Physical Wounds: Do We Need To See To Believe?
 As the church's attention turns to the events immediately following Christ's Resurrection a large segment of both sacred and secular communities also turn to this week's celebration of Earth Day. Established 52 years ago, every April 22nd has become a time to intentionally focus on the needs of salvation for all of God's creation and our responsibility to be good stewards. This is as much a faith response as it is a moral or ethical concern for Christians and other religions.
The Gospel reading in our lectionary is a selection from John when Jesus appears before the disciples after the tomb has been found empty. Part of the story is that of Thomas, who feels he needs to see the physical wounds of Jesus to believe Christ has truly been resurrected. Jesus responds, "Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe."
This has always been a challenge of faith, to believe in the resurrection without actually seeing it. It has also been a challenge for some as it relates to climate change and global warming. Many have denied that there is an environmental crisis because they haven't experienced first hand the challenges of drought, increased average temperatures and air pollution, among others. Yet, unfortunately, we are quickly coming to a place where all will be affected by the changes in our environment. We won't need to see in order to believe because we will all be affected.
I think there is something to learn about the crisis we face and the interaction between Thomas and Jesus. I pray we will bring our call to faithfulness and our call to care for the environment together this Sunday as we worship, not only on this Second Sunday of Easter, but this Festival of God's Creation Sunday. God has done a new thing. May we be faithful in God's constant re-creation and our participation in it.
Pastor Christian
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Holy Week at La Mesa First
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Sunday Morning Book Club This Sunday with Special Guest - Author John Fanestil
 After a brief Easter break, the Sunday Morning Book Group is ready to jump in on its new selection, One Life To Give: Martyrdom and the Making of the American Revolution, by John Fanestil. As a special treat, John will join us for the first meeting on April 24 to talk with us about his book. You can purchase a copy at a bookseller of your choice, or direct from the author here.
Until the book group gathers, leader Eric Dewey-Hoffman recommends watching the PBS/Ken Burns two-part documentary about Benjamin Franklin. He suggests you ask yourself, "Was Franklin, as H.W. Brands has said, the First American, or was he America's Affable Uncle? Also, wasn't he (John Adams criticism of his personal life aside) the kind of Quaker we all want to be?"
All are welcome to join the lively discussion on April 24 at 11:10am here.
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Experience Quartz Singing Bowls This Sunday
 So many of us are looking for ways to quiet our minds and spirits these days. One of the tools being used for this is Crystal Quartz Singing Bowls. Utilized in sound healing, yoga, and played at the beginning and end of meditation, experienced practitioners believe that the use of these bowls can reduce anxiety and result in therapeutic health benefits.
This Sunday, we celebrate the Festival of God's Creation, and we will incorporate just one of these Quartz Singing Bowls in our worship as a prelude. You won't want to miss this unique harmonic way to silence the outside world and enter into a time of worship with the Creator.
Later that day at 4pm, Maria Theresa invites all over the age of 15 to attend an hour-long session with herself and her seven Chakra-tuned bowls in our Social Hall. All you need to do is bring mats, pillows or blankets; whatever will help you feel comfortable and an open heart. A free-will offering will be taken.
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Show Teacher Appreciation And Benefit LM1!
 Teacher Appreciation Week is May 2-6 and we've got a great way to show educators and all of LM1 some extra love! When you shop with our gift cards, a percentage of your purchase is donated back to our church and Children's Center.
Teachers work hard. They put in long hours of lesson planning, teaching and grading; making a difference not only in the classroom but also in shaping our children’s futures. Show your appreciation this year with the gift that keeps on giving.
Three Ways to Thank Your Teacher:
- Create a custom gift that is as special as they are. This is a great way to get your children involved and share the creative skills they have learned. Write a heartfelt note or craft a gift your teacher will treasure for years to come.
- Help your teacher relax this summer….Your teacher deserves a break. Make their summer even more enjoyable with gift cards to read a good book, catch a movie, grab coffee with a friend or a basket of scent-filled goodies, like candles and body creams.
- Replenish classroom supplies for next year….Help your teacher get a head start on next year’s classroom needs. A gift card makes it easy for your teacher to pick out exactly what they need, when they need it.
Shop with Us - We carry great gift cards for the teachers in your life in $5 and $10 denominations.
Cards are available through the church office and on Sundays. For more information or to order online, email Suanne Dewey-Hoffman.
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Celebrate Earth Day With La Mesa Clean-Up
You are invited to join the Earth Care Ministry and I Love A Clean San Diego this Saturday as we join forces to beautify our La Mesa Community as part of the 22nd Annual Creek to Bay Clean-up. We will meet at Vista La Mesa Church at 4210 Massachusetts Ave. in La Mesa at 9am.
This will be a guided clean-up with ILACSD and they suggest you bring:
- comfortable clothes
- close-toed shoes
- sun protection (sunscreen or a hat)
- water and snack
- gardening/reusable gloves
- bucket or paper bag
- trash grabber if you have one
Questions, email Diana Larsen here. To register with our group, click here.
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California-Pacific Conference Offers Special Sunday After Easter Service
 Bishop Grant Hagiya, District Superintendent Rev. Sandy Olewine and past District Superintendent Rev. John Farley are just a few of the featured speakers at an online worship service offered by UMC's Cal-Pac Conference to all as an adjunct to our regular worship at LM1 this Sunday. You can view the entire service, Believing is Seeing here.
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Come to the Table - A Conference-Wide Bible Study
 The General and Jurisdictional Delegation of the Cal-Pac Conference have planned a 3-week Bible study, beginning the week of May 8, in which participants will grapple with provocative questions about our hurts and hopes, the nature of our connection and the unity found in common service.
Participants can sign up for a study group on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday evenings, joining the same night each week. Main input sessions will be in English, and small group discussions will be offered in English, Korean, Spanish and Tongan.
Each session will be limited to approximately 40, so you are asked to make a first and second choice. The goal is to have as many participants as possible. Each session is expected to last approximately 1 hour 15 minutes, although actual end times may vary based on the discussion.
Our hope is that in listening to the murmurings of the Spirit through our particular reflections, our Annual Conference body will be strengthened for our journey together as we seek to be disciples who transform the world with Christ’s love and God’s abundant grace.
Click here to watch the preview video. Register for this 3-week bible study here.
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This Week @ La Mesa First UMC
Saturday, April 23
I Love A Clean San Diego/La Mesa Clean-Up @ 9am; Meet at Vista La Mesa Church
Register
Sunday, April 24
Festival of God's Creation Sunday
Worship In-Person & Online @ 9:30am (Facebook & YouTube)
Sunday Morning Bookclub @ 11:10am on ZOOM
Quartz Singing Bowl Contemplation @ 4pm in the SH
Monday, April 25
Days 4 Girls @ 1pm. LL
Children's Center Advisory Board, 5:15pm on ZOOM
Tuesday, April 26
Women's Book Study @ 6:30pm on ZOOM
Wednesday, April 27
La Mesa Walks @ 9am; meet at Aztec Park (7945 Morocco Dr.)
Saturday, May 30
Fresh Start, 9am-11am on Patio
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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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