Worship-wise: Why Return to Church?

We have been running a series about returning to in-person worship based on two articles in The New York Times, one by Collin Hansen and another by Trish Harrison Warren. Be assured that LM1 will continue to provide in-person AND online worship services on Sunday mornings. We hope these talking points help you to decide where you and your family are most comfortable joining other brothers and sisters in the family of Christ. As a refresher, the first two points were Restoration to Non-Fragmented Society and Reclaiming our Pre-COVID Lives.

 #3 -- Concrete Tangibility

There is nothing like looking into each others eyes, even while masked. What could replace the experience of hearing babies gurgling and children laughing? We thrive on connections like passing the peace person-to-person and sharing moments after service with those we have not seen for too long. We never know when the serendipity of a casual conversation with a friend can make a world of difference to them. Being present with them is sometimes all it takes to assist them with their expressed or hidden struggles. In short, the connection and joy that happens during physical presence can not be overstated. God took on flesh and dwelt among us. We need to rejoice once again in being able to share our spiritual walks with each other, face-to-face on a regular basis!

Understanding a new church can be puzzling! Due to overwhelming response to the last Discover LM1 Class we are offering it again on Sunday, April 3 after worship at 10:45am in the Social Hall. This class is a great way to learn more about Methodism in general and our church in particular. What do we value? How do we respond to global events? How does faith play a role in everyday living? Why choose church membership? These questions and others will be addressed by Pastor Christian during an informal time of getting to know one another.

There is no obligation to join the church by attending the class, however, we are looking forward to a joyous New Member Welcome on Easter morning for all who choose to participate! You may register for the class here.

Attention: several camperships are available for Junior and High School students who are interested in going to Camp Cedar Glen this year. The Junior High camp will be July 3 to 8 and Senior High Camp will be June 26 to July 2. Click here to apply or forward the link to anyone who is interested.  Spencer Topham believed that church camp was a transformative experience that all should have access to -- even if finances were tight. 

Spencer Topham College Scholarships are also still available.  We are very happy to use these funds to support any student who has shown an interest in bettering this world and pledges to continue that focus in their continued education. Click here to apply or forward the link to any graduating senior in your life. We want to celebrate them!

These are difficult times for many people around the world. I hope that we can try and fight that tide through this foundation and any other way we can find.

-Steven Topham, Topham Foundation Founder

It's not too late to take advantage of earlybird summer camp discounts which end April 1. Click here to reserve your camper's place at wonderful Camp Cedar Glen!

Barbara J. Newman knew that not all disabilities were visible, especially when it came to children and adults on the autism spectrum. She spent much of her life helping others to recognize and minister to those often excluded because of the special needs they presented. She authored several books on creating a place of welcome in congregations for people with disabilities, including Accessible Gospel, Inclusive Worship; Helping Kids Include Kids with Disabilities; Autism and Your Church and “Body Building: Devotions to Celebrate Inclusive Community."

One of her colleagues wrote about her, "Barb was endlessly creative in helping those with other abilities to participate in worship.  I remember one presentation in which would don a large apron covered with Velcro.  She would stick various squares to different parts of the apron, each square representing an emotion or a reaction: a happy face square and a scared face square, an enthusiastic square and a question square. Children or adults who had difficulty expressing themselves verbally could respond to Barb and/or to a larger worship service by tearing off the square on the apron that represented what they wanted to communicate." 

For those with difficulty singing in worship, Barbara had colorful streamers on sticks for waving in the air in praise of God.  If, as Isaiah once described, we can imagine the waving of tree branches as the trees of the fields clapping their hands in praise of God, Barb’s streamers waving in the air did the same thing, providing an unspoken but joyful “Hallelujah!” for all to see and join.

Another colleague wrote, "Barb is able to talk about kids with incredibly complex conditions such as autism in such a way that pastors, ministry leaders, fellow educators and Sunday school volunteers are able to grasp the best ways to lend support while communicating the love of Christ."

Barbara died in 2022 and lives on in each life she broadened with her efforts towards inclusion and grace.

In April, the La Mesa City Council will hear a proposal for Firearm Accountability with the intent of regulating the storage of firearms in residences within the City of La Mesa. This is being proposed for the protection and health of the public and to prevent firearm access by users not authorized to own or possess a firearm. Statistics indicate that guns that are not properly secured in homes too often are accessible to children or people who are experiencing mental health issues such as depression and suicidal ideation. Mandatory safe storage laws can lead to a decrease in accidental deaths and suicide.

As United Methodists, we support our denomination's call to "End Gun Violence" as stated in our Book of Resolutions #3428. It states in part that we are called to live into the reality of God’s dream of shalom as described by the prophet Micah, where peace and security are given to all people after the weapons of violence are transformed.  One of the ways to prevent gun violence includes advocacy for "safe and secure gun storage and to teach the importance of practicing gun safety."

The Outreach Committee of LM1 invites you to read the proposal here and encourages your voice in response at the April City Council Meeting. For questions about the proposal or how to share your voice, contact Debbie McDaniel or Lois Knowlton.