Mount of Olives Lutheran Church24772 Chrisanta DriveMission Viejo, CA 92691949-837-7467

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Mission Viejo, CAThe Olive Branch November/December 2012 Christmas Edition

2 www.moochurch.org

We have many exciting events and service opportunities planned this Christmas season. Many are traditions we’ve been repeating for years, like the Drive-Thru Nativity - plus we have some new and exciting changes like POIEMA, the new Christmas Production.

Many of these events are designed for others who don’t worship with us regularly - so please join us this Christmas season and invite a friend!

Christmas at Mount of Olives

The ChristmasatMOO.org site is live. This is a great site to direct others to, because it is filled with information exclusively about the Christmas events and services at Mount of Olives this season!

Inside this IssueCalendar 3Pastor Jim 3Thanksgiving Service 4 Fall Boutique 4Chancel Choir 4W! Women 5Christmas Tree Sales 5Children’s Ministries 6Arts Alive 6ROCK Youth 7Drive-Thru Nativity 8POIEMA Production 9Alt. Christmas Fair 10 Adopt an Angel 10SHARE 10Christmas Services 112012 Highlights 11Contact Information 12

Nov/Dec 2012 3

It is hard to believe that 12 years ago I became the youth director at Mount of Olives Church (MOO). I still remember the excitement I felt, anticipating this new ministry opportunity. I spent many sleepless nights, dreaming about all the possibilities!

Today, 12 years later, I find myself experiencing similar feelings. Having recently completed my Masters Degree, been ordained, and installed as Associate Pastor, once again I find myself dreaming about all the possibilities! For more than 12 years I have worked very hard to create a successful, dynamic youth ministry. During this time, hundreds of kids have experienced the love of Christ and have grown up through the ranks of our youth program, R.O.C.K. Ministries. As a result, we now have a healthy youth ministry that spans from the nursery all the way through young adults.

As I dream about the possibilities of my new role as Family Pastor, I look forward to integrating the entire youth program into the life of the church. Right now we have many successful programs that run independently of one another. My hope is to create more cross-over between MOO and The R.O.C.K. and expand the existing ministries to include families.

Another goal of mine is to reach out to the many groups and organizations that are already connected to the church, but may not necessarily be assimilated into the life of MOO. There are currently 160 kids enrolled in RHL Preschool, 550 kids in involved in Vacation Bible School, 75 girls participating in the American Heritage Girls troop, 70 boys in the Boy Scout troop, and between MOPs and MomsNext there are 80 moms and 175 children on our campus every month! These groups alone represent approximately 500 new families who are already on our campus and could potentially call MOO their home.

Over the past two decades, I can’t begin to sum up the conversations I have had with families in crisis. As Family Pastor, one of my dreams is to create resources that will support, train, and educate parents and children. Imagine how incredible it would be to have support groups for children dealing with loss, divorce, or bullying. What would it be like if parents were able to learn how to properly motivate their children? What if the church were to offer classes on “How to do devotions, pray and lead Bible studies at home as a family”? If there were suspicion of substance abuse in your family, would you know what to do? None of us are exempt from these real life issues. The only question is; where do we turn when they hit? I believe my role, as Family Pastor, will be to walk with families through the tough times as well as celebrate with them in their successes.

In His service,Pastor Jim

Calendar of Events

NovemberFriday 9 Fall BoutiqueSaturday 10 Fall BoutiqueSunday 18 Alternative Christmas FairWednesday 21 Thanksgiving Eve ServiceSunday 25 First Day of AdventTuesday 27 W! Women’s Ministry Event

DecemberSaturday 1 Christmas in Kid CityFriday 7 Drive-Thru NativitySaturday 8 Drive-Thru NativityFriday 14 Poiema Christmas ShowSaturday 15 Poiema Christmas ShowSunday 16 Poiema Christmas ShowSunday 23 Special Worship ScheduleMonday 24 Christmas Eve ServicesTuesday 25 Christmas Day Service

A Letter from Pastor Jim Reynen

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Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) & South Orange County Women's Networking Group (SOCWNG) Presents:

Annual Fall Boutique Free Admission!

Friday, November 9, 2012 - 9:00am – 12:30pmSaturday, November 10, 2012 - 10:00am – 2:00pm

In the New Creation Center

Loads of unique items including:Women’s & Children’s Accessories & Clothing, Home Décor, Handbags, Toys,

Skin Care, Jewelry & more!Friday morning only - Bake Sale & Silent Auction

Opportunities to win RAFFLE PRIZES!Bring a canned food donation and receive a raffle ticket!

For more information or to contribute items for our silentauction please contact us at www.moomops.org under the events tab

All proceeds raised will benefit MOO MOPS, a non-profit organization.To learn more about our group, visit www.moomops.org

SOCWNG is an all women’s business networking group located in South OC. To learn more about the group, visit www.socwng.org

Cornerstone - Chancel Choir

Christmas PerformanceSaturday, December 8th at 3:00pmMOO’s Chancel Choir & Handbell Ensemble will join the choir from The First Baptist Church of Santa Ana for a FREE concert followed by a FREE dinner.

The Baptist choir is under the direction of Ted Storm, long-time director of the Casta del Sol Chorale, also participating in the program. The main work is ‘THE NIGHT OF THE FATHER’S LOVE,’ by Pepper Choplin. You won’t want to miss it!Concert Address: 1010 West 17th St., Santa Ana.

Samaritan's Purse: Operation Christmas ChildThe Chancel Choir is collecting shoe boxes filled with gifts for children in need: school supplies, toys, hard candy & hygiene items. Donations should be packed in a shoebox, and closed with a rubberband. A $7 donation is requested per shoebox to cover shipping costs.

Donations collected at all services November 3/4 & 10/11, and in the church office until noon on November 19th.

Volunteers needed to help at the local distribution center on November 21st from 9am - 1pm (age 14 or older). Contact nadine.melberg@gmail.com before November 14th.

All boxes will be donated to Operation Christmas Child whose mission is to demonstrate God’s love in a tangible way to needy children around the world.

www.samaritanspurse.org/occ

Thanksgiving Eve Worship Service

Wednesday, November 21st at 7:30pm

in the Worship Center

*Childcare available in the Nursery for children 3 years and younger.

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W! Women’s Ministries EventTuesday, November 27th at 7:00pmIn the New Creation CenterSpecial Guest: Pam Farrel, Inspirational Speaker & AuthorTopic: ‘Christmas Light: Love is the Light of the Holiday’Tickets $10. Childcare available with reservation

Namibia Ministry - Christmas Tree Sales

Buy a top quality, fresh Christmas tree from the Namibia team, and 35% of your purchase will go directly to benefit our beloved 30+ orphans in Namibia at the Ark in Keetmanshoop.

Pre-order through Sunday, November 18th online at moochurch.org and after Sunday Services.Pick-up pre-purchased trees Saturday, December 8th at Mount of Olives between 8:00am-1:00pm in the ROCK parking lot.

Our Speaker: Pam Farrel is a cheerleader, challenger and coach. She will bring a message that will enhance all your relationships and bring Christmas cheer to your world. Pam is the author of over 35 books including best selling “Men are Like Waffles, Women Are Like Spaghetti,” and the co-Director of Love-Wise.com. She will bring nuggets on relationships, help us experience some Christmas and family traditions, and share ways to stay connected to God and those you love at this important season.

Evergreen Wreath & Garland SalesFresh from the Pacific Northwest including a 28” cross wreath!

Pre-Order through Sunday, Nov 11th after servicesPick-up on Sunday, December 2nd after services

Wreaths can be gifted and delivered anywhere in the US.Proceeds benefit W! Women’s Ministries, for more info contact Laurie at lraddatz@cox.net or 949-951-3162.

Service Project: We will be gathering items to make ‘birthday cakes’ for the children served by South County Outreach.

Donations Requested: cake mix (box), ready-made frosting (tub), candles, sprinkle decorations. Also, we will make soup mixes for SCO – all ingredients will be supplied by W!

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First CommunionFor children in 5th grade to be instructed in Holy Communion. Parent Meeting Jan 6 at 9:45am First Communion Class Jan 20 or 27 9:45am-12:00pm In Music RoomTheir First Communion will be Sunday, February 3rd at the 11:00am Worship Service.

Christmas in Kid CitySaturday, December 1st

9:00am - 1:00pm$10 per family

A fun filled morning of Christmas activities for kids 3 years old to 5th grade - lunch is included.

You don’t want to miss it!Register online by Nov 19th!

Kid’s Club - WednesdaysKid’s Club is every Wednesday 6:30-8:00pm Except for Holiday Breaks Snack provided, no dinner & NO cost

Kid City - SaturdaysEvery Saturday during 5:00pm worship service Bible story and activity in classroom 1For children 3 years - 5th grade

Kid City Kid’s Church - Sundays Every Sunday during worship services:8:30, 9:45 & 11:00amIn the New Creation Center For children preschool - 5th grade

Parents Night Out - Saturdays First Saturday every month from 5:00-8:00pmFor children preschool - 5th gradeParents worship at 5:00pm service - kids enjoy an evening of fun! In the New Creation CenterNext PNO: November 3rd & January 5th

Arts Alive AcademyPrivate music lessons for all ages from toddlers to adults. Professionals teach voice, guitar and piano lessons.

For additional information, please contact Michelle Danly at either 949-295-8519 or michelle@pmdanly.com.

Field Trip to Watts TowersSunday, November 18, 2012

Middle & High School Students are invited to come see and learn about the interesting story of these creative towers and their builder!

Bus leaves the ROCK at 12:30pm sharp for a private tour & dinner. RSVP Required - Contact Michelle Danly at michelle@pmdanly.com

Children’s Ministry CalendarNovember 3 Parents Night Out November 21 No Kid’s Club-Thanksgiving BreakDecember 1 Christmas in Kid CityDecember 19 Kid’s Club Christmas PartyDecember 26 No Kid’s Club- Christmas BreakJanuary 2 No Kid’s Club- Christmas BreakJanuary 9 No Kid’s Club-Christmas Break

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R.O.C.K. Youth MinistriesIn November, we are launching Adopt an Angel. Students and small groups will be encouraged to participate in our annual Adopt an Angel ministry that takes place campus-wide at Mount of Olives. We will be giving students the opportunity to serve and help those in need.

Camp - Through the years at The ROCK, we’ve seen the impact camp has on students. From those that have a vital relationship with Jesus Christ to those coming to camp just for the fresh powder, the absence of the pressures of everyday life - all have a chance to focus on the love and grace of God and to come home knowing they can do all things in Christ who gives them strength. These trips allow students to develop lasting and deep friendships. For the student who has not gotten involved at church yet, this is a perfect opportunity for them to get connected and to grow in Christ.

Fundraisers - We offer several ways for students to pay for winter camp. This November, we offer an opportunity to fundraise for camp by selling beautiful, fresh Christmas trees. Many students last year sold fewer than 10 trees - and raised enough for the full cost of camp!

High School: 9th-12th grade Wednesday Night Bible Study - 7:00-8:30pm Wednesday nights give students a chance to worship, praise, and learn more about Jesus Christ.

HS Small Groups A chance for students to continue further study and application of the Bible. These are ongoing groups that students can join and attend on a weekly and bi-weekly basis.

Girls Small Group: Juniors & SeniorsLed by Natalie and Kathryn who both attend Concordia University in Irvine pursuing degrees in Christian Education. Meet: The First and Third Monday of the month, 6:30pmLocation: Call Katt 949-292-4832

Girls Small Group: Freshmen & SophomoresLed by Justine who has been volunteering in Ministry for over seven years, and Brooke Kelly an artist with a heart for Missions. Meets: Second and Fourth Tuesday of every month, 7:00pmLocation: Starbucks, down the street from The ROCK

Boys Small GroupLed by Anthony Gudenau a full time college student and swim coach for Mission Viejos Nadadores. Meets: Every Monday, 7:00pmLocation: Rockoffee/ The Hub

Middle School: 6th-8th gradeTuesday Night Bible Study - 7:00-8:30pm Students are assigned to small groups which give them an opportunity to ask questions and to apply what they learned from the lesson into their own lives.

MS UGLY Christmas Sweater PartyDecember 18, 2012 - 7:00-9:00pmFind your best/ugliest/craziest Christmas sweater & wear it! It will be a terrific night of fun, and another great time for students to invite friends to The ROCK! There will be a Christmas sweater contest, games, prizes, music and much, much more!

Middle School Winter Camp: Big BearJanuary 18-21, 2013For more info & to Register visit: MOOChurch.org/ROCKRETREATS

New R.O.C.K. High School Director Danny Morgan has come on board as our High School Director. He’s been involved at the ROCK since 6th grade, serving as a ROCKSTAR, High school small group leader, and staff on ROCK Camps. Currently, Danny is attending Concordia Univ. pursuing a degree in Theological Studies. Check out Danny and our other ROCK Staff ’s Bible messages on the ROCK Church MV’s Podcast.

Stay in Touch with The R.O.C.K.Facebook.com/ROCKtheOCInstagram: TheROCK_Church

Contact UsNicole StirlingDirector of Middle SchoolNStirling@moochurch.org

Danny MorganDirector of High SchoolDMorgan@moochurch.org

High School Winter Camp: Mammoth Mountain February 15-18, 2013 For more info & to Register visit: MOOChurch.org/ROCKRETREATS

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Volunteer To Be A Part of The Drive-Thru Nativity!!The Drive-Thru Nativity is one of the largest outreach programs that we do at Mount of Olives.As part of the Drive-Thru Nativity Team your role may play a significant part in bringing an un-churched visitor to worship with us and come to know Christ!

Sign up after worship services on Sundays: November 18, November 25 & December 2 Costume Fittings take place at time of sign-up

Volunteers Needed for the Following Position:Artists – Assist in creating and restoring the Drive-Thru Nativity sets and scenesBuilding and Set-up crews for the Nativity sets– Friday morning December 7thTake-Down Crews - Help take down the sets and store them on Saturday evening, December 8th

Needed on Friday, December 7th AND/OR Saturday, December 8th:Traffic Coordinators - Guide traffic through the Nativity scenesActors - Children and adults for the individual Nativity scenesHospitality team - Assist and setup in the Kitchen for the food provided for the volunteersCarolers –Christmas Carolers to sing at the Drive Thru Nativity

Mark Your Calendars:Rehearsal Date: Thursday, December 6th at 7:00pm

in the New Creation Center

Drive-Thru Nativity - 18th AnnualExperience this live retelling of the Christmas Story from the comfort of your car!Live actors, animals and narration through your car radio.Bring the whole family to this annual FREE event, a Mission Viejo community tradition since 1994!

Friday, December 7, 2012 6:00-10:00pmSaturday, December 8, 20126:00-10:00pm

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"For we are God's handiwork ("POIEMA"), created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." Ephesians 2:10

For our Christmas Production this year, we are embracing this truth. Our Christmas Production is entitled POIEMA (pronounced “Poy-Ay-Mah”), the Greek word for “handiwork” as listed in Ephesians 2:10 above.

POIEMA will be a creative arts expression of what it means to embrace our unique gifts and God-given abilities to live out our faith and demonstrate the love of Jesus for all. To help drive this concept home, the POIEMA Christmas Event will be dedicated to the S.H.A.R.E. Ministry (Sharing His Abundant Resources Everyday) to help raise funds and collect canned goods for families and individuals in need in our community.

Mark your calendars, invite your friends and neighbors, and plan to join us as we embrace our God-given potential to affect the world in the name of Jesus. You are uniquely qualified to do this...in fact, only you can do what God designed for you to do. Let’s all celebrate this together, in the spirit of the Christ Child who entered into history in order to give our lives true meaning and purpose.

Admission to POIEMA will be $12.00 plus a canned food item. All canned food items and financial proceeds from POIEMA will be donated directly to S.H.A.R.E. - a MOO ministry that focuses on assisting Southwest Community Center (aka Santa Ana Soup Kitchen) and South County Outreach. We are thrilled to support such vital and valuable work, not only during at Christmas, but all year long.

- Jefferson Denim, Executive Dir. of Music & Creative Arts

Tickets $12.00 presale | $15.00 at doorTickets available online at ChristmasAtMOO.org

In keeping with the Christmas spirit, we are asking for a good will offering of 1 canned food item per ticket. The Mount of Olives SHARE Ministry will be taking these donations to South County Outreach & Southwest Community Center.

A Letter from Jefferson Denim

Show TimesFriday, December 14th - 7:00pmSaturday, December 15th - 7:00pmSunday, December 16th - 7:00pm

Mount Of Olives Church - Worship Center24772 Chrisanta DriveMission Viejo, CA 92691

Volunteers Needed to Coordinate Christmas Production:If you have a servant’s heart and are willing to help make POIEMA happen, contact Michelle Danly: michelle@pmdanly.com949-295-8519

Volunteers Needed:UshersTicket SellersCanned Food Donations HelpFront End HelpGreen Room StaffSet Design CrewAnd More!

SMALL GROUPSIf you’d like to become a member of a small group, click on the small groups tab at www.moochurch.org to learn who to contact and how to get involved.

New curriculum for starting groups: “The Stories that Read Us; the Parables of Jesus” available online for new groups (and others) that started after our Fall small groups campaign this year.

PASTORAL CAREIf you are in need of spiritual counsel or support outside of office hours, call the After Hours Pastoral Care Phone: 949-228-7679.

MOOCares Ministers take communion to those members unable to attend worship on the first Sunday of every month. To notify us of a member in need or to learn about being a MOOCares Minister, call Angela at 949-837-7467.

Would you or someone you know benefit from a caring listener who might be there to support you through a difficult time? If you are interested in a Stephen Minister, email us at stephenministry@moochurch.org.

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S.H.A.R.E. - SHARING HIS ABUNDANT RESOURCES EVERYDAY

Matthew 25:35-40: “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat,I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink….I needed clothes and you clothed me…Jesus said, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me”

Mark your calendar for SHARE Ministry WeekendSaturday & Sunday, November 3rd & 4thFood donations are shared between Southwest Community Center (the Kitchen) & South County Outreach (the Pantry).

To learn more about what MOO is doing at SWCC and SCO or get involved any time by visiting www.moochurch.org/share

Adopt an Angel

MOO will adopt about 45 Orange County families in need this Christmas. Help us show these families God’s love and give them gifts!

Gifts Needed*:Monetary Donations - for purchase of food gift certificatesGifts valued $15-$20 for Moms, Dads, Sons & Daughters

How to participate:Pick up an ‘Angel Tag’ at the Alternative Christmas Fair or the Information Table after weekend services in November to commit to bringing a gift for a specific family member.

Gifts collected on Sundays at the Information Table *All gifts needed by Sunday, December 16th

Alternative Christmas Fair

Sunday, November 18, 20129:00am–1:00pm in the Courtyard

Donations and purchases support Heifer Project, Church World Service, Third World Handarts, Habitat for Humanity, Southwest Community Center & Namibia Ministry.

The Quilters Ministry sales and bake sale support all projects.

31st Annual

Heifer International – purchase an animal for someone in need. Choose the best of the barnyard – ducks, rabbits, pigs, sheep or even a heifer!

Habitat for Humanity – Donations assist hard-working families that need a home.

Church World Service – Buy a blanket to be used in disaster relief. Buy garden tools or sewing machines for use in the Trade-Guns-For-Tools program. Provide a health kit or a school kit to children in the 3rd World. Help families carry clean water to their homes or provide health care to AIDS orphans.

The Church that is not reaching the lost is lost! - E.V. Hill

Don’t Forget to Wear Your Nametags!

Take a few minutes after services to greet others.

Nov/Dec 2012 11

Some Highlights from 2012 * We welcomed 56 New Members and

their families to the Mount of Olives Church Family

* 14 Members experienced Cursillo Weekends

* 200+ ROCK Youth & Young Adults went on Winter & Summer Retreats, attended events & mid-week Bible Studies

* 600+ Children attended Vacation Bible School & Arts Alive Camps

* 176+ Students at RHL Preschool * 9 Women Served on a Mission trip at

the Ark in Keetmanshoop, Namibia * 6 ROCK Youth Served on

independently funded mission trips around the world

* Pastor Ed Ewart was Installed as Assistant Pastor of Pastoral Care & Small Groups

* Pastor Jim Reynen was Ordained and Installed as Associate Pastor of Family & Youth Ministries

Christmas EveMonday, December 24th 4:00pm* - Contemporary Worship 5:30pm* - Contemporary Worship 7:00pm* - Contemporary Worship 8:30pm* - Traditional Worship10:00pm - Traditional Worship

Christmas DayTuesday, December 25th*10:00am - Blended Worship

Calendar of EventsVisit our website for a full calendar of events - with links to ministry pages for more information!

Saturday, December 22ndNo Saturday Service

Sunday, December 23rd9:00am - Traditional Worship10:15am - Contemporary Worship

*Nursery Care offered for 3 years and younger .

Both Services: Kid City - Kid’s Church for children preschool-5th grade in the New Creation Center.Nursery Care offered for 3 years and younger.

Weekly Worship Service TimesSaturday 5:00pm - ELEVATE Contemporary Worship Sunday 8:30am - CORNERSTONE Classic Worship 9:45am - ELEVATE Contemporary Worship 11:00am - ELEVATE Contemporary Worship

Saturdays - 5:00pm“Sunday School”3 years - 5th grade in Room 1

Sundays - 8:30, 9:45 & 11:00amKid City - Kids’ ChurchK-5th grade in New Creation CenterAge 3-5 in Room 1

Nursery Care For Ages 3 and younger during all servcies.

24772 Chrisanta Drive, Mission Viejo, CA 92691Church Office: 24851 Chrisanta Drive, Mission Viejo, CA 92691

moochurch.org | 949-837-7467 | info@moochurch.orgAfter Hours Pastoral Care: 949-228-7679

Our Purpose: “To Know Christ and Make Him Known”We do this through worship, study, service, fellowship, and outreach

Find us on Facebook!MOO ChurchRock ChurchMOO Kid CityRHLPreschool

Find us on Twitter!@MOOchurch@PastorJRSteward@Mookidcity@RockChurchMV

Connect with us via Social Media

Reverend John R. StewardSenior Pastor

Robert H. Lange Preschool949-837-2500

rhlpreschool.com

Music & Creative Arts949-837-7467 x208

Administration949-837-7467

Visit moochurch.org for more information - including a full calendar of events, staff contacts, archived newsletters and more!

Reverend Ed EwartAssistant Pastor

Pastoral Care & Small Groups

Pastoral Care949-837-7467 x209

Small Groups/New Members949-837-7467 x226

Adult Day Center949-581-3800

adcc.moochurch.org

Reverend James Reynen Associate Pastor

Family & Youth Ministries

ROCK Youth Ministries949-837-7467

Children’s Ministries949-454-2347

mookidcity.com