DEC 12th Devotional and Announcements
ANNOUNCEMENT INDEX
Dear family and friends,
One of the most important themes we see throughout the Bible is God’s mercy – the compassionate, patient, and faithful love He pours out on people who could never earn or deserve it. Paul tells us (in Ephesians 2:4) that God is “rich in mercy”and Solomon reminds us that God’s mercies “never come to an end” (in Lamentations 3:22, 23), and He “does not treat us as our sins deserve” (Psalm 103:10). From Genesis to Revelation, God reveals Himself as a Father who moves toward His people with grace rather than away from them in judgment.
Christmas brings this truth into its sharpest focus. The incarnation – the eternal Son taking on flesh – is the mercy of God wrapped in swaddling cloths. Instead of turning away from a broken world, God stepped into it. We were in the deepest spiritual darkness and, instead of leaving us there, He sent “the light of the world” (John 8:12).
In Jesus’ birth we see the fulfillment of Zechariah’s prophecy: “By the tender mercy of our God, the dawn from on high will break upon us” (Luke 1:78).
Mary understood this. In her song of praise, she declared, “His mercy is for those who fear Him from generation to generation” (Luke 1:50). The birth of Jesus proves that God remembers His promises and keeps them with unfailing love.
God’s mercy did not end in the manger, it continued through Jesus’ life of compassion, His teaching, and ultimately His sacrifice on the Cross. Paul says it plainly in Titus 3:5, “He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy.”
So, as we are in the midst of this Christmas season, let everything we see draw our heart back to God’s mercy. His mercy meets us in our failures and carries us through every struggle we face.
May this Christmas be a continual reminder that God’s mercy is still reaching for you today, still sufficient for whatever you face, and still new every morning. And may the mercy that came down to Bethlehem shape your heart, your home, and your hope in these days.
Remember, it’s not too late to invite someone to Sunday’s Christmas concert, maybe especially the evening presentation at 7PM.
In addition to preparing our Christmas concerts, Pastor Nathan has been hard at work overseeing a designated gift and doing some of the work, to turn Fellowship Hall (FH) into a premier meeting area. If you haven’t had a chance to look inside FH, do so soon and thank Nathan for all his hard work!
Also, I mentioned last Sunday that we still hadn’t put our Christmas lights up. Well, shout out to two of our Young Adults, Rohan Storck and Zac Simpson, who came over to our home prior to the Young Adult Christmas White Elephant Gift Exchange party at our home last Sunday to put our lights up. Thank you, guys!!
Also, a number of people have found out that Joyce Tate was in the hospital (Kaiser) and asked if she would like visitors. She would (maybe make visits short and sweet) and has now been transferred to Grossmont Post Acute Care, 8787 Center Dr., La Mesa, CA 91942 to recover from pneumonia. Please pray for her to have a speedy recovery and all our folks who have health concerns.
In preparation for this Sunday’s sermon please read the Christmas story in Luke 2.
ANNOUNCEMENT INDEX
MESSAGE FROM PASTOR KENNY | HIGHLIGHTED ANNOUNCEMENTS | NEW MEMBER TESTIMONIES | JOB OPENINGS | MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES | CLASS SCHEDULE | HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES
HIGHLIGHTED ANNOUNCEMENTS
CHRISTMAS CONCERT – Our Christmas Concert will be THIS Sunday, December 14th during our regular morning service times (9 and 10:30AM) plus a 7PM performance. Each year the Christmas Concert has proven to be a great evangelistic opportunity for the entire church. Please plan on coming. Come in the morning and then come again in the evening and bring a friend each time! If you have any questions, please email Pastor Nathan at nathan.rson@gmail.com or call or text at 619-261-3330.
PARKING - If you’re able 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. Thank you.
ANGEL TREE UPDATE
Thanks for your wonderful support from the last two week as all of the 72 angels were taken from the tree. Praise God!! All gifts must be returned by noon THIS Sunday. If you have any questions, contact Paul Champlin at (619-209-1237).
CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES
Wednesday, December 24 at 2:30 & 4:15 PM. These services are approximately one hour and are identical. Childcare (0-5) available at 2:30PMservices only. Childcare volunteers are needed! Talk to Susan Robinson or Sammy Buser.
RE|ENGAGE – Coming in January, a new semester of Re|Engage. We will meet on Tuesday evenings. Every marriage has room for improvement. Re|Engage gives you a safe place to work on your relationship together, regardless of whether your marriage needs saving or you just want to take it from “good” to “great.” Plus, you will make new friends. Check out reengage.org. Sign-ups at https://clairemontemmanuel.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/3313125 (Please note: we will not be meeting during the planned Israel trip.)
COMMUNITY CARE YEAR-END LUNCH – All are welcome to join us onJanuary 11th at 12-1:30pm in the Fellowship Hall. Enjoy a pizza lunch and hear from a panel of partners from the community. RSVP atjeanie.presley@gmail.com(619-997-2079) or next week on the patio.
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.
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 January we will discuss the book, “Korean Pentecost” by William Blair and Bryce Hunt.
PRAYER AND ENCOURAGEMENT – If you know someone who is sick, homebound, or feeling lonely, take a moment to pray for them—and maybe give them a call! Many of our church family have already been uplifted by your kindness. This week, would you choose one person—perhaps someone you haven’t seen in a while—and reach out with a phone call or a simple note to remind them that they are loved and prayed for?
OUR MEAL MINISTRY TEAM – could use a few more volunteers! If you’d like to help provide healthy, delicious meals to those recovering from surgery, recuperating from an illness, or welcoming a new baby, contact Tara Fitzpatrick: cebcmealministry@gmail.comor (619) 992-3213 to be part of the team.
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.)
COMMUNITY CARE REQUEST – We have been mentoring a teen mom who will be 18 in a few weeks. She and her 3-year-old son have been sleeping on the kitchen floor of her grandparents’ house due to space issues. She is working part-time and is on track to graduate high school in June. She has received an apartment and can move in starting today! She is in need of household items (pots/pans, couch, kitchen chairs, cleaning supplies, etc). Please contact Jeanie Presley at 619-997-2079or jeanie.presley@gmail.com if you can help! This is her Amazon wish list:
5TH SUNDAY PRAYER MEETING – for our missionaries started last Sunday. Our next meeting will be on Sunday, March 29 immediately following the 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.
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.
LOVE AND CARE CLOSET is in need of gently used or new girl clothing sizes 6 months to 5T. Our recent Friendsgiving event for ‘YoungLives’ was a huge blessing but wiped out our supplies. Thank you for supporting this ministry!
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.
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.)
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 Cassels619-972-5976 (1st & 3rd weeks are co-ed)
Book Club Bruce Payne858-220-4865 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
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!!
PRAY FOR OUR SERVICE MEMBERS DEPLOYED or ON ASSIGNMENT – We have several of our young men who are currently deployed. PLEASE PRAYespecially 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.
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
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).
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.
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.
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
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 or619-997-2079 with any leads.
PART-TIME ACCOUNTS PAYABLE JOB– Radius International is looking for someone to work about 20-25 a week in our accounts payable. Their primary job would be donation processing and communication with donors when cards expire etc. They would also be working with our sales fulfilment (mostly customer service communication) with our missionary.com sales of books and videos. If you are interested in this job, contact Carl Miller, VP of Finance, Radius, at carl.m@radiusinternational.org.
JOB SEARCH PRAYER – Pray for a number of our folks looking for jobs in management, sales, engineering, and counseling.
HELP WITH YARDWORK, BUILDING WOOD PLATFORM – Paul Moser is looking for help assembling a metal storage unit kit. If you can help, contact Paul at 858-349-4902
ANNOUNCEMENT INDEX
MESSAGE FROM PASTOR KENNY | HIGHLIGHTED ANNOUNCEMENTS | NEW MEMBER TESTIMONIES | JOB OPENINGS | MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES | CLASS SCHEDULE | HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES