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
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.
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
