Order of Worship for Sunday, July 18: Cultivate Sanctuary

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

Lovely Day - 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
PAYPAL: https://paypal.me/LAFirstUMC
SQUARE: https://checkout.square.site/pay/be673aef7fcb424e98387016d184e57d

DISCIPLE BIBLE STUDY, Monday, July 19, Chapter 11 - God Opens the Sea 
Time: 5:30 - 7:00 PM PST
Join Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/598868178?pwd=U1B2YjZYWURDRXJXMStKajI3L1RWZz09

GENESIS-EXODUS
July 19: Chapter 11 - God Opens the Sea
July 26: Chapter 12 - Amid the Struggle God Provides
August 2: Chapter 13 - God’s Commands
August 9: Chapter 14 - The Just Laws of God
August 16: Chapter 15 - Protector of the Powerless
August 23: Chapter 16 - God’s Dwelling Place

Sermon Series: June 6-August 29: CULTIVATE
Exploring what scripture tells us about cultivating hope, possibility, and faith
July 18: Cultivate Sanctuary
July 25: Cultivate Satisfaction
August 1: Cultivate Repentance
August 8: Cultivate Humility
August 15: Cultivate Communion
August 22: Cultivate Covenant
August 29: Cultivate Steadfast Love
Sept 5: Sabbath Sunday
Sept 12: HOMECOMING! In-person worship tentatively resumes

We have a NEW new mailing address!
When we are able to meet in person, we will still be congregating in our tents under the blue California sky on the corner of Flower & Olympic in the heart of DTLA, but if you need to send anything to the church via snail mail, here is the address you can reach us at:

Los Angeles First United Methodist Church
P.O. Box 173
South Pasadena CA 91031

Mission U 2021
Dates: June 21 - August 8, 2021 California & Hawaii  |  June 22 - August 9, 2021 Guam & Saipan 
Location: Zoom. Cost: Free 

WHAT IS Misson U? Mission U is an opportunity to study a spiritual growth topic, a geographic area, and an issue impacting society. Participants grow in understanding of the mission of the church in the current world context. The studies give particular attention to the responsibilities of women in the fulfillment of mission. This mission education program strengthens the leadership and membership of United Methodist Women.

Studies include:

• FINDING PEACE IN AN ANXIOUS WORLD

• Bearing Witness in the Kin-dom: Living Into the Church’s Moral Witness through Radical Discipleship

• Pushout: The Criminalization of Black Girls in Schools

• Women United for Change: 150 Years in Mission

• Managing Anxiety (Youth)

• Becoming Peacemakers in a Culture of Violence (Youth)

• Responding to Violence (Children)

You can purchase your study books at unitedmethodistwomen.org/mission-resources or Smile.Amazon.com.

Registration Form - English * Registration Form - Korean *  Registration Form - Spanish

The UMW and Abolition Apostles Ministry are looking for pen-pals!

LAFUMC is partnering with Abolition Apostles Ministry to have church members paired with a pen pal who is currently incarcerated. The mission of Abolition Apostles is: “Our mission is to offer moral and spiritual support to members of the incarcerated community, and contribute to the destruction of the prison-industrial complex through solidarity, prophetic witness, and community organizing inside and outside of prison.”

You can learn more about their work here.

UMW Silent Auction fundraiser

See the attached flyer for detailed information. There are going to be some great baskets, including ours! Feel free to share the registration information with others in your circle of friends.

Contact Cal Pac UMW President Diane Gin at dlokgin@gmail.com for further details.

All of the funds raised by the Silent Auction will go toward UMW mission projects.

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FRIDAYS: Sounds of South Park
Sounds of South Park is expanding! There will be free live music at two locations in South Park at South Park Commons and at The Petroleum Building. Stop by Fridays from 6-8 PM and visit southpark.la/music for more information.

Cooling Centers
For a list of cooling centers and more, visit emergency.lacity.org/heat

LACountyParks Splash Pads are OPEN! 

During these hot summer months, youth are invited to cool off and have fun by visiting one of our 23 splash pads located across LA County. 

https://parks.lacounty.gov/summer

Free Meals for Kids:
This summer, kids and teens 18 and under, can pick up 2 free nutritious meals at select @lacountylibrary locations. Meals are available for no-contact pickup on a first come, first served basis from 12–1 pm, June 14–August 6. Learn more here.

Lights, Camera, ACTION!
LA County Parks Summer Classes offer classes for kids & adults who are natural entertainers. Sign up to join our Music, Acting, Dance, and Improv classes, to name a few!
Visit parks.lacounty.gov/summerclasses to check out the classes & register!

Free Rec Equipment and Snacks for Kids
Join us at Every Body Plays, a program that offers free sports equipment & snacks for youth at 55 parks within 20 cities countywide! 🏀🎾 Every Body Plays is a safe place where kids can get active & stay healthy (following COVID-19 guidelines). More info: parks.lacounty.gov/everybodyplays

Covid Testing:
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

MASKS ARE STILL NEEDED INDOORS: 😷
Because of the rise in COVID cases related to the Delta variant, the LA Public health Director requested vaccinated people wear masks in public and indoor gatherings.

Vaccines:

• As of May 13th, ALL California residents over the age of 12 are eligible! Learn more about how people in the newly eligible groups can get vaccinated For more information on who is eligible, booking an appointment and required documentation, visit: Coronavirus.LACity.org/Vaccine

• Check out https://myturn.ca.gov/ to see if you are soon becoming eligible for your vaccine.

• There 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

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CALL TO PRAYER: How the City Sings - 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.

Scripture: Mark 6:30-56, NRSV

v. 30-34: The apostles gathered around Jesus, and told him all that they had done and taught. He said to them, “Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. And they went away in the boat to a deserted place by themselves. Now many saw them going and recognized them, and they hurried there on foot from all the towns and arrived ahead of them. As he went ashore, he saw a great crowd; and he had compassion for them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things. 

[v. 35-52: When it grew late, his disciples came to him and said, “This is a deserted place, and the hour is now very late;send them away so that they may go into the surrounding country and villages and buy something for themselves to eat.” But he answered them, “You give them something to eat.” They said to him, “Are we to go and buy two hundred denarii worth of bread, and give it to them to eat?”And he said to them, “How many loaves have you? Go and see.” When they had found out, they said, “Five, and two fish.” Then he ordered them to get all the people to sit down in groups on the green grass. So they sat down in groups of hundreds and of fifties. Taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven, and blessed and broke the loaves, and gave them to his disciples to set before the people; and he divided the two fish among them all. And all ate and were filled; and they took up twelve baskets full of broken pieces and of the fish. Those who had eaten the loaves numbered five thousand men.

Immediately he made his disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side, to Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd. After saying farewell to them, he went up on the mountain to pray.

When evening came, the boat was out on the sea, and he was alone on the land. When he saw that they were straining at the oars against an adverse wind, he came towards them early in the morning, walking on the sea. He intended to pass them by. But when they saw him walking on the sea, they thought it was a ghost and cried out; for they all saw him and were terrified. But immediately he spoke to them and said, “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.” Then he got into the boat with them and the wind ceased. And they were utterly astounded, for they did not understand about the loaves, but their hearts were hardened.]

v. 53-56: When they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret and moored the boat. When they got out of the boat, people at once recognized him, and rushed about that whole region and began to bring the sick on mats to wherever they heard he was. And wherever he went, into villages or cities or farms, they laid the sick in the marketplaces, and begged him that they might touch even the fringe of his cloak; and all who touched it were healed.

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

Sermon: Cultivate Sanctuary - 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.

CLOSING SONG: Home - El Dorado
A cover of “Home” by Michelle Malone

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

Donate

Order of Worship for Sunday, July 11: Cultivate Courage - Lauren Korczakowski, preaching

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

Up To Here - 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
PAYPAL: https://paypal.me/LAFirstUMC
SQUARE: https://checkout.square.site/pay/be673aef7fcb424e98387016d184e57d

DISCIPLE BIBLE STUDY, Monday, July 19, Chapter 11 - God Opens the Sea 
Time: 5:30 - 7:00 PM PST
Join Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/598868178?pwd=U1B2YjZYWURDRXJXMStKajI3L1RWZz09

GENESIS-EXODUS
July 12: No Class 
July 19: Chapter 11 - God Opens the Sea
July 26: Chapter 12 - Amid the Struggle God Provides
August 2: Chapter 13 - God’s Commands
August 9: Chapter 14 - The Just Laws of God
August 16: Chapter 15 - Protector of the Powerless
August 23: Chapter 16 - God’s Dwelling Place

Sermon Series: June 6-August 29: CULTIVATE
Exploring what scripture tells us about cultivating hope, possibility, and faith
July 11: Cultivate Courage - Lauren Korczakowski
July 18: Cultivate Sanctuary
July 25: Cultivate Satisfaction
August 1: Cultivate Repentance
August 8: Cultivate Humility
August 15: Cultivate Communion
August 22: Cultivate Covenant
August 29: Cultivate Steadfast Love
Sept 5: Sabbath Sunday
Sept 12: HOMECOMING! In-person worship tentatively resumes

We have a NEW new mailing address!
When we are able to meet in person, we will still be congregating in our tents under the blue California sky on the corner of Flower & Olympic in the heart of DTLA, but if you need to send anything to the church via snail mail, here is the address you can reach us at:

Los Angeles First United Methodist Church
P.O. Box 173
South Pasadena CA 91031

CHURCH COUNCIL MEETING: Tuesday, July 13 at 6:30 pm PDT via Zoom

CAL PAC UMC Urban Kids Camp: July 16-18
Registration: $75 dollars
Registration Deadline: July 12, 2021 or when the camp is full
Flyer: https://bit.ly/3qvieuZ
For questions regarding the program or applications, please contact Pastor Garth Gilliam at garthgilliam@gmail.com

Mission U 2021
Dates: June 21 - August 8, 2021 California & Hawaii  |  June 22 - August 9, 2021 Guam & Saipan 
Location: Zoom. Cost: Free 

WHAT IS Misson U? Mission U is an opportunity to study a spiritual growth topic, a geographic area, and an issue impacting society. Participants grow in understanding of the mission of the church in the current world context. The studies give particular attention to the responsibilities of women in the fulfillment of mission. This mission education program strengthens the leadership and membership of United Methodist Women.

Studies include:

• FINDING PEACE IN AN ANXIOUS WORLD

• Bearing Witness in the Kin-dom: Living Into the Church’s Moral Witness through Radical Discipleship

• Pushout: The Criminalization of Black Girls in Schools

• Women United for Change: 150 Years in Mission

• Managing Anxiety (Youth)

• Becoming Peacemakers in a Culture of Violence (Youth)

• Responding to Violence (Children)

You can purchase your study books at unitedmethodistwomen.org/mission-resources or Smile.Amazon.com.

Registration Form - English * Registration Form - Korean *  Registration Form - Spanish

The UMW and Abolition Apostles Ministry are looking for pen-pals!

LAFUMC is partnering with Abolition Apostles Ministry to have church members paired with a pen pal who is currently incarcerated. The mission of Abolition Apostles is: “Our mission is to offer moral and spiritual support to members of the incarcerated community, and contribute to the destruction of the prison-industrial complex through solidarity, prophetic witness, and community organizing inside and outside of prison.”

You can learn more about their work here.

COFFEEHOUSE 2021: Fifth Annual UVP Talent Showcase
Come support Tom and Scottie and others performing!
Friday, July 16th, 6:00pm PDT
Terasaki Budokan
249 S Los Angeles St.
Los Angeles, CA 90012
& Live Streamed on Youtube and Facebook
Coffeehouse, an empowering music performance featuring the members of the Urban Voices Project Choir. Registration form here.

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FRIDAYS: Sounds of South Park
Sounds of South Park is expanding! There will be free live music at two locations in South Park at South Park Commons and at The Petroleum Building. Stop by Fridays from 6-8 PM and visit southpark.la/music for more information.

LACountyParks Splash Pads are OPEN! 

During these hot summer months, youth are invited to cool off and have fun by visiting one of our 23 splash pads located across LA County. 

https://parks.lacounty.gov/summer

Free Meals for Kids:
This summer, kids and teens 18 and under, can pick up 2 free nutritious meals at select @lacountylibrary locations. Meals are available for no-contact pickup on a first come, first served basis from 12–1 pm, June 14–August 6. Learn more here.

Lights, Camera, ACTION!
LA County Parks Summer Classes offer classes for kids & adults who are natural entertainers. Sign up to join our Music, Acting, Dance, and Improv classes, to name a few!
Visit parks.lacounty.gov/summerclasses to check out the classes & register!

Free Rec Equipment and Snacks for Kids
Join us at Every Body Plays, a program that offers free sports equipment & snacks for youth at 55 parks within 20 cities countywide! 🏀🎾 Every Body Plays is a safe place where kids can get active & stay healthy (following COVID-19 guidelines). More info: parks.lacounty.gov/everybodyplays

Covid Testing:
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

MASKS ARE STILL NEEDED INDOORS: 😷
Because of the rise in COVID cases related to the Delta variant, the LA Public health Director requested vaccinated people wear masks in public and indoor gatherings.

Vaccines:

• As of May 13th, ALL California residents over the age of 12 are eligible! Learn more about how people in the newly eligible groups can get vaccinated For more information on who is eligible, booking an appointment and required documentation, visit: Coronavirus.LACity.org/Vaccine

• Check out https://myturn.ca.gov/ to see if you are soon becoming eligible for your vaccine.

• There 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

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CALL TO PRAYER: What Wondrous Love is This? - 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.

Scripture: Mark 6:14-29, NRSV - The Death of John the Baptist

King Herod heard of it, for Jesus’ name had become known. Some weresaying, ‘John the baptizer has been raised from the dead; and for this reason these powers are at work in him.’ But others said, ‘It is Elijah.’ And others said, ‘It is a prophet, like one of the prophets of old.’ But when Herod heard of it, he said, ‘John, whom I beheaded, has been raised.’

For Herod himself had sent men who arrested John, bound him, and put him in prison on account of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, because Herod had married her. For John had been telling Herod, ‘It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.’ And Herodias had a grudge against him, and wanted to kill him. But she could not, for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and he protected him. When he heard him, he was greatly perplexed; and yet he liked to listen to him. But an opportunity came when Herod on his birthday gave a banquet for his courtiers and officers and for the leaders of Galilee. When his daughter Herodias came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his guests; and the king said to the girl, ‘Ask me for whatever you wish, and I will give it.’ And he solemnly swore to her, ‘Whatever you ask me, I will give you, even half of my kingdom.’ She went out and said to her mother, ‘What should I ask for?’ She replied, ‘The head of John the baptizer.’Immediately she rushed back to the king and requested, ‘I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter.’ The king was deeply grieved; yet out of regard for his oaths and for the guests, he did not want to refuse her. Immediately the king sent a soldier of the guard with orders to bring John’s head. He went and beheaded him in the prison, brought his head on a platter, and gave it to the girl. Then the girl gave it to her mother. When his disciples heard about it, they came and took his body, and laid it in a tomb. 

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

Sermon: Cultivate Courage - Lauren Korczakowski, preaching

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.

CLOSING SONG: Be Not Afraid - 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

Donate

Order of Worship for Sunday, July 4: Cultivate Independence

Welcome to Tongvaland: Pamela J. Peters

CULTIVATE INDEPENDENCE

American history is born from restlessness and hope. It is born from a sincere desire for freedom, as well as the selfish desire to manifest this reality in cold blood.

Jesus says: you cannot serve two masters, for the enslaved will “be loyal to one and have contempt for the other.” Our pride in being American - living in the land of the free - cannot be separated from the fact that this land was stolen.

We will always have a master whom we serve, and we can choose for that master to be God, who created the universe and everything in it for good, or for it to be the allure of wealth. It is too hard for most white Americans to realize that we made mammon our master, and then enslaved African people as a commodity in our efforts to serve it. 

‘What To The Slave Is The Fourth Of July?’: Descendants Read Frederick Douglass' Speech, the full text of which can be read here.

The New Colossus - Emma Lazarus, 1883

Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,
With conquering limbs astride from land to land;
Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand
A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame
Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name
Mother of Exiles.
From her beacon-hand
Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command
The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.
“Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!” cries she
With silent lips.
“Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!”

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

One Song - 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
PAYPAL: https://paypal.me/LAFirstUMC
SQUARE: https://checkout.square.site/pay/be673aef7fcb424e98387016d184e57d

DISCIPLE BIBLE STUDY, Monday, July 19, Chapter 11 - God Opens the Sea 
Time: 5:30 - 7:00 PM PST
Join Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/598868178?pwd=U1B2YjZYWURDRXJXMStKajI3L1RWZz09

GENESIS-EXODUS
July 5: No Class
July 12: No Class 
July 19: Chapter 11 - God Opens the Sea
July 26: Chapter 12 - Amid the Struggle God Provides
August 2: Chapter 13 - God’s Commands
August 9: Chapter 14 - The Just Laws of God
August 16: Chapter 15 - Protector of the Powerless
August 23: Chapter 16 - God’s Dwelling Place

Sermon Series: June 6-August 29: CULTIVATE
Exploring what scripture tells us about cultivating hope, possibility, and faith
July 4: Cultivate Independence
July 11: Cultivate Courage - Lauren Korczakowski - E-mail Lauren with your thoughts about “Where do you need courage in your life?”
July 18: Cultivate Sanctuary
July 25: Cultivate Satisfaction
August 1: Cultivate Repentance
August 8: Cultivate Humility
August 15: Cultivate Communion
August 22: Cultivate Covenant
August 29: Cultivate Steadfast Love
Sept 5: Sabbath Sunday
Sept 12: HOMECOMING! In-person worship tentatively resumes

ANNUAL CONFERENCE REPORT: Tom Grode, Lay Delegate to the California-Pacific Annual Conference

We have a NEW new mailing address!
When we are able to meet in person, we will still be congregating in our tents under the blue California sky on the corner of Flower & Olympic in the heart of DTLA, but if you need to send anything to the church via snail mail, here is the address you can reach us at:

Los Angeles First United Methodist Church
P.O. Box 173
South Pasadena CA 91031

CAL PAC UMC Urban Kids Camp: July 16-18
Registration: $75 dollars
Registration Deadline: July 12, 2021 or when the camp is full
Flyer: https://bit.ly/3qvieuZ
For questions regarding the program or applications, please contact Pastor Garth Gilliam at garthgilliam@gmail.com

UMC Summer Camp Counselors Needed

Being a camp counselor is one of the most rewarding volunteer opportunities around! If you can work out the time to be at any of our camps and can do the pre-camp Safe Gatherings and training, you are welcome and you are needed! Counselors range in age from 16 to 86. No previous church camp experience required. If you are at all interested, contact:

• Rebecca Valenzuela (rvalenzuela@calpacumc.org) at LAZY W RANCH

• Kimmie Stradling (family@venturafumc.org) at CAMP CEADR GLEN

• Rev. Marlene Urban-Funk (murbanfunk@calpacumc.org) at CAMP WRIGHTWOOD

We need help in particular for the following camps:

• LAZY W RANCH (San Juan Capistrano, CA) with Elementary students July 7-10 & Junior High students July 21-24

• CAMP CEDAR GLEN (Julian, CA) with Junior High students July 11-14

• CAMP WRIGHTWOOD (Wrightwood, CA) with Junior High students July 11-16

Mission U 2021
Dates: June 21 - August 8, 2021 California & Hawaii  |  June 22 - August 9, 2021 Guam & Saipan 
Location: Zoom. Cost: Free 

WHAT IS Misson U? Mission U is an opportunity to study a spiritual growth topic, a geographic area, and an issue impacting society. Participants grow in understanding of the mission of the church in the current world context. The studies give particular attention to the responsibilities of women in the fulfillment of mission. This mission education program strengthens the leadership and membership of United Methodist Women.

Studies include:

• FINDING PEACE IN AN ANXIOUS WORLD

• Bearing Witness in the Kin-dom: Living Into the Church’s Moral Witness through Radical Discipleship

• Pushout: The Criminalization of Black Girls in Schools

• Women United for Change: 150 Years in Mission

• Managing Anxiety (Youth)

• Becoming Peacemakers in a Culture of Violence (Youth)

• Responding to Violence (Children)

You can purchase your study books at unitedmethodistwomen.org/mission-resources or Smile.Amazon.com.

Registration Form - English * Registration Form - Korean *  Registration Form - Spanish

The UMW and Abolition Apostles Ministry are looking for pen-pals!

LAFUMC is partnering with Abolition Apostles Ministry to have church members paired with a pen pal who is currently incarcerated. The mission of Abolition Apostles is: “Our mission is to offer moral and spiritual support to members of the incarcerated community, and contribute to the destruction of the prison-industrial complex through solidarity, prophetic witness, and community organizing inside and outside of prison.”

You can learn more about their work here.

---

FRIDAYS: Sounds of South Park
Sounds of South Park is expanding! There will be free live music at two locations in South Park at South Park Commons and at The Petroleum Building. Stop by Fridays from 6-8 PM and visit southpark.la/music for more information.

7/3: South Park Block Party
South Park's newest restaurants, Kai's Table, B You, and Sonorita's Tacos have teamed up with Nimbus Coffee to host a block party next weekend. RSVP in advance here.

LA City Sanitation events:
LA City Sanitation has resumed in-person events. Make sure you sign up for their emails for information on bulky item and hazardous waste collections, and more.
For more information on clean and safe services or to submit a request, visit the South Park Bid website.

LACountyParks Splash Pads are OPEN! 

During these hot summer months, youth are invited to cool off and have fun by visiting one of our 23 splash pads located across LA County. 

https://parks.lacounty.gov/summer

Free Meals for Kids:
This summer, kids and teens 18 and under, can pick up 2 free nutritious meals at select @lacountylibrary locations. Meals are available for no-contact pickup on a first come, first served basis from 12–1 pm, June 14–August 6. Learn more here.

The June 15th reopening of LA is here! Expect updated guidance on masking, distancing, and capacity restrictions. For more information visit ph.lacounty.gov/coronavirus

Lights, Camera, ACTION!
LA County Parks Summer Classes offer classes for kids & adults who are natural entertainers. Sign up to join our Music, Acting, Dance, and Improv classes, to name a few!
Visit parks.lacounty.gov/summerclasses to check out the classes & register!

Free Rec Equipment and Snacks for Kids
Join us at Every Body Plays, a program that offers free sports equipment & snacks for youth at 55 parks within 20 cities countywide! 🏀🎾 Every Body Plays is a safe place where kids can get active & stay healthy (following COVID-19 guidelines). More info: parks.lacounty.gov/everybodyplays

Covid Testing:
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

MASKS ARE STILL NEEDED INDOORS: 😷
Because of the rise in COVID cases related to the Delta variant, the LA Public health Director requested vaccinated people wear masks in public and indoor gatherings.

Vaccines:

• As of May 13th, ALL California residents over the age of 12 are eligible! Learn more about how people in the newly eligible groups can get vaccinated For more information on who is eligible, booking an appointment and required documentation, visit: Coronavirus.LACity.org/Vaccine

• Check out https://myturn.ca.gov/ to see if you are soon becoming eligible for your vaccine.

• There 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: Reckless 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.

Scripture: Luke 16:1-13, NRSV - The Parable of the Dishonest Manager

Then Jesus said to the disciples, ‘There was a rich man who had a manager, and charges were brought to him that this man was squandering his property. So he summoned him and said to him, “What is this that I hear about you? Give me an account of your management, because you cannot be my manager any longer.” Then the manager said to himself, “What will I do, now that my master is taking the position away from me? I am not strong enough to dig, and I am ashamed to beg.I have decided what to do so that, when I am dismissed as manager, people may welcome me into their homes.” So, summoning his master’s debtors one by one, he asked the first, “How much do you owe my master?” He answered, “A hundred jugs of olive oil.” He said to him, “Take your bill, sit down quickly, and make it fifty.” Then he asked another, “And how much do you owe?” He replied, “A hundred containers of wheat.” He said to him, “Take your bill and make it eighty.” And his master commended the dishonest manager because he had acted shrewdly; for the children of this age are more shrewd in dealing with their own generation than are the children of light. And I tell you, make friends for yourselves by means of dishonest wealth so that when it is gone, they may welcome you into the eternal homes.

‘Whoever is faithful in a very little is faithful also in much; and whoever is dishonest in a very little is dishonest also in much. If then you have not been faithful with the dishonest wealth, who will entrust to you the true riches? And if you have not been faithful with what belongs to another, who will give you what is your own? No slave can serve two masters; for a slave will either hate the one and love the other, or be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth.’

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

Sermon: Cultivate Independence - 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: State of Independence - 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

Donate

Order of Worship for Pride Sunday🏳️‍🌈, June 27: Cultivate Pride, Rev. Dr, Israel Alvaran, preaching

PRIDE🏳️‍🌈

On June 28, 1969, police raided the Stonewall Inn, a bar located in New York City’s Greenwich Village that served as a haven for the city’s gay, lesbian and transgender community. At the time, homosexual acts remained illegal in every state except Illinois, and bars and restaurants could get shut down for having gay employees or serving gay patrons. A riot broke out in the early hours of the morning, after police attempted to violently arrest a woman dressed in masculine attire (some believe the woman was lesbian activist Stormé DeLarverie), and she resisted.

On June 26, 2013, the Supreme Court of the United States of America announced two rulings which changed the scope of American life for lesbian, gay, and bisexual people. Proposition 8, which banned same-sex marriages in the state of California, was thrown out based on standing. And, the Defense of Marriage Act (known as DOMA) was struck down. Signed by President Clinton in 1996, DOMA allowed states to refuse to recognize same-sex marriages performed under the laws of other states. Until Section 3 of the Act was ruled unconstitutional, DOMA, had also effectively barred same-sex married couples from being recognized as "spouses" for purposes of federal laws, or receiving federal marriage benefits. With its repeal, thanks to the courage and determination of Edith Windsor, the 83-year-old plaintiff, same-sex marriages are now recognized at the federal level in the states in which they are legal.

On June 26, 2015, the Supreme Court declared same-sex marriage legal In all 50 states. The ruling affirms plaintiff Jim Obergefell’s argument, “what millions across this country already know to be true in their hearts: our love is equal."

This month, the LGBTQIA+ community celebrates the long, slow journey to equality in the eyes of the law. This past week, the Department of Justice moved to protect transgender young people against discriminatinatory state legislation in West Virginia and Arkansas, and the Department of Education issued a statement stating that Title IX protections apply to LGBTQ students.

And yet, Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among young people ages 10 to 24, according to The Trevor Project. LGB youth are almost five times as likely to have attempted suicide compared to heterosexual youth. In a national study, 40% of transgender adults reported having made a suicide attempt. 92% of these individuals reported having attempted suicide before the age of 25.

Even still, in the United Methodist Church, “self-avowed, practicing homosexuals” are not permitted to be ordained, nor are clergy permitted to celebrate same-sex unions. Since 1972, when this harmful language was added to the Book of Discipline, people have been working to change the restrictive and homophobic practices of the United Methodist Church. Reconciling Ministries Network (RMN), which was founded in 1984, has been working to equip and mobilizes United Methodists of all sexual orientations and gender identities to resist evil, injustice, and oppression in whatever forms they present themselves. The churches and members of RMN have been working to advance justice and inclusion for all LGBTQ people in The United Methodist Church and beyond. Los Angeles First UMC has been a Reconciling Congregation since 2015.

Today, we are blessed to have Rev. Dr. Israel (Izzy) Alvaran (he/him/his) preaching. Izzy is a remarkable person and preacher, but he also holds a unique role in his appointment to RMN. Izzy is a self-avowed gay United Methodist elder from the Philippines appointed as RMN’s organizer in the Western and North Central jurisdictions.

He has also served as pastor, conference youth director, faculty in United Methodist educational institutions, labor union organizer, and economic justice organizer with the General Board of Church and Society. He earned his Master of Divinity and Master of Theology degrees in the Philippines and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley, CA. A former political refugee, he is passionate about human rights and believes that queer justice is inherently intersectional.

Today, we celebrate with PRIDE all of the people who are living into the truth of who God made them to be. We honor the struggle, the heartache, and the tears of those who have fought to be true to themselves, knowing the risks and consequences it would have on their relationships, famiies, and careers. We continue to pray for liberty and justice for all. Today, we rejoice that we are all made in the image of God, and give thanks for the many ways God comes into being through us.

HAPPY PRIDE! 🏳️‍🌈

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: 

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
PAYPAL: https://paypal.me/LAFirstUMC
SQUARE: https://checkout.square.site/pay/be673aef7fcb424e98387016d184e57d

DISCIPLE BIBLE STUDY, Monday, June 28, Chapter 10 - God in the Fire 
Time: 5:30 - 7:00 PM PST
Join Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/598868178?pwd=U1B2YjZYWURDRXJXMStKajI3L1RWZz09

GENESIS-EXODUS
June 28: Chapter 10 - God in the Fire
July 5: No Class
July 12: No Class 
July 19: Chapter 11 - God Opens the Sea
July 26: Chapter 12 - Amid the Struggle God Provides
August 2: Chapter 13 - God’s Commands
August 9: Chapter 14 - The Just Laws of God
August 16: Chapter 15 - Protector of the Powerless
August 23: Chapter 16 - God’s Dwelling Place

Sermon Series: June 6-August 29: CULTIVATE
Exploring what scripture tells us about cultivating hope, possibility, and faith
June 27: Cultivate Pride - Pride Sunday! 🏳️‍🌈 - Rev. Izzy Alvaran, preaching
July 4: Cultivate Independence
July 11: Cultivate Courage
July 18: Cultivate Sanctuary
July 25: Cultivate Satisfaction
August 1: Cultivate Repentance
August 8: Cultivate Humility
August 15: Cultivate Communion
August 22: Cultivate Covenant
August 29: Cultivate Steadfast Love
Sept 5: Sabbath Sunday
Sept 12: HOMECOMING! In-person worship tentatively resumes

We have a NEW new mailing address!
When we are able to meet in person, we will still be congregating in our tents under the blue California sky on the corner of Flower & Olympic in the heart of DTLA, but if you need to send anything to the church via snail mail, here is the address you can reach us at:

Los Angeles First United Methodist Church
P.O. Box 173
South Pasadena CA 91031

CAL PAC UMC Urban Kids Camp: July 16-18
Registration: $75 dollars
Registration Deadline: July 12, 2021 or when the camp is full
Flyer: https://bit.ly/3qvieuZ
For questions regarding the program or applications, please contact Pastor Garth Gilliam at garthgilliam@gmail.com

UMC Summer Camp Counselors Needed

Being a camp counselor is one of the most rewarding volunteer opportunities around! If you can work out the time to be at any of our camps and can do the pre-camp Safe Gatherings and training, you are welcome and you are needed! Counselors range in age from 16 to 86. No previous church camp experience required. If you are at all interested, contact:

• Rebecca Valenzuela (rvalenzuela@calpacumc.org) at LAZY W RANCH

• Kimmie Stradling (family@venturafumc.org) at CAMP CEADR GLEN

• Rev. Marlene Urban-Funk (murbanfunk@calpacumc.org) at CAMP WRIGHTWOOD

We need help in particular for the following camps:

• LAZY W RANCH (San Juan Capistrano, CA) with Elementary students July 7-10 & Junior High students July 21-24

• CAMP CEDAR GLEN (Julian, CA) with Junior High students July 11-14

• CAMP WRIGHTWOOD (Wrightwood, CA) with Junior High students July 11-16

Mission U 2021
Dates: June 21 - August 8, 2021 California & Hawaii  |  June 22 - August 9, 2021 Guam & Saipan 
Location: Zoom. Cost: Free 

WHAT IS Misson U? Mission U is an opportunity to study a spiritual growth topic, a geographic area, and an issue impacting society. Participants grow in understanding of the mission of the church in the current world context. The studies give particular attention to the responsibilities of women in the fulfillment of mission. This mission education program strengthens the leadership and membership of United Methodist Women.

Studies include:

• FINDING PEACE IN AN ANXIOUS WORLD

• Bearing Witness in the Kin-dom: Living Into the Church’s Moral Witness through Radical Discipleship

• Pushout: The Criminalization of Black Girls in Schools

• Women United for Change: 150 Years in Mission

• Managing Anxiety (Youth)

• Becoming Peacemakers in a Culture of Violence (Youth)

• Responding to Violence (Children)

You can purchase your study books at unitedmethodistwomen.org/mission-resources or Smile.Amazon.com.

Registration Form - English * Registration Form - Korean *  Registration Form - Spanish

The UMW and Abolition Apostles Ministry are looking for pen-pals!

LAFUMC is partnering with Abolition Apostles Ministry to have church members paired with a pen pal who is currently incarcerated. The mission of Abolition Apostles is: “Our mission is to offer moral and spiritual support to members of the incarcerated community, and contribute to the destruction of the prison-industrial complex through solidarity, prophetic witness, and community organizing inside and outside of prison.”

You can learn more about their work here.

---

FRIDAYS: Sounds of South Park
Sounds of South Park is expanding! There will be free live music at two locations in South Park at South Park Commons and at The Petroleum Building. Stop by Fridays from 6-8 PM and visit southpark.la/music for more information.

7/3: South Park Block Party
South Park's newest restaurants, Kai's Table, B You, and Sonorita's Tacos have teamed up with Nimbus Coffee to host a block party next weekend. RSVP in advance here.

LA City Sanitation events:
LA City Sanitation has resumed in-person events. Make sure you sign up for their emails for information on bulky item and hazardous waste collections, and more.
For more information on clean and safe services or to submit a request, visit the South Park Bid website.

LACountyParks Splash Pads are OPEN! 

During these hot summer months, youth are invited to cool off and have fun by visiting one of our 23 splash pads located across LA County. 

https://parks.lacounty.gov/summer

Free Meals for Kids:
This summer, kids and teens 18 and under, can pick up 2 free nutritious meals at select @lacountylibrary locations. Meals are available for no-contact pickup on a first come, first served basis from 12–1 pm, June 14–August 6. Learn more here.

The June 15th reopening of LA is here! Expect updated guidance on masking, distancing, and capacity restrictions. For more information visit ph.lacounty.gov/coronavirus

Lights, Camera, ACTION!
LA County Parks Summer Classes offer classes for kids & adults who are natural entertainers. Sign up to join our Music, Acting, Dance, and Improv classes, to name a few!
Visit parks.lacounty.gov/summerclasses to check out the classes & register!

Free Rec Equipment and Snacks for Kids
Join us at Every Body Plays, a program that offers free sports equipment & snacks for youth at 55 parks within 20 cities countywide! 🏀🎾 Every Body Plays is a safe place where kids can get active & stay healthy (following COVID-19 guidelines). More info: parks.lacounty.gov/everybodyplays

Covid Testing:
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:

• As of May 13th, ALL California residents over the age of 12 are eligible! Learn more about how people in the newly eligible groups can get vaccinated For more information on who is eligible, booking an appointment and required documentation, visit: Coronavirus.LACity.org/Vaccine

• Check out https://myturn.ca.gov/ to see if you are soon becoming eligible for your vaccine.

• There 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

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CALL TO PRAYER: It Is Well With My Soul - 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.

Scripture: 2 Sam 1:1, 17-27, NRSV - David Mourns for Saul and Jonathan

After the death of Saul, when David had returned from defeating the Amalekites, David remained two days in Ziklag.

David intoned this lamentation over Saul and his son Jonathan. (He ordered that The Song of the Bow be taught to the people of Judah; it is written in the Book of Jashar.) He said: 
Your glory, O Israel, lies slain upon your high places!
   How the mighty have fallen! 
Tell it not in Gath,
   proclaim it not in the streets of Ashkelon;
or the daughters of the Philistines will rejoice,
   the daughters of the uncircumcised will exult. 

You mountains of Gilboa,
   let there be no dew or rain upon you,
   nor bounteous fields!
For there the shield of the mighty was defiled,
   the shield of Saul, anointed with oil no more. 

From the blood of the slain,
   from the fat of the mighty,
the bow of Jonathan did not turn back,
   nor the sword of Saul return empty. 

Saul and Jonathan, beloved and lovely!
   In life and in death they were not divided;
they were swifter than eagles,
   they were stronger than lions. 

O daughters of Israel, weep over Saul,
   who clothed you with crimson, in luxury,
   who put ornaments of gold on your apparel. 

How the mighty have fallen
   in the midst of the battle! 

Jonathan lies slain upon your high places. 
   I am distressed for you, my brother Jonathan;
greatly beloved were you to me;
   your love to me was wonderful,
   passing the love of women. 

How the mighty have fallen,
   and the weapons of war perished!

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

Sermon: Cultivate Pride - Rev. Dr. Israel Alvaran

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: Talkin' Bout a Revolution - El Dorado

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

Donate

Order of Worship for Juneteenth Sunday, June 20: Cultivate Faith, Rev. James Wesley Dennis III, preaching

JUNETEENTH

On Friday, President Biden signed legislation recognizing June 19th as a federal holiday.

Juneteenth has long been celebrated by Black Americans, marking the historic occasion when the announcement of the end of slavery in 1862 and the conclusion of the Civil War finally reached Galveston, Texas, on June 19, 1865. Historically ignored outside the Black community, Juneteenth will now be rightly commemorated as a national holiday. This represents one small step towards our reckoning with the devastating impact of slavery and white supremacy in the United States to this day.

Greeting - Rev. Mandy McDow

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

Lovely Day - 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
PAYPAL: https://paypal.me/LAFirstUMC
SQUARE: https://checkout.square.site/pay/be673aef7fcb424e98387016d184e57d

DISCIPLE BIBLE STUDY, Monday, June 21, Chapter 9 - The Bonds of Slavery 
Time: 5:30 - 7:00 PM PST
Join Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/598868178?pwd=U1B2YjZYWURDRXJXMStKajI3L1RWZz09

GENESIS-EXODUS
June 21: Chapter 9 - The Bonds of Slavery 
June 28: Chapter 10 - God in the Fire
July 5: No Class
July 12: No Class 
July 19: Chapter 11 - God Opens the Sea
July 26: Chapter 12 - Amid the Struggle God Provides
August 2: Chapter 13 - God’s Commands
August 9: Chapter 14 - The Just Laws of God
August 16: Chapter 15 - Protector of the Powerless
August 23: Chapter 16 - God’s Dwelling Place

Sermon Series: June 6-August 29: CULTIVATE
Exploring what scripture tells us about cultivating hope, possibility, and faith
June 20, Juneteenth: Cultivate Faith - Rev. James Wesley Dennis III, preaching
June 27: Cultivate Pride - Pride Sunday! 🏳️‍🌈 - Rev. Izzy Alvaran, preaching
July 4: Cultivate Independence
July 11: Cultivate Courage
July 18: Cultivate Sanctuary
July 25: Cultivate Satisfaction
August 1: Cultivate Repentance
August 8: Cultivate Humility
August 15: Cultivate Communion
August 22: Cultivate Covenant
August 29: Cultivate Steadfast Love
Sept 5: Sabbath Sunday
Sept 12: HOMECOMING! In-person worship tentatively resumes

We have a NEW new mailing address!
When we are able to meet in person, we will still be congregating in our tents under the blue California sky on the corner of Flower & Olympic in the heart of DTLA, but if you need to send anything to the church via snail mail, here is the address you can reach us at:

Los Angeles First United Methodist Church
P.O. Box 173
South Pasadena CA 91031

Church Council Meeting: Tuesday, June 8 at 6:30 PM PDT via Zoom

Mission U 2021
Dates: June 21 - August 8, 2021 California & Hawaii  |  June 22 - August 9, 2021 Guam & Saipan 
Location: Zoom. Cost: Free 

WHAT IS Misson U? Mission U is an opportunity to study a spiritual growth topic, a geographic area, and an issue impacting society. Participants grow in understanding of the mission of the church in the current world context. The studies give particular attention to the responsibilities of women in the fulfillment of mission. This mission education program strengthens the leadership and membership of United Methodist Women.

Studies include:

• FINDING PEACE IN AN ANXIOUS WORLD

• Bearing Witness in the Kin-dom: Living Into the Church’s Moral Witness through Radical Discipleship

• Pushout: The Criminalization of Black Girls in Schools

• Women United for Change: 150 Years in Mission

• Managing Anxiety (Youth)

• Becoming Peacemakers in a Culture of Violence (Youth)

• Responding to Violence (Children)

You can purchase your study books at unitedmethodistwomen.org/mission-resources or Smile.Amazon.com.

Registration Form - English * Registration Form - Korean 

The UMW and Abolition Apostles Ministry are looking for pen-pals!

LAFUMC is partnering with Abolition Apostles Ministry to have church members paired with a pen pal who is currently incarcerated. The mission of Abolition Apostles is: “Our mission is to offer moral and spiritual support to members of the incarcerated community, and contribute to the destruction of the prison-industrial complex through solidarity, prophetic witness, and community organizing inside and outside of prison.”

You can learn more about their work here.

---

Heat Alert:
High Temperatures Forecast for Parts of Los Angeles County Starting Monday, June 14. County and City partners have planned ways to safely operate cooling centers during times of high heat. Residents who do not have access to air conditioning are encouraged to take advantage of these free cooling centers. To find a location near you, visit https://ready.lacounty.gov/heat/ or call 211. 
View ow.ly/ulOH50F8LHY for more.

Free Meals for Kids:
This summer, kids and teens 18 and under, can pick up 2 free nutritious meals at select @lacountylibrary locations. Meals are available for no-contact pickup on a first come, first served basis from 12–1 pm, June 14–August 6. Learn more here.

The June 15th reopening of LA is here! Expect updated guidance on masking, distancing, and capacity restrictions. For more information visit ph.lacounty.gov/coronavirus

Lights, Camera, ACTION!
LA County Parks Summer Classes offer classes for kids & adults who are natural entertainers. Sign up to join our Music, Acting, Dance, and Improv classes, to name a few!
Visit parks.lacounty.gov/summerclasses to check out the classes & register!

Free Rec Equipment and Snacks for Kids
Join us at Every Body Plays, a program that offers free sports equipment & snacks for youth at 55 parks within 20 cities countywide! 🏀🎾 Every Body Plays is a safe place where kids can get active & stay healthy (following COVID-19 guidelines). More info: parks.lacounty.gov/everybodyplays

Outdoor performances at South Park Commons Fridays from 6-8 PM
https://www.southpark.la/music?mc_cid=5dfde9979d&mc_eid=7f28a27aef

Covid Testing:
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:

• As of May 13th, ALL California residents over the age of 12 are eligible! Learn more about how people in the newly eligible groups can get vaccinated For more information on who is eligible, booking an appointment and required documentation, visit: Coronavirus.LACity.org/Vaccine

• Check out https://myturn.ca.gov/ to see if you are soon becoming eligible for your vaccine.

• There 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: We Shall Overcome - 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.

PRAYER FOR JUNETEENTH by Rev. Dr. Cedrick Bridgeforth

June 18, 2021

What is this thing called freedom, when liberation seems too far a distant dream?

What is forward progress, when those around us encourage commonality and despise peculiarity? What is a celebration long overdue when economies, policies, and normalcies enjoyed by others came at the hands of your own sacrifice?

Who is the victor? What are the spoils in this quest for emancipation?

Shall we walk together children and not be weary

Shall we walk together children and not grow tired

Shall we walk together children and never leave another behind

But, what of the one with no legs or no will to fight; no voice to call out from any wilderness, no dream to defer any longer?

Yet, there is light ahead.

There is light piercing through the veils of uncertainty, of dis-ease, of division, of defiance, and of oppression.

So, we cheer. We learn. We grow. We give our best. We expect all to join hands, hearts, and voices in the spirit of our ancestors who sang when the sun beat down on them...who worked while the sun rose and set on the sweat of their brow...who could only hope against all hope that a day like today would come. When those who labored would be honored for the work done in earnestness.

When those who relented their own stake in society to allow others to prosper on the backs of their toil, expecting nothing in return but a chance to be free, to be freed, to know life in freedom’s great land.

This is our opportunity.

May we capture it.

May we embrace it.

May we know our role in it.

May we highlight our Blackness and not be dismissed as separatists

May we share in this moment of light and know it is not an end or a beginning. No! it is a continuation of the toil, the sweat, the quest for liberation of all peoples who suffer.

Bless us, Oh God on the acknowledgment of Juneteenth as a Holiday

Not a day NOT to work but a day to acknowledge the work behind and ahead.

May we commit ourselves to the ideals and activities that advance the cause of equity, justice, mercy, and grace in this life.

May we live out of a core of humanity that only knows compassion and care for the least of these. And in our calculations, know that whenever and as long as there is a “least of these,” there in their eyes, hands and voices is a call for repentance. Opportunities for reparations. Options for repentance.

Great God of Heaven and Creator of all that is, may your light of love and rays of hope be upon these your people this Juneteenth – knowing in this moment, there are those who may finally hear the message of liberation sounded aloud to the captives: Be free! Be free! Your light has come! Be strong in the Lord! Seek peace and pursue it. Give of your selves without losing your dignity or humanity, ever again.

Bless this day of celebration and this season of reckoning as we do our business, not as usual, but as liberated peoples who will study war no more.

In the spirit and hope of my ancestors and in the name of God’s Son, Jesus the Christ, I offer this Juneteenth prayer. Amen.

Scripture: Exodus 1:8-10, 3:7-8, NRSV

The Israelites Are Oppressed

1:8 Now a new king arose over Egypt, who did not know Joseph. 9 He said to his people, ‘Look, the Israelite people are more numerous and more powerful than we. 10 Come, let us deal shrewdly with them, or they will increase and, in the event of war, join our enemies and fight against us and escape from the land.’

3:7 Then the Lord said, ‘I have observed the misery of my people who are in Egypt; I have heard their cry on account of their taskmasters. Indeed, I know their sufferings, 8 and I have come down to deliver them from the Egyptians, and to bring them up out of that land to a good and broad land, a land flowing with milk and honey, to the country of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Amorites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites.

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

Sermon: Cultivate Faith - Rev. James Wesley Dennis III

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.

CLOSING SONG: This Joy - El Dorado

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

Donate

Order of Worship for Sunday, June 13: Cultivate Possibility

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

Jesus Is Just Alright - 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
PAYPAL: https://paypal.me/LAFirstUMC
SQUARE: https://checkout.square.site/pay/be673aef7fcb424e98387016d184e57d

DISCIPLE BIBLE STUDY, Monday, June 14, Chapter 8 - God Works for Good
Time: 5:30 - 7:00 PM PST
Join Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/598868178?pwd=U1B2YjZYWURDRXJXMStKajI3L1RWZz09

GENESIS-EXODUS
June 14: Chapter 8 - God Works for Good
June 21: Chapter 9 - The Bonds of Slavery 
June 28: Chapter 10 - God in the Fire
July 5: No Class
July 12: No Class 
July 19: Chapter 11 - God Opens the Sea
July 26: Chapter 12 - Amid the Struggle God Provides
August 2: Chapter 13 - God’s Commands
August 9: Chapter 14 - The Just Laws of God
August 16: Chapter 15 - Protector of the Powerless
August 23: Chapter 16 - God’s Dwelling Place

Sermon Series: June 6-August 29: CULTIVATE
Exploring what scripture tells us about cultivating hope, possibility, and faith
June 13: Cultivate Possibility
June 20, Juneteenth: Cultivate Faith - Rev. James Wesley Dennis III, preaching
June 27: Cultivate Pride - Pride Sunday! 🏳️‍🌈 - Rev. Izzy Alvaran, preaching
July 4: Cultivate Independence
July 11: Cultivate Courage
July 18: Cultivate Sanctuary
July 25: Cultivate Satisfaction
August 1: Cultivate Repentance
August 8: Cultivate Humility
August 15: Cultivate Communion
August 22: Cultivate Covenant
August 29: Cultivate Steadfast Love
Sept 5: Sabbath Sunday
Sept 12: HOMECOMING! In-person worship tentatively resumes

We have a NEW new mailing address!
When we are able to meet in person, we will still be congregating in our tents under the blue California sky on the corner of Flower & Olympic in the heart of DTLA, but if you need to send anything to the church via snail mail, here is the address you can reach us at:

Los Angeles First United Methodist Church
P.O. Box 173
South Pasadena CA 91031

Church Council Meeting: Tuesday, June 8 at 6:30 PM PDT via Zoom

“Restoration: Parables of the Pandemic” - The 37th Annual Session of the California-Pacific Annual Conference will take place virtually within the dates of June 17-19, 2021 (June 18-20 in Guam & Saipan).

REGISTER NOW

Cal-Pac UMW Virtual Luncheon
June 19th at 1:30 PDT
Location: Zoom
Cost: Free to all UMW & Friends 
RSVP online by Tuesday, June 15, 2021
Flyer: https://bit.ly/3ybOgQn
RSVP Form: https://bit.ly/2RYBQKN

A virtual Get-Together of staying connected with one another...as we share how each of our 5 Districts navigated this most challenging time.
Hear their joys, challenges and successes!

For questions, contact:
Young Mae Kim or Lisa Kadowaki

Mission U 2021
Dates: June 21 - August 8, 2021 California & Hawaii  |  June 22 - August 9, 2021 Guam & Saipan 
Location: Zoom. Cost: Free 

WHAT IS Misson U? Mission U is an opportunity to study a spiritual growth topic, a geographic area, and an issue impacting society. Participants grow in understanding of the mission of the church in the current world context. The studies give particular attention to the responsibilities of women in the fulfillment of mission. This mission education program strengthens the leadership and membership of United Methodist Women.

