Mandy McDow

November 7, 2021

Order of Worship for Sunday, November 7: Wisdom in Covenant

Mandy McDow

November 7, 2021

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

Ancient of Days - 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 2 BIBLE STUDY: Mondays at 5:30 PM via Zoom

November 8: Chapter 22 - Signs of God’s Rule

Day 1: Luke 9:51-10:24 - The Cost of Discipleship, Mission of the Seventy
Day 2: Luke 10: 25-37 - The Neighbor
Day 3: Luke 10:38-11:23 - Martha and Mary, the Loving Father, Jesus and the Demons
Day 4: Luke 11:24-12:34 - Woe to the Scribes and Pharisees
Day 5: Luke 12:35-13:35 - Be Ready, Bear Fruit, Sabbath Healing, Jerusalem
Day 6: Study Manual, p. 168-175

November 15: Chapter 23 - Learning to Follow

Day 1: Luke 14:25-35 - Estimate the Cost; 15 - The Search for the Lost
Day 2: Luke 16 - Money: the Shrewd Manager, the Rich Man and Lazarus
Day 3: Luke 17 - Sin, Faith, Gratitude, Preparedness
Day 4: Luke 18 - The Persistent Widow, Pharisee and Tax Collector, The Rich Ruler, Jesus’ Suffering Foretold
Day 5: Luke 19:1-27 - Zacchaeus, Ten Pounds; Matthew 25:14-46 - Judgment
Day 6: Study Manual, p. 176-183

November 22: No Class

November 29: Chapter 24 - Sent as Witnesses

Day 1: Luke 19:28-48 - Palm Sunday
Day 2: Luke 20-21 - Teaching in the Temple
Day 3: Luke 22 - Betrayal, Passover Meal, the Garden, Arrest and Trial
Day 4: Luke 23 - Crucifixion and Burial
Day 5: Luke 24 - Resurrection and Empty Tomb, Emmaus Road, the Great Command
Day 6: Study Manual, p. 184-19

December 6: Chapter 25 - Acts of the Holy Spirit

Day 1: Acts 1 - Ascension, Replacement for Judas
Day 2: Acts 2 - Pentecost, Peter’s Sermon, Common Fellowship
Day 3: Acts 3 - Peter and John Heal a Lame Man
Day 4: Acts 4 - Peter and John before the Council, Praying for Boldness, Sharing
Day 5: Acts 5 - Ananias and Sapphira, Obey God not Humans
Day 6: Study Manual, p. 192-199

December 13: Chapter 26 - Community in Jerusalem

Day 1: Acts 6 - Seven Deacons, Stephen Charged
Day 2: Acts 7 - Stephen’s Speech, First Martyr
Day 3: Acts 8 - Philip, Peter, and John in Samaria; the Ethiopian Eunuch
Day 4: Acts 9:1-31 - Saul’s Conversion
Day 5: Galatians 1 - Paul, an Apostle
Day 6: Study Manual, p. 200-207

December 20: Chapter 27 - Missionary Zeal

December 27: No Class

January 3: No Class

January 10: Chapter 28 - Count It Joy

January 17: No Class

January 24: Chapter 29 - Fellowship of Courage

January 31: Chapter 30 - Temples, Politics, and Business

Februray 7: Chapter 31 - Boldness for the Gospel

February 14: Chapter 32 - Ordering Our Lives

Sermon Series: September 12-November 21
Listening to the stories of Biblical characters to learn about their journey of faith

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

CHARGE CONFERENCE: Tuesday, November 16 at 7:00 PM via Zoom, Rev. Mark Nakagawa, presiding

Haiti Assistance
If you are wondering how you can help, one way is to donate to the United Methodist Committee on Relief:
https://umcmission.org/umcor/

Also Abby Walters Blackmon, a friend of the church, recommends www.harvestfieldhaiti.org/donate-now. Harvestfield Ministry is the ministry she and Greg are involved with. A hundred percent of the donations to Harvestfield goes to support the community of Les Anglais, the community they serve. Abby and Greg have gone to Haiti several times a year on alternating tours for several years. Both are doctors and go to offer medical help.

From our friends at Now Art LA: Attention artists! Are you an artist living and/or working in Downtown Los Angeles? We are searching for artists across all mediums as we compile a comprehensive directory of artists in DTLA. Simply answer a few short questions on this Google Form. https://bit.ly/3DRXVxl

Basic Universal Income Pilot Program
Do you need financial help? The City of LA can help with the largest guaranteed basic income pilot program in the country. To find out if you qualify, visit bigleap.lacity.org.
Applications are open from Oct. 29 until Nov. 7th.

Comeback Checks Program for Small Businesses
Applications opened Tuesday, October 26, for the $25M “Comeback Checks” COVID-19 financial recovery program. $5,000 grants are available for 5,000 small businesses located and operated within the City of Los Angeles. Applications are due by November 2, 2021. For more information and to apply, click here.

Pizza Sociale is hiring!
Pizza Sociale, 448 W Olympic Blvd, is now hiring cashiers and pizza chefs. To apply, visit in person, or apply online here.

LA Department of Cultural Affairs seeks artists for upcoming LA Sanitation and Environment (LASAN) projects. Selected artists and artist teams will be eligible to develop proposals for permanent public art commissions at new LASAN facilities. Learn more at: culturela.org/calls

L.A. renters & landlords: LA City’s eviction protections are still in effect, even as many State protections are scheduled to expire 10/1. Rent & utility assistance is also still available for renters & landlords impacted by COVID-19. Learn more at Coronavirus.LACity.org/Rent.

LA Small Business Academy
The City of Los Angeles is inviting interested entrepreneurs and small business owners in the professional/personal services sector to apply to the LA Small Business Academy. A series of five virtual classes will be held in Oct-Dec. For more information and to apply, click here.

Free, live one-on-one help with school work is available through the LA Public Library every day 11am-11pm for K-12 students and adult learners in 40+ subjects. To learn more, visit https://lapl.org/studentsuccess

Qualifying renters and landlords are now eligible for 100% of rent and utilities owed. City of LA renters and landlords can NOW apply! Visit https://housing.ca.gov/ or call 833-430-2122 for more info.

FRIDAYS: Dance DTLA
Dance DTLA is returning to the Music Center tomorrow to start five Friday nights of free in-person lessons and dancing under the stars on Jerry Moss Plaza at The Music Center. Click here for more information.

Mask Mandate for Los Angeles
As the Covid cases increase, please remember we are required to wear masks indoors to keep ourselves and others safe.

Flu Shots:
Getting a flu shot is fast, easy, and convenient. 💪 Get yours today: Call 2-1-1 or go to: https://admin.publichealth.lacounty.gov/media/FluSeason/index1.htm

COVID Updates:
You can get your digital vaccination record:
myvaccinerecord.cdph.ca.gov healthvana.com carbonhealth.com
LA City is now offering free testing, without appointments at City-run sites.
Find a site near you: Coronavirus.LACity.org/Testing
For additional COVID-19 resources: Coronavirus.LACity.org/Resources

Vaccines:

Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine is approved for kids 5-11! Children may now get vaccinated at select walk-up clinics county-wide. Please call ahead to check availability. Visit vaccinatelacounty.com for info or talk to your child’s doctor
All COVID-19 vaccines are now approved for boosters - Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson. People may also receive booster doses that are different than their original vaccine. For more info and to make an appointment, visit bit.ly/3m3Uspo--
CVS is already prepared to administer boosters. You can make an appointment for the booster of your choice at https://www.cvs.com/vaccine/intake/store/covid-screener/covid-qns
Vaccine requirements are in effect, LA County is providing mobile vaccinations, testing vendors, as well as a toolkit for owners of bars and businesses that serve alcohol, as well as for those running mega events. For more info visit, ph.lacounty.gov/coronavirus
California residents can now request in-home vaccinations and/or transit assistance to get vaccinated by registering at MyTurn.‍ca.‍gov or by calling the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) COVID-19 Call Center at 1-833-422-4255.
Everyone 12 years and older in LA County is now eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Children 12-17 are only eligible to receive the Pfizer vaccine—to find a location near you, visit bit.ly/PfizerSites. Learn more about the vaccines at vaccinatelacounty.com.
Need a ride? Uber and Lyft are providing free rides to and from vaccination sites. Don't have the apps? Call 833-540-0473 to book your ride.
There are several vaccine sites set up by Carbon Health that you can check: https://carbonhealth.com/
LA County: http://www.publichealth.lacounty.gov/media/Coronavirus/vaccine/index.htm
Orange County residents and workers: Register for a vaccination appointment at https://othena.com

CALL TO PRAYER: 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 Lesson: Ruth 3:1-5, 4:13-17, NRSV Narrated by Rumana Fouzia & Stephen Folds

Naomi her mother-in-law said to her, ‘My daughter, I need to seek some security for you, so that it may be well with you. Now here is our kinsman Boaz, with whose young women you have been working. See, he is winnowing barley tonight at the threshing-floor. Now wash and anoint yourself, and put on your best clothes and go down to the threshing-floor; but do not make yourself known to the man until he has finished eating and drinking. When he lies down, observe the place where he lies; then, go and uncover his feet and lie down; and he will tell you what to do.’ She said to her, ‘All that you tell me I will do.’

So Boaz took Ruth and she became his wife. When they came together, the Lord made her conceive, and she bore a son. Then the women said to Naomi, ‘Blessed be the Lord, who has not left you this day without next-of-kin; and may his name be renowned in Israel! He shall be to you a restorer of life and a nourisher of your old age; for your daughter-in-law who loves you, who is more to you than seven sons, has borne him.’ Then Naomi took the child and laid him in her bosom, and became his nurse.The women of the neighbourhood gave him a name, saying, ‘A son has been born to Naomi.’ They named him Obed; he became the father of Jesse, the father of David.

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

Sermon: Wisdom in Covenant - 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: Great Are You, Lord - 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

Mandy McDow

October 30, 2021

Order of Worship for All Saints Sunday, October 31: Wisdom in Compassion

Mandy McDow

October 30, 2021

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

For All the Saints - El Dorado- El Dorado

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

You are invited to greet one another in the live stream chat on Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook.

Announcements:

VENMO: You can find us here: https://venmo.com/LAFirstUMC
PAYPAL: https://paypal.me/LAFirstUMC
SQUARE: https://checkout.square.site/pay/be673aef7fcb424e98387016d184e57d

DISCIPLE 2 BIBLE STUDY: Mondays at 5:30 PM via Zoom

November 1: No Class

November 8: Chapter 22 - Signs of God’s Rule

Day 1: Luke 9:51-10:24 - The Cost of Discipleship, Mission of the Seventy
Day 2: Luke 10: 25-37 - The Neighbor
Day 3: Luke 10:38-11:23 - Martha and Mary, the Loving Father, Jesus and the Demons
Day 4: Luke 11:24-12:34 - Woe to the Scribes and Pharisees
Day 5: Luke 12:35-13:35 - Be Ready, Bear Fruit, Sabbath Healing, Jerusalem
Day 6: Study Manual, p. 168-175

November 15: Chapter 23 - Learning to Follow

Day 1: Luke 14:25-35 - Estimate the Cost; 15 - The Search for the Lost
Day 2: Luke 16 - Money: the Shrewd Manager, the Rich Man and Lazarus
Day 3: Luke 17 - Sin, Faith, Gratitude, Preparedness
Day 4: Luke 18 - The Persistent Widow, Pharisee and Tax Collector, The Rich Ruler, Jesus’ Suffering Foretold
Day 5: Luke 19:1-27 - Zacchaeus, Ten Pounds; Matthew 25:14-46 - Judgment
Day 6: Study Manual, p. 176-183

November 22: No Class

November 29: Chapter 24 - Sent as Witnesses

Day 1: Luke 19:28-48 - Palm Sunday
Day 2: Luke 20-21 - Teaching in the Temple
Day 3: Luke 22 - Betrayal, Passover Meal, the Garden, Arrest and Trial
Day 4: Luke 23 - Crucifixion and Burial
Day 5: Luke 24 - Resurrection and Empty Tomb, Emmaus Road, the Great Command
Day 6: Study Manual, p. 184-19

December 6: Chapter 25 - Acts of the Holy Spirit

Day 1: Acts 1 - Ascension, Replacement for Judas
Day 2: Acts 2 - Pentecost, Peter’s Sermon, Common Fellowship
Day 3: Acts 3 - Peter and John Heal a Lame Man
Day 4: Acts 4 - Peter and John before the Council, Praying for Boldness, Sharing
Day 5: Acts 5 - Ananias and Sapphira, Obey God not Humans
Day 6: Study Manual, p. 192-199

December 13: Chapter 26 - Community in Jerusalem

Day 1: Acts 6 - Seven Deacons, Stephen Charged
Day 2: Acts 7 - Stephen’s Speech, First Martyr
Day 3: Acts 8 - Philip, Peter, and John in Samaria; the Ethiopian Eunuch
Day 4: Acts 9:1-31 - Saul’s Conversion
Day 5: Galatians 1 - Paul, an Apostle
Day 6: Study Manual, p. 200-207

December 20: Chapter 27 - Missionary Zeal

December 27: No Class

January 3: No Class

January 10: Chapter 28 - Count It Joy

January 17: No Class

January 24: Chapter 29 - Fellowship of Courage

January 31: Chapter 30 - Temples, Politics, and Business

Februray 7: Chapter 31 - Boldness for the Gospel

February 14: Chapter 32 - Ordering Our Lives

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

CHARGE CONFERENCE: Tuesday, November 16 at 7:00 PM via Zoom, Rev. Mark Nakagawa, presiding

Haiti Assistance
If you are wondering how you can help, one way is to donate to the United Methodist Committee on Relief:
https://umcmission.org/umcor/

Mask Mandate for Los Angeles
As the Covid cases increase, please remember we are required to wear masks indoors to keep ourselves and others safe.

Flu Shots:
Getting a flu shot is fast, easy, and convenient. 💪 Get yours today: Call 2-1-1 or go to: https://admin.publichealth.lacounty.gov/media/FluSeason/index1.htm

Vaccines:

All COVID-19 vaccines are now approved for boosters - Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson. People may also receive booster doses that are different than their original vaccine. For more info and to make an appointment, visit bit.ly/3m3Uspo--
CVS is already prepared to administer boosters. You can make an appointment for the booster of your choice at https://www.cvs.com/vaccine/intake/store/covid-screener/covid-qns
Vaccine requirements are in effect, LA County is providing mobile vaccinations, testing vendors, as well as a toolkit for owners of bars and businesses that serve alcohol, as well as for those running mega events. For more info visit, ph.lacounty.gov/coronavirus
California residents can now request in-home vaccinations and/or transit assistance to get vaccinated by registering at MyTurn.‍ca.‍gov or by calling the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) COVID-19 Call Center at 1-833-422-4255.
Everyone 12 years and older in LA County is now eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Children 12-17 are only eligible to receive the Pfizer vaccine—to find a location near you, visit bit.ly/PfizerSites. Learn more about the vaccines at vaccinatelacounty.com.
Need a ride? Uber and Lyft are providing free rides to and from vaccination sites. Don't have the apps? Call 833-540-0473 to book your ride.
There are several vaccine sites set up by Carbon Health that you can check: https://carbonhealth.com/
LA County: http://www.publichealth.lacounty.gov/media/Coronavirus/vaccine/index.htm
Orange County residents and workers: Register for a vaccination appointment at https://othena.com

CALL TO PRAYER: What Wondrous Love Is This - El Dorado

You are invited to share your prayers in the Facebook Live Chat, or on the YouTube Live chat.

A Prayer for All Saint’s Day:
We bless your holy name, O God,
for all your servants who, having finished their course,
now rest from their labors.
Give us grace to follow the example
of their steadfastness and faithfulness,
to your honor and glory;
through Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.
(ENGLAND, 20TH CENT., ALT.)

Today, we remember General Jeff, widely recognized as the Mayor of Skid Row. He died last week from congestive heart failure.

These are a few things which meant a lot to General Jeff, and ways we can continue the work he started.

· Lawsuit against the City re: Skid Row Neighborhood Council election, which is in the are in the Appeal stage.

· METRO Reginal Connector Public Art project in Little Tokyo depicting Skid Row community.

· The Skid Row City Mural on 6th and San Julian. Mercy Housing is interested in recreating this iconic mural on their new low-income housing project.

Scripture Lesson: Ruth 1:1-18, NRSV, Narrated by Debbie Bowlus & Rumana Fouzia

In the days when the judges ruled, there was a famine in the land, and a certain man of Bethlehem in Judah went to live in the country of Moab, he and his wife and two sons. The name of the man was Elimelech and the name of his wife Naomi, and the names of his two sons were Mahlon and Chilion; they were Ephrathites from Bethlehem in Judah. They went into the country of Moab and remained there. But Elimelech, the husband of Naomi, died, and she was left with her two sons. These took Moabite wives; the name of one was Orpah and the name of the other Ruth. When they had lived there for about ten years, both Mahlon and Chilion also died, so that the woman was left without her two sons or her husband.

Then she started to return with her daughters-in-law from the country of Moab, for she had heard in the country of Moab that the Lord had had consideration for his people and given them food. So she set out from the place where she had been living, she and her two daughters-in-law, and they went on their way to go back to the land of Judah. But Naomi said to her two daughters-in-law, ‘Go back each of you to your mother’s house. May the Lord deal kindly with you, as you have dealt with the dead and with me. The Lord grant that you may find security, each of you in the house of your husband.’ Then she kissed them, and they wept aloud.They said to her, ‘No, we will return with you to your people.’ But Naomi said, ‘Turn back, my daughters, why will you go with me? Do I still have sons in my womb that they may become your husbands? Turn back, my daughters, go your way, for I am too old to have a husband. Even if I thought there was hope for me, even if I should have a husband tonight and bear sons, would you then wait until they were grown? Would you then refrain from marrying? No, my daughters, it has been far more bitter for me than for you, because the hand of the Lord has turned against me.’Then they wept aloud again. Orpah kissed her mother-in-law, but Ruth clung to her.

So she said, ‘See, your sister-in-law has gone back to her people and to her gods; return after your sister-in-law.’ But Ruth said,
‘Do not press me to leave you
   or to turn back from following you!
Where you go, I will go;
   where you lodge, I will lodge;
your people shall be my people,
   and your God my God.
Where you die, I will die—
   there will I be buried.
May the Lord do thus and so to me,
   and more as well,
if even death parts me from you!’
When Naomi saw that she was determined to go with her, she said no more to her.

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

Sermon: Wisdom in Compassion - Rev. Mandy McDow

HOLY COMMUNION

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

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

Mandy McDow

October 23, 2021

Order of Worship for Sunday, October 24: Job's Wisdom in Praise

Mandy McDow

October 23, 2021

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

Ring the Bells - El Dorado

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:

VENMO: You can find us here: https://venmo.com/LAFirstUMC
PAYPAL: https://paypal.me/LAFirstUMC
SQUARE: https://checkout.square.site/pay/be673aef7fcb424e98387016d184e57d

DISCIPLE 2 BIBLE STUDY: Mondays at 5:30 PM via Zoom

October 25: Chapter 21 - Teach Us How to Live

Day 1: Luke 6:17-49 - Sermon on the Plain
Day 2: Matthew 5-7 - Sermon on the Mount
Day 3: Luke 7 - Healings, Jesus and John, A Forgiven Woman
Day 4: Luke 8 - Kingdom Parables, Healings
Day 5: Luke 9:1-50 - Training the Twelve, Peter’s Confession, Transfiguration
Day 6: Study Manual, p. 160-167

November 1: Chapter 22 - Signs of God’s Rule

Day 1: Luke 9:51-10:24 - The Cost of Discipleship, Mission of the Seventy
Day 2: Luke 10: 25-37 - The Neighbor
Day 3: Luke 10:38-11:23 - Martha and Mary, the Loving Father, Jesus and the Demons
Day 4: Luke 11:24-12:34 - Woe to the Scribes and Pharisees
Day 5: Luke 12:35-13:35 - Be Ready, Bear Fruit, Sabbath Healing, Jerusalem
Day 6: Study Manual, p. 168-175

November 8: Chapter 23 - Learning to Follow

Day 1: Luke 14:25-35 - Estimate the Cost; 15 - The Search for the Lost
Day 2: Luke 16 - Money: the Shrewd Manager, the Rich Man and Lazarus
Day 3: Luke 17 - Sin, Faith, Gratitude, Preparedness
Day 4: Luke 18 - The Persistent Widow, Pharisee and Tax Collector, The Rich Ruler, Jesus’ Suffering Foretold
Day 5: Luke 19:1-27 - Zacchaeus, Ten Pounds; Matthew 25:14-46 - Judgment
Day 6: Study Manual, p. 176-183

November 15: Chapter 24 - Sent as Witnesses

Day 1: Luke 19:28-48 - Palm Sunday
Day 2: Luke 20-21 - Teaching in the Temple
Day 3: Luke 22 - Betrayal, Passover Meal, the Garden, Arrest and Trial
Day 4: Luke 23 - Crucifixion and Burial
Day 5: Luke 24 - Resurrection and Empty Tomb, Emmaus Road, the Great Command
Day 6: Study Manual, p. 184-191

November 22: No Class

November 29: Chapter 25 - Acts of the Holy Spirit

Day 1: Acts 1 - Ascension, Replacement for Judas
Day 2: Acts 2 - Pentecost, Peter’s Sermon, Common Fellowship
Day 3: Acts 3 - Peter and John Heal a Lame Man
Day 4: Acts 4 - Peter and John before the Council, Praying for Boldness, Sharing
Day 5: Acts 5 - Ananias and Sapphira, Obey God not Humans
Day 6: Study Manual, p. 192-199

December 6: Chapter 26 - Community in Jerusalem

Day 1: Acts 6 - Seven Deacons, Stephen Charged
Day 2: Acts 7 - Stephen’s Speech, First Martyr
Day 3: Acts 8 - Philip, Peter, and John in Samaria; the Ethiopian Eunuch
Day 4: Acts 9:1-31 - Saul’s Conversion
Day 5: Galatians 1 - Paul, an Apostle
Day 6: Study Manual, p. 200-207

December 13: Chapter 27 - Missionary Zeal

December 20: Chapter 28 - Count It Joy

December 27: No Class

January 3: No Class

January 10: Chapter 29 - Fellowship of Courage

January 17: No Class

January 24: Chapter 30 - Temples, Politics, and Business

January 31: Chapter 31 - Boldness for the Gospel

February 7: Chapter 32 - Ordering Our Lives

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

CHARGE CONFERENCE: Tuesday, November 16 at 7:00 PM via Zoom, Rev. Mark Nakagawa, presiding

Haiti Assistance
If you are wondering how you can help, one way is to donate to the United Methodist Committee on Relief:
https://umcmission.org/umcor/

Invitation to Mentor High School Seniors at Kid City!
Kid City is starting to recruit mentors for its high school senior scholars program. Anne would love to welcome more LA First church members in as mentors as a way of learning more about Kid City, the amazing young people we work with, and the larger community that is affiliated with LA First. The commitment is 1-2 hours a week for the academic year. Please feel free to contact Anne at annehawthorne@urbanfoundation.org if you have questions. Kid City would also love to invite you tofill out this survey and learn more directly from Kid City staff. And thank you for supporting Kid City!

Join the conversation about LA Redistricting and Fair Maps and let the LACCRC2021 know what is important to YOU. YOUR Voice is YOUR Power! Visit https://laccrc2021.org/ for more information about redistricting.

South Park Business Improvement District is hiring!
SPBID is currently hiring a Program Manager to oversee economic development programs and maintain relationships with the business and real estate community. For more details, email our Executive Director Ellen Riotto at ellen@southpark.la.

Small Business Grants
With funding from the American Rescue Plan Act, LA City will distribute $37M in grants to small businesses impacted by COVID-19 to provide rental assistance and support their recovery. https://ewddlacity.com/index.php/local-business/businesssource-centers

Mask Mandate for Los Angeles
As the Covid cases increase, please remember we are required to wear masks indoors to keep ourselves and others safe.
Covid Testing:
You can get your digital vaccination record:
myvaccinerecord.cdph.ca.gov
healthvana.com
carbonhealth.com

LA City is now offering free testing, without appointments at City-run sites. Find a site near you: Coronavirus.LACity.org/Testing
For additional COVID-19 resources: Coronavirus.LACity.org/Resources

Vaccines:

Vaccine requirements went into effect Thursday, LA County providing mobile vaccinations, testing vendors, as well as a toolkit for owners of bars and businesses that serve alcohol, as well as for those running mega events. For more info visit, ph.lacounty.gov/coronavirus
Pfizer boosters are now available for select groups in Los Angeles County.
Eligible Los Angeles County residents for a booster include adults 65+ & residents of long-term care facilities, people 18-64 (underlying medical conditions), & people 18-64 w/ high institutional/occupational risk (healthcare workers, first responders, grocery store workers)
For more information visit http://www.publichealth.lacounty.gov/media/Coronavirus/vaccine/index.htm
REMINDER: Targeted vaccine requirements go into effect Oct 7! For info on bar, nightclub, lounge, brewery, winery, & distillery requirements, visit our website for the business toolkit to ensure HOO safety & compliance. If you need to get vaccinated, visit vaccinatelacounty.com
California residents can now request in-home vaccinations and/or transit assistance to get vaccinated by registering at MyTurn.‍ca.‍gov or by calling the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) COVID-19 Call Center at 1-833-422-4255.
Everyone 12 years and older in LA County is now eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Children 12-17 are only eligible to receive the Pfizer vaccine—to find a location near you, visit bit.ly/PfizerSites. Learn more about the vaccines at vaccinatelacounty.com.
Need a ride? Uber and Lyft are providing free rides to and from vaccination sites. Don't have the apps? Call 833-540-0473 to book your ride.
There are several vaccine sites set up by Carbon Health that you can check: https://carbonhealth.com/
LA County: http://www.publichealth.lacounty.gov/media/Coronavirus/vaccine/index.htm
Orange County residents and workers: Register for a vaccination appointment at https://othena.com

CALL TO PRAYER: Down to the River to Pray - El Dorado

You are invited to share your prayers in the Facebook Live Chat, or on the YouTube Live chat.

Today, we remember General Jeff, widely recognized as the Mayor of Skid Row. He died yesterday from congestive heart failure.

These are a few things which meant a lot to General Jeff, and ways we can continue the work he started.

· Lawsuit against the City re: Skid Row Neighborhood Council election, which is in the are in the Appeal stage.

· METRO Reginal Connector Public Art project in Little Tokyo depicting Skid Row community.

· The Skid Row City Mural on 6th and San Julian. Mercy Housing is interested in recreating this iconic mural on their new low-income housing project.

Scripture Lesson: Job 42:1-6, 10-17, NRSV Narrated by Oscar Gomez
Then Job answered the Lord:
‘I know that you can do all things,
   and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted.
“Who is this that hides counsel without knowledge?”
Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand,
   things too wonderful for me, which I did not know.
“Hear, and I will speak;
   I will question you, and you declare to me.”
I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear,
   but now my eye sees you;
therefore I despise myself,
   and repent in dust and ashes.’

And the Lord restored the fortunes of Job when he had prayed for his friends; and the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before. Then there came to him all his brothers and sisters and all who had known him before, and they ate bread with him in his house; they showed him sympathy and comforted him for all the evil that the Lord had brought upon him; and each of them gave him a piece of money and a gold ring.The Lord blessed the latter days of Job more than his beginning; and he had fourteen thousand sheep, six thousand camels, a thousand yoke of oxen, and a thousand donkeys. He also had seven sons and three daughters. He named the first Jemimah, the second Keziah, and the third Keren-happuch. In all the land there were no women so beautiful as Job’s daughters; and their father gave them an inheritance along with their brothers. After this Job lived for one hundred and forty years, and saw his children, and his children’s children, four generations. And Job died, old and full of days.

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

Sermon: Job’s Wisdom in Praise - Rev. Mandy McDow

HOLY COMMUNION

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: Then Came the Morning - 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

Mandy McDow

October 16, 2021

Order of Worship for Laity Sunday, October 17: A Bigger Picture - The Ancient of Days, Tom Grode, preaching

Mandy McDow

October 16, 2021

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:

VENMO: You can find us here: https://venmo.com/LAFirstUMC
PAYPAL: https://paypal.me/LAFirstUMC
SQUARE: https://checkout.square.site/pay/be673aef7fcb424e98387016d184e57d

DISCIPLE 2 BIBLE STUDY: Mondays at 5:30 PM via Zoom

October 18: Chapter 20 - Despising His Goodness

Day 1: Luke 4:16-30 - Jesus in His Home Synagogue
Day 2: Luke 4:31-6:16 - Jesus’ Ministry, Choosing the Twelve
Day 3: Luke 14:1-24 - A Dinner Party, A Tough Story about the Great Dinner
Day 4: Luke 20 - The Rejection in the Temple
Day 5: Acts 4:1-31; 12:1-11; 14:1-28; 28:17-31 - Rejection Experiences in the Early Church
Day 6: Study Manual, p. 152 - 159

October 25: Chapter 21 - Teach Us How to Live

Day 1: Luke 6:17-49 - Sermon on the Plain
Day 2: Matthew 5-7 - Sermon on the Mount
Day 3: Luke 7 - Healings, Jesus and John, A Forgiven Woman
Day 4: Luke 8 - Kingdom Parables, Healings
Day 5: Luke 9:1-50 - Training the Twelve, Peter’s Confession, Transfiguration
Day 6: Study Manual, p. 160-167

November 1: Chapter 22 - Signs of God’s Rule

Day 1: Luke 9:51-10:24 - The Cost of Discipleship, Mission of the Seventy
Day 2: Luke 10: 25-37 - The Neighbor
Day 3: Luke 10:38-11:23 - Martha and Mary, the Loving Father, Jesus and the Demons
Day 4: Luke 11:24-12:34 - Woe to the Scribes and Pharisees
Day 5: Luke 12:35-13:35 - Be Ready, Bear Fruit, Sabbath Healing, Jerusalem
Day 6: Study Manual, p. 168-175

November 8: Chapter 23 - Learning to Follow

Day 1: Luke 14:25-35 - Estimate the Cost; 15 - The Search for the Lost
Day 2: Luke 16 - Money: the Shrewd Manager, the Rich Man and Lazarus
Day 3: Luke 17 - Sin, Faith, Gratitude, Preparedness
Day 4: Luke 18 - The Persistent Widow, Pharisee and Tax Collector, The Rich Ruler, Jesus’ Suffering Foretold
Day 5: Luke 19:1-27 - Zacchaeus, Ten Pounds; Matthew 25:14-46 - Judgment
Day 6: Study Manual, p. 176-183

November 15: Chapter 24 - Sent as Witnesses

Day 1: Luke 19:28-48 - Palm Sunday
Day 2: Luke 20-21 - Teaching in the Temple
Day 3: Luke 22 - Betrayal, Passover Meal, the Garden, Arrest and Trial
Day 4: Luke 23 - Crucifixion and Burial
Day 5: Luke 24 - Resurrection and Empty Tomb, Emmaus Road, the Great Command
Day 6: Study Manual, p. 184-191

November 22: No Class

November 29: Chapter 25 - Acts of the Holy Spirit

Day 1: Acts 1 - Ascension, Replacement for Judas
Day 2: Acts 2 - Pentecost, Peter’s Sermon, Common Fellowship
Day 3: Acts 3 - Peter and John Heal a Lame Man
Day 4: Acts 4 - Peter and John before the Council, Praying for Boldness, Sharing
Day 5: Acts 5 - Ananias and Sapphira, Obey God not Humans
Day 6: Study Manual, p. 192-199

December 6: Chapter 26 - Community in Jerusalem

Day 1: Acts 6 - Seven Deacons, Stephen Charged
Day 2: Acts 7 - Stephen’s Speech, First Martyr
Day 3: Acts 8 - Philip, Peter, and John in Samaria; the Ethiopian Eunuch
Day 4: Acts 9:1-31 - Saul’s Conversion
Day 5: Galatians 1 - Paul, an Apostle
Day 6: Study Manual, p. 200-207

December 13: Chapter 27 - Missionary Zeal

December 20: Chapter 28 - Count It Joy

December 27: No Class

January 3: No Class

January 10: Chapter 29 - Fellowship of Courage

January 17: No Class

January 24: Chapter 30 - Temples, Politics, and Business

January 31: Chapter 31 - Boldness for the Gospel

February 7: Chapter 32 - Ordering Our Lives

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

CHURCH COUNCIL MEETING: Tuesday, October 19 at 6:30 PM via Zoom

Haiti Assistance
If you are wondering how you can help, one way is to donate to the United Methodist Committee on Relief:
https://umcmission.org/umcor/

United Methodist Resources:

SOULARIZE 2021
October 20-23, 2021 PDT | Fullerton First UMC & Virtual
A collaborative community built just for spiritual innovators like you. As faith communities around the world begin to envision a post-pandemic society, we need to engage, connect, and unleash collaboration and creativity. Our desire is to provide a space to interact, discover new and diverse voices, build relationships, and grow resources to help encourage and launch projects. LEARN MORE >>

REIMAGINING OUR RESOURCES: READY, RE-SET, GO
Co-created by Lake Institute on Faith & Giving and the innovative design team at RootedGood, Let’s Talk about Resources uses case studies, games, and reflective discussion questions to facilitate creative conversations about how congregations can use their resources in service to their local community. LEARN MORE >>

LA City in partnership with Mastercard has launched the Angeleno Connect Program, which provides access to:-Free, contactless banking-City services & economic relief programs-Digital resources & more-low- or no-cost home internet service and devices, including free internet for K-12 studentshttps://www.lacity.org/AngelenoConnect

Lauren Korczakowski wanted us to share an exciting opportunity she learned about in a meeting with Rep. Napolitano:
Get Paid to Learn with the LA Department of Mental Health
Watch a 15 min video about free mental health and wellbeing services offered through the DMH. Complete a survey and receive a $45 e-gift card- all accessible through your cell phone. For questions or more details, call 213-738-3700 or send an email to pio@dhm.lacounty.gov with Mini Survey in the subject line.

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:

Vaccine requirements went into effect Thursday, LA County providing mobile vaccinations, testing vendors, as well as a toolkit for owners of bars and businesses that serve alcohol, as well as for those running mega events. For more info visit, ph.lacounty.gov/coronavirus
Pfizer boosters are now available for select groups in Los Angeles County.
Eligible Los Angeles County residents for a booster include adults 65+ & residents of long-term care facilities, people 18-64 (underlying medical conditions), & people 18-64 w/ high institutional/occupational risk (healthcare workers, first responders, grocery store workers)
For more information visit http://www.publichealth.lacounty.gov/media/Coronavirus/vaccine/index.htm
REMINDER: Targeted vaccine requirements go into effect Oct 7! For info on bar, nightclub, lounge, brewery, winery, & distillery requirements, visit our website for the business toolkit to ensure HOO safety & compliance. If you need to get vaccinated, visit vaccinatelacounty.com
California residents can now request in-home vaccinations and/or transit assistance to get vaccinated by registering at MyTurn.‍ca.‍gov or by calling the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) COVID-19 Call Center at 1-833-422-4255.
Everyone 12 years and older in LA County is now eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Children 12-17 are only eligible to receive the Pfizer vaccine—to find a location near you, visit bit.ly/PfizerSites. Learn more about the vaccines at vaccinatelacounty.com.
Need a ride? Uber and Lyft are providing free rides to and from vaccination sites. Don't have the apps? Call 833-540-0473 to book your ride.
There are several vaccine sites set up by Carbon Health that you can check: https://carbonhealth.com/
LA County: http://www.publichealth.lacounty.gov/media/Coronavirus/vaccine/index.htm
Orange County residents and workers: Register for a vaccination appointment at https://othena.com

CALL TO PRAYER: How Great Thou Art - El Dorado

You are invited to share your prayers in the Facebook Live Chat, or on the YouTube Live chat.

Scripture Lesson: Job 38:1-7, 34-41, NRSV Narrated by Olu Banjo
Then the Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind:
‘Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge?
Gird up your loins like a man,
   I will question you, and you shall declare to me.
‘Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth?
   Tell me, if you have understanding.
Who determined its measurements—surely you know!
   Or who stretched the line upon it?
On what were its bases sunk,
   or who laid its cornerstone
when the morning stars sang together
   and all the heavenly beings shouted for joy?

‘Can you lift up your voice to the clouds,
   so that a flood of waters may cover you?
Can you send forth lightnings, so that they may go
   and say to you, “Here we are”?
Who has put wisdom in the inward parts,
   or given understanding to the mind?
Who has the wisdom to number the clouds?
   Or who can tilt the waterskins of the heavens,
when the dust runs into a mass
   and the clods cling together?

‘Can you hunt the prey for the lion,
   or satisfy the appetite of the young lions,
when they crouch in their dens,
   or lie in wait in their covert?
Who provides for the raven its prey,
   when its young ones cry to God,
   and wander about for lack of food?

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

Sermon: A Bigger Picture: The Ancient of Days - Tom Grode, Lay Leader, Preaching

HOLY COMMUNION

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: Ancient of Days - 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

Mandy McDow

October 10, 2021

Order of Worship for Sunday, October 10: Job's Wisdom in Lament, Rev. James Wesley Dennis III, preaching

Mandy McDow

October 10, 2021

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

Give Me a Clean Heart - 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:

VENMO: You can find us here: https://venmo.com/LAFirstUMC
PAYPAL: https://paypal.me/LAFirstUMC
SQUARE: https://checkout.square.site/pay/be673aef7fcb424e98387016d184e57d

DISCIPLE 2 BIBLE STUDY: Mondays at 5:30 PM via Zoom

October 11: NO CLASS (Mandy at the Board of Ordained Ministry Retreat)

October 18: Chapter 20 - Despising His Goodness

Day 1: Luke 4:16-30 - Jesus in His Home Synagogue
Day 2: Luke 4:31-6:16 - Jesus’ Ministry, Choosing the Twelve
Day 3: Luke 14:1-24 - A Dinner Party, A Tough Story about the Great Dinner
Day 4: Luke 20 - The Rejection in the Temple
Day 5: Acts 4:1-31; 12:1-11; 14:1-28; 28:17-31 - Rejection Experiences in the Early Church
Day 6: Study Manual, p. 152 - 159

October 25: Chapter 21 - Teach Us How to Live

Day 1: Luke 6:17-49 - Sermon on the Plain
Day 2: Matthew 5-7 - Sermon on the Mount
Day 3: Luke 7 - Healings, Jesus and John, A Forgiven Woman
Day 4: Luke 8 - Kingdom Parables, Healings
Day 5: Luke 9:1-50 - Training the Twelve, Peter’s Confession, Transfiguration
Day 6: Study Manual, p. 160-167

November 1: Chapter 22 - Signs of God’s Rule

Day 1: Luke 9:51-10:24 - The Cost of Discipleship, Mission of the Seventy
Day 2: Luke 10: 25-37 - The Neighbor
Day 3: Luke 10:38-11:23 - Martha and Mary, the Loving Father, Jesus and the Demons
Day 4: Luke 11:24-12:34 - Woe to the Scribes and Pharisees
Day 5: Luke 12:35-13:35 - Be Ready, Bear Fruit, Sabbath Healing, Jerusalem
Day 6: Study Manual, p. 168-175

November 8: Chapter 23 - Learning to Follow

Day 1: Luke 14:25-35 - Estimate the Cost; 15 - The Search for the Lost
Day 2: Luke 16 - Money: the Shrewd Manager, the Rich Man and Lazarus
Day 3: Luke 17 - Sin, Faith, Gratitude, Preparedness
Day 4: Luke 18 - The Persistent Widow, Pharisee and Tax Collector, The Rich Ruler, Jesus’ Suffering Foretold
Day 5: Luke 19:1-27 - Zacchaeus, Ten Pounds; Matthew 25:14-46 - Judgment
Day 6: Study Manual, p. 176-183

November 15: Chapter 24 - Sent as Witnesses

Day 1: Luke 19:28-48 - Palm Sunday
Day 2: Luke 20-21 - Teaching in the Temple
Day 3: Luke 22 - Betrayal, Passover Meal, the Garden, Arrest and Trial
Day 4: Luke 23 - Crucifixion and Burial
Day 5: Luke 24 - Resurrection and Empty Tomb, Emmaus Road, the Great Command
Day 6: Study Manual, p. 184-191

November 22: No Class

November 29: Chapter 25 - Acts of the Holy Spirit

Day 1: Acts 1 - Ascension, Replacement for Judas
Day 2: Acts 2 - Pentecost, Peter’s Sermon, Common Fellowship
Day 3: Acts 3 - Peter and John Heal a Lame Man
Day 4: Acts 4 - Peter and John before the Council, Praying for Boldness, Sharing
Day 5: Acts 5 - Ananias and Sapphira, Obey God not Humans
Day 6: Study Manual, p. 192-199

December 6: Chapter 26 - Community in Jerusalem

Day 1: Acts 6 - Seven Deacons, Stephen Charged
Day 2: Acts 7 - Stephen’s Speech, First Martyr
Day 3: Acts 8 - Philip, Peter, and John in Samaria; the Ethiopian Eunuch
Day 4: Acts 9:1-31 - Saul’s Conversion
Day 5: Galatians 1 - Paul, an Apostle
Day 6: Study Manual, p. 200-207

December 13: Chapter 27 - Missionary Zeal

December 20: Chapter 28 - Count It Joy

December 27: No Class

January 3: No Class

January 10: Chapter 29 - Fellowship of Courage

January 17: No Class

January 24: Chapter 30 - Temples, Politics, and Business

January 31: Chapter 31 - Boldness for the Gospel

February 7: Chapter 32 - Ordering Our Lives

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

CHURCH COUNCIL MEETING: Tuesday, October 19 at 6:30 PM via Zoom

Haiti Assistance
If you are wondering how you can help, one way is to donate to the United Methodist Committee on Relief:
https://umcmission.org/umcor/

UMC & CROP Hunger Walks (Church World Service)The 2021 National Christian Rural Overseas Program (CROP) Hunger Walk will take place on World Food Day, October 16, in an effort to end hunger in the U.S. and around the world.
Walk on your treadmill, in your neighborhood, in a park with friends – you choose the location and the experience. Walk one day – 3.7 miles (the average distance a woman walks for water) or take the Weekend Challenge and walk 11.1 miles (3.7 miles for 3 days).For questions, contact info@cwsglobal.org.
Click Here: UMC & CROP Hunger Walks (Church World Service)

LA Department of Cultural Affairs seeks artists for upcoming LA Sanitation and Environment (LASAN) projects. Selected artists and artist teams will be eligible to develop proposals for permanent public art commissions at new LASAN facilities. Learn more at: culturela.org/calls

Learn about Chicanx history and communities through public art with Metro Bike Share’s Chicanx Art Tour of DTLA ride guide. mtro.la/gtes50GlB2Q

Church World Service is hiring a Faith Community Organizer.
Join a team of organizers as we work to ensure that every refugee and newcomer resettled through CWS receives community sponsorship, a warm welcome, and support towards integration! https://bit.ly/3n38ed1

Los Angeles City Planning and the LA Housing and Community Investment Department are working to update the Citywide Housing Element, which will guide housing policy through 2029. Ensure that your voice is a part of this planning effort by checking out the draft version: planning.lacity.org/plan2housela

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:

Vaccine requirements went into effect Thursday, LA County providing mobile vaccinations, testing vendors, as well as a toolkit for owners of bars and businesses that serve alcohol, as well as for those running mega events. For more info visit, ph.lacounty.gov/coronavirus
Pfizer boosters are now available for select groups in Los Angeles County.
Eligible Los Angeles County residents for a booster include adults 65+ & residents of long-term care facilities, people 18-64 (underlying medical conditions), & people 18-64 w/ high institutional/occupational risk (healthcare workers, first responders, grocery store workers)
For more information visit http://www.publichealth.lacounty.gov/media/Coronavirus/vaccine/index.htm
REMINDER: Targeted vaccine requirements go into effect Oct 7! For info on bar, nightclub, lounge, brewery, winery, & distillery requirements, visit our website for the business toolkit to ensure HOO safety & compliance. If you need to get vaccinated, visit vaccinatelacounty.com
California residents can now request in-home vaccinations and/or transit assistance to get vaccinated by registering at MyTurn.‍ca.‍gov or by calling the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) COVID-19 Call Center at 1-833-422-4255.
Everyone 12 years and older in LA County is now eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Children 12-17 are only eligible to receive the Pfizer vaccine—to find a location near you, visit bit.ly/PfizerSites. Learn more about the vaccines at vaccinatelacounty.com.
Need a ride? Uber and Lyft are providing free rides to and from vaccination sites. Don't have the apps? Call 833-540-0473 to book your ride.
There are several vaccine sites set up by Carbon Health that you can check: https://carbonhealth.com/
LA County: http://www.publichealth.lacounty.gov/media/Coronavirus/vaccine/index.htm
Orange County residents and workers: Register for a vaccination appointment at https://othena.com

CALL TO PRAYER: Come, Ye Sinners - El Dorado

You are invited to share your prayers in the Facebook Live Chat, or on the YouTube Live chat.

Psalm of Lament: Psalm 22:1-15, NRSV Narrated by Stephen Folds
My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?
   Why are you so far from helping me, from the words of my groaning?
O my God, I cry by day, but you do not answer;
   and by night, but find no rest.
Yet you are holy,
   enthroned on the praises of Israel.
In you our ancestors trusted;
   they trusted, and you delivered them.
To you they cried, and were saved;
   in you they trusted, and were not put to shame.
But I am a worm, and not human;
   scorned by others, and despised by the people.
All who see me mock at me;
   they make mouths at me, they shake their heads;
‘Commit your cause to the Lord; let him deliver—
   let him rescue the one in whom he delights!’
Yet it was you who took me from the womb;
   you kept me safe on my mother’s breast.
On you I was cast from my birth,
   and since my mother bore me you have been my God.
Do not be far from me,
   for trouble is near
   and there is no one to help.
Many bulls encircle me,
   strong bulls of Bashan surround me;
they open wide their mouths at me,
   like a ravening and roaring lion.
I am poured out like water,
   and all my bones are out of joint;
my heart is like wax;
   it is melted within my breast;
my mouth is dried up like a potsherd,
   and my tongue sticks to my jaws;
   you lay me in the dust of death.

Scripture Lesson: Job 23:1-9, 16-17 - Read by Rev. James Wesley Dennis III

Then Job answered:
‘Today also my complaint is bitter;
   his hand is heavy despite my groaning.
O that I knew where I might find him,
   that I might come even to his dwelling!
I would lay my case before him,
   and fill my mouth with arguments.
I would learn what he would answer me,
   and understand what he would say to me.
Would he contend with me in the greatness of his power?
   No; but he would give heed to me.
There an upright person could reason with him,
   and I should be acquitted for ever by my judge.

‘If I go forward, he is not there;
   or backward, I cannot perceive him;
on the left he hides, and I cannot behold him;
   I turn to the right, but I cannot see him.
God has made my heart faint;
   the Almighty has terrified me;
If only I could vanish in darkness,
   and thick darkness would cover my face!

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

Sermon: Who Do You Say That I Am? Job’s Wisdom in Lament- Rev. James Wesley Dennis III

HOLY COMMUNION

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: Great Are You, Lord - 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.

Pastor Appreciation Video from El Dorado

Virtual Coffee Hour Begins now!
Immediately following worship on Zoom

Donate

Mandy McDow

October 3, 2021

Order of Worship for Sunday, October 3: Who Do You Say That I Am? - Job's Wisdom in Faithfulness

Mandy McDow

October 3, 2021

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

Amazing Grace - 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:

VENMO: You can find us here: https://venmo.com/LAFirstUMC
PAYPAL: https://paypal.me/LAFirstUMC
SQUARE: https://checkout.square.site/pay/be673aef7fcb424e98387016d184e57d

LUKE-ACTS

DISCIPLE 2 BIBLE STUDY: Mondays at 5:30 PM via Zoom

October 4: Chapter 19 - Teach Us to Pray

Day 1: Study Manual, p. 144-151
Day 2: Jesus’ Prayer Life (see Study Manual for each subtheme, p. 146)
Day 3: Prayers of Intercession and Agony, p. 146
Day 4: The Lord’s Prayer, p. 148
Day 5: The Lord’s Prayer, continued, p. 148
Day 6: Other teachings about prayer, p. 149

October 11: NO CLASS (Mandy at the Board of Ordained Ministry Retreat)

October 18: Chapter 20 - Despising His Goodness

Day 1: Luke 4:16-30 - Jesus in His Home Synagogue
Day 2: Luke 4:31-6:16 - Jesus’ Ministry, Choosing the Twelve
Day 3: Luke 14:1-24 - A Dinner Party, A Tough Story about the Great Dinner
Day 4: Luke 20 - The Rejection in the Temple
Day 5: Acts 4:1-31; 12:1-11; 14:1-28; 28:17-31 - Rejection Experiences in the Early Church
Day 6: Study Manual, p. 152 - 159

October 25: Chapter 21 - Teach Us How to Live

Day 1: Luke 6:17-49 - Sermon on the Plain
Day 2: Matthew 5-7 - Sermon on the Mount
Day 3: Luke 7 - Healings, Jesus and John, A Forgiven Woman
Day 4: Luke 8 - Kingdom Parables, Healings
Day 5: Luke 9:1-50 - Training the Twelve, Peter’s Confession, Transfiguration
Day 6: Study Manual, p. 160-167

November 1: Chapter 22 - Signs of God’s Rule

Day 1: Luke 9:51-10:24 - The Cost of Discipleship, Mission of the Seventy
Day 2: Luke 10: 25-37 - The Neighbor
Day 3: Luke 10:38-11:23 - Martha and Mary, the Loving Father, Jesus and the Demons
Day 4: Luke 11:24-12:34 - Woe to the Scribes and Pharisees
Day 5: Luke 12:35-13:35 - Be Ready, Bear Fruit, Sabbath Healing, Jerusalem
Day 6: Study Manual, p. 168-175

November 8: Chapter 23 - Learning to Follow

Day 1: Luke 14:25-35 - Estimate the Cost; 15 - The Search for the Lost
Day 2: Luke 16 - Money: the Shrewd Manager, the Rich Man and Lazarus
Day 3: Luke 17 - Sin, Faith, Gratitude, Preparedness
Day 4: Luke 18 - The Persistent Widow, Pharisee and Tax Collector, The Rich Ruler, Jesus’ Suffering Foretold
Day 5: Luke 19:1-27 - Zacchaeus, Ten Pounds; Matthew 25:14-46 - Judgment
Day 6: Study Manual, p. 176-183

November 15: Chapter 24 - Sent as Witnesses

Day 1: Luke 19:28-48 - Palm Sunday
Day 2: Luke 20-21 - Teaching in the Temple
Day 3: Luke 22 - Betrayal, Passover Meal, the Garden, Arrest and Trial
Day 4: Luke 23 - Crucifixion and Burial
Day 5: Luke 24 - Resurrection and Empty Tomb, Emmaus Road, the Great Command
Day 6: Study Manual, p. 184-191

November 22: No Class

November 29: Chapter 25 - Acts of the Holy Spirit

Day 1: Acts 1 - Ascension, Replacement for Judas
Day 2: Acts 2 - Pentecost, Peter’s Sermon, Common Fellowship
Day 3: Acts 3 - Peter and John Heal a Lame Man
Day 4: Acts 4 - Peter and John before the Council, Praying for Boldness, Sharing
Day 5: Acts 5 - Ananias and Sapphira, Obey God not Humans
Day 6: Study Manual, p. 192-199

December 6: Chapter 26 - Community in Jerusalem

Day 1: Acts 6 - Seven Deacons, Stephen Charged
Day 2: Acts 7 - Stephen’s Speech, First Martyr
Day 3: Acts 8 - Philip, Peter, and John in Samaria; the Ethiopian Eunuch
Day 4: Acts 9:1-31 - Saul’s Conversion
Day 5: Galatians 1 - Paul, an Apostle
Day 6: Study Manual, p. 200-207

December 13: Chapter 27 - Missionary Zeal

December 20: Chapter 28 - Count It Joy

December 27: No Class

January 3: No Class

January 10: Chapter 29 - Fellowship of Courage

January 17: No Class

January 24: Chapter 30 - Temples, Politics, and Business

January 31: Chapter 31 - Boldness for the Gospel

February 7: Chapter 32 - Ordering Our Lives

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

CHURCH COUNCIL MEETING: Tuesday, October 19 at 6:30 PM via Zoom

Haiti Assistance
If you are wondering how you can help, one way is to donate to the United Methodist Committee on Relief:
https://umcmission.org/umcor/

United Methodist Resources:

Charge Conference Workshops: Charge Conference Form Workshop – Oct. 7, 2021 (Leadership)

SOULARIZE 2021
October 20-23, 2021 PDT | Fullerton First UMC & Virtual
A collaborative community built just for spiritual innovators like you. As faith communities around the world begin to envision a post-pandemic society, we need to engage, connect, and unleash collaboration and creativity. Our desire is to provide a space to interact, discover new and diverse voices, build relationships, and grow resources to help encourage and launch projects. LEARN MORE >>

Mobility Investment Plan Survey
LADOT’s Transportation Planning and Policy Division has initiated the Downtown Los Angeles Mobility Investment Plan (DTLA MIP). To participate in the DTLA MIP survey and help LADOT better understand how DTLA stakeholders get around, click here.

LA Small Business Academy
The City of Los Angeles is inviting interested entrepreneurs and small business owners in the professional/personal services sector to apply to the LA Small Business Academy. A series of five virtual classes will be held in Oct-Dec. For more information and to apply, click here.

South Park Business Improvement District is hiring!
SPBID is currently hiring a Program Manager to oversee economic development programs and maintain relationships with the business and real estate community. For more details, email our Executive Director Ellen Riotto at ellen@southpark.la.

LA City in partnership with Mastercard has launched the Angeleno Connect Program, which provides access to:-Free, contactless banking-City services & economic relief programs-Digital resources & more-low- or no-cost home internet service and devices, including free internet for K-12 studentshttps://www.lacity.org/AngelenoConnect

Lauren Korczakowski wanted us to share an exciting opportunity she learned about in a meeting with Rep. Napolitano:

Get Paid to Learn with the LA Department of Mental HealthWatch a 15 min video about free mental health and wellbeing services offered through the DMH. Complete a survey and receive a $45 e-gift card- all accessible through your cell phone. For questions or more details, call 213-738-3700 or send an email to pio@dhm.lacounty.gov with Mini Survey in the subject line.

The Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles is hiring Youth Digital Ambassadors!
Youth Digital Ambassadors will do resident outreach, promote digital literacy, and support with internet access at HACLA sites. To apply, contact Aracely Hernandez: (213) 252-5458, Aracely.Hernandez@hacla.org

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.

Mask Mandate for Los Angeles
As the Covid cases increase, please remember we are required to wear masks indoors to keep ourselves and others safe.

Covid Testing:
You can get your digital vaccination record:

myvaccinerecord.cdph.ca.gov

healthvana.com

carbonhealth.com

LA City is now offering free testing, without appointments at City-run sites.
Find a site near you: Coronavirus.LACity.org/Testing
For additional COVID-19 resources: Coronavirus.LACity.org/Resources

Vaccines:

Pfizer boosters are now available for select groups in Los Angeles County.
Eligible Los Angeles County residents for a booster include adults 65+ & residents of long-term care facilities, people 18-64 (underlying medical conditions), & people 18-64 w/ high institutional/occupational risk (healthcare workers, first responders, grocery store workers)
For more information visit http://www.publichealth.lacounty.gov/media/Coronavirus/vaccine/index.htm
REMINDER: Targeted vaccine requirements go into effect Oct 7! For info on bar, nightclub, lounge, brewery, winery, & distillery requirements, visit our website for the business toolkit to ensure HOO safety & compliance. If you need to get vaccinated, visit vaccinatelacounty.com
California residents can now request in-home vaccinations and/or transit assistance to get vaccinated by registering at MyTurn.‍ca.‍gov or by calling the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) COVID-19 Call Center at 1-833-422-4255.
Everyone 12 years and older in LA County is now eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Children 12-17 are only eligible to receive the Pfizer vaccine—to find a location near you, visit bit.ly/PfizerSites. Learn more about the vaccines at vaccinatelacounty.com.
Need a ride? Uber and Lyft are providing free rides to and from vaccination sites. Don't have the apps? Call 833-540-0473 to book your ride.
There are several vaccine sites set up by Carbon Health that you can check: https://carbonhealth.com/
LA County: http://www.publichealth.lacounty.gov/media/Coronavirus/vaccine/index.htm
Orange County residents and workers: Register for a vaccination appointment at https://othena.com

CALL TO PRAYER: How Firm a Foundation - El Dorado

You are invited to share your prayers in the Facebook Live Chat, or on the YouTube Live chat.

Scripture: Job 1:1, 2:1-10 NRSV Narrated by Malik Walker

There was once a man in the land of Uz whose name was Job. That man was blameless and upright, one who feared God and turned away from evil.

One day the heavenly beings came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came among them to present himself before the Lord. The Lord said to Satan, ‘Where have you come from?’ Satananswered the Lord, ‘From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking up and down on it.’ The Lord said to Satan, ‘Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man who fears God and turns away from evil. He still persists in his integrity, although you incited me against him, to destroy him for no reason.’ Then Satan answered the Lord, ‘Skin for skin! All that people have they will give to save their lives. But stretch out your hand now and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will curse you to your face.’ The Lordsaid to Satan, ‘Very well, he is in your power; only spare his life.’

So Satan went out from the presence of the Lord, and inflicted loathsome sores on Job from the sole of his foot to the crown of his head. Job took a potsherd with which to scrape himself, and sat among the ashes.

Then his wife said to him, ‘Do you still persist in your integrity? CurseGod, and die.’ But he said to her, ‘You speak as any foolish woman would speak. Shall we receive the good at the hand of God, and not receive the bad?’ In all this Job did not sin with his lips.

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

Sermon: Who Do You Say That I Am? Job’s Wisdom in Faithfulness- Rev. Mandy McDow

HOLY COMMUNION

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: How Great Thou Art- 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

Mandy McDow

September 26, 2021

Order of Worship for Sunday, September 26: Who Do You Say That I Am? - The Integrity of Vashti and Esther

Mandy McDow

September 26, 2021

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

Laughing With - 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:

VENMO: You can find us here: https://venmo.com/LAFirstUMC
PAYPAL: https://paypal.me/LAFirstUMC
SQUARE: https://checkout.square.site/pay/be673aef7fcb424e98387016d184e57d

LUKE-ACTS

September 27: Chapter 18 - Our Savior Has Come

Day 1: Luke 1:1-25, 57-80 - Birth of John
Day 2: Luke 3:1-26; 7:18-35 - John’s Ministry and Question to Jesus

Matthew 14:1-12; Luke 9:7-9 - John’s Death

Day 3: Luke 1:26-56 - Annunciation and Magnificat; Luke 2:1-20 - Birth of Jesus
Day 4: Luke 2:21-52 - Jesus in the Temple, as a baby, at 12 years old
Day 5: Luke 3:21-38 - Baptism of Jesus; Luke 4:1-13 - Temptation in the Wilderness
Day 6: Study Manual, p. 136-143

October 4: Chapter 19 - Teach Us to Pray

October 11: Chapter 20 - Despising His Goodness

October 18: Chapter 21 - Teach Us How to Live

October 25: Chapter 22 - Signs of God’s Rule

November 1: Chapter 23 - Learning to Follow

November 8: Chapter 24 - Sent as Witnesses

November 15: Chapter 25 - Acts of the Holy Spirit

November 22: No Class

November 29: Chapter 26 - Community in Jerusalem

December 6: Chapter 27 - Missionary Zeal

December 13: Chapter 28 - Count It Joy

December 20: Chapter 29 - Fellowship of Courage

December 27: No Class

January 3: No Class

January 10: Chapter 30 - Temples, Politics, and Business

January 17: No Class

January 24: Chapter 31 - Boldness for the Gospel

January 31: Chapter 32 - Ordering Our Lives

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

CHURCH COUNCIL MEETING: Tuesday, October 12 at 6:30 PM via Zoom

Haiti Assistance
If you are wondering how you can help, one way is to donate to the United Methodist Committee on Relief:
https://umcmission.org/umcor/

The LA Libros Fest is a bilingual book festival for the whole family! Offering two days of live programming via Facebook and YouTube with storytellers, local and international authors, art workshops, concerts, the festival has something for everyone. lapl.org/libros-fest

Join the conversation about LA Redistricting and Fair Maps and let the LACCRC2021 know what is important to YOU. YOUR Voice is YOUR Power!
Visit https://laccrc2021.org/ for more information about redistricting.

Lauren Korczakowski wanted us to share an exciting opportunity she learned about in a meeting with Rep. Napolitano:

Get Paid to Learn with the LA Department of Mental Health

Watch a 15 min video about free mental health and wellbeing services offered through the DMH. Complete a survey and receive a $45 e-gift card- all accessible through your cell phone. For questions or more details, call 213-738-3700 or send an email to pio@dhm.lacounty.gov with Mini Survey in the subject line.

Qualifying renters and landlords are now eligible for 100% of rent and utilities owed. City of LA renters and landlords can NOW apply!
Visit https://housing.ca.gov/ or call 833-430-2122 for more info.

September is National Preparedness Month & a reminder to all Angelenos to ensure that your family & neighbors are prepared for every emergency.

Ready Your LA Neighborhood (RYLAN) provides access to free emergency training, resources, & more. More info: https://www.readyla.org/

Mask Mandate for Los Angeles
As the Covid cases increase, please remember we are required to wear masks indoors to keep ourselves and others safe.

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:

California residents can now request in-home vaccinations and/or transit assistance to get vaccinated by registering at MyTurn.‍ca.‍gov or by calling the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) COVID-19 Call Center at 1-833-422-4255.
Everyone 12 years and older in LA County is now eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Children 12-17 are only eligible to receive the Pfizer vaccine—to find a location near you, visit bit.ly/PfizerSites. Learn more about the vaccines at vaccinatelacounty.com.
Need a ride? Uber and Lyft are providing free rides to and from vaccination sites. Don't have the apps? Call 833-540-0473 to book your ride.
There are several vaccine sites set up by Carbon Health that you can check: https://carbonhealth.com/
LA County: http://www.publichealth.lacounty.gov/media/Coronavirus/vaccine/index.htm
Orange County residents and workers: Register for a vaccination appointment at https://othena.com

CALL TO PRAYER: Be Not Afraid - El Dorado

You are invited to share your prayers in the Facebook Live Chat, or on the YouTube Live chat.

Scripture: Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22 NRSV Narrated by Savannah Southern-Smith and Malik Walker

So the king and Haman went in to feast with Queen Esther. On the second day, as they were drinking wine, the king again said to Esther, ‘What is your petition, Queen Esther? It shall be granted you. And what is your request? Even to the half of my kingdom, it shall be fulfilled.’ Then Queen Esther answered, ‘If I have won your favour, O king, and if it pleases the king, let my life be given me—that is my petition—and the lives of my people—that is my request. For we have been sold, I and my people, to be destroyed, to be killed, and to be annihilated. If we had been sold merely as slaves, men and women, I would have held my peace; but no enemy can compensate for this damage to the king.’ Then King Ahasuerus said to Queen Esther, ‘Who is he, and where is he, who has presumed to do this?’ Esther said, ‘A foe and enemy, this wicked Haman!’ Then Haman was terrified before the king and the queen. Then Harbona, one of the eunuchs in attendance on the king, said, ‘Look, the very gallows that Haman has prepared for Mordecai, whose word saved the king, stands at Haman’s house, fifty cubits high.’ And the king said, ‘Hang him on that.’ So they hanged Haman on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai. Then the anger of the king abated.

Mordecai recorded these things, and sent letters to all the Jews who were in all the provinces of King Ahasuerus, both near and far, enjoining them that they should keep the fourteenth day of the month Adar and also the fifteenth day of the same month, year by year, as the days on which the Jews gained relief from their enemies, and as the month that had been turned for them from sorrow into gladness and from mourning into a holiday; that they should make them days of feasting and gladness, days for sending gifts of food to one another and presents to the poor.

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

Sermon: Who Do You Say That I Am? The Integrity of Vashti and Esther- Rev. Mandy McDow

HOLY COMMUNION

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: 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

Mandy McDow

September 19, 2021

Order of Worship for Sunday, September 19: Who Do You Say That I Am? - A Capable Woman

Mandy McDow

September 19, 2021

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:

VENMO: You can find us here: https://venmo.com/LAFirstUMC
PAYPAL: https://paypal.me/LAFirstUMC
SQUARE: https://checkout.square.site/pay/be673aef7fcb424e98387016d184e57d

LUKE-ACTS

September 20: Chapter 17 - Good News for the Whole World

September 27: Chapter 18 - Our Savior Has Come

October 4: Chapter 19 - Teach Us to Pray

October 11: Chapter 20 - Despising His Goodness

October 18: Chapter 21 - Teach Us How to Live

October 25: Chapter 22 - Signs of God’s Rule

November 1: Chapter 23 - Learning to Follow

November 8: Chapter 24 - Sent as Witnesses

November 15: Chapter 25 - Acts of the Holy Spirit

November 22: No Class

November 29: Chapter 26 - Community in Jerusalem

December 6: Chapter 27 - Missionary Zeal

December 13: Chapter 28 - Count It Joy

December 20: Chapter 29 - Fellowship of Courage

December 27: No Class

January 3: No Class

January 10: Chapter 30 - Temples, Politics, and Business

January 17: No Class

January 24: Chapter 31 - Boldness for the Gospel

January 31: Chapter 32 - Ordering Our Lives

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

CHURCH COUNCIL MEETING: Tuesday, October 12 at 6:30 PM via Zoom

Haiti Assistance
If you are wondering how you can help, one way is to donate to the United Methodist Committee on Relief:
https://umcmission.org/umcor/

Hurricane Ida Assistance
You can also help those affected by the Hurricane by donating to the United Methodist Committee on Relief. They have both international and domestic assistance programs. 100% percent of your donations go to those affected by disasters. Administration costs are covered by other funds accounts within the United Methodist Church:

https://umcmission.org/umcor/

'Dismantling Racism' event at Hendrix
CONWAY, Ark. — United Methodist-related Hendrix College is offering a program titled "Dismantling Racism: Embracing a New Tomorrow," featuring alumnus, writer and filmmaker Douglas A. Blackmon. The free event will be Sept. 11 at 10 a.m. U.S. Central time and can be attended in person or remotely. Registration is required.
To register

DisAbility Ministries Task Force offers grants to congregations and other United Methodist entities that want to improve the accessibility of their facilities and/or the inclusiveness of their programs. These grants are not intended to cover the entire cost of all projects; they are intended to be seed money to help spur fundraising or to fill a shortfall at the end of fundraising.

Lauren Korczakowski wanted us to share an exciting opportunity she learned about in a meeting with Rep. Napolitano:

Get Paid to Learn with the LA Department of Mental Health
Watch a 15 min video about free mental health and wellbeing services offered through the DMH. Complete a survey and receive a $45 e-gift card- all accessible through your cell phone. For questions or more details, call 213-738-3700 or send an email to pio@dhm.lacounty.gov with Mini Survey in the subject line.

Qualifying renters and landlords are now eligible for 100% of rent and utilities owed. City of LA renters and landlords can NOW apply!
Visit https://housing.ca.gov/ or call 833-430-2122 for more info.

Heat Wave
Stay hydrated and out of the sun. Limit outdoor activities to the morning. Visit https://emergency.lacity.org/la-responds/beat-heat for more info.

September is National Preparedness Month & a reminder to all Angelenos to ensure that your family & neighbors are prepared for every emergency.
Ready Your LA Neighborhood (RYLAN) provides access to free emergency training, resources, & more. More info: https://www.readyla.org/

Nominations to the SPBID Board of Directors open now
The election process for the 2022 Board of Directors begins on Friday, August 20, with a 30-day nomination period. It is the right of all property owners within the South Park Business Improvement District (SPBID) to nominate either themselves or a designee to the SPBID Board of Directors.
The nomination survey is now open, and closes at 5 PM on September 20. If you'd like to learn more about the nomination process, timeline, and selection criteria, visit southpark.la/board-elections.

FRIDAYS: Dance DTLA
Dance DTLA is returning to the Music Center tomorrow to start five Friday nights of free in-person lessons and dancing under the stars on Jerry Moss Plaza at The Music Center. Click here for more information.

DTLA Marketplace in South Park
Join DTLA Marketplace at the corner of 11th & Olive St every Sunday in September from 11 AM-4 PM for food trucks, performances, music, and paint and sip! Find more information here.

Mask Mandate for Los Angeles
As the Covid cases increase, please remember we are required to wear masks indoors to keep ourselves and others safe.

Vaccines:

California residents can now request in-home vaccinations and/or transit assistance to get vaccinated by registering at MyTurn.‍ca.‍gov or by calling the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) COVID-19 Call Center at 1-833-422-4255.
Everyone 12 years and older in LA County is now eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Children 12-17 are only eligible to receive the Pfizer vaccine—to find a location near you, visit bit.ly/PfizerSites. Learn more about the vaccines at vaccinatelacounty.com.
Need a ride? Uber and Lyft are providing free rides to and from vaccination sites. Don't have the apps? Call 833-540-0473 to book your ride.
There are several vaccine sites set up by Carbon Health that you can check: https://carbonhealth.com/
LA County: http://www.publichealth.lacounty.gov/media/Coronavirus/vaccine/index.htm
Orange County residents and workers: Register for a vaccination appointment at https://othena.com

CALL TO PRAYER: Sweet, Sweet Spirit - Savannah Southern-Smith, Mandy McDow, Stephen Folds

You are invited to share your prayers in the Facebook Live Chat, or on the YouTube Live chat.

Scripture: Proverbs 31:10-31, NRSV - Narrated by Debbie Bowlus

Ode to a Capable Woman
A capable woman who can find?
   She is far more precious than jewels.
The heart of her husband trusts in her,
   and he will have no lack of gain.
She does him good, and not harm,
   all the days of her life.
She seeks wool and flax,
   and works with willing hands.
She is like the ships of the merchant,
   she brings her food from far away.
She rises while it is still night
   and provides food for her household
   and tasks for her servant-girls.
She considers a field and buys it;
   with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard.
She girds herself with strength,
   and makes her arms strong.
She perceives that her merchandise is profitable.
   Her lamp does not go out at night.
She puts her hands to the distaff,
   and her hands hold the spindle.
She opens her hand to the poor,
   and reaches out her hands to the needy.
She is not afraid for her household when it snows,
   for all her household are clothed in crimson.
She makes herself coverings;
   her clothing is fine linen and purple.
Her husband is known in the city gates,
   taking his seat among the elders of the land.
She makes linen garments and sells them;
   she supplies the merchant with sashes.
Strength and dignity are her clothing,
   and she laughs at the time to come.
She opens her mouth with wisdom,
   and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.
She looks well to the ways of her household,
   and does not eat the bread of idleness.
Her children rise up and call her happy;
   her husband too, and he praises her:
‘Many women have done excellently,
   but you surpass them all.’
Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain,
   but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
Give her a share in the fruit of her hands,
   and let her works praise her in the city gates.

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

Sermon: Who Do You Say That I Am? A Capable Woman- Rev. Mandy McDow

HOLY COMMUNION

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: 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

Mandy McDow

September 12, 2021

Order of Worship for Sunday, September 12: Who Do You Say That I Am?

Mandy McDow

September 12, 2021

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:

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, September 13 - God’s Dwelling Place
Time: 5:30 - 7:00 PM PST
Join Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/598868178?pwd=U1B2YjZYWURDRXJXMStKajI3L1RWZz09

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

CHURCH COUNCIL MEETING: Tuesday, September 14 at 6:30 PM via Zoom

Haiti Assistance
If you are wondering how you can help, one way is to donate to the United Methodist Committee on Relief:
https://umcmission.org/umcor/

https://umcmission.org/umcor/

Lauren Korczakowski wanted us to share an exciting opportunity she learned about in a meeting with Rep. Napolitano:

Get Paid to Learn with the LA Department of Mental Health
Watch a 15 min video about free mental health and wellbeing services offered through the DMH. Complete a survey and receive a $45 e-gift card- all accessible through your cell phone. For questions or more details, call 213-738-3700 or send an email to pio@dhm.lacounty.gov with Mini Survey in the subject line.

Qualifying renters and landlords are now eligible for 100% of rent and utilities owed. City of LA renters and landlords can NOW apply!
Visit https://housing.ca.gov/ or call 833-430-2122 for more info.

Heat Wave
Stay hydrated and out of the sun. Limit outdoor activities to the morning. Visit https://emergency.lacity.org/la-responds/beat-heat for more info.

Mask Mandate for Los Angeles
As the Covid cases increase, please remember we are required to wear masks indoors to keep ourselves and others safe.

Vaccines:

California residents can now request in-home vaccinations and/or transit assistance to get vaccinated by registering at MyTurn.‍ca.‍gov or by calling the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) COVID-19 Call Center at 1-833-422-4255.
Everyone 12 years and older in LA County is now eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Children 12-17 are only eligible to receive the Pfizer vaccine—to find a location near you, visit bit.ly/PfizerSites. Learn more about the vaccines at vaccinatelacounty.com.
Need a ride? Uber and Lyft are providing free rides to and from vaccination sites. Don't have the apps? Call 833-540-0473 to book your ride.
There are several vaccine sites set up by Carbon Health that you can check: https://carbonhealth.com/
LA County: http://www.publichealth.lacounty.gov/media/Coronavirus/vaccine/index.htm
Orange County residents and workers: Register for a vaccination appointment at https://othena.com

CALL TO PRAYER: United Methodists Recall 9/11 in New York

You are invited to share your prayers in the Facebook Live Chat, or on the YouTube Live chat.

Scripture: Mark 8:27-38, NRSV

Jesus went on with his disciples to the villages of Caesarea Philippi; and on the way he asked his disciples, ‘Who do people say that I am?’ And they answered him, ‘John the Baptist; and others, Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets.’ He asked them, ‘But who do you say that I am?’ Peter answered him, ‘You are the Messiah.’ And he sternly ordered them not to tell anyone about him.

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: Who Do You Say That I Am? - Rev. Mandy McDow

HOLY COMMUNION

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: Great Are You, Lord - 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

Mandy McDow

August 29, 2021

Order of Worship for Sunday, August 29: Cultivate Steadfast Love

Mandy McDow

August 29, 2021

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

Spirit in the Sky - 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:

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, August 30, Chapter 15 - Protector of the Powerless
Time: 5:30 - 7:00 PM PST
Join Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/598868178?pwd=U1B2YjZYWURDRXJXMStKajI3L1RWZz09

GENESIS-EXODUS
August 30: Chapter 15 - Protector of the Powerless
September 6: No class (Labor Day)
Sept. 13: Chapter 16 - God’s Dwelling Place

Sermon Series: June 6-August 29: CULTIVATE
Exploring what scripture tells us about cultivating hope, possibility, and faith
August 29: Cultivate Steadfast Love
Sept 5: Sabbath Sunday
Sept 12: HOMECOMING!

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

UMW Book Group
We will be continuing our study of Pushout: The Criminalization of Black Girls in Schools by Monique W. Morris.

Please download and import the following iCalendar (.ics) files to your calendar system.
Weekly: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/tZcvce-urDoiHNa-3HfBfRpMSP4L93bRdS36/ics?icsToken=98tyKuGrrD0sHNaUuB-FRpwqAI_oM-7zpn5Hgo1c0UzNBQJVUBPbBdIWHussEurU

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83266621862
Meeting ID: 832 6662 1862

This is the schedule and breakdown of chapters.
Wednesday, Sept 1st 5:30pm: Zoom- Chapter 4
Wednesday, Sept 8th 5:30pm: Zoom - Chapter 5 and Epilogue

Anyone is welcome to join! If they need a book, they should contact Sara Munshin. Please email Lauren at lk3497a@alumni.american.edu if you have any questions or concerns.

Haiti Assistance
If you are wondering how you can help, one way is to donate to the United Methodist Committee on Relief:
https://umcmission.org/umcor/

8/21: Redistricting Hearing
The LA City Redistricting Commission is holding this virtual public meeting for Council District 14, which represents most of downtown Los Angeles, to hear community input during the 2022 redistricting process. Click here for more information on redistricting, and how to share your input.

The Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles is hiring Youth Digital Ambassadors!Youth Digital Ambassadors will do resident outreach, promote digital literacy, and support with internet access at HACLA sites. To apply, contact Aracely Hernandez: (213) 252-5458, or Aracely.Hernandez@hacla.org

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.

Mask Mandate for Los Angeles
As the Covid cases increase, please remember we are required to wear masks indoors to keep ourselves and others safe.

Vaccines:

California residents can now request in-home vaccinations and/or transit assistance to get vaccinated by registering at MyTurn.‍ca.‍gov or by calling the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) COVID-19 Call Center at 1-833-422-4255.
Everyone 12 years and older in LA County is now eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Children 12-17 are only eligible to receive the Pfizer vaccine—to find a location near you, visit bit.ly/PfizerSites. Learn more about the vaccines at vaccinatelacounty.com.
Need a ride? Uber and Lyft are providing free rides to and from vaccination sites. Don't have the apps? Call 833-540-0473 to book your ride.
There are several vaccine sites set up by Carbon Health that you can check: https://carbonhealth.com/
LA County: http://www.publichealth.lacounty.gov/media/Coronavirus/vaccine/index.htm
Orange County residents and workers: Register for a vaccination appointment at https://othena.com

CALL TO PRAYER: How Firm a Foundation - El Dorado

You are invited to share your prayers in the Facebook Live Chat, or on the YouTube Live chat.

Scripture: Song of Songs 2:8-13, NRSV

The voice of my beloved! Look, he comes, leaping upon the mountains, bounding over the hills. My beloved is like a gazelle or a young stag. Look, there he stands behind our wall, gazing in at the windows, looking through the lattice. My beloved speaks and says to me: “Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away; for now the winter is past, the rain is over and gone. The flowers appear on the earth; the time of singing has come, and the voice of the turtledove is heard in our land. The fig tree puts forth its figs, and the vines are in blossom; they give forth fragrance. Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away.
One: This is the Word of God for us, the people of God.
All: Thanks be to God!

Sermon: Cultivate Steadfast Love - Rev. Mandy McDow

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: Watch Over Us - 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

Mandy McDow

August 22, 2021

Order of Worship for Sunday, August 22: Cultivate Covenant

Mandy McDow

August 22, 2021

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

Give Me a Clean Heart - 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:

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, August 23, Chapter 14 - The Just Laws of God
Time: 5:30 - 7:00 PM PST
Join Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/598868178?pwd=U1B2YjZYWURDRXJXMStKajI3L1RWZz09

GENESIS-EXODUS
August 16: No Class
August 23: Chapter 14 - The Just Laws of God
August 30: Chapter 15 - Protector of the Powerless
Sept. 13: Chapter 16 - God’s Dwelling Place

Sermon Series: June 6-August 29: CULTIVATE
Exploring what scripture tells us about cultivating hope, possibility, and faith
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

CHURCH COUNCIL MEETING: This Tuesday, August 24 at 6:30 pm via Zoom

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

UMW Book Group
We will be continuing our study of Pushout: The Criminalization of Black Girls in Schools by Monique W. Morris.

Please download and import the following iCalendar (.ics) files to your calendar system.
Weekly: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/tZcvce-urDoiHNa-3HfBfRpMSP4L93bRdS36/ics?icsToken=98tyKuGrrD0sHNaUuB-FRpwqAI_oM-7zpn5Hgo1c0UzNBQJVUBPbBdIWHussEurU

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83266621862
Meeting ID: 832 6662 1862

This is the schedule and breakdown of chapters.
Wednesday, August 25th 5:30pm: Zoom- Chapter 3
Wednesday, Sept 1st 5:30pm: Zoom- Chapter 4
Wednesday, Sept 8th 5:30pm: Zoom - Chapter 5 and Epilogue

Anyone is welcome to join! If they need a book, they should contact Sara Munshin. Please email Lauren at lk3497a@alumni.american.edu if you have any questions or concerns.

The Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles is hiring Youth Digital Ambassadors!Youth Digital Ambassadors will do resident outreach, promote digital literacy, and support with internet access at HACLA sites. To apply, contact Aracely Hernandez: (213) 252-5458, or Aracely.Hernandez@hacla.org

Mask Mandate for Los Angeles
As the Covid cases increase, please remember we are required to wear masks indoors to keep ourselves and others safe.

Vaccines:

California residents can now request in-home vaccinations and/or transit assistance to get vaccinated by registering at MyTurn.‍ca.‍gov or by calling the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) COVID-19 Call Center at 1-833-422-4255.
Everyone 12 years and older in LA County is now eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Children 12-17 are only eligible to receive the Pfizer vaccine—to find a location near you, visit bit.ly/PfizerSites. Learn more about the vaccines at vaccinatelacounty.com.
Need a ride? Uber and Lyft are providing free rides to and from vaccination sites. Don't have the apps? Call 833-540-0473 to book your ride.
There are several vaccine sites set up by Carbon Health that you can check: https://carbonhealth.com/
LA County: http://www.publichealth.lacounty.gov/media/Coronavirus/vaccine/index.htm
Orange County residents and workers: Register for a vaccination appointment at https://othena.com

CALL TO PRAYER: We Don't Eat - El Dorado

You are invited to share your prayers in the Facebook Live Chat, or on the YouTube Live chat.

Scripture: Ephesians 6:10-20, NRSV

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his power. Put on the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For our struggle is not against enemies of blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to withstand on that evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand therefore, and fasten the belt of truth around your waist, and put on the breastplate of righteousness. As shoes for your feet put on whatever will make you ready to proclaim the gospel of peace. With all of these, take the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray in the Spirit at all times in every prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert and always persevere in supplication for all the saints.

Pray also for me, so that when I speak, a message may be given to me to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it boldly, as I must speak.

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

Sermon: Cultivate Covenant - Rev. Mandy McDow

HOLY COMMUNION

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: Songs of the Reaper - 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

Mandy McDow

August 15, 2021

Order of Worship for Sunday, August 15: Cultivate Communion

Mandy McDow

August 15, 2021

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

Great is Thy Faithfulness - 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:

VENMO: You can find us here: https://venmo.com/LAFirstUMC
PAYPAL: https://paypal.me/LAFirstUMC
SQUARE: https://checkout.square.site/pay/be673aef7fcb424e98387016d184e57d

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

Beloved Journal Interview: Mandy McDow and Rob Lee talk with Dr. Peter A. Singer, Special Advisor to the Director-General of the World Health Organization about the Delta Variant of the COVID-19 pandemic

UMW Book Group

We will be kick starting our study of Pushout: The Criminalization of Black Girls in Schools by Monique W. Morris.

Please download and import the following iCalendar (.ics) files to your calendar system.
Weekly: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/tZcvce-urDoiHNa-3HfBfRpMSP4L93bRdS36/ics?icsToken=98tyKuGrrD0sHNaUuB-FRpwqAI_oM-7zpn5Hgo1c0UzNBQJVUBPbBdIWHussEurU

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83266621862
Meeting ID: 832 6662 1862

This is the schedule and breakdown of chapters.
Wednesday, August 18th 5:30pm: Zoom- Chapter 2
Wednesday, August 25th 5:30pm: Zoom- Chapter 3
Wednesday, Sept 1st 5:30pm: Zoom- Chapter 4
Wednesday, Sept 8th 5:30pm: Zoom - Chapter 5 and Epilogue

Anyone is welcome to join! If they need a book, they should contact Sara Munshin. Please email Lauren at lk3497a@alumni.american.edu if you have any questions or concerns.

The Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles is hiring Youth Digital Ambassadors!Youth Digital Ambassadors will do resident outreach, promote digital literacy, and support with internet access at HACLA sites. To apply, contact Aracely Hernandez: (213) 252-5458, or Aracely.Hernandez@hacla.org

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

Summer Night Lights 2021 is here!
SNL is providing both in-person and virtual programming for young Angelenos all summer, including: Sports, Grab & Go meals, Virtual workshops and more
Visit LAGRYD.org/SNL2021 to learn more.

LA CountyParks 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. Find more information here.

Mask Mandate for Los Angeles
As the Covid cases increase, please remember we are required to wear masks indoors to keep ourselves and others safe.

Vaccines:

California residents can now request in-home vaccinations and/or transit assistance to get vaccinated by registering at MyTurn.‍ca.‍gov or by calling the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) COVID-19 Call Center at 1-833-422-4255.
Everyone 12 years and older in LA County is now eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Children 12-17 are only eligible to receive the Pfizer vaccine—to find a location near you, visit bit.ly/PfizerSites. Learn more about the vaccines at vaccinatelacounty.com.
Need a ride? Uber and Lyft are providing free rides to and from vaccination sites. Don't have the apps? Call 833-540-0473 to book your ride.
There are several vaccine sites set up by Carbon Health that you can check: https://carbonhealth.com/
LA County: http://www.publichealth.lacounty.gov/media/Coronavirus/vaccine/index.htm
Orange County residents and workers: Register for a vaccination appointment at https://othena.com

CALL TO PRAYER: Down to the River to Pray - El Dorado

You are invited to share your prayers in the Facebook Live Chat, or on the YouTube Live chat.

Scripture: 1 Kings 3:3-14, NRSV

Solomon loved the Lord, walking in the statutes of his father David; only, he sacrificed and offered incense at the high places. The king went to Gibeon to sacrifice there, for that was the principal high place; Solomon used to offer a thousand burnt-offerings on that altar. At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night; and God said, ‘Ask what I should give you.’ And Solomon said, ‘You have shown great and steadfast love to your servant my father David, because he walked before you in faithfulness, in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart towards you; and you have kept for him this great and steadfast love, and have given him a son to sit on his throne today. And now, O Lord my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David, although I am only a little child; I do not know how to go out or come in. And your servant is in the midst of the people whom you have chosen, a great people, so numerous they cannot be numbered or counted. Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, able to discern between good and evil; for who can govern this your great people?’

It pleased the Lord that Solomon had asked this. God said to him, ‘Because you have asked this, and have not asked for yourself long life or riches, or for the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern what is right, I now do according to your word. Indeed I give you a wise and discerning mind; no one like you has been before you and no one like you shall arise after you. I give you also what you have not asked, both riches and honour all your life; no other king shall compare with you. If you will walk in my ways, keeping my statutes and my commandments, as your father David walked, then I will lengthen your life.’

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

Sermon: Cultivate Communion - Rev. Mandy McDow

HOLY COMMUNION

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: Blest Be the Tie That Binds - 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

Mandy McDow

August 8, 2021

Order of Worship for Sunday, August 8: Cultivate Humility

Mandy McDow

August 8, 2021

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

State of Independence - 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:

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, August 23, Chapter 14 - The Just Laws of God
Time: 5:30 - 7:00 PM PST
Join Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/598868178?pwd=U1B2YjZYWURDRXJXMStKajI3L1RWZz09

GENESIS-EXODUS
August 9: No Class
August 16: No Class
August 23: Chapter 14 - The Just Laws of God
August 30: Chapter 15 - Protector of the Powerless
Sept. 13: Chapter 16 - God’s Dwelling Place

Sermon Series: June 6-August 29: CULTIVATE
Exploring what scripture tells us about cultivating hope, possibility, and faith
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

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

UMW Book Group

We will be kick starting our study of Pushout: The Criminalization of Black Girls in Schools by Monique W. Morris with Hybrid event this Sunday, August 8th.

Those that are vaccinated and feel comfortable meeting in person with a mask, please join us at Villa Flores at 2pm.
For those who prefer to join remotely, here is the zoom link:

Topic: FUMCLA - Pushout
Time: Aug 8, 2021 02:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2471381512
Meeting ID: 247 138 1512
Around 3:30 those of us who choose to, will go across the street to El Cholo for a fellowship time together and to send Lauren off to the next leg of her adventures.

Sunday, August 8th 2pm: Villa Flores - Introduction and Chapter 1
Wednesday, August 18th 6:00pm: Zoom- Chapter 2
Wednesday, August 25th 6:00pm: Zoom- Chapter 3
Wednesday, September 1st 6:00pm: Zoom- Chapter 4
Wednesday, September 8th 6:00pm: Zoom - Chapter 5 and Epilogue

Anyone is welcome to join! If they need a book, they should contact Sara Munshin. Please email Lauren at lk3497a@alumni.american.edu if you have any questions or concerns.

UMW Silent Auction
Date: Saturday, August 14 @ 11:00 a.m, Location: ZOOM

The Zoom link will be sent to you upon your registration.
RSVP: August 6, 2021, to Diane Gin @ dlokgin@gmail.com

This will be a fun, lighthearted virtual program event...featuring the multi-talented Cal-Pac officers and friends in a day of music and laughter as we put our best foot forward amid our Fundraising efforts!

There will be a variety of beautiful baskets that have been received and we look forward to seeing the creative and artistic talents of our Cal-Pac women emerge as we put our Faith, Hope, and Love into Action towards our Mission work!

There are going to be some great baskets, including the one created by our amazing LA First UMC United Methodist Women. The Chardonnay is from Debbie’s brother’s vineyard and sells for around $100. There is a companion basket that contains an equally fine quality Pinot Noir. All proceeds go to UMW mission projects in the USA and around the world.

Feel free to share the registration information with others in your circle of friends.

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

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

Mask Mandate for Los Angeles
As the Covid cases increase please remember we are required to wear masks indoors to keep ourselves and others safe.

Vaccines:

California residents can now request in-home vaccinations and/or transit assistance to get vaccinated by registering at MyTurn.‍ca.‍gov or by calling the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) COVID-19 Call Center at 1-833-422-4255.
Everyone 12 years and older in LA County is now eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Children 12-17 are only eligible to receive the Pfizer vaccine—to find a location near you, visit bit.ly/PfizerSites. Learn more about the vaccines at vaccinatelacounty.com.
Need a ride? Uber and Lyft are providing free rides to and from vaccination sites. Don't have the apps? Call 833-540-0473 to book your ride.
There are several vaccine sites set up by Carbon Health that you can check: https://carbonhealth.com/
LA County: http://www.publichealth.lacounty.gov/media/Coronavirus/vaccine/index.htm
Orange County residents and workers: Register for a vaccination appointment at https://othena.com

CALL TO PRAYER: Surrender - El Dorado

You are invited to share your prayers in the Facebook Live Chat, or on the YouTube Live chat.

Scripture: 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33, NRSV

The king ordered Joab and Abishai and Ittai, saying, “Deal gently for my sake with the young man Absalom.” And all the people heard when the king gave orders to all the commanders concerning Absalom. So the army went out into the field against Israel; and the battle was fought in the forest of Ephraim. The men of Israel were defeated there by the servants of David, and the slaughter there was great on that day, twenty thousand men. The battle spread over the face of all the country; and the forest claimed more victims that day than the sword.

Absalom happened to meet the servants of David. Absalom was riding on his mule, and the mule went under the thick branches of a great oak. His head caught fast in the oak, and he was left hanging between heaven and earth, while the mule that was under him went on. And ten young men, Joab’s armor-bearers, surrounded Absalom and struck him, and killed him. Then the Cushite came; and the Cushite said, “Good tidings for my lord the king! For the Lord has vindicated you this day, delivering you from the power of all who rose up against you.” The king said to the Cushite, “Is it well with the young man Absalom?” The Cushite answered, “May the enemies of my lord the king, and all who rise up to do you harm, be like that young man.” The king was deeply moved, and went up to the chamber over the gate, and wept; and as he went, he said, “O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom! Would I had died instead of you, O Absalom, my son, my son!”

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

Sermon: Cultivate Humility - Rev. Mandy McDow

“When they broke the news to David, it broke his heart, just as simple as that, and he cried out in words that have echoed down the centuries ever since. "O my son Absalom, my son, my son," he said. "Would I had died instead of you, O Absalom, my son, my son" (2 Samuel 18:33).

He meant it, of course. If he could have done the boy's dying for him, he would have done it. If he could have paid the price for the boy's betrayal of him, he would have paid it. If he could have given his own life to make the boy alive again, he would have given it. But even a king can't do things like that. As later history was to prove, it takes a God.” - Frederick Buechner, Peculiar Treasures

HOLY COMMUNION

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: Give Me A Clean Heart - 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

Mandy McDow

August 1, 2021

Order of Worship for Sunday, August 1: Cultivate Repentance

Mandy McDow

August 1, 2021

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

Kyrie - 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:

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, August 2, Chapter 13 - God’s Commands
Time: 5:30 - 7:00 PM PST
Join Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/598868178?pwd=U1B2YjZYWURDRXJXMStKajI3L1RWZz09

GENESIS-EXODUS
August 2: Chapter 13 - God’s Commands
August 9: No Class
August 16: No Class
August 23: Chapter 14 - The Just Laws of God
August 30: Chapter 15 - Protector of the Powerless
Sept. 13: Chapter 16 - God’s Dwelling Place

Sermon Series: June 6-August 29: CULTIVATE
Exploring what scripture tells us about cultivating hope, possibility, and faith
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

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

El Dorado: Video participants requested!

The band is workng on a new video for "Give Me A Clean Heart,” which will be used in worship on Sunday, August 8. Filming is on Wednesday, August 4th between 12-6 pm, and each person will have a 30 minute slot. Paricipants will be asked to lip sync along with an audio recording, and this will help to create a video where the message is shared, and our participants tell the story.

E-mail Stephen if you’re interested and available!

UMW Book Group

We will be kick starting our study of Pushout: The Criminalization of Black Girls in Schools by Monique W. Morris on Sunday, August 8th at Villa Flores at 2pm. This will be the schedule and breakdown of chapters. After our first meeting, the rest will be on Wednesday evenings.

Sunday, August 8th 2pm: Villa Flores - Introduction and Chapter 1

Wednesday, August 18th 6:00pm: Zoom- Chapter 2
Wednesday, August 25th 6:00pm: Zoom- Chapter 3
Wednesday, Sept 1st 6:00pm: Zoom- Chapter 4
Wednesday, Sept 8th 6:00pm: Zoom - Chapter 5 and Epilogue

Anyone is welcome to join! If they need a book, they should contact Sara Munshin. Please email Lauren at lk3497a@alumni.american.edu if you have any questions or concerns.

UMW Silent Auction
Date: Saturday, August 14 @ 11:00 a.m, Location: ZOOM

The Zoom link will be sent to you upon your registration.
RSVP: August 6, 2021, to Diane Gin @ dlokgin@gmail.com

Feel free to share the registration information with others in your circle of friends.

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

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

CALL TO PRAYER: Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing - El Dorado

You are invited to share your prayers in the Facebook Live Chat, or on the YouTube Live chat.

Scripture: Psalm 51:1-12, NRSV - Prayer for Cleansing and Pardon

To the leader. A Psalm of David, when the prophet Nathan came to him, after he had gone in to Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11:26-12:13a)

Have mercy on me, O God,
   according to your steadfast love;
according to your abundant mercy
   blot out my transgressions.
Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity,
   and cleanse me from my sin.

For I know my transgressions,
   and my sin is ever before me.
Against you, you alone, have I sinned,
   and done what is evil in your sight,
so that you are justified in your sentence
   and blameless when you pass judgement.
Indeed, I was born guilty,
   a sinner when my mother conceived me.

You desire truth in the inward being;
   therefore teach me wisdom in my secret heart.
Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean;
   wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
Let me hear joy and gladness;
   let the bones that you have crushed rejoice.
Hide your face from my sins,
   and blot out all my iniquities.

Create in me a clean heart, O God,
   and put a new and right spirit within me.
Do not cast me away from your presence,
   and do not take your holy spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation,
   and sustain in me a willing spirit.

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

Sermon: Cultivate Repentance - Rev. Mandy McDow

HOLY COMMUNION

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: Come, Ye Sinners - 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

Mandy McDow

July 25, 2021

Order of Worship for Sunday, July 25: Cultivate Satisfaction

Mandy McDow

July 25, 2021

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

Float - 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:

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 26, Chapter 12 - Amid the Struggle, God Provides
Time: 5:30 - 7:00 PM PST
Join Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/598868178?pwd=U1B2YjZYWURDRXJXMStKajI3L1RWZz09

GENESIS-EXODUS
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: No Class
August 23: Chapter 15 - Protector of the Powerless
August 30: 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 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

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 Book Group

Sunday, August 8th 2pm: Villa Flores - Introduction and Chapter 1

Wednesday, August 18th 6:00pm: Zoom- Chapter 2
Wednesday, August 25th 6:00pm: Zoom- Chapter 3
Wednesday, Sept 1st 6:00pm: Zoom- Chapter 4
Wednesday, Sept 8th 6:00pm: Zoom - Chapter 5 and Epilogue

Anyone is welcome to join! If they need a book, they should contact Sara Munshin. Please email Lauren at lk3497a@alumni.american.edu if you have any questions or concerns.

UMW Silent Auction
Date: Saturday, August 14 @ 11:00 a.m, Location: ZOOM

The Zoom link will be sent to you upon your registration.
RSVP: August 6, 2021, to Diane Gin @ dlokgin@gmail.com

Feel free to share the registration information with others in your circle of friends.

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

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

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: How Firm a Foundation - El Dorado

You are invited to share your prayers in the Facebook Live Chat, or on the YouTube Live chat.

Scripture: John 6:1-21, NRSV

Feeding the Five Thousand

After this Jesus went to the other side of the Sea of Galilee, also called the Sea of Tiberias. A large crowd kept following him, because they saw the signs that he was doing for the sick. Jesus went up the mountain and sat down there with his disciples. Now the Passover, the festival of the Jews, was near. When he looked up and saw a large crowd coming towards him, Jesus said to Philip, ‘Where are we to buy bread for these people to eat?’ He said this to test him, for he himself knew what he was going to do. Philip answered him, ‘Six months’ wages would not buy enough bread for each of them to get a little.’ One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said to him, ‘There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish. But what are they among so many people?’ Jesus said, ‘Make the people sit down.’ Now there was a great deal of grass in the place; so they sat down, about five thousand in all.Then Jesus took the loaves, and when he had given thanks, he distributed them to those who were seated; so also the fish, as much as they wanted. When they were satisfied, he told his disciples, ‘Gather up the fragments left over, so that nothing may be lost.’ So they gathered them up, and from the fragments of the five barley loaves, left by those who had eaten, they filled twelve baskets. When the people saw the sign that he had done, they began to say, ‘This is indeed the prophet who is to come into the world.’

When Jesus realized that they were about to come and take him by force to make him king, he withdrew again to the mountain by himself.

Jesus Walks on the Water

When evening came, his disciples went down to the lake, got into a boat, and started across the lake to Capernaum. It was now dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them. The lake became rough because a strong wind was blowing. When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the lake and coming near the boat, and they were terrified. But he said to them, ‘It is I; do not be afraid.’ Then they wanted to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the land towards which they were going.

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

Sermon: Cultivate Satisfaction - Rev. Mandy McDow

HOLY COMMUNION

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: Hard Times Come Again No More - El Dorado

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

Virtual Coffee Hour Begins now!
Immediately following worship on Zoom

Donate

Mandy McDow

July 18, 2021

Order of Worship for Sunday, July 18: Cultivate Sanctuary

Mandy McDow

July 18, 2021

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:

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

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

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!

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.

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

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: How the City Sings - El Dorado

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

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

Mandy McDow

July 10, 2021

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

Mandy McDow

July 10, 2021

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:

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

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

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!

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.

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

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: What Wondrous Love is This? - El Dorado

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

Mandy McDow

July 4, 2021

Order of Worship for Sunday, July 4: Cultivate Independence

Mandy McDow

July 4, 2021

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:

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

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

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

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!

You can learn more about their work here.

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.

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

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!

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: Reckless Love - El Dorado

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

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

Mandy McDow

June 27, 2021

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

Mandy McDow

June 27, 2021

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:

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

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

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

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!

You can learn more about their work here.

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.

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

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: It Is Well With My Soul - El Dorado

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

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

Mandy McDow

June 19, 2021

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

Mandy McDow

June 19, 2021

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:

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

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

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!

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.

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

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.

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