May 8th Pause with the Pastor and Announcements
ANNOUNCEMENT INDEX
Pause with the Pastor
Dear family and friends,
My mom was an amazing woman. She was raised in a strict Mennonite community just north of Wichita, called Newton, Kansas. She was a Registered Nurse who worked well into her seventies. She volunteered as a nurse at a local homeless clinic as well as with the Red Cross. She went on medical missions trips and the last one, to India, is where she caught a virus that took her life. She had her Masters in psychiatric nursing and would have definitely become a Nurse Practitioner had that existed in her day. She kind of did that anyway. She was a private pilot with an instrument rating and the international secretary for the 99’s – an organization of women pilots founded by Amelia Erhart – she organized their international convention in 1972. She was very involved in the Republican party – flying the Kansas Republican gubernatorial candidate to their speaking engagements; she was a Republican precinct committee chair woman. She was involved in her (liberal) church, countless civic organizations (Lioness Club, Jaycee Janes, Red Cross), she organized neighborhood block parties and on and on. She volunteered incessantly at my brother’s and my schools. I was involved in sports year-round and I don’t remember my mom missing a game or even a practice. Just before she passed away, she had applied and been accepted to a law school that was starting up in Wichita.
It’s a more involved story than this, but when I became a Christian, followed by my mom’s younger sister and her brother-in-law, she took notice. She and my dad joined a Bible Study I recommended to them that was led by another attorney and his wife who were friends of my parents. It was there that my parents each made a commitment to follow Jesus. Add to all she was doing a love for Jesus and a desire to share Him with others, made for a pretty amazing combo.
With many of you celebrating your mothers this weekend, I celebrate my mother and all the great memories. I also realize that for others this day carries quiet pain – loss, longing, or distance that only God fully understands.
Wherever you find yourself today, the Lord sees you, knows you, and draws near to you. “He draws near to the brokenhearted.”
The Bible presents motherhood as a God-given calling shaped by love, faith, and dependence on Him. Writing to Timothy, Paul says in 2 Timothy 1:5, “I remember your genuine faith, for you share the faith that first filled your grandmother Lois and your mother, Eunice. And I know that same faith continues strong in you.” Faith is most often formed in daily life – through prayers, conversations, and example.
God uses the image of a mother to describe His own compassion. That says something about the depth and beauty of a mother’s care. The prophet Isaiah writes in Isaiah 66:13, “As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you. . . .”
I know of mothers, as I’m sure you do, who’ve lost a child. Your grief is real and God holds every tear. For those who have experienced miscarriage, your child is not forgotten, and neither is your love. For those who have strained or distant relationships with your children, God sees your ache and the unanswered prayers. Keep praying!
Most of all we thank you mothers for your faithfulness, and remember that your faithfulness points your children and those around you to the faithful, never-giving-up love of God.
In preparation for this Sunday morning please read Luke 20:20-26.
ANNOUNCEMENT INDEX
PAUSE WITH THE PASTOR | HIGHLIGHTED ANNOUNCEMENTS | NEW MEMBER TESTIMONIES | ALL OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS | CLASS SCHEDULE | MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES
HIGHLIGHTED ANNOUNCEMENTS
MOTHER’S DAY
Community Care Ministry would like to present Clairemont Emmanuel Mothers with a recyclable bag and choice of either a book or box of cards on this Sunday May 10th on the patio. Thank you for all you do.
EMMANUEL WOMEN
God has so intricately woven together the entire Bible to point us to Jesus. Bible teacher Judy Wu leads this Resilient Faith Pop-Up on “How the Old Testament Deepens our Understanding of Jesus”. Join the conversation on Saturday May 9, 9:30-11:00AM – we’ll be in The Upper Room.
YOU ARE INVITED TO THE FIRM FOUNDATION CLASS on Sunday May 10, when our missionary Jay Franicevich will teach the lesson on Noah. Jay taught through all four phases of this series over a period of 9 years, and most recently during their time in South Asia. We’ll meet at 8:30am in The Upper Room.
HOSPITALITY TEAM
We’re looking for a few friendly volunteers to join our coffee and donut hospitality team! Serving just once a month, this is a great opportunity to connect with our church community — and it’s compatible with attending either service. Interested? Reach out to John Kirk at 858-531-3695.
PRIMETIMERS LUNCHEON
Wednesday, May 13, 12 PM n the Fellowship Hall • $5 per person
Seniors (55+), come join us for a time of fellowship, good food, and a message from Sara Patrick of Young Life (YL). Sara is the area director of YL at Mission Bay High and Clairemont High. She will give us an update on the ministry. In addition, you will enjoy an incredible catered lunch and a great time of music and fellowship.
MEMBERSHIP CLASS
May 17, 2-5PM in The Upper Room. If you are interested in being a part of the Clairemont Emmanuel family, come and join this introduction to our church family that will explain our values, history, beliefs, and what it means to belong. If you have any questions, or know for sure you’d like to come, contact Kenny (619-508-3785) or Aaron (619-855-4966) or just show up.
COMMUNITY CARE DIAPER & WIPE DRIVE
May 31, between services on the patio. We will be having a diaper and wipe drive in support of our Love & Care Closet, Silent Voices and our Young Lives partners (teen parents). Larger diaper sizes needed: 3-6 and wipes. Thank you for considering supporting our ministry, it makes such a difference in so many lives. Donations can be dropped off on Sunday May 31st at our table on the patio.
5TH SUNDAY PRAYER MEETING – for our missionaries. Our next meeting will be on Sunday, May 31 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.
CURRENT SMALL GROUP LEADER
‘THANK YOU’ LUNCHEON
Sunday, May 31st, 12-1:30PM in the Fellowship Hall. For current small group leaders, please join us as we say thank you for all you have done this year. Lunch will be provided. No childcare. If you are interested in attending please contact Pastor Aaron at aaron@ clairemontemmanuel.com or 619-855-4966.
BAPTISM AND MEMBERSHIP
Leslie Renzulli
I vividly remember accepting Jesus, at the age of seven. I remember telling Him, “Wow, I get to be with you now and forever!” He is truly everything to me. I am nothing without Him. I find comfort in the fact that he is always with me through all the ups and downs in life. If He were to ask me why He should let me into Heaven I would tell him I know I don’t deserve it, but I have kept my faith in His grace, my whole life, and my name is written in the Lambs Book of Life. All I want is to be with Jesus. Clairemont Emmanuel has been life-saving and life-changing for me. God has shown me in so many ways that this is where I need to be. I have found the most amazing people here, and I’m thankful to become a member.
Robert Bonomo
I grew up in a Catholic home, so we were introduced to God and Jesus early in life. As I matured, I knew there was something more than the ritualism of the Catholic Church. I started attending Horizon in 1984 and found a deeper relationship with Jesus that has been growing ever since. My only hope is because Christ died for me.
Barry Echols
It was “find God or die.” I was an alcoholic (37 years ago). I was very sick and was really at the end of my life. I hadn’t heard of God or AA but my mom told me to go to an AA meeting in Orange County. I went and one guy I met there was doing a lot of “bellyaching” about the Baptists. I thought I’d go to a Baptist church and see for myself if what this guy said was true.
I found Trinity Baptist (near Calvary Chapel in Costa Mesa) – they treated me and my sons like gold. They were so welcoming and got my three boys in AWANA. They seemed to genuinely like us; I wasn’t hostile or anything but don’t think I was the easiest person to love. One woman in particular was very kind, answered my questions, and pointed me to Jesus.
I ended up trusting Christ as my Lord and Savior at that church. One thing that happened immediately is that God promised to take away my addiction to alcohol and I haven’t had any desire for it since.
I know my faith grows as I hear God’s Word taught and I’m trying to learn Scripture to have that part of my spiritual armor always on.
I liked that Calvary Chapel (Costa Mesa) had worship services every night . . . and I started going every night to one of their services.
Philippians 1:21 says “to live is Christ and to die is gain” and so when I die, I have every assurance that my gain will be to be in Jesus’ presence.
Jacob Siken
I was young at the age of seven when I realized I had a hole in my heart – a need that I couldn’t fill. I talked to my parents and my dad brought me to Christ to accept Jesus into my life and follow him and live for him. My one true hope is that I believe Jesus died for my sins and rose again. Being in the Word every day is what helps me to grow most in my faith.
Jaclyn Siken (Baptism)
I was born and raised within the Baptist Church as a child. I was very active in youth ministries. During that time I accepted Jesus Christ into my life. I would tell the Lord that I am not worthy of being in Heaven, and it is only by His grace that I would be allowed in.
Elliott Schultz
I grew up in a Christian home, both my parents are believers, and decided when I was 14 to follow Christ and be baptized. Through much pruning and choosing my own sin after leaving high school for college, my faith transformed from “knowing” what to do, and say, to truly believing and trusting in God. My college track teammates, including Miguel Garrison, and I were all professing Christians, but knew we weren’t living out our faith publicly, and decided to become members of Saints Baptist Church in Maryland. That put us in a place where we could grow and begin living out our Christian lives. The Holy Spirit has produced in me the fruits of the Spirit, and it is evident that these fruits come from God alone, and not my own strength. God convicts me of sin and produces repentance. The change in my life in action, speech, and faith is only possible by God’s providence.
Sean Hetrick (Baptism)
I was born into a Christian family, received Christ when I was eight years old, but seriously have been following Christ for the last six months. I realized I am not able to do this life alone, and that God is genuinely real based on His Word. Looking back on my life, and noticing it was hard because I wasn’t walking with God, I realized my purpose is to know and follow Him because Jesus died from my sins on the cross.
Jay Parker
I was raised in the Roman Catholic Church and did all they required (baptism, confirmation, communion) but around age 12 came out not a Christian. Some years later, a friend invited me to a Bible Study and as they studied Galatians, I understood my need for Christ and became a Christian. One evidence of that was that I had a foul mouth that God immediately took away. What has helped me to grow since then is studying God’s Word with other believers and memorizing Scripture. I don’t deserve Heaven. It’s only by the blood of Jesus that I can be there. Like it says in Hebrews 9:22, “without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sin.”
Olivia Reeves
I went to private Christian school from first through eighth grade. My parents always took us to church growing up. I remember being in Sunday church with my family when I told them I wanted to become a Christian. Ever since then I have always known without a doubt that He is with me. He just is because He promised to be (Hebrews 13:5), and because I know Him and choose Him (and He chose me, Ephesians 1:4) I will be let in at the gates of Heaven (1 John 5:11-13).
Marriane Abraitis
After witnessing the change in my dad’s life, and on my way to hang out with a group of unbelievers, the Holy Spirit spoke to me, and I knew it was time to choose which path I would take – continue walking away, or repent from my sin. My faith rests in Jesus Christ, His death and resurrection, trust in His promises, and a daily commitment to follow and know Him more deeply.
George Abraitis
I wasn’t a Christian when Marianne and I got married. My father-in-law witnessed to me and two months later I was lying in bed thinking about what he was saying, and I decided I wanted Jesus in my life. I admitted I was a sinner and asked Him in my life. When I did, it felt like there was a giant weight lifted off my chest. What has helped me to grow most in my faith (and still does) is personal time with the Lord and being in small groups with other believers.
Ben Fung
In third grade, I got into a surprisingly deep conversation with a classmate at the swings. She challenged my Christianity; I went home, where my mother explained that salvation isn’t a label, it requires Jesus to be in your heart as a personal Savior. I prayed the sinners prayer that afternoon; rededicated my life in high school, and was baptized on my birthday, Palm Sunday 2000. Jesus is my Lord and Savior; I am at the mercy of His blood, and have done my best to live life according to His will with the time He’s given me (Ephesians 2:8, 9).
Christina Fung
I was raised in church, and my parents did an excellent job, leading me through a worldviews course, which did a deep dive into Christianity. I don’t remember, not believing in Jesus, as I asked him to be in my heart at a young age. When I die, I would tell God that I don’t deserve heaven however, I did accept that I am a sinner and asked God to come into my heart (Romans 5:8). After knowing Jesus myself, the most important thing I did in life is to raise my son to love Jesus, and be a godly man.
Kenny Haworth
I was blessed to be born and raised in a Bible teaching church, but I’d say it wasn’t until the age of 12 that I made my own decision to follow Jesus. Salvation is through faith alone, not through works, that no one might boast (Ephesians 2:8, 9). I do not deserve Heaven – none of us do. But Jesus died on the Cross to cleanse us of our sin in God’s eyes. Romans 10:9 says faith in Jesus’ sacrifice for us will save us.
