The Grapevine
FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OF NAPA
(707) 253-1411
September 1, 2008
Open
Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors:
the People of The United Methodist
Church
…from Doug’s Deck:
Well, here we go! It’s September already! I do hope that most of you have had a good summer. It’s true, though, that many in our extended family have struggled with losses and illness lately; with and for them we offer prayers of healing and wholeness – may the days ahead bring new beginnings for us all.
And new beginnings there will be!
After everyone’s back from holiday barbecues and family outings on Labor Day, Saturday morning, September 6th, will be a very important day for us all as we gather in the Kagawa Room for our “Cross-Cultural Communication Workshop” – from 9:30 until half-past noon. With the theme “Loving Our Differences So We Can Live Our Vision” as our guide, we’ll be invited to more deeply engage what’s going on cross-culturally in our congregation. I hope to see you there!
Sunday, September 7th, will be a “Rally Day!” of sorts as we welcome back the choirs, G.R.A.P.E. Express, and many new fall programs for you to see presented in the Fellowship Hall after the worship service. I heard through that “other” grapevine, as well, that there’s going to be a special surprise on that Sunday – you won’t want to miss it!
The Board of Trustees will have its first of four work-mornings here at the church on Saturday, September 13th – that first Saturday will be an overall clean-up and clean-out morning. We need your help for just four hours – from 8:00 A.M. until noon (The other work-mornings are on the 20th, the 27th, and October 4th.). There’s no need to sign-up ahead of time; we’d love to see you!
Surely a highlight of this month will be our celebration of “Recovery Sunday” on September 28th! A dramatic and dynamic program is being planned that Sunday by our newest ministerial group: Faith Partners. With the theme “Get High on Hope!” as our guide, new light and understanding will be presented on the issues of addiction and recovery. I believe that each of us will find that we have been deeply touched by these issues – either personally, with a member of our family, or with a friend. Ultimately, it’s the intention of Faith Partners to provide us with loving support and guidance as we all seek to find answers to the next question, “What can I do?” in the face of such issues. Through it all you will find that at the 1st UMC of Napa hope-filled new beginnings are not only possible, they’re here.
In the cause of shalom…always,
Doug
Note from Mary Brown
Laurel Eichler, daughter of Fran Eichler, a former member of this church and my granddaughter, will be moving back to Springfield, Missouri for awhile to study as an intern in the field of Psychology. She will have her Doctorate Degree with a major in Psychology. Lauren will be in Springfield for a year or more but will eventually return to CA. She will teach other interns while there. Fran will travel with her but will fly back to Napa. I feel nostalgic about this because I grew up there and my mother and I visited members of the family every summer.
The Friday Night Out Movie Group will meet again on September 19th. The movie selection will be "Frankie Starlight", a personal favorite of Bill Sharp's. The movie begins at 6:30 with pie and discussion following. Come and join us!
Remember, that's September 19th , mark your calendars!
Public Service Announcement
We are looking for people who are interested in
helping drive the church van—once a month or less.
Please contact Susan Archer
UMW News
Circle Meetings Thurs., Sept. 11
Patricia Riddell-10am
Judith Newton - 1:00 at Loeta’s
Lillian Wallace - 1:30 at Mary’s
Susanna Wesley - Sept. 9th, 7:30pm at Sally Hunter’s home
The Unit Program will be led by Donna La Point “Where the Money Goes” and Annabelle Mieth will lead us in meditation.
LOST AND FOUND
IF YOU HAVE FORGOTTEN TO PICK UP ANY BOWLS, TRAYS, SERVING DISHES AND ANY OTHER MISC. ITEMS LEFT IN THE FELLOWSHIP KITCHEN PLEASE CHECK ON THESE ITEMS IN THE NEXT TWO WEEKS! THE TRUSTEE'S ARE MAKING A HUGH EFFORT TO DO SOME "SERIOUS " CLEANING OUT OF "STUFF" THAT’S BEEN LEFT FOR YEARS AND HAS GONE UNCLAIMED OR FORGOTTEN. ITEMS NOT CLAIMED IN THE NEXT FEW WEEKS WILL BE DONATED TO THE UMW MINI THRIFT SHOP.
CELEBRATE
THE FAITH
This fall we begin the "Celebrate the Faith" program as the
stewardship emphasis for our church. The theme invites us
to rejoice in our faith - past, present and future. It draws
from Hebrews 11-13 and repeats a familiar litany, "...by
faith Abraham was willing to sacrifice Isaac..., by faith Noah built
an ark..., by faith the walls of Jericho fell...," naming those
who in the past faced each new day with faith to guide them.
Because of our ancestors' faith, we have the faith necessary to
repeat the actions of our biblical and more recent ancestors.
The logo picks up this theme with three people silhouetted,
celebrating the faith of our ancestors, the faith of today's
members, and the faith that is necessary to provide the opportunities
for faith to be passed on to future generations.
In the coming weeks you will be hearing of opportunities to grow
in your personal faith by practicing one or more of the
suggested disciplines: to worship regularly, pray daily, to
meditate, practice daily Bible reading, practice acts of hospitality,
live generously, fast and simplify one's lifestyle. Remember
the patio umbrellas with cards hung from them that were in the
Fellowship Room a few years ago? Well, we'll repeat
that community sharing again this fall with examples of our
faith - past, present and future.
Celebrate the Faith Sunday, October 19, is when we will make our
financial commitments to support the mission and ministry of our
church for the coming year. See you in church.
Barbara
Thompson, Stewardship Chair
My dear Methodist family,
Let
me thank you very sincerely for all of your support and love and
prayers during my recent bout with breast cancer. The
surgery was very successful, and by the time you read this, I
will have finished my six week regime of radiation treatment. Your
calls, cards and very generous offers of help made this burden much
lighter than if I had tried to do it alone. I feel your love
and prayers. I treasure and thank my sister, Jan.
She was always there for me and helped me stay positive. Bless
you.
Gayle Geren
Save the Date! The new UMW "Saturday Circle" will meet again on Saturday, September 13 from 1 PM to 3 PM. This new circle will meet every other month on the second Saturday. If you are interested in learning more about the United Methodist Women, their mission work, and their role in the church, plan on attending the September meeting. Watch the bulletin and the next Grapevine for more details. If you have any questions, or would like to RSVP, please contact Amy Herzog at 251-8768 or miabeth@pacbell.net. Child care is available. Talk to Amy for more information.
What
is PSPRC?
PSPRC
stands for Pastor Staff Parish Relations Committee (what a mouthful)
! It's often shortened to just Staff Parish.
Who
are they?
The
committee consists of our pastors, Doug and Roger, one Lay Leader
Barbara Thompson, and 9 members: Bobbi Bird, Susan
Dunnaway-Tusjihara, Gwen Kell, Bonnie Andersen, Jan Geren, Don
Hitchcock, Bob Amoroso, Gary Neal, and Lindsay
Whitmer. Members serve for 3 years in groups (or classes) of
3. Your Committee on Lay Leadership tries to keep a balance of
gender and age so that we represent all aspects of the congregation
(or parish).
and
What do they do?
Our
primary responsibilities are to be liaisons’ to paid staff,
to bring feedback to PSPRC about any problems or concerns from
congregation or staff that needs attention, and to attend our
committee meetings. In the years like this one, when
a new pastor is appointed, our duties expand to include
coordinating farewell and welcoming events. We're your
Human Relations committee.
We also prepare the pastors'
salary packages that must be approved by Church Council and at Annual
Church Conference. Our recommendations for staff
salaries are given to Finance Committee each year as they prepare the
church budget.
A yearly evaluation of the committee's work is
required by the CalNev Conference. What have we done to
further the vision and mission of the church and to support our
pastors? Then we must evaluate the work of our pastors
and recommend that either they return to FUMC or be
re-appointed to another church. As you can see, we
never lack for "business" at our meetings!
If you have
questions, comments, or concerns about what's going on at FUMC,
please call, email, or write to one of us.
Barb Thompson, PSPRC Chair
Fall
Book Study
Beyond Belief
The
Secret Gospel of Thomas
by Elaine
Pagels
Please join us on Sunday evenings at 7:00 PM, starting on September 21st for a discussion of Elaine Pagels book about the Gospel of Thomas and related Gnostic ideas. We will also read concurrently the Gospel of Thomas itself (it's not that long), because while the book title indicates that the book might explain that gospel, the book is really more about Gnosticism in general and partly about contrasts between G. John and G. Thomas. We will meet at the Lutz home at the regular time, Sunday evenings at 7:00PM, and of course there will be cookies. Please contact Peter Lutz at 255-8593 or plutz@sonic.net for more information and to get a book.
Vacation Church School
Wow! What fun we had this year seeking the Treasures of God’s Words! Each week we put on our Indiana Jones’ hats, gathered up our backpacks and went seeking treasures. When we dug for treasures we found hearts (God is Love), magnifying glasses (God Knows You), jewels (God Treasures You), crosses (God Forgives You) and compasses (God Is With You). We ate fruit roll ups with Cheerio hearts, biscuits with hidden treasures, cupcake sheep, trail mix and dirt pudding. There were crafts to make and stories to hear. And, of course, songs to sing—next time we sing “Standing on the Promises” during service, we will be ready! Many thanks to the following people who helped make this year’s VCS a success:
Vicki Poli, Susan Edenbourgh, Ginnie Mosher, Martha Monroe, Page Bales, Dianne Mahler, Jan Geren, Michael Herzog, Heather Banks, Laura Lewis, Mandy LaRue and Barb Thompson.
Yes, there IS room in the Choir Loft for YOU!!!
Cathedral Choir begins rehearsals on Wednesday, September 3, 2008, at 7:30 p.m. in the Choir Room (upstairs in the sanctuary building). Anyone who likes to sing is welcome--no choral experience is necessary!
We have lots of exciting plans for the year in addition to our regular participation in Sunday morning worship. In October we will participate in the Napa Valley Invitational Church Choir Festival to be held at Mont La Salle. In addition to hosts, St. Mary's Episcopal Church in Napa, choirs from First Presbyterian Church in Berkeley, First Congregational Church in Santa Cruz, and Lafayette-Orinda Presbyterian Church will join our choir to sing for each other and in a massed choir conducted by Loren Wiebe, one of the best-known church music specialists in the country. In November many members of the Cathedral Choir will travel to Seattle for the second half of the choir exchange begun last May with Wallingford United Methodist Church. Also in November, we have been asked to sing for the Napa Interfaith Council's Community Thanksgiving Service on the Sunday evening before Thanksgiving. In December we will provide music for the 11:00 p.m. Christmas Eve Service. And that 's just the fall!!!!!
This is an open invitation for those who like to sing and who are middle school age and above to join us! Hoping to see many new choir faces on September 3!
Joy in singing,
Jan Lanterman
Roman Imperial Theology
John Dominic Crossan
Jesus Seminar Fellow
Speaking in Santa Rosa, Friday October 17, 2008
Before Jesus ever existed—and even if Jesus had never existed—these were the titles of Caesar the Augustus: Divine, Son of God, God, God from God, Lord, Redeemer, Liberator, and Savior of the World. When those specific titles were taken from a Roman emperor on the Palatine hill and given to a Jewish peasant on the Nazareth ridge, it was either low lampoon or high treason. Since the Romans were not laughing, their choice was clear. But what exactly—apart from identical terms and titles in confrontation with one another—was the precise content of that Roman imperial theological program incarnate in Caesar, as opposed to the Pauline Christian theological program incarnate in Christ? A group will be going from the church to hear Dom Crossan. To join us, contact Peter Lutz, 255-8593 or plutz@sonic.net
CONGREGATION CROSS-CULTURAL
COMMUNICATION WORKSHOP
Saturday, September 6th from 9:30 am to 2:30 pm
First United Methodist Church of Napa
Presented by Intercultural Leadership Institute
Of the UMC CA-Nevada Annual Conference
GOALS FOR OUR TIME TOGETHER:
* To understand cross-cultural dynamics and their impact on
how we see and do church
* To have more objective ways of describing what is going on
cross-culturally
* To have ways to move through confusion to understanding
* To have your pastor share from his/her cultural background
and call to ministry
* To have the congregation share hopes for how this appointment
can strengthen the life and ministry of the church
HAVE YOU EVER…
* wanted to have an authentic conversation with a person of a
different race or culture and got stuck?
* wanted to have ways of talking about cultural and racial diff-
erence without being misunderstood?
* been anxious about what changes might take place in your
congregation if you have a pastor of a different cultural/
racial identity?
IF SO…
* would you like to learn some communication tools to help
make conversation and understanding easier?
* would you like to experience difference as a way to be in
relationship rather than to be separated?
We ask that you attend - all are welcome - “Let us listen to each other and grow more fully into being the Body of Christ, developing the vision to see God in one another”.
Report from the Board of Trustees
The Trustees have been busy at the church this summer and we hope you have noticed. First of all, a big thank you to Charlie Ray for overseeing the repair and replacement of our old cracked front steps! They are beautiful and make the entrance so much more welcoming! And thanks to Jake Ariansen, we have new signs on our front doors telling which door needs to be shut first so that the doors will lock. And I’m sure you’ve noticed that our outside signs are up to date with Roger’s name added. We also did some work in the Pastor’s office installing a window airconditioner with the help of Dale Parker and Bill Sharp. Woody Schmutz is moving forward on replacing the panel that has been missing in the Kagawa room. And we’re in the process of getting bids to redo the bathroom in the nursery. The carpets in the Fellowship and Kagawa rooms have been cleaned; the parsonage repairs are getting checked off and now we’re gearing up for the all-church Month of Saturdays Work Days! We need you! And we promise good fellowship, good snacks and a good feeling when you leave! We’ll start promptly at 8:00 and be finished by noon.
Please call the church office at 253-1411 and let us know you’ll be here so we can plan job assignments. Right now we have openings on all days!
Sat. Sept. 13th Clean and Clean-Out (Wear old clothes, bring gloves)
Sat. Sept. 20th Repair and Prepare (Work clothes, tool kit, and a smile)
Sat. Sept. 27th Painting (Paint clothes, brushes)
Sat. Oct. 4th Ouside Projects and Hauling Away Trash (old clothes/gloves)
Does anyone want to play Mah Jongg, Western Version?
I would like to be in touch with you. I can teach you how, or we can just play. Give me a call and lets talk. Louise Mehrens; 255-5049
Hello youth and parents.
It is time for the youth
fellowship group to meet and plan for the new year. I need your
presence, ideas and suggestions as parents and youth. Please
come to our meeting on Sunday, September 14th, 2008, 12
noon to 1pm. at the church. All are welcome. Let's find
new ways to fellowship, learn and have fun together. This is
your chance to help come up with some new and exciting things
we can experience together. So mark your calendars and come
prepared to share.
Roger
Welcome Meetings for the Kimbles
Sept. 14th and Sept. 28th are still available to host a “Getting to Know You” party for Roger and Veronica and some of your friends. Please call the church office to reserve your date.
New Book Club Starting!!!!
Want to join a friend's book club, but it's full?
Have you promised yourself to start reading more?
Want something fun to do on Friday night?
If you answered "YES" to any of these questions then plan to join us Sept. 5th, 7:30, at the church for the new Friday Nite Fun Book Club.
Our first meeting will be to get acquainted, decide on what books to read, and other important things like "who will bring the refreshments". We hope you can come join us - Put it on your calendar: 7:30, Friday, September 5, at the church!
This ad is sponsored by your
Fun and Fellowship Group
To All My Friends at United Methodist Church
A pretty lady and her daughter brought me beautiful gladiolas. I really thank you because they gave me quite a lift and they do for others who come to visit me.
Loving Wishes, Betty Hagedorn
“Get High on Hope”
September is National Recovery Month and FUMC Napa is having a Recovery Service during our normal worship time of 9:30 am on Sunday, September 28th. Faith Partners Ministry, along with our very own God’s House Band, will lead worship and provide a glimpse into why there is such a need for healing and reconciliation from the disease of addiction. In addition to worship, there will be a coffee hour panel of experts who can answer questions on addiction, prevention, intervention and treatment. Everyone is WELCOME.
SAVE THE DATE
Our 2008 AIDS Walk will be held on October 11th at the Veteran’s Home.
Call the church office to sign up.
From Our Parish Visitor
I need to share something with my church family...One day this week on my way home I stopped by the Hoffman ranch to see Margaret and John. Sometimes I stop to see them to make myself feel good. Just to sit at their long kitchen table and talk and listen simply fills me when I’m empty! On this day, Margaret called to me through that open window in her kitchen that opens onto their entrance way. After a big hug, I found her standing at her kitchen sink peeling pears in preparation to canning them. Many of you can visualize this because you have been in their kitchen. There were four pint canning jars—four because that’s what her deep canning kettle holds. So, I picked up an extra knife and started peeling pears. We chatted while we peeled and then John came in from outside and decided I should stop and have some of Margaret’s homemade pie. Margaret kept at the pears until all the jars were filled. John and I had pear pie and ice cream as Margaret lowered jars into a kettle with boiling water using a metal gadget to keep from burning her fingers. I left feeling soooo good! I love these two wonderful people! I now have a sack of fresh pears and a full heart!
Put your Grapevine article here. The next deadline is Sept. 4th and will be mailed out on Sept. 10th
The Fun and Fellowship Committee wishes to thank all who not only came but those who helped make our church picnic a great success. The weather was beautiful and the food wonderful. If you were not able to come you missed what we heard was great potato salad made by Kevin Pope, and how about that delicious Apple Cake made by Joanne Biggs-O'Callaghan! We thank Rich and Marsha Niemann for always going the extra mile in making sure all have a great time in the "game" department. To see one of our 90 plus ladies, Loeta Stocking, in the water balloon toss was a joy! Come join us next year and thanks again for making a Church Family activity so much fun!
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
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: Parlor
Sunday School for All Ages begins at 10:45 am
Watch for news about the High School Youth Group
Sept. 7 Scripture: Exodus 12:1-14; Psalm 149 or 148; Romans 13:8-14; Matthew 18:15-20
Pastor Doug Monroe, Rally Sunday Cathedral Choir and Children’s Choir
Sept. 14 Scripture: Exodus 14:19-31; Exodus 15:1-21; Romans 14:1-12; Matthew 8:21-35
Pastor Roger Kimble Cathedral Choir
Sept. 21 Scripture: Exodus 16:2-15; Psalm 105; Philippians 1:21-30; Matthew 20:1-16
Pastor Roger Kimble Bonner Bells
Sept. 28 Scripture: Exodus 17:1-7; Psalm 78; Philippians 2:1-13; Matthew 16:13-20
Faith Partners “Get High On Hope” God’s House Band