The Grapevine
FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OF NAPA
(707) 253-1411
October 1, 2008
Open
Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors:
the People of The United Methodist
Church
…from Doug’s Deck:
If you’re someone who attends our church regularly, and if you’re paying attention, you will see and experience in these next few months just what it means for us that we call ourselves a Progressive Christian Church. So if you haven’t experienced it yet, you soon will!
At the heart of all theologically progressive movements, I believe, is a deep appreciation – even a celebration – of our differences. Being different, like having differences, then, doesn’t mean that we’re flawed; it’s essentially the opposite: the struggles that we have with each other over our differences are part of what make us human. I would even claim that they’re part of a divine plan for creation. In and through our differences you and I – as well as all of us together – are joining in nothing less than the reordering and re-creating of the world. Our voices and actions as people of faith are incredibly important – particularly in this day and age when tribalism and unwarranted privilege dominate so much of culture and society.
For far, far too long, people who were “different” (meaning out-of-step with the mainstream) were either ostracized or killed. It happened to one Jesus of Nazareth. It happened to Mohandas K. Gandhi. It happened to The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. And yet these three individuals alone have reshaped humanity and society in ways that have reflected positively on the entire world. Their difference was their gift – and their ultimate blessing to us all.
“Difference” doesn’t always assume “giftedness,” of course; a sociopath really is flawed. But when difference invites us to view the world in a new way – particularly as it speaks on behalf of repentance, justice, inclusion and healing – then we ought to pay attention.
You may never have struggled with the living hell of addiction and longed for a community that offered a way toward recovery. You may never have struggled with a church that would not honor your doubts and insisted on only one way of understanding the Bible. You may never have known the awful reality of being shunned by family and a community simply because you were a gay or lesbian person. But we are a church that not only welcomes all of these people. We are these people.
If you are among us in these weeks and months ahead – as we “Celebrate the Faith” together – and if you’re paying attention, you will experience just how much “being different” can be a reason for you to celebrate along with all of the rest of us.
Doug
Celebrate the Faith – and GIVE
The theme of our church stewardship emphasis this year is “Celebrate the Faith.” We rejoice in the faith of the many people of the Bible, and our ancestors who founded this church in Napa. We celebrate the faith of our United Methodist Church, which connects us as a local church in faith and ministry around the world. We celebrate the faith that is available to us each day and the faith of saints yet to come!
As you read this Grapevine, notice all the opportunities to participate in mission and ministry right here in Napa! From HIV/AIDS walk, to Faith Partners, to Reconciling Sunday, to GRAPE Express Sunday School, to fellowship groups. We are a church that “walks the talk.” Your giving provides the staffing to coordinate, publicize, and facilitate these mission opportunities. Your giving keeps the roofs repaired, the buildings painted, carpeted, and maintained. Your giving supports the programming areas of this church. Yes, we do have an abundance of volunteers, and I’m one, but our faith needs nurturing. We are spiritually fed in this church and equipped for ministry to others. These worship experiences are made possible through the efforts of our pastors and music staff.
Your giving supports all that we now do and all that we could do! I hope that you will prayerfully consider what you can give to underwrite the mission and ministries of this church. October 19 is “Celebrate the Faith Sunday” when we will make our financial commitments for the coming year. Just think of the possibilities for a bright future for our church as we work together to strengthen our faith!
Seed 5: Practice Acts of Hospitality
“Share with God’s people who are in need.
Practice hospitality.”
Romans 12:13 NIV
“Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it.”
Hebrews 13:2
“Be hospitable to one another without complaining. Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received.”
1 Peter 4:9,10
Hospitality is about kindness. How do you practice hospitality?
Annual Celebration CA/NV Conference UMW to be held at
Napa First United Methodist Church
So! How Are the Children
Saturday, October 25, 2008
9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Registration begins at 8 a.m.
We are fortunate to have the UMW Annual Conference Celebration in Napa this year and fortunate to be able to feature speakers from several local children’s organizations that we help support. The Celebration will feature a panel of young adults who saw a need and took action to become contributing member of their community. We will also hear and see the stories of children at the Schurz School – realizing hopes and dreams. Always with anticipation and joy, we will welcome Gloria Tan, Director of Gum Moon (Asian Resource Center), and children who will become our teachers for the day – as Christ said, “…become as little children.”
Our Keynote Speaker Ted Lempert is the President of Children Now, a national research and advocacy organization based in Oakland. During his eight years in the CA State Assembly, he authored landmark legislation in the areas of education, healthcare, children and families, tax policy and the environment. He is the founder of the San Mateo County Task Force on Violence Against Women.
Voice Our Independent Choices for Emancipation Support (V.O.I.C.E.S) will be represented by several young adults who will tell about the need they saw and the action they took. The Mission of V.O.I.C.E.S. is to create comprehensive services and resources to support the successful transition of foster youth in Napa County to healthy, safe and productive, independent adulthood.
We have the great honor of welcoming Bishop Warner Brown who will be the Celebrant at the Lord’s Table. Mark your calendars for October 25th and pick up a flyer in the church office or print one from the church website at: http://www.napaumc.org/women.shtml . Registration is due by October 18, 2008 and includes lunch. Registration cost is free to those 39 years and under ($14 for the rest of us). Child Care will be provided for Preschoolers (Bring a Sack lunch for each child with the child’s name and age). Call the church office for more information.
Seed 6: Simplify one’s lifestyle
“Keep your lives free from the love of money, and be
content with what you have.”
Hebrews 13:5
What is necessary for you to live a healthy,
happy life?
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. We’ve accomplished a lot but have much more to do. 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. 27th Painting (Paint clothes, brushes)
Sat. Oct. 4th Outside - Hauling Away Trash (old clothes/gloves)
Calling all Lay Speakers and those who’d like to become one…
2008 Annual Gathering (RALLY) October 11th
This will be a time to reunite, fellowship and worship together.
District Superintendent, Renee Extrum-Fernandez, will propose a new ministry of communication for Lay Speakers.
Come hear the plans for Lay Speaking classes for next year and get the changes from the Discipline of this year.
Email your registration to bayviewdistrict@sbcglobal.net
Seed 7: Read the Bible Daily
“All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that everyone who belongs to God may be proficient, equipped for every good work.”
2 Timothy 3:16-17
What rich stories about your life do you recall?
Seed 8: Practice Generous Living
“...the one who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each of you should give as they have made up their mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to provide you with every blessing, so that by always having enough of everything, you may share abundantly in every good work.”
2 Corinthians 9:6-8 NIV
God loves a cheerful giver.
In what way are or will you be a cheerful giver?
What are you doing for your spiritual growth?
“Get High on Hope”
Please remember to come to our 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.
REMINDER: Announcements start at 9:25am before worship on Sunday mornings.
FRIDAY NITE BOOK CLUB
During the month of September we're reading Water for Elephants by Sarah Gruen. On the first Friday of October (10/3) come to the FUMC Library to share your thoughts about the book. Questions? Call Jan Geren who will "host" the discussion (and bring cookies). Come join!
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.
Put your Grapevine article here. The next deadline is Oct. 2 and will be mailed out on Oct. 8th
The Napa Valley Food Bank Needs Your Help!
For the first time in nine years the Napa Food Bank is out of food! This is a critical time for the vulnerable folks of our community and we need to act! FUMC will have a collection barrel in our Fellowship Hall for donations of non-perishable food items. Please be generous in meeting the needs of our community. If you would rather make a cash donation please either make it out to FUMC with Food Bank in the memo line or you may send your donation directly to:
Napa Food Bank
1755 Industrial Way, #1
Napa , CA 94558
WANTED !!! HELPERS AT THE MINI THRIFT SHOP ON TUESDAYS
Come help our dedicated Mini Thrift Shop Workers. There's always plenty of work to do and the help is always needed.
Contact Martine Patrick.
Come Join a Circle!!
An invitation to all women:
Come and join UMW ‘United Methodist Women’! We are a community of women whose purpose is to know God and to experience freedom 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.
At Napa FUMC, we have unit meetings bimonthly at the church and also meet in small groups called Circles, usually in homes of Circle members. Our Circles are named after missionaries and one after Susanna Wesley, mother of John Wesley. Please call the church office for more information.
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: 10:45 am Parlor
Sunday School for All Ages begins at 10:45 am
Watch for news about the High School Youth Group
Oct. 5 Scripture: Exodus 20:1-20; Psalm 19; Philippians 3:4-14; Matthew 21:33-46
Guest Preacher, Jim Adams “World Communion Sunday” Cathedral Choir
Oct. 12 Scripture: Exodus 32:1-14; Psalm 106; Philippians 4:1-9; Matthew 22:1-14
Worship Committee will present “Reconciling Sunday Drama” with Holly Zaccone directing
Oct. 19 Scripture: Exodus 33:12-23; Psalm 99; 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10; Matthew 22:15-22
Roger Kimble, III “Celebrate the Faith Sunday” God’s House Band with Taiko Drummers
Oct. 26 Scripture: Deuteronomy 34:1-12; Psalm 90; 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8; Matthew 22:34-46
Lay Speaker Michael Herzog Bonner Bells