Kayley Haworth
I grew up surrounded by the faithful prayer of my mother and her sister, my aunt. As the first born of three girls, I carried a lot of self-inflicted pressure to do well in school, sports, and life. I became very anxious by the age of eight. I remember beginning to talk to God out loud – like he was a friend beside me. Through that relationship, my faith became personal. I felt the Holy Spirit helping me discern decisions and relationships. Recently, my faith became more meaningful when I lost too close aunts in the same year. Knowing that Jesus died for us, and rose again gave me hope that my aunts conquered death and entered eternity. That hope is something I believe and something I feel compelled to share with others. Jesus shouldn’t let me into Heaven – I don’t deserve it. It is by His grace alone that I can. I am so imperfect and so undeserving, and yet Jesus loves me and forgives me.
all other Announcements
PRIMETIMERS GOING TO THE THEATER!! – Come join us for a fun time as we head to the theater on Saturday, May 30th and see the classic “Sound of Music.” Cost of the ticket is $30. We will be leaving on a charter bus for the Saturday matinee from the parking lot at 1:00PM. Sign up this Sunday between services at the Primetimer’s table. If you previously signed up, please come to the table and make your payment. Contact Paul Champlin at 619-209-1237 if you have any questions.
GRADUATES RECOGNITION – On Sunday, June 7th, we would like to recognize our high school, college, and post-graduates for their accomplishment of graduation. We need your help. If you are, or know of, a member or regular attender who will be graduating, please contact the church office ASAP (619-276-1922) so that we can recognize and honor you/them. A special gift will be presented to every graduate. Thanks for your help.
MISSIONS BOOK CLUB - Come join us for the missions book club! Meetings are on the first Friday of each month. Our next meeting on June 5th we’ll be discussing “The Missionary Fellowship of William Carey” by Michael Haykin and July’s meeting we’ll be discussing “De Vez en Cuando: From Time to Time” by Rick Johnson. If you are interested, you can reach out to Maria Farr (619-599-5693).
“OPPORTUNITY DRAWING” YOUNGLIVES FUNDRAISER – We are selling (raffle) tickets with many prizes like Amazon, Apple, Airbnb rentals, etc. available worth $500 or more. Tickets start at $25 each and get less expensive the more you buy. Final drawing is June 22. For information please contact jeanie.presley@gmail.com or 619-997-2079.
COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECT: SAVE THE DATE - October 10th is our annual Clairemont Emmanuel service project. We will be returning to Generate Hope, https://generatehope.org/, a Christian organization that rescues women from vulnerable situations. For more information contact Bob Thomas 619-203-8604.
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 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.)
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.)
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.
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.
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!!
ANNOUNCEMENT INDEX
PAUSE WITH THE PASTOR | HIGHLIGHTED ANNOUNCEMENTS | NEW MEMBER TESTIMONIES | ALL OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS | CLASS SCHEDULE | MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES
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.
April 19 Ministry
May 17 Membership
June 14 Evangelism
July 12 Membership
Aug 9 Discipleship
Sept 13 Membership
Oct 11 Ministry
Nov 8 Membership
ANNOUNCEMENT INDEX
PAUSE WITH THE PASTOR | HIGHLIGHTED ANNOUNCEMENTS | NEW MEMBER TESTIMONIES | ALL OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS | CLASS SCHEDULE | MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES
MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES
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.
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.
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.
JONI AND FRIENDS FAMILY RETREAT still has openings for this summer’s retreat! If you are a family affected by disabilities, come enjoy rest, joy, and open arms that are waiting for you at Family Retreat—a haven for families with special needs. Retreat takes place June 8th to June 12th and is located at Whispering Winds Camp & Conference Center in beautiful Julian, California. This retreat provides a fun, accessible, Christ-centered experience for each member of the family. Awaiting you is respite, worship, biblical teaching, indoor and outdoor activities, and more, all while building lasting memories and friendships with others who understand life with disability. For more information go to https://joniandfriends.org/event/family-retreat-southern-california/ or call family coordinator Linda Thompson (310) 738-9733. If you’re interested in serving at Family Retreat, more volunteers are needed. Check out the above website or talk to Heather White for more info (540) 671-1614.
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 Timothy Hulbert at timothy_hulbert@yahoo.com, or 858-754-7946 to find out more. We would love for you to join us. Stop by our table on the patio today!
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.
ELDER CARE – Someone in the community, Pam, is looking for two people to help her twice a week in the afternoons with cleaning and organizing, etc. If you are interested in possibly helping out, contact Brooke Dumitru at 951-553-6578.
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
PAUSE WITH THE PASTOR | HIGHLIGHTED ANNOUNCEMENTS | NEW MEMBER TESTIMONIES | ALL OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS | CLASS SCHEDULE | MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES