The Grapevine

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OF NAPA

(707) 253-1411

March 1, 2008


By calling ourselves progressive, we mean that we are Christians who…
1. …have found an approach to God through the life and teachings of Jesus.


…from Doug’s Deck:

Scattered throughout this issue of the Grapevine are reminders of our claim to be a Progressive Christian church – the so-called “Eight Points” of welcome that we hope define, further, what it means to be a part of our community called the 1st United Methodist Church of Napa. I will be encouraging prospective members to join us in the ongoing dialogue over these points as we offer another “Discovery Class” beginning Sunday, March 30th.

Reconvening sometime in May of this year, I plan to bring back the video-led “Living the Questions” series – we’d discussed the first seven chapters just before Christmas. Under the intriguing title of “Reclaiming the World,” our next eight sessions will address:

Does any of this sound intriguing to you?

Last year someone asked me, “How will our church change, now that we’ve declared ourselves to be a Progressive Christian church?” My only answer at that time was to say, “You might find yourself seated next to a person who’s very different from you.” That’s part of our challenge as a church intentionally embracing diversity: being respectful of, even wanting to engage in dialogue with, persons with a different point of view.

We’ve embarked upon a wonderful journey, led by the power of the Holy Spirit, and as we each seek and claim our own experiences of the Sacred, I trust that our ongoing dialogue with one another will enrich those experiences. I truly believe that what will bring renewal to our congregation will be these lived experiences of the Holy in our lives – personally and as a gathered community of faith.

As “The Journey Continues,” I do look forward to celebrating with you all what it means to be the “body of Christ” – the 1st United Methodist Church – here in the beautiful valley of Napa!

Shalom.

Doug



SAVE THE DATE

Jennifer Edenborough’s Ordination
will take place at our Annual Conference
in Sacramento on June 21, 2008.
All her church family is invited.
Details will follow in subsequent mailings but if you’d like to be there,
please let the church office know.
We will plan carpooling, etc.
Please let us know your needs.

The church received this nice note this week. It’s so great to hear from old friends!!

Hi! I’d like everyone at FUMC to know that I graduated with another Master’s Degree in December 2007. This one is in Elementary Education from The College of Education, where I work at the University of New Mexico. I still love the Southwest!

Leslie Chamberlin

Put your Grapevine article here. The next deadline is March 6th and will be mailed out on March 12th



By calling ourselves progressive, we mean that we are Christians who…
4. …invite all people to participate in our community and worship life without insisting that they become like us in order to be acceptable (including but not limited to):
a. believers and agnostics
b. conventional Christians and questioning skeptics
c. women and men
d. those of all sexual orientations and gender identities
e. those of all races and cultures
f. those of all classes and abilities
g. those who hope for a better world and those who have lost hope

THRIFT SHOP

We are off to a good start this month. We have a good “crew”. Some have been helping for years and would be happy to train new helpers. We enjoy our companionship as we work. “Drop in” on any Tuesday from 9:00am to 2:30pm.



By calling ourselves progressive, we mean that we are Christians who…
2. …recognize the faithfulness of other people who have other names for the way to God’s realm, and acknowledge that their ways are true for them, as our ways are true for us.



From Your Board of Trustees

We welcomed three new Trustees to the Board at our last meeting.  They are Bill Sharp, Katherine Proctor and Jacob Arianson.  They join Charlie Ray, Bruce Lamoreaux, Ward Thompson, Woody Schmutz, Dale Parker, Doug Monroe  and Kathy Martin.  

And this is a busy Board.  We completed the carpet installation which we found "thrilling" and hope you do too.  ("Thrilling" is the name of the color of our new carpet!)  We have purchased mats to go in front of all of the doors and upstairs on the areas that are worn.  Plans are underway to get the cracked front steps repaired and the doors fixed so that they will close easily. And  thanks to the good work of  Michael Edenborough, the Wesley Room dividing wall is about completed!  Those are our cosmetic changes

 Of course, we are also proud of the fact that we have new hearing devices---we purchased four and church members purchased two---which brings the sound in the sanctuary to all who need it.  And Charlie Ray has fixed the speaker in the nursery so that those there can hear what's going on in the sanctuary.  Charlie is also filling a depression in the parking lot to make it safer for walkers. 

And believe me, these are just a few of the projects we have going on right now.  Our church is so unique and so beautiful, we definitely feel the obligation to keep it that way.  

And if you see anything that needs doing, or better yet would like to help with doing something, just call Dianne and she'll get you in touch with the right person.  We are planning an All Church Work Day and Potluck for the spring.  Please think about your special talents and where you may like to offer your services. Watch for the date.  We need you!!

Kathy Martin, Chair



Lent 2008: The Journey Continues
Schedule of Services - First United Methodist Church of Napa

February 6 ~ Ash Wednesday - 7 AM and 7 PM Services

February 10 ~ The Journey Continues: Got Snacks?
9:30 AM – Worship with music from the Bonner Bells

February 17 ~ The Journey Continues: Got GPS?
9:30 AM – Worship with music from the Cathedral Choir

February 24 ~ The Journey Continues: Got Water?
9:30 AM – Worship with music from God’s House Band

March 2 ~ The Journey Continues: Got Glasses?
9:30 AM – Worship with music from the Cathedral Choir

March 9 ~ The Journey Continues: Got Coffee?
9:30 AM – Worship with music from the Bonner Bells and Children’s Choir

HOLY WEEK

March 16 Palm/Passion Sunday ~ Are We There Yet?
9:30 AM – Drama with music from God’s House Band

March 20 Holy Thursday
7:00 PM - Communion Service in the Sanctuary

March 21 Good Friday Public Procession of the Cross
12 Noon –Begins at FUMC and ends with worship in the Sanctuary

March 23 Easter Sunday ~ The Journey Continues!
7:00 AM ~ Sunrise Service at Tulocay Cemetery
9:30 AM ~ Worship with music from the Cathedral Choir



UMW READING PROGRAM

Congratulations to all those who recently received certificates for completing the 2007 UMW Reading Program. The following people were recognized at the recent Bay View District Leadership Celebration and Training get together at FUMC in Vallejo on January 26th:

Plan I - Elsie McPherson, Leona Gravatt, Ruth McIntosh, Ethel Adams and Trudie Atchison

Plan II - Aletha Silcox, Joan Feury, Donna La Point and Sally Hunter

Plan IV - Mary Herzog and Carlena Milligan

Great Job! The 2008 UMW Reading Program is now in progress and there have been 14 new books added to our library with an additional 11 books to be arriving soon. Books in all four categories are included. If you are interested in participating this year, the forms and instructions are on the UMW Reading Program shelves in our church library. Happy reading!



Builders will meet at noon on Sat., March 8th in the Kagawa Room. The program will feature a hula dancer! Please bring your own table service, your appetite and a happy heart.



By calling ourselves progressive, we mean that we are Christians who …
7. ...form ourselves into communities dedicated to equipping one another for the work we feel called to do: striving for peace and justice among all people, protecting and restoring the integrity of all God’s creation and bringing hope to those Jesus called the least of his sisters and brothers.


FINANCIAL REPORTS
There is a three-ring binder in the church library that contains the current and recent past Napa FUMC financial reports.  The most recent report is usually available by the tenth of the month following the close of the period.  The report includes expenses for the month, for the year to date, and the full year budget.
 Michael Herzog
Finance Committee Secretary


UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

UMW CIRCLES

Judith Newton - Thur., Mar. 13 @ 1pm at Marianna Stanley’s

Patricia Riddell - Thur., Mar. 13 @ 10am Kagawa Room

Lillian Wallace - Thur., Mar. 13 @1pm at Twyla Kellerman’s

Susanna Wesley - Tues., Mar. 11 @ 7:30 pm at Aletha Silcox’s home

UNIT MEETING

The next Unit Meeting will be at 10:00 am on March 20th. Can UMW be involved in public education as advocates? Barbara Thompson, fresh from the classroom, will help us understand just what “No Child Left Behind” is doing - or not doing. Visitors are welcome!



