“We exist to provide a safe and fun environment for youth where they can share their faith and the love of God with one another through Bible study, Sunday School, church events, camps, retreats, mission trips, etc.”
United Methodist Youth Fellowship (UMYF) meets weekly for fun, fellowship, and exploration on Sunday evenings from 4:00-6:00 pm, in the Youth Cellar.
Our youth discuss contemporary issues from a Christian standpoint, plan and participate in events, seasonal retreats, and occasional parties, as well as serve the larger congregation in a variety of ways.
New Life Celebration occurs every other month. New Life Celebration is a contemporary worship service designed just for youth. This event is opened to all youth in the Santa Ana District. New Life is a time where you can reunite with your camp friends, meet new friends, and learn more about God. A typical New Life Celebration consists of activities and a worship service geared towards youth. At each event, a worship band performs and a guest speaker brings the word of God.
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.
SUMMER CAMPS & ACTIVITIES
Each summer, the youth participate in the Santa Ana United Methodist District Summer Camps in July and August. There are three separate camps for elementary, junior high, and high school ages. All are held at Camp Lazy W. During camp you will have the opportunity to hang out with other Christians at the pool, on the basketball courts, or in the dining hall; and you will also have the opportunity to learn about God through music, prayer, skits, small groups, large group time, and camp activities. For more information or to register online, please visit www.CalPacCamps.org.
Additional summer activities typically include scheduled beach days, pool parties, game nights, and overnighters.
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.
CONFIRMATION CLASS
The First United Methodist Church of Orange offers youth who are in grades 7 and higher an opportunity to make an intentional faith decision and commitment.
This involves attendance at a special "Confirmation Class," which consists of several sessions designed to help youth explore their faith and the responsibilities of church membership in the context of the Christian tradition at a deeper level.
At the end of this process they will make a decision about their faith, write a faith statement, and we hope, make a commitment to join the church.
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.
