IN THE SPIRIT

-- Michele Marr

DENOMINATION: United Methodist

ADDRESS: 6652 Heil Ave.

PHONE: (714) 842-4461

YEAR ESTABLISHED: The church was established 95 years ago, in 1906, as

Wintersburg Church. It moved to its present location in 1962 as the

Community United Methodist Church.

SERVICE TIMES: Worship services are at 8:30 and 10 a.m.; Sunday school

for all ages, including adults, meets concurrently. On the third Saturday

night of each month, the praise worship service called “Legacy” meets at

7:30 p.m.

SENIOR PASTOR: The Rev. Mike Eggleston

PASTORAL STAFF: The Rev. Steve Peralta, the Rev. Jackie Hulett and

Greg Kirby, director of music.

SIZE OF CONGREGATION: There are 690 adult members. With children and

constituents included, there are 1,500 affiliated with the church.

MAKEUP OF CONGREGATION: All ages are represented, with about 80%

living in Huntington Beach.

CHILDCARE: Childcare is provided for all services. Infant care is

provided for children up to 2. Sunday school is provided for all older

children. Once a month, children attend a portion of the worship service

and then go to class.

TYPE OF WORSHIP: The service is traditional, celebrative and joyful.

It includes Congregational singing accompanied by organ and a choir,

scripture readings and a sermon. Communion is available to everyone 10

minutes before each worship service. Holy Communion is held the last

Sunday of each month.

TYPE OF SERMON: Very biblical and open-minded.

RECENT SERMON: On Pentecost, 13 youths were confirmed and the message

was titled, “Waterworks and fireworks.”’ The Sunday earlier, the message

was titled, “An Inclusive Church.”

WELCOME WAGON: The congregation makes it a point not to embarrass

visitors. A hospitality table with information about the church and a

small gift for visitors is available after each service. Directions to

the table are given during the service. Ushers and greeters are available

to answer questions and to help visitors find their way.

OUTREACH PROGRAMS: The church has a very active parish nurse program.

Clinics are held each month. Immunization and Well Baby clinics are held

the first Friday of the month. Other clinics and screenings are held

periodically. From noon to 2 p.m. on Fridays, a weekly food closet is

open to the community. The congregation was the founding church of SHIP,

a program through which various churches in the community house homeless

individuals or families for up to two weeks at a time. Support groups for

multiple sclerosis, grief, Alzheimer’s disease, families of the mentally

ill meet throughout the month. Alcoholics Anonymous groups and other

community groups are hosted by the church. It also runs a preschool that

serves 200 children from the ages of 2 to 5.

DRESS: California casual. “We are here for you,” Eggleston emphasized.

CHURCH DESIGN: The sanctuary is traditional with a center aisle. It

seats 500 and is popular for many community weddings.

MISSION STATEMENT: Community United Methodist Church is an inclusive

family of faith, striving to nurture loving, supportive relationships,

empowering persons to growth in Christian faith in order to serve the

community.

INTERESTING NOTE: There are a number of programs and events at the

church that include all ages. One of these events is a weekly a supper

and study. Music is a growing strength at the church. The music director

will move from a part-time to a full-time position July 1. There are five

choirs, and the increased position will allow the director to develop

more. Vacation Bible School will be held from July 30 to Aug. 3. For more

information, call the church office between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. This

summer, 20 some youths and counselors from the congregation will travel

to Arizona to participate in a Sierra Service Project. They will work

with Native Americans in the state.