Studies include:

• FINDING PEACE IN AN ANXIOUS WORLD

• Bearing Witness in the Kin-dom: Living Into the Church’s Moral Witness through Radical Discipleship

• Pushout: The Criminalization of Black Girls in Schools

• Women United for Change: 150 Years in Mission

• Managing Anxiety (Youth)

• Becoming Peacemakers in a Culture of Violence (Youth)

• Responding to Violence (Children)

You can purchase your study books at unitedmethodistwomen.org/mission-resources or Smile.Amazon.com.

Registration Form - English * Registration Form - Korean 

The UMW and Abolition Apostles Ministry are looking for pen-pals!

LAFUMC is partnering with Abolition Apostles Ministry to have church members paired with a pen pal who is currently incarcerated. The mission of Abolition Apostles is: “Our mission is to offer moral and spiritual support to members of the incarcerated community, and contribute to the destruction of the prison-industrial complex through solidarity, prophetic witness, and community organizing inside and outside of prison.”

You can learn more about their work here.

---

Heat Alert:
High Temperatures Forecast for Parts of Los Angeles County Starting Monday, June 14. County and City partners have planned ways to safely operate cooling centers during times of high heat. Residents who do not have access to air conditioning are encouraged to take advantage of these free cooling centers. To find a location near you, visit https://ready.lacounty.gov/heat/ or call 211. 
View ow.ly/ulOH50F8LHY for more.

Free Meals for Kids:
This summer, kids and teens 18 and under, can pick up 2 free nutritious meals at select @lacountylibrary locations. Meals are available for no-contact pickup on a first come, first served basis from 12–1 pm, June 14–August 6. Learn more here.

The June 15th reopening of LA is around the corner! Expect updated guidance on masking, distancing, and capacity restrictions. For more information visit ph.lacounty.gov/coronavirus

Lights, Camera, ACTION!
LA County Parks Summer Classes offer classes for kids & adults who are natural entertainers. Sign up to join our Music, Acting, Dance, and Improv classes, to name a few!
Visit parks.lacounty.gov/summerclasses to check out the classes & register!

Free Rec Equipment and Snacks for Kids
Join us at Every Body Plays, a program that offers free sports equipment & snacks for youth at 55 parks within 20 cities countywide! 🏀🎾 Every Body Plays is a safe place where kids can get active & stay healthy (following COVID-19 guidelines). More info: parks.lacounty.gov/everybodyplays

Outdoor performances at South Park Commons Fridays from 6-8 PM
https://www.southpark.la/music?mc_cid=5dfde9979d&mc_eid=7f28a27aef

Covid Testing:
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:

• As of May 13th, ALL California residents over the age of 12 are eligible! Learn more about how people in the newly eligible groups can get vaccinated For more information on who is eligible, booking an appointment and required documentation, visit: Coronavirus.LACity.org/Vaccine

• Check out https://myturn.ca.gov/ to see if you are soon becoming eligible for your vaccine.

• There 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: 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.

Examen and Sabbath resources found at Sacred Ordinary Days

Scripture: Mark 4:26-34, NRSV

The Parable of the Growing Seed

He also said, ‘The kingdom of God is as if someone would scatter seed on the ground, and would sleep and rise night and day, and the seed would sprout and grow, he does not know how. The earth produces of itself, first the stalk, then the head, then the full grain in the head. But when the grain is ripe, at once he goes in with his sickle, because the harvest has come.’

The Parable of the Mustard Seed

He also said, ‘With what can we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable will we use for it? It is like a mustard seed, which, when sown upon the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on earth; yet when it is sown it grows up and becomes the greatest of all shrubs, and puts forth large branches, so that the birds of the air can make nests in its shade.’

The Use of Parables

With many such parables he spoke the word to them, as they were able to hear it; he did not speak to them except in parables, but he explained everything in private to his disciples. 

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

Sermon: Cultivate Possibility - 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: Sowing the Seeds - 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

Examen and Sabbath resources found at Sacred Ordinary Days

Donate

Order of Worship for Sunday, June 6: Trinity Sunday - CULTIVATE Hope!

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

This Joy - 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
PAYPAL: https://paypal.me/LAFirstUMC
SQUARE: https://checkout.square.site/pay/be673aef7fcb424e98387016d184e57d

DISCIPLE BIBLE STUDY, Monday, June 7, Chapter 7 - In God’s Time
Time: 5:30 - 7:00 PM PST
Join Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/598868178?pwd=U1B2YjZYWURDRXJXMStKajI3L1RWZz09

GENESIS-EXODUS
June 7: Chapter 7 - In God’s Time
June 14: Chapter 8 - God Works for Good
June 21: Chapter 9 - The Bonds of Slavery 
June 28: Chapter 10 - God in the Fire
July 5: No Class
July 12: No Class 
July 19: Chapter 11 - God Opens the Sea
July 26: Chapter 12 - Amid the Struggle God Provides
August 2: Chapter 13 - God’s Commands
August 9: Chapter 14 - The Just Laws of God
August 16: Chapter 15 - Protector of the Powerless
August 23: Chapter 16 - God’s Dwelling Place

Sermon Series: June 6-August 29: CULTIVATE
Exploring what scripture tells us about cultivating hope, possibility, and faith
June 6: Cultivate Hope
June 13: Cultivate Possibility
June 20, Juneteenth: Cultivate Faith
June 27: Cultivate Pride - Pride Sunday! 🏳️‍🌈
July 4: Cultivate Independence
July 11: Cultivate Courage
July 18: Cultivate Sanctuary
July 25: Cultivate Satisfaction
August 1: Cultivate Repentance
August 8: Cultivate Humility
August 15: Cultivate Communion
August 22: Cultivate Covenant
August 29: Cultivate Steadfast Love
Sept 5: Sabbath Sunday
Sept 12: HOMECOMING! In-person worship tentatively resumes

We have a new mailing address!
When we are able to meet in person, we will still be congregating in our tents under the blue California sky on the corner of Flower & Olympic in the heart of DTLA, but if you need to send anything to the church via snail mail, here is the address you can reach us at:

Los Angeles First United Methodist Church
917 Fremont Ave., #119
South Pasadena CA 91030-9998

Church Council Meeting: Tuesday, June 8 at 6:30 PM PDT via Zoom

“Restoration: Parables of the Pandemic” - The 37th Annual Session of the California-Pacific Annual Conference will take place virtually within the dates of June 17-19, 2021 (June 18-20 in Guam & Saipan).

REGISTER NOW

Cal-Pac UMW Virtual Luncheon
June 19th at 1:30 PDT
Location: Zoom
Cost: Free to all UMW & Friends 
RSVP online by Tuesday, June 15, 2021
Flyer: https://bit.ly/3ybOgQn
RSVP Form: https://bit.ly/2RYBQKN

A virtual Get-Together of staying connected with one another...as we share how each of our 5 Districts navigated this most challenging time.
Hear their joys, challenges and successes!

For questions, contact:
Young Mae Kim or Lisa Kadowaki

Mission U 2021
Dates: June 21 - August 8, 2021 California & Hawaii  |  June 22 - August 9, 2021 Guam & Saipan 
Location: Zoom. Cost: Free 

WHAT IS Misson U? Mission U is an opportunity to study a spiritual growth topic, a geographic area, and an issue impacting society. Participants grow in understanding of the mission of the church in the current world context. The studies give particular attention to the responsibilities of women in the fulfillment of mission. This mission education program strengthens the leadership and membership of United Methodist Women.

Studies include:

• FINDING PEACE IN AN ANXIOUS WORLD

• Bearing Witness in the Kin-dom: Living Into the Church’s Moral Witness through Radical Discipleship

• Pushout: The Criminalization of Black Girls in Schools

• Women United for Change: 150 Years in Mission

• Managing Anxiety (Youth)

• Becoming Peacemakers in a Culture of Violence (Youth)

• Responding to Violence (Children)

You can purchase your study books at unitedmethodistwomen.org/mission-resources or Smile.Amazon.com.

Registration Form - English * Registration Form - Korean 

The UMW and Abolition Apostles Ministry are looking for pen-pals!

LAFUMC is partnering with Abolition Apostles Ministry to have church members paired with a pen pal who is currently incarcerated. The mission of Abolition Apostles is: “Our mission is to offer moral and spiritual support to members of the incarcerated community, and contribute to the destruction of the prison-industrial complex through solidarity, prophetic witness, and community organizing inside and outside of prison.”

You can learn more about their work here.

Message from Anne about Ultreya
Thursday, June 10 at 5:30pm:
The Los Angeles United Methodist Urban Foundation and Kid City would like to invite you to our annual event: Ultreya! Celebrating Young People at the Heart of Mentoring. This year we are recognizing two amazing warriors for justice: Rev. David Farley and Betty Hung. In a unique pandemic year, we are also recognizing six Ultreya Fellows -- recent college grads who have spent six months to a year volunteering as staff at Kid City. Here's the link to register for the (Zoom) event, which will be preceded at the same link by a short online reception for the honorees and fellows. Ultreya! is underwritten every year by a very generous gift from LA First UMC's United Methodist Women. Thank you to LA First UMC and the UMW for your support and participation over the last 12 years of partnering with us in Kid City. We are not only transforming lives, but building a better world!

With love from Anne Hawthorne,
Urban Foundation Director

---

Black Lives Matter Los Angeles and the Museum of Social Justice have partnered to curate an outdoor art exhibition. Black artists were invited to imagine a world without police. The exhibition documents the Black Lives Matter movement and illustrates what Los Angeles could be without policing and other carceral systems.

The exhibition seeks to amplify the movement’s policy demand: to reclaim the billions of dollars that systems of law enforcement drain from Black communities and invest those resources in community-driven, life-affirming systems of care and services that truly keep us safe.

Visitors are invited to contribute to the community altar, a sacred space for Black men, women, and children who have been killed while in police custody. Bring a photo, candle, flower, or other item of personal significance to add to the altar.

Walk the black carpet and take a photo as you dream of a world where Black people can flourish.

Outdoor exhibition details:

• Please follow Los Angeles Covid guidelines. Social distance and wear a face cover while at the exhibit.

• Exhibit Address: 115 Paseo De La Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90012

• Nearest Parking: El Pueblo Lot 2, 615 N. Main St, Los Angeles, CA 90012

• Volunteering Opportunity: To be a volunteer docent, sign up here.

Performances on the New Black City stage will be livestreamed every weekend during the exhibition at blmla.org/newblackcity. View the digital exhibit at blmla.org/exhibit.

For more information, contact info@museumofsocialjustice.org.

Outdoor performances at South Park Commons Fridays from 6-8 PM
https://www.southpark.la/music?mc_cid=5dfde9979d&mc_eid=7f28a27aef

Covid Testing:
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:

• As of May 13th, ALL California residents over the age of 12 are eligible! Learn more about how people in the newly eligible groups can get vaccinated For more information on who is eligible, booking an appointment and required documentation, visit: Coronavirus.LACity.org/Vaccine

• Check out https://myturn.ca.gov/ to see if you are soon becoming eligible for your vaccine.

• There 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: Sweet, Sweet 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.

Examen and Sabbath resources found at Sacred Ordinary Days

Scripture: John 3:1-17, NRSV - Nicodemus Visits Jesus

Now there was a Pharisee named Nicodemus, a leader of the Jews. He came to Jesus by night and said to him, ‘Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God; for no one can do these signs that you do apart from the presence of God.’ 

Jesus answered him, ‘Very truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God without being born from above.’

Nicodemus said to him, ‘How can anyone be born after having grown old? Can one enter a second time into the mother’s womb and be born?’ 

Jesus answered, ‘Very truly, I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit. What is born of the flesh is flesh, and what is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not be astonished that I said to you, “You must be born from above.” The wind blows where it chooses, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.’

Nicodemus said to him, ‘How can these things be?’ 

Jesus answered him, ‘Are you a teacher of Israel, and yet you do not understand these things? Very truly, I tell you, we speak of what we know and testify to what we have seen; yet you do not receive our testimony. If I have told you about earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you about heavenly things? No one has ascended into heaven except the one who descended from heaven, the Son of Man. And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.

‘For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.

‘Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.

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

Sermon: Trinity Sunday - CULTIVATE Hope (Three Is A Magic Number) - 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: There Is A Magic Number - 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

Examen and Sabbath resources found at Sacred Ordinary Days

Donate

Order of Worship for Sunday, May 23: PENTECOST - When the Advocate Comes

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

They'll Know We Are Christians By Our Love - 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
PAYPAL: https://paypal.me/LAFirstUMC
SQUARE: https://checkout.square.site/pay/be673aef7fcb424e98387016d184e57d

DISCIPLE BIBLE STUDY, Monday, June 7, Chapter 7 - In God’s Time
Time: 5:30 - 7:00 PM PST
Join Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/598868178?pwd=U1B2YjZYWURDRXJXMStKajI3L1RWZz09

GENESIS-EXODUS
May 24: No class
May 31: No class - Memorial Day
June 7: Chapter 7 - In God’s Time
June 14: Chapter 8 - God Works for Good
June 21: Chapter 9 - The Bonds of Slavery 
June 28: Chapter 10 - God in the Fire
July 5: No Class
July 12: No Class 
July 19: Chapter 11 - God Opens the Sea
July 26: Chapter 12 - Amid the Struggle God Provides
August 2: Chapter 13 - God’s Commands
August 9: Chapter 14 - The Just Laws of God
August 16: Chapter 15 - Protector of the Powerless
August 23: Chapter 16 - God’s Dwelling Place

We have a new mailing address!
When we are able to meet in person, we will still be congregating in our tents under the blue California sky on the corner of Flower & Olympic in the heart of DTLA, but if you need to send anything to the church via snail mail, here is the address you can reach us at:

Los Angeles First United Methodist Church
917 Fremont Ave., #119
South Pasadena CA 91030-9998

Mission U 2021
Dates: June 21 - August 8, 2021 California & Hawaii  |  June 22 - August 9, 2021 Guam & Saipan 
Location: Zoom. Cost: Free 

WHAT IS Misson U? Mission U is an opportunity to study a spiritual growth topic, a geographic area, and an issue impacting society. Participants grow in understanding of the mission of the church in the current world context. The studies give particular attention to the responsibilities of women in the fulfillment of mission. This mission education program strengthens the leadership and membership of United Methodist Women.

Studies include:

• FINDING PEACE IN AN ANXIOUS WORLD

• Bearing Witness in the Kin-dom: Living Into the Church’s Moral Witness through Radical Discipleship

• Pushout: The Criminalization of Black Girls in Schools

• Women United for Change: 150 Years in Mission

• Managing Anxiety (Youth)

• Becoming Peacemakers in a Culture of Violence (Youth)

• Responding to Violence (Children)

You can purchase your study books at unitedmethodistwomen.org/mission-resources or Smile.Amazon.com.

Registration Form - English * Registration Form - Korean 

IN-PERSON UMW MEETING TODAY!

The UMW will be gathering at 4:00 in the Villa Flores courtyard. It will be a time to celebrate, with only a minimum of business and a maximum of fellowship. For those wishing to attend who cannot gather in person, you can join via Zoom.

The UMW and Abolition Apostles Ministry are looking for pen-pals!

LAFUMC is partnering with Abolition Apostles Ministry to have church members paired with a pen pal who is currently incarcerated. The mission of Abolition Apostles is: “Our mission is to offer moral and spiritual support to members of the incarcerated community, and contribute to the destruction of the prison-industrial complex through solidarity, prophetic witness, and community organizing inside and outside of prison.”

You can learn more about their work here.

Community Resources:

The Brideaus made the LA TIMES! Read this week’s story about vaccinations being made available to children as young as 12 years old. Thanks to Iolani, Ginny, and Alex for sharing their story and their wisdom!

Outdoor performances at South Park Commons Fridays from 6-8 PM
https://www.southpark.la/music?mc_cid=5dfde9979d&mc_eid=7f28a27aef

Covid Testing:
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:

• As of May 13th, ALL California residents over the age of 12 are eligible! Learn more about how people in the newly eligible groups can get vaccinated For more information on who is eligible, booking an appointment and required documentation, visit: Coronavirus.LACity.org/Vaccine

• Check out https://myturn.ca.gov/ to see if you are soon becoming eligible for your vaccine.

• There 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: 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.

Acts 2:1-21: Diego Ruvalcaba, Miriam Sabado Moller, Bell Blankenship

Acts 2:1-21 - The Coming of the Holy Spirit

When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place.And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability.

