The Grapevine

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OF NAPA

(707) 253-1411

June 15, 2008

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

Pastor’s Column…

Dear friends,

            About a week ago the “last times” began; the last God’s House Band Sunday, the last time serving communion, the last time with GRAPE Express, and the last youth group.  Now I write my last pastor’s column and anticipate the last sermon and final worship experience with all of you.  It has been an incredible journey.

            The last times always evoke memories of the first times, for me.  It was here at First UMC of Napa that I preached my first sermon, taught my first confirmation class, led my first youth group, and began attending SSP.  It was here that I presided at my first memorial service and officiated at my first wedding.  Together, we have laughed and cried.  We’ve gotten angry with one another and sometimes been disappointed, but there have been moments of amazing grace and love, as well.  I cannot thank you enough for giving me the opportunity to be in ministry with you.

            I will cherish the intimate prayer and sharing of our Companions in Christ classes.  And I will never forget holding your hand and standing by your side, as you grieved the loss of someone you loved.  There is no greater honor in life than to walk with another soul in those moments.  I will probably miss simply worshipping God with you, the most.  As one of your pastors, I’ve always had the best view on Sunday morning!  Witnessing your laughter, your tears, and your engagement as you experience the Living Presence of God is my true delight.

            Of course, I have not dropped off the face of the earth.  We remain connected in the Body of Christ and I am still available in many ways. The Methodist Church asks that I respect the ongoing ministry of Reverend Monroe and the new ministry of Reverend Kimble by refraining from performing pastoral duties for you, but special requests can be made to come and visit!  I am also available for friendly conversation via email, phone and mail.  You can write to me at 10570 Thistle Berry Court, Reno, NV 89521 and I will provide my phone number and email address, as soon as I have them!

            I carry you and all that I have learned here to South Reno United Methodist Church.  God’s love and mission of justice and mercy connects us – no matter where we are.  You are forever in my prayers and in my heart.  Thank you for giving me a glimpse of your lives and letting me walk along beside you for awhile.

 In Christ,  Jennifer

Hi All,

Each one of you bring one or two to the next happening of the "Younger" UMW Circle. Here's the information you need.      

                Katherine Proctor's home

                1875 Fuller Way (near Fuller Park)

                SATURDAY, JUNE 28TH 1-3 P.M.

Please RSVP to the church office 253-1411 or Amy Herzog miabeth@pacbell.net
Child care could be available in the church nursery if needed. Susanna Wesley sisters are ready to enjoy your kids while you meet. Check with Amy.

Joan Feury 

Supporter from Susanna Wesley Circle

First United Methodist Church

625 Randolph St. Napa  94559

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

www.napaumc.org

Pastors: Douglas J. Monroe

and Jennifer Edenborough

Sunday Worship - 9:30 a.m.

Infant Nursery Care is available

Sunday School for All Ages - 10:45 a.m.

Church Office Hours:

Monday—Friday   8:30 am to 4:30 pm

The Grapevine is published bi-monthly.

Editor:  Dianne Mahler

New Baby

Congratulations to Yeun Shin Lee and Walter Hartwig on the birth of their daughter, Audrey, on June 5, 2008 at 1:30am.  She was 8 lbs., 5 oz.  Her big brother is Corbin and her proud grandparents are Kwang Soo and Sook-Ja Won Lee.  What a lucky baby to be born into such a loving family.

Goodbye Gift for Jen and Mike

There is a Memory Book being put together for Jennifer, with photos and mementos reflecting her years with us.  You’re invited to write a note to be put in her book.  Look for a box or basket in the Fellowship Room with note paper and pens, or use your own.  Photos and other items are also welcome – memories of special times and ordinary times with Jennifer Murdock Edenborough.  You may drop them off at the church office or in the memory book collection box in the Fellowship Room.

Sue Laurie, Outreach Coordinator
Reconciling Ministries Network
3801 North Keeler Avenue
Chicago, IL 60641

Dear Sue,

 It’s with a deep and abiding sense of thanksgiving that I tell you that at our Church Council meeting last night we voted, unanimously, to become a Reconciling Congregation.

 You may recall that in the fall of last year you and I had corresponded via email about my questions around our church’s affiliation with The Center for Progressive Christianity and what that might mean in connection with the Reconciling Ministries Network.  Point 4d of the “Eight-Point Welcoming Statement of Progressive Christianity” states that…

 By calling ourselves progressive, we mean that we are Christians who 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) those of all sexual orientations and gender identities.

After pondering and discussing it amongst ourselves over the last six months, last night we simply agreed that the logical next step for us was to declare ourselves to be a Reconciling Congregation.  In keeping with the three steps to affiliate with RMN, our statement of inclusion will become even more public than it’s already been; we will keep the welcome statement in front of everyone, and we will make an annual contribution to RMN in the amount of $250.

You may have some idea just how much joy this gives me – after all these years.

In the cause of shalom…always,
The Reverend Douglas J. Monroe

WANT AD

Wanted:  a person who would be available once a month to create a bulletin board with the monthly theme for GRAPE Express.  Please apply at the church office.

OUR 2008 GRADUATES

DAVID McGRAW - David is graduating from Napa High School as an Honor Student for the past four years.  He is a member of the band and the jazz band.  He will spend the summer working, renovating an old car, enjoying his “new” car and backpacking with his brothers.  He attended SSP for 4 years. David plans to attend Napa Community College next year.  After completing his General Ed he will transfer to a UC or CSU to continue with his studies. 

ALEX HERNANDEZ - Alex is graduating from New Technology High School.  His is the first graduating class that has been at the school for all four years.  He has always loved math and science.  He won the Adriane Insogna Memorial Scholarship from the Napa Engineer’s Society.  Throughout his years at New Tech he has been a volunteer for numerous community service opportunities such as Tech Lends a Hand, a volunteer at a local grammar school, an internship at Surfer Math and this summer he will attend his fifth and final SSP trip.  He said that all his volunteering opportunities have taught him a lot about himself and the help that he can give to people.  This summer he will work and get prepared to attend Napa Community College in order to get his General Ed under his belt.  From there he will transfer to UC Berkeley.

ADAM RUGGIERO - Adam graduates from Napa High School where he was Captain of the MEL winning Cross Country team.  He was also on the track team, played city league basketball and was on our church volleyball team.  He was in the Marching/Performing Band and Jazz Band, playing both alto and tenor sax.  He will attend Cal State Fullerton in the fall and will major in Kinesiology.

MARISA FERNANDES - Marisa grew up in this church.  Her mom is Debbie Stevens and her grandparents are Bud and Kay Stevens.  Marisa has received her Masters Degree from UCSF in Social Work.  Her field of expertise is with the mentally ill.  She will continue to work and live in San Francisco.

MATT O’MALLEY - Matt is graduating from Napa Hi where he participated in track, cross country, wrestling and band.  He won a special award for running in the Napa Valley Marathon.  He is an active member of the SITE Council Board, Cycling Club and is also an Eagle Scout.  This summer will be his 4th SSP trip.  In the fall he will attend UC Irvine, majoring in Chemistry.

MONICA GARCIA - Monica will graduate from Napa HS where she was Captain of the track team and also sang in the award-winning Napa Hi Choir.  She is involved with the Key Club, the Interact Club, CSF and the Leadership Class.   In the fall she will attend a four year state college or UC.  This summer will be her first SSP trip.

Congratulations from your church to all of you for a job well done.
May you feel God’s love shining on you as you pursue your dreams.

UMW

United Methodist Women

In the last issue of the Grapevine Barbara Thompson told us about the historical person that the Susanna Wesley Circle is named after.  Now, Marge Pope tells us about the naming of the Lillian Wallace Circle.

