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Wednesday, November 26, 2025 | Vol 7. No. 130 | Sabbath's Worship Service | |
"The Nation of Abraham: The Boundary"
The last few weeks we’ve seen God’s mercy on full display. Whether it’s in the form of divine and gracious hospitality, or by taking us by the hand and leading us away from destruction by way of intercessory prayer. This week we see another side of God that may. . . not be another side at all. We’re literally talking about the infamous “fire and brimstone” God, as Sodom goes up in flames.
Can God’s patience finally run out? Does His love have a limit?
Warning: This message may be too hot to handle for some.
-Pastor Jonathan Henderson
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The Golden State British Brass Band will be blessing us
with their musical gifts this Sabbath!
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Dr. Arr and Ladelle Alinsod
Once upon a time in the Philippines, two Adventist pastors, Tito Atiga and Romulo Alinsod, were serving their respective churches on the largest island, Luzon. Unbeknownst to them, their families’ destinies were about to intertwine with an incredible series of parallels. Born just weeks apart at Manila Adventist Sanitarium & Hospital, Arr Alinsod and Ladelle Sapigao were their grandchildren. Ladelle’s parents were nurses, while Arr’s were in business and finance.
In the 1960s, both families immigrated to the United States, drawn by the promise of new opportunities. Ladelle was just eight months old when her nurse parents landed in East Los Angeles to work at the White Memorial Medical Center. Arr’s family followed a few years later when he was five. Arr’s father soon became the accountant for the original Bob’s Big Boy Diner in Glendale—the iconic company that would eventually evolve into the giant Marriott hotel chain.
Ladelle’s family settled near White Memorial Church, while Arr’s family landed in Glendale. Although Arr started at a public school, he transferred to Glendale Adventist Elementary (GAE) by the third grade. By the time Ladelle reached sixth grade, her family also relocated to Glendale, and she too enrolled at GAE.
It was at GAA that their parallel paths finally intersected in the sixth grade. The school was famous for its Junior High banquets, where select seventh-graders served the eighth-graders. Servers had to pair up for the evening, and Arr—who had had his eye on the popular Ladelle—was determined to ask her to be his partner. Alas, he lamented, "I am just too slow!" because someone else beat him to it. The following year, the same sad story repeated.
Arr’s fortunes finally changed during their sophomore year when GAA tradition reversed, and the girls asked the boys to the spring banquet. Ladelle invited Arr to be her companion! Ladelle later confessed that there had always been "something in her heart for Arr," and this was her chance to act. (Yes, Arr, you were too slow!) They started officially dating before their Junior year, right after Arr finally got his driver's license—a necessary prerequisite for chauffeuring Ladelle around.
After high school Ladelle pursued nursing at La Sierra and Loma Linda. While Arr planned to study business at PUC he eventually decided to study towards an Anesthetist degree at La Sierra and Loma Linda instead. Soon Arr realized he loved medicine and decided to go all the way, pursuing his MD.
After seven years of dating, they married during Arr’s freshman year of medical school, in the Vallejo Drive Church sanctuary. Ladelle worked as a NICU nurse at Loma Linda University Medical Center while Arr completed his studies on an Air Force scholarship.
Their early years together included residency in Florida and Korea, until Arr finally finished his military service at March Air Force Base, bringing the Alinsod family back to Glendale in 1995. They happily welcomed Arielle in 1995 and Nolan in 1999. Arr eventually established his own Family Medicine practice in Burbank in 1999, with Ladelle helping to run the office.
They chose Vallejo Drive Church as their home base because of its excellent children’s programs, raising their kids through Sabbath school and GAA. Ladelle has contributed leadership to the hospitality and deacon ministries, while Arr has focused his skills on the Finance Committees for both the church and the school.
As Arr and Ladelle consider retirement, they are enthusiastic and plan an increased involvement in the church, seeing incredible potential in the collaboration between GAA, Hospital, and Church to serve our community.
We praise God for devoted families like the Alinsods!
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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, Roger Hernandez, Trish Low and family, Lindner family, Wesley family, De Silva family, Jacqueline Baptiste, Victor Salazar, William Walker, Phil Chavez, Rob, Vlado Arsov, Leo Vliores, and the Christians persecuted in Nigeria.
CONDOLENCES
We offer our condolences to the family of Heber Da Silva, who passed away on Nov 20. Please pray for his family and loved ones during this difficult time.
Our heartfelt condolences also go out to Steve Ungson and Jennifer Garcia and family on the passing of their mother, Jemimah Ungson, on November 14. Services for Jemimah Ungson will be at the Glendale City Church and at Forest Lawn on Friday, December 12, starting at 10 am. For more detailed information, please contact the Glendale City Church.
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Baby/Elderly Care Offered/Needed
Jacqueline Jean-Baptiste is an experienced and reliable Nanny and Baby Nurse (Certified Nursing Assistant, Certified Caregiver for Elderly and Children, Certified Home Health Aide, Basic Life Support Provider, Postpartum Doula).
Please contact Pastor Aivars for more information (pastoraivars@vallejojdrive.church).
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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
| A nurse looking for a 2 bedroom to rent. Please call Emily, at 760-522-1859. | Caregiver services offered by Joyce. Please give her a call if you or someone you know needs a caregiver. 424-309-3454. | A home is available for rent in La Crescenta. Please contact Pastor Cindy or the church office. | 1 bedroom 1 bath available for rent! Call Rudy at 818-481-2964 or email general.umali@yahoo.com | 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 (rate is per room) 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. |
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 an update regarding our SOS Thrift Store/Food Bank, located across the street from the church!
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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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 elderly, 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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PRISON MINISTRIES
ANNUAL ANGEL TREE MINISTRY
'It's the most wonderful time of the year!' the carol reminds us. With that same spirit, our Prison Fellowship Angel Tree Project 2025 is on now until December 6. Look for the Christmas Tree with the angels in the foyer to make your selections.
Every child is allotted 2 gifts at $25.00 each per child. We have 42 children to serve this year. Thank you for your constant and giving spirit over the past 35 years. Make the 36th as blessed.
-Alma Wesley, Angel Tree Coordinator
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December 13, 2025 at 6 pm
Christmas Around The World Dessert Party
Wear traditional outfits from your country of origin!
For more information, contact Alma Wesley
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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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Home Again Los Angeles
Instead of overnight stays, we will be providing food and interacting with the families of HALA on select Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays:
For more information on HALA, please visit https://www.homeagainla.org/aboutus.
For more info about how to get involved, please contact Maite and Andrew Cervik.
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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. Finally it will be submitted to the church board for final approval.
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Sabbath School Mission Feature in our Chapel
Sabbaths @ 10:15 am
This Sabbath, Nov 29: Dr. Schubert Palmer "Give Thanks"
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For SCC events, please subscribe to the conference's newsletter!
https://scc.adventist.org/media/subscribe/in-touch-subscribe
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Meetings in 2025: Dec 21.
Meetings in 2026: Jan 18, Feb 15, March 15, April 19, May 17, June 28.
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Glendale Adventist Academy News | Please continue to support our constituent school, Glendale Adventist Academy, their faculty, staff, and students. 818-244-8671. | |
Wednesday Bible Study at 7:00 pm.
Led by Pastors Jonathan and Aivars!
| | Exercise Opportunities with Adventist Health Glendale | |
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, contact Audrey Zorek for more info
Bell Choir Rehearsal: Fridays at 7 pm
Chancel Choir Rehearsal: Sabbaths at 9 am
Monthly Events:
Laundry Love: every 3rd Tuesday
Home Again Los Angeles (HALA): Dec 8-10--feeding unhoused families and children
Quilting Bee: 3rd Sunday of the month (see calendar below)
Adventurers and Pathfinders: Contact Alex Knights for schedule
Youth (The Beacon): see below and contact Pastor Cindy for updates
Youth Adults: Contact Pastor Anthony for schedule
CALENDAR
Thu, Nov 27: Thanksgiving
Fri, Nov 28: The Beacon Bible Study (Youth)
Sab, Nov 29: Golden State British Brass Band during worship service
Sab, Dec 6: Chancel Choir Christmas Concert at 4 pm
Dec 8-10: Home Again Los Angeles
Fri, Dec 12: Altadena Men's Ministry Meeting (FH)
Fri, Dec 12: Glow @ The Beacon Vespers
Fri, Dec 12: Altadena Men's Ministry
Sab, Dec 13: Christmas Around the World Dessert Party @ 3 pm
Sun, Dec 14: 4th Annual OneHouse Christmas Soiree
Tue, Dec 16: Laundry Love
Thu, Dec 18: The Beacon Social Event
Sab, Dec 20: Youth Christmas Party at 6:30 pm
Sab, Dec 20: Christmas Program: The Christmas Stories
Sun, Dec 21: Quilting Bee
Wed, Dec 24: Christmas Eve
Thu, Dec 25: Christmas
Fri, Dec 26: Communion Rehearsal
Fri, Dec 26: The Beacon Bible Study
Sab, Dec 27: Footwashing and Communion
Sab, Dec 27: Wedding Rehearsal
Sun, Dec 28: Wedding
Wed, Dec 31, 2025: New Year's Eve
Thurs, Jan 1, 2026: New Year's Day
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Click on the cover below for an online copy of next week's Sabbath School Lesson: |
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Church Finances
Year-To-Date as of November 26, 2025
Total Local Church Giving $891,333.62
Total Local Church Spending $963,019.27
Budget Giving (incl. in local) $358,241.03
Budget Spending (incl. in local) $523,334.69
Tithes Received 2025 $1,010,998.15
Tithes Received 2024 $946,625.72
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Friday, November 28, 2025 - 4:44 PM
Next Friday, December 5, 2025 - 4:43 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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November 28 Alice S Nassimian
November 28 Janeth Quintero
December 2 Joe Alaniz
December 2 Kristina Penny Daley
December 2 Natalie Gregg
December 2 Cyrus Gupilan
December 3 Javier Covarrubias
December 3 Ruth P Gonzales
December 3 Laurie A Ivie
December 3 Stephanie Anne Thamas
December 4 Janice 'Jan' Merrill
December 4 Amanda Simeone
December 5 Stephen Soukup
December 5 Eli Villanueva
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The weekly 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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