FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH of SANTA MONICA

SENT INELvol. cxl, no. 5 May 2015

First United Methodist Church of Santa Monica welcomes you to this community of faith. You’ll find singles, seniors, families with young children, youth, newlyweds, young adults….and a full range of programs and opportunities for worship, study, service and fellowship. ALL ARE WELCOME.

WORSHIPSundays at 10:00 a.m.

Horizons

8:45 a.m. Youth Handbell Choir Rehearsal, Choir Room 9 a.m. Lectionary Scripture Discussion, Fireside Room 9 a.m. Partnership with God Sunday School, Room 101 9:15 a.m. Youth Choir Rehearsal, Room 3009:20 a.m. Children’s Choir Rehearsal, Chapel9:30 a.m. Nursery Care, Room 204 10:00 a.m. Worship, Sanctuary 10:10 a.m. Sunday School, Education Bldg. 11:00 a.m. Fellowship, Simkins Hall in The Shelby Center 6:15 p.m. UMYF, Youth Lounge

Sundays At-A-Glance

On the WebsiteGet the kids signed up now online for Vacation Bible School!:www.santamonicaumc.org/children-youth/vacation-bible-school

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

May 3 - Holy Communion • Baptism Homily by Rev. Patricia Farris

May 10 - 6th Sunday of Easter • Baptism Mother’s Day

Sermon by Rev. Patricia Farris

May 17 - Choir Recognition Sunday • Confirmation Homily by Rev. Patricia Farris

May 24 - PentecostSermon by Rev. Robert English

May 31 - Trinity Sunday • BaptismSermon by Rev. Patricia Farris

Senior Minister

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCHof SANTA MONICA1008 Eleventh Street

Santa Monica, CA 90403www.santamonicaumc.org

310.393.8258email: info@santamonicaumc.org

There’s plenty of data out there to document the decline of the church—decreased membership, lowered frequency of worship attendance, etc., etc. Some days it makes me want to stay in bed and pull the covers over my head. HOWEVER, truth be told—that’s not our experience here at First UMC. True, “regular attendance” now means once or twice a month, families are pulled every which way on weekends, young adults don’t tend to be joiners. But have you also noticed the numbers of babies and children in our midst? Have you talked with folks who are consciously deciding to choose church? How about a conversation with someone truly eager to go deeper in faith?

If you need proof positive, be in worship through the month of May and into June. We’ll be baptizing babies on four of those Sundays. I guarantee you evidence that God is indeed doing a new thing. We just need to open our eyes and hearts to perceive it.

Eastertide blessings,

Spring Concert: ELIJAHThe choirs of First United Methodist Church of Santa Monica and Westwood United Methodist Church will combine to present Mendelssohn’s oratorio, “Elijah,” at the First UMC Sanctuary. The combined choir of 70 voices will be joined by full orchestra and a cast of nine soloists, including baritone Patrick Blackwell singing the role of Elijah. The performance will be sung in English.

Beloved since its first performance in England in 1846, “Elijah” is often mentioned alongside Handel’s “Messiah” and Haydn’s “The Creation.” All three are popular examples of oratorio, a musical form similar to opera. For “Elijah,” Mendelssohn compiled a libretto depicting dramatic events from the life of the prophet as found in the Bible in the books of 1 and 2 Kings.

Patrick Blackwell (Elijah) is a rising star in the world of opera. He made his Los Angeles Opera debut in 2014 as Lieutenant Ratcliffe in Britten’s “Billy Budd,” and returned in this season’s “The Ghost of Versailles.” He has sung with opera companies around the world, including Chicago Lyric Opera and New York City Opera.

Other soloists performing various roles include Stephanie Aston, soprano; Barbara Smith, soprano; Jessica Mirshak, mezzo-soprano; Erin Wood, mezzo-soprano; Kirk Garner, tenor; Matthew Miles, tenor; William Trabold, baritone; and Michael Turnblom, baritone. Sharing the conducting duties are the directors of the two choirs, Dr. James E. Smith (Santa Monica) and Gregory Norton (Westwood).

Sunday May 17, 7:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary. Admission is free. Voluntary offerings will be received.

May CalendarFriday, May 1 7 p.m. Shareringer Monthly Dinner, Fireside Room (FR)Saturday, May 2 - West District Conference 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Labyrinth open for World Labyrinth Day, Simkins Hall in The Shelby Center (SH) Light Breakfast, FRSunday, May 3 - Baptism • Holy Communion11 a.m. UMW Luncheon for Graduates, FR11 a.m. Preschool Spring Fair, FRFriday, May 8 7 p.m. C.A.S.T. performs Fiddler on the Roof Jr., SHSaturday, May 91 p.m. C.A.S.T. performs Fiddler on the Roof Jr., SHSunday, May 10 - Baptism • Mother’s Day1 p.m. C.A.S.T. performs Fiddler on the Roof Jr., SHFriday, May 15 - Sentinel Submissions DueSaturday, May 16 - Confirmation Retreat9:30 a.m. Prayer Quilt Workparty, Room 300Sunday, May 17 - Choir Recognition Sunday • Confirmation11 a.m. Free Blood Pressure Screenings, SH2:30 - 4 p.m. Labyrinth Open for Walking, SH5 p.m. Missional Worship Gathering, SH 7:30 p.m. “Elijah” Spring Concert with Westwood UMC Choir, Sanctuary (S)Sunday, May 24 - Pentecost11 a.m. Book-of-the-Month Study/Potluck, FR11 a.m. 20s/30s Young Adult Check-in, ChapelSunday, May 31 - Baptism • Faith in Action Sunday • Trinity Sunday5:30 p.m. Youth Service Project Silent Auction Dinner/Show, SH

WEEKLY AT FIRST UMC:Mondays - Church Office ClosedTuesdays 7 a.m. Men’s Breakfast Bible Study, Fireside Room7:30 p.m. Amadeus Handbells Rehearsal, Choir RoomWednesdays 9:30 a.m. United Methodist Women Workparty, WorkroomThursdays7 p.m. Cross(+)Brew Young Adults, Off-Site (1st & 3rd Thurs.)7:40 p.m. Chancel Choir Rehearsal, Choir Room

World Labyrinth Day: Light Breakfast & Labyrinth at First UMC Celebrate World Labyrinth Day with a walk on the labyrinth in Simkins Hall, and stay for a light breakfast in the Fireside Room. First UMC joins in this global annual event for the first time this year, which was designated to bring people from all over the world together in celebration of the labyrinth as a symbol and tool for tolerance, healing and peace. Presented by First UMC’s Labyrinth Hosts & The Labyrinth Society.

Saturday, May 2: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., Simkins Hall in The Shelby Center, Fireside Room

CommunityBook-of-the-Month Study & Potluck

Sabbath as Resistance: Saying No to the Culture of Now By Walter Brueggemann (Available in paperback & Kindle)

Author Walter Brueggemann writes about the importance of Sabbath in our fast-paced society, and how it offers us a chance to focus on what is truly important: God, other people, all life. Brueggemann offers a transformative vision of the wholeness God intends, giving world-weary Christians a glimpse of a more fulfilling and simpler life through Sabbath observance. Rev. Patricia Farris leads the lively discussion. Bring a dish to share.

Sunday, May 24: 11 a.m., in the Fireside Room

Preschool Spring FairCome to the First UMC Preschool Spring Fair for great fun for the whole family! Featuring moon bounces, arts & crafts, pony rides, petting zoo, taco stand, and lots more! Pull out your

aprons, find your favorite pie recipe and get ready to participate in our Spring Fair’s pie tasting contest! Bring a pie (along with a pie spatula) on the day of the event. Proceeds from the Fair go to funding Preschool programs, scholarships and school improvements.

Sunday May 3: 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. in the Courtyard

Children’s After School Theater Come see another exciting performance from C.A.S.T.! The 5th - 12th graders present Fiddler on the Roof, Jr., one of Broadway’s enduring masterpieces. Set in the little village of Anatevka, this epic piece of theater tells the story of Tevye, a poor dairyman, as he tries to instill in his five daughters the traditions of their small, tight-knit Jewish community in the face of changing social mores of Czarist Russia.

Fri May 8: 7 p.m., Sat & Sun, May 9 & 10: 1 p.m. Simkins Hall in The Shelby Center. Buy tickets at the door or online: www.santamonicaumc.org/music-theater/theater-cast

Methodist Foundation ScholarshipsApplications for the annual Methodist Foundation Scholarships are available in the church office, at the Sunday Hospitality Table, and on the website. Scholarship Sunday is June 7.

Deadline for application: Sunday May 17

Choir Recognition SundayMay 17 is First UMC’s annual Choir Recognition Sunday, when all choirs are recognized and featured during the service. Come and show your appreciation for the gorgeous music these groups present during worship services throughout the year.

Sunday May 17, during Worship

ConfirmationSince February 22 the 7th and 8th graders’ Confimation Class have been preparing in a 10-week course with Rev. Robert English called “Credo.” On Sunday May 17, they will confirm their faith in God during worship.

Sunday May 17, during Worship

Calling All GraduatesFirst UMC wants to recognize all its graduates. Let Sarah Rold in the church office: (310-393-8258 x 106 or s.rold@santamonicaumc.org) know where you’re graduating from, your major, and what your future plans are.

Youth Service Project Silent Auction Fundraiser & DinnerThis year’s Youth Service Project team will repair homes for people in need in Lousiana. On Sunday May 31, the team will hold their Silent Auction and Fundraiser in Simkins Hall in The Shelby Center. View and bid on Silent Auction items after worship that day, and then later that evening from 5:30-8:30 p.m. as you enjoy the dinner and show. Donations for the Silent Auction are appreciated. Forms and tickets are available at the Sunday Hospitality Table and also in the church office.

Sunday May 31: Bid on Silent Auction items after worship; 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. Silent Auction Dinner and Show, Simkins Hall

Bryan’s SmileOur own Melanie Gullett has responded to the death of her son, Bryan, and his struggle with drug addition, by creating a programmatic resource for parents and their 10-17 year olds. For more information about their approach and dates of upcoming events, see www.bryanssmile.com or contact Melanie through the church office.

Flower Orders: Available dates at press time: May 10, 17, 24, 31. Please contact the church office to order flowers for one of these dates.

First UMC Photo Directory A new photo directory is in the works! So plan out the family colors or matching sweaters and save the dates! Lifetouch Portraits will be taken August 18 thru 22, and September15 thru 20, at the church. Appointments are required and we will begin scheduling soon. Stay tuned!

The Walker Family, circa the 1976 First UMC Directory

CondolencesWe extend our deepest sympathies to the families and friends of these departed loved ones:

• William Anthony Sheck, Anne Premer’s uncle, who died March 26.• John Vincent Bossi, Berneice Southcott’s brother, who died March 29.• Preschool student Siena Ly, daughter of Hue and Anthony Ly, died April 1.• Janet Guyette’s mother Beatrice A. Musolf, who died March 16 in Chelsea, Michigan.• Former member LeRoy ‘Le’ Hoff, who died on April 7. • Ruth Zimmerman, who died April 16. Ruth was the first Preschool Director here at First UMC.• Michelle “Shelly” McCammon, who died April 17. A service was held April 25 in the Sanctuary.

Births• Bud and Ruthie Smoot welcomed the birth of Bud’s great granddaughter Emily Autumn, born March 26 in London to Amber and David Hawkins.• Henry Donovan Seibold, born April 15 to parents Witney & Angela Seibold, grandparent Luana George, and great-aunt Caprice Walker.

Congratulations• to Jamie Jones and the Santa Monica High School choir for taking first place at the Heritage Music Competition in the San Francisco Bay area March 27. • to Rev. Dr. Se Hee, former Associate Pastor here at First UMC from 1992-1998, for her appointment as the next Superintendent of the Hawaii District of the California-Pacific Conference.

In Gratitude“I am overwhelmed with all the cards, flowers, phone calls and gifts received from my church friends, especially the biggest surprise: a barber-shop quartet serenade from my Music Man friends while I was recovering from my recent illness at my daughter’s house in Fullerton. My heartfelt thanks to all. I love my church, my second family.” - Joy Williams

“Thank you for the prayer quilt. The word cancer is so frightening. Knowing I have the thoughts and prayers of friends is comforting. I have completed four infusion treatments and a decision from the oncology doctor about where we go from there soon. Thank you again.” - Virgie Eskridge

“Thank you for the recent anonymous donation to the prayer quilt ministry. We are grateful for your donation and will put it toward buying more fabric and batting. We are happy to report that our congregation has prayed for recipients of 668 quilts.” - The Prayer Quilt Group

Preschool Corner

April Happenings at First UMCPerfect (Summerfest) Storm of a Book SaleOn June 7, in conjunction with the church’s annual Summerfest picnic, the Missions Council will sponsor its first Used Book Sale–which is a perfect storm of happy results. Church family, friends and community members may:

• Recycle the books weeded out at home during spring cleaning• Pick up delightful books for summer reading• Contribute to eliminating malaria in our world

We are excited to announce that one of our youth, Alejandro Quintana, will take a leadership role in this project. We will also coordinate with the Santa Monica Public Library Foundation to

publicize their used book store that is open year-round.

Malaria is a disease that is 100% preventable. Eliminated in the United States in the 1950’s, it still kills one person every 60 seconds in Sub-Saharan Africa. Imagine No Malaria, the beneficiary of all proceeds of the book sale, is a United Methodist initiative. In global partnership with the United Nations Foundation, AMP (Alliance for Malaria

Prevention), the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and the Global Fund (fights AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria), No More Malaria is committed to eliminating malaria worldwide during our generation. To read more about their activities check out Imaginenomalaria.org.

So…to support this worthwhile endeavor, please bring as many stacks, bags and boxes of lightly used books as possible to the church any Sunday starting May 10 (the earlier the better) or to the church office during the week. If you need help packing books or need them to be picked up, please alert the office and a member of the book sale team will arrange a convenient time with you. - Leslie Nordby

Book donations accepted starting May 10 - bring to the church office or call to make pick-up arrangments.

Used Book Sale: Sunday June 7, 11 am - 2 p.m. in Simkins Hall

PRESCHOOL EVENTS FOR MAY1- No classes- parent/teacher conferences3- Spring Fair (11a.m. - 2 p.m. Courtyard) 20- Spring Concert (9 a.m. - 11a.m. Simkins Hall)25- Memorial Day (school closed)

Welcome New Members

Sunrise Service

Palm Sunday Service

Easter Celebration Service

Palm Sunday Family Brunch& Easter Egg Hunt

Celebrating Nancy Perov on herlast day after 10 years at First UMC

Andrew Goebel Rose Kujawa BrentleyWaltonHeather Popadych Kylie, Ada & Jonathan Sarley

Welcome to New Members who were received on Sunday March 29.

LOOKING FORWARD

All-Church Summerfest Celebrates ReadingSummer’s coming, and it’s time to welcome in the season with First UMC’s annual Summerfest celebration Sunday June 7. Presented by Fellowship & Events, Summerfest

is fun for the whole family, and includes food, a cake walk, bounce house and more!

In conjuction with Summerfest this year, we also come together to honor education, mission and fellowship, in an event-filled day.

Highlights include: • Scholarship Sunday: 10 a.m. during worship, when we honor and recognize those being awarded with a Methodist Foundation Scholarship.• Used Book Sale after worship. Presented by The Missions Council, and benefiting Imagine No Malaria. (see more information to the right.)• Opening and blessing of a new community Pop-Up Library in front of the Education Building of First UMC, which will benefit both the congregation and surrounding neighborhood. The structure is designed by Todd Erlandson and will be built by Robert Hedges. We are very excited to welcome this addition to the campus.

John Wesley said, “It cannot be that the people should grow in grace unless they give themselves to reading. A reading people will always be a knowing people.” First UMC has a long-standing tradition since 1945 of celebrating reading—the main Library, Preschool, monthly Book Studies, and now a new neighborhood Pop-Up Library—will keep this tradition growing strong. Come join in this very special day.

Summerfest: Sunday June 7, 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. In Simkins Hall and in the Courtyard.

Architectural drawing of the new Pop-Up Library

Collecting canned food forThe Westside Food Bank

Field trip to the Santa Monica Aquarium

Preschool Corner

April Happenings at First UMCPerfect (Summerfest) Storm of a Book SaleOn June 7, in conjunction with the church’s annual Summerfest picnic, the Missions Council will sponsor its first Used Book Sale–which is a perfect storm of happy results. Church family, friends and community members may:

• Recycle the books weeded out at home during spring cleaning• Pick up delightful books for summer reading• Contribute to eliminating malaria in our world

We are excited to announce that one of our youth, Alejandro Quintana, will take a leadership role in this project. We will also coordinate with the Santa Monica Public Library Foundation to

publicize their used book store that is open year-round.

Malaria is a disease that is 100% preventable. Eliminated in the United States in the 1950’s, it still kills one person every 60 seconds in Sub-Saharan Africa. Imagine No Malaria, the beneficiary of all proceeds of the book sale, is a United Methodist initiative. In global partnership with the United Nations Foundation, AMP (Alliance for Malaria

Prevention), the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and the Global Fund (fights AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria), No More Malaria is committed to eliminating malaria worldwide during our generation. To read more about their activities check out Imaginenomalaria.org.

So…to support this worthwhile endeavor, please bring as many stacks, bags and boxes of lightly used books as possible to the church any Sunday starting May 10 (the earlier the better) or to the church office during the week. If you need help packing books or need them to be picked up, please alert the office and a member of the book sale team will arrange a convenient time with you. - Leslie Nordby

Book donations accepted starting May 10 - bring to the church office or call to make pick-up arrangments.

Used Book Sale: Sunday June 7, 11 am - 2 p.m. in Simkins Hall

PRESCHOOL EVENTS FOR MAY1- No classes- parent/teacher conferences3- Spring Fair (11a.m. - 2 p.m. Courtyard) 20- Spring Concert (9 a.m. - 11a.m. Simkins Hall)25- Memorial Day (school closed)

Welcome New Members

Sunrise Service

Palm Sunday Service

Easter Celebration Service

Palm Sunday Family Brunch& Easter Egg Hunt

Celebrating Nancy Perov on herlast day after 10 years at First UMC

Andrew Goebel Rose Kujawa BrentleyWaltonHeather Popadych Kylie, Ada & Jonathan Sarley

Welcome to New Members who were received on Sunday March 29.

LOOKING FORWARD

All-Church Summerfest Celebrates ReadingSummer’s coming, and it’s time to welcome in the season with First UMC’s annual Summerfest celebration Sunday June 7. Presented by Fellowship & Events, Summerfest

is fun for the whole family, and includes food, a cake walk, bounce house and more!

In conjuction with Summerfest this year, we also come together to honor education, mission and fellowship, in an event-filled day.

Highlights include: • Scholarship Sunday: 10 a.m. during worship, when we honor and recognize those being awarded with a Methodist Foundation Scholarship.• Used Book Sale after worship. Presented by The Missions Council, and benefiting Imagine No Malaria. (see more information to the right.)• Opening and blessing of a new community Pop-Up Library in front of the Education Building of First UMC, which will benefit both the congregation and surrounding neighborhood. The structure is designed by Todd Erlandson and will be built by Robert Hedges. We are very excited to welcome this addition to the campus.

John Wesley said, “It cannot be that the people should grow in grace unless they give themselves to reading. A reading people will always be a knowing people.” First UMC has a long-standing tradition since 1945 of celebrating reading—the main Library, Preschool, monthly Book Studies, and now a new neighborhood Pop-Up Library—will keep this tradition growing strong. Come join in this very special day.

Summerfest: Sunday June 7, 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. In Simkins Hall and in the Courtyard.

Architectural drawing of the new Pop-Up Library

Collecting canned food forThe Westside Food Bank

Field trip to the Santa Monica Aquarium

May CalendarFriday, May 1 7 p.m. Shareringer Monthly Dinner, Fireside Room (FR)Saturday, May 2 - West District Conference 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Labyrinth open for World Labyrinth Day, Simkins Hall in The Shelby Center (SH) Light Breakfast, FRSunday, May 3 - Baptism • Holy Communion11 a.m. UMW Luncheon for Graduates, FR11 a.m. Preschool Spring Fair, FRFriday, May 8 7 p.m. C.A.S.T. performs Fiddler on the Roof Jr., SHSaturday, May 91 p.m. C.A.S.T. performs Fiddler on the Roof Jr., SHSunday, May 10 - Baptism • Mother’s Day1 p.m. C.A.S.T. performs Fiddler on the Roof Jr., SHFriday, May 15 - Sentinel Submissions DueSaturday, May 16 - Confirmation Retreat9:30 a.m. Prayer Quilt Workparty, Room 300Sunday, May 17 - Choir Recognition Sunday • Confirmation11 a.m. Free Blood Pressure Screenings, SH2:30 - 4 p.m. Labyrinth Open for Walking, SH5 p.m. Missional Worship Gathering, SH 7:30 p.m. “Elijah” Spring Concert with Westwood UMC Choir, Sanctuary (S)Sunday, May 24 - Pentecost11 a.m. Book-of-the-Month Study/Potluck, FR11 a.m. 20s/30s Young Adult Check-in, ChapelSunday, May 31 - Baptism • Faith in Action Sunday • Trinity Sunday5:30 p.m. Youth Service Project Silent Auction Dinner/Show, SH

WEEKLY AT FIRST UMC:Mondays - Church Office ClosedTuesdays 7 a.m. Men’s Breakfast Bible Study, Fireside Room7:30 p.m. Amadeus Handbells Rehearsal, Choir RoomWednesdays 9:30 a.m. United Methodist Women Workparty, WorkroomThursdays7 p.m. Cross(+)Brew Young Adults, Off-Site (1st & 3rd Thurs.)7:40 p.m. Chancel Choir Rehearsal, Choir Room

World Labyrinth Day: Light Breakfast & Labyrinth at First UMC Celebrate World Labyrinth Day with a walk on the labyrinth in Simkins Hall, and stay for a light breakfast in the Fireside Room. First UMC joins in this global annual event for the first time this year, which was designated to bring people from all over the world together in celebration of the labyrinth as a symbol and tool for tolerance, healing and peace. Presented by First UMC’s Labyrinth Hosts & The Labyrinth Society.

Saturday, May 2: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., Simkins Hall in The Shelby Center, Fireside Room

CommunityBook-of-the-Month Study & Potluck

Sabbath as Resistance: Saying No to the Culture of Now By Walter Brueggemann (Available in paperback & Kindle)

Author Walter Brueggemann writes about the importance of Sabbath in our fast-paced society, and how it offers us a chance to focus on what is truly important: God, other people, all life. Brueggemann offers a transformative vision of the wholeness God intends, giving world-weary Christians a glimpse of a more fulfilling and simpler life through Sabbath observance. Rev. Patricia Farris leads the lively discussion. Bring a dish to share.

Sunday, May 24: 11 a.m., in the Fireside Room

Preschool Spring FairCome to the First UMC Preschool Spring Fair for great fun for the whole family! Featuring moon bounces, arts & crafts, pony rides, petting zoo, taco stand, and lots more! Pull out your

aprons, find your favorite pie recipe and get ready to participate in our Spring Fair’s pie tasting contest! Bring a pie (along with a pie spatula) on the day of the event. Proceeds from the Fair go to funding Preschool programs, scholarships and school improvements.

Sunday May 3: 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. in the Courtyard

Children’s After School Theater Come see another exciting performance from C.A.S.T.! The 5th - 12th graders present Fiddler on the Roof, Jr., one of Broadway’s enduring masterpieces. Set in the little village of Anatevka, this epic piece of theater tells the story of Tevye, a poor dairyman, as he tries to instill in his five daughters the traditions of their small, tight-knit Jewish community in the face of changing social mores of Czarist Russia.

Fri May 8: 7 p.m., Sat & Sun, May 9 & 10: 1 p.m. Simkins Hall in The Shelby Center. Buy tickets at the door or online: www.santamonicaumc.org/music-theater/theater-cast

Methodist Foundation ScholarshipsApplications for the annual Methodist Foundation Scholarships are available in the church office, at the Sunday Hospitality Table, and on the website. Scholarship Sunday is June 7.

Deadline for application: Sunday May 17

Choir Recognition SundayMay 17 is First UMC’s annual Choir Recognition Sunday, when all choirs are recognized and featured during the service. Come and show your appreciation for the gorgeous music these groups present during worship services throughout the year.

Sunday May 17, during Worship

ConfirmationSince February 22 the 7th and 8th graders’ Confimation Class have been preparing in a 10-week course with Rev. Robert English called “Credo.” On Sunday May 17, they will confirm their faith in God during worship.

Sunday May 17, during Worship

Calling All GraduatesFirst UMC wants to recognize all its graduates. Let Sarah Rold in the church office: (310-393-8258 x 106 or s.rold@santamonicaumc.org) know where you’re graduating from, your major, and what your future plans are.

Youth Service Project Silent Auction Fundraiser & DinnerThis year’s Youth Service Project team will repair homes for people in need in Lousiana. On Sunday May 31, the team will hold their Silent Auction and Fundraiser in Simkins Hall in The Shelby Center. View and bid on Silent Auction items after worship that day, and then later that evening from 5:30-8:30 p.m. as you enjoy the dinner and show. Donations for the Silent Auction are appreciated. Forms and tickets are available at the Sunday Hospitality Table and also in the church office.

Sunday May 31: Bid on Silent Auction items after worship; 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. Silent Auction Dinner and Show, Simkins Hall

Bryan’s SmileOur own Melanie Gullett has responded to the death of her son, Bryan, and his struggle with drug addition, by creating a programmatic resource for parents and their 10-17 year olds. For more information about their approach and dates of upcoming events, see www.bryanssmile.com or contact Melanie through the church office.

Flower Orders: Available dates at press time: May 10, 17, 24, 31. Please contact the church office to order flowers for one of these dates.

First UMC Photo Directory A new photo directory is in the works! So plan out the family colors or matching sweaters and save the dates! Lifetouch Portraits will be taken August 18 thru 22, and September15 thru 20, at the church. Appointments are required and we will begin scheduling soon. Stay tuned!

The Walker Family, circa the 1976 First UMC Directory

CondolencesWe extend our deepest sympathies to the families and friends of these departed loved ones:

• William Anthony Sheck, Anne Premer’s uncle, who died March 26.• John Vincent Bossi, Berneice Southcott’s brother, who died March 29.• Preschool student Siena Ly, daughter of Hue and Anthony Ly, died April 1.• Janet Guyette’s mother Beatrice A. Musolf, who died March 16 in Chelsea, Michigan.• Former member LeRoy ‘Le’ Hoff, who died on April 7. • Ruth Zimmerman, who died April 16. Ruth was the first Preschool Director here at First UMC.• Michelle “Shelly” McCammon, who died April 17. A service was held April 25 in the Sanctuary.

Births• Bud and Ruthie Smoot welcomed the birth of Bud’s great granddaughter Emily Autumn, born March 26 in London to Amber and David Hawkins.• Henry Donovan Seibold, born April 15 to parents Witney & Angela Seibold, grandparent Luana George, and great-aunt Caprice Walker.

Congratulations• to Jamie Jones and the Santa Monica High School choir for taking first place at the Heritage Music Competition in the San Francisco Bay area March 27. • to Rev. Dr. Se Hee, former Associate Pastor here at First UMC from 1992-1998, for her appointment as the next Superintendent of the Hawaii District of the California-Pacific Conference.

In Gratitude“I am overwhelmed with all the cards, flowers, phone calls and gifts received from my church friends, especially the biggest surprise: a barber-shop quartet serenade from my Music Man friends while I was recovering from my recent illness at my daughter’s house in Fullerton. My heartfelt thanks to all. I love my church, my second family.” - Joy Williams

“Thank you for the prayer quilt. The word cancer is so frightening. Knowing I have the thoughts and prayers of friends is comforting. I have completed four infusion treatments and a decision from the oncology doctor about where we go from there soon. Thank you again.” - Virgie Eskridge

“Thank you for the recent anonymous donation to the prayer quilt ministry. We are grateful for your donation and will put it toward buying more fabric and batting. We are happy to report that our congregation has prayed for recipients of 668 quilts.” - The Prayer Quilt Group

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH of SANTA MONICA

SENT INELvol. cxl, no. 5 May 2015

First United Methodist Church of Santa Monica welcomes you to this community of faith. You’ll find singles, seniors, families with young children, youth, newlyweds, young adults….and a full range of programs and opportunities for worship, study, service and fellowship. ALL ARE WELCOME.

WORSHIPSundays at 10:00 a.m.

Horizons

8:45 a.m. Youth Handbell Choir Rehearsal, Choir Room 9 a.m. Lectionary Scripture Discussion, Fireside Room 9 a.m. Partnership with God Sunday School, Room 101 9:15 a.m. Youth Choir Rehearsal, Room 3009:20 a.m. Children’s Choir Rehearsal, Chapel9:30 a.m. Nursery Care, Room 204 10:00 a.m. Worship, Sanctuary 10:10 a.m. Sunday School, Education Bldg. 11:00 a.m. Fellowship, Simkins Hall in The Shelby Center 6:15 p.m. UMYF, Youth Lounge

Sundays At-A-Glance

On the WebsiteGet the kids signed up now online for Vacation Bible School!:www.santamonicaumc.org/children-youth/vacation-bible-school

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

May 3 - Holy Communion • Baptism Homily by Rev. Patricia Farris

May 10 - 6th Sunday of Easter • Baptism Mother’s Day

Sermon by Rev. Patricia Farris

May 17 - Choir Recognition Sunday • Confirmation Homily by Rev. Patricia Farris

May 24 - PentecostSermon by Rev. Robert English

May 31 - Trinity Sunday • BaptismSermon by Rev. Patricia Farris

Senior Minister

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCHof SANTA MONICA1008 Eleventh Street

Santa Monica, CA 90403www.santamonicaumc.org

310.393.8258email: info@santamonicaumc.org

There’s plenty of data out there to document the decline of the church—decreased membership, lowered frequency of worship attendance, etc., etc. Some days it makes me want to stay in bed and pull the covers over my head. HOWEVER, truth be told—that’s not our experience here at First UMC. True, “regular attendance” now means once or twice a month, families are pulled every which way on weekends, young adults don’t tend to be joiners. But have you also noticed the numbers of babies and children in our midst? Have you talked with folks who are consciously deciding to choose church? How about a conversation with someone truly eager to go deeper in faith?

If you need proof positive, be in worship through the month of May and into June. We’ll be baptizing babies on four of those Sundays. I guarantee you evidence that God is indeed doing a new thing. We just need to open our eyes and hearts to perceive it.

Eastertide blessings,

Spring Concert: ELIJAHThe choirs of First United Methodist Church of Santa Monica and Westwood United Methodist Church will combine to present Mendelssohn’s oratorio, “Elijah,” at the First UMC Sanctuary. The combined choir of 70 voices will be joined by full orchestra and a cast of nine soloists, including baritone Patrick Blackwell singing the role of Elijah. The performance will be sung in English.

Beloved since its first performance in England in 1846, “Elijah” is often mentioned alongside Handel’s “Messiah” and Haydn’s “The Creation.” All three are popular examples of oratorio, a musical form similar to opera. For “Elijah,” Mendelssohn compiled a libretto depicting dramatic events from the life of the prophet as found in the Bible in the books of 1 and 2 Kings.

Patrick Blackwell (Elijah) is a rising star in the world of opera. He made his Los Angeles Opera debut in 2014 as Lieutenant Ratcliffe in Britten’s “Billy Budd,” and returned in this season’s “The Ghost of Versailles.” He has sung with opera companies around the world, including Chicago Lyric Opera and New York City Opera.

Other soloists performing various roles include Stephanie Aston, soprano; Barbara Smith, soprano; Jessica Mirshak, mezzo-soprano; Erin Wood, mezzo-soprano; Kirk Garner, tenor; Matthew Miles, tenor; William Trabold, baritone; and Michael Turnblom, baritone. Sharing the conducting duties are the directors of the two choirs, Dr. James E. Smith (Santa Monica) and Gregory Norton (Westwood).

Sunday May 17, 7:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary. Admission is free. Voluntary offerings will be received.