Children
Children’s Church takes place each Sunday morning at 9 a.m. in Room 4 of the Christian Education Building. Children age 3 years through 2nd grade share this time of worship before going to their classrooms. FollowingChildren's Church, students are escorted to their Sunday School classrooms. Children 3rd grade and up go directly to their classrooms.
Sunday School Classes – 9 a.m.
3, 4 & 5 year olds – Christian Education Bldg.,
Room #1
K – 2nd grade – Christian Education Bldg.,
Room #3
3rd & 4th grade – Alton Hall, Room #2
5th & 6th grade – Alton Hall, Room #1
Choirs
Carol Choir (age 3 up to K)
Meets Sunday during Church School.
Sonshine Singers (grades K-2)
Meet Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m.
Melody Makers (grades 3-6)
Meet Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m.
This choir presents a musical during 9 & 10:30 a.m. worship each spring.
Tintinnabulators
a handbell choir for children in grades 3 & older, withbeginning and intermediate ringing skills.
Meet Tuesdays at 4:30 p.m.
Acolytes
Open to those in grades 3-7, students have the opportunity to light candles and assist the pastor in worship services. Training is provided periodically for children wishing to participate.
Vacation Bible School
Children age 4 through 6th grade meet weekday mornings during one week in June (after school ends). A theme is selected each summer. The daily schedule includes classroom activities, worship, crafts, music, science and cooking. The purpose of VBS is to provide a safe place for children to learn about God's love, build new relationships and grow in their understanding of the Christian faith. During this time together the students learn a lot, develop socially and begin to appreciate even more the presence of God with us.
Pizazz Music Camp
Started in 1993, this weeklong program isheld the 2nd week of August each summer. Children(120) in the church and community – entering1st-8th grades in the fall – are 
invited to participate in a musicadventure, making use of singing, handbell and choir chime ringing, choreographed movement and music enrichment classes. The basic and more advanced techniques of reading, singing and playing music, as well as rhythm and movement are taught by a highly qualified staff. Participants put on a Celebration Performance on Friday evening.
Summer camping opportunities are also available through the California-Pacific Annual Conference at various UMC campsites in Southern California during the month of July.
Youth
Sunday School classes
9 a.m. Sundays Junior High Class (grades 7 & 8) – Conference Room High School Class (grades 9 – 12) – Youth Building
Junior Youth Fellowship (JYF)
For youth in grades 6 – 8, this weekly program meets most Sunday evenings at 5 p.m. A great place to build fellowship with youth who have committed to making the church an important part of their social circle, teens participate in fun activities, explore issues that teens face in a complicated world and participate in community service projects. A weekend retreat is held in August.
Covenant Youth Fellowship (CYF)
This weekly program for youth in grades 9-12 meets most Sunday evenings at 6:30 p.m. A great place to build fellowship with youth who have committed to making the church an important part of their social circle, teens participate in fun activities, explore issues that teens face in a complicated world and participate in community service projects. A winter retreat, a work trip and a Mystery Ramble are held each year.
Confirmation Classes
Confirmation is a 10-month weekly course that studies the foundation of our Christian faith and prepares 8th grade or older young people for church membership. Confirmands make their own decision to follow Christ and accept (confirm) the baptismal vows made by their parents. Classes, taught by the pastor and youth director, meet from September through May on Wednesdays, 4:30 – 6 p.m.
Choirs - Vocal & Handbell
Footprints
(grades 7-12)
Meet Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m.
This choir presents a musical during the Advent Celebration in December.
Tintinnabulators
(a handbell choir for children in grades 3 & older, with beginning and intermediate ringing skills)
Meet Tuesdays at 4:30 p.m.
Praise Ringers
(a handbell choir for youth with both intermediate and advanced skills)
Meet Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m.
“Ten 49” Youth Praise Band
Members rehearse on Sunday afternoons and play once a month in worship services and on other occasions. If you play an instrument and are interested in joining the band, contact brian@umcwv.org (Band’s name comes from the church address.)
“Through His Hands” Puppet Ministry
This is an outreach ministry that performs at church and in the community for different occasions with Christian music and secular materials to share the Good News. Performances are customized for each target audience. Being a puppeteer is open to all interested persons, 7th grade through adult. Puppet Ministry meets Mondays at 5 p.m.
Pizazz Music Camp
Started in 1993, this weeklong program is held the 2nd week of August each summer. Children (120) in the church and community – entering 1st-8th grades in the fall – are invited to participate in a music adventure, making use of singing, handbell and choir chime ringing, choreographed movement and music enrichment classes. The basic and more advanced techniques of reading, singing and playing music, as well as rhythm and movement are taught by a highly qualified staff. Participants put on a Celebration Performance on Friday evening.
Summer camping opportunities are also available through the California-Pacific Annual Conference at various UMC campsites in Southern California during the month of July.
Young Adults
Young adults are invited to participate in all activities listed for adults.
Singles
Singles are invited to participate in all activities listed for adults.
Family Fellowship
This group is for families without children or with children up to 6th grade.
It meets monthly for fellowship and social activities. Childcare is provided.
All
“Adventures in Christian Growth” Christian Education Class
Sundays at 9 a.m. in the Bishop Kennedy Room
"I Believe in God: A Reflection on the Apostles’ Creed" - September 20 - November 1, 2009
"Sabbath: Finding Rest, Renewal, and Delight in Our Busy Lives" -
November 8 - December 20, 2009
"The Bible: A Biography" - January 3 - February 21, 2010
"The Lost Gospel Q: The Original Sayings of Jesus" - February 28 - March 14, 2010
"The Hole in the Gospel: What Does God Expect of Us? The Answer That Changed My Life
and Might Change the World" - March 21 - May 9, 2010
"Strangers in the Land" - May 16 - May 30, 2010
"The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom" - June 6 - June 27, 2010
"The Cost of Discipleship" - July 11 - August 30, 2010
Choirs – Vocal & Handbell
Chancel Choir (College through adults)
Meets Thursdays at 7:30 p.m.
Covenant Ringers – a handbell choir for adults.
Meet Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m.
Friday Night Diners
Couples and singles of all ages meet on the 3rd Friday (usually) of every month at 7:30 p.m. in homes. These dinners offer a great place to socialize and share time in a casual, friendly setting.
Holiday Boutique and Soup & Pie Luncheon
1st Saturday in November. Sponsored by Women’s Ministry, proceeds from this annual fund-raising event support mission outreach.
Ushers
Volunteers are trained to greet, hand out bulletins, offer seating assistance, take attendance count, collect the offering, gather registration booklets, collect prayer requests for the pastor and assist people in receiving communion.
Welcoming Teams
Several volunteers serve as greeters who welcome people to worship one Sunday per month before the 9 and 10:30 a.m. services.
Walk to Emmaus
A spiritual renewal program (separate weekends for men and women) intended to strengthen the local church through the development of Christian disciples and leaders. The approach seriously considers the model of Christ's servanthood and encourages Christ's disciples to act in ways appropriate to being "a servant of all."
Meets on Tuesday at 10 a.m. in the Prayer Chapel to pray for the ongoing needs and/or requests of our congregation.
In Touch Ministry
An outgrowth of the weekly prayer group, this group supports members of the church by responding to ongoing needs and/or prayer requests. It meets on Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. in the Conference room.
Lay Visitation
For church members or others that may be homebound or located at in-care facilities, volunteers from the congregation make regular contact either through in-person visits or via phone.
Ministry of Hospitality
This group reaches out to our church family by hosting receptions, providing a time of fellowship following a memorial service and/or helping with special events. This includes welcoming new members as they become a part of our church family.
Religious Study Group
This study group meets on Wednesdays from 2 – 3:30 p.m. in the Bishop Kennedy Room.
Spiritual Life Book Group
A group to nurture and nourish our lives through various prayer and/or spiritual books and discussions. Meets on Tuesdays at 9 a.m. in the Prayer Chapel.
Spiritual Growth
A weekly Wesleyan covenant group meets for prayer and spiritual studies on Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m. in the Bishop Kennedy Room.
Men’s Ministries
With programs for men of all ages, Men's Ministry provides regular opportunities for the men of our faith community to grow together spiritually. Through men’s sharing groups, shared sporting events, church workdays and community service, men seek higher spiritual awareness, a more balanced sense of self and more complete discipleship.
Men’s Breakfast Fellowship Group
Men are invited to meet every Friday morning at 7 a.m. for breakfast at the Plug Nickel Restaurant.
Men’s Retreat
An annual Spring Retreat for spiritual growth where being in the company of men of faith is celebrated and sustained. For men of all ages.
Men’s Softball Team
Sponsored by Men’s Ministries, young adult and adult males are invited to join the church team. Conejo Recreation and Park District Church League games are played on Friday evenings in the spring and fall. Others are invited to come to the games to be cheerleaders!
Choir
Fishermen (Men’s chorus for special occasions)
Meets at times arranged by Director of Music.
Women’s Ministries
Exists for women to experience freedom as whole persons through Jesus Christ, thereby empowering them to engage in God’s ministry to family, church and community. Programs are designed to engage women in activities that foster personal growth in the Christian faith, mission education and Christian social involvement.
Crafty Ladies
This is a group for women of all ages who like to do a variety of craft projects. It meets every Thursday at 10 a.m. in the Wesley Fireside Room to make items for selling at the annual Holiday Boutique.
One-Day Spring Retreat
Women are invited to meet at the church on a Saturday in the spring each year. A Retreat leader helps them explore the theme selected
Women’s Book & Video Discussion Group (BeeVees)
This is a women’s book and video discussion group for women of all ages. It meets in a member’s home on the 1st Monday of each month at 7:30 p.m.
Women’s Craft Group
For women of all ages, this group meets on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays at 9:30 a.m. in the Wesley Fireside Room. They work on craft projects to sell at the Holiday Boutique.
Women’s Retreat
The annual Fall Retreat is for spiritual growth where the blessing of being in the company of women of faith is celebrated and sustained. This weekend retreat is designed for women of all ages.
Women’s Sharing Group
For women of all ages, this group meets on the 2nd Wednesday of each month at 7:45 a.m. for breakfast at the Plug Nickel Restaurant.
Choir
Celebration Singers (women) - Meet Thursdays at 6:45 p.m.
Families
All-Church Picnic & Casual Sunday
Sponsored by Women’s Ministries and held the first Sunday in May, this is a day to attend worship in casual attire and then get together as a church family at a nearby park for a picnic lunch, relaxation and games for all ages.
Church Camp
An annual weekend camp in October for all ages at Forest Home in Ojai. Meet new friends while you sit back and relax or explore the climbing wall, zip line, “beach” volleyball, basketball, Frisbee golf course, hiking trails and softball. Good meals, crafts, a traditional bonfire and Sunday morning worship are also included.
All-Church Work Trip
Coordinated by the Director of Youth Ministry, this work trip is for people of all ages to have the opportunity to spend a long weekend helping others. Participants do a variety of tasks at a selected site, from yard work and demolition to framing, drywall installation and painting, as well as entertaining children who live in the area.
Western Night
This is an all-church event with a western theme that includes a BBQ dinner, folk dancing, pony rides, a dunk tank and other fun activities.
Advent Celebration
Held the Sunday following the Thanksgiving weekend each year, the Advent Celebration helps people prepare their hearts for the true meaning of Christmas. A service with music by our choirs, carol singing and a musical by the Footprints (youth choir) begins at 4 p.m. and is followed by lighting of the crèche scene outside and dinner in Alton Hall.
Music Ministry Fundraiser
Music Ministry sponsors, for family enjoyment, a fundraiser variety show or concert with secular music every 12-18 months.
