...fountain of living
waters...
- Jeremiah 2.13
Come and quench
your thirst!
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Our music program is a celebration of the spirit of God as voices are raised in praise in worship throughout the year. The choir is open to adults with all levels of experience and welcomes new members.
Chancel Choir
The full Chancel Choir sings at each worship service during
the year with the exception of the month of August when individual
soloists perform. Special music is offered during the seasons of Christmas
and Easter and at various other times during the year. Rehearsals are
scheduled on Thursday evenings at 7:00 PM.
Special events are celebrated with musical programs through our
Outreach Ministry
First United Methodist Church of Canoga Park helps meet community and world needs through its active Outreach Committee. Some of the ongoing projects we sponsor are:
Mozante, Nicaragua. Located in a small town in Northern Nicaragua, the sewing school began with a request from a group of teachers in Mozonte who had a dream for youth and young women of their community. By July 1991, the congregation of First United Methodist Church and friends responded with fabrics and funds for the purchase of eight pedal sewing machines, one electric embroidery machine, and other supplies. These were personally delivered in the autumn of that year.
Since the school's formation, the students of the Mozonte Sewing
School have learned skills enabling them to sew their own clothing as well as clothes for others, uniforms for the town's baseball team, and tradtitional costumes for their Nicaraguan folklorico dancers. Principal Marta Angelina Pastrana keeps in touch with our congregation and expresses Mozonte's gratitude through photos of the graduates as well as gifts of handcrafts and letters for our congregation. The partnership project continues as the teachers in Mozonte recruit and instruct classes, maintain the school's equipment and facilities, while our congregation supports their work with funds.
Their dream is to take the next step: the building of a facility to house the classes and their equipment.
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Community Youth Ministry
“Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me”
The Book of Matthew, chapter 18, verse 5
At First United Methodist Church of Canoga Park, we consider people of all ages to be beautiful and integral parts of God’s creation. Our Community Youth Pastor, Melinda Dodge, leads the congregation in our ministry with young people in 6th – 12th grades and their families.
We understand our ministry with the young just as our ministry with all ages – we are called to be in relationship with one another after the model of Jesus Christ. This may look differently for each person. Even though we are all children of God, we are often at different and various places on our faith journeys. So, such ministry may one day involve talking about a rough patch in life with a high school student after school over an Ice-Blended while other days may see Pastor Melinda involved in a water-balloon fight at the annual church BBQ. Pastor Melinda and the youth are actively involved in worship as acolytes, liturgists (worship leaders), communion assistants, puppeteers, singers and musicians.
Youth ministry at First Church understands that our ministry is about the youth already a part of this Christian community and about the youth and families who are not yet here. We strive to be present in the lives of our youth and their families, introducing and developing the boundless love of our awesome God with an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ.
Contact Pastor Melinda to say hello! Or to share a concern. Or to offer insight or ask questions. She is on campus and loves visitors most Monday and Wednesday afternoons.
Pastor Melinda can be reached by phone at 818-340-2950 or by email at ValleyGirlPastor@gmail.com
Puppet Ministry
Our puppet ministry is an intergenerational activity for all church members. Puppeteers rehearse and perform several times a year in worship services and Sunday School. A major production, replete with a visit from Santa, is presented each Christmas Eve.
Bereavement Counseling
Pastor Willie Foreman offers counseling and support to those who are experiencing emotional and psychological stress after the loss of a loved one. For an appointment, call (818) 340-2950 or contact him by email.
Prayer Ministries
The Prayer Chain is made up of an open group of members who are committed to pray for the needs of our members, their families and friends. Led by Theodora Howell, prayers go out immediately as the group is contacted by email or phone. All members are welcome to participate.
The Prayer Group meets on Friday mornings at 10:00 in the library. Led by Dr. Foreman, this group prays for shut-ins, all church members, people known to be in need, and prayer requests are honored as well.
Scholarship Ministry
The Laura Longman Scholarship is described in detail on the Education page.
Other Campus Activities
Alcoholics Anonymous
Boy Scout Troop #474
Girl Scout Troop
Peace Evangelical Church (Serving English and Chinese speaking people)
Head Start
Methodist Church Service in Urdu Language
Senior Exercise
Tai Chi
Take Pounds Off Sensibly (TOPS)
Prayer Shawl Ministry
Our prayer shawl ministry started at Easter 2006. Many wonderful hands have created the beautiful shawls that are given to anyone in need. They provide a loving warmth and are a reminder to both wearer and creator of God's compassion and caring.
The volunteers who participate in this program knit, crochet and support the ministry with funds to purchase yarn. Well over 100 shawls have been blessed and given to church members and others. Everyone is invited to help in this special ministry. Members who would like to request a shawl for a loved one can do so through the church office (818-340-2950).
