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OC United
It has been a busy couple of months for OC United, the new start up nonprofit of EvFree. OC United exists to serve as the missional arm of our church to the vulnerable within our community.
Here are some of the highlights from our three Initiatives:
 Homelessness Initiative
• We are building relationships with four nonprofits in our city that work with the homeless, believing that we are better together!
• The cold weather shelter Armory of Fullerton is back under the leadership of Mercy House. EvFree opened the season in November and we plan to host them again January 8–11.
• We hosted a packed house for the Homeless 101 training.
• After four years living in a motel room, a family of five that we have grown to love just moved into their own apartment through our partnerships.
 Neighborhood Development Initiative
• “Thanksgiving with Our Neighbors" kicked off the holiday season with over 2200 community members from the Maple and Valencia Park Elementary School areas. Over 350 community and church members volunteered at the two schools.
• We listened to 120 residents near Valencia Park share about their talents and dreams, as well as feedback about their community. In January we will present this information to the two schools’ leadership and decide on next steps toward beginning a community development initiative.
• We met with Project CONNECT—a collaboration of Fullerton principals, administrators and community stakeholders. We listened to their goals in reaching under-resourced families and heard ways we could support this process.
 Foster Care Initiative
• Over 70 people attended our Initiative Launch to discover ways they can become involved to help meet the needs of families in the foster care system.
• We delivered donated Christmas trees to families in our Royal Family Mentoring program. For most of the children, it was their first real Christmas tree!
• Starting in February, Social Services has agreed to host a county foster care licensing training here at our church.
• One of our campers from Royal Family has been waiting for an adopted family for several years. After hearing his story at our launch, a family within our church has started the process of adopting him!! We are so thankful to the Lord that our camper might have his forever family here at our church.
OC United’s future office will be in the heart of Fullerton. Numerous volunteers are tirelessly working on getting our office up and ready for ministry. Similarly, our website www.ocunitedtogether.org is in the final stages of being built. Check it out next month to find out more about us!
We are looking forward to all that God has in store for 2015. If you would like more information on ways to become involved or to sign up to receive our newsletter, please email us at info@ocunitedtogether.org.
May God use this ministry as an extension of His love to those in need around us.
 Jay Williams
OC United Executive Director & Pastor of Compassion/Justice
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Rooted
Starts January 18
Rooted is a catalyst for life change. It provides the opportunity to connect with God, the church and your purpose in unexpected life-changing ways. Rooted is for the spiritually curious, the new attender, the longtime member—wherever you are in your faith journey with God. This ten-week spiritual growth experience provides questions, conversations and challenging experiences designed to see more clearly how your story fits in God’s story.
The next session begins Sunday January 18. Three options are available for small group meeting times (decided when you register): Sunday morning, Tuesday nights and Wednesday nights. All participants will attend three large group gatherings on a Sunday night. Cost: $35. Scholarships are available. Childcare is also available through the registration link. Click here to register. More info is available here.
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Bite Size “Taste”
Thursday January 22, 7:00 pm, Commons
 Bite Size consists of intergenerational groups of 10-15 women who meet five times for community building and fun. Not a Bible study, prayer group or support group—although we think all that will happen naturally. Bite Size groups meet in private homes and provide opportunities to connect with other women at EvFree. New groups will start in February and April.
Come to a “Taste” evening, Thursday January 22 at 7:00 pm in the Commons to find out more and sign up for a group! Check the website or call Caitlin Baird, 714.257.4312, for the latest info.
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MOPS
We offer two distinct tracks of Mothers of Preschoolers, each meeting alternate Tuesday mornings from 9:00–11:30 am. This year’s theme: BE YOU, BRAVELY! has already captured our imagination and we will enjoy specially selected speakers, fun outings, crafts and more. Fee and registration information is available here. Childcare with a per-child fee is available; we encourage early registration as space can be at a premium.
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Tru Family Night
Friday January 23, 6:00–8:00 pm, Commons
Join us for another fun-filled night. Dinner will be provided and childcare is available for birth–3 years old by reservation. Sign up here.
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New Worship Venue & Service Times Change
As the new year starts, we are eager to keep up with what God is doing in our worship services. Starting February 1, our Sunday morning service times will change to 8:30, 10:00 and 11:30 am. Additionally, we are excited to launch a Classic Worship Venue in the Commons at 8:30 am and 10:00 am. We'll continue to move towards one contemporary musical worship style in the Worship Center services, as well as 5:00 pm in the Commons. Programs for kids (birth–6th grade) will now be available during all morning services. Read more about the new venue here.
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Team Members Needed—Serve at EvFree
We’re excited to open up opportunities for people to be connected with like-hearted folks who are welcoming, eager to help, friendly, as well as directional and knowledgeable. We need new HOST Ministry members for our Parking, Guest Guides, Plaza Refreshment, Communion, greeters/ushers and iBelieve teams.
We also need more team members on our EvFree Kids Crew now that we’ll be offering programs for kids (birth–6th grade) all three morning services starting February 1. If you feel the Holy Spirit prompting YOU to be part of this amazing ministry team, come by the Plaza on Sunday to learn more about being part of our Kids Crew Family.
Sign up here to serve on the HOST Ministry team or EvFree Kids Crew.
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