Christmas

November & December 2016

And the angel said to them, “Be not afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which will come to all the people; for to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a babe wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” - Luke 2:10-12

Thanksgiving Eve Serving Advent

Christmas

Christmas Edition

A Letter from Pastor John Steward Dear Friends, Christmas is coming; what a great time of the year. At Mount of Olives Church (MOO) there is a great deal of ministry and activity at this time of year. I encourage you to get involved somewhere during this Christmas Season. Perhaps you can help with Drive-Thru Nativity or Christmas in Kid City. Many find serving at these Christmas events to be a great way to get in the Christmas spirit, and some make it an annual experience for their family to serve together. This Christmas, we are doing something different. For many years, we offered a Christmas Concert with all of our wonderful musicians. This year, we are experimenting with investing all of the energy normally used for the concert and putting it into our six Christmas Eve services. Through the years, we discovered that many people who attend other churches regularly come to our Christmas Concerts. While we are always very happy to welcome anyone, we have come to realize that this approach is not achieving our evangelism goals. Our goal is not to “steal sheep” from other congregations, but rather to reach those who have no church. This year as an experiment, we are putting all of the focus on Christmas Eve and Day, and we ask you to do the same. We simply ask that you invite friends and relatives to a Christmas Eve or Day service. We are taking the resources from the concert and putting them into the Christmas Eve services — which we believe will have a greater effectiveness in reaching people at this time of year when their hearts are most open to Jesus. (Christmas details on page 15.) In life, you never know until you try. This year we are trying something new by focusing on Christmas Eve. And then, as with all things we do, we will evaluate it’s success at reaching people for Christ. We do this is to fulfill what our Lord asked us to do in the Great Commission in Matthew 28: “to go and make disciples of all nations…” Join us in focusing on Christmas Eve and Day services and invite those you know who need the message of the birth of the Savior to take place in their lives this Christmas. Yours because of Him, Pastor John R. Steward Senior Pastor

November Message Series

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

December Message Series

Project Prayer Beginning Saturday & Sunday, November 12 & 13 This message series will look at our need for prayer and the power of prayer in our lives.

Inside This Issue

From the Pastors 2-3 Intentional Parenting 3 RHL Preschool 4 Adult Day Program 4 The Pathway 4 Calendar of Events 5 Small Groups 5 Thanksgiving Eve 5 Cursillo 5

2 www.moochurch.org

Advent Intervention Beginning Saturday & Sunday, December 3 & 4 This message series leading up to Christmas is based on Isaiah 9 studying how Jesus’ birth radically changed the world forever.

Kid City 6-7 Christmas in Kid City 7 The Rock 8-9 Man of Year Nom. 9 Adult Ministries 12-14 Women’s Ministry 10-11 Men’s Ministry 11 Club 55 11 Sunday Adult Ed 11

Chancel Choirs 12 Mission Ministries 12 Stephen Ministry 12 Foundation Trust 13 SHARE Ministry 13 Serving Opportunities 13 Xmas Serving Opps 14 Drive-Thru Nativity 15 Special Services 15

A Letter from Pastor Jim Reynen “All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize.” – 1st Corinthians 9:25 (NLT) In Africa they say, “Water is Life.” About 768 million people in the world lack access to safe drinking water. Children and women often walk five to ten miles a day to gather water that isn’t even safe to drink. More children die from diseases caused by unsafe water and poor sanitation than almost any other cause – more than AIDS and malaria combined. More than half of the deaths of children under 5 years of age, in the developing world, are related to illness caused by unsafe water and poor hygiene. However, there is hope! I invite you to join with me to make a difference as we partner with Team World Vision to bring clean water to the world! World Vision is the largest nonprofit provider of clean water in the developing world. As an organization, World Vision reaches one person with clean water every 30 seconds. Their water projects are comprehensive, sustainable, and complex. They engage with local communities and local churches to provide water wells, solar-powered pumps, pipelines, dams, and rain catchments for human consumption, farm irrigation, livestock nourishment and more. These projects change the lives of children. As a result, they have better health, improved nutrition, and can go to school instead of spending the day fetching water. The way we will make a difference is to run or support a runner by making a financial donation. As part of Team World Vision, we will be running the Orange County Half-Marathon on May 7, 2017. Our goal in running the half-marathon will be to raise money through individual donations. Since $50 provides lasting clean water to one person for a lifetime, every $50 raised represents one changed life! How can you make a difference? You can either sign up with me to run The Orange County Half-Marathon or you can sponsor those who do with your financial support. Perhaps, you are thinking that you are too out-of-shape, you’re too old, or you simply lack the time, discipline or motivation to train for a marathon. The good news is that, Team World Vision has created an easy couch-to-course training program that enables all people (no matter what shape they are in or their age) to successfully complete the run. Furthermore, you’re not alone! When training is done as a team, there is built-in accountability and everyone wins! Besides, when running the marathon is elevated from simply losing weight, getting in shape, or achieving personal goals, to an understanding of the bigger picture, it’s amazing what can be accomplished. Imagine the satisfaction of knowing you have made a significant difference in this world. Whether you run or donate financial support, you can help end the clean water crisis in our world. Please consider joining Team World Vision as a runner or as one who provides financial support. Over the next few months, watch for information as to how you can join us in saving the lives of countless children by providing clean water. Together, we will make a difference! In His Service, Pastor Jim Reynen Family Ministries

