Methodists to Charter New Church

In July, 1985, Bishop Jack M. Tuell of the United Methodist Church, asked the Rev. W. Terry VanHook to determine whether or not residents of Laguna Niguel would be interested in forming a congregation.

Sunday, Tuell will charter Christ United Methodist Church, officially recognizing the congregation as a part of the denomination. He will lead the 9:30 a.m. service at the congregation’s worship site, Crown Valley Elementary School, 29292 Crown Valley Parkway, Laguna Niguel.

Although such recognition means being linked to a 10-million-member church rooted in the 18th Century, VanHook sees his 70-member congregation as “developing what’s going to be the church of the 1990s.”

This includes structuring church programs around the schedules and focus of its members and encouraging members to release their creativity along the lines of faith. The most apparent release of creativity, according to VanHook, is the contemporary flavor of the music.

“It’s an important expression of who we are now, “ he said. “There has been a great creative outpouring in that area.”

Following the service, a brunch will be served. For information, call (714) 495-7904.

accepted. A reception will follow. For information, call (714) 675-0210.

A combined service with eight congregations will be held at 7 p.m. Sunday at Community Presbyterian Church, 32202 Del Obispo St., San Juan Capistrano. Sponsored by Peace Link, the service will feature representatives of St. Andrew’s by the Sea United Methodist Church, Palisades United Methodist Church, Shepherd of the Hills United Church of Christ and Christ United Methodist Church. Also participating are Mount of Olives Lutheran Church, Saddleback Christian Church, Shepherd of the Hills United Methodist Church and Community Presbyterian Church. The combined service will center on a search for peace.