Invitation to John - Study Group

Join us at First United Methodist Church of Pasadena on Monday Nights beginning January 28th at 7:00PM.  Led by Kevin Lussier, this study group runs through April.

Each of the four Gospels has its own unique interpretation of the life, ministry and meaning of Jesus, but the Gospel of John truly stands apart. 

The last of the Gospels to be written, John, contains many stories and discourses of Jesus not found in the others.  Indeed, John posits a Christology not found expressly in any of the other Gospels:  Jesus is the enfleshed Word of God that existed before the creation of the world that was sent by God to dwell among man in order to reveal God and the way to eternal life. 

This short-term study is an in-depth examination of the often subtle and always deep meaning in this challenging and rewarding Gospel.  Participants will closely read the Gospel, learn its historical context, compare its viewpoint to that of the other three Gospels, and discuss its meaning to them, the church, and our world. 

Materials approximately $11.

Sign up for these classes after Sunday service or anytime through the Church Office, or drop in at the church on the day of the class.

Adult Ministries invite you to consider the gift of a spiritually-centered study in your life. It is in settings of close connection with others on a faith journey that we deepen our relationship with God and strengthen connections with one another as the church, the body of Christ. We encourage everyone to consider one or more of these short or long-term commitments, whether as a new visitor, or a new or long-time member.

Confidential scholarship assistance is available to assist with study material fees. See Rev. Adiel DePano or your course leader. Childcare is provided on Sunday morning and for weeknight classes when needed. Please indicate when signing up.

Disciple Bible Study 2: Into the Word Into the World

In this 32- week course, we will explore what God is saying to each of us through His word and what that means for the way we live our lives. We will delve deeply into the books of Genesis, Exodus, Luke and Acts. Through daily reading and our weekly group discussion, we’ll see familiar passages in fresh ways, and help each other to hear God’s voice. 

Into the Word into the World is the second study in the Disciple program. Completion of Disciple Bible study ‘one’ is helpful, but not required.

This Bible study group begins Monday, September 17, 2012 and runs weekly though June 3, 2013 from 7 to 9 PM.  In the Church Lounge at First United Methodist Church of Pasadena, 500 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena CA 91101

 Lead by Jane Evans, Rosalie Niemann.

Learn about the Methodist Church

The next New Member Inquirer’s Class at First United Methodist Church of Pasadena is coming Sunday, September 30; from 11:30 am.-2:00 pm.

This class is ideal for those considering membership in the Methodist Church or simply seeking more information about the United Methodist Church.

This session is designed to offer opportunity to connect with the pastors and key persons in the church representing our many ministries and fellowship opportunities.  We will review United Methodist beliefs and organization, and the meaning of membership.  All are invited. 

We will join together, beginning with lunch, in the Church Lounge, downstairs in the Education building off of Green Street. There will be signs to guide you. 

Childcare will be available as needed with your RSVP.  Please email Rev. Debbie Gara at dgara@fumcpasadena.org or call the Church Office at 626.796.0157.

Change the World Pasadena Bible Study

CHANGE THE WORLD:  OUR CALL TO SERVE

featuring

Dr. Marjorie Suchocki & Dr. Helene Slessarev-Jamir,

Leaders in Mission at FUMC & Old-Fashioned Methodist Potluck

Sunday Evenings - October 14 through November 11

Starting at 5:30 in the Church Lounge 

 

SpiritSeekers' fall series of speakers and panels could not be more "Methodist."  Each session will begin with an old fashioned potluck and end with a call to service.  Bring a dish to share (can anyone find that recipe for green jello salad?) and stay for an inspiring celebration of what it means to be a Christian disciple in the 21st Century.  Dr. Suchocki and Dr. Slessarev-Jamir will describe the scriptural, theological, and ethical bases for discipleship.  Members of FUMC and the local community will share details of their work in mission here and now.  

Dr. Marjorie Suchocki kicks off the series on Sunday, October 14, with her talk titled "Discipleship:  Inside/Outside."  Dr. Suchocki's professional career brought her to Claremont School of Theology in 1990, where she served as Professor of Theology, and Vice President of Academic Affairs and Dean.  In 2001, she became a Co-Director of the Center for Process Studies in Claremont, and many of her numerous publications focus on Process Theology.  Dr. Suchocki has also offered her time and talents to the National Council of Churches, Annual Conferences of the United Methodist Church, and as a resource for local churches and pastoral groups throughout the United States.

