Order of Worship for Gaudete Sunday: ADVENT III, A Season of Fulfilled Promises: Repent & Rejoice

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

Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus - El Dorado

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

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


ANNOUNCEMENTS

DISCIPLE 2 BIBLE STUDY: Mondays at 5:30 PM via Zoom
Classes will resume January 10, 2022

January 10: 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

ADVENT SERMON SERIES: November 28-Jan 2
A Season of Fulfilled Promises:


NOV. 28: JUSTICE & RIGHTEOUSNESS

DEC. 5: PREPARED & UNREADY

DEC. 12: REPENT & REJOICE

DEC. 19: BLESSINGS WHICH AREN'T

DEC. 24: PROMISE FULFILLED - 5:30PM - IN PERSON WORSHIP!

DEC. 26: SABBATH SUNDAY

JAN. 2: EPIPHANY SUNDAY


EL DORADO - SONGS OF THE SEASON
Enjoy the music of our own El Dorado this season
here!

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

UNITED METHODIST RESOURCES:

ADVENT PHOTO A DAY 2021:

The United Methodist Church offers a practice for the Advent season that we hope is more meaningful and rewarding than it is hard: Our Advent Photo-a-Day Challenge. Each day during the season of Advent, we'll post a word for reflection. Take a moment (or several moments) of pause and reflection, then share a response to that word through a picture posted on social media. Post your picture on social media with #RethinkChurch.

You can find 2020’s Advent Song a Day Playlist here.

ADVENT 2021 Song-A-Day Playlist:

November 28 - PROMISE:  A Change is Gonna Come - Sam Cooke
29 - FULFILL: Every Valley Shall Be Exalted - Handel’s Messiah: A Soulful Celebration, Lizz Lee, Chris Willis, Mike E. 
30 - TIME: What Christmas Means to Me - John Legend, Stevie Wonder
December 1 - JUSTICE: O Holy Night, Brandi Carlile (additionally, Tracy Chapman)2 - RIGHTEOUSNESS: New Compassion - HAERTS
3 - LIVE: Nutcracker Suite: Sugar Rum Cherry (Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy) - Duke Ellington, Harmonie Ensemble
4 - CALLED: Christmas Is - Dolly Parton & Miley Cyrus
5 - HOPE: And He Shall Purify - Handel’s Messiah: A Soulful Celebration, Tramaine Hawkins
6 - MESSENGER: Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus - Christy Nockels
7 - PREPARE: People, Get Ready - Eva Cassidy
8 - SEEK: O Come, All Ye Faithful - Nat King Cole
9 - DELIGHT: Hallelujah - HAIM
10 - ENDURE: There’s Still My Joy - Indigo Girls
11 - OFFERING: In the Bleak Midwinter - Indigo Girls
12 - HOME: Home - Michelle Malone
13 - FEAR
14 - GROW
15 - GLADNESS
16 - VICTORY
17 - RENEW
18 - GATHER
19 - GREAT
20 - WATCH
21 - AWE
22 - AMAZED
23 - TREASURED
24 - SEEN
25 - WORSHIP

*Hospitality Representatives Needed for Our Potentially In Person Christmas Eve Service*

As you may have heard the past two Sundays from Senior Pastor Mandy, we have been planning and preparing to have an in-person service, hopefully, on Christmas Eve at 5:30pm at our home base, our beloved parking lot. In order to make that possible, we are looking for volunteers for our new Hospitality Representatives Team. In order to make sure that all are kept safe under Covid protocols, we will need more hands on deck to greet and guide members and guests so that Mandy and El Dorado and Debbie can focus on the efforts of setting up and running the service. If you think you would be great at this vital new role, please email Debbie at debbie@lafirstumc.org

Advent-Themed Online Game Available!
An online United Methodist congregation, has developed a choose-your-own-adventure game that can be played on desktop or mobile browsers. In "Not Another Advent Story," players will control the journey of "MC" as they try to make their way to church on Christmas Eve. Find it here!

Community Resources:

A Holiday Called Home: A Skid Row Community Celebration
Dec 12th- 12-4pm
Free food, open mic, arts workshops, and more! (Our very own UMW donated the hygiene kits that will also be available.)

LAPD Central Division Annual Toy Drive
Join LAPD Central Division for their annual toy drive to benefit underprivileged children in Downtown LA. Please donate a new toy that will help make the holidays special for a deserving child. November 29th through December 18th, you can drop off unwrapped toys at our South Park BID office located at 1150-B S Hope St, during business hours.

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

Vaccines:

  • In case you missed it: Pfizer's #COVID19 vaccine is approved for kids 5-11!! Children may now get vaccinated at select, walk-up clinics county-wide. Please call ahead to check availability. Visit vaccinatelacounty.com for info or talk to your child’s doctor

  • All COVID-19 vaccines are now approved for boosters - Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson. People may also receive booster doses that are different than their original vaccine. For more info and to make an appointment, visit bit.ly/3m3Uspo--

  • CVS is already prepared to administer boosters. You can make an appointment for the booster of your choice at https://www.cvs.com/vaccine/intake/store/covid-screener/covid-qns

  • Vaccine requirements are in effect, LA County is providing mobile vaccinations, testing vendors, as well as a toolkit for owners of bars and businesses that serve alcohol, as well as for those running mega events. For more info visit, ph.lacounty.gov/coronavirus

  • California residents can now request in-home vaccinations and/or transit assistance to get vaccinated by registering at MyTurn.‍ca.‍gov or by calling the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) COVID-19 Call Center at 1-833-422-4255.

  • Everyone 12 years and older in LA County is now eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Children 12-17 are only eligible to receive the Pfizer vaccine—to find a location near you, visit bit.ly/PfizerSites. Learn more about the vaccines at vaccinatelacounty.com.

  • Need a ride? Uber and Lyft are providing free rides to and from vaccination sites. Don't have the apps? Call 833-540-0473 to book your ride.

  • There are several vaccine sites set up by Carbon Health that you can check: https://carbonhealth.com/

  • LA County: http://www.publichealth.lacounty.gov/media/Coronavirus/vaccine/index.htm

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

ADVENT WREATH LIGHTING: Week 3 – Lee Kucera & Elaine Livingston

Watch and wait for Christ’s coming!

We light candles of hope, peace, joy, and love, remembering the promises of God with prayer.

Hear these words from the prophet Zephaniah: (Zephaniah 3:14-15a, 17b-18a, 20, NRSV)

Sing aloud, O daughter Zion; shout, O Israel! Rejoice and exult with all your heart, O daughter Jerusalem! The LORD has taken away the judgments against you, he has turned away your enemies. The king of Israel, the LORD, is in your midst; he will rejoice over you with gladness, he will renew you in his love; he will exult over you with loud singing as on a day of festival. At that time I will bring you home, at the time when I gather you; for I will make you renowned and praised among all the peoples of the earth, when I restore your fortunes before your eyes, says the LORD.

We light this candle in hope. (Light the first candle.)

We light this candle in peace. (Light the second candle.)

We light this candle in joy. (Light the pink candle.)

Let us pray… God of compassion, you come to us time and time again. As we await your coming into the world as the Christ, we are filled with your hope, your peace, and your joy. Help us to bring such joy to all we encounter this week. Amen.

Verse 3 of O Come, O Come, Emmanuel

Joys and Concerns: We believe that the best way to bear our burdens is to share them with one another. You are invited to share your joys and concerns so that our community can hold these things in our hearts as we lift them to God together. 

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

Scripture: Luke 3:7-18, NRSV

John said to the crowds that came out to be baptized by him, ‘You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bear fruits worthy of repentance. Do not begin to say to yourselves, “We have Abraham as our ancestor”; for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham. Even now the axe is lying at the root of the trees; every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.’

And the crowds asked him, ‘What then should we do?’ In reply he said to them, ‘Whoever has two coats must share with anyone who has none; and whoever has food must do likewise.’ Even tax-collectors came to be baptized, and they asked him, ‘Teacher, what should we do?’ He said to them, ‘Collect no more than the amount prescribed for you.’ Soldiers also asked him, ‘And we, what should we do?’ He said to them, ‘Do not extort money from anyone by threats or false accusation, and be satisfied with your wages.’

As the people were filled with expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Messiah, John answered all of them by saying, ‘I baptize you with water; but one who is more powerful than I is coming; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing-fork is in his hand, to clear his threshing-floor and to gather the wheat into his granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.’ So, with many other exhortations, he proclaimed the good news to the people.

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

Sermon: ADVENT III: A SEASON OF FULFILLED PROMISES: Repent & Rejoice - Rev. Mandy McDow

HOLY COMMUNION

Invitation to the Table: As we understand the Body of Christ to be inclusive, we understand God’s table of grace and fellowship can extend into our homes. As you’re able, bring your own elements to this time. Bread, Juice, Coffee, Muffins… the Body of Christ is comprised of wonder and mystery. Today, we celebrate that God can reach us where we are, even if we are not together.

The Great Mystery of our Faith
All
: Christ has died
Christ is risen. 
Christ will come again.

The Lord’s PrayerOur Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name, 
thy kingdom come, thy will be done, 
on earth as it is in heaven. 

Give us this day our daily bread. 
And forgive us our trespasses, 
as we forgive those who trespass against us. 

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. 

For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, 
for ever and ever. Amen.

MUSIC DURING COMMUNION: Hark! The Herald Angels Sing - El Dorado

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

Virtual Coffee Hour Begins now!
Immediately following worship on Zoom

Donate

Order of Worship for ADVENT II, A Season of Fulfilled Promises: Prepared & Unready

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

Soon & Very Soon - El Dorado

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

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


ANNOUNCEMENTS

TODAY: During Coffee Hour, we will have a panel discussion with Dr. Jenn Carlier, Rev. Mimi White, pastor of The Way at St. John’s UMC in Memphis, TN, and our own Rick Rives about the relationship between the church and the recovery journey.

DISCIPLE 2 BIBLE STUDY: Mondays at 5:30 PM via Zoom
Classes will resume January 10, 2022

January 10: 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

ADVENT SERMON SERIES: November 28-Jan 2
A Season of Fulfilled Promises:


NOV. 28: JUSTICE & RIGHTEOUSNESS

DEC. 5: PREPARED & UNREADY

DEC. 12: REPENT & REJOICE

DEC. 19: BLESSINGS WHICH AREN'T

DEC. 24: PROMISE FULFILLED - 5:30PM - IN PERSON WORSHIP!

DEC. 26: SABBATH SUNDAY

JAN. 2: EPIPHANY SUNDAY


EL DORADO - SONGS OF THE SEASON
Enjoy the music of our own El Dorado this season
here!

GIVING TUESDAY:

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

UNITED METHODIST RESOURCES:

ADVENT PHOTO A DAY 2021:

The United Methodist Church offers a practice for the Advent season that we hope is more meaningful and rewarding than it is hard: Our Advent Photo-a-Day Challenge. Each day during the season of Advent, we'll post a word for reflection. Take a moment (or several moments) of pause and reflection, then share a response to that word through a picture posted on social media. Post your picture on social media with #RethinkChurch.

You can find 2020’s Advent Song a Day Playlist here.

