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What's in a Name?
An Easter Introduction & Invitation
by Andrew Thomas
Allow me to introduce myself: My given name is Andrew Thomas. Some people call me "Dad," "Son," "Husband," "Rev" or "Pastor" - but most folks call me Andy.
Our individual names mean much to us - we scoff when they are mispronounced by telemarketers. Our eyebrows raise at unique barista misspellings on a coffee cup.
This Easter, Valencia United Methodist Church celebrates the God who knows your name.
In the Gospel of John, Mary Magdalene visits the tomb of Jesus in grief and mourning. What lifts her eyes to see the glory of Easter and the power of resurrection? Jesus speaks her name, "Mary." Immediate recognition from her - the joy of life and hope is revealed!
Join us for worship this Season. Our usual schedule is Classic Worship at 9am and Modern Worship at 10:30am. Easter Sunday morning, we celebrate with three identical services at 8:30am, 9:45am and 11am. Join us as we celebrate the risen Christ! Come and be called by name!
Valencia United Methodist Church umcv.org

The Dawning of Spring & the Truth of Easter
by Garrett Siemsen
My wife and I spent most of our 30s living in Pittsburgh. She grew up in Phoenix, I grew up in Santa Clarita. Winter was rough.
Spring, on the other hand, was downright amazing - gloom gave way to light, buried bulbs turned into beautiful flowers and the silence of snow yielded to the singing of birds. It felt like the whole world went from death to life.
Every year, this made Easter feel like a big celebration of spring. (Essentially the church's version of the Kentucky Derby, big hats and all.). However fun that may be, it was C.S. Lewis who suggested that perhaps it's the other way around - that the dawning of spring is, in fact, nature's celebration of Easter.
A God who can bring light out of the darkness. A song out of the silence. New life out of our longest and hardest winters. Is that possible? That's what nature seems to be hinting at, and that's what the resurrection of Christ declares to be true.
Most of us don't speak openly about it, but it's not uncommon to become a winter bulb in this life - buried beneath something from which you can't emerge, trapped in conditions not conducive to fruitfulness, in need of a change that you yourself can't bring about. Please know that there is good news in the midst of that. That there is a God, in fact, who continues to resurrect the hopeless, through the One who is himself the Resurrection and the Life.
Pastor Garrett Siemsen of Christ Lutheran Church. clcscv.org

Join Christ Lutheran Church for Holy Week
Palm Sunday Services are on April 2 at 8:30am and 10am; Maundy Thursday Service is April 6 at 7pm; and Good Friday Service is April 7 at 7pm. On Easter Sunday, Outdoor Sunrise Service will be held at 6am; Easter Worship is at 9am and 11am; and breakfast will be served from 8am to 11am.

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On the Hunt for Sweet Easter Memories?
Start a Tradition at Gilchrist Farm
Held on March 25 and 26, April 1, April 2 and April 8, Gilchrist Farm's Spring Fling & Egg Hunt connects you and your crew to a wholesome day in nature - and memories that will last a lifetime.
Cuddle baby animals like goats, chicks and piglets, create cute spring crafts, take a picture with the Easter Bunny (And real bunnies!), ride the little farm train, take a wagon ride, learn how to throw an ax, shoot arrows, explore the Giant Slide and much more.
And whatever you do: book your egg hunt tickets now! Egg hunts are held at 10am, 12pm and 2pm and are divided by age groups so that every child has an opportunity to find treat-filled eggs. You can select the difficulty level that's the best fit for your child - from eggs that are in plain sight to ones that are almost fully hidden. The egg hunt draws families from all over Los Angeles County, so book your reservations now - it often sells out.
Gilchrist Farm gilchristfarm.com

Bunnies Loves Bundts
These buttery beauties are the not-too-sweet treat that put a spring in your step - and joy on your table! Pop bundtinis in baskets or make a festive bundt your delicious centerpiece.
Nothing Bundt Cakes 291-2424

Bright Colors & Warm Messages
Mark the Spring '23 Sid Dickens' Release
Sid Dickens' new Spring 2023 release is full of bright images that uplift with its colorful palette for the new season. It showcases a new chapter of life filled with purpose and determination. As winter's darkness wears away, the time to take hold of everything life has to offer is upon us. The season to thrive is now, where all our aspirations are within reach. Pair your Sid Dickens' memory blocks with joyful gifts and decor handpicked for the season.
Available at Refined Vintage Boutique. 505-7175

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Saturday | April 8
City of Santa Clarita Hosts Eggstravaganza
Ready to help your kids "scramble" for treat-filled eggs? Held at Central Park, this family-friendly and free event begins promptly at 10am and is open to kiddos ages 10 and under. Bring a basket and be ready to "divide and conquer," because the park is separated into different areas so that each age group has a fun and fair time. No registration is required but do bring canned food items for the Santa Clarita Food Pantry if you're feeling generous. There will be a collection area on site.
santa-clarita.com