January 2017A new year begins. It’s time to make resolutions—which, in church language, are really promises we make to God and ourselves, a time to renew our covenant with God. What kind of person do we want to be? How do we want to live out, or live into, our faith this year? Where do we feel God’s call on our lives? How might we more deeply love God and love neighbor? What does the creation need of us this year? What gift might we offer to the world? Who will we become?

John Glenn, the beloved American astronaut who died in December at the age of 95, once said: “My view is that to sit back and let fate play its hand out and never try to influence it at all is not the way [humankind] was meant to operate.”

Happy New Year, one and all! Let’s covenant to grow, to do, to dare, to become….the whole person God has created us to be, to the glory of God and for the sake of the Kingdom of God.

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH of SANTA MONICA

SENT INELvol. cxlii, no. 1 January 2017

Senior Minister

HORIZONS

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCHof SANTA MONICA1008 Eleventh Street

Santa Monica, CA 90403www.santamonicaumc.org

310.393.8258email: info@santamonicaumc.org

JANUARY 1 10 a.m. Sanctuary WorshipEpiphany /Holy Communion Homily by Rev. Patricia Farris

5 p.m. simple church Sermon by Rev. Robert English

JANUARY 8 10 a.m. Sanctuary WorshipBaptism • Baptismal Renewal • Installation of OfficersHomily by Rev. Patricia Farris

5 p.m. simple church Sermon by Rev. Robert English

JANUARY 15 10 a.m. Sanctuary Worship2nd Sunday after Epiphany Sermon by Rev. Patricia Farris

5 p.m. simple church Sermon by Rev. Robert English

JANUARY 22 10 a.m. Sanctuary Worship3rd Sunday after Epiphany Sermon by Rev. Robert English

5 p.m. simple church Sermon by Rev. Robert English

JANUARY 29 10 a.m. Sanctuary WorshipYouth/Scout Sunday First UMC Youth will preach.

5 p.m. simple church Sermon by Rev. Robert English

WORSHIP – SUNDAYS IN JANUARY

Church Office Hours: Tues - Fri, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.Chapel Open for Prayer: Mon - Fri, 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Many Thanks for the Thanksgiving Community MealThis year’s Community Thanksgiving Meal that was held on November 23 in Simkins Hall was a huge success! Families from Upward Bound House’s Family Place and Family Shelter were invited to come and share a Thanksgiving meal provided by congregation members of First UMC. With 12 turkeys and a boat-load of side dishes, there was more than enough to feed all the families. The meal was truly a spirit-filled evening of service and relating centering on the sacred act of sharing a meal. We thank all of the volunteers that brought food, set up and cleaned up. It wouldn’t have been possible without you! Here are some reflections of the event:

Working together with all of you was one of the true highlights of my Thanksgiving. – Kim Defenderfer

What a celebration of love and abundance. The quality of food brought to this feast was heartfelt. What a blast making 40 pounds of vegetable mashed potatoes with “My Girls” in the church kitchen. And....let’s hear it for the clean-up crew!!!! Talk about transformation. Our gravy bowl runneth over! – Cindy McQuade

It feels like my heart grew a size bigger after spending this wonderful evening with everybody. Together. Thank you for that gift. – Daniela Skrein

A great night full of food, laughter, new friends and gratitude. I hope to do it again next year. – Anne Premer

At one point, while running in and out of the kitchen, I witnessed my daughter trying to help my husband serve food (see photo). I thought she was doing activities with the other kids but there she was. During dinner, we sat with a family from Family Place and some other volunteers. We really enjoyed the evening with delicious food and good conversation, building community and giving thanks. We look forward to doing it again next year. – Shalimar Carducci with June and Brett Carducci

On the WebsiteRing in the new year by checking out some of First UMC’s events in January such as the kick off to the Mid-Week Recitals, the MLK Jr. Interfaith Breakfast, Hello Dolly!, Sacred Yoga and more!

