JULY 18th Devotional and Announcements

ANNOUNCEMENT INDEX

Dear family and friends,

 

What should be our attitude toward money and toward things.  We live in a world that cries out for our attention and most of it is about stuff that impacts us financially.

 

Sheldon and Davy VanAuken were from Kentucky and went to England to study at Oxford.  They were befriended by one of their lecturers, C.S. Lewis, who ended up leading them to faith in Christ.  Sadly, when they returned from their studies in England, Davy died after a brief but severe illness – likely acute hepatitis, which progressed rapidly and unexpectedly. She was 40.  As you can imagine, her death was deeply painful for her husband. He explains in his book, “A Severe Mercy,” that this was a pivotal turning point that led him to a deeper surrender to God and a fuller understanding of grace and eternal hope.

 

In their discussions together, Lewis also encouraged the VanAukens, and all believers, to hold earthly possessions, and even relationships, with an open hand, surrendering them to God.

 

The Bible teaches that everything we have belongs to God.  From our income to our possessions, our homes to our time, it’s ALL His.  We’re not owners, we’re stewards, and God invites us to manage His resources with wisdom, worship, and eternal purpose.

 

Jesus said (in Matthew 6:21), “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”  That’s not just about giving, it’s about aligning our hearts with God’s kingdom.  When we give faithfully, we declare that God, not stuff, is our security.  Generosity isn’t loss, it’s investment in what is eternal.

 

Did you know that in the Bible there are roughly 500 verses on faith, 500 verses on prayer, and over 2000 verses on money?  I believe God knew how much money would touch our lives and wanted to give us principles to make godly use of finances. So, of course there’s a lot to say about money.  But there are some foundational principles.

 

First, God owns everything!  King David wrote (in Psalm 24:1), “The earth is the Lord’s and everything in it.”  Everything we have (money, possessions, time, talents) ultimately belongs to the Lord.  We are stewards, not owners, and this truth sets the foundation for how we manage money.  What God gives us is not ours to do whatever we want with – we steward the money for God’s purposes. 

 

Second, be faithful and generous. Paul writes (in 2 Corinthians 9:7), “Each one must give as they have decided in their heart . . . for God loves a cheerful giver.”  God calls us to live generous lives that reflect His character.  Giving isn’t about guilt, but about grace, and the joy of trusting God to provide.

 

Third, live within your means and avoid debt.  “The borrower is slave to the lender.”  (Proverbs 22:7).  God calls us to be wise and content.  Debt can lead to bondage and stress; budgeting and simplicity help us live in freedom.   

 

Fourth, plan wisely for the future.  Solomon in Proverbs writes: “The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty” (Proverbs 21:5) It’s wise to save, plan, and prepare, including through wills, trusts, and wise investments.  But we also remember that our ultimate trust is in God’s provision. 

 

As part of our commitment to help you steward well, we’ll be offering a free seminar on wills, trusts, and estates that will all take place all on one Saturday morning in the late summer / early fall. This will help you plan financially in ways that honor the Lord and care for your family.  This will be taught by Christian financial professionals.  We also plan to offer a short-term Bible Study on financial principles.  If you are interested in either of these send a text to Pastor Aaron (619-855-4966). 

 

Let’s continue to be a church marked by exceptional generosity, wise stewardship, and an eternal perspective.  Someone said, “What we do with what we have says a lot about who we trust.”

 

For this coming Sunday, read Luke 10:25-37. 

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ANNOUNCEMENT INDEX

MESSAGE FROM PASTOR KENNY | HIGHLIGHTED ANNOUNCEMENTS | NEW MEMBER TESTIMONIES | JOB OPENINGS | MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES | CLASS SCHEDULE | HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES

HIGHLIGHTED ANNOUNCEMENTS


NEED FOR A RIDE – Longtime member Barb Reeves along with her daughter, Sharon Colette, find themselves unable to get to church these days due to driving restrictions. If you live in/near Pacific Beach, they would welcome the opportunity to ride-share on Sunday mornings. They prefer 1st service, and enjoy their Adult Teaching time which ends at 11:30. If you feel led to help them out, contact Sharon at 760-567-3395 for more information or to coordinate a ride.

 

AWANA ONLINE REGISTRATION – will open Sunday, July 20th at 8AM! We offer programs for age 2 through 5th grade, encouraging kids to know, love, and serve Jesus. Awana emphasizes Scripture memory, biblical teaching, games, and activities to engage children in their faith journey. The cost will be $80 per child for the school year with a maximum of $225 per household. All materials needed will be included in this price. There will be a $10 EARLY BIRD discount per child in July. Spaces will be limited based on our volunteer ratios. More volunteers are needed! Weekly Awana volunteers will receive an additional discount for their kids. Contact Susan Robinson (SusanAnnRobinson@gmail.com) or Buzz Buser if you are interested in serving Wednesday nights from 5:45-8:15pm. We’d love to have you join the Awana Team!

 

NEED PRAYER? – Community outreach prayer tent opportunity. For the past months on Monday evenings from 6-8PM in the middle parking lot, you may have seen a blue easy-up with “Need prayer?” signs and a couple of Clairemont Emmanuel people there to pray, talk to people, and hand out Bibles and other information. If you’re interested in finding out more, stop by on a Monday evening or call/text Dan Cassels at 619-972-5976.

 

COMMUNITY CARE MINISTRY Back-to-School Needs - July 27, 12 PM in the Fellowship Hall Items Needed: Journals • Colored markers/colored pencils • Highlighters • Adult Lunch Box • Glue or glue stick • Lined paper • 1 subject notebooks • Blue or black pens • Pencils • Erasers & pencil sharpeners • Folders • 1 inch Binder. Visit our table starting next week to drop off items. Contact Jeanie Presley 619-997-2079 with questions.

 

BAYSIDE BBQ AT MISSION BAY Wednesday @ 6 PM July 30 We ask that you bring a side dish to share (NOTE THE CHANGE!). If your last name starts with: A-J: Salad (potato / pasta / green / fruit / etc.) K-T: Fried Chicken / Baked Beans / Mac & Cheese / etc. U-Z: Desserts. Store-bought sides are welcome! (Just north of the Superbloom Cafe.)

 

MISSIONS BOOK CLUB – Come join us as we begin a book club! We’ll be reading about missions or a missionary every month. Men and women of any age are welcome. The first book we will be discussing is “Spirit of the Rainforest” by Mark Andrew Ritchie. Our first book club meeting will be on Friday, August 1st in the evening. If you are interested, you can reach out to Danielle Huffman (435-531-2943) or Maria Farr (619-599-5693).

 

GUYS BREAKFAST – August 2, 8 AM in The Upper Room Come join us for good food and fellowship. Please bring your favorite breakfast food to share. Mike Uyboco will be asking the question “How are we doing?” At the midpoint of our year, this will serve as a chance to collectively review previous speakers’ presentations and see how well we’re applying these lessons with one another. “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer” (Romans 12:12). If you have any questions, please contact Mike Uyboco at 619-770-0348. NOTE: Uniquely this month, this event will be in the Upper Room [not Fellowship Hall].

 

PRIMETIMERS LAMB’S PLAYERS – Wednesday, August 6th at 1PM Primetimers will be leaving from the Upper Parking Lot to attend the matinee showing of “The 70’s, The Golden Age of the Album.” All tickets for the show have been taken, however, if you have not paid for your ticket, payments must be made by this Sunday, otherwise you will lose your seat. A waitlist will be available at the Primetimers table. Cost of the show is $30. If you have any questions, please contact Paul Champlin at 619-209-1237.

 

EMMANUEL WOMEN’S ‘RESILIENT FAITH’ |  Michelle Lapp walks us through a closer look at the life of Mary, the mother of Jesus, and what her story can teach us about building a strong, resilient faith. We’d love for you to join us on Saturday, August 9th, from 10 AM to 1:30 PM in Fellowship Hall. Brunch will be provided, so we’ll need your RSVP! You can register in person on the patio between services or scan the QR code below to sign up online. Registration is open from July 20 to August 3.

 

SPECIAL LOVE OFFERING FOR CLAIRE – As we always do for our missionaries, we are still taking a special offering as a send-off gift to CLAIRE – as we commissioned her this past Sunday.  This is a gift that should be “over and above” your regular giving.  You can make checks out to CEBC and just put “Claire Love Gift” on the memo line or make that notation if you give on-line.  Thank you.

 

RE | ENGAGE - CEBC MARRIAGE MINISTRY – Registration is now open for the fall session of our marriage discipleship groups. Re | Engage classes will meet for 14 weeks on Wednesday nights from September through December. Note, the spring session will likely be meeting on either Tuesdays or Thursdays (TBD). You can sign up for the fall session using the link below, or stop by our sign-up table on the patio over the next few Sundays and talk to a marriage ministry leader to learn more about this study. https://clairemontemmanuel.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/3028571

 

SPECIAL NEEDS MINISTRY – Children’s Ministry is exploring the idea of starting a Special Needs Team to better support individuals and families in our church community who have children with special needs. No experience is necessary—we’re simply looking to see who might be interested in learning more. This is not a commitment, just a chance to express curiosity or willingness to be involved in the future. If you’d like to be part of the conversation, please contact Nikki Uyboco at nikknacks1@gmail.com.

 

VOLUNTEER LEADERS NEEDED FOR YOUNG LIFE AT CLAIREMONT AND MISSION BAY HIGH – The growth of these clubs - almost 200 students a week - means more adult leaders are needed. All you need is a heart for high schoolers to hear the good news of Jesus Christ. Please contact David Warren for more information at 619-347-8358 or warrenpride@gmail.com.

 

CLAIREMONT EMMANUEL VETERANS GROUP – If you are you a vet of any branch of military service, stop by the Veterans ministry table on the patio between services this Sunday, or contact Gary Anderson at crazygrandpa5x@yahoo.com, or 858-769-6911 to find out more.

 

PRAYER AND ENCOURAGEMENT – If you’re aware of people who are sick, stuck at home or just lonely, please pray for them and give them a call! Many of these folks have been contacted by you and been so encouraged! Will you pick someone from our church family to especially pray for this week, maybe someone you haven’t seen in a while, and call them or drop them a note to let them know you love them and are praying for them.

 

GIVING – Some have asked if they can donate stocks and bonds or even property to the church.  You can, and if you are interested talk to Jessica Mohr in the office. You can give weekly in the white boxes on the wall in the sanctuary. 

 

‘GUY’ CONNECTIONS – Men, pick one of these groups and join in!

 

Cycle Club Russ Vande Vegte 619-990-9643

Tues Bible study Paul Champlin - 619-209-1237

Thurs Book Club Paul Champlin - 619-209-1237

Men’s Prayer Breakfast Byron Harold 619-890-4393

Inductive Bible study Dr David Wu 619-913-3021

Bay Hill Meet-Up Thursday 5 pm, Bill Davis 619-977-3116

Rock Climbing Jonah Dumitru 858-232-2258

Pickle Ball Dan Cassels 619-972-5976 (1st & 3rd weeks are co-ed)

Book Club Bruce Payne 858-220-4865 Time and location, TBD

Gideon’s International Neal Gibsen 619-884-6822

Golfing John Kirk 858-531-3695

Hiking John Kirk 858-531-3695, TBD

Surf Club Mike Uyboco 619-770-0348, TBD

Spartan Club Charles Yin 619-581-0073, TBD 

 

ALL WOMEN – are invited to a dedicated time of prayer each week on Thursdays at Tracy Rickert’s home at 1:45PM. Contact Tracy for more information (619-376-0553).

 

SEE SOMEONE YOU DON’T RECOGNIZE AT CHURCH? – Please don’t assume that someone else will greet them.  Will YOU go up and introduce yourself to them and welcome them this Sunday to Clairemont Emmanuel!!

 

INTERESTED IN JOINING A SMALL GROUP? – Would you like to start or join a small group? Participants decide the frequency and scope of their gatherings. Small groups meet together for fellowship, prayer, and Bible study. Small groups are an integral part of our church community. Most meet regularly in the home of a group member. It may include dinner from time-to-time. If you haven’t found a group in your area, please let us know! Call or text Pastor Aaron if you’re interested. (If you’re interested in a women’s group, contact Lois Taylor at the church office.)

 

WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDIES: There are several women’s Bible Studies happening throughout the summer.  If you’re interested, contact Lois Taylor at 619-276-1922.

 

AFTER-SERVICE PRAYER – We will continue to invite people to come forward for prayer at the end of the service.  Please know that this is an invitation for you to come forward and pray about anything that God has put on your heart.  Of course to know the Lord, or to make spiritual decisions, but also to pray for anything personal you’d like prayer for. You might have a special prayer request for family, friends, work, etc.  Maybe it’s on your heart to come and pray for our pastors, missionaries, staff, youth, children, or one of our other ministries, etc.  Our team is available to pray with you about anything God puts on your heart. Please come and join us. 

 

DEPLOYED – We currently have three of our young men who are currently deployed.  PLEASE PRAY for Ian Rosse (Navy), Andrew VanKuren (Navy), and Matthew Fahnestock(Navy). Please let Pastor Kenny know of any other members or regular attenders who are deployed or away temporarily and please pray for them.

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ANNOUNCEMENT INDEX

MESSAGE FROM PASTOR KENNY | HIGHLIGHTED ANNOUNCEMENTS | NEW MEMBER TESTIMONIES | JOB OPENINGS | MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES | CLASS SCHEDULE | HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES

BAPTISM AND MEMBERSHIP

 

Being baptized this Sunday (June 8) will be Erik Haden:

 

Erik Haden

 

I did not go to Church until I was almost nine years old.  I thought God was just some crazy idea.  My great grandparents started taking me to Church and Sunday School in February 2023.   I picked up on the knowledge that I have a Father in Heaven.  One day after Sunday School (on September 24, 2023), my Grandpa called me into the family room.  I had told him that during Sunday School one of the leaders shared his testimony.  Grandpa asked me if I would like to accept Jesus into my heart.  I said “Yes.”  So we prayed and I accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior.  Continuing in Sunday School and AWANA has helped me have a deepening relationship with Christ.

I know now that Jesus died for me to take away my sins and loves me more than anyone else does.  I know that my sins have been forgiven by the grace of God and not by anything I did.   I want to be baptized because Jesus was baptized and the Bible says we are to follow in the footsteps of Jesus.  I know it is the outward sign of what happened in my heart.  One of my favorite songs is “I Have Decided to Follow Jesus,  No Turning Back, No Turning Back.”

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ANNOUNCEMENT INDEX

MESSAGE FROM PASTOR KENNY | HIGHLIGHTED ANNOUNCEMENTS | NEW MEMBER TESTIMONIES | JOB OPENINGS | MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES | CLASS SCHEDULE | HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES

MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES

EMBRACE GRACE CO-LEADER NEEDED – You can be that someone to help lead women to hope, love and a future. Reach scared & overwhelmed moms-to-be; Surround them with supportive community; Remind them they’re not alone and most importantly, point them to Christ Jesus, our Way-Maker. Will you say YES to co-leading? Say YES to love? Contact Nancy Wiseman for more information at 770- 630-8540 or nancylwiseman@gmaiil.com

VISITATION – Two of our members are in the hospital and would love a visit.  You can call them to set up a time to go by and see them.  Dave Costantino (619-990-3818) and Sharon Pearce (619-851-5336). 

VOLUNTEER LEADERS NEEDED FOR YOUNG LIFE AT CLAIREMONT AND MISSION BAY HIGH – The growth of these clubs - almost 200 students a week - means more adult leaders are needed. All you need is a heart for high schoolers to hear the good news of Jesus Christ. Please contact David Warren for more information at 619-347-8358 or warrenpride@gmail.com.

LIVING WATERS/MEMBER CARE – Living Waters ministry would like to love on our CEBC members in times of need (surgery, illness, cancer treatments, death of loved one) as well as celebrations of life (wedding, birth, new home, etc.). If you know of a CEBC member that deserves some love please submit a prayer card addressed to Living Waters with member name and address and reason for care and our Living Waters team will make sure a card will be sent to them.

MINISTRY TABLES – If you are a leader of one of our many ministries and would like a table on the patio, contact the office (619-276-1922) to schedule a Sunday! Plan to be at your table after both services.

 

SUNDAY AM BOOK TABLE VOLUNTEERS NEEDED – If you love books and talking to people, consider being at the book table to talk about books as a possible ministry.  We are starting to sell some books (recommended by the Overseers) at the book table and so this volunteer opportunity would also involve taking money and making change. 

 

AV MINISTRY – Men and women! If you are looking for a ministry and (especially if you have a background in technology / sound, but even if you don’t), contact Pastor Zach (858-322-2105), or one of the guys in the sound booth and let them know you’d like to join the team.

 

CHILDREN MINISTRY VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES – There are opportunities for you to get involved in Children’s Ministry on Sunday mornings and Wednesday nights! Contact our Children’s Ministry Director, Susan Robinson (619-985-5188 or SusanAnnRobinson@gmail.com) to get more information.

 

THE ARK

Sunday Mornings  from 10:05-12:05 with Babies through Preschool Age 

  • Baby Room Helper (1 Sunday per month) — Care for babies

  • Preschool Room Assistant (1 Sunday per month) — Assist with classroom activities while the teacher leads the lesson

  • Special Needs Helper (2 Sundays per month) — Assist a child with special needs

 

THE HARBOR 

Sunday Mornings from 10:05-12:05 with Kindergarten through 5th Grade

  • Classroom Assistant (1 Sunday per month) — Assist with classroom activities while the teacher leads the lesson

  • Worship Leader (1 Sunday per month •10:30-11:00am) — Lead 2-3 songs during large group worship

 

LOVE AND CARE CLOSET – We are in need of gently used or new boys 2T and boys and girls 4-5T and diapers sizes 3, 4, 5. Additionally, partnering with Lighthouse Church, we are also seeking cribs/twin beds and frames. If you have any to donate please letJeanie.presley@gmail.com know.

 

SILENT VOICES – Although they do not currently have a table on the patio, we have the opportunity to help restock the Silent Voices pantry with baby supplies (diapers, blankets, baby wipes, personal hygiene items, clothing, etc.). Silent Voices is a Christian pro-life pregnancy center founded by member Sharon Pearce, that provides life-affirming alternatives to abortion, and support to mothers and babies in our community who need help. If you have any questions about the ministry outreach, please contact Sharon Pearce (619-851-5336) or Paul Champlin (619-209-1237).

 

GREETING AND USHERING – If you are interested in greeting and ushering, talk to Joe Dameron on Sunday morning or to Timothy Hulbert (first service) or Justin Hoech (second service).

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ANNOUNCEMENT INDEX

MESSAGE FROM PASTOR KENNY | HIGHLIGHTED ANNOUNCEMENTS | NEW MEMBER TESTIMONIES | JOB OPENINGS | MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES | CLASS SCHEDULE | HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES

2024 Class Schedule

·      All classes are held in The Upper Room from 2-5PM

·      Text Pastor Kenny (619-508-3785) if you’re interested in reserving a spot for any of these classes.

·      Our goal is that every member takes each one of the classes. 

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ANNOUNCEMENT INDEX

MESSAGE FROM PASTOR KENNY | HIGHLIGHTED ANNOUNCEMENTS | NEW MEMBER TESTIMONIES | JOB OPENINGS | MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES | CLASS SCHEDULE | HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES


Housing/JOB OPENINGS/For Sale

JEANIE PRESLEY – was recently laid off (as was her entire department) and is looking for a Product Manager, Project Manager, Scrum Master, Quality Assurance or Business Resiliency role. Please contact her at jeanie.presley@gmail.com or 619-997-2079 with any leads. 

 

HOUSING NEED – Young member couple with baby looking for three bedroom in the Clairemont/Bay Park/LaJolla/UC area for under $3200 a month.  Contact Jona (858-232-2258) or Brooke (951-553-6578) Dumitru.


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ANNOUNCEMENT INDEX

MESSAGE FROM PASTOR KENNY | HIGHLIGHTED ANNOUNCEMENTS | NEW MEMBER TESTIMONIES | JOB OPENINGS | MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES | CLASS SCHEDULE | HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES