THANKSGIVING IS HERE (WELL, ALMOST) (11/8/15)

If your Thanksgiving day schedule allows, join us here on campus at 10:00am for one hour of praising the Lord in song and testimony. 

We ran out of Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes on November 1st and have obtained additional supply. Pick up a shoebox today. And wait till I show you a first hand report on how these shoeboxes are being used in world evangelism.

A group of our gals will be headed to Calvary Chapel Murrietta Hot Springs Conference Center next weekend. Pray for them and us guys who end up holding down the fort.

Linda Headley found a new home this week and thanks to Dylan W. and Kyle C. and David F. she got it moved in to her second story unit. Keep our June C. in your prayers regarding her failing health.

We have tackled a number of questions about Jesus in our Scripture studies on Sunday mornings: 1) WHO does He claim to be? and 2) WHY did He come to earth and 3) WHAT difference does believing in Jesus make? Today we go to the Old Testament book of Genesis and look for traces of the promise of a Savior with my message titled DO YOU HAVE TROUBLE WITH A TALKING SNAKE?

Lil Kliewer graduated to heaven this past Wednesday. A memorial service for Lil will take place Friday, November 20th at 11:00am at LIFEPOINT CHURCH, 565 N. San Gorgonio Ave, Banning, CA. Please announce/publish this information for others who knew and loved Bob and Lil. I have placed some copies of the eulogy that has been prepared about Lil at our Information Center for you today.

8109 meets again on November 22. Then we have our Christmas party on Sunday evening, December 6th.

Here’s a portion of Scripture that I would suggest you consider during this year of 2015. I’ll point it out periodically as we gather. “Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; His greatness no one can fathom. One generation commends Your works to another; they tell of Your mighty acts. They speak of the glorious splendor of Your majesty–and I will meditate on Your wonderful works” Psalm 145:3-5.

God’s best to you,

Pastor Richard

THIS SET YOUR CLOCKS BACK DAY SHOULD BE A HOLIDAY (11/1/15)

I love going up to my clocks and setting them back one hour like we just did yesterday and this morning. Stay up late then set your clocks back like you earned an extra hour. But all those who worked last night ended up working longer.

June Castello called us this week to report she is home and on a slow mend path. She sends her prayers and love.

We stood with Linda Headley a few days ago up at Rose Hills when we remembered Larry’s passing on October 24th. Thank you for those who stood with her and are still standing with her.

Esperanza Adult Bible Fellowship on Sunday mornings is now studying the book of Joshua. This is a Spanish and a little bit of English adult group that meets at 9:30am. Join us next Sunday.

All our clocks here on campus were adjusted this week in preparation for the time change. Don’t thank me. Thank Lynn Sapp.

Why did Jesus come to earth? This is the question we asked as we considered the words of Jesus in Luke 19 on October 25th. The words were TO SEEK AND TO SAVE THE LOST. Today we are asking WHAT DIFFERENCE DOES HIS LIFE MAKE? We will open to Colossians 1 beginning with verse 15 to speak to that question.

If your Thanksgiving day schedule allows, join us here on campus at 10:am for one hour of praising the Lord in song and testimony. 

Consider taking an Operation Christmas Child shoebox home with you today.

God’s best to you,

Pastor Richard

WHAT ABOUT HALLOWEEN? (10/25/15)

Today is the last day for me to remind you to use every day of the year to witness and share your faith, INCLUDING HALLOWEEN EVENING. Remember the Psalm that says THE EARTH IS THE LORD’S AND THE FULNESS THEREOF. I have put some Halloween Gospel tracts at the Information Center for you today (while supplies last). Take what you can use.

I always appreciate when people remind me about the upcoming time change each spring and fall. I like the one fall time change where we set our clocks backwards but I don’t look forward to the payback event in the spring. Nevertheless, it is coming this next weekend. A word to the wise….

June Castello is the gal who has shared updates with us about our missionary partners. She sends us her greetings and looks to be back with us soon. She sends special greets to Kyle (the Irish bearded one).

And a special word to you comes from Larry and Linda who have been absent from us for an extended period. Larry is in poor health right now. See Peter or me for an update.

Trevor and Paloma were married up in Big Bear area yesterday. Congrats to them. See Josh for some pictures from the event. 

We will be in our JOURNEY WITH JESUS, part two today. I am asking WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU ARE LOST as we study the nineteenth chapter of Luke?

