The Grapevine

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OF NAPA

(707) 253-1411

April 15, 2009

Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors:
the People of The United Methodist Church

…from Doug’s Deck:

For about seven weeks leading up to Easter, I’ve been privileged to have been part of a group of folks on a spiritual journey.  We’ve followed Joyce Rupp’s book Open the Door: A Journey to the True Self.  It’s led us to reaffirm just what’s most precious about our lives as we’ve seen ourselves in relationship to all that we hold sacred.  As most of you may know about me by now, for me, that means embracing shalom – wholeness, well-being, health, harmony…peace.

Shalom has never meant accepting the way things are, though.  If shalom were to come into being within you and me – and it can and does – then we’ve got to ask the question, “how does my place here in God’s creation diminish or contribute to such healing and hope?”

A few weeks ago, while on one of my many paddling trips across Tomales Bay, I spoke to a loon that was swimming nearby my kayak.  I say “spoke” but I initiated the conversation with a whistle sounding as close as I could approximate what I thought might be the sound of its call.  And he answered me – in full-throated and glorious “loon-speak” – all the while looking me in the eye as if to say, “Do you really know what you’re talking about?”

I was entranced.  Yes, I’ve had such encounters with other wildlife before, but never a conversation.  And if I hadn’t initiated it, I very likely would have missed this delightful interplay.

With Joyce Rupp’s gentle guidance I’ve remembered that the present moment in our journey holds all that you and I need.  We can’t recreate the past.  We can’t predict the future.  Instead, as we wander through and ponder the sacred moments in our lives, we’re invited into some of the tension, and yet immense beauty, of our interplay with each other and with God’s creation that’s all around us – waiting to speak with us.

It’s from just such a place that shalom is given birth.  It’s not a place of shallow sentimentality that’s only self-serving; instead it’s a place of well-being that’s filled with passionate and breathtaking strength, a moment of meeting, and somehow a contribution to healing, hope, and inspiration.

And so I would ask you to consider:

What do you long for?

From what do you turn away?

What shalom is given birth in the world because of your particular and very specific life?

It may be experienced in simple ways …but it may happen in as extraordinary a way as a conversation with a wild loon.

Faith Partners

The Faith Partners Ministry of the First United Methodist Church together with  COPE, The  Wolfe Center and the Alcohol and Drug Division of Napa County are sponsoring two nights of education for parents and anyone who is working with adolescents or young adults. 

The first workshop is on 4/30/09 from 5:30-7:30 pm at the First United Methodist Church (FUMC), 625 Randolph St., Napa.  The name of this workshop is "Raising Healthy Kids - Helping Them Make Wise Choices."  The focus is on helping youth of all ages make wise choices when faced with drugs and alcohol.  Discussion groups will be formed based on children's ages: 0-9 yrs old, 9-14 yrs, and high school age.

The second workshop is on 5/7/09 from 5:30-7:30 pm also at the First United Methodist Church.  On this evening, Pat Wolfe, Ed.D., will present a lecture on "The Effects of Drugs and Alcohol on the Adolescent Brain."  There will be a Q/A session after Dr. Wolfe's lecture.

A light repast will be served on both nights.  Please RSVP to the First United Methodist Church - (707) 253-1411.

First United Methodist Church

625 Randolph St. Napa  94559

Office:  (707) 253-1411      Fax#:  (707) 253-1976

www.napaumc.org

            Pastors:     Douglas J. Monroe

                               Roger Kimble, III

Sunday Worship - 9:30 a.m.

Child and Infant Nursery Care is available

Church Office Hours:

Monday—Friday   8:30 am to 4:30 pm

The Grapevine is published bi-monthly.

Editor:  Dianne Mahler

Friday Nite Fun Book Club

Our next book is The Shack, by Wm. Paul Young.  “The Shack wrestles with the timeless question:  Where is God in a world so filled with unspeakable pain?”  We’ll meet to talk about this book on May 1.  Mark your calendars, start reading, and plan to join us!  Everyone is welcome.

Grapevine

The next deadline is April 23rd and it will be mailed out on April 29th. 

Please email your articles to secretary@napaumc.org

BUILDERS’ LAST ROUNDUP OF THE SEASON

This is in the KAGAWA ROOM at NOON on Saturday, MAY 9. There is a slight change from the usual Potluck, in that the food will feature beef straight from the ranch, courtesy of Bill Bishop. This will result in gourmet meat loaf by Loeta Stocking and staff.  So, what do we still bring?  Just salads and desserts, plus a story to share recalling an experience on a ranch.

Program--Marian Long has entitled the program “As the Spirit Moves Us.”  She will interview the audience with spontaneous responses encouraged.  Come, bring someone new, have fun with good company, and eat well!  

COME PLAY WITH US!  FUMC Play group meets each Thursday from 9:30 to 11:30 am in the church nursery.  Babies, toddlers, pre-schoolers and their caregivers are welcome!

Call Eva at 252-0708 for more information.

FUMC serves THE TABLE on the 4th Tuesday of each month.  Our next day is April 28th.  We can always use extra help so if you’d like to help us, please call Eva to sign up.

Help Wanted:  We need some additional ushers.  If this sounds like something you’d like to do, please call the church office at 253-1411.  

Local Red Cross Chapter Invites Families of Active Military Personnel to Lunch

The Napa Chapter of the American Red Cross has started a Service to Military Families Committee to assist military families.  This gives the families an opportunity to get to know the services the Chapter already offers and an opportunity to network with other families.  Whether a service member is on a mission in training, transferring between bases or on a ship at sea, he or she knows that the Red Cross has always been and will always be there to deliver notification when something important happens at home.  We now want to expand on that service and focus on the families left behind.  Please call 257-2900 to ask when the next luncheon is or to let them know if you have a need that they can help with.  Their address is 1790 Third St., Napa. 

Growth and Outreach is Seeking New Members

The newly re-formed Growth and Outreach committee needs you!  Who are we?  A group of people dedicated to reaching out to our visitors and the community to show them how warm and welcoming we are and what a great church family we have.

We are currently a group of three and need more people to help us achieve our goals.  Are you interested in writing, e-mailing or calling our first time visitors? 

Would you like to help us re-vamp our website to make it more visitor friendly?  Are you willing to be a designated friendly face in Fellowship Hall after worship? 

Can you help us develop ways to engage our visitors and assist them in getting involved in our church family? 

If any or all of these things are of interest to you, please call Elke Wood (255-7854), Doug Monroe or the church office. 

Go where the Spirit leads you! 

Methodist Families Fellowship

The Lewis' have generously offered to once again host our group’s Spring BBQ and potluck.
Bring your own meat, drinks and place settings as well as a dish to share.

Sunday, May 3^rd
2:00 p.m.
Lewis Family Residence 
Potluck BBQ
Laura and Dave
255-5203
brooksandhelms-laura@yahoo.com

The UMW Sarah Crosby Circle Presents
A Mother/Daughter Tea
Saturday May 9th from 2-4 pm
 Fellowship Hall
Donation is $5 per person

Finger foods and dessert provided. Please bring your own tea service.  If you would like to attend please call the church office at 253-1411.

Any donations collected at this event will go to our social action project, Healthy Moms and Babies.  Needs include: Diapers: sizes newborn, 1, and 2; Clothes: 6-9 months and some preemie/newborn; Toys 0-9 months: teething toys, rattles, stroller toys, crib mobiles etc.  Books: board books in English and Spanish, 6-9 months; Equipment: baby gyms, diaper bags/changing mats, carry slings; Umbrella strollers; Breast feeding bra pads, ”modesty” shawls (over the shoulder for breastfeeding) They accept new items only.

Endowment Fund

Thank you Don for sharing your faith and estate plans. The Endowment Fund makes it possible to secure the future of our church for generations to come. We welcome your ideas and suggestions. Do you want more information about our Church’s Endowment Fund?

Committee: Mary Herzog, Annette Perry (Chairperson), Hugh Reat, Hugh Silcox

When You and I Pass On          by Don Fellers, Retired U.M.C. Pastor

            I'm sure that we will each want the bulk of our estate to go to our children and grandchildren. However, there is also another way we can have a part in shaping the future when we are no longer here.

            Polly and I have planned for the First United Methodist Church of Napa  to be included in our will. This is not a specific amount in dollars and cents, but rather it is a percentage of our estate. We have tithed our estate, out of which a major portion will go to the Endowment Fund of the California-Nevada Conference and to the Endowment Fund of the First United Methodist Church of Napa.

            This will hold true whether our assets are very limited or very large, whether there is a physical or financial crises personally or nationally.

            Our Christian faith and life give us the perspective that we are children of God who has guided us to look ahead with faith, hope and love!

The TABLE

The First United Methodist Church serves at The TABLE on the 4th Tuesday of each month.  Though the number of diners usually rises during the winter months, we have fed a record number of people on that 4th Tuesday this year:  195 in January, 177 in February, 181 in March.  Fortunately, no on has gone away hungry.

The increased numbers do mean that it costs more for food.  We spent over $400 during these last tree months.  Donations to the FUMC “Feeding Program” defray these expenses.  In the summertime, fresh produce from the Farmer’s Market and backyard gardens keeps costs down.  Also sometimes a group will have a special event and left-overs are donated to The TABLE.  For instance, what was left from a St. Patrick’s Day dinner in March went into our soup pot a few days later!

If you would like to contribute money during these lean times, please make out your check to FUMC and write “Feeding Program” on the memo line.  All funds are spent right here in Napa.  If you have surplus food to donate, please call Eva Joell at 252-0708.  Working together, we can make a difference.

GRAPE Express News

Our GRAPE Express kids voted to donate their yearly offering to the Heifer Project.
For $520 they will purchase the following:
One flock of chicks
One flock of ducks
A trio of rabbits
Honeybees
One llama
One sheep
One Goat
We are very proud of our kids and their kind and giving hearts!!!

Dear Church Family: 

The Fun and Fellowship Committee would like to thank all who participated in the First Annual Palm Sunday Potluck on Sunday, April 5^th.  We had about 75 total with a wonderful selection of salads, entrees and desserts.  Many people agreed that we needed to do this again.  By setting up in the Fellowship Hall, we were able to get cozy and exchange information about our personal Lenten journeys.  “Scrolls” were used to write about our experiences and displayed in the room.  A special thanks to Trudi Atchison for work above and beyond the call in the kitchen!  Be on the lookout for more Fun and Fellowship  activities! 

Sierra Service Project

April is SSP Sponsorship Month.

The campers will be in the

Fellowship Hall each

Sunday following worship to

answer any questions and to

tell you about their next trip.

You may make a donation to

SSP at this or any time.

VITAL SIGNS

A few months ago we checked our church’s temperature, pulse, and respiration using the Vital Signs surveys. The Church Council reviewed the results and determined that two areas with potential to move us toward being a more vital congregation were (1) providing opportunities for life-long learning and (2) to identify additional areas of ministry in our community. 

On the 7th of June after the worship service there will be an all-church potluck and guided table-talk session to gather ideas.  Begin to think now about learning opportunities and service in mission experiences that you yourself would like to participate in.  

Ours is a healthy church, and with your ideas and involvement we can become even more so.

Michael

UMW News

Recently, UMW had the pleasure to host Judith Newton, retired missionary from Japan.  Our own Judith Newton Circle is named for her.  Ruth McIntosh and the circle have been writing to Judith as a member of that circle for many years during her work.  I was privileged to interview Ruth a few days ago about it.  She tells me that their circle always sent a birthday card and a Christmas card signed by each member with a little note to Judith since 1970.  She wrote back describing her work at the University in Sendai, Japan.  They also began gifting Judith in 1987 with a journal from the Upper Room entitled “Journeying Through the Days” for a Christmas gift.  (It was better to get the journal and then send it overseas than have the company do it.)  The circle learned about Japan and their customs and food during meetings which members researched and shared their knowledge.  The scrapbook of their meetings, Leona Gravatt continues to keep up, show the fun and pride their journey for better understanding of Judith’s work gave them.  Judith wrote, “Being in mission in Japan provides an opportunity to be part of an ecumenical witness.  To share Christ’s amazing love, God’s powerful grace, and the Spirit’s mysterious, comforting presence is at the center of my life.”  Judith Newton continues today to write poetry and music to glorify God.  We all sang several of her songs at the Unit Meeting. Such a wonderful gift she shares with those around her, no matter whether in Japan or the United States.

As we are called to mission in our own community let us not forget those who have been called far away from home.  Our church has been remembering Katherine Parker, missionary in Cambodia and others to aid in their support.  Do you have time in your day to write an encouraging note to a missionary?  Can you read about missions that UMW sponsor in New World Outlook  magazine or participate in the prayer calendar project each circle is doing to write to a missionary who shares your birthday?  Perhaps your life could be enriched, as the Judith Newton Circle has demonstrated, by being a pen pal to a missionary and learning about their mission.

For the extended interview see the UMW News Bulletin Board along with pictures from the Unit Meeting.

Joan Feury, Co-President

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.

Sunday Worship Service: 9:30 am 

Coffee, cookies, lemonade and friendship are served at 10:30 am

Adult Bible Study:  10:45 am Parlor

   Sunday School for All Ages begins at 10:45 am

 High School Youth Group begins at 11:00 am

Apr. 19 Scripture:  Acts 4:32-34; Psalm 133; 1 John 1:1-2:2; John 20:19-31

   Rev. Roger Kimble                                                                                      Cathedral Choir

Apr. 26 Scripture:  Acts 3:12-19; Psalm 4; 1 John 3:1-7; Luke 24:36b-48

   Rev. Douglas J. Monroe– Native American Sunday                                    Cathedral Choir

May 3 Scripture:  Acts 4:5-12; Psalm 23; 1 John 3:16-24; John 10:11-18

   Rev. Roger Kimble, III—Communion Sunday                                        God’s House Band

May 10 Scripture:  Acts 8:26-40; Psalm 22:25-31; 1 John 4:7-21; John 15:1-8

   Rev. Douglas J. Monroe—Mother’s Day                                                     Cathedral Choir