You are invited to the Sunday Service on April 19, 2026 at 10 am. The bulletin for this Sunday is available for viewing HERE.
You can worship live on ZOOM by clicking the link below:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9658816441 Meeting ID: 965 881 6441
You can also watch Sunday services at your convenience by going to our website “watsonville1stumc.org” and click YouTube or Facebook. Each Sunday worship will be uploaded on Sunday afternoon for your viewing.
Third Sunday of Easter
Sunday, April 19, 2026, 10 am
Children’s Time “The Sowers of Peace” Elizabeth Bisno
Choir Anthem
No Other Song
Words and Music by John W. Peterson
“I chose this photo because it was truly a moment of joy.”
Elizabeth Bisno is a sophomore at UC Santa Cruz. I had the pleasure of meeting her serendipitously at an earlier COPA Interfaith Leaders gathering in Aptos. I was struck by how rare it is to encounter someone so young who is already so passionate and deeply engaged in working toward a more just and compassionate world. Elizabeth has graciously accepted my invitation to share her story with our congregation. This Sunday, you’ll have the opportunity to see and hear her in person.
Elizabeth Bisno in her own words: “I’m partly from Berkeley and partly from Santa Barbara. I’ve been fortunate enough to be involved in nonprofit and activism work starting several years ago, and I’m now at UC Santa Cruz studying Community Studies, a unique major which does quite a good job of incorporating my all-over-the-place interests which include: uplifting marginalized communities, social justice, environmental justice, peace, conflict resolution, international/intercultural collaboration, community organizing…
In my studies and career I hope to understand the root causes of global issues of oppression and exploitation, and help transform systems to create more just and equitable futures. And I love inspiring others.”
Message “The Soil Below the Actions” Elizabeth Bisno
Elizabeth Bisno describes several factors and experiences that inspired and cultivated her passion for social justice work. She hopes by sharing her story, you can use these insights in your own lives. Maybe, for instance, you can help incorporate these things into the lives of your young relatives/friends to help them feel more motivated to help address the challenges our world faces, and feel happy and fulfilled (which she feels!) in doing so.
“Jesus calls every generation to wholehearted discipleship: opening our hearts to the people we encounter daily; practicing compassion with our families and neighbors; honoring the dignity and worth of all people near and far; recognizing the systems that destroy human lives through poverty, war and exclusion; and advocating justice and care in our churches, communities and social structures. God calls us further to be stewards of creation, caring for the skies and waters, soil and plants, and all beings.” ~ The United Methodist Social Principles, 2025
