principles. We will intensify efforts to amplify the voices of migrants and create pathways for integration. Through comprehensive programs spanning global advocacy, church engagement, legal support and practical assistance, Global Ministries and UMCOR will continue to provide hope and support to those most vulnerable in their journey to safety and opportunity.

There are several ways that individuals, pastors and local churches can get involved in ministry with migrants and refugees:

Pray for the protection and well-being of migrants, for bold leadership and for positive action on the part of individuals, churches and communities.    

Volunteer with local organizations in your community. Contact Church World Service, Immigration Law and Justice Network or similar organizations to see how you can assist the affiliate nearest you.

Implement a Mustard Seed Migration Grant project to assist migrants in your own community. Applications for grants of $2,000 will be accepted up to December 13, 2024. Learn more and apply here.

Contact your elected officials to let them know that you welcome migrants. You can sign up for Church World Service Action Alerts to learn how to become involved in advocacy efforts that support migrant rights.

Donate to the Global Migration Advance (#3022144) to support programming that aids migrants and refugees. Give here.

MONETARY DONATIONS: 

We've set up a special fund - the Los Angeles Fires Recovery Fund - where you can contribute directly towards relief and recovery from the effects of the winds and firestorms this week.  www.calpacumc.org/donate 

Check donations payable to the California-Pacific Conference can be mailed to California-Pacific Conference, Los Angeles Fires Recovery Fund, PO Box 6006, Pasadena CA 91102.

If you'd like to include a QR code to donate in your worship bulletins or slides this weekend, you can download that at this link.

TARGET GIFT CARDS

We are collecting gift cards to Target for clothing and other immediate needs items. Please send gift cards of any denomination to the conference office for distribution:
Denyse Barnes
c/o California-Pacific Annual Conference
PO Box 6006
Pasadena, CA 91102-6006

WILDFIRES RESOURCE HUB NEXT WEEK:

Meet with national, state, and local community based organizations collaborating to provide crucial resources and information to those impacted by the 2025 LA Wildfires. 

DISTRICT SUPPORT CONTACTS

If you or your church needs support or would like to offer help, please reach out to a designated contact from your district below for coordination:
WEST: Rev. Allison Mark, communications@faithsouthbay.org
NORTH: Rev. Alex Powell, info@bfumc.net, 818-845-1531
EAST: Dorman Jung, depjung9@gmail.com
CALPAC: Rev. Dr. Denyse Barnes, dbarnes@calpacumc.org

REQUEST OR OFFER HELP

We have created a simple submission form where you can offer donated items, temporary housing, or make requests for support. SUBMIT NOW >>

RESOURCE: PRAYER FOR THE GATHERED COMMUNITY

Rev. Karin Ellis (La Canada UMC) wrote a prayer for use in your services, lifting up our communities who are affected by the LA fires. READ MORE >>

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

As we move towards the next stage in the recovery and support of fire victims across the Los Angeles area (and beyond!) there are a number of opportunities for our churches to engage in assisting those affected as well as helping our Disaster Response team and UMCOR in carrying out their work.

  • Stephen Ministers – we already have a number of folx lined up to help with grief counseling and support and would like to now call for those of you who are qualified Stephen’s ministers to add your names to our list.  In addition to working with the fire victims themselves as we move to helping with sifting, we also need support for those people who are working directly with the victims as they listen to their stories and hold space for them.  This work is emotionally challenging, and they will also need someone to talk to and help them process. Please submit a response form if you are qualified and interested.

  • Fire buckets – We have obtained a warehouse space in Pasadena to store supplies for UMCOR and disaster response.  Now we need to add to the supplies there.  Churches can assemble fire buckets (you can find the details here)

  • Sifters construction – These are tools which can be constructed by church teams – you find the details here.

  • Cleaning Kits – these can help those who were evacuated and now need to clean their homes.  You can find the details for these kits here.

  • Document Retrieval – For those churches which are close by to the fire locations you can offer assistance for folx who have lost everything by hosting a document retrieval service.  If you have space to set up a “clinic” for this purpose and some laptops to assist then here is form which can help you help those who need to restore all of their personal documentation.

ALTADENA UMC:

The congregation of Altadena UMC is requesting gift cards to Target for clothing and other immediate needs items.

1) Altadena UMC GoFundMe Page: Goal of $16,000 ($2.300 raised so far)

2) Altadena UMC's Cash App for Tithes & Offerings: $abundantlife349

Please put in the note “AUMC Disaster Relief”

3) Calpacumc.org/donate

Please send gift cards of any denomination to the conference office for distribution:
Denyse Barnes
c/o California-Pacific Annual Conference
PO Box 6006
Pasadena, CA 91102-6006

Download the Watch Duty app for up-to-date information on existing and new fires.

List of resources for LA wildfire victims

Transportation

Uber: Residents in Los Angeles County who’ve been ordered to vacate their homes can get a credit from Uber to get to an evacuation site. The $40 will only be valid for trips to an active shelter and by using the code WILDFIRE25.

Lyft: Lyft announced it will be offering $25 vouchers, valid for two trips, to 500 customers from now until midnight on Jan. 15. Use the code CAFIRERELIEF25 to get the promotion.

Housing

Airbnb: 211 LA is partnering with Airbnb to offer free temporary housing for people displaced from their homes due to wildfires. More info here.

Queen Mary: The Queen Mary hotel in Long Beach announced that it will be pricing rooms for fire evacuees at $189. The reservation will include a voucher for a breakfast buffet for two people. The reservation will also waive pet and Historical Preservation fees.

Big Bear: The popular retreat spot has also offered evacuees a peaceful place to turn to for rest and regathering. A collection of vacation homes and hotels is listed on this page, which has been created specifically for the needs of fire evacuees.

Visit Anaheim: People affected by the wildfires can visit Visit Anaheim's official website and find special hotel offers and assistance.

Shelters

  • Westwood Recreation Center: 1350 S. Sepulveda, Los Angeles

  • Pasadena Civic Auditorium: 300 E. Green St, Pasadena

  • El Camino Real Charter High School: 5440 Valley Circle Blvd., Woodland Hills

  • Ritchie Valens Recreation Center: 10736 Laurel Canyon Blvd, Pacoima

  • Sepulveda Recreation Center: Address: 8825 Kester Avenue, Panorama City

CALL TO PRAYER: The Whole Earth Is Full Of Your Glory - Mission House - El Dorado

Joys and Concerns: Prayers of the People We believe that the best way to bear our burdens is to share them with one another. You welcome to share your joys and concerns so that our community can hold these things in our hearts as we lift them to God together. 

You are invited to share your prayers in the Facebook Live Chat, or on the YouTube Live chat.

Hebrew Bible Lesson: Jeremiah 1:4-10 NRSV, Jeremiah’s Call and Commission

Now the word of the Lord came to me saying,
‘Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,
and before you were born I consecrated you;
I appointed you a prophet to the nations.’
Then I said, ‘Ah, Lord God! Truly I do not know how to speak, for I am only a boy.’ But the Lord said to me,
‘Do not say, “I am only a boy”;
for you shall go to all to whom I send you,
and you shall speak whatever I command you.
Do not be afraid of them,
for I am with you to deliver you,

says the Lord.’
Then the Lord put out his hand and touched my mouth; and the Lord said to me,
‘Now I have put my words in your mouth.
See, today I appoint you over nations and over kingdoms,
to pluck up and to pull down,
to destroy and to overthrow,
to build and to plant.’

Gospel Lesson: Luke 4:21-30

Then he began to say to them, ‘Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.’ All spoke well of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his mouth. They said, ‘Is not this Joseph’s son?’ He said to them, ‘Doubtless you will quote to me this proverb, “Doctor, cure yourself!” And you will say, “Do here also in your home town the things that we have heard you did at Capernaum.” ’ And he said, ‘Truly I tell you, no prophet is accepted in the prophet’s home town. But the truth is, there were many widows in Israel in the time of Elijah, when the heaven was shut up for three years and six months, and there was a severe famine over all the land; yet Elijah was sent to none of them except to a widow at Zarephath in Sidon. There were also many lepers in Israel in the time of the prophet Elisha, and none of them was cleansed except Naaman the Syrian.’ When they heard this, all in the synagogue were filled with rage. They got up, drove him out of the town, and led him to the brow of the hill on which their town was built, so that they might hurl him off the cliff. But he passed through the midst of them and went on his way.

One: This is the word of God for us, the People of God.
All: Thanks be to God!

Sermon: Be Not Afraid, But Find Comfort in the Face of Fear, Rev. Dr. Mandy McDow

HOLY COMMUNION

Invitation to the Table: As we understand the Body of Christ to be inclusive, we understand God’s table of grace and fellowship can extend into our homes. As you’re able, bring your own elements to this time. Bread, Juice, Coffee, Muffins… the Body of Christ is comprised of wonder and mystery. Today, we celebrate that God can reach us where we are, even if we are not together.

The Great Mystery of our Faith
All: Christ has died
Christ is risen. 
Christ will come again.

The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name, 
thy kingdom come, thy will be done, 
on earth as it is in heaven. 

Give us this day our daily bread. 
And forgive us our trespasses, 
as we forgive those who trespass against us. 

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. 

For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, 
for ever and ever. Amen.

MUSIC DURING COMMUNION: Confidence - Sanctus Real - El Dorado

Benediction Remember:
God is with you,
God is for you, 
God refuses to be God without you. 
And may all of God’s people say: Amen!

Donate

ONLINE ONLY: Order of Worship for January 26, 2025: We Are All Members of the Same Body

Today, Sunday worship will be held online only at 10:00 am PT on YouTube and Facebook. Grab-and-go breakfast will be available at 8 am.

The United Women in Faith meeting has been rescheduled for Sunday, February 2.

Call to Worship - Those of you joining us from home are invited to light a candle to welcome the presence of the Holy Spirit

For What It's Worth - Buffalo Springfield - El Dorado

Welcome - Rev. Dr. Mandy McDow

Passing of the Peace: Through the act of passing the peace of Christ, we offer our sincere desire to love our neighbor.
You are invited to greet one another in the live stream chat on Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook. 

Chapter 12: Job, continued

Rev. Dr. Denyse Barnes, Director of Justice and Compassion Essential Ministry Team

Our call as followers of Jesus has always been to love others, to take care of the stranger in our midst and the alien in our land.  Following the inauguration of a new President and administration this week, a number of executive orders aimed at removing undocumented migrants have been signed and are being put into action.  You can read more about these here.

The immigration strategy group leadership team met this week and will be meeting with the full group next week to further discuss, inform, and strategize.  This is a volatile, fast-moving, and quickly evolving situation, and we will be updating ways in which you can help and respond.  We have a network of churches from our border to LA who work together in keeping people safe, transporting them where they need to go, and sharing resources and information.

One of the things our group is so good at is understanding the intersectionality of all those who are in this situation currently and paying particular attention to those who are afraid for more than one reason because of who they are.  We are also working with CLUE, LA Voice, and the UMC RRT teams to gather information and know ways in which we are able to best respond.

Sanctuary churches are no longer a tool we can employ due to the executive order giving ICE permission to enter schools, religious buildings, and other places traditionally considered ones of sanctuary.  If, however, you are interested in taking part in this work in other ways, some of them are listed below.  Please reach out to Rev. Denyse dbarnes@calpacumc.org if you would like to add your church or missions group to the list of those taking part in this work.

Here are some things you can do right now:

  • Watch the video from the training session we had with Alba Jaramillo from the Immigration Law and Justice Network.

  • Print out and make available these Know your right cards in whatever languages are relevant to your context. Link to know your rights cards.

  • Host a “Know Your Rights” training session at your church or mission area.

  • Host a “Safety Packet” session at your church or mission area.

  • Research and make note of the RRT phone numbers in your area here.

  • Switch to a safe and encrypted messaging app such as Signal.

  • Watch our page for updates.

Additional Reading:

Know Your Rights:

You have constitutional rights:

• DO NOT OPEN THE DOOR if an immigration agent is knocking on the door.

• DO NOT ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS from an immigration agent if they try to talk to you. You have the right to remain silent.

• DO NOT SIGN ANYTHING without first speaking to a lawyer. You have the right to speak with a lawyer.

• If you are outside of your home, ask the agent if you are free to leave and if they say yes, leave calmly.

• GIVE THIS CARD TO THE AGENT. If you are inside of your home, show the card through the window or slide it under the door.

I do not wish to speak with you, answer your questions, or sign or hand you any documents based on my 5th Amendment rights under the United States Constitution.

I do not give you permission to enter my home based on my 4th Amendment rights under the United States Constitution unless you have a warrant to enter, signed by a judge or magistrate with my name on it that you slide under the door.

I do not give you permission to search any of my belongings based on my 4th Amendment rights.

I choose to exercise my constitutional rights.

These cards are available to citizens and noncitizens alike.

As the United States faces potential large-scale immigration policy changes, including the likely mass deportation of thousands of migrants, Global Ministries and UMCOR will prioritize protecting migrants’ rights, reaffirming a longstanding commitment to core humanitarian principles. We will intensify efforts to amplify the voices of migrants and create pathways for integration. Through comprehensive programs spanning global advocacy, church engagement, legal support and practical assistance, Global Ministries and UMCOR will continue to provide hope and support to those most vulnerable in their journey to safety and opportunity.

