Pentecost: "We’ve Only Just Begun"
This Sunday is Pentecost Sunday, coupled this year with Consecration Sunday. This coupling makes sense even though it wasn't by design. Pentecost is the church's birthday celebration, where we recall the story of the Holy Spirit being poured out upon thousands of people and in response all of them committed themselves to Christ, the teaching of the apostles and their life together, becoming the Body of Christ, the church, for the first time. Consecration is the day that the people of today's church make our financial commitment, or pledge, to further the church's ministries; committing ourselves once again to Christ, the apostles teachings and to one another along with the community of which we are a part. It's both a time of being blessed by the Holy Spirit while also being a blessing to the church through our giving.
Pentecost and Consecration Sunday are just a beginning. It's all of us today who continue the celebration by the way we live our lives of faith and how we proclaim God's love through our words and actions. It's truly something to celebrate. And a celebration it will be.
I pray you will come to church this Sunday wearing red, the color of Pentecost, and bringing your pledge to be consecrated, or blessed. Prepare to celebrate in worship with a children's processional, Fiery Spirit Children's Choir singing, a special blessing of our giving, and sharing in Holy Communion followed by a great Destination Celebration in our Fireside Park! You won't want to miss this party, celebrating the beginnings of the church and how we will be the church into the future!
Pastor Christian
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Eyes on the Prize
Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:13-14
This pep talk from Philippians has guided our stewardship focus for the past four weeks. We could summarize Paul's message in modern vernacular as "Keep your eyes on the prize." As disciples of Christ, our gazes are to be on Jesus and his great commandment. By loving God and God's people, we actively participate in growing God's kingdom -- here and now! That is the prize! Your faithful commitments to support this church and its ministries work towards that prize and are cause for joyous celebration.
So, plan to join us after church this Sunday at our Fireside Park as we rejoice over the pledges consecrated at worship and observe Pentecost, the official birth of the church. It's going to be a great afternoon for the whole family!
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United Women in Faith Discuss Women in Mourning
June's UWF meeting will feature Mary Odendahl facilitating a discussion of the book Sister in Mourning which is a compilation of stories by women caring for their mothers at the end of their lives and grieving for them after their deaths.  Seven women from diverse racial, cultural, and religious traditions with differing sexual orientations and life experiences became seven "sisters in mourning." Mary says, "The testimonies of the seven women are full of both grief and joy."
The meeting will be a moving, spiritual experience for all who attend. Please note: The United Women in Faith will meet on June 8th instead of the customary first Wednesday of the month because the social hall being used as a Voting Center. We will meet Wednesday, June 8th, at 1 p.m. in the social hall and on ZOOM.
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Vacation Bible School is Coming
 Don't miss the chance to register your children for VBS the first week of August. Open to all pre-school children 4 years and older from LMUMCC and LM1 and K-5th in the community, the entire week costs only $25; $20 for additional siblings. Click here to help with teaching, crafts, food preparation or supervision. Click here for registration. We can't wait to celebrate God's goodness with the children of La Mesa!
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Shopping for Grads, Dads or Newlyweds?
 June is here and with it, some major milestone celebrations! If you have a graduate in your life and you're unsure what present to give, consider a gift card that lets them make their own choice. Is there a dad or mentor in your circle who deserves a special Father's Day shout-out? We've got great gift card options for meals out, book sellers and more. Finally, if "love is in the air" and you have a wedding to celebrate, we've got gift cards for that too!
Whoever you want to treat with a special gift (even if it's yourself!) we hope you will shop with us so your purchase benefits our church and Children's Center. We carry great gift cards through Raise Right for your regular shopping or gift-giving available through the church office and on the patio, Sundays after worship. You can also email Suanne Dewey-Hoffman to place your order or get the code to sign-up online.
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CREATING HYGIENE KITS @ ANNUAL CONFERENCE
 Members of Annual Conference who attend in person will have the opportunity to participate in one of two hands-on mission projects. One of them will be to put together 2000 hygiene kits for Mercy House that serves across Orange County. A number of these kits will be used by residents at the new Santa Ana UMC Legacy Square Housing project that will open in early 2023.
The South District has been asked to supply 2000 bottles of shampoo (medium to large size are ok) and 2000 lip balms. That means each local church will aim for 30 of each item. Members attending from our congregation will find a way to bring the items to Conference.
If you have these items please bring them to the church. We'll have boxes to place them in as we collect starting this Sunday through June 12th.
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This Week @ La Mesa First UMC
Thursday, June 2
Choir Rehearsal @ 7pm in the sanctuary
(note temporary change of meeting place)
Saturday, June 4
La Mesa Flag Day Parade on La Mesa Blvd. @ 10AM
(cheer on our Children's Center participants)
Sunday, June 5
Pentecost Sunday - Wear red & bring your pledge!
Worship In-Person & Online @ 9:30am (Facebook & YouTube)
NO Sunday Morning Bookclub
Destination Celebration at Fireside Park, 11am-1pm
Tuesday, June 7
Women's Bible Study @ 6:30pm on ZOOM
South District Prayer Meeting @ 7pm on ZOOM
Wednesday, June 8
La Mesa Walks @ 9am; check here for location
United Women in Faith Meeting @ 1pm in the Social Hall and on ZOOM
Thursday, June 9
Choir Rehearsal @ 7pm in the Social Hall
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Thank you for supporting the mission and ministries of
La Mesa First United Methodist Church.
Click here to donate.
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