Programs
The Lutheran Choir and the Episcopal Choir have combined to form a group of 16 voices that sing for the worship service every Sunday. The choir sings a variety of choral music sometimes in parts and often in unison.
Sara Feyh and Marilyn Harvey provide the leadership for the choir. The organist, Gretchen Frey and pianist Jannelle Fanslow share the accompanist duties and provide music for congregational singing. The choir rehearses once a month on Wednesday evening and on Sunday morning at 9 a.m.
The Mary and Marthas meet once a month from September to June for Bible study, prayer, and craft projects. It is a combined group of Episcopal and Lutheran women.
The M and M’s are involved in supporting many activities of the church. The Welcome Back Breakfast in September is the first project in the Fall.
The Christmas Boutique is in early November. The proceeds from the boutique go to help church organizations and the wider community. In January or February, the all church Thank Offering is organized to support community needs. A women’s one day Study Retreat occurs during Lent and the Women’s Tea in May, honoring mothers and friends, rounds out the year.
Twice a month a time of silent prayer is offered. The evening begins with readings from Julian of Norwich. This is followed by a sitting which follows the time honored traditions of contemplative prayer. The evening closes with brief conversation. All are welcome to this time of prayer. There is no fee charged.
The Men’s fellowship meets monthly on the first Thursday of the month. Each meeting begins with a time in the kitchen, with cheese and crackers and an assortment of “pre-dinner” goodies. The evening meal may be sandwiches brought by all or it may be pizza ordered in or other special meals prepared by members of the group.
Each participant contributes $5.00 towards the cost of the evening meal. Money collected over the cost of the meal has been contributed to CASP or to needy members of the congregation.
There is an occasional special program, with a speaker drawn from the Santa Paula community. At one such meeting we heard about police dogs, at another we heard about water well programs in regions of the world where people do not have clean, safe and reliable water.
The Altar Guild is responsible for the “dressing” of the altar and sanctuary for worship. Dues are $10.00 which goes to help cover the purchase of materials and cleaning. The Altar Guild also provides the bread and wine for communion. We would love to add to our team anyone who is interested in our friendly group, just let us know.
VBS is an ecumenical program that serves 50 plus children from our community, and is a great program of cooperation between the congregations involved. VBS provides experiences and memories to last a lifetime for the children of our community and the people involved.