The First United Methodist Church of Temple City

09/09/2026

Hello Friends and Family, here is our September Newsletter!

09/08/2026

Beloved Church Family,

Beloved Church Family, Psalm 114 reminds us of the ways God has moved throughout history. Sometimes, when we reflect to back in the days, we can see God's faithfulness in ways we didn’t see before. We remember the people and situations that helped us, the opportunities that opened/closed, and the strength God granted along the way.

hope you all enjoyed the Labor Day weekend. It’s also a good time to give thanks for the many people whose work helps our families, our communities, and our everyday lives. So much of what we have is made possible because someone’s willingness to work, serve, and help others.

I have so much to be thankful for. One of the blessings from this past Sunday was baptizing Austin then serving him Holy Communion. Such a joy to witness this young child take this huge step in his faith journey. He’s young, but there’s something about his faith and his willingness that really moved me.

After meeting with Austin and his family a couple times, I knew that his young age he has a huge heart. That God was already working in his heart. I am thankful that you and I get to be part of his journey, and I look forward to seeing his family and his church family continue to encourage, guide and pray with him. If you missed Austin's baptism, be sure to congratulate him when you see him!

May God's goodness remind us to live with grateful hearts and to care for each other. As we give thanks, let’s also look for ways to be a blessing, because YOU are a blessing.

With Love and Prayers,
Pastor Nesi

Ministry Matters:

1. Hilde’s “Sunday Scripture”: Every Sunday, Hilde reads a different scripture to our congregation. On Sunday, she read the following: Ephesians 2:10 (NIV) 10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

2. If You Missed Picture Day For Our Upcoming Church Directory: We are still accepting pictures via email. Our email address is [email protected].

3. Coffee Hour Sign-Ups: Sign-up sheet is empty for the next few months. Just as a reminder, there will be no goodies if no one volunteers to bring them, other than coffee and tea, supplied by the church.

4. Upper Room: Reminder that the Upper Room prayer group meets via zoom on Friday mornings at 10 am. If you have a joy or concern that you would like mentioned, please reach out to Hilde by Thursday afternoon. Zoom ID meeting: 979 7300 7312. If calling by phone, 669-900-6833.

5. Life Group Bible Study: Life Group Bible Study will be starting our next study, another one by Tom Berlin, titled, “Reckless Love”, on September 1. We thoroughly enjoyed our last study, “Jesus is Lord”, by Tom Berlin so much, the group suggested another one by him. Please join us on Tuesday morning at 9:45. Zoom ID 409 649 632, and the call in number is 669-900-6833.

6. Save The Date!: The Greater San Gabriel Mission Area Fall Event; Sunday, September 27, 2026, 3:30 pm Hosted by First UMC of Temple City and Faith UMC. Each church is invited to share a song, an action dance, a poem, or any special gift that helps us “Make a Joyful Noise,” the theme of our fall event. For more information, please contact Pastor Nesi, Hilde G., or Marcia G.

09/07/2026

In the United Methodist tradition we believe, practice, celebrate and recognize two sacraments. Baptism and Holy Communion. Today, this beloved young man received both. Church family and friends, join us in welcoming our newest member and congratulating him on his baptism. Congratulations and Welcome, Austin!

09/06/2026

Welcome, everyone! We'd like to invite you to our Sunday worship service. We're happy you have joined us! Today we celebrate both the sacraments of Baptism and Holy Communion.

Also, Pastor Nesi has special message for us titled, ‘Love in the Midst of Division’ with our scriptures focusing on Romans 13:8-14, and from the Gospel of Matthew 18:15-20.

Stay tuned for this very special service, and for more information on our church, or how you can get involved, visit us online at www.templecityumc.org, or email us at [email protected]. We pray that God will touch your heart during our service this morning!

09/01/2026

Beloved Church Family,

Psalm 149 begins with a call to praise God and sing a new song. Such a beautiful image…a new song, because God continues to give us reasons to hope, love, and keep going.

Our lives can also be a blessing to others in ways we may never know. Have I mentioned that I love country music? I do, along with many other genres! Dolly Parton (RIP) is one example of someone who used her gifts, music, generosity, and kindness to bless so many people. Such a gift when we use what God has given us to make a difference.

Please continue to pray for the people of Nepal and Tibet affected by the devastating floods and for all who are facing loss and uncertainty. We also give thanks for UMCOR and the many ways they bring help and hope when disaster hits.

These past few weeks have also been personal for me as I grieve the loss of my Aunty Ana in Suva, Fiji. I give thanks for her life, the memories, her service to her faith community, and her love and faithfulness to God. Thank you to everyone who sent messages, shared your concerns, and kept us in your prayers. I appreciate you all!

There’s so much happening in our world that we can’t name it all. So we pray for every person, family, and community facing pain, conflict, loss, hunger, disaster, or uncertainty. May God's peace reach where it’s needed most.

Psalm 149 reminds us that praise is more than what we sing. We praise God through how we live, love, care, and show up for one another.

So this week, keep singing your new song. Keep praying. Keep showing kindness. Keep helping where you can.

And remember, YOU are a blessing to your church, your community, and the people God places in your path.

Continue being a blessing, because you are a blessing.

With Love and Prayers,
Pastor Nesi

Ministry Matters:

1. Hilde’s “Sunday Scripture”: Every Sunday, Hilde reads a different scripture to our congregation. On Sunday, she read the following: Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV) 5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

2. If You Missed Picture Day For Our Upcoming Church Directory: You can send your own picture to us via email! Our email address is [email protected].

3. Coffee Hour Sign-Ups: For those of you who have signed up for our coffee hour following service on Sundays, we would like to give you a great big thank you!

4. Upper Room: Reminder that the Upper Room prayer group meets via zoom on Friday mornings at 10 am. If you have a joy or concern that you would like mentioned, please reach out to Hilde by Thursday afternoon. Zoom ID meeting: 979 7300 7312. If calling by phone, 669-900-6833.

5. Life Group Bible Study: Life Group Bible Study will be starting our next study, another one by Tom Berlin, titled, “Reckless Love”, on September 1. We thoroughly enjoyed our last study, “Jesus is Lord”, by Tom Berlin so much, the group suggested another one by him. Please join us on Tuesday morning at 9:45. Zoom ID 409 649 632, and the call in number is 669-900-6833.

6. Save The Date! The Greater San Gabriel Mission Area Fall Event. Sunday, September 27, 2026, 3:30 pm Hosted by First UMC of Temple City and Faith UMC. Each church is invited to share a song, an action dance, a poem, or any special gift that helps us “Make a Joyful Noise,” the theme of our fall event. For more information, please contact Pastor Nesi, Hilde G., or Marcia G.

08/30/2026

Welcome, everyone! We would like to invite you to our Sunday worship service. We are very happy you have joined us! Today Pastor Nesi has special message for us titled, ‘When Following Gets Difficult’ with our scriptures focusing on Romans 12:9-21, and from the Gospel of Matthew 16:21-28. Stay tuned for this very special service, and for more information on our church, or how you can get involved, visit us online at www.templecityumc.org, or email us at [email protected]. We pray that God will touch your heart during our service this morning!

08/25/2026

Beloved Church Family,

I continue to reflect on God's Word from Sunday's message (8/23/26), and I can't help but be thankful.

As we begin this new week, one of the lectionary readings is Psalm 105:1-6, 23-26, 45b. It tells us to give thanks, remember what God has done, and seek God. It also reminds us that God called Moses and Aaron to serve God's people.

I think about how God calls us, and our first reaction is, “not me.” Whether we don't feel ready or think someone else is a better choice. Or we don't want to take on one more thing. Serving and leading can be challenging. There’s days when we feel hesitant or discouraged. Yet God continues to call us. And we’re not called to do this alone. We have a church family where we can pray, serve, learn, encourage, and walk together.

So this week, if you find yourself saying, “not me,” take a moment to ask God, “What are you calling me to do?” You may be surprised by the answer.

Lean on God. Lean on your church family. We’re stronger together, and the mission of Christ is something we share together.

Remember that God uses each one of us to be a blessing.

So, continue being a blessing!
With Love and Prayers,
Pastor Nesi

Ministry Matters:

1. Hilde’s “Sunday Scripture”: Every Sunday, Hilde reads a different scripture to our congregation. On Sunday, she read the following: 1 Peter 5:7 (NIV) Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

2. Church Directory: Pictures will be taken after worship this Sunday. After that you can send your own picture to us via email! Our email address is [email protected].

3. Coffee Hour Sign-Ups: For those of you who have signed up for our coffee hour following service on Sundays, we would like to give you a great big thank you!

4. Upper Room: Reminder that the Upper Room prayer group meets via zoom on Friday mornings at 10 am. If you have a joy or concern that you would like mentioned, please reach out to Hilde by Thursday afternoon. Zoom ID meeting: 979 7300 7312. If calling by phone, 669-900-6833.

5. Life Group Bible Study: Life Group Bible Study will be starting our next study, another one by Tom Berlin, titled, “Reckless Love”, on September 1. We thoroughly enjoyed our last study, “Jesus is Lord”, by Tom Berlin so much, the group suggested another one by him. Please join us on Tuesday morning at 9:45. Zoom ID 409 649 632, and the call in number is 669-900-6833.

6. UMCOR News: UMCOR is currently receiving a lot of requests for relief via Facebook. Requests are coming from the Mid-West from flash flooding, to needs continuing for hurricane relief in Hawaii, as well as relief needs in Columbia and Indonesia for earthquake disaster relief. Please consider donating to UMCOR, if you are able. You can make checks payable to our church but in the memo line, please make sure to state “UMCOR Relief”. You can also donate to UMCOR via their website at www.calpacumc.org/donate.

Have a blessed day,

Nikki Guzman

Administrative Assistant



Temple City First United Methodist Church
5957 Golden West Ave.
Temple City, CA 91780
Website: Templecityumc.org
Email: [email protected]
Ph: 626-286-3129

The Annual Conference takes designated donations for specific initiatives approved as Conference Advance Specials or approved by the Bishop, Cabinet, and the Conference Treasurer.

08/23/2026

Welcome, everyone! We would like to invite you to our Sunday worship service. We are very happy you have joined us! Today Pastor Nesi has special message for us titled, ‘Power for What?’ with our scriptures focusing on Romans 12:1-8, and from the Gospel of Matthew 16:13-20. Stay tuned for this very special service, and for more information on our church, or how you can get involved, visit us online at www.templecityumc.org, or email us at [email protected]. We pray that God will touch your heart during our service this morning!

08/18/2026

Beloved Church Family,

“Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth.” Psalm 124:8

A humble reminder that we can carry into a new week. Our help comes from God, not from anything that we do on our own.

As we prepare for the days ahead and Sunday worship, we’re reminded that Jesus gives us more than a title or a place in the church. He calls us to live out our faith.

Each of us has gifts, capabilities, and opportunities to make a difference. The question isn’t only what you have, but what you will do with what God has given you.

 Will you use your words to encourage?
 Will you use your influence to lift others up?
 Will you stand for what’s right?
 Will you make room for those who feel unseen?

We all don’t have the same gifts, but every one of us has a part to play.

Go through this week, remembering Psalm 124:8. When you’re tired, God is your help. When you’re scared, God is your guide. Our help is in the Lord. And with God's help, we can be a blessing to others.

Continue being a blessing, because you are a blessing.

With Love and Prayers,
Pastor Nesi

Ministry Matters:

1. Hilde’s “Sunday Scripture”: Every Sunday, Hilde reads a different scripture to our congregation. On Sunday, she read the following: Psalm 86:12 (NIV) My Lord God, I praise you with all my heart. I will honor your name forever!

2. If You Missed Picture Day For Our Upcoming Church Directory, don't worry! Pictures will continue to be taken after worship for the next two weeks. If you're unable to be present, you can send your picture to the church office by email.

3. Coffee Hour Sign-Ups: For those of you who have signed up for our coffee hour following service on Sundays, we would like to give you a great big thank you!

4. Upper Room: Reminder that the Upper Room prayer group meets via zoom on Friday mornings at 10 am. If you have a joy or concern that you would like mentioned, please reach out to Hilde by Thursday afternoon. Zoom ID meeting: 979 7300 7312. If calling by phone, 669-900-6833.

5. Life Group Bible Study: Today Life Group Bible Study finished their current study and we will be starting our next study, another one by Tom Berlin, titled, “Reckless Love”. We thoroughly enjoyed our last study, “Jesus is Lord”, by Tom Berlin so much, the group suggested another one by him. Please join us on Tuesday morning at 9:45. Zoom ID 409 649 632, and the call in number is 669-900-6833.

6. UMCOR News: UMCOR is currently serving in Columbia and Indonesia for earthquake disaster relief, and in Hawaii for Hurricane disaster relief as well. Please consider donating to UMCOR, if you are able. You can make checks payable to our church but in the memo line, please make sure to state “UMCOR Relief”.

08/16/2026

Welcome, everyone! We would like to invite you to our Sunday worship service. We are very happy you have joined us! Today Pastor Nesi has special message for us titled, ‘Grace Makes Room’ with our scriptures focusing on Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32, and from the Gospel of Matthew 15:10-28. Stay tuned for this very special service, and for more information on our church, or how you can get involved, visit us online at www.templecityumc.org, or email us at [email protected]. We pray that God will touch your heart during our service this morning!