Welcome to our new Pastor

FUMC Pasadena is excited to announce that our new pastor, Rev. N. Adiel (/ae-dee-el/) A. DePano, will begin his appointment with us on Sunday, July 1, 2012, when he will preach his first sermon.

Rev. DePano was born in Manila, Philippines in 1960.  He is the fourth child of nine born to Nathanael, a lawyer and former Presiding Justice of the Philippines Court of Appeals, and Aurora, a school teacher and former head of a home economics department.  He is a fourth-generation United Methodist minister.

After receiving his Master of Divinity from Claremont School of Theology, Rev. DePano served his internship at Rosewood UMC in Los Angeles.  

Rev. DePano has served as the senior pastor at three church appointments, each lasting seven years.  His appointments included First Filipino-American UMC in Hacienda Heights, First United Methodist Church in National City near San Diego, and St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Oxnard.  He is currently serving as Superintendent of the Pasadena District, California-Pacific Conference of The United Methodist Church.

During his career, he has successfully implemented capital campaigns to renovate and refurbish sanctuaries and education wings, introduced exciting group study programs, merged congregations, integrated ethic groups, and developed lay leadership.

Rev. Adiel has been married to Brenda, who has her master’s degree in Christian Education, for 23 years.  They have three children, Katerina (22), Julian (18), and Pauline (16).  Spending time with his family is relaxing for Rev. Adiel, and his hobbies include air/aviation and reading.  He and Brenda enjoy traveling throughout the United States, Canada, Central America and Asia.  

Pasadena Vacation Bible School - signups still available!

FUMC Pasadena is set to host an exciting Vacation Bible School beginning July 9th through 13th, 2012. 

This year’s program is in partnership with the San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity with a focus on getting Pasadena’s young people excited about serving and volunteering within their local community.

Sign-ups are still available through the church office, and confidential scholarship assistance is available. Contact dgara@fumcpasadena.org for more information.

The VBS program will take place at FUMC Pasadena, 500 E. Colorado Blvd. Pasadena, CA. 

You can find more info, a program brochure, and registration card on the FUMC website.

Goodbye dear members and friends of FUMC

As you can well imagine we, as your interim ministers for the past 8 months, write this letter with a wide range of feelings.  Looking back to October 15th of last year we could not have imagined the journey we have traveled together and the memories made that will stay with us for many years to come.  It would be impossible for us to share how much you have meant to us in a short article, but here’s a try.  

Even as leadership changes - the mission of FUMC will be connecting people to Jesus Christ.  It is especially hard to think of saying goodbye to many dear friends we have come to love and appreciate at this church.  We are excited about what God has in store for you in the coming months and in this new season of your lives. 

Please join us in praying for FUMC during this crucial time and great opportunity in the life of this church.  We would ask also that you pray for the new pastor and his family as you prepare for a change that often feels overwhelming.  In times like these, how good it is to have confidence in God’s grace, wisdom, and daily care.  Moreover, it helps to remember that we live, not for ourselves, but for Christ and the praise of His glory.

Bishop Beverly Shamana

Rev. Ken McMillan

Open Door Sunday - July 15

Open Door Sunday is coming July 15th at FUMC Pasadena 

The FUMC Pasadena Arts Committee invites you to Open Door Sunday - a mid day event featuring food, music and art in the Colorado Blvd., patio following worship on July 15 from 11 to 12:30pm. 

Our goal is to meet and get to know our neighbors and live our creed of "open heart, open mind, open door!"  We encourage everyone to bring family and friends to help us welcome the community and introduce them to our inviting church.

Artwork displayed will come from our members and from class given by our very own congregation.

Music by the Jazz Afro beat ensemble Earthcake will on hand as will a number of children's activities such as face painting and a sanctuary scavenger hunt for families.  Docent tours of the nearly 100 year old historic church will also be made available.

Following the Open Door celebration, be sure to stay for the Arnel DePano performance at 1pm.

22AJTDAYYZMM

Incompatible with Christian Teaching

Incompatible with Christian Teaching - FUMC Monday Night Movies

FUMC Movie Night returns Monday, July 30, featuring the film Incompatible with Christian Teaching, Sponsored by First Church Adult Ministries.

Join us for an evening of film, food, discussion, and compassion.  

Incompatible with Christian Teaching is a documentary film In 1972, the United Methodist Church added language to the Discipline stating that "[t]he practice of homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teaching."  In 1984, the UMC added that no "self-avowed practicing homosexual" could be ordained.  In 1996, the UMC adopted into church law the rule that "ceremonies that celebrate homosexual unions shall not be conducted by our ministers and shall not be conducted in our churches."

With the 2008 General Conference as its background, this feature-length documentary by AnneP. Brown details the stories of clergy and laity, LGBT persons and straight allies, after delegates failed to strike this language from the Discipline.

Although Pasadena FUMC has voted to join the movement opposing UMC policy as a Reconciling Congregation, the vote rejecting changes in the language of the Discipline at the 2012 General Conference this April renews the pain shared by many LGBT and straight persons in our congregation.  Thus Incompatible with Christian Teaching is a timely reminder of our congregation's call to share God's all-encompassing love.  

Don't miss this wonderful film.

Pizza at 6:00 p.m. in the Lounge; Movie at 6:45 p.m.

Sign-ups at fellowship time beginning July 15.

Donations as you are able to cover food coasts.  Child care available on request.

Discussion will follow the film.

VBS gets set to begin

Pasadena, CA - This year, the pastors and clergy will present an exciting Vacation Bible School at First United Methodist Church is just about to begin, running from July 9 to 13, 2012.  

Partnering with the San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity, this year's program will focus on getting Pasadena's children excited about serving and volunteering in their community.  

Designed by Lauren Klapp, Faith Relations Intern with the SGV Habitat for Humanity, says of the program that "...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!”

 

The program runs July 9-13, 2012 from 9:00 AM till 12 NOON daily, for children age 3 through 6th grade.  Sign-ups are still available through the church office at 500 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena CA, 91101.  For more information, contact the church office by phone at 626-796-0157, or contact Rev. Debbie Gara at dgara@fumcpasadena.org, or Anne Dimmock at thejollypack@gmail.com.

We hope you can join us for a special summer VBS program that shares in the ministry of Habitat for Humanity

SpiritSeekers Seek the Spirit with NOOMA

NOOMA starts on Sunday, June 24th, when First United Methodist Church Adult Education SpiritSeekers, will begin a 12 - week discussion and film series produced by NOOMA featuring Mars Hill Bible Church founder Rob Bell. 

Our first discussion will be centered on the film Dust, which asks the question “Does God believe in us?” 

Join SpiritSeekers at 9:00 AM Sunday mornings in the Church Lounge of First United Methodist Church Pasadena for good coffee and outstanding discussion. 

Rob Bell, founder of the Mars Hill Bible Church in Grandville, Michigan, has gained rock star status, particularly among young Christians.  Last year, Time Magazine listed him among the 100 most influential people in the world.  Although Bell has been labeled “evangelical,” his most recent book Love Wins drew fire from conservative church leaders.  Although Rob Bell’s theology defies easy labels, most agree that he challenges Christians to delve more deeply into their faith.  He asks the questions many of us are afraid to ask and does not offer easy answers.

Bell received his B.A. from Wheaton College in Wheaton, Illinois, and his M.Div. from Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena.  In 2011, he stepped down from the Mars Hill Bible Church to pursue projects that reach a larger audience.  He is reported to be returning to Southern California.

Of Gods and Men - FUMC Monday Night Movies

FUMC Movie Night returns this Monday, June 25, featuring the film Of Gods and Men, Sponsored by First Church Adult Ministries.

Of Gods and Men is a 2010 French drama film directed by Xavier Beauvois and starring Lambert Wilson and Michael Lonsdale. The film centers on the monastery of Tibhirine where nine Trappist monks lived in harmony with the largely Muslim population of Algeria until the break out of the Algerian Civil War.  

Pizza at 6:00 p.m. in the Lounge; Movie at 6:45 p.m.

Sign-ups at fellowship time beginning June 10th.

Donations as you are able to cover food coasts.  Child care available on request.

Discussion will follow the film.

June Messenger is Here!

The June Messenger is here!

You can download a copy from the church website here:

June 6th, 2012: Volume 82: Issue 6

• Dear Members and Friends...
• Welcome to our new Pastor
• Why We Need Church!
• Joyful Arrivals and Fond Farewells
• Social Services is Expanding
• Open Door Sunday
• Welcome New Members
• Library Notes
• Monday Night at the Movies
• SpiritSeekers Seek the Spirit with NOOMA
• Hajime Update
• VBS Labor of Love

Feeding the hungry and poor

As many of you know, I am in Washington D.C. right now at the "Bread for the World Leadership Training," as a Hunger Justice Leader. The purpose of this training is to help our congregations take a public and prophetic stance against ENDING HUNGER and POVERTY, both in the U.S. and in our global world community.

Yesterday, we just lobbied the Office of Public Engagement at the White House and TODAY over 300 of us will be at the Capitol for Lobby Day to ask them to create a circle of protection around funding for programs vital for hungry and poor people in the United States and around the world.

It would be amazing to have a show of solidarity TODAY if you, our members, contact your Congressional leaders and Senators today with the message below.

Help us get this important message out to Congress Today.

Rev. Allison Mark, Associate Pastor 

Dear Friends at FUMC Pasadena,

As a member of the United Methodist Church and a partner with Bread for the World, you were one of 30,000 people who told Congress that feeding hungry and poor people is not the sole responsibility of churches. About 200 Bread for the World members will personally deliver the petitions to Congress TODAY, June 12, during our Lobby Day. It’s not too late to join us!

But if you can’t join us in person, you can still participate in our virtual Lobby Day. Here’s how: Here’s how:

Call Sen. Barbara Boxer and Sen. Dianne Feinstein and Rep. Adam B. Schiff using our special toll-free number: 1-800-826-3688.

Tell them you’re a Bread for the World member.

Ask them to create a circle of protection around funding for programs vital for hungry and poor people in the United States and around the world.

Here’s what else you can say:

• Form a circle of protection around the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly food stamps) as you work on the farm bill. (The Senate will vote on the farm bill this week, and the House will soon follow).
• Protect domestic and international anti-hunger and anti-poverty programs by supporting the Senate’s overall discretionary funding level for fiscal year 2013. Members of Congress agreed to this number last summer, and they must stick to this deal to prevent harmful cuts to these programs.
• Take a comprehensive approach to deficit reduction, including revenues in addition to spending cuts. Without a comprehensive deficit-reduction package that includes revenues, programs for hungry and poor people will face severe cuts.

The timing of your call and our visits to Congress couldn’t be more critical. The budget decisions before Congress this year will severely impact our efforts to end hunger and poverty. Please call Congress today at 1-800-826-3688!

Grace and Peace,

Christine Meléndez Ashley
Policy Analyst, Bread for the World

P. S. Thank you for your ongoing support to end hunger. We hope to see you in person in June 2013 as we celebrate Bread for the World’s 40 years of hard work

NOTE: Bread for the World is a non-partisan movement that believes as Christians, as we are ALL brothers and sisters in Christ, it is our responsibility to help eradicate hunger and poverty. "For unto the least of these..." (Matthew 25:40)

Seek the Spirit with NOOMA this summer

Starting on Sunday, June 24, Spirit Seekers will host a 12-week DVD and discussion series produced by NOOMA and featuring Rob Bell. The first film titled Dust asks the question, "Does God believe in us?" 

Join Spirit Seekers at 9:00 a.m. Sunday mornings in the Church Lounge for good coffee and outstanding discussion.

Rob Bell, founder of the Mars Hill Bible Church in Grandville, Michigan, has gained rock star status, particularly among young Christians. Last year, Time Magazine listed him among the 100 most influential people in the world. Although Bell has been labeled "evangelical," his most recent book Love Wins drew fire from conservative church leaders. Although Rob Bell's theology defies easy labels, most agree that he challenges Christians to delve more deeply into their faith. He asks the questions many of us are afraid to ask and does not offer easy answers.

Bell received his B.A. from Wheaton College in Wheaton, Illinois, and his M.Div. from Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena. In 2011, he stepped down from the Mars Hill Bible Church to pursue projects that reach a larger audience. He is reported to be returning to Southern California.

Here's a peek at the first film Dust.

The Sins of My Youth

Rev. Allison Mark delivers a reflective sermon, The Sins of My Youth, exploring sin and how to overcome it with forgiveness to reconnect with God.

From Sunday, February 26th, 2012.  

So what holds you back from letting go of sin?  

Gospel Composer Singer Arnel DePano to perform

OPEN DOOR’ SUNDAY TO FEATURE PHILIPPINE GOSPEL MUSIC CELEBRITY
ARNEL DePANO

 Philippines Premiere Gospel Composer/Singer Arnel DePano to perform at FUMC Pasadena.

Widely known for his hit composition “Dakilang Katapatan” (Great is God’s Faithfulness), Philippine Gospel singer Arnel DePano, will be making a stop at Pasadena First UMC on Sunday, July 15th, as a part of his “Golden Year” concert tour.   The tour is in celebration of his latest album “FIFTY”.  Other hits include “Lead Me, Lord”, “Itatawid sa Landas” (To Cross the Path), “Lipad ng Pangarap” (Flight of Dreams), and “Bayani” (Hero), which DePano co-wrote with Soc Villanueva, the grand prize winner at the Himig Handog sa Bayaning Pilipino songwriting contest.

The tour will bring DePano, Pastor Adiel DePano’s younger brother, to towns and cities in the Philippines, New Zealand, the United States and Canada, Southeast Asia and the Middle East.

DePano’s concert, part of Pasadena First’s 'Open Door' Sunday activities, is scheduled for 1 PM in the Fellowship Hall and will include praise and worship music, testimonies, a section with Filipino culture color, and DePano’s unique brand of original Pilipino contemporary gospel music. Also joining the ensemble performance will be local Filipino saxophonist Noel Lopez and the hip-hop dance ministry The Message Movement will also be providing supporting acts.

The concert seeks to raise funds for the Wesley Divinity School in the Philippines (a United Methodist seminary), the music ministry of Kamuning First UMC in Metro-Manila where DePano is the director of music, and the Philippine Advocacy Team under the auspices of the Cal-Pac Filipino Caucus that is traveling to Davao City, Philippines, in August on a medical mission. Rev. Allison Mark and members of the Mission, Peace & Justice Committee will be part of the Team.

DePano’s concerts have always revolved around the faithfulness of God in people’s lives.  DePano has said of his performances that “I am not a performer but a music minister.”  His concerts are a means to minister to the uprooted, displaced overseas Filipinos by bringing them a piece of “home” through his music. DePano’s music is best in intimate settings such as the FUMC Pasadena Fellowship hall where he can directly interact with the audience and congregation.

Philippines Gospel Composer/Singer Arnel DePano
July 15th, 2012
at 1 PM
FUMC Pasadena Church
500 E. Colorado Blvd.
Pasadena, Ca 91101

This concert is free and open to the public with your free will offering gratefully accepted.

Angeles Chorale comes to FUMC Pasadena

The Angeles Chorale to Present

“Stories of our Lives”

Saturday, June 9, 2012 at 8:00 pm at

First United Methodist Church of Pasadena

The Angeles Chorale has been presenting concerts at Pasadena FUMC for several years, most recently an evening of gospels and spirituals in March. The Chorale is an accomplished group of 80 voices singing under the baton of Dr. John Sutton. Their concert series this year is entitled “Stories Worth Telling.” The concluding June concert is billed as “Stories of our Lives.”

Life is full of stories – common, shared experiences that tie us together. Beginnings and endings, love and loss, growing up and growing old; connected by common threads, the journey of love is the essence of it all.

The program will include Eric Whitacre’s Five Hebrew Love Songs and the West Coast premiere of Robert Cohen’s Alzheimer’s Stories, a moving and encouraging work in three movements.

Advance ticket purchasers may place a dedication in the concert program in honor or memory of a loved one who has had Alzheimer’s Disease. A simple listing “in honor of” or “in memory of” may be submitted along with your ticket order. If you would like to include a photo and a longer message, 1/8-page dedications are available for $30 or 1/4 page for $50.

Any moneys collected above costs will be donated to a local Alzheimer’s organization. Phone 818-340-5084 for further information about dedications.

General admission tickets $25; students with valid ID $17.

To purchase tickets, visit angeleschorale.org or call 818-591-1735.