Mark your calendars for 12 exciting and transforming weeks of interactive Bible study, starting Saturday, September 12 at First United Methodist Church of Orange (FUMCO) from 6:00-7:30 p.m.
The Beloved Community Bible Study (BCBS) is a two-part series. In the first part, our goal is to introduce or to embrace the Bibles unfolding story. What if we thought of the Bible as a script? Scripts remind us of plays and movies where actors and actressess seek not just to blandly memorize, but to embody their characters and make them real for the audience. And just like a script, the Bible invites our active participation. The Bible welcomes us into a dynamic relationship with God-The Main Character-that radically alters the way we live. God, through the powerful story of the Bible, offers a new script for who we are, who our neighbors are, and our role in making a world where all people shine like stars.
In the first-part of the study we will seek to embrace the script and in the second-part we seek to live the script. The second-part is dedicated to "practices of freedom." These practices or spiritual disciplines, i.e., prayer, communion, gift-sharing, and baptism are reimagined when seen in light of our participation in God's Script and instead of the harsh, religious, connotations of discipline we live the script by "practices of freedom." These practices take us beyond the walls of traditional church into the community where we shine the light of hope, justice and peace for a world caught in darkness, pain, and shame. We hope that you will consider joining us for the adventure of a lifetime.
I. “Invisible Man (Woman)” and the Quest for Identity--(September 12th@6:00 p.m.)
II. Act I: Being Created in God’s Image (Genesis 1-2:3)--(September 26@6:00 p.m.)
III. Act II: Human-mess making from Eden to Exodus (Genesis 2:46-11 and Exodus)--(October 3@6:00 p.m.)
IV. Act III: The Power of King’s and God’s Kingdom (2 Samuel)--(October 10@6:00 p.m.)
V. Act IV: The Prophets: Pointing to change! (Isaiah)--(October 17@6:00 p.m.)
VI. Act V: Jesus and the creation of the Beloved Community (Luke)--(October 24@6:00 p.m.)
The story continues….becoming the “Beloved Community” through practices of Freedom
VII. Reimagining Prayer--(October 31@6p.m.)
VIII. Reimagining Communion--(November 7@T.B.D.)
IX. Reimagining Giftedness--(November 14@T.B.D)
X. Reimagining Possessions--(November 21@T.B.D.)
XI. Reimagining Baptism--(December 5@6p.m.)
XII. So then……What is the Church?--(December 12@6p.m.)
If you have any questions please don't hesitate to call or email Rev Dale; cell (714-944-5878)
PRAISE BAND
The FUMCO Praise Band is a contemporary praise and worship band providing music for worship services and special events. We are dedicated to praising Jesus Christ through contemporary praise music. It is our hope that the music helps people develop and deepen their relationships with Jesus. Our praise band meets every other Sunday afternoon at 3:30 pm in the Sanctuary. If you are High School age or older, we'd love to have you! Whether you're a singer, musician, or both, come join us!
Singers If you would like to sing with the Praise Band, just come to one of our rehearsals.
Musicians Do you play keyboard, guitar, trumpet, sax, trombone, horn, or flute (minimum high school level skill) and would like to be a part of the Praise Band? Contact us now and we’ll have music ready for you at our next rehearsal.
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.
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.
HEISER CHRISTIAN EDUCATION FUND
The Heiser Christian Education Scholarship Fund is a fund provided through a bequest to the First United Methodist Church of Orange, California, by Nelle D. Heiser in 1961. The bequest stipulated that the Fund be loaned to individuals for their use in higher education and specified that borrowers be of good habits, clearly stating that they do not smoke, drink, or use illicit drugs.
Who May Borrow From the Fund
A person who is a member, or whose parent(s) / guardian(s) are a member, in good standing of the First United Methodist Church of Orange, California, for a least one year preceding the application, and who is a candidate for a degree from an accredited institution of higher education, may apply for a loan. Among the qualifications are good character, sound health, satisfactory references, grade average of C or better if in college, or B average in high school.
How Much May Be Borrowed?
An applicant may borrow up to $5,000 during his/her academic program, but the amount to be taken in any one year will depend on need and upon the availability of funds. Interest is accrued as simple interest of 1% while the student is in school and at 3% after graduation or completion of the educational program.
How Does One Apply?
An application is included in this brochure. Applications must be approved by the Fund administrator, the Minister/Director of Youth Ministries, and the Senior Pastor. Their recommendation must then be made to the Board of Trustees, whose approval is necessary before funds are made available. All loans must be cosigned by a guarantor. At least two (2) months should be allowed for processing the application.
When To Be Repaid?
Repayment must begin within six (6) months after graduation, or withdrawal from school, and is to be completed within six (6) years. Terms of repayment shall be stated on the agreement form. The borrower must keep the Heiser Fund Administrator informed of changes of address and school status.
Join Nelle Heiser in Supporting the Higher Education of Our Youth
Nelle Heiser had a desire to help the youth and young adults of her church fulfill their educational aspirations. The fund that bears her name has helped countless individuals with scholarship funds — in some cases funds that made the difference in making a college education a reality.
The Board of Trustees of the First United Methodist Church of Orange is responsible for the management and investment of the Fund. The Board appoints an Administrator who attends to the necessary business details and contacts with borrowers. Income from fund investments may be added to the principal or, at the discretion of the Board, used for loans to individuals.
The Board may, in its sole discretion, convert loans to grants (including waiving any accrued or outstanding interest payments) for individuals that are ordained within the United Methodist Church.
