Congregation Spotlight: Aldersgate United Methodist Church Tustin

Aldersgate United Methodist Church, located in Tustin, California, has been a “Spiritual Home for All'' in Orange County for more than 50 years: children, youth, young adults, adults, families – people of all ages connecting through Christ. The church welcomes all people to come learn about and celebrate the teachings of God and Jesus Christ. The congregation is led spiritually by Senior Pastor, Reverend Kenneth K. Suhr, and Teaching Pastor, Reverend Tim Ellington.

The Family Promise host congregation ministry at Aldersgate is helmed by Coordinator Dave Kendall. Dave works alongside a great group of men who have volunteered their time to maintain this amazing partnership and make a difference in the lives of local families. Aldersgate currently hosts our families four times a year, providing shelter and meals for them as they work towards their own stability and self-reliance. Because of the wonderful partnership and support of Aldersgate UMC Tustin, Family Promise has also been able to host events on the congregation’s campus, such as the Chili Cookoff fundraiser event in 2019.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Aldersgate was able to take our partnership even further to make an impact in the local community. Due to the pandemic, the Family Promise shower trailer that was usually used by our families in the Emergency Shelter program was out of commission. Aldersgate was able to connect us with their frequent partner church across the street, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Tustin, and Family Promise was able to lend them the shower trailer in order for them to be able to provide showers for individuals attending St. Paul’s longstanding Sunday Supper ministry. The collaboration and partnership between Aldersgate United Methodist Church, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, and Family Promise of Orange County has truly blessed many in the Tustin community who have needed help in a very difficult time.

Thank you, Aldersgate, for your continued support and leadership for both the families in our program, and the Tustin community!