For more information on any of the ministries below, please contact the church office at 661.255.1301 or email umcv@umcv.org.

Relay For Life

The American Cancer Society Relay For Life is a once a year opportunity to honor the lives of people who have fought cancer, remember family and friends who have lost the battle to cancer and raise funds to fight the disease. Our team camps out for 24 hours and takes turns walking or running around the track or path. There is a representative from the team on the track at all times because cancer never sleeps. Individuals or groups sign up for blocks of time during the 24 hours and some people stay for the entire time.

According to the Relay for Life website, "Relay began in 1985 when Dr. Gordy Klatt, a colorectal surgeon in Tacoma, Washington, ran and walked around a track for 24 hours to raise money for the American Cancer Society. Since then, Relay has grown from a single man's passion to fight cancer into the world's largest movement to end the disease. Each year, more than 3.5 million people in 5,000 communities in the United States, along with additional communities in 20 other countries, gather to take part in this global phenomenon and raise much-needed funds and awareness to save lives from cancer."

If one man can make such a difference, our team is dedicated to doing what they can to help raise funds to support individuals with cancer and discover a cure.

The ACS Relay for Live represents support for each person facing cancer and their family, honor for those who have lost their battle and optimism that one day cancer will be a disease of the past.

The Santa Clarita Relay for Life begins with a Survivors Lap when cancer survivors circle the track together and inspire with their courage and acknowledge the victories that have been achieved over cancer. Relay also celebrates the caregivers who care, love and support the friends and family who are facing cancer.

Another inspirational time is the Luminaria Ceremony where individuals honor people who have been touched by cancer and remember family and friends and have been lost to the disease through candles that are lit after dark. Each luminaria bears the name of a person touched by cancer and the participants often walk in silence in their honor.

"No matter why you take part in Relay, however, one thing is clear: with every step you take, you are helping the American Cancer Society save lives. With your help, we aren't just fighting one type of cancer - we're fighting for every birthday threatened by every cancer in every community. Each person who shares the Relay experience can take pride in knowing that they are working to create a world where this disease will no longer threaten the lives of our loved ones or claim another year of anyone's life" (excerpt from www.relayforlife.org)

Make a Difference Day

Make a Difference Day was started by USA WEEKEND magazine to encourage neighbors to help each other and create a stronger community. Santa Clarita has been involved for the last 9 years and is one of the largest events in the nation. In 2008 there were 37 projects at 43 locations involving more than 1100 volunteers. Each year the number of organizations and schools that are served increases and the number of volunteers grows.

Locally, Make a Difference Day is organized by HandsOn Santa Clarita (volunteerinscv.org). In 2009 Valencia United Methodist Church organized and completed a variety of projects at Carousel Ranch, an organization that provides therapy through horseback riding for disabled and disadvantaged children.

Make a Difference Day is the fourth Saturday in October and will take place on October 23, 2010. Join together to provide a local non-profit with a helping hand so that they can do their work for the residents of Santa Clarita more effectively.

Winter Shelter

The Santa Clarita Emergency Winter Shelter serves individuals and families without food, homes or places to stay during the winter months. The shelter operates from December through March. Planning and fundraising take place all year.

Unpaid servants choose the date and area of service. Volunteers can participate as greeters, food servers or security patrols. Individuals can also help by providing needed items such as food, kitchen, hygiene, and office supplies or cash.

For more information about the shelter contact Tricia Gaye Jones at 661.254.2242 or www.santaclaritashelter.com