Nov 14th Devotional and Announcements
ANNOUNCEMENT INDEX
Dear family and friends,
When we first moved in to our home over 31 years ago, we planted a few palm trees. They were small when we first put them in the ground. Now, 31 years later, they’re past our roof. It didn’t happen overnight, but with sunlight, good soil, water and especially time, they’ve grown steadily.
Spiritual growth is like that. It doesn’t happen through big events, or programs, although those things are of course helpful. The Bible teaches that we grow through practicing the disciplines of the Christian life – like Bible input, prayer, fellowship, ministry, etc. etc. The Bible also shows us that real lasting transformation happens most often through faithful, intentional, life-on-life relationships.
That’s what Jesus did with His disciples in Mark 3:14. “He chose twelve that they might be WITH Him and that He might send them out to preach.”
Before Jesus ever sent them out, He first brought them in – close to Himself. It doesn’t say that He chose twelve to lecture them or give them classroom sessions. It was presence. They learned by watching Jesus pray, forgive, serve, rest, and suffer. Think of all the hours of conversations they had as they walked together from place to place. They observed how He answered questions and responded to people who didn’t like Him, and even to those who wanted to kill Him.
In other words, Jesus discipled them up close.
We live in a world where people are more connected digitally than ever, yet more isolated personally than ever. Videos can inspire us. Books can teach us. Sermons can challenge us. But none of those things replaces someone sitting across the table from you—praying for you, encouraging you, correcting you, and walking with you.
Life-on-life DISCIPLESHIP is invaluable! Paul said to the Corinthians to follow him because he followed Christ (1 Corinthians 11:1). This kind of discipleship helps us apply truth, not just hear it. It allows us to share our struggles honestly and is a built-in accountability.
Like a palm tree, spiritual growth is slow and steady. We grow best when someone is close enough to see our lives – and we see theirs.
It doesn’t have to be complicated. It can be as simple as:
Meeting weekly with one or two people to read the Word and pray together
Inviting a younger believer into your daily routines
Serving alongside each other in ministry
Sharing meals and talking about what God is teaching you
Opening the Bible together and asking, “How do we live this out?”
Being honest about successes and failures
Most discipleship doesn’t happen in a classroom. It happens in living rooms, coffee shops, backyards, and hospital waiting rooms—ordinary places where real life happens.
We have a class on Discipleship/Spiritual Growth, and it’s super helpful, but more than teaching about discipleship, we want to practice it. You don’t need a degree or a perfect life (not at all!). All you need is a love for Jesus, a willingness to invest in someone else, and the humility to learn from others.
Every believer needs someone like the Apostle Paul in their lives. Paul poured into Timothy and wrote to him (in 2 Timothy 2:2), “You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others.” We also need a “Timothy” in our lives – someone we can pour into.
As we do this, our church is strengthened. Imagine for a moment that everyone of us reading this invested our lives like this and how it would strengthen us. Actually, this is already happening so much on so many different levels with so many of you. Keep it up!! Let’s keep pursuing it and watch Christ do His transforming work – one life at a time.
There’s nothing more powerful than a testimony as you look to open the door to share the Gospel, and below, at the end of this email, we have the testimonies of some folks who have completed the membership class. Read them and you’ll be encouraged and we have an additional one in preparation for a baptism that we’ll have on Sunday, November 23, immediately following the second service.
In preparation for this Sunday’s sermon please read Luke 13:31-35.
ANNOUNCEMENT INDEX
MESSAGE FROM PASTOR KENNY | HIGHLIGHTED ANNOUNCEMENTS | NEW MEMBER TESTIMONIES | JOB OPENINGS | MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES | CLASS SCHEDULE | HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES
HIGHLIGHTED ANNOUNCEMENTS
BASIC FAMILY ESTATE PLANNING – Have you ever asked yourself whether you need estate planning, or what a revocable living trust is all about? Do you have a written will and is your health care directive current? These issues and many more are part of basic family estate planning. On Saturday, November 15th (TOMORROW!) from 9:00AM to 10:30AM in The Upper Room, Attorney David J. Ruyle and Paul Champlin, CPA, (both Clairemont Emmanuel members) will discuss these issues. If you have any questions, please contact David Ruyle at david@ruyleandruyle.com or Paul Champlin at 619-209-1237.
1ST ANNUAL CHILI LUNCH – This Sunday, November 16, 12PM in the Fellowship Hall The Day of The Chili Lunch has arrived! Join us today in the Fellowship Hall right after second service as we enjoy Joe Dameron and his band playing great surf hits while we feast on Chili. If you are signed up please come on down and if you aren’t signed up but want to join, please come on down. All are welcomed for this time of Fellowship and Food.
OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD UPDATE!!! – The Shoebox ministry team thank 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. All shoeboxes need to be returned to the table this Sunday, November 16th. If you should have any questions about the ministry or how you can participate, please contact Paul Champlin at 619-209-1237.
ANGEL TREE IS COMING. ANGEL TREE IS COMING!!! – It’s that time of the year again as we will be participating in the Angel Tree ministry of Prison Fellowship. You can help change a life of a child by participating in our Angel Tree ministry outreach. Angels will be available starting Sunday, November 30. If you should have any questions about the ministry or how you can participate, please contact Paul Champlin at (619)-209-1237.
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.
CHRISTMAS CHOIR! - Our Christmas Concert is not far off! We are looking for more singers to join the choir in the coming weeks in preparation for another great concert performance put on by our combined worship arts teams. Please consider joining us! You don’t need to be a star vocalist, but a few things are helpful: Are you able to sing in tune? Are you able to project your voice? Are you able to learn a part by listening to it being played out on the piano or on recordings? Are you able to stand and sing full voice for 40 minutes straight? If you answer yes to these questions, then please consider this your personal invitation to join the Christmas Choir! We need all parts but are especially in need of more men! We rehearse Wednesday nights from 7 to 8:30PM in The Upper Room. The 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. Hope to see you this Wednesday!
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.
EMMANUEL WOMEN – Invite Your Friends! Our Christmas Outreach, “Love Was Born,” is happening Friday, December 5, from 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.
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.)
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). 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