Faith Presbyterian Church of Valley Village

5000 Colfax Avenue • Valley Village • CA • 91601 • (818)766-8103 • Fax: (818)766-2987

Social Events and Fellowship Opportunities
at Faith Pres

There are several venues for members and friends of the church to have fellowship and meet socially outside the regular Sunday worship service and the social hour that follows:

Hiking Along the Rain Forest Trail

Wounded hiker

Without much previous planning, an outing on the "Rain Forest Trail,” adjacent to the familiar Fryman Canyon Trail, took place after the last of the Lenten series on Sunday, March 28. A small group of those participants donned hiking shoes and took off for the wilds above Laurel Canyon Blvd.

The Rain Forest Trail had been described in the LA Times years ago, but only on this day did it seem appropriate, for those who were willing, to venture into these untried areas.

What a blessing we were given! The rewards for scaling the multiple steps, made of railroad ties impaled into the gravel-covered stone trail, were outstanding! The trail led into bowers of wild flowers around vine covered walkways. The star was a fairy-like mountain lilac bush with its feathery blooms. All cameras were focused on this.

A new friend joined the Faithful Hikers, Carol Hiestand from St. Stephen's Church. The regulars were Susan Natale, Martha Sanders, and Miriam Skarin. Susan was the only casualty, slipping and leaving some skin from her knee on one of the stony paths. (Photo by Miriam)

Faith Pres Talent Night

The dinner on Saturday, February 27, was a fund-raising event for the music program at Faith Pres, combining Family Night Dinner with a talent show.

Music Director Marjorie Sexton was in charge of the talent show part while the Fellowship Committee was responsible for the dinner.

After dinner, the guests were led by several choir members in singing a lively “Everything’s Coming Up Roses” to start the show. The program included a dance by Amanda, and a variety of songs by singers such as Marissa and Sandra, Michael Elson, Joanne Gallagher, Andrew Roginson, Amber Erwin, Allen Rascoe, and Greg Franklin.

Singers Ruddy Herrera and Mike Federman played their guitars while they sang, and Jay Sloat played the piano while singing nostalgically about Galveston. Isabella too played the piano, and Rachel Sloat had three back-up dancers while she sang. There were comedy routines by Jane and Emma Poole, and by Phil Skarin and Jose Flores.

At the end, after some practice, the guests sang the most entertaining rendition of “Lollipop”, including making the “popping” sound at the end of the chorus. As a farewell song, five of the male choir singers, the Fab Five, sang “Goodnight Sweetheart” and sent everyone home with smiles on their faces. It was a really good night, sweethearts!

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Concert in the Chapel Benefits NoHo Food Pantry

This fund-raising performance by choir members Amber Erwin, Allen Rascoe, Marjorie Sexton, and their friend Michael Elson, singing hymns, spirituals, and art songs, raised $520, which were donated to the North Hollywood Food Pantry.

Presbyterian Women's Group: Mary/Martha Circle

The women of Faith Presbyterian Church invite all women interested in Bible study to join them on every third Thursday of the month at 10:00 a.m. in the Fireside Room for Bible study, prayer, discussion, and fellowship.

This year the studies are based on the Old Testament book of Genesis, each session dealing with one or several characters from the familiar Genesis narrative. These studies are provided by Horizon magazine for Presbyterian Women.

Presbyterian Women Logo

All participants are asked to bring their own lunch, a sandwich or a salad. Coffee and some sort of a dessert will be provided. Men are also welcome to participate!

For over 50 years, the Mary/Martha Circle at First Pres/Faith Pres has been providing monthly Bible study sessions and a rich fellowship opportunity for the women of this congregation. Throughout the year there are times when special offerings are taken such as the Second Mile giving to the Presbyterian Women, the Birthday Offering, the Thanks Offering, and the Least Coin program. These gifts provide helping hands in Christ's name to address those global needs that are otherwise not met.

CROP Walkers

Sunday Hikers

On the third Sunday of each month, weather permitting, the group led by veteran hiker Miriam Skarin, walk along some easy and picturesque trails in the Valley. All those interested, please meet in the church parking lot at 1:30 p.m. Wear sturdy but comfortable walking shoes and bring a bottle of water.

Faith Pres CROP-Walkers Break Record

For the first time in our memory, a record number of walkers raised an amount which we think is also a record for our congregation. Twenty walkers raised $1,255 in the 34th Annual San Fernando Valley CROP Walk on November 8. Bravo!