There are several ways that individuals, pastors and local churches can get involved in ministry with migrants and refugees:

Pray for the protection and well-being of migrants, for bold leadership and for positive action on the part of individuals, churches and communities.    

Volunteer with local organizations in your community. Contact Church World Service, Immigration Law and Justice Network or similar organizations to see how you can assist the affiliate nearest you.

Implement a Mustard Seed Migration Grant project to assist migrants in your own community. Applications for grants of $2,000 will be accepted up to December 13, 2024. Learn more and apply here.

Contact your elected officials to let them know that you welcome migrants. You can sign up for Church World Service Action Alerts to learn how to become involved in advocacy efforts that support migrant rights.

Donate to the Global Migration Advance (#3022144) to support programming that aids migrants and refugees. Give here.

MONETARY DONATIONS: 

We've set up a special fund - the Los Angeles Fires Recovery Fund - where you can contribute directly towards relief and recovery from the effects of the winds and firestorms this week.  www.calpacumc.org/donate 

Check donations payable to the California-Pacific Conference can be mailed to California-Pacific Conference, Los Angeles Fires Recovery Fund, PO Box 6006, Pasadena CA 91102.

If you'd like to include a QR code to donate in your worship bulletins or slides this weekend, you can download that at this link.

TARGET GIFT CARDS

We are collecting gift cards to Target for clothing and other immediate needs items. Please send gift cards of any denomination to the conference office for distribution:
Denyse Barnes
c/o California-Pacific Annual Conference
PO Box 6006
Pasadena, CA 91102-6006

WILDFIRES RESOURCE HUB NEXT WEEK:

Meet with national, state, and local community based organizations collaborating to provide crucial resources and information to those impacted by the 2025 LA Wildfires. 

DISTRICT SUPPORT CONTACTS

If you or your church needs support or would like to offer help, please reach out to a designated contact from your district below for coordination:
WEST: Rev. Allison Mark, communications@faithsouthbay.org
NORTH: Rev. Alex Powell, info@bfumc.net, 818-845-1531
EAST: Dorman Jung, depjung9@gmail.com
CALPAC: Rev. Dr. Denyse Barnes, dbarnes@calpacumc.org

REQUEST OR OFFER HELP

We have created a simple submission form where you can offer donated items, temporary housing, or make requests for support. SUBMIT NOW >>

RESOURCE: PRAYER FOR THE GATHERED COMMUNITY

Rev. Karin Ellis (La Canada UMC) wrote a prayer for use in your services, lifting up our communities who are affected by the LA fires. READ MORE >>

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

As we move towards the next stage in the recovery and support of fire victims across the Los Angeles area (and beyond!) there are a number of opportunities for our churches to engage in assisting those affected as well as helping our Disaster Response team and UMCOR in carrying out their work.

  • Stephen Ministers – we already have a number of folx lined up to help with grief counseling and support and would like to now call for those of you who are qualified Stephen’s ministers to add your names to our list.  In addition to working with the fire victims themselves as we move to helping with sifting, we also need support for those people who are working directly with the victims as they listen to their stories and hold space for them.  This work is emotionally challenging, and they will also need someone to talk to and help them process. Please submit a response form if you are qualified and interested.

  • Fire buckets – We have obtained a warehouse space in Pasadena to store supplies for UMCOR and disaster response.  Now we need to add to the supplies there.  Churches can assemble fire buckets (you can find the details here)

  • Sifters construction – These are tools which can be constructed by church teams – you find the details here.

  • Cleaning Kits – these can help those who were evacuated and now need to clean their homes.  You can find the details for these kits here.

  • Document Retrieval – For those churches which are close by to the fire locations you can offer assistance for folx who have lost everything by hosting a document retrieval service.  If you have space to set up a “clinic” for this purpose and some laptops to assist then here is form which can help you help those who need to restore all of their personal documentation.

ALTADENA UMC:

The congregation of Altadena UMC is requesting gift cards to Target for clothing and other immediate needs items.

1) Altadena UMC GoFundMe Page: Goal of $16,000 ($2.300 raised so far)

2) Altadena UMC's Cash App for Tithes & Offerings: $abundantlife349

Please put in the note “AUMC Disaster Relief”

3) Calpacumc.org/donate

Please send gift cards of any denomination to the conference office for distribution:
Denyse Barnes
c/o California-Pacific Annual Conference
PO Box 6006
Pasadena, CA 91102-6006

Download the Watch Duty app for up-to-date information on existing and new fires.

List of resources for LA wildfire victims

Transportation

Uber: Residents in Los Angeles County who’ve been ordered to vacate their homes can get a credit from Uber to get to an evacuation site. The $40 will only be valid for trips to an active shelter and by using the code WILDFIRE25.

Lyft: Lyft announced it will be offering $25 vouchers, valid for two trips, to 500 customers from now until midnight on Jan. 15. Use the code CAFIRERELIEF25 to get the promotion.

Housing

Airbnb: 211 LA is partnering with Airbnb to offer free temporary housing for people displaced from their homes due to wildfires. More info here.

Queen Mary: The Queen Mary hotel in Long Beach announced that it will be pricing rooms for fire evacuees at $189. The reservation will include a voucher for a breakfast buffet for two people. The reservation will also waive pet and Historical Preservation fees.

Big Bear: The popular retreat spot has also offered evacuees a peaceful place to turn to for rest and regathering. A collection of vacation homes and hotels is listed on this page, which has been created specifically for the needs of fire evacuees.

Visit Anaheim: People affected by the wildfires can visit Visit Anaheim's official website and find special hotel offers and assistance.

Shelters

  • Westwood Recreation Center: 1350 S. Sepulveda, Los Angeles

  • Pasadena Civic Auditorium: 300 E. Green St, Pasadena

  • El Camino Real Charter High School: 5440 Valley Circle Blvd., Woodland Hills

  • Ritchie Valens Recreation Center: 10736 Laurel Canyon Blvd, Pacoima

  • Sepulveda Recreation Center: Address: 8825 Kester Avenue, Panorama City

CALL TO PRAYER: Open Your Eyes - Salman Ahmad with Peter Gabriel - El Dorado

Joys and Concerns: Prayers of the People We believe that the best way to bear our burdens is to share them with one another. You welcome to share your joys and concerns so that our community can hold these things in our hearts as we lift them to God together. 

You are invited to share your prayers in the Facebook Live Chat, or on the YouTube Live chat.

New Testament Lesson: 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a - One Body with Many Members

For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in the one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and we were all made to drink of one Spirit.

