First United Methodist Church of Pasadena
The Messenger
NEWSLETTER
Volume 84
Issue 5
May 1, 2014
First United Methodist Church of Pasadena
The Messenger
Caravaggio’s The Incredulity of St. Thomas
Pastor’s Musings
NEWSLETTER
by Rev. Allison Mark
HE IS RISEN INDEED!
So what does it mean for us Christians, us Easter People, now that we are entering into the
Eastertide? Does that mean that since Jesus has been resurrected, we resort back to our old
patterns, throw out the Lenten Spiritual Disciplines we’ve been practicing, and go back to
eating chocolate and junk food? I sure hope not. Jesus’ resurrection should represent for us a
new life, a new way of living—one of moving forward instead of taking a few steps back. To
create a new way of life—with God ever-present in our life.
In thinking about my own Lenten Disciplines for this year, I hope to continue the Disciplines I started (i.e. that “Swear
Jar” I started to not only be more mindful and intentional about my words, but to a create a long-term discipline in
preparation for a new addition to our family; 1) yes, I tend to have a potty-mouth on occasion, and 2) Imagine No
Malaria has made a fortune off this Lenten Discipline). But in addition to a personal discipline of “the fasting of particular
words,” I also have resurrected the practice of being “fully present” as a way to live and give to others in ministry (a way
of prayer and almsgiving of sorts). Of course, I always try to be present in all that I do, but in reality, it is often difficult
when you have so many different programs, thoughts, ideas, and reminders of “things to do” running through your head!
Being more intentional about committing to others holds me more accountable to them.
Once again, this is a season full of changes and transitions, but such is the life of the church and the ways of the world.
With the announcement of Rev. Adiel DePano being appointed to St. Andrews by the Sea in San Clemente and with our
newly appointed pastor, Rev. Sandy Olewine beginning her appointment on July 1, we as a congregation must prepare
for the change in our farewell blessings, as well as in our reception of a new pastor. We need to be fully present for both
of them. In the midst of Holy Week, Rev. Adiel’s beloved father passed into life eternal on Maundy Thursday, and as a
continued on page 2
We are a Christian community seeking intentionally to welcome all persons, regardless
of sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, race, ethnicity, age, physical or mental
capacity, and education, socio-economic or marital status.
We practice God’s ministry of reconciliation through worship, devotion, compassion, and
justice for all who have known the pain of exclusion and discrimination.
Our greatest challenge and only hope is to receive and share God’s all-encompassing love.
500 E. Colorado Boulevard, Pasadena, CA 91101 (626) 796-0157 Fax: (626) 568-1615
www.fumcpasadena.org | office@fumcpasadena.org
www.facebook.com/fumcpasadena
@fumcpasadena
About The
Messenger
The Messenger is
a publication of
the First United
Methodist Church
of Pasadena,
California.
Material for The
Messenger should
be submitted
to StevenV@
fumcpasadena.org
no less than two
weeks before
publication.
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continued from page 1
congregation, in being his church family, we are called to be fully present in prayer and support
for the DePano family. And with joy and a lot of pre-planning for our FUMC future ministries,
I have been overwhelmed by the love and care of this congregation as we ALL are preparing in
some way or another for new life to join this church family in the fall! And Andy and I thank you
for your being fully present with us during this time.
As Jesus returned to be with his Disciples, he encouraged them to move forward. To find their
own ways out of the darkness of the tomb and to move into the light—to be present with one
another and to hold each other accountable so that we can truly live as Jesus taught us to live. And
we still remember that when Jesus came and stood among them as they had locked themselves
in a house for fear of persecution, he said, “Peace be with you.” He even came again so Thomas
would believe too…that’s how many new opportunities God gives us! That is the new life of the
Resurrection. Let us go out and live as Easter People.
Peace Be With You!
Floral Arranging Workshop
Floral Sale
The Arts Committee invites you to help us
make flower arrangements to sell during coffee
hour on Mother’s Day. The flower arranging
workshop will be held on Saturday, May 10, in
the large kitchen from 9:00am to 11:00am. Sale
of the arrangements will be during coffee hour
on Sunday, May 11.
The Arts Committee will again offer the floral
arrangements they designed for sale on Mother’s
Day. Proceeds go to the Arts Committee, which
just donated $1,000 toward new lighting fixtures
in Great Hall. Stop by the sale at coffee hour
and get something lovely for someone special.
Thanks to our dedicated volunteers who create
these lovely arrangements.
Needlework Exhibit
Children’s Pageant
The Arts Committee plans a needlework exhibit
during coffee hour on Mother’s Day, May 11, in
Fellowship Hall. If you can share some family
needlework heirlooms with our exhibit, contact
pamelamarx@sbcglobal.net.
For Mother’s Day, our Children’s ministries at
FUMC Pasadena is proud to present a special
pageant titled “Hannah, a Woman of Great
Faith.” During the 10:00am service our children
will present the story of Hannah praying for and
receiving a son, Samuel.
Shiny Gods
What happens when we truly put God first in all aspects of our lives?
In the book shiny gods, readers reassess priorities and create a culture
and a lifestyle of giving with a special emphasis on missions. This will
be a church wide, month long event.
This sermon series started April 27 with Naming Our Idols, and continues May 4: Money, Work
and Debt, May 18: Be Faithful Save and Give, May 25: Heart Giving and finishes June 1 with a
Friends and Family celebration of Shiny gods.
Shiny gods books can be purchased from the church for $13.00 on Sundays in the Fellowship Hall
or during the week from the Office. (it is also available on Amazon for your e-reader)
Church Staff
Rev. N. Adiel A. DePano
lead pastor
Rev. Allison Mark
associate pastor
Rev. George Mann
pastor emeritus
Dr. Sébastien Vallée
music director
Ae-Kyong Kim
organist
Timothy Sun
business manager
Maggie Audley
Some Shiny gods small group studies already scheduled you can join are:
off ice manager
Young Adults – Tuesday, April 29, May 6, 20, & 27 at 7:30pm upstairs in the Aldersgate room,
contact Marian Pena marianpena9@gmail.com or 214-500-9779
Communication
Coordinator
SpiritSeekers - Sundays, April 27, May 4, 18, & 25 at 8:55am in the Church Lounge,
contact Rosalie Niemann niemann007@sbcglobal.net or 818-790-7868
Home Group – April 15 & 29, May 13 & 27, at 7pm at Elaine Enzminger’s home,
contact Jim Doyel crowncitybooks@sbcglobal.net
Luis and Kara Altice Montes – Wednesdays, Apr 30, May 14, 21, & 28 at 7:30 pm at their home
in South Pasadena, contact Kara at Kaltice@sbcglobal.net or 323-610-8117
Steven Vredenburgh
Ruth MacPherson
librarian
Livingstone Zan
minister of welcome &
sexton
Marcus Chone
maintenance staff
Ely Ramirez
camp manager
M&M’s – Monday Mornings, April 28, May 5, 12, 19 at 10:30 am in the Church Lounge,
contact Rosalie Niemann, niemann007@sbcglobal.net or 818-790-7868
Youth and Children’s Ministries – are also participating in the shiny Gods series every week durung
the Sunday school hour.
To join a small group please contact Theresa Dawes at glthdawes@hotmail.com or call 206.883.7596
or Maggie in the Church Office or the group leader listed above.
Missions, Peace and Justice
Thanks You
Missions, Peace and Justice would like to thank all the church members who
donated prom dresses, shoes and accessories to the ACAC program. Over 60
dresses were collected for the program. Many young ladies were able to go to their
high school prom because of your generosity. Thank you all so much.
Update Your Contact Info
Have you moved? Did you get a new cell phone number? Update
your information with the Church Office today! This will ensure
that you are kept up to date on all that is going on in the church.
New information can be sent to office@fumcpasadena.org or call
626.796.0157.
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Work Camp
The weekend of April 25-27 was a great Work Camp at Sky Meadows. We
woke on Saturday morning to approximately 5 inches of new snow. On
Saturday morning one car was turned away at the foot of the mountain
for lack of chains on the car. Others (a little later Saturday morning)
arrived with-out incident. Over all, 18 people participated in work camp
and we completed many projects; both new and ongoing, including
plumbing, electrical, painting, carpentry/cabinet-making, and sorting
out the garage.
We have ordered new beds for the four cabins. The beds are tentatively expected to arrive on Monday, May 5, 2014! The
work camp crew also dismantled all 32 WW II bunk beds in the cabins. We can use help unloading the truck when the
beds arrive. The beds are in “kit form” and we need help assembling them on the weekend of May 10. If you can help
that day, please call Dick Overton at 626.793.2646. We will provide lunch.
I think that the highlight of work camps is the fellowship we have while working on various projects and at meals and in
the evenings. I extend a sincere thank you to all who participated in work camp for a job well done.
- Dick Overton
Building a Living Heritage
The Holy Week and Easter experiences at FUMC this year enriched us with their beauty and power. We were lifted up
by the Living Heritage of our faith: from Maundy Thursday’s communion and Seven Last Words of Christ through Good
Friday’s Stations of the Cross to the Glory of Easter. The basics of our faith came alive, calling us to carry this Living
Heritage into the future.
What is a Living Heritage? It is our church in action with energy and joy. It is our job today to create a lasting and
Living Heritage for the generations to come. We have inherited the legacy of our members from the past: a cathedrallike edifice and a beautiful, expressive Sanctuary and Chapel. What action is needed today? Reduce FUMC’s debt from
“Here to Stay!”
May is a month for remembering. Memorial Day is May 26, when we reflect on the legacy of family and friends who
have gone before us. We can take action by commemorating these persons through a gift to the Memorial Fund or the
Chapel Fund. Each gift will reduce the mortgage on the Chapel. Let’s build together an active Living Heritage!
If you would like to make a donation to FUMC’s Living Heritage please write “Here to Stay” or “Memorial Committee “in
the memo line of your check.
-Your Memorial Committee
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Destination Unknown
Curious about where our Youth are going on tour this year? Well, you’re just going to have
to keep guessing! In the beginning of the year, the Youth voted on a tour where they DON’T
KNOW where their end destination will be and left the decision up to their Youth Counselors!
But even if you don’t know WHERE we’re going, please continue to keep our Youth in
your prayers as we embark on our Destination Unknown, June 11-15. Youth are also still
seeking ways to raise funds for their trip so if you’d like to RENT-A-YOUTH, please contact
coordinator, Leslie Carpenter, lmhcarp@att.net or at 818.957.3781!
Youth Sunday
Be a part of the worship celebration as our Youth lead worship Sunday, June 1 at
10:00am and as our Graduating Seniors share their sermonettes. Then pack a picnic
lunch and join us after worship at Will Rogers State Beach Park for our continued
Youth Day at the Beach! (Youth lunches are provided for!)
Confirmation Sunday
Welcome our newest members of the church on June 8, Pentecost Sunday! We will be confirming
Abigail Klimuck, Kendall Moran, Zoe Perez, Samantha Vogt, Carl, and Nicole Rasmussen.
Graduation Banquet
Congratulate our 2014 graduating High School Seniors at our annual Graduation
Banquet, Sunday, June 8, at 6:45pm in the Fellowship Hall. This year, as they complete
their 12th grade year, we send 9 youth off on the next part of their faith journey with a
blessing! Graduation Banquet tickets will go on sale for $10/person on May 18, or reserve
your seat with Rev. Allison Mark.
Class of 2014
Megan Gerber
Michael Bowman
Kimberly Dalany
David Middleman
Elizabeth Claire Lambert
Christopher Moran
Andrew Rudchenko
Lucas Johnston
Gabrielle Vogt
Pasadena Methodist Foundation Scholarships
A reminder to all new applicants and renewal recipients of academic scholarships
from the Pasadena Methodist Foundation, you must apply for your scholarship
request annually. The deadline this year is June 1, 2014 and we will not be able
to accept any applications for scholarships for the fall 2014 school year after that date. Please find both new and renewal
applications on the Foundation’s website at www.pasadenamethodistfoundation.org or you may pick up your renewal
application in the church office and return it to the church office no later than June 1, 2014.
Should you have any questions please contact Sue Clairday at sclairday@charter.net or (626) 796-0157.
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Reading Volunteers Needed
Reading Partners, a national children’s literacy non-profit, is is searching for volunteer tutors
at our Pasadena locations. Our tutors volunteer a minimum of one hour a week working
with a student on literacy skills. All of our volunteers are given training and provided with
the necessary lesson plans. Volunteers works with the same student each week building a
relationship and serving as a mentor to a local struggling reader. Volunteers gain skills and
experience in working with children, education, literacy, and non-profit work. Please contact Colleen Ryan, Volunteer
Coordinator, at colleen.ryan@readingpartners.org or 213.399.8599 and visit readingpartners.org if you’re interested.
FUMC Cable Broadcast Changes
Every Sunday evening at 6pm our worship service is broadcast in the Pasadena area on Charter
Cable channel 181. You can also view our worship services anytime by going to our website at www.
fumcpasadena.org. Click on any of the links under “Sermons & Services” to view current and past
services. If you have any questions about our broadcast or video services please contact Mike Underwood
or John Atkinson on Sunday mornings in the video room or email avteam@fumcpasadena.org.
Hiking Fellowship
First United Methodist Church of Pasadena invites all people who enjoy hiking and
socializing with others out-of-doors to join us in hikes in our San Gabriel Mountains. The
group is inter-generational and open to all, churched and un-churched alike. Check out
some of the upcoming hikes listed below.
Saturday, May 3 we will be at Switzer Falls. The hike is 4.6 miles round trip and should take about 2.5 hours with an
elevation gain of 600 ft. We will meet at 10:00am and leave at 10:15 Sharp!
Saturday, May 24 we will be hiking the Winter Creek Loop. This hike is approximately 6 miles and will take about 3
hours with an elevation gain of 950 feet. We will meet at 7:00am an will leave at 7:15 Sharp!
For more information and driving direction visit our website at www.fumcpasadena.org/community/hiking-fellowship.
Faith and Science Lecture & Discussion
First United Methodist Church and Fuller Theological Seminary co-sponsor this event on May 29 at
7:00pm at Fuller Theological seminary. This lecture features Dr. Jennifer Wiseman who is the director
of the Dialogue on Science, Ethics & Religion for the American Association for the Advancement of
Science and a fellow of the American Scientific Affiliation (A Network of Christians in the Sciences).
The majesty of the universe is revealed through a wealth of data but can human knowledge extend beyond the observable
universe? Join us for an exciting lecture on connections people have made throughout the ages between astronomy,
inspiration and faith The Grand Scope of the Cosmos: Viewing the Universe Through Lenses of Science.
A Heiffer Thank You
Many thanks to the congregation, Questers, Sunday School families, youth and the Bessie/Bossy
movers for all their support for this year’s Heifer Project mission effort during Lent. All in all, we
raised over $1600 to help hungry people around the world learn how to create sustainable living
for themselves and their community.
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Make Music Pasadena
Mark your calendars for June 7, and Make Music Pasadena, Pasadena’s renown music festival
and multiple venues around the city. FUMC will again be a venue from 11:00am to 2:00pm,
coordination through Music Ministries and the Arts Committee. Come by and see who is
performing in our sanctuary.
A Choir Robe Fund Raising Concert by The Belrose Duo
The next concert in the Music at First Church season is “The Belrose Duo Goes to The Opera
House: Carmen to Figaro”. The concert features David and Junko Garrett in a cello and a piano
duo on Saturday May 10 at 4:00pm. David plays in LA Phil and teaches at CSULB, and Junko
teaches at Occidental College and concertizes. The concert is free with a freewill offering taken.
This concert will be the fund raiser for choir robes. Our choir robes are pretty old, and the members of the choir have been
using safety pins to hold the materials together! Each choir robe costs about $100, and we need 30 of them. All donations
are appreciated however if you donate $100 your name will be put on the label of a choir robe. The concert will be fun, and
you can take a part of this important fund raising. Please join us on Saturday May 10 at 4:00pm!
-Junko Garrett
Dulcet Singers for Friends in Deed
On Friday evening, May 16, at 7:30pm the Dulcet Singers will perform a concert to
benefit Friends In Deed. Hear their a cappella voices in the historic chapel at First United
Methodist of Pasadena (FUMC) as they sing sacred and secular music. The Dulcet Singers,
a self-directed group of talented singers, makes its musical home at FUMC. The group has
performed at Make Music Pasadena, private parties around Los Angeles, special concerts
at FUMC and Friends In Deed’s past fundraising concerts. A freewill offering will be taken
with all proceeds going to Friends In Deed.
Prior to the concert from 6:00pm to 7:30pm, join the FUMC Arts Committee in Fellowship Hall for light bites and peruse
a wide selection of jewelry and vintage items for purchase from a local estate sale. All proceeds go to Friends In Deed.
The Culinary Arts Casserole Sale Redux
The Arts Committee invites all our great chefs to make casseroles, freeze them and
contribute to a coffee hour sale of casseroles during coffee hour on May 18. All proceeds
go to FUMC Social Services. Last time we sold out before coffee hour began. Please
bring a casserole and help us raise needed funds for our Social Services office. Each
casserole sales for $10.
United Methodist Women/Hilltoppers
All church women are invited to our May 19 meeting in the Church Lounge at 1:30pm. We will be
having a very special program presented by Ellen Peterson. Continuing her stories about women in
the Bible, this program is entitled “Judith: A Woman For Her Time.” We know you will enjoy this
interesting and informative program. Come and join us!
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On the Horizon
Weekly Events
May 16
Dulcet Singers
SUNDAYS
8:40 AM Breakfast & Bible Stories:
Family Worship
Chapel
8:55 AM SpiritSeekers
Church Lounge
9:00 AM Youth Sunday School
Jr. & Sr. High Lounges
Children’s Sunday School
10:00 AM Sunday Worship
May25
Rev. Adiel DePano’s last Sunday
June 1
Youth Sunday
Scholarship Applications Due
June 8
Graduation Banquet
Confirmation Sunday
June 11-15
Youth Summer Tour: Destination Unknown
MONDAYS
7:00 PM Narcotics Anonymous
Great Hall
TUESDAYS
10:00 AM Social Ser vices
Great Hall
7:00 PM Boy Scout Troop 27
Scout Room
FUMC Prayer List
for healing:
Mary Allen, Margaret Bartlett, Virginia Beach, Teri
Betts-Prince, Cathy Boon, Juliet Borys, Lisa Brown,
Juanita Bryant, Jerry Bullard, Nancy Bumb, Terry
Burke, Jim Clark, Ed Carlson, Michelle Collins,
Albert DePano, Cathleen Diminio, Marlene Farrell,
Pat Fisher, Daryl Gerwin, Joan Gigleone, Gabriela
Godoy, Dora Gonzales, Kristen Guzman, Thomas
Harding, Diane Harris, Sallie Higginbotham, Virginia
Holmes, Eric Dean Hunter, Jon & Rebecca Huntley
and family, Yvonne Larose, Bill Larson, Pamela Loar,
Jun Chao Lu, Carolyn Martin, Gene Martin, Hajime
Miyasaka, Suzee Moran, Robyn Morse, Margie
Myrne, Dylan Newsom, Steve Nott, Sharon Oliver,
Catharine Phillips, Ann Penn, Joseph Peron, Sue
Prior, Ken Pritt, Mary Lou Rasmussen, Benny Reyes
Jr., Alexis Rivas, Margarita Rivas, Rafael Rivas, Margo
Rocconi, Christine Rodriguez, Byron Salmon, Milner
Sosa, Wendy Stiver, Elizabeth “Becca” Sun, Chet
Tanaka, Brian Van der Pool, Germaine Wallenkamp,
Jan Wentz, Frances Willard, Steve Williams
For Safety:
Javier Godoy
June 18-21
Cal-Pac Annual Conference
for employment:
Alexis Rivas, Carla Rivas, Rick Schlee, Bruce White,
Kris Youngstrom
June 22
Red Cross Blood Drive
Music Appreciation Sunday
In Memory of:
Nathanael DePano Jr.
for the community:
prayers for the poor, homeless, incarcerated, suffering
from mental illness and addiction
First United
Methodist Church
500 East Colorado Blvd.
Pasadena, CA 91101