Downey United Methodist Church

09/05/2026

We join our Preschool in grieving the loss of Downey United Methodist Preschool Board Member, Martha Sodetani.

Martha is what we'd call a good Methodist. She lived like Jesus and was an exemplar of Christian Perfection. She touched many lives in the city of Downey in her life, and she made her mark at our church. Our prayers are with her family and all those that were close to her.

We are deeply saddened by the loss of our beloved board member and dear friend Martha Sodetani.

Martha was one of the kindest, most selfless, and supportive people, always willing to give her time, heart, and encouragement to others. Her dedication and involvement made a lasting impact on our church, our preschool board, and the Downey community.

She was widely loved and respected, and her presence brought warmth and kindness wherever she went. Her absence will be profoundly felt by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

We at Downey United Methodist Preschool will miss her dearly. We are grateful for the love, compassion, and countless contributions she shared with our community, and we will continue to cherish the beautiful memories she leaves behind.

Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and loved ones during this difficult time. May her memory forever remain a blessing to us all.

Cynthia Cruz

08/29/2026

Downey UMC retreat is off to a great start. “Come Away with Me” is our theme, and Rev. Christy is leading us through a variety of Soul Care practices. Today, we grow together as a church community with God!

08/18/2026

🌿 COME AWAY WITH ME: A Day of Rest, Renewal, and Spiritual Refreshment 💜

The Downey United Methodist Church Changemakers Team invites our church, friends, and neighbors to Come Away With Me, a day set apart for rest, renewal, connection, and spiritual refreshment.

Jesus said, “Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest a while.” (Mark 6:31)

💜 WHY COME AWAY?

Life can be noisy! We spend so much time doing, serving, caring, working, and moving from one thing to the next. Sometimes we simply need permission to stop, breathe, rest, and remember that we do not have to be doing something every moment in order for the moment to matter.

On Saturday, August 29, we are stepping away from the noise and making space to rest, play, create, worship, pray, listen, laugh, explore, and simply be. Above all, we will be present with God and one another. ❤️

🌳 WHAT CAN I EXPECT?

Our day will include guided experiences along with plenty of freedom to choose what feels restorative and meaningful to you.

🌀 Guided labyrinth walk
🙏🏽 Guided reflection, Soul Care, and prayer stations
🎨 Creativity and play
🎶 Worship and music
🌿 Walking trails and time in nature
💧 A beautiful waterfall and peaceful grounds to explore
❤️ Space to rest, reflect, pray, or simply be
🛍️ A gift shop featuring handmade crafts
✨ Freedom to wander and wonder

You do not have to do everything! Participate in what nourishes you. Take a walk. Pray. Create. Laugh with a friend. Listen to music. Explore the grounds. Find a beautiful place to sit. Or simply rest.

♿ ACCESSIBILITY MATTERS

The retreat center has wheelchair-ramp access to the conference room, dining hall, and grounds. Please let us know if you have accessibility needs so we can help make your experience as welcoming and accessible as possible.

📅 WHEN: Saturday, August 29, 2026 | 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM

📍 WHERE: Mary & Joseph Retreat Center
5300 Crest Road, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275

🍽️ LUNCH: Included

💜 COST: $45 per person

🌻 WHO IS INVITED?
You are! You do not have to be a member of Downey UMC or the Changemakers Team. This day is for our church, friends, and neighbors. Invite a friend and come away with us!

📝 HOW DO I REGISTER?
Please see Rev. Christy Ann Clark or Mrs. Brenda Warner to register.

💛 HOW DO I PAY?
Give online through the Downey United Methodist Church Giving Portal and write “Come Away With Me Retreat” in the comments or memo line at downeymethodist.org/give, or you can pay with cash or check. Please seal cash or check in an envelope and make sure you note that it’s for retreat registration.


“Come to me, all you who are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)

🌿 Come away with us.

✨ Step away from the noise. Listen for God’s voice. Return renewed. 💛

08/17/2026

🎉 ATTENTION FAMILY, FRIENDS, AND NEIGHBORS OF DOWNEY UMC!

This week will be pretty calm here at DUMC, Next week, though, we are sending August out with a blast! 🎆 We hope you will join the fun.

✅ Sunday, August 23: RevChristy Ann Clark will continue the series by bringing a message on Serving Joyfully. All donations for Sherman Indian High School are due this Sunday as well. The students start school on Monday, August 24, and we want to help surround them with love and support while making sure they are prepared and set up for success!

🩸 Speaking of August 24: We have our monthly Blood Drive from 12:00 to 6:00 p.m. Thank you, American Red Cross, for partnering with us and allowing us to be part of this lifesaving mission. ❤️

🌿 Saturday, August 29: We will have our Come Away With Me Retreat. Registration is $45, and we do have scholarships we may be able to provide.

🎶 Sunday, August 30: Song Sung Sunday is taking place during our 10:30 a.m. worship service! Join the fun, enjoy the music, and let us know your favorites so we can sing them. 🎤

🤝🏾 Monday, August 31: To close out August, and Rev. Christy’s first full year with Downey UMC, the leaders of the Changemakers group will tour Rancho Los Amigos Foundation
in search of our next community partners. Pray that this visit and tour is a blessed time.

🎊 Whew! We know that was a mouthful! We are definitely sending August out with a bang. 💥

Let us know if you are interested in any of these activities, and pray for us as we send August into the history books. ❤️

08/15/2026

Another ballpark with the pastors at Angel Stadium! We had a great group and fun night of fellowship. Go Angels!

07/28/2026

Monday is right around the corner and we’re praying that the children and families of Downey United Methodist. Preschool will be blessed with lots of joy, love, laughter, and learning. 

It’s not to late to register for the school year! We start on August 3rd. Come take a tour and join our wonderful community. We would love to have you! 🩵

07/27/2026

It’s TODAY! And air conditioned!

Will you donate blood to save lives?

04/27/2026

Worship at and with Lynwood UMC was a profound blessing today. ❤️🙌🏽

Here are a couple of pictures taken during fellowship hour after church.  ❤️

May God continue to bless our connection and empower future worship and fellowship opportunities between our congregations.  🙌🏽