Tip: Save this link in your browser for easy access.

www.santamonicaumc.org/upcoming-events

January CalendarSunday, January 1 - Epiphany • Holy Communion • Family Sunday Friday, January 6 - UMYF depart for their Winter retreat7 p.m. Shareringer Monthly Dinner, Fireside RoomSunday, January 8 - Baptism • Baptismal Renewal • Installation of 2017 Lay Leaders • UMYF returnsWednesday, January 1112:10 p.m. Mid-Week Recital/Reception, Sanctuary/Fireside Rm.Friday, January 137:30 a.m. - 9 a.m. Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Westside Coalition Breakfast, Simkins HallSunday, January 15 - Children’s Church11 a.m. Free Blood Pressure Screenings, Simkins Hall11:30 a.m. Rev. Farris Book Study/Potluck, Fireside Room2:30 - 4 p.m. Walk the Labyrinth, Simkins Hall6 p.m. UMYF Ice Skating Trip, OffsiteMonday, January 16 - Martin Luther King Jr. Day • Campus ClosedFriday, January 207 p.m. A.C.T. presents Hello Dolly!, Simkins HallSaturday, January 219:30 a.m. Prayer Quilt Workparty, Room 30010 a.m. Sacred Yoga, Fireside Room7 p.m. A.C.T. presents Hello Dolly!, Simkins HallSunday, January 221 p.m. A.C.T. presents Hello Dolly!, Simkins HallSunday, January 29 - Youth/Scout Sunday • Faith in Action7 a.m. Troop 67 Pancake Breakfast, Simkins Hall

WEEKLY or BIMONTHLY AT FIRST UMC:Mondays: Church Office Closed9 a.m. Intercessory Prayer Group (2nd & 4th Mondays) Offsite Tuesdays: 7 a.m. Men’s Breakfast Bible Study, Fireside RoomThursdays: 7 p.m. Cross(+)Brew (1st & 3rd Sundays) Offsite7:30 p.m. Chancel Choir Rehearsals, Choir Room

COMMITTEE MEETINGSTuesday, January 10: 6 p.m. Finance Committee Meeting, FR7 p.m. Church Council Meeting, FR

SUNDAYS-AT-A-GLANCE9 a.m. Lectionary Scripture Discussion, Fireside Room 9 a.m. Partnership with God Sunday School, Room 101 9 a.m. Nursery Care, Room 204 9:30 a.m. Chancel Choir Warmup, Choir Room10 a.m. Worship, Sanctuary 10:10 a.m. Sunday School, Education Bldg. 11:00 a.m. Fellowship, Simkins Hall in The Shelby Center3 p.m. Amadeus Handbell Rehearsal, CHR5 p.m. simple church, Chapel (4:40 p.m. childcare available)6:15 p.m. United Methodist Youth Fellowship, Youth Lounge

Mid-Week Recital for JanuaryTake a break from your day and spend your lunch hour listening to beautiful music! Mid-week recitals for 2017 begin with Sean O’Neal, organ. Sean is the Director of Music and Organist for Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Covina, California, and is the owner of the Long Beach based firm O’Neal Pipe Organ Service. He started his keyboard studies at age 10 and has won several American Guild of Organists first-place regional competitions. He performs regularly throughout the Southern California area.

FREE Concert Wednesday, January 11: 12:10 - 12:40 p.m., Sanctuary. Reception follows for artist in the Fireside Room.

Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.Westside Coalition Celebrations

• Friday 1/13, Interfaith Prayer Breakfast, 7:30 a.m., Simkins Hall in The Shelby Center ($25)

• Saturday 1/14, Santa Monica Symphony Concert, 3 p.m., SGI-USA Auditorium, 525 Wilshire, SM (free)

• Monday 1/16, 32nd Anniversary Celebration, 9 a.m., SGI-USA Auditorium (free)

• Monday 1/16, Community Involvement Fair, 10:30 a.m., St. Monica’s Grand Pavillion, 701 California St. SM (free).

Call (310) 866-9117 for more information, or go to www.mlkwestside.org.

Book-of-the-Month Study & Potluck Not in God’s Name: Confronting Religious Violence by Rabbi Jonathan Sacks

A favorite author of the Book Study group, Rabbi Sacks, Chief Rabbi of the United

Hebrew Congregations of the Commonwealth from 1991-2013, tackles religious extremism and violence committed in the name of God. If religion is part of the problem, he argues, then it must also be part of the solution.

Come for a lively discussion that will help you ask your questions and clarify your thinking on the most timely topic. The book is available on Amazon, in the church office and at the Sunday Hospitality Table. Bring a dish to share.

Sunday, January 15: 11:30 a.m., Fireside Room

Baptismal RenewalWe will have a special time of reflection on baptism and have the opportunity to remember our own baptism experience during worship.

Sunday, January 8: 10 a.m. Sanctuary Worship Service

Flower Orders: Available dates at press time: January 15, 22, 29. Please contact the church office to order flowers for one of these dates.

Youth / Scout Sunday Come enjoy the annual Youth/Scout Sunday service. The youth of First UMC have the opportunity to lead the Sunday service, from reading scripture to preaching the sermons that they have written.

This day also celebrates the Scouting Ministries (Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts and Brownies). Boy Scout Troop 67 invites you to their annual Pancake Breakfast fundraiser before and after worship, as they commemorate their 82nd year as a troop.

Sunday, January 29: Worship 10 a.m., SanctuaryPancake Breakfast 7 a.m. - 1 p.m., Simkins Hall

Thank you to all who have generously pledged for 2017. If you haven’t yet had the opportunity to commit to giving in 2017, now is the time! Support from each member is needed. Every Gift Matters.

DISCIPLE: Whole Hearted

Ending 2016 in Good (Fiscal) HealthWe look forward to everyone completing their 2016 pledge commitment. Stop by the office, mail or make payment online via our church website. Thank you for your support!

A.C.T. presents: Hello Dolly!All Community Theater performs Hello Dolly!, the story of Dolly Levi (a strong-willed matchmaker), as she travels to Yonkers, New York, to find a match for the miserly “well-known unmarried half-a-millionaire” Horace Vandergelder. In doing so she convinces his niece, his niece’s intended, and Horace’s two clerks to travel to New York City. Tickets: $20/adult, $10/child. Purchase online: www.santamonicaumc.org/act.

Showtimes in Simkins Hall: Friday, January 20, 7 p.m.Saturday, January 21, 7 p.m. Sunday, January 22, 1 p.m.

ConfirmationCredo literally means: I believe. It is the name of our confirmation class and experience this Spring for our 7th and 8th graders. As we grow into young adults in the church, we are invited into this Credo experience to ask ourselves this question, “What do I believe?” God is working in each of our lives and in the life of our church. As we go through this together we will see how God calls to each of us and how we each answer that call. Credo Confirmation is a chance to explore what it truly means to be a Christian, a United Methodist, and a Child of God.

Youth and parents: come to an introductory meeting to find out more. Please RSVP to Tricia at the Church Office: 310-393-8258 ext 102, or email t.lindley@santamonicaumc.org.

Confirmation Introductory Meeting: Sunday, January 22: 11:15 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Youth Lounge

Youth Choir Initiative United Methodist Youth Fellowship is excited to announce a new Youth Choir initiative led by Jack McHugh! We are seeking any youth interested in sharing the message of God’s love through music of all kinds, styles and genres. While called Youth Choir, they will call on a multitude of talented instrumentalists as well–strings, woodwind, brass and percussion. Be sure to join us for

worship on Youth Sunday as our Youth Choir makes their debut!

Beginning Sunday, January 15: 9 - 9:45 a.m. Youth Lounge

FIRST UMCCOMMUNITY

CondolencesWe extend our deepest sympathies to the families and friends of these departed loved ones: • First UMC Member Dorothy Mae Shishmanian, who died September 9. There was a graveside service September 17.• First UMC member Phil Adams, who died December 12. A memorial service was held December 26 at the Risen Church Westside.• Taz Kinney, father of First UMC member Laura Farrand, who died December 13.• First UMC member Bimal Masih, who’s brother Lalit died.• First UMC member Lesley Kawaguchi, who’s mother died.

Congratulations• to Chris Reagh, who is graduating Cerritos College with a retail management certificate in Business Administration.• to Jennifer Wong, for passing her dissertation defense and earning her Ph.D. in Psychology.From UMC Global Ministries: More than 2,550 persons in 19 countries contributed a total of $853,909.78 to United Methodist mission projects and missionary support through the 2016 UMC #GivingTuesday campaign!

Preparing an estate plan is good Christian stewardship–saying thanks to God, expressing your love and concern for family, and showing charity toward others. Join the First UMC Legacy Circle.