Dreamweavers Theater Benefit
for SSP 2008

What: Agnes of God: Play and dessert, wine and coffee reception
When: Thursday, March 13, 2008
Time: Doors open at 7:00 PM, play starts at 8:00 PM
Where: Dreamweavers Theater in the west Imola shopping center
Tickets: $25 available on Sundays in the fellowship room, beginning 2/17 or call the church office at 253-1411
Why: Proceeds support FUMC Youth Group’s trip to Sierra Service Project Summer 2008

Each year our SSP team begins its fundraising efforts with a play at Dreamweavers Theater. This year’s production will be Agnes of God. The content of this play, while thought-provoking and religiously-inspiring, is most appropriate for ages 13 and above. Reverend Pamela Abbey provides the following description:

A young nun, Agnes, is found unconscious in her room at the convent. She’s just given birth to a baby, who has been found dead. The nun remembers neither the birth nor the conception of her child. Did she kill her baby? Or was someone else in the room? And who could the father be?

On one level, Agnes of God is full of suspense, with plot twists in every scene. But on another level, it’s a play about what we choose to believe in, our longing for transcendence, and our desire for miracles, even in a scientific age.

Rev. Pamela Abbey, who presented her dramatic monologue, “Giving with a Flourish” at Napa UMC two years ago, plays Mother Miriam Ruth, who battles with the court appointed psychiatrist for the heart, mind and soul of Agnes.

Pam says, “This is a terrific opportunity for me as an actress. Mother Miriam is a rich and challenging character to tackle. Secondly, it’s great to be in a play that raises so many theological questions in a way that can speak to everyone, whether they consider themselves religious or not. And if you’ll let the preacher in me sneak out for a moment, seeing this play can be a good way to prepare for Holy Week. The title, Agnes of God is a play on words with the Latin “Agnus Dei” – The Lamb of God. It asks us to contemplate how the brokenness, pain and sacrifice of one person, can lead to growth and healing for others.”



By calling ourselves progressive, we mean that we are Christians who…
3. …understand the sharing of bread and wine in Jesus’ name to be a representation of an ancient vision of God’s feast for all people.



Hello Families with Young Children,

  I have found the perfect spot for our camping trip - Kidd Lake.  The lake is at 6,750 feet elevation and is a typical alpine lake (surrounded by pine trees).  Kidd Lake is very private and has three group camp sites that are rented on a first come first served basis.  The lake will provide us with an opportunity for fishing, boating (15 mph max), sailing, and swimming, or just relaxing on the shore.

  The camping trip is scheduled for this summer, the weekend of August 1-3rd.  On March 3rd reservations open for weekend groups like us, so I will need a head count this week in order to reserve the appropriate amount of space.  No later than Sunday, March 2nd,    please let Laura or I know if you will be joining the group.

  The cost for the campsite will be $25 per family for the weekend.  Once we have a head count, we’ll work out the finer details re: food and activities.  If you are not an experienced camper or have limited gear, please do not let that deter you.  We (and I’m sure other families) can help you out.

  Kidd Lake is located off of Hwy 80 at the Soda Springs exit.  It takes just under 3 hours to drive there. 



UMW - What is it?

Long ago, when women had little official say in church affairs, they began forming their own groups to share the love and desire to help others - that they experienced from their faith.

They began raising funds and making their own decisions where to send their missionaries. Schools were established, hospitals were built. They were independent - and still a part of the Methodist Church. Various names were used.

Now - as United Methodist Women - they have become the main support for the Methodist church's outreach and care for women and children, sharing our faith in God’s love. AND - In our church here - we are “a community of women whose purpose is to know God and to experience free- dom as whole persons through Jesus Christ; to develop a creative, supportive fellowship; and to expand concepts of mission through participation in the global ministries of the church”.

That’s UMW!



By calling ourselves progressive, we mean that we are Christians who…
6. …find more grace in the search for understanding than we do in dogmatic certainty – more value in questioning than in absolutes.



G.R.A.P.E. Express News

If you were not able to ride the G.R.A.P.E. Express in February, here is a little peek at what you missed: learning a rap about R.E.S.P.E.C.T., Mexican yarn painting, fortune cookie making, volcanoes erupting, respect Bingo, and balloon stomping. Doing all of these fun things (and more) taught us about the verse “In everything do to others as you would have them do to you”. Matthew 7:12.

Our next travels take us on a Journey to the Cross. Our final stop will be an Easter Egg Hunt on Easter Sunday.

There are two more months (April and May) before we take a summer break to be a part of these wonderful travels with our children. Anyone who is interested in riding (teaching) the G.R.A.P.E Express with us is asked to contact Vicki Poli or Jennifer Edenborough. It only takes the first 3 Sundays of the month, the last Sunday everyone is together as a group. Remember, it takes a whole church to teach the faith.

The God Reaches All People Everywhere Express is leaving the station—did you miss the train?



Behind the Scenes

Have you ever wondered how things get done? We have many volunteers in this church who give their valuable time to make sure things get done. Here are some of the people we owe a debt of gratitude for:
Woody Schmutz made a ramp that we may more easily move the furniture from the chancel to the sacristy
Donna La Point stuffs, stamps and mails our statements and letters
Ward Thompson drove a person home after being injured, sanded the doors that were dragging after the new carpet was installed
Trustees Kathy and Lou Martin and Bruce Lamoreaux moved furniture in and out during the carpet installation
Leona Gravatt prints our Bulletins each week
Jan Geren prints the Grapevine
Julie Jerome performs our yearly audit for us
Charlie Ray fixed a spot in our parking lot and had our Nursery sound system fixed
Stay tuned for more details

By calling ourselves progressive, we mean that we are Christians who…
5. …know that the way we behave toward one another and toward other people is the fullest expression of what we believe.



A Prayer for Children - by Ina J. Hughes - adapted by Marian Wright Edelman

We pray/accept responsibility for children
          who sneak popsicles before supper,
          who erase holes in math workbooks,
          who can never find their shoes.

And we pray/accept responsibility for those
          who stare at photographers from behind barbed wire,
          who can't bound down the street in a new pair of sneakers,
          who never 'counted potatoes,'
          who are born in places we wouldn't be caught dead,
          who never go to the circus,
          who live in an X-rated world.

We pray/accept responsibility for children
          who bring us sticky kisses and fistfuls of dandelions,
          who hug us in a hurry and forget their lunch money.

And we pray/accept responsibility for those
          who never get dessert,
          who have no safe blanket to drag behind them,
          who watch their parents watch them die,
          who can't find any bread to steal,
          who don't have any rooms to clean up,
          whose pictures aren't on anybody's dresser,
          whose monsters are real.

We pray /accept responsibility for children
          who spend all their allowance before Tuesday,
          who throw tantrums in the grocery store and pick at their food,
          who like ghost stories,
          who shove dirty clothes under the bed, and never rinse out the tub,
          who get visits from the tooth fairy,
          who don't like to be kissed in front of the carpool,
          who squirm in church or temple and scream in the phone,
          whose tears we sometimes laugh at and
          whose smiles can make us cry.

And we pray/accept responsibility for those
          whose nightmares come in the daytime,
          who will eat anything,
          who have never seen a dentist,
          who aren't spoiled by anybody,
          who go to bed hungry and cry themselves to sleep,
          who live and move, but have no being.

We pray/accept responsibility for those
            who want to be carried and those who must,
           for those we never give up on and for those
           who don't get a second chance,  
           for those we smother and for those who will grab
          the hand of anybody kind enough to offer it.

By calling ourselves progressive, we mean that we are Christians who…
8. …recognize that being followers of Jesus is costly, and entails selfless love, conscientious resistance to evil, and renunciation of privilege.




March 2 Scripture: 1 Samuel 16:1-13; Psalm 23; Ephesians 5:8-14; John 9:1-41

Pastor Jennifer Edenborough Cathedral Choir

March 9 Scripture: Ezekiel 37:1-14; Psalm 130; Romans 8:6-11; John 11:1-45

Pastor Jennifer Edenborough Bonner Bells

March 16 Scripture: Matthew 21:1-11; Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29; Isaiah 50:4-9; Psalm 31:9-16

Philippians 2:5-11; Matthew 26:14-27 or Matthew 27:11-54

Palm Sunday Drama God’s House Band

March 23 Scripture: Acts 10:34-43; Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24; Colossians 3:1-4; John 20:1-18

Easter Sunday - Pastor Douglas J. Monroe Cathedral Choir




Mission Statement

The First United Methodist Church unconditionally welcomes all people in greater Napa wherever they are on their faith journey. As a congregation rooted in scripture, tradition, experience, and reason, we promise opportunities to grow in the Spirit and to become active followers of Jesus Christ.