Indeed, the body does not consist of one member but of many. If the foot were to say, ‘Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body’, that would not make it any less a part of the body. And if the ear were to say, ‘Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body’, that would not make it any less a part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would the hearing be? If the whole body were hearing, where would the sense of smell be? But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. If all were a single member, where would the body be? As it is, there are many members, yet one body. The eye cannot say to the hand, ‘I have no need of you’, nor again the head to the feet, ‘I have no need of you.’ On the contrary, the members of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and those members of the body that we think less honourable we clothe with greater honour, and our less respectable members are treated with greater respect; whereas our more respectable members do not need this. But God has so arranged the body, giving the greater honour to the inferior member, that there may be no dissension within the body, but the members may have the same care for one another. If one member suffers, all suffer together with it; if one member is honoured, all rejoice together with it.

Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers; then deeds of power, then gifts of healing, forms of assistance, forms of leadership, various kinds of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? Do all possess gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? But strive for the greater gifts. And I will show you a still more excellent way.


One: This is the word of God for us, the People of God.
All: Thanks be to God!

Sermon: We Are All Members of the Same Body, Rev. Dr. Mandy McDow

HOLY COMMUNION

Invitation to the Table: As we understand the Body of Christ to be inclusive, we understand God’s table of grace and fellowship can extend into our homes. As you’re able, bring your own elements to this time.

Bread, Juice, Coffee, Muffins… the Body of Christ is comprised of wonder and mystery. Today, we celebrate that God can reach us where we are, even if we are not together.

The Great Mystery of our Faith
All: Christ has died
Christ is risen. 
Christ will come again.

The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name, 
thy kingdom come, thy will be done, 
on earth as it is in heaven. 

Give us this day our daily bread. 
And forgive us our trespasses, 
as we forgive those who trespass against us. 

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. 

For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, 
for ever and ever. Amen.

MUSIC DURING COMMUNION: What Wondrous Love is This   - El Dorado

Benediction Remember:
God is with you,
God is for you, 
God refuses to be God without you. 
And may all of God’s people say: Amen!

Donate

Order of Worship for January 19, 2025: I Will Not Rest, I Will Not Keep Silent - Jackie Broxton, President & CEO of the Biddy Mason Foundation, Preaching

Call to Worship - Those of you joining us from home are invited to light a candle to welcome the presence of the Holy Spirit

This Joy - Resistance Revival Chorus - El Dorado

Pride (In the Name of Love) - U2 - El Dorado

Welcome - Stephen Folds

Wade In The Water -  Spiritual - El Dorado

Passing of the Peace: Through the act of passing the peace of Christ, we offer our sincere desire to love our neighbor.
You are invited to greet one another in the live stream chat on Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook. 

Chapter 12: Job, continued

As the United States faces potential large-scale immigration policy changes, including the likely mass deportation of thousands of migrants, Global Ministries and UMCOR will prioritize protecting migrants’ rights, reaffirming a longstanding commitment to core humanitarian principles. We will intensify efforts to amplify the voices of migrants and create pathways for integration. Through comprehensive programs spanning global advocacy, church engagement, legal support and practical assistance, Global Ministries and UMCOR will continue to provide hope and support to those most vulnerable in their journey to safety and opportunity.

There are several ways that individuals, pastors and local churches can get involved in ministry with migrants and refugees:

Pray for the protection and well-being of migrants, for bold leadership and for positive action on the part of individuals, churches and communities.    

Volunteer with local organizations in your community. Contact Church World Service, Immigration Law and Justice Network or similar organizations to see how you can assist the affiliate nearest you.

Implement a Mustard Seed Migration Grant project to assist migrants in your own community. Applications for grants of $2,000 will be accepted up to December 13, 2024. Learn more and apply here.

Contact your elected officials to let them know that you welcome migrants. You can sign up for Church World Service Action Alerts to learn how to become involved in advocacy efforts that support migrant rights.

Donate to the Global Migration Advance (#3022144) to support programming that aids migrants and refugees. Give here.

We are relieved to see the news that firefighters have begun containment of all active fires. Today, Bishop Escobedo-Frank and the Cabinet met with affected churches to find out what is needed and to begin to provide resources. We continue to pray for our communities as we begin the long road to relief and recovery. Please see below for updated information on how to help, and a beginning list of resources for those impacted by this week’s disasters.


HOW TO HELP

1. Donate directly to the churches. The funds will be used to help people who lost their homes cover immediate expenses and for the church’s eventual reconstruction.
Community UMC, Pacific Palisades, Ca: http://www.palisadesmethodist.org/giving
Altadena United Methodist Church: https://gofund.me/e633f0dd
First United Methodist Church Pasadena, CA: https://secure.myvanco.com/L-Z48C/campaign/C-15AQA?

2. Donate to the Los Angeles Fire Recovery Fund through the UMC California Pac Conference. These funds will benefit all the Los Angeles communities suffering in the fires. https://www.calpacumc.org/donate

3. Donate to UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief) for its disaster relief for all the California fires. https://umcmission.org/advance-project/901670/

4. Drop off donations of e-gift cards at Collection Sites(Amazon, Target, Home Depot, Grocery, Meal Delivery services, etc.) These will be given to community members who lost their homes and belongings. Faith United Methodist Church - Torrance, CA is a Collection Site for the El Tordondo Mission Area (as we are off 3 freeways) and will make the larger deliveries to the requested sites.

5. Continue to offer your prayers and love and be prepared to find ways to support of friends who will be needing that same care in the days, weeks, and months to come.

ALTADENA UMC:

The congregation of Altadena UMC is requesting gift cards to Target for clothing and other immediate needs items.

1) Altadena UMC GoFundMe Page: Goal of $16,000 ($2.300 raised so far)

2) Altadena UMC's Cash App for Tithes & Offerings: $abundantlife349

Please put in the note “AUMC Disaster Relief”

3) Calpacumc.org/donate

Please send gift cards of any denomination to the conference office for distribution:
Denyse Barnes
c/o California-Pacific Annual Conference
PO Box 6006
Pasadena, CA 91102-6006

MONETARY DONATIONS:

We’ve set up a special fund – the Los Angeles Fires Recovery Fund – where you can contribute directly towards relief and recovery from the effects of the winds and firestorms this week. www.calpacumc.org/donate

Check donations payable to the California-Pacific Conference can be mailed to California-Pacific Conference, Los Angeles Fires Recovery Fund, PO Box 6006, Pasadena CA 91102.

If you’d like to include a QR code to donate in your worship bulletins or slides this weekend, you can download that at this link.

GRIEF COUNSELORS

As our communities process the trauma and loss they’ve experienced this week, we’re hoping to share access to grief counselors in our network. If you or someone you know is qualified to support this need, please reach out to Rev. Dr. Denyse Barnes at dbarnes@calpacumc.org.

LOCAL DONATIONS

If you are local and have items to donate such as masks, please contact Rev. Dr. Denyse Barnes at dbarnes@calpacumc.org to coordinate.

RESOURCES

WESPATH NATURAL DISASTER RESOURCE

Wespath has provided a document that has some helpful information for plan participants and resources applicable to anyone impacted by the wind and fires. DOWNLOAD NOW >>

GRIEF THERAPY

Therapy UnScripted has opened up 100 client slots for victims of the fires. These slots are $39-$50 on a pay-what-you-can basis via telehealth. They have immediate availability and we will offer this service for as long as needed. They are an affirming site and welcome all individuals.

To get started, contact executive director Michael Anthony Nalepa at StrengthBasedTherapy@gmail.com. He will match the person with a therapist who can best fit their needs. Please mention the fires specifically for this discounted rate.

NOTE: Therapy UnScripted will also be launching multiple free online support group — utilizing mindfulness, EMDR and eco-psychotherapy. Stay tuned on these offerings!

SHARE YOUR NEEDS

Please share immediate needs from your communities with your District Superintendent or our Director of Justice and Compassion Essential Ministry, Rev. Dr. Denyse Barnes at dbarnes@calpacumc.org

Download the Watch Duty app for up-to-date information on existing and new fires.

List of resources for LA wildfire victims

Transportation

Uber: Residents in Los Angeles County who’ve been ordered to vacate their homes can get a credit from Uber to get to an evacuation site. The $40 will only be valid for trips to an active shelter and by using the code WILDFIRE25.

Lyft: Lyft announced it will be offering $25 vouchers, valid for two trips, to 500 customers from now until midnight on Jan. 15. Use the code CAFIRERELIEF25 to get the promotion.

Housing

Airbnb: 211 LA is partnering with Airbnb to offer free temporary housing for people displaced from their homes due to wildfires. More info here.

Queen Mary: The Queen Mary hotel in Long Beach announced that it will be pricing rooms for fire evacuees at $189. The reservation will include a voucher for a breakfast buffet for two people. The reservation will also waive pet and Historical Preservation fees.

Big Bear: The popular retreat spot has also offered evacuees a peaceful place to turn to for rest and regathering. A collection of vacation homes and hotels is listed on this page, which has been created specifically for the needs of fire evacuees.

Visit Anaheim: People affected by the wildfires can visit Visit Anaheim's official website and find special hotel offers and assistance.

Shelters

  • Westwood Recreation Center: 1350 S. Sepulveda, Los Angeles

  • Pasadena Civic Auditorium: 300 E. Green St, Pasadena

  • El Camino Real Charter High School: 5440 Valley Circle Blvd., Woodland Hills

  • Ritchie Valens Recreation Center: 10736 Laurel Canyon Blvd, Pacoima

  • Sepulveda Recreation Center: Address: 8825 Kester Avenue, Panorama City

Utilities

AT&T: The telecommunications company announced it is offering wildfire areas unlimited data, talk and text through Feb. 6. Visit their official site for a list of valid zip codes.

Verizon: Verizon announced it will waive call, text and data charges for customers in hardest hit areas. The company also deployed free Wifi and charging stations at three wildfire shelters.

World Vision will be distributing relief supplies at an LA-area church on Friday Jan. 10 at 3 p.m.

The organization is located at Calvary CME Pasadena, 236 West Mountain Ave. in Pasadena.

On Saturday at 9 a.m., World Vision will also distribute relief supplies at Calvary Baptist Church located on 12928 Vaughn St. in San Fernando.

Supplies include food, water, face masks, toys, hygiene kits, bedding and more.

Health

Planet Fitness: The fitness chain is offering evacuees and first responders free access to their facilities, including showers, locker rooms, and WiFi. Offer is valid until Jan. 15 Please contact your nearest Planet Fitness for more information.

Crunch Gym: The gymnasium chain announced it will open 20 locations across Los Angeles for any evacuees or first responders that need to shower, recharge phones or rest.

Ecco Hair Studio: The hair salon in south Pasadena has announced it will offer free hair washesfor people impacted by the wildfires.

Pet care

Bath N’ Buns Mobile Pet Grooming: The locally-owned pet grooming service announced it will offer complimentary bath services for cats and dogs affected by the fires.

Vetster: The veterinary telehealth platform Vetster said it will be offering free telehealth appointments to pets impacted by the fires. Pet owners can visit vetster.com/support to get a free appointment. Offer will be available for up to 500 pet owners until Jan. 23.

Culture

Discovery Cube Los Angeles: The children's museum located at 11800 Foothill Blvd in Sylmar announced it will offer free admission to community members on Jan. 9 and Jan 10.

Petersen Automotive Museum: The museum announced it will be opening to students for free during the school closures. The free admission is valid for all students enrolled in districts impacted by closures including Los Angeles, Burbank, Glendale, Pasadena, Santa Monica and Malibu Unified.

Food

Several restaurants are offering free meals and discounts to first responders in the Los Ángeles area.

Infatuation LA: The popular foodie site has compiled a list of restaurants in the Los Angeles area that are offering shelter or free meals to first responders and evacuees.

Panda Express: The fast food chain announced it is offering free meals to firefighters and other on-duty emergency responders in the impacted areas of LA County through Sunday, Jan. 12. To redeem the offer, first responders and firefighters can simply show their ID to redeem the meal in-store.

The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf: The coffee shop is offering free brewed coffee or tea (hot or iced) to first responders at participating locations in Los Angeles and Ventura counties. The offer is valid through January 10–17 and redeemable by showing their ID in-store.

 Dog Haus: The restaurant will offer one free hot dog to those impacted by the fire at their Pasadena restaurant and free meals to firefighters at their Los Ángeles locations.

Din Tai Fung: The dumplings and noodles restaurant will be offering complimentary takeout meals to firefighters and other on-duty first responders through Jan. 12. To receive the offer, firefighters and first responders must show a professional ID. Offer valid only at their Glendale, Century City, Del Amo and Santa Anita locations.

World Central Kitchen

The non-profit is sponsoring meal distributions for families impacted by wildfires on Friday, Jan. 10. Distribution sites include:

  • 12 p.m.  to 5 p.m. at St. Francis School, 200 Foothill Blvd., La Cañada Flintridge

  • 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at 2234 El Sereno Ave., Altadena

  • 5:30 p.m.  to 10 p.m. at Jack in the Box, 2125 N. Windsor Ave

  • 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Pasadena City College, 1570 E. Colorado Blvd

Insurance Workshops

California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara will host a pair of insurance workshops in Santa Monica and Pasadena over the following weeks to aid people in Los Angeles County in the rebuilding process. Lara will be joined by other CDI personnel for one-on-one consultations. Homeowners in need are encouraged to call 800-927-4357 to reserve an appointment with a consultant.

Government Aid

FEMA: Homeowners affecting the ongoing Palisades, Eaton, Kenneth, or other SoCal wildfires are encouraged to apply for FEMA as soon as possible. Applications be submitted online, through the FEMA app, or by phone call at 800-621-362.

Small Business Administration

Low-interest federal disaster loans are available to SoCal businesses, homeowners, renters, and private non-profit organizations.

  • Businesses can apply for loans of up to $2 million.

  • Homeowners can apply for up to $500,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate. 

  • Homeowners and renters also are eligible for up to $100,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property, including personal vehicles.

Applicants can apply online here, call 800-659-2955, or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.

CALL TO PRAYER: Precious Memories - Spiritual- El Dorado

Joys and Concerns: Prayers of the People We believe that the best way to bear our burdens is to share them with one another. You welcome to share your joys and concerns so that our community can hold these things in our hearts as we lift them to God together. 

You are invited to share your prayers in the Facebook Live Chat, or on the YouTube Live chat.

Hebrew Bible Lesson: isaiah 62:1-5 - The Vindication and Salvation of Zion

For Zion’s sake I will not keep silent,
   and for Jerusalem’s sake I will not rest,
until her vindication shines out like the dawn,
   and her salvation like a burning torch.
The nations shall see your vindication,
   and all the kings your glory;
and you shall be called by a new name
   that the mouth of the Lord will give.
You shall be a crown of beauty in the hand of the Lord,
   and a royal diadem in the hand of your God.
You shall no more be termed Forsaken,
   and your land shall no more be termed Desolate;
but you shall be called My Delight Is in Her,
   and your land Married;
for the Lord delights in you,
   and your land shall be married.
For as a young man marries a young woman,
   so shall your builder marry you,
and as the bridegroom rejoices over the bride,
   so shall your God rejoice over you.
One: This is the word of God for us, the People of God.
All: Thanks be to God!

Sermon: Jackie Broxton, President & CEO, The Biddy Mason Foundation

REAFFIRMING OUR BAPTISMAL COVENANT: UMC Book of Worship

Siblings in Christ:
through the sacrament of baptism
God's Spirit has been poured out upon water,
water poured over and immersing us,
water that flows freely for all who will receive it,
water from the streams of God's saving power and justice,
water that brings hope to all who thirst for righteousness,
water that refreshes life, nurtures growth, and offers new birth.

Today we come to the waters,
to renew our commitments
in each other's presence
to Christ who has raised us,
the Spirit who has birthed us,
and the Creator who is making all things new.

Renunciation of Sin and Profession of Faith

On behalf of the whole Church, I ask you:
Do you renounce the spiritual forces of wickedness,
reject the evil powers of this world,
and repent of your sin?

I do.

Do you accept the freedom and power God gives you
to resist evil, injustice, and oppression
in whatever forms they present themselves?

I do.

Do you confess Jesus Christ as your Savior,
put your whole trust in his grace,
and promise to serve him as your Lord,

in union with the Church which Christ has opened
to people of all ages, nations, and races?

I do.

Will you be living witnesses to the gospel, individually and together, wherever you are, and in all that you do?

We will remain faithful members of Christ's holy church
And serve as Christ's representatives in the world. 

Will you receive and profess the Christian faith as contained in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments?

We affirm and teach the faith of the whole church
as we put our trust
in God, the Father Almighty.
in Jesus Christ, his only Son.
and in the Holy Spirit,
one God now and forever. 

Thanksgiving Over the Water
The Spirit of the Lord is with us.
Even so, come Lord Jesus!
Let us pray.

Almighty God, the life you birthed in us
by baptism into Jesus Christ
will never die.
Your justice never fails.
Your mercy is everlasting.

Come upon us, Holy Spirit!
Come upon these waters.
Let these waters remind us of your righteousness and justice.
Let these waters renew in us the resurrection power of Jesus.
Let these waters make us long for your coming reign.
Glory to you! Almighty God, Jesus Christ, Spirit of fire, Spirit over the waters, Spirit of holiness!
All glory is yours, now and forever. Amen!

Remember that you are baptized, and rejoice!

The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name, 
thy kingdom come, thy will be done, 
on earth as it is in heaven. 

Give us this day our daily bread. 
And forgive us our trespasses, 
as we forgive those who trespass against us. 

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. 

For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, 
for ever and ever. Amen.

MUSIC DURING BAPTISMAL REMEMBRANCE: In Christ Alone  Getty / Townend  - El Dorado

Benediction Remember:
God is with you,
God is for you, 
God refuses to be God without you. 
And may all of God’s people say: Amen!

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ONLINE ONLY: Order of Worship for January 12, 2025: God's Steadfast Love Endures Forever

Call to Worship - Those of you joining us from home are invited to light a candle to welcome the presence of the Holy Spirit

Great Are You Lord - El Dorado

Welcome - Rev. Dr. Mandy McDow

LA Fires Litany and Prayer

Leader: God, our refuge and our strength, our ever-present help in the time of trouble, we pray this day for all who are experiencing loss from the Los Angeles fires.
People: God, you have promised never to leave us or forsake us. We need you now.

L: Today, we mourn with sisters, brothers, and all siblings who have lost:
P: Homes
L: Businesses
P: Possessions
L: Loved Ones
P: Hope

L: We pray for those whose homes have been destroyed.
P: Shelter them.
L: For those whose possessions have been lost.
P: Provide for them.
L: For those whose livelihoods have been disrupted.
P: Sustain them.
L: For those whose next steps are uncertain.
P: Shepherd them.
L: For those who grieve
P: Comfort them.

L: Today, we also pray for the first responders:
P: Give them strength and endurance for the daunting task.
L: We pray for government officials:
P: Give them wisdom, care and resources that people need.
L: We pray for the people as they work to rebuild their lives:
P: Give them hope, clarity and perseverance.
L: We pray for the Church:

P: May our hearts break open with compassion, generosity and swift action.
L: The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on us today
P: To bind up the brokenhearted, to comfort all who mourn
L: To provide for those who grieve in the greater Los Angeles area
P: To bestow on them a reminder of God’s favor instead of ashes
L: The oil of joy instead of mourning
P: And a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair
L: This is the day that will come
P: And we will journey there together
L: And until that day, through the wind and the flames, and through our solidarity and service, may we be reminded of God’s still small voice:
P: That we are Beloved. Amen.

How Great Thou Art - El Dorado

Passing of the Peace: Through the act of passing the peace of Christ, we offer our sincere desire to love our neighbor.
You are invited to greet one another in the live stream chat on Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook. 

Chapter 12: Job, continued

We are relieved to see the news that firefighters have begun containment of all active fires. Today, Bishop Escobedo-Frank and the Cabinet met with affected churches to find out what is needed and to begin to provide resources. We continue to pray for our communities as we begin the long road to relief and recovery. Please see below for updated information on how to help, and a beginning list of resources for those impacted by this week’s disasters.


