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After interviewing four candidates for the Youth Director job, the Staff-Parish Relations Committee has decided to hire Andy Oquinn. I’ve asked him to write an article about himself. Andy will begin working in December and we plan to introduce him to the congregation on Sunday, December 5.

— Pastor Bob

My name is Andy Oquinn, and I’m excited to be joining the First Methodist family.

I was born and raised in Pasadena, Texas, an industrial suburb of Houston. I became a believer at the age of nine, mostly through the witness of my parents and grandparents. In 2007, I moved to Southern California to study at Fuller Seminary in Pasadena, California, finishing my Master of Arts in Cross-Cultural Studies in September 2009. I then spent this last year as an intern at a small church plant called Hope Community Church. I enjoy playing music with friends on my violin, reading, watching baseball, and spending time with my soon-to-be fiancée Iman. I won’t tell you how soon she’ll be my fiancée, just in case she reads this… ;)

I am very passionate about multicultural and multiethnic ministry, as well as discipling young people and seeing them grow in their walks with God. I’m looking forward to joining with what God is doing here in Torrance, and am excited to get to know many of you, especially the youth! See you soon.

— Andy Oquinn

The Christian Education Ministry Team and the Youth Group of Torrance First UMC want to extend a special invitation to you and your friends and family members. October 31 is a big day at our church and we invite you to share in celebration and worship of God with several opportunities.

Both of the morning worship services, 8:15 and 9:45, will be hosted by the youth of our church. Both services will be held in the sanctuary. The lesson for the week will be on Jesus’ parable of the prodigal son, as told to us in Luke 15:11-16. This lesson aligns with our worship series based on the theme “Discovering Joy through Simplicity and Generosity” that our church is doing this fall as we prepare ourselves as a church family to be in reflection and in prayer for how we can commit ourselves to God’s church for 2011. Please come and hear the message of our loving and welcoming God as told by our very own youth.

Our day of worship and fellowship does not end with the morning services. Please return after lunch for two special events to kick off the fall season with fun at our church.

Our Youth Group will host their annual Fall Festival and Talent Show in the social hall. Everyone is welcome to attend these events.

• 1:30pm—3:00pm: Fall Festival! There will be fun arts and crafts, games and harvest snacks. Bring the kids and plan to attend while wearing your Halloween costumes. Prizes will be given to the most authentically dressed Biblical character from each age group (preschool-K, elementary, middle school, high school, and adult).
• 3:00pm–5:00pm: Talent Show! Following the festival, there will be a talent show. Calling all talent! We are looking for individuals or groups that are interested in performing their talents (serious, funny, ridiculous and otherwise) at the show. Please contact Angelica C. to reserve your space in the show (please contact the church office for the phone number).

We look forward to seeing you!

In His love, Jonathan Tarman, Director of Youth Ministries