Now there were devout Jews from every nation under heaven living in Jerusalem. And at this sound the crowd gathered and was bewildered, because each one heard them speaking in the native language of each.Amazed and astonished, they asked, ‘Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each of us, in our own native language? Parthians, Medes, Elamites, and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabs—in our own languages we hear them speaking about God’s deeds of power.’ All were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, ‘What does this mean?’ But others sneered and said, ‘They are filled with new wine.’

Peter Addresses the Crowd

But Peter, standing with the eleven, raised his voice and addressed them: ‘Men of Judea and all who live in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and listen to what I say. Indeed, these are not drunk, as you suppose, for it is only nine o’clock in the morning. No, this is what was spoken through the prophet Joel: 
“In the last days it will be, God declares,
that I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh,
   and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
and your young men shall see visions,
   and your old men shall dream dreams. 
Even upon my slaves, both men and women,
   in those days I will pour out my Spirit;
     and they shall prophesy. 
And I will show portents in the heaven above
   and signs on the earth below,
     blood, and fire, and smoky mist. 
The sun shall be turned to darkness
   and the moon to blood,
     before the coming of the Lord’s great and glorious day. 
Then everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

Examen and Sabbath resources found at Sacred Ordinary Days

Scripture: John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15, NRSV

‘When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who comes from the Father, he will testify on my behalf.You also are to testify because you have been with me from the beginning. But I have said these things to you so that when their hour comes you may remember that I told you about them.

The Work of the Spirit

‘I did not say these things to you from the beginning, because I was with you. But now I am going to him who sent me; yet none of you asks me, “Where are you going?” But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your hearts. Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. And when he comes, he will prove the world wrong about sin and righteousness and judgement: about sin, because they do not believe in me; about righteousness, because I am going to the Father and you will see me no longer; about judgement, because the ruler of this world has been condemned.

‘I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now.When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth; for he will not speak on his own, but will speak whatever he hears, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. He will glorify me, because he will take what is mine and declare it to you. All that the Father has is mine. For this reason I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you.

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

Sermon: PENTECOST - When the Advocate Comes - 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: One Song (Holy Ghost to Nations) - 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

Donate

Order of Worship for Sunday, May 16: HIGHER GROUND: Examining Our Greatest Fear

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

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
PAYPAL: https://paypal.me/LAFirstUMC
SQUARE: https://checkout.square.site/pay/be673aef7fcb424e98387016d184e57d

DISCIPLE BIBLE STUDY, Monday, May 17: Week 5, Conflict With the Family
Time: 5:30 - 7:00 PM PST
Join Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/598868178?pwd=U1B2YjZYWURDRXJXMStKajI3L1RWZz09

GENESIS-EXODUS
May 17: Chapter 6 - Wrestling With God
May 24: No class
May 31: No class - Memorial Day
June 7: Chapter 7 - In God’s Time
June 14: Chapter 8 - God Works for Good
June 21: Chapter 9 - The Bonds of Slavery 
June 28: Chapter 10 - God in the Fire
July 5: No Class
July 12: No Class 
July 19: Chapter 11 - God Opens the Sea
July 26: Chapter 12 - Amid the Struggle God Provides
August 2: Chapter 13 - God’s Commands
August 9: Chapter 14 - The Just Laws of God
August 16: Chapter 15 - Protector of the Powerless
August 23: Chapter 16 - God’s Dwelling Place

We have a new mailing address!
When we are able to meet in person, we will still be congregating in our tents under the blue California sky on the corner of Flower & Olympic in the heart of DTLA, but if you need to send anything to the church via snail mail, here is the address you can reach us at:

Los Angeles First United Methodist Church
917 Fremont Ave., #119
South Pasadena CA 91030-9998

Mission U 2021
Dates: June 21 - August 8, 2021 California & Hawaii  |  June 22 - August 9, 2021 Guam & Saipan 
Location: Zoom. Cost: Free 

WHAT IS Misson U? Mission U is an opportunity to study a spiritual growth topic, a geographic area, and an issue impacting society. Participants grow in understanding of the mission of the church in the current world context. The studies give particular attention to the responsibilities of women in the fulfillment of mission. This mission education program strengthens the leadership and membership of United Methodist Women.

Studies include:

• FINDING PEACE IN AN ANXIOUS WORLD

• Bearing Witness in the Kin-dom: Living Into the Church’s Moral Witness through Radical Discipleship

• Pushout: The Criminalization of Black Girls in Schools

• Women United for Change: 150 Years in Mission

• Managing Anxiety (Youth)

• Becoming Peacemakers in a Culture of Violence (Youth)

• Responding to Violence (Children)

You can purchase your study books at unitedmethodistwomen.org/mission-resources or Smile.Amazon.com.

Registration Form - English * Registration Form - Korean 

The UMW and Abolition Apostles Ministry are looking for pen-pals!

LAFUMC is partnering with Abolition Apostles Ministry to have church members paired with a pen pal who is currently incarcerated. The mission of Abolition Apostles is: “Our mission is to offer moral and spiritual support to members of the incarcerated community, and contribute to the destruction of the prison-industrial complex through solidarity, prophetic witness, and community organizing inside and outside of prison.”

You can learn more about their work here.

Community Resources:

Outdoor performances at South Park Commons Fridays from 6-8 PM
https://www.southpark.la/music?mc_cid=5dfde9979d&mc_eid=7f28a27aef

Covid Testing:
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:

• As of May 13th, ALL California residents over the age of 12 are eligible! Learn more about how people in the newly eligible groups can get vaccinated For more information on who is eligible, booking an appointment and required documentation, visit: Coronavirus.LACity.org/Vaccine

• Check out https://myturn.ca.gov/ to see if you are soon becoming eligible for your vaccine.

• There 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

Los Angeles Poverty Department The New Compassionate Downtown
Performance Commissioned by MOCA for WE RISE 2021
Downtown LA has long been marketed as a nightlife destination. Los Angeles Poverty Department’s The New Compassionate Downtown dares to imagine a downtown that attracts people who value the wisdom and compassionate practice exemplified by Skid Row workers and residents. In The New Compassionate Downtown, an alternative marketing approach touts downtown as “a place you can live guilt and resentment free. No longer will the subterranean guilt of ignoring privilege haunt you, and through psychological displacement manifest itself as anger.” Work on the performance began pre-pandemic and explores themes that have gained resonance in the past year. The performance is set at a meeting of The New Compassionate Downtown, a diverse group of people living and working in all parts of downtown, who embrace building a community of compassion. The performance cuts from the meeting to scenes that concretely explore compassion, in action, as life unfolds daily. The performance, staged in a socially distant manner by a cast of eleven performers, is live streamed and recorded. Los Angeles Poverty Department is a performance group of people who live and work in Skid Row. All the cast members have contributed to this script. The performance is directed by John Malpede and Henriëtte Brouwers.

CALL TO PRAYER: Come, Ye Sinners/I Will Arise - 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.

Psalm 47 - Elaine Livingston

EASTERTIDE EXAMEN: Examining Our Greatest Fear

Examen and Sabbath resources found at Sacred Ordinary Days

Scripture: Luke 24:44-53, NRSV

Then he said to them, ‘These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you—that everything written about me in the law of Moses, the prophets, and the psalms must be fulfilled.’ Then he opened their minds to understand the scriptures, and he said to them, ‘Thus it is written, that the Messiah is to suffer and to rise from the dead on the third day, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins is to be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. And see, I am sending upon you what my Father promised; so stay here in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.’

The Ascension of Jesus

Then he led them out as far as Bethany, and, lifting up his hands, he blessed them. While he was blessing them, he withdrew from them and was carried up into heaven. And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy; and they were continually in the temple blessing God.
24:44 Then he said to them, "These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you--that everything written about me in the law of Moses, the prophets, and the psalms must be fulfilled."

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

Sermon: HIGHER GROUND: Examining Our Greatest Fear - 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: Fly Away - 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

Donate

Order of Worship for Sunday, May 9: HIGHER GROUND: Festival of the Christian Home - Examining How We Find God in Others

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

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
PAYPAL: https://paypal.me/LAFirstUMC
SQUARE: https://checkout.square.site/pay/be673aef7fcb424e98387016d184e57d

DISCIPLE BIBLE STUDY, Monday, May 10: Week 5, Conflict With the Family
Time: 5:30 - 7:00 PM PST
Join Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/598868178?pwd=U1B2YjZYWURDRXJXMStKajI3L1RWZz09

Day 1  Reread Genesis 25:19-34 (birth of two nations); 27 (the brothers struggle)
Day 2  Genesis 28 (Jacob’s dream); Psalm 52 (lament)
Day 3  Genesis 29 (deceiver is deceived); Psalm 53 (folly of evil)
Day 4  Genesis 30; Proverbs 15:17; 18:19 (woman against woman, man against man); Psalm 36 (wickedness and goodness contrasted)
Day 5  2 Samuel 15:1-19:8 (family alienation)
Day 6  Study Manual
Day 7  Rest

GENESIS-EXODUS
May 10: Chapter 5 - Conflict with the Family
May 17: Chapter 6 - Wrestling With God
May 24: No class
May 31: No class - Memorial Day
June 7: Chapter 7 - In God’s Time
June 14: Chapter 8 - God Works for Good
June 21: Chapter 9 - The Bonds of Slavery 
June 28: Chapter 10 - God in the Fire
July 5: No Class
July 12: No Class 
July 19: Chapter 11 - God Opens the Sea
July 26: Chapter 12 - Amid the Struggle God Provides
August 2: Chapter 13 - God’s Commands
August 9: Chapter 14 - The Just Laws of God
August 16: Chapter 15 - Protector of the Powerless
August 23: Chapter 16 - God’s Dwelling Place

We have a new mailing address!
When we are able to meet in person, we will still be congregating in our tents under the blue California sky on the corner of Flower & Olympic in the heart of DTLA, but if you need to send anything to the church via snail mail, here is the address you can reach us at:

Los Angeles First United Methodist Church
917 Fremont Ave., #119
South Pasadena CA 91030-9998

Eastertide Sermon Series: HIGHER GROUND - Using the Examen to dig deeper, so that we may reach higher
May 9: Examining How We Find God in Others
May 16: Examining Our Greatest Fear
May 23: Pentecost Sunday

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.

How Do I Pray the Examen?
There are five simple steps to the Examen, which this app leads you through:

• 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.

NEEDED: A Current Self &/or Family Photo for Video!
We are creating a new video for a song, and we would appreciate a current picture of you and your family/family of choice. Please send these directly to Stephen as high resolution as possible: stephen@lafirstumc.org by the end of the day, Tuesday April 27th.

Mission U 2021
Dates: June 21 - August 8, 2021 California & Hawaii  |  June 22 - August 9, 2021 Guam & Saipan 
Location: Zoom. Cost: Free 

WHAT IS Misson U? Mission U is an opportunity to study a spiritual growth topic, a geographic area, and an issue impacting society. Participants grow in understanding of the mission of the church in the current world context. The studies give particular attention to the responsibilities of women in the fulfillment of mission. This mission education program strengthens the leadership and membership of United Methodist Women.

Studies include:

• FINDING PEACE IN AN ANXIOUS WORLD

• Bearing Witness in the Kin-dom: Living Into the Church’s Moral Witness through Radical Discipleship

• Pushout: The Criminalization of Black Girls in Schools

• Women United for Change: 150 Years in Mission

• Managing Anxiety (Youth)

• Becoming Peacemakers in a Culture of Violence (Youth)

• Responding to Violence (Children)

You can purchase your study books at unitedmethodistwomen.org/mission-resources or Smile.Amazon.com.

Registration Form - English * Registration Form - Korean 

The UMW and Abolition Apostles Ministry are looking for pen-pals!

LAFUMC is partnering with Abolition Apostles Ministry to have church members paired with a pen pal who is currently incarcerated. The mission of Abolition Apostles is: “Our mission is to offer moral and spiritual support to members of the incarcerated community, and contribute to the destruction of the prison-industrial complex through solidarity, prophetic witness, and community organizing inside and outside of prison.”

You can learn more about their work here.

Community Resources:

Olvera Street

The City of Los Angeles launched https://discoverolverastreet.com/ to support merchants in the heart of L.A. — part of the L.A. Optimized initiative to expand the presence of the city's favorite shops & restaurants in the digital marketplace.

Outdoor performances at South Park Commons Fridays from 6-8 PM
https://www.southpark.la/music?mc_cid=5dfde9979d&mc_eid=7f28a27aef

The 2021 COVID-19 Emergency Renters Assistance Program deadline is April 30th!
If you need help with the application, there is a hotline that you can call.
See requirements and get assistance: hcidla.lacity.org

LA County Parks is #NowHiring Recreation Services Leaders!

Be a mentor in your community. Lead activities & sports. Starts at $15/hour. Ages 16+. Apply Apr 26-28 5pm.
Application and details found here!

Covid Testing:
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:

• As of April 15th, ALL California residents over the age of 16 are eligible! Learn more about how people in the newly eligible groups can get vaccinated For more information on who is eligible, booking an appointment and required documentation, visit: Coronavirus.LACity.org/Vaccine

• Check out https://myturn.ca.gov/ to see if you are soon becoming eligible for your vaccine.

• There 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

Justice for Our Friend and Member Dr. Aysha Khoury:

Dr. Khoury found out that the Kaiser Medical School terminated her contract after she gave a school sanctioned talk on racism in medicine, and she needs our help to hold the administrators of this school responsible for this racially motivated firing.

You can learn more about her story here: https://civilrightslawyerla.com/khoury

You can contribute to the GoFundMe in her name here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-aysha-khoury

CALL TO PRAYER: We Shall Overcome/Lift Every Voice and Sing - Urban Voices Project

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.

Psalm 98 - Tom Grode

EASTERTIDE EXAMEN: Examining How We Find God in Others

Examen and Sabbath resources found at Sacred Ordinary Days

Scripture: John 15:9-17, NRSV

As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete.

‘This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. I do not call you servants any longer, because the servant does not know what the master is doing; but I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything that I have heard from my Father. You did not choose me but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask him in my name. I am giving you these commands so that you may love one another.

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

Sermon: HIGHER GROUND: Examining How We Find God in Others - Rev. Mandy McDow

BLESSING OF FAMILIES LITURGY

BLESSING OF OUR INDIVIDUAL CREATION       

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

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

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

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

Let us pray:

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

BLESSING OF OUR RELATIONSHIPS         

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

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

Let us pray:

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

BLESSING OF OUR FRIENDSHIPS AND FAMILIES OF CHOICE                                                                            

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

Let us Pray:

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

BLESSING FOR FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN      

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

Let us pray: 

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

THE ANOINTING

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

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: Blest Be The Tie That Binds Vocals - Vocals: Mandy McDow, Guitar: Salvador Villañueva, Viola: Katerina Lewis

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

Donate

Order of Worship for Sunday, May 2: HIGHER GROUND: Examining Our Perception of Freedom

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

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
PAYPAL: https://paypal.me/LAFirstUMC
SQUARE: https://checkout.square.site/pay/be673aef7fcb424e98387016d184e57d

DISCIPLE BIBLE STUDY, Monday, April 26: Week 3, God Welcomes
Time: 5:30 - 7:00 PM PST
Join Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/598868178?pwd=U1B2YjZYWURDRXJXMStKajI3L1RWZz09

GENESIS-EXODUS
April 26: Chapter 3 - God Welcomes 
May 3: Chapter 4 - Carrying the Covenant
May 10: Chapter 5 - Conflict with the Family
May 17: Chapter 6 - Wrestling With God
May 24: No class
May 31: No class - Memorial Day
June 7: Chapter 7 - In God’s Time
June 14: Chapter 8 - God Works for Good
June 21: Chapter 9 - The Bonds of Slavery 
June 28: Chapter 10 - God in the Fire
July 5: No Class
July 12: No Class 
July 19: Chapter 11 - God Opens the Sea
July 26: Chapter 12 - Amid the Struggle God Provides
August 2: Chapter 13 - God’s Commands
August 9: Chapter 14 - The Just Laws of God
August 16: Chapter 15 - Protector of the Powerless
August 23: Chapter 16 - God’s Dwelling Place

We have a new mailing address!
When we are able to meet in person, we will still be congregating in our tents under the blue California sky on the corner of Flower & Olympic in the heart of DTLA, but if you need to send anything to the church via snail mail, here is the address you can reach us at:

Los Angeles First United Methodist Church
917 Fremont Ave., #119
South Pasadena CA 91030-9998

Eastertide Sermon Series: HIGHER GROUND - Using the Examen to dig deeper, so that we may reach higher
April 25: Examining Our Thoughts, Words, and Deeds
May 2: Examining Our Perception of Freedom
May 9: Examining How We Find God in Others
May 16: Examining Our Greatest Fear
May 23: Pentecost Sunday

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.

How Do I Pray the Examen?
There are five simple steps to the Examen, which this app leads you through:

• 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.

NEEDED: A Current Self &/or Family Photo for Video!
We are creating a new video for a song, and we would appreciate a current picture of you and your family/family of choice. Please send these directly to Stephen as high resolution as possible: stephen@lafirstumc.org by the end of the day, Tuesday April 27th.

Mission U 2021
Dates: June 21 - August 8, 2021 California & Hawaii  |  June 22 - August 9, 2021 Guam & Saipan 
Location: Zoom. Cost: Free 

WHAT IS Misson U? Mission U is an opportunity to study a spiritual growth topic, a geographic area, and an issue impacting society. Participants grow in understanding of the mission of the church in the current world context. The studies give particular attention to the responsibilities of women in the fulfillment of mission. This mission education program strengthens the leadership and membership of United Methodist Women.

Studies include:

• FINDING PEACE IN AN ANXIOUS WORLD

• Bearing Witness in the Kin-dom: Living Into the Church’s Moral Witness through Radical Discipleship

• Pushout: The Criminalization of Black Girls in Schools

• Women United for Change: 150 Years in Mission

• Managing Anxiety (Youth)

• Becoming Peacemakers in a Culture of Violence (Youth)

• Responding to Violence (Children)

You can purchase your study books at unitedmethodistwomen.org/mission-resources or Smile.Amazon.com.

Registration Form - English * Registration Form - Korean 

The UMW and Abolition Apostles Ministry are looking for pen-pals!

LAFUMC is partnering with Abolition Apostles Ministry to have church members paired with a pen pal who is currently incarcerated. The mission of Abolition Apostles is: “Our mission is to offer moral and spiritual support to members of the incarcerated community, and contribute to the destruction of the prison-industrial complex through solidarity, prophetic witness, and community organizing inside and outside of prison.”

You can learn more about their work here.

Community Resources:

Olvera Street

The City of Los Angeles launched https://discoverolverastreet.com/ to support merchants in the heart of L.A. — part of the L.A. Optimized initiative to expand the presence of the city's favorite shops & restaurants in the digital marketplace.

Outdoor performances at South Park Commons Fridays from 6-8 PM
https://www.southpark.la/music?mc_cid=5dfde9979d&mc_eid=7f28a27aef

The 2021 COVID-19 Emergency Renters Assistance Program deadline is April 30th!
If you need help with the application, there is a hotline that you can call.
See requirements and get assistance: hcidla.lacity.org

LA County Parks is #NowHiring Recreation Services Leaders!

Be a mentor in your community. Lead activities & sports. Starts at $15/hour. Ages 16+. Apply Apr 26-28 5pm.
Application and details found here!

Covid Testing:
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:

• As of April 15th, ALL California residents over the age of 16 are eligible! Learn more about how people in the newly eligible groups can get vaccinated For more information on who is eligible, booking an appointment and required documentation, visit: Coronavirus.LACity.org/Vaccine

• Check out https://myturn.ca.gov/ to see if you are soon becoming eligible for your vaccine.

• There 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

Justice for Our Friend and Member Dr. Aysha Khoury:

Dr. Khoury found out that the Kaiser Medical School terminated her contract after she gave a school sanctioned talk on racism in medicine, and she needs our help to hold the administrators of this school responsible for this racially motivated firing.

You can learn more about her story here: https://civilrightslawyerla.com/khoury

You can contribute to the GoFundMe in her name here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-aysha-khoury

CALL TO PRAYER: Swing Low, Sweet Chariot - 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.

Psalm 22: 25-31 - Malik Walker

EASTERTIDE EXAMEN: Examining Our Perception of Freedom

Examen and Sabbath resources found at Sacred Ordinary Days

Scripture: Acts 8:26-40, NRSV

Then an angel of the Lord said to Philip, "Get up and go toward the south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza." (This is a wilderness road.)

So he got up and went. Now there was an Ethiopian eunuch, a court official of the Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, in charge of her entire treasury. He had come to Jerusalem to worship and was returning home; seated in his chariot, he was reading the prophet Isaiah.

Then the Spirit said to Philip, "Go over to this chariot and join it."

So Philip ran up to it and heard him reading the prophet Isaiah. He asked, "Do you understand what you are reading?"

He replied, "How can I, unless someone guides me?" And he invited Philip to get in and sit beside him.

Now the passage of the scripture that he was reading was this: "Like a sheep he was led to the slaughter, and like a lamb silent before its shearer, so he does not open his mouth. In his humiliation justice was denied him. Who can describe his generation? For his life is taken away from the earth."

The eunuch asked Philip, "About whom, may I ask you, does the prophet say this, about himself or about someone else?"

Then Philip began to speak, and starting with this scripture, he proclaimed to him the good news about Jesus.

As they were going along the road, they came to some water; and the eunuch said, "Look, here is water! What is to prevent me from being baptized?"

He commanded the chariot to stop, and both of them, Philip and the eunuch, went down into the water, and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord snatched Philip away; the eunuch saw him no more, and went on his way rejoicing.

But Philip found himself at Azotus, and as he was passing through the region, he proclaimed the good news to all the towns until he came to Caesarea.

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

Sermon: HIGHER GROUND: Examining Our Perception of Freedom - 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: Talkin' Bout a Revolution - 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

Donate

Order of Worship for Sunday, April 25: HIGHER GROUND: Examining Our Thoughts, Words, and Deeds

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

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
PAYPAL: https://paypal.me/LAFirstUMC
SQUARE: https://checkout.square.site/pay/be673aef7fcb424e98387016d184e57d

DISCIPLE BIBLE STUDY, Monday, April 26: Week 3, God Welcomes
Time: 5:30 - 7:00 PM PST
Join Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/598868178?pwd=U1B2YjZYWURDRXJXMStKajI3L1RWZz09

GENESIS-EXODUS
April 26: Chapter 3 - God Welcomes 
May 3: Chapter 4 - Carrying the Covenant
May 10: Chapter 5 - Conflict with the Family
May 17: Chapter 6 - Wrestling With God
May 24: No class
May 31: No class - Memorial Day
June 7: Chapter 7 - In God’s Time
June 14: Chapter 8 - God Works for Good
June 21: Chapter 9 - The Bonds of Slavery 
June 28: Chapter 10 - God in the Fire
July 5: No Class
July 12: No Class 
July 19: Chapter 11 - God Opens the Sea
July 26: Chapter 12 - Amid the Struggle God Provides
August 2: Chapter 13 - God’s Commands
August 9: Chapter 14 - The Just Laws of God
August 16: Chapter 15 - Protector of the Powerless
August 23: Chapter 16 - God’s Dwelling Place

We have a new mailing address!
When we are able to meet in person, we will still be congregating in our tents under the blue California sky on the corner of Flower & Olympic in the heart of DTLA, but if you need to send anything to the church via snail mail, here is the address you can reach us at:

Los Angeles First United Methodist Church
917 Fremont Ave., #119
South Pasadena CA 91030-9998

Eastertide Sermon Series: HIGHER GROUND - Using the Examen to dig deeper, so that we may reach higher
April 25: Examining Our Thoughts, Words, and Deeds
May 2: Examining Our Perception of Freedom
May 9: Examining How We Find God in Others
May 16: Examining Our Greatest Fear
May 23: Pentecost Sunday

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.

How Do I Pray the Examen?
There are five simple steps to the Examen, which this app leads you through:

• 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.

NEEDED: A Current Self &/or Family Photo for Video!
We are creating a new video for a song, and we would appreciate a current picture of you and your family/family of choice. Please send these directly to Stephen as high resolution as possible: stephen@lafirstumc.org by the end of the day, Tuesday April 27th.

Mission U 2021
Dates: June 21 - August 8, 2021 California & Hawaii  |  June 22 - August 9, 2021 Guam & Saipan 
Location: Zoom. Cost: Free 

WHAT IS Misson U? Mission U is an opportunity to study a spiritual growth topic, a geographic area, and an issue impacting society. Participants grow in understanding of the mission of the church in the current world context. The studies give particular attention to the responsibilities of women in the fulfillment of mission. This mission education program strengthens the leadership and membership of United Methodist Women.

Studies include:

• FINDING PEACE IN AN ANXIOUS WORLD

• Bearing Witness in the Kin-dom: Living Into the Church’s Moral Witness through Radical Discipleship

• Pushout: The Criminalization of Black Girls in Schools

• Women United for Change: 150 Years in Mission

• Managing Anxiety (Youth)

• Becoming Peacemakers in a Culture of Violence (Youth)

• Responding to Violence (Children)

You can purchase your study books at unitedmethodistwomen.org/mission-resources or Smile.Amazon.com.

Registration Form - English * Registration Form - Korean 

The UMW and Abolition Apostles Ministry are looking for pen-pals!

LAFUMC is partnering with Abolition Apostles Ministry to have church members paired with a pen pal who is currently incarcerated. The mission of Abolition Apostles is: “Our mission is to offer moral and spiritual support to members of the incarcerated community, and contribute to the destruction of the prison-industrial complex through solidarity, prophetic witness, and community organizing inside and outside of prison.”

You can learn more about their work here.

Community Resources:

Olvera Street

The City of Los Angeles launched https://discoverolverastreet.com/ to support merchants in the heart of L.A. — part of the L.A. Optimized initiative to expand the presence of the city's favorite shops & restaurants in the digital marketplace.

Outdoor performances at South Park Commons Fridays from 6-8 PM
https://www.southpark.la/music?mc_cid=5dfde9979d&mc_eid=7f28a27aef

The 2021 COVID-19 Emergency Renters Assistance Program deadline is April 30th!
If you need help with the application, there is a hotline that you can call.
See requirements and get assistance: hcidla.lacity.org

LA County Parks is #NowHiring Recreation Services Leaders!

Be a mentor in your community. Lead activities & sports. Starts at $15/hour. Ages 16+. Apply Apr 26-28 5pm.
Application and details found here!

Covid Testing:
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:

• As of April 15th, ALL California residents over the age of 16 are eligible! Learn more about how people in the newly eligible groups can get vaccinated For more information on who is eligible, booking an appointment and required documentation, visit: Coronavirus.LACity.org/Vaccine

• Check out https://myturn.ca.gov/ to see if you are soon becoming eligible for your vaccine.

• There 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

Justice for Our Friend and Member Dr. Aysha Khoury:

Dr. Khoury found out that the Kaiser Medical School terminated her contract after she gave a school sanctioned talk on racism in medicine, and she needs our help to hold the administrators of this school responsible for this racially motivated firing.

You can learn more about her story here: https://civilrightslawyerla.com/khoury

You can contribute to the GoFundMe in her name here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-aysha-khoury

CALL TO PRAYER: Doubting Thomas - 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.

PSALM 23: Lauren Korczakowski

EASTERTIDE EXAMEN: My Thoughts, Words, and Deeds

Examen and Sabbath resources found at Sacred Ordinary Days

Scripture: John 10:11-18, NRSV

‘I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand, who is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and runs away—and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. The hired hand runs away because a hired hand does not care for the sheep. I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father. And I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd.For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life in order to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it up again. I have received this command from my Father.’

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

Sermon: HIGHER GROUND: Examining Our Thoughts, Words, and Deeds - 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: Laughing With - 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

Donate

Order of Worship for Sunday, April 18: HIGHER GROUND: Examining Our Faith in God & Others

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

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
PAYPAL: https://paypal.me/LAFirstUMC
SQUARE: https://checkout.square.site/pay/be673aef7fcb424e98387016d184e57d

DISCIPLE BIBLE STUDY, Monday, April 19: Week 2, God Scatters the Proud
Time: 5:30 - 7:00 PM PST
Join Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/598868178?pwd=U1B2YjZYWURDRXJXMStKajI3L1RWZz09

GENESIS-EXODUS
April 19: Chapter 2 - God Scatters the Proud
April 26: Chapter 3 - God Welcomes 
May 3: Chapter 4 - Carrying the Covenant
May 10: Chapter 5 - Conflict with the Family
May 17: Chapter 6 - Wrestling With God
May 24: No class
May 31: No class - Memorial Day
June 7: Chapter 7 - In God’s Time
June 14: Chapter 8 - God Works for Good
June 21: Chapter 9 - The Bonds of Slavery 
June 28: Chapter 10 - God in the Fire
July 5: No Class
July 12: No Class 
July 19: Chapter 11 - God Opens the Sea
July 26: Chapter 12 - Amid the Struggle God Provides
August 2: Chapter 13 - God’s Commands
August 9: Chapter 14 - The Just Laws of God
August 16: Chapter 15 - Protector of the Powerless
August 23: Chapter 16 - God’s Dwelling Place

We have a new mailing address!
When we are able to meet in person, we will still be congregating in our tents under the blue California sky on the corner of Flower & Olympic in the heart of DTLA, but if you need to send anything to the church via snail mail, here is the address you can reach us at:

Los Angeles First United Methodist Church
917 Fremont Ave., #119
South Pasadena CA 91030-9998

Eastertide Sermon Series: HIGHER GROUND - Using the Examen to dig deeper, so that we may reach higher
April 18: Examining Our Faith in God and Others
April 25: Examining Our Thoughts, Words, and Deeds
May 2: Examining Our Perception of Freedom
May 9: Examining How We Find God in Others
May 16: Examining Our Greatest Fear
May 23: Pentecost Sunday

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.

How Do I Pray the Examen?
There are five simple steps to the Examen, which this app leads you through:

• 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.

The UMW and Abolition Apostles Ministry are looking for pen-pals!

LAFUMC is partnering with Abolition Apostles Ministry to have church members paired with a pen pal who is currently incarcerated. The mission of Abolition Apostles is: “Our mission is to offer moral and spiritual support to members of the incarcerated community, and contribute to the destruction of the prison-industrial complex through solidarity, prophetic witness, and community organizing inside and outside of prison.”

You can learn more about their work here.

Community Resources:

Covid Testing:
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:

• Starting April 1st, anyone over the age of 50 is eligible for a free vaccine! On April 15th, ALL California residents over the age of 16 are eligible! Learn more about how people in the newly eligible groups can get vaccinated For more information on who is eligible, booking an appointment and required documentation, visit: Coronavirus.LACity.org/Vaccine

• Check out https://myturn.ca.gov/ to see if you are soon becoming eligible for your vaccine.

• There 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

Justice for Our Friend and Member Dr. Aysha Khoury:

Dr. Khoury found out that the Kaiser Medical School terminated her contract after she gave a school sanctioned talk on racism in medicine, and she needs our help to hold the administrators of this school responsible for this racially motivated firing.

You can learn more about her story here: https://civilrightslawyerla.com/khoury

You can contribute to the GoFundMe in her name here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-aysha-khoury

Outdoor performances at South Park Commons Fridays from 6-8 PM
https://www.southpark.la/music?mc_cid=5dfde9979d&mc_eid=7f28a27aef

The 2021 COVID-19 Emergency Renters Assistance Program deadline is April 30th!
If you need help with the application, there is a hotline that you can call.
See requirements and get assistance: hcidla.lacity.org

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.

PSALM 4: Olusheyi Banjo

EXAMEN: My relationship with God, Others, Self

Examen and Sabbath resources found at Sacred Ordinary Days

Scripture: Luke 24:36b-48, NRSV

While they were talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” They were startled and terrified, and thought that they were seeing a ghost. He said to them, “Why are you frightened, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? Look at my hands and my feet; see that it is I myself. Touch me and see; for a ghost does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have.” And when he had said this, he showed them his hands and his feet. While in their joy they were disbelieving and still wondering, he said to them, “Have you anything here to eat?” They gave him a piece of broiled fish, and he took it and ate in their presence. Then he said to them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you—that everything written about me in the law of Moses, the prophets, and the psalms must be fulfilled.” Then he opened their minds to understand the scriptures, and he said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Messiah is to suffer and to rise from the dead on the third day, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins is to be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. And see, I am sending upon you what my Father promised; so stay here in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”

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

Sermon: HIGHER GROUND: Examining our Faith in God & Others - 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: Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus/Time After Time - 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

Donate

Examen and Sabbath resources found at Sacred Ordinary Days

Order of Worship for Easter Sunday, April 4: I Have Seen the Lord!

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

Superstar/Christ the Lord Is Risen Today! - 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
PAYPAL: https://paypal.me/LAFirstUMC
SQUARE: https://checkout.square.site/pay/be673aef7fcb424e98387016d184e57d

DISCIPLE BIBLE STUDY, Monday, April 12: Week 1, Introduction
Time: 5:30 - 7:00 PM PST
Join Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/598868178?pwd=U1B2YjZYWURDRXJXMStKajI3L1RWZz09

Monday, April 12 at 5:30, Week 1
Monday, April 19 at 5:30, Week 2
Monday, April 26 at 5:30, Week 3
Monday, May 3 at 5:30, Week 4
Monday, May 10 at 5:30, Week 5
Monday, May 17 at 5:30, Week 6
Monday, June 7 at 5:30, Week 7

We have a new mailing address!
When we are able to meet in person, we will still be congregating in our tents under the blue California sky on the corner of Flower & Olympic in the heart of DTLA, but if you need to send anything to the church via snail mail, here is the address you can reach us at:

Los Angeles First United Methodist Church
917 Fremont Ave., #119
South Pasadena CA 91030-9998

Eastertide Sermon Series: HIGHER GROUND - Using the Examen to dig deeper, so that we may reach higher
April 11: Sabbath Sunday
April 18: Examining Our Faith in God and Others
April 25: Examining Our Thoughts, Words, and Deeds
May 2: Examining Our Perception of Freedom
May 9: Examining How We Find God in Others
May 16: Examining Our Greatest Fear
May 23: Pentecost Sunday

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.

How Do I Pray the Examen?
There are five simple steps to the Examen, which this app leads you through:

• 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.

Community Resources:

Covid Testing:
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:

• Starting April 1st, anyone over the age of 50 is eligible for a free vaccine! On April 15th, ALL California residents over the age of 16 are eligible! Learn more about how people in the newly eligible groups can get vaccinated For more information on who is eligible, booking an appointment and required documentation, visit: Coronavirus.LACity.org/Vaccine

• Check out https://myturn.ca.gov/ to see if you are soon becoming eligible for your vaccine.

• There 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

Petition to Support Affordable Housing in Skid Row:

A couple years ago our Church Council endorsed the work of Skid Row Now and 2040, a coalition of Skid Row stakeholders looking to bring more affordable housing into Skid Row and improve the neighborhood for current residents. The 2040 refers to DTLA 2040, the current City Hall effort to update the Downtown Community Plan which sets Land Use policy and zoning. Please sign this Skid Row Now and 2040 online petition that will be sent to the Planning Commissioners. Now and 2040 has had a very positive relationship with the Department of City Planning over the years.

Sign the petition here: http://chng.it/HM82hTBp56

CALL TO PRAYER: O Happy Day/My Sweet Lord - 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.

Scripture: John 20:1-18, NRSV

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

But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb; and she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had been lying, one at the head and the other at the feet.They said to her, ‘Woman, why are you weeping?’

She said to them, ‘They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.’ When she had said this, she turned round and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not know that it was Jesus. 

Jesus said to her, ‘Woman, why are you weeping? For whom are you looking?’ Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, ‘Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.’ 

Jesus said to her, ‘Mary!’ She turned and said to him in Hebrew, ‘Rabbouni!’ (which means Teacher). Jesus said to her, ‘Do not hold on to me, because I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and say to them, “I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.”’

Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, ‘I have seen the Lord’; and she told them that he had said these things to her.

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

Sermon: I Have Seen the Lord! - 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: Ring the Bells - 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

Happy Easter from Los Angeles First United Methodist Church! Christ the Lord is Risen Today!
Χριστός ἀνέστη! Christ is Risen!
Ἀληθῶς ἀνέστη! Christ is Risen Indeed!
Ἁλληλούϊα! Alleluia!

Donate

Order of Worship for the Easter Sunrise Service

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

GATHERING IN DARKNESS AND SILENCE

CHIMING OF THE HOUR           

BREAKING THE DAWN Remain/Hallelujah Chorus - El Dorado

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

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

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

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

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

EASTER EXAMEN

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

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

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

• This year is different. What was normal a year ago is no longer so. Even as a vaccine is more readily available, we are still self-isolating and keeping ourselves from work, family and friends.

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

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

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

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

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

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

  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.

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

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

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

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

Join us for Easter Worship at 10:30 am PDT on FB/YouTube/Twitter!

Order of Worship for Sunday, March 21: Hope in What is Forgotten

Live Stream Worship: 
Facebook: Los Angeles First United Methodist Church   
Twitter: 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: 

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
PAYPAL: https://paypal.me/LAFirstUMC
SQUARE: https://checkout.square.site/pay/be673aef7fcb424e98387016d184e57d

DISCIPLE BIBLE STUDY, Monday, March 22: Week 34, Rumana Choudhury’s lesson on Islam
Time: 5:30 - 7:00 PM PST
Join Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/598868178?pwd=U1B2YjZYWURDRXJXMStKajI3L1RWZz09

Monday, March 22 at 5:30, Week 34, Rumana Choudhury’s lesson on Islam

Monday, March 29 at 5:30, Week 35, “Remember,” A Last Supper Together

Lenten Sermon Series: Color Esperanza
March 21: Lent V - Hope in What is Forgotten
March 28: Palm Sunday - Jesus Christ Superstar
April 1: Maundy Thursday
April 2: Good Friday
April 4: Easter Sunday
April 11: Sabbath Sunday

If You have not already done so, please consider supporting efforts for Justice for Our Friend and Member Dr. Aysha Khoury:

Dr. Khoury found out that the Kaiser Medical School terminated her contract after she gave a school sanctioned talk on racism in medicine, and she needs our help to hold the administrators of this school responsible for this racially motivated firing.

You can learn more about her story here: https://civilrightslawyerla.com/khoury

You can contribute to the GoFundMe in her name here:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-aysha-khoury

Petition to Support Affordable Housing in Skid Row:

A couple years ago our Church Council endorsed the work of Skid Row Now and 2040, a coalition of Skid Row stakeholders looking to bring more affordable housing into Skid Row and improve the neighborhood for current residents. The 2040 refers to DTLA 2040, the current City Hall effort to update the Downtown Community Plan which sets Land Use policy and zoning. Please sign this Skid Row Now and 2040 online petition that will be sent to the Planning Commissioners. Now and 2040 has had a very positive relationship with the Department of City Planning over the years.

Sign the petition here: http://chng.it/HM82hTBp56

Statement Against Anti-Asian Violence (AALMP) from Bishop Hagiya
READ THE STATEMENT >>

A few days ago, the Asian American Language Ministry Plan with the General Board of Global Ministries and the National Federation of Asian American United Methodists issued a statement jointly condemning the rise of anti-Asian American violence in the United States of America.

Los Angeles Area Resident Bishop Grant J. Hagiya is a signatory to the letter along with several clergypersons of the California-Pacific Conference.

Given the incident which took place in the Atlanta area yesterday, Rev. John Oda, who directs the Asian American Language Ministry Plan, adds, “This ongoing, rising violence and hatred which sadly includes the recent murders in Atlanta of eight Asian American women – this violence is not just an Asian American concern.  This is not an African American concern, a Hispanic/Latino concern, a Native American concern or a Pacific Islander concern.  This increase in violence, these shootings in Atlanta are a concern for ALL Christians; for anyone who is striving to live out the tenets of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  They are a concern for all of us are seeking to fulfill His commandment to love one another. “ 

The United Methodist Church has a moral obligation to be vocally and visibly outraged at these recent murders in Atlanta and this precipitous rise in violence and hatred against the Asian American community.

Learn Intervention Techniques: Advancing Justice | AAJC has partnered with Hollaback! to make training available to equip people with techniques on how to safely intervene when they see or experience anti-Asian harassment. The next dates for each of the free public trainings in our three-part series follow:

Bystander Intervention to Stop Anti-Asian/American Harassment and Xenophobia

• Tuesday, March 23 at 4pm EST/ 3pm MT/ 2pm PT/ 12pm HST. Register Here

• Monday, April 5 at 1pm EST/ 12pm MT/ 11am PT/ 9am HST. Register Here

• Wednesday, April 14 at 6:30pm EST/ 5:30pm MT/ 4:30pm PT/ 2:30 HST. Register Here

• Thursday, April 29 at 3pm EST/ 2pm EST/ 1pm PT/ 11am HST. Register Here.

What Can You Do?

Report and help us document hate and harassment: We encourage community members who have experienced anti-Asian hate to share their experiences and report to our website www.StandAgainstHatred.org, which is accessible in Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese.

2021 Lois Balsley Scholarship

The California-Pacific United Methodist Foundation is now accepting applications for the 2021 Lois Balsley Scholarship. This scholarship is awarded annually to college bound students within the Conference. Graduating high school seniors within the Cal-Pac Conference who plan to enroll in a two or four-year institution of higher learning in the Fall of 2021 are potentially eligible to apply. For this year only, the Grants Committee has relaxed the cumulative GPA requirement from 3.0 to 2.5, to give grace to students who may be adversely affected by the pandemic and virtual learning experience. Application is attached to this email. Call Nia Bailey at 626-568-7347 for more information.

General Board of Higher Education & Ministry Scholarships

The GBHEM scholarship application opens in January of each year. You can only submit one application per year where it will be screened for all possible eligible programs. You may indicate on the first page of the scholarship application which of the below listed programs you would most like to be considered for. Award amounts below are a general estimate of awards given. Scholarship programs are divided into three categories: General Scholarships, Racial-Ethnic Scholarships, and Ministry as a Career Scholarships.

SAI/UMC Latino Youth Scholarship Program - Apply Here!

Spanish American Institute (SAI) has opened the application process for the SAI/UMC Latino Youth Scholarships beginning mid-February until April 10, 2021.Scholarship applicants must: 1) have been a member of a local California-Pacific United Methodist Church for at least one year, and 2) provide a letter of recommendation from the Pastor or Youth Director indicating faithful service in a leadership role to the church and/or community. SAI awards $1,000 scholarships to selected applicants. The application deadline is April 10, 2021. For further information, email info@saischolars.org.

Bishops call Special Session of General Conference, issue timeline forward

In response to the further postponement of the 2020 General Conference, the Council of Bishops (COB) is calling a Special Session of the General Conference of The United Methodist Church (UMC) to be convened online on May 8, 2021.

The decision to call the Special Session came in conjunction with the Commission on the General Conference’s announcement of a further postponement of the 2020 General Conference to August 2022. The General Conference had been previously postponed to August 2021 due the COVID-19 pandemic. It is now scheduled to take place August 29 to September 6, 2022, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Click here to read the Commission’s announcement.

Women's Month El Pueblo LA Virtual Tour including the Beloved Biddy Mason:

In honor of #WomensHistoryMonth , #ElPuebloLA is proud to announce our newest digital #tour: Historical Women of El Pueblo: Highlighting Female Pioneers in #LosAngeles History.

For more info or to reserve your free tour, call (213) 628-1274 or email EPTours@lacity.org.

VACCINE UPDATE:

Residents 65+ are eligible to be vaccinated starting Wednesday, January 20th. Book your appointments by visiting VaccinateLACounty.com. For additional assistance, call 833-540-0473 between 8:00 am and 8:30 pm.

Orange County residents and workers can register for a vaccination appointment at https://othena.com.

Vaccinations for seniors (and persons with disabilities):

One of the challenges of getting our most vulnerable citizens vaccine appointments is that the methodst to do so are heavily reliant on technology. To help bridge the gap, Margaret Irwin (assistant to Bishop Hagiya), has set up her own grassroots program to match seniors in need or without computers with volunteers willing to spend hours on the phone/online to book vaccination appointments. The demand is greater than the supply as we know but this is a temporary problem, but it will be for a few months.  

https://www.theoccidentalnews.com/community/2021/02/10/a-dose-of-the-truth-to-fight-vaccine-fear-in-nela/2902158 

If you are interested in helping Margaret sign people up for their vaccine appointments, you can send her an email to let her know.

COVID-19 Testing

Updated for 1/2/21: The LA City Mobile Testing Group is bringing COVID-19 testing to communities throughout the City for those who are unable to drive to a testing site.
✅ No appointment necessary
✅Tests are free with or without insurance
Learn more:Coronavirus.LACity.org/MobileTesting

LA County Rent Relief Updates: https://211la.org/lacounty/rentrelief
- Relief extended through 12/31 for eligible applicants from the 08/20 application period
-New 2021 rent relief program coming soon
-Eviction moratorium extended through Feb. 28
The 2021 Rent Relief Program Applications are not yet available and are under development. Sign up to receive updates when the 2021 Rent Relief Application becomes available at 

Distress Hotline:
If you're feeling anger, isolation or anxiety related to civil unrest, you're not alone. The national Disaster @Distressline offers 24/7 emotional support. Call or text 1-800-985-5990 and #TalkWithUs. #USCapitol

CALL TO PRAYER: All Who Are Thirsty - 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.

Scripture: John 12:20-36, NRSV

Now among those who went up to worship at the festival were some Greeks. They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and said to him, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” Philip went and told Andrew; then Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus. Jesus answered them, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Very truly, I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. Those who love their life lose it, and those who hate their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there will my servant be also. Whoever serves me, the Father will honor.

“Now my soul is troubled. And what should I say—‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it is for this reason that I have come to this hour. Father, glorify your name.” Then a voice came from heaven, “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.” The crowd standing there heard it and said that it was thunder. Others said, “An angel has spoken to him.” Jesus answered, “This voice has come for your sake, not for mine. Now is the judgment of this world; now the ruler of this world will be driven out. And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” He said this to indicate the kind of death he was to die. The crowd answered him, “We have heard from the law that the Messiah remains forever. How can you say that the Son of Man must be lifted up? Who is this Son of Man?” Jesus said to them, “The light is with you for a little longer. Walk while you have the light, so that the darkness may not overtake you. If you walk in the darkness, you do not know where you are going. While you have the light, believe in the light, so that you may become children of light.” After Jesus had said this, he departed and hid from them.

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

Sermon: Hope in Forgiveness - 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: Spirit in the Sky - 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

Donate

Order of Worship for Sunday, March 14: Hope In Forgiveness

Live Stream Worship: 
Facebook: Los Angeles First United Methodist Church   
Twitter: 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: 

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
PAYPAL: https://paypal.me/LAFirstUMC
SQUARE: https://checkout.square.site/pay/be673aef7fcb424e98387016d184e57d

DISCIPLE BIBLE STUDY, Monday, March 15: Week 33, “Ministry,” The gifts of each disciple
Time: 5:30 - 7:00 PM PST
Join Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/598868178?pwd=U1B2YjZYWURDRXJXMStKajI3L1RWZz09
Monday, March 15 at 5:30, Week 33, “Ministry,” The gifts of each disciple
Monday, March 22 at 5:30, Week 34, Rumana Choudhury’s lesson on Islam
Monday, March 29 at 5:30, Week 35, “Remember,” A Last Supper Together

Lenten Sermon Series: Color Esperanza
March 14: Lent IV - Hope in Forgiveness
March 21: Lent V - Hope in What is Forgotten
March 28: Palm Sunday - Jesus Christ Superstar
April 1: Maundy Thursday
April 2: Good Friday
April 4: Easter Sunday
April 11: Sabbath Sunday

UMW Meeting: Sunday, March 14 at 3:00 PM via Zoom

If You have not already done so, please consider supporting efforts for Justice for Our Friend and Member Dr. Aysha Khoury:

Dr. Khoury found out that the Kaiser Medical School terminated her contract after she gave a school sanctioned talk on racism in medicine, and she needs our help to hold the administrators of this school responsible for this racially motivated firing.

You can learn more about her story here: https://civilrightslawyerla.com/khoury

You can contribute to the GoFundMe in her name here:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-aysha-khoury

2021 Lois Balsley Scholarship

The California-Pacific United Methodist Foundation is now accepting applications for the 2021 Lois Balsley Scholarship. This scholarship is awarded annually to college bound students within the Conference. Graduating high school seniors within the Cal-Pac Conference who plan to enroll in a two or four-year institution of higher learning in the Fall of 2021 are potentially eligible to apply. For this year only, the Grants Committee has relaxed the cumulative GPA requirement from 3.0 to 2.5, to give grace to students who may be adversely affected by the pandemic and virtual learning experience. Application is attached to this email. Call Nia Bailey at 626-568-7347 for more information.

General Board of Higher Education & Ministry Scholarships

The GBHEM scholarship application opens in January of each year. You can only submit one application per year where it will be screened for all possible eligible programs. You may indicate on the first page of the scholarship application which of the below listed programs you would most like to be considered for. Award amounts below are a general estimate of awards given. Scholarship programs are divided into three categories: General Scholarships, Racial-Ethnic Scholarships, and Ministry as a Career Scholarships.

SAI/UMC Latino Youth Scholarship Program - Apply Here!

Spanish American Institute (SAI) has opened the application process for the SAI/UMC Latino Youth Scholarships beginning mid-February until April 10, 2021.Scholarship applicants must: 1) have been a member of a local California-Pacific United Methodist Church for at least one year, and 2) provide a letter of recommendation from the Pastor or Youth Director indicating faithful service in a leadership role to the church and/or community. SAI awards $1,000 scholarships to selected applicants. The application deadline is April 10, 2021. For further information, email info@saischolars.org.

Bishops call Special Session of General Conference, issue timeline forward

In response to the further postponement of the 2020 General Conference, the Council of Bishops (COB) is calling a Special Session of the General Conference of The United Methodist Church (UMC) to be convened online on May 8, 2021.

The decision to call the Special Session came in conjunction with the Commission on the General Conference’s announcement of a further postponement of the 2020 General Conference to August 2022. The General Conference had been previously postponed to August 2021 due the COVID-19 pandemic. It is now scheduled to take place August 29 to September 6, 2022, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Click here to read the Commission’s announcement.

Pet Food available to low income families and those facing financial hardship every Sunday at select LA Animal Shelters by appointment only. For more information visit: laanimalservices.com/petfoodpantry or call 213-264-8985 to set up your appointment!

VACCINE UPDATE:

Residents 65+ are eligible to be vaccinated starting Wednesday, January 20th. Book your appointments by visiting VaccinateLACounty.com. For additional assistance, call 833-540-0473 between 8:00 am and 8:30 pm.

Orange County residents and workers can register for a vaccination appointment at https://othena.com.

Vaccinations for seniors (and persons with disabilities):

One of the challenges of getting our most vulnerable citizens vaccine appointments is that the methodst to do so are heavily reliant on technology. To help bridge the gap, Margaret Irwin (assistant to Bishop Hagiya), has set up her own grassroots program to match seniors in need or without computers with volunteers willing to spend hours on the phone/online to book vaccination appointments. The demand is greater than the supply as we know but this is a temporary problem, but it will be for a few months.  

https://www.theoccidentalnews.com/community/2021/02/10/a-dose-of-the-truth-to-fight-vaccine-fear-in-nela/2902158 

If you are interested in helping Margaret sign people up for their vaccine appointments, you can send her an email to let her know.

Guide to Black History Month Events in Los Angeles:
https://www.discoverlosangeles.com/things-to-do/black-history-month-events-in-los-angeles

COVID-19 Testing

Updated for 1/2/21: The LA City Mobile Testing Group is bringing COVID-19 testing to communities throughout the City for those who are unable to drive to a testing site.
✅ No appointment necessary
✅Tests are free with or without insurance
Learn more:Coronavirus.LACity.org/MobileTesting

LA County Rent Relief Updates: https://211la.org/lacounty/rentrelief
- Relief extended through 12/31 for eligible applicants from the 08/20 application period
-New 2021 rent relief program coming soon
-Eviction moratorium extended through Feb. 28
The 2021 Rent Relief Program Applications are not yet available and are under development. Sign up to receive updates when the 2021 Rent Relief Application becomes available at 

Distress Hotline:
If you're feeling anger, isolation or anxiety related to civil unrest, you're not alone. The national Disaster @Distressline offers 24/7 emotional support. Call or text 1-800-985-5990 and #TalkWithUs. #USCapitol

CALL TO PRAYER: Come, Ye Sinners - 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.

Scripture: John 3:14-21, NRSV

And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.

‘For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.

‘Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Those who believe in him are not condemned; but those who do not believe are condemned already, because they have not believed in the name of the only Son of God. And this is the judgement, that the light has come into the world, and people loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil. For all who do evil hate the light and do not come to the light, so that their deeds may not be exposed. But those who do what is true come to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that their deeds have been done in God.’ 

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

Sermon: Hope in Forgiveness - 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: Blest Be the Tie That Binds - Mandy McDow, Katerina Lewis, Salvador Villañueva

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

Donate

Order of Worship for Sunday, March 7: Hope in Righteous Indignation

Live Stream Worship: 
Facebook: Los Angeles First United Methodist Church   
Twitter: 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: 

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
PAYPAL: https://paypal.me/LAFirstUMC
SQUARE: https://checkout.square.site/pay/be673aef7fcb424e98387016d184e57d

Donate

DISCIPLE BIBLE STUDY, Monday, March 1: Week 31, “Victory,” The Book of Revelation
Time: 5:30 - 7:00 PM PST
Join Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/598868178?pwd=U1B2YjZYWURDRXJXMStKajI3L1RWZz09
Monday, March 8 at 5:30, Week 32, “Victory,” The Book of Revelation
Monday, March 15 at 5:30, Week 33, “Ministry,” The gifts of each disciple
Monday, March 22 at 5:30, Week 34, Rumana Choudhury’s lesson on Islam
Monday, March 29 at 5:30, Week 35, “Remember,” A Last Supper Together

Lenten Sermon Series: Color Esperanza
March 7: Lent III - Hope in Righteous Indignation
March 14: Lent IV - Hope in Forgiveness
March 21: Lent V - Hope in What is Forgotten
March 28: Palm Sunday - Jesus Christ Superstar
April 1: Maundy Thursday
April 2: Good Friday
April 4: Easter Sunday
April 11: Sabbath Sunday

Church Council: Tuesday, March 9 at 6:30 PM via Zoom

UMW Meeting: Sunday, March 14 at 3:00 PM via Zoom

If You have not already done so, please consider supporting efforts for Justice for Our Friend and Member Dr. Aysha Khoury:

Dr. Khoury found out that the Kaiser Medical School terminated her contract after she gave a school sanctioned talk on racism in medicine, and she needs our help to hold the administrators of this school responsible for this racially motivated firing.

You can learn more about her story here: https://civilrightslawyerla.com/khoury

You can contribute to the GoFundMe in her name here:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-aysha-khoury

2021 Lois Balsley Scholarship

The California-Pacific United Methodist Foundation is now accepting applications for the 2021 Lois Balsley Scholarship. This scholarship is awarded annually to college bound students within the Conference. Graduating high school seniors within the Cal-Pac Conference who plan to enroll in a two or four-year institution of higher learning in the Fall of 2021 are potentially eligible to apply. For this year only, the Grants Committee has relaxed the cumulative GPA requirement from 3.0 to 2.5, to give grace to students who may be adversely affected by the pandemic and virtual learning experience. Application is attached to this email. Call Nia Bailey at 626-568-7347 for more information.

General Board of Higher Education & Ministry Scholarships

The GBHEM scholarship application opens in January of each year. You can only submit one application per year where it will be screened for all possible eligible programs. You may indicate on the first page of the scholarship application which of the below listed programs you would most like to be considered for. Award amounts below are a general estimate of awards given. Scholarship programs are divided into three categories: General Scholarships, Racial-Ethnic Scholarships, and Ministry as a Career Scholarships.

Bishops call Special Session of General Conference, issue timeline forward

In response to the further postponement of the 2020 General Conference, the Council of Bishops (COB) is calling a Special Session of the General Conference of The United Methodist Church (UMC) to be convened online on May 8, 2021.

The decision to call the Special Session came in conjunction with the Commission on the General Conference’s announcement of a further postponement of the 2020 General Conference to August 2022. The General Conference had been previously postponed to August 2021 due the COVID-19 pandemic. It is now scheduled to take place August 29 to September 6, 2022, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Click here to read the Commission’s announcement.

Pet Food available to low income families and those facing financial hardship every Sunday at select LA Animal Shelters by appointment only. For more information visit: laanimalservices.com/petfoodpantry or call 213-264-8985 to set up your appointment!

VACCINE UPDATE:

Residents 65+ are eligible to be vaccinated starting Wednesday, January 20th. Book your appointments by visiting VaccinateLACounty.com. For additional assistance, call 833-540-0473 between 8:00 am and 8:30 pm.

Orange County residents and workers can register for a vaccination appointment at https://othena.com.

Vaccinations for seniors (and persons with disabilities):

One of the challenges of getting our most vulnerable citizens vaccine appointments is that the methodst to do so are heavily reliant on technology. To help bridge the gap, Margaret Irwin (assistant to Bishop Hagiya), has set up her own grassroots program to match seniors in need or without computers with volunteers willing to spend hours on the phone/online to book vaccination appointments. The demand is greater than the supply as we know but this is a temporary problem, but it will be for a few months.  

https://www.theoccidentalnews.com/community/2021/02/10/a-dose-of-the-truth-to-fight-vaccine-fear-in-nela/2902158 

If you are interested in helping Margaret sign people up for their vaccine appointments, you can send her an email to let her know.

Guide to Black History Month Events in Los Angeles:
https://www.discoverlosangeles.com/things-to-do/black-history-month-events-in-los-angeles

COVID-19 Testing

Updated for 1/2/21: The LA City Mobile Testing Group is bringing COVID-19 testing to communities throughout the City for those who are unable to drive to a testing site.
✅ No appointment necessary
✅Tests are free with or without insurance
Learn more:Coronavirus.LACity.org/MobileTesting

LA County Rent Relief Updates: https://211la.org/lacounty/rentrelief
- Relief extended through 12/31 for eligible applicants from the 08/20 application period
-New 2021 rent relief program coming soon
-Eviction moratorium extended through Feb. 28
The 2021 Rent Relief Program Applications are not yet available and are under development. Sign up to receive updates when the 2021 Rent Relief Application becomes available at 

Distress Hotline:
If you're feeling anger, isolation or anxiety related to civil unrest, you're not alone. The national Disaster @Distressline offers 24/7 emotional support. Call or text 1-800-985-5990 and #TalkWithUs. #USCapitol

CALL TO PRAYER: For What It's Worth - 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.

Scripture: John 2:13-22, NRSV - Jesus Cleanses the Temple

The Passover of the Jews was near, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. In the temple he found people selling cattle, sheep, and doves, and the money-changers seated at their tables. Making a whip of cords, he drove all of them out of the temple, both the sheep and the cattle. He also poured out the coins of the money-changers and overturned their tables.He told those who were selling the doves, ‘Take these things out of here! Stop making my Father’s house a market-place!’ His disciples remembered that it was written, ‘Zeal for your house will consume me.’The Jews then said to him, ‘What sign can you show us for doing this?’Jesus answered them, ‘Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.’ The Jews then said, ‘This temple has been under construction for forty-six years, and will you raise it up in three days?’ But he was speaking of the temple of his body. After he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this; and they believed the scripture and the word that Jesus had spoken.

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

Sermon: Hope in Righteous Indignation - 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: Up to Here - 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

Donate

Order of Worship for Sunday, February 28: Hope in Believing the Unbelievable

Live Stream Worship: 
Facebook: Los Angeles First United Methodist Church   
Twitter: 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: 

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
PAYPAL: https://paypal.me/LAFirstUMC
SQUARE: https://checkout.square.site/pay/be673aef7fcb424e98387016d184e57d

DISCIPLE BIBLE STUDY, Monday, March 1: Week 31, “Holy” - The Books of 1 & 2 Peter, Leviticus 11, 19; Isaiah 52-53, 55-56
Time: 5:30 - 7:00 PM PST
Join Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/598868178?pwd=U1B2YjZYWURDRXJXMStKajI3L1RWZz09
Monday, March 1 at 5:30, Week 31, “Holy,” - The Books of 1 & 2 Peter, Leviticus 11, 19; Isaiah 52-53, 55-56
Monday, March 8 at 5:30, Week 32, “Victory,” The Book of Revelation
Monday, March 15 at 5:30, Week 33, “Ministry,” The gifts of each disciple
Monday, March 22 at 5:30, Week 34, “Remember,” A Last Supper Together

Lenten Sermon Series: Color Esperanza
February 28: Lent II - Hope in Believing the Unbelievable
March 7: Lent III - Hope in Righteous Indignation
March 14: Lent IV - Hope in Forgiveness
March 21: Lent V - Hope in What is Forgotten
March 28: Palm Sunday - Jesus Christ Superstar
April 1: Maundy Thursday
April 2: Good Friday
April 4: Easter Sunday
April 11: Sabbath Sunday

Be a Part of The United Methodist Church Easter Virtual Choir!
Upload your video by 12:00 p.m. CST on Friday, March 5

2021 Lois Balsley Scholarship

The California-Pacific United Methodist Foundation is now accepting applications for the 2021 Lois Balsley Scholarship. This scholarship is awarded annually to college bound students within the Conference. Graduating high school seniors within the Cal-Pac Conference who plan to enroll in a two or four-year institution of higher learning in the Fall of 2021 are potentially eligible to apply. For this year only, the Grants Committee has relaxed the cumulative GPA requirement from 3.0 to 2.5, to give grace to students who may be adversely affected by the pandemic and virtual learning experience. Application is attached to this email. Call Nia Bailey at 626-568-7347 for more information.

United Methodist Higher Education Foundation Scholarships - Deadline March 1st

UMHEF offers several scholarship opportunities to United Methodist students attending or seeking to attend a United Methodist-related institution of higher education. Last year, UMHEF awarded more than $2.3 million to over 1,000 students. YOU can be one of those scholars!

• General Named Endowed Scholarships

• United Methodist Dollars for Scholars Program

• Special Scholarships

General Board of Higher Education & Ministry Scholarships

The GBHEM scholarship application opens in January of each year. You can only submit one application per year where it will be screened for all possible eligible programs. You may indicate on the first page of the scholarship application which of the below listed programs you would most like to be considered for. Award amounts below are a general estimate of awards given. Scholarship programs are divided into three categories: General Scholarships, Racial-Ethnic Scholarships, and Ministry as a Career Scholarships.

Bishops call Special Session of General Conference, issue timeline forward

In response to the further postponement of the 2020 General Conference, the Council of Bishops (COB) is calling a Special Session of the General Conference of The United Methodist Church (UMC) to be convened online on May 8, 2021.

The decision to call the Special Session came in conjunction with the Commission on the General Conference’s announcement of a further postponement of the 2020 General Conference to August 2022. The General Conference had been previously postponed to August 2021 due the COVID-19 pandemic. It is now scheduled to take place August 29 to September 6, 2022, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Click here to read the Commission’s announcement.

Pet Food available to low income families and those facing financial hardship every Sunday at select LA Animal Shelters by appointment only. For more information visit: laanimalservices.com/petfoodpantry or call 213-264-8985 to set up your appointment!

VACCINE UPDATE:

Residents 65+ are eligible to be vaccinated starting Wednesday, January 20th. Book your appointments by visiting VaccinateLACounty.com. For additional assistance, call 833-540-0473 between 8:00 am and 8:30 pm.

Orange County residents and workers can register for a vaccination appointment at https://othena.com.

Vaccinations for seniors (and persons with disabilities):

One of the challenges of getting our most vulnerable citizens vaccine appointments is that the methodst to do so are heavily reliant on technology. To help bridge the gap, Margaret Irwin (assistant to Bishop Hagiya), has set up her own grassroots program to match seniors in need or without computers with volunteers willing to spend hours on the phone/online to book vaccination appointments. The demand is greater than the supply as we know but this is a temporary problem, but it will be for a few months.  

https://www.theoccidentalnews.com/community/2021/02/10/a-dose-of-the-truth-to-fight-vaccine-fear-in-nela/2902158 

If you are interested in helping Margaret sign people up for their vaccine appointments, you can send her an email to let her know.

If You have not already done so, please consider signing the Petition for Justice for Our Friend and Member Dr. Aysha Khoury:
Dr. Khoury found out this week that the Kaiser medical school has terminated her contract, and she needs our help to hold the administrators of this school responsible for this racially motivated firing.

Click Here to Contribute to the GoFundMe in her name:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-aysha-khoury

Guide to Black History Month Events in Los Angeles:
https://www.discoverlosangeles.com/things-to-do/black-history-month-events-in-los-angeles

COVID-19 Testing

Updated for 1/2/21: The LA City Mobile Testing Group is bringing COVID-19 testing to communities throughout the City for those who are unable to drive to a testing site.
✅ No appointment necessary
✅Tests are free with or without insurance
Learn more:Coronavirus.LACity.org/MobileTesting

LA County Rent Relief Updates: https://211la.org/lacounty/rentrelief
- Relief extended through 12/31 for eligible applicants from the 08/20 application period
-New 2021 rent relief program coming soon
-Eviction moratorium extended through Feb. 28
The 2021 Rent Relief Program Applications are not yet available and are under development. Sign up to receive updates when the 2021 Rent Relief Application becomes available at 

Distress Hotline:
If you're feeling anger, isolation or anxiety related to civil unrest, you're not alone. The national Disaster @Distressline offers 24/7 emotional support. Call or text 1-800-985-5990 and #TalkWithUs. #USCapitol

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.

Scripture: Mark 8:31-38, NRSV

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: Hope in Believing the Unbelievable - 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: Ring the Bells - 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

Donate