HOW TO HELP

1. Donate directly to the churches. The funds will be used to help people who lost their homes cover immediate expenses and for the church’s eventual reconstruction.
Community UMC, Pacific Palisades, Ca: http://www.palisadesmethodist.org/giving
Altadena United Methodist Church: https://gofund.me/e633f0dd
First United Methodist Church Pasadena, CA: https://secure.myvanco.com/L-Z48C/campaign/C-15AQA?

2. Donate to the Los Angeles Fire Recovery Fund through the UMC California Pac Conference. These funds will benefit all the Los Angeles communities suffering in the fires. https://www.calpacumc.org/donate

3. Donate to UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief) for its disaster relief for all the California fires. https://umcmission.org/advance-project/901670/

4. Drop off donations of e-gift cards at Collection Sites(Amazon, Target, Home Depot, Grocery, Meal Delivery services, etc.) These will be given to community members who lost their homes and belongings. Faith United Methodist Church - Torrance, CA is a Collection Site for the El Tordondo Mission Area (as we are off 3 freeways) and will make the larger deliveries to the requested sites.

5. Continue to offer your prayers and love and be prepared to find ways to support of friends who will be needing that same care in the days, weeks, and months to come.

ALTADENA UMC:

The congregation of Altadena UMC is requesting gift cards to Target for clothing and other immediate needs items.

1) Altadena UMC GoFundMe Page: Goal of $16,000 ($2.300 raised so far)

2) Altadena UMC's Cash App for Tithes & Offerings: $abundantlife349

Please put in the note “AUMC Disaster Relief”

3) Calpacumc.org/donate

Please send gift cards of any denomination to the conference office for distribution:
Denyse Barnes
c/o California-Pacific Annual Conference
PO Box 6006
Pasadena, CA 91102-6006

MONETARY DONATIONS:

We’ve set up a special fund – the Los Angeles Fires Recovery Fund – where you can contribute directly towards relief and recovery from the effects of the winds and firestorms this week. www.calpacumc.org/donate

Check donations payable to the California-Pacific Conference can be mailed to California-Pacific Conference, Los Angeles Fires Recovery Fund, PO Box 6006, Pasadena CA 91102.

If you’d like to include a QR code to donate in your worship bulletins or slides this weekend, you can download that at this link.

GRIEF COUNSELORS

As our communities process the trauma and loss they’ve experienced this week, we’re hoping to share access to grief counselors in our network. If you or someone you know is qualified to support this need, please reach out to Rev. Dr. Denyse Barnes at dbarnes@calpacumc.org.

LOCAL DONATIONS

If you are local and have items to donate such as masks, please contact Rev. Dr. Denyse Barnes at dbarnes@calpacumc.org to coordinate.

RESOURCES

WESPATH NATURAL DISASTER RESOURCE

Wespath has provided a document that has some helpful information for plan participants and resources applicable to anyone impacted by the wind and fires. DOWNLOAD NOW >>

GRIEF THERAPY

Therapy UnScripted has opened up 100 client slots for victims of the fires. These slots are $39-$50 on a pay-what-you-can basis via telehealth. They have immediate availability and we will offer this service for as long as needed. They are an affirming site and welcome all individuals.

To get started, contact executive director Michael Anthony Nalepa at StrengthBasedTherapy@gmail.com. He will match the person with a therapist who can best fit their needs. Please mention the fires specifically for this discounted rate.

NOTE: Therapy UnScripted will also be launching multiple free online support group — utilizing mindfulness, EMDR and eco-psychotherapy. Stay tuned on these offerings!

SHARE YOUR NEEDS

Please share immediate needs from your communities with your District Superintendent or our Director of Justice and Compassion Essential Ministry, Rev. Dr. Denyse Barnes at dbarnes@calpacumc.org

FEMA will be at the following libraries on Sunday, January 12 and Monday, January 13 from 9 am to 5 pm to help residents impacted by the Los Angeles County wildfires.

Download the Watch Duty app for up-to-date information on existing and new fires.

List of resources for LA wildfire victims

Transportation

Uber: Residents in Los Angeles County who’ve been ordered to vacate their homes can get a credit from Uber to get to an evacuation site. The $40 will only be valid for trips to an active shelter and by using the code WILDFIRE25.

Lyft: Lyft announced it will be offering $25 vouchers, valid for two trips, to 500 customers from now until midnight on Jan. 15. Use the code CAFIRERELIEF25 to get the promotion.

Housing

Airbnb: 211 LA is partnering with Airbnb to offer free temporary housing for people displaced from their homes due to wildfires. More info here.

Queen Mary: The Queen Mary hotel in Long Beach announced that it will be pricing rooms for fire evacuees at $189. The reservation will include a voucher for a breakfast buffet for two people. The reservation will also waive pet and Historical Preservation fees.

Big Bear: The popular retreat spot has also offered evacuees a peaceful place to turn to for rest and regathering. A collection of vacation homes and hotels is listed on this page, which has been created specifically for the needs of fire evacuees.

Visit Anaheim: People affected by the wildfires can visit Visit Anaheim's official website and find special hotel offers and assistance.

Shelters

  • Westwood Recreation Center: 1350 S. Sepulveda, Los Angeles

  • Pasadena Civic Auditorium: 300 E. Green St, Pasadena

  • El Camino Real Charter High School: 5440 Valley Circle Blvd., Woodland Hills

  • Ritchie Valens Recreation Center: 10736 Laurel Canyon Blvd, Pacoima

  • Sepulveda Recreation Center: Address: 8825 Kester Avenue, Panorama City

Utilities

AT&T: The telecommunications company announced it is offering wildfire areas unlimited data, talk and text through Feb. 6. Visit their official site for a list of valid zip codes.

Verizon: Verizon announced it will waive call, text and data charges for customers in hardest hit areas. The company also deployed free Wifi and charging stations at three wildfire shelters.

World Vision will be distributing relief supplies at an LA-area church on Friday Jan. 10 at 3 p.m.

The organization is located at Calvary CME Pasadena, 236 West Mountain Ave. in Pasadena.

On Saturday at 9 a.m., World Vision will also distribute relief supplies at Calvary Baptist Church located on 12928 Vaughn St. in San Fernando.

Supplies include food, water, face masks, toys, hygiene kits, bedding and more.

Health

Planet Fitness: The fitness chain is offering evacuees and first responders free access to their facilities, including showers, locker rooms, and WiFi. Offer is valid until Jan. 15 Please contact your nearest Planet Fitness for more information.

Crunch Gym: The gymnasium chain announced it will open 20 locations across Los Angeles for any evacuees or first responders that need to shower, recharge phones or rest.

Ecco Hair Studio: The hair salon in south Pasadena has announced it will offer free hair washesfor people impacted by the wildfires.

Pet care

Bath N’ Buns Mobile Pet Grooming: The locally-owned pet grooming service announced it will offer complimentary bath services for cats and dogs affected by the fires.

Vetster: The veterinary telehealth platform Vetster said it will be offering free telehealth appointments to pets impacted by the fires. Pet owners can visit vetster.com/support to get a free appointment. Offer will be available for up to 500 pet owners until Jan. 23.

Culture

Discovery Cube Los Angeles: The children's museum located at 11800 Foothill Blvd in Sylmar announced it will offer free admission to community members on Jan. 9 and Jan 10.

Petersen Automotive Museum: The museum announced it will be opening to students for free during the school closures. The free admission is valid for all students enrolled in districts impacted by closures including Los Angeles, Burbank, Glendale, Pasadena, Santa Monica and Malibu Unified.

Food

Several restaurants are offering free meals and discounts to first responders in the Los Ángeles area.

Infatuation LA: The popular foodie site has compiled a list of restaurants in the Los Angeles area that are offering shelter or free meals to first responders and evacuees.

Panda Express: The fast food chain announced it is offering free meals to firefighters and other on-duty emergency responders in the impacted areas of LA County through Sunday, Jan. 12. To redeem the offer, first responders and firefighters can simply show their ID to redeem the meal in-store.

The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf: The coffee shop is offering free brewed coffee or tea (hot or iced) to first responders at participating locations in Los Angeles and Ventura counties. The offer is valid through January 10–17 and redeemable by showing their ID in-store.

 Dog Haus: The restaurant will offer one free hot dog to those impacted by the fire at their Pasadena restaurant and free meals to firefighters at their Los Ángeles locations.

Din Tai Fung: The dumplings and noodles restaurant will be offering complimentary takeout meals to firefighters and other on-duty first responders through Jan. 12. To receive the offer, firefighters and first responders must show a professional ID. Offer valid only at their Glendale, Century City, Del Amo and Santa Anita locations.

World Central Kitchen

The non-profit is sponsoring meal distributions for families impacted by wildfires on Friday, Jan. 10. Distribution sites include:

  • 12 p.m.  to 5 p.m. at St. Francis School, 200 Foothill Blvd., La Cañada Flintridge

  • 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at 2234 El Sereno Ave., Altadena

  • 5:30 p.m.  to 10 p.m. at Jack in the Box, 2125 N. Windsor Ave

  • 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Pasadena City College, 1570 E. Colorado Blvd

Insurance Workshops

California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara will host a pair of insurance workshops in Santa Monica and Pasadena over the following weeks to aid people in Los Angeles County in the rebuilding process. Lara will be joined by other CDI personnel for one-on-one consultations. Homeowners in need are encouraged to call 800-927-4357 to reserve an appointment with a consultant.

Government Aid

FEMA: Homeowners affecting the ongoing Palisades, Eaton, Kenneth, or other SoCal wildfires are encouraged to apply for FEMA as soon as possible. Applications be submitted online, through the FEMA app, or by phone call at 800-621-362.

Small Business Administration

Low-interest federal disaster loans are available to SoCal businesses, homeowners, renters, and private non-profit organizations.

  • Businesses can apply for loans of up to $2 million.

  • Homeowners can apply for up to $500,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate. 

  • Homeowners and renters also are eligible for up to $100,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property, including personal vehicles.

Applicants can apply online here, call 800-659-2955, or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.

CALL TO PRAYER:  How Firm a Foundation - El Dorado

Joys and Concerns: Prayers of the People We believe that the best way to bear our burdens is to share them with one another. You welcome to share your joys and concerns so that our community can hold these things in our hearts as we lift them to God together. 

You are invited to share your prayers in the Facebook Live Chat, or on the YouTube Live chat.

Hebrew Bible Lesson: Lamentations 3:1-33

I am one who has seen affliction
   under the rod of God’s wrath;
2 he has driven and brought me
   into darkness without any light;
3 against me alone he turns his hand,
   again and again, all day long.


4 He has made my flesh and my skin waste away,
   and broken my bones;
5 he has besieged and enveloped me
   with bitterness and tribulation;
6 he has made me sit in darkness
   like the dead of long ago.


7 He has walled me about so that I cannot escape;
   he has put heavy chains on me;
8 though I call and cry for help,
   he shuts out my prayer;
9 he has blocked my ways with hewn stones,
   he has made my paths crooked.


10 He is a bear lying in wait for me,
   a lion in hiding;
11 he led me off my way and tore me to pieces;
   he has made me desolate;
12 he bent his bow and set me
   as a mark for his arrow.


13 He shot into my vitals
   the arrows of his quiver;
14 I have become the laughing-stock of all my people,
   the object of their taunt-songs all day long.
15 He has filled me with bitterness,
   he has glutted me with wormwood.


16 He has made my teeth grind on gravel,
   and made me cower in ashes;
17 my soul is bereft of peace;
   I have forgotten what happiness is;
18 so I say, ‘Gone is my glory,
   and all that I had hoped for from the Lord.’


19 The thought of my affliction and my homelessness
   is wormwood and gall!
20 My soul continually thinks of it
   and is bowed down within me.
21 But this I call to mind,
   and therefore I have hope:


22 The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases,
   his mercies never come to an end;
23 they are new every morning;
   great is your faithfulness.
24 ‘The Lord is my portion,’ says my soul,
   ‘therefore I will hope in him.’


25 The Lord is good to those who wait for him,
   to the soul that seeks him.
26 It is good that one should wait quietly
   for the salvation of the Lord.
27 It is good for one to bear
   the yoke in youth,
28 to sit alone in silence
   when the Lord has imposed it,
29 to put one’s mouth to the dust
   (there may yet be hope),
30 to give one’s cheek to the smiter,
   and be filled with insults.


31 For the Lord will not
   reject for ever.
32 Although he causes grief, he will have compassion
   according to the abundance of his steadfast love;
33 for he does not willingly afflict
   or grieve anyone.

One: This is the word of God for us, the People of God.
All: Thanks be to God!


Sermon: God’s Faithfulness Endures Forever - Rev. Dr. Mandy McDow


HOLY COMMUNION

Invitation to the Table: As we understand the Body of Christ to be inclusive, we understand God’s table of grace and fellowship can extend into our homes. As you’re able, bring your own elements to this time. Bread, Juice, Coffee, Muffins… the Body of Christ is comprised of wonder and mystery. Today, we celebrate that God can reach us where we are, even if we are not together.

The Great Mystery of our Faith
All: Christ has died
Christ is risen. 
Christ will come again.

THE LORD’S PRAYER

And now, with the confidence of the children of God, let us pray:

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. 
Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. 
Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen.


MUSIC DURING OFFERING AND COMMUNION:

They'll Know We Are Chrsitians by Our Love - El Dorado


Benediction Remember:
God is with you,
God is for you, 
God refuses to be God without you. 
And may all of God’s people say: Amen!

Donate