In 1975 when Luella Mock was President of UMW there were 9 circles, recognized only by a number.  In 1980 the circles decided that names were needed and they chose to honor some of our missionaries.

Lillian Wallace’s father was a Methodist Minister in the Fresno area.  Her sister lived in Napa at the time.  Lillian had chosen to become a missionary to India after she finished college. 

Most of her years in India were spent teaching in a school for girls.  She has recently retired from teaching but has remained in India to help at the Clara Swain Hospital which the Methodist Church sponsors.

When she visited her sister here in Napa she also visited our UMW Unit.  It was a pleasure meeting her and spending time with her.

Next of Kin

Your church office would like to have an emergency contact for you.  Please send your information to Dianne and she’ll keep it on file for you.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

Our intergenerational Vacation Bible School is coming!  Join THE ADVENTURE of the TREASURE SEEKERS every Sunday morning for five Sundays, beginning July 13th.  Come to the Kagawa Room right after the church service for an exciting time.  ALL AGES WILL FIND EXCITING ADVENTURES!!!  Sunday, July 13th 20th, 27th, August 3rd and 10th from 10:45am to noon are the dates.  You’ve got to be there to be there when the good things happen!  WE’LL HAVE A NAME TAG FOR YOU as well as many other surprises.  We can’t wait for you to join the adventure!

Special Days in June

On Sunday June 15th, we will say goodbye to our wonderful Jennifer Edenborough and her husband, Mike, as they prepare to leave FUMC Napa for their new assignment at South Reno UMC.  After worship service there will be a special program to honor her ministry here at FUMC Napa, followed by a potluck luncheon.  Please come and celebrate with us.

Saturday, June 21st is  Jennifer’s Ordination Ceremony .  Please call the church office if you’re planning to attend and let us know if you need a ride.   We’d also like to know how many of you will attend so that we might have enough food for everyone.

California Nevada Annual Conference will be held at the Sacramento Convention Center from June 17th through the 21st.

Thank you to John and Fran Young for volunteering to be our new Pew Tender Team.   We appreciate your willingness to help. 

Put your Grapevine article here.  The next deadline is June 19th and will be mailed out on

June 25th

Trustee Work Party

Saturday, Sept. 13th
Clean-out and Cleaning

Saturday, Sept. 20th
Repair and Prepare

Saturday, Sept. 27th
Painting

Saturday, Oct. 4th
Outside projects and Hauling Away of junk and trash

Can we count on you?  Please mark these dates on your calendars and commit to giving at least one of these Saturdays for your church.

Please call the church office to volunteer for one or more of these work days and let us know what you’d like to do.  Thanks!!!

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 -- All Sunday School Classes at 10:45 am

Adult Bible Study:  Parlor

GRAPE Express for ages 3 years thru 5th grade:  Kagawa Room 

Junior High School Group:  Beall Library

High School Youth Group:  Sunday at 4:00pm - Youth Room

June 15 Scripture:  Genesis 18:1-15; Psalm 116:1-19; Romans 5:1-8; Matthew 9:35-10:8-23

   Pastor Jennifer Edenborough                                                                           Cathedral Choir

June 22 Scripture:  Genesis 21:8-21; Psalm 17; Romans 6:1-11; Matthew 10:24-39

   Annual Conference                                                                                                               

June 29 Scripture:  Genesis 22:1-14; Psalm 13; Romans 6:12-23; Matthew 10:40-42

   Pastor Doug Monroe                                                                                          Special Music

July 6 Scripture:  Genesis 24:34-67; Psalm 45:10-17 ; Romans 7:15-25; Matthew 11:16-30

Pastor Roger Kimble, III                                                                                       Special Music

July 13 Scripture:  Genesis 25:19-34; Psalm 119 or 25;  Romans 8:1-11; Matthew 13:1-23

   Pastor Doug Monroe                                                                                          Special Music