Reconciling Committee to hold book signing

The Reconciling Committee and the Library Committee will host a book signing by Dr. Stanley Gordon following the Friends and Family Luncheon on June 3rd. 

Dr. Gordon will read excerpts and discuss his book, My Two Wives and Three Husbands, "a candid love story straddling the gay and straight worlds, told against a background of Broadway and London show-biz."  Reviews of the book have said that it is "humorous and touching, brisk, intelligent, a wonderful read...filled with compassion, laughter and love."

Stanley is married to Joe Henry, a long time member of Pasadena First United Methodist Church. 

Also available will be copies of Coming  Out Together: The Journey of a Gay Minister’s Wife Through Love, Divorce and Remarriage by Martha Edens Clark. 

Ms. Clark was married to Reverend Edens, former Associate Pastor at FUMC and her book will be the subject of a special event on July 22, 2012.

You may purchase copies of both books at the Friends and Family Luncheon, June 3, 2012. Ms. Clark will sign her book during the July 22, Special Event.

Got Church?

Looking for a church to make your spiritual home? 

We are a close community church in the heart of Pasadena.  First United Methodist Church Pasadena is a diverse congregation whose goal is to make disciples for Christ. 

We invite you to come and experience our dynamic worship, inviting community, spiritual discipleship, and witness and Service.

First United Methodist church is located in Down Town Pasadena on the corner of Colorado and Oakland, in the Playhouse District of Pasadena next door to the Le Cordon Bleu culinary college.

Sunday Service begins at 10 AM
with Fellowship Time at 11:30 AM.

You can also find us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/FUMCPasadena

Open Door Sunday is Coming

The Arts Committee, of FUMC Pasadena, is hosting an Open Door Sunday picnic with music and art in the Colorado patio following worship, at 11:30, on July 15th, 2012.

Pamela Marx, the Arts Committee chair who organized this event, said that the goal of Open Doors Sunday is "to show the vibrancy of our church to our neighbors through our creed of 'open heart, open mind, open doors.'  The event invites us to bring friends and welcome the community to an art show around the theme of 'open doors' and 'welcome.'"

We invite all First Church members to bring an artwork for display that morning.  Some of the art we will show comes from the sketch class, led by John Evans, and the Sunday School art classes, led by Lisa and Nicole Saint.

We ask that members bring potluck side dishes like salads and casseroles.  Hot Dogs will be provided. 

We encourage all those in attendance to “picnic” on the patio.  This Sunday coincides with our VBS celebration Sunday and we hope our Vacation Bible School families and newcomers will join in.  Music will be performed by the jazz/Afro-beat ensemble Earthcake, and there will be children’s activities, face painting and a sanctuary scavenger hunt. Docent tours of the church will also be available. 

We hope you can join us for this very special Open Doors picnic!

Mission Team to Haiti update!

Many at First Church have been asking about our Haiti Mission trip.  For those who have been waiting so pariently for more information on the UMVIM Team to Haiti. Join us for our NEXT meeting on 

Wednesday, June 13, 2012, at 7:00 PM, in the Church Lounge of FUMC Pasadena.

During the meeting we will be discussing:

Possible travel dates. We may possibly be sending several small teams, as UMVIM (UM Volunteers in Mission) encourage smaller work teams. We are looking at an OCTOBER 22-30 FUMC Team Trip. (note date change)

Leadership: We still need a TEAM leader. If you are interested in joining another team either this summer or early fall and returning to take the OCTOBER Team that would be most helpful to our team, as UMVIM stipulates that churches may not send teams to Haiti without an experienced member who has BEEN to Haiti prior.

Training: In July, we will have an UMVIM training session for ALL members planning on committing to the team. This meeting will be led by Heather Wilson, our Western Jurisdiction UMVIM Coordinator. The date of the training will be announced at the meeting. We will also be requiring several mandatory meetings to give important needed logistical information and also building team fellowship.

Costs & Fundraising: We know this trip will be costly, as we are also expected to pay for tools and rebuilding costs (which benefits the locals). We will be discussing different fundraising opportunities and finding funding support for individuals and the group.

And any other further questions you need answered!

If you have any further questions or would like to be a Team Leader, please contact Rev. Allison Mark, or Missions, Peace & Justice Chair, Jessica Ardo.

Join us in a Celebration!

The Pasadena District Committee on the Superintendency invites you to
Celebrate the Ministry of Superintendent Adiel DePano and
Administrative Assistant Pam Allen

Sunday, June 3rd at 2 PM
 

at the
Church of the Good Shepherd
400 West Duarte Road, Arcadia

We are grateful for the wonderful service of Adiel and Pam while they he provided support to the
Pasadena District churches, with skill and patience, for the past many years.
 

You are invited to bring a finger-food dish to share.

Mother's Day Service at First Church

Mother's Day, 2012 at First Church

Rev. Ken McMillan gives an inspiring Mother's Day sermon on overcoming pain with love in the festival of the Christian home and family.

Is it possible for the church to acknowledge the loss we experience and then place the pain in the context of care and support?

What's this faith?

Are you ready for the Fall Young Adult Retreat

Young Adult Fall Retreat at Lazy W. Ranch,
is coming October 19th through 21st.

Call, email or visit us on the web.
http://calpacyoungpeople.org/events/fallretreat
949-728-0141
info@laxyWRanch.org

More information soon!

Lazy W Ranch

Helping one meal at a time

Looking for ways to give back to the community?

Join the FUMC Pasadena Missions and Community Outreach: Union Station Dinner Team,  which serves dinners monthly on the 3rd and 4th Sunday.

Missions and Community Outreach at First Church hosts a monthly dinner team to serve food at Union Station, the Pasadena and San Gabriel valley social services agency that assists local homeless men, women and children rebuild their lives and end homelessness.

The Young Adults Dinner Team meets every fourth Sunday to volunteer and serve dinner at Union Station and are looking to grow and do more!

If you are interested in helping out, the Dinner Team would love to have you join them.  

Sign up to serve on a regular basis or be an alternate to back us up if someone can't make it.  Any time you can give would be greatly appreciated!

To sign up, please contact Jennifer Alatorre, the Young Adult Ministry Coordinator, at Jen4re@gmail.com or Rev. Allison Mark for more details.

Pasadena Vacation Bible School joins Habitat for Humanity

FUMC Pasadena joins Habitat for Humanity for 2012 Vacation Bible School

First United Methodist Church Pasadena
Vacation Bible School 2012
“Labor of Love”
 a VBS program sharing in the ministry of Habitat for Humanity

Beginning July 9th through the 13th, 2012
9:00 am to12:00 noon daily
For ages 3 through 6th grade

Registration begins May 20!
 
We have an exciting theme for FUMC 2012 VBS!

San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity has developed a great curriculum for Vacation Bible School that fits with our approach beautifully. With teachers (Engineers) and children (carpenters) and blueprints (Bible stories) and many other fun building expressions woven into the mix.

The key vision of using this program from the Habitat for Humanity is that "children get excited about both Habitat and about serving and volunteering in their community," says Lauren Klapp, Faith Relations Intern, SGV Habitat for Humanity.  "The education about our neighborhood’s poverty as well as what children and  families can do to help is a great lesson in general. And, of course, the metaphor of a 'strong foundation in Christ' demonstrated by home construction is just right for young minds!"

We will have our successful center approach with opening and closing in the chapel. Watch for more details and registration forms soon!

In the meantime, tell your friends to SAVE THE DATE for FUMC VBS 2012! July 9-13

Please contact Rev. Debbie Gara at dgara@fumcpasadena.org
or Anne Dimmock thejollypack@gmail.com


Christian Education for the children of the church is an important part of the FUMC Pasadena program. Biblical teachings combined with hands-on activities invite young people to experience the love of Christ for all people equally, regardless of wealth or status.  

“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat...
I was a stranger and you welcomed me.”
Matthew 25:35  

Interested in helping out? We are seeking teachers and assistants in all areas, youth (7th grade) and adults.  Much time is spent seeking our volunteer staff and we are very grateful when you  let us know that you can be a part of the week! You can indicate your preferred area to work or simply your availability at this point. Our first Staff meeting will be Saturday June 2, 9:00 AM!

FUMC Pasadena is located at 500 E. Colorado Blvd. Pasadena, Ca 91101

www.fumcpasadena.org

UMC Family Night at Dodger Stadium in August

The 30th Annual United Methodist Family Night at Dodger Stadium

Los Angeles Dodgers
vs.
Chicago Cubs!

Friday, August 3, 2012
7:10pm

Discount Ticket Price: $17

 

PLUS - every ticket includes $5 in Dodger Dollars for food and merchandise

PLUS - Every ticket includes $2 to benefit the Cal-Pac Summer Camp Program

PLUS - For United Methodist ticket holders only - receive a FREE LA Dodger blanket

 (One blanket per ticket - only available if picked up at the Conference Center)

PLUS - 4 kids from our group will be eligible to take the field with a Dodger Player!!

PLUS - Free fireworks show after the game!

Contact Rev. Allison Mark for tickets.

How to get to church through the Pasadena Marathon

In case you didn't already know. Pasadena is hosting a marathon this weekend that circles right around First Church and its neighboring communities! 

Click here if you would like to see the original Residential Information Flyer with this map.

The folks at the Pasadena Marathon suggest the following detours to make it into to church on Sunday Morning.  You can find their original directions for FUMC Pasadena here but we've pasted them below.

8:30 am through 1:00 pm – The church parking lot entrance is entered off Los Robles, via Converse Alley, which is mid-block between Colorado & Green.

This church is within the marathon boundaries. The marathon route surrounding this church will be closed starting at 5:00 am, and will reopen incrementally, as shown on the route map, starting at 9:15 am and continuing until the full route is open at 5:00 pm. Local area street parking will be permitted as shown on street signage.

• Church members living west of Wilson, within the marathon boundaries, can travel Walnut east/west, to Los Robles south, to Converse Alley east, and can park in church parking lot and residential area.
• Church members living north of Villa and south of Mountain, within the marathon boundaries,
  can travel Orange Grove west, crossing Wilson, to Los Robles south, to Converse Alley east, and can park in church parking lot and residential area.
• Church members living north of Washington and north of Mountain, can travel to Los Robles
  south, crossing Washington, to Converse Alley east, and can park in church parking lot and residential area.
• Church members living south of the Marathon Route, can travel Fair Oaks north, crossing
  Colorado, to Walnut east, to Los Robles south, to Converse Alley east, and can park in church parking lot and residential area.
• Church members accessing church from 210 Freeway, can exit Fair Oaks south, to Walnut east, to Los Robles south, to Converse Alley east, and can park in church parking lot and residential area.
• Church members may review Marathon Route Map for additional intermittent
  vehicular/pedestrian crossings.
• Church members may review Marathon Route Map for route street closures as listed in the Course

Street Closures on Race Day

Beginning at 5:00 am on race day, Pasadena Police will assume control of the streets with restricted vehicular access only through designated intermittent traffic control points and those streets not affected by the route.  Residents and visitors to the City should be advised to expect delays when traveling within the City.  Streets will re-open according to a 15 minute per mile time clock.  Please reference the attached street closure map to see when streets will re-open in your neighborhood.  The Pasadena Police Department reminds residents to remain patient when driving in the City.  Everyone should drive slowly and with caution.

Freeway Off-ramp Closures

The Seco/Mountain off-ramps on the 210 freeway will be closed from 5:30 am – 11:00 am on Sunday, May 20th.  Additionally, the Orange Grove off-ramp from the 134 fwy (eastbound) will be closed from 5:30 am – 8:30 am on Sunday, May 20th.  All other freeway ramps will remain open.  Please plan your travel accordingly. 

Hopefully this is helpful and will make getting here all the easier.

Pasadena Young Adult Bible Study

Join the Upper Room Young Adult Fellowship on the First and Third Tuesday's of the month, beginning at 7:30pm.  We meet in the Aldersgate Room above the Church Office (Access from parking lot and Colorado courtyard).

Hosted monthly by a different Young Adult, each meeting we learn about spiritual practices, do a bit of Bible Study, and engage in theological debate--all while enjoying the fellowship of others.

We invite you to join us for this time of fellowship!

May Messenger is out

The May Messenger is out... May 15, 2012: Volume 82: Issue 5

• Family Camp - Memorial Day Weekend
• Make Music Pasadena - Coming soon
• Drowsy Chaperone - This Summer
• VBS - Habitat for Humanity
• New Members - Welcome!!!
• Spring Work Camp Follow-up
• Rent - A - Youth
• Beauty for the Soul - Cloister make over
• Angeles Chorale - Stories of Our Lives

Read more online or download a copy of the Messenger
from the FUMC Pasadena website.

Quilt Show coming to First Church June 17th.

On Sunday, June 17th, First Church will hold a special exhibit of our Quilting Ministry work in a special  Quilt Show during the Fellowship Hour following Worship at 11:30 AM..

The Arts Committee in conjunction with the Prayer Quilters would like to invite members of the congregation to bring in their quilts and join the exhibition.

While there will be some newly made quilts on display, we encourage anyone with special heirloom quilts to bring them for display along with their special history or story.

If you would like to participate, please contact Suzi Lohr or Irmgard Frey during Fellowship Hour after worship, or contact the Church Office.

Sunday School Art Class on Open Doors

The Arts Committee of First Church announces a Sunday School Art Class on May 20th, 2012, for grades K-4 at 9 am sharp!

All children in Mr. Eric's class and Grades 2-4 will have a special Sunday School lesson treat on 5/20 as Lisa and Nicole Saint will lead an art class on the "Open Door" theme from 9 AM to 10:50 AM.  

Please arrive on time as late arrivals are not guaranteed a spot and may not be able to participate.

Art work created will be collected and put on exhibition on Sunday, July 15th, during our Open Door Sunday coffee hour when we welcome VBS families.  

All church members are encouraged to contribute Open Door art for thi.  

Grades 5 and 6 will enjoy a Sunday School Art Class on June 3rd so mark your calendars!

More details to come...stay tuned!