Contact: info@santamonicaumc.org

January CalendarSunday, January 1 - Epiphany • Holy Communion • Family Sunday Friday, January 6 - UMYF depart for their Winter retreat7 p.m. Shareringer Monthly Dinner, Fireside RoomSunday, January 8 - Baptism • Baptismal Renewal • Installation of 2017 Lay Leaders • UMYF returnsWednesday, January 1112:10 p.m. Mid-Week Recital/Reception, Sanctuary/Fireside Rm.Friday, January 137:30 a.m. - 9 a.m. Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Westside Coalition Breakfast, Simkins HallSunday, January 15 - Children’s Church11 a.m. Free Blood Pressure Screenings, Simkins Hall11:30 a.m. Rev. Farris Book Study/Potluck, Fireside Room2:30 - 4 p.m. Walk the Labyrinth, Simkins Hall6 p.m. UMYF Ice Skating Trip, OffsiteMonday, January 16 - Martin Luther King Jr. Day • Campus ClosedFriday, January 207 p.m. A.C.T. presents Hello Dolly!, Simkins HallSaturday, January 219:30 a.m. Prayer Quilt Workparty, Room 30010 a.m. Sacred Yoga, Fireside Room7 p.m. A.C.T. presents Hello Dolly!, Simkins HallSunday, January 221 p.m. A.C.T. presents Hello Dolly!, Simkins HallSunday, January 29 - Youth/Scout Sunday • Faith in Action7 a.m. Troop 67 Pancake Breakfast, Simkins Hall

WEEKLY or BIMONTHLY AT FIRST UMC:Mondays: Church Office Closed9 a.m. Intercessory Prayer Group (2nd & 4th Mondays) Offsite Tuesdays: 7 a.m. Men’s Breakfast Bible Study, Fireside RoomThursdays: 7 p.m. Cross(+)Brew (1st & 3rd Sundays) Offsite7:30 p.m. Chancel Choir Rehearsals, Choir Room

COMMITTEE MEETINGSTuesday, January 10: 6 p.m. Finance Committee Meeting, FR7 p.m. Church Council Meeting, FR

SUNDAYS-AT-A-GLANCE9 a.m. Lectionary Scripture Discussion, Fireside Room 9 a.m. Partnership with God Sunday School, Room 101 9 a.m. Nursery Care, Room 204 9:30 a.m. Chancel Choir Warmup, Choir Room10 a.m. Worship, Sanctuary 10:10 a.m. Sunday School, Education Bldg. 11:00 a.m. Fellowship, Simkins Hall in The Shelby Center3 p.m. Amadeus Handbell Rehearsal, CHR5 p.m. simple church, Chapel (4:40 p.m. childcare available)6:15 p.m. United Methodist Youth Fellowship, Youth Lounge

Mid-Week Recital for JanuaryTake a break from your day and spend your lunch hour listening to beautiful music! Mid-week recitals for 2017 begin with Sean O’Neal, organ. Sean is the Director of Music and Organist for Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Covina, California, and is the owner of the Long Beach based firm O’Neal Pipe Organ Service. He started his keyboard studies at age 10 and has won several American Guild of Organists first-place regional competitions. He performs regularly throughout the Southern California area.

FREE Concert Wednesday, January 11: 12:10 - 12:40 p.m., Sanctuary. Reception follows for artist in the Fireside Room.

Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.Westside Coalition Celebrations

• Friday 1/13, Interfaith Prayer Breakfast, 7:30 a.m., Simkins Hall in The Shelby Center ($25)

• Saturday 1/14, Santa Monica Symphony Concert, 3 p.m., SGI-USA Auditorium, 525 Wilshire, SM (free)

• Monday 1/16, 32nd Anniversary Celebration, 9 a.m., SGI-USA Auditorium (free)

• Monday 1/16, Community Involvement Fair, 10:30 a.m., St. Monica’s Grand Pavillion, 701 California St. SM (free).

Call (310) 866-9117 for more information, or go to www.mlkwestside.org.

Book-of-the-Month Study & Potluck Not in God’s Name: Confronting Religious Violence by Rabbi Jonathan Sacks

A favorite author of the Book Study group, Rabbi Sacks, Chief Rabbi of the United

Hebrew Congregations of the Commonwealth from 1991-2013, tackles religious extremism and violence committed in the name of God. If religion is part of the problem, he argues, then it must also be part of the solution.

Come for a lively discussion that will help you ask your questions and clarify your thinking on the most timely topic. The book is available on Amazon, in the church office and at the Sunday Hospitality Table. Bring a dish to share.

Sunday, January 15: 11:30 a.m., Fireside Room

Baptismal RenewalWe will have a special time of reflection on baptism and have the opportunity to remember our own baptism experience during worship.

Sunday, January 8: 10 a.m. Sanctuary Worship Service

Flower Orders: Available dates at press time: January 15, 22, 29. Please contact the church office to order flowers for one of these dates.

