Valley Community Foursquare Church
made Christmas for hundreds of families
January 21, 2015
By Susan Branham
Santa Paula News
Valley Community Foursquare Church made Christmas bright for hundreds of Santa Paula families this December, with a fun evening of toys and joy. Pastor John Farmer, his wife Claudia Farmer and their church family presented the community with Christmas memories to last for years to come at their church on Santa Paula’s Main Street.
A brightly decorated 14-foot Christmas tree welcomed children and their parents to the church grounds, where they enjoyed a presentation of a recent Christmas classic movie, the Polar Express. “Children got to see it on a big screen,” Pastor Farmer said. “When they came, it was kinda like going to Santa’s playground.” A troop of mimes performed around the Christmas tree, and the families were welcomed inside the church where tables were filled with gifts for the children.
“This is what Christmas is all about,” Pastor Farmer explained. “We just want to give as much as we possibly can, bless as much as we possibly can. Our heart as a church is turned toward the community.” Members of the church greeted the families, and children received gifts ranging from scientific to sports toys, and stuffed animals as well. “Each child got a stuffed animal and a toy,” Farmer said. Toys for Tots helped provide toys for the event.
“We want to see good things happen,” said Pastor Farmer. “We love Santa Paula and want to do everything in our power to make it a better place to be.”
The church recently hosted a Fall Family Festival, where hundreds of community families enjoyed food, and children enjoyed bags of goodies, as well. The church also serves the community with a food pantry, helping from 90 to 100 families per week. “Food Share is a huge help,” Farmer said.
“This is how Jesus did it,” Pastor Farmer pointed out. “He went to the community. As a church, we want to be people that bless outside our four walls.” The church plans to distribute toys left over from the Christmas event to children at hospitals.
“We have a great church family,” Pastor Farmer said. “Our church family stepped up to the plate. I couldn’t be prouder of our church. They came together and blessed our community.”
Valley Community Foursquare Church had its beginnings in Santa Paula back in 1926, and has served in its present location since 1950. “Our church is about 88 years old in Santa Paula,” said Pastor Farmer. “This is our 65th anniversary at this building.” The church has a tradition of service to the community dating back to its early days. In the 1928 flood, the church provided relief to people in need.
The church continues a tradition of outreach today, and plans to keep the blessings flowing. “We have plans for the future,” Pastor Farmer said. “We have a lot we want to do. Do the best you can with what you have, and let God do the rest.”
Pastor Farmer and his wife Claudia have been serving at Valley Community Foursquare Church for almost a year. Claudia Farmer is the Missional Director for the church, and they love the Santa Paula community. “It is almost our one-year anniversary here,” John Farmer said. “We love it.”
