a closer look - Monterey United Methodist Church

A CLOSER LOOK
August 2016
MONTEREY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH NEWSLETTER
The news that I am appointed to another church brings with it anticipation, a little nervousness for it means new beginnings and new environment and community. Most often in our
work as a church worker we want to be in familiar ground, where everything is already set
and follows a particular routine. But our work as an itinerant preacher requires that we
should always be ready to go where we are sent. It is therefore a good time for us to celebrate this new beginning in our lives as workers and also are thankful for the warm welcome
that greeted us here at the church of Monterey. The church is always a team ministry, under
the Lordship of Christ. It is not what you want me to do, nor what I want do you to do but
what thus Christ want us to do. Jesus made it clear in Matthew 28:19-20 what our task at
hand is. Go therefore and make disciples of all nation, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you ,
and lo, I am with you always even to the end of the age. This is still the mandate given us by
Christ as our task in ministry. I also believe that the church is called to mission. That the work
of Christ is not confined in the four corners of the church. As a ship is made for the high seas
and not for the harbor, same is true with the church. I congratulate you in your support in
mission in the community but there is more to mission. The earth and all that was created,
men women, the poor, the environment, the government, disposal of waste materials, taking
care of plants and animals and the preservation of the pristine beauty of the earth, are part
of what God has entrusted to us to take care. I intend to make us aware and get involved in
these humanitarian endeavors. At present we are already involved in mission work in the
Philippines. We do dental, medical and scholarship aid to children coming from poor families
from the slums of Manila. We support these students to go to school and get a high school or
college degree to break the cycle of poverty that affects many poor families in the Philippines. We do not sent money to charitable organization in the Philippines but we ourselves
manage the scholarship program through the assistance of a local Methodist church who distribute the funds to these poor students on a monthly basis. I also encourage the members
to give generously to the financial needs of the local church... Our church is open to all, we
welcome you to join us in our worship service; we do not discriminate, we do not exclude
anyone from joining our church regardless of your creed, theology or political, or social orientation. Our church is big enough to accept everyone. This is Christ church, as Christ accepts
everyone, so must we. I end with the words of Jesus when he said, I come that they might
have life and have it more abundantly, and we are an extension of his words.
For His glory and praise.
Rev. Paul G. Cabotaje.
Some of you are aware that I was gone part of July. The reason for my absence was to attend
the Western Jurisdiction Conference [WJC] of the UMC church in Scottsdale, AZ. This is a conference that happens once every four years. The Western Jurisdiction is one of five in the USA,
and is geographically huge: from the Rockies to Hawaii and Guam and from Canadian border to
the Mexican border and of course Alaska. This area covers eight Annual Conferences.
There are two main tasks for the WJC: elect a Bishop or Bishops if there are vacancies due to
retirement and focus on any ministry that can be done as a Jurisdiction.
This year there was the need to elect one Bishop as our CA-NV Bishop Warner H. Brown, Jr.
was retiring. The process for election is governed by various rules. The process starts with
each Annual Conference, if they desire, endorsing a candidate, or more than one. Our Annual
Conference endorsed Karen Oliveto, the Senior Pastor of Glide Memorial Church in San Francisco. Karen is the only woman in the USA UMC that is serving this large of a church! A lifelong
United Methodist, loving pastor and dynamic preacher, she has outstanding educational and professional credentials to be a Bishop.
This year six of the eight Annual Conferences endorsed a candidate. When we arrived in
Scottsdale and the Conference began, there were three additional names that were lifted up for
consideration. The next step is that each candidate speaks for four minutes. The next time half
of the candidates are in the room and are prepared to speak on a series of questions that they
have received 30 minutes prior. While they are responding to whatever question is given them
by members of the Episcopacy Committee, the other half of the candidates are outside the room
and receiving their questions. Then the second half speak and then the voting begins.
As there are ballots, those with low numbers stand and ask to have their name removed.
Each person that withdraws is given a standing ovation for their willingness to respond to the call
to be Bishop. Some of the speeches brought tears to many people, as they focused on the tension in our denomination around sexuality issues, and how the candidates hoped the future
would stand for full inclusion and diversity.
It took 17 ballots to elect our WJ newest Bishop. It was Karen Oliveto who was elected.
Once the Bishop is elected, then the Episcopacy Committee, determines which of the Bishops
will go where! Bishop Oliveto will go to the Mountain Sky Area, which consists of two Annual
Conferences. CA-NV will be getting Bishop Minerva G. Carcano, who most recently has served
the California-Pacific Conference, which is southern California, Hawaii, and Guam. The Bishops
start their new, four year appointments on September 1.
I have known Bishop Minerva prior to her election and look forward to having her lead our area
of United Methodism.
Peace,
Alice Ann
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Homeless Event
Mark your calendars now to hear Mike Rhodes from Fresno who has been an activist around
homeless issues for some time. He has written a book Dispatches from the War Zone, and is
on tour with his book. He will be appearing at a Monterey event at the UU Church September
6th from 6-8 pm.
The event will have opening remarks and an overview of homeless issues on the peninsula.
There will be representatives from various groups in the area that are working with the wide variety of homeless issues. There is the hope that this will strengthen the work that is being done
around homeless issue in our area.
A little more about Mike Rhodes, which is a good reason to want to attend this event!
A few years ago, the ACLU successfully sued Fresno for going through homelessness encampments and using a small bulldozer to crush and destroy their property (tents, bikes, anything that was there). Mike brought information along with picture and video evidence and testimony from homeless people whom he had been working with on the issue. That evidence and
relationships that Mike was able to bring to the ACLU in that case were instrumental in the attorneys’ ability to present a winning case.
Both before and after the lawsuit, Mike has done really tremendous thinking and activism
around homelessness and the way that we can truly serve our homeless communities.
Let’s have a good group from Monterey UMC plan to attend this event and see what we can
learn as we continue to have a heart for the homeless.
Historic United Methodist Election
Bishop Karen Oliveto’s election and consecration is also historic. Bishop Karen is the first
self-avowed lesbian to become a Bishop. Karen is married to her wife Robin. In a denomination that prohibits the ordination of LGBTQ clergy, does not officially allow its clergy to perform
same sex weddings, and officially considers LGBTQ persons to be "incompatible with Christian
teaching", Bishop Karen’s election and consecration is the latest witness of the Western Jurisdiction members, clergy and Bishops that they openly opposes our denomination's policy regarding human sexuality.
Bishop Oliveto's election and consecration has fueled the conflict in our denomination over
sexuality issues. You may have seen things in the press. Folks who know you attend a United
Methodist church may ask you questions. Wherever you stand on sexuality issues know the
Council of Bishops are working on finding a way forward for the denomination. It may be that
the institution of the UMC may need to be re-formed. What we all know and believe is, that
God is in the middle of all things leading us to a new day (Revelation 21:5).
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Prayer Concerns
Prayer Concerns
Bob Furney now home with hospice;
Chris O’Donnell, continuing cancer treatments and chemotherapy;
Rowan’s brother-in-law Steve who is living with brain cancer;
Pat Lockhart at Ave Maria;
For all those affected by the typhoon in Taiwan;
Tracey for surgery this week;
Linda Mooney for health concerns;
Welcome to the new families in our area.
Thank you for prayers. The Stenvick farm is still safe and the evacuated
animals and family are well.
THE YOUTH CORNER
Three of our Youth have recently returned from a week in Smith River, Ca., at a Sierra Service
Project. Alyanna Tulua and Sione Senivota were chaperoned by Pastor Cindy Storrs and went
with the Youth group from Pacific Grove Methodist church the fourth week of July. Michael
Hsu attended the same project the following week and went with the Modesto, Ca., Methodist
group. These same three Youth also attended Annual Conference this past July. They all had
a wonderful time, and are looking forward to sharing their adventures with the congregation
soon.
I want to thank all of you who support our Youth and make it possible for them to experience these life changing trips. It is a joy for me and for everyone who works with our children
and youth, to see them growing in their faith and their Christian walk.
Cindy Hutcherson
P.S. Did you know that there are Pokemons living at Monterey Methodist Church? I witnessed
the capture of one just this past Sunday after church. One of our brave Youths caught one in
the Youth room. If more are found on the premises, perhaps we can invite them to stay for
worship.
Opportunity to serve: The Sunday School program is in need of another teacher for a
"Tweens" class. User friendly curriculum is provided. Two people could share the
commitment. The age span would probably be 5th through Middle School. Pray about
this and contact Cindy Hutcherson, Alice Ann Glenn, Melanie Winchester or Pastor
Paul if you feel called to work with our wonderful children and youth.
Notes: Choir rehearsals are resuming on Thursday nights
at 7 PM. All are welcome to join. For more information,
contact Bob or Nancy Jones at 484-1567.
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Our Vacation Bible School Fiesta was small but mighty. Muchas Gracias to all
who helped prepare food, sing, play, experience the Bible stories, watch Chadder
adventures and create crafts. Couldn't do it without you all. Melanie Winchester
Sign Ups For August and September
Date
Fellowship
Liturgist
Flowers
8/7
Kaimi Tulua
Youth
Flowers on the altar are given by Kaimi’s
parents to celebrate her 10th Birthday.
8/14
Open
Open
Today’s flowers are given by Jo Ann Chinn
to honor all students returning back to
school.
8/21
Senivota Family
Open
Mele Tulua has placed flowers on the altar in
honor of Meribeth’s birthday.
8/28
Tevita Tulua
Open
Today’s flowers are in celebration of David
(Tevita) Tulua’s birthday given by the Tulua
family.
9/4
Kulara Tulua
Open
In memory of Wendell from Dora Thurman
9/11
Open
Open
For Lucas birthday from Jo Ann Chinn
9/18
Open
Open
From the Tulua family for birthdays
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A Look At August 2016
August 2016
◄ July
Sun
Mon
1
Tue
2
September ►
Wed
3
Thu
Fri
Sat
4
5
6
11
12
13
19
20
26
27
1:30 PM
Afternoon Bible Study
at Sunrise
7
8
9
14
10
1:30 PM After- Choir
noon Bible Study Rehearsal
7:00 PM
at Sunrise
Holy
Communion
15
16
17
18
1:30 PM After- Choir
noon Bible Study Rehearsal
7:00 PM
at Sunrise
21
28
Promotion
Sunday
22
29
23
30
24
25
1:30 PM Afternoon Bible Study
at Sunrise
Choir
Rehearsal
7:00 PM
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Notes: Choir rehearsals are re-
1:30 PM After- suming on Thursday nights at 7
noon Bible Study PM. All are welcome to join. For
at Sunrise
more information, contact Bob or
Nancy Jones at 484-1567.
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GOD’S PEOPLE IN MINISTRY
DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENT
Reverend Staci Current
El Camino Real District
1276 Halyard Drive
W. Sacramento, CA 95691
916-374-1501 [email protected]
[email protected]
MUSIC
Voice Choir Thursday 7:15- 8:00 PM
Hand Bells Thursday 6:30 – 7:00 PM
CHILDREN & YOUTH
Sunday school (During Sunday Service)
The Ark (ages 3-6th grade) Tuesday 6-7:30
PM
Youth (5th grade and up) Tuesday 6-7:30
BIBLE STUDY
Wed afternoon 1:30-2:30
Sunrise Senior Living, 1110 Cass Street
Wednesday 6:30 PM in Pastor’s office
Monterey United Methodist Church
ANNUAL CONFERENCE
BISHOP, CAL-NEV ANNUAL CONFERENCE:
Reverend Warner Brown
PO Box 980250
W. Sacramento, CA 95798-0250
916-374-1510;
[email protected]
WORSHIP
Worship Service Sunday 11 AM
Loving Childcare Provided
One Soledad Drive
CONTACT US
One Soledad Dr., Monterey, CA 93940
831-375-8285
[email protected]
Reverend Paul Cabotaje
831-375-8285
CHURCH STAFF
Pastor: Reverend Paul Cabotaje
Deacon: Reverend Alice Ann Glenn
Accompanist & Choir Director: Bob Jones
Accompanist & Hand Bell Director: Nancy Jones
Nursery Attendant: Kristen Therrien
Care Taker: David Tulua
Office Manager: Ed Blonski
Monterey, CA 93940
MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES
Park Lane Hymn Sing 2nd Sunday 1:15-2:15 PM
“I Help Women” Meals 2nd Tuesday of each month
Contact: Ellie Martin 831-373-0410
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