Sharing the message of a 'simple Christmas'
By Angela Randazzo Special to the Acorn

Pastor Jeff Cheadle

This Christmas season, the Rev. Jeff Cheadle of Simi Valley Presbyterian is sending a message of simplicity.

Through a series a sermons that began last Saturday and will continue until Christmas Eve, Cheadle said he hopes to remind churchgoers of how to find true happiness for the holidays.

"The theme is based on my conviction that Christmas does not have to be busy, complicated or expensive to be awesome," said Cheadle, who is calling the series "A Simple Christmas."

The pastor said that by getting swept along in the commercialization of Christmas, many people of faith are missing out on the season's real rewards.

"We think more is better when, in fact, most people are getting a diminished return," he said. "It's actually the less joy the busier and more complicated it gets."

Cheadle, who's been the pastor of Simi Prez for the last 18 years, said the key is to keep it simple.

"Christmas is about the birth of Jesus Christ. It's about God's love and loving God with all of our hearts and loving people," Cheadle said. "I think that's the true meaning of Christmas."

Cheadle suggests expressing love to family and friends in more direct ways than just giving gifts.

He said parents and grandparents should look beyond a child's wish list.

"Sometimes the things children want reflect more the skill of advertisers than the child's true needs," Cheadle said. "Parents and grandparents should consider gifts that educate the child not just entertain them."

Helping those in need and the homeless is also part of a simple Christmas, he said.

"So much of what we do is buy expensive gifts for our relatives," Cheadle said. "There's nothing wrong with that, but there are people in our community who need food and clothing. They are unable to buy any gifts for their children."

Among Simi Prez's outreach programs will be a Christmas Shop on Dec. 15. By invitation only, 100 families will participate in a lowcost shopping spree held at the church.

"It will provide families in our community a way to shop for their children at reduced prices," said Sally Thompson, church office manager.

The church is collecting donations of toys and clothes for children up to age 16. Volunteers are needed on shopping day. Donations may be dropped off from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday to Friday at the church office, 4832 Cochran St.

Call (805) 526-5475 for information.

Church services are on Saturdays at 5:30 p.m. and Sundays at 8, 9:30 and 11:15 a.m. There will be four Christmas Eve candlelight services starting at 4 p.m.