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Upcoming
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Family Fun Night every Sunday!
Christmas Concert @ 6pm
Living Nativity @ 6pm - 8pm
December 19th
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Blue Christmas @ 7pm
December 24th
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Christmas Eve @ 5pm, 9pm & 11pm
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Ministry Links
to Website
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Birthdays
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David Cunningham
12/1
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David Harum
12/1
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Keith Orduno
12/3
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Judy Paul
12/4
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Luke Herme
12/6
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Emily Boettcher
12/8
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Michael Peck
12/8
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Daniel Hubbard
12/12
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Ed Langness
12/13
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Mary Wright (Haines)
12/13
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Letter From the Pastor
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What do the candles in our Advent wreath mean?
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The Advent wreath, four candles on a wreath....
More...
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Small World Preschool Update
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The weather is changing and the holidays are coming.
Read more...
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 Find out what's happening in
Maturing Ministries,
COSROW, and
Hospitality Committee.
More...
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12 ideas for the 12 days of Christmas
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Letter from Pastor Melissa
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The Call of Christmas
Many times in life it seems that God is silent. That God does not speak into our everyday lives and help us on this journey. Yet, when Christmas time comes, many opportunities arise for us to listen to the call of God through reliving that first Christmas. The Prophet Isaiah proclaimed, "For a child has been born for us a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Might God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His authority shall grow continually, and there shall be endless peace for the throne of David and his kingdom. He will establish and uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time onward and forevermore." This Christmas proclamation reminds us that God moved into the world in a self-giving, world transforming manner. That self-giving transformational flow of God is still changing lives today.
Our focus this Advent & Christmas season is allowing our traditions to become conduits of God's powerful message of radical self-giving transforming the world. As we worship Jesus, as we engage in special events like the Christmas Concert, The Living Nativity, and as we give of ourselves in mission, we can be about the transformation of the world into a place of peace and joy.
Doing our part to transform the world, we are again gifting Bibles to those who want them at our Christmas Eve services. Yet, different this year, you will be given an opportunity to write a personal note to the person who will receive the Bible as well as pray over it. We will prepare our Bibles in between services on Dec. 11 and Dec. 18. In addition to giving Bibles, we are praying about doing a miracle offering of tithing a portion of the Christmas offering to a charity - that means we would give 10% of our Christmas Eve offering to a charity. Please be in prayer for our leadership as we ponder this bold move of giving.
Another way you can give to transform the world is sharing the gift of your Church with others by inviting them to our events and worship. Cards/fliers will be provided in the Narthex with all our events, which you can use to share the information with others. Also by simply sharing a FB post, it will help others know the events and worship that have the potential to enrich and deepen their faith. We pray for all to be blessed by the Advent and Christmas message of hope, peace, joy and love.
Be Blessed,
Pastor Melissa
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New Sermon Series!
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Many times in life it seems that God is silent. That God does not speak into our everyday lives and help us on this journey. Yet, when Christmas time comes, many opportunities arise for us to listen to the call of God through reliving that first Christmas. The Prophet Isaiah proclaimed, "For a child has been born for us a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Might God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His authority shall grow continually, and there shall be endless peace for the throne of David and his kingdom. He will establish and uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time onward and forevermore." This Christmas proclamation reminds us that God moved into the world in a self-giving, world transforming manner. That self-giving transformational flow of God is still changing lives today. Santa Clarita UMC's focus this Advent & Christmas season is "The Call of Christmas" starting November 27, the first Sunday in Advent. We invite you to gather in worship with us at 9am or 11am to listen to what God is calling out to us in this Christmas season.
Sunday, Dec. 4, A Small Town Girl, Don't Stop Believing Psalm 72: 1-7 & 18-19 & Luke 1:26-38
Sunday Dec. 11, The Other Joseph's Dream Psalm 146:5-10 & Matthew 1:18-25
Sunday Dec. 18, I Can't Believe My Eyes Luke 2:1-20
Sunday Dec. 25, Celebrate The Gift, Blessing of the Toys & Carol Singing (11 am only)
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What do the candles in our Advent wreath mean?
