Call to Worship - Those of you joining us from home are invited to light a candle to welcome the presence of the Holy Spirit
Break Me Out by The Rescues - El Dorado
Welcome
Praise by Seph Shuelester - 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.
Our beloved Debbie Bowlus is celebrating her birthday TODAY! We are delighted to be able to celebrate with her. Not everyone wants to come to work on their birthday, but Debbie wouldn’t be anywhere else in the world. Her dedication, vision, and faith are the backbone of our community, and it is a joy to be able to work alongside her in this ministry.
Today, our Breakfast Ministry celebrates its 2nd anniversary. You can read more about the origin of this program here, but it wouldn’t be what it is without Debbie’s hard work and committment to serving those who are in the most need. Thanks to Debbie’s organization and the help of dozens of volunteers, we have been able to offer a hot meal on Sunday mornings for the past two years. This program has grown so much and we are aware that with more funding, we could exapnd our meal count to serve more people. Currently, we are able to serve 40 people. With the proper funds, we could likely double this.
Are you registered to vote? Check your California Registration status HERE!
Please Update Your Contact Information
As we continue to grow and serve our community, it is essential that we keep accurate and up-to-date records for all of our members. Please provide Debbie Bowlus with any changes to your address, email address, or any other relevant details. This helps ensure you receive timely updates about church events and services. It also helps us provide better support and outreach to our congregation.
NEW MEMBER CLASS! Have you ever wondered about what United Methodists think about major cultural and political issues? What do we really believe about Resurrection? Sin? Hell? Join us on Tuesdays starting September 17 at 7:00 pm on Zoom for a deeper look at our Methodist faith and heritage. Books will be available on Sunday, Sept. 15. Contact Rev. Mandy for more information!
TOP 5 ANNOUNCEMENTS
VENMO: https://account.venmo.com/u/LAFirstUMC1
PAYPAL: https://paypal.me/LAFirstUMC
SQUARE:https://checkout.square.site/pay/be673aef7fcb424e98387016d184e57d
Kid City Events This Summer:
Buy a ticket now for Kid City’s Fundraiser Luncheon: Click Here
Can’t make it? Consider giving a donationto support Kid City in spreading radical welcome with future first-gen college students! Hope to see you soon!
Under the state of emergency declared to help the housing crisis, LA County is creating more job opportunities and making the application process easier than ever.
Learn more at homeless.lacounty.gov/emergency
The Federal Communications Commission's Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), a $30 per month subsidy for home internet service, expired at the end of April.
Check out how to Stay Connected at GetConnectedLosAngeles.lacity.org
CALL TO PRAYER: Sinking Deep by Aodhan King / Joel Davies - El Dorado
Joys and Concerns: Prayers of the People We believe that the best way to bear our burdens is to share them with one another. You welcome to share your joys and concerns so that our community can hold these things in our hearts as we lift them to God together.
You are invited to share your prayers in the Facebook Live Chat, or on the YouTube Live chat.
New Testament Reading: Mark 8:27-38, NRSV
Peter’s Declaration about Jesus
Jesus went on with his disciples to the villages of Caesarea Philippi; and on the way he asked his disciples, ‘Who do people say that I am?’ And they answered him, ‘John the Baptist; and others, Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets.’ He asked them, ‘But who do you say that I am?’ Peter answered him, ‘You are the Messiah.’ And he sternly ordered them not to tell anyone about him.
Jesus Foretells His Death and Resurrection
Then he began to teach them that the Son of Man must undergo great suffering, and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again. He said all this quite openly. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. But turning and looking at his disciples, he rebuked Peter and said, ‘Get behind me, Satan! For you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things.’
He called the crowd with his disciples, and said to them, ‘If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake, and for the sake of the gospel, will save it.For what will it profit them to gain the whole world and forfeit their life?Indeed, what can they give in return for their life? Those who are ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of them the Son of Man will also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.’
One: This is the word of God for us, the People of God.
All: Thanks be to God!
Sermon: What Is Wisdom: Who Do You Say That I Am? - Rev. Dr. Mandy McDow
HOLY COMMUNION
Invitation to the Table: As we understand the Body of Christ to be inclusive, we understand God’s table of grace and fellowship can extend into our homes. As you’re able, bring your own elements to this time. Bread, Juice, Coffee, Muffins… the Body of Christ is comprised of wonder and mystery. Today, we celebrate that God can reach us where we are, even if we are not together.
The Great Mystery of our Faith
All: Christ has died
Christ is risen.
Christ will come again.
THE LORD’S PRAYER
And now, with the confidence of the children of God, let us pray:
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name.
Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.
Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen.
MUSIC DURING OFFERING AND COMMUNION:
Where Can I Go? Psalm 139 - by Ellie Holcomb - 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!
