The First United Methodist Church of Temple City

06/16/2026

Beloved Church Family,

In the lectionary readings this week, Psalm 86 reminds us that God hears when we call, shows mercy when we need it most, and gives us the strength for our journey. The psalmist prays and trusts that no matter what is happening, God is present.

As we begin this new week, I want to encourage you to hold on to that trust. Through it all, God remains faithful. This week, many in our California-Pacific Conference churches will gather for Annual Conference (AC). I ask for your prayers as I join our elected lay member, Hilde Garrison in attending and representing our church. While we will be away, we will carry you with us in our hearts and prayers, giving thanks for the ministry we share together.

During AC, one of the important responsibilities before us will be the election of delegates to the 2028 General and Jurisdictional Conferences. I ask for your prayers upon my son, Maikolo Brown, who is on the nomination list as a Lay Delegate candidate. Maikolo will also be attending AC as one of the elected Young Adult representatives from the East District. We give thanks for his willingness to serve and for all who answer God's call to leadership within the church.

This week also holds several important moments. We celebrate Juneteenth (June 19th), remembering freedom, justice, and the continuing work of building a more loving and equitable world for all God's children. We also recognize Father's Day, giving thanks for fathers, grandfathers, stepfathers, uncles, mentors, and all those who have offered guidance, care, and support in our lives. We also hold in prayer those for whom this day may bring grief, loss, or difficult memories.

Psalm 86 reminds us that there is no one like our God. God's love is forever. God's mercy is real. God's faithfulness never runs out.

So, whatever your week looks like, you’re not alone. God hears your prayers, Jesus is with you, and the Holy Spirit guides you.

Continue being a blessing, because you are a blessing.
See you Sunday morning!
With Love and Prayers,
Pastor Nesi

Ministry Matters:

1. 2026 Annual Conference: Reminder: The Annual Conference begins on tomorrow, June 17, 2026, and concludes on Saturday, June 20, 2026. Pastor Nesi will be attending in person, along with our elected Lay members. If you are unable to attend the Annual Conference in person, you are invited to watch and celebrate the Commissioning of Pastor Zicong Li and the Ordination of Pastor Martin Finau on Saturday, June 20, 2026, beginning at 9:00 a.m. online. Here is the conference website listed here: https://calpacumc.org/about/ac2026/. You can copy that web address into your computer’s address bar or copy it on your phone’s internet browser. Also, remember to keep in prayer and congratulations to both Pastor Zicong and Pastor Martin! We continue to hold both pastors in our prayers and give thanks for their faithfulness and commitment to serving Christ and the Church.

2. Juneteenth Celebrations: On June 19, we observe Juneteenth, a time when we give thanks for freedom, resilience, and the ongoing work of justice, equality, and hope for all people.

3. Life Group Update: Life Group Bible Study continues to meet every Tuesday via zoom from 9:45-11am. Participants can join either via smart phone, computer, tablet or via phone number. The Zoom ID is: 409 649 632, and the phone number is 669-900-6833. We apologize for any confusion regarding meet times.

4. Father’s Day: Reminder that Father’s Day is this Sunday, June 21! Don’t forget to show your dad or the “dad” that stepped in for you in your life. We would like to honor them on Father’s Day so please send your pics in (with your name and theirs) to us at our email at [email protected] by Thursday evening.

5. Student Sunday: June 28 we will celebrate students and graduates during worship. If you have a student being promoted or a graduate in your family, friends, or neighbors, please send us their name or join us in person as we offer a special prayer of blessing and thanksgiving for their accomplishment.

06/14/2026

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, ‘The Promise of Love’ based on the gospel of Matthew 9:35-10:8. 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!

06/12/2026

06/10/2026

Beloved Church Family,

Psalm 116:1-2 says, “I love the LORD because he has heard my voice and my supplications. Because he inclined his ear to me, therefore I will call on him as long as I live.”

Summer is approaching, graduation season is almost coming to an end, and many will be celebrating Father's Day. For some, it is a joyful occasion, for others, not so much, or mixed emotions. Whatever this season means for you, know that God meets you with love and grace.

June is also a month filled with celebrations, remembrance, and reflection. As many observe Pride Month, we are reminded that every person is created in the image of God and is worthy of love, dignity, and respect.

As I reflect on the many graduation ceremonies and celebrations I have attended these past few weeks, more than I can count on one hand, I am reminded of how great God's love is.

To witness the years of hard work, perseverance, challenges, and joys is something special. It’s not only the student's accomplishment, but also the journey of parents, guardians, grandparents, teachers, and all who supported them along the way. There is something beautiful about hearing your student's name called, watching them walk across the stage, and seeing them receive their diploma. It’s a moment filled with gratitude, relief, joy, and hope. It is a celebration I never want to end.

Yet, like all seasons of life, graduation season eventually comes to a close. The decorations come down, the parties end, and a new chapter begins. But there is one good thing that never ends…God's love.

God's love is with us through every beginning and every ending. It carries us through every challenge and every celebration. It was there before us, it is with us today, and it will remain long after us.

As Psalm 116 reminds us, God hears us, loves us, and stays close to us. For that, we can give thanks. So wherever this week takes you, remember that you are loved and you are blessed. Continue being a blessing, because you are a blessing.

With Love and Prayers,
Pastor Nesi

Ministry Matters:

1. Scholarship Season: : It’s that time of year again! Scholarship Season is in full swing, applications are available, so please see Marcia. Deadline is this Sunday, June 14. You can also pick up an application at the church office, M-F 9-1pm.

2. 2026 Annual Conference: Reminder: The Annual Conference begins on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, and concludes on Saturday, June 20, 2026. Pastor Nesi will attend in person, along with our elected Lay members. If you are unable to attend the Annual Conference in person, you are invited to watch and celebrate the Commissioning of Pastor Zicong Li and the Ordination of Pastor Martin Finau on Saturday, June 20, 2026, beginning at 9:00 a.m. online. A link will be provided next week or found on the conference website listed here: https://calpacumc.org/about/ac2026/. Congratulations to Pastor Zicong and Pastor Martin. We continue to hold both pastors in our prayers and give thanks for their faithfulness and commitment to serving Christ and the Church.

3. Juneteenth Celebrations: On June 19, we observe Juneteenth, a time when we give thanks for freedom, resilience, and the ongoing work of justice, equality, and hope for all people.

4. Hilde’s “Sunday Scripture”: On Sunday, Hilde read the following scripture to our congregation; Philippians : 4:13 (NKJV) I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

5. June Chimes: Our June Chimes is attached, please enjoy our newsletter, there is a lot of information within!

6. Father’s Day: Reminder that Father’s Day is June 21! Don’t forget to show your dad or the “dad” that stepped in for you in your life. We would like to honor them on Father’s Day so please send your pics in (with your name and theirs) to us at our email at [email protected].

7. Student Sunday: June 28 we will celebrate students and graduates during worship. If you have a student being promoted or a graduate in your family, friends, or neighbors, please send us their name or join us in person as we offer a special prayer of blessing and thanksgiving for their accomplishment.

06/07/2026

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, ‘Touched by Grace’ based on the gospel of Matthew chapter 9. 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!

06/02/2026

Beloved Church Family,

Psalm 33 reminds us to rejoice in the Lord, trust in God’s steadfast love, and remember that our hope is not placed in human power alone but in God, who is faithful through every season.

Today, Tuesday, 6/2/26, is Primary Election Day. Whether you have or have not, I encourage you to use your voice and vote. As people of faith, we pray, participate, and seek the well-being of our communities, trusting God to guide us with wisdom, compassion, and courage.

As we begin this new week, remember that Jesus is always with you. Regardless if your days are filled with joy or worry, certainty or questions, you don’t journey alone. God knows your heart and hears your prayers. God loves you, and so does your church family.

May God give you wisdom for the decisions before you. Christ, fill your heart with peace and hope. And may the Holy Spirit strengthen you to be a light in whatever you do. Go trusting in the goodness of God. Keep being a blessing, because you are a blessing.