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The Advent wreath, four candles on a wreath of evergreen, is shaped in a perfect circle to symbolize the eternity of God. In some churches, four purple candles, one for each week in Advent, are used with one larger white candle in the middle as the Christ candle. Other churches prefer three purple or blue candles with one candle being rose or pink, to represent joy.
While the Advent wreath with its four candles did bring light to churches, it was not to illuminate the interior as much as to symbolize the coming of Christ. The Advent wreath began in the time of the Protestant reformer Martin Luther.
During each Sunday of the Advent season, we focus on one of the four virtues Jesus brings us: Hope, Love, Joy and Peace. Others consider the lighting of the first candle to symbolize expectation, while the second symbolizes hope, the third joy and the fourth purity. The Christ candle is lit on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day reminding Christians that Jesus is the light of the world. The order and exact wording vary among churches, but the wreath continually reminds us of whom we are called to be as followers of Jesus.
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Upcoming Events
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Small World Preschool Update
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The weather is changing and the holidays are coming. Both of these exciting experiences are felt in the preschool classroom and in the curriculum.
The Small World children spread some early holiday cheer by visiting the Maturing Ministries. Our time together was such a hit for all the generations that we plan on returning this month again to sing some Christmas carols!
To help children recognize the less fortunate this holiday season, the preschool held a food drive for the Santa Clarita Food Panty. The week before Thanksgiving, the children proudly filled our collection basket to the top!!
All the children enjoyed a Thankful Feast with their classmates in November. The younger children all brought different snacks to share and our older children made yummy homemade apple sauce that they enjoyed with some cornbread. Turkey crafts and decorated hats were on display while Pastor Melissa visited for Chapel. She read a story about the first Thanksgiving and helped the children understand what the words "Thankful" and "Blessing" mean. When asked what the children were thankful for, there were many different response, a favorite answer was from a 4 year old boy, he was thankful for dinosaurs. Merry Christmas from all the staff and children at Small World Preschool.
- Michelle Moyer
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What's Happening
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- December 9 we will be entertained by the preschoolers singing Christmas songs followed by lunch.
Dec 23 - a Christmas Party!
Joyful Bible Study - During the Advent season we enjoy one anothers friendship by having brunch together and meet in homes or restaurants during our Tuesday meeting time. A special time of blessing that we share.
Hospitality - meets December 14th to discuss the Christmas Eve service as we will again be sharing cookies and hot cocoa before and after the 5 pm and 9 pm services.
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J.A.M. Club
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Point your kids in the right direction-
when they're old they won't be lost
I love this version of Proverbs 22:6 from The Message. We are to point our children in the right direction. WOW, church family as the new kid on the block, I must tell you, the compass of SCUMC is pointed at God. I am impressed by all the kids. However, I want to share with you something that happened in the younger elementary class on my first Sunday. Their lesson was towards the end of the story of Moses. As I was talking to them I started to ask questions about what they have learned so far about the story. They never missed a beat, they told me the whole story WITH details. That, my friends, is due to our incredible volunteers. Thank you for taking time from your schedule to prepare and teach what I believe to be the most important members, we are looking at the future. If you have never had the opportunity to work with our children, let me share a secret with you; you are missing out. Come talk to me, there is always something to do, and I promise you will be doubly blessed.
I want to thank Marianne Smith, and the rest of the crew that made my transition so easy. I look forward to the coming days, weeks, and months. If you see me walking around, stop me, introduce yourself and say hi. I promise not to pressure you too hard about working with our children.
In this Advent season as you look at our children, remember, you are looking at the face of the Christ Child. Hug them, treasure them and enjoy their presence.
- Kristi Smith
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Youth Ministries
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12/11 -
Christmas Concert
@ 6pm
12/16 - Youth Movie Day! -
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
Time TBA
12/18 - UMYF Christmas Party/White Elephant Gift Exchange
7-10pm (note: time has changed from original calendar!)
12/25 - No UMYF - Merry Christmas!!!
As always, those nights of our UMYF we also have
Messengers practice @4:15pm and Family Fun Night Dinner @5pm.
Every Tuesday our youth can join us for Life Groups where we split into boys and girls and talk about the issues that affect our youth directly.
4:30pm - 5:30pm - Meet in the church office first!
Want youth text updates? We send out regular blasts with updates, changes, and just info in general!
Adults: text @scumyadult to the phone number 81010
Youth: text @bgons to the phone number 81010
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12 ideas for the 12 days of Christmas
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The twelve days we sing about in that crazy song, are a real season, sometimes called Christmastide or the days after Christmas. During this season, we continue to celebrate the birth of Jesus, the Word of God made flesh who made his home among us (John 1:14 CEB).
To help celebrate the season, here are 12 creative, simple ideas that have nothing to do with partridges or lords-a-leaping.
Have a silent night
One evening, turn off everything electronic and share Christmas memories. Go through old photos. Watch family movies (you might need to turn on the television for that). Ask others to tell of their favorite family Christmas tradition, and a joy-filled memory of a Christmas past. Spend a few moments talking about the Christmas story and the characters with whom you most relate.
Sing the songs of Christmas
We sing many Christmas carols without thinking much about the words. Take some time to
research the lyrics of songs as you sing them. Where is the author biblically accurate? Where did she or he take poetic license? This is a great way to learn the biblical accounts of the Christmas story and some of the symbolism used.
Remember the refugees
One of the crises in our world this year is the
number of refugees risking their lives to leave war-torn nations to find places of safety and peace. If a church or another organization in your area is sponsoring refugees, like
this United Methodist congregation, find out how you can help. Offer your support and prayers.
Additionally, make efforts to be a person of radical hospitality by welcoming the stranger, giving food to the hungry, visiting church members who do not get out, and opening your home to family and friends who are alone.
Don't return-give
Rather than returning the ugly sweater you'll never wear or the kitchen gadget you'll never use, give it away! Many places and individuals will benefit from those unwanted items. The sweater will keep someone warm, and the gadget will be sold in a secondhand store to generate funds for a ministry.
Pray through your un-decorating
As you put away the Christmas decorations, consider the symbols of the
tree and evergreens, the
nativity, the
wreath, and more. Pray that those these signs may get packed away for 11 months, the spirit of Christ will continue to be alive in you throughout the year ahead.
Travel by a different route
The Christmas story contains several journeys-
Mary visits Elizabeth, Mary and
Joseph travel to be taxed, the Wise Men follow
the star to Bethlehem, and Jesus and his family move to Egypt when King Herod orders the slaughter of baby boys. Many of us go on special journeys over Christmas, in addition to the time we spend in the car every day.
Consider traveling by a different route. Maybe that means taking the back way home from work or stopping by that roadside attraction as you return from Grandmother's house. Let the new journey remind you that we are to follow Jesus wherever he leads.
Have mealtime devotions
Each of the 12 days of Christmas, spend some time during a meal for family reflection. Ask questions. Share concerns. Tell stories. Give thanks. Sense the presence of Jesus among you.
Those of us privileged to live in places where we are free to pursue our faith sometimes forget there are people in other places whose celebrations of Christmas could come at the cost of their freedom or lives. Read about
Christians being persecuted for their faith in places like Syria and Nigeria, a pastor recently imprisoned in North Korea, and others. Then take some special time to
pray for them.
Record aha moments
Christmas can be a time of important moments you do not want to forget. A quiet moment with a relative may remind you of the importance of family. A worship service may give you new insight into how to live as a follower of Jesus. A frustrating experience in a store may encourage you to be more patient. Write those insights some place you can return in the weeks and months ahead for a reminder.
Plant a tree
At Christmas, we celebrate the gift of new, eternal life we have received in Christ. The evergreen trees we decorate are a symbol of everlasting life. Planting a tree or
caring for the earth in another way can serve as a wonderful reminder of our call to be people who celebrate life.
Begin a faithful intention
Many people make New Year's Resolutions to lose weight or give up an unhealthy habit. Consider a
faithful intention this year to help you grow in your spiritual life. Rather than waiting until January 1 to begin, start during the Christmas season.
Be a person of peace
We may not be able to do much to promote world peace, but we have the power to make the world around us more peaceful. Spend the twelve days of Christmas practicing ways you can eliminate harsh words, anger, and other negative attitudes from your life.
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