July, 2014 Staff Rev. Phillips Whang Senior Pastor Don Barter Treasurer Stephanie Bowen, Kelly Jimenez Co-Directors of FFUMC Preschool Maureen Espeleta Director of Youth Ministries Susan Faber Director of Community Ministries
Sunday, July 13 VBS CELEBRATION SUNDAY! Come to church for singing and a celebration lunch following worship!
Greg Fowler Maintenance Supervisor Kim Galea Director of Children’s Ministries Yvonne Harrington Administrative Assistant Hyeyeon Kim Organist/Pianist
Sunday, July 27 BURGERS and BINGO!!! 5:00 pm in the South Lounge. ALL are welcome! Bring a friend!!!
Kathy Norris CLM Candidate
Fullerton First United Methodist Church 114 N. Pomona Avenue Fullerton, CA 92832
Sunday school has taken on a fun new look . . . Workshop of Wonders, all Summer long . . . Classes for ages 4-6 and 7 years old-5th grade. Don’t forget Storytime on Monday mornings at 9:15 through July. We’ll be starting back up in September. Open to all and FREE! www.ffumc.net
Telephone: 714-871-4115 Email:
[email protected] Website: www.ffumc.net July 2014
Greetings!
Greetings! During the Sunday service on June 29th, I shared with you a couple of highlights from the Annual Conference held in Redlands from June 17th through 21st. Bishop Thomas Bickerton from Western Pennsylvania delivered a powerful sermon during the opening worship. He spoke of how churches today are trapped by troubling sights and become unenthusiastic about themselves. The Churches of Jesus Christ should be more optimistic and move forward with visions of the Holy Spirit. We may be a small congregation, which cannot accomplish much, but together we can do great things. He shared with delegates and pastors that United Methodist Churches have raised $61 million to eradicate Malaria. The UMC General Board in 2008 voted to raise $75 million for the Imagine No Malaria campaign and our California and Pacific Annual Conference has committed to raise $3 million until 2015. As a faithful partner of this global mission, FFUMC will promote the campaign and participate in saving precious lives especially hundreds of thousands of children in Africa. When you make a contribution, simply indicate the amount you are giving and all your donations will be sent to the direct cause through UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief). Just imagine that $10.00 can save a life.
I appreciate the leadership of Bishop Bickerton very much, for he firmly believes that the vitality of the local church is the key to carrying out the church’s mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. What impressed me even more was that the local church he served as a senior pastor grew from the membership of 585 to 1368. Bishop Bickerton’s message was very appropriate as I begin my second year here in Fullerton. I would like all of us to be more open-minded to the guidance of the Holy Spirit and begin to dream dreams. We cannot undertake much individually but together we can pull off great tasks and will be filled with joy as we see how God blesses our Church. When I wrote my first pastoral letter to you last July, I quoted from John Wesley’s sermon, “Catholic Spirit,” in which he said, “Let all these smaller points stand aside. Let them never come into sight. "If thine heart is as my heart," if thou lovest God and all mankind, I ask no more; "Give me thine hand.” (2 Kings 10:15)
Let me share with you a poem that my previous parishioner Lillian Frederick wrote. She used to be the lay leader of Nevada Annual Conference. The Nearest Hand, by Lillian Frederick Have you ever been in deep despair? Ever wondered, does God really care? And if He cares; what is His plan to reach out and help some troubled man? With infinite faith, you offer a prayer, To God who is in heaven and everywhere. And God reaches out with the nearest hand That He can find at His Command. If God should need your hands today To show some woeful soul the way. Would they be ready to answer His Call. To perform His tasks, both great and small? For God has no other hands but yours To accomplish His many earthly chores. And when He wants to touch a man, He simply uses, the nearest hand.
I have learned that your heart is as my heart is to revitalize FFUMC and also that God has used your hands to build the kingdom of God here in Fullerton and the world. I am going to continue to commit myself to build FFUMC as your pastoral leader. Let us now join our hands in building this house of faith together. Co-Builder of FFUMC Phillips
Did you know that….? The memories may be fading slowly, but Betty Omalev’s gentle, welcoming demeanor is a constant. Betty and her late husband, Alex, joined the Fullerton United Methodist Church in the 1950s, and devoted their time and talents to numerous programs and projects. These days, Betty depends on her son, Steve, to re-create the past … to remember her birth 92 years ago in Indianapolis, her middle-child status among eight siblings and her graduation from Chaffey College in Claremont after her arrival in California. Steve explains his mother’s first husband…a pilot… was “shot down” during World War II, prompting Betty to move west to live with his parents. “Looking at old pictures of my mother, she looked just like (“Gone With the Wind” actress) Vivien Leigh,” Steve says. That’s evident in snapshots Betty’s caregiver, Jan Bowles, pulled from a dining room drawer. The resemblance is striking, including beautiful auburn hair. In the mid-40s, handsome Alex Omalev was enrolled at USC as a Cinematography major where his instructor was none other than movie mogul Cecil B. DeMille. Concurrently, he played on the USC basketball team where he earned second-team All-American honors. It was at one of his games at the Pan Pacific Auditorium where he met Betty through mutual friends. As an aside, Alex told a magazine writer he learned the game of basketball at age 5 in Detroit, Michigan when he took his mother’s stocking and stuffed it full of papers, tied up the end and started throwing it through a little hoop. Eventually, a Methodist church was built across the street from the Omalev house, and a big cement floor basement with hoops drew little Alex for 8-10 hours a day shooting baskets. He eventually earned a scholarship to USC. The couple were married in Indianapolis, but returned to live for a brief time in an apartment in Hollywood after Alex secured a coach and drama instructor position at Fullerton Community College. “It was the time when the college offered a construction program as a class project,” Steve says. “My parents lived in a Quonset hut at the corner of Lemon and Berkeley while students built our house on a half acre on Avalon Drive with loans, construction fees, etc. for $9,000.” The hillside home, with far-reaching views of north Orange County, is where Betty raised three children while her husband went on to become the first basketball coach at Cal State Fullerton. While Betty became involved in the church’s sewing circle, United Methodist Women, church council and Searchlight group, Alex was running circles around opposing teams. During his coaching days at Fullerton
College, he racked up eight conference titles, a state championship and a record of 262-77, the best in school history. When the Omalevs’ youngest child started high school, Betty took an interest in securing travel agent status. Steve jokingly says, “She’s been to London more times than I’ve been to McDonald’s. And my parents have been around the world three times over.” The Omalevs many times visited Yugoslavia, from where Alex’s parents immigrated. His command of the SerboCroatian language came in handy in 1989 when he served as a translator for Los Angeles Lakers player Vlade Divac, a native of Serbia. Betty was always by Alex’s side as he accepted honors at CSF, was inducted into the Orange County Sports Hall of Fame and met with political and sports personalities. Mention her sons Steve and Tom and the grandchildren, and Betty produces a coast-to-coast smile. The Omalevs’ daughter, Tania, died in 1990 at age 39. Steve, a professional entertainer, worked in construction for 28 years before retiring and working for Fullerton Hardware. These days, he hosts a Hoot Night at Bourbon Street restaurant in downtown Fullerton, playing the piano and guitar. “My first professional job was in 1960 at the Izaac Walton League clubhouse when I was 12 years old,” he recalls. Meanwhile, Tom works as an Ob/Gyn in Chula Vista. Looking back on his childhood, Steve says his parents instilled six little words for success: “How bad do you want it?” His admiration for his parents is evident in his voice. “Mother survived all her siblings, and doesn’t take any vitamins or much medicine,” Steve says. “I call it a God shot for her long life.” Interviewed and written by Barbara Giasone
Bits and Pieces WES AND JERUSHA NEAL COMMISSIONED AT ANNUAL CONFERENCE Our former associate pastor, Rev. Wesley Neal, along with his wife, Rev. Dr. Jerusha Neal, were commissioned as missionaries to Fiji during the Ordination Service at the annual conference. Wes will be a lecturer in missionlogy and practical ministry, training individuals for pastoral and lay leadership at Davuilevu Theological College of the Methodist Church of Fiji and Rotuma. Jerusha will be a professor of theology, teaching preaching to new pastors and affirming women in their pastoral call. The Neals are part of the Global Ministries of the UMC, and are funded through UMCOR. We can support them with our prayers and by donating to advance #3021964 (Wes) or #3021963 (Jerusha). 100% of our donations will go to their support. It was truly a pleasure to spend time with Wes and his family at the annual conference!
HELEN WALKER SCHOLARSHIPS The 2014 Helen Walker Scholarship recipients are: Lindsey Kennelly, Kris Ornelas and Brooke Bowen. Brooke is a student at Fullerton College studying Education with the goal of becoming a teacher. She has worked in a therapeutic horseback riding program for children with special needs. Kris is a student at Cal-State Fullerton and College of the Canyons and is a music intern at FFUMC. His goal is to teach music and nutrition at the high school or college level. Lindsey teaches and coaches at Cal High in Whittier. She has been accepted into a Masters Program at Cal-State Fullerton in Secondary Education and has a long term goal of teaching teachers in the college setting. Helen Walker was a long time teacher in Fullerton and member at FFUMC. She established this annual scholarship program to assist full or part time college level students who are interested in working with children or youth. Please contact Don Barter (FFUMC Treasurer) if you are interested in adding to the scholarship fund. www.ffumc.net
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July 2014
United Methodist Women United Methodist Women General Meetings are not held during the months of July and August. Wesley Ann Circle Meetings are also not held during these months.
Non-Event Tea a Huge Success!!! Thank you to everyone who contributed to United Methodist Women’s “Love is Brewing at FFUMC” Tea fundraiser. Sunday, June 15th, we presented a check to Stephanie Bowen and Diane Hargrave for Preschool scholarships in the amount of $1,962.00 and to Susan Faber for the Saturday Pancake Breakfast Fund in the amount of $653.00. We thank you once again, Congregation, for your very generous support for two wonderful programs in our church! The programs are wonderful and so are you!!!
JULY 1, 7:30 PM NANCY WOODS’ HOME CO-HOST, SUE CURRIE
THEME: “AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL”
MARY MARTHA FELLOWSHIP GROUP
UMW Reading Library Even thought UMW General Meetings are not held during the summer, the UMW Library is always open for book checkout! If you are not sure where it is or how to check out books see Linda Crippen or Eileen Jackson. Up, is about a mother and daughter’s adventures hiking New Hampshire’s 48 highest mountains. They did not start out thinking they would climb that many, but then Alex, the daughter, saw a poster advertising the Four Thousand Footer Club and wanted to give it a try. The Club is an Appalachian Mountain Club organization that recognizes hikers who have ascended, on foot, all of New Hampshire’s highest White Mountains – those over 4,000 feet. The book chronicles their adventures – sometimes humorous, sometimes scary, but always filled with beautiful scenery and stories of mother/daughter bonding. What makes this book unusual is the fact that Alex was only 5 years old when they hiked their first mountain and not yet 7 when they completed the list! www.ffumc.net
MARY MARTHA FELLOWSHIP GROUP
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AUGUST 5, 7:30 PM CONNIE PILLING;S HOME CO-HOST, EILEEN JACKSON
THEME: FAVORITE SUMMER ACTIVITY. July 2014
Bits and Pieces Our members and friends who are not able to get out and come to church would be cheered up to receive a note card. We will have addressed cards on the patio the last Sunday in August for you to pick up, write a short note, stamp, and mail. Our friends look forward to receiving these contacts with their church family.
Praise: We Celebrate the marriage of Anthony Galea (son of Kim Galea) to Lindsey Coates on Friday, June 20, 2014. Congratulations to the happy couple!
Thank you. The Caring Committee
Our Homebound Members
For those who are ill: Pete Buenaavidez (per Lillia Milloy), recently diagnosed with stomach cancer; Abigail Bandayrel (per Lilia Milloy), diagnosed with a brain tumor; Fred Askham (Millie’s husband), who suffered a stroke June 2nd and is currently in a rehab for recovery; Jim Smith (per Lilia Milloy), a family friend, prayers for healing of multiple health issues; Colleen Bartley, recovering from recent surgery; Collette (per Carolyn Beauchamp), for healing of a broken hand and other health issues; Bill Shelton, recovering from recent surgery; Grant Fowler (Greg Fowler’s brother), at a rehab following surgery. Those who are in care facilities or receiving Hospice: Larry Ballard (brother of Bob Ballard), in hospice care; Patricia Bueker (Cindy Ellis’ mother).
These are our homebound who appreciate prayers, phone calls, and notes. Call the church office if you need an address.
Those who are now recuperating at home: Rani Kuusto, recovering from rotator cuff surgery. Those who have lost loved ones: Prayers for the family and friends of Ed Smith (brother of Blake Smith), who passed away on Saturday, June 28; prayers for the family and friends of: Jan Lisenbard, who passed away Saturday, June 21; prayers for the family and friends of Claude Peardon, who passed away Thursday, June 19; prayers for Debbi Goodman (a close friend of Joanne Garrisi), whose son, Allan Goodman, passed away from cancer; prayers for the family and friends of Maria Angelica Harismendy (Marjorie Shelly’s niece), who passed away June 12, 2014. www.ffumc.net
Elizabeth Bewley Barbara Blackford Edna & Mary Ann Brown Vera Castillo Margaret Christensen Mary Harless Beth Hill Ben Johnson Marjorie Knouse Vi Johnson Betty Launer Letha Little Lois & Sam Madley Sylvia Magnuson Wanda Monroe Ruth & Harry Musser Homer Neptune Betty Omalev Lois Reade Dora May Sim Edith Strevy-Kent submitted by Carolyn Beauchamp
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July 2014
Youth News What an amazing month! We celebrated our fathers, we thanked those who serve as a father figure in our life, and we also honored our high school seniors who are moving into their new season. Gosh, where do I start? I am so glad Youth Sunday went as smoothly as it did. I wouldn’t have believe you if you said that to me a few days before!! During Youth Sunday, I realized how many awesome people God put into our lives to make us who we are to be. As we reach our early years of adulthood, we recognize how crucial our formative years are. The ethics, integrity, and responsibility we learn growing up are finally put to practice. Will we make good choices when the time comes? Will we be successful? How will we react when we aren’t? Will we stay mindful of God outside of our current routine and environment? All these questions may seem overwhelming, do not fret because what unfolds is God’s will, and if it is God’s Will is already happening. Change could be a scary thing, but things never stay the same; the only thing that is permanent is change! Let’s live in the moment, don’t be so quick to move into the next chapter! Finish this one well and make it memorable. Let’s also live in a state of ongoing preparedness, so we may always have everything we need to push us through the next challenge! When we reach past that moment, we’ll thank God that He has guided us there. He is All-Knowing - He knows the words before they are on our lips, and we should embrace the fact that He will take care of us (and is)! I love that God knows where we’ll end. It gives me freedom to enjoy the now. This freedom allows you to realize what you need, what you want and what you need to let go. You got it! Congrats to our graduates once again! Parker Schrandt & Hannah Curtis – Praying that God does absolute wonders with your lives and proves His never failing faithfulness. May He walk with you through this time of transition. Special thanks to those who God help soften the hiccups – Susan Faber – you are incredibly loved, admired and an awesome vessel of God. The worship band – Jonathan Mura, Kristie Alvidrez, and Hyeyon Kim. Jesse Garcia for the adorable artwork on the bulletin, and Ms. Yvonne for being patient and finalizing the bulletin for us. Submitted by Maureen Espeleta, Youth Director www.ffumc.net
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July 2014
FFUMC Preschool
The preschool would like to say a big thank you to United Methodist Women for their gracious gift donation. The generosity shown by UMW will directly benefit preschoolers and their families by providing scholarships as they are needed. It is heartwarming knowing that the preschool has the support of The United Methodist Women.
Upcoming Dates Friday, August 8, Family Night: Ice Cream Social & Orientation Come meet the Preschool children and families and enjoy some ice cream. Monday & Tuesday, August 11 & 12 First Days of Preschool
www.ffumc.net
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July 2014
FFUMC VBS
FFUMC 2014 VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL July 7 - July 11, 2014 9:00 - 11:30 am Preschool - 5th grade $25.00 ($60.00 family max) Interactive Bible storytelling Fun Crafts Cool Science Exciting Recreation Awesome Music
To register go to . . . . http://cokesburyvbs.com/ffumcvbs
www.ffumc.net
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July 2014
July Birthdays
July
Date
July
Date
Dolores Belmont
July 1
Maxine Allen
July 16
Griffin Burks
July 1
Kathie Eaton
July 16
Molly McClanahan
July 3
Nan Reger
July 16
Vivian Roe
July 4
Elizabeth Gonzales-Rosario
July 17
Barbara Winter
July 4
Forest Robinson
July 18
Linda Knoff
July 5
Michael Attanasio
July 19
Vicki Sue Johnson
July 6
Carolyn Beauchamp
July 20
Betty Launer
July 6
Bob Keck
July 20
Richard Quackenbush
July 6
Charlene Jones
July 21
Colleen Bartley
July 7
Brenda Miller
July 22
William Clardy
July 7
Floyd Allen
July 24
Carly Sue Schrandt
July 7
Nancy Gordon
July 24
Phil Miller
July 8
Karen Hope
July 24
Kendall Neisess
July 9
Lloyd White
July 25
Verna Burk
July 12
Aaron Ninokawa
July 27
Linda Henke
July 12
Jennifer Schrandt
July 29
Michelle Valdez
July 13
Garrett Wolfe
July 29
Steve Reger
July 30
Cindy Smalley
July 30
www.ffumc.net
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July 2014
July 2014 Sun
Mon
NO PRESCHOOL IN JULY!
Tue
Wed
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2
11:00am - Claude Peardon Memorial Service (Sanc.); lunch to follow (SL) 7:00pm—Trustees Comm. (Conf) 7:30pm Mary/Martha Fellowship (OS)
9:30am-Quilters (SL) 3-9pm – Voice Teacher Rm.#133
Thu 3
Sat
4
5
7pm-Narc. Anon (250}
7am-Men's Breakfast (OS) 7:30am - FFUMC Comm. Feeding the Hungry Pancake Breakfast (SL) 1:00pm - 5:00pm Homeless Showers & Laundry
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12
6
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9am – S.S. (BR) (SL) 10am-Worship Noon - Youth “1st Sun. Out”
10:30am -Care Ministry (Conf) 1:45pm– Prayer & Bible Group 3pm-Windsong (SL)
5:00pm-Outreach (Conf) 6:30pm—Invitational (SL)
9:30am-Quilters (SL) 3-9pm – Voice Teacher Rm.#133
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15
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9am – S.S. (SL, BR) 10am-Worship 11:15am—Bells Practice 5 - 6:30pm Youth Group
1:45pm– Prayer & Bible Group 3pm-Windsong (SL)
4:00pm - Staff Meeting (Conf.)
9:30am-Quilters (SL) 3-9pm – Voice Teacher Rm.#133 6:00pm - Hot Meals Ministry (1st Christian)
9am-FISH(SL)
7pm-Narc. Anon (250}
7am-Men's Breakfast (OS) 7:30am - FFUMC Comm. Feeding the Hungry Pancake Breakfast (SL) 1:00pm - 5:00pm Homeless Showers & Laundry
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21
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9am – S.S. (SL, BR) 10am-Worship 11:15am—Bells Practice 5 - 6:30pm Youth Group
1:45pm– Prayer & Bible Group 3pm-Windsong (SL)
7:00 pm Council Meeting (Conf.)
9:30am-Quilters (SL) 3-9pm – Voice Teacher Rm.#133
Wedding Rehearsal Williams/Flores 7pm-Narc. Anon (250}
Wedding Williams/Flores
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9am – S.S. (SL, BR) 10am-Worship 11:15am—Bells Practice 5 - 6:30pm Youth Group
1:45pm– Prayer & Bible Group 3pm-Windsong (SL) 7:00pm - SPPRC Meeting (Conf.)
Meeting dates & times to be determined each month for:
Sanc. Sanctuary SL South Lounge BR Bride’s Room OS Off Site Conf. Rev. Charles Dennis Conference Room
www.ffumc.net
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Fri
7pm-Narc. Anon (250}
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9:30am-Quilters (SL) 3-9pm – Voice Teacher Rm.#133
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FFUMC Foundation Technology/Communi cation Teaching Parish Committee Memorial Committee Worship Nominations
July 2014
Fullerton First United Methodist Church 114 N. Pomona Avenue Fullerton, CA 92832
Return Service Requested
To:
Our Sunday Worship Service begins at 10:00 a.m.
FFUMC GROUPS and MINISTRIES
FFUMC OFFICE HOURS Monday through Thursday 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Office is closed Friday
Adult Sunday School Aldersgate Chorale Handbell Choir Book Study Groups (Short & Long Term) Bible Study Classes Care Ministry Families & Children’s Ministries Family Ties Community Outreach Men’s Breakfast Group Quilters Bible/Prayer Group United Methodist Women United Methodist Youth Group
SUNDAYS AT FFUMC 9:00 a.m.—Searchlight — Adult Sunday School 9:00 a.m.—Pathfinders — Adult Sunday School 10:00 a.m.—Worship Service 10:00 a.m.—Children’s Sunday School 11:15 a.m.—After Worship Fellowship Time 5:00 p.m.—United Methodist Youth Fellowship (6th Grade thru Sr. High School)
FULLERTON FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH’S MISSION STATEMENT Fullerton First United Methodist Church is a community of faith that seeks to be a growing and dynamic church in Fullerton with an outreach to this region of Orange County and beyond. We are a part of a world-wide communion who believe in God’s transforming love as demonstrated by the life and teaching and living influence of Jesus. Believing that we are undergirded by God’s presence through God’s Holy Spirit in our daily living, we serve God as we endeavor: to reach out and receive persons into the faith family as they are; to help persons relate to God and grow in their commitment to the values exemplified in Jesus; to provide opportunities for persons to grow and deepen their faith as Christian disciples; to send persons into God’s creation as faithful disciples. As God’s people we seek to bring a fresh vision of hope as we minister to one another and the larger community in which we reside. We seek to faithfully live out these four foundational missional principles. We shall endeavor to be a place of grace in today’s world. www.ffumc.net
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