October 2017
In This Issue
Upcoming

October 7th
Box City

October 14th
Cornhole Tournament

October 15th
Kids Expo

October 22nd
Small World Sunday

October 29th
Trunk or Treat

Co ming in NOVEMBER:

November 11th
Goodwill Truck

November 18th
Circle of Faith Build


Ministry Links
to Website
Anniversaries
Bruce & Sandy Geyer
10/2

Steve & Phyllis Pemberton
10/3

Richard & Santa Hughes
10/5

Larry & Barbara Small
10/5

David & Sheryl Bass
10/12

Bruce & Donna Norman
10/14

Charlie & Kathy Gray
10/16

Larry & Debbie Gonsalves
10/18

Stephen & Jill Lemnah
10/21

Mac & Diane Ortega
10/23























Birthdays
Conor MacKinnon
10/1

Ryan Pemberton
10/1

McKenzie Welsh
10/2

Scott Gilmore
10/3

Phyllis Rumsey
10/4

Randy Gilpin
10/6

Shannon Cummingham
10/7

Evan Forletta
10/8

Steven Pemberton
10/8

Doug Kreuzberger
10/9

Karen Eldridge
10/10

Bruce Norman
10/10

Sharon Taylor
10/10

Ruth Briggs
10/10

Diane Paterson
10/11

Christine Tavares-Mocha
10/11

Anne Kamps
10/12

David Aponik
10/13

Bob Napoli
10/13

Trisha McCreery
10/16

Mike McPhee
10/17

Barbara Small
10/18

Jenk Stephenson
10/21

Don Fulkerson
10/22

Deborah Phillipsen
10/22

Ron Campbell
10/24

Allen Hardbarger
10/24

Bill Lively
10/24

McKenna Ackerman
9/24

Matthew Heinisch
10/26

Mark Hershey
10/28

Barbara Spencer
10/28

Sydnee Kreuzberger
10/29

Caitlyn Liedtke
10/31




























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Letter From the Pastor
As Santa Clarita United Methodist Church...   Read more...
Family Fun Night
Upcoming Events
Music Ministries
Updates and Wentz's Words of Wisdom...   Read more...
Small World Preschool Update
Updates...    Read more...
What's Happening...
Find out what's happening in Maturing Ministries, COSROW, and Hospitality Committee.   More...
Update in Ministries
J.A.M. Club  -     Read more...

Youth Ministries   Read more...
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Letter from Pastor Melissa
Dear Faith Friends,
 
As Santa Clarita United Methodist Church faithfully follows God's call toward life-changing mission and ministry, God continues to open new doors for us. And with your help, our church family will walk in faith through those doors. On September 23rd, our church saw and heard about how God's been working in our church and our response as we experience exciting possibilities for the future.  We will hear over the course of the month how all the different areas in our church from youth ministires, children, music, outreach and Trustees have been putting God first in their work and all the God moments that have emerged in that work. This year let's focuse on what investment will we make in God's work.
    
What are we willing to share so that the good work of God will continue through each of us and collectively as a faith community so that lives and the world will be changed. You will not want to miss worship and witnessing the wonderful ways God showed up in our church. Or how one child shared with me that they love this church!!

We are made in God's image and are meant to be creators of life and hope. We have the ability to change the world and create a legacy that will live forever in the lives of generations to follow. That legacy starts when each of us takes the hard steps of financial discipline and fulfilling the call to generosity that God has placed in all of us. The goal of this stewardship program is not to make you feel guilty, nor is it to say that you have to be exactly like this or that person. The goal is for all of us to ask questions of ourselves and be open to the possibility that God will lead us in new directions in our lives.  Plan to be part of the exciting future we are creating.
 
A quick note on some of the new exciting ministries:
 
Along with Valencia UMC, we are hosting a new centering meditation group to be held once a month and will start on Oct. 25 at 5:30 in the Sanctuary.
 
