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Los Altos United Methodist Church
Weekly Newsletter
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My mornings this week have been filled with listening to the livestream of the General Conference meeting. They are three hours ahead of us so when I get up, the are already at worship.
Worship at General Conference is always filled with powerful preaching. Bishop Thomas J. Bickerton in his opening sermon said, "Do you want to be in this room? Are you willing to move forward in a spirit of hope and embrace a season of reformation, commit to the revitalization of The United Methodist Church and work for a culture marked by compassion, courage and companionship? If not, maybe you are in the wrong place.”
This set an important tone for the work they are doing these two weeks. Already we've seen that this General Conference seems to have embraced what Bishop Bickerton said.
Today, as I drove to the church, I listened as the General Conference debated and voted on one of the key measures before them: regionalization. The current structure is set up in a colonial framework. It doesn't allow or trust, as one of the leaders from Africa expressed, "that we, who live in the African context, might know best how to be in mission and ministry to Africa." Regionalization will allow for the creation of a General Book of Discipline, which will contain things that unite us across regions such as our Constitution, Social Principles, and theology. Regionalization would also allow for each region to then tailor their own Regional Book of Discipline to what works best for their regional context. For the US this would allow us to ensure that harmful LGBTQ+ language be removed from our Book of Discipline.
Regionalization passed this morning quicker than expected. God is good! There are a couple of more action items related to this that are in committee that must be voted upon before the end of the Conference. But it is looking very promising that this will be passed.
This would change the Constitution of the Church and will now go to Annual Conferences to be approved. This is a positive move forward. I invite your continued prayers for all who are doing this work in Charlotte, NC.
My heart and spirit are still captivated by Bishop Bickerton's questions. What a gift and challenge it is to be invited to move forward in a spirit of hope and to embrace the work of this new season of the United Methodist Church. There is so much the Church can offer our broken world at such a time as this. Grace, companionship, faith, and love are but a few things that come to mind. We will continue to do our part to share God's blessings and make sure everyone has a place at God's table.
This Sunday I will begin a two week look at John 15. This week we will talk about, "How to Be a Branch." Join us at 9 and 10:30 a.m. for great worship in-person or on YouTube.
Be well.
Rev. Erika
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Sunday, April 28, 2024
5th Sunday of Easter
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Rev. Erika Gara,
Lead Pastor
Rev. Melinda Teter-Dodge, Pastor of Community & Connection
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Scriptures:
John 15:1-8
Acts 8:26-40
John 15:1-8
Psalm 22:25-31
1 John 4:7-21
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Address and Contact Information:
Los Altos United Methodist Church
5950 E. Willow Street
Long Beach, CA 90815-1354
(562) 598-2451
Email: office@losaltosumc.org
Website: www.losaltosumc.org
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Office Hours:
Monday-Thursday, 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Closed Fridays and Holidays
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Monday, April 29
7:00-8:30 p.m. Church Council Meeting (Heritage Hall)
Wednesday, May 1
8:30-9:30 a.m. Line Dancing Class (Heritage Hall)
5:45-8:00 p.m. Everyone’s Inn—“Seasons” (All Campus)
Thursday, May 2
9:00-10:00 a.m. United Women in Faith Board Meeting
(HH Conference Room)
10:45-11:15 a.m. Preschool Praise Time (Chapel)
12:30-2:00 p.m. OLLI—Music Theory (Heritage Hall)
3:00-4:30 p.m. OLLI Chorus (Heritage Hall)
7:00-8:30 p.m. Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal (Sanctuary)
Friday, May 3
11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. OLLI—Bluegrass Jam (Heritage Hall)
Sunday, May 5
9:00-10:00 a.m. First Worship Service with Praise Band (Fellowship Hall)
10:30-11:30 a.m. Second Traditional Service with Sanctuary Choir (Sanctuary)
11:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m. General Conference Conversation with Rev. Erika (Heritage Hall)
11:45 a.m.-1:15 p.m. Foundation Committee Meeting (HH Conference Room)
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In Memoriam: Arthur (Art) Canning (1947-2024)
We are sad to report that Arthur (Art) Canning passed away on Tuesday, April 2, 2024. Please keep Art's family in your thoughts and prayers. A memorial service has been scheduled for Saturday, July 6, at 11:00 a.m. here in the LAUMC Sanctuary.
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The General Conference of the United Methodist Church Begins Next Week
The General Conference Meeting of the United Methodist Church will begin next Wednesday, April 23 through May 3rd. The General Conference meets every four years to discuss and vote upon matters for our global denomination. You are invited to pray for all attendees and the work they are tasked to do. Below are some links to more information if you would like to learn more or follow the work of the General Conference.
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Resist Harm. Resist Harm states its purpose is to be "a United Methodist movement of faithful resistance to anti-LGBTQIA+ policies and practice." They will provide information and advocacy for those of us at home to participate in during General Conference to support the work of more just and inclusive church.
Rev. Erika and Rev. Melinda will be monitoring the work of the General Conference and will do their best to answer questions you have. Let us pray together for a more equitable, just, and loving Church to emerge.
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Join Rev. Erika for Coffee and Conversation about General Conference
Sunday, May 5, after the 10:30 a.m. service in Heritage Hall
Rev. Erika will present a summary of the work of the General Conference of the UMC and offer a Q and A. Everyone is welcome.
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SCBC Presents "Celebrating the Oscars"
Sunday, April 28, 4:00 p.m., Sanctuary
The Southern California Brass Consortium presents its final concert of the 2023-24 season, Celebrating the Oscars, on Sunday, April 28, 4:00 p.m. in the LAUMC Sanctuary. Also at this concert, SCBC will be honoring Hector Salazar upon his retirement. Maestro Salazar will be conducting the first half of the concert; after intermission, Maestro Salazar will be passing the baton to SCBC’s new conductor, Kurt Curtis, who will conduct the second half of the concert. Many of you know Kurt Curtis as the conductor of the Long Beach Municipal Band and from his many years directing the Disneyland Band. Immediately following the concert, there will be a reception in Heritage Hall. Tickets are $25 for LAUMC members and are available at the door.
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Church Council Meeting
Monday, April 29 at 7 pm in Heritage Hall
Our next Church Council Meeting is Monday, April 29, 2024 at 7pm in Heritage Hall. We will hear a report from the Finance Committee about our current giving and expenses as well as recommendations about church management software, capital campaign, and more. Please plan to attend!
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UWF Sunday A Huge Success
Sunday, April 14, 2024, was Women's Sunday, organized by the Los Altos United Women in Faith. We'd like to take this time to thank all of those who made donations to the UWF. Your support is much appreciated as it allows us to continue to fulfill the mission of the UWF, serving women, children and youth in vulnerable populations.
Thank you to all of the incredible volunteers for this event, giving your time, energy, and talents. Each of you, Nancy Lewis, Evelyn Meacham, Lietta Wagner, Laura Colburn, Judith Kaho, Becky Low, Vivian Miller, Vicky Armijo, Wendy and Michael Naylor, Jan Hale, Karen and Roy Brown, Barbara Smith, Donna Drukker, Allison Brammer, Darlene Lunde, Sharon Huddleston, Margo Berdanis, Virgie Barnes, Delores Thimlar, Christie Kahler, Joe Gargaro, and Patty McMillan, were such valuable assets to our volunteer team.
Our sincere thank you to Rev Erika and our lunch and learn guest speaker, Paul Patterson, Jr. for your exceptional sermon and presentation on cyber security, respectively. We are grateful for your valuable contributions, making the Los Altos UWF Women's Sunday a success.
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LAUMC Member Receives Habitat Recognition
On April 10, Allison Brammer received the Habitat LA Faith Relations Volunteer of the Year award at Habitat LA’s annual volunteer event in Redondo Beach. The award was presented by Executive Director, Erin Rank and Faith Relations Director, Chris Untiet.
Allison was recognized for her dedication to helping Habitat LA’s mission of helping hard working, low income families achieve their dreams of affordable home ownership. Congratulations Allison!
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Manna Bag Program
The Manna Bag program gives church members the opportunity to give bags with personal hygiene and other useful items to homeless people living on the street. Please look for the Manna Bag Cart in Heritage Hall and take a moment to fill a bag with supplies from the cart and take it with you. When you see someone in need on the street, please share the bag with them.
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LAUMC Landscaping Team begins work on May 11th
Sign up to help us care for the landscaping/gardening of the church. Work begins May 11th. This is a fluid team…. help as often and as long as you like! Volunteers can sign up using the QR Code to the left OR call the church office.
If you have questions, contact Lisa Ulmer (562-706-3053 / lukoachu@gmail.com) or Bob Carpenter (310- 930-9906 / lbcbob@verizon.net.
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New Check Writing Policy Effective April 1
For those who submit check requests to the church (beyond payroll) please note that our Finance Office, beginning April 1st, will cut checks on the second and fourth Fridays of the month. (Checks will be signed and dispersed the following week). If you need a check sooner you will need to make arrangements with our Treasurer, Howard Griffiths. Thank you in advance for your understanding and cooperation.
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Being the Church Opportunities | |
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Spring Inn Schedule & Themes
Wednesday evenings, 5:45-7:30pm
$7 per person/$25 max per family
This week's theme: Seasons
We are excited to gather as God’s church on Wednesday evenings this spring. Join us to worship and fellowship together over a yummy meal, and then head to small groups for all ages. Please sign up in advance so we can expect you!
www.BeingtheChurchLB.org
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Adult Discipleship Group with Rev. Bomi Kim
Everyone’s Inn Dinner Church
Spring Sessions: May 1 & 8
On Wednesday evenings this spring, discover the essential practices for experiencing God’s love, the Wesleyan ways, with interactive and creative ways of spiritual practice.
- Fasting (Luke 5:33-39) - Game- What we need to get rid of from our bags
- Feasting –Wrap up Session with Feasting
www.BeingtheChurchLB.org
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Waffle Church
Sunday, April 28 at 10:30am
Belmont Heights UMC Campus (Wesley Hall)
On this unique morning, we will have waffles and fruit together with great music, prayer and a conversation-based message with Rev. Melinda Dodge. A goodwill offering will be received for this ministry’s costs. Bring the whole family and a hearty appetite for God’s good word of love and grace for all people - all ages - all stages! Learn more: www.BeingtheChurchLB.org
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Sign Up to PRIDE!
Churches in the LB Pride Parade!
Sunday, May 19
Meet at Grace UMC. 2325 E. Third St., LB 90814
Approx. 10am-1pm
SIGN UP TODAY
www.BeingtheChurchLB.org (under Events Calendar)
Our Being the Church congregations will again have an opportunity to join in the celebration of LB Pride. We will start the morning together in outdoor worship, and then walk in the Pride Parade. We need banners, signs and lots of rainbows. We also need some donations to support this effort. If you can help with planning or financial support, please contact Rev. Melinda!
(E: Melinda@beingthechurchlb.org)
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LGBTQ+ Older Adults Forum
May 16 (LGBTQ+ Elders Day!), 3:00-5:00 p.m.
Grace on 3rd Social Hall, 2325 E. Third St., 90807
Registration suggested at www.BeingtheChurchLB.org
Did you know that May is Pride Month AND Older Adults Month? Being the Church, Long Beach will be celebrating both by hosting an important workshop on May 16 at Grace UMC. All are invited to attend. Hosted by the CSULB Gerontology Program, the workshop takes data on LGBTQ+ older adults and brings it forward as a way of understanding historical barriers and disparate treatment of this community. Areas included in the workshop: Trauma, Caregiving, Networks, Education and Next Steps.
We hope that this event on LGBTQ+ Elders Day will proffer important conversation and awareness around the specific issues that challenge LGBTQ+ older adults as well as provide support and resources for the community.
Endorsers include: Los Angeles LGBTQ+ Center - Senior Services, Orange County LGBTQ+ Center, Black/White Men Together So Cal
Please contact Bill Sive for more information (E: GayElderCircle@gmail.com)
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Groundlings Registration is open!
4 weeks: July 15-Aug 9
Two locations: Grace UMC & Los Altos UMC
Mark calendars for Groundlings Summer Camp. Youth and children (K-8th) will enjoy Bible stories, crafts, service opportunities and friends - long time and new - lots and lots of recreation. Registration will open in mid-March and all four weeks are sure to fill up fast! In the meantime, if you have questions, please email our camp administrator, Cynthia Navarrette Pueblos (Email: campadmin@beingthechurchlb.org) for more information!
www.BeingtheChurchLB.org
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Mobile Houseless Ministry at the LA River
Saturday, April 27 - 12:00 p.m.
Meet at Los Altos UMC for loading supplies - 5950 E. Willow St., Long Beach CA 90808
Last month Michael Naylor and Jamie Armstead led the mobile houseless ministry together with several volunteers from our congregations. Pastor Dan Lewis from Grace UMC offered the grace and served communion. Despite the rainy weekend, we had no rain during the visit! The new priorities are men’s and women’s shorts, jeans, shoes and hoodies. Fast food gift cards are always popular. Please drop off donations at church offices. If you can help us during our visit or can help sort clothes, please contact Michael Naylor at 714- 328-1503.
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Setting up the donations table next to LA Riverbed | |
For more information for these or other Being the Church events go to: BeingtheChurchLB.org | |
Chancel Flower Sign-Ups for 2024
Be sure to reserve your preferred dates for chancel flowers by signing up on the new 2024 flower calendar located on the welcome table. Flower donations are $50.00 per Sunday. After the 10:30 a.m. service, you are welcome to take home an arrangement, or choose to donate the flowers to Caring Ministries for distribution to our homebound members and friends.
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Get On the Bus 2024
On May 11, just before Mother’s Day, a bus will go up to Central California Women’s Facility (CCWF) in Chowchilla, California, bringing children of inmates and their chaperones to visit their mothers in prison. LAUMC has sponsored this bus since 2011. Though we will not be directly involved with a bus coordinator this year, we are still helping this program succeed with our gifts. The cost of the bus, insurance, food and supplies to bring make this reunion a possibility is probably close to $4000. If “Get On The Bus” is something you would like to support, please make a donation by check to LAUMC or by donating on the LAUMC website by credit card.
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OLLI @ CSULB is pleased that classes will be hosted here at LAUMC for the Spring session. If you are interested in the following classes, Contact OLLI at the information below to become a member and for this time the class fee of $15 would be waived. Contact the OLLI office at 562 985 8237 or olli@csulb.edu to learn more and enroll.
MUSIC BEGINNING THEORY –
SPORT OF MUSIC Thursdays 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
This class is an introductory course to understanding the music language, how to read and perform rhythms and pitches. Instructor: Kathy Price, a Kodaly Method certified Music Specialist and professional vocalist, sang with multiple vocal ensembles and choirs in So CA, and currently teaches beginning and intermediate piano.
“Catch the Spirit of Singing” CHORUS Thursdays 3:00 – 4:30 p.m.
Whether you are an experienced singer or have always desired to sing, this creative chorus is for you. Instructor: Kathy Price
BLUEGRASS MUSIC JAM Fridays 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Increase your Guitar playing skills. Peer learning with a Focus on The Fundamentals. Join in the fun at this in-person class. Instructor: Frank Swatek
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DON’T FORGET SCRIP!
Gift cards purchased through LAUMC generate income for the church’s ministries and infrastructure needs.
We can get an amazing variety of cards through our monthly order. Come by the scrip table or scan the QR code for the 5-page list of all available cards. Orders are placed on the second Sunday of the month and available a few days later.
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SCAN THIS QR CODE FOR A LIST OF ALL AVAILABLE CARDS
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PLUS these gift cards are kept on-hand and can be purchased between Sunday services: | |
GIFT CARDS FOR THE MOBILE HOUSELESS MINISTRY AND OUR MONTHLY MEAL FOR THE HOMELESS AND HUNGRY DOWNTOWN ARE AVAILABLE ALL YEAR | |
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NOT AT CHURCH ON SUNDAYS TO PURCHASE/ORDER SCRIP? No Problem! Phone and email orders are welcome and home delivery can be happily arranged.
Contact Vivian Miller at 562-972-2106 or millervc2106@gmail.com with your scrip questions or requests AND to learn more about e-scrip and the SMARTPHONE APP.
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You can now make your pledge payment, give a gift to the church, make a gift to one of Los Altos UMC's mission projects, or give to UMCOR securely on the church website at:
You may choose your area of giving via the menu on the left side of the web page.
All donations will be recorded to your account. Thank you again for supporting LAUMC!
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