March 28th Devotional and Announcements

ANNOUNCEMENT INDEX

Dear family and friends,

Dear family and friends,

 

One of the biggest criticisms people have about Christianity is that some Christians don’t live out what they claim to believe. We’ve all heard it before: “Christians are just a bunch of hypocrites.” Unfortunately, there’s truth in that statement. But why does hypocrisy exist among believers, and how does it impact others’ view of faith?

 

First, we must acknowledge that no Christian is perfect. While we are saved by grace, we are still human, and we still struggle with sin. Even the apostle Paul admitted (in Romans 7:19), “For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing”. The reality is, we as Christians can sometimes fail to practice what we preach. But the difference should be in our response—we are called to acknowledge our shortcomings, seek forgiveness, and with the help of the Holy Spirit, strive to do better.

 

When we live in a way that contradicts our faith, it damages our witness. Non-Christians watch how we behave, and when they see dishonesty, pride, or judgmental attitudes instead of love and grace, it turns them away from Christ. Jesus spoke strongly against religious hypocrisy, calling out the Pharisees for putting on a show of holiness while having hearts far from God (Matthew 23:27, 28). If we claim to follow Jesus, our lives should reflect His love, humility, and truth—not just in words but in actions.

 

While hypocrisy is a real issue, thankfully, it doesn’t have to define us. Instead of pretending to be perfect, we should live with honesty and humility, admitting when we fall short and allowing God to transform us. True Christianity isn’t about acting righteous—it’s about sincerely seeking Christ and letting Him shape our lives.

 

I once heard Billy Graham in an interview say that he lived in fear that he would do something that would somehow bring harm to the name of Christ. That we might all have that same ‘healthy’ fear.   

 

Let’s not be the reason someone turns away from faith. Instead, let’s strive to live in a way that points people toward Jesus. May our words and actions align, so that when people look at us, they see the love of Christ shining through.

 

In preparation for the sermon this Sunday, read Luke 7:36-50.    

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ANNOUNCEMENT INDEX

MESSAGE FROM PASTOR KENNY | HIGHLIGHTED ANNOUNCEMENTS | NEW MEMBER TESTIMONIES | JOB OPENINGS | MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES | CLASS SCHEDULE | HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES

HIGHLIGHTED ANNOUNCEMENTS


ALL-CHURCH SERVICE PROJECT – If you would like to see your brothers and sisters in Christ working that day you are invited to stop by between 8AM and 2PM, There are some life changing projects happening, benefiting the 200 plus kids and their families. The date is tomorrow, Saturday March 29th, 1527 East Main St. El Cajon, CA 92021, about 20 minutes east of the church. If you have any questions, call Bob Thomas at 619-203-8604.

 

PROPOSED 2025-2026 CANDIDATE BIOGRAPHIES AND BUDGET – are available on the entryway table. Our Member Day of Voting is THIS SUNDAY (March 30) after each service in the foyer. All members are encouraged to vote.

DIAPER AND WIPE DRIVE – March 30, between services on the patio – Living Waters will be having a diaper and wipe drive in support of our Care Closet and our Young Lives partners (teen parents). Young Lives partners with Lindsay Community School in Barrio Logan. Lindsay Community School is an education program in partnership with Children of the Rainbow for pregnant and parenting teens in grades 9 through 12 who are referred by probation, social services, or school district officials. Diaper sizes needed: 1-6 and wipes.

 

PIZZA WITH THE PASTORS – April 6, 12PM in The Upper Room. Are you new? Unsure of who the pastors are? Whether or not you’re a member, if you haven’t been to this event before, please join us so we can all get to know one another better.

 

PRIMETIMERS LUNCHEON – Wednesday, April 9, 12PM in the Fellowship Hall $5 per person. Attention, on deck!!! Seniors, come and hear CEBC member Captain Darla Dietrich, Executive Officer of the U.S. Navy Hospital Ship Mercy sharing with us the mission of the Mercy and it’s capabilities regarding operations as one of two U.S. Navy Hospital Ships. Join us for great food, wonderful fellowship, and an informative message regarding our nation’s Navy. Please sign up on the back of a Welcome Card.

 

GUYS BREAKFAST – April 12, 8AM in the Fellowship Hall Come join us for good food and fellowship. Please bring your favorite breakfast food to share. This month the speaker is: YOU. If you experienced the MEN’S RETREAT “Stronger Together” we heartily invite you to reflect on and share memories of the weekend that strengthened your faith and bonds with CEBC brothers. If you have any questions, please contact Mike Uyboco at 619-770-0348. NOTE: Uniquely this month, this event will be the second Saturday of the month.

 

GOOD FRIDAY SERVICE – You are invited to join us! April 18th at 7PM where we will be sharing the Lord’s Supper together. Childcare will be offered for 0–5-year-olds in The Ark.

 

EASTER SCHEDULE – Sunday, April 20 worship at 8:30 and 11AM. It will be the same service musically and the same sermon in both services. A catered breakfast will be served in Fellowship Hall from 9:00-10:30AM. Kids Program will happen in both The Ark and The Harbor during second service. There will be nothing special for children during the 8:30AM service. Also, adult Sunday Schools will not meet on Easter morning. Please invite your family and friends! If you are able to park in the street and walk a little, we want to save parking for our seniors and handicapped, families and guests. Thank you!

 

TIJUANA HOUSE BUILD – On Saturday, April 26th, Clairemont Emmanuel will be taking a day trip to build a house in partnership with Mexico Caravan Ministries. The cost is $85 per person and a passport is required to go. If you are interested in going or would like to donate to the cost of a house or provide scholarships, please contact Matt (matt.a.farr@gmail.com, 858-750-0709) or Maria Farr (maria.o.farr@gmail.com, 619-599-5693) or stop at the table on the patio Sunday.

 

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 – We are in need of gently used or new boys 2T-5T. Please contact Jeanie Presley for drop off times (619) 997-2079. Thank you!

 

NEED PRAYER? – Community outreach prayer tent opportunity. For the past months on Monday evenings from 5-7PM in the upper 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 (619-972-5976).

 

WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDIES – Moms of All Seasons began February 28 (not too late to join), 10-11:30AM in The Upper Room, Eileen Dameron facilitates, using ‘Prayers for Mama Bears’. Books and childcare provided - register through Susan Robinson or Lois Taylor. Romans - “In View of God’s Mercies” began March 4 (but it’s not too late to join), from 6:30-8PM in The Upper Room. Sign up with Lois if interested. Study Colossians with Gail and other ‘Women in the Workplace’ on March 16 at 9AM in Class #2. Contact Gail.paradeza@gmail.com.

 

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.

 

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. 

 

OTHER ‘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 Champlain 619-209-1237

·      Men’s Prayer Breakfast: Byron Harold 619-890-4393

·      Inductive Bible study: Dr David Wu 619-913-3021

·      Rock Climbing: Jonah 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 at 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: Moms of All Seasons began February 28, 10-11:30AM in The Upper Room, Eileen Dameron facilitates, using ‘Prayers for Mama Bears’. Books and childcare provided – register through Susan Robinson or Lois Taylor. Romans – “In View of God’s Mercies” began March 4, from 6:30-8PM in The Upper Room. Sign up with Lois if interested. It’s not too late.

 

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 two of our young men who are currently deployed.  Please pray for Ian Rosse (Navy) and Andrew VanKuren (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

 

VETERANS – Gary Anderson is heading up our ministry to veterans.  If you have any questions, comments, or ideas, contact Gary at 858-769-6911 or at crazygrandpa5x@yahoo.com.

 

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 at 619-851-5336 or sharonpearce2005@yahoo.com.

 

ISRAEL TRIP (FEB/MAR 2026) – If you are interested in joining Pastor Kenny and Cathy and a two-week Apologetics Study Bible Tour to Israel February 23 – March 8, 2026, contact Pastor Kenny (619-508-3785).  Eric Johnson will be a co-leader on this trip, and the plan is for archaeologist Joel Kramer to be with us for part of the time.  This trip was supposed to happen in Feb/Mar of 2024 but was canceled because of the Hamas invasion into Israel several months prior.  We will not go in 2026 if it is unsafe, but I do know that tourism is currently happening in Israel. The company that does a lot of the work for our trip, Pilgrim Tours, had two groups go to Israel in January and they had no issues.

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ANNOUNCEMENT INDEX

MESSAGE FROM PASTOR KENNY | HIGHLIGHTED ANNOUNCEMENTS | NEW MEMBER TESTIMONIES | JOB OPENINGS | MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES | CLASS SCHEDULE | HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES

Ministry Opportunities

JONI & FRIENDS RETREAT NEEDS VOLUNTEERS – Joni & Friends is hosting a family retreat at Whispering Winds Camp and Conference Center in Julian, CA June 9-13, 2025.  Their goal is to provide a Christ-centered experience for each member of the family when one of the family members has a disability.  Dan and Heather White are volunteering and Joni & Friends is in need of more volunteers.  Volunteers have to be 17 years old.  If you’re interested in more information, contact Heather at 540-671-1614. 

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.

 

AWANA HELPERS NEEDED – We can always use a few more dedicated volunteers to listen to our amazing children recite their Bible verses on Wednesday nights. Contact Timothy Hulbert to volunteer or for more information (619-247-8738 ortimothy.l.hulbert1@navy.mil). Helpers are also needed to serve the Wednesday meals – talk to Lois Taylor.

 

AWANA MEAL PREP TEAM – is in need of additional volunteers. Please contact Lois Taylor or Jeanie Presley.

 

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 at 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

 

AWANA

Wednesday Nights from 6-8pm

  • Puggles — 2–3-year-olds (NEW!)

  • Cubbies — 3–5-year-olds

  • Sparks — Kindergarten-2nd Grade

  • T & T — 3rd-5th Grade

LIVING WATERS/FOSTER CLOSET – is in need of non-perishable food items for families in need. Items can be dropped off at 4347 Mount Henry Ave anytime or brought to Jeanie or Dale Presley at church.

 

LIVING WATERS/STRONG FAMILIES MINISTRY – We are seeking CEBC members who have a heart to help kinship/foster/adoptive families in and around Clairemont. Help includes shopping for particular items (funds reimbursement available), meeting with family to deliver items, preparing meals to drop off, text/call to family as support and prayer requests. If any of this interests you please contact jeanie.presley@gmail.com or 619-997-2079. 

 

WRITE A LETTER/CARD – Some of our seniors would LOVE to hear from you.  It doesn’t need to be long – just short and sweet – these folks would be ministered to when they find out you’re thinking of them:

 

Gloria Anderson, Villa Lorena, 14640 Via Fiesta, San Diego, CA 92127

Ruth Anderson, 2340 4th Ave. #211, San Diego, CA 92101 (NOTE NEW ADDRESS)

Stella Brown, 5403 Cloud Way, San Diego, CA 92117

Dave Costantino, 4560 Miami Way, San Diego, CA 92117

Dot Cullins, 11105 Hidden Glen Circle, #159, San Diego, CA 92131

Dean and Dona Fitzgerald, 2340 4th Ave  12, San Diego, CA 92108

Mary Gibsen, 8515 Costa Verde Blvd  1206, San Diego, CA 92122

Diane Hebert, 1543 Galveston St, San Diego, CA 92110

Gwen Soderberg, 4473 Charger Blvd., San Diego, CA 92117

Ken and JoAnn Wadleigh, 4806 Clairemont Dr, San Diego, CA 92117

 

If you know of others to add here, please text names and addresses to Pastor Kenny.

    

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).

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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. 

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ANNOUNCEMENT INDEX

MESSAGE FROM PASTOR KENNY | HIGHLIGHTED ANNOUNCEMENTS | NEW MEMBER TESTIMONIES | JOB OPENINGS | MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES | CLASS SCHEDULE | HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES


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. 

DAD IN NEED OF A JOB – A CEBC dad recently lost his job and is in need of work to help provide for his family.  If you know of any work, please contact Pastor Kenny.

MALE CAREGIVER WITH TEN YEARS EXPERIENCE – looking for a caregiving job.  Talk to Pastor Kenny if you’re interested. 

 

NEED A SAMSUNG REFRIGERATOR/FREEZER OR A LEATHER RECLINING COUCH?– It’s free and it works.  Contact Paul Moser (858-349-4902) if you’re interested.


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ANNOUNCEMENT INDEX

MESSAGE FROM PASTOR KENNY | HIGHLIGHTED ANNOUNCEMENTS | NEW MEMBER TESTIMONIES | JOB OPENINGS | MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES | CLASS SCHEDULE | HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES