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The Cornerstone Newsletter of Rolling Hills United Methodist Church

26438 Crenshaw Blvd. Rolling Hills Estates, CA 90274

July 31, 2007

Director of Music, Chuck Dickerson, to

Sing National Anthem at Dodger Game Picture Chuck (at left) in a Dodger Blue baseball cap on the field at Dodger Stadium singing our National Anthem and you’ve got a winning team (Chuck and the Anthem – we can only pray for the Dodgers). We just learned of Chuck being chosen to sing the Anthem prior to the CORNERSTONE mailing but hopefully you will receive notice in time to buy a ticket to the game on Friday, August 3rd. The cost is $28 for game and bus to the game, leaving the RHUMC parking lot at 4:45 on Friday. And the bus is a “Coach” type so you’ll be riding in comfort! Chuck was chosen out of entries throughout the Los Angeles area. Please contact Cindy Skale at 310.377.6771, ext. 105, or email your ticket request to her at

cindy@rhumc.org.

from the pastor

I want to thank everyone for the warm welcome you shared with John and me for our reappointment as pastors with Rolling Hills. Since my family and I arrived nine years ago, and since John began with us almost six years ago, many good and important things have happened in our life together. It is a privilege and a blessing to live and work with you, to celebrate our common joys, deepen our faith, and share help and hope with each other and the world. We look forward to many more years of growth together.

SAVE THIS DATE! SEPTEMBER 8 – 5:00 p.m.

“Pops on the Peninsula” Great American Composers

Featuring the Southeast Symphony

On the Green @ Rolling Hills Country Day School 2nd Annual RHUMC Free Community Concert Bring a blanket/chair, picnic, family & friends

Over the past year or so I’m sure you’ve noticed a number of improvements to the patio. We’ve laced the trees, removed a couple that were failing to thrive, installed the fountain, and removed the walkway cover before it came down on its own. This year the trustees have been working on improving patio lighting for evening events, and with a gift of $10,000 from the preschool Parents Committee, we’ll be installing decorative lighting in the branches of the trees (the lights aren’t expensive, but wiring them is!). We’re also planning to re-do the steps from the patio up to the upper parking lot, to make them both shallower and wider. We believe this will make them safer both for children and grownups. And when the lighting is all done, Jim Showalter and Bill Bails have designed beautiful new seating to go around the trees.

We’ve also been talking about the addition of some new stained glass in the sanctuary. The proposal, which came from a church member a couple of years ago, was to install some new windows in the lower half of the upper part of the side windows (got that?). There’s a large beam which runs the length of the side walls on each side, and these would go just above the beam. There’d still be lots of natural light coming in through the large windows below, as well as above the new windows. We’ve been in discussion with the company which installed the original widows at the front of the sanctuary, and we’re now beginning to talk about actual design choices.

So we need your input! Bonni Ying from trustees, Doug Kemps, who helped with the original interior design choices, Jan Johnson, worship chair, and yours truly make up the task force. You can speak to any of us, or email me at the church office with your thoughts. We are currently thinking that these would portray some of the congregation’s favorite stories of Jesus. From the blessing of the children, to the feeding of the multitude, to the Prodigal Son or the Good Samaritan, we are guessing that we have plenty to choose from. You may have other ideas or suggestions. We would expect them to be done in the same style as the current windows, so that the design is consistent with the beautiful windows we already enjoy.

I hope that you are having a wonderful summer, and look forward to God’s leading in the months and years to come. Grace and peace,

Children’s Ministries

The 2007-2008 Sunday School Year is Just Around the Corner! We Would Love for You to be Part of It!

We are about to complete our first year of the “One Sunday, Once a Month” Sunday School volunteer program, and it has been a success! Current teachers say it is an easy commitment, yet still allows for the Sunday School to have regular teams throughout the year that the kids can count on. In addition to the easy time commitment, there is also no preparation required ahead of time for you to participate. You simply show up just before the service starts and get your class briefing for the day. Our lead teachers do all the planning for you. Sound like something you would like to try? Then contact me at your soonest convenience so we can get you on the schedule for the Fall. We begin in early September. Lisa Lehman, Director of Children’s Ministries

Basketball Update

"One man can be a crucial ingredient on a team, but one man cannot make a team.” –

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

So be a crucial ingredient on a team! We play in Wesley Hall on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Our schedule for August is: Thurs., August 2nd, 6-8 pm Sat., August 4th, 2-4 pm Mon., August 6th, 6 -8 pm Thurs., August 9th, 6-8 pm Sat., August 11th, 2-4 pm Mon., August 13th, 6-8 pm Thurs., August 16th, 6-8 pm Sat., August 18th, 2-4 pm Mon., August 20th, 6-8 pm Thurs., August 23rd, 6-8 pm Sat., August 25th, 2-4 pm Mon., August 27rd, 6-8 pm Thurs., August 30th, 6-8 pm If you would like to be sent reminders/updates regarding our schedule via email, please forward your email address to John Kwan at john@rhumc.org. The schedule can also be found on the church calendar on our website (www.rhumc.org). We look forward to seeing you there!

Club Maintenance

This month's Club Maintenance efforts focused on pest control in the Pre-School, fixing a broken umbrella, tree trimming, chancel floor repair, carpet spot cleaning in Wesley Hall, making and installing screens to keep birds out of the methane vents, and several areas of paint touchup. Those participating included newcomer Chuck John and regulars Mike Cross, Jason Foltz, Clarence Fung, Wayne Kalayjian, Oren Sheldon, Jim Showalter and Adam Whitman.

HEALTH MINISTRIES NEWS August 2007

Laughter Yoga classes have started. Ha Ha, Ho Ho Ho. Twenty eight brave souls came together to share laughter and enjoy the health benefits of Laughter Yoga. We had a great time and will continue to meet on Monday evenings 5:30 to 6:30 pm and Thursday mornings 9:00 to 10:00 am. Come join us, come to one or both classes, whatever works in your schedule.

Meditation Group to Begin on a weekly basis, Sunday afternoons 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. We will meet in the Teachers Lounge in Building F to meditate together. Come join us if you are interested in learning meditation or just want to meditate together in a group to enhance your private practice of meditation. Nina Bradbury will facilitate the group meeting.

A Gathering of New Friends If you are newer to our church and would like to find out more about us, please consider attending a gathering on Sunday, September 16th, 11:30 to 2:00 p.m.

You will learn about the life of RHUMC, a little about the lives of each of those sharing the day with you, and some history of United Methodism. A light lunch will be served. Childcare is available upon request. Please contact Kim Hall at 310.377.6771, or email her at kim@rhumc.org if you have interest in attending.

Annual RHUMC CROP Walk Raises $3,300 Benefiting War Refugees, and Disaster Victims Around the World

By Jo Hunt, Missions Chair RHUMC members put their money where their hearts were on Sunday April 29 participating in the Annual Peninsula-Harbor Hunger Walk and raising more than $3,300 for people in need around the world. Thanks to all of you who participated. Many thanks to our pastor, who actually ran instead of walking the whole six miles! Thanks a bunch to Missions Committee members who made the BBQ a great success as usual. FYI, there were more eaters than walkers. Monies raised will be used to help stock food pantries, food banks and meal sites throughout the United States. Funds will also go to provide shelter kits, tents, mats, plastic sheets and bedding for war refugees in the Sudan and Iraq. They will also help to purchase desks and chairs for schools in Afghanistan. The Crop Walk for Hunger is sponsored annually by Church World Service, an international relief, development and refugee assistance agency of 36 Protestant, Orthodox and Anglican denominations. Approximately 25 percent of all proceeds raised are used for local South Bay relief organizations including, FISH Emergency Center, SHAWL House, Toberman Settlement House and All Life Charities. The remaining 75 percent of proceeds go to worldwide relief agencies such as Adventist Development & Relief Agency, American Friends Service, American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee, Baptist World Aid/Baptist World Alliance, CARE, Catholic Relief Services, Christian Reformed World Relief Committee, Heifer Project International, Islamic American Relief Agency, Outreach International, Project HOPE and many others. Again, thanks to all those who helped make this CROP Walk one of the best ever!

. . . And CROP Thanks RHUMC

Dear Rev. Chute, Just a note to thank you and your congregation for its participation in the 2007 Peninsula-Harbor CROP Hunger Walk and your donation of $3,291. We hope you will participate again in 2008! Sincerely, Jan Gardner, Regional CROP Coordinator

Music for All Seasons We are proud to announce our Season of Special Concerts for 2007-08. We regard ourselves fortunate to be a part of a church that supports our music ministry so strongly. Thank you for making these presentations possible. We hope you'll plan now to attend each one. 5 p.m., Saturday, September 8 -- RHUMC POPS Concert on the Green @ Rolling Hills Country Day School Featuring The Southeast Symphony -- Fanfare for The Common Man, by Aaron Copland -- Suite from Rodeo, by Aaron Copland -- Satchmo! -- Duke Ellington! -- 1812 Overture, by Peter Tchaikovsky Bring your blanket, refreshments, some friends, and relax at this late Summer concert

7:30 p.m., Sunday, December 16 -- Annual Christmas Concert Featuring The Chancel Choir and The Southeast Symphony -- Gloria, by Ranol Alan Bass -- Gloria, by Francis Poulanc -- Gloria Deo, by Benjamin Harlan 7:30 p.m., Friday, March 21 (2008) -- Annual Good Friday Concert Featuring The Chancel Choir and The Southeast Symphony -- O Magnum Mysterium, by Morten Lauridsen -- Lux Aeterna, by Morten Lauridsen -- Wondrous Love, by Benjamin Harlan Look for post cards in the church lobby or the church office advertising these concerts. These cards are suitable for mailing to friends and family to invite them to our church for these and other events. Watch for the next CORNERSTONE edition to announce plans for our Children’s Choir and other special music events for the Fall. Chuck Dickerson Director of Music

RHUMC Volunteers Reach into Community In our continuing work with Habitat for Humanity, we have signed up a score of volunteers to work on the dates described below. There is space for more workers – join in the fun of helping a family build a home and a brighter future. President Jimmy Carter will be in our area October 28-November 2 as part of the Jimmy Carter Work Project 2007 (JCWP'07) blitz build week-long event. He and a couple thousand volunteers will help finish the 30 units that are currently in a pre-build state. The volunteers are coming from all over: international, local as well as other states and affiliates. Our first RHUMC pre-build group of construction volunteers met at Habitat for Humanity’s Keegan warehouse in Carson on Saturday, July 21. Upcoming Saturday pre-build days are scheduled for August 4 and October 13 and are to take place at Keegan and at the Harborside (San Pedro) construction sites respectively. Have you reserved your place for both these dates? Watch the Sunday Bulletin announcing patio sign-ups in September for the October 13 on-site date to help us build 16 affordable home units for low-income families. For information you may contact Clarence Fung (310) 541-8191, Kreta@msn.com, or Mission Committee members Bill Szieff and Eric Randall.

Gatherings and Fun with Family Ministries

August 13 Moms & Kids Playgroup 10 am

Want to relax and get to know other young families in our church? Beth Graves-Meyerhoff hosts this morning gathering at Ernie Howlett Park. For more information, call Beth at 310-530-8507.

August 19 Purposeful Readers 6:30 pm

The Readers meet this evening to discuss the touching bestseller by Northern California writer Anne Lamott entitled Traveling Mercies: Some Thoughts on Faith. Lamott's beautiful prose is unsparing in describing her struggles with alcohol, multiple losses, and single motherhood, as well as the faith community that wrapped itself around her and helped her survive it all. For more information, call Patti Painter at 310-316-6784. November 1 Disney Concert Hall 8 pm

At the end of the 2008/2009 season, Esa-Pekka Salonen will end nearly two decades as Music Director of the LA Philharmonic. His handpicked successor will be the brilliant 26-year-old Venezuelan conductor Gustavo Dudamel.

Here's your chance to preview the work of this amazing young man that Salonen once extolled as "a conducting animal!" Gustavo Dudamel conducts the Simon Bolivar National Youth Orchestra of Venezuela is this program which includes Mahler's Symphony No. 5 and Bernstein's Symphonic Dances from West Side Story. We have just 24 Terrace seats available at a price of $20 each. These will sell out fast! Call Cindy at 377-6771 ext. 105.

UNITED METHODIST WOMEN

CAMPBELL SOUP LABELS: If you would like to help the UMW support the David and Margaret Home, please save the labels from products that say “Labels for Education” with a picture of a character wearing a graduation hat somewhere on the label. If you aren’t sure what part of the label to save, save the whole label, put them in an envelope marked UMW, and leave them in the UMW box in the office or at the welcome center. Norine Morse will pick them up.

CIRCLE CHAIRS, REMEMBER: There are World Outlook and Response magazines in the UMW box. We encourage you to pick up one of each magazine and have your circle members read and share something of interest from them with their group.

THE GREATER GIFT OPPORTUNITY is coming again in the fall! We will be taking orders for beautiful handcrafted items and delicious food items once again this year prior to the Holidays. Consider ordering your Christmas gifts early, and at the same time you will be helping to support craftsmen and artisans by giving them employment and stability so they can support their families.

STARVING TO LIVE - This is an upcoming program about hunger and what our Christian response is to the growing epidemic. Sponsored by Palmdale UMW, Saturday, August 4. To register call 661-947-3103. Palmdale United Methodist Church, 39055 10th Street West, Palmdale, CA 93551.

RAINBOW SERVICES - What is it? To find out go to their website - www.rainbowservicesdv.org

TOBERMAN THRIFT SHOP! WE’RE GONNA NEED HELP!

Would you like to: See that donated clothing and household items go to people in need? Help a nice lady select an outfit within her budget for a job interview? Sell a $1.50 electric fry pan to a man who has no stove but needs hot food? Help a new bride outfit her apartment with linens and kitchen items for $20? If you speak even a bit of Spanish, perhaps you could help with some clients? For just four hours a month, on Tuesday? It’s air conditioned.

The TOBERMAN THRIFT SHOP will soon be moving from its temporary trailer to an expanded new store.

RHUMC people have been responsible for manning the shop on Tuesdays, and some of our good volunteers will be unable to sign up over the summer. There will be at least two in charge, and any new volunteer will be working with a seasoned one. If locations are convenient, carpooling from church works very well.

Please call Phyllis Goetz at (310) 377-5405 if you would like to ask questions about this rewarding service. Fall Parenting Class Preview

For Children Ages 6 thru 17 and their Parents The Sandcastles Program: Helping the Children of Divorce Rebuild

1 Sunday October 14 1 - 5 pm $100 per family (1-2 parents + children)

This nationally known one session program uses age-appropriate activities to help children process their feelings and experiences of their parents' divorce. Children attend their own activity groups while parents participate in an adult class that focuses on co-parenting skills. Adults and children come together for the last half hour of the program. After featuring

Sandcastles on her talk show four separate times, Oprah Winfrey called it "her most important program of the year." Over 150,000 children nationwide have participated in the Sandcastles program since its beginning in 1994. For Parents

Parenting Toddlers & Preschoolers 5 Tuesdays September 18, 25, October 2, 9, 16 7 - 9 pm $90 per parent ($160 per couple)

Parenting Your Teenager 5 Tuesdays October 23, 30, November 6, 13, 20 7 - 9 pm $90 per parent ($160 per couple)

Our church has provided progressive, non-sectarian parent education to the entire South Bay community for more than 20 years. All class fees include childcare, refreshments, and all materials. Partial scholarships are available for all classes. For registration and scholarship information, please call 377-6771 ext. 105 or email cindy@rhumc.org.

Thank You RHUMC Florine Lambert’s husband, Dolphus, passed away June 29 and his memorial service was held here on July 5th. Dear Friends, We wish to express appreciation for all the kind deeds and words of assurance from Rolling Hills United Methodist Church. You truly are an A-1 congregation. Florine Lambert & Family

Mid Zoners Got Out of the Zip Code This Summer!

As the Johnny Cash song goes, kind of, “they’ve

been everywhere, man”! Youth in our Mid Zone

summer camp have toured Medieval Times

(Renaissance week); Point Fermin and the Sunken

City Korean Bell, Marine Mammal Rescue Center,

among other water excursions (Age of

Discovery); Disney Hall, J. Paul Getty Museum,

Griffith Park Observatory are just a few more of the

fabulous destinations these wonderful kids

visited. For more information about our Mid Zone

program, please call Lisa at 310.377.6771, or email to lawilliams@rhumc.org.

A Whale of a Story

Submitted by Michelle Sagolla

If you read the front page story of the SF Chronicle, you would have read about a female humpback whale that had become entangled in a spider web of crab traps and lines. She was weighted down by hundreds of pounds of traps that caused her to struggle to stay afloat. She also had hundreds of yards of line rope wrapped around her body, her tail, her torso, a line tugging in her mouth. A fisherman spotted her just east of the Farralone Islands (outside the Golden Gate) and radioed an environmental group for help. Within a few hours, the rescue team arrived and determined that she was so bad off, the only way to save her was to dive in and untangle her. They worked for hours with curved knives and eventually freed her. When she was free, the divers say she swam in what seemed like joyous circles. She then came back to each and every diver, one at a time, and nudged them, pushed them gently around - she thanked them. Some said it was the most incredibly beautiful experience of their lives.

May you, and all those you love, be so blessed and fortunate to be surrounded by people

who will help you get untangled from the things that are binding you

And, may you always know the joy of giving and receiving gratitude

The Next CORNERSTONE deadline is August 22