i my son pinocchio - clover sites

The GatePost - The Monthly Newsletter of Aldersgate UMC March 1, 2015 # 552

My Son Pinocchio marks Aldersgate Theatre Arts 6th production! In Disney's My Son Pinocchio, the classic tale of toymaker Geppetto’s little wooden puppet is given new life. This new musical, which retells the classic Disney story from Geppetto’s perspective, features the beloved classic songs “When You Wish Upon a Star” and “I’ve Got No Strings,” alongside a host of new songs by Oscar‐ and Grammy Award‐winner and master melodist

Stephen Schwartz, tackling timely issues about what it means to be “the perfect child” – and what it means to be “a real father.” Join the Blue Fairy, Stromboli and a lively cast of characters as Geppetto journeys beyond the toy shop to discover the meaning of family. When the Blue Fairy grants Geppetto's wish to bring his beloved puppet to life, the new father quickly learns that being a parent is full of challenges. He struggles to make his son "the perfect boy" only to lose him to a gang of Roustabouts. It is only when

faced the thought of never seeing Pinocchio again that Geppetto truly learns the joys of being a father and loving your child unconditionally. New to ATA is our outreach Community Show! ATA extends a special invitation to groups within the local community to come and see our show. Established groups of 9 or more will automatically receive a 50% discount rate on tickets. Regardless of size and depending on the type of organization, you may be eligible to receive complimentary tickets. Prior to the show, we will have meals available for purchase which will be prepared by a local caterer. The intent is to offer these seats to charitable groups who serve the underprivileged, disabled or at‐risk youth. But the invitation extends to other groups such as scouts, church youth groups, pre‐schools, or after‐school programs. If you have a group who would like to attend the show or if you know of a group that may be interested in the event, please contact us via email at [email protected]. My Son Pinocchio opens with a Gala Premiere at AUMC on March 19th. Tickets for our Gala Premiere and shows are available for purchase through the link on our website and between church services on Sundays. www.aumcarts.com

IN THIS ISSUE: AUMC Contacts Church Metrics Pg 2

Karin’s Quotes Pg 3

Mission/Outreach Pgs 4, 5

Prayers / Prayer Shawl BeFrienders / GriefShare Pg 6

Environmental Ministries Pg 7

Youth News Pg 8

Family Ministries Pg 9

Aldersgate Abolitionists Pg 10

Opportunities & Events Pg 11

Worship Opportunities Back Page

Aldersgate Theatre Arts presents:Aldersgate Theatre Arts presents:

My Son PinocchioMy Son Pinocchio

‐‐Ticket Prices‐‐ *Gala Premiere* Thursday, March 19 (Dinner & Performance) $25‐35 per seat Community Show ‐ Thursday, March 26th – Complementary and reduced price tickets August 8‐10th Performances ‐ all seats $10

‐‐Show Times‐‐ Thursday, March 19 Gala Premiere @ 6:30pm ‐ $25‐$35 per seat Friday, March 20 @ 7:30pm ‐ $10 per seat Saturday, March 21 @ 2pm ‐ $10 per seat Saturday, March 21 @ 7:30pm ‐ $10 per seat Sunday, August 22 @ 2pm ‐ $10 per seat

Thursday, March 26 @ 7pm ‐ Community Show Friday, March 27 @ 7:30pm ‐ $10 per seat Saturday, March 28 @ 2pm ‐ $10 per seat

The GatePost is published monthly by Aldersgate United Methodist Church

Gatepost Editor: Jennifer Kelly Production Team: Nancy Joslyn,

Bob Grissinger, Pat Lauderdale, Claudette Fry, Sara Piazza, Marilyn Surbey, Earl & Shirley Fleck

Materials for consideration for publication should be forwarded to

Aldersgate United Methodist Church Attn: GatePost

1201 Irvine Boulevard, Tustin, CA 92780 or Email: [email protected] Articles Due to the Editor:

Friday, March 20 Next Issue MAILED Tuesday, March 31, 2015

Ministerial Staff:

Rev. Robb Fuesler—Senior Pastor [email protected]

Rev. Karin Ellis—Associate Pastor [email protected]

Ministry Support Staff: MultiMedia & Sound— Doug Bell ................................................... [email protected] Financial Secretary— Judy Dickinson [email protected] Coordinator of Creative Ministries— Allison Horner........................................Allison@aumctustin.org Children’s Choir Director— Tessa Horner .............................................Tessa@aumctustin.org Accompanist— Anna Ferraro ..............................................Anna@aumctustin.org Chancel Choir Director— Lynn Chavdarov [email protected] Church Administrator— Jennifer Kelly ........................................ [email protected] Financial Administrator— Heidi Perez ................................................. [email protected] Youth CoDirectors— Elisa Spencer Scott Wilmoth...........................................Youth@aumctustin.org Children’s Education Director— Kimberly [email protected]

Aldersgate Children’s Center Jackie Kush — Children’s Center Director

Aldersgatecc @earthlink.net

Church Office Hours Monday – Friday: 9 a.m. ‐ 1:00 p.m.

Please remember that ALL GROUPS AND INDIVIDUALS using the Aldersgate facility must contact the church office and schedule their meetings, rehearsals and events on the Master Calendar. Using the Master

Calendar avoids confusion and conflicts and also insures that your meeting or event is set up properly with the necessary equipment.

Our facility is in constant use both internally and by outside groups. What you see on the Sunday bulletin calendar is only a small portion of the events and activities that are occurring during the week.

In addition, it is VITAL to remember to close and lock all doors and windows when you adjourn. Thank you for your help in keeping our property secure!

2015 Commitment Week Results!! Thank You!

The main bulk of commitment cards in support of our 2015 ministry and mission have been received and we can report very encouraging results. From commitments received thus far, 67 cards showed an increase averaging 21 percent. While we anticipated some pledge decreases due to moves and other life transitions (total = $27,000), we also received $17,000 in brand new commitments. With a total of 149 pledges received thus far, our pledged support for 2015 is $541,195. Together with commitment cards received, giving patterns already established in 2015, and past giving trends in 2014, our tentative projected total for2015 giving falls between $579,000 and $614,000. (Our 2014 total giving was $570,508.) The Finance Team has crafted a 2015 ministry program budget using the more conservative number of $580,000 as a giving total. This results in small (.02 percent) 2015 budget deficit of $14,500. However, we have some indications that a few pledging families received their commitment cards later than anticipated. So, if a few more commitment cards are returned, the Finance Team foresees that our 2015 budget will be balanced by giving, our Fall Fest Fundraiser, and other income sources. Thank you so much for your continued support of our ministry and mission program!

Our church community began the year by focusing on the needs of others. The new group, Aldersgate Abolitionists, worked hard to lead an Informinar where members of our church, and a couple of other churches, became educated about the issue of human trafficking and slavery. 60 people attended this event, and I am thankful for the leadership which made this happen, and the congregation’s willingness to open your hearts to a difficult reality which exists in our own community. Thank you to all of you who have shared newspaper articles with me and told me how you are becoming more

aware of this horrific problem. We also spent the month of January looking at how we have “Enough,” and Pastor Robb reminded us that “We do have enough. Thanks be to God.” As we realize this, we are then able to share our resources, time, and prayers with others, so that all will have the basic necessities of life, as well as the abundance of God’s love and grace. Then, at our Women’s Retreat, 26 women remembered they are “Wonderfully Made,” and we packaged bags for H.O.P.E., and organization in Garden Grove that works with abused women. Hopefully our small tokens will help remind them that they too are wonderfully made in the image of God. Yes, it has been a great start to the New Year as we have thought of others in so many ways. And now we are in the midst of Lent, a forty day season to prepare our hearts and our lives for Easter. It is a time for personal reflection on how we might change our hearts and our lives in order to be more in tune with what God wants us to do. Sometimes it is easier to focus more on others than it is to examine our own lives. This sentiment is reflected in Ann Weems poem, The Walk:

Those of us who walk along this road do so reluctantly. Lent is not our favorite time of year.

We’d rather be more active planning and scurrying around.

All this is too contemplative to suit us. Besides we don’t know what to do with piousness and prayer.

Perhaps we’re afraid to have time to think, for thoughts come unbidden.

Perhaps we’re afraid to face our future knowing our past. Give us the courage, O God,

to hear your word and to read our living into it. Give us the trust to know we’re forgiven,

and give us the faith to take up our lives and walk. It takes more time, more diligence, more prayer, more awareness to reflect on our relationship with God, and how we might grow as a disciple of Christ. It is often hard work, but it is the work God calls us to. Like any relationship, we are called to be faithful to God and to nurture the love between us and God. My prayer for all of us during this holy season of Lent is that we will continue to become more aware of the needs of others, just as we become more aware of our dependence upon, and love for Christ. May God “give us the faith to take up our lives and walk.”

Blessings for a holy Lent,

Pastor Karin

AUMC Staff in Prayer Every year during the Lenten season, the staff of Aldersgate makes a commitment to pray for every member and active constituent in our faith community. Each week a group of members and constituents will be selected. We will contact each one either by email or phone to ask if there are any specific prayer requests that we may lift up. By Easter, all 400‐plus members and constituents of Aldersgate UMC will have been remembered in prayer by the staff of the church.

Remember that throughout the year, the AUMC staff prays every Wednesday morning. You may always contact us at any time to have us lift you in prayer. It is a blessing for us to serve and pray for you.

Great Results from the Turkey Basket Drive A big thank you to all the generous donations brought in to support the Friendly Center’s Turkey Basket Drive last November. We collected a total of 24 baskets that were delivered to the Friendly Center by George Puente. Thanks, George! Established in 1924, Friendly Center helps disadvantaged children and families overcome poverty with services like afterschool tutoring, food programs and family counseling. To learn more go to www.friendlycenter.org.

Manna Bag Donations & Assembly The Mission/Outreach Team hopes you can join us on Sunday, March 22 to assemble manna bags between services. Manna bags are available for you to take in your car to provide to our neighbors in need. Supplies are located in the narthex between the two center doors. The church office also provides manna bags to visitors seeking assistance. In addition to nonperishable food, each bag also contains a phone list of resources and a Sunday Suppers flyer. In the Bible, manna is the food miraculously provided for the Israelites in the wilderness during their flight from Egypt– “good things which have been provided as sustenance.” Supplies are needed for the manna bags. Please stop by the Mission/Outreach table on the patio to find out what supplies are needed or how else you can contribute to this event.

Assembly: March 22, between services Donation Table on patio: March 1, 8 & 15

Suggested donations:

1) water bottles 2) high protein items ‐ >4 grams (nuts, tuna, cliff bars, pull‐top canned meat, beef jerky) 3) filler items (granola, peanut butter crackers, pudding, fig bars) 4) fruit cups, applesauce, V‐8 juice or fruit juice (low sugar)

The mission of the Mission/Outreach Team is to connect Aldersgate congregants with our neighbors in need, both near and far, by providing opportunities for ministry through our support and strength so that God’s presence and

unconditional love may be experienced.

OC Child Abuse Prevention Center Once again, we would like to say thank you for the wonderful response to our Socks and Blanket Drive! It was a joy to take your donations to the warehouse in Garden Grove where they will be distributed to families in need. As we opened the office door to deliver the blankets, we were greeted with "Oh, you're from Aldersgate!" This was from someone we had not met and she made us feel so welcome. Thank you for your contributions! We want to remind you that the Child Abuse Prevention Center accepts donations of used furniture. They especially can use beds, sofas, lamps, and tables. No mattresses due to problems with infestation. For more information or to schedule a donation pick up, please call 714‐373‐1600. They try to pick up the day after a call is made. You can also email at [email protected] Our Big Blue Tub is on the church patio the first Sunday of each month. We especially appreciate the diapers which are donated. Thank you for being the generous heart of Aldersgate!! Nancy Joslyn, Pat Downie, and Sue Bishop

GOOD SAMARITAN FUND / CHRISTMAS SHUTTER UPDATE

As many of you know, we at Aldersgate through the Mission/Outreach Good Samaritan fund, regularly supply the Church office with bus passes and food gift cards to assist struggling folks who come in with immediate food and/or travel needs. This is a note of thanks and to make everyone aware that demand for these services has significantly increased over the last 3 years. First, we want to thank all who made the choice to participate in the Christmas Card Shutter where we posted our Christmas greetings in the Narthex and donated an amount that we probably would have spent for postage, resulting in $308.08 for the Good Samaritan project. The Good Samaritan fund also received $73.92 from November's Alternative Christmas Market event. Second, at the request of the Mission/Outreach team, the church office has summarized the changing level of assistance requests below‐ Here are some statistics regarding the program:

