Order of Worship for Sunday, July 26: The Spiritual Discipline of Imagination

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

Higher Ground - El Dorado - 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. 

Announcements: 

Stewardship Campaign: Our goal is to raise $20,000/month for payroll, so that we can continue to employ all the people who are working tirelessly to bring the Good News to all who need to hear it. My prayer is that we can raise enough money to cover our church’s payroll over the next three months. This allows the congregation to use any money we have on hand to directly support our ministries.

We have converted our parsonage into a co-housing community, which now has 6 residents living safely and affordably together. We have been able to support people who might not have been able to find sustainable housing in the current market, and we can ensure that they will stay housed during the pandemic. It would be an additional hope to raise $3,000/month to support the utilities and expenses of the co-housing community.

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

Guidelines for Church Re-Launch of In-Person Worship Services

Bishop Hagiya's Special Message in Response to Racism

Zoom Bible Study: LA First UMC Bible Study
Monday, July 27: Disciple Bible Study, Week 7
Time: Monday evenings at 5:30 - 7:00 PM PST
Join Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/598868178?pwd=U1B2YjZYWURDRXJXMStKajI3L1RWZz09

CHURCH LAND DEVELOPMENT VISIONING SESSION: Monday, August 3 from 4:30-7:30 pm
VIA ZOOM

Rev. Jennifer Gutierrez will guide us through our session to consider our collective vision for our land. All are welcome, and we invite you to consider how our land at Flower and Olympic could become the reality of God’s Kingdom on earth. What would that look like for you? Would it be a place where all are welcome? Where all are housed? Where all are fed? Where everyone has what they need? Would it be a place where there could be beautiful spaces for worship and performances that give glory to God? Would our land be dedicated back to the Native tribes to whom it belongs? How can we make real our hopes for justice and equality with the land that we have? How can we ensure that the marginalized become centered, and the powerless become empowered? This is a time for hope and possibility, and we invite you to join the process of dreaming about how we can partner with the Holy Spirit to realize God’s intention for the world in our space.

21-DAY RACIAL EQUITY CHALLENGE:
The Adult Faith Formation team from Myers Park Presbyterian Church in Charlotte, NC has created a resource to encourage us on a 21-day Racial Equity challenge, based on the work of Dr. Eddie Moore, a diversity and inclusion specialist. In doing so you will be exposed to voices and perspectives different than your own through articles, videos, and podcasts. Each day you will choose one way of engagement and reflect in a journal. At the end of the challenge, we will gather together to share our reflections.

Dr. Ibram X. Kendi’s Talk on “How to Be An Antiracist" from Monday, July 20

Zoom Fellowship Coffee Hour: Immediately following worship today.

Zoom Happy Hour: Wednesdays from 5:00-6:00 PM

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 

CALL TO PRAYER: Amazing Grace - El Dorado

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.  

Gospel Reading: Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52: The Parable of the Mustard Seed

He put before them another parable: ‘The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that someone took and sowed in his field; it is the smallest of all the seeds, but when it has grown it is the greatest of shrubs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches.’

The Parable of the Yeast

He told them another parable: ‘The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed in with* three measures of flour until all of it was leavened.’

Three Parables

‘The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which someone found and hid; then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.

‘Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls;on finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it.

‘Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was thrown into the sea and caught fish of every kind; when it was full, they drew it ashore, sat down, and put the good into baskets but threw out the bad. So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come out and separate the evil from the righteous and throw them into the furnace of fire, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Treasures New and Old

‘Have you understood all this?’ They answered, ‘Yes.’ And he said to them, ‘Therefore every scribe who has been trained for the kingdom of heaven is like the master of a household who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old.’

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

SERMON: The Spiritual Discipline of Imagination, Rev. 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: Hard Times, Come Again No More - 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. 

Virtual Coffee Hour Begins now! Immediately following worship on Zoom

Order of Worship for Sunday, July 19: The Spiritual Discipline of Doing Nothing

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

Mountain Lifter - El Dorado - 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. 

Announcements: 

Stewardship Campaign: Our goal is to raise $20,000/month for payroll, so that we can continue to employ all the people who are working tirelessly to bring the Good News to all who need to hear it. My prayer is that we can raise enough money to cover our church’s payroll over the next three months. This allows the congregation to use any money we have on hand to directly support our ministries.

We have converted our parsonage into a co-housing community, which now has 6 residents living safely and affordably together. We have been able to support people who might not have been able to find sustainable housing in the current market, and we can ensure that they will stay housed during the pandemic. It would be an additional hope to raise $3,000/month to support the utilities and expenses of the co-housing community.

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

Guidelines for Church Re-Launch of In-Person Worship Services

Bishop Hagiya's Special Message in Response to Racism

Zoom Bible Study: LA First UMC Bible Study
Monday, June 29: Disciple Bible Study, Week 6
Time: Monday evenings at 5:30 - 7:00 PM PST
Join Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/598868178?pwd=U1B2YjZYWURDRXJXMStKajI3L1RWZz09

21-DAY RACIAL EQUITY CHALLENGE:
The Adult Faith Formation team from Myers Park Presbyterian Church in Charlotte, NC has created a resource to encourage us on a 21-day Racial Equity challenge, based on the work of Dr. Eddie Moore, a diversity and inclusion specialist. In doing so you will be exposed to voices and perspectives different than your own through articles, videos, and podcasts. Each day you will choose one way of engagement and reflect in a journal. At the end of the challenge, we will gather together to share our reflections.

Zoom Fellowship Coffee Hour: Immediately following worship today.

Zoom Happy Hour: Wednesdays from 5:00-6:00 PM

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 

CALL TO PRAYER: Great Is Thy Faithfulness - El Dorado

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.  

