It's tough to find a more loving and practical way to exchange gifts at Christmas and at other times of the year.
The history of the Christmas gift dates back to 4th century A.D. – the time of Saint Nicholas, later called Santa Claus. (Yes, there really is a Santa Claus!) He was a Bishop in the area of what is now Turkey who had a generous heart and provided for people in difficult times through anonymous gifts.
Today gift giving has become a billion dollar custom that often results in not so perfect gifts being given amidst forced smiles and reluctant "Thank you"'s.
In times of Economic Hardship, it's even more difficult to find gifts that honor the recipient as well as fit within a budget.
Our favorite is a "GIFT VOUCHER for a DONATION."
The idea is simple. You give a donation to a favorite charity (yours or with a little research, your giftee's) and then simply present them with a card filled with your best wishes and the information about the donation.
So we've made it easy. Check out the order form here and simply bring it or send it to our church office with a check.
Wow.... and your Christmas Shopping is all done!
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Local Organizing Committee (LOC):
Our LOC has been addressing the needs of our West Fullerton Community from sub-standard housing to obtaining a Community Center at a local park. Our group has been coordinated by Chuck Carey, Dave Johnson and many others.
With the help of Orange County Congregations Community Organization (OCCCO), we have learned a lot about community organizing and see concrete results to our efforts.
We're a very active group with a 'can do' attitude that joins others in our community in many ways.
Recently, we've merged with the West Fullerton Improvement Committee - WFIC - to become even more involved in the community.
Substandard housing has been a very important part of our agenda, but it also includes obtaining a community center for a part of town poorly served by civic improvements and the medical concerns of the neighborhood children.
Our monthly meetings are open to any and all who want to "make a difference through Christ" for those who live in the West Fullerton neighborhoods.
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2nd Harvest Team:
This Monthly Food distribution is on the 1st Sat. of every month. 2nd Harvest Mobile Pantry arrives around 9 am, and then we get to work. It delivers 5,000 pounds of fruit, vegetables and dry goods to our parking lot.
This program provides an opportunity for the Food Bank to partner with its member agencies and distribute more fresh produce to the hungry without the worry of transportation and storage by the agency.
As many of the homeless and working poor line up, the truck needs to be unloaded and the food items placed on tables.
Then, in prayer and love, we help distribute everything we have to all who have come. Finally we clean up, thanking God for the privilege to be in service to Christ.
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Hot Meals - Team OUMC:
On the 4th Monday of each Month Team OUMC serves the homeless and working poor at the Orangethorpe Christian Church, just down the street from us.
Hot Meals Ministry is a group of people from other churches and organizations in our area, all working to feed the hungry people in our area for years.
By July 2007, over 112,000 meals had been served since the effort began in 1993.
Come and help us put a smile on a face, food in the belly and a warmth in the heart that all comes from our love in Jesus Christ.
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Teams Now Forming
Neighborhood Basketball coaching: to keep youth off the streets.
Mission Trips to Mexico: Orphanages, Medical clinics, Spiritual support to our neighbors
