www.ffumc.net April –May 2017

Fullerton First United Methodist

Church

114 N. Pomona Avenue Fullerton, CA 92832

Telephone: 714-871-4115

Email: sec@ffumc.net

Website: www.ffumc.net

Staff

Rev. Dr. Philip Bertolo Wood Senior Pastor

Don Barter Treasurer

Kurt Boehmke Director Youth Ministries

Stephanie Bowen, Kelly Jimenez

Co-Directors of FFUMC Preschool

Diane Hargrave Preschool teacher

Susan Faber Director of Comm. Ministries

Greg Fowler Maintenance Supervisor

Kim Galea Director of Children’s

Ministries

Hyeyeon Kim Organist/Pianist

Russell Wilson Director of Music

John Jaecker Celebration Bells Director

Kim Galea Administrative Assistant

April /May 2017

We are looking for past directors, teachers, parents and students!

Save the Date!

50th anniversary celebration!

September 10, 2017

Call the church office 714 871-4115 or Susan Faber 714 423-4177

Put your name on the invitation list TODAY!

Did you or do you know someone who went to

Preschool at Fullerton First?

www.ffumc.net 2 April –May 2017

From Phil . . . .

A thought for the month from John Wesley;

Though I am always in haste, I am never in a hurry: because I never undertake

anymore work than I can go through with perfect calmness of spirit.

www.ffumc.net 3 April –May 2017

Did you know that . . . . . ?

Continued on page 4

Impersonal e-mail greetings are gaining popularity among computer users, often taking the place of the old-fashioned birthday cards and personal calls. Marylou Miller, however, isn’t about to let that happen to Fullerton First

United Methodist congregants. For 23 years, Marylou has faithfully mailed cards on

her own, sort of an old-fashioned, one-person sunshine chairwoman. Many recipients would agree it’s like the Hallmark commercial, “When you care enough to send the very best.”

“It all started when my granddaughter, Sarah Bartlett, was three years old,” Marylou recalls. “She had chicken pox, and one of the poxes was in her throat. Blood poisoning set in, and she was airlifted to Loma Linda Hospital where tubes were attached to every part of her body except the calf in one of her legs.”

Marylou says she asked church members to please pray continuously for little Sarah. “Those prayers were answered, and by sending birthday cards, it’s my way of keeping in touch to let people know how much I love them.”

Today, Sarah is a healthy 26-year old among six other grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Seated with her youngest daughter, Susan Miller, Marylou says her parents were not churchgoers when she was being raised in Chicago and Monrovia. A voracious reader, she spent hours satisfying her thirst for books.

At age seven, Marylou stumbled upon Eleanor Porter’s 1913 novel, “Pollyanna”, in which orphan Pollyanna Whittier goes to live with her stern Aunt Polly. The young niece soon adopts a philosophy of life centering on The Glad Game, an activity consisting of

finding something to be glad about in every situation, no matter how bleak it may seem.

“I adopted this rejoice-and-be-glad philosophy after reading that Polly was hoping for a doll in the missionary barrel at her church, but found only a pair of crutches,” Marylou says. “Her father had taught her to look at the good side of things. That’s when I thought about the church.

“Isn’t that a kick?” Marylou adds, using one of her favorite expressions.

From the last graduating class at Monrovia-Arcadia-Duarte High School, Marylou enrolled at Occidental College where she majored in political science and philosophy. She eventually worked as a bank escrow officer for seven years while studying for a teaching credential.

Romance entered the picture during a Methodist Young Adult Camp at Oak Glen when Gerald Miller took her for a motorcycle ride. “He asked me to marry him six weeks later, but I asked that we just be friends.”

Two-and-one-half years later, the couple repeated vows at the Pasadena Methodist Church. His parents, missionaries in Costa Rica, asked that the pair wait until they could attend the ceremony in 1958.

In time, the couple welcomed four children: David, now 58 and living in Utah; Philip, 56, of Anaheim; Marian (Mimi), 55, an accountant in Irvine; and Susan, 53, a teacher, who lives with her mother in Fullerton.

While raising their children, Marylou was a long-term substitute in the Fullerton School District. At one point she girded up to plead with the superintendent for full-time employment – and better pay.

