Hillcrest Christian News

To bring this lesson to life, Mrs. Contreras led Chapel in an object lesson about trust. She selected a student volunteer who trusted her, gently blindfolded them, and guided them around obstacles like chairs and tables. Finally, she brought them to a chair and asked if they believed it was there, even though they couldn’t see it. Then she asked them to sit down, trusting her word.

This powerful moment helped the students understand that even when we can’t see what’s ahead, we can still trust that God is guiding and caring for us—just like Noah did!

Our memory verse for the week is: “Without faith, it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.”  Hebrews 11:6a

Worship Songs: “My Light House” by Rend Collective and “Everybody Everywhere” By Jana Alarya tactical 

The students loved having them visit! After Chapel, our Early Education classes joined the elementary students outside to meet and interact with various first responders, to meet them, and to see all their equipment. Each student also received a badge sticker, which made them feel like honorary helpers—it was such a joyful and exciting moment!
We are so grateful for our community partnerships and the opportunities we have to teach our little ones about kindness, bravery, and service in such meaningful ways.

Memory Verse this week: “For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23

Worship Songs: 
“Deep and Wide” By Wee Sing and “Big House” By God’s Kid’s Worship Band

Small Group Agenda 9-10-2025

Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, 1 Peter 5:6

1. What are some characteristics necessary to be a “First Responder”? 

2. How is God calling his children to be "Spiritual First Responders”? (aiding the spiritual needs of those who are broken, hurt and weak). 

3. How can you be more diligent in praying for others? What are your biggest hindrances? 

For 20 years, Danielle has been serving the Hillcrest community, and for her, it truly feels like family. “The community feel is what I love most. The Holy Spirit is welcome here, and I love that my ministry is to work with kids and families.”

Danielle’s secret talent in the kitchen? Believe it or not—the french fries. “I’ve perfected the crisp and seasoning,” she says with a smile.
Hillcrest runs deep in Danielle’s family story. She and her husband, Mike (class of 1987), are proud alumni, and both of their children, Alec (2013) and Leigha (2017), are Hillcrest graduates too.

One of her favorite compliments about the café came from a restaurant distributor who once toured the kitchen and said, “This is the cleanest kitchen I have ever seen.”

Danielle’s Café Favorite: French fries—done the perfect way!

If you’ve ever grabbed a grilled cheese at Hillcrest, you’ve probably tasted Patty’s favorite thing to make—the perfect golden, crunchy sandwich! Patty has been serving students and families at Hillcrest for the past three years, after spending 13 years with the Las Virgenes Unified District.

What she loves most about her work? Her coworkers. “They are the sweetest, most hardworking best friends. We even hang out outside of school—going on hikes, working out at the gym, or making dinners together.”

Patty is also a proud mom of four beautiful daughters—Terri, Mia, Gabriela, and Emma—and a joyful grandma to Haven and Wes.
For Patty, the Hillcrest Café isn’t just a kitchen; it’s an extension of home. “You are welcome to hang out here, and we will love on you well. This café is our pride and joy. Just like you have a seat at Jesus’s table, you will always have a seat at ours.”

Patty’s Café Favorite: The grilled chicken sandwich—her personal specialty!

Outside of Hillcrest, Malia works as a sports reporter and photographer for LA teams. On weekends and weeknights, you’ll find her on the sidelines with her camera, capturing unforgettable moments. “Photography is my passion. Every photo has a story and I love capturing the story for others to experience.”

For families, she has one insider tip: “The Covenantal Coffee is your best source of energy to keep up with all the enthusiasm on campus!”

Malia’s Café Favorite: Matcha, which is high school approved, Jesse approved, and now a Hillcrest staple!

A Little More About Me

Education: B.S. Science Education Awarded: Teacher of the Year and John Hopkins Sarah D. Barder Fellow

Years of Teaching: Since 1986, for a total of 35 years (minus the Covid years)
Schools Taught At: 2 public schools and 5 Christian schools during different moves
Favorite Memory at Hillcrest: Lunch dates with students. I want them to know I am here to listen, to minister as needed, and to have the heart to heart talks that point them to Jesus.
Favorite Science Unit to Teach: Biological sciences, although I have taught every subject from 7th grade on up
Fun Fact: I love to cook Asian foods. This started in college when a professor asked me to teach his wife English as she was about to begin her Master’s degree in Library Science. In return, she taught me authentic Chinese cooking. That opened the door to learning Japanese, Thai, Vietnamese, and Korean cuisine. Vietnamese is my favorite!

Our memory verse for the week was:

Genesis 1:31a – "And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good."

To help plant these truths deep in their hearts, we sang and danced to:
“He’s Got the Whole World”
“Oh, He Loves Me”

These songs brought big smiles and joyful hearts as we worshiped together!

We encourage you to talk with your child about Chapel this week. Ask them what they saw in the “present,” and remind them how loved and special they are in God’s eyes.

Thank you for partnering with us as we help plant seeds of faith in these precious little hearts.