Jesus said: “I have come that you may have life—and have it more abundantly!” — John 10:10

November is the month to give thanks. God has blessed us at First UMC with so very many things for which to be thankful! Here we Find Life—in the depth and peace of worship, in the beauty of music, in prayer with and for one another, in the study of God’s Word, in fellowship with old and new friends, in care for one another through the ups and downs of life.

And here we Give Life—through the Westside Food Bank, Alternative Christmas, Angel Tree, support of our mission partners: the Wesley Foundation at UCLA and the Children Youth and Family Collaborative,
the Vietnam Medical Clinic, and so much more.

Finding Life ~ Giving Life is the theme of the month and of this year’s financial Stewardship Campaign. Your participation in undergirding our financial foundations is now more important than ever. Having lost several long-time members this year, and experiencing reduced revenues from outside groups, this is a critical season in which your Finance Committee is asking you to step up in ever more generous ways.

The abundant life we find in Christ Jesus is a miraculous gift of God’s generosity and grace, freely bestowed upon us. Through the gift of the Church, we experience it in a multitude of ways. And through the outreach and mission of the Church, we rejoice to share it with brothers and sisters near and far. To celebrate and learn more, plan to attend our annual Charge Conference (congregation meeting) after worship on Sunday, November 13. You’ll learn a lot, the food will be delicious, and the fellowship around the tables will be priceless. And you’ll have the opportunity once again to support mission through the Youth Group’s sale of “Sweets for a Cause!”

Yes, there is much for which to give thanks, and much to plan and create together as we live into Year 148 in the faithful, expansive, hope-filled life that is First UMC Santa Monica!