Archive for the ‘Pastor's Blog’ Category

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 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!

Posted on December 8, 2009 - by genes

A Very Busy Week

Worshipers had hardly left the building, this Sunday, when the choir started transforming the foyer, hall and gymnasium in preparation for the weekend’s Madrigal performances.  The whole place was a hive of activity.

Does anyone know where the last box of tree limbs is stored?

Fortunately, with enough decorations, and a talented group of tree professionals, all the holes will get filled so that everything is ready for the first performance on Friday night.

While all performances are sold out, it is not unusual for a few seats to open on the day of a performance.  If you are interested in being on a waiting list, contact Becky or the church office.

GRS

Posted on December 6, 2009 - by genes

Ringing In the Season

If any one had any doubt about the speed with which the holidays are approaching, Sunday’s worship service ought to confirm that Christmas is just around the corner.  The orchestra, vocal choir and handbell choir were all out in full force.  After all, as Mike’s concentration will confirm, Christmas music is serious business!  Good job everyone.  GRS

Posted on December 3, 2009 - by genes

Hot Tamales at WOW

While AFCC’s commitment to being a multi-ethnic congregation always produces good benefits, there are some occasions when it really pays off.  Last night’s WOW dinner was one such moment as Chela Avila served her special, hand made red, green and cheese tamales.  You can’t get tamales like that at a restaurant!  Thank you Chela for making WOW such a festive, family celebration.  The last WOW of 2009 will be next Wednesday.

Posted on November 24, 2009 - by genes

Commitment Sunday

Our annual Commitment Sunday, November 22, was a particularly thrilling day in the life of AFCC.  Everyone in the English service was profoundly moved to see  130 people from the Spanish service join us at the decision time.  Most of that number did not start attending AFCC until the Agape service from Parkcrest made the move to AFCC in September.   Now we are, officially, one church!  Even though most of us will usually meet in separate English and Spanish services, we are united in our goals and in our ministry.

As we worshiped together, celebrated communion together and committed ourselves to the tasks before us during the next 12 months, it was particularly appropriate that 2 women chose this moment to accept Christ as their Lord and Savior.  It was a great day.  It has been a momentous year.  2010, with God’s help, has ever promise for being even better.

Posted on October 30, 2009 - by genes

Touring the Harbor House

This weeks Open House at the Harbor House brought a lot of church and community visitors to AFCC’s Harbor House.  Set apart as a place that can concentrate on the needs of vulnerable children in our neighborhood, the HH offers a variety of services and classes that provide much needed help, education and counseling to affected children and their families.   Two agencies, My Safe Harbor and The Children’s Bureau meet at that address

Becky Ahlberg (left) of My Safe Harbor, greeted guests at the Harbor House Open House along with  Diana Torres (center) and Lyn Brammer (right) both from The Children’s Bureau.

This newly refurbished early child care room was one of the rooms on display at the Open House.  If you were unable to attend the Open House, drop by during business hours, Monday – Friday to take a quick peak.