Labor of Love was anything but work

How does one summarize a week that felt like a miracle? 

I guess by saying that the FUMC Pasadena “Labor of Love” VBS summer camp this year was a miracle.

Miracles are the things that happen that seem to be acts of God and are “amazing, extraordinary or unexpected.” Yes, that was pretty much what VBS was this year. But, this does not happen without everyone involved having a spirit of full, enthusiastic participation and giving; then it all builds on itself and by the end of the week...you  have a house nearly completed that every child has helped build!

60 children, many from the community and 40+ staff (youth to seniors) came together for our week of joy and constructed a playhouse for Ronald McDonald house in Pasadena, thanks to the incredible design and directing of Karen Hanselman. 

The entire staff was excellent, engaged and enthusiastic.  We sang, prayed, snacked, had recreation and water play, donated offering  money to Habitat and School supplies and backpacks to foster children. Our talented church musicians.  Mark and Holly Goldstein composed songs just for us, and we spent quality conversation time with a family living in a Habitat house. Pasadena Star news came to cover our ‘Construction Zone and put FUMC Pasadena VBS on the front page on Saturday July 14.

This is just a sampling of our incredible week. WE LOVE VBS, and we are so Blessed to share in this Ministry with so many at FUMC Pasadena!

The August Messenger is here!

The NEW August, 2012, Messenger is available for download. 

You can find the August edition of the church Messenger online now here!

In the August Issue:
Rally Day 2012
What if we Rethink Church
Family Camp
Zumbathon
Discovering Joy
VBS Follow-UP
Upcoming Arts Events
And More....

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.

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

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