Like Us on Facebook www.facebook.com/SVLCSimi December Newsletter 2013! Dear Fellow Pilgrims, The Season of Advent marks the beginning of a new year in the Church. It’s a season to prepare to receive our Lord again as we remember the humble beginnings of the babe born in the manger in Bethlehem. Through this preparation time we are reminded how God chooses to meet us in very ordinary ways. Instead of overwhelming us with God’s magnificence, God comes like the seed silently planted that becomes the place where we make our home. Unfortunately, for too many of us, it also means the beginning of the craziest time of the year. While we enjoy getting together with family and friends and all the memories of Christmases past, it can be easy to fall into the trap of commercialism which may keep our economy healthy and vibrant but may come at the cost of missing out on the point of Christmas altogether. I invite you to check out the “Stewardship Corner” section of this newsletter and look for a couple of alternative ways to make this Advent and Christmas season more meaningful by getting outside of ourselves and remembering the holiday isn’t about seeing how much stuff we can acquire or how deeply in debt we can go trying to show someone our love through “stuff”, but by keeping our family close and remembering those among us who go without are also members of our extended family – the family of God. Blessings on your celebrations. May they be filled with time to reflect on the greatest gift and the reason for God becoming human in the first place. I hope to see you in worship. Your Partner in Ministry, Pastor Gary +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ STEWARDSHIP CORNER PREPARING THE WAY The word Advent comes from a Latin word meaning “coming.” These four weeks, which actually begin the church year, are set aside to prepare for the coming incarnation (God coming in human flesh) and also for the final coming of Christ in power and glory. Although Advent is not a mini-Lent, it is a time for self-examination and setting aright those things that call us away from following Jesus. We are particularly called to resist the frenzy of the secular preparations for Christmas and to focus on receiving the Christmas gift in humility and wonder. “In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.” (Isaiah 40:3) In Isaiah’s time, the coming of a king was announced ahead of time and the people literally leveled the road on which the king would travel, getting the rocks out of the way and smoothing the path where it was not level. Notice that Isaiah says to do this in the wilderness and in the desert – in all the places in our lives, not just the ones frequently traveled. Preparing for the coming of the king means dusting out and opening up our entire lives to receive him. We spiffy up the church during December to prepare for those who will visit. How do we prepare ourselves, our souls and bodies to receive the gift of the Christ-child? That is the focus of our Advent Stewardship.
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December Newsletter 2013!
Dear Fellow Pilgrims,
The Season of Advent marks the beginning of a new year in the Church. It’s a season to prepare to receive our Lord again as we remember the humble beginnings of the babe born in the manger in Bethlehem. Through this preparation time we are reminded how God chooses to meet us in very ordinary ways. Instead of overwhelming us with God’s magnificence, God comes like the seed silently planted that
becomes the place where we make our home. Unfortunately, for too many of us, it also means the beginning of the craziest time of the year. While we enjoy getting together with family and friends and all the memories of Christmases past, it can be easy to fall into the trap of commercialism which may keep our economy healthy and vibrant but may come at the cost of missing out on the point of Christmas altogether. I invite you to check out the “Stewardship Corner” section of this newsletter and look for a couple of alternative ways to make this Advent and Christmas season more meaningful by getting outside of ourselves and remembering the holiday isn’t about seeing how much stuff we can acquire or how deeply in debt we can go trying to show someone our love through “stuff”, but by keeping our family close and remembering those among us who go without are also members of our extended family – the family of God. Blessings on your celebrations. May they be filled with time to reflect on the greatest gift and the reason for God becoming human in the first place. I hope to see you in worship. Your Partner in Ministry, Pastor Gary +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
STEWARDSHIP CORNER PREPARING THE WAY
The word Advent comes from a Latin word meaning “coming.” These four weeks, which actually begin the church year, are set aside to prepare for the coming incarnation (God coming in human flesh) and also for the final coming of Christ in power and glory. Although Advent is not a mini-Lent, it is a time for self-examination and setting aright those things that call us away from following Jesus. We are particularly called to resist the frenzy of the secular preparations for Christmas and to focus on receiving the Christmas gift in humility and wonder. “In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.” (Isaiah 40:3) In Isaiah’s time, the coming of a king was announced ahead of time and the people literally leveled the road on which the king would travel, getting the rocks out of the way and smoothing the path where it was not level. Notice that Isaiah says to do this in the wilderness and in the desert – in all the places in our lives, not just the ones frequently traveled. Preparing for the coming of the king means dusting out and opening up our entire lives to receive him. We spiffy up the church during December to prepare for those who will visit. How do we prepare ourselves, our souls and bodies to receive the gift of the Christ-child? That is the focus of our Advent Stewardship.