Tim Ramos taught from God’s Word on October 18th. I always enjoy the blessings of a special speaker and your comments afterwards of GOD SPOKE TO ME FROM THAT MESSAGE. And I heard that from you.

8109 met on October 18th outdoors here on campus (twinkle lights and all).

God’s best to you,

Pastor Richard

WHAT ABOUT THE CLAIMS OF DISCOVERING ANCIENT EGYPTIAN ARMY REMAINS IN THE RED SEA? (10/18/15)

You may have heard about the claims of a discovery of an Egyptian army buried a the bottom of the Red Sea. I checked and there is a high likelihood that this information is bogus. You can read more at truthorfiction.com.

Claudia and I are out of town this morning for a church family wedding. We will be returning later today. And yes, I will be at Walking N the Word at 5:30.

You can see some of the October 4th Church Picnic photos on the monitor in the lobby today.

Plan now how you want to share the gospel on Halloween evening. I have some special attractive tracts we will use at our house. If you want to order a quantity I suggest you go to crossway.org/tracts and order their tract titled, “A Halloween Quiz.” I have put some samples for you on the table in the lobby. One per person. Contact me or the church office if you want to purchase a quantity.

Here’s a portion of Scripture that I would suggest you consider during this year of 2015. I’ll point it out periodically as we gather. “Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; His greatness no one can fathom. One generation commends Your works to another; they tell of Your mighty acts. They speak of the glorious splendor of Your majesty–and I will meditate on Your wonderful works” Psalm 145:3-5.

8109 meets again tonight at 6:30.

We began a new series on October 11th with THE GREATEST MAN THAT EVER LIVED. I will resume the series on October 25th.

God's best to you,

Pastor Richard

WHAT KIND OF GAME IS ELECTRICITY? (10/11/15)

We played some serious games at the Church Picnic on October 4th. What games did we play? How about DONUT and COOKIE and ELECTRICITY. I was told the new game for 2016 is ROWBOAT. I played DONUT where you eat the donut the fastest and you win. I played against Malachi Landrum (not Malachi Cortez) and Haylee Todd and others. The winner? Kamila Sandoval beat me. I think I was second place but I ate only one donut while the other boys had to eat two donuts (something about PASTORAL EXEMPTIONS).

The Scripture message on October 4th was a one time event by first Larry Olguin, then Andy Leonette and the closer (like in a baseball game) was Tim Ramos. The title of the message was SIMPLY CHURCH.

Some of you posted on Facebook photos of our picnic in the Plaza on October 4th. You can see some of those snapshots on the monitor in the lobby today.

Claudia and I say thank you for your expressions of love at our annual church picnic on October 4th. We cherish the pictures of you and your love for Jesus and love for one another. We know your love for us too and feel it in our hearts. We are putting your love gift away for a special occasion that we haven’t decided on yet. Stay tuned.

Claudia and I also celebrated our 33rd wedding anniversary on October 9th. Can’t believe it. Where did the years go?

Plan now how you want to share the gospel on Halloween evening. I have some special attractive tracts we will use at our house. If you want to order a quantity I suggest you go to crossway.org/tracts and order their tract titled, “A Halloween Quiz.” I have put some samples for you on the table in the lobby. One per person. Contact me or the church office if you want to purchase a quantity.

God’s best to you,

Pastor Richard

IT'S THANK GOD FOR HIS WORK IN US AND THROUGH US DAY! (10/4/15)

Today is THANK GOD FOR HIS WORK IN US AND THROUGH US DAY so that will be the focus of our Scripture message. Several of you men will be bringing the heat of Scripture to bear in our hearts.

Join me today for our Annual Celebration Picnic at Central Park after the conclusion of our morning service. See details in the ad inside this bulletin. There is plenty of shade at the park from the trees. The temperature? COOL (see slide in service)! Compared to Palm Springs at 118 degrees it will be cool. Plenty of food and time to share with one another. And games and other stuff. Chairs and tables will be set up by our youth for you.

We had a nice surprise for you on September 27th with Ed Waken being available to speak to us from God’s Word in our Sunday morning worship service. Ed and his wife, Debbie, were here in the LA area for some family gatherings so when I heard he didn’t have a preaching commitment, I booked him to speak here to us. And he did. His declaration was JESUS BELIEVES IN YOU from John 14:12 and he challenged us to get on our knees in prayer and rise telling God we want to be His disciple.

