November 23rd
Thanks for What... Everything
Scripture: I Corinthians 1:4-5a

Synopsis: Sometimes it seems like the “wrong” people are giving “thanks”…sometimes it’s the people who have the most are the least thankful. Most of us need to say thank you to someone. All of us need to say thank you to God.

November 16th
Thanks for What... The Present
Pastor John Shaver

Scripture: Luke 17:11-19

Synopsis: During Thanksgiving, our challenge is to count our blessings – large and small, significant and stupid – and to be grateful to the One who is the course of every good and gracious gift. A recent poll revealed that despite international tensions and domestic economic problems, nine out of 10 Americans are happy with their lives and say that their religious faith has a lot to do with it. Nine out of 10 Americans are happy, and they credit their faith. That’s an impressive statistic, but does it mean that nine out of 10 regularly turn to God and give thanks? If we can remember to be grateful and good stewards, we’ll find ourselves even healthier in body, mind and spirit. We’ll feel better about our lives, more optimistic about our prospects and more helpful toward people around us. After all, Jesus proclaimed it, and modern research confirms it – a grateful faith can make us well.

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November 9th
Thanks for What... The Future
Pastor Joni Messenger

Scripture: Luke 12:13-21

Synopsis: Money can be a blessing or a curse, a tool or an idol. The difference is how we use it (distribute it)… Best use for money (to use it as a blessing/tool) is to plan for the future…to use money to build something for the futures, for something bigger than us as individuals, for the expansion of the Kingdom of God.

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November 2nd
Thanks for What... The Foundation
Pastor John Shaver

Scripture: Philippians 1:3-11

Synopsis:  When danger arises, the rule – as in normal situations – is for people to help those next to them before they help themselves.” No wonder Paul writes, “I thank my God every time I remember you, constantly praying with joy in every one of my prayers for all of you” (3-4). The Philippians are helping Paul and each other, and in the process they are exceeding Paul’s expectations. There is absolutely no reason for us to think that people can’t do the very same today. This has been the core of the foundation of Valencia United Methodist Church over the years. We are a Christian community that has reached out to help each other and the world around us. Let us thank God for this great foundation.

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October 26th
Sermon Title: God's Call Rocks!
Guest Pastor Catie Coots, District Superintendent
Scripture: Acts 16:1-10
Synopsis: Who and what is God calling us to be? God calls all of us to make a difference. How we respond brings vitality and meaning to our lives and the lives of others.

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October 19th
Sermon Title: The Grace Debate
Pastor John Shaver
Scripture: John 5:1-15
Synopsis: The man is faced with a choice after he has received grace (the healing): to live in his newfound fressom and reshaped life, or go back to the old ways of blaming and begging. For all of us there's a time after healing that we are tempted to go back to the old ways (to debate the grace if you will). We become confused or lured back to a way of living that is beneath the healing we've received. It takes perseverance to live in the new and remain in the new life we've been given.

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October 12th
Sermon Title: A Campaign of Grace
Pastor Joni Messenger
Scripture: Ephesians 2:1-10
Synopsis: God is a determined and ceaseless "fixer-upper." As the writer notes, God is "rich in mercy" and continues to pour out the gift of divine grace to us throughout our lives. Only this constant infusion of grace makes it possible for the construction project to continue. What is the blueprint God would have us follow? It is the creation of the most "grace-full" structure ever conceived--the spirit-filled body of Christ, a community of disciples we call the church.

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