OCT 2nd Pause with the Pastor and Announcements

ANNOUNCEMENT INDEX


Pause with the Pastor

 

Dear family and friends,
 
Jesus completely redefined greatness.The world says greatness is about being respected, getting promoted, and having others serve you. Jesus said, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” This may be one of the clearest descriptions of Jesus’ life: He came to serve. He showed how low He would go by stooping to wash His disciples’ feet. What an example!!

That wasn’t all. He fed the hungry, welcomed children, touched lepers, and finally gave His life on the Cross. He didn’t just teach servanthood. He lived it. And that’s why servanthood is one of the clearest marks of becoming like Christ. 

When I was first hired as associate pastor, Eloy and I quickly became friends, talked daily, regularly had lunch, and made time for nine holes of golf every now and then. When I became senior pastor, Eloy told me, “I want to take anything off your plate that you don’t want to do so you can focus on what God wants you to do.”His attitude has always been to serve. That’s what he saw as a big part of his job at Clairemont Emmanuel. 

He always seemed to carry a simple question: “How can I help?” He didn’t need the spotlight and, in fact, shied away from it. If something needed to be done, he thought about how he could do it; if there was a burden to carry, he looked for a way to shoulder part of it. That kind of life leaves a mark.

We remember the person who showed up, the person who noticed, and the person who quietly made our load lighter. That was Eloy. He understood something Jesus taught repeatedly: you don’t have to do something spectacular to make a difference. You just have to be willing to serve.  

Servanthood usually happens in ordinary places. It happens when you clean up the mess, listen to the story, or simply ask, “What can I do?”

Here is the deeper challenge: A servant doesn’t wait to be asked. A servant learns to notice. That’s what Jesus did. He saw the hungry crowd, blind Bartimaeus, and the disciples’ dirty feet. In Philippians 2:4, Paul exhorts us to “not look to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”

That’s servanthood. It means we walk into a room thinking less about “Who will notice me?” and more about “Who needs me?” Less about “Who is going to serve me?” and more about “Who can I serve?”

And that’s exactly how Jesus lived. The most powerful part of Mark 10:45 is that Jesus did not stop at small acts of service. He “gave his life as a ransom for many.” The towel eventually led to the cross. His service cost Him something—real servanthood usually costs time, convenience, or sometimes comfort.

And when I think about Eloy, that’s what I keep coming back to. He made serving look ordinary because he was simply faithful. He had a way of making you feel that helping you was not an interruption to his day. It was part of why he was there. That’s Christlike. Now that he’s gone, those quiet acts feel even bigger. A lifetime of small acts of love becomes a very large testimony.

Here’s the lesson: Don’t wait for a big opportunity to serve God. Serve the person in front of you. That’s how Jesus lived, and that’s the kind of life Eloy modeled. So, a prayer we can all pray is this: "Lord, help me notice the people who need help, and help me take action to serve them."

In preparation for this Sunday and our final sermon on Luke, please read Luke 24:50-53. New testimonies are included at the end of this email. 

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ANNOUNCEMENT INDEX

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


HIGHLIGHTED ANNOUNCEMENTS


ELOY GARCIA – Administrative pastor at Clairemont Emmanuel for nearly 40 years, our former youth pastor, and leader of our PrimeTimers—is in the presence of the Lord after a battle with Alzheimer’s. A service is planned for him on the evening of October 23 at 4PM.  Please pray for his wife, Becky, and all their other children and grandchildren, including daughter Jessica Mohr (currently part of our Clairemont Emmanuel staff) and her family. Cards are appreciated, but please don’t call. 

DICK CAPEN – Our brother and Clairemont Emmanuel member went to be with the Lord last week. He is rejoicing in the presence of His Savior. Please pray for his wife Joan and their children and grandchildren in this loss. Cards are appreciated, but please don’t call. Service information will be in the email.   


TABLES OF 8 
As a reminder, many of you have signed up for our “Tables of 8” event this weekend (October 2-4). This event is a chance to connect over a fun meal sometime between Friday and Sunday with other adult family units from our church. Our goal is to connect you with brothers and sisters you may not know within our church family. If you missed participating this time, another will happen sometime in the near future. If you have any questions, contact Pastor Aaron directly at 619-855-4966.


EMMANUEL WOMEN RETREAT
“Yet I Still Dare to Hope”

October 9-11                                             
Accelerate friendships through a weekend of dynamic teaching, meaningful conversation, and plenty of fun! Christine Passmore will lead us through portions of the book of Lamentations, reminding us that we can anchor our hope in God’s character. Registration closes October 4—stop by our ministry table to find out more!


CLAIREMONT EMMANUEL SERVICE PROJECT

Saturday, October 10th at Generate Hope. GenerateHope is a safe place for survivors of sex trafficking to heal and find restoration in long-term housing and trauma-informed therapy, education. See Bob Thomas at the table Sunday or by calling 619-203-8604.


PRIMETIMERS LUNCHEON
Join us in the Fellowship Hall on October 14 at 12 PM for our monthly Primetimers Luncheon. The cost is $5 per person. Enjoy a delicious meal, warm fellowship, and an encouraging presentation from Restoration 225, a Christian organization we have partnered with since 2023. They will share about the vital impact of the CarePortal ministry, and how Clairemont Emmanuel continues to play an important role in meeting needs within our community.


DISCOVERING MY MINISTRY CLASS

Sunday, October 18, 2-5 PM in The Upper Room
Join Pastor Kenny to learn some basic skills you need for ministry including.  We’ll talk about spiritual gifts and look at the example of Paul and his ministries. Talk to Pastor Kenny if you have any questions.


TRUNK OR TREAT
Community Life Ministries is hosting a Trunk or Treat event October 24th in the Clairemont Emmanuel upper parking lot. We are looking for 30 families or teams to decorate a car and host a spot handing out candy to our church and community kids. We invite our whole church to come out to the event. There will be food and activities for all ages. Sign-ups to host a car will be out on the patio on Sunday or you can sign up on the church website. You can also contact Pastor Aaron if you have any questions.



BAPTISM AND MEMBERSHIP

John Edson
I was born with one arm and dyslexia, and my father died when I was four. Through my pain, I found peace, purpose, and meaning in my Savior, Jesus Christ. I know that Jesus paid the price for me on the cross, and that is the only way I can enter heaven. My favorite verse is Matthew 18:8: “If your hand or your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to enter Life, maimed or crippled, than to have two hands or two feet and be thrown into eternal fire.” This verse speaks to me, born with one arm, and to the need for complete dependence on God.


Lauren Ezell
(will be baptized soon)
My son has been part of Young Life at Mission Bay High School. He invited me to church and has shown me the love of Christ. I know the only reason I can go to heaven is that God loves me and gave his life for me. My favorite verses are Luke 5:20 and Luke 7:48, where Jesus says to the woman who anointed his feet and to the paralyzed man, “Friend, your sins are forgiven.”


Kern Ezell
(will be baptized soon)
The first time I was exposed to the gospel was through Young Life at Mission Bay High School. From there, I met many people who have helped me grow, including Manuel, who has walked with me, and Ray Menegus, who can answer any question I’ve had. I know that Jesus died for my sins, and his death on the cross is the only reason I can enter heaven. My favorite verse is John 3:16. It may be a common answer, but it was the first verse I memorized and has helped me through many hard times: “God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” 


Manuel Flores
(will be baptized soon)
My family was Roman Catholic when I was growing up. It was more tradition than actual faith or belief. I started coming to faith during my sophomore year of high school through Young Life at Mission Bay High School. The only way I can get into heaven is through faith in Christ and what he accomplished for me on the cross. My favorite verse is John 14:6, where Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life, and no one comes to the Father except through me.” I love this verse because it shows that Christ is the truth, the only truth, and the only way to have a relationship with God.


 

Tim Flannery
I grew up in the Roman Catholic Church, but I always rejected idolatry and dead rituals. In high school, a friend dragged me to a Bible study, where I recognized God and Christ as the truth and have followed them ever since. I know that all my good deeds cannot make up for even one of my sins, so I appeal to Christ's sacrifice, which washes me clean and is the only way I will ever get into heaven. I am only worthy because of him. My favorite verse is Malachi 6:8: “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” I love this verse for its peaceful, simple clarity and its clear guidance on how to live and make choices.


 

Nancy Monroy
My mother explained the gospel to me when I was eight, and by God’s leading, I realized I needed a Savior and confessed Christ as my Savior and Lord. I know the only reason I will enter Heaven is that Christ died for me on the cross for my sins. I trust Him for forgiveness, and God sees me as righteous because of that. My favorite verse is Romans 5:8, “But God demonstrates his own love toward us in the while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” I cannot be good enough on my own to be saved.


 

Greyson Reynolds
(will be baptized soon)
I grew up in the church and have always attended church and followed Christ. This relationship has grown stronger year after year. I believe God sent his son to pay for my sin with his blood, and I have unwavering faith in him and in what he did on my behalf. My favorite verse is John 15:13, “greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” I know Jesus laid down his life for me.


 

Julia Reynolds
I was raised as a Christian in school and church. Once I became an adult, I stayed in my faith—I think that after college I was able to strengthen it by seeking out a church on my own. I know that I am imperfect, a sinner, and that nothing I have done could be enough to earn my way into heaven. Going to heaven is priceless, but I know that my debt has been paid by Christ. I love Psalm 40:8, which expresses exactly what my heart feels, that his word is written in my heart: “I desire to do your will, my God; your law is within my heart.” 


 

Kaden Ryan
At around age six, I heard the gospel at my home church. I understood that I had to either spend my life with God and receive salvation through Jesus or spend it apart from God in eternity. I put my faith in Christ, and I’ve been living and growing in him ever since. I know I will go to heaven because Christ died and rose for me. I’m clinging to him by faith, knowing only he can save me. My favorite verse is John 15:4–5, “Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me, you can do nothing.” I completely understand that apart from Christ, I can do nothing.


 

Isaac Siebelink
I grew up in a Christian household, committed my life to Jesus at an early age, and continue to grow in my love for him. I believe Christ is the gate through which I will enter heaven, and that he welcomes me just as I welcome him into my heart. I love Micah 6:8: “To do justice, to love mercy, and to walk humbly before your God.” 



Ruth Bigley

I became a Christian as a result of a Bible study at our senior class trip in high school. That’s where the seed was planted. I began attending Bible studies with my high school friends and began reading the gospel of Matthew. It was a while reading the gospel that I saw my need to accept Christ as my personal Savior and came to faith in Christ. If I were to show up at heaven’s gate, and God asked me why He should let me in, I would say it is because of Christ’s righteousness and His blood covenant with me – not my merit. My favorite versus Hebrews 13:5, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”



Brady Buser
I was saved at a young age, and don’t remember the exact day that I understood and accepted Christ as my Savior, but I do remember learning to grow to love my Heavenly Father as I grew up. Because I understood His love for me, that He would go to the Cross to pay my eternal debt that I could not pay, that I would be welcomed into His family. If the Lord asked me why He should let me into heaven, my reply would be that there is nothing that I have done that is worthy of eternal life with Him, except for what I have been given by His Son’s death for Me.
My favorite verses is James 1:5. “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” I appreciate the fact that my Heavenly Father is one who does not withhold good things from His children, but also, that what the Lord is generously giving us His wisdom to grow in love and affection for Him!




Christopher Deal
I was raised in the New Apostolic Church, and attendance was compulsory. I didn’t know why I believed in Jesus, nor could I defend my faith. As I got older and could make my own decisions, I didn’t attend church. There were times I could feel Christ calling me to Him. In 2010 I was living in sin and got my girlfriend pregnant. Knowing it was wrong, I still encouraged her to have an abortion. I moved to San Diego a year or so later and visited the Rock Church; it was Mother’s Day. Pastor Miles said he wanted to pray and wish Happy Mother’s Day to all the mothers there and even for those who’ve had an abortion because they are mothers as well; and they will see their child in heaven. God used that to convict me and at that moment I dedicated my life to Christ and was saved.  My favorite verses are Ephesians 1:3-14. These verses reinforce the fact that I am not in control. I am confident I will go to heaven not because of anything I have done but because Jesus did everything for me.


