Words cannot express how grateful I feel for having had the opportunity to serve as the Student Pastor for Youth and Christian Education at Torrance First UMC.

On April 19, 2008, the Lord introduced an enormous blessing into my life when I first met the youth group and youth leaders at the church on an early Saturday morning to spend several hours serving God’s creation at the Madrona Marsh. I was so nervous to meet the youth and the leaders, but the morning flew by with one new conversation following another, and it culminated in a pizza lunch on the outside table at Costco. I knew then that this season of my life would be a very special gift from God above. And it has been! Every early morning, late night, meal, and travel. Every worship service, Sunday school lesson, youth group meeting, and event. And every conversation, car ride, email, and phone call has served to build relationships that I can’t now imagine living without. I have loved preparing sermons for our congregation and I have LOVED your kids.

With so many appreciations that deserve to be mentioned, I will reserve two for this article. Pastor Bob and the youth leaders have been my unwavering and unfailing support team and friends. I am forever indebted to Pastor Bob’s generous spirit in my supervision, direction, and pastoral discernment process. The youth leaders have set an example of love and dedication to God and His children that I will admire and emulate for the rest of my life in service. In love I must simply and humbly say, thank you.

In January of 2011, I will be starting a position as the Assistant Pastor of San Jose First UMC in San Jose, CA. I will continue my track for ordination as an elder in the UMC. After I am able to be “commissioned” in the ordination process, my title will change from Assistant to Associate, but my function at the church will remain the same.

Praise God from Whom all blessings flow!

—Jonathan Tarman

The Christian Education Ministry Team and the Youth Group of Torrance First UMC want to extend a special invitation to you and your friends and family members. October 31 is a big day at our church and we invite you to share in celebration and worship of God with several opportunities.

Both of the morning worship services, 8:15 and 9:45, will be hosted by the youth of our church. Both services will be held in the sanctuary. The lesson for the week will be on Jesus’ parable of the prodigal son, as told to us in Luke 15:11-16. This lesson aligns with our worship series based on the theme “Discovering Joy through Simplicity and Generosity” that our church is doing this fall as we prepare ourselves as a church family to be in reflection and in prayer for how we can commit ourselves to God’s church for 2011. Please come and hear the message of our loving and welcoming God as told by our very own youth.

Our day of worship and fellowship does not end with the morning services. Please return after lunch for two special events to kick off the fall season with fun at our church.

Our Youth Group will host their annual Fall Festival and Talent Show in the social hall. Everyone is welcome to attend these events.

• 1:30pm—3:00pm: Fall Festival! There will be fun arts and crafts, games and harvest snacks. Bring the kids and plan to attend while wearing your Halloween costumes. Prizes will be given to the most authentically dressed Biblical character from each age group (preschool-K, elementary, middle school, high school, and adult).
• 3:00pm–5:00pm: Talent Show! Following the festival, there will be a talent show. Calling all talent! We are looking for individuals or groups that are interested in performing their talents (serious, funny, ridiculous and otherwise) at the show. Please contact Angelica C. to reserve your space in the show (please contact the church office for the phone number).

We look forward to seeing you!

In His love, Jonathan Tarman, Director of Youth Ministries

September begins a new Sunday school year, and we need to scrub, sweep, scour, and spruce up our Sunday school classrooms!  Schedule Tuesday evening, August 24, from 7pm-9pm, to donate some spectacular serious service for our church.  ALL YOUTH AND ADULTS WELCOME!  Show your support for our sensational Sunday school staff.  Then, see the rooms sparkle and shine!  A sweet salute to our Sunday school teachers!

If you can plan to be a good steward, willing to share these 2 hours to make a lot of people smile, please notify Jonathan Tarman at jonathan@firstumctorrance.org or the church office at info@firstumctorrance.org