In 2012 we spent $234 and the fund received $496 ($425 was from the Christmas Card Tree fund)

In 2013 we spent $837 and the fund received $1025 ($529 from Alternative Christmas Market and $345 from the Christmas Card Tree)

In 2014, we spent $1636 and received $1107.87 ($73.92 from Alternative Christmas and $308.08 from the Christmas Card Tree)

The numbers above do not take into account when members donate food cards and bus passes directly so the need is actually higher than the above numbers reflect.

The office staff recently implemented a prayer request program. When people come in and ask for assistance, they are offered a prayer card to fill out and return. During the Wednesday prayer time for the staff, these prayer requests are included. The response has been extremely positive.

As you can see, the need has increased dramatically. People come into the office in waves. We’ll go a week or so without a single person asking for assistance, and then all of a sudden, we’ll have 7 or 10 people in one day. Sometimes there are one or two a day for several days in a row. We find that traffic increases near the end of the month – probably as assistance checks run out. But there is not much regularity. We have noticed over the past month that requests for assistance have increased quite a bit. For example, some days, we have as many as nine people come in. Most popular are bus passes and food cards like Subway or El Pollo Loco and while we do sometimes get requests for gas cards and grocery cards, food cards and bus passes are better. They are an immediate way to help someone that is hungry without worrying whether they will purchase ancillary items that wouldn’t address their pressing needs.

This is despite the fact that the office works hard to keep track of repeat requesters and only offer cards to any one person once in any 30 day period. If you can, please consider donating to keep this fund, either with cash or by leaving valid bus passes and Subway cards in the box in the Narthex or at the church office. If you donate cash, the Missions/Outreach team can purchase the passes and cards as needed. It is only through the Good Samaritan fund that we give our church staff the ability to offer a helpful response to strangers in need looking for a bite to eat or help on their journey. Thanks, Mission/Outreach Team

Drought and Stewardship by Margaret Henke, Environmental Committee Chair

Water is a precious resource and it is obvious that we are going to have to find ways to make do with less of it. Demand for water doubles every 20 years, outpacing population growth. In less than 20 years, it is estimated that demand for fresh water will exceed the world's supply by over 50 percent. This is a worldwide problem, but let’s look at the situation closer to home.

Since we live in a desert environment here in southern California & are experiencing population growth as well as rising temperatures, it is not surprising that we are in a period of extended drought. Last year was California's driest on record for much of the state, and this year, conditions are worse. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, 99.8% of the state is in severe

drought, 82% is in “extreme” drought and, 58.4 % is in “exceptional” drought. Sierra Nevada snowpack is only one fourth of what it should be this time of year. The governor has declared a “drought emergency” and severe water restrictions have been put in place in many parts of California."

What can we, as Christians and citizens do, to adjust to shrinking water supplies? We all know about the obvious actions—turning off the water while brushing our teeth, waiting for full loads before doing laundry or running the dishwasher, taking shorter showers, replacing old toilets with high‐efficiency models, etc... However, the most important actions we can take involve our lawns and diets.

1. Changing our landscaping from grass, which is very water intensive, to a drought tolerant lawn can save thousands of gallons of water a year for each household. This does not mean a lawn of cactus and succulents (although these can be quite attractive). Native plants, shrubs and other drought‐tolerant plants can also be used quite effectively. Joyce Rohrbaugh and the Trustees have done a wonderful job of landscaping our grounds here at Aldersgate. When these plants are fully established, we should be able to use much less water. Individual households can do the same.

2. The other action we can all take is to eat less beef. It can take approximately 12,000 gallons of water to produce one pound of California beef, but only 25 gallons to produce one pound of wheat. The meat industry alone consumes over 50% of all the water used in the U.S! Most of that is used to irrigate the pasture and crops that livestock eat. Eating plant‐based meals could obviously save thousands of gallons of fresh water and would help with our over‐all water problem. It would also help the environment in other ways. If we could all try at least one vegetarian meal a week, (Meatless Mondays?) this would be a big help in reducing our water usage.

3. Ditch the water bottle. It takes more water to make the water bottle than what is in it. Besides the huge amounts of waste, there are multiple other reasons why water bottles are a bad idea. Since tap water is regulated more closely than bottled water, tap is probably better for our health as well.

If we all make a few small changes, it could make a difference. Water is a sacred resource that is important for all life on earth and God’s gift to us all to share. Thanks for caring!

If you need prayers for yourself, a family member or a friend, you are invited to contact:

Karen Pinney Prayer Chain Coordinator,

at (714) 5425936. All prayer requests are placed in the church prayer book and the staff and pastors pray weekly. Let us support you in prayer! If you are interested in becoming a member of the prayer chain, please contact the church office.

Remember these people in your prayers. We Rejoice . . …in the knowledge that we are all children of God! We grieve with. . . …Marilyn Surbey at the death of her husband, Wayne Surbey We pray for . . . ...Peace, Our military personnel & their families, Ceil Kirby‐Morgan, Sherrill Barron, Abigail Fuesler, Pat Lauderdale, Dave and Charlene Horning, Carol Hallenbeck, Janet Prichard, Bill Powell, Cathy Javier Cruz Our Homebound Aldersgate Family: Jenni Chatterton, Margaret Percival, Pat Ewald, Marilyn Surberg, Kathy Dalton Extended Family: Nancy Calhoun, Max Wilford, Gail Hawes, Peggy McGonigle, Kurt Dudley, Sandy Kellner, Tracy Brown Austin, Esther & Tommy Thomas, Chris & Nancy Allen, Charline Babb, Bob & Geraldine Eslick, David Lampert, Jeff Monroe, Jerry Colunga, Carol Lamay, Elizabeth Wong, Christina Morris and family, Caden Heilig, Marlene Denniston, Shannon Mudry, Debbie Henderson, Carolyn Monroe, Thomas McFarland, Cris T., Hank S., Rany Jayanathan, Robert Jensen, Beatrice Keen

Prayer Shawl Ministry... ...meets on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays from 3pm to 5pm in the Fireside Room. If you are interested in being part of this important and meaningful ministry, please feel free to attend a meeting—even if you have no experience, there are knitters and crocheters willing to help those that are just getting started. Please feel free to contact Phyllis Gavitt if you have any questions or need further information about the group.

BeFriender Ministers The BeFriender ministry of Aldersgate is a listening presence. This ministry is not a ministry of "doing", but of "being,"‐‐being present and listening quietly. Everyone is, at times, on a difficult journey and needs a caring companion who will listen, empathize, and be a reminder of a caring, faith community. All requests and meetings are confidential. This ministry comes under the umbrella of the Care and Nurture team. If you are interested, or know of someone who might be, do not hesitate to contact Rev. Robb or Elsie Hale. You can also fill out one of the cards in the pews and put it in the offering plate or make a notation in the red attendance book.

GriefShare meets every Sunday at 2:30 PM in the Church Library. Call Elsie Hale at (714) 838‐4111 or Mary Lynn Norby at (714) 832‐4678 if you have questions. Spread the word to anyone you know who would find this program beneficial.

A huge "thank you" to every one for all the visits, phone calls, cards, prayers, and well wishes for a speedy recovery following my hip fracture. A special thank you to the Prayer Shawl Ministry for the beautiful and warm multicolored shawl, the flowers, treats, food, and other acts of kindness from my Church family. I am most grateful for each one of you. I hope to be back in church soon! May God bless each one of you. Lovingly, Ruth C. McQuerry

Dear Aldersgate Family, What a blessing it is to be part of such a loving community as this. During my cancer journey, and through a couple posttreatment bumps in the road, you were there supporting my family and me, loving us through it all. Thanks to Pastor Robb and Pastor Karin, to our Shepherds with Fay and Dick Behn leading the way, and to all of you...for the prayers, cards, meals, prayer shawl, and all the other tangible and intangible signs of support. You are the greatest, and I don't know what I would have done without you! Jan Hanson

It has been a wonderful winter in the Aldersgate Youth Group! Both the junior high and the senior high groups have started new Bible studies. The junior high has started a program called Ancestors, and are taking a closer look at some important figures in the Bible. The senior highers are using the Bible to answer questions and learn more about the Bible and their faith.

We sorted food for Families Forward on “Souper Bowl Sunday.” It’s always a blessing to be able to serve together. We had a great time around Valentine’s Day doing a program on love. We talked about other ways to share God’s love with others, through service, and how we can show ourselves love as well.

Over President’s Weekend we went up to Camp Colby in the San Gabriel Mountains for a Winter Retreat with youth from all around Orange County. We enjoyed spending time together and exploring Micah 6:8 by looking at what the Lord requires of us. It was a meaningful time for us to get away and grow together in faith.

We are excited to begin selling butterflies in preparation for Easter. We are selling them on the patio each Sunday until our butterfly release on Easter Sunday. We are looking forward to an exciting spring and many more chances to grow and serve together. Thank you so much for your continued support of these wonderful youth!

Blessings, Elisa Spencer

Youth News! by Elisa Spencer, Youth Co‐Director

Third Grade Bible Class

One of our proud Methodist traditions is formally introducing the Bible to our children during their third grade year. We are fortunate to have three wonderful teachers this year: Chia‐Ying Wang, Nora Warren and Vicky Caagoy. The children will learn about the Bible, how to use the Bible and most importantly that the Bible can be a valuable, spiritual resource that they will use throughout their lives. The Bible class begins on April 12 at 9:10 in the Library following the word for children in church. It will be important to make a special effort to have your child attend Sunday School regularly during this Bible class. There are many things to learn! We know that our children have many activities that keep them and their families busy all the time. Thank you in advance for making this commitment and honoring the opportunity for your child to be introduced to the Bible. On Sunday, June 14th, the children will be presented with their own Bible, which will be dedicated during the worship service. We will have a special presentation in which the whole class will participate. This marks an important event in your child’s life in the church. We look forward to this Bible adventure and feel blessed by the opportunity to work with your children. In order to be fully prepared, please contact Kim Wilmoth by phone or email ([email protected]) to confirm your child’s participation.

Family Activity for Lent: Making Pretzels Pretzels have an important meaning during Lent. Pretzels were made in the fifth century as a Lenten food in Austria, Germany, and Poland. People began to make them on Ash Wednesday, the very first day of Lent. The word "pretzel" is a German word meaning "little arms." The dough was shaped in such a way to look like two arms crossed in prayer. Pretzels were made to take the place of bread, since milk, eggs, and fats were not used during Lent. On certain days during Lent it was the custom to give pretzels to the townspeople who were poor. As a family, make some pretzels. Two variations for making pretzels are included as an insert in the newsletter. Enjoy the pretzels and let them remind you that Lent is a time of prayer. Before you eat the pretzels, say a prayer together. Here is an example:

Dear God, we ask you to bless these pretzels which we are about to eat. Each time we eat them may we be reminded that this is the season of Lent, a time of prayer. Help us to remember to pray for those who need our prayers each day. Keep your loving arms around us, O God, to protect us. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Adapted from "Pretzel Prayer," A Time of Hope: Family Celebrations and Activities for Lent and Easter, MorehouseBarlow Co., Inc., 1979 (out of print).

Family Ministries by Kim Wilmoth, Director of Children’s Education

Attention Sunday school teachers! Please save this important date: Sunday, May 17. We are hosting a special luncheon in your honor. A formal invite will follow.

VBS registration is May 3rd.

Vacation Bible School is June 22‐26, 2015. It is open to children ages 3 ‐ 5th grade. Our theme this year is Everest… Conquering challenges with God's Mighty Power!

Mark Your Calendars!! Children are invited to meet in the Fellowship Hall on March 29th on 8:50 to gather for the procession of the palms. Children are invited to join in the waving of the palms at the beginning of the service.

Join us for a Palm Sunday Brunch, March 29th, 10:4512:00 in the Fellowship Hall. Please bring a breakfast food to share!

Human Slavery- Alive and Evil in our Community! by Dawn Marie Lemonds‐ Aldersgate Abolitionist Chair person

On January 24‐2015, 58 people met for a 3 hour action packed “INFORMINAR” to address the very real and present realities and dangers of human slavery.

