Nov 6th Pause with the Pastor and Announcements

ANNOUNCEMENT INDEX

NEW MEMBER TESTIMONIES

ALL OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS

CLASS SCHEDULE

MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES

Pause with the Pastor

Dear family and friends,

One of the most comforting truths in all of Scripture is also one of the most humbling: God is sovereign, and we are not. 

We live in a world filled with uncertainty. Circumstances shift, expectations are dashed, and events unfold in ways we never anticipated. Sometimes we’re encouraged by what happens around us. Other times, we’re confused, concerned, or even discouraged.

But here’s what we must never forget: Nothing takes God by surprise!

Psalm 115:3 reminds us, “Our God is in the heavens; He does all that He pleases.” Daniel 2:21 declares, “He changes times and seasons; He removes kings and sets up kings.”

God is never caught off guard. He never wrings His hands in heaven, wondering what to do next. He is not scrambling to adjust His plans because of something unexpected on earth.

What surprises us has never surprised Him. What unsettles us has never unsettled His throne.

Because God is sovereign, our response should be one of humility, trust, and surrender.

James 4:13–15 challenges those who confidently announce their plans for tomorrow without acknowledging their dependence on God. Instead, James urges us to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.”

That’s not an invitation to passivity. It’s a call to humility.

We rightly make plans, exercise wisdom, fulfill our responsibilities, and seek to influence the world around us for good. But ultimately, we recognize that we are not in control of the outcome. God is.

And here’s the beautiful part: The God who rules over everything is also the Father who loves us deeply.

Romans 8:28 reminds us that “for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose.”

That doesn’t mean everything that happens is good. Evil is still evil. Injustice is still injustice. Suffering is still painful. But it does mean that nothing falls outside God’s sovereign authority or His ability to accomplish His good purposes.

So how should we respond when life unfolds differently than we hoped?

We humble ourselves before His wisdom. We trust His heart when we cannot understand His ways. And we receive each day from His gracious hand, confident that He will give us the grace to face whatever comes.

Peter puts it beautifully: “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:6, 7)

Notice the connection. We humble ourselves because God is mighty, and we cast our anxieties on Him because God cares.

The same hand that rules the universe is the hand that holds His children.

So today, whatever is weighing on your heart, remember this: You don’t have to understand everything because you belong to the One who does. You don’t have to control tomorrow because you can trust the One who already holds it.

And you don’t have to live in fear because our sovereign God is also our loving Father.

Let’s walk humbly and trust Him completely.

In preparation for this Sunday, read Ecclesiastes 1:12 – 2:26. 

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From David Warren from our Overseer board:

The voting closed on Friday on the proposed amendments to the church constitution and bylaws. We needed a quorum of 305 votes and at least 75% to vote yes for them to be adopted. We received 369 votes, and 95% voted yes. So the amendments are approved and effective immediately.

We began this process, inviting us all into a robust conversation together, and you had that conversation in every forum and phone call and email and lunch and coffee with such graciousness and with a heart for people around you and a desire to search Scripture and follow wherever it leads. Well done.  
 
For those of you who voted no or abstained or voted yes and still have questions, keep them coming. Tap the shoulder of any overseer to have that conversation. Such conversations are a feature, not a bug, of a healthy church. So even as we celebrate this and hope this framework serves us for many decades, we acknowledge that it is Christ alone who loved, purchased, and sustains his church. And to Him alone be the glory for as long as we’re on this hill. God bless.

HIGHLIGHTED ANNOUNCEMENTS

DICK CAPEN – Our brother and Clairemont Emmanuel member went to be with the Lord recently. He is rejoicing in the presence of His Savior. Please pray for his wife, Joan, and their children and grandchildren in this loss. Cards are appreciated, but please don’t call. A service for him will be held on November 7 at 11AM.  

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BAPTISM AND MEMBERSHIP

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all other Announcements

BABY SHOWER – Community Care Ministry is having a baby shower for a YoungLives teen mom on November 14 from 2-4PM at 4347 Mount Henry Ave. Please let Jeanie Presley know if you would like to attend 619-997-2079, or help with her wish list here.

MISSIONS BOOK CLUB – Join us for the missions book club, which will resume in 2027. Meetings will be held on Friday evenings once a quarter in Clairemont. Our first book of the new year will be Isobel Kuhn by Lois Hoadley Dick. If you’re interested, you can reach out to Maria Farr (619-599-5693) or Danielle Huffman (435-531-2934). 

HOLY LAND TRIP?  Given the current situation, any trip would be in a couple years from now, or later, but not earlier. In the past, former member, Eric Johnson has organized trips “In the Footsteps of the Apostle Paul” (to Turkey, Greece and Rome), to Israel, and a “Protestant Historical Tour of Germany and either England or Scotland.” Take the survey only if you’re interested in one or more of these trips. The survey link is found at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PS2RBZX. The survey is ten questions long and the only one you have to answer is the first—your name. If you have any questions, contact Pastor Kenny.

CLAIREMONT EMMANUEL VETERANS GROUP – If you are you a vet of any branch of military service, contact Timothy Hulbert at timothy_hulbert@yahoo.com, or 858-754-7946 to find out more. We would love for you to join us.

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.)

PRAYER TENT – 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?” sign 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.

CARE FOR CLAIREMONT – Is a group of guys willing to help do some safe, light, ‘muscle jobs’ for seniors that could take around an hour or so to do.  If you are in need of some help around your home, contact Pastor Kenny. 

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!

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. 

PRAY FOR OUR SERVICE MEMBERS DEPLOYED or ON ASSIGNMENT – We have several of our young men who are currently deployed.  PLEASE PRAY especially for Bryant, Kerry, Ty, Mike and Cole, Ryan. (For security we’re just going with first names.) Please text Pastor Kenny and let him know of any other members or regular attenders who are deployed or away temporarily and please pray for them.

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2026 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. 

• Nov 8 Membership

• Jan 10 Evangelism

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MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES

CAREGIVER WANTED – One of our female members is in need of a caregiver.  If you’re interested, contact Pastor Kenny.

YOUNGLIVES VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

The Children’s ministry is making Blessing Bags for the We See You, San Diego, homeless guests for their Thanksgiving meal. Here is our Amazon wish list. 

YoungLives is having a Friendsgiving and needs some decorations and ministry support for leader care: You can find the Amazon list here. Thank you as always for your support!

Handmade Christmas Gifts with Santa – Center Church is hosting our 4th annual event. We need volunteers from 12-5pm on Sat Dec 12th. Please reach out to Jeanie Presley if interested.

Olive Crest Meal Train – Meal (for 12) for Teen Drop-in Shelter - Can you consider making a meal once a month for their shelter? They now have afternoon and evening drop-offs available for selection: Click Here

YoungLives – Additional support for this fun ministry: #1. First Thursday at Friendship Church in Logan Heights or Third Friday at Catalyst Church in Paradise Hills, always 6:30-8:30PM. We need childcare volunteers once a month. Would you please consider helping out? You can serve as a family. #2. Anyone or a couple want to be our set-up/tear-down support for Club? Third Thursday at Catalyst Church in Paradise Hills. Set up tables and chairs 5:30-6:30, go have dinner somewhere, and return to clean up and put the tables and chairs away. 

INTERESTED IN SERVING IN KIDS MINISTRY? – We have many opportunities to join on Wednesday nights and 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 at SusanAnnRobinson@gmail.com. 

SOUND BOOTH – Those who control the video, sound, and lights, are looking for more volunteers for Sunday mornings. If you have any technical skills or desire to learn, talk to Pastor Zach or Stephen Carpenter in the sound booth and let them know you’d like to join the team.

WELCOME TABLE VOLUNTEERS – Have a heart to welcome our church on Sunday mornings? We invite you to serve here! The welcome table is a place to welcome all guests, to be a warm space for newcomers (and the regulars) to be seen and known, to connect them with our community, get their questions answered, to share about our church history and culture, and to get resources. Please contact Sunshine McCroskey for more details at speechsunshine@gmail.com. (Church membership required.)

AV MINISTRY – Men and women! If you are looking for a ministry (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.

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.

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).

COMMUNITY CARE – Community Care ministry would like to love on our Clairemont Emmanuel 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 member that deserves some love please submit a prayer card addressed to Community Care with member name and address and reason for care and our 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.

SMALL GROUP LEADERS – If you’re interested in the possibility of leading an adult small group, contact Pastor Aaron. 

FIRST SERVICE GREETERS – Are you interested in greeting people as they come to church? We’re looking for a few friendly people to join our team. Reach out to Joe Dameron at 858-603-8462 or stop by the table of the patio today.

COMMUNITY CARE MINISTRY • ADOPT A MOM – We are seeking an individual or family to “adopt” a young mom and child from YoungLives for a one-year commitment. This involves weekly call/text, visitation twice a month and cards/gifts on special occasions like birthdays. We “adopted” Marianna and Romeo last year and they are now exceeding our expectations as far as growth and progress. We as a church want to replicate this with another family. For more information contact Jeanie Presley at jeanie.presley@gmail.com or 619-997-2079.

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