Us Todd’s ate four pizzas at our youth group pizza sale on September 27. Some of you took the pizzas you purchased home or to a park to cool off. After all the bills were paid there were profits of $261.52 that were set aside to help send our youth to Momentum Youth Conference in summer, 2016.

The next 8109 is scheduled for October 18.

Plan now how you want to share the gospel on Halloween evening. I have some special attractive tracts coming to share with you. If you want to order a quantity I suggest you go to crossway.org/tracts and order their tract titled, “A Halloween Quiz.” I always pass the tract we hand out to some of my family to see if passes the GETS KIDS ATTENTION test. This one does.

God’s best to you,

Pastor Richard

DO YOU REMEMBER LAST SUNDAYS SERMON? (9/27/15)

We began a short series called NO LITTLE PEOPLE in the Bible on September 13th when we focused on a young gal in 2 Kings 5. We looked at a young gal who saved her brother’s life and grew up to be a prophetess of Israel on September 20th. We are now shifting gears and going to the Gospel of Luke to begin a series on THE MAN WHO CHANGED THE WORLD.

Don’t forget it is pizza day today. If you have not ordered yet please stop by the Information Center and tell them how many pizzas you want to buy so they can plan best for you. And all the profits go to the youth group.

The Jewish feast of Sukkot begins at sunset of Sunday, September 27, 2015 and ends nightfall of Sunday, October 4, 2015. This is a time Jewish folks commemorate the wilderness years of depending on the Lord to provide. I have prepared an information sheet on this holiday and placed copies at the Information Center for you today.

A group of you fathers and sons attended the Father/Son Retreat at Forest Home last weekend. Our registrar for next year’s retreat is Sheri Elisaldez. Contact her to reserve spots for you and your son(s).

We celebrated with Ted & Claudia Paas on September 20 as they dedicated their daughter, HANNAH DAMARIS PAAS, to the Lord in a special ceremony.

SERVE WHITTIER is a group of Christians living in this area (Whittier and surrounding communities) that will be meeting on October 10th to discuss the current state of homelessness in the Whittier area and how we as a community can best address this issue.  I have placed a flyer for you with details at the Information Center.

Yes, our 8109 group meet on Sunday evening, September 20, in an outdoor service outside the Plaza. See their Facebook page for photos.

Larry and Linda Headley send their greetings to us. Our Walking n the Word crowd joined them for a time of sharing and prayer last Sunday.

Summer was supposed to end on September 23rd. What happened to this extended summer?

God’s best to you,

Pastor Richard

SUMMER IS SUPPOSED TO END ON SEPTEMBER 23! (9/20/15)

I am glad to announce that the official end of summer is Sept 23. Finally! 

Claudia and I got away from this heat and also rain for a few days and headed up north to Morro Bay. We stayed at a Bed & Breakfast where the temperatures were cool with plenty of sunshine. And we stayed because of your Bed & Breakfast gift to us from a while back. We even had old fashioned shakes at Foster’s Freeze. Thank you. We’ve posted a few pictures of our time on Claudia’s Facebook page. You are all welcome to “friend” us.

This morning we have a special time with one of you families in a dedication.

8109 meets today at 6:30 right here in the auditorium.

Yom Kippur is the holiest day on the Jewish calendar. It begins sunset ofTuesday, September 22, 2015 and ends nightfall of Wednesday, September 23, 2015. I have prepared some material that explains this holiday from the viewpoint of the follower of Jesus Christ. Pick up a copy at the Information Center.

Our Back To School Sunday on September 13th was a special time in our service to recognize all students plus a special surprise for our co-laborer MARY DIAZ. CE National joined us in recognizing her for her faithfulness in ministry with a certificate of recognition plus a video plus special brochures that we handed out. Additional brochures were placed at the Information Center if you would like to pick one up while supplies last.

President Obama hosted those three men this week who saved a trainload of people in Europe recently. They shared that they were friends from elementary school (a Christian school up in Sacramento, CA).

Our youth have begun to raise monies towards their attendance at Momentum 2016 (Cedarville, Ohio).

We began a short series called NO LITTLE PEOPLE in the Bible on September 13th when we focused on a young gal in 2 Kings 5. Today we look at a young gal that grew up to be a prophetess of Israel. It begins in chapter 2 of which book in the Bible?

God’s best to you,

Pastor Richard

LET'S CELEBRATE OUR STUDENTS (for 9/13/15)

Today is Back to School Sunday. We have no homework to hand out. We just want to identify all of you who are currently in school at any age level and have prayer for you. Some of you are in school that few know about.

This has been a busy weekend not only with Back to School Sunday for us here at 8109 Greenleaf but is also the weekend for the Women of Faith gathering at the Anaheim Pond where some of you finished the conference just last evening.

Every year at this time Claudia and I head up to Hume Lake Christian Camps for a gathering of pastors and wives from the West Coast. This group of Pastors and their wives come from various Christian fellowships (including some of our Brethren pastors in California).  The fires you have heard about in King’s Canyon have led to the cancelation of our conference along with other conferences scheduled for this month. So we are not going to Hume Lake. But we decided to get out of town for a few days since we had the time set aside. We are heading up to El Moro Bay and staying at a nice Bed & Breakfast place along the water. How bout we stay till the heat here in Los Angeles cools down? Nah! We are using the gift certificate you folks gave us a while back. Thank you much.

THANK YOU HELEN FUKAHARA for your gift getting some of our pianos here on our church campus tuned up. They sound good.

There is a film in the theaters called WAR ROOM. It is produced by a Christian company and is focused on the subject of prayer. Ask Mary Diaz or my wife if you want an evaluation. Claudia and I saw it a few days ago and it challenged us in our prayers practice.

The Jewish holiday of Rosh Hashanah begins sunset of Sunday, September 13, 2015 and ends nightfall of Tuesday, September 15, 2015. Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year. It is the anniversary of the creation of Adam and Eve, and a day of judgment and coronation of God as king. I’ve prepared a small brochure explaining this holiday and how we as Christians can look on this celebration. I’ve put a few copies at the Information Center today if you would like to pick up a copy.

And our message for September 13 is from my short series on young kids/youth. I titled it A SMALL GIRL, A V.I.P. AND A BIG GOD (figure out which chapter in the Bible?).

God’s best to you,

Pastor Richard

EVERYBODY IS HEADED BACK TO SCHOOL

by your pastor

for the week beginning Sunday, September 6, 2015

September 13 is Back to School Sunday here at Community….we will have prayer for everyone currently in school at every grade level. Some of you are in school that few know about because you are working full-time in industry somewhere also. Plus I have a surprise for the day also.

The Jewish holiday of Rosh Hashanah begins sunset of Sunday, September 13, 2015 and ends nightfall of Tuesday, September 15, 2015. Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year. It is the anniversary of the creation of Adam and Eve, and a day of judgment and coronation of God as king. I’ve prepared a small brochure explaining this holiday and how we as Christians can look on this celebration. I’ve put a few copies at the Information Center today if you would like to pick up a copy.

Claudia and I are out of town for this holiday weekend. We are praying God’s blessing on you in your time together today as a church family. Where did we get off to? The ocean to stay cool? No, the local desert. Cheaper.

There is a film in the theaters currently called WAR ROOM. It is produced by a Christian company and is focused on the subject of prayer. Ask Mary Diaz if you want an evaluation of the film.

The special music of August 30 was a boys only group of at-risk youth based in the British Isles. And it is church based. The link to the group is on our Church Facebook page from a few days ago.

We opened our Bibles on August 30 to the first chapters of the Old Testament book of Daniel. I pointed out that if you are going to COUNT ON GOD then there are some things you must resolve in your life. And a few other points.

God’s best to you,

Pastor Richard

Tell the weatherman the summer is over

THE END OF THE SUMMER IS HERE BUT SOMEONE

NEEDS TO TELL THE WEATHER MAN THE NEWS.

by your "overheated" pastor

for the week beginning Sunday, August 30, 2015

We had a great day at our Summer Sunday Baptism on August 23. ISAAC SANDOVAL and KRISTINA LEONETTE were baptized as we heard them proclaim I LOVE JESUS MY LORD. I will show you a few pictures in our service but check out the other pictures on our church Facebook page. 

A group of us were at the Quakes game in Rancho Cucamonga last evening (August 29). They never have room for COMMUNITY GRACE BRETHREN CHURCH WHITTIER on the big board in the field so I settled for COMMUNITY CHURCH WHITTIER. One time we were introduced as something like COMM GR BRETH CH OF WH (now I try to get the words spelled out completely. And you should have seen the kids and adults who did the traditional RUN ACROSS THE FIELD RACE.

My message today answers the question for all of God’s people, including me….CAN GOD BE TRUSTED? We will be walking with four people in the Bible that had been sent for execution.

Join me tonight at 5:30 in our Chapel for our end of summer HOUR OF SINGING FROM THE HYMNAL.

My message today is CAN GOD BE TRUSTED and is from the first chapter of the Old Testament book of Daniel.

Our next Summer Sunday is June 26, 2016. Mark your calendars now.

Back to School Sunday is scheduled for September 13.

I plan to share a special music today with you from a ministry that reaches out to at-risk youth in the British Isles.

Harvest Crusade concludes with its last service tonight at Angel Stadium in Anaheim. Get a group together and head out to hear a solid message from Pastor Greg Laurie.

Our 8109 Kids Club that meets during our worship service has added a new meeting room. Ask Director Margie Martinez for details.

We plan baptism services throughout the year as people are ready to be baptized. Just speak with your group leader or Larry Olguin any time.

God’s best to you,

Pastor Richard

I CAN’T BELIEVE IT IS END OF SUMMER BAPTISM DAY

I have been looking forward to our Summer baptism service which we celebrated August 23rd. We heard the testimonies of the people  in our morning time of worship. Then we gathered at 1pm at my house to witness those special moments. And then we celebrated with Dodger dogs.

I was on Jury Duty this past week in downtown Los Angeles. I was rather anxious when the clerk came into our jury room and asked for volunteers who would be willing to serve on a jury for sixty days (and then started calling out names). We turned to each other and said HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Harvest Crusade is this coming weekend at Angel Stadium in Anaheim. I encourage you to invite a friend and enjoy one or more of the services.

We finished our short mini-series in Revelation 2-3 on August 16th where I walked through the seven deadly sins of the seven churches in Revelation. Tim Ramos and I are preparing a seven part series on all seven churches for the future.

Buy your tickets today for our annual trip to the Quakes ball game on August 29. Tickets are $10 each (same price for adults and kids). Game time is 7pm. See Ryan Todd or Claudia to purchase your tickets.

I appreciate you joining me at the memorial service for Vicki yesterday. Scriptures tell us to “weep with them that weep” and that’s what you were doing in attending.

Our Summer Sunday speakers for August 16th were Pastor Roy Halberg and Whittier Mayor Pro-Tem, Joe Vinatieri. Each gave a message from their hearts from Romans. 

Remember that the baptism service today concludes all church events for the day. 

Here’s a portion of Scripture that I would suggest you consider during this year of 2015. I’ll point it out periodically as we gather. “Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; His greatness no one can fathom. One generation commends Your works to another; they tell of Your mighty acts. They speak of the glorious splendor of Your majesty–and I will meditate on Your wonderful works.” Psalm 145:3-5

God’s best to you,

Pastor Richard

What time is our worship service?

WHAT TIME IS OUR WORSHIP SERVICE?

by Pastor Richard

for the week beginning Sunday, August 16, 2015

The number one thing newcomers to churches look for on a church website is the worship service times. We re-designed our website recently and guess what we overlooked? Yes. We did not insert the worship service times. A newcomer called us here on campus a few days ago and I answered the phone. The man wanted to know the worship service times. I told him and he explained he would not have called if the website had the times listed. OUR WORSHIP SERVICE TIME IS LISTED ON THE WEBSITE NOW.

Monday night Concerts in the Park have finished for summer, 2015. Claudia and I enjoyed having many of you at our house. I am already looking forward to 2016.

I invite you to come together this Saturday at 4pm for the memorial service for Vicki Haglund. She was with us such a short time of her 66 years.

THIRTY MINUTES OF PRAYER. Join me at 6pm here on campus every Wednesday for 30 minutes of prayer. Each week I share one Bible passage on prayer. Our most recent passage was Psalm 145:18 that says THE LORD IS NEAR TO ALL WHO CALL UPON HIM.

Summer Sunday speakers for August 9th were Sam Becerra who spoke from Romans 4 and then Fernando Becerra who gave us his report from his summer ministry in Philadelphia.

Summer Sunday speakers for tonight, our final speaking sessions will two friends I have invited: Pastor Roy Halberg and Whittier Mayor Pro-Tem, Joe Vinatieri.

And our end of summer baptism service is next Sunday, August 23 after the morning service. It’s gonna be a special day and afternoon. 

Buy your tickets today for our annual trip to the Quakes ball game on August 29. Tickets are $10 each (same price for adults and kids). Game time is 7pm. See Ryan Todd or Claudia to purchase your tickets.

We are continuing our message today from Revelation 2-3 SEVEN MESSAGES FROM SEVEN CHURCHES FOR YOU AND I.

Stay cool,

Pastor Richard

WE GOT HOME YESTERDAY!

WE GOT HOME YESTERDAY!

by Pastor Richard

for the week beginning Sunday, August 9, 2015

Claudia and I returned home yesterday from being up in the local mountains for the week at Forest Home family camp. Some years a group of you families come with us. Speak with Claudia or myself if you are interested in attending with us in 2016. Forest Home is the same conference center that our Willing Workers and Men’s Retreat go to.

Our speaker at Summer Sunday on August 2 was Bob Hetzler. He led us through part of Romans 13. Our August 9 Summer Sunday is featuring three speakers which I believe will be a first for Summer Sundays. Don’t miss our time together as a family of God and our time in the Word of God. And thank you to whoever brought the Haagen Dazs ice cream.

Claudia and I invite you to join us tomorrow evening for the last 2015 Whittier Concerts in the Park series. Come enjoy the concerts in OUR FRONT YARD WITH US AND OTHERS (see ad in bulletin for details). This is one of those special times to bring friends and family to meet with others of your church family/community. Bring your dinner or purchase an El Tepeyac burrito.

I shared three mistakes we can all make about the Holy Spirit in my message on the Holy Spirit on August 2. The ministry of the Holy Spirit is to call attention to Jesus

and to make Christ great in our lives and in the church and in the world. So when too much attention gets focused on the Holy Spirit and Jesus is neglected then something is out of whack.

I started a SUMMER MEMORIES series on Sunday morning where I just give a glimpse of a good church family summer memory from earlier this summer. My first Summer Memory was from the Summer Sunday right after Vacation Bible School ended when our kids led us in singing one of their favorite VBS songs.

Tim Ramos and I are planning on a sermon series on the seven churches in Revelation 2-3. My sermon for August 9th is a one sermon glimpse at all seven churches that I have titled A MESSAGE FROM SEVEN CHURCHES FOR YOU AND I.

Buy your tickets today for our annual trip to the Quakes ball game on August 29. Tickets are $10 each (same price for adults and kids). See Ryan Todd.

God’s best to you,

Pastor Richard

I MISSED OUT!

I MISSED OUT!

by Pastor Richard

for the week beginning Sunday, August 2, 2015

I missed out on a special message from Tim Ramos on COMMITMENT when I was in New York on July 26. Plus I missed out on special music from Liz Milian supported by Andy and the Praise Team.

Summer Sunday on July 26 was taco night then we had a very special message from by Gil Sandoval from Romans 1.

I returned from my trip on your behalf last Monday evening just in time for the Concert in the Park event. There is another concert tomorrow and the last one is August 10.

SPECIAL AWARDS shared at the conference I attended in the New York area:

1) LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD was given to Eddie Messinger.

2) PASTOR OF THE YEAR AWARD was given to Pastor Phil Bryant.

3) EXCELLENCE IN MINISTRY AWARD was given to Paul Klawitter.

4) CE NATIONAL WALL OF HONOR awarded to Randy Smith.

For more than 20 years there is one person in our church family that has dialed-in my Sunday morning sermons so the rest of you can hear them. He did this job at our former campus on Washington Blvd and at our various rental facilities before we moved in here at 8109 Greenleaf. I am talking about yours and my brother, Henry Pompa. Today is the first Sunday with me preaching where he is shifting seats in the auditorium to sit with his wife and not sit at the sound board. THANK YOU, HENRY FOR YOUR FAITHFUL YEARS OF SERVICE TO OUR LORD, THIS CHURCH FAMILY AND YOUR PARTNERSHIP WITH ME.

The Whittier Pregnancy Care Clinic is hosting a fundraiser on August 14 with a comedy and a magician. I’ve put a few info cards at the Information Center for you to stop by and get.

We received a gift last Sunday to repair our auditorium window. The repair was not a budgeted item so the gift helps greatly.

Claudia and I will be heading off to Forest Home Family Camp tonight after Summer Sunday for a week long camp. Ask Claudia about it if you would like to join us in 2016.

Vicki Haglund’s memorial service will be Saturday, August 22.

God's best to you,

Pastor Richard

Where Is Our Pastor?

WHERE IS OUR PASTOR?

by Pastor Richard

for the week beginning Sunday, July 26, 2015

I am at the gathering of ministers/missionaries/church leaders today in the New York City area that ends today. You may have heard about Clayton Kershaw pitching a perfect game into the sixth inning against the Mets in New York a few days ago. I want you to know that I attended the missionary meetings that evening and did not yield to the thought (perhaps even a temptation) of GOING TO THE DODGER GAME just a short subway ride away. I plan to rejoin you tomorrow evening at Concerts in the Park and then open God’s Word with you on Sunday, August 2. 

Tim Ramos will be preaching the morning of July 26 to you in my place.

For more than 20 years there is one person in our church family that has dialed-in my Sunday morning sermons so the rest of you can hear them. He did this job at our former campus on Washington Blvd and at our various rental facilities before we moved in here at 8109 Greenleaf. I am talking about yours and my brother, Henry Pompa. Today is the first Sunday where he is shifting seats in the auditorium to sit with his wife and not sit at the sound board. THANK YOU, HENRY FOR YOUR FAITHFUL YEARS OF SERVICE TO OUR LORD, THIS CHURCH FAMILY AND ME.

The Summer Sunday speaker on July 19 was a newcomer to our speaker roster but not to our church family: Paul White. He introduced himself as THE OTHER PAUL WHITE. Paul spoke from Romans 12.

THOT FROM MY SERMON OF JULY 19 ON THE HOLY SPIRIT: the growing times of your Christian life are those times you are filled with the Spirit. Other thoughts from this message are posted on our church Facebook page.

Remember, you can wear homemade Summer Sunday shirts that count equal with the official shirts. Pick your own color but to be official the shirt must say SUMMER SUNDAY  on the front or back plus anything else you want on the shirt (Your shirt can say more like your favorite Bible verse and how much you love the Dodgers).

The speaker at Summer Sunday today has only spoken to our whole church family once in the last year so you won’t want to miss tonight’s message. Plus tonight is taco night at Summer Sunday.

Claudia and I invite you to join us tomorrow evening and every Monday evening through August 10th for the Whittier Concerts in the Park series. Come enjoy the concerts in OUR FRONT YARD WITH US AND OTHERS (see ad in bulletin for details). This is one of those special times to bring friends and family to meet with others of your church family/community.

Some of the Vacation Bible School pictures are on the monitor in the lobby today. If you are connected on Facebook then you can view more on our church page.

Ryan & Vanessa Todd who shared the SPOTLIGHT with us at our July 19th Summer Sunday. Do you remember Ryan’s favorite flavor of ice cream? And Haylee’s?

Want a personal report from our recent Vacation Bible School? Check with our leader, Diana Sandoval.

God’s best to you,

Pastor Richard

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

TELL THEM I LOVE THEM AND MISS THEM

I visited June Castello at Kaiser Hospital after her successful surgery and she asked me how all of you were doing. Then she sent this message to you.

They Built the City of Nazareth Where Jesus Lived

THE CITY OF NAZARETH WAS BUILT IN OUR CHURCH PLAZA

by Pastor Richard

for the week beginning Sunday, July 19, 2015

Vacation Bible School was extra special this past week as the team built the hometown of Nazareth in our Church Plaza. There was a home structure for each grade level and then there was the home of Mary the mother of Jesus. Each day the students gathered at Mary’s home to hear her tell the stories of the life of Jesus.

The Summer Sunday SPOTLIGHT on July 12 was Mike & Heidi Romero who share that they have been worshipping here at Community for more than 30 years. Our speaker on the 12th was Larry Olguin who spoke from Romans 6-8.

Beginning today, you can wear homemade Summer Sunday shirts that count equal with the official shirts. Pick your own color but to be official the shirt must say SUMMER SUNDAY  on the front or back plus anything else you want on the shirt.

Claudia and I invite you to join us tomorrow evening and every Monday evening through August 10th for the Whittier Concerts in the Park series. Come enjoy the concerts in OUR FRONT YARD WITH US AND OTHERS (see ad for details). This is one of those special times to bring friends and family to meet with others of your church family/community.

Some of the Vacation Bible School pictures are on the monitor in the lobby today. We will plan to show some photos at Summer Sunday later today. And if you are connected on Facebook then you can view more on our church page.

BIG THANKS to Gil the bbq gourmet who grilled up our hot dogs and burgers for bbq nite at Summer Sunday.

Special thanks to Mike Romero who shared his jar of home made Jalapeño chili peppers with us at Summer Sunday (yum yum).

Want more good news from VBS? Check with our leader, Diana Sandoval.

Every summer a group of missionaries, church leaders and pastors that are part of our fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches worldwide meet up for a time of planning, prayer and fellowship. This year the gathering is in the New York area. I will be representing you and our church family at that conference that begins July 22 and continues through July 26. I plan to rejoin you on July 27 at Concerts in the Park and then share with you on Sunday, August 2.

God’s best to you,

Pastor Richard

Live Like Jesus Lived

LIVE LIKE JESUS LIVED

by Pastor Richard

for the week beginning Sunday, July 12, 2015

Vacation Bible School starts tomorrow evening and the group is going to experience how Jesus lived when he was a boy in the city of Nazareth. Drop by the Plaza area today before you go home and you will see Nazareth as a community.

It is HOT DOG AND HAMBURGER night today at Summer Sunday with CHEF GIL doing the grilling right here for your enjoyment. And I should add that the tomatoes served on your burgers today are from the garden of Freeda Liechty.

Several of our people that worship with you regularly have just been given serious health news from their doctors. They need all the encouragement and prayers you can give in their behalf. Know who I am talking about? Ask.

Some of you have asked about online giving to this church family especially during these summer months when vacation travels change your schedule. Go to our church website at whittierbrethren.org and click on the GIVING tab. That’s it. Questions? Speak with Larry Olguin.

Our church website has undergone a redo but the web address stays the same (www.whittierbrethren.net). Take a tour.

Do you like statistics? Here’s one for you. Just twenty Fridays remaining till Christmas.

I come across quite a few church signs and this one is just a few minutes drive from our church: “Are you absolutely sure there is no absolute truth?” Remember church signs are a message to people who drive by that church to get them thinking about God and faith.

God’s best to you,

Pastor Richard

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

PASTOR RICH, CAN I HELP YOU CARRY YOUR LOAD?

What a kind offer, right? Was I carrying a bag of trash when I received this offer or was I carrying a box of 15 Cinnabons? Go figure.

Our Waiters Work For Tips Only

WAITERS LIKE TIPS

by Pastor Richard

for the week beginning Sunday, July 5, 2015

 THANK YOU for tipping our youth at Summer Sundays for their service to you. They come at 4:30ish and set up for you so you can come at 5:30 and eat dinner. There are jars on each table. June 28  you tipped approximately $62. All of these monies will go towards youth group events.

Remember that HAPPY BIRTHDAY greeting we recorded for our missionary partner, Patty Morris on June 28? We delivered it to her electronically that same day which was her birthday.

Vacation Bible School begins in one week. Join the team in the way you can help most. Stop by the Information Center today and sign up to help. We plan to have a dedication of Diana and her team next Sunday morning.

We concluded our Graduation Congratulations on June 28 congratulating Andy and Lindsey Leonette in graduating from the same university on the same day with each of them receiving the same degree.

Summer Sundays began June 28. We enjoyed some of the best fried chicken I’ve had in a long time. And I like my Knott’s chicken. Claudia and I share on the first Summer Sunday so we gave a survey of the book of Romans. Do you remember which verse in Romans 10 Claudia shared with her mother that was the process leading to her mom’s salvation? We then had some great desserts (I liked that minty cookie with a dollop of something on top that Heidi Romero brought). I liked quite a few side dishes that you brought…that cabbage coleslaw was good too. Come today for a good speaker.

Claudia and I invite you to join us tomorrow evening and every Monday evening for the next six weeks for the Whittier Concerts in the Park series. Come enjoy the concerts in OUR FRONT YARD WITH US AND OTHERS. This is one of those special times to bring friends and family to meet with others of your church family/community. I’ve put a few maps showing the route to our house at the Information Center. Plenty of parking.

Our Scripture study on July 5th will be in Acts 1 and titled WAITING FOR THE LORD TO SHOW UP.

God’s best to you,

Pastor Richard