Aldersgate members and others from the community first listened to the keynote address presented by the Global Center for Women and Justice’s director‐Sandra Morgan “Biblical Models for Fighting Human Trafficking”. She revealed the truth that human slavery exists in Orange County as well as around the world and emphasized our need to be part of the solution to this heinous and dangerous practice.

Other speakers included two people who had been trafficked.

Lester‐ innocently paid a trafficker $5000 in the Philippines thinking that he was getting a chance to work in a lucrative job in America which would be a huge help to his family. Instead‐ he was enslaved in hard labor, lost his money and held prisoner. He finally escaped and is working to get on his feet in Southern California.

We also met Shari whose story made us gasp as she was sold by her mother into sexual slavery in Taiwan at the age of 7 years old. Now in her twenties she is working to help others who have been made sexual slaves.

Anaheim Police Sergeant Juan Reveles, who works with the Orange County Human Trafficking Task Force, told us the FACTS about Human Trafficking in California and particularly Orange County. The internet has definitely “changed the face” of trafficking and is much more secretive and available. Pornography was mentioned by several speakers as a clear “gateway” for men and boys to be lured into predatory behavior. Unfortunately there has not been enough willingness for men to “step up” and understand their roles in changing this practice that does grave harm to girls, women and boys.

Our final speaker was Priscilla Santos, Program Coordinator from the Salvation Army. She presented a number of fabulous ideas for people to get involved and help support the survivors who have escaped trafficking as well as educate and prevent. The 4 pillars of the Antihuman trafficking movement are Prevention, Protection, Prosecution, and Partnership. Attendees participated in the event by asking many great questions and posting their “dreams” on the Dream Wall for the future ‐ including developing or supporting more Sanctuary beds or places of refuge, getting men and boys involved in helping with this problem, increasing education to all ages of people and many more.

Pastor Karin ended our event with a powerful proclamation that she is committed to being an Abolitionist for Life. Being an Abolitionist means agreeing to put action behind your words. Work can start with becoming informed, praying, volunteering with a program like Salvation Army, donating “bed nights” at a hotel or serving on our Abolitionist Committee.

6 women are now on our committee and we eagerly look forward to adding more people to our team. The team includes, Sharon Phelps ‐ our founding Chair, Karin Ellis ‐ our staff sponsor, Dawn Marie Lemonds ‐ current Chair, Helen Waterson, Barbara Kynoch, and Lynda Bayless. This workshop was just the first of many efforts we plan to conduct. We look forward to talking with you and getting more Abolitionists to increase our work. Stay Tuned! More to come soon!

The Potluck Circle will meet Saturday March 14, 2015 at 5:30 PM at the home of Vanessa Dulebohn. The program will be Danielle Murietta sharing about her trip with Rev. Robb Fuesler and Todd Waterson to visit the Zoe ministry site in Rwanda, Africa. The meeting will begin with a traditional potluck: A‐D bring Appetizer, E‐J Salad or Side, K‐Q Main Dish, R‐T Drinks, U‐Z Dessert. If you plan to come, please RSVP to Tania Batson at [email protected] and let us know what you plan to bring in your RSVP. After

dinner, Danielle will share about her experience, photos and reflections on this remarkable journey and the life giving ministry for orphans in Rwanda. Potluck Circle is open to all women and we hope you will join us!

Hope Circle was thrilled to host a Barbershop Quartet on Wednesday, February 18th. They are the Four Spacious Guys and have been singing together for eight years. Dan, Dennis, Denny and Paul told about how four part harmony began in America as far back as the mid 1800s. However, since 1930 quartet singing has developed all over the world. A five day international contest takes place each year and last year a group from

Sweden was chosen as the best quartet in the world. It was an honor to have The Four Spacious Guys at Aldersgate! They sang familiar ballads as well as timely songs interspersed with entertaining humor. Everyone totally enjoyed the program. The next Hope Circle meeting is on Wednesday, March 18, at 9:30 am in the Fireside Room. Rev. Robb Fuesler will be telling us about their trip to Rwanda. You won't want to miss it. See you there.

Thank Goodness It’s Wednesday!! Come and join your Aldersgate family the first Wednesday of February at 6pm in the Fellowship Hall for TGIW Supper. Cost for supper is $5/person and $15/family.

If you are interested in cooking supper for TGIWs please contact Helen Waterson ‐ 949‐551‐3047 or

Join us for the Men's Breakfast on Saturday, March 14 at 8am in the Fireside Room for food and fellowship.

Please RSVP Bob Grissinger [email protected] or 714‐544‐1374.

CHILDREN’S CENTER NEWS! March Fundraiser Ruby’s Diner “Fun” Raiser! Join your Aldersgate Family for an all day event at the Ruby’s Diner located at 13102 Newport Ave., Tustin (714)838‐7829 on Monday, March 23rd from 11:00am‐9:00pm. The Children’s Center receives 20% of sales generated by Aldersgate. Simply present the Ruby’s Diner flyer available at the Children’s Center Office. See you there!

March 1, 2015 ‐ 2nd Sunday in Lent Rev. Robb Fuesler, preaching

“Good Grief” #3 of 6 in a series: “Job: Weathering Life’s Storms” Holy Communion ~ Food Collection for Families Forward

March 8, 2015 ‐ 3rd Sunday in Lent Rev. Robb Fuesler, preaching

“What Not to Say” #4 of 6 in a series: “Job: Weathering Life’s Storms” Family Worship ~ Children’s Choirs Sing in Worship Daylight Savings Time Begins—Spring Forward!

March 15, 2015—4th Sunday in Lent Rev. Robb Fuesler, preaching

“Learning to Walk in the Dark (Letting Go)” #5 of 6 in a series: “Job: Weathering Life’s Storms” Aldersgate Theatre Arts performs during worship Sunday Suppers at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church

March 22, 2015—5th Sunday in Lent Rev. Robb Fuesler, preaching

“Surrounded by Questions” #6 of 6 in a series: “Job: Weathering Life’s Storms”

1201 Irvine Boulevard * Tustin CA 92780

Phone: 714.544.3653 Fax: 714.544.8894

E‐mail: [email protected]

www.aumctustin.org

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

Sunday Worship ScheduleSunday Worship Schedule 9 & 10:30am9 & 10:30am

Children’s Sunday School is provided Children’s Sunday School is provided

during the 9am service, during the 9am service,

childcare provided childcare provided

during the 10:30 service.during the 10:30 service.

March 2015 - Worship Opportunities

BREAD PRETZELS 1 1/4 cups water (85°) 1 tablespoon dry yeast 1/2 teaspoon sugar 4 1/2cups flour 1 egg yolk 1 to 2 teaspoons water or milk Coarse salt Let yeast and sugar dissolve in water for one hour. Add flour to yeast mixture and beat until smooth. Knead mixture for seven to eight minutes. Place in a greased, covered bowl and let the dough rise until double in size. Divide the dough in half; then divide each half into smaller pieces of equal size. Roll each piece in your hands to make pencil shapes twelve (12) to fifteen (15) inches long. Shape each length of dough into pretzels (see the diagram). Place on a greased baking sheet. Brush with egg yolk and water or milk mixture. Sprinkle with coarse salt. Bake at 325 degrees until lightly browned on top.

FROZEN BREAD DOUGH PRETZELS Thaw one loaf of frozen bread dough. Let the dough rise according to directions on the package. Divide the dough in half and place on a floured board. Cut each half into eight (8) equal pieces. Roll small pieces into strips about eighteen (18) inches long. Shape into pretzels (see the diagram). Place on a greased baking sheet. Brush the tops of the pretzels with beaten egg yolk mixed with one (1) tablespoon of water. Sprinkle with coarse salt. Bake at 350 degrees for twenty (20) to thirty (30) minutes or until lightly browned on top.

Flowers for Easter In celebration of Easter, the Sanctuary will be decorated with lilies and hydrangeas.

If you would like to purchase a plant in memory of a loved one or in honor of a friend, please indicate below. The cost of each plant is $12.00.

Please return this order form to the church office by Monday, March 30, or place in the offering plate by Palm Sunday, March 29.

Order for Easter Flowers I would like to order ________ flowers for Easter. Enclosed is my check for $ ___________ payable to AUMC.

Donated by ___________________________________________________________________ (Please check as appropriate and print names clearly.)

□ In Memory of _______________________________________________________________________________________________________

□ In Honor of

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

~ Choice of plants is first come, first served ~

i my son pinocchio - clover sites

Documents