ADVENT 2021 Song-A-Day Playlist:

November 28 - PROMISE:  A Change is Gonna Come - Sam Cooke
29 - FULFILL: Every Valley Shall Be Exalted - Handel’s Messiah: A Soulful Celebration, Lizz Lee, Chris Willis, Mike E. 
30 - TIME: What Christmas Means to Me - John Legend, Stevie Wonder
December 1 - JUSTICE: O Holy Night, Brandi Carlile (additionally, Tracy Chapman)2 - RIGHTEOUSNESS: New Compassion - HAERTS
3 - LIVE: Nutcracker Suite: Sugar Rum Cherry (Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy) - Duke Ellington, Harmonie Ensemble
4 - CALLED: Christmas Is - Dolly Parton & Miley Cyrus
5 - HOPE: And He Shall Purify - Handel’s Messiah: A Soulful Celebration, Tramaine Hawkins
6 - MESSENGER
7 - PREPARE
8 - SEEK
9 - DELIGHT
10 - ENDURE
11 - OFFERING
12 - HOME
13 - FEAR
14 - GROW
15 - GLADNESS
16 - VICTORY
17 - RENEW
18 - GATHER
19 - GREAT
20 - WATCH
21 - AWE
22 - AMAZED
23 - TREASURED
24 - SEEN
25 - WORSHIP

*Hospitality Representatives Needed for Our Potentially In Person Christmas Eve Service*

As you may have heard the past two Sundays from Senior Pastor Mandy, we have been planning and preparing to have an in-person service, hopefully, on Christmas Eve at 5:30pm at our home base, our beloved parking lot. In order to make that possible, we are looking for volunteers for our new Hospitality Representatives Team. In order to make sure that all are kept safe under Covid protocols, we will need more hands on deck to greet and guide members and guests so that Mandy and El Dorado and Debbie can focus on the efforts of setting up and running the service. If you think you would be great at this vital new role, please email Debbie at debbie@lafirstumc.org

UMW's Sharing Christmas Dreams Around the World, Saturday Dec 11th 2-3:30 via zoom

Advent-Themed Online Game Available!
An online United Methodist congregation, has developed a choose-your-own-adventure game that can be played on desktop or mobile browsers. In "Not Another Advent Story," players will control the journey of "MC" as they try to make their way to church on Christmas Eve. Find it here!

Church and Society Announces 2021 Winter Webinar Series : Climate & Community: A Faithful Action for Climate Justice , Held on Zoom December 6-9, 2021. Click the titles of the sessions to register for sessions that interest you.

December 6, 2021, 2 PM (ET) Climate Justice as a Global Movement Speaker: Dr. David Pellow, Dehlsen Chair and Professor of Environmental Studies and Director of the Global Environmental Justice Project at the University of California, Santa Barbara.

December 7, 2021, 2 PM (ET) Theological Reflection on Climate Justice Speaker: Rev. Sharon Delgado, is an ordained United Methodist minister, activist and founder and executive director of Earth Justice Ministries.

December 8, 2021, 10 AM (ET) Climate Change and Front-Line Communities Speaker: Dr. Gregory Jenkins, Professor of Meteorology and Atmospheric Science, Geography, and African Studies at Penn State University.

December 8, 2021, 2 PM (ET) Indigenous Climate and Water Justice Speaker: Dr. Kelsey Leonard, is a water scientist, legal scholar, policy expert, writer, and enrolled citizen of the Shinnecock Nation. Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Environment at the University of Waterloo.

December 9, 2021, 10 AM (ET) En-Roads Climate Workshop – Simulating Global Solutions Facilitator: Yasmeen Zahar, Project Manager for Climate and Energy at Climate Interactive. (This is an interactive workshop. Please come prepared to engage with the facilitator and fellow participants. This workshop will not be recorded.)

December 9, 2021, 2 PM (ET) Envisioning a Just Green Transition – Panel Discussion  Panelists: Margaret Kwateng, National Green New Deal Organizer at Grassroots Global Justice; Jean Su, Director, Energy Justice Program & Senior Attorney at Center for Biological Diversity; Harjeet Singh, Senior Adviser for Climate Impacts at Climate Action Network International; John Hill, Deputy General Secretary of Advocacy and Grassroots Organizing, Director of Economics and Environmental Justice at The General Board of Church and Society, UMC

Community Resources:

A Holiday Called Home: A Skid Row Community Celebration
Dec 12th- 12-4pm
Free food, open mic, arts workshops, and more! (Our very own UMW donated the hygiene kits that will also be available.)

Los Angeles Job Corps Virtual Job Fair
Join Los Angeles Job Corps online to hear from managers & staff about open positions. Join December 1, 2021 from 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM for entry level positions, and on December 8, 2021 from 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM for experience based positions. To register for the December 1st event, click here. To register for the December 8th event, click here.

Comeback Checks for Small Businesses
Round two applications open Monday, November 29th, for the $25M “Comeback Checks” program. $5K grants are available for 5,000 LA City small businesses. Applications close December 3rd. For more info, click here.

LAPD Central Division Annual Toy Drive
Join LAPD Central Division for their annual toy drive to benefit underprivileged children in Downtown LA. Please donate a new toy that will help make the holidays special for a deserving child. November 29th through December 18th, you can drop off unwrapped toys at our South Park BID office located at 1150-B S Hope St, during business hours.

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

Vaccines:

  • In case you missed it: Pfizer's #COVID19 vaccine is approved for kids 5-11!! Children may now get vaccinated at select, walk-up clinics county-wide. Please call ahead to check availability. Visit vaccinatelacounty.com for info or talk to your child’s doctor

  • All COVID-19 vaccines are now approved for boosters - Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson. People may also receive booster doses that are different than their original vaccine. For more info and to make an appointment, visit bit.ly/3m3Uspo--

  • CVS is already prepared to administer boosters. You can make an appointment for the booster of your choice at https://www.cvs.com/vaccine/intake/store/covid-screener/covid-qns

  • Vaccine requirements are in effect, LA County is providing mobile vaccinations, testing vendors, as well as a toolkit for owners of bars and businesses that serve alcohol, as well as for those running mega events. For more info visit, ph.lacounty.gov/coronavirus

  • California residents can now request in-home vaccinations and/or transit assistance to get vaccinated by registering at MyTurn.‍ca.‍gov or by calling the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) COVID-19 Call Center at 1-833-422-4255.

  • Everyone 12 years and older in LA County is now eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Children 12-17 are only eligible to receive the Pfizer vaccine—to find a location near you, visit bit.ly/PfizerSites. Learn more about the vaccines at vaccinatelacounty.com.

  • Need a ride? Uber and Lyft are providing free rides to and from vaccination sites. Don't have the apps? Call 833-540-0473 to book your ride.

  • There are several vaccine sites set up by Carbon Health that you can check: https://carbonhealth.com/

  • LA County: http://www.publichealth.lacounty.gov/media/Coronavirus/vaccine/index.htm

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

ADVENT WREATH LIGHTING: Week 2 – Brian Dyer

Watch and wait for Christ’s coming!

We light candles of hope, peace, joy, and love, remembering the promises of God with prayer.

Hear these words from the prophet Malachi: (Malachi 3:1-4, NRSV)

See, I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me, and the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple. The messenger of the covenant in whom you delight—indeed, he is coming, says the Lord of hosts. But who can endure the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appears?

For he is like a refiner’s fire and like fullers’ soap; he will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the descendants of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, until they present offerings to the Lord in righteousness. Then the offering of Judah and Jerusalem will be pleasing to the Lord as in the days of old and as in former years.

We light this candle in hope. (Light the first candle.)

We light this candle in peace. (Light the second candle.)

Let us pray: Lord, we look forward with excitement and perhaps dread the day of Christ’s coming to earth. Prepare our hearts, refine our spirits, mold us to your will as we await your son and our savior. Amen.

Verse 2 of O Come, O Come, Emmanuel

Joys and Concerns: We believe that the best way to bear our burdens is to share them with one another. You are invited to share your joys and concerns so that our community can hold these things in our hearts as we lift them to God together. 

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

Scripture: Luke 3:1-6, NRSV: The Proclamation of John the Baptist

In the fifteenth year of the reign of Emperor Tiberius, when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, and Herod was ruler of Galilee, and his brother Philip ruler of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias ruler of Abilene, during the high-priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness. He went into all the region around the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins, as it is written in the book of the words of the prophet Isaiah,
‘The voice of one crying out in the wilderness:
“Prepare the way of the Lord,
   make his paths straight. 
Every valley shall be filled,
   and every mountain and hill shall be made low,
and the crooked shall be made straight,
   and the rough ways made smooth; 
and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.” ’

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

Sermon: ADVENT II: A SEASON OF FULFILLED PROMISES: Prepared & Unready - Rev. Mandy McDow

HOLY COMMUNION

Invitation to the Table: As we understand the Body of Christ to be inclusive, we understand God’s table of grace and fellowship can extend into our homes. As you’re able, bring your own elements to this time. Bread, Juice, Coffee, Muffins… the Body of Christ is comprised of wonder and mystery. Today, we celebrate that God can reach us where we are, even if we are not together.

The Great Mystery of our Faith
All
: Christ has died
Christ is risen. 
Christ will come again.

The Lord’s PrayerOur Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name, 
thy kingdom come, thy will be done, 
on earth as it is in heaven. 

Give us this day our daily bread. 
And forgive us our trespasses, 
as we forgive those who trespass against us. 

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. 

For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, 
for ever and ever. Amen.

MUSIC DURING COMMUNION: Lo, How A Rose E'er Blooming - 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!

Join us today for a panel discussion featuring Dr. Jenn Carlier, Rev. Mimi White, pastor of The Way at St. John’s UMC in Memphis, TN, and Rick Rives on a conversation regarding the church and its role in their recovery journey.
Immediately following worship on Zoom

Donate

Order of Worship for ADVENT I, A Season of Fulfilled Promises: Justice & Righteousness

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

Soon & Very Soon - El Dorado

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

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


ANNOUNCEMENTS

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

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

ADVENT SERMON SERIES: November 28-Jan 2
A Season of Fulfilled Promises:


NOV. 28: JUSTICE & RIGHTEOUSNESS

DEC. 5: PREPARED & UNREADY

DEC. 12: REPENT & REJOICE

DEC. 19: BLESSINGS WHICH AREN'T

DEC. 24: PROMISE FULFILLED - 5:30PM

DEC. 26: SABBATH SUNDAY

JAN. 2: EPIPHANY SUNDAY


EL DORADO - SONGS OF THE SEASON
Enjoy the music of our own El Dorado this season
here!

GIVING TUESDAY:

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

UNITED METHODIST RESOURCES:

ADVENT PHOTO A DAY 2021:

The United Methodist Church offers a practice for the Advent season that we hope is more meaningful and rewarding than it is hard: Our Advent Photo-a-Day Challenge. Each day during the season of Advent, we'll post a word for reflection. Take a moment (or several moments) of pause and reflection, then share a response to that word through a picture posted on social media. Post your picture on social media with #RethinkChurch.

You can find 2020’s Advent Song a Day Playlist here.

November 28 - PROMISE: A Change is Gonna Come - Sam Cooke
29 - FULFILL
30 - TIME
December 1 - JUSTICE 
2 - RiGHTEOUSNESS
3 - LIVE
4 - CALLED
5 - HOPE
6 - MESSENGER
7 - PREPARE
8 - SEEK
9 - DELIGHT
10 - ENDURE
11 - OFFERING
12 - HOME
13 - FEAR
14 - GROW
15 - GLADNESS
16 - VICTORY
17 - RENEW
18 - GATHER
19 - GREAT
20 - WATCH
21 - AWE
22 - AMAZED
23 - TREASURED
24 - SEEN
25 - WORSHIP

UMW's Sharing Christmas Dreams Around the World, Saturday Dec 11th 2-3:30 via zoom

Advent-Themed Online Game Available!
An online United Methodist congregation, has developed a choose-your-own-adventure game that can be played on desktop or mobile browsers. In "Not Another Advent Story," players will control the journey of "MC" as they try to make their way to church on Christmas Eve. Find it here!

Community Resources:

Los Angeles Job Corps Virtual Job Fair
Join Los Angeles Job Corps online to hear from managers & staff about open positions. Join December 1, 2021 from 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM for entry level positions, and on December 8, 2021 from 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM for experience based positions. To register for the December 1st event, click here. To register for the December 8th event, click here.

Comeback Checks for Small Businesses
Round two applications open Monday, November 29th, for the $25M “Comeback Checks” program. $5K grants are available for 5,000 LA City small businesses. Applications close December 3rd. For more info, click here.

LAPD Central Division Annual Toy Drive
Join LAPD Central Division for their annual toy drive to benefit underprivileged children in Downtown LA. Please donate a new toy that will help make the holidays special for a deserving child. November 29th through December 18th, you can drop off unwrapped toys at our South Park BID office located at 1150-B S Hope St, during business hours.

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

Vaccines:

  • In case you missed it: Pfizer's #COVID19 vaccine is approved for kids 5-11!! Children may now get vaccinated at select, walk-up clinics county-wide. Please call ahead to check availability. Visit vaccinatelacounty.com for info or talk to your child’s doctor

  • All COVID-19 vaccines are now approved for boosters - Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson. People may also receive booster doses that are different than their original vaccine. For more info and to make an appointment, visit bit.ly/3m3Uspo--

  • CVS is already prepared to administer boosters. You can make an appointment for the booster of your choice at https://www.cvs.com/vaccine/intake/store/covid-screener/covid-qns

  • Vaccine requirements are in effect, LA County is providing mobile vaccinations, testing vendors, as well as a toolkit for owners of bars and businesses that serve alcohol, as well as for those running mega events. For more info visit, ph.lacounty.gov/coronavirus

  • California residents can now request in-home vaccinations and/or transit assistance to get vaccinated by registering at MyTurn.‍ca.‍gov or by calling the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) COVID-19 Call Center at 1-833-422-4255.

  • Everyone 12 years and older in LA County is now eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Children 12-17 are only eligible to receive the Pfizer vaccine—to find a location near you, visit bit.ly/PfizerSites. Learn more about the vaccines at vaccinatelacounty.com.

  • Need a ride? Uber and Lyft are providing free rides to and from vaccination sites. Don't have the apps? Call 833-540-0473 to book your ride.

  • There are several vaccine sites set up by Carbon Health that you can check: https://carbonhealth.com/

  • LA County: http://www.publichealth.lacounty.gov/media/Coronavirus/vaccine/index.htm

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

ADVENT WREATH LIGHTING: Week 1 – Caroline Magbojos, Stephen and Mia Folds

Watch and wait for Christ’s coming!

We light candles of hope, peace, joy, and love, remembering the promises of God with prayer.

Hear these words from the prophet Jeremiah: (Jeremiah 33:14-16, NRSV)

The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will fulfill the promise I made to the house of Israel and

the house of Judah. In those days and at that time I will cause a righteous Branch to spring up for David;

and he shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. In those days Judah will be saved and Jerusalem

will live in safety. And this is the name by which it will be called: “THE LORD is our righteousness.”

We light this candle in hope. Light the first candle.

Let us pray…

God, we ask that you prepare our bodies, prepare our minds, and prepare our hearts for your coming to

this world. Take root, grow within us, and blossom for all to see. Your kingdom come; your will be

done. Amen.

Verse 1 of O Come, O Come, Emmanuel

Joys and Concerns: We believe that the best way to bear our burdens is to share them with one another. You are invited to share your joys and concerns so that our community can hold these things in our hearts as we lift them to God together. 

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

Scripture: Luke 21:25-36, NRSV

‘There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on the earth distress among nations confused by the roaring of the sea and the waves.People will faint from fear and foreboding of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see “the Son of Man coming in a cloud” with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to take place, stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.’

Then he told them a parable: ‘Look at the fig tree and all the trees; as soon as they sprout leaves you can see for yourselves and know that summer is already near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.

‘Be on guard so that your hearts are not weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of this life, and that day does not catch you unexpectedly, like a trap. For it will come upon all who live on the face of the whole earth. Be alert at all times, praying that you may have the strength to escape all these things that will take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.’

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

Sermon: ADVENT I: A SEASON OF FULFILLED PROMISES: Justice & Righteousness - Rev. Mandy McDow

HOLY COMMUNION

Invitation to the Table: As we understand the Body of Christ to be inclusive, we understand God’s table of grace and fellowship can extend into our homes. As you’re able, bring your own elements to this time. Bread, Juice, Coffee, Muffins… the Body of Christ is comprised of wonder and mystery. Today, we celebrate that God can reach us where we are, even if we are not together.

The Great Mystery of our Faith
All
: Christ has died
Christ is risen. 
Christ will come again.

The Lord’s PrayerOur Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name, 
thy kingdom come, thy will be done, 
on earth as it is in heaven. 

Give us this day our daily bread. 
And forgive us our trespasses, 
as we forgive those who trespass against us. 

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. 

For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, 
for ever and ever. Amen.

MUSIC DURING COMMUNION: O Little Town of Bethlehem - El Dorado

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

Virtual Coffee Hour Begins now!
Immediately following worship on Zoom

Donate

Order of Worship for Sunday, November 21: Thanksgiving Service

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

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

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

ANNOUNCEMENTS

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

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


ADVENT SERMON SERIES: November 28-Jan 2
NOV. 28: JUSTICE & RIGHTEOUSNESS

DEC. 5: PREPARED & UNREADY

DEC. 12: REPENT & REJOICE

DEC. 19: BLESSINGS WHICH AREN'T

DEC. 24: PROMISE FULFILLED - 5:30PM

DEC. 26: SABBATH SUNDAY

JAN. 2: EPIPHANY SUNDAY

Theme: From Thankful to Grateful

 “Thankfulness is the beginning of gratitude. Gratitude is the completion of thankfulness. Thankfulness may consist merely of words. Gratitude is shown in acts.”
—Henri Frederic Amie: German Philosopher and Poet

Matthew 6:25-33

Thanksgiving 2021 resonates deeply with the core message of the first thanksgiving. We who gather have come through a great hardship. There has been loss, and there will be further struggle ahead; but a difficult time in the story of our lives is waning. We who are blessed to gather have received a great gift of life and health. The experience of such a gift is a heart of thanks. To show what is in our hearts, we now act on this feeling of thankfulness with acts of gratitude that express our thanksgiving to God and to all those who have journeyed with us and cared for us.

RESOURCES FOR THANKSGIVING WORSHIP AND DEVOTION

Prelude                              San Carlos UMC Trio “Come Thou Fount” arranged by Michael Tyree  

Invocation                          Rev. Mark Nakagawa, West District Superintendent

A Thanksgiving Invocation

God eternal; creator and sustainer, we gather to give you thanks.
We give you thanks for the beauty of the earth,
The blessings of your creatures,
The breeze and breath of life.

Christ; redeeming and forgiving One,
Who is always faithful and merciful.
We gather to give you thanks,
For peace calming the chaos of our souls,
For hope restoring our faith.

For renewal, transforming our lives,
Spirit; sustaining, and compassionate One,
Who calls us into relationship with the living God,
We give you thanks,
For caring when our hearts are aching,
For friends supportive in times of need,
For generosity lavish and overflowing.

 Holy One, Three in One
We come with hearts full of gratitude,
For all things good,
We give you thanks for You.

Let us worship!

Special Music                    Christ UMC Honolulu Choir

                                      Rev. Eugene Han, Senior Pastor; Rev. In Kwon Jun, English Ministry Pastor

Witness from the World           Stewardship Message: Monalisa Tu’itahi,

      First Elect Lay General Conference Delegate

Affirmation of Faith            Rev. Dr. Joel Hortiales,

                                        Director of Hispanic/Latino Ministries & Border Concerns, Connectional Ministries

An Inclusive Modern Affirmation of Faith

Where the Spirit of the Lord is,
There is the one true church, apostolic and universal
Whose holy faith let us now declare:

We believe in God the creator of all things,
Infinite in wisdom, power, and love,
Whose mercy is over all we see,
And whose will is ever directed to the good of God’s children.

We believe in Jesus Christ,
Son of God and born in the flesh,
The gift of God’s unfailing grace,
The ground of our hope,
And the promise of our deliverance from sin and death.

We believe in the Holy Spirit
As the divine presence in our lives,
Whereby we are kept in perpetual remembrance
Of the truth of Christ,
And find strength and help in times of need.

We believe that this faith should manifest itself
In the service of love
As set forth in the example of our blessed Lord
To the end
That the kingdom of God may come upon the earth as it is in heaven.  Amen. 

Special Music                       Melida Skeete Smith, Grace UMC Los Angeles

                                               Rev. Victor Cyrus-Franklin, Lead Pastor

Prayer of Confession and Lord’s Prayer        Rev. Gregory Douglass, Native American UMC

O Great and Giving One,
We come before you knowing that we have broken your great community in thought, word, and deed

In the symbol of corn you provided for your people. When strangers came to this land, your people generously provided for them, teaching them of the many gifts that have come from your hands.
They welcomed them and showed them a feast of giving thanks.

Yet, as people walked on in life, those gifts were forgotten, and the people betrayed; turning thanksgiving into mourning.

Forgive us for all the ways we have not loved our relatives, and restore us to walk in ways that show our Thanks for all your gifts. 

As Jesus forgave those who turned from him, forgive us that we may walk your good path, and honor You for your many gifts. Amen.

Witness from the Word                Matthew 6:25-33 and Devotion

                                           Rev. Melissa R. MacKinnon, North District Superintendent & Dean of the Cabinet

Instrumental                         San Carlos UMC Trio “Beach Spring” arranged by Michael Tyree

Prayer of Blessing and Benediction             Bishop Grant J. Hagiya

Virtual Coffee Hour Begins now!
Immediately following worship on Zoom

Donate

Order of Worship for Sunday, November 14: Wisdom in Discerning God's Will

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

Jesus Is Just Alright - El Dorado

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

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

Announcements: 

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

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

Jubilee Fund: This fund is designated to helping reduce the burden of debt in our community. As we make our way through the pandemic, the economic pressures are going to be challenging. If you feel led, you can now donate through Venmo!

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

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

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 Animal Services' Pet Food Pantry program provides pet food every Sunday from 1 p.m. - 4p.m., to families in Los Angeles needing assistance to feed their pets. To schedule an appointment for The Pet Food Pantry, please visit laanimalservices.com/petfoodpantry/.

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.

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 students
https://www.lacity.org/AngelenoConnect

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: How Firm A Foundation- 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: 1 Samuel 1:4-20, 1 Samuel 2:1-10, NRSV, Narrated by Rumana Fouzia & Debbie Bowlus

On the day when Elkanah sacrificed, he would give portions to his wife Peninnah and to all her sons and daughters; but to Hannah he gave a double portion, because he loved her, though the Lord had closed her womb. Her rival used to provoke her severely, to irritate her, because the Lord had closed her womb. So it went on year after year; as often as she went up to the house of the Lord, she used to provoke her. Therefore Hannah wept and would not eat. Her husband Elkanah said to her, ‘Hannah, why do you weep? Why do you not eat? Why is your heart sad? Am I not more to you than ten sons?’

After they had eaten and drunk at Shiloh, Hannah rose and presented herself before the Lord. Now Eli the priest was sitting on the seat beside the doorpost of the temple of the Lord. She was deeply distressed and prayed to the Lord, and wept bitterly. She made this vow: ‘O Lord of hosts, if only you will look on the misery of your servant, and remember me, and not forget your servant, but will give to your servant a male child, then I will set him before you as a nazirite until the day of his death. He shall drink neither wine nor intoxicants, and no razor shall touch his head.’

As she continued praying before the Lord, Eli observed her mouth.Hannah was praying silently; only her lips moved, but her voice was not heard; therefore Eli thought she was drunk. So Eli said to her, ‘How long will you make a drunken spectacle of yourself? Put away your wine.’ But Hannah answered, ‘No, my lord, I am a woman deeply troubled; I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but I have been pouring out my soul before the Lord. Do not regard your servant as a worthless woman, for I have been speaking out of my great anxiety and vexation all this time.’Then Eli answered, ‘Go in peace; the God of Israel grant the petition you have made to him.’ And she said, ‘Let your servant find favour in your sight.’ Then the woman went to her quarters, ate and drank with her husband, and her countenance was sad no longer.

They rose early in the morning and worshipped before the Lord; then they went back to their house at Ramah. Elkanah knew his wife Hannah, and the Lord remembered her. In due time Hannah conceived and bore a son. She named him Samuel, for she said, ‘I have asked him of the Lord.’

Hannah’s Prayer

Hannah prayed and said,
‘My heart exults in the Lord;
   my strength is exalted in my God.
My mouth derides my enemies,
   because I rejoice in my victory. 
‘There is no Holy One like the Lord,
   no one besides you;
   there is no Rock like our God. 
Talk no more so very proudly,
   let not arrogance come from your mouth;
for the Lord is a God of knowledge,
   and by him actions are weighed. 
The bows of the mighty are broken,
   but the feeble gird on strength. 
Those who were full have hired themselves out for bread,
   but those who were hungry are fat with spoil.
The barren has borne seven,
   but she who has many children is forlorn. 
The Lord kills and brings to life;
   he brings down to Sheol and raises up. 
The Lord makes poor and makes rich;
   he brings low, he also exalts. 
He raises up the poor from the dust;
   he lifts the needy from the ash heap,
to make them sit with princes
   and inherit a seat of honour.
For the pillars of the earth are the Lord’s,
   and on them he has set the world. 
‘He will guard the feet of his faithful ones,
   but the wicked shall be cut off in darkness;
   for not by might does one prevail. 
The Lord! His adversaries shall be shattered;
   the Most High will thunder in heaven.
The Lord will judge the ends of the earth;
   he will give strength to his king,
   and exalt the power of his anointed.’

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

Sermon: Wisdom in Discerning God’s Will - 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 Is Thy Faithfulness- El Dorado

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

Virtual Coffee Hour Begins now!
Immediately following worship on Zoom

Donate

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

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.

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 students
https://www.lacity.org/AngelenoConnect

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

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

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: 

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 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 

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.

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 students
https://www.lacity.org/AngelenoConnect

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:

  • 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.

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

Invitation to the Table: As we understand the Body of Christ to be inclusive, we understand God’s table of grace and fellowship can extend into our homes. As you’re able, bring your own elements to this time. Bread, Juice, Coffee, Muffins… the Body of Christ is comprised of wonder and mystery. Today, we celebrate that God can reach us where we are, even if we are not together.

The Great Mystery of our Faith
All
: Christ has died
Christ is risen. 
Christ will come again.

The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name, 
thy kingdom come, thy will be done, 
on earth as it is in heaven. 

Give us this day our daily bread. 
And forgive us our trespasses, 
as we forgive those who trespass against us. 

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. 

For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, 
for ever and ever. Amen.


CLOSING SONG: Home - El Dorado

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

Virtual Coffee Hour Begins now!
Immediately following worship on Zoom

Donate

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

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: 

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

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 

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.

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!


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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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: 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

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

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

This Joy - El Dorado

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

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

Announcements: 

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

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

Jubilee Fund: This fund is designated to helping reduce the burden of debt in our community. As we make our way through the pandemic, the economic pressures are going to be challenging. If you feel led, you can now donate through Venmo!

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

DISCIPLE 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 

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

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/

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.

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!

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 >>


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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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: How Great Thou Art - 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: 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

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: 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

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

Hello September Instagram Post (2).jpeg

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: 

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

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 

Hello September Instagram Post (2).jpeg

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

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/

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.

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!

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 >>

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

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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

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

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.

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

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: Come, Ye Sinners - El Dorado

Joys and Concerns: We believe that the best way to bear our burdens is to share them with one another. You are invited to share your joys and concerns so that our community can hold these things in our hearts as we lift them to God together. 

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


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. 

JWD3.jpeg

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

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. 

Pastor Appreciation Video from El Dorado

Virtual Coffee Hour Begins now!
Immediately following worship on Zoom

Donate

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

Hello September Instagram Post (1).jpeg

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: 

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


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 

Hello September Instagram Post (1).jpeg

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

A6603BE8-E9B5-4247-BFA3-7D78181BDE43.jpeg

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/

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.

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!

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 >>

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 >>

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)



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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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: 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

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: 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

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

Hello September Instagram Post.jpeg

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: 

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


LUKE-ACTS

September 27: Chapter 18 - Our Savior Has Come

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 

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

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/

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.

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!


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.

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 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.

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.

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

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

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

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: 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

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: Fly Away - El Dorado

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

Virtual Coffee Hour Begins now!
Immediately following worship on Zoom

Donate

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

2.jpeg

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

They'll Know We Are Christians By Our Love - El Dorado

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

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

Announcements: 

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

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

Jubilee Fund: This fund is designated to helping reduce the burden of debt in our community. As we make our way through the pandemic, the economic pressures are going to be challenging. If you feel led, you can now donate through Venmo!

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


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 

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

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/

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.

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!


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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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: 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

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: Talkin' Bout A Revolution - El Dorado

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

Virtual Coffee Hour Begins now!
Immediately following worship on Zoom

Donate

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

Hello September Instagram Post.jpeg

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

Up to Here - El Dorado

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

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

Announcements: 

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

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

Jubilee Fund: This fund is designated to helping reduce the burden of debt in our community. As we make our way through the pandemic, the economic pressures are going to be challenging. If you feel led, you can now donate through Venmo!

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

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

Hello September Instagram Post.jpeg





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

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/

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.

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!


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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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: United Methodists Recall 9/11 in New York

Joys and Concerns: We believe that the best way to bear our burdens is to share them with one another. You are invited to share your joys and concerns so that our community can hold these things in our hearts as we lift them to God together. 

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

Scripture: Mark 8:27-38, 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

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

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

June 5th 2021 (3).jpeg

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: 

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

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

Jubilee Fund: This fund is designated to helping reduce the burden of debt in our community. As we make our way through the pandemic, the economic pressures are going to be challenging. If you feel led, you can now donate through Venmo!

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

DISCIPLE BIBLE STUDY, Monday, 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/

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.

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!


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.

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.

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


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.

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: How Firm a Foundation - 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: 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

Order of Worship for Sunday, August 22: Cultivate Covenant

June 5th 2021 (2).jpeg

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: 

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

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

Jubilee Fund: This fund is designated to helping reduce the burden of debt in our community. As we make our way through the pandemic, the economic pressures are going to be challenging. If you feel led, you can now donate through Venmo!

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

DISCIPLE BIBLE STUDY, Monday, 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.

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!


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.

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.

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


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.

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: We Don't Eat - 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: 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

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: 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

Order of Worship for Sunday, August 15: Cultivate Communion

June 5th 2021 (8).jpeg

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: 

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

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

Jubilee Fund: This fund is designated to helping reduce the burden of debt in our community. As we make our way through the pandemic, the economic pressures are going to be challenging. If you feel led, you can now donate through Venmo!

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

DISCIPLE BIBLE STUDY, Monday, 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

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.

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!


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.

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.

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


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.

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.

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.

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: Down to the River to Pray - 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: 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

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: 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

Order of Worship for Sunday, August 8: Cultivate Humility

Cultivate Humility.JPG

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: 

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

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

Jubilee Fund: This fund is designated to helping reduce the burden of debt in our community. As we make our way through the pandemic, the economic pressures are going to be challenging. If you feel led, you can now donate through Venmo!

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

DISCIPLE BIBLE STUDY, Monday, 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

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 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

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.

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

LACountyParks Splash Pads are OPEN! 

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

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: Surrender - El Dorado

Joys and Concerns: We believe that the best way to bear our burdens is to share them with one another. You are invited to share your joys and concerns so that our community can hold these things in our hearts as we lift them to God together. 

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

Scripture: 2 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

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: 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

Order of Worship for Sunday, August 1: Cultivate Repentance

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: 

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

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

Jubilee Fund: This fund is designated to helping reduce the burden of debt in our community. As we make our way through the pandemic, the economic pressures are going to be challenging. If you feel led, you can now donate through Venmo!

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

DISCIPLE BIBLE STUDY, Monday, 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

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

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

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.


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

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

LACountyParks Splash Pads are OPEN! 

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

https://parks.lacounty.gov/summer

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

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

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

Covid Testing:
LA City is now offering free testing, without appointments at City-run sites. Find a site near you: Coronavirus.LACity.org/Testing

For additional COVID-19 resources: Coronavirus.LACity.org/Resources

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

Vaccines:


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

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: 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

Order of Worship for Sunday, July 25: Cultivate Satisfaction

068B9FF6-3B2C-427E-BB11-B4B355B3E1AF.jpeg

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: 

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

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

Jubilee Fund: This fund is designated to helping reduce the burden of debt in our community. As we make our way through the pandemic, the economic pressures are going to be challenging. If you feel led, you can now donate through Venmo!

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

DISCIPLE BIBLE STUDY, Monday, July 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

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

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

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

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

Studies include:

  • FINDING PEACE IN AN ANXIOUS WORLD

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

  • Pushout: The Criminalization of Black Girls in Schools

  • Women United for Change: 150 Years in Mission

  • Managing Anxiety (Youth)

  • Becoming Peacemakers in a Culture of Violence (Youth)

  • Responding to Violence (Children)

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

Registration Form - English * Registration Form - KoreanRegistration 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

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

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.


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

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

LACountyParks Splash Pads are OPEN! 

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

https://parks.lacounty.gov/summer

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

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

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

Covid Testing:
LA City is now offering free testing, without appointments at City-run sites. Find a site near you: Coronavirus.LACity.org/Testing

For additional COVID-19 resources: Coronavirus.LACity.org/Resources

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

Vaccines:


CALL TO PRAYER: How Firm a Foundation - El Dorado

Joys and Concerns: We believe that the best way to bear our burdens is to share them with one another. You are invited to share your joys and concerns so that our community can hold these things in our hearts as we lift them to God together. 

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

Scripture: John 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

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: 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