Gospel Reading: Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43: The Parable of the Weeds Among the Wheat

He put before them another parable: ‘The kingdom of heaven may be compared to someone who sowed good seed in his field; but while everybody was asleep, an enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and then went away. So when the plants came up and bore grain, then the weeds appeared as well. And the slaves of the householder came and said to him, “Master, did you not sow good seed in your field? Where, then, did these weeds come from?” He answered, “An enemy has done this.” The slaves said to him, “Then do you want us to go and gather them?” But he replied, “No; for in gathering the weeds you would uproot the wheat along with them. Let both of them grow together until the harvest; and at harvest time I will tell the reapers, Collect the weeds first and bind them in bundles to be burned, but gather the wheat into my barn.” ’

Jesus Explains the Parable of the Weeds

Then he left the crowds and went into the house. And his disciples approached him, saying, ‘Explain to us the parable of the weeds of the field.’ He answered, ‘The one who sows the good seed is the Son of Man;the field is the world, and the good seed are the children of the kingdom; the weeds are the children of the evil one, and the enemy who sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are angels. Just as the weeds are collected and burned up with fire, so will it be at the end of the age. The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will collect out of his kingdom all causes of sin and all evildoers, and they will throw them into the furnace of fire, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Let anyone with ears listen!

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

SERMON: The Spiritual Discipline of Doing Nothing, Rev. 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 PrayerOur 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: It Is Well With My Soul - 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. 

Virtual Coffee Hour Begins now! Immediately following worship on Zoom

Order of Worship for Sunday, July 12: Higher Ground - The Spiritual Discipline of Cultivation

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

For What It's Worth - 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. 

Announcements: 

Stewardship Campaign: Our goal is to raise $20,000/month for payroll, so that we can continue to employ all the people who are working tirelessly to bring the Good News to all who need to hear it. My prayer is that we can raise enough money to cover our church’s payroll over the next three months. This allows the congregation to use any money we have on hand to directly support our ministries.

We have converted our parsonage into a co-housing community, which now has 6 residents living safely and affordably together. We have been able to support people who might not have been able to find sustainable housing in the current market, and we can ensure that they will stay housed during the pandemic. It would be an additional hope to raise $3,000/month to support the utilities and expenses of the co-housing community.

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

Guidelines for Church Re-Launch of In-Person Worship Services

Bishop Hagiya's Special Message in Response to Racism

Zoom Bible Study: LA First UMC Bible Study
Monday, June 29: Disciple Bible Study, Week 5
Time: Monday evenings at 5:30 - 7:00 PM PST
Join Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/598868178?pwd=U1B2YjZYWURDRXJXMStKajI3L1RWZz09

21-DAY RACIAL EQUITY CHALLENGE:
The Adult Faith Formation team from Myers Park Presbyterian Church in Charlotte, NC has created a resource to encourage us on a 21-day Racial Equity challenge, based on the work of Dr. Eddie Moore, a diversity and inclusion specialist. In doing so you will be exposed to voices and perspectives different than your own through articles, videos, and podcasts. Each day you will choose one way of engagement and reflect in a journal. At the end of the challenge, we will gather together to share our reflections.

Zoom Fellowship Coffee Hour: Immediately following worship today.

Zoom Happy Hour: Wednesdays from 5:00-6:00 PM

Church Council Meeting: Tuesday, July 14 at 6:30 PM

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 

CALL TO PRAYER: Holy Spirit - El Dorado

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.  

Gospel Reading: Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23: The Parable of the Sower

That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat beside the lake. Such great crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat there, while the whole crowd stood on the beach.  And he told them many things in parables, saying: ‘Listen! A sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seeds fell on the path, and the birds came and ate them up.  Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they did not have much soil, and they sprang up quickly, since they had no depth of soil. But when the sun rose, they were scorched; and since they had no root, they withered away.  Other seeds fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them. Other seeds fell on good soil and brought forth grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. Let anyone with ears, listen!’

The Parable of the Sower Explained

18 ‘Hear then the parable of the sower. When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what is sown in the heart; this is what was sown on the path. As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; yet such a person has no root, but endures only for a while, and when trouble or persecution arises on account of the word, that person immediately falls away. As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the lure of wealth choke the word, and it yields nothing. But as for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.’

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

SERMON: Higher Ground - The Spiritual Discipline of Cultivation, Rev. 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 PrayerOur 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: Higher Ground - 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. 

Virtual Coffee Hour Begins now! Immediately following worship on Zoom

Order of Worship for Sunday, June 28: The Spiritual Discipline of Lament, Dialogue Sermon with Rev. Dr. Sam Parkes and Rev. Mandy McDow

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

For What It's Worth - 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. 

Announcements: 

TODAY: Dialogue Sermon with Rev. Dr. Sam Parkes, Mary Esther United Methodist Church in Fort Walton, FL

The Rev. Dr. Sam Parkes currently serves as the senior pastor of Mary Esther United Methodist Church, in Mary Esther, Florida.  A native of Lawrenceburg, Tennessee, where his passion for both music and theatre were nurtured, Sam received a Bachelor of Arts in Music (1988 - Voice Performance) with a minor in Theatre from The University of the South at Sewanee, Tennessee. He received his Master of Divinity (1998) from the Candler School of Theology at Emory University and a Doctor of Theology in Homiletics from Emmanuel College in the University of Toronto (2016). He is an active member of the Academy of Homiletics. Sam has been a contributor to the Abingdon Preaching Annual and to the recent Abingdon Theological Companion to the Lectionary.

Sam is serving in his 29th year under episcopal appointment in the United Methodist Church and is a clergy member of the Alabama-West Florida Annual Conference. He leads the Preaching Excellence Team of the conference which provides a variety of programming to preachers who seek to grow in the craft of preaching through collaborative sermon series planning and a bi-weekly podcast for lectionary preachers. Sam also developed a small-group coaching model called Partners in Preaching in which a group of six to eight pastors meet monthly to improve preaching through peer feedback and support. He has led this model in Alabama, Mississippi, and North Carolina. In 2019, Sam was named the Director of Worship for the 2020 Southeastern Jurisdictional Conference of the UMC.  Due to a “series of unfortunate events,” he will take up this post in task 2021. 

Sam works in both church and community to establish systems of support for LGBTQ persons.  He frequently travels in his conference to help localities and churches establish Reconciling Ministry groups and is a founding member and vice-president of PFLAG Niceville which provides support, education, and advocacy for the people of Okaloosa County, Florida. 

An avid home cook, Sam can be found in the kitchen most evenings. Otherwise, he reads, writes, and loves a good movie while curled up on the sofa with his two tuxedo cats and Clover, the adorable mutt. He has a son and a daughter – Will, 16, and Harper, 14 – who keep his academic fancies grounded in the concrete world.

Stewardship Campaign: Our goal is to raise $20,000/month for payroll, so that we can continue to employ all the people who are working tirelessly to bring the Good News to all who need to hear it. My prayer is that we can raise enough money to cover our church’s payroll over the next three months. This allows the congregation to use any money we have on hand to directly support our ministries.

We have converted our parsonage into a co-housing community, which now has 6 residents living safely and affordably together. We have been able to support people who might not have been able to find sustainable housing in the current market, and we can ensure that they will stay housed during the pandemic. It would be an additional hope to raise $3,000/month to support the utilities and expenses of the co-housing community.

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

Guidelines for Church Re-Launch of In-Person Worship Services

Bishop Hagiya's Special Message in Response to Racism

Zoom Bible Study: LA First UMC Bible Study
Monday, June 29: Disciple Bible Study, Week 4
Time: Monday evenings at 5:30 - 7:00 PM PST
Join Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/598868178?pwd=U1B2YjZYWURDRXJXMStKajI3L1RWZz09

21-DAY RACIAL EQUITY CHALLENGE:
The Adult Faith Formation team from Myers Park Presbyterian Church in Charlotte, NC has created a resource to encourage us on a 21-day Racial Equity challenge, based on the work of Dr. Eddie Moore, a diversity and inclusion specialist. In doing so you will be exposed to voices and perspectives different than your own through articles, videos, and podcasts. Each day you will choose one way of engagement and reflect in a journal. At the end of the challenge, we will gather together to share our reflections.

Zoom Fellowship Coffee Hour: Immediately following worship today.

Zoom Happy Hour: Wednesdays from 5:00-6:00 PM

🏳️‍🌈 HAPPY PRIDE! 🏳️‍🌈 Pride Worship Service, Sunday, July 5 🌈

Today marks 51 years since Black trans activist, Marsha P. Johnson, initiated the Stonewall Riots in New York City against the police brutality to the LGBTQIA+ community, launching the gay liberation movement. We will take next Sunday as an opportunity to honor and celebrate the events at Stonewall, celebrate the progress, and recognize the 5 year anniversary of the SCOTUS decision to allow same-gender marriage in the United States. That said, there is still much work to be done.

The Cal-Pac  LGBTQIA+ Task Force has created a worship service for Pride! During this season of pandemic and stay at home orders, many Pride celebrations have been cancelled. The LGBTQIA+ community of the UMC are now having to wait an additional fifteen months longer for a decision from General Conference, and are holding on to their anxiety and pain, and continuing to operate in an environment which is filled with risk and harm. Join us for this opportunity to pray, praise, and hope for all that God is doing in our midst.

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 

CALL TO PRAYER: Open Your Eyes - El Dorado

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.  

OLD TESTAMENT READING: Psalm 13, read by Rep. Kirk Hatcher, District 78 in Alabama State House of Representatives

Prayer for Deliverance from Enemies

To the leader. A Psalm of David.
1 How long, O Lord? Will you forget me for ever?
   How long will you hide your face from me? 
2 How long must I bear pain in my soul,
   and have sorrow in my heart all day long?
How long shall my enemy be exalted over me? 

3 Consider and answer me, O Lord my God!
   Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep the sleep of death, 
4 and my enemy will say, ‘I have prevailed’;
   my foes will rejoice because I am shaken. 

5 But I trusted in your steadfast love;
   my heart shall rejoice in your salvation. 
6 I will sing to the Lord,
   because he has dealt bountifully with me.

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

SERMON: The Spiritual Discipline of Lament - Rev. Dr. Sam Parkes and Rev. 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 PrayerOur 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: We Don't Eat - 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. 

Virtual Coffee Hour Begins now! Immediately following worship on Zoom

Order of Worship for Sunday, June 21: Rev. Robert W. Lee, IV preaching "Second Star to the Right"

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

Color Esperanza - 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. 

Announcements: 

TODAY: The Reverend Robert Wright Lee, IV, Guest Preacher

Rob is an author, activist, commentator, and preacher. His work has been covered by MTV, the View, The New Yorker, CNN, the New York Times, the Washington Post, NPR, and countless others. That may sound like a mouthful so Rob is often found just telling stories with friends in his hometown. Speaking of that, Lee is a native of Statesville, North Carolina and graduate of Duke University Divinity School in Durham, North Carolina. He received his Master of Theological Studies in May of 2017 with a focus in practical theology and homiletics His thesis was on the corpus work of Bishop Will Willimon. 

 Rob, a nephew, generations removed of General Robert E. Lee has been engaged as an activist in the field of racial reconciliation. He participated in the 2017 MTV Video Music Awards and was on ABC’s the View where he spoke about the need to confront white supremacy and white privilege in white churches. Rob has written two books: “Stained-Glass Millennials,” and “A Sin by Any Other Name: Reckoning with Racism and the Heritage of the South” which was released in April of 2019. 

Lee, an ordained Cooperative Baptist Fellowship minister is presently serving as pastor of Unifour Church, an open and affirming community of faith in Newton, North Carolina (Over 85% of the congregation is LGBTQ+, and he is the only straight clergyperson on staff). Rob was baptized and raised United Methodist, at Broad Street United Methodist Church in his hometown. Lee still lives in his hometown of Statesville, North Carolina with his wife Stephanie and his poodle Frank. 

Stewardship Campaign: Our goal is to raise $20,000/month for payroll, so that we can continue to employ all the people who are working tirelessly to bring the Good News to all who need to hear it. My prayer is that we can raise enough money to cover our church’s payroll over the next three months. This allows the congregation to use any money we have on hand to directly support our ministries.

We have converted our parsonage into a co-housing community, which now has 6 residents living safely and affordably together. We have been able to support people who might not have been able to find sustainable housing in the current market, and we can ensure that they will stay housed during the pandemic. It would be an additional hope to raise $3,000/month to support the utilities and expenses of the co-housing community.

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

Guidelines for Church Re-Launch of In-Person Worship Services

Bishop Hagiya's Special Message in Response to Racism

Cal-Pac Annual Conference Updates:
Resolution 20-06: STRATEGIC PLAN FOR RACIAL EQUITY FOR CAL-PAC CONFERENCE

1. Conduct a racial equity audit at every level (church, district, and Annual Conference), 
2. Create a part-time conference staff position dedicated to the examination of race and racism,
3. Empower the Commission on Religion and Race to oversee and monitor the progress of this resolution, 
4. Dedicate $12K/year to fund a Leadership Development Institute for Young People of Color to address justice issues affecting them and their communities.

Motion to request $35,000 for Strengthening the Black Church (SBC), to be created as a new line item in the Justice & Compassion Essential Ministries Team (JCEMT) Budget. 

SBC is a Cal-Pac Conference Committee which was established by Gaunnie Dixon in 2000, but was removed from the Conference budget in 2013. SBC currently relates to JCEMT, but does not have money in a line item.  

Strengthening the Black Church for the 21st Century is a National Racial Ethnic Plan of the United Methodist Church, dedicated to helping predominately black congregations become effective and fruitful in mission and ministry. The primary purpose of SBC is to assist Black congregations in becoming more effective in mission and ministry. Without financial support, this purpose cannot be fulfilled. 

Our budget is a direct reflection of our priorities, and we need to have a line item tied to the work of anti-racism, for accountability and response. I would like to propose that we add a line item in the Apportioned 2021 Budget to provide ongoing support of SBC. 

Zoom Bible Study: LA First UMC Bible Study
Beginning Monday, June 8: Disciple Bible Study, Week 3
Time: Monday evenings at 5:30 - 7:00 PM PST
Join Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/598868178?pwd=U1B2YjZYWURDRXJXMStKajI3L1RWZz09

21-DAY RACIAL EQUITY CHALLENGE:
The Adult Faith Formation team from Myers Park Presbyterian Church in Charlotte, NC has created a resource to encourage us on a 21-day Racial Equity challenge, based on the work of Dr. Eddie Moore, a diversity and inclusion specialist. In doing so you will be exposed to voices and perspectives different than your own through articles, videos, and podcasts. Each day you will choose one way of engagement and reflect in a journal. At the end of the challenge, we will gather together to share our reflections.

The Challenge

Pick one of the resources listed below every day for 21 days.
Diversify your understanding by doing some of each.
Track and reflect by using the planning tool.
Share your reflections at the end of the challenge.
Pray for the places you are challenged and for those you are learning about whose lives may be different than yours.
Join us for conversation June 7th and 21st at 9:45 a.m. EST via Zoom here.

Notice

Test Your Awareness: Do The Test, This video shows us the importance of paying attention, and how much more we see when we are looking for particular things around us.

Use each question below separately as one day’s challenge.

• Who is and is not represented in ads?

• What are the last five books you read? What is the racial mix of the authors?

• What is the racial mix of the main characters in your favorite TV shows? Movies?

• Who is filling what kinds of jobs/social roles in your world?  Can you correlate any of this to racial identity?

Zoom Fellowship Coffee Hour: Immediately following worship today. Today, we will be welcoming a new member via Zoom! Find the liturgy here.

Zoom Happy Hour: Wednesdays from 5:00-6:00 PM

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 

CALL TO PRAYER: What Wondrous Love - El Dorado

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.  

GOSPEL LESSON: Mark 10:46-52, The Healing of Blind Bartimaeus

They came to Jericho. As he and his disciples and a large crowd were leaving Jericho, Bartimaeus son of Timaeus, a blind beggar, was sitting by the roadside. When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout out and say, ‘Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!’ Many sternly ordered him to be quiet, but he cried out even more loudly, ‘Son of David, have mercy on me!’ Jesus stood still and said, ‘Call him here.’ And they called the blind man, saying to him, ‘Take heart; get up, he is calling you.’So throwing off his cloak, he sprang up and came to Jesus. Then Jesus said to him, ‘What do you want me to do for you?’ The blind man said to him, ‘My teacher, let me see again.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Go; your faith has made you well.’ Immediately he regained his sight and followed him on the way. 

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

SERMON: Second Star to the Right - Rev. Robert W. Lee, IV

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 PrayerOur 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: Blest Be the Tie - 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. 

Virtual Coffee Hour Begins now! Immediately following worship on Zoom

Order of Worship, Sunday, June 14: The Spiritual Discipline of Advocacy

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

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. 

Announcements: 

NEXT SUNDAY, JUNE 21: The Reverend Robert Wright Lee, IV, Guest Preacher

Rob is an author, activist, commentator, and preacher. His work has been covered by MTV, the View, The New Yorker, CNN, the New York Times, the Washington Post, NPR, and countless others. That may sound like a mouthful so Rob is often found just telling stories with friends in his hometown. Speaking of that, Lee is a native of Statesville, North Carolina and graduate of Duke University Divinity School in Durham, North Carolina. He received his Master of Theological Studies in May of 2017 with a focus in practical theology and homiletics His thesis was on the corpus work of Bishop Will Willimon. 

 Rob, a nephew, generations removed of General Robert E. Lee has been engaged as an activist in the field of racial reconciliation. He participated in the 2017 MTV Video Music Awards and was on ABC’s the View where he spoke about the need to confront white supremacy and white privilege in white churches. Rob has written two books: “Stained-Glass Millennials,” and “A Sin by Any Other Name: Reckoning with Racism and the Heritage of the South” which was released in April of 2019. 

Lee, an ordained Cooperative Baptist Fellowship minister is presently serving as pastor of Unifour Church, an open and affirming community of faith in Newton, North Carolina (Over 85% of the congregation is LGBTQ+, and he is the only straight clergyperson on staff). Rob was baptized and raised United Methodist, at Broad Street United Methodist Church in his hometown. Lee still lives in his hometown of Statesville, North Carolina with his wife Stephanie and his poodle Frank. 

Cal-Pac Virtual Annual Conference: June 18-20

Stewardship Campaign: Our goal is to raise $20,000/month for payroll, so that we can continue to employ all the people who are working tirelessly to bring the Good News to all who need to hear it. My prayer is that we can raise enough money to cover our church’s payroll over the next three months. This allows the congregation to use any money we have on hand to directly support our ministries.

We have converted our parsonage into a co-housing community, which now has 6 residents living safely and affordably together. We have been able to support people who might not have been able to find sustainable housing in the current market, and we can ensure that they will stay housed during the pandemic. It would be an additional hope to raise $3,000/month to support the utilities and expenses of the co-housing community.

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

Guidelines for Church Re-Launch of In-Person Worship Services

Bishop Hagiya’s Invitation to Witness for Black Lives: Today at 1:00

Bishop Hagiya's Special Message in Response to Racism

“African-American men are literally being killed because of our racism. What this should show us is the pervasive, sinful nature of racism in our country, truly, the unfinished business of our country.

Like all printed words, we can rail against, talk about, and denounce racism until we are blue in the face. We, as Christians, however, cannot allow ourselves to move past this moment without meaningful action. Therefore, I am asking every church in our California-Pacific Conference to have open talk about the sin of racism in our own lives and what we must do about it that we have not yet done before.

This means that we have to own up to our own racism first, before we point fingers at others.

In order to spark this discussion here are some questions you might want to start with:

• What are my own racist tendencies that I don’t want to talk about or admit?

• How have I been complicit in American racism?

• What can I proactively do about it right now?

Zoom Bible Study: LA First UMC Bible Study

Beginning Monday, June 8: Disciple Bible Study, Week 2

Time: Monday evenings at 5:30 - 7:00 PM PST
Join Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/598868178?pwd=U1B2YjZYWURDRXJXMStKajI3L1RWZz09

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.

21-DAY RACIAL EQUITY CHALLENGE:
The Adult Faith Formation team from Myers Park Presbyterian Church in Charlotte, NC has created a resource to encourage us on a 21-day Racial Equity challenge, based on the work of Dr. Eddie Moore, a diversity and inclusion specialist. In doing so you will be exposed to voices and perspectives different than your own through articles, videos, and podcasts. Each day you will choose one way of engagement and reflect in a journal. At the end of the challenge, we will gather together to share our reflections.

The Challenge

Pick one of the resources listed below every day for 21 days.
Diversify your understanding by doing some of each.
Track and reflect by using the planning tool.
Share your reflections at the end of the challenge.
Pray for the places you are challenged and for those you are learning about whose lives may be different than yours.
Join us for conversation June 7th and 21st at 9:45 a.m. EST via Zoom here.

Notice

Test Your Awareness: Do The Test, This video shows us the importance of paying attention, and how much more we see when we are looking for particular things around us.

Use each question below separately as one day’s challenge.

• Who is and is not represented in ads?

• What are the last five books you read? What is the racial mix of the authors?

• What is the racial mix of the main characters in your favorite TV shows? Movies?

• Who is filling what kinds of jobs/social roles in your world?  Can you correlate any of this to racial identity?

Zoom Fellowship Coffee Hour: Immediately following worship today. Today, we will be welcoming a new member via Zoom! Find the liturgy here.

Zoom Happy Hour: Wednesdays from 5:00-6:00 PM

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 

CALL TO PRAYER: Holy Spirit - El Dorado

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.  

GOSPEL LESSON: Matthew 9:35-10:23

The Harvest Is Great, the Labourers Few

Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and curing every disease and every sickness. 36When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37Then he said to his disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few; 38therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers into his harvest.’

The Twelve Apostles

Then Jesus summoned his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to cure every disease and every sickness. 2These are the names of the twelve apostles: first, Simon, also known as Peter, and his brother Andrew; James son of Zebedee, and his brother John; 3Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax-collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus;4Simon the Cananaean, and Judas Iscariot, the one who betrayed him.

The Mission of the Twelve

These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: ‘Go nowhere among the Gentiles, and enter no town of the Samaritans, 6but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. 7As you go, proclaim the good news, “The kingdom of heaven has come near.” 8Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons. You received without payment; give without payment. 9Take no gold, or silver, or copper in your belts, 10no bag for your journey, or two tunics, or sandals, or a staff; for labourers deserve their food. 11Whatever town or village you enter, find out who in it is worthy, and stay there until you leave. 12As you enter the house, greet it. 13If the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it; but if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. 14If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet as you leave that house or town. 15Truly I tell you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgement than for that town.

Coming Persecutions

16 ‘See, I am sending you out like sheep into the midst of wolves; so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. 17Beware of them, for they will hand you over to councils and flog you in their synagogues; 18and you will be dragged before governors and kings because of me, as a testimony to them and the Gentiles. 19When they hand you over, do not worry about how you are to speak or what you are to say; for what you are to say will be given to you at that time; 20for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. 21Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death; 22and you will be hated by all because of my name. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.23When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next; for truly I tell you, you will not have gone through all the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes.

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

SERMON: The Spiritual Discipline of Advocacy - Rev. Mandy Sloan McDow

1. Self-educate about white supremacy and racism (“Google is free!”)

2. Do the work of self-education without expecting praise or recognition

3. Listen to the people you respect, as well as the people who challenge you. Learn from both.

4. Deconstruct your echo chamber: intentionally diversify your sources of information and social media feeds.

5. Divest your money; re-invest in supporting Black artists, authors, and small businesses.

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 PrayerOur 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: Same God - El Dorado (Terence Scott)

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! Immediately following worship on Zoom

Bishop Hagiya's Invitation to a Witness for Black Lives: Tomorrow at 1:00 PM

Dear Los Angeles First United Methodist Church, 

I am grateful for our Bishop’s leadership, especially in these intense and challenging times. Removing the mask of white supremacy from the face of our nation is challenging work, and it is causing so many of us to take critical looks at our own lives, privilege, and blind spots. The church is just as complicit, as systemic racism is imbedded in the church's culture, opportunities, and expression. 

I am thankful that our Bishop is open to acknowledging the need for the church to repent, so that we can begin the process of atoning. 

Tomorrow at 1:00 PM, Bishop Hagiya is organizing a national video witness for Black lives.

Our Annual Conference is gathering to record a video litany at 1:00 PM
Tomorrow, Sunday, June 14
at Faith UMC: 1713 W. 108th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90047

If you are willing and able, you are invited to attend. Our live stream will be held from 10:30-11:30 AM, and will finish in time for travel to the Witness. I will hold the Zoom coffee hour, but will do so while in transit. 

Thank you for your prayers, your work, your witness, and your grace. 

If you haven’t yet seen it, we invite you to consider joining the 21 Day Racial Equity Challenge: https://www.lafirstumc.org/black-lives-matter-resources-for-becoming-anti-racist 

With hope,

Mandy 

Bishop Hagiya's Invitation: Witness for Black Lives

A group of Bishops and other leaders across the United Methodist Church have organized a national video witness for black lives that involves multiple Annual Conferences.  This group has requested the participation of the California-Pacific Conference to video record its portion of the witness.

Therefore, I would like to invite those who are willing and able to our Conference's video recording of a litany this coming Sunday, June 14, 2020, at 1:00PM, which will take place outdoors, socially distanced, in the parking lot of Faith United Methodist Church (1713 W 108th St., Los Angeles, CA 90047-4414).

Because it is a video recording, I have to let you know that your image might be used for the purpose of this national video witness and your being present will be an acknowledgment of your giving us consent for such use. 

I know that this is a last-minute invitation.  We have had to move quickly to put this together and we know that this, as well as our current situation with the pandemic, might prevent many of us from being able to be present.  However, I would ask that those who are willing and able be present to show our nation the diversity, conviction, and values of the California-Pacific Conference of The United Methodist Church.

As our theme for our upcoming 36th Annual Session of the California-Pacific Conference states, "We are the Church: Transforming the World!"

Let us walk together in living out this theme in this way.

Be the Hope,

Bishop Grant J. Hagiya
Los Angeles Area Resident Bishop

Order of Worship for Sunday, June 7 - No Justice, No Peace: Sabbath as Resistance

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

Ring the Bells - El Dorado (Johnnyswim)

Ring the bells, this time I mean it
Bid the hatred fare thee well
Give back the pieces of my Jesus
Take your counterfeit to hell

Bang the drums, this means war
And not the kind you're waiting for
We say mercy won't be rationed here
That's what we're fighting for

If all is fair in love and war
Then what the hell is loving even for?
If we can't sing it loud enough
We'll keep on adding voices up

Ring the bells!

Move your feet you tiny people
You've been hiding for so long
Behind your statues and your steeple
Does that hit too close to home?

Oh, I got faith to move a mountain
And to watch that mountain move
It's time for words to fall like thunder
Sound of justice is breaking through

If all is fair in love and war
Then what the hell is loving even for?
The world laughs and the martyrs sing
Our love breaks through the cavalry

Ring the bells!

You called me boy instead of son
And I ain't the only one
Who was in the throneroom of a kingdom
Where I found that I belong

I ain't scared to face the fortress
I have seen the fall before
With broken bones you've built it
But it crumbles board by board

If all is fair in love and war
Then what the hell is loving even for?
If we can't sing it loud enough
We'll keep on adding voices up

Ring the bells!

Ring the bells, this time I mean it
Bid the hatred fare thee well
Get back the pieces of my Jesus
Take your counterfeit to hell

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. 

Announcements: 

Stewardship Campaign: Our goal is to raise $20,000/month for payroll, so that we can continue to employ all the people who are working tirelessly to bring the Good News to all who need to hear it. My prayer is that we can raise enough money to cover our church’s payroll over the next three months. This allows the congregation to use any money we have on hand to directly support our ministries.

We have converted our parsonage into a co-housing community, which now has 6 residents living safely and affordably together. We have been able to support people who might not have been able to find sustainable housing in the current market, and we can ensure that they will stay housed during the pandemic. It would be an additional hope to raise $3,000/month to support the utilities and expenses of the co-housing community.

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

From the Bishop: Guidelines for Church Re-Launch of In-Person Worship Services

Bishop Hagiya's Special Message in Response to Racism

“African-American men are literally being killed because of our racism. What this should show us is the pervasive, sinful nature of racism in our country, truly, the unfinished business of our country.

Like all printed words, we can rail against, talk about, and denounce racism until we are blue in the face. We, as Christians, however, cannot allow ourselves to move past this moment without meaningful action. Therefore, I am asking every church in our California-Pacific Conference to have open talk about the sin of racism in our own lives and what we must do about it that we have not yet done before.

This means that we have to own up to our own racism first, before we point fingers at others.

In order to spark this discussion here are some questions you might want to start with:

• What are my own racist tendencies that I don’t want to talk about or admit?

• How have I been complicit in American racism?

• What can I proactively do about it right now?

Zoom Bible Study: LA First UMC Bible Study

Beginning Monday, June 8: Disciple Bible Study
Time: Monday evenings at 5:30 - 7:00 PM PST
Join Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/598868178?pwd=U1B2YjZYWURDRXJXMStKajI3L1RWZz09

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.

21-DAY RACIAL EQUITY CHALLENGE:
The Adult Faith Formation team from Myers Park Presbyterian Church in Charlotte, NC has created a resource to encourage us on a 21-day Racial Equity challenge, based on the work of Dr. Eddie Moore, a diversity and inclusion specialist. In doing so you will be exposed to voices and perspectives different than your own through articles, videos, and podcasts. Each day you will choose one way of engagement and reflect in a journal. At the end of the challenge, we will gather together to share our reflections.

The Challenge

Pick one of the resources listed below every day for 21 days.
Diversify your understanding by doing some of each.
Track and reflect by using the planning tool.
Share your reflections at the end of the challenge.
Pray for the places you are challenged and for those you are learning about whose lives may be different than yours.
Join us for conversation June 7th and 21st at 9:45 a.m. EST via Zoom here.

Watch:

This is Us, Dr. Eddie Glaude explains why blaming current racial tensions on Donald Trump misses the point. (3 minutes)

Racism is Real, A split-screen video depicting the differential in the white and black lived experience. (3 minutes)

Confronting ‘intergroup anxiety’: Can you try too hard to be fair? Explores why we may get tongue tied and blunder when we encounter people from groups unfamiliar to us. (5 minutes)

CBS News Analysis: 50 states, 50 different ways of teaching America’s past, Ibram X. Kendi reviews current history curriculum production and use across the U.S. (5 minutes)

The Disturbing History of the Suburbs, An “Adam Ruins Everything” episode that quickly and humorously educates how redlining came to be. (6 minutes)

What Kind of Asian Are You? Humorous two minute YouTube video that illustrates the utter silliness of the way many white Americans interact with Asian Americans. (2 minutes)

Birth of a White Nation, Keynote speech by legal scholar Jacqueline Battalora, offers a blow-by-blow description of the moment the idea of, and word for, “white” people entered U.S. legal code. (36 minutes)

13th, Netflix documentary by Ava DuVernay about the connection between US Slavery and the present day mass incarceration system. (1 hour, 40 minutes)

How to overcome our biases? Walk boldly toward them, TED Talk by Vernā Myers, encourages work vigorously to counter balance bias by connecting with and learning about and from the groups we fear. (19 minutes)

The danger of a single story, TED Talk by Chimamanda Adiche, offers insight to the phenomenon of using small bits of information to imagine who a person is. (18 minutes)

How to deconstruct racism, one headline at a time, TED Talk by Baratunde Thurston that explores patterns revealing our racist framing, language, and behaviors. (10 minutes) 

Indigenous People React to Indigenous Representation in Film And TV, Conversation with a diverse range of Indigenous people by FBE about  media depictions of Indigenous people, Columbus day, and Indigenous identity. (15 minutes)  

What Being Hispanic and Latinx Means in the United States, Fernanda Ponce shares what she’s learning about the misunderstanding and related mistreatment of the incredibly diverse ethnic category people in U.S. call Hispanic. (12 minutes) 

Tyler Merrit Project: Before You Call (3 minutes)

Read:

10 Ways Well-Meaning White Teachers Bring Racism Into Our Schools, by Jamie Utt

21 Racial Microaggressions You Hear on a Daily Basis, by Heben Nigatu

Climbing the White Escalator, by Betsy Leondar-Wright

Explaining White Privilege To A Broke White Person, by Gina Crosley-Corcoran

Guide to Allyship, Created by Amélie Lamont

It’s Not Just the South: Here’s How Everyone Can Resist White Supremacy, by Sarah van Gelder

Making America White Again, by Toni Morrison

Understanding the Racial Wealth Gap, by Amy Traub, Laura Sullivan, Tatjana Mescheded, & Tom Shapiro

What White Children Need to Know About Race, by Ali MIchael and Elenora Bartoli

White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack, by Peggy McIntosh  

Presbytery of Charlotte letter from Antiracism Team

My President Was Black, by  Ta-Nehisi Coates 

Caught Up In God, by Willie James Jennings

Who Gets to Be Afraid in America?, by Ibram X Kendi

Additional Suggestions from Rev. Mandy:
I'm Still Here: Black Dignity in a World Made for Whiteness, by Austin Channing Brown

White Fragility: Why It's So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism, By Robin DiAngelo

The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness, By Michelle Alexander

The Cross and the Lynching Tree, by James H. Cone

A Sin by Any Other Name: Reckoning with Racism and the Heritage of the South, By Rev. Robert W. Lee

Listen:

Code Switch, hosted by journalists Gene Demby and Shereen Marisol Meraji

Black Like Me, host Dr. Alex Gee 

Scene on Radio – Seeing White Series, host John Biewen and collaborator Chenjerai Kumanyika 

TED Radio Hour – Mary Bassett: How Does Racism Affect Your Health? host Guy Raz speaks with Dr. Mary T. Bassett, Director of the FXB Center for Health and Human Rights at Harvard University 

Here & Now – Without Slavery, Would The U.S. Be The Leading Economic Power? host Jeremy Hobson and author Edward Baptist

NPR Morning Edition – You Cannot Divorce Race From Immigration journalist Rachel Martin talks to Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Jose Antonio Vargas

Pod Save the People, Activism. Social Justice. Culture. Politics. On Pod Save the People, organizer and activist DeRay Mckesson

Notice

Test Your Awareness: Do The Test, This video shows us the importance of paying attention, and how much more we see when we are looking for particular things around us.

Use each question below separately as one day’s challenge.

• Who is and is not represented in ads?

• What are the last five books you read? What is the racial mix of the authors?

• What is the racial mix of the main characters in your favorite TV shows? Movies?

• Who is filling what kinds of jobs/social roles in your world?  Can you correlate any of this to racial identity?

Zoom Fellowship Coffee Hour: Immediately following worship today. Today, we will be welcoming a new member via Zoom! Find the liturgy here.

Zoom Happy Hour: Wednesdays from 5:00-6:00 PM

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 

CALL TO PRAYER: George Floyd, a poem by Olusheyi Banjo

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.  

OLD TESTAMENT LESSON: Genesis 1:1-2:4a

In the beginning when God created the heavens and the earth, the earth was a formless void and darkness covered the face of the deep, while a wind from God swept over the face of the waters. Then God said, ‘Let there be light’; and there was light. And God saw that the light was good; and God separated the light from the darkness. God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And there was evening and there was morning, the first day.

And God said, ‘Let there be a dome in the midst of the waters, and let it separate the waters from the waters.’ So God made the dome and separated the waters that were under the dome from the waters that were above the dome. And it was so. God called the dome Sky. And there was evening and there was morning, the second day.

And God said, ‘Let the waters under the sky be gathered together into one place, and let the dry land appear.’ And it was so. God called the dry land Earth, and the waters that were gathered together he called Seas. And God saw that it was good. Then God said, ‘Let the earth put forth vegetation: plants yielding seed, and fruit trees of every kind on earth that bear fruit with the seed in it.’ And it was so. The earth brought forth vegetation: plants yielding seed of every kind, and trees of every kind bearing fruit with the seed in it. And God saw that it was good. And there was evening and there was morning, the third day.

And God said, ‘Let there be lights in the dome of the sky to separate the day from the night; and let them be for signs and for seasons and for days and years, and let them be lights in the dome of the sky to give light upon the earth.’ And it was so. God made the two great lights—the greater light to rule the day and the lesser light to rule the night—and the stars. God set them in the dome of the sky to give light upon the earth,to rule over the day and over the night, and to separate the light from the darkness. And God saw that it was good. And there was evening and there was morning, the fourth day.

And God said, ‘Let the waters bring forth swarms of living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the dome of the sky.’ So God created the great sea monsters and every living creature that moves, of every kind, with which the waters swarm, and every winged bird of every kind. And God saw that it was good. God blessed them, saying, ‘Be fruitful and multiply and fill the waters in the seas, and let birds multiply on the earth.’ And there was evening and there was morning, the fifth day.

And God said, ‘Let the earth bring forth living creatures of every kind: cattle and creeping things and wild animals of the earth of every kind.’ And it was so. God made the wild animals of the earth of every kind, and the cattle of every kind, and everything that creeps upon the ground of every kind. And God saw that it was good.

Then God said, ‘Let us make humankind in our image, according to our likeness; and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the wild animals of the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps upon the earth.’ 
So God created humankind in his image,
   in the image of God he created them;
   male and female he created them. 
God blessed them, and God said to them, ‘Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it; and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the air and over every living thing that moves upon the earth.’ God said, ‘See, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit; you shall have them for food. And to every beast of the earth, and to every bird of the air, and to everything that creeps on the earth, everything that has the breath of life, I have given every green plant for food.’ And it was so. God saw everything that he had made, and indeed, it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day.

Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all their multitude.And on the seventh day God finished the work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all the work that he had done. So God blessed the seventh day and hallowed it, because on it God rested from all the work that he had done in creation.

These are the generations of the heavens and the earth when they were created.

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

SERMON: No Justice, No Peace! Sabbath as Resistance - Rev. Mandy Sloan McDow

We Run: Malynda Hale

Lyrics:

You see us black as night
but we're invisible, invisible
You need us to shine your light
so you feel beautiful, beautiful

Blood shed stains on the sidewalk
they're not the right color for you
Why does my complexion revoke a connection?
It's not enough to be a human too

So we run, we run just to find the answers
we run, just to fight another war we run,
we run just to be a life that matters
but I still don't know what we're running for

And my tears don't benefit you
in anyway, in anyway
no you'd rather hide from it
and not hear what I say, hear what I say

But our children are dying on the sidewalk
They're not the right color for you
You see my complexion and you're scared of connection
I guess I'm not a human to you

So we run, we run just to find the answers
we run, just to fight another war
we run, we run just to be a life that matters
but I still don't know what we're running for

We run
We run
We run
but I still don't know why we're running

#BlackLivesMatter

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 PrayerOur 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: We Shall Overcome - El Dorado

Holy Ghost to Nations - Lloyd Stine & Georgia Harkness (arrangement/additional lyrics - Stephen Folds)

We shall overcome
We shall overcome
We shall overcome, some day
Oh, deep in my heart
I do believe
We shall overcome, some day

We'll walk hand in hand
We'll walk hand in hand
We'll walk hand in hand, some day

Oh, deep in my heart
I do believe
We shall overcome, some day

We shall live in peace
We shall live in peace
We shall live in peace, some day
Oh, deep in my heart
I do believe
We shall overcome, some day

We are not afraid
We are not afraid
We are not afraid, today
Oh, deep in my heart

I do believe
We shall overcome, some day

The whole wide world around
The whole wide world around
The whole wide world around some day
Oh, deep in my heart
I do believe
We shall overcome, some day

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! Immediately following worship on Zoom