Happy Easter (3/27/16)
My Easter celebrations began on Palm Sunday morning when we opened Scriptures to John 12 and studied the Triumphal Entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. Palm Sunday evening us Todds observed communion with you in a very special evening together. Claudia and I continued our Easter observances with the Whittier Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast on Good Friday that some of you joined more than 400 people at. Our speaker was once a Navy Seal. Then we had our Good Friday service here on campus where Tim Ramos brought the message from Luke 23. And yes, I heard my favorite Good Friday song, VIA DOLOROSA. We met together at the Sunrise Service this morning and we are now together with you in worship of our risen Lord. This afternoon? Easter Sunday afternoon our Todd clan will be gathering in our back yard with family to celebrate.
Even though bunnies, eggs and other commercial images saturate the marketplace, 55 percent of Americans polled identified Jesus as the most recognized symbol of Easter. Even 41 percent of people who do not identify themselves as Christians associate Christ on the cross with the holiday. Only 11 percent selected the Easter Bunny, eggs and jelly beans, while 16 percent associated Easter with family gatherings. The true meaning of Easter wins out over the consumer-driven aspect of the holiday. Let’s get the TRUE STORY out there.
Claudia and I have a painting at our house that we pass by every day. The title of the painting is RISEN. We’ve brought it to church today in the hope that you also will be blest by it. Enjoy!
We started our journey to the cross on March 13th walking with Jesus in Luke 9 as He headed towards Jerusalem. We moved to the Triumphal Entry on Palm Sunday with Kyle Cherryholmes speaking on THE GREATEST PARADE IN HISTORY from John 12. And today we consider an Easter challenge, BEYOND A REASONABLE DOUBT. Do you really believe that Jesus Christ physically rose from the dead?
Please note that there is no Walking in the Word today at 5:30. We resume April 3rd.
Christ is risen, indeed!
Pastor Richard
IT'S FRIDAY AND SUNDAY'S COMING (3/20/16)
Join me on Easter Sunday for a community Sunrise Service just a few blocks away from our church campus. Yes, I know it starts at 6AM. I’ve put flyers at the Information Center for you to pick up.
I’ve put some EASTER INVITE door hangers for you to invite a friend or neighbor to come to church with you on Easter Sunday.
A new home fellowship has started in LaMirada that may be the beginning of a new church. Paul Hoffman is heading up this group and they are studying the book of Philippians on Wednesday evenings. Contact me if you’d like more info on this ministry.
I’ve prepared a summary of the Church family business meeting we had on March 13 and placed copies at the Information Center for you today.
Our church kids are preparing a special presentation to share with you on Easter Sunday morning.
We’ve got a special announcement on one of you today that was recognized in the Whittier Daily News this week.
Take note of the special Easter season events here at Community that include communion today and a Good Friday service here on campus. I have placed a communion booklet at the Information Center for you that explains how we participate. Tim Ramos will be bringing the Good Friday message.
We started our journey to the cross on March 13th walking with Jesus in Luke 9 as He headed towards Jerusalem. We move to the Triumphal Entry today with Kyle Cherryholmes speaking on THE GREATEST PARADE IN HISTORY.
We were blest with team Liz and Ben on March 13th leading us in worship. We are looking to have them lead us for a few more weeks before Liz heads back home in Arizona.
God’s best to you,
Pastor Richard
THERE'S A NEW CHURCH IN LA MIRADA (3/13/16)
A new home fellowship has started in LaMirada that may be the beginning of a new church. Paul Hoffman is heading up this group and they are studying the book of Philippians on Wednesday evenings. Contact me if you’d like to visit the group.
Tim Ramos and I took a look at Colossians 4 on March 6th as we looked at THE PEOPLE THAT GOD USES. These were friends of the Apostle Paul that had been part of his missionary teams in one way or another.
Please join us for a church family business meeting 15 minutes after the conclusion of the morning church service today.
TruthQuest is a Bible discovery system designed to equip people to continue the journey of Bible learning for the rest of their life. Even more than that, Truth Quest is also intended to help them people introduce this life-long journey process to others who can in turn do the same. It is hard to find something that not only teaches others, but can easily reproduce and multiply into the lives of succeeding generations. TruthQuest is designed to do just that. I have put a brochure at the Information Center for you to read. Contact me if you are interested in participating.
Our church kids are preparing some special songs and words to share with us as we look forward to Palm Sunday on March 20 and also on Easter Sunday on March 27.
EXTRA PRAYERS for mom, Lucy Salazar, and daughter, Lucy is now settled in her new housing in Anaheim. Lydia is recovering from her recent stay at St Judes Hospital. Ask Larry Olguin for more details.
The message for March 13th was from Luke 9 as we began the JOURNEY OF JESUS TO THE CROSS with three men that wanted to travel with Jesus.
God’s best to you,
Pastor Richard
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
YOU CAN’T DO THAT WITH BABY JESUS
My grand daughter told my grandson these words as the angel’s wings were flying through our living room a few days ago. Don’t ask me the details.
THERE ARE PEOPLE GOD USES (3/6/16)
We are taking a look today at the people God uses from Colossians 4. These are some of the folks that helped the Apostle Paul in his missionary journeys. There are some principles in that chapter for you and I to take note of and put to work in our lives.
Take note of the special Easter season events here at Community that include communion on March 20 and a Good Friday service here on campus.
TruthQuest is a Bible discovery system designed to equip people to continue the journey of Bible learning for the rest of their life. Even more than that, Truth Quest is also intended to help them people introduce this life-long journey process to others who can in turn do the same. It is hard to find something that not only teaches others, but can easily reproduce and multiply into the lives of succeeding generations. TruthQuest is designed to do just that. I have put a brochure at the Information Center for you to read. Contact me if you are interested in participating.
Claudia and I were in Phoenix this past week to cheer our Dodgers when they played the White Sox in Spring Training. We were with Ed & Debbie Waken who also cheered for the Dodgers since they live in Phoenix but grew up in here in Los Angeles. The Dodgers won the game (remember that it is Spring Training and the games don’t count towards regular team stats). Ed and Debbie were part of our church family here at Community a number of years ago. I am excited over the work God has given Ed as he Pastors Valley Life Church in the Phoenix area (www.valleylifechurch.com). Got any people looking for a church in that area? Tell em about Valley Life.
We have a church family business meeting on Sunday, March 13, shortly after the conclusion of the morning service.
Our church kids are preparing some special songs and words to share with us as we look forward to Palm Sunday on March 20 and also on Easter Sunday on March 27.
We continued our series on GROWTH IN THE FAITH on February 29th when we looked at the words of Jesus in John 15 on LIVING THE LIFE OF A BRANCH.
GUYS: see Larry Olguin today and make your payment for the Men’s Retreat.
GALS: Get your hubbies signed up for the Men’s Retreat today. Don’t wait.
God’s best to you,
Pastor Richard
OBSERVE GOOD FRIDAY IN A NEW WAY (2/28/16)
Take note of the special Easter season events here at Community that include communion on March 20 and Good Friday service here on campus.
Lillian Grass passed away on February 22. Details of her service are on the other page here. All I can say is WHAT A TEAM she and Jay made in their lives and service for the Lord.
Claudia and I are heading out to Phoenix, Arizona on Tuesday this week to be with our friends and former staff here at Community, Ed & Debbie Waken, and our Dodgers at their Spring Training Camp. We try to get over there and catch a few Spring Training games each year. We will be staying with Ed & Debbie and catch a game or two with them. We will be back here later in the week and plan to worship with you again on March 6th.
Our kids are preparing some special songs and words to share with us once again as we look forward to Palm Sunday on March 20 and also on Easter Sunday on March 27.
We continue our series on GROWTH IN THE FAITH today as we look at a pronouncement Jesus made in John 15. The message title is AN AUDIENCE OF ONE.
I know the men’s retreat is in April, but next time we gather in worship after today is March 6th and that is about 30 days until we head up the mountain to Forest Home and join with hundreds of other men from all over this region. Sign up with Larry Olguin today.
EXTRA PRAYERS for Lydia Salazar who is recovering from her recent stay at St Judes Hospital. Also extra prayers for Hector & Margie Martinez who are in Mexico with family for a funeral.
The Daily Bread devotional booklets beginning March 1 are available at the Information Center today.
God’s best to you,
Pastor Richard
THANK YOU KIDS FOR THAT SPECIAL VALENTINE PRESENTATION (2/21/16)
Have you noticed that when the kids speak to us or sing or share Scripture it has that EXTRA SPECIAL nudge in it? I have and their presentation on Valentine’s Sunday on February 14 was just extra special Take a moment and tell one or two of them today.
2 Peter 3:18 is our verse for the year of 2016. We will visit the passage periodically throughout the year.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THIS VERSE FOR THE YEAR? It’s a great lesson. You can be the most skilled and talented person alive, but if you are running on empty, you are going to crash and burn. Refueling is one of the most important things in life. We teach it all the time. The most important thing you can do for your life and for your future and for your relationships is to keep your spiritual batteries recharged. And that is why we select a verse of the year that God uses to shape our lives and our church.
Our house guest, Joanna Green, was in Presbyterian Hospital one day this past week. And no, it wasn’t my cooking that did her in. Also, our own Lydia Salazar was in St. Jude Hospital as we went to press on Friday. Check with Lucy or Larry for details and updates.
We continue our series on GROWTH IN THE FAITH today as we look at a recipe for growth that Jesus shared.
Like the rain this week? Say goodbye to El Nino.
God’s best to you,
Pastor Richard
OUR KIDS ARE SPEAKING OUT ON VALENTINE'S DAY (2/14/16)
A group of our kids came here on campus this week to practice for a special presentation to you for this morning. I’m looking forward toit.
I broke my glasses a few days ago and only wear them currently when I drive. I go in a few days to get thicker and bigger lenses (isn’t that how it goes for all of us?).
Tim Ramos and I opened God’s Word with you on February 7th to 2 Peter 3:18 as we began a mini-series on spiritual growth. We saw from the text that spiritual growth is 1) possible and 2) gradual and 3) gracious and 4) grouped. We take a Valentine’s Day break today and will resume the studies on spiritual growth on February 21.
2 Peter 3:18 is our verse for the year of 2016. We will visit the passage periodically during the next months.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THIS VERSE FOR THE YEAR? It’s a great lesson. You can be the most skilled and talented person alive, but if you are running on empty, you are going to crash and burn. Refueling is one of the most important things in life. We teach it all the time. The most important thing you can do for your life and for your future and for your relationships is to keep your spiritual batteries recharged. And that is why we select a verse of the year that God uses to shape our lives and our church.
Our Scripture study today will be three important biblical passages on the topic of love.
Did your team win the Super Bowl? Claudia and I attended a Super Bowl party where one guy always claims the Oakland Raiders should have been in the Super Bowl (every year, can you believe it?). We had all the good foods and played Super Bowl Commercial Bingo.
Today is Valentine’s Day and we have already had the CE National Celebration and Willing Workers Weekend and Super Bowl and TK present a special seminar here on campus amongst other things. And there’s more to come.
God’s best to you,
Pastor Richard
OUR YOUTH ARE OUT OF TOWN AND RETURNING HERE SHORTLY (2/7/16)
Many of our youth have been at Forest Home Christian Conference Center this weekend for a Willing Workers Weekend and are returning home as you read this (if you are reading this at the worship hour). Our group served a Jr. High group of students this weekend. A BIG THANKS to those of you who are picking them up now.
Dan White was with us in worship on January 31. He opened God’s Word to 1 Thessalonians 4:9-12 (plus other passages) and asked us DOES LOVE LIVE HERE? He sends his best to you all that he met.
THANKS goes to Larry O. and Big Ray for the medical attention you gave to the tree in front of our offices that the wind pushed over this past weekend.
Ed Lewis and TK send their best from the CE National Celebration a group of us attended on January 31.
Hope you have a great day atyour Super Bowl Parties today. Yes, I am going to a SUPER Super Bowl Party today. Who am I rooting for? I am rooting for the ……
I can tell you that I was blest in my participation at the City of Whittier Prayer Summit held yesterday at the Salvation Army Chapel. Many pastors and people gathered for one purpose in prayer. I know those of you who attended even one hour were blest.
God’s best to you,
Pastor Richard
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
MAY OUR LOVE INSPIRE OTHERS TO SEEK THE SOURCE
Pastor Dan White brought the heat of God’s Word to our hearts on January 31st with the message DOES LOVE LIVE HERE? And he asked us out loud that question.
WELCOME TK & DAN WHITE (1/31/16)
I want you folks here that are part of the Community family to meet some of God’s men and women who are serving Him throughout the world. Today we had Timothy Kurtaneck share his heart at the 9:30 hour and now Pastor Daniel White will be in our pulpit at the 10:45 hour.
Join me for the CE National Celebration today at 6pm at Community Grace Brethren Church in Long Beach (on Downey Ave). This is one of those times we will have Ed and TK standing side by side speaking which doesn't happen too often. Some of us will meet here in Whittier then head out to the celebration in Long Beach. Speak with me if you want to arrange transportation.
The first part of this past week(Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday) I was at The Oaks Conference Center up near Lake Hughes meeting with our pastors and missionaries. Our own Bob Hetzler was part of the big group. The second part of the week my meetings were at Grace Church in Seal Beach with our Fellowship Council where I am a member. Many people send their greetings to you, the Community Church family.
The best three articles on prayer I have read in a long time are in the latest issue of GRACE CONNECT magazine. I have put some FREE copies of the magazine for you at the Information Center. First come, first served.
Whittier Area Churches are joining in a day of prayer on Saturday, February 6th around the corner from us at the Salvation Army for the annual Whittier Area Prayer Summit. It begins at 7am and continues through 6pm. Come anytime for a little bit or longer (I will be there to pray around 12:30). Location is 7926 S. Pickering. More info at www.whittierareaprayersummit.com plus there are flyers at the Information Center for you to get that explains the schedule of prayer for the day.
God’s best to you,
Pastor Richard
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
HAVE YOU HEARD THAT UNITED STATES MILITARY CHAPLAINS CANNOT PRAY IN THE NAME OF JESUS ANYMORE?
There is nothing on the books that limits the ministry of chaplains in the United States military. The military is as much a mission field as any missionary in any field in the world. These guys touch lives that no one else can touch. Colonel John Schumacher.
DON'T SETTLE FOR WHAT YOU ALONE CAN MAKE OF YOURSELF (1/24/16)
Tomorrow, Bob Hetzler and I will be heading out with other pastors, missionaries and church leaders from this Southwest area of the country for several days of prayer and study in the Scriptures (up near Lake Hughes). We call this gathering the SOUTHWEST FOCUS RETREAT as there are similar retreats held in other regions of the United States. Pray for us in our time together. Our theme this year is DON’T SETTLE FOR WHAT YOU ALONE CAN MAKE OF YOURSELF.
Join me for the CE National Celebration January 31st at 6pm at Community Grace Brethren Church in Long Beach (on Downey Ave). Some of us will meet here then head out to the celebration. Speak with Bob Hetzler if you want to travel with the group.
We observed Sanctity of Life Sunday on January 17th viewing the simple media clip shown in thousands of churches this season GOD IS PRO-LIFE.
Whittier Area Churches are joining in a day of prayer on Saturday, February 6th around the corner from us at the Salvation Army for the annual Whittier Area Prayer Summit. It begins at 7am and continues through 6pm. Come anytime for a little bit or longer (I will be there to pray during the day also). Location is 7926 S. Pickering. More info at www.whittierareaprayersummit.com plus there are flyers at the Information Center for you to get that explains the schedule of prayer for the day.
The second part of this coming week I will be participating in our Fellowship Council meeting that will be held in Seal Beach, CA. This group gives oversight and direction to our various Grace Brethren ministries around the world. One of the treats is dinner at Walt’s Wharf.
Some of you have heard Kyle Cherryholmes is heading out to Ireland with Youth With A Mission this Spring season. He will be sharing a message today on what Scripture has shaped his heart to take this step in life. More details soon.
Turn Your Campus Seminar was held just yesterday at Biola University. I hope you get a report from an adult or one of our youth.
God’s best to you,
Pastor Richard
WHAT IS TURN YOUR CAMPUS? (1/17/16)
TURN YOUR CAMPUS is a one-day training event for student leaders and the adults who disciple & mentor them. This event will be Saturday, January 23rd at Biola University. Speak with Sheri Elisaldez today to sign up.
We have been studying various glimpses of Jesus in the Old Testament since this past fall with breaks for the holidays and other events. I want to share a book with you I received for Christmas that points out many of the glimpses of Jesus in the Old Testament. It is titled THE EMMAUS CODE by David Limbaugh. Want to read it? Just ask at the Information Center to borrow it. If it has been checked out already, stop by next Sunday.
Claudia and I have been out of town this past week and are planning to join you in worship today at 10:45 if we get our flight out of New York on time on Saturday, January 16th.
I will be opening God’s Word with you today to 1 Samuel 4 where we will consider WHAT CAN WE DO TO PRESERVE GOD’S POWER IN OUR LIVES?
Walking in the Word resumes today at 5:30 in the Chapel. We will be studying in Joshua 16.
For those of you wondering how much reading I got done on vacation this past week the answer is that I completed one book and started a second one.
TK is planning on being with us on Sunday morning, January 31 for a joint Adult Bible Fellowship gathering. That same evening he and Ed Lewis will be hosting a CE National Celebration down in Long Beach that I invite you to attend with me.
Your record of giving here at Community will be available near the end of the month. See Larry Olguin with questions.
2016 could be the year that Jesus returns.
Pastor Richard
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
RIDDLE ME THIS CHERRYHOLMES
Kyle was preaching recently on the subject of “God Has a Plan” when he spoke these words.
GONE WITH THE WIND (1/10/16)
Claudia and I are gone with the wind and out of town today for some R&R. We plan to return at the end of this week and I plan on opening God’s Word with you on January 17th.
We have been studying various glimpses of Jesus in the Old Testament since this past fall with breaks for the holidays and other events. I want to share a book with you I received for Christmas that points out many of the glimpses of Jesus in the Old Testament. It is titled THE EMMAUS CODE by David Limbaugh. Want to read it? Just ask at the information Center to borrow it. If it has been checked out already, stop by the next week.
Do you want to know the name of the games Claudia & I played on New Year’s Eve? The first game where Claudia got whipped cream on her face was PIE FACE. The second game is called, THAT’S IT! I recommend both. My grandson recommends PIE FACE!
What books am I working on reading on vacation? I always take a book or two or three (or four but don’t tell Jet Blue why my luggage is so heavy) on my vacations. This trip I am taking the book THEY CALL ME COACH (a gift from one of you). I am also packing Joel Rosenberg’s latest book, THE FIRST HOSTAGE. My third book is the latest Tom Clancy release. My fourth is UNBROKEN. I hope I get time to read them all.
Walking in the Word will not be meeting today. Our studies in the book of Joshua will resume on January 17.
TURN YOUR CAMPUS is a one-day training event for student leaders and the adults who disciple & mentor them. This event will be Saturday, January 23rd at Biola University. Speak with Sheri Elisaldez to sign up.
I have received some treasure Scriptures from you in choosing a passage of the year to share with you during 2016. I plan to share with you soon.
2016 could be the year that Jesus returns.
Pastor Richard
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
TODAY IS SAM BECERRA’S LAST DAY
We announced on January 3rd in our service that Sam Becerra is heading back for his final semester at Grace College in Indiana. The announcement of his departure for Indiana sounded grimmer than intended.
A BIBLE VERSE FOR YOUR NEW YEAR (1/3/16)
I suggest that starting the new year is a great time to start a new practice like joining a small group or beginning a practice of Bible reading and prayer. I have placed some Daily Bread reading booklets on the table in the lobby for you to take and start your Bible reading.
Each new year has many opportunities and challenges, some of which we anticipate. Others we can’t begin to anticipate as the year begins. What does this new year hold for us as a church family? My prayer is that we will see more grace, more blessing, more growth, more ministry, more opportunities to minister to many lives-more than ever before here at Community. Let’s work hard together this year to be the church God calls us to be, all He wants every church to be, and to be what He wants us specifically to be-right here-right now.
We looked at Scriptures on December 27 explaining Jesus as the Good Shepherd. The picture of Jesus that I shared was done by artist, Simon Dewey.
Our message today is a Scripture to take with you in 2016. Kyle Cherryholmes and Pastor Richard and Tim Ramos each shared an important Scripture passage.
Offering envelopes for 2016 are being handed out. See Mrs. Peak to obtain yours. If you have not had offering envelopes in the past, you may also speak with Mrs. Peak.
Claudia and I will be heading out of town at the end of this week for a little R&R. See you soon.
Do you remember the four groups of people that led us in the five advent candle lightings this most recent Christmas season?
This might be the year that Jesus returns,
Pastor Richard
HAVE YOU MADE YOUR NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS? (12/27/15)
Start working on your New Year’s Resolutions today. I can’t believe there are only a few days left till the new year. Where did 2015 go?
It’s become a tradition of sorts here at Community during December each year to record some video Christmas greetings to some of our people not with us locally during the season. We sent off three video greetings that we recorded on December 20th to three folks that are part of our church family but were not present with us that day: we recorded a video message to missionary partner, Patty Morris and sent it off to her. We also recorded a video message to Derek Newton, currently serving in the US Army. Finally we sent a Christmas greeting to our missionary partner, Beka Ruiz who is getting married in Vietnam.
The special Sundays of Advent began November 29 and continued through our Christmas Eve service. Each Sunday before Christmas day one of you families shared the theme of the week, shared a Scripture portion and led us in prayer. Hector and Margie Martinez shared on the first Sunday. Ed and Joyce Faranda shared on December 6th. Paul & Andrea White family shared on December 13. Our own Dylan and Ben shared on December 20 and Vanessa Todd and RJ and Haylee shared on Christmas Eve.
Are there certain passages of Scripture that you review when it comes to the New Year? Send one or more of them in to the office or post them on Facebook. I’ll share them. Send to whittierbrethren@gmail.com
Each new year has many opportunities and challenges, some of which we anticipate. Others we can’t begin to anticipate as the year begins. What does this new year hold for us as a church family? My prayer is that we will see more grace, more blessing, more growth, more ministry, more opportunities to coach many lives-more than ever before here at Community. Let’s work hard together this year to be all the church God calls us to be, all He wants every church to be, and to be what He wants us specifically to be-right here-right now.
May our peace be found in Him this Christmas season,
Pastor Richard
A CHRISTMAS OF OUTREACH (12/20/15)
A group of our youth were at the Fred Jordan Mission in downtown Los Angeles just yesterday in ministry. I hope we can get a report from them today on their project that many of you helped out with.
The special Sundays of Advent began November 29 and continue through our Christmas Eve service. Each Sunday before Christmas day one of you families will share the theme of the week, share a Scripture portion and lead us in prayer. Don’t miss any of these Advent times with the final presentation being our Christmas Eve service. Hector and Margie Martinez shared on the first Sunday. Ed and Joyce Faranda shared on December 6th. Paul & Andrea White family shared on December 13. Today we have another family sharing a special thought and prayer with us during our morning worship service. And the final presentation will be shared at our Christmas Eve service.
The Daily Breads for December, January and February are available at the Information Center today.
I will be asking you to join me in preparing a special video Christmas card in our worship service today to send to a few of our friends that will not be with us during the holidays. I wish we had time to do more of these but I will leave that to you.
Join us this Thursday evening at 6pm in the Lobby for our Christmas Eve family service. Bring kids and friends and family and neighbors. This is a family gathering for everyone singing the songs of Christmas and sharing and special prayer. Let me know if you or your family would like to share a Scripture or poem or song during our family gathering.
Pictures are on the monitor in the lobby from our Church family Christmas Party we held on December 6th.
Tim Ramos preached on December 13th, DESPERATE TIMES DON’T ALWAYS CALL FOR DESPERATE MEASURES. His message was from Psalm 34:6-8.
May the message of Christmas fill your life with joy and peace,
Pastor Richard
YOU HAD TO BE THERE (12/13/15)
Our Family Christmas Party on December 6th was one of those YOU HAD TO BE THERE TO EXPERIENCE IT evenings. Lots of food and family stuff with the kids. We had a full house for our campus (Lynn Sapp said there were two parking spots left).
Kyle Cherryholmes opened God’s Word with us and for us on December 6th just days after the shootings in nearby San Bernadino. We all needed to hear what he shared because his message was GOD HAS A PLAN. God has a plan especially when the New York Daily News a few days ago published the headline declaring GOD CAN’T FIX THIS MESS.
The special Sundays of Advent began November 29 and continue through our Christmas Eve service. Each Sunday before Christmas day one of you families will share the theme of the week, share a Scripture portion and lead us in prayer. Don’t miss any of these Advent times with the final presentation being our Christmas Eve service. Hector and Margie Martinez shared on the first Sunday. Ed and Joyce Faranda shared on December 6th. And today we have another family sharing a special thought and prayer with us during our morning worship service.
The Daily Breads for December, January and February are available at the Information Center today.
Plan to come together on Christmas Eve for our Family Christmas Eve service. It will start at 5:30 and be about one hour. If you or your family would like to share a Scripture or poem or song during our family gathering, speak with me.
Put Ed & Joyce Faranda’s Christmas yard light display (Gena also contributes) on your LET’S GO SEE SOME CHRISTMAS LIGHTS list. The lights are co-ordinated with music and a message that you hear on your FM car radio. They live at 5203 Ashworth Street in Lakewood. If you can’t drive to see the dancing lights, then go to www.dancingwithlights.com and get a glimpse of what they are doing. The music includes songs that you will never hear at Starbucks because they proclaim the Savior’s birth plus a reading of the Luke 2 account and also a lighting of the Advent candles. Saturday evening, December 19 from 7pm to 9:30pm the Farandas are having what you might call an OPEN HOUSE for their light display (Everyone welcome. Bring a dessert to share if possible).
Our Todd family is celebrating Christmas a little early with people all over the map later in the month. Claudia and I are out of the area today.
Tim Ramos is preaching the message for today, December 13 from Psalm 34. His title is "Desperate Times Don't Always Call for Desperate Measures."
Plan your New Years Gatherings with some of your church family.
MERRY CHRISTMAS it’s still worth saying),
Pastor Richard
TODAY'S THE DAY (12/6/15)
The special Sundays of Advent began November 29 and continue through our Christmas Eve service. Each Sunday before Christmas day one of you families will share the theme of the week, share a Scripture portion and lead us in prayer. Don’t miss any of these Advent times with the final presentation being our Christmas Eve service. Hector and Margie Martinez shared on the first Sunday.
The Daily Breads for December, January and February are available at the Information Center today.
Our Church Family Christmas dinner is today at 5pm in our Plaza. It is always a special family time together. Many of you are bringing friends and family. Check with Oralia or at the Information Center if you haven’t made your reservations. Please do not just SHOW UP without speaking with Oralia or Sheri first. And remember to dress warm.
Some of you may ask me today, PASTOR RICH, WHY WERE YOU STANDING IN YOUR FRONT YARD FRIDAY AFTERNOON FOR SUCH A LONG TIME? I was standing there because a coyote had adopted my front porch and every time I approached my front door, the coyote came towards me saying THE PORCH IS MINE? Yes, I called the police department and asked for help.
Kyle Cherryholmes is sharing God’s Word with us today. His title is GOD’S GOT A PLAN. Bring the heat, Kyle.
Thank you for standing with Frank Castello this week at the service for June.
A group of pastors and missionaries will be gathering here on our Greenleaf campus this Tuesday to share and pray for each other. I am glad to be able to share our facilities with them when so many churches do not have a campus.
November 29 we followed the footsteps of Jesus in the Old Testament book of Psalms. We looked at Psalm 2, 22, and 72.
Plan to come together on Christmas Eve for our Family Christmas Eve service. It will start at 5:30 and be about one hour. If you or your family would like to share a Scripture or poem or song, speak with me.
I like saying, MERRY CHRISTMAS,
Pastor Richard
IT'S BEGINNING TO FEEL ALOT LIKE CHRISTMAS (11/29/15)
WATER FOR GOOD is a special international organization that is headed by Jim Hocking. They are helping people in several countries in Africa get clean water by digging wells and training them to maintain those same wells. Jim and his wife, Faye, will be here today at 5:30pm to share with us (in the Chapel). All of you are invited.
The special Sundays of Advent begin with our worship services today. Each Sunday before Christmas one of you families will share the theme of the week, share a Scripture portion and lead us in prayer. Don’t miss any of these Advent times with the final presentation being our Christmas Eve service.
THANK YOU GALS for how pretty our church looks today with the decorations of advent. A group of you came out on November 27th to DINE N DECORATE.
We said our parting earthly words to June Castello this week as she departed this world for the next. She died early Wednesday morning. Her memorial service will be December 1 at 11:30 at Rose Hills (enter at Gate 1 and ask for instructions). There will be a reception here in the Plaza afterwards.
We have been looking for the footsteps of Jesus in the Old Testament in recent Sunday messages. We just looked in the book of Job and found one of the great Old Testament passages in Job 19:25-27. Today we look at the footsteps of Jesus in the Psalms.
Let us thank God,
Pastor Richard
REMINDER ONE: Operation Christmas Child Shoeboxes need to be here on campus no later than November 29th.
REMINDER TWO: Speak with Sheri Elisaldez today to reserve your seats for the Christmas party on December 6th.
THE ATTACKS IN PARIS TOUCHED HOME LOCALLY (11/22/15)
The attacks in Paris, France of November were far away for us here in Los Angeles yet near in a number of ways. Our missionary partner, Jim Hocking, who is speaking here at Community next week was at the airport just minutes from Paris when the bombs and shots were fired. And the gal from CSULB that was shot was a friend of some of you here in and went to school with you. And our missionary partner, Patty Morris is ministering in the city of Lyon which was the home of one of the terrorists.
Join me this Thursday, Thanksgiving morning, at 10am in our Chapel for 60 minutes (not 61 minutes) of giving thanks to the Lord. We sing and pray and give testimony but no sermon.
DINE N DECORATE happens the day after Thanksgiving. It’s a bunch of you gals that gather here on campus and enjoy home made chili and cornbread and decorate the church for the upcoming Christmas season. Starts at 6pm.
Did you read about my Krispy Kreme loss in my last blog to you? Well, two Krispy Kremes showed up for me here on campus a few days ago. Thank you.
WATER FOR GOOD is a special international organization that is headed by Jim Hocking. Jim will be here on November 29 at 5:30pm to share with us (in the Chapel). All of you are invited.
The special Sundays of Advent begin with our worship services on November 29th. Each Sunday before Christmas day one of you families will share the theme of the week, share a Scripture portion and lead us in prayer. Don’t miss any of these Advent times with the final presentation being our Christmas Eve service.
Let us thank God,
Pastor Richard
REMINDER ONE: Operation Christmas Child Shoeboxes need to be here on campus no later than November 29th.
REMINDER TWO: Speak with Sheri Elisaldez today to reserve your seats for the Christmas party on December 6th.