On Sunday, October 21, your friends will describe how to answer the call to serve at FUMC with Adopt-a-Social Worker, the Prayer Quilt Ministry, Shepherds, Sky Meadows Camp, Social Services, Union Station Sunday Meals,  and  in other capacities, including small group leaders.

The program on Sunday, October 28, shifts the focus to how to serve in the Pasadena community, highlighting ECPAC's Women's Room and Cold Weather Shelter, Habitat for Humanity, Learning Works, the Muir High School Farm, the Prison Ministry, and the newly formed Pasadena Mission Area Project.

The Sunday, November 4, panel focuses on how to serve in this country and in the world.  Panel members will highlight numerous opportunities for mission under Volunteers in Mission (VIM) and United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR), including Project Tariro in Zimbabwe, Burning Churches, and US Disaster Response.  We'll also welcome home FUMC's mission to Haiti.

Dr. Helene Slessarev-Jamir, professor of Ethics, Politics and Society at Claremont School of Theology, will wrap up the series on Sunday, November 11th with her talk "Acting Prophetically at Home and Abroad."  She worked as a union and community organizer in Washington, D.C., and Chicago before starting graduate work.  Dr. Slessarev-Jamir's recent book Prophetic Activism:  Progressive Religious Justice Movements in Contemporary America (NYU Press, 2011), highlights the scriptural roots of congregational community organizing for worker justice, immigrant rights, peacemaking and reconciliation, and global anti-poverty and debt relief.

Childcare is provided as requested, please contact the church office at 626-796-0157 to request.

Save the World - Our Call to Serve

SAVE THE WORLD:  OUR CALL TO SERVE
Sunday Evenings - October 14 through November 11; 5:30 PM in the Church Lounge.
Leaders: Dr. Marjorie Suchocki & Dr. Helene Slessarev-Jamir,
Leaders in Mission at FUMC & Old-fashioned Methodist Potluck.
     What could be more Methodist than service and potlucks? This five-week series sponsored by SpiritSeekers offers both.  Each session will begin with a potluck in the original sense of the term.  Bring a dish to share and stay for an inspiring celebration of what it means to serve.
     Dr. Marjories Suchocki kicks off the series on Sunday, October 14, with reflections on what it means to be a Christian disciple in the 21st Century.   Her professional career brought her to Claremont School of Theology in 1990, where she served as Professor of Theology, and Vice President of Academic Affairs and Dean.  In 2001, Dr. Suchocki became a Co-Director of the Center for Process Studies in Claremont, and many of her numerous publications focus on Process Theology.  Dr. Suchocki has also offered her time and talents to the National Council of Churches, Annual Conferences of the United Methodist Church, and as a resource for local churches and pastoral groups throughout the United States.
     On Sunday, October 21, your friends will describe how to answer the call to serve at FUMC with Adopt-a-Social Worker, the Prayer Quilt Ministry, Shepherds, Sky Meadows Camp, Social Services, Union Station Sunday Meals,  and  in other capacities, including small group leaders.
     The program on Sunday, October 28, shifts the focus to how to serve in the Pasadena community, highlighting ECPAC’s Women’s Room and Cold Weather Shelter, Habitat for Humanity, Learning Works, the Muir High School Farm, the Prison Ministry, and the newly formed Pasadena Mission Area Project.
     The Sunday, November 4, panel focuses on how to serve in this country and in the world.  Panel members will highlight numerous opportunities for mission under Volunteers in Mission (VIM) and United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR), including Project Tariro in Zimbabwe, Burning Churches, and US Disaster Response.  We’ll also welcome home FUMC’s mission to Haiti.
     Dr. Helene Slessarev-Jamir, professor of Ethics, Politics and Society at Claremont School of Theology, will wrap up the series on Sunday, November 11th.   She worked as a union and community organizer in Washington, D.C., and Chicago before starting graduate work.  Dr. Slessarev-Jamir’s recent book “Prophetic Activism:  Progressive Religious Justice Movements in Contemporary America” (NYU Press, 2011), highlights the scriptural roots of congregational community organizing for worker justice, immigrant rights, peacemaking and reconciliation, and global anti-poverty and debt relief.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS NOW
 
Childcare is provided when needed.  Please contact the church office at 626-796-0157 to arrange in advance.

Christian Believer class in Pasadena

The Adult Education ministry is rolling out some great programs for the coming fall/winter season.  This is an excellent opportunity to get involved and explore your faith within a community of like minded people of faith.  We invite you to fellowship in faith with us to be Disciples of Christ together.

Beginning September 13th and running through May of 2013

Christian Believer

Christian Believer is a 30-week class that gathers a group of people together to investigate what lies behind our Christian faith. We may know what we believe - but sometimes we may not be sure why we have those beliefs. Christian Believer focuses on a wide variety of doctrines and subjects, ranging from understanding more about Jesus Christ and to seeing God in a new light. In this course we will also explore why we worship the way we do, why we take our sacraments and what idea of "everlasting life" really means. 

This course will make a real difference in the way you live your life.

Study texts are taken from both the Old and New Testaments, contemporary literature and from the founders of our faith. Each week, participants will read selected readings along with several scripture readings. Consider giving yourself the spiritual gift of this 30 week class which will change your life.

Study materials fee $40; scholarship assistance available.
Thursdays, September 13- May, 2013;
7:00-9:00 PM in the Church Lounge.

FUMC Pasadena Church
500 E. Colorado Blvd.,
Pasadena CA 91101

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.

Bad Girls In The Bible

Hilltoppers, the United Methodist Women of Frist Church, invites all First church women to their monthly meeting on Monday, May 21, at 1:30 PM in the Church Lounge.  

Ellen Peterson will be presenting the program entitled "Bad Girls In The Bible: Some Redeeming Qualities".  Ellen always brings us a very special program, so join us as we hear about those "Bad Girls"!

For more information, contact the Church Office.

Does prayer change us or does God?

Announcing an adult daytime prayer group in Pasadena.

Prayer: Does it make any difference?  Does prayer change us... or God... or both?

Announcing a 6 week daytime Bible study course exploring prayer.

Beginning Thursday, April 26 until May 31, our weekday class starts 10:30 am at FUMC Pasadena Church, 500 E. Colorado Boulevard, Pasadena CA in the upstairs Adult Lounge in the Education Wing.

Lead by John Evans, in this class we will work to answer the whether prayer changed anything.  Together, we explore the best way to pray or whether we should pray at all.  Over the six class meetings, we will discuss several key aspects of prayer - how to pray, what prayers can do and how we can feel better about them.  Additionally,  we will utilize the inspirational photographs of the Rockey Mountains from Philip Yancy to lead us through our prayer meditations.

If you've ever wrestled with the question of prayer this short course could be the answer.

To sign up for this class contact John Evans at (626) 303-4654 or Rev. Debbie Gara (626) 796-0157 or by email at dgara@fumcpasadena.org

Child care can be arranged with prior request.

Youth Winter Retreat 2012

Its that time agian, time to pack your sleeping bags, break out the thermals, and find that wool beanie - Its time for the 2012 Youth Winter Retreat!!!

YOU Have Been Chosen - “For you have not chosen ME, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that you should go and bring forth fruit…” - John 15:16-19

As the First Church YOUth continue to explore their 2011/12 theme of Acceptance, this trip into the wilderness will allow them to search deeper into their own acceptance by God...just like the Little Green Men in Toy Story discovered that they were chosen too!

While away in our winter retreat we play games that connect to our theme, share will share in Bible study, and enjoy our time together.

IMPORTANT NOTE: COME DRESSED AS YOUR FAVORITE TOY STORY
CHARACTER and CHOOSE a small & meaningful gift that you are willing to share with
someone else.

Fun times! And of course, games, hikes, and playtime will commence as always! It might snow, so don’t forget your warm clothes and winter gear!

Get your registration form to the Church Office by January 22, 2012, at the latest along with your camp fee in the amount of $75.

We launch at noon on Saturday, February 18. Youth Winter Retreat 2012
President’s Day Weekend, Saturday, Feb. 18-Monday, Feb. 20, 2012

Come ready to share what’s on your mind...and learn ways that we can live out our call as the Chosen Ones.