Posts by firstumc-admin (Page 15)

reflecting

Reflections on the past year

Dear Friends, By the time you receive and read this El Portal article, we will be in between Christmas and New Year. Before celebrating the New Year, let’s reflect on the past year. How would you characterize 2013 for you and your family? Below are some of my thoughts in review. In the latter half of 2013, we experienced change and difficulty. In September, we had a change in the organist position. After a couple of months of substitutes, we…
joy

Decorating

Dear Friends, Last Saturday, several folks came to the church to decorate the sanctuary, social hall, and Friendship Room; and to hang the “joy” sign, and the large wreath on the front of our entrance. For the next three Sundays our church will be adorned in greens, and purple paraments, purple candles, Christmas lights, ornaments, wreaths, and manger scenes. What remains are the radiant red poinsettias, which are due to arrive. How do you decorate your home? In addition to…
https://www.umcor.org

Response to the Crisis in the Philippines

We were pleased to respond to the crisis in the Philippines with a prayer vigil on Thursday, November 14, and a collection drive to pack some “balikbayan boxes” to send. Many thanks to those of you who brought blankets, canned goods, clothing, toiletries, toys, and other supplies.
charge_conf_2013

2013 Charge Conference

Our annual Charge Conference has been scheduled for: Saturday, November 9, at 1:30pm at First United Methodist Church of Wilmington.
rummage sale head

Rummage Sale News

Please plan to support the rummage sale fundraiser, and encourage your family, friends, and neighbors to do so as well.
elementary camp

All Things New — Mountaintop Experience

Dear Friends, The mountaintop experience at Camp Colby, during the recent Elementary Camp, was very enriching and fulfilling. We explored the theme of God making “All Things New.” After being inactive from kids’ camping for 13 years, and being away from Camp Colby for at least 20 years, it was a nostalgic and refreshing getaway. The idyllic setting is located above La Cañada-Flintridge in the Mt. Wilson area, with its towering pine trees, a brook running through the camp, and…
blessed

Reflections of Joy

Dear Friends, July 1st marked the beginning of my eighth year as your pastor. I thank God for such a privilege and honor. When I look back, there are so many milestones that I cherish: those who were single who transitioned to marriage; the births and baptisms; and the coming of age celebrations. Then I get more sentimental when I see confirmands who are now in college or have graduated. I recall the time when some of you were little…