SPIRITUAL GROWTH THROUGH ADVENT DISCIPLINES Christian disciplines help us to order our lives with the focus on God. During Advent we take time to prepare our hearts to receive the magnificent gift of God in Jesus. The ancient Advent disciplines include prayer, penance, fasting, and alms giving. Concentrate on one of these each week during Advent. Go on the Shepherd of the Valley Facebook page for a daily Advent devotion. Or, if you are not on Facebook, contact the church office with your e-mail address and receive the daily
devotion by e-mail. SPOTLIGHT ON CHILDREN’S MINISTRIES
As we prepare to receive the Christ-child, we will focus on Children’s Ministries during Advent. Our Children’s Ministries include Sunday School, Good Shepherd Lutheran School, Spark, and the Christmas Programs by our Sunday School children and Good Shepherd students.
Plan to celebrate with the children of Good Shepherd as they present their Christmas Program in Eichele Hall on Friday, December 6th at 7:00 pm. Also plan to celebrate with the children of our Sunday School in Eichele Hall on Sunday, December 15th at 9:45 am. Look on the patio for the “Thank you” cards for those who volunteer and staff our Children’s ministries.
FINANCIAL HEALTH – GIVING BEYOND YOUR MEANS Since Care and Share is no longer in existence, we will not be able to have the giving tree as we have in the past. Consider a gift to the Action Foundation to provide toys, clothing items and/or food for those families in our community who are less fortunate.
REACHING OUT
A number of children in Simi Valley and across the nation are food deprived. Some children only receive one full meal a day through the School Meal program at their schools. But what happens on weekends when school is not in session and a healthy meal is not available?
A $10 donation fills a backpack with healthy and easy to prepare food given to these children for weekend meals. This ensures each child at least one full meal
each day of the weekend. This project is sponsored by ELCA World Hunger. See the flyer in the bulletin on Sundays during Advent to make your donation for the project.
GOD’S CREATION During Advent we prepare to receive our Lord Jesus who came to us being born to a refugee family far from home. As a refugee did Mary have the items she needed to care for her newborn? Sarah’s House works with new mothers and soon-to-be mothers. On December 15th please bring a baby blanket to add to the offering and all blankets will be given to Sarah’s House so that these mothers may be ready to receive their babies and keep them warm. What part of God’s creation is more important than a newborn?
Christmas Eve services 5:00-Family service
7:30-Candlelight service 9:30-Candlelight service
Please note, there will not be an 11:00 Candlelight service this year.
CONFIRMATION FOR YOUTH GRADES 6-8th Confirmation classes will resume on Wednesday, December 4th. Please meet in Eichele Hall at 7:00 pm class will last until 8:15 pm.
We, “Kent Keith and his family” Thank you so much for your prayers the last few months.
We know nothing helps as much as prayer and we can’t express how much we have
appreciated yours. Kent is finished with his treatments and is now on his way to recovery.
Again, thank you so very much, our love & blessings to all of you, Kent Keith and family.
Dear friends and family,
If there are friends and loved ones whom you would like to have prayers for, or military persons
on active duty, please contact the church office at 526-7577and we will list them in our bulletin
and newsletter.
REMEMBER IN PRAYER…Good Shepherd Lutheran School, our youth and church leaders
Undergoing cancer therapy Gary Lee Boswell (son of Gloria Holst), Dante Ferrari (Ilene Morton’s grandson),
Under convalescent or hospice care: Tim Simpson (Min Simpson’s son), Rev. James Sherrill & Mae Maddoax
(Cathie Badillo’s aunt &uncle), Craig Wells
Undergoing surgery, various tests, treatments, recuperating and continued comfort Connie Kieffer-Collins, John Yanuklis, Brian Faunce (Barry & Linda Watters’ son-in-law),
Brian Pierret (Dorothy Fee’s son), Jeanne Shafer, Jean Schlosser, Mel Heier, Dorothy Bright, Madison Franks,
Priscilla Thompson, Kent Keith, Sue & Mike Wedemeyer
Congratulations to Shane Denning who retired from the Army after 22 years. Thank you for
your prayers and support. Please continue your prayers for all the service branches and service
personnel.
Our Military Personnel now serving: Joe Anderson, Dan Balaun, David Bond, Jeffrey C.A. Bower,
Wayne Combs, Tyson and Blake Crosby, Nisha Dean, Richard Deobler,
Robert Deobler, Travis Girard, Nick Goldsmith, Jorden Gutowski,
Mike Hultman, Michael Kidd, Frank King, Chris Labelle, Brian Lowen, John Parker,
Brian Richardson, Jonathan Scholberg, Raymond Schooler, Captain Ted Slocum, Cpl Brett Tyre,
Sgt Elliott Van Marion, Thomas Weaver, Matthew Wilkins.
The congregation of Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church thanks you for your service.
************************************************* Still Waters Café invites you to share a free community meal every
Thursday at 5:00 p.m.
The café is located at 4191 Cochran Street.
For more information please call 805-526-7577
“A dining service to those who are suffering economic hardship,
homelessness or who are lonely and wish to have a dining companion”
Amenities at the café:
Mealtime is served beginning at 5:00p.m.–7:00 p.m. every Thursday.
Fresh home cooked meal served in a family atmosphere with home style table settings.
To go snack bags are offered.
Highchairs and booster seats are available for the younger family members.
There are wheelchair accessible entrances and bathrooms available.
Prayer requests can be satisfied.
Volunteers are always needed - please contact Ray @ 805-527-4061
MEN’S BIBLE STUDY AND BREAKFAST CONTINUES NEXT GATHERING:
SATURDAY, January 25th 2014 9:00 AM IN EICHELE HALL
Hello! The season of Christmas is here. Woohoo. I hope all the elementary, middle school, high school, and college
students can be involved with what is going on at Shepherd Of The Valley this month. If you have not been to SVLC in a
while, I would love to see you. Remember to stay warm and please invite your friends to what we have going on this
month.
Elementary:
Spark – We will meet Wednesday December 4th
and 11th
at our regular times from 6:30-7:45pm. On December
18th
we will meet at a different time and place. No Spark on December 25th
!
Sunday School – We will meet on Sunday December 1st and 8
th from 9:45-10:30am to make a nativity craft and
to go over the Christmas songs. No Sunday School on December 22nd
and 29th
.
Babysitting Night – We will have a babysitting night at SVLC on Saturday, December 14th
from 5-10pm. This
is an outreach opportunity to people with kids in the community. Cost for the night is $5 to cover food and a
drink.
Christmas Performance –The kids at SVLC will be singing Christmas songs on Sunday, December 15th
from
9:45-10:45am in the Eichele Hall.
Christmas Youth Party – We will have a Christmas party for all youth Elementary – College at Marc and Niki
Mohr’s house on Wednesday, December 18th
from 7-8:30pm. We will have hot cocoa, hot apple cider,
brownies, and cookies. We will be going Christmas caroling in the neighborhood, so dress warmly. Prizes will
be awarded for best Christmas dressed and for the person who brings the most friends. Address: 6332 Dana
Ave, Simi Valley 93063. Elementary 3rd
-5th
grade Winter Camp $150 due this night. They will be going
January 17th
-19th
.
Middle School:
Confirmation – We will meet Wednesday December 4th and 11
th at our regular times from 7-8:15pm. On December 18
th
we will meet at a different time and place. No confirmation on December 25th!
Sunday School & Chat – We will meet on Sunday, December 1st for Sunday School from 9:45-10:30am in the youth
room and on Sunday, December 8th from 9:45-10:30am for Sunday Chat at McDonalds. We will not meet for Sunday
School or Sunday Chat on December 15th, 22
nd, or 29
th.
Babysitting Night – We will have a babysitting night at SVLC on Saturday, December 14th from 5-10pm. This is an
outreach opportunity to people with kids in the community. Sign-up to help.
Christmas Performance –The middle school youth at SVLC will be singing Christmas songs on Sunday, December 15th
from 9:45-10:45am in the Eichele Hall. Practice will be Sunday, December 1st and 8
th from 11-11:30am in the Eichele
Hall.
Christmas Youth Party – We will have a Christmas party for all youth Elementary – College at Marc and Niki Mohr’s
house on Wednesday, December 18th from 7-8:30pm. We will have hot cocoa, hot apple cider, brownies, and cookies.
We will be going Christmas caroling in the neighborhood, so dress warmly. Prizes will be awarded for best Christmas
dressed and for the person who brings the most friends. Address: 6332 Dana Ave, Simi Valley 93063.
High School:
Youth Group – We will meet Wednesday December 4th and 11
th at our regular times from 8-9:30pm. On December 18
th
we will meet at a different time and place. No youth group on December 25th!
Babysitting Night – We will have a babysitting night at SVLC on Saturday, December 14th from 5-10pm. This is an
outreach opportunity to people with kids in the community. Sign-up to help.
Christmas Youth Party – We will have a Christmas party for all youth Elementary – College at Marc and Niki Mohr’s
house on Wednesday, December 18th from 7-8:30pm. We will have hot cocoa, hot apple cider, brownies, and cookies.
We will be going Christmas caroling in the neighborhood, so dress warmly. Prizes will be awarded for best Christmas
dressed and for the person who brings the most friends. Address: 6332 Dana Ave, Simi Valley 93063.
Youth Band – We will have youth band practice from 12-1:15pm on December 1st and December 15
th. On December
29th we will play for the 8:30am and 9:45am services.
College/Young Adult:
Babysitting Night – We will have a babysitting night at SVLC on Saturday, December 14th from 5-10pm. This is an
outreach opportunity to people with kids in the community. Sign-up to help.
Christmas Youth Party – We will have a Christmas party for all youth Elementary – College at Marc and Niki Mohr’s
house on Wednesday, December 18th from 7-8:30pm. We will have hot cocoa, hot apple cider, brownies, and cookies.
We will be going Christmas caroling in the neighborhood, so dress warmly. Prizes will be awarded for best Christmas
dressed and for the person who brings the most friends. Address: 6332 Dana Ave, Simi Valley 93063.
Youth Band – We will have youth band practice from 12-1:15pm on December 1st and December 15
th. On December
29th we will play for the 8:30am and 9:45am services.
College/Young Adult Group – We will meet for college/young adult group on Sunday, December 22nd
from 8-9:30pm.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
With the SVLC Youth Band These kids rock!!
Vocals: Miranda Westerdoll & Tyler Gearhart
Drums: Jacob Gearhart
Keyboard: Victoria Hess
Electric Guitar: Greyson Berg
Acoustic Guitar: Marc Mohr- Youth Director
Trumpet/Ukulele: Katie Corrigan
Come experience December 29th
@ 8:30 & 9:45 services If you have hidden talent that you would like to share call
Youth Director Marc Mohr 805-526-7577
Christmas Eve
Parking Security
Volunteers Needed
Shifts available:
5-7p.m. 7:30-9:00p.m. 9:30-11:00p.m.
Please contact Trevor at 805-501-8515
Beep, Beep!
Give thanks to the Lord his goodness endures forever.
One of the best ways to thank God, is daily prayer, you can use a daily devotional or a book of prayers for every
situation read testimonies from those whose prayers were answered – and – be inspired by our awesome God.
Prayer books are available for the younger ones as well or take out a colorful fun book for your child to enjoy.
Please sign the pocket card and leave it in the box. Don’t forget to return your book in 2 weeks so others may
read it, too.
Samaritan Center of Simi Valley
Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church serves a meal to the less
fortunate at the Samaritan Center (located at 280 Royal Ave) on
the 1stWednesday of every month from 4:00-6:00 p.m.
This is an ongoing church service project.
We need volunteers to buy and deliver food to the
Samaritan Center, serve food or donate money.
If you would like to help, please contact Yvonne Baird at 584-2521.
Thank you for your prayers and support for this important ministry.
Ongoing eyeglass ministry One of our charitable ministries is to help disadvantaged people get the
eyeglasses they need to make a living, raise their family and improve their
quality of life. Please collect your old glasses (ask family & friends as well), and bring all the
unneeded eyeglasses to church. Leave them on the table in the narthex or drop them off in the
office. God bless you for helping the less fortunate among us.
It’s that time again! Time - to stop procrastinating and pick up your copy of our vendor’s list immediately.
We feature over 100 shops so you know there is something for everyone.
Let us know what you need to buy-sports, electronics, beauty products, books, music, holiday decorations,
food…you name it.
For the first time we are featuring some $5 and $10 cards, perfect as tips to the mailman, newspaper carrier,
teacher, baby sitter or ? $10 cards are offered by Barnes & Noble and Pizza Hut.
All gift cards are hassle free and stress free shopping.
Now Recruiting, Stephen Ministers.
We are starting a new Stephen Ministry training session in February.
If you would like to enrich your faith and reach out to those in need, we have a
Ministry for you. Talk to any of our present Stephen Ministers and they will gladly tell how much
they have received and benefited through this caring Ministry.
If you are interested, or have any questions please contact
Pastor Gary 805 (526-7577
Jerry Thompson (805) 527-7241
Steve Badillo (805) 526-9641
Marcia Cooley (805) 795-7653
Do you have a need for someone to really LISTEN to you?
Are you concerned about confidentiality? Are you going through some sort of crisis right now in your life?
Do you have ONE hour per week to set aside to have a Stephen Minister meet your needs? Crisis's can strike at any time. The death of a loved one, grieving, divorce, pregnancy complications, dealing
with changes due to aging, dealing with changes in health of yourself or a loved one, loss of a job or retirement. Do you feel alone even though you have family and friends?
Do you sometimes have feelings regarding these types of events that you don't want to burden others with?
If any of these conditions resonate with you, you may benefit from having a Stephen Minister. For more
information, contact Pastor Gary or any of our Ministry leaders.
Marcia Cooley (805) 581-3578 (home) (805) 795-7653 (cell). You will soon have the confidential person who will LISTEN, PRAY (if requested), SHARE CHRIST'S LOVE,
and EXPLORE feelings that you are uncomfortable sharing with someone else. Our Stephen Ministers work
one-on-one to plant a seed of hope and healing in a person who's life seems barren and forlorn because of a
crisis or tragedy. If you think that you may want to become one of our Stephen Ministers, we will equip you; our congregation
will support you, so that you too can show God's mercy, care and compassion to another who is hurting. You
will walk beside your care receiver, pray for him or he, and help him or her to work through life's difficulties.
We will be starting a new Stephen Minister class soon. To learn more about the class please contact any of our
Stephen Ministry leaders listed above
STEPHEN MINISTERS ARE AVAILABLE TO OFFER COMMUNION TO THOSE WHO ARE
UNABLE TO RECEIVE THE LORD'S SUPPER DURING A CHURCH SERVICE. We are called to this
church ministry by God and the communion elements that we use are the same elements used during the
services on Sunday. If you or a loved one desires a call for communion by a Stephen Minister, please contact
the church office, 526-7577, and leave a phone number where you can be reached and the address of the
