625 Hamilton Ave.
Palo Alto, CA 94301

650.323.6167
fax 650.323.3923

info@firstpaloalto.com

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Youth

Change for the Youth Sierra Service Project Trip

Our youth are once again changing the world this summer.

Beginning on Sunday the "Change for Africa" jars will appear in the Narthex, this year as "Change for Sierra Service Project" jars.

Our fundraising goal, and we are already well on our way, is $7000 to send a team to Loleta, California and one youth will join up with a multi-church team to go to Honduras.

We invite you to empty your pockets and purses, dig between the couch cushions and bring us that pile of coins that has been piling up in your home for who knows how long to contribute to this summer of mission.




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Mark Your Calendars for Vacation Bible School

Mark Your Calendar!

Vacation Bible School 2008 is the last week of July.

This intergenerational event will be held in the evening.

Stay tuned for more details.

Enjoy some photos from Vacation Bible School 2006 and 2005.



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Youth Spaghetti Dinner/Talent Show Fundraiser

This summer we are sending 9 youth and 2 adult counselors/chaparones on Sierra Service Project mission trips.

One of our youth will be traveling with a Sierra Service Project team to Honduras in August. The other 10 participants (6 of our youth and 2 from the Tongan congregation, plus the two adults) will head to Loleta, California to serve with the Wiyot Tribe on the Table Bluff Reservation.

Click here to see photos from the 2007 Sierra Service Project trip.

To make these trips happen we planned two fundraisers.

The first fundraiser on May 18, 2007 featured the youth auctioning off their labor to the highest bidder. It was a big success raising over $1200!

The second fundraiser will be a spaghetti dinner and talent show at 7:00pm on Saturday, July 19, 2008 in Fellowship Hall. If you have a talent you would like to share, such as
magic tricks, comedy or music, please contact Katie or Marylee.

Here's a flyer for the talent show.

In all we need to raise approximately $7,000 across the two trips. Through donations and the Easter Sunrise Service offering some of these funds have already been raised.

Thank you in advance for your generous support.


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Family Swim Party

Ready to get in the swim of things?

The Nurture Committee is hosting a Family Swim Outing on Saturday, September 6, 2008 from 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM.

The outing will be held at the Silliman Family Aquatic Center, which is located at 6800 Mowry Avenue in Newark, CA




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Sunday School

Our Bible-based curriculum is designed to nurture the youth in their faith journey.

Sunday School classes for Grades 6-8 and Grades 9-12 meet from 9:00 am - 10:15 am.

Contact: Marylee Sheffer 650-323-6167 x105


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Worship

Youth are encouraged not only to be in attendance at worship, but also to take an active part in it by reading the opening prayer, acting as Acolytes, and by reading scriptures. They also periodically plan a "Youth Service."

Our primary service is from 10:25 am - 11:30 am.

Contact: Marylee Sheffer 650-323-6167 x105


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JOY Group

The JOY group is for middle school youth in Grades 6-8.

They meet weekly for fellowship, study, discussion, sharing, service projects, and games. Dinner is included.

Contact: Marylee Sheffer 650-323-6167 x105


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UMYF



Senior High School youth, grades 9-12, meet weekly for fellowship, age-appropriate discussion of life and faith issues, service projects and fun.

Dinner is included.

Contact: Marylee Sheffer 650-323-6167 x105


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Confirmation Class

Bi-annually (in even numbered years) we offer youth who are in grades 6 and higher an opportunity to make an intentional faith decision and commitment.

This involves attendance at a special "Confirmation Class," which consists of several sessions designed to help youth explore their faith in the context of the Christian tradition at a deeper level.

At the end of this process they will make a decision about their faith, write a faith statement, and we hope, make a commitment to join the church.

Contact: Marylee Sheffer 650-323-6167 x105


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United Methodist College Loan and Scholarship Programs

Scholarships150103.jpgPlanning for college?

The United Methodist Scholarship and Loan Programs are a churchwide educational service providing scholarships and loans to help supplement the financial needs of today's students. Funding for these scholarships and loans are provided through offerings, wills, annuities, and other designated gifts.

Click here to download the United Methodist Loans & Scholarship Program Brochure. (pdf)

United Methodist Scholarships

Scholarships are awarded on an academic year basis. A student is eligible to receive only one United Methodist scholarship during any one academic year.

United Methodist scholarships are available to undergraduate students at more than 100 United Methodist-related colleges and universities.

Many of the scholarships for graduate students are designated for persons pursuing a degree in theological studies (M.Div., D.Min., Ph.D.),higher education administration or older adults changing their careers.

Scholarships for racial ethnic undergraduate or graduate students and UM students at non UM schools are also available.

The United Methodist Student Loan Program

Who May Borrow?

An applicant must be:
• an active, full member of a United Methodist Church for at least one year prior to applying
• a citizen or permanent resident of the U. S.
• admitted to a degree program in an accredited college/university
• maintaining at least a C average

For further information about the United Methodist scholarship and loan programs visit the United Methodist General Board of Higher Education & Ministry website.

Click here for information on United Methodist-related colleges.


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United Methodist Schools and Colleges

Head4College150153.jpgCan't decide where to go to college?

There are 123 educational institutions that are related to The United Methodist Church. They are located in diverse settings across the United States, ranging from rural communities to some of our nation's great cities. From small schools with 200 students to schools with over 15,000 students, these institutions offer rich and creative academic programs.

United Methodist-related educational institutions place student learning, the concern for the community, and the search for values at the center of their programs.

Complete school list by state

Alphabetical Lists
Two Year Colleges
Four Year Colleges and Universities
Medical School

Interested in preparing for the ministry or another church profession? Check out the 13 United Methodist Seminaries.

Click here for information on United Methodist scholarship and loan programs.

Information courtesy of the United Methodist General Board of Higher Education and Ministry


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Youth Group Raises $1200+ for Heifer Project

HeiferLogo10062.gifThe Senior High Youth Group raised almost $1,300 for Heifer Project, an organization that helps alleviate poverty and hunger by providing livestock and training to people throughout the world. The amount the group raised will go to purchasing heifers and honeybees.

The youth raised this money by fasting for 30 hours during a lock-in at the church over Good Friday and Holy Saturday.

Thanks to the youth and all of you who contributed to their efforts.

Check out www.heifer.org for more information about Heifer International.


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Retreats

Occasionally the youth groups go on weekend retreats planned by they and their counselors. They also have opportunities to attend denominationally sponsored camps and conferences.

Contact: Marylee Sheffer 650-323-6167 x105


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Permission Slip / Covenant of Conduct

Need a Permission Slip to go on a trip with your youth group but don't have the time to obtain the form at the church?

Don't worry, We now offer it online so you can print it out and go.

Download the Permission Slip


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SanctuaryLogo5069.jpg

The First United Methodist Church of Palo Alto, California - A Welcoming Church spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ to the people of San Mateo and Santa Clara counties since 1894. We're conveniently located in downtown Palo Alto near the Stanford University campus. Whether you're in the Silicon Valley or on the Peninsula, we want to be your Church home.

We invite you and your family to worship with us any Sunday morning.

Our members come from all over the San Francisco bay area including Atherton, Belmont, Burlingame, Campbell, Castro Valley, Cupertino, East Palo Alto, Foster City, Fremont, Gilroy, Half Moon Bay, Los Altos, Los Gatos, Menlo Park, Millbrae, Milpitas, Morgan Hill, Mountain View, Newark, Pacifica, Palo Alto, Portola Valley, Redwood City, San Carlos, San Francisco, San Mateo, San Jose, Santa Clara, Saratoga, Stanford, Sunnyvale and Walnut Creek.

Check out our Visitors Information section for more information about the First United Methodist Church of Palo Alto




©2000-2008 First United Methodist Church of Palo Alto
Join us for our regular worship service at 10:30 am or our informal Communion service at 8:30 am.

Readings for Sunday, July 6, 2008: Genesis 24:34-38, 42-49, 58-67, Psalm 45:10-17, Romans 7:15-25a, Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30


Join us for lots of fellowship, food and fun at our summer Picnics in the Park!


View the Committee on Lay Leadership's presentation on how they have reconfigured some of our church committees to help us be more effective.


Meet our new 2008/2009 church leaders and committee members


to June 29th sermon. Save it to your iPod.


Read the latest issue today!


to June 22nd sermon. Save it to your iPod.