With Love and Prayers,
Pastor Nesi

Ministry Matters:

1. Scholarship Season: : Reminder! Scholarship Season is in full swing, applications are available after service on Sunday, please see Marcia. Deadline is June 15. You can also pick up an application at the church office, M-F 9-1pm.

2. Contact Info Cards- New Info Cards: If you haven’t filled out a new card yet, please do so as we need the info so we can begin process of creating the new directory beginning in June. As a reminder, even if you believe we have your info, we still need you to fill out our info cards. Thank you all!

3. “Hilde’s Sunday Scripture”: On Sunday, Hilde read the following scripture to our congregation; Proverbs 15:1: A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Clearly, words to live by! Thank you again, Hilde, for reading the Word to us!

05/31/2026

Welcome, everyone! We would like to invite you to our Sunday worship service. We are glad you have joined us! Today Pastor Nesi has a special message titled, ‘Three in One, One in Love’ based on the gospel of Matthew 28:16-20. 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!

05/27/2026

Beloved Church Family,

Psalm 8 reminds us of the beauty and wonder of God’s creation, “O LORD, our Sovereign, how majestic is your name in all the earth!”

As we prepare for Trinity Sunday and Peace with Justice Sunday, we are reminded that the God who created the heavens and the earth also knows and cares deeply for each one of us.

After a long and full week, many of us may feel tired, stretched thin, or ready for rest. And as summer approaches, routines change, schedules shift, and we look ahead to a new season. Through it all, God remains present.

Trinity Sunday reminds us of the mystery and gift of our faith, God the Creator, Christ the Savior, and the Holy Spirit who continues to guide and strengthen us. Peace with Justice Sunday reminds us that our faith calls us not only to pray for peace, but to live with kindness, fairness, compassion, and courage toward others.

Psalm 8 also calls us to lift our eyes to the heavens and remember how great God is, and how loved we are within God’s creation.

So as you move into this new week, take time to breathe, rest, laugh, and notice the goodness around you. Share kindness freely. Offer grace generously. Keep trusting that God is still at work. And remember, you are a blessing! Continue being a blessing to others.

With Love and Prayers,
Pastor Nesi

Ministry Matters:

1. Scholarship Season: It’s that time of year again! Scholarship Season is in full swing, applications are available after service on Sunday, please see Marcia. Deadline is June 15. You can also pick up an application at the church office, M-F 9-1pm.

2. Continue in Prayer for Garden Grove area Residents: Last week a chemical plant in Garden Grove began emitting dangerous chemicals in the air; consequently over 40,000 residents in the area were evacuated. Prayer for safety for all residents, that they may return to their homes quickly and this issue will be resolved quickly.

3. Congratulations, Pastor Finau!: Pastor Martin is married!!! Pastor Martin Finau served here at TCFUMC from 2019-2024. He led our congregation through COVID, and his energy and enthusiasm can never be imitated. His love for people left a mark on our hearts. And last week, he got married! So everyone, if you are able to send him congratulations, please do so and don’t forget to keep him and his beautiful bride Eneti in our prayers. Congrats, you two!

4. Contact Info Cards- New Info Cards: If you haven’t filled out a new card yet, please do so as we need the info so we can begin process of creating the new directory beginning in June.

5. Hilde’s “Sunday Scripture”: On Sunday, Hilde read the following scripture to our congregation: Romans 8:11 11 And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you.

05/24/2026

Welcome, everyone! We would like to invite you to our Pentecost Sunday worship service. We are very happy you have joined us! Today Pastor Nesi has special Pentecost message for us titled, ‘Spirit Unbound, Where the Spirit Flows’ based on the book of Acts and the gospel of John: Acts 2:1-21 and John 7:37-39. 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!

05/23/2026

Yesterday, May 22, 2026, we witnessed and celebrated Pastor Martin Finau's wedding with his beautiful bride, Eneti. Join us in uplifting them in love and prayers as they begin their new journey together. Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Finau! Love from your church family.