Intentional Parenting

Beginning Sunday, January 22, 2017 from 9:45-10:45am for 10 weeks in the New Creation Center Class led by Pastor Jim Reynen Cost $20 per family (includes workbook) This course is designed to bring support, ideas and a healthy perspective to parenting as families navigate their way through these pivotal years. Topics include: Affirmation, Home-life, Consistency, Discipline, Personal Responsibility, and more. Join us to learn ten ways to be an exceptional parent in a quick fix world. Nursery care and childcare provided for 5th grade and younger with registration. Register online now:

www.moochurch.org/intentionalparenting

November/December 2016

3

Adult Day Program Robert H. Lange Preschool

Wow! What an amazing start to the RHL school year! We are overjoyed with the happiness that has been brought and shown on our campus thus far. The children have adjusted to their classroom routines, teachers, and are now settling in! We have made amazing memories during our first few months together, especially during our harvest parties and dress up parade in our courtyard. Now we are looking forward to our annual Thanksgiving feast, in the courtyard as a school, and our “Happy Birthday Jesus” classroom parties! Registration RHL is still accepting enrollment for 2016-2017 school year. We would love for you to stop by for a tour and check out our school and program! Registration is open to the public on February 6th, 2017, for the 2017-2018 school year. Come check out what God’s littlest disciples are up to! Blessings & Hugs! The RHL Team: Hannah, Maria, Kathryn, Kelsey, Christina, Nicole, Janelle, & Maggie 949-837-2500 | [email protected]

www.rhlpreschool.com

Monday-Friday 8:00am-4:00pm ADP Office: 949-581-3800 The Adult Day Program at Mount of Olives is a fun, safe, supervised program for seniors with mild memory impairment who need extra care and stimulation during the day.

We provide mentally, physically, and spiritually stimulating activities run by enthusiastic staff and volunteers. We strive to preserve the dignity and independence of the seniors, as well as provide support and education for the caregiver. Donations Needed! We are always in need of sugar-free desserts or Costco cake for the seniors. Volunteers Needed! Contact us for information about serving at the ADP.

www.adp.moochurch.org

Caregiver Support Group

November & December: 1st & 3rd Fridays January - October: 2nd & 4th Fridays 9:30-11:30am in NCC, Rm B The ADP offers a Support group to Wives, Husbands, and Children that serve as caregivers. Contact Tracy Reid in the ADP Office for more info, email [email protected].

www.adp.moochurch.org

The Pathway

Your relationship with Jesus is a continuous process. To help you, we’ve organized steps and hope to lead you on your path. Starting □□ Attend Services Weekly (3+ times per month) □□ Attend First Steps □□ Baptized / Confirmation / Receive Christ □□ Attend Financial Peace University □□ Read The Bible Daily / Daily Devotionals □□ Pray Daily □□ Attend Weekend in the Word □□ Read Pastor Recommended Books Growing □□ Small Group □□ Attend a Bible Study or Enrichment Group (Amazing, Adult Ed, Edge, MOPS, MOMSnext, etc.) □□ Spiritual Gifts Assessment □□ Volunteering / Serving Using Your Spiritual Gifts □□ Give Regularly & Implement Growth Giving Strategy □□ Bring Someone to Church

4 www.moochurch.org

□□ Attend Cursillo □□ Next Steps Course: Sharing God’s Love □□ Read Pastor Recommended Books Digging Deeper □□ Attend leadership development conferences / lectures □□ Work a Cursillo weekend □□ Become a Leader (Shepherd a Small Group, Leadership in a Ministry) □□ Become a Growth Giver □□ Become a Tither of 10% □□ Read Pastor Recommended Books / Watch Dr. James Kallas’ Video Lectures Opportunity to Serve: Are you good at guiding and encouraging? Become a “Trail Guide” to help a new member along this spiritual path. For more information and to sign up, contact Chris Taylor at 949-285-3910 or [email protected]

www.moochurch.org/pathway

-------------Calendar of Events November Friday Sunday Wednesday Thursday December Sunday Friday Saturday Saturday Saturday Sunday Saturday January 2017 Sunday

4 20 23 24

MOPS Holiday Boutique Alternative Christmas Fair Thanksgiving Eve Service Thanksgiving Day

4 9 10 17 24 25 31

Kid City Family Sing-a-long Drive-Thru Nativity Drive-Thru Nativity Christmas in Kid City Christmas Eve Services Christmas Day Service No Saturday Service

1

One Service at 10:00am

Small Groups

Small Groups allow you to connect, engage and experience God in an informal setting while building relationships here at Mount of Olives. We are constantly forming new small groups. If you’d like to be a part of a small group, let us know! You can: 1. Contact Maria at 949-837-7467 or [email protected] 2. Make a note on a yellow communications card and provide your contact information

www.moochurch.org/smallgroups

First Steps Course

Next Class: Saturday, February 4th, 9:00am - 2:00pm Are you new to Mount of Olives? Have you been attending worship services, but now you’re ready to take the next step in getting involved? These classes are a way to learn more about our church, programs and vision and take the next step in your faith journey. (Classes serve as new member classes.) Sign up online! Childcare available upon request at registration. Contact Maria Gleckl with questions at [email protected] or call 949-837-7467.

www.moochurch.org/firststeps

Cursillo

Attending a Cursillo weekend helps you discover, strengthen and renew your faith through a new awareness of living in God’s grace. Cursillo, a Spanish word meaning “short course,” is a 3-day weekend retreat where participants worship, study and fellowship together daily. Many have had an experience with God on these weekends unlike anything else they have ever known. Next Cursillo Weekends: Men - February 16-19, 2017 Women - February 23-26, 2017 To sign up, contact Maria Gleckl email [email protected] or call 949-837-7467 x226.

www.moochurch.org/cursillo

Don’t Forget: 3 Minute Rule

Chat with someone you don’t know (especially if you notice they’re a guest to our church service) for the first 3 minutes after the service ends. ▶▶ Ask how their day is, how they came to be at Mount of Olives, and then introduce them to someone else you know. Sometimes it is hard to meet people, whether you’re new or just set in a routine. Let’s show others God’s love and make their day better. Remember every guest at our church is a gift from God. Let’s treat them like treasures!

In need of Emergency Pastoral Care?

If you are in need of spiritual counsel or support, call the church office during business hours: 949-837-7467 In evenings and on weekends, call the After Hours Pastoral Care Phone: 949-228-7679


5

From the Children’s Ministry Director Joy is a response to the character of God.

When God created the world, He made it to be a place of peace and contentment. In the Magnificent Paradise, God provided fruit trees that were pleasing to the eye and good to eat. And He personally walked with His creation! But when sin entered the world, so did greed and jealousy. As circumstances changed and life presented more challenges, people found it harder and harder to be happy. However, even now in this broken world, God wants us to have joy. Even though we try to find joy through our stuff, our vacations, or our relationships, joy isn’t dependant upon any of those things. Joy is about being content beyond our circumstances. We can have joy when we recognize that God’s plan is greater than our own. Joy is a response to our trust in God. Jesus is the reason we find joy. God sent His only son as a baby, born in humble circumstances. Jesus wasn’t what anyone expected, but this was how God wanted to rescue the world. God made good on the promise He made hundreds of years before. This December, we pray that through the story of Jesus, kids realize that God loved them so much that He sent His Son to be here on this earth. The story of Christmas can remind us through every season, regardless of our situation, there’s a reason to celebrate what it means to have a relationship with God. That’s why it’s important for us to help our kids and families discovery more about joy—finding a way to be happy even when things don’t go your way. Our Memory Verse for December comes from Philippians 4:4. When Paul wrote this letter to the church at Philippi, he wasn’t saying to have joy only when it’s easy. Paul was writing from prison and learned the secret of having joy no matter what his circumstances looked like. Paul’s faith in God made him strong and gave him the ability to find joy, even in the difficult times. In Philippians 4:4, we read, “Always be joyful because you belong to the Lord. I will say it again. Be joyful!” (NIrV). As kids memorize this verse, we hope they remember that their joy is not tied to their circumstances. Instead, we find joy when we realize that we belong to God. When we trust God no matter what, we can find joy knowing that whatever happens He is in control. We will spend the month of December taking a closer look at the way joy shows up throughout the Christmas story. We will also, be presenting the Christmas Story to the kids at our Special Event: Christmas In Kid City. We wish all the families a very JOYOUS and Merry Christmas. Blessings and LOVE!

Michelle Danly Dir. of Children’s Ministry [email protected]

www.mookidcity.com 6 www.moochurch.org

Kid City Praise Choir Wednesdays, 4:30-5:30pm in the Music Room Children preschool through 5th grade are invited to join this weekly praise choir.

Sign up online or contact the kids choir director, Brooke Capelle for more information. email [email protected].

www.mookidcity.com/kidschoir mount of olives church {children’s ministries}

christmas sing-along!

4th & 5th Retreat

Friday, January 27 - Sunday, January 29, 2017 Forest Home Winter Retreat All 4th & 5th grade students are welcome on this special retreat to deepen their faith with God while having a lot of fun in the mountain atmosphere at Forest Home. We look forward to spending this time with your kids and hope they are able to join us. Early-Bird Registration Cost is $200 by November 15th Regular Registration Cost is $250 beginning November 16th Space is limited, so register ASAP.

Christmas Sing-Along

Sunday, December 4th, 4:00-5:00pm in the New Creation Center Join us for a free family event with a musical sing-along including cookies and hot cocoa.

www.mookidcity.com

www.mookidcity.com/retreat

Mark Your Calendars - Family Services

In 2017, we’re planning several special church services for the whole family that we’re calling “FX - Family Worship Experience.” These services will be high impact, a ton of fun and have fantastic worship and learning experiences for the whole family! Mark your calendar: Sunday, February 12, 2017, 5:00-6:00pm - Family Worship Service Followed by a Family Service Project and Pizza Party in Kid City.

Parent’s Night Out

Parent’s Night Out is offered the first Saturday each month! We encourage you to join us at our 5:00pm worship service, check-in your children to the Kid City Building, and then spend a few hours out! FREE event from 5:00-8:00pm.

Parent's Night Out

Upcoming PNO Events: November 5, 2016 & February 4, 2017

www.mookidcity.com/parentsnightout

www.mookidcity.com November/December 2016

7

Mark Your Calendars:

From the Rock Student Ministry Dir.

Is the Christmas music playing yet in your house? In just a few short weeks, we will be starting to rock that Christmas music on our Tuesday and Wednesday nights. We love Christmas here at The Rock and for one important reasons...GIFTS! No, no we are not thinking about what Santa is getting us, but we are thinking about two great gifts. First, and most importantly, we’re thinking about the amazing gift of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who was born to lay down his life for us so that whoever believes in Him will have eternal life. Second, we’re thinking of the gifts we donate for the Adopt an Angel Project. This is a project where we encourage our students and their small groups to adopt a family in need and to provide Christmas gifts for the family. We ask them to be the hands and feet of Jesus by caring for those in need. These students and their leaders work hard to raise the funds to purchase new gifts for moms, dads, teens, children, and infants so that they can have a wonderful Christmas and experience the love of Christ through the care of His people. Every year, The Rock adopts 10 families. This year, with your help, we hope to support even more! How you can be a part of this amazing Christmas Outreach: 1. Have your son/daughter attend The Rock, Tuesday, November 15th (MS) or Wednesday, November 16th (HS), to join a small group and be assigned an adopted family. 2. Encourage students to find ways to “raise” the money. Not just ask mom and dad to dish out the dough. Encourage them to do some extra chores, babysit, ask friends to donate, etc. 3. We encourage all our small groups to go shopping for their gifts together. As parents, you can volunteer to drive your student and their small group to The Spectrum, Target, The Mall, Bed Bath & Beyond, or have a meet up at your house where the small group can use a computer and order the gifts through Amazon together. 4. Pray for us and the families we will be witnessing to. We hope your son or daughter joins us at The Rock on a Tuesday or Wednesday night as we kick-off the Christmas season with this Adopt An Angel service project. Nicole Stirling Director of Student Ministry [email protected]

Rock Bible Studies Find The ROCK Online

@ROCKchurchMV Facebook.com/ROCKtheOC @ROCKChurchmv www.moochurch.org/rock

Rock Tuesday Nights Middle School Night is every week on Tuesday night from 7:00-8:30pm with worship, Bible study, games, and small groups for 6th-8th grade. Rock Wednesday Nights High School Night is every week on Wednesday night from 7:00-8:30pm with worship, Bible study and small groups for 9th-12th grade.

www.moochurch.org/rock 8 www.moochurch.org

Man of Year Nominee

Robert Refsnyder, baseball player for the New York Yankees, is the son of longtime Mount of Olives Members and Church Council member, Clint & Jane Refsnyder.

Middle School Winter Camp

Friday, January 27 - Sunday, January 29, 2017 6th - 8th grade students will experience an amazing weekend at Forest Home Middle School Camp! It’s a getaway focusing on their identity in Christ and place in God’s family of believers. Weekend includes fun activities like zip-lining through the trees, sledding down some amazing hills, and insane games that won’t soon be forgotten. Early Bird Deadline, paid in full by Wednesday, November 30th - $200 Regular registration After November 30th - $250

www.moochurch.org/middleschool

Robert was selected as a division winner for the 2016 Marvin Miller Man of the Year Award by online fan voting. His name was placed on the 2016 Players Choice Awards ballot to determine this season’s Marvin Miller Man of the Year award winner. Robert, who was adopted out of South Korea when he was just three months old, partnered with Athletes Brand to design a tshirt that simply says “Overachieve” - a quote that embodies his drive for success with profits benefitting A Kids Place, a Tampa Bay area organization. A Kids Place works to provide stability and care for kids removed from their homes due to abuse, neglect or abandonment with a primary focus to keep sibling groups together in a safe, stable, homelike environment until a more permanent placement can be provided. You can learn more at athletesbrand.com/refsnyder.

High School Winter Camp

Friday, February 17 - Monday, February 20, 2017 High school students won’t want to miss this epic weekend at Mammoth. Students will experience snowboarding/skiing at Mammoth Mountain, Sledding with new and old friends, capturing great moments you won’t forget, growing as you hear about Jesus Christ, and worshipping God through amazing music. Early Bird Deadline, paid in full by December 7th - $325 Regular registration after December 7th - $375

www.moochurch.org/highschool

Scholarship A Student

Camps are a crucial part of our ministry, and are most often where we see students give their lives over to Christ! For many students, camp may seem out of reach due to financial difficulty in their family. If you would like to scholarship one of these students and allow them to attend a Winter Camp, please donate. You can send checks to the Mount of Olives Church office with memo “Rock Scholarships” (make checks payable to Mount of Olives).


9

MOPS

Amazing Women’s Tuesday Bible Study

Tuesdays, 7:00-9:00pm in New Creation Center Childcare available at no cost, but advanced reservations are required. All are welcome to join this women’s study, The Amazing Collection: The Bible, Book by Book. Below are what some women say they like most about Amazing: • The women on the DVDs—both the teachers and those who share personal testimonies • The discussions we have at our table about what we’re learning • Fellowship with the women at my table • Seeing how the books of the Bible tie together • The food that we take turns bringing makes it possible for me to come straight from work • The timing allows me to come while my kids are at The Rock on Tuesday evenings We are gaining a new perspective on the Bible as we see the big picture of God and His Word for us—whether we are long-time Bible students or beginners. We watch the DVD presentations that feature four dynamic teachers, inspiring personal stories, and original music. Then we do lessons in the study guides that help us understand God’s Word and apply it to today’s living. We are in the third year of this three-year study, but it’s never too late to join us. We will take a holiday break from November 16th through the end of the year. We begin again January 3rd and will finish the New Testament with the book of Revelation in April. Reserve a spot in advance, email Amy LasCola at [email protected].

www.moochurch.org/amazing

MOPS is for moms of children preschool age and younger. It’s a place for friendship, community, support, childcare, cheesy potatoes, creative activities, and relevant teaching. We meet every-other Friday morning in the Kid City building where we listen to awesome guest speakers, create fun crafts and engage in community. Our annual Fall Boutique & Bake Sale is coming up on November 4th. Also on the calendar is our holiday table decorating contest in December. We kick off our first meeting of 2017 on January 6th with speaker Marie Osborne. Registration for MOPS is ongoing. For more information, please visit our website.

www.moomops.org

MOMSnext

MOMSnext is a group that is open and accepting for all mothers of schoolage kids to come, just as they are, to experience authentic community, personal growth, practical help and spiritual hope that is life-changing. This program is open to all mothers in the community! MOMSnext meets the same day as MOPS: Fridays, November 4, 18, December 2 & 16, 2016 in the Kid City Building Register online. Contact Norma LeBaron, Coordinator, with questions at 949-246-1766 or via email at [email protected].

www.moochurch.org/momsnext

New - Women’s Friday Bible Study

Beginning January 27, 2017, offered every-other Friday morning. This Spring, all women are invited to a new Bible Study. We’ll be reading “Present Over Perfect” by Shauna Niequist. In this book, Shauna leads you on a journey that changed her life. We will walk a path with you, a path away from frantic pushing and proving, and toward your essential self, the one you were created to be before you began proving and earning of your worth. This study will help you begin leaving behind busyness and frantic living and rediscovering the person you were made to be. She offers an honest account of what led her to begin this journey, and a compelling vision for an entirely new way to live: soaked in grace, rest, silence, simplicity, prayer, and connection with the people that matter most to us. Cost: $35 - includes Hardback Book and Paperback Workbook. Childcare available for free with registration. Register online now.

www.moochurch.org/womensfridaystudy 10 www.moochurch.org

“Lift up holy hands in prayer and praise the Lord” - Psalm 134:2

Stretch & Pray

Wednesdays, 10:00-11:30am in The Rock - 1st Class Free! $5 donation requested per class Last class before Christmas December 14th Stretch & Pray resumes January 11, 2017. This class is for men and women, age 18 and over. No experience is needed. Go at your own pace. All skill levels are welcome! Dress comfortably for movement and bring a yoga mat if you have one, if not we have extras you can borrow! Contact Angela Heinaman with questions, email [email protected] or call 949-837-7467.

www.moochurch.org/stretch

Women’s Hiking Ministry

Want to get out and enjoy God’s beautiful nature and get more physically and spiritually fit? Come join our women’s hiking group. We have hikes for all levels and are currently hiking on Saturday mornings, some Sunday afternoons, and setting up some after work hikes too.

Come join the group for hikes on our local beautiful parks and trails: Aliso Woods Park, Aliso Summit Trail, Laguna Wilderness, Quail Hill/ Shady Canyon, O’Neil, Whiting Ranch, Thomas Riley Wilderness, and more. Ladies, come join us for more adventures (big and small)! Contact Chris Taylor at e-mail: [email protected] or cell 949-285-3910 to get on the email list.

www.moochurch.org/womenshiking

Sunday Adult Education

Sundays 9:45-10:45am in Room 1 Join us for interactive adult classes exploring scripture, discussing topics and current issues, and seeking answers from God’s Word. This class provides a thematic approach to Biblical truths, and is an opportunity to ask those unanswered questions, and to be equipped to share your faith with others. As we enter the Christmas Season, let us focus on God’s plan for our lives and our world. Contact Pam Nelson with questions at [email protected].

The Edge - Men’s Ministry Tuesdays 7:00-9:00pm in ADP room in New Creation Center

Men, are you going through a challenge or new phase in life? Want to talk with other men about faith and family issues? Join us in this friendly, relaxed and confidential environment to share, listen, learn. Increase your spiritual skills with friendship and fellowship. Join us for the Annual Christmas Dinner on Tuesday, December 6th — all men are welcome! Meet at 6:30pm in the New Creation Center, dinner begins at 7:00pm. Food prepared by master chefs that attend The Edge! Contact us with questions or to join the email list: David Pyle 714-448-7628, [email protected] Chuck Hulse 949-433-7504, [email protected]

www.moochurch.org/mensbiblestudies

Men’s Quarterly Breakfast Over 40 men attended the Fall Men’s Breakfast with a hot meal and program led by Jim Trunick.

Join us Thursday, January 19th, 6:30-7:30am for another great, hot breakfast. We’ll announce our speaker a little closer to the date of the breakfast. Come and share life with the men of MOO! If you’d like more information or to get on our mailing list, please contact John Harrison, email [email protected].

Club 55

Club 55 is a fellowship group for retired people that meets to provide spiritual, educational and social activities. Club 55 gatherings include luncheons, guest speakers, entertainment and trips. All are welcome to attend an event! November Event: Tuesday, Nov 15th, 12:00-2:00pm in the New Creation Center. Join us for a luncheon and entertainment from Mike Chamberlin, army veteran, retired news anchorman and musician. December Event: Tuesday, Dec 13th, 12:00-2:00pm Join us for a potluck Christmas luncheon with music by Pam Wheeler and the Gary Bonner Singers.

www.moochurch.org/club55


11

Stephen Ministry Chancel Choir

My name is Sara Henninger, and I moved to Mission Viejo a few years ago after retiring. I wasn’t attending church regularly, but wanted to again and visited many local churches. At Christmas 2012, the Casta del Sol Chorale director invited those of us that were members to join him with his church choir at a church in Santa Ana for a concert with the MOO Chancel Choir. We performed and I met many of the MOO Chancel Choir members and director. In the summer of 2013, a MOO Choir Member came to the Casta del Sol Chorale and invited us to join the MOO Chancel Choir on their Summer Tour. I decided to get involved, and we embarked on a summer tour at assisted living facilities and churches. I then joined the choir and began attending church on a regular basis. It did not take long for me to realize that Mount of Olives was the church that I’d been searching for. I’m now a church member and the librarian for the Chancel Choir. I am proud to be a part of this wonderful group of people and love singing the Lord’s music.

Does this sound like a group you’d like to be a part of ? If you would like more information or to sign up, please contact Greg Ellis, Choir Director, at 949-951-6581 or via email at [email protected].

www.moochurch.org/chancelchoir

Mission Ministries You’re invited to a Mission Ministries Meeting, 1st Sunday of the month, 11:00am-12:00pm on The Courtyard to hear updates and opportunities to get involved with missions!

Thank You to Kid City and all volunteers for their help sending Christmas Love to Namibia with a sock collection. The Namibia Ministry will sell succulent jars at the Alternative Christmas Fair for $15 to support the Namibia Education Fund.

www.moochurch.org/namibia

Amazon Smile

Do you shop at Amazon.com? Amazon will donate to Mount of Olives when you shop. 1) Go to smile.amazon.com 2) Search “Mount of Olives Mission Viejo” 3) Confirm your selection Amazon will donate .5% of your eligible purchases at smile.amazon.com

12 www.moochurch.org

Do you need someone who: • Is grieving the loss of a loved one? • Has a family member who is terminally ill? • Is experiencing disappointment or a setback? • Has lost their job? • Is going through a divorce • Is being treated for cancer? The holiday period can be a difficult time for these people. They (and many others) could benefit from a Stephen Minister, a trained volunteer who walks alongside the person during this difficult period. The Stephen Minister supports the individual by listening, praying, and just being there. Please contact Chuck Hulse at 949-433-7504, call Julie Reed at 949-933-3877, or email [email protected] to learn more about receiving care. New Training Class for Stephen Ministry A training class for new Stephen Ministers will begin in early 2017. If you have a heart for serving others going through a difficult time in their life, you may feel called to MOO’s Stephen Ministry. For more information contact Chuck Hulse at 949-433-7504.

www.moochurch.org/stephenministry

MOO Cares

MOO Cares ministry offers several ways of caring for our church family. » Hospital Visitation » Home Communion & Visitation » Telecare » MIA Search & Rescue

» Prayer Team » Senior Care Worship & Devotionals » Grief Ministry

If you’re in need of care from the MOO Cares team, or if you would like to volunteer for a team, please contact Angela Heinaman, Director of Pastoral Care. Call 949-837-7467 or email [email protected].

Donate Your Car/RV/Boat

Mount of Olives has partnered with Cars 2 Charities (C2C) to give you a unique way to give to MOO. C2C fixes up the donated item and sells it for maximum cash value. MOO receives a check after the vehicle is sold! One of our own MOO members has already used this service, and was able to donate over $800 for a non-running car!! Contact Robin Horton, Business Administrator to learn more at [email protected] or 949-837-7467 x203. Learn more about C2C online:

www.cars2charities.com

SHARE Ministry Learn Your Spiritual Gifts

You can take the Spiritual Gifts Assessment online at our website. This assessment helps tell you what spiritual gifts God has blessed you with, so you can determine what type of service you are naturally most gifted for. The online assessment takes less than 10 minutes, results are reported directly to the church office, who will then contact you to discuss results and next steps.

www.moochurch.org/spiritualgifts

The Foundation Trust

Sharing HIS Abundant Resources Everyday A BIG THANK YOU to all who contributed to the Backpack Drive in August! Sixtyone backpacks plus school supplies were donated so 61 children got to start school in September with a new backpack filled with supplies. What a blessing! Your faithfulness to the SHARE Ministry is so appreciated. Please know that the donations of food each month help feed thousands of families each year in our community. Also, the donated plastic grocery bags each month are used to fill food bags for the clients each visit, so that the pantries do not have to purchase them. The next food drives are: November 6th & December 4th Diapers and toiletries are especially needed.

The purpose of The Mount of Olives Foundation Trust is to provide an entity where legacy gifts can be given to Mount of Olives. These gifts are of a more permanent nature and are intended to benefit the long term future of the church. Supporting our foundation Trust is one of the best ways you can ensure that our church’s mission and vision will thrive for years to come.

Give the love of Christ during the giving season at the following events: • Sunday, November 20th - Adopt An Angel to provide Christmas gifts to local families at the Southwest Community Center • Friday & Saturday, December 9th & 10th - At the Drive-Thru Nativity – Bring non-perishable food items to benefit the SHARE Ministry to feed hungry people.

What is Legacy or Planned Giving? Planned giving, such as bequests and charitable trusts, can be an advantageous way to provide for your needs, your family’s needs, and to support the charities and ministries you care about. In a nutshell, planned giving involves providing a future gift to charities through your financial and estate plans. Mount of Olives, through it’s Foundation Trust, welcomes gifts made through many different planned giving arrangements.

For questions concerning the SHARE Ministry, please contact Jeanne Hulse, [email protected] or 949-596-6573.

Planned gifts are popular because of the financial flexibility and tax benefits they provide. They are also an effective means of Christian stewardship as they redirect assets to ministry that otherwise might be lost to income taxes, capital gains taxes or estate taxes. Just as it’s never too late to plan for the tax consequences of end of year giving, it’s never too early to plan for the tax consequences of end of life giving. How do I make a Planned Gift? It is simple to make a bequest to Mount of Olives by will or living trust, or by other creative ways in which you, your loved ones and Mount of Olives all benefit. Call the church office and ask to speak with someone from the Foundation Trust 949-837-7467. See more helpful financial information online:

www.moochurch.org/foundationtrust

www.moochurch.org/share

Serving Opportunities

Volunteer to help welcome people to the MOO campus for weekend services. Our Greeters, Ushers and Parking teams are the heart of what makes MOO such a warm and welcoming place so people can hear God’s Word and see God’s Love come to life. Find a flyer with team details on the Information Table after weekend services. Time commitment are flexible. Can you help and serve on a team?

www.moochurch.org/guestservices

Feed My Lambs

Join our team that volunteers to deliver a crockpot and meal fixin’s to members in need. You can also help this team by shopping for the needed items for these care packages. Help be the hands and feet of Jesus to those in need in our church family. Questions or want to volunteer? Please contact Brenda Proctor at [email protected].

“Come to me, all wh laden, and I will give


13

Alternative Christmas Fair

Sunday, November 20th 9:30am - 1:00pm in the Courtyard In case of rain, relocated to The Rock

Donations and purchases support Heifer Project, Church World Service, Third World Handarts, Habitat for Humanity, and Southwest Community Center. The Quilters Ministry sales, handmade wooden items, and bake sale will support all projects. For example: Heifer International - purchase an animal for someone in need. Choose - ducks, rabbits, pigs, sheep or even a heifer! Habitat for Humanity - Donations assist hard-working families that need a home in our community. Church World Service - Buy a blanket to be used in disaster relief. Buy garden tools or sewing machines for use in the Trade-GunsFor-Tools program. Provide a health kit or a school kit to children in the 3rd World. Help families carry clean water to their homes and provide health care to AIDS orphans.

We Need Volunteer Help!

Operation Christmas Child

Imagine you are a child who does not know Christmas. Imagine receiving a box filled with gifts, and the best gift of all, meeting Jesus. You can make this happen — donate a shoe box filled with gifts for children in need. Samaritan’s Purse delivers the gifts and shares the life-changing news of Jesus Christ with children in over 130 countries around the world.

If you’re available to bake for the bake sale or serve at this event, sign up on the Courtyard in November or contact Arlene Forrest 949-581-3062.

Shoe boxes available in November. All shoe box donations must be brought to the church Courtyard by Sunday, November 20th.

Adopt an Angel

Contact Norma Burkett with questions: [email protected] or 949-581-3107.

Our church will adopt about 45 Orange County families in need this Christmas. Help us show these families God’s love by giving a gift this Christmas season — often these are the only gifts these families receive. How to participate: Pick up an ‘Angel Tag’ after weekend services beginning November 22nd to commit to bringing a gift for a specific family member valued $15-20. We’re also in need of grocery gift card donations for each family. Gifts will be collected on Sundays after services - All gifts needed by Sunday, December 11th. Contact Arlene Forrest with any questions at 949-581-3062.

Mission Ministries Fundraiser

The Mission Ministries are selling Evergreen Wreathes this Christmas season as a fundraiser. • Pre-Order Evergreen Wreathes and Evergreen Crosses through November 6th • Evergreens available for pickup in the Courtyard Saturday & Sunday, Nov 19th & 20th. Contact Kimberly Flotman with questions Cell - 949-375-3715 or email [email protected]

www.moochurch.org/missions 14 www.moochurch.org

Fill a shoe box with age appropriate items: • A “Wow” item (toy, outfit or hard candy) • Personal Care item • Clothing or Accessories Mark box with boy/girl and an age category: 2-4, 5-9 or 10-14. Please add postage of $7 (check in box). More details and suggestions for packing boxes found online: www.samaritanspurse.org/ operation-christmas-child/pack-a-shoe-box/

Poinsettia Donations

If you would like to contribute to the purchase of Christmas Poinsettias to adorn the front of the Worship Center this season: 1. Place $10 in an envelope from the pew rack 2. Mark the envelope “Christmas Poinsettias” 3. Place the envelope in the Offering Basket or bring the envelope in to the church office

Drive-Thru Nativity

Drive-Thru Nativity

Friday, December 9th, 6:00-10:00pm Saturday, December 10th, 6:00-10:00pm Free Admission!

Christmas Eve Services

Drive-thru or walk-thru to experience this live retelling of the Christmas Story! Enjoy live actors, animals, music and narration through your car radio!

Praise Worship with full band, vocalists, string quartet and candle lighting

Voluntary food donations will be collected . Non-perishable food items requested to support local families in need.

Over 20

Volunteers Needed!

Years o

f

DTN!

Help with the Drive-Thru Nativity We invite you to be a part of this exciting event! Sign up after services beginning Sunday, November 13th. Costume fittings take place at time of sign up.

Volunteers Needed:

Saturday, December 24th 2:30, 4:00, 5:30 & 7:00pm 8:30 & 10:00pm*

Traditional Worship with piano, organ, vocalists, chancel choir, bell choir, and candle lighting *Nursery Care offered for 3 years and younger Except at 10:00pm.

Christmas Day Service Sunday, December 25th 10:00am Simple service with piano No childcare

Planning Committee, Costume Repair & Costuming, Building & Set-up Crews, Take-Down Crews, Traffic Directors, Actors, Hospitality Team, Carolers & More! To learn more or volunteer, contact Bob Ashe-Everest at 949-831-2204 or Kathy Willkie at 949-422-9852.

Volunteers - Mark Your Calendars: Rehearsal Date: Thursday, December 8th at 7:00pm in the New Creation Center

New Year’s Eve & Day Service No Service Saturday, December 31, 2016 Sunday, January 1, 2017 10:00am Blended Worship with praise and traditional music and instruments Nursery Care offered for 3 years and younger


15

24772 Chrisanta Drive Mission Viejo, CA 92691 949-837-7467 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

Pastors:

Rev. John R. Steward Senior Pastor Rev. James M. Reynen Pastor of Family & Student Ministries Rev. Ed Ewart Pastor of Small Groups & Pastoral Care

Weekly Worship Service Times Saturday 5:00pm - Elevate Praise Worship Sunday 8:30am - Cornerstone Traditional Worship 9:45am - Elevate Praise Worship 11:00am - Elevate Praise Worship Kid City Services offered for children preschool through 5th grade in the Kid City Building during all weekend services

Contacts:

Pastoral Care 949-837-7467 x209 Small Groups & New Members 949-837-7467 x226 Music & Creative Arts 949-837-7467 x208 ROCK Student Ministries 949-837-7467 Administration 949-837-7467 Children’s Ministries 949-454-2347 mookidcity.com Robert H. Lange Preschool 949-837-2500 rhlpreschool.com Adult Day Program 949-581-3800 adp.moochurch.org

Nursery Care for ages 3 and younger available during all services

Connect with us on Online Find us on Facebook: MOO Church Rock Church MOO Kid City RHL Preschool

Find us on Twitter: @moochurch @PastorJRSteward @mookidcity @RockChurchMV

Find us on Instagram: @moochurch @rockchurchmv @mookidcity

www.moochurch.org Our Mission: “To Know Christ and Make Him Known” We do this through worship, study, service, fellowship, and outreach.

Mount of Olives Church 24772 Chrisanta Drive, Mission Viejo, CA 92691 Church Office: 24851 Chrisanta Drive, Mission Viejo, CA 92691 www.moochurch.org | 949-837-7467 | [email protected] After Hours Pastoral Care: 949-228-7679