Also, we will be starting our new Tween group during Family Fun Night under the leadership of Kristi Smith our Director of Family Ministries and Michelle Farmer. Look for this group to start soon...
 
Just a few new things we are able to do with your support. 

Blessings,
Pastor Melissa
 
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Family Fun Night! 
Don't Miss It!
5:00 pm for Dinner
6:00 pm for Groups!
Men's, Women's,  
Youth & Children's Groups
 
             
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Upcoming Events



Click here to signup for Box City:  
Click here to sign up for cornhole:   www.wolfcreekcornhole.com



             
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Music Ministries



There will be two performances of Faure's Requiem on Sunday, November 5th.  The first will feature the Chancel Choir with organ and piano at the 9am service.  The second performance will take place at 7pm in the Sanctuary, and feature a large combined choir with other area churches, as well as full orchestra with organ and harp.

We are seeking sponsors for Requiem and our Christmas cantata.  Sponsors will be featured in the program.  We are looking for those willing to "sponsor" orchestra members by donating $200 or more designated to "Music Ministries".  Donations under $200 will also be recognized in the program and are greatly appreciated.

Messengers Choir is seeking new and returning members.  They rehearse Sundays from 4-5pm.

The Good News Gang will not meet today, Sunday, October 1st but will resume next week.


------------------------------------------------

" I cannot do everything but still I can do something
- Edward Everett Hale

Our world is suffering.  People around the world are rebuilding after natural disasters.  Folks in the Middle East, Africa, North Korea and other areas are suffering from famine, political turmoil, and war.  There are uprisings each week routed in hatred, prejudice, and all of those "isms" that we've become all too familiar with over the past few years.  So, what can we do in a trouble world?  The answer is clear: we must suffer with those in need.  In fact, there is an important word in the English language that means "to suffer with" - that word is compassion.  Of course, this is easier said than done. We can start by supporting UMCOR, the United Methodist Committee on Relief, or volunteering our time to those in need.  We can also spend time in prayer for those in need, remembering the Passion of Christ, his suffering, as well as our compassion, or suffering with others.  You have a voice.  You have a light.  Go out into this dark world and light the fire of compassion for all to see.

- Dr. Joshua R. Wentz

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Small World Preschool Update
September was a glorious month of discovery and fun. The 4's were busy exploring the deep blue sea and learning about the wonderful creatures that live there. Art projects of squid, sea turtles and blue whales were made and proudly displayed. The 3's enjoyed pretending to be community helpers, some were fire fighters, doctors and mail carriers. Play dough is a daily activity that is offered, fine motor skills are challenged and mastered through this task. The students are practicing songs in chapel and in class in preparation for Small World Sunday this month. Small World will also be participating at the Kids Expo in Santa Clarita later this month and will close the month with fun activities at Trunk or Treat and on campus to enjoy Halloween! Boo!

- Michelle Moyer

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What's Happening
Missions Outreach Feed It Forward

The Bridge to Home Shelter has decided not to close down for the month of November so we have 4 more Tuesdays to bring food. Keep these dates on your calendars: October 3 and 17 and November 7 and 21.  If you have not participated in the program, you might think about doing it now.  Those who have found it to be a great experience to help very thankful people.  We have been given some money to help pay for food so if you are willing to cook but not able to afford the food, talk to Candy on the patio.  The committee would greatly appreciate your assistance.


Family Promise Comes in October

Family Promise will arrive the night of our Trunk or Treat event.  We will be asking them to join us for hot dogs on Sunday but will need food and overnighters for the week. Someone might want to plan a Halloween dinner for the 31st? We continue to have a full program with 14 participants. Monetary donations and sign ups can be made to Candy Holsenbeck-Smith, Chuck Everhart, or members of the Missions Committee at the Outreach table.


COSROW Boutique

Our retreat was a real success and as we look forward to next year we look forward to undertake our major fundraiser for the year:  our November 12 Boutique .  If you attend the retreat or just want others to have that chance, make a donation of food, jewelry, Christmas ornaments, knitting, or any other appropriate gift.  Plates to hold the baked goods will be given out at the COSROW table November 1st. 

In addition, there will be a table for puzzles, books, and games (with all their pieces,please) for the things you are cleaning out to make way for new Christmas surprises.  

Lunch will be served free and all are invited to join us in Fellowship Hall. 

The committee will also have a booth at the Relay for Life Boutique on November 18.  For more information or to sign up for gifts sign up at the COSROW table on Sunday morning.


Alternative Gift Fair

November 19 will be the date of our Alternative Gift Fair for 2017.  What is it?

This is a time to make donations to various charities locally and globally to give to friends and family in their honor.  We furnish you with a card that has a short description of the ministry and a holiday picture on the front.  

You can make donations to Santa Clarita Food Pantry, Family Promise, Habitat for Humanity Santa Clarita Wounded Warrior Village, and more.

Globally we have seen many tragedies from earthquakes and hurricanes and your United Methodist Committee on Relief is there.  Our churches need repairs and families need help to rebuild.  Volunteers help people fill out forms and help with childcare while they take to FEMA workers.  They help get children back to school and help schools to open their doors.  This is another Alternative Gift available.

100% of the money donated goes straight to the organization. Think about who you could honor with an Alternative Gift.


Maturing ministries (M&M) 

Will meet on the 6th and 20th of October in the Fireside Room at 9:30am


Joyful Bible Study Group

Every Tuesday in the Fireside Room at 9:30am.
Studying the Apostle Paul right now.


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J.A.M. Club

Happy Fall!  Things are moving and shaking in Family ministries.  Our next unit for Sunday school is from Shepherd to King.  We will look at the life of  David the Musician - October 1, David and Goliath - October 8, David and Jonathan - October 15, David and Abigail - October 22, and David Dances - October 29.  We are having fun learning about the bible and how to apply the lessons to our lives.

For Family Fun Night we begin the month October 1st Contemporary worship - Hot Dogs and Hamburgers for Dinner.    October 8th will be Breakout groups and a Spaghetti dinner fund raiser hosted by our youth group.   October 15th will be an intergenerational activity featuring blocks for kids, helping us learn the bible through Lego's - Dinner will be Taco Sunday.  October 22 will be another break out group - and a potluck, bring your favorite dish.  The last Sunday of the month will be our Trunk or Treat on the 29th

Speaking of Trunk or treat.  Start thinking of decorating ideas now.  We will start collecting candy and food donations/money October 1st between services.  Please consider giving to this incredible opportunity to reach our community. 

The holiday season is moving in quickly and we are looking forward to sharing God's love and the love of our church family together. 
 
Grace and Peace,
 
Kristi Smith
Director of Family Ministries

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Youth Ministries
Youth October Calendar

Thursday Oct. 5th - Box City Box Construction
(5-8pm)

Saturday Oct. 7th - Sunday Oct. 8th - Box City 
(3pm - 7am Sunday)

Saturday Oct. 28th - Lock-In & Box Maze Construction
(3pm - 10am Sunday)

Sunday Oct. 29th - Trunk or Treat
(3pm - 8pm)


Boxes Needed!!!
Every year during Trunk or Treat, our youth get to put on an amazing event of their own...the SCV Famous Box Maze!!!
To complete this maze and make it better than ever we need your boxes!!!!  All sizes and shapes, we can use them all! Help us make this year the best so far! :)


Goodwill Truck is Coming!
On Saturday, November 11th, our youth are hosting a Goodwill Drive fundraiser to benefit our own youth ministries. We want your gently used stuff! Bring items that day from 9am-Noon to help our youth group out!
Any donations you need to get out of your house before that date can be stored at the church. Contact Brandon (BrandoGonsalves@gmail.com) to arrange. 
Donations we cannot take: large furniture, large electronics, baby toys/supplies.