Nov 26th Devotional and Announcements
ANNOUNCEMENT INDEX
Dear family and friends,
Happy Thanksgiving! Once Thanksgiving week is upon us, it seems as if these last weeks of the year can almost become like a blur. This week is a great time to pause and reflect on the importance, and even the power, of thankfulness. Thankfulness not merely as a polite habit, but as a spiritual discipline, a healing grace, and an act of obedience before God.
Over and over, God’s Word calls us to gratitude because God knows what it does in us. A thankful heart doesn’t ignore hardship, but it does see God’s hand as we make our way through hard times.
The psalms paint a beautiful picture of thankfulness.
Psalm 9:1 says, “I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart.” A grateful heart expands our capacity to worship, to trust, and to see the world from God’s perspective.
Psalm 100:4 says, “Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise.” Thankfulness isn’t just what happens as we worship, it’s often the pathway into His presence.
Psalm 107:1 says, “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His steadfast love endures forever.” Gratitude roots us in God’s unchanging character.
And Paul basically puts it all together into one clear command (in 1 Thessalonians 5:18): “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God for you who are in Christ Jesus.”
Notice that we’re not commanded to thank God FOR all circumstances, but IN all circumstances.
Gratitude is commanded and maybe one of the reasons God commands this is because of how it shapes our outlook on all of life and, because it grounds us in God’s sovereignty, it can calm our anxious thoughts. When we’re thankful, we’re more resilient. Gratitude lifts our eyes from all that changes in the world around us to focus on the solid Rock who never moves.
Some of you will remember Jim and Betty Johnson. They were leaders in the church when they were here. Jim went to be with the Lord some years ago. Betty joined him yesterday. Their daughter, Heidi, is still a part of our Clairemont Emmanuel family, and her brother, Eric, is who co-leads our trips to Israel. All of this makes me give thanks for the hope of Heaven – the sure promise that one day we will all be gathered at the great feast of the Lamb.
I find myself deeply grateful for you, our church family here at Clairemont Emmanuel. You embody the grace and kindness of Jesus in tangible ways. This community is a gift from the Lord – a place where we can bear one another’s burdens, rejoice in God’s goodness together, and continually point one another to the hope that is ours in Christ.
May the Lord fill you this week with a deep, steady gratitude – rooted in His goodness, strengthened by His presence, and overflowing into worship. Happy Thanksgiving!
I’ve moved the testimonies up to here because you will be so blessed to read them, and I don’t want them to be missed. These folks will be announced soon as new members.
Testimonies
John Baker – I grew up a nonbeliever in a nonbelieving household. On September 9, 2020, I had a dramatic and supernatural encounter with the Holy Spirit that changed everything. I didn’t immediately give my life to Christ, out of fear, but over time, and with God’s never-ending pursuit and patience toward me, I surrendered my life to Him in 2021. I was baptized at Shadow Mountain Community Church in February 2022. Why am I confident that I am going to Heaven when I die? I answer with words from God’s Word: for by grace I have been saved through faith, and this is not of myself; it is the gift of God. From Ephesians 2:8, 9.
Emory Dexter – when I was around 11 or 12, I remember having a nagging thought that there had to be more than the physical world around us. Around a similar time, my oldest brother was making really poor decisions that caused a lot of strain on my family. I found comfort, hope, and purpose through putting my faith in the God I’d been taught about since birth. When I meet Christ at the Heavenly gates, I will say that I have done nothing worthy of entering Heaven, and that it is only through Christ’s blood shed on the Cross for me that I can be seen as a holy daughter of God.
Thomas Dexter – I came to college as a nonbeliever in the fall of 2019 and my roommate invited me to church and campus ministry events. As I attended, I learned more about Jesus and my need for a Savior. During Covid and lockdowns, my faith was questioned by my family, and that is when I started reading and searching more on my own, then, finally becoming a Christian. I know that my sin has been atoned for by Jesus’ perfect life and death on the Cross, and that through my faith in Him, I am counted righteous.
Mark Sloan – I grew up in rural central Illinois. I never remember NOT going to church. It is because of my mother’s influence that I became a Christian. She shared the Gospel with me at a young age, and made it clear and I received Christ. She led the way. Praise God! Soon after that, we moved to Long Beach and got involved again in a Baptist Church where I was baptized.
In terms of my growth as a Christian there are several things I would point to – sitting under excellent men of God who faithfully teach the Word and also singing and meditating on Christian music. My favorite hymn is “The Wonderful Grace of Jesus” “Greater far than all my sin and shame, broader than the scope of my transgressions.” Also, I read through the Bible yearly via the Turning Point daily devotional and am about so start on my eighth time through the Bible. I am confident that I am going to spend eternity in Heaven, because the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ, saved me by His blood, poured out from my sin on the Cross. I am saved by the blood!
Julia Sloane – I was raised knowing about Christ, but not taught the truth of the Word. I always loved Jesus and kept a casual relationship without embracing Him as my Savior and the one true God. After finishing my PhD (anthropology), and doing everything I was supposed to do to succeed, my life still didn’t work, and my mental health was unstable. God brought me a believer, who was willing to debate with me, and patiently answer my many questions. Change happened slowly but steadily and now I know that Jesus is my only lifeline. The only reason for Christ to let me into Heaven is because of His grace to me. I certainly do not deserve it, yet still in His mercy and love, He gave me salvation by dying for my sins, and I am eternally His and immeasurably grateful.
In preparation for this Sunday’s sermon please read Luke 14:15-24.
ANNOUNCEMENT INDEX
MESSAGE FROM PASTOR KENNY | HIGHLIGHTED ANNOUNCEMENTS | NEW MEMBER TESTIMONIES | JOB OPENINGS | MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES | CLASS SCHEDULE | HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES
HIGHLIGHTED ANNOUNCEMENTS
ANGEL TREE: THE ANGELS HAVE ARRIVED!!! – Come to the Angel Tree table located in the foyer and pick up your angels. This year we are partnering with Prison Fellowship to make a difference in a child’s life. Angels will be available Sunday, November 30th & December 7th. All gifts must be returned to the table no later than noon on Sunday, December 14th . If you should have any questions regarding how you can participate in this ministry, please contact Paul Champlin at (619) 209-1237.
PRIMETIMERS – Just a reminder to those who are attending the Primetimer’s Lambs Players &/or the Handel Messiah concert. If you are attending the Lamb’s Players Christmas show, please be at The Upper Room no later than 1:00PM on Wednesday, December 3rd . We will take the bus to Coronado and should return to the church between 4 and 5PM. If you are attending Handel’s Messiah concert at Point Loma University, please be at The Upper Room no later than 2:00PM on Sunday, December 7th. We will take the bus to the university and should return to the church by 6:00PM. If you should have any questions, please contact Paul Champlin at (619) 209-1237.
5TH SUNDAY PRAYER MEETING for our missionaries is starting up this month on November 30th. We will meet right after 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.
COMMUNITY CARE DRIVE – November 30 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 November 30th at our table on the patio.
EMMANUEL WOMEN – LOVE WAS BORN – Friday, December 5, 6:30-8:30PM Step into a cozy evening filled with warm drinks and Christmas treats, the glow of twinkling lights, and the beauty of Christmas told in a fresh way as God’s Word comes alive. Love was born, and His name is Jesus. Sign up on the patio after services beginning November 16 – or online now – through Nov 30.
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.
OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD UPDATE!!! – The Shoebox ministry team thanks you for participating in Operation Christmas Child (OCC), a project of Samaritan’s Purse. Thank you for being a part of a ministry that shows God’s love in a tangible way to children around the world. CEBC members packed 228 boxes this year!!! Please pray that those boxes impact the lives of children around the world and that they may come to faith in Jesus Christ through this ministry. If you should have any questions about the ministry, please contact Paul Champlin at 619-209-1237. See you next year.
GUYS BREAKFAST December 6, 8 AM in the Fellowship Hall
Come join us for great food and fellowship. The men’s ministry team will be collectively leading a time of reflection on 2025 and forward thinking for 2026. *Please note this month’s breakfast is catered, no potluck, just come and enjoy!* If you have any questions, please contact Mike Uyboco at 619-770-0348.
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!
CHRISTMAS CONCERT – Our Christmas Concert will be Sunday, December 14th during our regular morning service times plus a 7PM performance. Each year the Christmas Concert has proven to be a great evangelistic opportunity for the entire church. If you have any questions, please email Pastor Nathan at nathan.rson@gmail.com or call or text at 619-261-3330.
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.
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.
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.)
MISSIONS BOOK CLUB – Come join us for the missions book club! 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). The first Friday of the month our discussions will be as follows: December: John G. Paton by Paul Schlehlein (on the book table for $7). January: Korean Pentecost by William Blair and Bryce Hunt.
RE | ENGAGE - CEBC MARRIAGE MINISTRY – Registration is open 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 sign up to join the Fall session, you can sign up directly using this link: https://clairemontemmanuel.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/3028571
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!
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 – especially in the lead up to Christmas. Thank you.
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
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!
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.
DEPLOYED or ON ASSIGNMENT – We have several of our young men who are currently deployed. PLEASE PRAY especially for Matthew Fahnestock (Navy), Bryant Dougherty (Navy), Clayton Reppert (Navy), and Lake Williams (Coast Guard), 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.
LOVE AND CARE CLOSET – is currently in need of girl clothing sizes 2T-5T, diapers in sizes 3-5 and wipes. Thank you for all that support this ministry!
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.
ANNOUNCEMENT INDEX
MESSAGE FROM PASTOR KENNY | HIGHLIGHTED ANNOUNCEMENTS | NEW MEMBER TESTIMONIES | JOB OPENINGS | MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES | CLASS SCHEDULE | HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES
BAPTISM AND MEMBERSHIP
John Baker – I grew up a nonbeliever in a nonbelieving household. On September 9, 2020, I had a dramatic and supernatural encounter with the Holy Spirit that changed everything. I didn’t immediately give my life to Christ, out of fear, but over time, and with God’s never-ending pursuit and patience toward me, I surrendered my life to Him in 2021. I was baptized at Shadow Mountain Community Church in February 2022. Why am I confident that I am going to Heaven when I die? I answer with words from God’s Word: for by grace I have been saved through faith, and this is not of myself; it is the gift of God. From Ephesians 2:8, 9.
Emory Dexter – when I was around 11 or 12, I remember having a nagging thought that there had to be more than the physical world around us. Around a similar time, my oldest brother was making really poor decisions that caused a lot of strain on my family. I found comfort, hope, and purpose through putting my faith in the God I’d been taught about since birth. When I meet Christ at the Heavenly gates, I will say that I have done nothing worthy of entering Heaven, and that it is only through Christ’s blood shed on the Cross for me that I can be seen as a holy daughter of God.
Thomas Dexter – I came to college as a nonbeliever in the fall of 2019 and my roommate invited me to church and campus ministry events. As I attended, I learned more about Jesus and my need for a Savior. During Covid and lockdowns, my faith was questioned by my family, and that is when I started reading and searching more on my own, then, finally becoming a Christian. I know that my sin has been atoned for by Jesus’ perfect life and death on the Cross, and that through my faith in Him, I am counted righteous.
To be baptized:
Julia Sloane – I was raised knowing about Christ, but not taught the truth of the Word. I always loved Jesus and kept a casual relationship without embracing Him as my Savior and the one true God. After finishing my PhD (anthropology), and doing everything I was supposed to do to succeed, my life still didn’t work, and my mental health was unstable. God brought me a believer, who was willing to debate with me, and patiently answer my many questions. Change happened slowly but steadily and now I know that Jesus is my only lifeline. The only reason for Christ to let me into Heaven is because of His grace to me. I certainly do not deserve it, yet still in His mercy and love, He gave me salvation by dying for my sins, and I am eternally His and immeasurably grateful.
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 another step in my relationship with Him. I have assurance of my salvation because I trust that Jesus died on the Cross for my sin and rose on the third day. My sins have been washed away. Because Jesus did that for me I know that I have a place with Him in Heaven that God prepared for me. My favorite verse is Proverbs 3:5, 6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and 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
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.
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.
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.
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