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December Newsletter

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As we begin the New Year, I’d like to thank everyone for making last year a blessed one. First and foremost we were blessed with the gift of Pastor Ron White, as our interim pastor. Although technically a three quarter time pastor, he worked tirelessly to bring our records, constitution, and thinking, up to date. At the same time he was a great source of knowledge for both me and council. We are also thankful for the hard work and generosity of so many members of the congregation, and others.

This year, we will welcome a new pastor, Jennifer Chrien, on January, 8th, and celebrate her installation on January 22nd. Let’s work with Pastor, and each other, to make 2017, a great year.

Bless you all, and Happy New Year!

Barry T Watters Council President

Please mark your calendar: SVLC Congregational Annual MeetingSunday, January 29th 2017, following the 11:00AM worship.

Join us on a Roadtrip celebrating the 500th anniversary of the Reformation and learn about the impact of Martin Luther on the historical and modern church!Bishop Guy Erwin will carry Luther's message all around the Southwest California Synod with a series of six paired lectures, presented on various Saturdays from September 2016 to July 2017.  For each session, the first lecture will be an

introduction to Martin Luther.  Lunch will be served, followed by an in-depth lecture about Luther's teachings. Come hear one, or come hear all; the in-depth lecture will be different every time!

Each Reformation Roadtrip event will be held from 10:00 a.m to 2:30 p.m. The cost is $10 per event, or $50 for all six. Please bring payment in cash or check the day of the event. Checks should be made out to the Southwest California Synod.

To make your reservations for one or more Reformation Roadtrip events, please contact Jason Ramirez at jramirez@socalsynod.org.

Reformation Roadtrip Locations

November 19, 2016First Lutheran Church2900 West Carson StreetTorrance, CA 90503

March 25, 2017Emmanuel Lutheran Church6020 Radford AvenueNorth Hollywood, CA 91606

January 21, 2017Hill Avenue Grace Lutheran Church73 North Hill AvenuePasadena, CA 91106

May 13, 2017Ascension Lutheran Church1600 East Hillcrest DriveThousand Oaks, CA 91362

July 15, 2017Mt. Carmel Lutheran Church1701 Fredericks StreetSan Luis Obispo, CA 93405

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 youth and church leaders.

Undergoing cancer therapy Mike Denmark (Cathie Badillo’s brother-in-law), Wendy Bealliu, Brian Apuzzo, Barbara Corrigan

Under convalescent or hospice careRev. James Sherrill & Mae Maddoax (Cathie Badillo’s aunt & uncle), Craig Wells, Justin Scholberg (Corrine Stevenson’s father), Jean Stevenson (Pastor Gary’s mother).

Undergoing surgery, various tests, treatments, recuperating and continued comfortBrian Faunce (Barry & Linda Watters son-in-law),Jeanne Shafer, Corrine Stevenson, Kent Keith, Jean Schlosser, Susan Pineda, Betsy Hospodar, Shirley Ruben, Marvin Kidd, Brett Lea (Irene Tangren’s grandson), Angel Rodriquez, Joyce Bruce, Marilyn Rodriquez, Rick Baird, Pastor White, Charlotte Weldon, Donna Ritter.

Our Military Personnel now serving John Parker, Tyson and Blake Crosby, Joe Anderson, Mike Hultman, Brian Lowen, Brian Richardson, Frank King, Michael Kidd, Nisha Dean, Dan Balaun, Chris Labelle, Raymond Schooler, Thomas Weaver, Captain Ted Slocum, David Bond, Wayne Combs,

Brett Tyre, Jeffrey C.A. Bower, Zachary Tarbet, Jorden Gutowski, Matthew Wilkins, Richard Deobler, Sgt Elliott Van Marion,

McKade Talbot Kidd, Taryn Stephens, Morgyn Peele.

The congregation of Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church thanks you for your service

Library News

January is the time for new beginnings and sometimes for hopes of overcoming bad habits. That includes our relationship with our heavenly Father, others, and with ourselves. This month the book cart will have material on forgiveness, confession, and gratitude of having your sins washed away. There will be books on advice of helping end bad habits and making positive changes in our lives. For the children there will be fun books for them to borrow.

To check out a book, sign your name and date on the pocket card inside the book, and place the card in the card box. Please return the book in two weeks or less. There are many more books in the library so please come in and enjoy.

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Y.I.M.A.H. Potluck Luncheon (Young In Mind And Heart 50yrs. and over)

Please contact the church office 526-7577 with any updates you may have on persons listed for prayers. Thank you

This event is typically for seniors 50yrs of age or over but…Hey who’s counting, come and join in any third Thursday of the month. For further information please call: Edith Engemann 805-526-9020 or the church office 526-7576+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

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 1st Wednesday of every month.

We need volunteers to buy and deliver food to the Samaritan Center, AND…serve food or donate money 

*If you would like to help, please contact Yvonne Baird at 584-2521. Thank you for your prayers

We hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas and was able to spend some quality time with family and friends. We also want to wish everyone a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year in 2017. Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Scrip had another fabulous year in 2016! This past year we again experienced exceptional scrip sales all year long, with especially brisk sales the last two months of November and December. We don’t have all the figures available as of yet, but all the early indications reveal that 2016 just might rank as one of our best years, in regards to the amount of sales and the percentages returned to the church from those sales. We want to thank those of the congregation who purchased grocery gift cards to donate to Ray and Sally Valderrama in their efforts to make the annual Still Waters Café Christmas Shoppe a resounding success. We also want to thank all of the congregation, and others, who participated in our scrip program throughout the year and who continue to participate, which in turn helps our ongoing stewardship efforts and in the financial support of SVLC. Our continuing goal is to make the Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church Scrip Program better and better and to offer you the best quality, the widest variety and most frequently requested scrip gift cards that are available. We want to provide you with the most efficient and most convenient service possible and we will, with God’s help, strive to do just that. We are here to serve YOU! We want to convey a special THANK YOU to Dianne Marshall for assisting us on the scrip committee during November and December, our two busiest months of the year. Dianne was invaluable and a tremendous help and we greatly appreciate her dedication, sacrifices and the extra time she put in during the past two months. Thank you, Dianne.

In His Service, Marvin and Jenny Kidd, SVLC Scrip Committee

2017

To my sister in Christ,

I want to say thank you to all the women that have contributed items to Interface. These gifts are for women in Ventura County that have suffered from family violence. After the Christmas gathering I was able to make up 6 more basic need bags plus two very large boxes full of gifts for Christmas and birthdays. For the year we have donated 22 basic need bags. What a wonderful gift to women that have left their homes with nothing but the clothes on their back.  In February I will send out another list of things we need to complete more bags for 2017.

Yours in Christ,

Carol Ramsey

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.–6:30 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.

Because of the generosity of our congregation, we were able to hand out 245 bags of food plus a $25 grocery store gift card to those in need in Simi Valley.  The words of "Thank you so much" and "God Bless you" were heard all day long, but the smile on the families faces said it all.  A special thank you to Claudia and Laurie Gordon, Marty

Storie, Nancy and Dan Mason and their friend Joey who packed the bags the day before and to Nancy Mason, Pam Studer, Kelli Stephens and Tim Bradley who helped on the day of Christmas Shoppe.  The Honda family was also there providing childcare.  The day was a complete success and it was made possible by our members, The American Heritage Girls, our Endowment committee, the Christian Community Church and Stonebridge Church.

Sport Equip, etc.

PLEASE…HELP SUPPORT GOOD SHEPHERD LUTHERAN SCHOOL At…Luther’s Attic…a thrift store which is located in the city of Moorpark 189 E High StreetMonday – Saturday 10AM – 4PM(805) 523-7188luthersatticmoorpark.com

Give donations, shop and/or volunteer your time!!

It all helps the Christian school ministry here in Simi Valley.

ELEMENTARY K-5th grade:

Sunday School – Meets in the purple room every Sunday @ 9:45am. We will not have Sunday School on January 1st. We will resume Sunday School on January 8th.

Spark – Spark will meet from 6:30-7:45pm on Thursdays. We will not have Spark on January 5th. Spark will resume on January 12th.

Elementary Winter Camp – We will be going to El Camino Pines from Friday, January 27th – Sunday, January 29th. Cost is $170 and is due by January 15 th . Endowment will help families with the cost of camp. Apply no later than January 8th. Please apply on our church website at svlcsimi.com and go to the ministries tab and then scroll down to endowment. If you have questions please ask Marc.

MIDDLE SCHOOL 6th-8th grade: Ice Skating – We will be going ice skating in downtown Burbank on Thursday, January 5th. We will meet at the church at 12pm to grab lunch and we’ll return to the church by 4pm. Cost is $15 for ice skating (includes skates) and $5 for lunch - $20 total.

Middle School Chat – We will have middle school chat on Sunday, January 8th only. We will walk to Donut Time on January 8th. Please bring a few dollars for breakfast.

Confirmation – We will not have confirmation on January 4th. Confirmation will resume on January 11th, 2017. We will meet from 7-8:15pm (NEW TIME) during the spring.

Middle School Winter Camp – We will be going to El Camino Pines from Friday, February 24th – Sunday, February 26th. Cost is $170 and is due by February 12th. Endowment will help families with the cost of camp. Apply through endowment by January 8th. Please apply on our church website at svlcsimi.com and go to the ministries tab and then scroll down to endowment. If you have questions please ask Marc.

HIGH SCHOOL 9th-12th grade: Ice Skating – We will be going ice skating in downtown Burbank on Thursday, January 5th. We will meet at the church at 12pm to grab lunch and we’ll return to the church by 4pm. Cost is $15 for ice skating (includes skates) and $5 for lunch - $20 total.

Youth Group – Youth group will take place in the youth room at church on Thursdays from 8-9:30pm. We will not have youth group on January 5th. We’ll resume youth group on January 12th at 8pm. Come and meet Shelley McLain who is our new high school female volunteer.

Meet Pastor Jennifer Chrien – Pastor Jennifer’s first day will be on Sunday, January 8th. Come hear her preach at either 8:30, 9:45, or 11am.

High School Winter Camp – We will be going to El Camino Pines from Friday, February 3rd – Sunday, February 5th. Cost is $170 and is due by January 22nd. Endowment will help families with the cost of camp. Apply through endowment by January 8th. Please apply on our church website at svlcsimi.com and go to the ministries tab and then scroll down to endowment. If you have questions please ask Marc.

Western States Youth Gathering – Parent’s meeting will take place on Sunday, January 8th at 11am and Sunday, January 15th at 9:45am. This event will be held at California Lutheran University this summer. This event is open to all incoming 9th graders through all outgoing 12th graders. Please pick a date to come to one of the parent meetings.

College /Young –adult: College/Young Adult Group – Sunday, January 8th and on January 22nd at the Mohr’s house. We will meet from 8-10pm. . Bring a snack or beverage to share.

Meet Pastor Jennifer Chrien – Pastor Jennifer’s first day will be on Sunday, January 8th. Come hear her preach at either 8:30, 9:45, or 11am.

Congregational Annual Meeting – Come hear what’s going on at church while enjoying lunch at 12pm.

January Events Sunday Monday

Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1

Happy New YearOne Service Today

10:AM10:00-MMLA10:30-SVCC-Hall 2:00-Teach Kids 4:30-Mission Nacion Santas 5:00-Manabadi 5:00-Sanskriti 7:00-Al-anon

28:30-Office open2:00-Kids N Things6:00-Stretch /Tone7:00-Al-anon7:30-Al-ateen

38:30-Office open10:00 SVLC/Attic 2:00-Kids N Things6:00-Stretch / Tone6:00-AA

4 8:30-Office open10:00 SVLC/Attic 2:00-Kids Things 7:30-Confirmation

5 8:30-Office open 10:00-SVLC/Attic 2:00-Kids N Things 5:00-Café Open 6:00-Stretch /Tone 6:30- SPARK 7:00-Al-anon 8:00- Youth

68:30-Office closed2:00-Kids N Things7:00-PADS

7 8:00-Al-anon10:00-AA-Library 7:00-Mision Santos

8 8:30-Traditional 9:45-Contemporary 9:45-Sunday School K-5th grades10:00-MMLA10:00-SVCC-Hall11:00-Traditional 2:00-Teach Kids 4:30-Mission Santas 5:00-Manabadi 5:00-Sanskriti 7:00-Al-anon

98:30-Office open2:00-Kids N Things6:00-Stretch /Tone7:00-Al-anon7:30-Al-ateen

10 8:30-Office open10:00 SVLC/Attic 2:00-Kids N Things5:00-American Heritage Girls6:00-Stretch / Tone6:00-AA7:00-Happy Squares

11 8:30-Office open10:00 SVLC/Attic 2:00-Kids Things 7:30-Confirmation

12 8:30-Office open10:00-SVLC/Attic10:00-NAOMI Women’s study 2:00-Kids N Things 5:00-Café Open 6:00-Stretch /Tone 6:30- SPARK 7:00-Al-anon 8:00- Youth Group

138:30-Office closed2:00-Kids N Things7:00-PADS

14 10:00-AA-Library 7:00-Mision Santos

15 8:30-Traditional10:00-Contemporary 9:45-Sunday School K-5th grades9:45-Middle School Chat10:00-MMLA 10:30-SVCC-Hall11:00-Traditional12:30-Women’s Annual Mtg. 2:00-Teach Kids 4:30-Mission Nacion Santas 5:00-Manabadi 5:00-Sanskriti 7:00-Al-anon

168:30-Office open2:00-Kids N Things6:00-Stretch /Tone7:00-Al-anon7:30-Al-ateen

17 8:30-Office open10:00 SVLC/Attic 2:00-Kids N Things6:00-Stretch / Tone6:00-AA6:30-SVCC Prayers7:00-SVLC Council

18 8:30-Office open10:00 SVLC/Attic 2:00-Kids N Things 7:30-Confirmation

19 8:30-Office open11:30-Y.M.A.H. –Potluck Seniors 50+ 2:00-Kids N Things 5:00-Café Open 6:00-Stretch /Tone 6:30-SPARK 7:00-Al-anon 8:00-Youth Group

20 8:30-Office closed 2:00-Kids /Things 6:30-Pack #3643 7:00-PADS

21 8:00-Al-anon10:00-AA-Library10:00-SVLC @ Attic 7:00-Mission Nacion Santas

22 8:30-Traditional 9:45-Contemporary10:00-MMLA10:30-SVCC-Hall11:00-Traditional 2:00-Teach Kids3:00-Installation andReception ofRev. Jennifer Chrien 4:30-Mission Nacion Santas 5:00-Manabadi 5:00-Sanskriti 7:00-Al-anon

238:30-Office open2:00-Kids /Things6:00-Stretch /Tone7:00-Al-anon7:30-Al-ateen

24 8:30-Office open 2:00-Kids /Things10:00 SVLC/ Attic5:00-American Heritage Girls6:00-Stretch/ Tone6:00-AA7:00-HANNAH Women’s Study 7:00-Youth Board

25 8:30-Office open10:00 SVLC/Attic 2:00-Kids N Things 7:30-Confirmation

26 8:30-Office open 10:00-SVLC/Attic 2:00-Kids N Things 5:00-Café Open 6:00-Stretch /Tone 6:30- SPARK 7:00-Al-anon 8:00- Youth Group

27 8:30-Office closed 2:00-Kids /Things 7:00-PADS

28 8:00-Al-anon10:00-AA-Library 5:00-Family Worship 7:00-Mission Nacion Santas

29Annual Mtg. Today 8:30-Traditional 9:45-Contemporary10:00-MMLA10:30-SVCC-Hall11:00-Traditional12:00-Annual Mtg.

308:30-Office open2:00-Kids N Things6:00-Stretch /Tone7:00-Al-anon7:30-Al-ateen

318:30-Office open2:00-Kids /Things10:00 SVLC/ Attic 6:00-Stretch/ Tone 6:00-AA

2:00-Teach Kids 4:30-Mission Nacion Santas 5:00-Manabadi 5:00-Sanskriti 7:00-Al-anon

SVLC Council members: SVLC Women’s Board:President - Barry Watters President - Linda WattersV.P.-Julie Honda Treasurer - Barbara SwansonSecretary-Lynn Squire Jennifer Sterling, Carol RamseyTreasurer-Diane Hartjen Jymme-Lyn Archer, Lisa GearhartPriscilla Thompson, Sue Holloway, Paul Flugum Melanie Addy, Lynn BonelliBarbara Bruner, Tom McLain

Youth Board members:Susan Caranchini -Tom & Shelley McLain - Jennifer Sterling - Amanda Burns