“When I walked into his office, he immediately showed me a contract including retroactive pay,” she says with a twinkle in her eye. “I spent 20 years at Sunset Lane School.”

Her love for science led to leading summer science workshops for teachers throughout the nation with the help of her daughter, Susan. The AIMS (Activities Involving Math and Science) program was geared for elementary students.

The pair often shared some unplanned experiments such as the time acidic, dehydrated grapes ruined the

www.ffumc.net 4 April –May 2017

Etc., etc., etc.

marble windowsill in a West Virginia classroom, or the rubber eggs that fell behind a radiator. Susan, who has adopted her mother’s love for science, currently teaches in the STEM (Science Technology

Engineering Math) pre-kindergarten classroom at the Robert M. Pyles STEM Academy in the Magnolia School District in Stanton.

Education, however, always took a back seat to the Millers’ love for family activities, including tent camping throughout the western United States. And the family applauds Marylou’s stamina that has made her a survivor after four heart stent implants, colon cancer and the painful effects of arthritis.

Always remembering their late father Gerald’s love for church, the family remains active in many FFUMC programs.

Maybe it’s time for the congregation to repay Marylou for her dedication, and shower her with birthday cards on June 17. How about it?

Continued from page 3 “Did You Know That?”

Interviewed and written by Barbara Giasone

Every good organization has discerned what their vision and/or mission is. For FFUMC, our vision statement is printed on every issue of the Good News. Stephen Ministry has also developed our own vision statement for

FFUMC. Here is our vision and our mission for their new ministry:

Fullerton First United Methodist Church’s Stephen Ministry program endeavors to serve God by reaching out to those who are hurting or facing life challenges such as grief, cancer, financial issues, chronic illness, loneliness, spiritual crisis or other life struggles. Lay persons will help carry God’s message and love to our congregation and community. These faithful disciples will deepen their own faith by offering a fresh vision of

hope to others as we minister to one another in service to God.

Stephen Ministry is getting ready to begin it’s first training class later this month. If you have already mentioned that you are interested in becoming a Stephen Minister, we have scheduled an introductory meeting for May 1st at 7:00pm in the Dennis Conference room. This meeting is open to anyone interested in learning more about Stephen Ministry. You will hear more about the application process and what to expect in training. John and I

hope that you will be able to join us for this session.

Submitted by Kathy Norris, Stephen Ministry Leader

www.ffumc.net 5 April –May 2017

UNITED METHODIST WOMEN

GENERAL MEETING

May 4th, 10:00 am, South Lounge

A call to Prayer and Self-Denial

Led by Clara Hernandez

“Stone Soup” Luncheon

Based on the Children’s book…. Each attendee is asked to bring one

cup of vegetables (fresh, frozen, or canned) to be added to the

seasoned broth that will be provided. Fruit and crackers will also be

part of the meal.

UMW News

WESLEY ANN CIRCLE

THURSDAY, MAY 18TH , 1:00 PM

SOUTH LOUNGE

HOSTESS

CONNIE PILLING

PROGRAM:

ASSEMBLING UMCOR KITS

MARY MARTHA

FELLOWSHIP GROUP

MAY 2 7:00 PM

SOUTH LOUNGE

HOSTESSES—SANDI HOFFNER &

JAN HICKENBOTTOM

THEME

“May Pole, May Baskets and

Butterflies HEART TO HEART FELLOWSHIP GROUP

A new inter-generational Circle is forming . Everyone is welcome to

join. The first meeting will be held May 16th at 6:00 pm in the south

Lounge. Bring an appetizer to share.

Breezie Potter—organizer

MARY MARTHA

FELLOWSHIP GROUP JUNE 6TH, 7:00 PM SOUTH LOUNGE

HOSTESSES—SUE CURRIE

THEME: MEMORIES OF YOUR FATHER OR A

SPECIAL MAN IN YOUR LIFE.

UNITED METHODIST WOMEN PLEDGE SERVICE

Thank you to everyone who turned in a pledge to United Meth-

odist Women. We appreciate your money as well as your

prayers and participation. We are still accepting pledges which

you may put in the UMW box in the main office or give to one

of the officers. Thank you for your love and support.

The United Methodist Women News, a quarterly newspaper

put out by the National office, writes about ways the pledge

money is used. The current issue has a article about helping

women with HIV/AIDS. Methodist Women's Fellowship Health

Program for Pregnant and Lactating Women Living with HIV/

AIDS, in Nairobi, Kenya, supports women who are living with

the disease. The organization provides psychological counseling

and nutritious meals for the women and their children. Moreo-

ver, they give women a sense of community when spouses,

friends and family shun them. The organization is an interna-

tional partner with United Methodist Women.

www.ffumc.net 6 April –May 2017

Preschool News

VALUE: CHEERFULNESS

“May my children be filled with joy given by the Holy Spirit”

1 Thessalonians 1:6

Visit from Bug Lady

MAY

Tuesday May 9 & Wednesday, May 10 Chapel Time with Pastor Phil

Friday, May 12 Family Day Field Trip- Explore Ocean

Friday, May 19 Kindergarten Send Off and Movie Night 5pm

Thursday, May 25 & Friday, May 26

Last Day of Preschool

Summer Session June 5-29

9am - 1pm

NOW ENROLLING

FOR 2017-2018 SCHOOL YEAR

and Summer School

Call 714-773-1002

for further information!

www.ffumc.net 7 April –May 2017

Youth Page

May

7th—First Sunday Out-Wahoos

14th—youth 5-6:30

21st —YOUTH SUNDAY

Evening beach trip

28th —Youth 5-6:30

June

4th—First Sunday Out -Burger

Parlor

9th-10th—Lock in

11th—youth 5-6:30

18th—FATHER’S DAY

25th— No youth

Happy Birthday Kurt!

Fullerton First UMYF is open to all 6th –12th grade youth. Friends are always welcome! If you have any questions

or need to talk about anything at all...please reach me at 909-573-5428 or klboehmke@gmail.com

Join our youth group Facebook group to keep up to date on events and meetings!

Looking forward to a great year! Kurt Boehmke

Youth serving in worship

HELEN WALKER SCHOLARSHIP FUND

Helen Walker was a longtime member of FFUMC and a teacher in the Fullerton School District. Helen

lived to be 100 years old. She passed away in late 2014 at her home in Onalaska, Wisconsin. She estab-

lished a scholarship fund to be awarded to a full or part time college student who is planning to work

with youth or children.

The $500 scholarship will be awarded in July 2017. Applications will be available in the office in mid May

and are to be completed and returned by June 18, 2017.

If you would like to contribute to this perpetual fund, contact Don Barter, FFUMC Treasurer.

www.ffumc.net 8 April –May 2017

Miscellaneous

“ONE ITEM PER

MONTH”

For Pathways of Hope

Canned

Fruit is the item for the

month of May!

Your help is

greatly

appreciated.

Please bring

your

donation

to the Church

office.

We wish Yvonne Harrington a very

happy retirement. Yvonne has served

Fullerton First as the administrative

assistant for 4 years. We will miss her

kindness and cheerful smile.

WOW!!! I will forever cherish Sunday, March 19,

2017. Starting with Pastor Phil's kind words during

worship; continuing with special bell music written

and played by John Jaecker; also Russ and the

Aldersgate Chorale along with Hyeyeon performing

a special song for me.

After worship and greeting some church family I

walked into the South Lounge seeing beautifully

decorated tables set up for a celebration luncheon.

Kim, you and your team outdid yourselves! The

lunch was so yummie and topped off with a cake too.

After finishing lunch I was given a treasure chest and

I headed for home. The chest was filled with love

from you all, the FFUMC family.

Thank you one and all from the bottom of my heart

for all the notes, the cards, the generous gifts. This

chest overflowed with God's love and it was for me.

WOW! THANK YOU ALL for giving me the

celebration of a lifetime.

God is faithful!

Love, Yvonne

The Outreach committee would like to thank everyone

who purchased silk Easter lilies.

$420 was raised for the food voucher program.

New address for Mary Marcus

1038 Powder River Dr. Katy Texas 77450

We wish Mary the best in her move.

www.ffumc.net 9 April –May 2017

Our Homebound Members

These are our homebound who appreciate prayers, phone calls, and notes.

Call the church office if you need an address.

Edna Brown

Margaret Christensen

Rosemary Fix

Anne Gray

Mary Harless

Wynelle Holbrook

Betty Launer

Wanda Monroe

Harry Musser

Mary Peardon

Lois Reade

Edith Strevy-Kent

Virginia White

Nancy Woods

submitted by Carolyn Beauchamp

For those who are ill:

Alta Carter, who fell and is at The Pavilion skilled nursing facility; Jack Dillard, (Diane Hargrave’s father) for continued healing; Dona Anderson, recovering from hip replacement at Park Vista; Jackie Torres, for healing; Frances (Thelma Ruegg’s niece) as she undergoes chemotherapy; Jose Rangel recovering from two strokes; Nora Lamkin- has developed kidney failure and is on dialysis, Marjorie and Allyson Shelly, for patience and healing, Helen Murata, for healing; Mary Harless, at Kindred Hospital,

Westminster

For those who are in care facilities:

Margaret Christensen (mother of Don McFarland) in assisted living at Park Vista; Rosemary Fix (Karen Curry’s mother is at Sunrise of Fullerton; Araceli Elman (per Lilia Milloy), suffering from kidney failure and chronic pulmonary disease, has been moved to Anaheim Crest Nursing Home; Harry

Musser is at Richman Gardens in Fullerton.

Prayers and Cares

www.ffumc.net 10 April –May 2017

April Moell April 1

Joseph Reger April 1

Barbara Stocker April 2

Rebecca Lomeli April 6

David Reger April 7

Danielle Ribble April 7

Ryan Reger April 8

Sharlene Ratzliff April 9

Jacob Jimenez April 10

Marjorie Shelly April 10

Hannah Curtis April 11

Donald Mosher April 12

Virginia White April 12

Birthdays

Susan Faber April 16

Giselle Blanche April 20

Anne Gray April 20

Becky McFarland April 20

Paulette Marshall Chaffee April 21

Sarah Bankhead April 22

Andrea West April 22

Jessica (Galea) Rau April 24

Erik Murata April 24

Nora Lehr April 25

Doug Knudson April 30

www.ffumc.net 11 April –May 2017

www.ffumc.net 12 April –May 2017

Fullerton First United Methodist Church 114 N. Pomona Avenue Fullerton, CA 92832

Return Service Requested

TO:

Our Sunday Worship Service begins at 10:00 a.m.

SUNDAYS AT FFUMC

9:00 a.m.—Searchlight — Adult Sunday School 9:00 a.m.—Pathfinders — Adult Sunday School 10:00 a.m.—Worship Service 10:00 a.m.—Children’s Sunday School 11:15 a.m.—After Worship Fellowship Time 5:00 p.m.—United Methodist Youth Fellowship (6th Grade thru Sr. High School)

FULLERTON FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH’S MISSION STATEMENT

Fullerton First United Methodist Church is a community of faith that seeks to be a growing and dynamic church in Fullerton with an outreach to this region of Orange County and beyond. We are a part of a world-wide communion who believe in God’s transforming love as demonstrated by the life and teaching and living influence of Jesus. Believing that we are undergirded by God’s presence through God’s Holy Spirit in our daily living, we serve God as we endeavor: to reach out and receive persons into the faith family as they are; to help persons relate to God and grow in their commitment to the values exemplified in Jesus; to provide opportunities for persons to grow and deepen their faith as Christian disciples; to send persons into God’s creation as faithful disciples. As God’s peop le we seek to bring a fresh vision of hope as we minister to one another and the larger community in which we reside. We seek to faithfully live out these four foundational missional principles. We shall endeavor to be a place of grace in today’s world.

FFUMC GROUPS and MINISTRIES

Adult Sunday School

Aldersgate Chorale

Handbell Choir

Book Study Groups (Short & Long Term)

Bible Study Classes

Care Ministry

Families & Children’s Ministries

Family Ties

Community Outreach

Men’s Breakfast Group

Quilters

Bible/Prayer Group

United Methodist Women

United Methodist Youth Group

FFUMC OFFICE HOURS

Monday through Thursday

9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Office is closed Friday