First United

Methodist Church

of Temple City

5957 N. Golden West Ave. Temple City, CA 91780

APRIL DEADLINES:CHIMES ARTICLES DUE MARCH 20th!

The Ministers of this Church are its Members! Assisting them are: Bishop Grant Hagiya, CalPac Conference

Rev. Melissa MacKinnon, East District Superintendent Martin Finau, Pastor

Clarissa Shan-Lewis, Music Director Inah Oh, Organist/Pianist

Phone: 626/286-3129 Fax: 626/286-3120

Email: info@templecityumc.org

CHIMES BY E-MAIL

Receive a color version of the Chimes! There is no charge for this service and you can help the church save postage. To sign up, just send an email request to:

info@templecityumc.org

www.templecityumc.org Our church website is a great way to find out about us. Sit back and view Pastor Martin’s sermon on video, read about events taking place on campus, or send in a prayer request.

First United Methodist Church

of Temple City

Greetings to you, Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Ash Wednesday kicks off our Lenten journey in

preparation for Easter Sunday. Lent is a season of the Christian Year where Christians focus on the repenting of our sins, simple living, prayer, and fast-ing in order to grow closer to God. Starting today, Ash Wednesday, we begin the Season of Lent for 40

days as a leadup to Easter (February 26 – April 12).

Scripture reminds of the time Jesus spent in the wilderness before he started his public ministry in – Mark 1, Matthew 4, or Luke 4. We see Jesus going into the wilderness to set aside the distractions of a normal, “worldly” life and focus on God and God’s

will for him.

We must ask ourselves in this season of our lives, how can we realign ourselves with God?

Ash Wednesday service is an invitation for all to come forward to receive the ashes. The minister will make a small cross on your forehead by smudging the ashes.

While the ashes remind us of our mortality and sin, the cross reminds us of Jesus’ resurrection (life after

death) and forgiveness. It’s a powerful, non-verbal way that we can experience God’s forgiveness and renewal as we return to Jesus Christ.

Continued on page 2

Pg. 3 - Fellowship

Pg. 4 - Book Study

Pg. 5 - MOPS, Cleanup Day

Pg. 8 - Health Ministries

Pg. 9 - Stewardship, Mission Area, Spring Forward

Pg.11 - “? ? ?”

MARCH HIGHLIGHTS

MARCH 2020

All go to

the same place; all come

from dust, and

to dust all return.

- Ecclesiastes 3:20

This year, I am inviting you to participate in a “1-on-1 Lenten challenge” This is a unique challenge that is a great way for you to focus on your walk with Christ alongside others at Temple City First United Methodist

Church.

The Challenge:

1. Give up 1 thing: a habit or a sin that has distanced you from

Christ, family, friends, and others. Examples: - Being attached to your electronic devices - Pride - Sleeping late or sleeping in - Anger - Procrastination - Jealousy - Unhealthy food - Lust

2. Bring in 1 thing: a habit or a practice that will give you energy and spiritual connection to God. Examples: - Setting time to be in devotion with God - Physical exercise once or twice a week - Picking up a new hobby - Spending more time with scripture - One act of love a day - Praying or fasting - Being more patient with others - Visiting your family and friends (Continued next page)

Chimes MARCH 2020 page 2

Chimes march 2020 page 11

Prayer Meeting

Prayer is powerful and effective (James 5:16). Join us in the Pastor’s office every Friday for a special time of prayer for the church and for our world. All are invited!

MONTHLY FOOD DRIVE Please keep bringing in non-perishable food items for

El Monte Emergency Resources.

- Hilde Garrison

Update Your Info!

Please check in with us and let us know your correct contact information so we can keep updated with you. Just reach out to the Church office, by phone or email (info@templecityumc.org). Include birthdates and Anniversary dates, too, so we can celebrate together.

Thank you!

“? ? ?”

Here’s a short rhyme, church members should hear Mention the word FOOD, and they soon will appear Now mention two words, CLEAN UP, most disappear

To have both these happen, it takes volunteers

Many who read this, not talking about me Someone else will do it, leaving it up to thee

- Anonymous (The Holy Spirit)

Chimes MARCH 2020 page 10

MARCH

3/19 - Carol Daugherty 3/25 - Elsie Baker 3/26 - Christine Swanson, Zinnia Reimers 3/27 - Lois Lindsey

Have You Connected With Us?

Stay in touch and keep up to date.

Email pictures/videos at events to: info@templecityumc.org and we can post them online.

Be sure to include a description!

VOLUNTEERS WANTED

Be trained to use the audio/visual equipment for Sunday mornings. See Pastor Martin if interested.

Liturgists for March

1st - Ray Eckhardt 8th - Hilde Garrison 15th - Brandon DeGrazia 22nd - Marcia Galland 29th - Jan Hammond

Please contact the office ASAP if you need to reschedule so we can arrange coverage. Become a liturgist. Speak with one of the regulars or contact the office (626) 286-3129. .

Choir Rehearsals

Thursdays at 7:30 pm

in the Fireside Room.

Add your voice to worship.

Just speak with Clarissa.

Women’s Group Eve Circle

Meeting, 2nd Thursday, March 12th @ 11:00 am,

Fireside Room

Men’s Group

Thursdays at 9:00 am.

Fellowship, special programs and outings.

All men are welcome.

See Ray Eckhardt.

Chimes MARCH 2020 page 3

We invite you to pray on this and come with your ideas on Sundays. Each week we will ask each other, “How is your 1-on-1 Challenge,” and keep each other accountable through prayer. We invite you to join us on this Lenten journey as we seek to grow closer with God.

Peace and Grace,

Martin Finau

WHAT IS FELLOWSHIP?

The dictionary defines fellowship as “1. Companionship; friendliness 2. Taking part with others; sharing.” This is what the Coffee Hour after our worship service is meant to be. It is an opportunity to share time, status, and the togeth-erness which we all enjoy. Part of this sharing has been offering coffee, tea, juice, snacks, cookies etc. Enjoying this little bit of hospitality gives us a chance to provide not only “goodies,” but the fellowship which is a traditional hallmark of our congregation. There is a sign up sheet on the bulletin board in the Fireside Room for those willing to be Hosts which means setting up the tables, providing the goodies and cleaning up to restore the room for those using it next. At this time, we have very few offering to participate in this opportunity. If it is important to you to continue this custom, please refer to your calendar and ask someone to work with you. The person you ask may be new to this, so working with someone who might not have done it before allows them the chance to get acquainted and have fun doing it. You may not be able to set up, but offering to participate in bringing something to add to the enjoyment of all is welcome, too.

It takes a number of people participating to ensure

that this hospitality continues.

Please be part of the Offering of Fellowship.

LIFE GROUP BOOK STUDY

TO BEGIN MARCH 3rd

EVERYTHING YOU NEED by Dr. David Jeremiah

Are you searching for greater confidence, purpose, and peace?

Are the pressures of this world weighing you down? Are you feeling overburdened and overwhelmed?

Dr. David Jeremiah draws on 2 Peter 1:3-11 to show how there is help at your fingertips-help that will give you everything you need to walk life’s trail with resilience and strength. God has provided the tools you need to guide your way with resources such as virtue, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love. The Life Groups are a wonderful way to learn and share with each other in a personal setting. Participants experience deeper fellowship while they gain knowledge and understanding their faith.

Tuesday Group @ 10:00 a.m. in the Fireside Room. Men’s Group on Thursdays at 9:00 a.m. in the Fireside Room

Saturdays @ 10:30 a.m. at Baldwin Gardens.

Chimes MARCH 2020 Page 4

TEMPLE CITY HIGH SCHOOL PRESENTS NEWSIES San Gabriel Mission Playhouse

Our group outing will be the 2:00 pm matinee on Sunday, March 15th. Those who missed the group sign up should still go! Tickets are available through the school Activities office or the Playhouse box office.

Chimes FEBRUARY 2020 page 9

SHARING GOD’S GIFTS

Stewardship is . . . . .

using all of our gifts in the best way we can.

“Giving frees us from the familiar territory of our own needs by opening our mind to the unexplained worlds occupied by the needs of others.”

(Barbara Bush)

- Connie Deckon and the Finance Team

Our ten fingers are the best transmitters of a whole host of potentially disease-causing organisms.

The most important thing about hand washing is, JUST DO IT!

- Marcia Galland, R.N., Faith Community Nurse

(Excerpts taken from a presentation on infection control at Methodist Hospital.)

SPRING FORWARD MARCH 8TH!!!

Remember to set your clocks and watches forward one hour when you retire for the night

on Saturday the 7th.

Be on time for worship!

Next Birthday Potluck March 29th

Time to make way for the March birthday folks. Bring a favorite entrée to share. Stay for the cake and fellowship!

“A Taste of the Spiritual Life” MISSION AREA MEETING, MARCH 7th—9:30 am-12:00 pm

Here at TCUMC

The gathering features Lectio Divina, Centering Prayer and Taizé Music. All are welcome. Cost is $5 for lunch + freewill offering for Facilitators (Dr. Terry and Joanne Van Hook). RSVP to jsching53@yahoo.com or gmartzen@gmail.com.

HEALTH MINISTRIES MOMENT

The information regarding the Coronavirus and the possible pandemic is upper most in our minds. We see it cropping up all over the world and the concerns are valid. There are some precautions we can take on a daily basis which can protect us not only from this Virus, but ensures our general health.

The Truth About Germs

As you are checking out at the grocery store, you swipe your card and

then grab the stylus to tap in your PIN. Now would you put that stylus in your mouth? Of course not. But do you wash your hands or use hand sanitizer after handling it?

The stylus and buttons on the ATM are some of the best places to pick up germs. Hand washing is the single best thing we can do to keep from getting sick and spreading illness. You are not going to avoid getting germs on your hands. The important thing is to get rid of them before touching your mouth, nose, eyes and before preparing or eating food. Other items you will find teaming with germs are elevator buttons, res-taurant menus, grocery store cart handles, restroom door handles, faucet handles, kitchen dish sponges, stove knobs, toothbrush holders, coffee maker reservoirs, bathroom faucets and pet bowls and toys.

Washing hands properly.

Use warm water – hot dries skin Use a good amount of soap and wash for 20 seconds Wash the back of your hands and, fingertips and between your

fingers. Use a paper towel or your sleeve to pull open the door. If that is

not available, use hand sanitizer.

Chimes FEBRUARY 2020 page 8

Cont’d. on page 9.

MOPS Temple City

Our meetings are twice per month in the Education Building on the first and third Saturdays at 5:00 pm. Please tell your friends and neighbors with preschoolers about our group.

March dates are 7th and 21st.

More info available from Fiona Reimers—626-629-0285.

Children’s Sunday School

In the new year the kids will continue with their study that moves through the Bible and stories about Cain & Abel, Abraham and Sarah, and finally Joseph.

The older Sunday school has begun its new curriculum with Scott, as well. Thank you, Fiona Reimers

Parking Lot Fundraiser

Jan and I want to say thank Pastor Martin, Bob and Marcia Galland, Kathy Steiner, and Gladys Oberholtz. They braved the cool weather and sprinkles and spent time with us in support of our parking lot fundraiser during the Camellia Festival weekend.

- Hilde Garrison and Jan Hammond

Chimes march 2020 page 5

CHURCH CLEANUP DAY Saturday, March 14th—9:30 am to 12:00 pm

We’re getting a jump on “Spring Cleaning” by working along side our Boy Scouts to spruce up the Sanctuary, Fireside, Fellowship Hall and the outside campus.

All are welcome to lend a hand in this effort. Supplies will be provided. Many hands = light work!

2020

Begins Tomorrow

Daylight Savings!

Begins Tomorrow