Footprints

A Christ-centered church with

a warm and friendly heart, an

open mind, & an adventurous

spirit!

A Progressive, Open & Af-

firming and Global Ministries

Church.

A successfully aligned congre-

gation of two denominations,

the United Church of Christ

(UCC) and the Christian

Church (Disciples of Christ)

DOC.

A P u b l i c a t i o n o f C h u r c h o f t h e

F o o t h i l l s

1 92 11 D od ge Ave S a n ta An a , C A 92 70 5

T e l : 714 - 54 4 - 13 19

Volume VII, Issue 3 - April 2017

Church of the Foothills is an accepting, caring, open, and affirming Christian congregation that welcomes and

includes all people of every ethnicity, age, gender, sexual orientation, disability, economic status or religious background.

Inside this issue:

Pastor’s Message

Page

2

ChOTF Events

Christian Ed News

3-5

6

Community Events &

Health & Wellness

Small Group Ministries

7-9

10

ChOTF Projects 11

Life & Laughter

Pre-School News

& Miscellany

12

13

Celebrations

Hope & Help

14

15

Special Recognition

Contact Information

16

17

Features/Photos 18-20

Worship Services begin at 9:45 AM

Note: All sermons and texts are subject to change at the leading of the Spirit, or the whims of the pastor.

APR 2 - FIFTH SUNDAY IN LENT

Communion by Intinction

Reading: Matthew 27:3-10

Sermon: “Forgiveness, It’s Our Choice”

APR 9 - SIXTH SUNDAY IN LENT

Reading: Phillipians 2:1-5

Sermon: “The Stages of Faith, and How We

Grow in Faith”

APR 16 - EASTER SUNDAY

Communion - Rite of Baptism

Reading: Matthew 28:1-10

Sermon “Resurrection in the Real World”

APR 23 - SECOND EASTER

EARTH DAY SUNDAY

Sermon: “Climate Change and a

Changing God”

Worship Schedule for April 2017

APR 30 - THIRD SUNDAY OF EASTER

Reading: Luke 24:13-35

Sermon: “A Journey of Laughter and Tears”

Page 2 Volume VII, Issue 3 - April 2017

“Soul Food”

PASTOR MIKE’S MUSINGS

Last month I wrote about the increase in attendance and visi-tors at our Sunday services since the first of the year due to later starting time for worship and con-cerns about the cur-

rent climate of fear and anger in our country. Our message of inclusion, pluralism, openness, justice and peace is giving hope to people that progressive spiritual communities like ours exist. As a result, we added twenty new members in March, with even more expected in April. It truly is an exciting time to be part of our church. I attended two important confer-ences in March; Founders Day at Chapman University and the Westar Jesus Seminar in Santa Rosa. Both gatherings were inspiring, fun and educational, and both organizations are important allies in our efforts to promote the good news gospel of Jesus. However, concerns were ex-pressed at each event about the dif-ficulties of our task today, and the demise of our churches. I was glad to offer words of hope by sharing about the dynamic ministry of our church. Yes, I was bragging on us, but I wanted folks to know that more progressive churches can still grow.

April offers us opportunity for a new life emerging from the old. And by the way, driving to Santa Rosa, I saw California green like never be-fore. Winter rains brought us alive. Now Holy Week and Easter invite us to embrace even greater life, influ-ence and discovery. And just in time. The forces of fear, discrimination and ignorance never go away, they just take on new forms as well. Our open and affirming, alternative way of faith and ministry is sorely needed today. Many lives, our na-tion, indeed the future of the world is relying upon our success. One of the great hopeful signs of every generation are young people. Those growing up in our more pro-gressive tradition go on to make positive contributions to society. Surely this year’s Confirmation Class will do the same. I have thor-oughly enjoyed our time together, and look forward to confirming them as church members Sunday April 9. Sacraments of baptism and com-munion follow on Easter Sunday. Easter resurrection is the faith, con-trary to much popular opinion, that love and peace ultimately win. On that we stake our lives. Amen.

Growing Together,

~Pastor Mike

Page 3 Volume VII, Issue 3 - April 2017

ChOTF EVENTS

A STUDY OF WORLD RELIGION A college level course

taught at Orange Coast College in Costa Mesa

By Dr. Michael L Holland

Part-time Professor of

Religious Studies

7:00 – 9:00 PM Monday Nights in the Sanctuary

7 of 12 Classes Remaining

April 3 to 24, May 8-22

(No Classes May 1)

The cost of the class at the college is $100.00. There is no

charge for the church class, although any donations will go

to a Sabbatical Fund for Pastor Mike. Make checks payable

to Church of the Foothills.

LOOKING FOR PHOTOS

Robin Underwood is con-tinuing the project she be-gan three years ago: Col-lecting photos of mothers and fathers of those who regularly attend our Sunday Worship Services. Photos will be included in presenta-tions for Mother’s Day and

Father’s Day, respectively. She would very much appreciate your contributions to this effort. Photos submitted should have identifying infor-mation, for example: Their name and whose mother or father they are. These can be old or new photos, young or young-at-heart mothers or fathers, with or without their children included in the picture. You may e-mail her at: robinlunderwood@sbcglobal.net Or you may hand an envelope to any Under-wood or Swander at church: David, Robin, Justin, Daniel, Jami, or Jim. All photos will be returned. Robin’s wish is to have as many congregants represented, in as many ways as possible. If you contributed last year, or in 2014, those pictures were saved. If you have not taken part yet—or, if you would like to add additional photos—please do so by mid-April. Thank you.

NEW MEMBERS’ COVENANT CEREMONY

SUNDAY, MARCH 19TH

A record number of 20 new members on a single Sunday were ac-cepted into membership on March 19. Not in any particular order, the covenant participants shown above were Rev Dr Jerry & Donna Martin, Joe & Katy Black, Gary Haroldson, Maren Eriksen, Melissa Mellon, Vicki Mull & Jonathon Pongco; Joshua, Leilo & Michael Pongco; Brian Mull; Owen, Henry & Jacob Mull; Allan & Pamela Galera; Anna & Juliet Galera. Welcome to all!

ADULT FORUM Sunday, April 30 - 11:15 AM

Led by Rev. Dr. Rebecca Prichard

Dr. Prichard will speak on Celtic Chris-tian Spirituality. She is an ordained

Presbyterian minister, former pastor of Tustin Presby-terian Church, and former professor at the DOC semi-nary in Indianapolis. She is currently teaching a class at Chapman University. A graduate of Occidental College and Claremont Graduate University, Prichard received her doctorate from the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley. She was ordained in 1988 to serve as assistant minister at St. Giles' Cathedral in Edinburgh, Scotland.

Please plan to join us after worship.

Rebecca & “John Knox” at St. Giles

PREPARING FOR EASTER!

Help us fill the Sanctuary with glorious

color. Each donation of $10 buys one Easter

lily. Be sure to designate for lilies on your

check or envelope. Please take your flowers

with you after the Easter Service.

Page 4

ChOTF EVENTS (con’t)

Volume VII, Issue 3 - April 2017

Arts, Plays & Movies…

Mixed

Media

. This gathering is regularly scheduled for the second Saturday of each month. Since April 8th is close enough to April Fools Day, we think it should be honored. There-fore, we are asking each attendee to bring and share one favorite joke! Potluck dinner begins at 5:30 pm. Coffee and water are provided. Dinner will, as usual, be followed by a special movie—if we get thru all the jokes in time!.

We hope you can join us at our home All are welcome!

~Kathy and Jerry Dunlap

Contact Kathy to sign up for this Saturday, or to find out more about Mixed Media events.

LGBTQI OPEN & AFFIRMING

MINISTRY EVENT

Our monthly O&A Brunch is scheduled for Noon, on the 1st Sunday of each month. On April 3 we will meet at:

Café Rio Mexican Grill 1140 Irvine Blvd

Irvine 92780

Everyone is invited!

Carmen O. Mercado

,

MAUNDY THURSDAY

SERVICE Thursday April 13 - 6:00 PM

Led by Rev Loren McGrail

Loren McGrail has been appointed

jointly by the Common Global Ministries Board of the Chris-tian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the United Church of Christ to serve a four-year term with the YWCA of Palestine. She will also be serving as an ecumenical partner with St. Andrews Scottish Church in Jerusalem, assisting with wor-ship leading and other pastoral duties. These are just a few of the duties she will perform. She attended Boston Theological Institute (BTI), 1972-76, Certificate in International Mission and Ecumenism, Univer-sity of Oregon, 1976, with a B.A. in English Lit.; Certificate for Secondary Language Arts, 1976. She earned the Mas-ter of Divinity degree from Andover Newton Theological School (ANTS), 2005. and completed her Clinical Pastoral Education Resident at Hartford Hospital, 2006. She represented Wellington Ave United Church of Christ on the Chicago Presbytery Middle East Task Force and the Chicago Faith Coalition on Middle East Policy. She is the founder and leader of Protest Chaplains of Chicago, a multi-faith group that offers area peace and justice groups a criti-cal and protective presence. As part of this work, she also coordinates the Awake to Drones writing group.

MONDAY NIGHT ADULT STUDY

GROUP

This study group meets for a pot-luck supper at the home of various members, on the fourth Monday of each month. Potluck begins at 6:30 PM. The study sessions begin at 7:30, after the meal. The study will continue with the next chapter “Living the Questions” on April 24th. Details on meeting place and study topic will appear in the Sunday Bulletin and/or weekly e-minder. .

Save the Date & Join us !

ChOTF EVENTS (con’t)

Page 5 Volume VII Issue 3 – April 2017

BRIDGE

GROUP Do you like to get to-gether with special friends & play a little

bridge? This fun group is one of the longest running small groups at ChOTF & may be the one for you. Your level of skill at bridge is not important. Your commitment to a friendly game and pleasant company is! We meet the 4th Saturday of each month, at 7:00 PM -- at the home of various hosts. Location for the April 22nd gathering will be announced later. If you would like to join us, or have any questions, please contact Gloria Wildman.

FAMILY PROMISE

NEEDS OUR HELP

We are asking for donations of Wal-mart gift cards to purchase items for our “Move-In” Baskets and dressers for graduating family’s apartments, when they are ready for that big step forward. Walmart gift cards will enable us to purchase items such as bathroom ac-cessories, laundry necessities, house-hold items, toiletries, toys for the children, and more. If you have any questions—and/or would like a donation re-ceipt for 2016—email or call Jack Provencio.

Or see Jack after church on Sundays, in Fellowship Hall.

PEACE, BENEVOLENCE & JUSTICE MINISTRY

PB&J members Sunny Erickson, Kay Harris, and Carol Wil-son were busy on March 18 at the Great American Write-in. Sixty participants wrote cards supporting our selected cause: Making California a Sanctuary State. AB 54 would do just that. Cards were addressed to Governor Brown and Orange County State representatives. Many topics were discussed before selecting AB 54 which is designed to ensure the due process rights of our immigrant community and to keep families in tact. Many immigrant fami-lies and children, both documented and not, are currently afraid. In addition, Thanks to Ami Rowland, we distributed "rights cards" in English and Spanish:

IF YOU AGREE WITH PB&J MINISTRY MEM-BERS THAT, IN THESE TROUBLING TIMES, WE NEED TO MAKE OUR PRESENCE KNOWN & OUR VOICES HEARD, THEN WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO JOIN US AS WE CON-SIDER OUR CHOICES AS A PROGRESSIVE CHRISTIAN CONGREGATION.

WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS? WHEREFORE FROM HERE, CHURCH OF THE FOOTHILLS?

NEXT PB & J MEETING:

MONDAY, April 3 at 7:00 PM In the Church Library

Everyone is welcome! "ANY RELIGION TRUE TO ITS NATURE MUST ALSO BE CON-CERNED ABOUT MAN'S SOCIAL CONDITIONS.”

~Martin Luther King, Jr’

I do not wish to speak with you, answer your questions, or sign or hand you any documents based on my 5th Amendment rights under the United States Constitution.

I do not give you permission to enter my home based on my 4th Amendment rights under the United States Constitution unless you have a warrant to enter, signed by a judge or magistrate with my name on it that you slide under the door.

I do not give you permission to search any of my belongings based on my 4th Amendment rights.

I choose to exercise my constitutional rights These cards are available to citizens and noncitizens alike.

CHRISTIAN ED NEWS & EVENTS

Page 6 Volume VII, Issue 3 - April 2017

CHRISTIAN ED MINISTRY:

KEL’S KORNER

“As Jesus entered the city, the crowd spread

their cloaks on the road, and others cut

branches from the palm trees and spread

them on the road. The crowds that went be-

fore him and that followed him were shout-

ing, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is

he who comes in the name of the Lord! Ho-

sanna in the highest!” Matthew 21:8-10

In the ancient world palm branches were a symbol of goodness, well-being and victory and were a mark of rejoicing. They were often depicted on coins and important buildings. King Solomon had palm branches carved into the walls and doors of the tem-ple. During these times, it was common practice to welcome home a triumphant king or winning hero by laying out a path of palm branches for him to ride or walk on as he entered the city; it was akin to “rolling out the red carpet.” By welcoming Jesus with palm branches and cries of “Hosanna”, a word which translates into a plea for help, the crowd was acknowledging his greatness, expressing their faith in his teachings and voicing

their belief that he would rescue them from persecu-tion. The people of Jerusalem knew that he would not be welcomed by the ruling powers and that he faced actual physical dangers. Their tribute of wav-ing palm branches was a symbol indicating that he was not only going to rise victorious over any foe, but that he had already won the battle before it had even begun. The meaning and the lessons of Jesus’ triumphant entry still speak to us today. As modern-day believ-ers we too strive to rise victorious over the adversi-ties of segregation, oppression, bigotry, anger, hier-archal rule… . This Palm Sunday, April 9th, our children will be bringing this message into worship by opening our service with a Procession of the Palms. I hope they will be received with welcoming shouts of Hosanna.

Blessings,

Pastor Kel

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION NEWS

We are continuing to support The Heifer Project with our Sunday School offering. Last year the children and

youth decided that they would like to raise money to buy a cow for a village in need. A cow costs $500 and so

far we have raised close to half of that amount. We would appreciate if parents would help us reach this goal

by sending their children to Sunday School with a little something for offering.

CONFIRMATION CLASS for SENIOR HIGH!

Pastor Mike, Rev. Kel Henderson, Robbie Arevalos and the Education Ministry offered confirma-

tion classes to all Sr. High Youth, starting Sunday, February 26. Classes were held on Sundays,

4:30-5:30 PM, and will finish on April 2.

CONFIRMATION SUNDAY IS APRIL 9 (Palm Sunday). Included are Spencer Block, Luke & Eric Candias, Justin Delgado and Anthony Henderson.

OC PRIDE PARADE This year’s OC Pride Parade will be held on Saturday June 24th. ChOTF will be par-

ticipating in this year’s events. Our O&A Ministry will be sponsoring a vendor table and

we are organizing a group to march in the parade. O&A Ministry is inviting you put this

day on your calendar and plan to join them. If you are interested in participating in the

parade or helping with the booth, please see Pastor Kel.

Page 7 Volume VII, Issue 3 - April 2017

ChOTF & COMMUNITY EVENTS

Health & Wellness Corner…

Shingles Shot: 2 More Pluses About one-third of people develop shingles during their lives. Characterized by a painful, blistering rash, it is caused by the same herpes virus, varicella-zoster, that causes chickenpox. After you have that childhood dis-ease, the virus stays dormant in your body and can re-emerge years later to cause shingles. Fortunately, there's a vaccine that reduces the risk of de-veloping shingles by as much as two-thirds and reduces the severity of an outbreak if one occurs. Getting vacci-nated may save you the grief in two other ways as well, as recent studies have suggested. Lower Risk of Nerve Pain According to a study in the Journal of Infectious Disease, the vaccine reduces the risk of debilitating complications of shingles called post-therapeutic neuralgia (PHN), de-fined as pain persisting more than three months after the crusting of the skin lesions. Avoiding Higher Stroke Risk Two studies in late 2015 linked shingles to an increased risk of stroke. One in Mayo Clinic Proceedings found that people with shingles (average age 68) had a 50 per-cent elevated risk of stroke during the next three months. The other study published in PLOS Medicine, found that stroke risk more than doubled during the first week of shingles (heart attacks also increased somewhat). An English study in Clinical Infectious Diseases in 2014 offered some good news, however. While it also showed that strokes increased during the first few months of de-veloping shingles, it found that antiviral drugs appear to counter this risk. These drugs should be taken as soon as possible during a shingles outbreak. The best way to pre-vent shingles-related stroke, of course, is to prevent shin-gles in the first place by being vaccinated. BOTTOM LINE: The CDC recommends the shingles vaccine for people ages 60 and over. It is covered by private insurance and by Medicare Part D, the federal drug program for people over 65.

~Kathleen Hunt, M.S., R.N., Public Health Nurse

Source: UC Berkeley Wellness Letter, June, 2016

——————————————————- Editor’s note: This feature, submitted by Kathleen, appear periodically in Footprints. Kathleen is a new member of ChOTF, and Pastor Kel’s mother.

NO WAY TO TREAT A CHILD: Where’s the hope for the Palestinian Family?

April 22, 9am-1pm Grace First Presbyterian Church,

3955 N. Studebaker Road,

Long Beach, CA 90808

The three main issues to be explored: Incarceration, Nutrition and Water,

Health: Physical and Mental (incl. PTSD) Speakers:

DR. LEILA AL-MARAYATI, Founder and director of KINDER USA DR. TONY LITWINKO, Educator and seminar leader for local education personnel DR. LINDA KATEEB, Long-time instructor in high risk schools in Southside Chicago, fre-quent in-depth visitor to occupied Palestine REV. DR. DON WAGNER, Ex-program director of FOSNA; faculty member, North Park College.

Sponsored by JPIC of Synod of Southern Calif & Hawaii and Friends of Sabeel LA/OC

~Susan Richardson, for PB&J

It’s time for spring cleaning and ChOTF is here to help. We will be having a rummage sale on;

Friday April 28th & Saturday April 29th

from 7am-3pm. Items can be brought to church and placed on the stage. If you have any question or would like to help with the sale please contact Pastor Kel

Volume VII, Issue 3 - April 2017 Page 8

ChOTF & COMMUNITY EVENTS

Sat. April 8th ( 2:00 – 4:30 PM )

Council of Wolves Salon

Presents:

Rochelle Dreeben One Dark Night ( an autobiography )

Sacred Seasons Center is honored to present Rochelle Dreeben, a child survivor of the Warsaw Ghetto during the Nazi occupation of Poland. Hers is a story you will want to hear and

perhaps read beforehand in her book, One Dark Night, available on Amazon.com. This will be a unique and special event, and Rochelle will speak and also sign books. Q & A and discussion will take place after her presentation. Hospitality provided.

*Donations requested. ~ Please RSVP

Saturday April 22 ( 4:00 – 7;00 PM )

Earth Day Sacred

Ceremony and Potluck

Come join us for a day of ceremony, program and honoring of our Mother Earth. All are invited to bring a reading, poem or presentation to share as we complete a sharing circle of love for Nature and our Earth. Please bring a vegetarian potluck item to share.

*Donations requested.

Please RSVP.

Sacred Seasons Center 2611 N Linwood Ave

Santa Ana, CA

Rev. Susan Chamberlain, Director Contact -- susanrc@sbcglobal.net

( 714 )744-3904

Sacred Seasons Center ~ April Events

Interfaith Council of Central Orange County (ICCOC)

LUNCHEON MEETING

Monday, April 17 Church of the Foothills,

19211 Dodge Ave

Santa Ana, Ca.

11:00 AM board meeting. ( open to anyone ) 12:00 – 12:30 PM Luncheon - $5 Donation

Sandwiches from Sprouts and beverages. Welcome – Rev. Susan Chamberlain & go-around introductions at the table as we dine.

12:30 PM– Mission Statement: We come to-

gether to promote respect, understanding and appre-

ciation for the integrity of each other’s beliefs, cul-

tures and traditions through interfaith dialogue, edu-

cation and activities. We celebrate our loving com-

panionship together to serve humanity through the

message of love, peace and harmony in the unity of

religions.

President’s Report: We had a wonderful lunch-eon, program and tour of Christ Cathedral in Or-ange, Ca. on Monday March 13. A total of 55 peo-ple attended. Trudy Mazzarella and Father Quan Tran hosted us for this lovely event. Thanks to all who made this special outing possible. Program: Alba Ramiro, Volunteer and Parish Ministry Coordinator, is our guest speaker from Catholic Charities of Orange County. She will ad-dress what Catholic Charities is doing to serve the needs of our immigrant brothers and sisters –particularly the Hispanic communities of OC, and the problems facing immigrants during these times.

1:30 PM – Wrap up. Please help us clean up!

Please RSVP for lunch to: Brenda Davis at brendadavis15@att.net. Lunch pro-vided for a $5.00 donation. We will have a vegetarian option. If you have dietary limitations, please feel free to bring your own lunch.

Next Meeting - Monday May 8 - program to be announced

Page 9 Volume VII, Issue 3 - April 2017

COMMUNITY EVENTS/NEWS (con’t)

The Legacy of the Reformation May 19–20, 2017

Long Beach, California This year marks the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation, which dramatically transformed Western culture, but now recent scholarship has revised the in-terpretation of the Apostle Paul upon which Martin Lu-ther, the man most associated with the Reformation, relied. This Jesus Seminar on the Road will consider Luther’s evolving legacy and introduce a newly emerg-ing interpretation of Paul. What is the legacy of the Reformation? How might a new portrait of Paul open up its future?

Program Details The Legacy of the Reformation

Legend has it that Luther posted his 95 theses on the Wittenberg Castle Church door on October 31, 1517. In doing so, Luther proved that authority could be questioned, the Church could be changed, and truth could be understood historically. How does this legacy find meaning today? Following Tarkki’s introduction to the Reformation, Scott will preview Saturday’s talks. Friday evening, 7:30–9:00 pm The New Paul The Reformation was largely built on Martin Luther’s inspiring inter-pretation of the Apostle Paul. The key, according to Luther, was justification by faith alone: a person cannot “earn” a place with God but can only receive it as a gift. But today scholars no longer see justification as the central emphasis of Paul. So what did Paul actu-ally care about? (Scott) Saturday, 9:30–10:30 am

How to Relate the Old Paul to the New Paul For communities rooted in the Reformation, new insights on Paul can challenge the very foundation of Christian orthodoxy. Still, bravely contrasting the Lutheran understanding of Paul with that emerging from recent scholarship is worthwhile because it can help renew his vision. How is the new Paul different from the old? How might this inspire and challenge modern-day communities? (Scott) Saturday, 11 am – noon

The Enduring Call of the Reformation

The Protestant Reformation did not always express the best forms of theology. Over centuries, several tenets of faith have been chal-lenged and some, such as Luther’s anti-Jewish rhetoric, have been dismissed. Still the Reformation holds an intentional spirit that car-ries promise for today and for the future. What is the form and na-ture of a new future among Protestant churches? Tarkki) Saturday, 1:30–2:30 pm Discussion (Q&A) Jarmo Tarkki and Brandon Scott will hold conversation and field questions about the Apostle Paul and the legacy of the Reforma-tion. Saturday, 3–4 pm

Brandon Scott Jarmo Tarkki PhD, Vanderbilt U) (PhD, U of Helsinki ) A Charter member of Adj Professor of The Jesus Seminar. Theology at Calif Darbeth Professor Lutheran Univ’ in Emeritus at Phillips Thousand Oaks Theo Seminary, Tulsa

Register early for best rates, at www.weststarinstitute.com

$60 if registered by May 5 - $75 thrreafter

See Pastor Mike if you have any other questions.

HOUSE OF WORSHIP TOUR

~ 2017 ~ The purpose of the House of Worship Tour is to learn about and celebrate the rich tapestry of faiths in Southern California and to promote respect and understanding among all races, religions and cul-tures. ".Ignorance tends to breed hate and violence...Knowing how other people behave, what they believe and why they live the way they do can enrich your own sense of identity. It forces you to substantiate your thinking. This tour does more than introduce people to religious diversity. Because spirituality influences nearly all aspects of life, it becomes a springboard for cultural and social bonding." ~ Stanley L. Knee

Sat, April 29, 2017, 9:30 AM – 3:30 PM

BAPS Shri Swaminarayan

Mandir

5100 Fairfield Ranch Rd.,

Chino Hills 91709

Sat, May 20, 2017, 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM

Hsi Lai Buddhist Temple,

Hacienda Heights,

3456 Glenmark Dr.,

Hacienda Heights

REGISTER TODAY: ww.houseofworshiptour.com

Page 10 Volume VII, Issue 3 - April 2017

SMALL GROUP MINISTRIES

CHRISTIAN WOMEN’S

FELLOWSHIP

Prayer Bears Don’t forget our Baskets of Bears, available for adoption for a dona-tion of only $5, every Sunday in Fellowship Hall. ——————–—-——

REMINDER: Bring your unneeded eyeglasses and put them in the marked box in Fellowship Hall by the kitchen. Thank you!

————————–————-———-

CWF meets Wednesdays from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM in the Fireside Room. So, pack a lunch and join us for fun, fellowship and a little work accomplished. —Shirley Sullens

TRANSGENDER

SUPPORT GROUP

“TG Rainbow” is a transgender support group open to everyone who is transgender, spouses, family, friends, or anyone who just wants to learn about what it means to be trans. We meet on the 3rd Friday of each month at 7:30 pm in the High School room. Contact: Michelle Evans: Phone: 949-770-0702 or

http://www.mach25media.com/tgr.html

Hearts & Minds

Hearts and Minds is a communal practice of sharing – what we feel as well as our healing, loving attention. It’s a process for building emotional health and human closeness. Sharing our hurts, as well as our joys makes our lives and the world more livable.

You’re invited! April 2nd & 30th, at 11:15

in the Jr. High or Fireside Room

For more information, contact Suvan Geer.

Choir Practice!

COME JOIN OUR VIBRANT, SPIRITED CHANCEL CHOIR!

If you are looking for a small group ministry that participates in services every Sunday, then choir

is for you! No prior experience needed. We welcome any-one who loves to sing and wants to share their voice in worship! We hope to see you at rehearsal on Wednes-days, 7:00 to 8:30 PM in the church sanctuary.

All the best, Tina Peterson

FOOTHILLS

FELLOWSHIP

Foothills Fellowship will be singing us into spring with a Karaoke Night on

Friday May 5th

This will be fun great evening for every-one with a song in their heart to come down and join in the fun.

Page 11 Volume VII, Issue 3 - April 2017

ChOTF PROJECTS

FUNDRAISING MADE EASY... SHOPPING FOR EASTER?

THINK SCRIP Planning that special dinner, gift or outing? A wide vari-ety of cards can be pur-chased at the Scrip table for use at your favorite depart-ment or grocery store. Gas station, restaurant and movie theater tickets are also available and gift cards are always welcome! Re-member, each card gener-ates from 5% to 10% in in-come to ChOTF.

Check the full list at the Scrip Table in Fellow-ship Hall after church on Sundays, and buy/order them there—or call the Church office or Jim Swander with your order. . ~ AVAILABLE NOW ~

GUIDELINES FOR DONATING A PORTION

SOUP KITCHEN MINISTRY ChOTF’s Soup Kitchen Ministry prepares and serves lunch for the homeless at the Southwest Community Center in Santa Ana on the 5th Sun-

day of each month (with 5 Sundays). Our next scheduled date to serve the lunch is April 30th. Dan & Carmen would very much ap-preciate your help. If you are interested in helping with this

project, or you would like more information on either the Southwest Community Center, or our par-ticipation in this program, please call:

Carmen Mercado or Dan Griset

DON’T FORGET DONATIONS TO

THE FOOD BASKET CART EACH SUNDAY!

Open Sunday, in Fellowship Hall ...

Our Peace & Justice Corner

Church of the Foothills has been pur-chasing Equal Exchange coffee, tea, chocolate for more than 7 years. Since that time we have added nuts and dried fruit, insulated mugs with the UCC and DOC logos, and olive oil and other prod-ucts from Palestine. We sell them to our

members, serve the coffee and tea in our fellowship time, and fill baskets for silent auctions. When we buy Equal Exchange products, we help sup-port a worker-owned fair trade company that offers con-sumers fairly traded products direct from small-scale farmer co-ops in Latin America, Africa and Asia. Please come to the “corner” in Fellowship Hall to see what products we have, and what you'd like to buy to help sup-port these farmers in developing countries. Inter-faith T-Shirts and caps promoting peace and diver-sity are also available

Carol Wilson, for your PB&J Ministry

SW COMMUNITY CENTER As noted in the article be-

low, it’s time for us to serve

at Southwest Community

Center in Santa Ana once

again, but did you know that

you can give to the Soup

Kitchen Ministry at any time?

There is a designated fund for this Ministry! All the

donations go to feeding the homeless on our sched-

uled Sundays at the Center.

The Southwest Community Center has been helping

people for 44 years! Their mission is to provide

food, clothing, shelter, guidance, health and referral

services to economically disadvantaged individuals

and families, and assist and encourage those looking

to achieve self-sufficiency.

If you would like to give to this ministry specifically

be sure to write it on the offering envelope.

For more information on Volunteering, please contact Dan or Carmen

LIFE & LAUGHTER

Page 12 Volume VII, Issue 3 - April 2017

POET’S CORNER...

HUMOR FOR THE SEASON When the movies and TV shows of Roy Rogers, “the King of the Cowboys”, were popular in the 1940s and 1950s a young boy went to a Bible study in church on Good Friday and listened raptly to the story of Jesus’ crucifixion. Afterwards, the boy told his mother: “That wouldn’t have happened if Roy Rogers had been there!” ——————————————————–——— On Palm Sunday, at the University United Methodist Church in Baton Rouge, LA, a four-year-old boy was given his palm branch and explicit instructions on how to wave it and say, “Hosanna, Hosanna.” Overcome with enthusiasm, the boy walked down the aisle during the procession of children, shouting: “Hey Santa, Hey Santa!” ————————————————————-—- On Easter Sunday, a pastor was preaching the chil-dren’s sermon. He reached into a bag and pulled out a plastic egg. What’s in here?” he asked the children, pointing to the egg. “I know!” a little boy exclaimed. “Panty-hose!”

CHURCH CHUCKLES As we were practicing the anthem before the service at St Andrew Presbyterian Church in Indianapolis, the choir director, stopped us. He thought we might be going too fast, pulled out his phone and set his metronome app for the time. He gave it a few ticks and one of the ladies said, “You have a met-ronome on your phone?” He replied, “Yes, these iPhones do every-thing but cook your dinner.” One of the basses commented, “For that, you need a Samsung 7.” ~Rev Alice McDowell, Indianapolis ——————————————————————————————————-

While on vacation, a friend and her husband visited a church one Sunday They settled into a pew near the front of the church. An usher came up to them, tapped on the pew and said, “This pew is saved.” Her husband looked up, smiled and replied, “That’s OK. So are we!” ~Rev Dr Karl R Kraft, Dover, DE ——————————————————————————————————

Every Catholic church in town but one had its Mas schedule posted in front. The exception announced the time their weekly Bingo started. A parishioner phoned the pastor to complain. “My son,” he replied, “our parishioners know when we hold Mass, but we have to be sure the Protestants know when we hold Bingo.” ~Rev Dr Karl Kraft, Dover, DE

————————————————————————— After the christening of his baby brother in church, little Johnny cried all the way home in the back seat of the car. His father asked him what was wrong and finally, the boy sobbed, “The pastor said he wanted us brought up in a Christian Home and I want to stay with you guys!” ~ George Goldtrap, Ormond-by-the Sea, FL Ed Note: The above jokes are reprinted with permission of The Joyful Noiseletter

Page 13 Volume VII, Issue 3 - April 2017

FOOTPRINTS NOTICE

Editor’s note: Do you have something you would like to share with our readers? Comments, sugges-tions or articles are always welcome. Announcements, poems, pictures and notices you would like printed in the May edition of Footprints should be submitted to the church office no later than April 21. Earlier, if at all possible. If you plan ahead & give me enough time, it will be very much ap-preciated! ~Bobbie Taylor, rjtylr@cox.net

April

2017 SPRING HAS SPRUNG at Foothills Preschool! We are so busy welcoming spring at the pre-school! We are hatching baby chicks and ducks in our classrooms, raising baby bunnies, and getting ready to learn about the life stages of the butterfly with our own caterpillar habitats! We will be do-ing a lot of gardening this month as well. Come on over and visit us anytime and help us to welcome Spring! SEE’S CANDY DELIVERY! Thank you all SO much for supporting our See’s Candy Fundraiser! Your orders will be delivered during the week of April 3rd through the 10th. For church members, the orders will be placed in the office for you to pick up. Again, we are so grateful for your support! KIDS NIGHT OUT/PARENTS DATE NIGHT! 4/28 5 – 9 PM Please join us for our Spring themed Kids Night Out on April 28th from 5-9pm. We will be cele-brating all things Spring and Earth related. Look for more info coming soon! Dinner will be served and a fun movie will wrap up the evening. ALL children from the local community are welcome,

not just preschool students. Go have a date night and let us watch your children in a FUN and SAFE environment. SUMMER DAY CAMP! Our SUPER camp leaders, Miss Melissa and Mr. Austin have an amazing summer calendar planned with water play, TWO weeks of STEM activities, a super hero week, pirate week and more! Summer camp will run 6 weeks from July 10th through Au-gust 18th. Visit our sign in table on site or our website, enrollment and tuition page for registra-tion forms and a camp activities calendar. Summer camp is open to ALL children ages 2.5 - 8 years old, not just current preschool students! Bring a friend and have some fun! Very flexible sched-ules! 2017/2018 FALL REGISTRATION! If you know anyone with children aged 2.5 to 5 years old, please send them to us for a tour. Our little hidden gem of a non profit preschool has a lot to offer! Registration is now open to the public. As always, you can learn more about us by visit-ing our website, shown below. ~"Miss" Marci Carey Pre-K Teacher/Program Development Director

"It's the process, not the product."

Foothills Pre-School 19211 Dodge Ave., N. Tustin

website: www.foothillspreschool.org Phone: 714-573-7723

NEWS FROM OUR PRE-SCHOOL

Page 14

CELEBRATIONS!!

Volume VII, Issue 3 - April 2017

April Birthdays

4/17 Mike & Tricia Holland

If we missed (or “mixed-up”) your special day, we’re very sorry! Please contact the church office and we will cor-rect our records.

April Anniversaries

4/02 Spencer Theissen

4/06 Esther Gressard

4/06 Monty Linton

4/09 Nancy Brink

4/10 Marion Barstow

4/10 Dan Stiegler

4/12 Michelle McKinley

4/16 Kristi Saylor

4/18 Jenna Aguilar

4/18 Bobbie Taylor

4/19 Scott Arden

4/20 William Rodriguez

4/21 Cindy Jayson

4/24 Niko Gonzales

4/25 Valentina Murray

4/26 Jean Elliott

4/29 Debbie Hollister

DON’T FORGET TO BRING GOODIES TO SHARE DURING YOUR BIRTHDAY MONTH!

SAC EXHIBIT IN FINAL WEEK

April 3rd-6th is the last week to see the poignant and powerful so-cial justice

photography exhibit at Santa Ana College. Entitled “Invisible: Minds of the Contemporary”. The exhibit highlights the photography, painting and videos of William Camargo, Mayte Escobar, Michael Farrel, Rachael Garner, D. Hill, Ja-maal H. Tolbert and Adam Wold It’s located in the main art gallery of the college at 17th and Bristol in Santa Ana. The gallery hours are: Mon – Thurs, 10 AM to 2 PM, and Wed evenings 6:30-8:30 PM. Ad-mission to the exhibit is free. Art Department contact info: 714-564-5615 or www.sac.edu/art ~Debbie Hollister

We have our annual

Easter Egg Hunt coming up Easter

Sunday after worship service for our younger children, organized by

our high schoolers. They need plastic Easter Eggs and candy. Please begin bringing your donations to church and give them to Robbie.

Thank you!!

WOULD YOU LIKE TO HELP

CREATE POWER POINT SLIDES

FOR SUNDAY MORNING

WORSHIP SERVICES?

Join the AV Technicians Team! We can use your talents. Contact Kathy Vail in the church office, 714-544-1319, if you are interested. Thank you!

NEED A RIDE?

If you need help with a ride to church or

to the doctor, etc. please call one of our Caring Corner

Drivers:

Kathy and Jerry Dunlap

Wenonah Sheehan

If you are able to join this group as a driver/helper,

Caring Corner

HOPE & HELP

Page 15 Volume VII, Issue 3 - April 2017

IN NEED OF MINISTRY, OR JUST SOMEONE

TO TALK TO ABOUT LIFE AND FAITH?

For pastoral assistance, Pastor Mike is available during office hours

of 9 AM to 2 PM on Mon-Tues-Thurs. Please call ahead when possible.

For other times, call his cell at 714-423-0182.

To contact a church elder, call the church office at 741-544-1319

Rev Kel Henderson available Tues, Wed, Thurs. & Sun at 714-465-6991

CALLING ALL MEMBERS

OF YOUTH MINISTRY

APRIL is your month to host “Fellowship Hour” on

Sunday mornings

That means, we are counting on you to:

bring in the goodies set up the tables start up the coffee/tea pots clean-up afterward

Please contact and coordinate with:

Robbie

Thank you!

In Need of Grief Support...? There are two excellent Support Groups in our area.:

Mariposa Women & Family Center, in Orange. Please call 714-547-6494

Kaiser Permanente , Orange Health Pavilion, in Orange. Contact: Jane McLauklin, 562-622-4300

AUDIO-VISUAL SYSTEM

FUNDRAISER

Time has taken it’s toll and now it’s time to up-

date our audio/visual equipment and capabilities.

Our goal is to raise $60,000. Given to date:

$2,140. Please consider this project. To donate,

designate checks to “AV Sound System”.

Thank you for your consideration!

FROM YOUR NOMINATING COMMITTEE

It is the time of year where nomi-nations are being considered for Ministry Chair persons. There are many ways you, as a member, can support Church of the Foot-hills. Where financial support is

always appreciated, we also encourage you to donate your time and talents. Please prayerfully consider where your time and talents are best spent in support-ing our church. If you are interested in being nomi-nated for a Ministry Chair, the only requirement is that you are a member of the Church of the Foothills, have, or are willing to learn leadership skills, have a kind heart, are willing to carry out the duties of the Ministry, and are able to attend Cabinet meetings (or send a representative from your Ministry). The term of office is one year, starting July 1st.

Contact the Nominating Committee: María Pérez, Chair, Mae Parrett & Laurie Van Cleve.

Volume VII, Issue 3 - April 2017 Page 16

CONNECTIONS

“A Night on Broadway”

We Need Your Help!

Support Church of the Foothills with your

Silent Auction Donation for the upcoming “A

Night on Broadway” Fundraiser.

Donation Ideas

Weekend at a Vacation Cabin

Unneeded Gift Cards

Handmade Items

Share Your Special Talents with Others: - Cake of the Month

(Deliver a homemade cake to the winner once a

month for a year)

- Cook a Gourmet Meal

- Tutoring Help

- Babysitting Hours

- Handyman Services

- Computer Services

- Let us Know Your Talent!

OR Talk to Your Favorite Merchants

and Ask them to Support

Church of the Foothills

with a gift basket or certificate.

Donation Request Letters / Receipts Available.

Any questions or to donate an item,

please contact Lynn Dann

NEW THIS YEAR! Specify which

CHOTF group you would like to sup-

port with your donation and 80% of

funds received will be credited di-

rectly to that budget.

SAVE THE DATE

The Church of the Foothills

Chancel Choir Presents

“A Night On

Broadway”

A Fun Journey of Broadway

Show Tunes

(Past and Present)

Performed by

Our Chancel Choir

Members and their Friends

and Family

Saturday,

June 17th, 2017

5:00 p.m.

THEY’RE AT IT AGAIN - & YOU CAN HELP!

Did you know that ChOTF has its

own Facebook group?

www.facebook.com is a free and

easy way to stay informed and

connected to your church family.

Once you’re a member of Face-

book, simply type “Church of the

Foothills Santa Ana” into your

Facebook search box, and then

join the group! It’s that simple!!!

Join Church of the Foothills Open

and Affirming ministry email

list and keep up to date on all the

latest events and issues facing

our LGBT brothers and sisters.

To join, simply send an email, say-

ing “SUBSCRIBE” , addressed to:

chotfona@gmail.com

Bridge Group Gloria Wildman 714-939-1026

Chancel Choir Tina Peterson 562-453-9681 Christian Women’s Fellowship-CWF

Esther Gressard 714-771-5955

Family Promise Jack Provencio 213-807-4541 Foothills Fellowship Jennifer Surges 714-458-7670 Colleen & Melody Taylor CTandMT@gmail.com

Ministry Chairs Spiritual Life: Dan Griset & Michelle Trumbo Hospitality: Jack Provencio Growth: Gloria Wildman Peace/Benevolence/Justice: Keni Cox & Sunny Erickson Christian Education: Open Operations: Kate McCloskey (Finance) & David Underwood (Property) Worship: Maureen Rosenquist Denominational Representatives: DOC: María Pérez & Robbie Arevalos UCC: Lianne Oakes

Staff

Pastor: Rev. Dr. Michael Holland Minister of Christian Education & Family Life: Rev. Kel Henderson Preschool Director: Marci Carey Dir. of Youth Ministries: Robbie Arevalos

Dir. Of Music Ministries: Tina Peterson Organist: John Douglas Drummer: Jeff Segal Church Secretary: Kathy Vail Childcare Personnel: Dana Block & Jami Underwood

Officers President: María Pérez Vice-Pres: David Roger Recording Sec: Jeanne Davenport Financial Secretary: Carol Rosholm Treasurer: Jim Swander Historian: Dale Post Membership: Lorinda Kasten-Lowerre

Ministers in Residence Rev. Nancy Brink, Rev. Susan Cham-berlain, Rev. Bernie Davis, Rev. Dr. Duane Day, Rev. Barbara Grear, Rev.

Adelia Sandoval , Rev Jerry Martin

Small Group Ministries: Get Involved! Small Group Ministries provide opportunity to share spiritual fellowship, activities, support and mission projects with

others. For more information about the following Small Group Ministries, please refer to the contacts listed below.

Who We Are: Get to Know Us!

Page 17

Peace, Benevolence & Justice Keni Cox 714-801-8081 Sunny Erickson 714-873-7746

Sacred Seasons Center Rev Susan Chamberlain 714-501-7653

Soup Kitchen Dan Griset 714-834-1322 Carmen Mercado 714-328-9129

TG Rainbow Michele Evans 949-770-0702

Footprints Editor Bobbie Taylor 714-997-4977

Hearts & Minds Suvan Geer 714-532-5519 Mixed Media Kathy Dunlap 714-532-3799 Living With Integrity (LGBTQI) Rev. Nancy Brink 402-312-0409

Monday Night Study Group Lianne Oakes 949-476-2572

O&A Carmen & Rosa Mercado

Address: 19211 Dodge Ave, Santa Ana, CA 92705 Phone: 714-544-1319 - FAX: 714-573-7722

Website: www.churchofthefoothills.org - Email: churchoffice@chotf.org

Learn about current Peace and

Justice issues and actions by join-

ing ChOTF’s Peace, Benevolence

& Justice (PB&J) e-mail updates.

To be kept up-to-date with the lat-

est information, send an e-mail to:

chotfadvocates @gmail.com

Volume VII, Issue 3 – April 2017

Did You Know? Get Connected!

Volume VII, Issue 3 – April 2017 Page 18

PHOTO GALLERY

Robbie & Pastor Mike give the kids a “devilish” lesson 3/5

Justin explains the Audio/Visual upgrade proposal - 3/12.

Selected Scenes From ChOTF Life March 2017

Music accompanied by the “two Jims” - 3/5

A newer family…. & three generations of a family around much longer…. enjoy Fellowship hour—3.12

Nancy delivers the communion message

The Worship Team get together - 3/5

Volume VII, Issue 3 – April 2017

PHOTO GALLERY

Page 19

Making kites and then flying them - 3/19

Tina introduces the string trio from

Foothills High School - 3/19 Vincent Wu, on violin Communion by Intinction - 3/19

One of Tina’s students subs for her & leads choir - 3/26

Selected Scenes From ChOTF Life March 2017

Michelle leads into prayer time - 3/26 Nancy greets the congregation - 3/26

Volume VII, Issue 3 - April 2017 Page 20

PHOTO GALLERY

Selected Scenes From ChOTF Life March 2017

Robbie teaches the kids the “Five Finger Prayer” and then we send them to their classes “in Peace” - 3/26 .

Justin is about more than Audio/Visual. He shares his “other talent” in Fellowship Hall - 3/26

Nancy shares her India experience…...Raul gives the offeratory….3/26 Christian & Sara sharing fellowship

in Fellowship Hall. - 3/26