LEGACY FEATURE | GIBSON FAMILY ENDOWMENT AND 70TH CELEBRATION

Seventy years ago, Village Christian was founded on a calling to see lives changed and impacted for Christ.

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On November 15, we had the privilege of celebrating that legacy and seven decades of God’s faithfulness to VCS with worship, fellowship, and some incredible generosity, during a special outdoor concert on campus.

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“I loved the 70th celebration because it brought back so many precious memories,” said VCS Kindergarten Teacher Cathy Lukesh, who has taught at VCS for 40 years and began attending Village as a first-grader in 1954 when the school was still in Burbank. “Getting all the families together for the celebration reminded me of spaghetti potlucks that VCS had; we also gathered at North Hollywood Park for a big BBQ. … God’s plan for this school was so evident Friday night.”

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VCS founder Rev. Phil Gibson’s daughter, Susan Jacob, and son-in-law, Joe Phelps, were both on hand to announce the establishment of the Gibson Family Endowment/Scholarship. Their generous gift to the school will help expand Village’s reach and impact.

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Village Church Pastor Wade Mikels and former Foundation Board Member Donn Rediger, who was in Village’s first-ever class back in 1949, reflected on the school’s history and prayed over its future.

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The “concert on the lawn” style evening included performances by South Hills Music; Tommy Walker and the Christian Assembly Worship Band; Director of Fine Arts Natalie Taylor; alumnae Monique Donnelly and Natalie Garcia; the VCS Student Worship Band; students Garrett and Peyton Podgorski, Sophia Hubiak (and her father, Cameron), and Lena Kim; the VCS Drumline; and the VCS choirs.

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“I think the 70th Anniversary Celebration was a beautiful reflection of our core values here at Village,” Taylor said. “We came together as a community to fellowship and worship. It was special for me as the Director of Fine Arts and as a parent. Plus, a highlight for me was being able to showcase amazing gifts in our department – and there are even more on our campus.”

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The night concluded with the VCS choirs surrounding the Admin Field with candles as they sang “Great is Thy Faithfulness.”

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The experience was rounded out with delicious food and treats available thanks to the VCS Patron’s Club and fine arts programs in the glowing harvest-themed “Village Market.”

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We are also so thankful for the families that were moved to give back during the event, signing up to “Name a Seat,” a Legacy Campaign initiative helping fund a new performing arts stage. In total, 21 seats were sponsored during the evening.

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“The event was truly a remarkable opportunity to celebrate this school’s amazing history and embodied what makes VCS such a special place,” said Head of School Tom Konjoyan. “We are thankful for every member of the VCS family – past, present, and future.”