June 6th Pause with the Pastor and Announcements
ANNOUNCEMENT INDEX
Pause with the Pastor
A friend of mine, now with the Lord, wrote a book that I really appreciate. His name is Tom Howard and he’s the brother of Elisabeth Elliot. When I was in seminary, Tom taught English at Gordon College. The book he wrote is called “Splendor in the Ordinary.” The idea of the book is that God is present in ordinary life, and everyday activities can be holy when viewed through the lens of God’s Kingdom.
Howard argues that modern people often divide life into the ‘sacred’ and ‘secular.’ People assume that church, prayer, missions, and Bible Study are somehow holy activities, while cooking, cleaning, raising children, mowing the lawn, and welcoming guests are ordinary.
Howard rejects that idea. His central message is that God intends His presence to permeate every corner of life so that “whether we eat or drink, or whatever we do, we do it all for the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31).
Howard uses the home as a picture of glorifying God in every area of our lives. The living room is where we invite our friends and is about community and relationship. In his view, we invite our closest friends into the kitchen and so that’s a place for our most intimate friendships as well as a place where we celebrate God’s provision of daily nourishment and creativity as we prepare meals to eat. The bedroom is a picture of our most intimate relationship with our spouse and the bathroom a place of self-acceptance for what God has created. If God accepts me, I must accept myself.
In the midst of all this, especially in our home, but really anywhere, the ordinary rhythms of life point us to God’s presence in every part of our lives.
One of the recurring themes that I often discussed with my landlady, Tom’s sister, Elisabeth Elliot, is what her brother calls the principle of “my life for yours.” There are really only two options that we constantly express: “my life for yours” or “my life for me.” He sees the outworking of “my life for yours” everywhere – in parenting, in marriage, in hospitality, in meals, at work, and ultimately in Christ’s sacrifice for us. Ordinary acts of service become reflections of the Gospel itself. Even in something so common as opening the door for someone. When we do that, we’re really saying, in a small way, but we’re saying it all the same: “My life for yours.”
At the heart of this is the key verse of the Gospel of Mark (10:45), “For the Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many.” This is the epitome of “My life for yours.”
For Howard, the goal of the Christian life is not escaping the ordinary, but discovering the splendor hidden within it. The mundane becomes meaningful when viewed as a part of God’s larger story.
The book is a great reminder that the Christian faith is not confined to Sunday worship. The Gospel reaches into conversations with a friend, kindness and generosity, our daily work, and the laundry room. Howard says that the ordinary moments of life are often the very places where God is shaping us most deeply. The Christian life is learning to see that what looks ordinary to us is often sacred to God.
Looking back, some of my best conversations with Tom were in the driveway of his sister’s house, after he’d dropped by to see her, when we’d keep talking as he was trying to leave and return to his home. He was always so engaging and when I talked to him and so inquisitive about my life. He made me feel like I was the most important person in the world.
Where in your life do you see splendor in the ordinary? Maybe where you haven’t seen it before.
If you have not yet read the testimonies below, WE HAVE SOME NEW ONES, and so please read them and be blessed. We have a baptism coming up on June 28 and we’ll be (voting on and) announcing these new members then. Especially since we’ll be voting, if you have any questions about any of those seeking membership, please direct them to Pastor Kenny. As you read the testimonies, pray for these who are new to our community. In preparation for this Sunday morning please read Luke 21:5-38.
ANNOUNCEMENT INDEX
PAUSE WITH THE PASTOR | HIGHLIGHTED ANNOUNCEMENTS | NEW MEMBER TESTIMONIES | ALL OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS | CLASS SCHEDULE | MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES
PASTORAL ANNOUNCEMENT
WE WELCOME CRU – Last Sunday we welcomed the CRU staff who will be at our church for the month of June. This Sunday we additionally welcome the CRU students who will be in San Diego and at our church for June and July. They will spend some of their days on college campuses and at other San Diego locations sharing their faith. Please pray they can make the gospel clear. If you see a Young Adult you don’t recognize, please go up and introduce yourself, welcome them, and find out something about them.
HIGHLIGHTED ANNOUNCEMENTS
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.
High School Graduates:
Alondra Montes (Home School), Bia Stocco (Point Loma High School), Bo Stefl (Mission Bay High School), Carter Robinson (The Rock Academy), Ezekiel Passmore (Mission Bay High School), Grace Buser (Home School), Luke Steel (Mt Everest Academy).
College and Advanced Degrees: Briana Buser (BA, The Master’s University), Brooks Robinson (BA, Point Loma Nazarene University), Claire Bernard (BA, Cal State San Marcos), Gail Paradeza (PhD), Matt Metz (MS), Alexa Metz (Paralegal Degree), Brooke Tooma (Law School).
If there is any CEBC member or regular attender we’ve left off the list, please let us know.
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.
FIRST SERVICE GREETERS
Are you interested in greeting people as they come to church? We’re looking for a few friendly people to join our team. Reach out to Joe Dameron at 858-603-8462 or stop by the table of the patio today.
COMMUNITY CARE
Is having an Adult Clothing Drive for We See You, San Diego for the month of June. Drop off location is Old Town - 2540 San Diego Ave, San Diego, CA 92110 every Tue 4-6pm. Please see Jeanie.presley@gmail.com or 619-997-2079 with questions on what is needed.
PRIMETIMERS SUMMERTIME CELEBRATION!
Come join us at the Primetimers Summer Kick-Off Party to be held Wednesday, June 10th from Noon to 2:00pm in the Fellowship Hall. Come hear an inspiring message from Dana Canby, wonderful music from Brooks & Dahlia Robinson, an excellent summertime luncheon (including an ice cream social), and a special time of connecting with family and friends. You need to reserve your seats by June 7th for you and your invited guests. If you have any questions, please contact Paul Champlin at 619-209-1237.
EMMANUEL WOMEN: ‘GARDEN PARTY’
AT THE DODD’S HOME
Saturday, June 13th at 3:00–4:30pm. Meaningful connection and Christ-centered community are vital to building a resilient faith. Join us as Lois Taylor shares a biblical perspective on authentic Christian fellowship and what it can look like in everyday life. Dessert, beverages, and chairs provided. Sign up today on the patio!
HOW TO SHARE YOUR FAITH
(Evangelism Class)
June 14, 2-5 PM in The Upper Room
If you have not yet taken this class, please plan on joining Pastor Kenny and Pastor Aaron. Contact one of them to let them know you’re coming or if you have any questions. Our goal is for every member to take all four classes we offer. We want to equip you to confidently and effectively share your faith by understanding the role of sharing your personal testimony, the Gospel message, and God’s desire to reach your family and friends through you.
BAYSIDE BBQ AT MISSION BAY
Wednesdays at 6pm. June 17, July 1, July 15 and July 29. We ask that you bring a side dish to share. If your last name starts with:
A-J: Salad (potato / pasta / green / fruit / etc.)
K-T: Fried Chicken / Baked Beans / Mac & Cheese / etc.
U-Z: Desserts. Store-bought sides are welcome!
(Second parking lot south of Superbloom Cafe in the Gazebo at Playa 2)
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
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.
ROOM AVAILABLE – If you are looking for a room to rent ($1250 a month) in Pacific Beach (near La Jolla) contact Pastor Kenny.
“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.
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