Come as you are, bring a friend, or meet a new one as we gather once a month (typically every second Tuesday) at 12:00 pm at Spiro’s Restaurant, in Orange, for Christian fellowship, Bible study, and lunch. This informal gathering allows us the opportunity to check our spiritual temperature and grow in spirit and in truth. Please contact the church office for additional information.
ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL
Where are you on your spiritual journey? Whatever your needs, we invite you to spend some time with us. Adult Sunday School is an opportunity for small-group interaction. It is a place to ask questions, share answers, and develop relationships. Classes vary from classical Bible study and published curricula, to current events and Cokesbury’s FaithLink series, connecting faith and life as United Methodists (www.cokesbury.com/FaithLink). We meet together in friendship, study, and prayer, celebrating God’s love and seeking to gain insight into His purpose for us.
Classes are open to adults of all ages and are scheduled on Sunday mornings at 9:00. Select series may also be offered on weekday mornings or evenings. Facilitators include pastors and church members with particular interest in or knowledge of the topic. The format is generally informal, open discussion. Our common goal is to learn more about our faith, how to apply it in our lives, and share generously with others.
Class topics are announced in Sunday worship bulletins, The Forum newsletter, and via email upon request.
If you have any questions, please contact the church office.
BIBLE STUDY
A mid-week Bible Study is offered at various times throughout the year. Each class runs about eight weeks and is typically offered at both 10:00 am and 7:00 pm on Wednesdays. During the seasons of Christmas and Easter, classes are offered on Advent and Lent. Future Disciple Bible Study classes will include studies in the Old Testament, Genesis, Romans, Psalms, and the Gospel of John.
DEVOTIONAL AIDS
The First United Methodist Church of Orange provides assistance for members of the congregation with devotional materials, including the following:
Dial-A-Devotion
Dial-A-Devotion is a 24-hour telephone dial-in inspirational outreach consisting of a Christian message given daily by various members of the congregation. These four-minute-or-less devotional presentations includes words of comfort, verses from the Bible, thoughts and ideas presented with a Christian viewpoint, and prayers, and are intended to uplift and strengthen the caller in his or her daily walk and encounters within the world.
Please call 714-639-1661, enjoy this invaluable service, and be spiritually renewed and enriched.
The Upper Room
The Upper Room is a small devotional guide made available every other month during worship service. It can also be obtained from the church office. It has been in publication since 1935 and has helped many Christians in their walk of faith. Each dated devotion page provides a scripture passage followed by a related message submitted by people from all over the country and even from other parts of the world. There is also a closing prayer and a Thought For The Day.
The Church Library
The church library is well stocked with Christian books, magazines, and other helpful materials. One can find books ranging from recent best sellers to books for children. Many meditation guidance sources are also available. If desired, these items can be checked out for at-home reading.
WAYFARERS
Wayfarers retreat is held annually, typically over a weekend in September or October. The Wayfarers program was created in 1965 by leaders of the First United Methodist Church of Orange, who saw a need for the gradual discovering of our Lord in people’s lives. They felt that within a camp atmosphere, people could have a chance to grow, learn, and discover some things about themselves and what it means to be a growing Christian and how to start the process, if they hadn’t already given it much thought. Goals of the program include:
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To provide a time and place to seek out the Lord and establish a life-long relationship with Him.
Pictures from 2009 Camp
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To provide a time to be away from the hassles of everyday life and enjoy seeing and feeling God’s handiwork in nature, scriptures, and in the faces and voices of others.
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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.
The camp is not only a life changing experience, but also a fantastic time for fellowship and fun.
The program is designed for youth in 8th grade and above and adults.
SANCTUARY CHOIR
The Sanctuary Choir plays an integral part in the worship experience at the First United Methodist Church of Orange. This traditional choir sings a variety of sacred music, incorporating classics, traditional anthems, hymn arrangements, and spirituals. The choir is open to all adults. It is not necessary to have a trained voice to be a member of the Sanctuary Choir. The requirements are a voice that blends with others, some choral experience, the ability to read music, and a respect for the responsibilities of membership. Rehearsals are held in the Sanctuary on Thursday evenings at 7:30 pm. New singers are always welcome!
SKYWORD GOSPEL CHOIR
The SkyWord Choir plays an integral part in the worship experience at the First United Methodist Church of Orange. This contemporary choir leads the congregation once a month. The SkyWord Choir is open to ages Jr. High through adult. It is not necessary to have a trained voice to be a member of the SkyWord Choir. The requirements are a voice that blends with others, some choral experience, the ability to read music, and a respect for the responsibilities of membership. Rehearsals are held in the Sanctuary on Thursday evenings at 6:15 pm. New singers are always welcome!
HANDBELL CHOIR
The handbell choir is open to anyone, from Junior High age to adult. A minimal background in reading music is required. The choir participates in the Sunday morning worship service about every two months. Rehearsals are on Sundays, immediately following the 10:30 am worship service until 1:00 pm. For further information, please contact the director through the church office.
