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Friday, January 9, 2025 | Vol 7. No. 136 | Sabbath's Worship Service | |
Let Us Break Bread Together
Beginning the new year with communion is always special. Making it more special this year is that it will provide an emphasis for our ministry and evangelism for the entire year. There is something about the message Jesus gave to His disciples around the table at that last supper that serves as an inspirational goal for us to achieve this year.
Join us for our special service tomorrow.
-Pastor Jonathan Henderson
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Click below to watch LIVE, Sabbaths at 11 am!
Website | YouTube | Facebook
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Connect with us on our website (vallejodrive.church)
and on social media!
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Deanna and Peter Simeone
Deanna Roberta DeBois Simeone, the youngest of four daughters of Dean Robert and L. Imogene DeBois, was born in 1955 in New Brunswick, New Jersey. Named for her father, she inherited his passion for music, singing in choirs and playing drums in band and orchestra from a young age. Deanna attended Lake Nelson School, Blue Mountain Academy, and Columbia Union College before graduating from Southern Missionary College with a degree in Food Service and Bakery Management.
Peter, the only child of Rocco and Ethel Simeone, moved from New Jersey to Catonsville, Maryland, at age seven. He attended Greater Baltimore Junior Academy and Blue Mountain Academy, where he first met Deanna. Peter graduated from Columbia Union College and earned his MBA from Andrews University. While Peter studied at Andrews and Deanna worked in Food Service at Pacific Union College, the two rekindled their relationship long-distance. Peter proposed during a phone call on April 13, 1979. Deanna accepted but insisted he propose again on bended knee when they reunited that August. They married the following May in her sister’s backyard in El Monte inside a gazebo built by her brother-in-law.
Peter began his career working for Gencon Insurance at the General Conference (now Adventist Risk Management). Deanna worked in dietary at Washington Adventist Hospital until their son, Joel, was born on June 3, 1983. Their daughter, Amanda, was born two months early on December 4, 1984, following a life-threatening brain arteriovenous malformation (AVM) that required Deanna to undergo emergency delivery.
In 1986, the family moved to New Jersey. As the children grew, Deanna worked as a teacher’s aide and substitute. She also began directing church children’s and handbell choirs and teaching at the local Adventist school. Peter, an accomplished pianist, accompanied the choirs and eventually taught himself to play the organ by ear to serve the church.
The family moved to Southern California in 1996. Deanna directed the Temple City Church sanctuary choir and played timpani with the San Gabriel Valley Concert Band for a decade. She also taught handbells at San Gabriel Academy (SGA) and directed the Canyon Hills Presbyterian handbell choir for 15 years.
Following budget cuts at SGA, Deanna transitioned to the Southern California Conference office, working in Human Resources and Risk Management. Over 19 years, she rose from secretary to Director of HR in 2021. Health challenges impacted Peter’s music later in life; a bilateral hemorrhagic stroke in 2011 and a subdural hematoma in 2018 eventually ended his ability to play instruments. Though no longer a performer, he still treasures listening to his children sing and ring.
In 2012, the Simeones joined Vallejo Drive Church. Determined to stay active, Deanna returned to directing the handbell choir after a brief hiatus. When asked about how she feels about our church family, Deanna reflects: “Attending Grace on the Hill has been spiritually enriching in unexpected ways. We genuinely look forward to attending each week's service, which feels meaningful and refreshing rather than a routine obligation, which can often come from growing up Adventist.”
Deanna’s lifelong motto—that "music takes you places you wouldn't ordinarily go"—proved true. She has performed at Disney World, Disneyland, and the National Cathedral, and recorded albums with Peter, who also composed music for an ADRA promotional video. Their children, Joel and Amanda, graduated from SGA and Azusa Pacific University. Their own musical journeys have taken them to Mexico, Canada, South Korea, and major venues like the Staples Center and Kodak Theatre. Both have also performed in various Southern California theater productions.
Deanna recently retired after nearly two decades at the Conference office, still playfully claiming she doesn’t know what she wants to be when she grows up.
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Our church family consists of not only those who attend our services in person, but also those who attend online. Hence, you may not recognize some of the names on the prayer list. Those are people from across the globe who have requested our prayers.
James Takamune, Petra Rodriguez, Trish Low and family, Lindner family, Wesley family, Jacqueline Baptiste, Victor Salazar, Leo Vliores, Lailyn Anyayahan, Lisa, and the Christians persecuted in Nigeria.
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A long time church member, Wayne Dawes, passed away on November 15, 2025, in Orangevale, CA. Please keep his grieving family and loved ones in your prayers.
We are saddened to share that the husband of our former pastor Elizabeth Talbot, Patrick, has passed away. Please keep Pastor Talbot and Patrick’s loved ones in your prayers.
Patrick’s memorial service will be at the Yucaipa Valley Spanish SDA Church, located at 12504 4th Street, Yucaipa, CA 92399 on Sabbath, January 31, 2026 at 4 pm, with a reception to follow.
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Overnight Postpartum Doula & Newborn Care Specialist Available:
Jacqueline Jean-Baptiste is an Adventist certified Newborn Care Specialist (NCS), offering overnight support for new families. You can rest, heal, and feel supported during this precious season of your life. She can help you with newborn care & safety, feeding support (breast & bottle), diapering, soothing & comfort care, sleep support & gentle routines, light baby-related household support, and emotional reassurance for parents.
References available upon request. 310-721-4485
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Housing Offered/Needed
Two 2-bedroom 1-bath houses available for rent. A duplex in Echo Park and a stand-alone house with a basement in City Terrace. Contact Sara Cumbia @ 323-317-1283
| Caregiver services offered by Joyce. Please give her a call if you or someone you know needs a caregiver. 424-309-3454. | 1 bedroom 1 bath available for rent in North Hollywood Call 747-717-3003 or email ok366@aol.com for more information. | 3 bedroom 2 bath available for rent in Woodland Hills. Call 747-717-3003 or email ok366@aol.com for more information. | Some Scholl Canyon Estates residents would like to attend our Sabbath morning services. The Estates have a Ford E-450 Starcraft bus. However, their driver is not available on Saturdays. If you have a Commercial Driver's License with a Passenger Endorsement and would be willing to volunteer on some Sabbath mornings to bring the residents to church and back, please contact Pastor Aivars. | A church member's relative is need of a car. If you have a used working car to sell or give away, please call 818-912-3677. | |
GENTLE CLOUD MINISTRY
Need help with your phone, computer, or other tech gadget? Rene Alvarez, an IT expert, is volunteering to help those in need, mostly seniors, via phone. Please email him if possible at renealvarez01@gmail.com or give him a call at 323-770-4108.
We thank Rene for his generosity and willingness to help.
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Looking for more pictures like this? Click to see our photo album! | Click on the link below to see our church's history in photographic form! |
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We are partnering with Food Cycle LA to provide fresh produce to our neighboring communities in need. We are thankful to them for adding to our Food Bank Pantry full of canned goods.
Come pick up what you need for someone in need!
Volunteers are needed to:
-pick up donations from local donors in Glendale/LA
-receive and set up donations from Food Cycle LA vendors at church on Mondays and Friday afternoons
-help distribute food on
Mondays 2:30 - 4pm & Sabbath afternoons at the Food Bank room
Please contact Pastor Ben at 818-424-4180 for more information and if you are able to help.
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SOS Thrift Store/Food Bank Update
We have completed our estimate phase, and we are now into our fundraising phase of our renovation process. Please consider our future SOS Thrift Store in your giving.
Our current plan is to use the lower floor to distribute food, clothing, and to have free health screenings (such as blood pressure screenings).
We appreciate your patience, understanding, and prayers regarding our SOS Thrift Store. We will update you as more information becomes available.
Please continue to pray for the reopening of our SOS Thrift Store!
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A Message from Ayanda Fuzane:
It’s hard to capture in just a few words how important and special the support of the Grace Hill community is to me. A few weeks ago, you showed up for me in such a beautiful way. I’d like to thank every individual that took the time to watch my concert in person and online, and everyone who made a financial investment into my future. It is because of you that I now have real hopes of completing the school year at USC.
I am especially grateful to the church administration for welcoming me into the beautiful sanctuary, and for sparing no effort to ensure that my first ever concert ran smoothly. Your support has empowered me more than you know.
May God bless you and increase you abundantly.
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Early detection means more empowerment
Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death for women. That’s why it’s so important for women to understand their individual risk— which is where your care team can help.
Although genetic factors are uncontrollable, below are five ways you can reduce your risk of breast cancer or seek early detection.
- Quit harmful habits such as smoking.
- Move your body through exercise daily.
- Choose whole foods.
- Perform self-exams between annual check-ups.
- Get your yearly mammogram — it only takes 15 minutes!
You deserve confidence and peace of mind. And that starts with annual breast cancer screening.
Find screening near you
Take action to feel more empowered during Breast Cancer Awareness Month by learning more and reminding a woman you love to make her breast health a priority.
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Stop by after church at our photo booth station this Sabbath (and every Sabbath until the end of the year!) so we can compile our Church Photo Book!
See Pastor Ben Garcia for more information
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Want to serve but don't see where you can?
Fill out our New Ministry Form
If you have a ministry that you would like to start, please contact the church office for a 2 page form, or check out our website under Service Opportunities.
1. Submit the completed “new ministry” that you would like to lead to the church office.
2. The pastoral staff will review the ministry and discuss with you.
3. It will then be submitted to the church board for final approval.
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Sabbath School Mission Feature in our Chapel
Sabbaths @ 10:15 am
January 10, 2026
Sam Adarme
Vallejo Drive Mission to the Philippines
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For information about Southern California Conference events, please subscribe to the conference's newsletter!
https://scc.adventist.org/media/subscribe/in-touch-subscribe
| Meetings in 2026: Jan 18, Feb 15, March 15, April 19, May 17, June 28. |
Glendale Adventist Academy News | Please continue to support our constituent school, Glendale Adventist Academy, their faculty, staff, and students. 818-244-8671. | | |
Trying to get some exercises and movement in your schedule?
Come by the church!
Adventist Health Glendale has exercise classes on our church campus on Monday afternoons, Tuesday mornings, and Wednesday mornings. Please visit adventisthealth.org/livewell or call 818-409-8354 for more information on how to join.
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FRIDAYS
3:00 p.m. Teens4Christ (Earliteen Room)
SABBATHS
9:30 a.m. Adult Sabbath School Program In-Person (Chapel
9:30 a.m. Spanish SS/Escuela Sabática (1st Floor Room 104A)
9:45 a.m. KIDS Connection (Downstairs)
9:45 a.m. Children's Sabbath School (Education Wing)
10:00 a.m. Youth Sabbath School (Upstairs, Corner Room)
10:00 a.m. Adult Sabbath School Classes (Fellowship Hall)
10:00 a.m. Gospel Conversations Class (Downstairs across from bathrooms)
11:00 a.m. Divine Worship Service In-Person / Online (Facebook/YouTube)
MONDAYS
7:00 p.m. Koinonia Bible Study (Zoom) - Click Here to Join
WEDNESDAYS
6:00 p.m. Seeking Jesus Bible Study Group (Zoom) - Click Here to Join
7:00 p.m. Bible Study In-Person (Fellowship Hall)
NEXT SABBATH
10:50 a.m. Church Life and Announcements (Sanctuary)
11:00 a.m. Divine Service
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Weekly Events:
Fitness Clinic: Sundays at 7 am at Verdugo Park in Glendale
Food Bank: Mondays 2:30 to 4; Sabbaths 1 pm to 3 pm
Koinonia Bible Study: Mondays at 7pm on Zoom with Elder Doug Warner
Zoom Bible Study: Wednesdays at 6 pm on Zoom with Pastor Mark Papendick
In-Person Bible Study: Wednesdays at 7 pm with Pastor Jonathan Henderson
T4C: most Fridays at 3 pm, in the T4C Lounge downstairs
Bell Choir Rehearsal: Fridays at 7 pm
Chancel Choir Rehearsal: Sabbaths at 9 am
Monthly Events:
Laundry Love: every 3rd Tuesday
Quilting Bee: 3rd Sunday of the month
Adventurers and Pathfinders: Contact Alex Knights for schedule
Youth (The Beacon): contact Pastor Cindy for updates
Youth Adults: Contact Pastor Anthony for schedule
CALENDAR
Fri, Jan 9, 2025: Communion Rehearsal
Sab, Jan 10, 2026: Baby Dedication
Sab, Jan 10, 2026: Footwashing and Communion
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Click on the cover below for an online copy of next week's Sabbath School Lesson: |
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Year to Date: December 31, 2025
Total Local Church Giving $1,140,475.60
Total Local Church Spending $1,061,099.98
Budget Giving (incl. in local) $420,028.15
Budget Spending (incl. in local) $575,981.19
Tithes Received 2025 $1,204,090.91
Tithes Received 2024 $1,141,203.80
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Friday, January 9, 2026 - 5:01 PM
Next Friday, January 16, 2026 - 5:08 PM
Glendale - Sunrise, Sunset and Daylength
"You have six days in which to do your work, but remember that the seventh day, the Sabbath, is a day of rest. On that day do not work, but gather for worship. The Sabbath belongs to the Lord, no matter where you live."
Leviticus 23:3, Good News Translation
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January 9 Suzie Schwartz
January 9 Hilary Tito
January 10 Anatolii Molla
January 10 Art Rankin
January 11 Mallory Carcich
January 13 Joey Arbias
January 13 Claudio Bestagno
January 13 Zori Carlos
January 13 Loven Lim
January 13 Louis Mo
January 13 Marina Raines
January 14 Tanaya McGregor
January 14 Charles Grant Vigilia
January 16 Lucila 'Lucy' Garcia
January 17 Vivian Vanegas
January 18 Jourdan Chelsea Dator
January 18 Irvin A. Henry III
January 18 Linda Nadig
January 18 Arron Pak
January 18 Milo Perez
January 18 Flossie M Wiedermann
January 19 Jenny Barrionuevo
January 20 Matthew Birmingham
January 20 Bengt Gustavsson
January 21 James De La Cruz
January 21 Ronald Radlein
January 23 Theresa Brown
January 23 Annette Hearn
January 23 Jerrell L Mills
January 24 Sylvia Contreras
January 24 Marco Toscano
January 25 Randy Todorovich
January 26 Stanley Robb
January 26 Ruth V Wilcox
January 27 Stephanie Hernandez
January 27 Jenny Keshishzadeh
January 27 Thelma Sapigao
January 27 Lucy Tumangday
January 28 Melinda Danlag
January 29 Christa Wilcox
January 30 Susan L Roy
January 31 Nancy I. Alvarado
January 31 Elisabeth Brucal
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The birthday calendar is from the Southern California Conference of Seventh-day Adventists database. We apologize if your birthday is not listed. It is crucial to have everyone's contact information up to date.
Please contact us to update your birthday and other information for our records by emailing clerk@vallejodrive.church. Thank you!
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