Youth / Scout Sunday Come enjoy the annual Youth/Scout Sunday service. The youth of First UMC have the opportunity to lead the Sunday service, from reading scripture to preaching the sermons that they have written.

This day also celebrates the Scouting Ministries (Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts and Brownies). Boy Scout Troop 67 invites you to their annual Pancake Breakfast fundraiser before and after worship, as they commemorate their 82nd year as a troop.

Sunday, January 29: Worship 10 a.m., SanctuaryPancake Breakfast 7 a.m. - 1 p.m., Simkins Hall

Thank you to all who have generously pledged for 2017. If you haven’t yet had the opportunity to commit to giving in 2017, now is the time! Support from each member is needed. Every Gift Matters.

DISCIPLE: Whole Hearted

Ending 2016 in Good (Fiscal) HealthWe look forward to everyone completing their 2016 pledge commitment. Stop by the office, mail or make payment online via our church website. Thank you for your support!

A.C.T. presents: Hello Dolly!All Community Theater performs Hello Dolly!, the story of Dolly Levi (a strong-willed matchmaker), as she travels to Yonkers, New York, to find a match for the miserly “well-known unmarried half-a-millionaire” Horace Vandergelder. In doing so she convinces his niece, his niece’s intended, and Horace’s two clerks to travel to New York City. Tickets: $20/adult, $10/child. Purchase online: www.santamonicaumc.org/act.

Showtimes in Simkins Hall: Friday, January 20, 7 p.m.Saturday, January 21, 7 p.m. Sunday, January 22, 1 p.m.

ConfirmationCredo literally means: I believe. It is the name of our confirmation class and experience this Spring for our 7th and 8th graders. As we grow into young adults in the church, we are invited into this Credo experience to ask ourselves this question, “What do I believe?” God is working in each of our lives and in the life of our church. As we go through this together we will see how God calls to each of us and how we each answer that call. Credo Confirmation is a chance to explore what it truly means to be a Christian, a United Methodist, and a Child of God.

Youth and parents: come to an introductory meeting to find out more. Please RSVP to Tricia at the Church Office: 310-393-8258 ext 102, or email t.lindley@santamonicaumc.org.

Confirmation Introductory Meeting: Sunday, January 22: 11:15 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Youth Lounge

Youth Choir Initiative United Methodist Youth Fellowship is excited to announce a new Youth Choir initiative led by Jack McHugh! We are seeking any youth interested in sharing the message of God’s love through music of all kinds, styles and genres. While called Youth Choir, they will call on a multitude of talented instrumentalists as well–strings, woodwind, brass and percussion. Be sure to join us for

worship on Youth Sunday as our Youth Choir makes their debut!

Beginning Sunday, January 15: 9 - 9:45 a.m. Youth Lounge

FIRST UMCCOMMUNITY

CondolencesWe extend our deepest sympathies to the families and friends of these departed loved ones: • First UMC Member Dorothy Mae Shishmanian, who died September 9. There was a graveside service September 17.• First UMC member Phil Adams, who died December 12. A memorial service was held December 26 at the Risen Church Westside.• Taz Kinney, father of First UMC member Laura Farrand, who died December 13.• First UMC member Bimal Masih, who’s brother Lalit died.• First UMC member Lesley Kawaguchi, who’s mother died.

Congratulations• to Chris Reagh, who is graduating Cerritos College with a retail management certificate in Business Administration.• to Jennifer Wong, for passing her dissertation defense and earning her Ph.D. in Psychology.From UMC Global Ministries: More than 2,550 persons in 19 countries contributed a total of $853,909.78 to United Methodist mission projects and missionary support through the 2016 UMC #GivingTuesday campaign!

Preparing an estate plan is good Christian stewardship–saying thanks to God, expressing your love and concern for family, and showing charity toward others. Join the First UMC Legacy Circle.

Contact: info@santamonicaumc.org

Our Sanctuary: Symbols of Hopeby Ron Theile“As a member of this congregation and of the Chancel Choir, I often find myself gazing upon our beautiful sanctuary. There are times I look out from the choir loft to witness those who are worshipping doing the same. It could be while we are preparing for worship, praying, listening to scripture or being moved by the music of worship.

“This series will help to guide us as we look at, and think about, the many sights and symbols that surround us as we worship. They are all symbols of hope, so that we will all be inspired to be the hope.” – Ron Theile

Part 11: This month our attention is drawn to the second window of the Main Gallery on the north wall. This window, which shows Jesus Christ as a young man, is titled “The Youth of Christ.” It was dedicated on April 17, 1955 and given by John Fisher in memory of his daughter.

This stained glass shows a young Jesus standing in front of, what we can assume to be, a Rabbi. Behind Jesus there are stone tablets. There is also a flaming torch. Both of these are symbols of wisdom and learning. The Daisy is a symbol of the innocence of Christ, and innocence in general, of childhood and youth.

Have you ever looked at this window and asked yourself what type of child Jesus was? The reference, that is found in the book of Luke, Chapter 2: Verse 52, is really the only

reference the Bible gives as it pertains to Jesus as a child or young man. There are ancient writings about Jesus as a child. Thomas, the Israelite (not the disciple), wrote of Jesus as a child performing miracles everywhere he went. When I came upon the part of the story that explained how Jesus killed a child that had bumped into him, I had my doubts as to the validity of these writings. Further research revealed that historians and scholars look upon these writings is fiction. So therefore, we are left to ponder what Jesus, as a child, would be like.

I submit that Jesus was probably no different than our own children. As someone who has worked and played with all types and ages of children during my career, I can tell you, without a doubt, that children are loving and non-judgmental. They look upon the world with wonder and are amazed at all the discoveries that they make and all the adventures that they have. As they grow older, they become a product of their environment. As Jesus grew, he certainly would have been loved by his mother and father and grew up in an environment that allowed him to discover the amazing nuances of human nature. Of course, he then began His ministry of love and salvation.

The window that we look upon certainly reflects the Family, Youth and Children’s ministry of our own church. We raise our

December Happenings at First UMC

JANUARY PRESCHOOL EVENTS:JAN 3: School ResumesJAN 16: School Closed in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. DayJAN 20: Jog-a-Thon, and Canned Goods Drive ends (week long collection)JAN 30: Lunar New Year Celebration

children as a village to show them the way that is found through Jesus’s teachings and God’s love. As we look upon the window we see a young Jesus who is to be the hope of the world. When we see our own children at the front of the sanctuary, or running from one part of the property to the other, we realize they are the hope for the future of our church as well as a better world.

These are symbols of hope so that we can be the hope.

As we begin a new calendar year it’s the perfect opportunity to join us sometime at simple church if you’ve never been. We gather in a simple setting for a time of prayer, sharing and communion. The themes that guide our evening allow us to engage with different spiritual practices we can carry into our daily life. Interested for you or someone you know? Sundays 5 p.m., because a calm, centered and compassionate life is possible. – Rev. Robert English

simple churchpray. love. serve.

simple church January themes:JAN 1- on renewing covenants or finding accountability for our spiritual lifeJAN 8- on having a naked spirituality or being your true selfJAN 15- on having new eyes to seeJAN 22- on owning the good news you’ve been givenJAN 29- on why with Jesus everything is always upside down

Looking Forward

West District Training ConferenceHosted at Holman United Methodist Church, the West District Training Conference is for both current and emerging leaders within local UMC churches. This day of practical ministry training includes a time of praise and worship as well as numerous workshops led by leaders throughout the West District and California-Pacific Conference. Come expecting to meet new friends and connect with people across our district! (Childcare is available only for those who pre-register online.) For more information or to register, go to www.westdistricttraining.com. Register by January 17 for a reduced admissions rate of $10.

Saturday, February 4: 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. Holman UMC (3320 W. Adams Blvd., LA)

HAITI 2017 - UpdateThe 2017 Haiti Work Team has been finalized. It is comprised of: Jason Beckerman, Bonnie Bennetts, Shalimar Carducci, Jan Hanley, Jim Kirtley, Dan Nessel, Greg Moul, John Pfister, Leaders: Todd & Sherry Erlandson. Start saving your pennies now for the Haiti Work Team’s 2017 fundraiser Pennies for Haiti, coming mid-February.

The Preschool Christmas Concert

The Annual Service of Lessons and Carols

The First UMC Christmas Concert

Lighting of the Advent Candle. Clockwise: The Seibold Family, The Dodd Family, The Plukas Family, and The Buxton Family. Not pictured: The Johnson Family, The Nichols/Smith Family, and The Jones Family.

Preschool Corner

Monthly Value: January - Giving

Our Sanctuary: Symbols of Hopeby Ron Theile“As a member of this congregation and of the Chancel Choir, I often find myself gazing upon our beautiful sanctuary. There are times I look out from the choir loft to witness those who are worshipping doing the same. It could be while we are preparing for worship, praying, listening to scripture or being moved by the music of worship.

“This series will help to guide us as we look at, and think about, the many sights and symbols that surround us as we worship. They are all symbols of hope, so that we will all be inspired to be the hope.” – Ron Theile

Part 11: This month our attention is drawn to the second window of the Main Gallery on the north wall. This window, which shows Jesus Christ as a young man, is titled “The Youth of Christ.” It was dedicated on April 17, 1955 and given by John Fisher in memory of his daughter.

This stained glass shows a young Jesus standing in front of, what we can assume to be, a Rabbi. Behind Jesus there are stone tablets. There is also a flaming torch. Both of these are symbols of wisdom and learning. The Daisy is a symbol of the innocence of Christ, and innocence in general, of childhood and youth.

Have you ever looked at this window and asked yourself what type of child Jesus was? The reference, that is found in the book of Luke, Chapter 2: Verse 52, is really the only

reference the Bible gives as it pertains to Jesus as a child or young man. There are ancient writings about Jesus as a child. Thomas, the Israelite (not the disciple), wrote of Jesus as a child performing miracles everywhere he went. When I came upon the part of the story that explained how Jesus killed a child that had bumped into him, I had my doubts as to the validity of these writings. Further research revealed that historians and scholars look upon these writings is fiction. So therefore, we are left to ponder what Jesus, as a child, would be like.

I submit that Jesus was probably no different than our own children. As someone who has worked and played with all types and ages of children during my career, I can tell you, without a doubt, that children are loving and non-judgmental. They look upon the world with wonder and are amazed at all the discoveries that they make and all the adventures that they have. As they grow older, they become a product of their environment. As Jesus grew, he certainly would have been loved by his mother and father and grew up in an environment that allowed him to discover the amazing nuances of human nature. Of course, he then began His ministry of love and salvation.

The window that we look upon certainly reflects the Family, Youth and Children’s ministry of our own church. We raise our

December Happenings at First UMC

JANUARY PRESCHOOL EVENTS:JAN 3: School ResumesJAN 16: School Closed in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. DayJAN 20: Jog-a-Thon, and Canned Goods Drive ends (week long collection)JAN 30: Lunar New Year Celebration

children as a village to show them the way that is found through Jesus’s teachings and God’s love. As we look upon the window we see a young Jesus who is to be the hope of the world. When we see our own children at the front of the sanctuary, or running from one part of the property to the other, we realize they are the hope for the future of our church as well as a better world.

These are symbols of hope so that we can be the hope.

As we begin a new calendar year it’s the perfect opportunity to join us sometime at simple church if you’ve never been. We gather in a simple setting for a time of prayer, sharing and communion. The themes that guide our evening allow us to engage with different spiritual practices we can carry into our daily life. Interested for you or someone you know? Sundays 5 p.m., because a calm, centered and compassionate life is possible. – Rev. Robert English

simple churchpray. love. serve.

simple church January themes:JAN 1- on renewing covenants or finding accountability for our spiritual lifeJAN 8- on having a naked spirituality or being your true selfJAN 15- on having new eyes to seeJAN 22- on owning the good news you’ve been givenJAN 29- on why with Jesus everything is always upside down

Looking Forward

West District Training ConferenceHosted at Holman United Methodist Church, the West District Training Conference is for both current and emerging leaders within local UMC churches. This day of practical ministry training includes a time of praise and worship as well as numerous workshops led by leaders throughout the West District and California-Pacific Conference. Come expecting to meet new friends and connect with people across our district! (Childcare is available only for those who pre-register online.) For more information or to register, go to www.westdistricttraining.com. Register by January 17 for a reduced admissions rate of $10.

Saturday, February 4: 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. Holman UMC (3320 W. Adams Blvd., LA)

HAITI 2017 - UpdateThe 2017 Haiti Work Team has been finalized. It is comprised of: Jason Beckerman, Bonnie Bennetts, Shalimar Carducci, Jan Hanley, Jim Kirtley, Dan Nessel, Greg Moul, John Pfister, Leaders: Todd & Sherry Erlandson. Start saving your pennies now for the Haiti Work Team’s 2017 fundraiser Pennies for Haiti, coming mid-February.

The Preschool Christmas Concert

The Annual Service of Lessons and Carols

The First UMC Christmas Concert

Lighting of the Advent Candle. Clockwise: The Seibold Family, The Dodd Family, The Plukas Family, and The Buxton Family. Not pictured: The Johnson Family, The Nichols/Smith Family, and The Jones Family.

Preschool Corner

Monthly Value: January - Giving

January 2017A new year begins. It’s time to make resolutions—which, in church language, are really promises we make to God and ourselves, a time to renew our covenant with God. What kind of person do we want to be? How do we want to live out, or live into, our faith this year? Where do we feel God’s call on our lives? How might we more deeply love God and love neighbor? What does the creation need of us this year? What gift might we offer to the world? Who will we become?

John Glenn, the beloved American astronaut who died in December at the age of 95, once said: “My view is that to sit back and let fate play its hand out and never try to influence it at all is not the way [humankind] was meant to operate.”

Happy New Year, one and all! Let’s covenant to grow, to do, to dare, to become….the whole person God has created us to be, to the glory of God and for the sake of the Kingdom of God.

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH of SANTA MONICA

SENT INELvol. cxlii, no. 1 January 2017

Senior Minister

HORIZONS

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCHof SANTA MONICA1008 Eleventh Street

Santa Monica, CA 90403www.santamonicaumc.org

310.393.8258email: info@santamonicaumc.org

JANUARY 1 10 a.m. Sanctuary WorshipEpiphany /Holy Communion Homily by Rev. Patricia Farris

5 p.m. simple church Sermon by Rev. Robert English

JANUARY 8 10 a.m. Sanctuary WorshipBaptism • Baptismal Renewal • Installation of OfficersHomily by Rev. Patricia Farris

5 p.m. simple church Sermon by Rev. Robert English

JANUARY 15 10 a.m. Sanctuary Worship2nd Sunday after Epiphany Sermon by Rev. Patricia Farris

5 p.m. simple church Sermon by Rev. Robert English

JANUARY 22 10 a.m. Sanctuary Worship3rd Sunday after Epiphany Sermon by Rev. Robert English

5 p.m. simple church Sermon by Rev. Robert English

JANUARY 29 10 a.m. Sanctuary WorshipYouth/Scout Sunday First UMC Youth will preach.

5 p.m. simple church Sermon by Rev. Robert English

WORSHIP – SUNDAYS IN JANUARY

Church Office Hours: Tues - Fri, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.Chapel Open for Prayer: Mon - Fri, 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Many Thanks for the Thanksgiving Community MealThis year’s Community Thanksgiving Meal that was held on November 23 in Simkins Hall was a huge success! Families from Upward Bound House’s Family Place and Family Shelter were invited to come and share a Thanksgiving meal provided by congregation members of First UMC. With 12 turkeys and a boat-load of side dishes, there was more than enough to feed all the families. The meal was truly a spirit-filled evening of service and relating centering on the sacred act of sharing a meal. We thank all of the volunteers that brought food, set up and cleaned up. It wouldn’t have been possible without you! Here are some reflections of the event:

Working together with all of you was one of the true highlights of my Thanksgiving. – Kim Defenderfer

What a celebration of love and abundance. The quality of food brought to this feast was heartfelt. What a blast making 40 pounds of vegetable mashed potatoes with “My Girls” in the church kitchen. And....let’s hear it for the clean-up crew!!!! Talk about transformation. Our gravy bowl runneth over! – Cindy McQuade

It feels like my heart grew a size bigger after spending this wonderful evening with everybody. Together. Thank you for that gift. – Daniela Skrein

A great night full of food, laughter, new friends and gratitude. I hope to do it again next year. – Anne Premer

At one point, while running in and out of the kitchen, I witnessed my daughter trying to help my husband serve food (see photo). I thought she was doing activities with the other kids but there she was. During dinner, we sat with a family from Family Place and some other volunteers. We really enjoyed the evening with delicious food and good conversation, building community and giving thanks. We look forward to doing it again next year. – Shalimar Carducci with June and Brett Carducci

On the WebsiteRing in the new year by checking out some of First UMC’s events in January such as the kick off to the Mid-Week Recitals, the MLK Jr. Interfaith Breakfast, Hello Dolly!, Sacred Yoga and more!

Tip: Save this link in your browser for easy access.

www.santamonicaumc.org/upcoming-events