April 3rd Pause with the Pastor and Announcements

ANNOUNCEMENT INDEX

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MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES

Pause with the Pastor

Dear family and friends,

This past week, I talked to someone who had something terrible and unimaginable happen in her family.  Someone had told her that God was not sovereign over that event.  She asked for my perspective.  Among other things, I pointed her to the crucifixion of Jesus.  That was the darkest day in all of history, and yet God used that horrific event to accomplish the greatest good.  “God made Christ, who knew no sin, to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him” (2 Corinthians 5:21).

On that Friday of the crucifixion, everything seemed lost. The disciples were scattered and hope disappeared.  The One the disciples believed would save them, the Messiah, hung bleeding on a Roman cross.  From a human perspective, it looked like a colossal failure.

But Scripture tells us something deeper was happening.  “He was pierced for our transgressions . . .” (Isaiah 53:5)

Good Friday is not ultimately about tragedy—it’s about substitution. Jesus was not a victim; He was a willing Savior. John 10 (verse 18) tells us He did not lose His life; He laid it down. 

The cry, “It is finished” (in John 19:30), was not a cry of defeat—it was a declaration of victory.

And yet . . . could you even imagine living through the day of silence that Saturday was? It was a day of agonizing waiting the disciples thought might go on forever.  The disciples were fearful and confused and nothing seemed to be happening. 

We all have “Saturdays” in our lives – when prayers seem unanswered and when God seems silent. 

What we learn on Sunday is that just because God seems silent, doesn’t mean He’s abandoned us.  On the contrary, Saturday reminds us that we must trust God – even when we don’t understand.

As someone said, “Good Friday proves God’s love, Saturday tests our faith and Easter Sunday reveals God’s power.”  Silence may happen, but it is never the final word.

C.S. Lewis in his book on Miracles said this about Christ’s resurrection: “He is the ‘first fruits,’ the pioneer of life,’ He has forced open a door that has been locked since the death of the first man. He has met, fought, and beaten the King of Death. Everything is different because He has done so.”

If you’re interested in reading more, there are so many good books that deal with the crucifixion.  Maybe my favorite is “The Cross of Christ” by John Stott.  The book, “Knowing God” by J.I. Packer isn’t exclusively about the Cross, but has some powerful chapters on the atonement.  Finally, John Piper’s book, “The Passion of Jesus Christ”: gives 50 reasons why Jesus came to die (that’s the subtitle).  This is great as a devotional.

And of course, just a reminder, it’s not too late to invite a friend to our Easter services.  People are generally more open to attending an Easter service than we are to invite them.  Remember that you can invite them for breakfast as well.

I hope to see you tonight at 7PM for our Good Friday Communion service and Sunday for Easter! See details below.

If you haven’t already, please read through the biographies at the end of this email from those who recently completed the Clairemont Emmanuel Membership class and want to join our fellowship.

In preparation for this Sunday morning, please read John 20:10-29. 

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HIGHLIGHTED ANNOUNCEMENTS

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BAPTISM AND MEMBERSHIP

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all other Announcements

PARKING – In preparation to having guests join us for Easter, if you’re able, please park on the street to leave our parking lot for those with physical needs, families, and guests.

EASTER SEATING – We will have outdoor seating on the patio, but please join us first in the sanctuary if you can.  We want to make sure that is filled before sitting outside.  There will also be an overflow area in The Upper Room if needed.   

MEMBER DAY OF VOTING REPORT – All those up for election were overwhelmingly confirmed by the CEBC members as was the budget.  Thank you for voting and now for praying for our leaders and for your continued generosity. 

SENIOR LIVING EXPO  April 11 at Marston Middle School, 10AM – 2PM. This is a  free community event connecting seniors, caregivers and families with trusted resources to help navigate the next chapter with confidence. This is designed to connect seniors, caregivers, and families with trusted services, resources, and information that support healthy, independent, and fulfilling lives as people age.

MISSIONS BOOK CLUB Come join us for the missions book club! Meetings are on the first Friday of each month. We will be skipping April but will have our next meeting on May 1st to discuss Jungle Pilot by Russell T. Hitt. If you are interested, you can reach out to Maria Farr (619-599-5693).

FRANCES ERICKSON – wants everyone to know how grateful she is for our prayers.  She has had some significant improvement in her physical condition (namely her broken arm and shoulder and appreciates your continued prayer.  She’s hoping to join us soon for a worship service.

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.)

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!!

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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. 

• April 19 Ministry

• May 17 Membership

• June 14 Evangelism

• July 12 Membership

• Aug 9 Discipleship

• Sept 13 Membership

• Oct 11 Ministry

• Nov 8 Membership

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MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES

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 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.

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).

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ANNOUNCEMENT INDEX

PAUSE WITH THE PASTOR | HIGHLIGHTED ANNOUNCEMENTS | NEW MEMBER TESTIMONIES | ALL OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS | CLASS SCHEDULE | MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES