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Important Events for Parents

Parenting Teens 101

This group for parents of junior and senior high youth is designed for support and fellowship.  Our goal is to help parents of teens relax and enjoy raising their teens.  The group will meet on the second Sunday of each month in Room 5 from 9-10 am led by Lisa Bashor and Leslie Bouknight.

Sierra Service Project  (SSP)

SSP is a non-profit organization providing life changing experiences through acts of service, repairing Native American homes, and feeding and ministering to those in need in Los Angeles.  We invite high school age youth to experience the profound power of serving people who have a culture and life experience different from their own.

Stay tuned for information about trips planned for the summer of 2011.  Go to www.sierraserviceproject.org for more info!

We have an awesome Leadership Team, and I couldn't do the job without them. They spend countless hours volunteering their time and energy to the ministry, because they have a passion to see the youth transformed by Christ! Our faithful servants are: Todd Arrowsmith, Burke Greer, Connie Bisacchi, Bob Maxwell, Deb Manahan, Eric Schmidt, Lori Wilson, David Stradling, Anne Jerina, Mike Barber, and Greg Hayes.  They do everything from coordinating dinners on Sunday nights to teaching Sunday School to leading worship practice to leading games and so much more! I'm very thankful for all of them!

Parent/Youth Council for 2009/2010:

Parents: Leslie Bouknight, Kellie Wood, Bob Maxwell, Mindy Cope, Suzanne Bowman, and Christine Donahue.

Youth:  Alexis Miller, Megan Andrews, Kelsey Donahue, Sam Bashor, Taylor Bouknight, and Ali Johnston.

Todd Arrowsmith
Todd is our newest leader, and will be working primarily with the Junior High Group. He has many years of experience in youth ministry. He is currently the Activities Director at West Ranch High School. He is married to his lovely wife, Laura, who grew up at Santa Clarita United Methodist. They have two kids, Scott and Tyler. We are blessed and excited to have Todd join our team! If you would like to reach Todd, email him at tarrows@hartdistrict.org

Connie Bisacchi
Connie Bisacchi is our newest leader to our team. Connie is 34 years old, and will be working primarily with our junior high ministry. She is currently a teacher for home school families online. She is married to her lovely husband, Brett, and has 2 adorable girls, Maddie (7) and Allie (3). Please help welcome Connie on board. She brings to our program many wonderful gifts, and a passion for our youth. You can reach Connie at constancebisacchi@yahoo.com.

Burke Greer
Burke Greer is one of the newest members of our team. He currently plays for our VUMC Praise Band, and is a Supervisor for 20th Century Fox. He just recently got engaged to Jill Whitley. Burke will be leading our Youth Praise Band, and has already done a fabulous job getting them in sync. We are so excited to have the musical talents of Burke on our team. You can reach Burke at burkeg04@gmail.com.

Greg Hayes
It is an honor to be a part of the Sunday School staff at VUMC, under the leadership of Peter Joseph. I am thankful for Peter and his wife Bonnie's love for each of our youth. They desire to see them grow in their faith, and use their gifts and talents to express that faith. Through the years, I
have grown with the youth, beginning as a K-3rd grade Sunday School teacher, and later moving on to teach the 4th-6th graders. I have been blessed to have been a part of Pioneer Club and VBS, as well as being part of the cleanup crew for the children's musicals. In addition, I have had the privilege of serving side by side with our youth at SSP Urban L.A. To contact me, e-mail ghayes@hartdistrict.org.

Deb Manahan
Deb Manahan works for Los Angeles Unified School District and has been with the youth at Valencia United Methodist Church for a little over 8 years. She brings many wonderful gifts to our program. You can email Deb at debmanahan@sbcglobal.net

Bob Maxwell
Bob Maxwell has worked with the children and youth at VUMC for nine years, spending the first seven years as a K-4th grade Pioneer Club Guide and then following his son up to the Junior High Group. His roles include coordinating youth dinners, chauffeuring youth events, helping out with Bible study groups, and whatever else Peter can talk him into doing. He and his junior high sweetheart, Kathleen, have been married for over 30 years and have one son, Jonathan, who is active in the junior high youth group. Bob is a CPA and a full-time faculty member in the Business Department at College of the Canyons. You can email Bob at robert_j_maxwell@yahoo.com.

Eric Schmidt
Eric Schmidt (Mr. Eric to some of the kids) began his involvement with the youth as a children's choir director 12 years ago. Today he leads the teenage vocal group "Fire in the Soul" (FITS), in which his two sons, John and Steven, are active.  Eric's been married over 30 years to Diane, a marvelous mom and spiritual mentor.  A member of VUMC for 14 years, he helps out with Senior High Sunday School and also hosts a weekly men's Bible study at his home.  Eric makes his living as a composer for television, film and concert bands. You can check out what he does at his website, jericschmidt.com or email him at schmidtguy@att.net

David Stradling
David Stradling is in his 22nd year of teaching, the last 12 at Saugus High School where he is the Head Golf Coach. He has worked previously with the youth here at VUMC, but has taken the last few years off. He currently serves on the church's Staff Parish Team and the Vision Team. He is married to his lovely wife, Jennifer Stradling, and has three kids who have come up through the VUMC youth program, and who are now off to college: Katherine, Kimberly, and Daniel. He can be reached at DStradl@HartDistrict.org.

Lori Wilson
Lori Wilson works as a counselor for Bowman High School, and has been with the Senior High Youth at Valencia United Methodist Church for close to four years. She is married to her lovely husband, Kris Wilson, and has 3 children: Ben, Hannah, and Jake. She has led small groups in the past for us like Survivor 101, and now is currently leading the Sr. High Wednesday Night Bible Study with Deb Manahan. She brings to our program many wonderful gifts, and a passion for our high school youth. You can reach Lori at lwilson@hartdistrict.org.