Merry Christmas to All

I would like personally wish everyone this year a very Merry Christmas. 

~luis.

Where you greeted at the door?

Where you greeted at the door? I hope so. One of the things I believe is very important is that we (the church/music dept.) make the saint (church) and the visitor alike feel like they are important. Last year our praise team where our greeters, this year since we had more people so we included the choir as part of the greeters. 

Christmas Left Overs. lol. extra pictures....

Musicians

Thank you to keyboardist "Speail-T" a.k.a. Todd Valenti and his brother guitarist "Special-Kay"  a.k.a Kyle Valenti. Their willingness to help and be a blessing to the ministry, friendship, and musicianship has been greatly appreciated over this last year. It was a great pleasure to work with them during this years Christmas concert. 

Here they are, the hardest working guys in church business. 

Well, actually I know these guys have a good work ethic when it comes towards their music so when I started planing this concert the music side of it was the least of my worries. 

The local band was comprised of Isai Golindo on drums. This kid has come a long ways. Now I know he wont admit it, and others just wouldn't have taken the time to do it but I honestly think he is better because we worked with him over the last two years bugging him about his time (friend of god, ring any bells) and in general giving him a lot of dirty looks. I give this guy a lot of credit for his maturity and growth as a young person and as musician. 

The other band member of the local congregation is Larry Martinez. He has been here since the start of the spanish ministry. If you ask anybody thats been here a while to describe this guy in one work, i know "faithful" would be at the top of the list. And thats exactly what he has proven himself to be. Any church would be more then happy to have this guy on their team and this church is very blessed to have him. And thank you emma for letting him come out and play. lol. 

Coronado de Gloria

One of the hardest areas in my life that I have had to learn to except is that of change.....

however not all change is bad, and the change that I have noticed in the praise team has been a good one.

Bro. Daniel G. 

Your ability to lead in worship has come a long way. And the youth group wouldn't be what it is today without you involved. Thank you for all your help and faithfulness to the praise team and choir. And for agreeing to do the play, Im pretty sure after you said yes you had second thoughts on it, but I'm glad you followed through, it was a great success. 
Sis. Letti,

who knew when you came up to me and Bro. Zeke about singing (I can only Imagine) that you would turn out to be one of our strongest soprano's on the praise team. Thanks for always being willing sing on short notice. 

Bro. Zeke Rios,

 this is my go to guy. He is the one that knows all my inner thoughts and brain-storming. Thanks for keeping this praise team, and choir together. You have a real natural ability for leadership and speak with a heart of pastor. (you really need to start preaching)

Sis. Irma 

Without you who would be saying "whooooooooo" during all the good moments in praise team/choir practice. Thanks for your willingness to work hard and for teaching choir parts for the Christmas concert. 
To Sis. Daniella, Stephanie, and Bro. Jesus Sanchez,....... Thank you guys so much for your effort with this group. There is a lot talent waiting to be developed and used in the church. Im glad you guys where able to sing in this years concert. 

Sis. Velma,

K, although you getting up to make copies every time i say dont get up and make copies gets on my nerves and drives me crazy lol. ....,  I have to admit the alto section in both praise team and choir would be lost without you. Thanks for always being faithful.

Sis. Liz

You sure did seem comfortable in your dress-y outfit during the play, you don't dress that way a lot do you??? Anyways,..... I really appreciate your help with the youth and what you do in the music department. 

Sis. Mary (Marry)

Yes I know I have been spelling your name wrong now for close to two years......but to spell it correctly now would just feel wierd, maybe even forced. Thank you so much for working with the kids and getting them ready for the concert. This church would really be hurting if they ever lost you. Thanks for everything. 

Sis. Carmen

Even when I cant hear you I know you are always willing to move in closer. Thanks for being faithful.  Oh yeah, and bringing me food, that fish was really good. .....and burrito's, oh yeah, cant forget that. ...... or that cactus stuff, yeah, keep it coming. 

speaking of food,

Sis. Renee, 

Banna Bread, I need say no more. I didn't have any homemade cooking this year for thanksgiving. I spent my thanksgiving at a buffet in Bakersfield, thats not my idea of a good time (normally). So when sis. Renee heard the devastating news she went out of her way and baked me bread.  Im really glad to you joined the praise team, and no not just cause you made me food, although that was a big part of it. lol. jk. 

Bro. Danny Fernandez (from pan-knee-mall)

You have a true gift. I really hope you go far with it. We really missed you at our concert this year. 

Gloria - UCAC Spanish Choir

What can I say about this group of people. They are hard working, very committed to the ministry, and all around good group of people to work with. (now if i can only get them to show up to practice on time, it will be great) This group really came together and stepped it up for this concert. It was a pleasure watching the growth and development of this group take place over the last 9 or 10 months. Thats not even a year ago! 

So thank you to all that were a part of this concert. Thank you to all singers, musicians, decorators, church members, reception planners, clean up crews, youth department, and all church ministers and staff. Without all of you this could not have been made possible. But most of all I thank God. 

The Lord is Good.

His Mercy endureth forever.

For this, I am grateful. 

Children's Choir

Thank you to Sis. Mary Rios for all her help with the Nino's (kids) this year. I know ever year she is always extremely busy but is always willing to work hard to make things happen. The spanish ministry wouldn't be the same without her. 

MC

You know, it really wouldn't be a true UCAC Spanish Christmas Concert without Bro. Albert MC-ing  throughout the concert. . Thank you bro. Albert for all your help again this year.