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
DISCIPLE 2 BIBLE STUDY:
Maundy Thursday, April 14 at 11:30 am: In-Person Class and Last Supper at El Cholo
In-Person Worship Resuming on Sunday April 3rd!
The Church Council, our Worship Team, and Senior Pastor Mandy are working on plans to resume in person worship on Sunday April 3rd. We will keep you updated as plans progress.
Regardless of when we do reopen in-person, we will be maintaining our strong on ONLINE worship presence and forming a hybrid worship experience since we are blessed by those across the country including in CO, Il, GA, TN, NC and across the world who join us each Sunday in fellowship.
LENTEN SERMON SERIES: March 2 - April 3 - FINDING OUR HALLELUJAHS
MARCH 27: LENT IV - RELATIONSHIPS - The Prodigal
APRIL 3: LENT V - RESOURCES - Give Freely What You Have (In Person Worship Resumes!)
VENMO: You can find us here: https://venmo.com/LAFirstUMC
PAYPAL: https://paypal.me/LAFirstUMC
SQUARE: https://checkout.square.site/pay/be673aef7fcb424e98387016d184e57d
United Methodist Resources:
Texas Methodist Foundation Podcast - Episode 5: Prophetic Imagination in a Parking Lot
Rev. Mandy McDow was featured on the Texas Methodist Foundation podcast this week! The topic was “Igniting Imaginagion,” and the story of LA First was shared in depth as a model and testimony for other congregations as they imagine their future in partnership with God. Our reality forces a posture of constant discernment: God, what is the difference you would have us make in this neighborhood in this season?
The episode can be found on the Wesleyan Investive website here: https://www.wesleyaninvestive.org/igniting-imagination-podcast-season-4-episode-5.
It is also available on the TMF website and both organizations’ social media accounts (WI) | (TMF).
The Seven Last Words of Christ on the Cross will be presented by the BMCR/Ebony Prophets (including representatives from St. Mark UMC, Westwood UMC, Inglewood UMC, and Crenshaw UMC), on Good Friday, April 15th at Noon on Zoom.
Summer UMC Camp Registration Now Open for School Children of All Ages
This summer, come outside and explore the universe of God at California-Pacific Conference Summer Camp 2022: Faith, Friends, and Fun at Cedar Glen, Lazy W Ranch, and Camp Wrightwood! Cal-Pac Camps is a Christ-centered organization that focuses on the spiritual development of our campers. We follow three simple rules of Methodist living: Do Good, Reduce Harm, and Love God. We embody Christian community through worship, small groups, keynote speakers, prayer stations, and traditional camp fun!
A Quick Guide to Overt and Covert Racism shared by the UMC's Commision on Race and Religion
The 38th Annual Session of the California-Pacific Conference will be held over four non-consecutive days and will feature in-person and online options for participants. This is a way of creating space and opportunity for connection and safety for clergy and laity.
Legislative sections (June 7) and business sessions (June 15) will be held online via Zoom; Worship, ordination mission opportunities, and other celebrations (June 17 & 18) will be held in person in Costa Mesa, CA. All plenary and business sessions will be livestreamed.
Two informational flyers have been made available for download: Save The Date (image file), When is Annual Conference 2022 (PDF).
Registration will open April 1, 2022.
Shaping a Western Jurisdiction Where Love Lives
April 1, 2022 California 5:30 PM PDT
RSVP Deadline: March 31, 2022
RSVP Link: https://bit.ly/3N2LIvb
The California-Pacific Conference has lived and served as an inclusive church for all of God’s children. Now, the jurisdiction needs our collective input on how we can create a strong, effective structure where all of God’s children truly belong. This is an opportunity for our Conference members to share our values with allies and influence the future structure of the church where love lives.
Regardless of what happens at the general church level, we in the west need an actualization of our mission and a regional structure that will best address our needs. We invite you to give input on what the church in the Western Jurisdiction should look like.
General Conference Postponed until 2024
As the pandemic continues and the wait time for visas stretches to over two years in some countries, the Commission on the General Conference announced this week that the 2020 General Conference cannot be held in 2022 due to COVID-related and governmental policies/constraints.
Bishop Grant Hagiya issued a statement which assures that the California-Pacific Annual Conference will continue our commitment to inclusion across the wide diversity of our area and peoples, including LGBTQ+ siblings. This commitment runs deep in our conference and is increasingly widespread in our United Methodist connection. More than 1,000 people have already signed on to a statement calling us, the church, to resist harm against LGBTQ+ people and supporters, especially in this time as we continue to await General Conference. The commitment to doing no harm remains a deep value that will be upheld as we fulfil our mission.
General Conference is the top policy-making body of The United Methodist Church. The assembly typically meets at the beginning of each quadrennium to consider revisions to church law, as well as adopt resolutions on current moral, social, public policy and economic issues. It also approves plans and budgets for church-wide programs for the next four years.
Call to Prayer and Support for Tonga
Please join Bishop Grant J. Hagiya in your regular prayers for our Tongan siblings and for the physical island itself. We ask God to watch over the Tongan people, animals, and land. We ask God to move us to send relief in the form of donations as well as these prayers. May the Island of Tonga know that we hold them in our daily prayers! Donations for relief can be sent to the California-Pacific Conference at P.O. Box 6006, Pasadena, CA 91102-6006. Please mark any donations with “Tongan Relief” on your check or electronic offering here.
The 2022 GBHEM Methodist scholarship app is now open! The deadline is March 31st. They gave Lauren a scholarship last year, and it really helped her out. She wants to pass this along to all students. https://www.gbhem.org/loans-scholarships/scholarships/apply/
COMMUNITY RESOURCES:
Ways to Send Aid to the People of Ukraine🇺🇦:
Over 1 million people have fled Ukraine in search of safety and refuge. While neighboring countries are opening their borders to many, the humanitarian need is overwhelming. If you are looking for a way to support the refugees, check this non-exhaustive list for organizations who are on the front lines of assistance.
Free at-home COVID-19 tests: https://www.covidtests.gov
Every home in the U.S. can soon order 4 free at-home COVID-19 tests. The tests will be completely free—there are no shipping costs and you don’t need to enter a credit card number. Ordering begins January 19: Click here to order your tests.
LA County’s Guaranteed Income Program is launching!
Eligible residents who are selected will receive $1,000 a month to help them financially breathe a bit easier.
APPLICATIONS START MARCH 31, 2022
For more details, visit breathe.lacounty.gov or respira.lacounty.gov
3 Levels of Resources for Renters and Landlord Assistance
LA: https://www.stayhousedla.org/ or call 1-888-694-0040
California: https://housing.ca.gov/ or call 833-430-2122, Applications close March 31st!
Federal: Federal Rental Assistance Program
Sliding Scale Therapy at the Maple Center
As Ashley mentioned last week, the Maple Center is a great place to start if you want to find resources for mental health. They do therapy on an income based sliding scale, and are very respectful and caring people. https://www.maple4counseling.org/
Food Equity
1 in 10 residents struggles with food insecurity. LA County has convened the Food Equity Roundtable to address systemic inequities in our food system. Govt, philanthropy & nonprofit leaders will soon issue a blueprint for change. Have ideas? Email lafoodequityroundtable@gmail.com
Support The Ending PUSHOUT Act
This summer, many United Methodist Women members and friends all across the country participated in the Mission U study of Pushout: The Criminalization of Black Girls in Schools by Dr. Monique Morris. We learned about the extreme racial disparities in discipline impacting Black girls. Addressing the deep roots of intersecting oppressions targeting Black girls is complex and long-term work. There is no simple one-and-done fix. But we can have an impact. One way we can help make change is by showing our support for an important federal bill, The Ending PUSHOUT Act, and by encouraging our loved ones to join us in action.
The Ending PUSHOUT Act of 2021 (H.R.2248):
creates a $2.5 billion fund to incentivize schools and states to abandon unfair and discriminatory disciplinary policies and practices that push children of color out of the classroom;
strengthens civil rights monitoring and enforcement;
and establishes a task force to address school pushout, with particular attention to the needs of girls of color.
Participating states and schools would be supported to invest in restorative practices, trauma-informed care, counselors, social workers and mental health professionals. Funds could not be used for police in schools. Please join us in supporting The Ending PUSHOUT Act. Already taken action in support of this bill? Multiply your impact by asking three friends to join you in taking action on this campaign.
Winter Shelters are open 11/1-3/31.
The Winter Shelter Program provides a warm place to sleep and access to supportive services to our unsheltered neighbors. If you or someone you know needs shelter visit LAHSA.org/winter-shelter or call 1 (800) 548-6047.
GreenFaith: Lauren K wanted to share this interfaith climate change group to pass along if anyone at church is interested: From coast to coast; continent to continent, our message is crystal clear: Our faiths call for an end to climate destruction and a sustainable and just future for all. https://greenfaith.org/
COVID Testing:
You can get your digital vaccination record: myvaccinerecord.cdph.ca.gov
healthvana.com or carbonhealth.com
LA City is now offering free testing, without appointments at City-run sites. Find a site near you: Coronavirus.LACity.org/Testing. For additional COVID-19 resources: Coronavirus.LACity.org/Resources
Vaccines:
In case you missed it: Pfizer's #COVID19 vaccine is approved for kids 5-11!! Children may now get vaccinated at select, walk-up clinics county-wide. Please call ahead to check availability. Visit vaccinatelacounty.com for info or talk to your child’s doctor
All COVID-19 vaccines are now approved for boosters - Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson. People may also receive booster doses that are different than their original vaccine. For more info and to make an appointment, visit bit.ly/3m3Uspo--
CVS is already prepared to administer boosters. You can make an appointment for the booster of your choice at https://www.cvs.com/vaccine/intake/store/covid-screener/covid-qns
Vaccine requirements are in effect, LA County is providing mobile vaccinations, testing vendors, as well as a toolkit for owners of bars and businesses that serve alcohol, as well as for those running mega events. For more info visit, ph.lacounty.gov/coronavirus
California residents can now request in-home vaccinations and/or transit assistance to get vaccinated by registering at MyTurn.ca.gov or by calling the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) COVID-19 Call Center at 1-833-422-4255.
Everyone 12 years and older in LA County is now eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Children 12-17 are only eligible to receive the Pfizer vaccine—to find a location near you, visit bit.ly/PfizerSites. Learn more about the vaccines at vaccinatelacounty.com.
Need a ride? Uber and Lyft are providing free rides to and from vaccination sites. Don't have the apps? Call 833-540-0473 to book your ride.
There are several vaccine sites set up by Carbon Health that you can check: https://carbonhealth.com/
LA County: http://www.publichealth.lacounty.gov/media/Coronavirus/vaccine/index.htm
Orange County residents and workers: Register for a vaccination appointment at https://othena.com
CALL TO PRAYER: Hallelujah - El Dorado, featuring Rachel Rhodes-Wickett Gipson
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.
Scripture: Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32, NRSV - The Parable of the Barren Fig Tree
The Parable of the Lost Sheep
Now all the tax-collectors and sinners were coming near to listen to him.And the Pharisees and the scribes were grumbling and saying, ‘This fellow welcomes sinners and eats with them.’
So he told them this parable:
The Parable of the Prodigal and His Brother
Then Jesus said, ‘There was a man who had two sons. The younger of them said to his father, “Father, give me the share of the property that will belong to me.” So he divided his property between them. A few days later the younger son gathered all he had and travelled to a distant country, and there he squandered his property in dissolute living. When he had spent everything, a severe famine took place throughout that country, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed the pigs. He would gladly have filled himself with the pods that the pigs were eating; and no one gave him anything. But when he came to himself he said, “How many of my father’s hired hands have bread enough and to spare, but here I am dying of hunger! I will get up and go to my father, and I will say to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son; treat me like one of your hired hands.’ ” So he set off and went to his father. But while he was still far off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion; he ran and put his arms around him and kissed him. Then the son said to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.” But the father said to his slaves, “Quickly, bring out a robe—the best one—and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. And get the fatted calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate; for this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found!” And they began to celebrate.
‘Now his elder son was in the field; and when he came and approached the house, he heard music and dancing. He called one of the slaves and asked what was going on. He replied, “Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fatted calf, because he has got him back safe and sound.” Then he became angry and refused to go in. His father came out and began to plead with him. But he answered his father, “Listen! For all these years I have been working like a slave for you, and I have never disobeyed your command; yet you have never given me even a young goat so that I might celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours came back, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fatted calf for him!” Then the father said to him, “Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. But we had to celebrate and rejoice, because this brother of yours was dead and has come to life; he was lost and has been found.”’
One: This is the Word of God for us, the people of God.
All: Thanks be to God!
Sermon: LENT III: FINDING OUR HALLELUJAHS - Creating a Rule of Life for Work - Nurturing What Bears Fruit - Rev. Mandy McDow
Go Deeper
If youd like to go deeper and have more companionship and guidance as you create your rule of life, you might consider the course from Sacred Ordinary Days, Creating a Rule of Life: Embodying Wholeness in Every Season.
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: How Firm A Foundation - 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
