UMCTO Connect
Saturday, March 6, 2021
The Weekly Eblast of News & Newsmakers from UMCTO
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Sermon:
"The Sin of Sloth
and the Ever-Working Savior"
Rev. Anna Mulford
Based on John Mabaray’s book
“The Seven Deadly Sins and Spiritual Transformation.”
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Scripture: Romans 12:3-13
3 For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of yourself more highly than you ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned.
4 For as in one body we have many members, and not all the members have the same function,
5 so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually we are members one of another.
6 We have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us: prophecy, in proportion to faith;
7 ministry, in ministering; the teacher, in teaching;
8 the exhorter, in exhortation; the giver, in generosity; the leader, in diligence; the compassionate, in cheerfulness.
Marks of the True Christian
9 Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good;
10 love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor.
11 Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord.
12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer.
13 Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers.
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MARCH 14TH IS UMCOR SUNDAY! |
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If you would like to learn more about UMCOR
and make a donation, click the red UMCOR Button above
and "See what we accomplish together"!
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We would like to thank all of you who took the time to fill out the Spiritual Gifts Survey. Thank you for sharing your gifts with us. We are excited to embark in this journey of discovering our Spiritual Gifts. This is a faithful way to partake in the ministry of the United Methodist Church of Thousand Oaks as we fulfill our vision statement to
“ In Jesus: Love, Grow and Serve.”
Thank You Again.
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2021 Lenten Study with Pastor Anna
Third Session This Monday!
Read Chapter 3
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Monday Nights at 7pm
February 22nd - March 29th
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Pastor Anna would like to invite you to join her on Monday Nights at 7pm for the 2021 Lenten Study, "Seven Words: Listening to Christ from the Cross". Please find the Zoom Link below to attend.
In order to safely distribute books during the pandemic, we ask that you purchase your books directly from the seller. You will find information regarding purchasing the book either in paperback or Kindle version listed below with hotlinks to either Cokesbury.com or Amazon.com. See you at the study!
Title: Seven Words: Listening to Christ from the Cross
By: Rev. Susan Robb
Study dates: February 22 to March 29 (Mondays)
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Via: Zoom (link is below)
Description of the study:
Rev. Susan Robb’s “Seven Words: Listening to Christ from the Cross” guides us to look at Christ’s final words on the cross from a Biblical and historical perspective, showing how we can find life and hope in them.
UMCTO Admin is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: Lenten Study 2021
Time: Feb 22, 2021 07:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
Every week on Mon, until Mar 29, 2021, 6 occurrence(s)
Feb 22, 2021 07:00 PM
Mar 1, 2021 07:00 PM
Mar 8, 2021 07:00 PM
Mar 15, 2021 07:00 PM
Mar 22, 2021 07:00 PM
Mar 29, 2021 07:00 PM
Please download and import the following iCalendar (.ics) files to your calendar system.
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 831 4075 8911
Passcode: 715935
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Dial by your location
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Meeting ID: 831 4075 8911
Passcode: 715935
Book Description:
Examine the last seven words of Christ on the cross this Lent.
The most difficult part of Lent is, of course, contemplating our Savior on the cross: the physical pain, the humiliation, and the undeniable injustice. Our hearts break. It’s natural to try and avoid the reality of how Jesus died, but it is from the cross that Jesus shows his deepest love for us. As Jesus draws his final breath and utters his last words, it is then that his deep trust in the Father and his divine glory are revealed. In Seven Words, Susan Robb looks at Christ’s final words from a biblical and historical perspective, showing how we can find life and hope in them.
To Order:
Seven Words
Listening to Christ from the Cross
Paperback Edition $12.99 ($16.99)
Seven Words
Listening to Christ from the Cross
By Susan Robb
Paperback Edition $15.29
Kindle Edition $ 9.99
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If you are interested in joining the
Monday Prayer Group,
please contact Pastor Anna or Julia Snyder.
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Family of God,
I offer this prayer with perspective.
God of all,
We cry out, how long O Lord. You patiently love us and hold us near.
We have suffered this past year. You have sent yourself- incarnate- to suffer for us.
We see others who need medical care. You see all and care for the heart, mind, body, and soul. You care for everyone, every nation, every region of the globe.
Open our eyes to see everyone as you see them. Open our minds to know you are present- always. Open our hearts to love beyond our capacity.
In the Name of Jesus Christ,
Amen.
Peace for the Journey,
Pastor Jim Powell
NORTH DISTRICT WEEKLY COVENANT PRAYER...
March 7- 14 , 2021
“Pray for the continued mission of the UMC
in the California-Pacific Conference:
To make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.”
UMCTO Church Family
Please Pray For:
Palmdale First UMC
Pastor Jim White & Pastor Jon Gentry
Granada Hills: Knollwood UMC
Pastor Kalesita Tu'ifua
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Words From Membership Care |
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Hi Everyone, UMCTO is full of people who love each other and our community. Unfortunately we have lost many of our church family through death and moving this past year, and have been unable to gather and honor them.
Until we are able to be together, we would love to hear your personal anecdotes and stories about our souls in Heaven, and to those who have moved out of state or the immediate area.
We will put these remembrances all together in a memory book so that we can all enjoy and remember those who brought joy and love to our lives. Perhaps we will be able to share some of these memories via zoom fellowship too! Please send your thoughts and special memories to Julia at jdquilts56@gmail.com
Looking forward to reading and compiling this booklet. What a wonderful way to share our heartwarming and special memories with the new or young families we have in our faith community.
Love and Blessings,
Julia Snyder
Membership Care
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SAVE THE DATE
March 14th from 2 - 3 pm
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Hi Church Family!
Our wonderful Heidi & John Kane are moving to Prescott, Arizona and we would like to send them off with all our love! Heidi has been a dynamo volunteer here UMCTO for over 20 years!!! Her dedication, humor and warm heart will be greatly missed!
So, mark your calendars for Sunday March 14, from 2-3 p.
We will be doing a Farewell Drive-Thru in the UMCTO parking lot.
No gifts please, but cards are great!
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UPCOMING UMCTO BLOOD DRIVES
Mark Your Calendars! It's 3 Weeks Away!
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Dates for the 2021 Blood Drives are March 27, July 24, November 20
You can sign up today for any or all of these at:
Just enter 8921 as the sponsor code or type in United Methodist Church of Thousand Oaks at the sponsor name prompt.
Announcing
Erica Whalen as the new UMCTO Blood Drive Coordinator
Please contact her with any questions.
Thank You
Heidi Kane for your many years of faithful service to this Ministry!!!
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SAVE THE DATE 3/14
FOR VIRTUAL 2021 CROP WALK!
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Virtual 2021 CROP Walk is Coming!
Mark you calendars for Sunday, March 14th
43rd Annual Conejo Valley CROP Walk
Facebook@conejovalleycropwalk
This year we are walking "virtually" in smaller groups. The need is great as always, maybe even more so.
Food insecurity is a big problem with COVID19 disproportionately hitting disadvantaged groups. We have been blessed to have some government support for our needy but the lines for our food banks continues to grow. For instance the Harvest food distribution program, currently administered by Westminster Free Clinic from our church went from serving around 200 families a week before the pandemic up to 400 at the peak. Now it is 300 families a week and dropping too slowly.
Let's walk the week of March 14 to raise awareness of the need, not just around the world but in our own communities!
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Due to the Covid-19 Epidemic
There's been some changes in the way our phone works!
When you call our main Church main line (805) 495-7215,
the call is transferred to Rosalind Gallup's Home Office. That way, our Office Administrator can assist you from the safety of her home. You may leave a message on the machine if need be, but as she is sheltering in place, it is very likely she will answer even in the off hours.
If you need to reach someone who is physically in the Church Office or if you wish to leave a message on the Pastor's Voice Mail, you can call the Church's second phone line (805)495-0759.
Please contact Rosalind (24/7) on the Church phone line
(805) 475-7215 if you need urgent assistance. She will get you in touch with Pastor Anna right away, or during church hours to set up an appointment to speak with Pastor Anna.
To Reach Other Staff Members by Cell:
Rev. Anna Mulford....(805) 495-0759 (Senior Pastor)
Pastor's Voice Mail can be reached - Ext. #301
pastorannamulford@umcto.org
Patty Cogles..............(918) 568-7597 (Youth Ministries)
Jordan Duke..............(323) 810-1450 (Worship Arts/Music)
Amy Eads..................(805) 410-2027 (Children's Ministry)
Maria Reyes..............(805)300-1607 (Multicultural/Messy Church)
Mitch Schrader..........(805) 551-3867 (Facilities Manager)
Julia Snyder..............(805)231-6122 ( Membership Care)
Rosalind Gallup........(805)495-7215 (Office Administration)
Romy Brubaker........(530)401-6680 (Church Organist)
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WHAT'S NEW
With The Youth Work Crew?
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UMCTO YOUTH MENTORING PROGRAM |
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This week a Leanne Petras from T.O. Youth Employment Agency
joined the Youth Work Crew to share her knowledge regarding the job market and job opportunities. She also shared her expertise regarding honing your life skills and professional skills towards finding a great job and future career. Thank you Leanne for your generosity!
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March 2nd was a great day! We had Brandon, team lead Jesus, Josh,
Gabriel and now Ezekiel! We painted 1st coat on all columns in quad, continued with pew upholstery, finished cleaning rain gutters, painted water stained ceiling and the wall of room 11.
Today Big Thanks to Susan & Mike Ambrose,
they sponsored lunch & brought pizzas!
Anyone else want to sponsor a lunch, please reach out to me or Mitch. We will clue you in on what these young men like. We keep lunch simple and no fuss. All you need to do is just bring the main dish, and we provide all condiments spoons, forks, chips, drinks and dessert for our hard workers.
Again, open invite to anyone who wants to come out be part of our team, learn about tools and do cool projects for our church.
-Bruce and Mitch
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Drop off donations
on Tuesdays 3-5pm
at the Nursery Rooms
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Loving Arms is a group that is using it's ministry
to say Thank You to our Medical Workers and Senior Care Workers.
They have been putting together snack bags for these silent heroes who give so much of themselves on the frontlines of this pandemic.
The volunteers of Loving Arms have made Thank You Banners to put
up around Los Robles Hospital to encourage and thank our Medical Workers.
Keep wrapping your "Loving Arms" around them and let them know that we all appreciate them!!!
If you would like to volunteer or donate to the Loving Arms Project, contact Tracy Diestal or Amy Eads.
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If you haven't already,
check out the 3/6/21 Update Eblast
on "Loving Arms"
I sent out earlier today.
Tracy Diestal has written a lovely letter about the wonderful things the group are doing!
- Rosalind
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WEEKLY OFFERINGS OR GIFTS
TO UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OF THOUSAND OAKS
If you would like to make an online gift,
please use the link on our website.
Website Giving Instructions:
Click on this link www.umcto.org to give through the church website, using the PayPal online donation button. It’s a safe and easy way to give any time, and you don’t need to have a PayPal account to donate. As with all online giving there are transaction processing fees incurred by the church for each donation; please consider increasing your donation by 3% to cover these fees.
Alternatively you can use your bank’s online bill pay service or mail checks directly to the church. Even though the church office is not open, the mail is still being collected from our locked mailbox regularly.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to email us back and we’d be happy to assist you further. Thank you for your generosity and partnering with us to build the kingdom.
See you on Sunday (online)!
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As God said,
We are not alone.
We belong to Him.
He loves us, we need not fear.
This pandemic has and is challenging for all,
losing that physical touch, having to isolate from loved ones, friends, even college and jobs.
In these times of uncertainty, we must keep our faith ,trust, and hope
in our Heavenly Father.
We must pray and be patient.
Our Stephen Ministers have not been silent,
our visits have been restricted due to the pandemic,
but we have been continually praying for our Church,
healthcare workers, first responders, the sick, the lonely,
the list goes on. If you would like someone to pray for or with you,
Stephen Ministry is here.
You may contact: Susan Ruwhui #818-665-8033
or Dianne Clouter #805-990-8762.
God Bless
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A Request For Prayers & Assistance |
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Hi Church family!
I am highlighting several organizations that are doing amazing work for our community. All have stepped up and changed their "typical" practices in order to meet the huge needs during COVID.
The physical, spiritual, and emotional needs of clients and leaders are high! Please do whatever you can to pray for, volunteer for, advocate for, and/or give financially to any of these organizations.
Peace, Paz,
Dori Fotsch
(805) 402-2100.
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Prayers for Denise Cortes!
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Prayers for Lilian Mendoza!
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Prayers for Lisa Safaeinilli!
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Prayers for Andrea Gallagher!
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Dear Friends of Harbor House,
We are embarking on an exciting new program!
After several years in the trenches with those who struggle most in our community, it became clear to the staff that we needed to go deeper into the causes of homelessness. We discovered that an astounding 36% of California foster youth become homeless within 18 months of aging out of the system. 46% do not graduate from high school and less than 3% earn a college degree.
In 2012 a new law was enacted enabling these youth to continue to receive benefits from the state until they are 21, as long as they are going to school and/or working. After they exit the foster care system, they can enter a transitional living house where they can continue to learn life skills and benefit from mentoring, while still receiving financial assistance. However, Ventura County tells us there is a dire need for adequate transitional houses run by people willing to help kids land on their feet after years of abandonment, trauma, and neglect. There are currently 187 youth that are eligible for this type of home in our county alone, but no space available.
Harbor House would like to contribute to the lives of these young people. We have received the most generous gift from one of our largest donors, who bought a house that will become transitional housing for former foster youth. We will begin by housing six young men ages 18-21 and will open our doors to them on March 1, 2021.
At this transitional home with the help of our case managers, they can finish high school, begin college, get job experience, or get a driver’s license. They can learn how to create a budget, open a bank account and pay bills. These are skills that our average 40-year-old client has never acquired, and we find it is often these seemingly simple things that create the largest barriers for those we work with.
We hope you share the joy and excitement we feel at the hope of this home for young people who need a caring and nurturing home in which to learn some of life’s most important lessons
around successful, independent living. We ask you to join with us in asking God’s blessings on this project and on the young people it will serve.
Denise Cortes
Executive Director
Harbor House
“There comes a point where we need to stop just pulling people out of the river. We need to go upstream and find out why they’re falling in.”
Archbishop Desmond Tutu
We are naming our Transitional Home Pi House after a love of Pi from our donors family. Pi is also known as the number 3.14159...a number that has digits that go on forever like how hope will be endless at Pi House.
Our Harbor House 2020
Volunteers of the Year
Mike Lynch and Cathy Nas
These two volunteers have gone above and beyond to help Harbor House meet the needs of our neighbors, especially in this last year where we had so many hurdles to overcome. We are forever grateful for their volunteer work during these trying times.
We thank all of our Harbor House volunteers, because without you, we would not be able to keep all of our programs running. The volunteers are the heart of our organization!
Our meal program is running every day of the week. We have sign ups available until the end of April right now. Drop off is from 4:00-4:30 PM and pick-up is from 4:30-5:30 PM Our usual meal providers are bringing meals about half of the month and we are working to fill all of the dates. If you are interested in providing a hot meal for 50, please send me an e-mail sgroenveld@harborhouseto.org. I would love to work with you and your group in providing a hot dinner.
We have an Amazon Wish List that is available if you would like to help contribute items to our program. One of our needs right now is for sleeping bags.
Our buttons are below for sign up.
The Crop Hunger Walk is going to go on this year virtually. You can walk during the week of March 14 and help to raise money for Church World Services with 25% of the funds raised staying in our local community benefiting Manna, Meals on Wheels and Harbor House.
Donate to Harbor House
These are tough times for so many families and individuals. We are seeing more families becoming sick with the Covid-19 virus and not being able to work. Donations to Harbor House can help with rental and utility assistance, putting someone in a motel temporarily or helping with a car repair so a person can make it to work.
Please consider donating to us and know that your funds will go to helping those who are most fragile in our local community. We work very hard to keep our administrative costs as low as possible. Any size donation will be greatly appreciated. All gifts are tax deductible, our tax ID# is 38-4100881. Please click on the link below or you can mail a check to:
Harbor House
430 E. Avenida de Los Arboles, Suite 203A
Thousand Oaks, CA 91360
Thank you!
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Attention Seniors (60yrs+) !!!
Emergency Food Assistance
Information & Intake Application (See Link Below)
Are You Disabled?
There is a food program that you qualify for here
regardless of age!
Effective 04/27/2020, Ventura County Area Agency on Aging
is accepting applications online.
VCAAA is offering Ventura County residents the following food service options at no cost:
1. Food Delivery Box-
28-day meal box with a combination of shelf stable options and produce. Boxes are delivered twice monthly; full-service delivery or door-to-car pick-up option available,
2. Senior Nutrition Meals-
Daily single meal pick-up or home delivered option. Offered Monday through Friday. Includes a frozen or fresh cooked meal (varies by cities).
3. Restaurant Meal Delivery-
Three meals daily from local restaurants.
Please click the link below for more Information about qualifications and the Intake Form.
You can also call: Senior Concerns at 805.497.0189
and they will give you the person to help you fill it out over the phone.
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For those of you who are looking for a job, the Church Office has been contacted with with a request for people who would be interested in a position as a Part-Time Care-Giver.
There also is one Full-Time Position as a Nurse Case Manager
for a Care Giving company. Experienced nursing experience needed. Must be an LVN or BSN or RN.
Please contact Rosalind in the Church Office for more information.
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Healing - Comfort
Nancy Berry
Jane Blackwelder
Larry Brown
Jonathan Brubaker
Dorothy Burton (Mahannah)
Alex Carillo
Jason Dimberg
Caitlyn Fotsch
Ken Fuentes
Dan Gallup (Rosalind Gallup)
Scott Garrett (Patti Garrett)
Doris Gillespie
June Glasmeier
Harold Family
Ezequiel Hernandez (Reyes)
Jones/Fitzgerald Family
Kinnsch Family
Lucas Family
Fred Marlow
Luis Martinez (Wilson’s)
Vern Miller
Maria Candida Moran
Shirley Moran
Elisamuel Pastrana (Cogles)
Lindsey & Jeff Pietrangelo (Snyder)
Wesley Rabens
Diana Rainer
Harold Ray
Ray Family
Gabriel Roman (Cogles)
Ernesto Santiago
Annie Salerno (Gallup)
Nova Smith (Gramlich)
Sharon Stoterau
Scott Taylor ( Patti Garrett Taylor)
Truman Family
Heather Watts
Evelyn Wellman
Erica Whalen
Bud Wilson
Gloria Wilson
Pam Wilson
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Military
Jessica Chable
Matthew Conden
Chloe Diestel
Natalee Dueber
Jeremy Embree
Kevin Gramlich
Nathan Holloway
Jack Kuenzle
Brock Pooler
Mark Rabens
Wesley Rabens
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With the Lord
Diane Ray - 1/18/2021
(Ray Family)
Private Family Burial to be held.
Celebration of Life will take place in UMCTO Sanctuary
-TBD
Please contact the Church office if you would like the address of
her family to send condolences.
Marianne Harold - 1/1/2021
( Rick Harold, Robin Busker)
Randall (Randy) Harold - 11/10/20
( Rick Harold, Robin Busker)
Shirley Hamilton - 8/21//2020
Celebration of Life
will take place at a later date in UMCTO Sanctuary TBD
Buren (Blackie) Blackwelder - 5/18/2020
(Jane Blackwelder)
Celebration of Life will take place in UMCTO Sanctuary
-TBD
Gary Kinnsch - 5/9/2020
(Melinda Kinnsch)
Celebration of Life will take place in UMCTO Sanctuary
-TBD
Ciara (Cian) Whalen- 5/6/2020
(Erica & Jim Whalen, Eryn and Edward)
Celebration of Life will take place in UMCTO Sanctuary
To Be Determined
Bill Moran - 4/19/2020
(Shirley Moran)
Celebration of Life will take place in UMCTO Sanctuary
-TBD
Francis (Frank) Marion Kirby - 4/12/2020
(Donna Kirby)
Celebration of Life will take place in UMCTO Sanctuary
-TBD
Rosella Cole - 3/30/2020
(Tamara Cole & Scott Cole)
Celebration of Life will take place in UMCTO Sanctuary
-TBD
Mary Francis Apgar- 2/27/2020
(Nancy Fuller)
Celebration of Life is being planned- TBD
UMCTO Sanctuary
Ray Sheen- 2/5/2020
(Lois Sheen)
Celebration of Life TBD
UMCTO Sanctuary
Jerry Eugene Kinnsch- 1/28/20
(Melinda Kinnsch)
Ellie Shubert- 12/19/19
*All Contributions to Memorial Funds can be made out
by check to UMCTO or to the Church's PayPal ( See Website)
with a notation of "Memorial Fund" & the name of the person being honored listed.
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United Methodist Church of Thousand Oaks | 805-495-7215 | 1000 E. Janss Road | umcto.org |
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