Author Archive
Posted on December 25, 2009 - by genes
Merry Christmas
Christmas with the AFCC family is always very enjoyable for me. Given the fact that our congregation comes from so many different places, it means all of us can share a wide variety of traditions that celebrate the birth of Christ.
But, whether our celebrations are simple,
or formal, in English or in Spanish,
it is a wonderful thing to be a part of a caring family that knows the importance of acknowledging God’s special gift of love. Best wishes to all of you for a wonderful Christmas celebration. GRS
Posted on December 22, 2009 - by genes
Out With the Old, In With the New
This is another AFCC tradition – Once the holiday events are over and church programs grind to a halt for family Christmas and New Year’s celebrations, a crew of church elves goes into the kitchen and really cleans house. (You might be surprised to learn what can accumulate in a church refrigerator if aggressive action doesn’t take place every so often!) While that regular clean up did recently take place, this year, it extended past the kitchen and into the pantry.
In fact, using memorial money from the Thelma Goodwin Fund, the church pantry got a complete overhaul. The original, permanent, wooden shelves were replaced with adjustable restaurant versions, the fluorescent green walls were painted with a scrubbable white enamel and several unusable items, that just took up space, were sent on to a better place. Hank demonstrates, in this photo, that it’s actually fairly easy now to find just what you want in this well organized space. Thelma Goodwin, who logged many an hour in the church kitchen, would have been thrilled to see the improvement. Thank You to all who helped make this possible. GRS
Posted on December 20, 2009 - by genes
A Nice Tradition
It started a few years ago when some of our children were standing around after the service on the Sunday before Christmas, looking particularly nice in their Christmas outfits. Someone thought to make a Kodak moment … which was repeated the next year, etc. Now, we have one of those well established, informal, traditions going that has documented, in several installments, the growth of our children. It is always fun to see who gathers on the steps to make a memory. While I do enjoy looking at the children, I can’t help but also notice that some of their parents, just like them, grew up in this church. Others started coming while students in college. Some met at AFCC, others married here and then stayed. A few picked this church after starting their families, because of the value we place on children and our commitment to support them as parents. It is a great thing to be a part of an ever expanding Christian family where all of us, regardless of age, can forge relationships that will be a blessing to us for the rest of our lives. Next year’s photo will be taken December 19, 2010. New children are always welcome as there is plenty of room on the steps! GRS
Posted on December 17, 2009 - by genes
Appreciation Brunches Continue
While all four of the elementary schools AFCC is honoring this month with teacher appreciation brunches and gifts, are geographically close to the church, Benjamin Franklin is just one block away.
By the time the teacher’s gathered in their meeting space for their 7:30AM meeting, a group of AFCC volunteers had already set up a great Christmas Brunch. Of course, many other AFCC volunteers, not pictured, also made contributions to the four brunches being held this week by cooking, doing event clean up and through cash donations which the Neighborhood Engagement Ministry Team utilized for this project.
As most teachers quickly took advantage of the goodies, one stopped long enough to open the card and gift of tea, coffee and coca supplies for the staff break room that AFCC sent along with the brunch. All this was followed with the distribution of Our Kids Our Schools tote bags.
All of us should be particularly proud of Benjamin Franklin Elementary school as it was just recognized by Orange County as one of our Outstanding Elementary Schools.
This honor was prompted by the fact that test scores for Ben Franklin just hit the 804 mark – a significant increase that reflects all the hard work of the entire staff. That made today’s celebration even more note worthy. Congratulations to every one at Ben Franklin.
Posted on December 16, 2009 - by genes
Teacher Appreciation Brunches Begin
Teachers at Olive elementary school began gathering early on Wednesday morning to take advantage of the holiday brunch provided by AFCC as a token of our appreciation for all their hard work. By 7:30 the whole staff had gathered to receive their gifts
In addition to a lovely brunch for all school employees, an Our KIds Our Schools tote bag for each teacher, held by Becky, and a large box of coffee, tea and cocoa inserts for last year’s gift of a break room hot water dispenser, comprised this year’s gift. All of these appreciation gifts were provided through the generosity of AFCC and the hard work of the Neighborhood Engagement Management Team. Three more schools will also be honored later in the week.
e
Posted on December 15, 2009 - by genes
A Complete Cast of Characters
It takes a lot of people to mount and sustain three nights of Madrigal performances at AFCC. Each is to be commended. Although not every one wears a costume at the madrigals – there are more behind the scenes than in full site – the following list illustrates the wide range of hands that went into making this year’s production a great success. I believe the proper comment, concerning all their efforts is: Huzzah!
Choir
Wade Terry, Merrilee Robinson, Steven Sandy, Kris Barnett, James Shields, Tammy Shields, Dan Ahlberg, Arlene Bumgarner, Stephen Richardson, Tamsen Murray, Becky Ahlberg, Rick Terry, Eric Ahlberg, Larry Balden, Penny Balden, Penny Bercot, Roman Bercot, Debbie Franklin, Megan Franklin, Sassanda Gutierrez, Dan Little, Lisa Luckey, Kristi McCardell, Leslie Mitchell, Amy Beth Pierce, Decedra Pompa, Matt Richardson, Carole Shelby, Kristin Shelby, Marsha Shepherd, Sarah Steele, Barbara Terry, Rebecca Vaughn, Cassandra Whitsett, Cindy Wickstrom, , Janet Zahl, Merton Zahl
Cooks, Servers, Costumes, Green Room & Misc.
Brian Mitchell, Nicole Baughman, Ann Shepherd, Summer Hall, Enrique Avila, Jr., Grace Bernal, Shawna Coan, Sarah Franklin, Summer Hall, Jakob Imbrogno, Heather Terry, Connie Logue, Jeremy Wilson, Josh Logue, MarLynn Taylor, Valerie Sabourin, Nathan & Mitzi Shockley, Gustavo, Maria, Karina, Gloria Melchor, Hank Rodriquez, Susan Madrigal, Bethany Ahlberg, Jason & Brittany McCabe, Donna Merry, Mimi Mouissat, Mike & Laure Close, Jesse Pompa, Teresa Edgington, Kristiana Rodriguez, Walt & Carol Hooper, Bruce & Mickie Burmaster, John & Lynn Bradley, Glen Gaerte, Ken & Marie Mason, Andrew McCardell, Mark & Spencer Taylor, Matt Barnett,Fabian & Rosaura Navejas, Elaine Richardson, Mary Little, Dan Coan, Tim Gooszen, Bette Krueger, Alanah Krueger, Courtney McCardell, Ruby Keyes, Betty Laughlin, Jerry Lynn, Don & Florence Russell, Caroline Shelby, Alice Whitthauer
Posted on December 13, 2009 - by genes
Dining With Royalty
Over 400 people dined with royalty this weekend at AFCC. No, in spite of what you may have heard, it wasn’t a visit from Prince Charles and Camilla. This royal occasion was all about the birth of the true king who reigns forever. Yes, it was set within the pageantry of a medieval court in all its finery. However, the real star of the production was Jesus, the Christmas King who came to save His people from their sins.
Over a hundred volunteers from AFCC worked months to prepare and present this special program. Everyone did a great job and are to be commended for their service! While I am waiting on the official court photographer (who has a good wide angle lens) to send in his cast photo, I will share a couple more photos that document the visual atmosphere that greeted all those who joined the King and his court for this year’s Madrigal Performances.
It was a setting in which one could truly say, with no eternal qualifications: Long live the King!
Posted on December 13, 2009 - by genes
Angels Appear to Shepherds at AFCC
An angelic host actually appeared to a band of shepherds at AFCC, Sunday morning, December 13, announcing the birth of the Christ child. Looking strangely similar to many of the children in our congregation, a cast of Biblical proportions gathered to recite the entire Christmas story, as recorded in the gospels, as well as sing songs about the event. Unlike the shepherds, even though it was a thrilling spectacle, the congregation was able to worship without being “terrified” of all that appeared on the stage.
There is still one more opportunity to join us for a special Christmas celebration this season – Christmas Eve, Friday, December 24 @ 6:30 PM.
Posted on December 10, 2009 - by genes
The King & Court Arrive … Tomorrow Night
Today is full of ruffles, flourishes, final practices and a lot of hard work as all the last minute preparations come to an end in anticipation of Friday’s first Madrigal performance. Approximately 140 people will attend each of the three performances being held this weekend. It has been a lot of hard work but, as usual, it will be worthy of The King.
Posted on December 9, 2009 - by genes
Many Hands Make Light Work
If any one ever needed proof of the old adage, many hands make light work, all they need to do is stop by Anaheim First Christian Church any time this week. Volunteers are here nearly every single day this week doing something to get ready for the Madrigal performances, which begin Friday night.
Some even risk life and limb to set the stage for this wonderful, Christmas celebration.
All told, over 100 people will participate in the making, decorating, sewing, cooking, serving, washing, singing, playing and acting that goes in to such a spectacle. Oh yes, childcare is also was needed so some parents could be available to lend a hand! If you are fortunate enough to attend one of the performances, please remember that there are more people behind the scenes than one ever sees on stage!