Order of Worship for Palm Sunday, April 5: Passion Narrative Readers' Theater with the music of Jesus Christ Superstar

Interactive Order of Worship

Live Stream Worship: 
Facebook: Los Angeles First United Methodist Church - Home  
Instagram: Los Angeles First UMC (@lafirstumc) 
Twitter: @RevMama
YouTube: Los Angeles First United Methodist Church 

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

As you can, greet one another in the live stream chat on Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook. 

Zoom Fellowship Coffee Hour: Immediately following worship on Zoom

Announcements: 

Jubilee Fund: This fund is designated to helping reduce the burden of debt in our community. As we make our way through the pandemic, the economic pressures are going to be challenging. If you feel led, you can now donate through Venmo!

VENMO: You can find us here: https://venmo.com/LAFirstUMC

Skid Row Community Handwashing Campaign: http://skidrowpower.com/handwashing/ 
How you can help:

• Build a DIY handwashing station and drop it off at LA CAN ( 838 E 6th St, Los Angeles, CA 90021). We will place it in Skid Row where it can best serve residents

• Drop off (or ship) supplies to LA CAN. We need parts to build more DIY handwashing stations, and supplies to keep them working, like liquid soap and paper towels.

• Donate to LACAN to support our handwashing campaign. Follow our social media to see how your donations are making a difference. 

• Report the status of Handwashing Stations so we can update our map. Send us your field reports at handwashing@skidrowpower.com (note the address, the status, and if possible attach a photo or video). 

Zoom Bible Study: LA First UMC Bible Study - Psalm 22 Time: Monday evenings at 6:30 PM PST 
Join Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/598868178 

Praying with the Daily Examen: What is the Examen? 

St. Ignatius of Loyola created the Examen to be a very short prayer that 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.

• Relish the moments that went well and all of the gifts you have today.

• Request that the Spirit lead you through your review of the day.

• Review your day.

• Repent of any mistakes or failures.

• Resolve, in concrete ways, to live tomorrow well.

Holy Week Schedule:

Good Friday Meditation: Noon, April 10. A guided meditation will be live-streamed on our social media channels at noon, and the artwork and deovitions will be available on the website.

Easter Sunrise Service: 6:30 am, April 12: Join us online for a brief service to break the dawn and welcome the good news of Christ’s resurrection!

Easter Worship Service: 10:30 am, April 12: Join us online for a celebration of the triumph of Life over Death, and the joy of the promise that this is true for us, as well.

Easter Virtual Fellowship Brunch, immediately following worship. Bring your own mimosa!

Today: Zoom Fellowship Coffee Hour, Immediately following worship https://zoom.us/j/429889281 

Stay Connected: 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LAFirstUMC/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/lafirstumc
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/LAFirstUMC/ 
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLh1AQKTgxTXSwwXr-J9qvA 
Text Updates: https://slkt.io/5BMn

Joys and Concerns: We believe that the best way to bear our burdens is to share them with one another. You are invited 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, Twitter via Periscope, or on YouTube Live chat.

Palm Sunday
Readers’ Theatre of The Passion
Los Angeles First United Methodist Church
Palm Sunday, 2020

Reader 1: Narrator………………………………….……………………………..Tom Grode  

Reader 2: Narrator………………………………….…………Rosie & Lily Gutierrez

Reader 3: Narrator……………………………….……………………… Myles Cranford

Reader 4: Narrator……………………………………Savannah Southern-Smith

Reader 5: Judas Iscariot…………………………………………………….ALL VOICES, BECAUSE WE ARE ALL JUDAS

Reader 6: Mary Magdalene……………………………….……..……Mandy McDow

Reader 7: Pharisee/Leper………………………………………………..Ashley Woods

Reader 8: Jesus (J.C.)………………………………………………….…..Stephen Folds

Reader 9: Servant Girl/Centurion…..…..............………….......….Iolani Brideau

Reader 10: Simon Peter…………………………………….……………Olusheyi Banjo

Reader 11: Caiaphas…………............……………………...Lauren Korczakowski

Reader 12: Pilate..........……………………………………………………..Ginny Brideau  

Script written, edited, and arranged by Rev. Mandy McDow, 2018. Please do not use without permission of the author. Music written by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, arranged by Stephen Folds, 2018.

Click HERE for the Video of our Worship Service today,
featuring our readers and music performed by El Dorado.

Overture – Jesus Christ Superstar 

 Crucifixion Theme: Heaven On Their Minds – El Dorado 

  --Disciples Gather around Jesus, in a form of worship/church

 Temptation of Judas (Heaven On Their Minds )

  Reader 5: Judas (ALL VOICES)

  Now before the festival of the Passover, Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart from this world
and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. The devil
had already put it into the heart of Judas son of Simon Iscariot to betray him. (John 13:1-2)

 What’s the Buzz – Chorus & Jesus 

  Reader 6:  Mary Magdalene (MANDY MCDOW)

 One of the Pharisees asked Jesus to eat with him, and he went into the Pharisee’s house and took his
place at the table. And a woman in the city, who was a sinner, having learned that he was eating in the
Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster jar of ointment.
She stood behind him at his feet, weeping, and began to bathe his feet with her tears and to dry them
with her hair. Then she continued kissing his feet and anointing them with the ointment. (Luke 7:36-39)

Reader 1: Narrator (TOM GRODE)

 Now when the Pharisee who had invited him saw it, he said to himself,

Reader 7: Pharisee (ASHLEY WOODS) 

If this man were a prophet, he would have known who and what kind of woman this is who is touching him—that she is a sinner. 

Reader 2: Narrator (ROSIE GUTIERREZ)

Then, turning towards the woman, Jesus said to the Pharisee,

Reader 8: Jesus (STEPHEN FOLDS)

Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave me no water for my feet, but she has bathed my feet with her tears and dried them with her hair. You gave me no kiss, but from the time I came in she has not stopped kissing my feet. You did not anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with ointment. Therefore, I tell you, her sins, which were many, have been forgiven; hence she has shown great love. But the one to whom little is forgiven, loves little.

Everything’s Alright – Chorus & Mary Magdalene

Reader 3:  Narrator (MYLES CRANFORD)

When they were approaching Jerusalem, at Bethphage  and Bethany, near the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples and said to them. (Mark 11:1-11)

Reader 8: Jesus (STEPHEN FOLDS)

Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately as you enter it, you will find tied there a colt that has never been ridden; untie it and bring it. If anyone says to you, “Why are you doing this?” just say this, “The Lord needs it and will send it back here immediately.” 

Reader 4: Narrator (SAVANNAH SOUTHERN-SMITH)

They brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks on it; and he sat on it. Many people spread their cloaks on the road, and others spread leafy branches that they had cut in the fields. Then those who went ahead and those who followed were shouting,

CROWD: (ALL VOICES, WAVING PALMS)

Hosanna! Save us! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! 

Hosanna! Save us! Blessed is the coming kingdom of our ancestor David!

Hosanna in the highest heaven!

Hosanna – Chorus & Congregation – waving palms 

Cleansing of the Temple (Heaven On Their Minds )

                  Reader 1: Narrator (TOM GRODE)

Then Jesus entered the temple and drove out all who were selling and buying in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money-changers and the seats of those who sold doves. He said to them:   (Matthew 21:12-19) 

Reader 8: Jesus (STEPHEN FOLDS) 

It is written, “My house shall be called a house of prayer, but you have made it a den of thieves!” 

Reader 2: Narrator (LILY GUTIERREZ)

The blind and the lame came to him in the temple, and he cured them. He left them, went out of the city to Bethany, and spent the night there.

Reader 3: Narrator (MYLES CRANFORD) 

In the morning, when he returned to the city, he was  hungry. And seeing a fig tree by the side of the road, he went to it and found nothing at all on it but leaves. Then he said to it, 

Reader 8: Jesus (STEPHEN FOLDS) 

May no fruit ever come from you again! 

Reader 3: Narrator (MYLES CRANFORD) 

And the fig tree withered at once. 

Reader 4: Narrator (SAVANNAH SOUTHERN-SMITH) 

Once, when he was in one of the cities, there was a man covered with leprosy. When he saw Jesus, he bowed with his face to the ground and begged him:  

(Luke 5:12-16) 

Reader 7: Leper (ASHLEY WOODS) 

Lord, if you choose, you can make me clean. 

Reader 4: Narrator (SAVANNAH SOUTHERN-SMITH) 

Then Jesus stretched out his hand, touched him, and said,

Reader 8: Jesus (STEPHEN FOLDS) 

I do choose. Be made clean.  

Reader 1: Narrator (TOM GRODE) 

Immediately the leprosy left him.  

Reader 2: Narrator (ROSIE GUTIERREZ) 

But now, more than ever, the word about Jesus spread abroad. Many crowds would gather to hear him and to be cured of their diseases. But he would withdraw to deserted places and pray.

Everything’s Alright, reprise – Mary Magdalene & Jesus

I Don’t Know How to Love Him – Mary Magdalene

Reader 3: Narrator (MYLES CRANFORD)

Now before the festival of the Passover, Jesus knew that 

his hour had come to depart from this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. The devil had already put it into the heart of Judas son of Simon Iscariot to betray him. (John 13:1-2)

Reader 4: Narrator (SAVANNAH SOUTHERN-SMITH)

Then one of the twelve, who was called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said,  

Reader 5: Judas (ALL VOICES) 

What will you give me if I betray him to you? 

Reader 4: Narrator (SAVANNAH SOUTHERN-SMITH)

They paid him thirty pieces of silver. And from that moment he began to look for an opportunity to betray him. (Matthew 26: 14-16) 

          Reader 1: Narrator (TOM GRODE)

Then came the day of Unleavened Bread on which the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed. So, Jesus sent Peter and John, saying:

             Reader 8: Jesus (STEPHEN FOLDS)

Go and prepare the Passover meal for us that we may eat it.    

              Reader 2: Narrator (LILY GUTIERREZ)

          So they went and found everything as he had told them, and they prepared the Passover meal.

              Reader 3: Narrator (MYLES CRANFORD)

When the hour came, he took his place at the table, and the apostles with him.

              He said to them,

              Reader 8: Jesus (STEPHEN FOLDS)

I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer; for I tell you, I will not eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God. (Luke 21:15-21)                               

          Reader 3: Narrator (MYLES CRANFORD)

          While they were eating, Jesus took a loaf of bread, and after blessing it he broke it, gave it to his
disciples, and said:

              Reader 8: Jesus (STEPHEN FOLDS)

          Take, eat; this is my body.

Reader 1: Narrator (TOM GRODE)

Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks to God, he gave it to them, saying,

Reader 8: Jesus (STEPHEN FOLDS) PASTOR PREPARES ELEMENTS AT THIS TIME

Drink from it, all of you;

               For this is my blood of the covenant,

               Which is poured out for you, and for many 

                for the forgiveness of sins.

                Do this, as often as you drink it, 

                 in remembrance of me.

The Last Supper – Jesus and Disciples (Congregation)

[You are invited to partake of the elements you have at home during the song]

                  Reader 2: Narrator (ROSIE GUTIERREZ)

              When they had sung the hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. Jesus said to them.

 Reader 8: Jesus (STEPHEN FOLDS)

You will all become deserters; for it is written, ‘I will strike the shepherd,
and the sheep will be scattered.

                  Reader 3: Narrator (MYLES CRANFORD)

             Peter said to him,

                  Reader 10: Peter (OLUSHEYI BANJO)

             Even though all become deserters, I will not.

             Reader 8: Jesus (STEPHEN FOLDS)

             Truly I tell you, this day, this very night, before the cock crows twice,
you will deny me three times.

                  Reader 10: Peter (OLUSHEYI BANJO)

                  Even though I must die with you, I will not deny you.

                  Reader 4: Narrator (SAVANNAH SOUTHERN-SMITH)

             And all of them said the same.

                  Reader 1: Narrator (TOM GRODE)

             They went to a place called Gethsemane; and he said to his disciples,

                  Reader 8: Jesus (STEPHEN FOLDS)

             Sit here while I pray.

                  Reader 2: Narrator (LILY GUTIERREZ)

             He took with him Peter and James and John,

                  and began to be distressed and agitated.

                  and he said to them,                                                                              

                  Reader 8: Jesus (STEPHEN FOLDS)

             I am deeply grieved, even to death; remain here, and keep awake.

                  Reader 3: Narrator (MYLES CRANFORD)

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,

                  Reader 8: Jesus (STEPHEN FOLDS)

             Abba, Father, for you all things are possible;

                  remove this cup from me; yet, not what I want, 

                  but what you want.

                  Reader 4: Narrator (SAVANNAH SOUTHERN-SMITH)

Three times he returned and found his disciples  sleeping. Finally, he said to them,

                  Reader 8: Jesus (STEPHEN FOLDS)

             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.

             Reader 1: Narrator (TOM GRODE)

             Immediately, while he was still speaking, Judas, one of the twelve, arrived;
And with him there was a crowd with swords and clubs,  from the chief priests,
the scribes and the elders.
Now, the betrayer had given them a sign, saying,

                  Reader 5: Judas (ALL VOICES)

             The one I will kiss is the man; Arrest him and lead him away under guard.

                  Reader 2: Narrator (ROSIE GUTIERREZ)

             So when he came, Judas went up to him at once and said,

                  Reader 5: Judas (ALL VOICES)

             Rabbi!

                  Reader 3: Narrator (MYLES CRANFORD)

             And Judas kissed him.

                  Reader 4: Narrator (SAVANNAH SOUTHERN-SMITH)

                  Then the soldiers laid hands on Jesus and arrested him.

                  Reader 1: Narrator (TOM GRODE)

                  But Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it, struck the 

                  high priest’s servant, and cut off his right ear. The 

                  servant’s name was Malchus.

What’s the Buzz, reprise – Jesus and Disciples (Congregation)

                  Reader 8: Jesus  (STEPHEN FOLDS)

                  Peter, put your sword back into its sheath. Am I not to 

                  drink the cup that the Father has given me? (John 18:10) 

Reader 2: Narrator (LILY GUTIERREZ)

They took Jesus to the high priest; and all the chief priests, the elders and the scribes were
assembled.

                  Reader 3: Narrator   (MYLES CRANFORD)

Peter had followed him at a distance, right into the  courtyard of the high priest; and he was sitting with the guards, warming himself at the fire.       

                  Reader 4: Narrator (SAVANNAH SOUTHERN-SMITH)

             Now the chief priests and the whole council were 

                  looking for testimony against Jesus to put him to death;  

                  but they found none. For many gave false testimony against him,

and their testimony did not agree. Then the high priest, Caiaphas, stood up before them and 

asked Jesus,

                  Reader 11: Caiaphas  (LAUREN KORCZAKOWSKI)

             Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One? (Mark 14:61)

                  Reader 8: Jesus (STEPHEN FOLDS)

  I have spoken openly to the world; I have always taught in synagogues and in the temple.
I have said nothing in secret. Why do you ask me? Ask those who heard what I said to them;
they know what I said. (John 18:20) 

                  Reader 1: Narrator (TOM GRODE)

             Then the high priest tore his clothes and said:

                  Reader 11: Caiaphas (LAUREN KORCZAKOWSKI)

Why do we still need witnesses? You have heard his blasphemy! What is your decision?

                  Reader 2: Narrator (ROSIE GUTIERREZ)

                  All of them condemned him as deserving death.

While Peter was below in the courtyard, one of the  servant-girls of the high priest came by.

                  When she saw Peter warming himself, she stared at him and said,

                  Reader 7: Servant Girl (IOLANI BRIDEAU)

             You also were with Jesus, the man from Nazareth.

                  Reader 3: Narrator (MYLES CRANFORD)

             But he denied it saying, 

                  Peter: (OLUSHEYI BANJO)

              I do not know what you are talking about.

                 Reader 4: Narrator (SAVANNAH SOUTHERN-SMITH)

             Then the cock crowed.  And the servant-girl, on seeing him again, began to say to the bystanders:                                                                           

                  Reader 7: Servant Girl (IOLANI BRIDEAU)

             This man is one of them!

             Reader 1: Narrator (TOM GRODE) 

             But again he denied it.  One of the slaves of the high priest, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had
cut off, asked, (John 18:28)

                  Reader 7: Servant Girl  (IOLANI BRIDEAU)

             Did I not see you in the garden with him?

                  Reader 2: Narrator (LILY GUTIERREZ)

             But he began to curse, and he swore an oath,

                  Peter: (OLUSHEYI BANJO)

              I do not know this man you are talking about!

                  Reader 3: Narrator (MYLES CRANFORD)

                  At that moment the cock crowed for the second time. Then Peter remembered
that Jesus had said to him,

                  Reader 8: Jesus (STEPHEN FOLDS) 

Before the cock crows twice, you will deny me three times.

                  Reader 4: Narrator (SAVANNAH SOUTHERN-SMITH)

             And he broke down and wept.

                  Reader 1: Narrator (TOM GRODE)

                  When Judas, his betrayer, saw that Jesus was 

                  condemned, he repented and brought back the 30 

                  pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders. He said:

                  Reader 5: Judas (ALL VOICES)

                  I have sinned by betraying innocent blood!

I Don’t Know How to Love Him, reprise – Judas/Peter/Mary & Congregation

                  Reader 2: Narrator (ROSE GUTIERREZ)

                  Throwing down the pieces of silver in the temple, he departed; and he went and hanged himself. 
(Matthew 27:3-5)

Judas’ Requiem                                                                   

                  Reader 3: Narrator (MYLES CRANFORD) 

             As soon as it was morning, the chief priests held a consultation with the elders and scribes and the
whole council. They bound Jesus, led him away and handed him over to Pilate. Pilate asked him,

                  Reader 12: Pilate (GINNY BRIDEAU)

             Are you the King of the Jews?

               Reader 8: Jesus (STEPHEN FOLDS) 

             You say that I am. For this, I was born and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth.
Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice.

                  Reader 4: Narrator (SAVANNAH SOUTHERN-SMITH) 

             Pilate asked him: 

  Reader 12: Pilate (GINNY BRIDEAU)

                  What is truth?

  Reader 1: Narrator (TOM GRODE)

             Now at the festival, Pilate used to release a prisoner for them, anyone for whom they asked.

              Reader 2: Narrator (LILY GUTIERREZ)

Now a man called Barabbas was in prison with the rebels who had committed murder during the insurrection. So, the crown came and began to ask Pilate to do for them according to his custom.

              Then he answered them,

                Reader 12: Pilate (GINNY BRIDEAU)

            Do you want me to release for you the King of the Jews?

                 Reader 3: Narrator (MYLES CRANFORD)

            But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to have him release Barabbas for them instead.
Pilate spoke to them again,

                  Reader 12: Pilate (GINNY BRIDEAU)

             Then what do you wish me to do with the man you call the King of the Jews?

                ALL except Pilate:

              Crucify him!

                Reader 12: Pilate (GINNY BRIDEAU)

              Why, what evil has he done?

                  All except Pilate:

              Crucify him!

                  Reader 4: Narrator (SAVANNAH SOUTHERN-SMITH)

              So Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd, released Barabbas for them; and after flogging Jesus, he                          
handed him over to be crucified.

Reader 12: Pilate (GINNY BRIDEAU) - video

[Counting, slowly to 40]

Heaven on My Mind plays with increasing crescendo while Pilate is counting

              Reader 12: Pilate (GINNY BRIDEAU) 

              I am innocent of this man’s blood; see to it yourselves.

  Reader 1: Narrator (TOM GRODE)

  So Pilate released Barabbas for them; and after flogging Jesus, he handed him over to be crucified. 

Reader 2: Narrator (LILY GUTIERREZ)

Then the soldiers led him into the courtyard of the  palace 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.

                 ALL:

             Hail King of the Jews!

                  (Cross brought down center aisle.)

              Reader 3: Narrator (MYLES CRANFORD)

              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.

                  Reader 4: Narrator (SAVANNAH SOUTHERN-SMITH)

             They brought Jesus to the place called Golgotha, which means the place of a skull.

                  And they offered him wine mixed with myrrh but he did not take it.

                  Reader 1: Narrator (TOM GRODE)

             And they crucified him, and divided his clothes among them,
casting lots to decide what each should take.

                  Reader 2: Narrator  (ROSIE GUTIERREZ)

             It was nine o’clock in the morning when they crucified him.

                  (NINE CHIMES)

             Reader 3: Narrator (MYLES CRANFORD)

                  The inscription of the charge against him read,

                  “The King of the Jews.”

                  Reader 4: Narrator (SAVANNAH SOUTHERN-SMITH)

                  When it was about noon, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon.

                  Then Jesus, crying with a loud voice said,

                  Reader 8: Jesus (STEPHEN FOLDS)

              My God, My God! Why have you forsaken me?  

                  Reader 1: Narrator (TOM GRODE)

              Then Jesus gave a loud cry and breathed his last.

SILENCE

             Reader 2: Narrator (LILY GUTIERREZ)

                  And the curtain in the temple was torn in two, 

                  from top to bottom.

                  Reader 3: Narrator (MYLES CRANFORD)

When the centurion saw that in this way he breathed his last, he said, 

                  Reader 9: Centurion (IOLANI BRIDEAU)      

                  Truly, this man was the Son of God!

             Reader 4: Narrator (SAVANNAH SOUTHERN-SMITH)

              When it was evening there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who was a secret
disciple of Jesus. He went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus;
and Pilate ordered it to be given to him. 

                  Reader 3: (MYLES CRANFORD)

                  So Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a clean linen cloth and laid it in his own new tomb
which he had hewn in the rock. He then rolled a great stone to the door of the tomb and went away. 

              Reader 6: Mary (MANDY MCDOW)

              Mary Magdalene and Mary, the mother of Joses were there, sitting opposite the tomb.
They took the body of Jesus and wrapped it with spices in linen cloths. (Mark 18:47)

                  Reader 1: Narrator (TOM GRODE)

   And so they laid Jesus there, and then rolled a greatsStone across the door of the tomb.

Jesus Christ Superstar – Judas and Congregation

Order of Worship for Sunday, March 29: Is Resurrection Possible?

March 29, 2020  “Is Resurrection Possible?”

Interactive Order of Worship
Live Stream Worship: 
Facebook: Los Angeles First United Methodist Church - Home  
Instagram: Los Angeles First UMC (@lafirstumc) 
YouTube: Los Angeles First United Methodist Church 

Call to Worship: Elemental - El Dorado (Roland Orzabal & Alan Griffiths) 

This race is already run
Get off your horse, get on this train
"Welcome to the real world"
I said "Welcome to the real world"
Are we rushing like the wind?
Naked out and naked in
"Welcome to the free world"
I said " Welcome to the me world"
Are we rushing like the wind?

Put your loving arms around
Did you lose your faith in God, no?
Does your conscience always get you down?
Fall to pieces, rough and tumble
Does your conscience always get you down?

[chorus]
These days it's all in the mind
It's elemental
Don't say you’re up when you’re down
It's elemental

Put your loving arms around
This your new year's resolution
Put your loving arms around
Nothing doing resolution
Put your loving arms around

Take another leap in the dark
With a humble heart
Do yourself some good
What did you become?
Patience, be sure
Baby, baby

[chorus]
These days it's all in the mind
It's elemental
Don't say you’re up when you’re down
It's elemental

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

As you can, greet one another in the live stream chat on Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook. 

Zoom Fellowship Coffee Hour: Immediately following worship on Zoom

Announcements: 

Jubilee Fund: This fund is designated to helping reduce the burden of debt in our community. As we make our way through the pandemic, the economic pressures are going to be challenging. If you feel led, you can now donate through Venmo!

VENMO: You can find us here: https://venmo.com/LAFirstUMC

Skid Row Community Handwashing Campaign: http://skidrowpower.com/handwashing/ 
How you can help:

• Build a DIY handwashing station and drop it off at LA CAN ( 838 E 6th St, Los Angeles, CA 90021). We will place it in Skid Row where it can best serve residents

• Drop off (or ship) supplies to LA CAN. We need parts to build more DIY handwashing stations, and supplies to keep them working, like liquid soap and paper towels.

• Donate to LACAN to support our handwashing campaign. Follow our social media to see how your donations are making a difference. 

• Report the status of Handwashing Stations so we can update our map. Send us your field reports at handwashing@skidrowpower.com (note the address, the status, and if possible attach a photo or video). 

Zoom Bible Study: LA First UMC Bible Study - Psalm 139 
Time: Monday evenings at 6:30 PM PST 
Join Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/598868178 

Praying with the Daily Examen: What is the Examen? 

St. Ignatius of Loyola created the Examen to be a very short prayer that 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.

• Relish the moments that went well and all of the gifts you have today.

• Request that the Spirit lead you through your review of the day.

• Review your day.

• Repent of any mistakes or failures.

• Resolve, in concrete ways, to live tomorrow well.

Zoom Fellowship Coffee Hour: Immediately following worship https://zoom.us/j/429889281 

Stay Connected: 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LAFirstUMC/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/lafirstumc
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/LAFirstUMC/ 
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLh1AQKTgxTXSwwXr-J9qvA 
Text Updates: https://slkt.io/5BMn 

CALL TO PRAYER How the City Sings - El Dorado (Sam Carter)

As the morning mumbles
As the sleepers rise
As the main road rumbles
As I rub my eyes

[Chorus]
I can hear the city sing
How the city sings
I can hear the city sing
a million hymns

As the office closes
and the streetlights spark
As the foxes scurry
Out into the dark

[Chorus]
I can hear the city sing
How the city sings
I can hear the city sing
a million hymns

[Chorus 2]
When we sing can you hear
pure delight pure delight
When we sing can you feel
joy that nothing can conceal

When we sing can you hear
pure delight pure delight
When we sing can you feel
joy that nothing can conceal

When my troubles chew me
and worry at my bones
May a melody renew me
A rhythm walk me home

[Chorus]
I can hear the city sing
How the city sings...
I can hear the city sing
a million hymns

[Chorus 2]
When we sing can you hear
pure delight pure delight
When we sing can you feel
joy that nothing can conceal

Joys and Concerns: We believe that the best way to bear our burdens is to share them with one another. You are invited 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. https://www.lafirstumc.org/worship-without-walls

Psalm 130: A Reading by Members of LA First UMC 

Come Thou Fount: Come Thou Fount - El Dorado (Robert Robinson)

Come Thou fount of every blessing
Tune my heart to sing Thy grace
Streams of mercy, never ceasing
Call for songs of loudest praise

Teach me some melodious sonnet
Sung by flaming tongues above
Praise the mount, I'm fixed upon it
Mount of Thy redeeming love

Here I raise my Ebenezer
Hither by Thy help I've come
And I hope, by Thy good pleasure
Safely to arrive at home

Jesus sought me when a stranger
Wandering from the fold of God
He, to rescue me from danger
Interposed His precious blood

Oh, to grace how great a debtor
Daily I'm constrained to be
Let that goodness like a fetter
Bind my wandering heart to Thee

Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it
Prone to leave the God I love
Here's my heart, Lord, take and seal it
Seal it for Thy courts above

GOSPEL READING: John 11:1-45 

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

SERMON: Is Resurrection Possible?
Rev. Mandy Sloan McDow

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.

Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus/ Time After Time: So Sweet to Trust - El Dorado (William J. Kirkpatrick & Louisa M. R. Stead) 

Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus
And to take him at his word
Just to rest upon his promise
And to know, "Thus saith the Lord."

[chorus]
Jesus, Jesus, how I trust him!
How I've proved him o'er and o'er!
Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus!
O for grace to trust him more

Time After Time
Lying in my bed, I hear the clock tick and think of you
Caught up in circles, confusion is nothing new
Flashback, warm nights almost left behind
Suitcases of memories, time after…

Sometimes you picture me, I'm walking too far ahead
You're calling to me, I can't hear what you've said
Then you say, Go slow. I fall behind
The second hand  unwinds

[chorus]
If you're lost, you can look and you will find me
Time after time       
If you fall, I will catch you, I will be waiting
Time after time

After my picture fades and darkness has turned to gray
Watching through windows, you're wondering if I'm OK
Secrets stolen from deep inside
The drum beats out of time

[chorus]
If you're lost, you can look and you will find me
Time after time    
If you fall, I will catch you, I will be waiting
Time after time

[chorus]
Jesus, Jesus, how I trust him
How I've proved him o'er and o'er
Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus
O for grace to trust him more!

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. 

Virtual Coffee Hour Begins now! Join us here: https://zoom.us/j/429889281 

Order of Worship for Sunday, March 22: Link to LiveStream

March 22, 2020 “One Thing I Do Know”
LiveStream Recording is Available HERE

Kyrie: Performed by El Dorado  https://youtu.be/h_6hF1YUxug 

The wind blows hard against this mountainside
Across the sea into my soul
It reaches into where I cannot hide
Setting my feet upon the road

My heart is old, it holds my memories
My body burns a gem-like flame
Somewhere between the soul and soft machine
Is where I find myself again

[Chorus]

Kyrie Eleison, down the road that I must travel
Kyrie Eleison, through the darkness of the night
Kyrie Eleison, where I'm going, will you follow?
Kyrie Eleison, on a highway in the light

When I was young I thought of growing old
Of what my life would mean to me
Would I have followed down my chosen road
Or only wished what I could be?

[Chorus]

Kyrie Eleison, down the road that I must travel
Kyrie Eleison, through the darkness of the night
Kyrie Eleison, where I'm going, will you follow?
Kyrie Eleison, on a highway in the light

Announcements: 

Jubilee Fund: This fund is designated to helping reduce the burden of debt in our community. As we make our way through the pandemic, the economic pressures are going to be challenging. If you feel led, you can now donate through Venmo!
https://venmo.com/LAFirstUMC

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LAFirstUMC/ 
Twitter: https://twitter.com/lafirstumc 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/LAFirstUMC/ 
Slick Text: Text LAFIRSTUMC to 31996

Zoom Bible Study: Monday nights at 6:30 pm PST
Monday, March 23: Psalm 130
Join Zoom Meeting here: 
https://zoom.us/j/627331218?pwd=S3ArNlFiUFF3RTIvNWRDNW1KL29wUT09

CALL TO PRAYER: Open Your Eyes 
performed by El Dorado https://youtu.be/VmRcwaEwex4 

Open your eyes open your heart
Open your eyes open your heart
Open your heart open your eyes

Open your heart open your eyes
Open your heart open your eyes
Na na na na na

Psalm 23: A Reading by Members of LA First UMC
https://youtu.be/rWzA2cx2gT8

Blessed Assurance performed by El Dorado https://youtu.be/_lJ2dYdjh34 

Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine
O, what a foretaste of glory divine
Heir of salvation, purchase of God
Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood

[Chorus]
This is my story, this is my song
Praising my Savior, all the day long
This is my story, this is my song
Praising my Savior all the day long

Perfect submission, perfect delight
Visions of rapture now burst on my sight
Angels descending, bring from above
Echoes of mercy, whispers of love

[Chorus]
This is my story, this is my song
Praising my Savior, all the day long
This is my story, this is my song
Praising my Savior all the day long

Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine
O, what a foretaste of glory divine
Heir if salvation, I've been purchased of God
Born of His Spirit, washed in his blood

GOSPEL READING: John 9:1-41 

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

SERMON: One Thing I Do Know, Rev. Mandy Sloan McDow

"One thing I do know: that though I was blind, now I see."

This is, perhaps, the simplest confession in all of the Gospels. In an era wracked with uncertainty, mistrust, and unwieldy imbalances of power, this simple statement boils down to a few words that can be certain: I was blind, but now I see.

If you're like me, you will hear the strains of "Amazing Grace" crooning in the deep corners of your mind in the warbly voices of the octogenarian choir who bears responsibility for teaching this hymn to you. "I once was lost, but now I'm found; 'twas blind, but now, I see" is a lyric that offers comfort in the most difficult of times, and its source is the complex and heavy story of a man born blind.

Listeners to a story often find themselves in the characters. And often, we identify with the protagonist, but more frequently (and with less eagerness) we identify with the antagonist. I fear that is the case for me, as I listen to the Pharisees' response to the man's healing.

How often have I been the one to doubt the mysterious, life-changing love of God, revealed in the unlikeliness of a story I hear? The anecdotes of tumors gone missing, MRI scans revealing no trace, symptoms vanishing, are all simply invitations to identify the human error that must have been involved in the original diagnosis. After all, if some people can experience mysterious healing - even to the extent of being revived after death - then, why can this not happen for everyone? My limited imagination demands that there should be justice in the mystery and equity in the remarkable.

So, my first question is the same as the Pharisees’: why this guy? What did he do to deserve to have his sight restored? Was he a sinner, redeemed? Did his parents - the potential sinful cause of his ailment - repent? How did this happen? And, why him?

Thankfully, Jesus offers an answer to that question: His disciples ask him, "Rabbi, who sinned? This man, or his parents, that he was born blind?"

As foolish as this question seems, I suppose that the core of it is universal: what is the source of this man's disability? It is deeply human, after all, to want a logical reason to understand something that seems random and arbitrary. This question is rooted in survival; if we can understand why a problem has arisen in one situation, then perhaps we can avoid the same pitfalls with our own path, right? (Right?!)

Wrong.

Jesus's answer, however direct, doesn't explain the initial source of the problem. This man's blindness had nothing to do with sinfulness. And the consequences of sinfulness are not always neatly correlated with our suffering. And knowing that I won't have to painfully pay for every sin is a relief. But the flip side of that coin troubles me.

Life would be so much easier if our suffering could be predicted, and thus, cautiously avoided. In truth, humanity's success as a species is predicated on the survival of the fittest, and the rest of us unfit people have subsequently developed excellent coping mechanisms to preserve our health and vitality through a variety of safety precautions. We wear seatbelts, helmets, and work gloves. We understand the value of medical science and the wisdom of vaccines. We look both ways before crossing the street, come to full and complete stops, and always use our turn signals.

Except, of course, we don't.

The randomness of suffering can sometimes be explained by human error, mechanical malfunction, long-time habits, or just sheer stupidity. Our very nature compels us to understand what went wrong so that we can continue to preserve life as we know it.

But any attempt we make to explain away suffering, disability, or death will only lead us down a dark path of unsatisfactory answers. The impulse to shout "Why me?!" in the face of unjust distributions of suffering is universal. The deafeningly silent response from the cosmos, "Why not you," is, too.

Jesus's answer to the disciples about this man's blindness is simple: "Neither this man, nor his parents sinned; he was born blind so that God's works might be revealed in him."

Jesus's reply points to a long-standing bias which human history has maintained: that disability is equivalent to deficiency. There's no doubt that disability makes life more challenging, but only because our cultures have developed out of consideration and preference for able-bodied people. The man born blind in this story is a beggar because society around him is not equipped with ways to enable him to be valued as anything more than a worthless, blind man. And, obviously, a probable sinner to boot.

This has more to do with the deficiency in society than it does with the deficiency in his sight.

For me, the most compelling characters in the story are not the very earnest protagonist, or they very grouchy antagonists; it's not the disciples, and it's not even Jesus. It's the people who respond to the man after he has been healed - the community that is forced to cope with his radical change.

His neighbors, who first see him after he washes the mud off his eyes in the pool called Siloam debate among themselves if this able-bodied, fully-seeing person is the same man who used to sit at the gates and beg. He keeps saying, "I am the man," but they press him to explain how he was blind, but now can see.

His answer is direct and unimpressive. The verdict of his community? Unsatisfactory! So, his neighbors bring him to the experts, the Pharisees. Because this is the Sabbath day, the Pharisees quickly become less interested in the pharmaceutical ramifications of dirt and water and far more interested in their particular area of expertise: the law. If they can't explain how the laws of genetics could be bent, they would certainly figure out how the laws of their belief system are being violated.

But, gaining no traction with this conversational redirection, the Pharisees decide to ask the man's parents what happened. Perhaps they know something that the Pharisees do not - perhaps a pledge made to a sorcerer expired? Maybe some spell had been broken? True love's kiss?

The man's parents have nothing of help to say, and fearing for their own persecution, they remind the Pharisees that their son is an adult, who is fully able to speak for himself.

As the Pharisees return to the man to ask him once again about his mysterious healing, we notice something troubling in the text. Time and again, this man's identity is consistent: The Man Born Blind. His identity is sealed as one who is never more than his disability, even after he has been healed. Only one time does the author of John's Gospel refer to him as "The Man Who Had Formerly Been Blind." All other references to his identity are as "the man born blind" or "the blind man."

And because this man has no given formal name in the text, we are left with his identity-first description in its stead. This is the sin of ableism: that the man's transformation of one who was blind to one who can see doesn't shift how the rest of society views him. They reduce him to what he was: a blind beggar. His identity, once these details of his personhood are no longer accurate, doesn't shift in the eyes of his neighbors or the authorities.

The only character in this story who never refers to the man in terms of his disability is Jesus. Let's let that sink in for a minute.

It's not that Jesus disregards this man's personhood: Jesus sees the man, blind from birth, in verse 1. His disciples begin their line of questioning, and Jesus's response is to say, "This man was born blind so that God's works might be revealed in him." Immediately, Jesus re-creates creation in his healing actions.

In the beginning, this man was formless and void, and darkness covered the face of the deep. As Jesus approached him, a wind from God swept over the face of the waters and he spat into the earth. God said, "Let there be light;" and Jesus echoed, "As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world." And the saliva mixed with the dry land, and God saw that it was good. The comingling of waters and dirt returned the elements to their primordial substance, which was filled with the power of miracles and potential. Jesus took the mud, spread it on the man's eyes, and said, "Go, wash in the pool of Siloam." The man washed and came back able to see; and God saw that the light was good.

This man was a new creation. His community was not.

If we simply take this as a miraculous healing story and nothing more, then two things will happen. Our faith in God will be deeply frustrated, and we will have missed the true miracle: God wants to recreate us!

The man himself says, "Never since the world began has it been heard that anyone opened the eyes of a person born blind" (v. 32). Miracles are wily and unpredictable, just like suffering and death. If we read this parable as a prescription for sufficient faith to heal all ailments, then we will transform this miracle of God's new creation into a condemnation of God's lack of response to our own prayers. I refuse to believe that this parable was recorded only to provide fodder for the insult as to why we aren't receiving the same blessing.

Rather, the blind being made to see isn't just about the man's experience of healing, but about the community's response to his identity in the process. Out of his healing, he receives faith, sight, and hope. Out of his healing, the community pushes back with doubt, blindness, and anger.

There are two miracles happening in this text: one that destroys faith through the vehicle of a remote God who doesn't care to relieve our suffering and another that recreates us when we allow God to help us see past our own privilege and presumption.

God's invitation to us, friends, is to understand with reborn eyes, how we could respond to the identities of those around us. To quote my very favorite modern-day philosopher, John Mulaney: "People change." If we refuse to acknowledge the changes people have made in their lives to mature, develop, and grow, then we reduce them to our diminished perspective of their humanity. If we insist on seeing people through our own tinted lenses of ability and bias, then we will never truly know how much our own sinfulness in blinding us.

We become just like the Pharisees, who overhear Jesus's conversation after they have driven the man out, "I have come into the world for judgment so that those who do not see may see, and those who do see may become blind." "Surely, we are not blind, are we?" The Pharisees muse demurely, clutching their proverbial pearls.

Jesus's response to them upends our perception of ability and disability, sinfulness and righteousness. He retorts, "If you were blind, you would not have sin. But now that you say, 'We see,' your sin remains."

It's so simple. Those who can see are blind. Those who are blind can see. The great reversal of the Gospel's understanding of justice rings true. The man born blind cannot see with his eyes, but he can perceive the true value of kindness, compassion, effort, and most importantly, that Jesus is the Messiah. His lack of visual sight does not keep him from spiritually understanding that he is in the presence of God, and that in their encounter, he has become newly created.

Their final exchange shines with beautiful irony, as Jesus asks the man after he has been driven out of his own community, "Do you believe in the Son of Man?" The man replies, "And who is he, sir? Tell me, so that I may believe in him." Jesus says, "You have seen him, and the one speaking with you is he." The man replied, "Lord, I believe." And he worshiped him, the firstborn of all creation, the first vision of his newly restored eyes. Imagine the beauty of this sight.

The man's confession, clear and true, does not shy away from what it means to see and believe. Jesus, who never reduced this man to one aspect of his personhood, restores his sight that God's glory might be revealed. The nature of blindness and sight cannot be reduced to a literal understanding. We are all impaired with blinders, hindrances, and myopia. We accept the hazy cataracts of our bias as an acceptable softening of the jagged edges of prejudice. We stare through lenses of privilege and miss the peripheral experiences of injustice, assuming everyone shares our same view.

We don't have to look for the prophet; the prophet has come to OUR pools, to OUR churches where we often function as beggars. But the prophet is determined to give us more than mere alms. Jesus will not stop coming to our Siloams until we, too, can see the light. Until we can see all of the love and beauty out of which each person is created! Until we can see the inequities, the injustices, and our own complicity in them. Until we can behold his glory, full of grace and truth. Until we are recreated. Until his Word becomes OUR flesh.

Rejoice, friends! God has given you sight to see the true beauty and love out of which each person is created. 

Amen and Amen.

Invitation to the Table

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.

Amazing Grace performed by El Dorado: https://youtu.be/pCKiTQRT5CY 

[Chorus]
Amazing grace! How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost but now I am found
Was blind but now I see

Was grace that taught my heart to fear
And grace, my fears released
How precious did that grace, grace appear
The hour I first believe

[Chorus]
Amazing grace! How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost but now I am found
Was blind but now I see

When we've been there ten thousand years
Bright shining as the sun
We've no less days to sing God's praise
Than when we first begun

[Chorus]

Amazing grace! How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost but now I am found
Was blind but now I see
Was blind but now I see

BENEDICTION

Remember friends:

God is with you.
God is for you.
God refuses to be God without you.

May all God’s people say: Amen.

Mandatory STAY AT HOME Order

Dearest Friends, 

Governor Newsom has issued a statewide, mandatory STAY AT HOME order for the state of California.

Essential services will remain open such as:
Gas stations
Pharmacies 
Food: Grocery stores, farmers markets, food banks, convenience stores, take-out and delivery restaurants 
Banks
Laundromats/laundry services
Essential state and local government functions will also remain open, including law enforcement and offices that provide government programs and services.

What’s closed?
Dine-in restaurants
Bars and nightclubs
Entertainment venues
Gyms and fitness studios
Public events and gatherings
Convention Centers

Mayor Eric Garcetti announced yesterday that the City of Los Angeles will be converting Recreation Centers into Shelters, which will help all of us shelter in place. 

We will be providing online worship (no-in person gathering) on Sunday at 10:30 am via Facebook Live, and will provide a link to the service on YouTube on Monday. We will ask for your joys and concerns, so that we can continue to pray with and for one another, even as we remain apart. 

Zoom Bible Study will begin Monday evening at 6:30 PM with Psalm 130. 

You can join using this link: 
Topic: LA First UMC Bible Study  
Time: 6:30 PM PST  
https://zoom.us/j/627331218pwd=S3ArNlFiUFF3RTIvNWRDNW1KL29wUT09  

Please stay connected and ask for help when you need it. You can text “LAFIRSTUMC” to 31996 for immediate updates via text messages. We can make our way through this together. 

With hope and prayers, 

Mandy 

Rev. Mandy Sloan McDow 
Senior Minister

Grace and Peace in These Uncertain Times

Dearest Friends, 

These are challenging and stressful times. None of us have been trained in how to manage a a pandemic, much less an outbreak of this sort, and all of us are looking for answers. As your pastor, I wanted to share with you some information and thoughts about the next couple of weeks, especially as major events have been cancelled and schools have been closed due to the concern about the spread of COVID-19. 

First: Our concern is for your safety and well-being. Do what you need to do to ensure you can stay well. This is a strange sort of Sabbath, and it will demand a new approach to how we all prioritize things. 

Sunday Worship Services: We will have our worship services in the multipurpose room at Villa Flores on Sunday, March 15 and Sunday, March 22. We are anticipating rain both weekends, and encourage those of you who are able to do so to stay home. We understand that not every member of our congregation has this option, so we will be gathering at 10:30 am with pre-wrapped food, hot coffee, and a warm welcome. Gatherings of more than 250 people are not recommended, but because we are smaller in number, we believe we can be safe and mindful of how we interact so as to be safe. 

We will Live-Stream our worship service on Sunday via Facebook, which you can find on my personal page and on the Los Angeles First UMC page: https://www.facebook.com/LAFirstUMC/

We will be working on additional ways to record and share the worship service outside of this platform. If you are worshipping from home, we invite you to join us in a hand-washing and prayerful ritual to begin our time. My colleague and dear friend, Rev. Kara Root, wrote a beautiful reflection about the potential for prayer while you do: https://faithandleadership.com/kara-k-root-20-second-gift-washing-your-hands 

Phone tree: In order to stay connected without being isolated, we are working to create a phone tree for interested members. Savannah Southern-Smith will be assisting with the creation of a phone tree so that we can keep in touch with each other. Please send an e-mail to office@lafirstumc.org if you would like to be included. 

Testing: Thanks to California Rep. Katie Porter, the CDC has a provision in place for all COVID-19 testing to be free, regardless of insurance coverage. The California Department of Public Health has a wonderful page of resources and answers to important questions here: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/Immunization/ncov2019.aspx 

If you are feeling sick, you are encouraged to call your healthcare provider or Local Health Department to request testing for COVID-19. The information to find those offices is here: 

https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CCLHO/CDPH%20Document%20Library/LHD_CD_Contact_Info_ADA.pdf 

Hand-Washing Stations: Hygiene is a critical factor in staying safe and preventing transmission of the virus. Dr. Aysha Khoury helped to demonstrate proper hand washing techniques for us on Sunday. You can find that video here: https://www.facebook.com/LAFirstUMC/videos/663976901078429/ 

Additionally, if you or your neighbor is houseless and looking for a place to find laundry, showers, restrooms, support, and services, the ReFresh Spot is now open 24 hours a day. 

https://hhcla.org/refresh-spot.html  

The St. Francis Center will remain open and serving the community, but with modifications. You can learn more here: https://www.stfranciscenterla.org/import-update-regarding-st-francis-center-program-modifications-and-covid-19-preparedness-plan/ 

The Los Angeles Unified School District will close for two weeks beginning March 16. Superintendent Austin Beutner shared an announcement this morning, which will affect 734,641 students, 26,635 teachers, and 33,635 staff. The number of parents and guardians affected are innumerable. There will be Family Resource Centers opening on Wednesday, March 18 from 6 am-6 pm on weekdays with trained professionals. Children will be able to “have a warm meal, engage with their peers, and pursue their different studies.” For more, you can read the announcement here:  https://achieve.lausd.net/latestnews 

Cal-Pac Annual Conference News: Bishop Grant Hagiya has issued a helpful statement and created a special webpage to keep the community informed: "I would like to make you aware of calpacumc.org/publichealth as the central location for all of the information and resources that the California-Pacific Conference has to share in responding to COVID-19, including links to the websites of regional or state departments of public health where guidance for non-profit or religious organizations may be provided frequently.”

Mental Health Awareness: The stress and uncertainty of this time can take a toll on your mental health. This is just as critical as any physical symptom. Please do not hesitate to prioritize your mental health. The Association for Suicide Prevention has a very helpful resource for this: https://afsp.org/taking-care-of-your-mental-health-in-the-face-of-uncertainty/ 

It’s important to note that we are not helpless in light of current news events.  We can always choose our response.  If you are struggling, here are some things you can do to take care of your mental health in the face of uncertainty:

1. Separate what is in your control from what is not. There are things you can do, and it’s helpful to focus on those.  Wash your hands.  Remind others to wash theirs. Take your vitamins. Limit your consumption of news (Do you really need to know what is happening on a cruise ship you aren’t on?).

2. Do what helps you feel a sense of safety. This will be different for everyone, and it’s important not to compare yourself to others.  It’s ok if you’ve decided what makes you feel safe is to limit attendance of large social events, but make sure you separate when you are isolating based on potential for sickness versus isolating because it’s part of depression.

3. Get outside in nature–even if you are avoiding crowds. I took a walk yesterday afternoon in my neighborhood with my daughter.  The sun was shining, we got our dose of vitamin D, and it felt good to both get some fresh air and quality time together.   Exercise also helps both your physical and mental health.

4. Challenge yourself to stay in the present. Perhaps your worry is compounding—you are not only thinking about what is currently happening, but also projecting into the future. When you find yourself worrying about something that hasn’t happened, gently bring yourself back to the present moment.  Notice the sights, sounds, tastes and other sensory experiences in your immediate moment and name them. Engaging in mindfulness activities is one way to help stay grounded when things feel beyond your control.

5. Stay connected and reach out if you need more support. Talk to trusted friends about what you are feeling. If you are feeling particularly anxious or if you are struggling with your mental health, it’s ok to reach out to a mental health professional for support.  You don’t have to be alone with your worry and it can be comforting to share what you are experiencing with those trained to help.

6. We are in this together, and help is always available.  If you’re feeling alone and struggling, you can also reach out to The Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741 or National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK.

God is our refuge and strength, a present help in time of trouble. Please remember that your life is precious, and our commitment to Christ’s call is through loving God and our neighbor, as we love ourselves. 

This is a season of patience and resilience. This Lenten journey is unlike any other, and I pray that in our time of solitude, we will be able to connect more deeply with the faithful ways in which God remains steadfast. We need God’s guidance. We need one another’s help. We need the Spirit’s care. 

What a beautiful thing to know we share these needs, and can help be the solution together. 

If you have specific needs or questions, please don’t hesitate to ask me. We will do our best to address them. 

With hope and prayers, 

Mandy 

Rev. Mandy Sloan McDow 
Senior Minister

ADVENT II: Be Ready | REPENT

Dear Friend,

Last week, I shared with you a vision to help create your own personal Rule of Life. A Rule of Life is “a commitment to live your life in a particular way. It is meant to be crafted with prayer and discernment, in partnership with God, as you consider the way God made you and the values God has inscribed upon your heart. Once written, it serves as a tool that can help you make decisions for your life and determine how best to order your days.”

This week, we are studying Matthew 3:1-12, in which John the Baptist dramatically appears in the wilderness in Judea shouting “Repent! For the kingdom of heaven has come near!” 

Repentance is a challenge for us, because the first thing it asks us to do is admit that we were wrong. 

To be clear, admitting we are wrong is different than deciding that we are bad. We can make the wrong decision and this does not make us bad people. This is the gift of repentance: admitting that we are wrong, first, so that we can adjust how we move forward with our behavior and decision-making. 

The challenge in John the Baptist’s words has always been this call to confession, because it conjues up such feelings of guilt and shame. This is natural, and is the first step in changing how we move ahead, working to align our lives with God’s intention for us. The next step is the real work of repentance: changing course. 

We cannot effectively change course if we do not yet know where we’re heading. The Weekly Examen is a spiritual practice which can help you organize your thoughts about your current state of being, and consider what changes could and should be made to align your life with God’s vision for you: to be a whole, loved, compassionate person. The Prophet Isaiah in 11:1-10 details God’s vision for creation, in which the wolf lays down with the lamb, and a nursing child plays over the hole of an asp. This vivid imagery of the vulnerable abiding safely with the dangerous helps us to see that God’s intention for the world was one of peace. I believe that God hopes the same for us, individually: peace. 

This week, I invite you to use the pracice of Weekly Examen to reflect and reset the following aspects of your life (there is a helpful chart from Sacred Ordinary Days, below, to help you organize your thoughts this week):

Spirit | Body | Mind | Relationships | Home | Work | Resources

As we begin to write our own personal Rule of Life, take time today to consider how you are feeling about each area. Devote time to prayer first, to clear your head and open your heart, becoming aware of the Spriit’s presence in your life. 

“How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives.” - Annie Dillard

It is an honor to be your pastor, now and always. 

Blessings,
Mandy

Why Is Religion So Complicated?

Easter is approaching, which is the celebration of the most mysterious thing in our faith tradition. Christianity is based on the radical notion that God would choose to enter into the world. This choice to live, as we live, means accepting the consequences of life and death. Jesus dies, just as we will die. But, we believe that Jesus rose again three days later. 

Christians believe this because of the accounts given in each of the stories about Jesus’ life, which all say the same thing about his life, death, and resurrection. Because we hang our faith on something that seems impossible – that death doesn’t have the last word – we open ourselves up to a lot of questions about how and why we could believe this. 

We believe in mystery. As a pastor, I can comfortably say that I don’t understand how God managed the resurrection. I can point to scriptures, read first-hand accounts, and trust my own experiences with the divine enough to believe something.But, the problem with nailing down the specifics of the mysteries of the world is that we lack the knowledge to do so. 

This gets us into heaps of trouble, as we argue and fight with one another and with members of other faith traditions. Each of us holds tight to what we believe for good reasons: we have been taught these things by our families and communities, we have engaged in the practices of our faiths, we have organized our lives around the customs and traditions we learned, and we hand them on to our own children. 

Maundy Thursday gets its name from the Latin word “mandatum,” which means commandment. On the night that Jesus was betrayed by his friends, he had dinner with them. At the end of the dinner, he picked up the bread and the wine, and said an unusual prayer over them. First, gave thanks to God. Then, he said, “I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you should also love one another.” (John 13:34) 

Jesus said this, knowing that the love of the disciples was flawed and imperfect. 

Jesus said this, knowing that one would betray him and one would deny him. 

Jesus said this, knowing that it would be easy for the disciples to turn on one another, seeking blame for the events that were about to unfold which would lead to his death. 

It’s not just that Jesus gave a new commandment to love one another, it’s that he did it when the stakes were at their highest. 

It’s curious to me how hard it is for us to keep this commandment. It’s possible the most egregious way we disobey this simple command is by using it as a way to wound and harm others. 

From the dawn of humankind, we have sought answers to the unknowable. We have written creation stories, shared mythology embedded in the cosmos, and investigated the natural world around us. 

Religion is the idea that there is a divine presence actively at work in the world, guiding and caring for us in ways we cannot fully comprehend. 

Our faith is mysterious. Faith, after all, is believing in what we cannot see, and the assurance of what we cannot prove.

The very core of every religious belief is the aspiration towards some kind of perfect love. Love for the Divine, love for one another. 

The essence of our very beings is love. We all desire to love and be loved in return. We want that closeness, the certainty that there is a God, the certainty that we are loveable, and even some real live manifestations of love in our families of origin and our families of choice. We want to know that we’re enough. 

What keeps us from living into this is the self-doubt that we are un-loveable. 

Our mistrust in God, in others, to love us as we are capable of loving is what creates discord in the world. It’s what pits us against one another, as we argue about who is right and who is wrong. 

As much as we want to have faith that God loves us, there is a nagging voice in our minds - the spiritual force of wickedness- that tells us we’ll never be enough. This is what causes us to judge others in their imperfections. It’s what convinces us that we have to weaken other people so as to make us strong. 

This isn’t love talking. It’s fear. 

God promises throughout the Bible, to love us. Unconditionally, 

Jesus’ new commandment was to love. Jesus said, “love one another,” he didn’t say, “condemn one another.” 

Perhaps the best thing we can do is learn how to love one another best, and trust that God will judge our hearts, minds, and intentions. 

Religion is a simple endeavor. We make it complex because we have more questions than we have answers. Faith asks us to believe the un-proveable, but love offers us a way to live out our belief that we are enough, and so is everyone else.

Perhaps this Easter is a time to remember that love is our way of being faithful. The world will teach us that hate is powerful, but love is the most subversive way to defeat it. 

This post originally appeared at ReThink Church on March 27, 2018