AUGUST 15th Devotional and Announcements
ANNOUNCEMENT INDEX
Dear family and friends,
I remember early in my Christian life someone telling me to follow the ACTS of prayer. I didn’t know what they meant but it’s an acrostic for Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, and Supplication.
When we think of prayer, we often jump straight to asking God for things—help, healing, provision. But the foundation of a vibrant prayer life is praise—simply worshiping God for who He is. Adoration reminds us that prayer isn’t just a shopping list; it’s a personal encounter with the living God.
I remember a time when my college roommates and I went on a retreat – with just the three of us – to Julian. We got up on the roof of the home where we were staying and just looked in awe at more stars than I’d ever seen in my life. We spent time just praising God for His creation. We weren’t asking for anything; we were simply reveling in the beauty of God’s amazing creation and of the God who created it. That time of praise, stirred by wonder, is adoration: focuses purely on God’s glory – without any agenda.
As theologian and pastor Tim Keller puts it in his book on prayer: “Praise and adoration are the necessary preconditions for the proper formulation and motivation of all the other kinds of prayer.”
That means when we begin with adoration—marveling at God’s character—everything else we do in prayer flows from a heart that is in tune with His glory and grace.
When prayer begins with worship:
1. God becomes the center, not our needs.
2. Our requests land on a foundation of gratitude, not desperation.
3. Our perspective shifts—we pray in awe, not anxiety.
4. Our heart is open to transformation—we seek alignment with God, not just fixes.
Adoration is the first note in our conversation with God.
Then when we do ask, we want to ask according to His will and God gives us some guidelines for that, that we’ll be talking about on Sunday.
If it’s a choice between reading about prayer and praying, by all means, pray!! However, I have found great encouragement and deepened my understanding of prayer from reading. Consider one of these five books:
· “Prayer: Experiencing Awe and Intimacy with God” by Timothy Keller
· “Power Through Prayer” by E.M. Bounds
· “The Practice of the Presence of God” by Brother Lawrence
· “How to Pray” by R.A. Torrey
· “Prayer: Conversing with God” — Rosalind Rinker
I trust this has been a meaningful week as you’ve hopefully done our ‘21 Days of Prayer’ each day, and it will continue until the end of the month. Read the verse for the day, pause and reflect on what it reveals about God’s character. Thank Him for who He is and then end with praise – knowing the One you worship hears and rejoices in you.
May adoration and personal worship become the heartbeat of your prayer life, drawing you closer to the love and presence of God.
Please note that there will be a baptism immediately following the second service this Sunday. If you attend the first service, please return for the baptism. If you’re in the second service, please stick around for some minutes.
For this coming Sunday, read Luke 11:5-13.
ANNOUNCEMENT INDEX
MESSAGE FROM PASTOR KENNY | HIGHLIGHTED ANNOUNCEMENTS | NEW MEMBER TESTIMONIES | JOB OPENINGS | MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES | CLASS SCHEDULE | HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES
HIGHLIGHTED ANNOUNCEMENTS
AWANA ONLINE REGISTRATION – is open! 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. 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!
INTERESTED IN SERVING IN KIDS MINISTRY? – We have many opportunities to serve on Wednesday nights and also Sunday mornings. We’d love to have you join us in our partnership with parents to disciple this next generation! Get involved by contacting Susan Robinson at 619-985-5188 or SusanAnnRobinson@ gmail.com. (AWANA - Wednesday nights from 5:45-8:15PM / Awana Leader Training Meeting - This Sunday from 2:00-3:30PM in the Harbor (level under Fellowship Hall). / EMMANUEL KIDS SUNDAY SCHOOL - Sunday mornings from 10:05AM-12:05PM in the Ark or the Harbor. / SPECIAL NEEDS BUDDIES - Sunday or Wednesday nights.)
RE | ENGAGE - CEBC MARRIAGE MINISTRY – Registration is open now through THIS SUNDAY! for the fall session of our marriage discipleship groups. Re | Engage classes will meet for 14 weeks on Wednesday nights from September – December. Note, the spring session will likely be meeting on either Tuesdays or Thursdays (TBD). If you would like to hear directly from some of our members who have participated in Re Engage, watch this short video capturing their reflections on the program, or the announcements section of the church website. To learn more and/or sign up to join the Fall session, stop by our table on the patio and talk to a Re | Engage leader. Once you’re ready, you can sign up directly using this link: https://clairemontemmanuel.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/3028571
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.
MEMORIAL SERVICE – Member Greta Erwin’s husband Warren Erwin’s service will be Saturday, August 23 at 11AM in The Upper Room.
DISCOVERING SPIRITUAL MATURITY (DISCIPLESHIP CLASS) – is August 24, at 2 PMin The Upper Room. If you have not yet taken this class, please plan on joining Pastor Kenny and Pastor Aaron. Contact one of them to let them know you’re coming or if you have any questions. Our goal is for every member to take all four classes we offer. We want to help you grow your relationship with God.
MEN’S STEAK DINNER – is Friday, August 29, 5-6:30PM in the Fellowship Hall. Men, join us for a time of fellowship and steak (5-6:30PM), before heading to the sanctuary where we will be hearing from Mark Dever (6:30-8PM), senior pastor of the Capital Hill Baptist Church in Washington D.C. Cost of dinner is $10 and free for your guests. Please sign up today at the men’s table located on the patio. If you have any questions, please contact Mike Uyboco at 619-770-0348.
COMMUNITY CARE DRIVE – August 31 between services, we will be having a diaper and wipe drive to benefit our Love and Care Closet as well as Silent Voices and Young Lives (teen moms). Donations can be delivered to 4347 Mt Henry Ave, San Diego, CA 92117 or dropped off on Sunday August 31st at our table on the patio. The closet is in need of boys 2T-3T and girls 12-18 month new or gently used clothing. Contact Jeanie Presley to donate 619-997-2079.
TIJUANA HOUSE BUILD – On Saturday, October 11th, Clairemont Emmanuel will be taking a day trip to build a house in partnership with Mexico Caravan Ministries. The cost is $85 per person and a passport is required to go. If you are interested in going or would like to donate to the cost of a house or provide scholarships, please contact Matt (858-750-0709) or Maria Farr (maria.o.farr@gmail.com, 619-599-5693). Stop by the table on the patio today.
EMMANUEL WOMEN – Sessions begin soon for our Fall Bible studies and Resilient Faith Pop-Up classes. Stop by their ministry table on Sunday to find out more. PLUS, if you’re new and want to get on our mailing list, we’ve got a ‘welcome’ gift for you!
PARKING! – If you are able, will you please park off campus. As much as possible, we want to leave the lots for our seniors, our families with small children, and our guests. Thank you.
MISSIONS BOOK CLUB – Come join us for the missions book club! We’ll be reading about missions or a missionary every month. Men and women of any age are welcome. Our next book is To the Golden Shore by Courtney Anderson. Meetings are on the first Friday of each month. If you are interested, you can reach out to Danielle Huffman (435-531-2943) or Maria Farr (619-599-5693).
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.
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.
‘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. These 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.)
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 have two of our young men who are currently deployed. PLEASE PRAYfor Ian Rosse (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.
ANNOUNCEMENT INDEX
MESSAGE FROM PASTOR KENNY | HIGHLIGHTED ANNOUNCEMENTS | NEW MEMBER TESTIMONIES | JOB OPENINGS | MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES | CLASS SCHEDULE | HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES
BAPTISM AND MEMBERSHIP
TESTIMONY
Christopher Almazan
I believe that God the Son died for my sins. I am not worthy of God’s blessings, but He continues to bless me each day out of His love. I put all my trust in God as His plans are always greater. On January 28, 2025, I went into surgery for a 15-hour brain surgery to remove the 3x6 centimeter brain tumor from my right brain caused by brain cancer. Miraculously, I understand that God has blessed me with this second chance at life and I have vowed to do better and live life as God’s miracle to show others what He is capable of. It’s God’s will. I’m not worthy because of my sin and I’m ready to accept the blessing of going to Heaven that happens only because of Jesus’ sacrifice for my sins on the Cross.
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. Help reach scared and 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? Contact Nancy Wiseman for more information at 770-630-8540 or nancylwiseman@gmail.com
CLAIREMONT EMMANUEL VETERANS GROUP – If you are you a vet of any branch of military service, contact Gary Anderson at crazygrandpa5x@yahoo.com, or 858-769-6911 to find out more. We would love for you to join us. Stop by the table on the patio to learn more.
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.
STEPHEN MINISTRIES – Do you think God has gifted you to be an encourager like Barnabas – if only you had the training and opportunity? Well, that training and opportunity just could be available in the future at CEBC. Our church has been enrolled as a Stephen Ministries congregation for years, but we have not been active for some time. We are currently considering a re-launch of this highly effective program for training and deploying caregivers from within our own congregation. While a Stephen Minister is not a professional counselor or psychotherapist, he or she can perform a valuable service by “coming alongside” individuals who might need care and support during a difficult time in their lives. If such a ministry seems like an interesting challenge and a possible fit for you, text or call Jim Donahoe at 619-677-1809 and check out their website at stephenministries.org.
WELCOME TABLE – We are looking for more volunteers to greet guests as they arrive. If interested contact Sunshine McCroskey at 417-839-1981 or swilsonshine@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.
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).
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.
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 laid off from work (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.
ANNOUNCEMENT INDEX
MESSAGE FROM PASTOR KENNY | HIGHLIGHTED ANNOUNCEMENTS | NEW MEMBER TESTIMONIES | JOB OPENINGS | MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES | CLASS SCHEDULE | HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES