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First United Methodist Church of Orange Newsletter
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Volume 82 issue #14 August 2013
Deadline for the next edition of The Forum will be September 29th
First United Methodist Church of Orange
The Forum
Volume 83 issue #12 September 18 2014
The most essential tool that we have in the Body of Christ is Prayer. The word prayer is tossed around lightly in our culture, but most of us struggle to understand both the practice and purpose of it. We long to know how to pray, but we question its relevance to daily living. We know it is supposed to be an intricate part of our spiritual growth, but what does that mean? For us, the “why” of prayer points to the highly relational nature of our faith. The God in whom we believe is neither distant nor disinterested but is personally involved in the details of our lives. God created us and loves us and desires to commune and to communicate with us. If we are to grow as a church, we need to know and desire to pray individually as well as corporately.
Join Pastor Bill and Peter Joseph as we explore together what it means to pray together. You are encouraged to participate in a 5-week class on prayer based on the book In Spirit and In Truth: A Guide to Praying by Martha Graybeal Rowlett. The class will take place on Wednesday evenings from 7:00 to 8:00 in the Fireside Room October 15th through November 12th.
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
2
THE FORUM
A Message from the Pastor
Luke 6:43-49 43 ‘No good tree bears bad fruit, nor again does a
bad tree bear good fruit; 44for each tree is known
by its own fruit. Figs are not gathered from thorns,
nor are grapes picked from a bramble bush. 45The good person out of the good treasure of the
heart
produces good, and the evil person out of evil
treasure produces evil; for it is out of the
abundance of the heart that the mouth speaks.
46 ‘Why do you call me “Lord, Lord”, and do not
do what I tell you? 47I will show you what some-
one is like who comes to me, hears my words,
and acts on them. 48That one is like a man
building a house, who dug deeply and laid the
foundation on rock; when a flood arose, the river
burst against that house but could not shake it,
because it had been well built.* 49But the one who
hears and does not act is like a man who built a
house on the ground without a foundation. When
the river burst against it, immediately it fell, and
great was the ruin of that house.’
Among the many Kingdom teachings of Jesus we
find this jarring question: "why do you call me
'Lord, Lord' and do not do what I tell you?"
From the earliest of times the church has
recognized that anyone can claim the name of
Jesus, and make a pretense of calling themselves
"christian disciples," but it is another matter
altogether to share the heart of Christ and submit
to his word. For though we are "saved by grace,
through faith," the nature of that faith is only truly
revealed through one word: Obedience.
To believe in Christ--to have faith in him--is to
commit to his way, to submit to his truth, and to
receive life from him on his terms. Faith is selling
out, wholeheartedly, to the word and will of Christ
Jesus our Lord, and to accept his way alone as
the foundation of our life. Anything short of such
radical obedience will never bear Kingdom fruit;
as 19th century author and theologian George
McDonald once said,
"If we cannot think of a single time in our life when
we did a thing because Jesus said 'do that' or
withheld our hand because Jesus said 'don't do
that', then we have every reason to believe we
are no disciple of his at all."
Claiming the name of Christ is not the same as
taking up the cross and bearing it into the world.
And yet, if we are careful to seek the will of Christ
Jesus in every aspect of our lives--in small details
and in heavy, consequential matters--then we find
that the "burden" of bearing the cross is easy, and
the yoke of Christ is light.
Thankfully, anyone can practice such a life of
obedience, starting today. We don't need to know
the "whole and perfect plan of God" for our lives;
we need to simply pick up and do the next thing
we know in our heart God would have us do.
However simple or small that thing might seem, if
we do it wholeheartedly as unto the Lord, it
becomes for us a source of joy and peace. Over
time, through the practice of daily seeking and
obeying Christ, we find that the shifting sands of
doubt and distraction give way to a solid and
dependable experience of fellowship with God in
Christ. Our daily obedience to Christ is the
foundation for our citizenship in the Kingdom of
God.
See you in church!
Pastor Bill
"Say a good word for Jesus..."
3
The Forum
Spiritual Reflections & Faith Formation
Why will the Children and Youth Ministries Programs here be successful? Not due to the programs
themselves, but due to prayer, faith formation, teamwork, and most importantly, us making disciples
which will in turn lead to successful programs. Not the other way around. It’s also nothing that I am doing,
but it’s because many of our adults and youth are assisting to make this a viable ministry and a community
where we love God, and we love one another. We have many wonderful volunteers that help with Sunday
School, youth group, VBS, Kidz Praise, and so much more. They volunteer because at some point in their
lives, they were touched by Christ and mentored (disciple) by someone in the Christian faith. So they in
turn want to make the same difference in other’s lives.
God has given the Church an enormous responsibility, to make disciples in every nation (Matthew 28:18-
20). This involves preaching, teaching, healing, nurturing, giving, administering, building, and many other
tasks. If we had to fulfill this command as individuals, we may as well give up without even trying. It would
be impossible! But God calls us as members of His body. Some of us can do one task; some can do
another. Together we can serve God more fully than any one of us could ever do alone. It is a human
tendency to overestimate what we can do individually and to underestimate what we can do as a team! As
the body of Christ, we can accomplish more together than we would ever dream possible working alone.
Working together, the church can express the fullness of Christ. And together, our children and youth can
do great things!
Furthermore, we frequently underestimate people and don’t challenge them with our dreams for God’s
work in the world. I want our children and youth to begin to understand that they can be world changers. I
want to challenge our children to go share with their parents and school friends what they learned in
Sunday School. I want to challenge our youth to always keep an eye out for friends they can reach out to
for our youth group. When God plants an idea in your mind to accomplish something for him, share it with
others and trust the Holy Spirit to impress them with similar thoughts. Don’t regard yourself as the only one
through whom God is working. Often God uses one person to express the vision and others to turn it into
reality. When you encourage and inspire others, you put teamwork into action to accomplish God’s goals. I
want our children, youth, and parents to challenge and inspire one another! I want everyone to catch on to
the same vision, from our volunteers all the way down to our children!
Definitely something to be learned in ministry is that if we are faithful, and good stewards of what God has
given us (gifts/talents), then whatever happens, God will take the burden on his shoulders, and in that
process, our faith will still grow, and our church will grow.
Children’s Pastors, and Youth Pastors do take great pride in seeing the faith and knowledge that our teens
and tweens are taught being put into practice. God desires for us to put our faith into action. We are doing
an injustice if we just hold onto the knowledge we learn, and do nothing. Last summer, our children raised
$250 for clean water in Nicaragua. Last summer, 4 of our youth took a step of faith, got out of their comfort
zones, and served the people of Navajo Nation on a mission trip for a week in Arizona. Last summer, 35
members of our church (adults and youth) helped volunteer to share God’s love at VBS.
We want to be defined by discipleship. This means we are relationally centered as opposed to program, or
event centered. Our hope is that the transformation in Christ that happens in the lives of our children,
youth, and parents will then produce healthy, vibrant programs here at FUMCO. Discipleship will
lead to healthy fruits of the Spirit seen in the people of our congregation. Discipleship will lead to
faith in action. Will you join with me in prayer for this to happen!
Grace and Peace,
Peter Joseph, Director of Faith Formation
4
THE FORUM
Children, Youth and Young Adults
“The God Squad” Youth 6th – 12th grades
September 28th
BOOMERS IN IRVINE
Cost $11
Pizza & drinks included
Bring a friend - friends are free!
Peter Joseph Director of Faith Formation
Email: [email protected]
Cell: 714-473-8086
Office: 714-532-6363 x203
MANDATORY SAFE SANCTUARY MEETING Sunday, September 28
th at 9:30 AM in the Youth Cellar
This is for all volunteers that works with children & youth. See Peter for more information.
Confirmation in the United Methodist Church is a time of intentional preparation, it gives teens and tweens
the opportunity to reflect on the most basic tenants of our faith and gives them a safe environment to ask
questions and grapple with the divine truths and mysteries proclaimed by the church of Jesus Christ.
Confirmation helps youth to investigate the depths of the faith and helps them begin to understand what it
means to become a fully devoted follower of Jesus Christ, and to make their first public profession of faith.
During this time young person “make firm” what has gone before: God’s prevenient grace, baptism, the
teaching and witness of parents and other persons of faith, the teachings and life together in the church,
the student’s own growing faith. We believe that confirmation is a significant step in the journey of their
faith walk. Please see Peter Joseph, Director of Faith Formation, ASAP if you have a child in 6th grade
thru 12th grade that is interested in Confirmation. We are looking to start this up in mid-October.
We are looking for adult mentors for Confirmation. Please see Peter if you are interested in being a pat of
this rewarding experience.
5
The Forum
Quilt Guild Report 2014 What a wonderfully productive year for our busy quilters – a total of 41 quilts were made. The quilts were
donated to the following organizations: Mary’s Shelter; Olive Crest; Casa Teresa; and also one each for the
Cranberry Tea and Mother/Daughter/Friend luncheon. We feel blessed to have such a beautiful fellowship
together while making quilts for others to enjoy. The Quilt Ministry is serving a very special place in our
community.
We always welcome new members. NO quilting experience required! Our quilts are tied, so if you can
thread a needle or tie a knot YOU are qualified. We resumed quilting on Sept. 8th and meet each Monday
from 9-11am in the quilt room upstairs over the chapel. Please come join us or call Nancy Teigen (714/637-
5631) with any questions about quilting activities.
United Methodist Women
The UMW Annual Cranberry Tea November 1, 11:30 am
Our annual Cranberry Tea is just around the corner. If you have attended before, you know this is a lovely
day of delightfully decorated tables, scrumptious food, and wonderful fellowship. This year our program is
“Shirley, Take A Bow”, which will be a history of Shirley Temple presented by Sheryl Shirran, who will also
share her dolls and Shirley Temple collection. Sounds like a wonderful trip down memory lane. If you have
any Shirley Temple memorabilia, please bring it to share. Please call chairperson Florence Towers
(714/516-1945) to volunteer to host a table and/or donate food for this lovely event.
The tea is a fundraising event for mission and open to all women. Tickets will be available from table
hostesses, the UMW and in the courtyard by mid-October. $15 for adults and $6 for children. Childcare will
be available. Plan now to join us and be sure to get your tickets early as this is always a popular day.
Daytime Women’s Circle October 7, 2:00 pm
Mission Study in the Fireside Room
Ruth Circle September 23, 7:30 pm
Ruth Circle’s September meeting will be at the home of Julie Wakefield (1621 E. Riverview Ave, Orange).
The co-hostess will be Donna Nash and Florence Towers will offer devotions. Our program, Missionary
Work in the Czech Republic, wil be presented by Jill Dagen who with her family spent many years in the
Czech Republic sharing Christianity and how the coming of Jesus has affected the world. Guests are
always welcome to attend this fellowship group.
October Luncheon Meeting October 9, 11:30 am
Our October luncheon program will be presented by Susi Eckelmann with Project Hope Alliance. Project
Hope Alliance is demonstrating how a community can be brought together to make a transformative
difference in the daily lives and futures of homeless children and their families. Together, we are ending
the cycle of homelessness, one child at a time by providing them with the tools and opportunities that they
need to learn their way to a better tomorrow. Currently, Project Hope supports over 300 children attending
39 different schools in 21 cities, throughout Orange County. See you in Messenger Hall on Oct. 9th at
11:30am as we learn more about this program and how we might assist in its ministry.
6
THE FORUM
Outreach . . . Events . . . Opportunities
WAYFARERS – 2014
Theme: Time To Refresh
It is time for First United Methodist Church of Orange’s annual Wayfarers’ Retreat.
Please consider participating in an exciting weekend of spiritual growth and commitment.
Goals of the program include:
To provide a time and place to seek out the Lord and establish a life-long relationship with Him.
To provide a time to be away from the hassles of everyday life to relax and enjoy seeing and feeling
God’s handiwork – in nature, in the scriptures, and in the faces and voices of others.
To provide a time to focus on and make a personal commitment to God in an area of your life that
you would like to explore and grow in during the next year.
When? October 4th & 5th
Where? Camp Arbolado (in the mountains above Redlands, near Big Bear)
How much? $110.00 per person.
Camperships are available.
Please note: a donation has been made to the Wayfarer account that allows for 10
first-time attendees to attend at no cost.
The Wayfarer staff would like to challenge you to take this opportunity for growth and fellowship.
The retreat is open to the youth (8th grade and up), young adults, and the young-at-heart!
Mark Your Calendars! October 12 – 18
That is when we will again be hosting Family Promise. Family Promise is a transitional program that helps
homeless families achieve housing stability by providing short term shelter, meals, case management and
hospitality. Plan to share some FUMCO Hospitality with these families. We will be taking food and meal
sign-ups in the courtyard on Sunday mornings starting September 28th or you can call Jackie Hanson at
(714) 633-1203 or Joyce Claussen at (714) 633-4934.
Our Vision: We believe that no child should have to sleep in a car, in a park, or under a bridge, and that every family deserves a chance to be whole and have a roof over their head once again.
Our Goal: To provide each family in our care individualized and holistic support that enables them to return to full
independence and self-sufficiency.
7
The Forum
LUNCHBAGS
for the homeless Thanks to your generous donations our
lunch bag program is doing grat and we
need more food!! Items needed to fill the
bags include: granola bars, juice box
drinks, individual applesauce cups, small
boxes of raisins, cheese & crackers,
peanut butter & crackers or any other item
that would fit nicely into a sack lunch. All
donations, large and small, are greatly
appreciated. Please place your donated
items in the specially marked collection
bins in the Narthex on Sunday mornings.
Bits & Pieces
Pray Without Ceasing Marilyn Allen
Jay Farrell
Jackie McCracken
Carol Hilton
Sybil Low
Rob Kaiser
Jim Sal ling
Charles Schroeder
Shirley Somers
Rita Suthers
Dwight Tipping
Nena Williams
Betty Wisely
Joys
Prayer Requests SERVICE OPPORTUNITY
COFFEE FELLOWSHIP We have a need for someone to assist with
coffee fellowship one week per month
(either the 1st or 3rd Sunday). This requires
you to pick up the donuts, make the
coffee and place all on the courtyard by
10am. If we have someone on every
Sunday it makes the work light for all. If you
can help, please call Donna Nash at 714-
538-7769.
Dear Friends,
Words can’t begin to tell you haw
much I appreciate your prayers,
concerns and cards. Your support has
helped me to keep a positive attitude
through this long challenge.
Knowing my church family is there
for me, and leaning on the Lord has
been my strength. I am healing well
and hope to be back in church the
1st or 2nd week of October.
Love and Blessings,
Shirley
For Cathy Seelig as she recovers from surgery
For Shirley Katz as she continues to recover from
surgery.
For Jerry Schaper - so thankful for all the support
and love - especially those great hugs!
For Jane Parra as she continues to work her way
through breast cancer treatment.
For Cathy Laird who is back on the kidney
transplant list.
For Bob Davis to heal from an infection
For Paul Robison for relief of pain in the sciatic
nerve and arthritis of the spine
For Buzz & Judy Reynolds grandson, Joshua and
his friend Jason as they recover from a car accident
For our shut-ins, and all the others not mentioned,
but known in our hearts.
For Simon Gohil’s 75th Birthday
For Charles & Katie Schroeder’s 62nd Anniversary
For Steve & Judy Gilham’s 30th Anniversary
8
THE FORUM
Outreach Ministries
of First UMC, Orange
FAMILY PROMISE
Casey Crosbie, Exec. Dir. 714-353-0428
FUNCO
Parent operated child-care Becky Billingsly, Coordinator 714-944-7156
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS
Orange Co. Central 714-556-4555
Meets Monday and Friday evenings in room 203
NARANON Meets Thursday evenings in room 203
HOMEWORK HOUSE
Marcia Marcinko, Director 714-694-0965
161 South Orange St.
Orange, Ca. 92866
Phone 714-532-6363
Fax 714-532-5496
www.fumco.org
Office Hours:
Monday - Thursday
9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Sunday Morning Schedule
8:30 a.m. ......... Choir Rehearsal
9:00 a.m. .. Adult Sunday School
10:00 a.m. ..... Coffee/Fellowship
10:30 a.m. .................... Worship
Sunday School for
ages 4-6th grade following the
Word for Children.
United Methodist Youth
Sunday Fellowship
5:30 - 7:00 p.m.
2nd & 4th Sundays
Office Staff Telephone Extensions: Dial 532-6363 and extension:
Pastor
206 Rev. Bill Johnson
Administration
201 Karen Mendoza, Administrative Secretary 216 Carol Rathbun, Communications Secretary
Programs
203 Peter Joseph, Director of Faith Formation
Mike Short - Director of Music
Sylvia Coussa - Bell Choir Director
Joe Schubert - Organist
the case of the ISSING VASES
Attention FUMCO detectives! The vases which the
United Methodist Women use for receptions and which
are generally kept in the UMW cupboard with the
tablecloths have mysteriously disappeared. If you know
of their whereabouts, please contact Marlene Cook or
Joyce Claussen. Thank You!