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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

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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..."

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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

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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: peter@fumco.org

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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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!