Transformation Task Force

Sun, 7 Dec 2008 00:00:00 -0800

We want to hear from you!

The Transformation Task Force is charged with reviewing and evaluating our existing administrative structure and recommending changes to that structure that will empower our church to be more responsive to the needs of our community and the ministry interests of our members. The members of the task force have spent nine months studying issues of transformation and are now almost finished with the second step in our process, listening to our members.

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Pastoral Partners Ministry

Mon, 24 Nov 2008 00:00:00 -0800

Coordinators: April Johnen and Connie Townsend

The Pastoral Partners Program is a ministry made up of active volunteers who are partnered with homebound members referred to as recipient partners. These dear folks usually have been a vital part of our congregation’s growth and ministry for many long years prior to becoming homebound. The Pastoral Partners Program was created to maintain the connection between these formerly active members and the church. We want them to be assured that they are remembered and cared for.
This program is not meant to replace either our much appreciated pastor’s visits and calls, or visits from the elders of the church. However, at times the pastors are involved with people who are in crisis, and therefore, are unable to make their regular calls on our homebound. We have found there are as many ways to minister to the recipient partners as there are partners. Some prefer monthly visits, others favor phone calls, and some enjoy cards and letters. Whatever method is used for the two partners to connect, it’s been found to be a warm and joyful experience for both the attending and recipient partner. The attending Pastoral Partners meet quarterly for continued training and to share experiences. If you feel a calling to this ministry, please call our senior pastor, Darrell McGowan.

Senior Adult Ministry

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 00:00:00 -0800

Coordinator: Ed Linberg, Associate Minister

Mission Statement:
The mission of the Sr. Adult Ministry of First Christian Church, Fullerton, is to provide opportunities for every senior adult in our congregation to engage in ministry in the name of Jesus Christ; and to provide fellowship, growth and enrichment for them in order that their lives may be expanded and enjoyable as they reman active as part of the church family.

Activities of the Senior Adult Ministry designed to fulfill the Mission Statement, include the following ones. All of the activities of the senior adults are open to the public.

Monthly gatherings on the third Tuesday at Noon in Chapman Lounge. Those who attend bring a brown-bag lunch. Beverages are provided. Each month features a program on a topic of interest.
A Book Club meets bi-monthly to discuss books, almost exclusively novels, they have read.
Our annual worship service for persons suffering from Alzheimer's disease was held in February, 2008, in our sanctuary. Members of the Sr. Adult Ministry both plan and lead this service in cooperation with the Alzheimer's Association of Orange County which arranges for Alzheimer's patients to come from care facilities throughout Orange County.
Twice in the past, the Sr. Adult Ministry has planned and led worship services for our congregation using the general theme: "The Gifts of Aging."
Growing out of the worship services offered to persons suffering Alzheimer's disease, one of our Sr. Adults, Barbara Fenters, has launched a monthly faith-based support group for persons who are caregivers and/or family members of Alzheimer's disease patients. The group meets on the first Monday of every month at 7:00 P.M. Though the meetings will be held at First Christian Church, the group is open to any one in the community. For more information about this new support group, please call the Church Office.

Hot Meal Ministry

Mon, 10 Nov 2008 00:00:00 -0800

Many people in our community struggle to make ends meet, especially families with children. In response to that need, five Fullerton congregations, First Christian Church, First Presbyterian Church, First United Methodist Church, St. Paul’s Lutheran Church and the Congregational Church formed the Hot Meal Ministry in May, 1996. Because of our central location and our outstanding kitchen facilities, First Christian Church was chosen as the location for cooking and serving the meals. Each Wednesday evening at 6:00 p.m. at First Christian Church volunteers from one of the participating congregations prepare and serve free hot meals to anywhere from 75 – 130 hungry men, women and children.

First Christian Church has three Hot Meal Ministry teams that prepare and serve the meal the first Wednesday of the month, with each team serving once every third month (four times per year). Team members arrive at 5:00 and are usually through by 7:00 p.m. Our dinner guests are very thankful and appreciative of the help this program provides them and as volunteers, we are able to touch the lives of those in need showing them that others care about them and are willing to help.

If you would like to be a part of this ministry contact Leslie Beck or call the church office at (714) 525-5525.

Worship

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Chairperson: Cam Malotte

The Worship Committee puts into action ideas and procedures that enhance meaningful worship. Working with the minister(s), the committee strives to ensure spiritual growth through Sunday morning services and special programs. We plan worship services that engage our hearts and minds while we experience the Grace of God.

The Disciples believe in “no creed but Christ” and serve communion at its services. All who come to worship are invited to the Lord’s Table.

The worship opportunities include:
8:00 a.m. Early Worship Service
Every Sunday morning at 8:00 a.m., Pastor Darrell invite you to reflect on the passage of scripture he will preach at the 10:10 service. For approximately 45 minutes, Darrell will lead a discussion on the morning’s lesson, concluded with communion around the communion table. All are welcome.

9:00 a.m Sunday School
There are Sunday School classes for all ages - from preschool children through adults. The Parlor Class meets in the Chapman Lounge each Sunday. In addition, shorter term elective classes are offered throughout the year. All children’s classes are held in the Educational building located to the east of the sanctuary building.

10:10 a.m. Family Worship Service
A Sunday morning worship service where families can worship together - a blending of traditional elements as well as praise songs and a children’s moment message. Child care is available in the education building for infants and preschoolers. Extended session is provided for five to seven-year olds.

7:00 p.m. Tuesday Evening Contemplative Service
A quiet, reflective mid-week service offered on Tuesday evenings at 7:00 p.m. and built around the reading of a Psalm, periods of quiet reflection with piano accompaniment, a brief pastoral reflection, and communion. The service provides respite from the demands of daily living and lasts less than 45 minutes. As will all Disciples’ services, all are welcome to gather with us and share in communion.

Special services include Maundy Thursday and Good Friday during the Lenten season and a Christmas Eve service.

The worship committee meets every third Wednesday of the month at the church beginning at 7:30 p.m. Everyone is welcome to come and join the committee as it works with the Elders, Acolyte, Audio-VIsual, Praise Song, Lay Leader and Children’s Moment, Diaconate, Music Department (choir, handbell choir, organists/piano) coordinators and the church ministers to present the most meaningful worship experience we can for all who come to Fullerton First Christian Church.