Gail Frick
I grew up in a Christian home, where I was taught about God’s love, salvation, and the importance of prayer. Faith has been a process rather than an aha moment, and each blessing and crisis has strengthened my faith, trust and reliance on the Lord. At heaven’s gate, I would say that I am here, not by my own doing, but by God’s grace. By grace through faith, Jesus saved me. My favorite verse is Psalm 91, “The Lord is my refuge and fortress.” I proclaim his name, and because I love Him he will protect and rescue me.

Brad Hurlbut
I was raised in a lukewarm church, and did not have assurance of my salvation. The teacher led me to the Lord by sharing John 3:3 explaining that I needed to be born again. Christ would let me into heaven, because I love him as my Lord and Savior he paid the price I could never print, pay.  My favorite, but I have lots of them, is Ephesians 2:8, 9, “For it is by grace you’ve been saved through faith, and this is not of yourselves; it is the gift of God not by works so that no one can boast.”

Gina Hurlbut
I became a Christian in the fall of my sophomore year at University in 1978. I was not raised in a Christian home, although we would only go to church at Easter and Christmas. I believed in Jesus as a historical figure. In college, I was presented the truth of Jesus, being my savior by a young woman with Campus Crusade for Christ. When I die, I know I will go straight to be in the presence of my Lord, not because of anything, I have done, but because of the substitutionary death of Jesus for my sins. My favorite verse is Proverbs 14:26 “She who fears the Lord has a secure fortress for her children. It will be a refuge.”



all other Announcements

HOLY LAND TRIP?  Given the current situation, any trip would be in a couple years from now, or later, but not earlier. In the past, former member, Eric Johnson has organized trips “In the Footsteps of the Apostle Paul” (to Turkey, Greece and Rome), to Israel, and a “Protestant Historical Tour of Germany and either England or Scotland.” Take the survey only if you’re interested in one or more of these trips. The survey link is found at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PS2RBZX. The survey is ten questions long and the only one you have to answer is the first—your name. If you have any questions, contact Pastor Kenny.

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 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.)

PRAYER TENT – 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?” sign 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 are in 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!

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. 

PRAY FOR OUR SERVICE MEMBERS DEPLOYED or ON ASSIGNMENT – We have several of our young men who are currently deployed.  PLEASE PRAY especially for Bryant, Kerry, Ty, Mike and Cole, Ryan. (For security we’re just going with first names.) 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.

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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. 

  • Oct 11 Ministry

  • Nov 8 Membership

  • Jan 10 Evangelism

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ANNOUNCEMENT INDEX

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MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES

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.

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 (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).

COMMUNITY CARE – Community Care ministry would like to love on our Clairemont Emmanuel 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 member that deserves some love please submit a prayer card addressed to Community Care with member name and address and reason for care and our 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.

SMALL GROUP LEADERS – If you’re interested in the possibility of leading an adult small group, contact Pastor Aaron. 

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 MINISTRY • ADOPT A MOM – We are seeking an individual or family to “adopt” a young mom and child from YoungLives for a one-year commitment. This involves weekly call/text, visitation twice a month and cards/gifts on special occasions like birthdays. We “adopted” Marianna and Romeo last year and they are now exceeding our expectations as far as growth and progress. We as a church want to replicate this with another family. For more information contact Jeanie Presley at jeanie.presley@gmail.com or 619-997-2079.

CAT SITTING – A couple from church will be in Europe from September 6-20  and are looking for someone to stay at their place and watch their cat. If you’re interested, contact Pastor Kenny.

FEMALE CAREGIVER NEEDED – If you could be available to help someone going through cancer and also has a broken leg, some hours (flexible) every day, including taking her to doctor’s appointments, contact Pastor Kenny.


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ANNOUNCEMENT INDEX

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