Nov 21st Devotional and Announcements
ANNOUNCEMENT INDEX
Dear family and friends,
One of the most breathtaking moments in Scripture is found the night before Jesus goes to the Cross. With the weight of the world’s redemption pressing in on Him, He lifts His eyes to the Father and prays—not for Himself, not for relief, but for us. “That they may all be one,” He says, “just as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You” (John 17:21).
That is really astounding. Of all the things Jesus could have prayed for His people in His final hours, He prayed for our unity—our shared life, our heart-level connection, our love for one another. He could have prayed for strength (and He does elsewhere). He could have prayed for protection (and He does that, too). But here, on the eve of His suffering, He prays that we His people would reflect the fellowship and love of the Trinity itself.
And then, earlier that evening, He had looked at His disciples and spoken a command so simple and yet so difficult: “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another… By this all people will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:34, 35)
In other words, the clearest evidence that we belong to Jesus is not our Bible knowledge, our doctrinal precision, our moral standards, or even our service—though, of course, all of those matter deeply. The unmistakable proof, Jesus says, is love. A kind of love that is not natural, not surface-level, not polite-but-distant—but sacrificial, honest, patient, and forgiving. A love that looks like Jesus.
And that kind of love can only grow in community. You can’t practice John 13 love in isolation. You can’t display John 17 unity by yourself. The Christian life is not a private spiritual hobby; it is a shared life with a shared people. The New Testament knows nothing of solo discipleship. We are saved into a family, welcomed into a body, placed into a household. Just think of the 50+ “one another” passages: We’re to love, comfort, encourage, pray for, etc. etc. etc. for one another.
But we also know that real community is costly. It means showing up when we’re tired. It means bearing with one another’s weaknesses. It means confessing when we’ve sinned and forgiving when we’ve been sinned against. Love and unity are beautiful ideals—until you try to live them. Then they become the place where the Spirit refines us into Christlikeness.
Yet this difficult, Spirit-empowered community is God’s plan for our growth and His glory. Jesus ties our unity to our witness: “so that the world may believe that You have sent Me” (John 17:21). When Christians love each other through difficulty, remain united through differences, and extend grace in the midst of disappointments, the watching world sees something it cannot explain. It sees Jesus. And that becomes like a magnet for them – drawing them to Jesus.
And that’s why your presence matters. Your prayers, your encouragement, your listening ear, your willingness to forgive, your investment in the lives of others—all of it contributes to the kind of community Jesus prayed for and died to create. A unity rooted not in personality or preference, but in the Gospel.
So as a church, let’s lean in. Let’s commit not just to attending, but to belonging. Not just to friendliness, but to genuine love. Not just to avoiding conflict, but pursuing reconciliation. Not just to sitting near each other, but walking with each other.
If you sit next to someone you’ve never met, take the initiative and introduce yourself to them. Welcome them to our fellowship that morning – whether it’s their first time or their 500th time there. If you see someone you’ve never met – walk toward them and introduce yourself.
Because when we love one another as Jesus has loved us, something holy happens:
The church becomes a living picture of the heart of God.
And the world gets a glimpse of a Savior who still rescues, still reconciles, and still gathers people into a family.
May our church be that kind of community—one shaped by Christ’s love, filled with His Spirit, and united for His glory.
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 as new members this Sunday and please return to the sanctuary, or stay there following the second service, to see one of our new members, Julia, get baptized.
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.
To be baptized this Sunday (October 23) immediately following the 2nd service:
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 14:1-14.
ANNOUNCEMENT INDEX
MESSAGE FROM PASTOR KENNY | HIGHLIGHTED ANNOUNCEMENTS | NEW MEMBER TESTIMONIES | JOB OPENINGS | MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES | CLASS SCHEDULE | HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES
HIGHLIGHTED ANNOUNCEMENTS
CHILI LUNCH – Thank you to all the people that came to our CEBC 1st annual chili lunch.Thanks to all the volunteers that put it on and to Joe Dameron and his band who played. We enjoyed the music and the event was a blast.
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.
ANGEL TREE, ONE WEEK AND COUNTING!!! – Does Angel Tree make a difference? Yes, it does. God has used CEBC’s Angel Tree ministry to impact the lives of several San Diego families this past year. A simple gift can be the beginning of the process of reconciliation between parent and child and helping family members come to faith in Jesus and growing in that faith. You can help make that difference in a child’s life by participating in our Angel Tree ministry outreach. Angels will be available Sunday, November 30, and December 7. If you should have any questions, 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.
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.
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.
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.
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