Week of April 22nd, 2012 

Hello Friends,  

This week as we continue in our series "Church With No Walls," I am excited that we will be hearing from a dear friend of mine, Brandt Russo. Brandt is the subject of the documentary, "Adopt a Jesus." He is currently touring with the film and holding forums about how to live with and serve those who are homeless. Brandt has received national attention for his advocacy for the homeless and has experienced both critical acclaim and tough criticism.  

The scripture we will look at is Acts 15:1-11. Here the church learns that sometimes when we challenge the status quo and start being the church outside of our walls, we experience critique and what some call "friendly fire" from the religious elite. I am looking forward to being with you this Sunday after I have returned from a conference in Florida on Church Development with Pastor Craig and David Enger. For more information on Brandt and his work, please check out www.adoptajesus.com. See you Sunday.  

~ Blessings, Pastor Sarah  

Thursday, May 3^rd from 6 to 7 pm in the city of Mission Viejo 

Mission Opportunity
Help Youth & Young Adults

Our Missions & Outreach Team is sponsoring a Job Skills Workshop at the Neighborhood United Methodist Church in Long Beach on Saturday, May 5th from 10 am to 1 pm.  The purpose of the workshop is to help underprivileged youth and young adults in the Neighborhood community increase their confidence and experience in resume writing, online job search techniques, and interviewing skills.

We need volunteers to provide one-on-one assistance during the workshop.  If you are interested in joining us at the Neighborhood UMC for this event, please contact Angela Branch.

Final Cooperative Parish Checkpoint &   

Potluck Dinner  

Sunday, May 6^th at 5:30 pm, Mission Viejo Campus

Bring ANY dish to share at this final checkpoint gathering. Reports will be brought from Children's Ministries, Family Ministries, Koinonia Team, Communications Team, as well as several items from the Cooperative Parish Leadership Team. Pastor Craig will share an important snapshot of our church's future vision. A presentation will be made about the merger process and a financial update will be given.

Church Conferences

Sunday, May 20^th

Santa Margarita UMC Following 11:00 a.m. Worship - RSM Site

Shepherd of the Hills UMC at 7:00 p.m. - Mission Viejo Site

The Rev. Dr. Cedrick Bridgeforth will be presiding at both Church Conferences. Official votes will be taken for the merger of the two churches. Every member of each church has VOICE and VOTE at their respective gatherings.

Turkey, Greece & Rome in September 2012

A Pilgrimage with the Apostles John and Paul

Join Pastor Craig & Pastor Sarah for a journey in the footsteps of the Apostles John and Paul. Beginning in Turkey, our group tour will visit Ephesus, Pergamum, along with the other seven churches to whom the Book of Revelation was addressed. Departing Turkey, we take a three day, two night cruise of the Greek Isles, with stops at Patmos (where John received the Revelation) and Santorini. Landing in Athens, Greece, we are bound for tours in Athens, Corinth, Macedonia, Berea, and other locations visited by Paul. Finally, we travel to Rome for two days of tours including the Roman Forum, Coliseum, St. Peter's Basilica, and some free time to see Rome.

If you would like more information, please contact Pastor Craig or call the Mission Viejo office at 949-837-2941. Also, you may visit the pilgrimage website.