THANK YOU MONA & TEAM (5/21/17)
Thank you Mona and team for the special corsages we shared with Moms on Mothers Day. Moms looked special. Tim Ramos shared from the New Testament on Timothy and his mom, Eunice (plus his grandmother, Lois). I shared from the Old Testament on the life of Hannah and her son, Samuel.
I shared a new prayer passage at Wednesday night prayer meeting from Isaiah 6:5-7 this past Wednesday. Each week I share another passage of Scripture. Come and join me this coming Wednesday at 6pm for thirty minutes of prayer.
Isaiah 6:5 Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts.
Isaiah 6:6 Then flew one of the seraphims unto me, having a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with the tongs from off the altar:
Isaiah 6:7 And he laid it upon my mouth, and said, Lo, this hath touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged.
Isaiah 6:8 Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.
Please take note of the Sunday morning schedule for May 28th in your bulletin.
Serve Whittier is a project of the Christians in our city this weekend. A final closing rally and testimony time will be held today in Central Park (corner of Washington Avenue and Bailey Avenue) beginning at 5pm (the rally includes dinner).
What Bible translation do we use here at Community? We preach from the English Standard Version (ESV) and ask all our Bible teachers to use the same.
Walking in the Word will not meet today as we attend the Serve Whittier Rally service today at 5pm.
God’s best to you,
Pastor Richard
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
DONT WORRY ABOUT THE STOCK MARKET, INVEST IN FAMILY.
A guy I know found this in his fortune cookie recently.
A CORSAGE FOR EVERY MOM (5/14/17)
We have special corsages for all the moms present with us today custom prepared with love by several of you.
We concluded our teaching series on GETTING STALLED IN THE CHRISTIAN JOURNEY on May 7th by looking at John 21 and The Breakfast Club of Jesus. Today we take a break in our studies for Mother’s Day and consider THE KIND OF MTHER EVERY CHILD NEEDS.
Many Whittier City Council meetings start with a person leading in prayer during the public comment time. The schedule is planned by many of us pastors in our monthly meetings. Would you like to lead in prayer publicly at an upcoming meeting of our City Council? If so, let me know and we can get you on the schedule.
Serve Whittier is a project of the Christians in our city and will be held the weekend of May 19-21. A kickoff prayer will be held outside Whittier City Hall on Saturday morning, May 20 at 8am. A final closing rally and testimony time will be held Sunday evening, May 21 beginning at 5pm at Central Park in Uptown (the rally includes dinner).
I meet with a group of you for 30 minutes of prayer most Wednesdays at 6pm. Each week I share a new verse on prayer from the Bible that I have not shared before. During the summer time we review verses from the September-June school year. I shared on May 10 the following: Psalm 89:49 Lord, where is your steadfast love of old, which by your faithfulness you swore to David?
Colossians 2:6-7 is our church family verse for 2017. I will remind you of it periodically as we go through this year. “Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, 7 rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.”
This is our purpose as a church family: 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
MOTHER'S DAY IS COMING THEN JULY 4th THEN CHRISTMAS (5/7/14)
MOTHERS DAY IS SEVEN DAYS AWAY AND THEN JULY 4TH COMES FAST
by Pastor Richard Todd
for the week beginning Sunday, May 7, 2017
Yes, Mother’s Day is next Sunday. I have to pick up 3 Mother’s Day cards this year as my son, Riley, and his wife, Bre, are in the midst of adopting a newborn baby, Ivar. Some months ago I purchased the first two cards so I just need to pick up one more this week.
Next Sunday we will have special corsages for all the moms present with us. Custom prepared with love by one of you.
Hundreds of believers from all over our city gathered at the Whittier City Hall steps this past Thursday evening for the National Day of Prayer. What did we pray for and about? I’ve placed a program with the people who led us in pray and the topics of prayer at the Information Center for you to look at today.
I meet with the lead pastors in our city the first Thursday morning of each month to pray. We currently have two pastors whose wives have stage 4 cancer amongst other diseases other wives have. We met a few days ago for our month of May prayer time.
Many Whittier City Council meetings start with a person leading in prayer during the public comment time. The schedule is planned by many of us pastors in our monthly meetings. Would you like to lead in prayer publicly at an upcoming meeting of our City Council? If so, let me know and we can get you on the schedule.
We continued our teaching series on GETTING STALLED IN THE CHRISTIAN JOURNEY on April 30 and studying Matthew 14 with GETTING STALLED BY A STORM. Today we turn to John 21 for our last message in the series.
Our next Church Family Business Meeting is today, May 7, after the conclusion of the morning service.
Serve Whittier is a project of the Christians in our city and will be held the weekend of May 19-21. A kickoff prayer will be held outside Whittier City Hall on Saturday morning, May 20. A final closing rally and testimony time will be held Sunday evening, May 21 beginning at 5pm at Central Park in Uptown (the rally includes dinner).
I meet with a group of you for 30 minutes of prayer most Wednesdays at 6pm. Each week I share a new verse on prayer from the Bible that I have not shared before. During the summer time we review verses from the September-June school year. I shared on May 3 the following: Psalm 90:12
So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.
God’s best to you,
Pastor Richard
NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER IS MAY 4th (4/30/17)
The National Day of Prayer is this coming Thursday, May 4th. The largest group of believers in our area will be gathering at the Whittier City Hall steps for prayer at 6:30pm. Plan to attend. The theme for 2017 is based on Daniel 9:19, which says, “O Lord, Listen! O Lord, Forgive! O Lord, Hear and Act! For Your Sake, O My God...”. I’ve put some invite cards for you to share with friends at the information Center for you to pick up today.
Our Al Anon group meets on Wednesdays at 7pm at 8031 Greenleaf. The meetings are connecting us with people that live in our neighborhood but have no connection with a local church family or Jesus for that matter. Come this Wednesday to 8031 Greenleaf at 7pm and meet some folks you don’t know.
My message for today, Sunday morning, April 30 is from Matthew 14. I have titled it STALLED IN A STORM.
Mother’s Day is a few weeks away. We will have corsages on hand for the mom’s in attendance that day thanks to your labor of love.
Our next Church Family Business Meeting is next Sunday, May 7, after the conclusion of the morning service.
Serve Whittier is a project of the Christians in our city and will be held the weekend of May 19-21. A kickoff prayer will be held outside Whittier City Hall on Saturday morning, May 20. A final closing rally and testimony time will be held Sunday evening, May 21 beginning at 5pm at Central Park in Uptown (the rally includes dinner).
I meet with a group of you for 30 minutes of prayer most Wednesdays at 6pm. Each week I share a new verse on prayer from the Bible that I have not shared before. During the summer time we review verses from the September-June school year. I shared on April 26 the following: Job 1:20 -22Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped, And said, Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD. In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly.
God’s best to you,
Pastor Richard
EASTER IS SHORTER THAN ADVENT (4/23/17)
We had all sorts of events in the space of seven days that began with Palm Sunday services including communion. Good Friday services included the Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast and our own Good Friday service at noon. Then Resurrection Sunday Sunrise Services to choose from and our own Easter service then it was all over. It passes too quick. I like the 25 days of Advent better.
Rejoice with me at those that turned to Christ in faith over this most recent Easter holiday.
Congratulations to Lucas Alexander Calvert and his parents, Brian and Annie, in the family dedication we had on Easter Sunday for their son, Lucas. I am most blest when the father and mother stands with me and shares their commitment to live a godly life as an example in their family. I also enjoy the father praying for his son. The family picture they took after the service included our own Aunt Mona Castro and Cousin Sarah and grandma.
Our church business meeting is today right after the conclusion of the morning service. Don’t go to lunch and come back. Come to the meeting in the Fellowship Hall then go to lunch afterwards.
National Day of Prayer is just around the corner on Thursday, May 4th. I usually gather with many believers at Whittier City Hall steps for prayer with a group of others at 6pm. Plan to attend. The theme for 2017 is based on Daniel 9:19, which says, “O Lord, Listen! O Lord, Forgive! O Lord, Hear and Act! For Your Sake, O My God...”.
God’s best to you,
Pastor Richard
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
YOU ARE ONLY ALLOWED TO WEAR DODGER SHIRTS, POPPY.
One of you gave me and my son and Henry Pompa a LAS VEGAS RAIDERS shirt and we posed after Easter Sunday services wearing the shirts endorsing the soon to be Las Vegas Raiders. My grandson, Ryan, informed me with these words that I am a Dodgers fan for life. Right Angel Garcia and Mando?
MY FAVORITE EASTER SEASON SONG (4/16/17)
Even though bunnies, eggs and other commercial images saturate the marketplace, 55 percent of Americans polled identified Jesus as the most recognized symbol of Easter. Even 41 percent of people who do not identify themselves as Christians associate Christ on the cross with the holiday. Only 11 percent selected the Easter Bunny, eggs and jelly beans, while 16 percent associated Easter with family gatherings. The true meaning of Easter wins out over the consumer-driven aspect of the holiday. Let’s get the TRUE STORY out there.
Our Easter celebrations began on Palm Sunday with Tim Ramos preaching from Matthew 7:21. Palm Sunday evening I observed communion with you in a very special time together. Add in a Prayer Meeting on Wednesday. Claudia and I continued with the Whittier Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast on Good Friday morning that some of you joined me at. We then continued at our Good Friday service. We started resurrection Sunday earlier today with a Sunrise Service and are now together with you in worship of our risen Lord. And this afternoon us Todd will be gathering in our back yard with family to celebrate. And I hope you also will be gathering with family and friends today.
Claudia and I have a painting at our house that we see every day. The title of the painting is RISEN. We’ve brought it to church today in the hope that you also will be blest by seeing it. Enjoy!
He is risen indeed!
Pastor Richard
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
IT’S MY SPECIAL EASTER SEASON SONG
We have several people that share special songs at different times of the year with us and one of those is Sheri Elisaldez who shared VIA DOLOROSA with us at our Good Friday service.
EASTER IS ONE WEEK LONG (4/9/17)
Easter is only one week away. Many of the churches in Whittier come together and sponsor the Sunrise Service which starts at 6:30am and meets at Joe Miller field (located at the corner of Mar Vista and Painter Avenue). I’ve placed some flyers at the Information Center in the Lobby for you to share with your friends that you invite.
Paul & Sherry White and their family want you to know that the memorial service for Paul’s mom, Eva, will be this Saturday, April 15th at 11am at Granada Heights Church in LaMirada.
The gals Spring craft day was yesterday. Thank you to Angela Pompa who headed up the day and event.
The sermon for today will be preached by Tim Ramos and is titled NOT WHAT I EXPECTED. Tim will be preaching from Matthew 7:21.
Join me today at 5:30pm today for our Easter Communion. I’ve placed some brochures at the Information Center for you that explains how we observe communion here at Community.
Please plan your schedules to attend the Church Business Meeting on Sunday, April 23rd, right after the conclusion of the morning service.
HE IS RISEN!
Pastor Richard
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
ITFDB
I went to the Dodger Home Opener this past Monday with two of my sons and a few of you. We had a great day and a great game that the Dodgers won. We hit a GRAND SLAM during the game (thanks Joc). I kept seeing these letters all over the place then finally it dawned on me what they represented….It’s Time For Dodger Baseball.
SECOND QUOTE OF THE WEEK
I HAD A DODGER FIG
My auto speller on my phone had a mind of its own as I kept texting some of you people that I had eaten a DODGER DOG at the baseball game last Monday.
I LOVE BREAKFAST ON GOOD FRIDAY (4/2/17)
Claudia and I have invited some of our Uptown neighbors to attend the Whittier Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast with us on Good Friday morning. And they just accepted. Speak with Claudia if you would like details on how to reserve a spot for yourself and others. www.whittierprayer.org
Good Friday at noon we will be having a service here on campus. Tim Ramos will be preaching the message. Sheri Elisaldez will be singing the VIA DOLOROSA. A sign announcing the service will be put out covering our church sign in a few days.
Our sermon on March 26th was from 1 Corinthians 12. We walked through the first part of the chapter considering that YOU HAVE BEEN SHAPED BY GOD TO SERVE THE CHURCH AND THE WORLD IN A WAY ONLY THAT YOU CAN.
Many Wednesday evenings I grab a burger or chicken or soup and meet up with Claudia here on campus before Prayer Meeting and Alan meeting and Women’s Bible Study and Men’s Bible Study. I was told that others notice when we have BBQ or onions or garlic fries and pizza, etc. Want to join us? Let me know and we can work out the details.
Make an Easter season craft this Saturday morning, April 8th, here on church campus. Angela Pompa will be the Craft Director that day. Activites start at 11am. See announcement in bulletin for details.
Please take note of the Easter season events on the other page in this bulletin.
He is Risen,
Pastor Richard
WHAT IS AN EASTER CRAFT?
Make an Easter season craft on Saturday morning, April 8th here on church campus. Angela Pompa will be the Craft Director that day. Activites start at 11am. See announcement in bulletin.
I had lunch with a group of Pico Rivera and Whittier Pastors a few days ago. One of the Pastors stood up and shared that the IMPACT PRAYER SEMINAR they attended this past week here in Uptown Whittier changed their life. Mine too.
Bob Hetzler leaves Los Angeles this Wednesday, March 29 and heads out to meet with his employer, Grace College, in Winona Lake, Indiana. He returns back here on Palm Sunday.
On March 19th we opened our Bibles to Isaiah 58 and looked at SHARING GODS’s HEART on things that we don’t often consider. Isaiah’s message was about GOD’S CONCERN FOR THE DOWNTRODDEN.
Our message this morning is our final in the current series on PUTTING ROOTS DOWN. We will be looking at Scripture in 1 Corinthians 12 and considering “we have been shaped by God to serve the church and the world.”
Our annual men’s retreat April 28-30. Sign up with Adam Landrum or Sheri Elisaldez right away.
Claudia and I are involved with the outreach at the Whittier Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast that will be held on Good Friday morning at 6:45 just up Greenleaf at the Hilton Doubletree Hotel. Andy Bales, Director of the Union Rescue Mission, is the speaker this year. Find out more about the Prayer Breakfast and getting tickets at www.whittierprayer.org
Please take note of the Easter season events on the other page in this bulletin.
He is Risen,
Pastor Richard
WHO WON ON GAME NIGHT? (3/19/17)
Who was the winner on GAME NIGHT two days ago? Check with Angela Pompa today (you can also ask Henry or Matt). HINT: Mando! Thanks to the Pompa Clan for organizing the evenings events.
Colossians 2:6-7 is our church family verse for 2017. I will remind you of it periodically as we go through this year. “Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, 7 rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.”
Claudia and I are involved with the outreach at the Whittier Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast that will be held on Good Friday morning at 6:45 just up Greenleaf at the Hilton Doubletree Hotel. Andy Bales, Director of the Union Rescue Mission, is the speaker this year. Find out more about the Prayer Breakfast and getting tickets at www.whittierprayer.org
Our annual men’s retreat April 28-30. Sign up with Adam Landrum or Sheri Elisaldez right away. And yes, Forest Home has a lot of snow right now.
Please take note of the Easter season events on the other page in this bulletin.
Max Henry is out of the hospital and on the mend. We mailed the GET WELL CARD from this past Monday. Max & Sharon are planning to travel tomorrow and be back in the Whittier area.
And our missionary partner, Kyle, is planning a brief report to you this morning.
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 held this week, March 21-22. Registration cards are at the Information Center in the Lobby.
God’s best to you,
Pastor Richard
EASTER IS ON THE WAY (3/12/17)
We started out the week when Lynn Sapp and I met with a solar consultant. We might be able to reduced our electrical expenses by 20%. Tuesday we had the LA County voting precinct that operated in our Plaza. On wednesday we had Prayer Meeting and Men’s Bible Study and Women’s Bible Study plus Alanon meeting here on campus. Thursday we hosted the Planning Team for the Whittier Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast. And Friday is when I am writing this note to you.
The Whittier Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast will be held on Good Friday morning at 6:45 just up Greenleaf at the Hilton Doubletree Hotel. Andy Bales, Director of the Union Rescue Mission, is the speaker this year. Find out more about the Prayer Breakfast and getting tickets at www.whittierprayer.org
Sharon Henry called me two days ago (on Friday) and shared that Max was in Mercy Hospital in Redding, CA. He had a heart attack Thursday and is slowly recovering. I have a get-well card for you to sign today that we will mail afterwards.
Our annual men’s retreat April 28-30. Sign up with Adam Landrum or Sheri Elisaldez right away.
Tim Ramos brought the heat of God’s Word on March 5th by speaking from Genesis 27 on the man we formally know as Jacob.
And our missionary partner, Kyle, is home for a few days for a family funeral.
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 21-22. Registration cards are at the Information Center in the Lobby.
God’s best to you,
Pastor Richard
OUR MEN LOVE GOING TO THE LOCAL MOUNTAINS (3/5/17)
Our annual men’s retreat April 28-30. Sign up with Adam Landrum or Sheri Elisaldez right away. And yes, Forest Home has a lot of snow right now.
This past Wednesday, March 1, millions of people flocked to their churches to receive a cross shaped smudge of ashes on their foreheads. This day is referred to as Ash Wednesday. It marks the beginning of the liturgical season of the year called LENT which involves 40 days (NOT COUNTING SUNDAYS) of fasting and penitential preparation leading up to Easter. Lent is a season of soul-searching and repentance. It is a season for reflection and taking stock. Lent originated in the very earliest days after the ascension of Jesus as a preparatory time for Easter, when the faithful rededicated themselves and when converts were instructed in the faith and prepared for baptism. By observing the forty days of Lent, the individual Christian imitates Jesus’ withdrawal into the wilderness for forty days. The early followers of Christ also observed Lent, believing it to be a commandment from the apostles. Now that you know when Lent begins this year, do you know when Lent ends?
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 21-22. Registration cards are at the Information Center in the Lobby.
Claudia and I returned just yesterday from Phoenix, AZ where we supported the Los Angeles Dodgers in their spring training games in Phoenix, Arizona. 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 em about Valley Life.
Weekly Alanon meetings have started here on campus on Wednesday evenings at 7pm. Invite your friends, family and neighbors to attend. This is a support/encouragement group for people who have been negatively impacted by alcoholism (and yes, my family has been negatively impacted by alcoholism). These weekly meetings will be using our group meeting rooms at our 8031 Greenleaf building. Contact Theresa B. for more info at (626) 806-8704. Or talk to me.
Our missionary partner, Kyle Cherryholmes, is coming home to Southern California for a few days this coming week for the funeral services for his grandmother who passed away recently.
Our City of Whittier is still recovering from the recent shooting death of a police officer Keith Boyer. Services were held a few days ago. Some of you are wearing buttons with the words WHITTIER STRONG.
Tim Ramos is bringing the message today as we continue our Easter series on GROWING ROOTS IN YOUR SPIRITUAL LIFE.
And I am preaching this morning at Grace Brethren Church in Uptown Whittier. The service concludes before 11am so I will be joining you in worship shortly after that.
Gods best to you
Pastor Richard
ASH WEDNESDAY IS IN THREE DAYS (2/26/17)
This coming Wednesday, March 1, millions upon millions of people will flock to their churches to receive a cross shaped smudge of ashes on their foreheads. This day is referred to as Ash Wednesday. It marks the beginning of the liturgical season of the year called LENT which involves 40 days (NOT COUNTING SUNDAYS) of fasting and penitential preparation leading up to Easter. Lent is a season of soul-searching and repentance. It is a season for reflection and taking stock. Lent originated in the very earliest days after the ascension of Jesus as a preparatory time for Easter, when the faithful rededicated themselves and when converts were instructed in the faith and prepared for baptism. By observing the forty days of Lent, the individual Christian imitates Jesus’ withdrawal into the wilderness for forty days. The early followers of Christ also observed Lent, believing it to be a commandment from the apostles. Now that you know when Lent begins this year, do you know when Lent ends?
Our BIRTHDAY SHOUT OUT today goes to Larry Olguin. Today is Larry’s day.
My hope is that we grow together as God’s people in God’s family. And to do that we need to strengthen our roots. STRENGTHENING OUR ROOTS is the what I am calling our new Scripture series on Sunday mornings here at Community. We studied in Psalm 1 on February 19th with A TALE OF TWO TREES. One tree had roots and stability and grew. The tree without roots died.
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 21-22. Registration cards are at the Information Center in the Lobby.
Claudia and I are taking few days vacation later this week to support the Los Angeles Dodgers in their spring training games in Phoenix, Arizona. We will be staying with former staff pastor here at Community, Ed Waken and his wife, Debbie. We will return this coming Saturday.
Colossians 2:6-7 is our verse for 2017. I will remind you of it as we go through this year. “Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, 7 rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.”
Weekly Alanon meetings will be starting here on campus this Wednesday evening at 7pm. Invite your friends, family and neighbors to attend. This is a support/encouragement group for people who have been negatively impacted by alcoholism (and yes, my family has been negatively impacted by alcoholism). These weekly meetings will be using our group meeting rooms at our 8031 Greenleaf building. Contact Theresa B. for more info at (626) 806-8704. Or talk to me.
Gods best to you
Passtor Richard
A SPECIAL PRAYER SEMINAR (2/19/17)
Sign up for the Impact Prayer Seminar will be held on March 21-22. This is a city-wide two day teaching. I’ve put some Info Cards at the Information Center for you today.
Weekly Alanon meetings will be starting here on campus on Wednesday evening, March 1 at 7pm. Invite your friends, family and neighbors to attend. This is a support/encouragement group for people who have been negatively impacted by alcoholism (and yes, my family has been negatively impacted by alcoholism). These weekly meetings will be using our group meeting rooms at our 8031 Greenleaf building. Contact Theresa Bartholomew for more info at (626) 806-8704. Or talk to me.
We finished our studies in the New Testament book of Colossians on February 12th reviewing the book and its emphasis on GRATITUDE.
The World of Life church that meets on our church campus on Sunday afternoons has appreciated the help we
Thank you Anthony for your comment about your difficulty discovering our Sunday morning church service schedule. We have adjusted our church signage out on Greenleaf Avenue now.
Thank you, Betty, for reminding me of when we first met. It had been a few years and I had forgotten.
God’s best to you,
Pastor Richard
FIRST, QUOTE OF THE WEEK
I HOLD MY WIFE’S HAND WHEN I TAKE HER SHOPPING
One of you men share these words with me the other day when your wife got hold of a 30% off coupon to one of her favorite stores.
SECOND, QUOTE OF THE WEEK
YOU HAVE BEEN THE PERFECT FAMILY TO ME
Sailor Sandoval (Joseph) said this to the group gathered the other day before he headed off to Boot Camp.
WHAT A SUPER BOWL ENDING! (2/12/17)
We usually go to a Super Bowl Party but this year Claudia was sick so we celebrated with our living room tv and Corner Bakery snacks. I left the room for the first half then headed over to church for Walking in the Word. I felt like i wasn’t missing anything until I checked the score afterwards and discovered the game was in overtime. Wow! What a second-half game I missed. Back to the Super Bowl Sunday Game next year, Lord willing, with a healthy wife.
Sign up for the Impact Prayer Seminar will be held on March 21-22. This is a city-wide two day teaching. I’ve put some Info Cards at the Information Center for you today.
Weekly Alanon meetings will be starting here on campus on Wednesday evening, March 1 at 7pm. This is a support/encouragement group for people who have been negatively impacted by alcoholism. These weekly meetings will be using our group meeting rooms at our 8031 Greenleaf building. Contact Theresa Bartholomew for more info at (626) 806-8704. Or talk to me.
Our church sign out on Greenleaf now has the time of our Sunday morning service (10:45am) posted on it. Two different families that have visited us on Sundays recently said they had difficulty finding out what time we gathered for worship.
We observed a city-wide day of prayer around the corner from us at at the local Salvation Army Chapel. Pastors and churches came together all day for prayer for specific topics. I led in prayer at 2pm for the homeless in our city.
We are wrapping up our studies in the book of Colossians today. Last Sunday we walked through Colossians 4:2-6 where we saw the points to 1) pray for one, 2) act in love and 3) speak when you have the chance. Today we TAKE ON THE WORLD WITH A SMILE and review the book of Colossians.
FUTURE SAILOR SANDOVAL will be SAILOR SANDOVAL in just a few days. We prayed and said our farewells with Joseph yesterday.
God’s blessings on you,
Pastor Richard
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
I’LL NEVER FORGET MY EXPERIENCEWITH YOU
A gal attended a youth seminar with our youth group a few years ago. She shared these words with us recently.
ED LEWIS SENDS HIS GREETINGS (2/5/17)
Ed Lewis sends his best to you. He and TK shared many updates at the CE National Celebration right here in our own auditorium last Sunday night. On a little sidenote, Ed Lewis has grown a goatee since the last time we saw him.
FUTURE SAILOR SANDOVAL (aka Joseph Sandoval) will be heading out to the Chicago area February 14th for his basic training and then advanced training/placement in his naval career. We were able to pray with him and for him in our service on January 29.
A group of our youth have been at Forest Home Christian Conference Center this weekend for the Willing Workers Weekend and are returning home as you read this (if you are reading this at the worship hour). Pray for their safe return home.
The first part of this past week (Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday) I was at The Oaks Conference Center up near Lake Hughes meeting with our pastors and missionaries from this Southwestern region. Our own Bob Hetzler was part of the big group. Many people send their greetings to you, the Community Church family.
The leaders of our Fellowship Council met on Thursday and Friday in Seal Beach.
We received a note from Darlene Benson’s family the other day: ”Thank you for asking about my mom. She had her 91st birthday on January 3rd. She was happy and her health seems to be stable at the moment. She was pleased to have her quarterly perm and seems to be content.”
Whittier Area Churches are joining in a day of prayer this coming Saturday (February 11th) around the corner from us at the Salvation Army. This is known as the annual Whittier Area Prayer Summit. It begins at 7am and continues through 6pm. Come anytime for a little bit or longer (I will be there to pray around 2:00pm). Location is 7926 S. Pickering. More info at www.whittierareaprayersummit.com plus there are flyers at the Information Center for you to get that explains the schedule of prayer for the day. I’ve also set a few invite cards outdoor you to invite someone to come with you to the time of prayer. There are always people who are open to prayer who are not at your place of faith in our Lord.
Hope you have a great day atyour Super Bowl Parties today. Yes, I am going to a SUPER Super Bowl Party today. Who am I rooting for? I am rooting for the ……
God’s best to you,
Pastor Richard
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
I GOT MY CE NATIONAL PEN FOR THE YEAR.
One of you picks up a new pen each year at the CE National Celebration.
How Happy Are You With Your Work? (1/29/17)
Join me for the CE National Celebration today at 6pm right here in our own church auditorium. This is one of those times we will have Ed and TK standing side by side speaking which doesn't happen too often. Refreshments will be served afterwards. Speak with Marta Becerra or Bob Hetzler if you can help serve.
Every February the churches in the Whittier area meet on one Saturday for concentrated and focused prayer. This year’s Prayer Summit is scheduled for Saturday, February 11, 2017. The location is the Salvation Army facility (7926 S.Pickering Ave.) one block north of Whittier Blvd. Join me. Schedules are at the Information Center for you to pick up. Location is 7926 S. Pickering. More info is at the Prayer Summit website: www.whittierareaprayersummit.com
Our State of California has enacted several new laws as of January 1st that enable the use of “pot” (marijuana). What does the Bible say about its’ use or the use of drugs in general? Want to discuss these matters in light of Scripture? Let me know and let’s sit down individually or as a small group.
Tomorrow, January 30th, 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. Both Bob Hetzler and I will be attending from our church family. Our focus this year is ministering to families.
If you interested in standing up for RIGHT TO LIFE issues, please speak with my wife, Claudia.
We are continuing our Scripture studies in Colossians 3 and 4 asking Are You Happy With Your Job?
God's best to you,
Pastor Richard
WE ALL NEED A PRAYER REVIVAL (1/22/17)
Every February the churches in the Whittier area meet on one Saturday for concentrated and focused prayer. This year’s Prayer Summit is scheduled for Saturday, February 11, 2017. The location is the Salvation Army facility (7926 S.Pickering Ave.) one block north of Whittier Blvd. Join me. Schedules are at the Information Center for you to pick up. Location is 7926 S. Pickering. More info is at the Prayer Summit website: www.whittierareaprayersummit.com
Mark your calendar for January 29th for the Southern California CE National Celebration right here on our church campus. This gathering is held each January in a different church in our area and 2017 is our turn. Last time we met here at 8109 Greenleaf we prepared cupcakes with the face of Ed Lewis & TK on them. Come on the 29th at 6pm.
Our State of California has enacted several new laws as of January 1st that enable the use of “pot” (marijuana). What does the Bible say about its’ use or the use of drugs in general? Want to discuss these matters in light of Scripture? Let me know and let’s sit down individually or as a small group.
It was good to meet you, Anthony, in our Sunday service on January 15th. I will look for you on the Whittier College Campus as I drive by now that we know you work there.
We are finalizing details to share our second church auditorium with Iglesia Palabra de Vida (Word of Life Church) currently located in Pico Rivera but will begin worshipping here on our church campus on Sunday afternoons beginning in February. I look forward to introducing Pastor Miguel and and his family to you soon.
Last Sunday I looked with you at Colossians 3:12-17 on relationships in life. Today we are studying 3:18-21 on physical family and spiritual family relationships.
The Whittier Pregnancy Care Clinic is sponsoring the STEPS4LIFE event on Saturday, March 4, 2017 at the campus of Whittier Christian High School on Beach Blvd. Go to www.wpccsteps.com for more details.
God’s best to you,
Pastor Richard
ALWAYS GOOD BBQ!
Our Grace Leaders Network met this past Tuesday, January 10th, at the church campus of Pastor Manuel Espinosa Iglesia Cristiana de la Communidad.. We had time of prayer and sharing during the morning then enjoyed lunch prepared by his wife, Raquel.
Every February the churches in the Whittier area meet on one Saturday for concentrated and focused prayer. This year’s Prayer Summit is scheduled for Saturday, February 11, 2017. The location is the Salvation Army facility on Pickering just north of Whittier Blvd. Join me. Schedules are at the Information Center for you to pick up.
Larry Olguin was up on the church auditorium roof just before the rain of this week to clean out the drains. He came across the first of what we believe to be many….drones. It is for sale.
We had a special lunch with our Missionary Partners, Brenda and Bess, on January 8th. They reported to us during the morning then we headed over to Chris N Pitts for lunch. It is the kind of place where we eat too much. I must tell you that one of you ate six beef ribs plus a baked potato.
Mark your calendar for January 29th for the Southern California CE National Celebration right here on our church campus. This gathering is held each January in a different church in our area and 2017 is our turn. Last time we met here at 8109 Greenleaf we prepared cupcakes with the face of Ed Lewis & TK on them. Come on the 29th at 6pm.
God’s best to you,
Pastor Richard
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
I CHOSE THIS CHURCH TO VISIT BECAUSE OF ITS NAME
Grace and her daughter, Ariana, choose to visit us January 8th and shared with us the reason they came was because its name matched hers.