WE ARRIVED HOME SAFELY (3/11/18)
Claudia and I returned just returned from Phoenix, AZ where we supported the Los Angeles Dodgers in their spring training games in Phoenix, Arizona. The Dodgers defeated the Cleveland Indians on Monday 8-1. We stayed with former staff pastor here at Community, Ed Waken and his wife, Debbie. I am excited over the work God has given Ed in his ministry with God’s people at Valley Life Church in the Phoenix area (www.valleylifechurch.com). Got any friends or family looking for a church in that area? Tell them about Valley Life.
Lucy Salazar, Lydia’s mom, passed away a few days ago. We are going to have services for her this coming Saturday at 2pm here in our auditorium. Refreshments afterwards.
Evie Moen’s funeral is this coming Saturday at 1:30pm at Plymouth Church on Beverly.
Pastor Roy Halberg is raising money for WATER FOR GOOD as he bikes across America beginning this May. You can support his ministry by following the link below or by mailing a check to Water for Good.
https://donate.waterforgood.org/campaign/roy-rides-for-clean-water/c167978
Or send a check to water for good marked “Roy’s Ride” to
Water for Good
PO Box 247
Winona Lake, IN 46590
We are continuing our studies in the parables of Jesus today. We have looked at the sower/seed. Another week we looked at the parable of the ten virgins. And today we will be looking at the end of Matthew 25 as we ask WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO DO GREAT THINGS FOR GOD?
A "Guys Getaway" for men and their older sons led by Pastors Tom Hocking & Rich Todd is being held the weekend of April 27-29. Get away, connect with God and each other, and re-ignite a passion for radical Christian living. There will be opportunities on Friday before the retreat as well as Saturday afternoon for some off-roading adventures. $130 [includes food, lodging, high ropes adventure, paint ball, recreation, etc.]
Contact me for payment details.
God’s best to you,
Pastor Richard
WE'RE HEADED TO WATCH THE DODGERS WIN IN PHOENIX (and they did)
Claudia and I are taking few days this week to support the Los Angeles Dodgers in their spring training games in Phoenix, Arizona. We will be attending their game tomorrow when they play the Cleveland Indians. We will be staying with former staff pastor here at Community, Ed Waken and his wife, Debbie. We will return this coming Wednesday and be back in the office Thursday. When do we leave town? Ten minutes after we say AMEN at the end of the message today.
Have you heard the saying that goes: MUCH PRAYER, MUCH BLESSING, LITTLE PRAYER, LITTLE BLESSING, NO PRAYER, NO BLESSING? Sign up for the Impact Prayer Seminar that will be March 13-14. Registration flyers are at the Information Center in the Lobby.
A "Guys Getaway" for men and their older sons led by Pastors Tom Hocking & Rich Todd is being held the weekend of April 27-29. Get away, connect with God and each other, and re-ignite a passion for radical Christian living. There will be opportunities on Friday before the retreat as well as Saturday afternoon for some off-roading adventures. $130 [includes food, lodging, high ropes adventure, paint ball, recreation, etc.]
Contact Pastor Richard for payment details.
31-Day Prayer Guide on World Missions is available for you to pick up at the Information Center today.
God’s best to you,
Pastor Richard
BILLY GRAHAM HAS MOVED (2/25/18)
Billy Graham moved this past week. He no longer lives in North Carolina but has relocated to Heaven. Yes, he died at 99. Read my three quotes of the week in tribute to his life and ministry.
We looked at one person from the Old Testament and one from the New Testament on February 18th. First Peter then Jonah and I pointed that God is the God of the second chance.
A "Guys Getaway" for men and their older sons led by Pastors Tom Hocking & Rich Todd from April 27-29. Get away, connect with God and each other, and re-ignite a passion for radical Christian living. There will be opportunities on Friday before the retreat as well as Saturday afternoon for some off-roading adventures. $130 [includes food, lodging, high ropes adventure, paint ball, recreation, etc.]
Contact Pastor Richard for payment details.
31-Day Encompass Partners Prayer Guide is available for you to pick up at the Information Center today.
God’s best to you,
Pastor Richard
FIRST QUOTE BY BILLY GRAHAM FOR THIS WEEK
SOMEDAY YOU WILL READ OR HEAR THAT BILLY GRAHAM IS DEAD. DON’T YOU BELIEVE A WORD OF IT. I SHALL BE MORE ALIVE THAN I AM NOW. I WILL JUST HAVE CHANGED MY ADDRESS. I WILL HAVE GONE INTO THE PRESENCE OF GOD.
SECOND QUOTE BY BILLY GRAHAM FOR THIS WEEK
THE GREATEST LEGACY ONE CAN PASS ON TO ONE’S CHILDREN AND GRANDCHILDREN IS NOT MONEY OR OTHER MATERIAL THINGS…BUT RATHER A LEGACY OF CHARACTER AND FAITH
THIRD QUOTE BY BILLY GRAHAM FOR THIS WEEK
IT IS THE HOLY SPIRIT’S JOB TO CONVICT, GOD’S JOB TO JUDGE AND MY JOB TO LOVE.
TWO HOLIDAYS ON ONE DAY THIS WEEK (2/18/18)
Soup and salad go together but it just doesn’t seem to fit that Valentine’s Day and Ash Wednesday go together. But it did this year on our calendars. It hasn’t come together on the calendar since 1945 when WWII was in its concluding days. And it won’t be back with us anytime soon.
I want you to know about the Impact Leadership & Prayer Seminar coming up March 13 and 14. Claudia and I attended this seminar in 2017 and learned much. Pastor Dee Duke is from Oregon and only teaches seminars on prayer. This seminar will be held at White-Emerson at Friends and Philadelphia in Uptown. You can register at 2018impactseminar.eventbrite.com or you can pick up an info sheet at the Information Center today.
I hope you see me this morning here on church campus because I conducted a funeral service yesterday at 11am for my uncle near Orlando, Florida. Lord willing, I returned home last evening and am worshipping with you this morning and planning on sharing Sweet and Sour Pork with you at Silver Palace at lunch.
Yes, I was sick this week for two days. Medicine? We took Diana’s advice to eat Wonton soup. And the best can only be gotten from Magic Wok over on Passons. Right?
I hope you can go to lunch with us today at Silver Palace. If you haven’t made reservations and still want to attend, please check with Oralia Alvarado for any openings.
Please take note that Walking in the Word will not meet tonight but will resume on February 25th.
Plan to come together next Sunday, February 25 as a church for a time of sharing about our next steps as a church family.
God’s best to you,
Pastor Richard
VALENTINES IS WEDNESDAY (2/11/18)
On January 28 we studied Mark 4 and considered the parable of the Sower and the Seed. February 4th we read in Matthew 13 and considered WHEN THE LORD IS DOING HIS WORK THE DEVIL IS DOING HIS WORK. This was the parable of the sower and the seed. Today, we are going to read in Ephesians 4 and consider how to have A RELATIONSHIP THAT GOES THE DISTANCE.
Join Claudia and I for the Silver Palace lunch on February 18th. We need you to sign up at the Information Center today if you are coming.
Every February the churches in the Whittier area meet on the second Saturday for a day of prayer. It’s a great idea that God’s people come together for prayer. This year’s Prayer Summit was yesterday. attended several times during the day beginning around 9:30am. It is always one of my special times of spiritual charging during the month.
We are planning on a brief tea minute meeting right after church today in the auditorium to bring you up to date on the sale of our church campus.
Our ministerial examining team will be meeting with two men this coming Tuesday at the request of several of our churches. Pray for these men: Justin and Dave.
I want to remind you of our purpose as a church family on a regular basis. Here is how we are presenting our mission: Community Grace Brethren Church is endeavoring to be the family of God together in joyful, Christ-centered worship and is committed to: leading men, women, and children to a personal saving faith in Jesus Christ; building ourselves in the faith on the Word of God; and serving others here and throughout the world.
God’s best to you,
Pastor Richard
WE SAID HI TO ED LEWIS (2/4/18)
Claudia and I went with a group of you down to Norwalk Grace Brethren Church on January 28th for an evening with Ed Lewis and TK and the CE National team. This is the one week each year where you can say HELLO to Ed Lewis and the CE National team. While we were there Ed and the team announced that CE National is establishing a West Coast center for Urban Hope at that Norwalk church starting this calendar year.
We’ve got another SILVER PALACE LUNCH planned for February 18th. Sign up today.
Every February the churches in the Whittier area meet on one Saturday for concentrated and focused prayer. It’s a great idea that God’s people come together for prayer. This year’s Prayer Summit is scheduled for this coming Saturday, February 10. The location is the Salvation Army facility on Pickering just north of our church campus on Whittier Blvd. Join me for some prayer during that day.
My pastor friend, Roy Halberg, is planing to travel across the United States on bike during 2018. He and his wife, Andrea, were with us in worship on January 21st. He is planning to raise money for Water for Good on this trip. I’ll let you know the details.
A friend of mine who is a pastor wrote a tribute to the ministry of Pastor Roy who retired December 31st. I’ve put some copies at the Information Center for you to pick up today and read.
This past Monday I headed out with other pastors, missionaries and church leaders from this Southwest area of the country for several days of prayer and study in the Scriptures (up near Lake Hughes). We call this gathering the SOUTHWEST FOCUS RETREAT as there are similar retreats held in various regions of the United States during the year. Our focus this year was on Creating a Culture of Apprenticeship for Leadership Development.
I have preached sermons on THE PARABLE OF THE SOWER and sermons on THE PARABLE OF THE SEED but I called my sermon of January 28 THE PARABLE OF WHERE IT ALL BEGAN. And rightly so. What God told Adam and Eve, Jesus also told us..
God’s best to you,
Pastor Richard
SAY HI TO ED LEWIS (1/28/18)
Join me for the CE National Celebration January 28th at 6pm at Norwalk Grace Brethren Church. This is the one week each year where you can say HELLO to Ed Lewis and the CE National team. Some of us will meet here at 8109 Greenleaf Avenue then head out to the celebration. Speak with Bob Hetzler if you want to travel with the group.
We’ve got another SILVER PALACE LUNCH planned for February 18th. Put it on your calendar now.
Every February the churches in the Whittier area meet on one Saturday for concentrated and focused prayer. It’s a great idea that God’s people come together for prayer. This year’s Prayer Summit is scheduled for Saturday, February 10, 2018. The location is the Salvation Army facility on Pickering just north of Whittier Blvd. Join me for some prayer during that day.
My pastor friend, Roy Halberg, is planing to travel across the United States on bike during 2018. He and his wife, Andrea, were with us in worship on January 21st. He is planning to raise money for Water for Good on this trip. I’ll let you know the details.
A friend of mine who is a pastor wrote a tribute to the ministry of Pastor Roy who retired December 31st. I’ve put some copies at the Information Center for you to pick up today and read.
January 29-31, I will be heading out with other pastors, missionaries and church leaders from this Southwest area of the country for several days of prayer and study in the Scriptures (up near Lake Hughes). We call this gathering the SOUTHWEST FOCUS RETREAT as there are similar retreats held in various regions of the United States during the year. Pray for us in our time together. Our focus this year is Creating a Culture of Apprenticeship for Leadership Development. Bob Hetzler is also attending from our church family.
God’s best to you,
Pastor Richard
CREATING A CULTURE FOR LEADERSHIP (1/21/18)
Join me for the CE National Celebration January 28th at 6pm at Norwalk Grace Brethren Church. This is the one week each year where you can say HELLO to Ed Lewis and the CE National team. Some of us will meet here at 8109 Greenleaf Avenue then head out to the celebration. Speak with Bob Hetzler if you want to travel with the group.
We’ve got another SILVER PALACE LUNCH planned for February 18th. Put it on your calendar now.
Us Whittier Pastors and some local missionaries met this past Thursday at Whittier Area Community Church to plan on upcoming community events like the February prayer summit and Serve Whittier weekend coming in April.
Every February the churches in the Whittier area meet on one Saturday for concentrated and focused prayer. It’s a great idea that God’s people come together for prayer. This year’s Prayer Summit is scheduled for Saturday, February 10, 2018. The location is the Salvation Army facility on Pickering just north of Whittier Blvd. Join me for some prayer during that day.
My pastor friend, Roy Halberg, is planing to travel across the United States on bike during 2018. He and his wife, Andrea, are with us today in worship. I’ve asked him to share his trip plans and how he is planning to use the trip to benefit God’s work overseas.
January 29-31, I will be heading out with other pastors, missionaries and church leaders from this Southwest area of the country for several days of prayer and study in the Scriptures (up near Lake Hughes). We call this gathering the SOUTHWEST FOCUS RETREAT as there are similar retreats held in various regions of the United States during the year. Pray for us in our time together. Our focus this year is Creating a Culture of Apprenticeship for Leadership Development
God’s best to you,
Pastor Richard
I PICKED MY TIME by Pastor Richard (1/14/18)
Join me for the CE National Celebration January 28th at 6pm at Norwalk Grace Brethren Church. This is the one week each year where you can say HELLO to Ed Lewis and the CE National team. Some of us will meet here at 8109 Greenleaf Avenue then head out to the celebration. Speak with Bob Hetzler if you want to travel with the group.
We’ve got another SILVER PALACE LUNCH planned for February 15th. Put it on your calendar now.
We read Psalm 90 to start the new year on January 7th. We walked through the chapter and considered COUNTING YOUR DAYS. Today I will share with you on how I would like to see our world this year ahead.
Our Grace Connect pastors and missionaries met this past Tuesday at Manuel Espinosa’s church in Hawaiian Gardens. He and his wife, Raquel, send their greetings to you all.
God’s best to you,
Pastor Richard
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
I PICKED MY TIME
I’M STICKING AROUND UNTIL 99
Who would think that a 91 year old gal would choose this number to live to? Want to know? Ask Mando Rios today.
SECOND QUOTE OF THE WEEK
GOD IS FAITHFUL IN NORWALK AND REDDING
I received a Christmas card greeting from some of you over the recent Christmas holiday and it had these words in it. Guess who sent this note to me?
ON YOUR MARK, GET SET, GO INTO THE NEW YEAR! (1/7/18)
We spelled CHRISTMAS on Christmas Eve and then headed off to our homes to celebrate. And here we are back again with one another. Nine of you stood up front with me and shared on Christmas Eve. Remember who stood and shared? Marta t;hen Haylee then Ryan Jr. then Kyle then Helen then Carolyn then Ryan Sr. then Fernando and finally Derenda.
And what were the words they shared from the Christ story?
C was CHRIST by Marta
H was for HAPPY by Haylee
R was for REJOICE by Ryan Jr.
I was for IMMANUEL by Kyle
S was for SONG by Helen
T was for THREE WISE MEN by Carolyn
M was for MANGER by Ryan Sr.
A was for ADORATION by Fernando
S was for SAVIOR by Derenda Lackey
As I wrote her name, I realized that some of you have not met Derenda yet. She spelled the last letter on Christmas Eve and chose wisely. S was for SAVIOR. Thank you, Derenda.
Our Grace Connect pastors and missionaries from this region are gathering down in Lakewood with Pastor Manuel Espinosa at his church campus this coming Tuesday to pray and encourage one another.
I met with our Whittier area pastors this past Thursday over at Whitttier Area Community Church for the FIRST THURSDAY OF THE MONTH PRAYER. We meet early in the morning at 7:30 for pastors who work to support their kingdom ministry.
The days have been busy already in the new year showing people around our facilities that are searching for a new church campus.
Mark your calendar for January 28th at 6pm for the Southern California CE National Celebration at Norwalk Brethren Church. This gathering is held each January in a different church in our area. Last year we met here.
Our holiday schedule is back to normal as of today. Walking in the Word resumes today at 5:30 in the Chapel. We will be studying Matthew 5.
This could be the year that Jesus returns,
I mean it,
This could be it!
Even so come Lord Jesus.
Pastor Richard
IT'S THE START OF A NEW YEAR (12/31/17)
Starting the new year is a great time to start new practices like joining a small group or beginning a practice of Bible reading and prayer. I have placed some Daily Bread reading booklets on the table in the lobby for you to take and start your Bible reading.
Each new year has many opportunities and challenges, some of which we anticipate. Others we can’t begin to anticipate as the year begins. What does this new year hold for us as a church family? My prayer is that we will see more grace, more blessing, more growth, more ministry, more opportunities to minister to many lives-more than ever before here at Community. Let’s work hard together this year to be the church God calls us to be, all He wants every church to be, and to be what He wants us specifically to be-right here-right now.
We prepared a special Christmas video greeting for our very own Angie Garcia in our Christmas Eve service and we sent it to Angie.
Please take note of the holiday schedule for the church office printed in the bulletin.
Offerings received in our church office by the end of today will be credited for 2017 donations.
Our October church family gathering was at Silver Palace, our December gathering was at Marie Calendars’s. How bout we return to Silver Palace in February?
Happy New Year
Pastor Richard
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
ITS CORINTH ON STEROIDS
I met with one of you the other day and we discussed the new laws beginning on 1/1/18 that legalize certain new activities in our state that the Scripture do not endorse. And these words were your comment.
I WISH YOU A MERRY CHRISTMAS (12/24/17)
Someone shared some Christmas tips with me the other day. These are for all of us who want to keep the spirit of Christmas. What were they? Here are a few of them: 1) You can have the best Christmas ever when you have realistic expectations, 2) spend time with people that love you and do things that connect you with other people. Know a few more tips?
We have a holiday worship schedule today and again on December 31st (next Sunday). This includes holiday hours for our church office. The schedule returns to normal after January 7th.
How did we spell Christmas at our Christmas Eve Service last evening? You will have to check our Facebook page for the people and words that were shared. (Facebook C.G.B.C.).
Al-anon support group meetings are getting organized in our area with the plan to meet here on our church campus. Interested? Please let Oralia in the church office know of your interest. Or speak with me.
You and I will jointly prepare a special Christmas video greeting for our very own Angie Garcia today.
Offerings received in our church services or church office by December 31 will be credited for 2017 donations.
How do us Todd’s celebrate on Christmas Eve? We exchange stockings and eat chinese food.
Say it with me…MERRY CHRISTMAS
Pastor Richard
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
ONE OF THE BIGGEST CHRISTMAS SEASON DISPLAYS WE VISITED HAD NO NATIVITY DISPLAY
One of you families shared this with me a few days ago. I was saddened along with you.
I HAD LEMON MERINQUE PIE (12/17/17)
We had a special Christmas lunch on December 10th at Marie Calendars. We ate, we sang and we handed out some donated gifts to you. I know you enjoyed the time and we plan to get together again just after the new year.
I shared with you on December 3rd about the CHRISTMAS TRUCE that happened on Christmas Eve during the first World War in 1914 and the miracle that happened in the trenches in Europe. I have a copy of the book that tells that simple yet miraculous story which I have placed at the information Center today for you to stop and review.
Today is the third Sunday of Advent. Each Sunday before Christmas day one of you families will share the Advent theme of the week, share a Scripture portion and lead us in prayer. Don’t miss any of these Advent times with the final presentation being our Christmas Eve service. Matt Pompa, our worship leader, and Tori Bates, led us in December 3rd’s advent observance. Ben & Mariah led our advent time on December 10th.
God’s best to you,
Pastor Richard
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
HANUKKAH IS EIGHT OF THE HAPPIEST DAYS OF THE YEAR
This quote is shared in common by numerous Jewish folks world wide. Hanukkah runs from December 12-20, 2017. I have placed some flyers at the Information Center for you to take today that explain how Hanukkah is celebrated in many Jewish communities.
SECOND QUOTE OF THE WEEK
THANK YOU FOR YOUR PRAYERS
Both Angie Garcia and Judy Fisher sent us these words in recent days to pass on to you.
CHRISTMAS EVE TRUCE (12/10/17)
I shared with you on December 3rd about the CHRISTMAS TRUCE that happened on Christmas Eve during the first World War in 1914 and the miracle that happened in the trenches in Europe. I have a copy of the book that tells that simple yet miraculous story which I have placed at the information Center today for you to stop and review.
I am looking forward to our Christmas lunch at Marie Calendars today. Claudia and I will meet you over there (La Serna Marie’s) after this mornings service.
Today is the second Sunday of Advent. Each Sunday before Christmas day one of you families will share the Advent theme of the week, share a Scripture portion and lead us in prayer. Don’t miss any of these Advent times with the final presentation being our Christmas Eve service. Matt Pompa, our worship leader, and Tori Bates, led us in December 3rd’s advent observance.
Our Alanon group that meets on Wednesday evenings is having a dinner and speaker this Wednesday evening in our Plaza. Let me know if you want to join the gathering.
The pastors in our city meet here in our Plans this past Thursday for their monthly prayer meeting. Thank you to those of you who joined in and helped me set up for the event.
I enjoyed our gathering at Ed & Joyce Faranda’s Christmas yard light display (Gena also contributes) just last night. Put their house address on your LET’S GO SEE SOME CHRISTMAS LIGHTS list. The lights are co-ordinated with music and a message that you hear on your FM car radio. They live at 5203 Ashworth Street in Lakewood. If you can’t drive to see the dancing lights, then go to “dancing with lights” on Facebook and get a glimpse of what they are doing. The music includes songs that you will never hear at Starbucks because they proclaim the Savior’s birth plus a reading of the Luke 2 account and also a lighting of the Advent candles. All that in their front yard.
God’s best to you,
Pastor Richard
SIGN UP TODAY (12/3/17)
Sign up today for our Christmas Luncheon on December 10th. We will be gathering at Marie Calendars. Our praise team will be with us leading carols.
Thank you for opening your hearts to Pastor Ed Trenner on November 26th while I was away at my family Christmas celebration. Pastor Ed shared with us about THANKSGIVING.
Put Ed & Joyce Faranda’s Christmas yard light display (Gena also contributes) on your LET’S GO SEE SOME CHRISTMAS LIGHTS list. The lights are co-ordinated with music and a message that you hear on your FM car radio. They live at 5203 Ashworth Street in Lakewood. If you can’t drive to see the dancing lights, then go to www.dancingwithlights.com and get a glimpse of what they are doing. The music includes songs that you will never hear at Starbucks because they proclaim the Savior’s birth plus a reading of the Luke 2 account and also a lighting of the Advent candles. Saturday evening, December 9th from 7pm to 9:30pm the Farandas are having what you might call an OPEN HOUSE for their light display (Everyone welcome. Bring a dessert to share if possible). But plan to come.
This coming Thursday morning you and I will be hosting the Whittier area pastors here on church campus for their monthly prayer gathering. I thank the Lord we have a place to share.
The special Sundays of Advent begin today and continue through Christmas Eve. Each Sunday before Christmas day one of you families will share the Advent theme of the week, share a Scripture portion and lead us in prayer. Don’t miss any of these Advent times with the final presentation being our Christmas Eve service.
God’s best to you,
Pastor Richard
CELEBRATE THANKSGIVING EVERYDAY (11/26/17)
One of my most special church gatherings of the year is our Thanksgiving service which we observed this past Wednesday evening. One of the prayers I share each November is in my quote of the week below.
Please welcome my friend, Ed Trenner, to our pulpit today. Ed has pastored here in Southern California over the years. I first met Ed when he was an area director with Youth for Christ many years ago.
Our Daily Bread booklets that begin December 1 are available today. Take one or more for the people you share these with.
The special Sundays of Advent begin December 3rd, and continue through Christmas Eve. Each Sunday before Christmas day one of you families will share the Advent theme of the week, share a Scripture portion and lead us in prayer. Don’t miss any of these Advent times with the final presentation being our Christmas Eve service.
THANK YOU GALS for how pretty our church looks today with the decorations of advent. A group of you came out the day after Thanksgiving to DECORATE.
Today, Claudia and I are out of the area for an early Christmas celebration with the Todd clan. Our families are involved in a number of churches and end up selecting one Sunday each holiday season to gather and celebrate.
Sign up today for our Christmas Luncheon on Sunday afternoon, December 10. It will be a good time to gather together.
God’s best to you,
Pastor Richard
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
AT THIS TIME OF THANKSGIVING MAY THE LOVE OF GOD SURROUND YOU AND THE PEACE OF GOD FILL YOU AND THE JOY OF GOD ENRICH YOU
I shared this at our church Thanksgiving service this past Wednesday.
WHITTIER WELCOMES JIM HOCKING (11/19/17)
Plan to come with me today as we take our guest, Jim Hocking, to lunch after the service. This is a place where you can ask those one on one questions you often want to ask the speaker.
Bob Hetzler & I met up with our Grace Connect pastors and missionaries this past Tuesday. We meet monthly and our November gathering was in Simi Valley where Pastor Jordan Baker leads the team.
Our topic of consideration for the day was SABBATH DAY REST for Christians and especially leaders.
Pastor Roy Halberg announced this week that he is stepping down as the lead pastor of Grace Fellowship Church in Alta Loma as of 12/31/17. Roy will then prepare to drive across America on his bicycle (not his Harley) during 2018.
Our Bob Hetzler is co-ordinating prayer matters for our Grace Connect pastors and missionaries in this region of the country. Let Bob know if you are interested in keeping up to date with prayer requests.
November 26 we will be having guest speaker, Ed Trenner, open God’s Word with us. Claudia and I will be with our sons and their families to celebrate an early Christmas. I am not the only Todd who is on the staff of a church so we have to work our schedules carefully.
Pastor Eric Duros is part of the ministry team at Simi Valley Grace Church today. He and his wife and four kids are moving to Alta Loma to become lead pastor at Grace Fellowship Church in Alta Loma effective January 1, 2018.
I shared a video with you on November 12th that explains the new face of our Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches
http://charisfellowship.us/
God’s best to you,
Pastor Richard
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
IT IS GOD’S CHURCH
I was thinking about our church and it’s future when I heard these words from a speaker.
WE SEND OUR PRAYERS (11/12/17)
WE SEND OUR PRAYERS TO GOD’S PEOPLE AT FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH IN SUTHERLAND SPRINGS, TEXAS as they are finishing up their November 12th worship service. Their tragedy began one week ago on November 5th as we were worshipping here at 8109 Greenleaf.
A group of our gals are down at the Calvary Chapel Conference Center at Murietta Hot Springs this weekend for a retreat. Pray for them as they conclude their final service now and then return home this afternoon.
We opened our church campus this past Tuesday to those people in our neighborhood that voted in the local elections. People came to our Plaza to vote. We trust that we are sowing seeds in the Spirit of Christ whenever we host a community event where we can share our church campus.
Carol Duran took a tumble at our Silver Palace dinner on October 29th. She took a second tumble a few days later. She is recovering now and hope to have her back with us soon if not today. Alexis also took a tumble in recent days and hopes to be back with us soon.
We observed the 500th anniversary of the reformation on November 5th. The three key passages we considered related to 1) the gospel as seen in Romans 1:16-17, 2) the Scriptures as seen in 2 Timothy 3:16-17 and 3) the priesthood of believers as seen in 1 Peter 2:9.
Mark your calendars now for Sunday, November 19, when Jim Hocking will be with us. Jim had surgery earlier this month and is recovering now. His doctor has released him to travel out here from Indiana in November. Jim works with Water for Good in the Central African Republic. He will be sharing a report on the ministry and their goals for the next few years. Plan on hearing Jim at the 9:30 hour in the Chapel and then in Worship and then for lunch.
Mark your calendars for our Thanksgiving service which will be held on Wednesday evening, November 22 at 7pm in our chapel.
Sign up soon for our Church family Christmas dinner on December 10th.
God’s best to you,
Pastor Richard