Downey United Methodist Church

10/19/2026

Trunks & Treats was an absolute blast!

10/18/2026

Today was Laity Sunday at church! We are thankful at Downey UMC to have had such high participation from all our lay people today in service and worship. Our beautiful bell choir played, and Marylen along shared a moving sermon entitled, “Can I Get a Witness?”

Downey UMC is a community where all are welcomed and all are encouraged to participate exactly as they are so that we can be a witness to the beauty of loving community shaped by Jesus. We worship on Sundays at 10:30am.

10/17/2026

Last night was a lovely night for our Preschool’s Trunks and Treats. Thanks to all who volunteered and to all who came out for a fun night!

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. 💛