Santa Monica FUMC

DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME BEGINS!
Don’t forget to “Spring Forward” on Sunday, March 14! Before you go to bed on Saturday night, March 13, be sure to set your clock FORWARD one hour. We might lose an hour but we’ll gain more sunshine during the day which will be a nice boost as we head into Spring. And, you won’t want to be late to church!

TIME FOR WEARIN' OF THE GREEN
The United Methodist Women-Women of Action in partnership with Fellowship & Events and Children’s Ministry invite everyone to the 11th annual St. Patrick’s Day Luncheon on Sunday, March 14, at 12:15 pm in Simkins Hall. The lunch is $8.00 per person and includes entree, dessert, and a beverage. Children under 5 years of age will be admitted free. Children are welcome and will be provided materials to create seasonal crafts. Don’t forget to wear green! For reservations, please call the church office or stop by the UMW table during Coffee Hour on Sunday mornings to purchase tickets.

HEALTH KITS FOR HAITI
FUMC is collecting health kits for UMCOR to be sent to help the relief effort in Haiti. It is our goal to collect 250 kits from our congregation. We are asking that each committee, council, or church group commit to providing a certain number of kits to the effort. Here are the instructions for each kit (please note that we cannot accept incomplete kits):

Place these items inside a sealed one-gallon plastic bag.
• 1 hand towel (15” x 25” up to 17” x 27” - No kitchen towels)
• 1 washcloth
• 1 comb (large and sturdy, not pocket-sized)
• 1 nail file or fingernail clippers (no emery boards or toenail clippers)
• 1 bath-size bar of soap (3 oz. and up)
• 1 toothbrush (single brushes only in original wrapper, No child-size brushes)
• 6 adhesive plastic strip sterile bandages
• $1.00 to purchase toothpaste

(NOTE: UMCOR Sager Brown is now purchasing toothpaste in bulk to be added to health kits before shipping to ensure that the product does not expire before they are sent.)

All items included in kits must be NEW items. All emergency kits are carefully planned to make them usable in the greatest number of situations. Since strict rules often govern product entry into international countries, it is important that kits contain only the requested items-nothing more. Do NOT include any personal notes, money or additional materials in the kits. These things must be painstakingly removed and will delay the shipment.

If you would prefer to donate money, $12 will go to purchasing an entire kit for the relief effort. Make your check out to “FUMC” with “Mission Council Health Kit” on the memo line. We will be collecting the kits in the Narthex before worship and at a Missions Council table during Coffee Hour through Easter Sunday, April 4.

THE FILMS WILL CRY OUT! A LENTEN STUDY THROUGH FILM
This Lenten Film Discussion Series with Rev. Camille Mattick and Rev. Robert English will conclude on March 21 at 11:30 am in Simkins Hall. A light lunch will be provided for a small donation. All are invited to participate in this unique series that delves into the last week of Jesus’ life in scripture through a wide variety of films drawing parallels and thematic discussion. May we open our minds to new ways of finding the Christian message in our everyday culture.

COFFEE & CONVERSATION WITH OUR PASTORS - CONTINUES
Join your pastors on Sunday mornings at 9 am in the Fireside Room for fellowship, informal discussion, and coffee, of course! Topic for discussion will be each day’s lectionary scripture reading.

WE WELCOME OUR NEW BUSINESS ADMINISTRATOR
Christina Eddy comes to us with over twenty years of experience, most recently twelve years working for various large nonprofits in finance and operations throughout California. She is a Certified Public Accountant, born and raised in La Verne, CA. She spent over a decade in the San Francisco region, where she attended business graduate school, worked, and started her family. Four years ago they relocated to Topanga, CA, where her husband Ryan and two boys, Gavin (age 5) and Bryce (age 3) currently reside. Favorite activities include family time, yoga, hiking, and volunteering. She is looking forward to building enduring relationships and is thrilled to bring her skills, experience, and an energetic outlook to the business affairs of the congregation. Please stop by the office and introduce yourself so she can get to know each of you.

HAITI EMERGENCY
Background / History: For years, Haiti has been devastated by hurricanes, flooding, political violence and a major earthquake. Already a country living in extreme poverty, the massive earthquake on January 12, 2010 has caused incalculable loss of human life and destruction to the homes and livelihoods of millions of people.

Mission: United Methodists have had a long-standing relationship with Haiti through the Methodist Church of Haiti. The strong ties between the Methodist Church of Haiti and The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) helped in facilitating the opening of the UMCOR Haiti field office in 2005. 100 percent of Advance gifts made will go to support relief and development efforts due to emergencies in Haiti.

How to Help
Assemble Health Kits: FUMC is collecting UMCOR Health Kits to send to Haiti and resupply UMCOR's depleted supplies. You may drop off completed kits after worship in the Narthex or at the Missions Council table during Coffee Hour. Kits will be collected through Easter. You may also donate $12 towards the purchase of materials for one full kits. Please see the kit materials list and instructions: Health Kit instructions
UMCOR Health Kits
How to Help with Health Kits

Give Online: Go to www.umcor.org to donate online and for updates on the crisis.

Give By Check: Make your check payable to “FUMC” with “Advance #418325 Haiti Emergency” on the memo line and deliver/mail it to the church office or drop it in our offering plate/box during a worship service. Give us a call if you need assistance.
FUMC contact info

UMCOR’s Guarantee: 100% of your gift will go to the ministry you choose. No exceptions.

SPECIAL NOTE TO AMERICAN EXPRESS CARD HOLDERS
American Express is making it possible for you to use your rewards points towards donations to organizations providing relief in Haiti INCLUDING our own UMCOR. Visit www.americanexpress.com and click on "Haiti Earthquake Relief" in the right-hand menu bar for more information or go directly to this link.

PALM SUNDAY: WAVING OF PALMS & ANNUAL EASTER EGG HUNG
All children and families are invited to participate in waving the palms during the worship service on Palm Sunday, March 28, at 10 am. Then, after worship, all are welcome to the annual FUMC Easter Egg Hunt with a light lunch and crafts (including the opportunity to take pictures with the Easter Bunny) in Simkins Hall. Donations will be accepted and appreciated. See you there!

MARCH BOOK STUDY: RELIGIONLESS CHRISTIANITY
The book for discussion this month is Religionless Christianity: Dietrich Bonhoeffer in Troubled Times by Jeffry C. Pugh. By action of the 2008 General Conference, Dietrich Bonhoeffer became the first martyr officially recognized by The United Methodist Church. Bonhoeffer, a Lutheran pastor, was a member of the resistance against dictator Adolph Hitler and was executed by the Nazis in 1945, during the final months of World War II. The resolution states that “during a time of grave darkness in Nazi Germany, Bonhoeffer shined the light of Christ all the way to a hangman’s noose.”
This book moves through Bonhoeffer’s work to examine the challenging and complex questions of “who we are, who God is, and how we live in the space between.” Throughout his lifetime, Bonhoeffer wrestled not only with what Pugh calls “one of Western Christianities greatest failures,” that is, support of and collaboration with the atrocities of the Nazi regime in Germany, but with the willingness of even the Confessing Church to cave in to its evil tyranny. The struggle to find faith in the midst of such radical moral confusion is the struggle that results in insights that remain powerfully compelling in the midst of our troubled times as well.
All are invited to join Rev. Patricia Farris for this discussion and potluck lunch on Sunday, March 28, at 11:30 am in the Fireside Room.

GREAT OPPORTUNITIES FOR FUN/FELLOWSHIP/SERVICE IN 2010
Your Fellowship & Events Committee has been busy planning several special events for the first half of the year!

After church on Sunday, April 18, head up to Will Rogers Park for a picnic and hike! This is a no-host event so bring your lunch, a blanket and hiking shoes and look for your fellow church family members!

Our annual All-Church Cookout will be held on Sunday, May 16. Famously co-hosted by F & E and the bridge young adult group, this event for the whole family includes not just a great BBQ lunch but activities like cake walks and a bouncer. It’s a great way to usher in the Summer. –Charleen Smith

SPRING LAY SPEAKING SCHOOL 2010
The Los Angeles District and the Lay Speaking Committee invite everyone to “become one of those who lead, care and communicate.” Lay Speakers are:

Lay Speaking Ministry is more than just speaking. It is not just filling in for the pastor or speaking in public. Lay Speaking Ministries as defined in the UM Book of Discipline offers wonderful possibilities for serving in roles beyond what we have traditionally understood. Now teaching, serving, training, leading, participating, caring, loving and communicating are lay speaking ministries. How lay speaking servants can help congregations and communities is limited only by your imagination and willingness to serve as a representative of Jesus Christ.

This year’s school will take place on six consecutive Mondays: April 12, 19, 26, May 3 & 10 and May 17 will be Banquet Night. Each class is from 6:30 - 9:15 pm at Los Feliz UMC (1800 N. Western Ave, Los Angeles, 90027). Basic classes and the Refresher course are $30 and Advanced classes are $35. The Banquet is $20 per person. For class descriptions, to sign up, or for questions, contact Ana-Haydee Urda at the LA District Office, 323-733-4100 x12.

FUN FELLOWSHIP FOR MISSIONS
Our United Methodist Women’s Work Party is up and running again and preparing for the 2010 Holiday Boutique in November. That’s right, it takes almost a full year to get ready! Would you be interested in helping with sewing, knitting, crocheting, painting, embroidering or any other craft? If so, your contribution would be welcomed with joy. The UMW have a place for you every Wednesday from 9:30 am to 2 pm in the UMW Work Room. A potluck lunch is always offered at 12 noon with lots of good food and camaraderie. Bring your talent and fresh ideas and help make our 2010 Boutique a huge success bringing in lots of financial assistance for our world-wide missions. See you soon! –Pat McFadden, Holiday Boutique Chairperson

FEARLESS LEADERS OF FUMC
We thank and welcome into their new (or continued) positions, these leaders of our congregation:

Lay Leader: Michael Lamb / Associate Lay Leader: Shannon Sturges
Church Council Chairperson: Ron Theile
Guidance & Outreach Council Chairperson: Todd Vollstedt
Fellowship & Events Co-Chairs: Cheryl Shanks & Sandra Jones
Finance Committee Chairperson: Peter Adamson
Health Ministry: Debi Jenkinson & Dorothy Williams
Historical Records Committee Chairperson: Marilyn Hedges
Lay Leadership Co-Chairs: Caprice Walker & Sarah Huntting
Library Committee Chairperson: Mary Crawford
Loans & Scholarships Committee Chairperson: Ben Ing
Methodist Foundation of Santa Monica President: John Stutsman
Missions Council Co-Chairs: Helen Hewitt & Linda Diane Anderson
Preschool Committee Chairperson: Andy Anagnos
Parking Lot Committee Chairperson: Chuck Kearsley
Seasonal Displays Committee Chairperson: Mike Eskridge
Spiritual Formation Council Chairperson: Mary Crawford
Staff/Parish Relations Committee Chairperson: Mira Pak
Trustees Chairperson: John Youngman
United Methodist Women President: Helen Hewitt
Youth Ministry Council Chairperson: Sherry Erlandson

May 2010 be a year of thriving, heart/mind growing and spirit-lifting ministries at First United Methodist Church of Santa Monica!

MOZAMBIQUE: HANHANE WOMEN'S SHELTER
Last year, after Rev. Patricia Farris’ trip to Mozambique, FUMC decided to support the Hanhane Women’s Shelter through Alternative Christmas. Now, a plan is in place to build three permanent houses that will provide room for 24 women (8 per house). So far, funds have been raised to complete 2 of the houses and the hope is that continued gifts will help achieve completion of the full project. Contributions may be given to the General Board of Global Ministries (GBGM) of the UMC in partnership with the Missouri Annual Conference by mail to: Missouri Conference - Treasurer’s Office, 3601 Amron Court, Columbia, MO 65202 or online at www.moumethodist.org/mi/humanitarian/hanhane.

NOURISH A LIFE BY VOLUNTEERING TO DELIVER MEALS
Loneliness is as terrible as hunger! To many homebound people, hunger and isolation is a daily experience. Since 1974, Meals on Wheels West have been on our wheels, delivering smiles one meal at a time. For many years we have been fortunate to have volunteers from the congregation of First United Methodist Church and wish to remind everyone that we are still here and always in need of volunteers.

Volunteers for meal delivery are needed Monday through Friday between 11 am and 1 pm (in many cases; it takes much less than the 2 hour window). No commitment is necessary - we are very flexible! There are opportunities for clerical support as well.

Please contact Joanna Vasquez, Director of Volunteers at 310-394-7558 or email JoannaVasquezMOW@aol.com. Joanna is always heartened to hear that her volunteers feel that they receive more than what they give. Please join us in promoting good nutrition and independent living. The daily visits of our volunteers reassures our homebound friends that someone cares. In many cases, YOU, our volunteer, may be the only person they will see or talk to all day or all week.

See the Church Calendar for a full list of activities and to verify exact times and dates.

Our Church Newsletter
Click on the above link for our Church Newsletter,
the electronic version of the Sentinel = the eSentinel!

Rev. Patricia Farris is now one of three co-editors of the on-line Circuit Rider Book Reviews. You may find them here: Circuit Rider Reviews

The church wants to be aware of the happenings of our church community and their family and friends. Please contact the church office if you know of any information that you feel might be important to communicate to our pastors and staff and/or for inclusion in the Sentinel. Feel free to call or email us with news of: births, deaths, anniversaries, graduations, special honors or any other celebrations or concerns.

WAYS TO SERVE
We have many volunteer opportunities available throughout the church. Please consider where you might use your time and talents:

TITHING
If you would like to tithe regularly to FUMC, there are several options. Please view our 2010 pledge card, print it out, and send the completed form to the church office (FUMC, 1008 11th Street, Santa Monica, CA 90403). If you have any questions, please call the church office at (310) 393-8258. Thank you so much for your generous support for the ministries of our church.

COMMEMORATE WITH THE TREE OF LIFE
The FUMC Commemorative Tree of Life in the Fireside Room was started by our United Methodist Women to honor many of their leaders and members. It is now available to the congregation and makes a wonderful lasting gift and tribute. Leaves may be purchased in memory of a loved one or to commemorate significant events in the lives of church members. Funds raised through the Commemorative Tree of Life will be administered by the FUMC Trustees in support of the ministries of FUMC. Leaves are available at $500 per leaf. Text may be up to 5 lines, 28 letters/spaces per line in the current font size of the New Times Roman font. Please contact the church office for further information.

YOU CAN HELP FUMC WITHOUT EVEN THINKING ABOUT IT
In the times we’re living in, “every little bit” truly does help! Did you know that by signing up with a few different programs (which is quick and easy) you could be sending monetary funds to the church just by running your normal errands? At www.escrip.com you can register your grocery club/rewards cards and your various credit cards (optional). Then, when you shop at their participating merchants such as Vons, Macys, Pep Boys, Bristol Farms, OfficeMax and others, a percentage of your purchase total is donated to FUMC. Just enter our group name (First UMC) or ID number (166442608) to designate FUMC as your beneficiary. Other stores have their own programs that will also donate to FUMC, including Ralphs. Simply visit this page for the specific instructions. Again, it’s easy and will only take a few minutes of your time - but will give extra added support to the church so that we might continue valuable ministry to our members and community. Thanks!

GIVING TO FUMC - ONLINE
Did you know that we now accept payment/donations with credit cards? You may use a credit card to support various minitries of the church, to give your tithe, to pay Preschool tuition and much more! The link to giving options also permits credit cards to be used to purchase various services and items, such as concert tickets, poinsettias, Easter lilies and class registration fees. All purchases will have a 3% service charge added to the amount charged. There is no extra charge for donations. Check it out!

RALPHS REWARDS CARD
If you shop at Ralphs, we have a painless way for you to give to FUMC. Under their Community Contribution program, Ralphs donates to FUMC a portion of every dollar you spend at Ralphs when you enroll on-line with your new Ralphs Rewards Card number. Go to www.ralphs.com, click on “Community,” then on “Community Contribution." You’ll need our NPO (non-profit organization) number which is: 81295. Or you may call the church office with your Rewards Card number and we will be happy to take care of this for you.

(To make sure you’re enrolled, check the very last line on your next Ralphs receipt. It should read: “At your request, Ralphs is donating to First United Methodist Church.”)