JULY 4th Devotional and Announcements
ANNOUNCEMENT INDEX
Dear family and friends,
I grew up celebrating the Fourth of July with extended family and often friends and neighbors, eating great food, and then we’d take the fireworks we’d bought and shoot them off on the street in front of our home. My mom made sure we were careful around the fireworks because she worked as an ER nurse and saw all the visits from firework injuries.
According to Pew Research, there’s around a 40% increase in ER visits on July 4 and 5 compared to the rest of the year. It’s even more so with 911 calls in general. There are around 650,000, 911 calls nationwide on a typical day. That number swells by 113% on July 4 to 1,384,500 calls across the USA.
For many or most Americans, today will be filled with fireworks, flags, and some good Fourth of July food as we celebrate our independence from the British Empire.
As Christians, we know true freedom and it is indeed a gift even greater than the freedom we celebrate in America. Galatians 5:1 serves as a great reminder: “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.”
On July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress officially adopted the Declaration of Independence. However, long before that, Jesus declared freedom from a far greater oppression – the slavery of sin and death. Christian liberty is true freedom. This liberty doesn’t come from a government, but by the Cross, and it is sustained by God’s amazing grace.
“In God We Trust” was first promoted to contrast the USA with atheistic communism in the 1950s. At the same time, it was meant to reinforce the idea of America as a nation under God. It was in 1954 that it was added to the House of Representatives chamber and then Congress adopted it as the official national motto in 1956.
Whether it’s an exact quote or a reference to our belief in God, “In God We Trust” appears in the House Chamber, above the Speaker’s rostrum, on the inside of the Washington Monument (not visible to the public), in the main entrance to the Dirksen Senate Office building, inside the rotunda of the National Archives, at the Department of Treasury, at the Lincoln Memorial, in the Great Hall of the Library of Congress, at the National World War II Memorial and at the Supreme Court.
As citizens of this country, we’re blessed to live with many freedoms: freedom of speech, freedom of worship, and freedom to vote.
As followers of Christ, we are also citizens of God’s Kingdom and with that comes a deeper call: Peter says this (in 1 Peter 2:16), “Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s servants.”
Freedom is not the right to do what we want, but the power to be who God wants us to be: free to love others, to serve like Jesus served, free to forgive, and free to live in truth and to walk in grace.
So, however you celebrate today, remember to thank God for the Cross. Thank God for the blessings of our nation, and at the same time, pray for God to bring revival to our country and that it begins through you.
As Christians in America we have a double freedom – in Christ and in our country. “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom” (2 Corinthians 3:17). Happy Fourth!
In preparation for the sermon this Sunday, read Luke 10:1-20.
ANNOUNCEMENT INDEX
MESSAGE FROM PASTOR KENNY | HIGHLIGHTED ANNOUNCEMENTS | NEW MEMBER TESTIMONIES | JOB OPENINGS | MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES | CLASS SCHEDULE | HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES
HIGHLIGHTED ANNOUNCEMENTS
GUYS BREAKFAST – July 5, 8 AM in the Fellowship Hall Come join us for good food and fellowship. Please bring your favorite breakfast food to share. This month Brooks Buser will be sharing. If you have any questions, please contact Mike Uyboco at 619-770-0348.
MEMBERSHIP CLASS - July 13, 2-5 PM in The Upper Room If you would like to be a part of the Clairemont Emmanuel family or are interested in learning more about the church, please join us! Contact Pastor Kenny (619-508-3785) or Pastor Aaron (619-855-4966) if you have any questions, or just show up!
BAYSIDE BBQ AT MISSION BAY Wednesdays @ 6 PM July 16 • 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.)
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.
NEVER ALONE WIDOWS GROUP – Join us Saturday, July 12th, 10AM, in The Upper Room. A very special program focused on hope and the healing power of togetherness. Enjoy a complimentary lunch. Feel free to invite a friend—we welcome all who may benefit from the comfort and connection of our circle. Please RSVP to Karen Magnuson at 858-405-0410.
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 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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
BAYSIDE BBQ VOLUNTEERS - looking for a way to help out for our next BBQ? We could use a volunteer or two to help cut the vegetables ahead of time. Contact Mark Beauchamp to coordinate : (619) 972-3866.
PRAYER AND ENCOURAGEMENT – If you’re aware of people who are sick or stuck at home or just lonely, pray for them and give them a call. Many of them have been contacted by you in the past and been so encouraged! Will you pick someone (anyone!) from our church family to especially pray for this week and please call them or drop them a note to let them know you love them and are praying for them. If you’d like some ideas of who you could reach out to, contact Pastor Kenny.
GUESTS - If there are people you see Sunday morning that you don’t recognize, assume that they are new and introduce yourself to them and welcome them to our campus. Even if they happen to be someone who’s been around for a while, you can enjoy meeting somebody new.
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.
(NEW) WEEKLY WOMEN’S/MOM WALKING FELLOWSHIP GROUP – at Mission Bay every Tuesday morning - meet outside of Superbloom Coffee Shop at 8AM. Walking will start at 8:15AM. Contact Brooke Dumitru (951-553-6578) for more information.
‘GUY’ CONNECTIONS – Men, pick one of these groups and join in!
· Cycle Club: Russ Vande Vegte 619-990-9643 and Miles Phippen (619-209-0775)
· Tues Bible study/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)
· Rock Climbing: Jona Dumitru (858-232-2258)
· Pickle ball: Dan Cassels (619-972-5976) (actually coed)
· Book Club: Bruce Payne (858-220-4865) Time and location TBD
· 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.
RE | ENGAGE - CEBC MARRIAGE MINISTRY – Re | Engage classes are all full (Praise the Lord!). If you’re interested in the next classes, or have questions, join our Facebook page and ask away! Go to: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1593636818217104
SILENT VOICES’ – Sharon Pearce has been a certified Natural Family Planning (NFP) instructor for 20 years. If you would like to learn more about this or if you have any questions, contact Sharon (619-851-5336 or sharonpearce2005@yahoo.com).
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.”
ANNOUNCEMENT INDEX
MESSAGE FROM PASTOR KENNY | HIGHLIGHTED ANNOUNCEMENTS | NEW MEMBER TESTIMONIES | JOB OPENINGS | MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES | CLASS SCHEDULE | HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES
MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES
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 let Jeanie.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).
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
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.
ANNOUNCEMENT INDEX
MESSAGE FROM PASTOR KENNY | HIGHLIGHTED ANNOUNCEMENTS | NEW MEMBER TESTIMONIES | JOB OPENINGS | MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES | CLASS SCHEDULE | HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES