Jan 23rd Devotional and Announcements
ANNOUNCEMENT INDEX
Dear family and friends,
C.S. Lewis’ spiritual director said this: “We can advance along the road to perfection only by walking closely with Jesus. But to walk with Jesus is to walk with a slow, unhurried pace. Hurry is the death of prayer and only impedes and soils our work. It never advances it.” Slow walking. I like that. Are you slow-walking with the Lord?
In 1 Corinthians 11:1, Paul wrote, “Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.”
I remember watching Billy Graham as a guest on the Johnny Carson show. Johnny asked Dr. Graham if he was afraid of anything. Dr. Graham said he was. He said, “I live in fear that I will do something or say something that will bring harm to the name of Christ.
I would say that if there’s a healthy fear to have, that’s it.
I pray for Christlikeness – for me and for our church. So, what does it mean to be Christlike? In short it’s becoming like Jesus in how we think, love, respond; in how we live. It’s a process that doesn’t end until we’re in the presence of Jesus.
And in His presence, John writes this in 1 John 3:2, “Dear friends, we are already God’s children, but he has not yet shown us what we will be like when Christ appears. But we do know that we will be like him, for we will see him as he really is.”
This is God’s goal for us. Paul writes in Romans 8:29, “For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son . . .”
Of course, Christlikeness happens only in conjunction with the Holy Spirit living in our lives. In short, we’re shaped by the Holy Spirit as He uses Scripture to make us think and act like Jesus.
First, Christlikeness involves obedience. Jesus lived His life in constant submission to His Father’s will. He prayed (in John 17), “Not my will, but Yours be done;” and that same posture defines a Christlike life. Obedience is not always dramatic or public; more often, it is quiet and unseen—choosing integrity when no one is watching, forgiving when it hurts, and trusting God when circumstances don’t make sense.
There are so many Christlike characteristics: love, compassion, grace and truth, but we can’t go long without thinking of Philippians 2 where it says that Jesus, though fully God, chose the path of humility and self-emptying love. This chapter tells us that Jesus did not cling to His rights but took the form of a servant. Christlikeness means laying down our need to be first, to be right, or to be noticed. It shows up when we listen before speaking, serve without applause, and choose faithfulness over recognition.
As we abide in Christ, immerse ourselves in Scripture, and walk in daily dependence on God, the Spirit produces His fruit in our lives — love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
Ultimately, being Christlike is not about perfection, but about steadily turning our lives toward Jesus and allowing Him to shape us from the inside out.
My prayer is that we, the people of Clairemont Emmanuel, may be a people who strive to imitate Jesus. And as we do, may others catch a glimpse—not of us—but of Jesus Himself.
In preparation for this Sunday, read Luke 16:16-31.
ANNOUNCEMENT INDEX
MESSAGE FROM PASTOR KENNY | HIGHLIGHTED ANNOUNCEMENTS | NEW MEMBER TESTIMONIES | JOB OPENINGS | MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES | CLASS SCHEDULE | HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES
HIGHLIGHTED ANNOUNCEMENTS
MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR BONNIE CRAWFORD – This is just a reminder that there is a celebration of life service this Saturday, January 24, at 11AM. If you know / knew John or Bonnie, you are invited to celebrate her life at this service. The service in the sanctuary will be followed by a reception in Fellowship Hall.
SMALL GROUP LEADER MEETING – Sunday, January 25, 12-2PM in the Fellowship Hall – Reminder to current or aspiring small group leaders. You are invited to join us for a time of learning about the heart of small groups here at Clairemont Emmanuel. Lunch will be provided. No childcare. If you are interested in attending please contact Pastor Aaron at 619-855-4966 or aaron@clairemontemmanuel.com.
EMMANUEL KIDS FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT – Sunday, February 1, 5:00-7:30 PM in the Fellowship Hall - We will provide a free pizza and salad dinner. This is a family event (parents must be present with kids). You are welcome to invite your friends! Sign up required. Scan QR code to sign up: If you have any questions contact Susan Robinson at susanannrobinson@gmail.com
PRIMETIMERS LAMB’S PLAYERS THEATER!! – Come join us for a fun time as we head to the theater on Wednesday, February 4th and see the Horton Foote’s American Classic, “The Trip to Bountiful.” Cost of the ticket is $30. We will be leaving on a charter bus for the Wednesday matinee from the parking lot at 1:00PM. Sign up this Sunday between services at the Primetimer’s table. If you previously signed up come to the table and make your payment. Please contact Paul Champlin at 619-209-1237 if you have any questions.
PARKING – If you are able, please park on the street near the church so we can leave the parking lot for our elderly, our families with little kiddos and our visitors. Thank you.
CLASSES – The next class offered will be the Discipleship class – what you need to help you grow in your faith – will be held in The Upper Room on Sunday, February 8 from 2-5PM. The next CEBC Membership class will be Sunday, March 22 also The Upper Room from 2-5PM.
JOSHUA TREE CAMPING TRIP – The Men’s Ministry Team is planning a camping trip for dads and sons / daughters the weekend of February 21-22. We’ll be tent camping, hiking, and rock climbing. For more information contact John Kirk at 858-531-3695.
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.
CEBC 2026 SERVICE PROJECT – Please pray for God’s direction for our next service project. If you have an ideas please contact Bob Thomas @ 619-203-8604.
RE|ENGAGE – Every marriage has room for improvement. Re|Engage gives you a safe place to work on your relationship together, regardless of whether your marriage needs saving or you just want to take it from “good” to “great.” Plus, you will make new friends. Check out reengage.org. Sign-ups at https://clairemontemmanuel.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/3313125 (Please note: we will not be meeting during the planned Israel trip.)
“Re|Engage is a great way to connect with your spouse and other members of church regardless of where your marriage or spiritual walk is. If you have a great marriage, you will only make it stronger while also helping others along the way. It won’t be wasted time.” -The Phillips
MISSIONS BOOK CLUB – Come join us for the missions book club! Meetings are on the first Friday of each month. Book for March: “Behind the Veils of Yemen: How an American Woman Risked Her Life, Family, and Faith to Bring Jesus to Muslim Women” by Audra Grace Shelby. Book for April: “Jungle Pilot: The Gripping Story of the Life and Witness of Nate Saint, Martyred Missionary to Ecuador” by Russell T. Hitt. If you are interested, you can reach out to Danielle Huffman (435-531-2943) or Maria Farr (619- 599-5693).
PRAYER AND ENCOURAGEMENT – If you know someone who is sick, homebound, or feeling lonely, take a moment to pray for them—and maybe give them a call! Many of our church family have already been uplifted by your kindness. This week, would you choose one person—perhaps someone you haven’t seen in a while—and reach out with a phone call or a simple note to remind them that they are loved and prayed for?
OUR MEAL MINISTRY TEAM – could use a few more volunteers! If you’d like to help provide healthy, delicious meals to those recovering from surgery, recuperating from an illness, or welcoming a new baby, contact Tara Fitzpatrick: cebcmealministry@gmail.com or (619) 992-3213 to be part of 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.)
COMMUNITY CARE REQUEST – We have been mentoring a teen mom who will be 18 in a few weeks. She and her 3-year-old son have been sleeping on the kitchen floor of her grandparents’ house due to space issues. She is working part-time and is on track to graduate high school in June. She has received an apartment and can move in starting today! She is in need of household items (pots/pans, couch, kitchen chairs, cleaning supplies, etc). Please contact Jeanie Presley at 619-997-2079 or jeanie.presley@gmail.com if you can help! This is her Amazon wish list:
5TH SUNDAY PRAYER MEETING – for our missionaries started last Sunday. Our next meeting will be on Sunday, March 29 immediately following the second service in the sanctuary on the west side of the church. Please join us for a time of intercession for our Clairemont Emmanuel missionaries. All are welcome.
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.
LOVE AND CARE CLOSET – is in need of gently used or new girl clothing sizes 6 months to 5T. Our recent Friendsgiving event for ‘YoungLives’ was a huge blessing but wiped out our supplies. Thank you for supporting this ministry!
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. (AWANA - Wednesday nights from 5:45-8:15pm / EMMANUEL KIDS SUNDAY SCHOOL – Sunday mornings from 10:05am-12:05pm in the Ark or the Harbor. / SPECIAL NEEDS BUDDIES - Sunday or Wednesday nights.)
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.)
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 have need of some help around your home, contact Pastor Kenny.
CLAIREMONT EMMANUEL VETERANS GROUP – If you are a vet of any branch of military service, contact Gary Anderson at 858-769-6911 or crazygrandpa5x@yahoo.com to find out more. We would love for you to join us.
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).
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.)
AWANA – 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!
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
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!!
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 Dougherty (Navy), Clayton Reppert (Navy), and), Kerry Hicks (Navy). 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.
CONNECTION CARDS – are located at the Welcome Table on the patio or in the acrylic containers on the wall in the back of the sanctuary. Please take one and fill it out if you’d like a call from a pastor, if you have a prayer request, or if you’d like to be added to our email list, etc. Once filled out, put the cards in one of the white boxes on the back wall in the sanctuary. You can also sign up and share a prayer request on-line at clairemontemmanuel.com.
ANNOUNCEMENT INDEX
MESSAGE FROM PASTOR KENNY | HIGHLIGHTED ANNOUNCEMENTS | NEW MEMBER TESTIMONIES | JOB OPENINGS | MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES | CLASS SCHEDULE | HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES
BAPTISM AND MEMBERSHIP
Juliet Fishman (Rose Andrew’s granddaughter)
My grandma first took me to AWANA when I was five years old and she’s read the Bible to me a lot so I can learn about how Jesus is our Savior. AWANA has taught me about how Jesus is a part of our everyday life and how He died on the Cross for our sins. Jesus is my Savior and my God and my closest friend. I want to be baptized because Jesus was baptized and told us to do so as well. If Jesus asked me why I should go to Heaven, I would say that it’s because of His grace.
Lyla Porter
I need Jesus to forgive my sins, to guide me in the right path, and to help me choose and do the right things. Jesus is the answer to all my questions. He is the light of the world and my light to help me through everything I will go through in my life. Jesus will always be there when I need Him the most.
I am trusting in Jesus because He suffered and died on the Cross to forgive all my sins and He gave me His example of life in the Bible to help me know how I should live to follow His way.
I know I’ll get into Heaven because of His grace. I believe in Him 100%. Even though I make mistakes I will always turn to Him for His forgiveness, grace, guidance, and everything else I need.
Weston Porter
I need Jesus because He is the One who gives me eternal life with Him in Heaven. He’s the only way I can be forgiven and I need Him and His Word to guide me throughout my life.
Jesus suffered and died on the Cross for me. He could do that because He is God the Son.
I trust in Jesus and what He told me and His disciples to do in the Bible.
I know I’ll be in Heaven because of what Jesus did for me. I love Him and I want to spend eternity with Him and His people.
Sei Suko
I want to be baptized because I want to have a strong relationship with God. I also want to be obedient to God and look back at this time as taking another step in my relationship with God. I believe that Jesus died on the Cross for my sins and rose on the third day and my sins are washed away. Because Jesus did that for me, I know that I have a place in Heaven that God prepared for me. I love Proverbs 3:5, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your path straight.”
ANNOUNCEMENT INDEX
MESSAGE FROM PASTOR KENNY | HIGHLIGHTED ANNOUNCEMENTS | NEW MEMBER TESTIMONIES | JOB OPENINGS | MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES | CLASS SCHEDULE | HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES
MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES
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 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.
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).
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.
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.
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).
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.
Feb 8 Discipleship
March 18 Membership
April 12 Ministry
May 17 Membership
June 14 Evangelism
July 12 Membership
Aug 9 Discipleship
Sept 13 Membership
Oct 11 Ministry
Nov 8 Membership
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.
PART-TIME ACCOUNTS PAYABLE JOB – Radius International is looking for someone to work about 20-25 a week in our accounts payable. Their primary job would be donation processing and communication with donors when cards expire etc. They would also be working with our sales fulfilment (mostly customer service communication) with our missionary.com sales of books and videos. If you are interested in this job, contact Carl Miller, VP of Finance, Radius, at carl.m@radiusinternational.org.
JOB SEARCH PRAYER – Pray for a number of our folks looking for jobs in management, sales, engineering, and counseling.
ANNOUNCEMENT INDEX
MESSAGE FROM PASTOR KENNY | HIGHLIGHTED ANNOUNCEMENTS | NEW MEMBER TESTIMONIES | JOB OPENINGS | MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES | CLASS SCHEDULE | HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES