REVIVE US AGAIN (10/23/17)
“REVIVE US2” is an event for Christians across our country that is being held in many locations this Tuesday, October 24. Look up the title on the internet for details of a local gathering in our area.
I met with Sally Rojas and her family this past Wednesday at Olive Lawn Cemetery in LaMirada for prayer in the passing of Alice Rojas.
This past Thursday I spent the day with a group of our California and national leaders in the city of Orange. We discussed outreach and church planting in Southern California. Pastor Jeff Bogue, who pastors 7,000 people in Akron, Ohio was part of the group. I met Pastor Jeff and Tom Avey at 9:30pm that same evening to show them our church campus. All they said was, “WHAT A BEAUTIFUL PLACE!”
We tackled the tenth chapter of Ecclesiastes on October 15th and discovered the origination of the phrase of “a little birdie told me.” Today, we move on towards the end of the book.
God’s best to you,
Pastor Richard
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
NOW IM A DODGER FAN
a friend ours has been a Cleveland Indians baseball fan for many years. After the Indians were eliminated from the baseball playoffs the other day she announced these words to her social world.
A WEEK FOR THE BOOKS (10/15/17)
It’s been another crazy week making it 5 tragedies in the space of 6 weeks. Tragedies both of the making of mankind and also nature. Once again God’s people have been gathering for prayers.
Nathan Bryant joined us in worship on October 8th and shared a message on GODS WORK CONTINUING from John 5. Nathan now leads the church planting organization known as ASSIST. We shared lunch with Nathan at Chris n Pitts after church before he headed out for other meet-ups.
This past Monday morning Claudia and I headed up north to the Morro Bay area to celebrate our anniversary….our 35th if you are counting. We enjoyed our time away and are glad to be back with you in worship once again. Nice time away and nice to be home. I’ve got a special photo to share with you this morning.
Plan to come together as a group on Sunday, October 29 after the morning service. We will go to Silver Palace for Chinese food.
God’s best to you,
Pastor Richard
HE CAME HERE FROM CANADA (10/8/17)
The message today here at Community is being shared by Nathan Bryant who is from Canada. Nathan is both pastor and church planter and comes to us today as head of a new organization called Assist. I’ll have Nathan tell you about it. You are invited to lunch afterwards at Chris n Pitts on Washington Blvd.
You can give to Encompass Crisis Response and mark your gift for GENERAL RELIEF, EARTHQUAKE RELIEF, STORM RELIEF or REFUGEE RELIEF.
Jim Hocking heads up the ministry of WATER FOR GOOD in Africa. I shared with you that Jim was going to be with us on Sunday morning, October 22nd. Jim called me a few days ago and shared with me he has just been scheduled for major surgery on October 17. He will be in recovery and rehab through the end of this month so he won’t be with us until December.
God’s best to you,
Pastor Richard
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
HERE COMES MY BEARDED PASTOR
I was walking along the hall here on campus last Sunday and was approaching one of you when I heard these words.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
PRAY FOR LAS VEGAS
I have heard these words from numerous Christian leaders this week about the shooting in Las Vegas on Sunday evening, October 1st.
THE WEEK IN REVIEW (10/1/17)
Kent & Judy Robinson visited our church family the other Sunday. Kent & Judy grew up here in Whittier and some years ago moved out of state when Kodak closed its facility here in Whittier behind Home Depot and they accepted a transfer to Colorado.
Mark your calendars now for Sunday, October 22, when Jim Hocking will be with us. 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 years until 2030. Plan on hearing Jim at the 9:30 hour in the Chapel and then in Worship and then for lunch.
There is another Christian film being shown this coming week in theaters across the United States for several days only. Speak with me if you want the details.
If you weren’t able to attend thechurch family meeting on September 24th please speak with me to get a report.
God’s best to you,
Pastor Richard
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
ANNIE NEAT WAS THE ONLY CHRISTIN I HAVE MET WHO PRACTICED WHAT THEY PREACHED.
Claudia and I did business with someone recently who worked with Annie Neat a number of years ago. This was the comment shared with us about knowing Annie.
ANOTHER QUOTE OF THE WEEK
I CAME TO FAITH IN CHRIST AND STARTED WORSHIPPING WITH THE FAMILY OF GOD HERE AT COMMUNITY. The person that first worked with me spiritually was Curly Dalke. I now worship with Pastor Miguel and the people of God and Word of Life Church.
GOD'S BEST TO YOU, MIKE & HEIDI ROMERO (9/24/17)
When I came and joined you folks as your pastor Mike & Heidi Romero were already part of the worshipping community here at Community with their growing family that ended up including four sons (Aaron, Matt, Devin and Jonathon). We celebrated Mike’s retirement recently and on September 17th we wished them GOD’S BEST as they worshipped with us for the last time here in Whittier before they headed out to their new home in Idaho. When they are with us next they will be visiting from their new home. I have put a “housewarming” card at the Information Centerfor you to sign that we will send them on their new home and church community and chapter in life.
Join our church family for lunch today after the morning service as we spend some time together. I will share an update on our church facilities and future together and answer some of your questions.
We have been studying in the book of Ecclesiastes on Sunday mornings here at Community in recent weeks. Our most recent study was in chapter four where Solomon shared the characteristics of healthy relationships.
Claudia and I headed out of town last Sunday for the week. We returned Friday afternoon and are with you today in worship. Both of us are back in touch with people starting today for me and tomorrow for her.
Rosh Hashanah has just past this week and Yom Kippur begins this coming Friday. I have placed brochures explaining each at the Information Center for you to pick up today.
God’s best to you,
Pastor Richard
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
GOD JUDGES EVERYONE
This is the theme of the Jewish holidays ROSH HOSHANNA and YOM KIPPUR as explained by Jewish leaders.
I MET WITH A GROUP OF PASTORS AND MISSIONARIES THIS WEEK (9/17/17)
A group of us pastors and missionaries from this area of SoCal met up this past Tuesday at Grace Church in Orange, CA. This area includes Southern California, Arizona and other states that have only a few Grace churches located there. This includes Nevada and New Mexico as of this writing. Tom Avey and his wife are visiting in the area so Tom shared a presentation.
SOCAL NEWS: Pastor Brian Zuniga has been on the staff at Grace Church of Orange in recent years. Starting October 1, Brian will be the lead pastor at Grace Fellowship Church in Cherry Valley (next to Beaumont). Also Pastor Jeff Patton in Norwalk has left the church and moved back to his hometown in Peru, Indiana. If you want to know how to pronounce PERU then ask Mrs. Peak who grew up near Peru.
Mark your calendars now for Sunday, October 22, when Jim Hocking will be with us. Jim works with Water for Good in the Central African Republic.
God’s best to you,
Pastor Richard
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
GRANDPARENTS WHO BABYSIT LIVE LONGER
Read second quote of the week for an explanation.
FOLLOWUP QUOTE OF THE WEEK
WE ARE GOING TO LIVE A LONG TIME
My wife shared an article with me that made this claim. Of course we laughed and then she made this comment to me since we often spend time with our grands.
GROUP DECISIONS FOR YOU (9/10/17)
Our fellowship of churches in America met in July in Freemont, Ohio. During the week of meetings there was discussion that 1) we would rename our fellowship from the NFGBC to a name yet to be decided upon. 2) Encompass World Partners announced that decisions in their organization would be cast by their supporting churches. 3) Church planting will be accomplished by a new organization now called ASSIST. Want more details on this and other matters? Ask me.
A group of Christians have produced a film with a message of faith and are calling it THE HEART OF MAN. It will be shown one day on September 14 and only in select theaters in the Whittier area and across the United States. Consider attending with an unbelieving friend or family member.
Let’s plan on getting together as a church family on Sunday, September 24th after the morning service when I will give you an update on our church and the path we are on. Sign up today at the information Center for what you will bring.
We continue our series in the Old Testament book of Ecclesiastes today. We have tackled WHAT IS THE MEANING OF LIFE from chapter 1. Secondly, we have considered WHAT IS THE MEANING OF PLEASURE from chapter 2. Today we look at chapter 3 and consider WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU ARE OUT OF BREATH?
I met with the group of Whittier pastors this past Thursday at Plymouth at 7:30 am. We meet monthly to pray for you and one another.
Our Sunday lunch brunch group celebrated at Sizzlers on Rosemead on September 3rd.
God’s best to you,
Pastor Richard
LET'S GET TOGETHER (9/3/17)
Let’s plan on getting together as a church family on Sunday, September 24th after the morning service when I will give you an update on our church and the path we are on. Details on lunch coming soon.
Mike Romero just said GOODBYE to his career as a trucker. This phase of life is called RETIREMENT. You always knew when Mike was in town because he was in church or sick. I heard Mike has logged in more than 3 million trucker miles over the years of driving. Mike and Heidi are preparing for their upcoming retirement life move to Idaho. Congratulations Mike!
A group of Christians have produced a film with a message of faith and are calling it THE HEART OF MAN. It will be shown one day on September 14 and only in select theaters. Consider attending with an unbelieving friend or family member.
God’s best to you,
Pastor Richard
FIRST QUOTE OF THE WEEK
NO FLOOD VICTIMS NEEDING HELP HERE. BUT PEOPLE NEED KINDNESS EVERYWHERE.
The tragedy and now the recovery over in Houston, Texas can seem far, far away because it was over 100 degrees and dry, dry, dry here in Whittier much of this past week. Yet KINDNESS is always in short supply.
SECOND QUOTE OF THE WEEK
IF YOU HAVE SOMETHING HAPPY HAPPENING LET US KNOW SO WE CAN BE HAPPY WITH YOU.
I didn’t say this but I wish I did. So I’m sharing this with you. And while I’m at it take note of Mike Romero’s life change in recent days.
FIRST PASTOR WAYNE AND NOW PASTOR TOM (8/27/17)
Pastor Tom Hughes passed away this past weekend. His military service will be at the Bakersfield National Cemetery in Arvin, CA on Friday, September 1 at 12:30pm. All four prior pastors were with us not that long ago. Now just Yours Truly serves you.
Walking in the Word meets next today at 5:30pm. At that time we will be celebrating August birthdays.
Daily Bread devotional books are available in the lobby today. They begin in a few days on September 1.
I brought home a copy of the program that was handed out at Pastor Wayne Flory’s funeral service on August 13th. I placed it at the Information Center for your review.
I want to share with you today a few decisions that were made and announced at the recent conference of our Grace fellowship.
We tackled 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18on August 20th. These verses are shared often by people as their life verse. I called them Diamond Drops. Remember the three diamonds? 1) REJOICE 2)? and 3)?
God’s best to you,
Pastor Richard
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
HE LOST HIS RAZOR
One of my grandkids asked Claudia about my beard that has been growing since we were on vacation in July. This was her reply.
ANOTHER THING I LEARNED
The Global Leadership Summit was held August 10-11 in hundreds of locations around the world. I attended the local gathering at Whittier Area Community Church and sat with Navigator Missionary, Alex Mata. Much good spiritual meat was served up by church leaders from the USA and other countries on what God is doing in His church. I’ll share some of the good stuff with you along the way. I shared last Sunday that I want to be a WOW person rather than a HOW person.
Pastor Tom Hughes writes a little bit of poetry every morning based on the Scripture he reads. You can follow his poetry on his Facebook page.
We walked through Scripture in Psalm 73 on August 13th and considered that GOD’S HEAVENLY PLAN DOESN’T ALWAYS MAKE EARTHLY SENSE.
Walking in the Word will meet next Sunday, August 27th, at 5:30pm. At that time we will be celebrating August birthdays.
The Faranda family was in Zion National Park this summer. Claudia and I also visited.
Daily Bread devotional books are available in the lobby today. They begin on September 1.
I brought home a copy of the program that was handed out at Pastor Wayne Flory’s funeral service on August 13th. I placed it at the Information Center for your review.
A blogger posted the following lyric recently. I shared it with you on a Sunday morning:
God is good
God is great
Go to church
Don’t be late
God’s best to you,
Pastor Richard
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
WE’RE SO GLAD TO HAVE YOU IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD
Claudia and I introduced the couple that purchased our former house to the uptown Whittier group of homeowners that live in historic homes a few days ago. I was so proud that the one person who is a Christian said this out loud for all to hear.
WHOSE AUGUST VACATIONS INCLUDED ZION NATIONAL PARK AND INDIANA CORN FIELDS AND OREGON COAST? (8/13/17)
Some of us have been on vacations this summer. Places visited included Zion National Park and Indiana corn fields and the Oregon coast. Who went to which places? See answers below.
I visited Pastor Tom Hughes this past Wednesday, August 9th up in Bakersfield, CA. Tom is now retired and lives with his wife, Wanda, and his oldest son, Thomas, and his family. I shared your greetings and he sends his love to you all.
Don’t come to my former house tomorrow night for Monday Night Concerts in the Park because the Summer 2017 Concerts in the Park have ended.
The Global Leadership Summit was held this past Thursday and Friday in hundreds of locations around the world. I attended the local gathering at Whittier Area Community Church and sat with Navigator Missionary, Alex Mata. Much good spiritual meat was served up by church leaders from the USA and other countries on what God is doing in His church. I’ll share some of the good stuff with you along the way.
I shared one more message in my series on WHICH PUNCTUATION MARK ARE YOU MOST LIKE on August 6th. I shared from the book of Ruth the comma and five points from that book in the Old Testament: 1 a bitter beginning
2 a surprising encounter
3 a bold plan
4 a dramatic intervention
5 now concludes with a happy ending.
Today, we will be walking through Scripture in Psalm 73 and considering that GOD’S HEAVENLY PLAN DOESN’T ALWAYS MAKE EARTHLY SENSE.
Walking in the Word will next meet on August 30th at 5:30pm.
ANSWERS: Ed & Joyce Faranda and Carolyn Peak and yours truly and his wife and the Sapp family. You decide which family went to which spots.
God’s best to you,
Pastor Richard
I'm home and not leaving anytime soon (8/6/17)
Claudia and I returned home yesterday from being up in the local mountains for the week at Forest Home family camp. Every day was full of fun and food plus great child care plus Bible teachers from all over the United States. Our speakers were Josh McDowell and his son, Sean. Josh taught from various passages on family relationships and Sean spoke on belief and unbelief then Dueteronomy 6. Some years a group of you families come with us. Speak with Claudia or myself if you are interested in attending with us in 2018. Forest Home is the same conference center that our Willing Workers and Men’s Retreats have attended.
The Memorial Service for Dr. Wayne Flory will be Sunday afternoon, August 13 at 1:30 pm. It will be held at Los Altos Grace Brethren Church, 6565
Stearns Street in Long Beach. Dr. Wayne was the first preaching pastor we had here at Community when we started out all those years ago.
Pastor Tom Hughes was Lead Pastor here at Community during the 1980s. He is retired now and lives in Bakersfield with his son, Thomas and his family. You can mail to Pastor Tom Hughes at 1611 Howard Avenue in Bakersfield, CA93308.
God’s best to you,
Pastor Richard Todd
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
IT DOESN’T WORK THAT WAY
Some believers from another assembly were going around sharing recently that a simple prayer to God would bring abundant blessings of good health and riches coming into your life. One of you heard this comment and responded sharing this thought.
I'M HOME TILL LATER TODAY (7/30/17)
Last Sunday after church I grabbed a burger at Carl’s Jr. before boarding my flight to Freemont, Ohio. Monday lunch was at Whitey’s Diner in Freemont (Billy is the cook there and NO, they don’t serve sourdough in the mid-West…white, wheat or rye only sad to say). You can see a picture of Whitey’s on my Facebook page.
I bring the greetings of many friends of this church family from the conference of churches/missionaries I just returned from in Freemont, Ohio. We stayed near Lake Erie. Ed Lewis sends his greetings. TK sends his greetings. Jack Brown sends his greetings. Bill Katip, President of Grace College, sends his greetings. Bruce Barlow sends his greetings. Dan Allan sends his greetings. Dan & Judy White send their greetings. Pastor Phil Sparling sends his greetings. Tom Julien sends his greetings along with numerous others.
Claudia and I are heading up to the local mountains after church today for this next week and will be at Forest Home Christian Conference Center. Every day is filled with family fun and Scripture input for both kids and adults. Some years a group of you families come with us. Speak with Claudia or myself if you are interested in attending with us in 2018.
Our Grace Brethren leaders awarded the following recognitions at the conference this past week:
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Bob Fetterhoff, Wooster, Ohio
EXCELLENCE IN MINISTRY AWARD
Dr Randy Smith, Florida
PASTOR OF THE YEAR AWARD
Pastor Dan White, York, PA
Bob Hetzler is home with us from Momentum Youth Conference. I plan to have Bob share a report with us.
God’s best to you,
Pastor Richard Todd
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
ANYTHING I WANT TO DO
Joyce Faranda works at our Information Center in the church Lobby most Sunday mornings. She is one of the first people that greet you when you enter. Joyce retired from her weekday job after working for almost 40 years. I interviewed Joyce the other Sunday morning and asked her WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO NOW THAT YOU ARE RETIRED? This quote of the week was her answer to my question.
THE THIMAGIGGY BROKE (7/23/17)
Sorry there was no church bulletin for you on July 16. One tiny part broke in our printer and we were unable to obtain that “thimagiggy” until after church services concluded on Sunday. We sent the bulletin out electronically on Monday morning, July 17th, so a group of you received it. Want to receive this bulletin weekly in a digital format? Send an email to us if you would like to receive it in your inbox each week during these vacation months.
Pastor Paul Hoffman opened God’s Word with you on July 16th with a message from his heart from 2 Chronicles 20. While Pastor Paul was preaching to you I was on a road trip to Zion National Park with my family.
Our friend, Bob Hetzler, returns to Whittier from Indiana and his involvement in the Momentum Youth Conference in a few days. I leave right after church concludes this morning for Freemont, Ohio for our national conference of pastors and missionaries. I return to Whittier this coming Friday and will join you in worship on July 30th. Then I begin a week of vacation.
Concerts in the Park is tomorrow night at 7pm in the park across from our house at 6554 Friends Avenue. Come and enjoy the concert.
Last night, Saturday, Claudia and I spent the first evening in our new single story home at 14437 Cullen (over near where Polly’s Pies used to be). Ok, it’s closer to Norm’s Restaurant.
We rejoice with David Fierro in the CLEAN SLATE the doctor gave him this week. Ask him about the details. He will be glad to share with you.
The Memorial Service for Dr. Wayne Flory will be Sunday afternoon, August
13 at 1:30 pm. It will be at Los Altos Grace Brethren Church, 6565
Stearns Street in Long Beach. Dr. Wayne was the first preaching pastor we had at the start of our church.
God’s best to you,
Pastor Richard
I'M ON A ROAD TRIP TODY (7/16/17)
Bob Hetzler has left Whittier and is at Momentum Youth Conference which is being held at Indiana Wesleyan University in Marion, Indiana starting this coming Tuesday. Bob returns to us on July 26.
The theme for Momentum 2017 is The Comeback! Every one of us is in need of a "comeback!" Our current culture is filled with extensive distractions and endless temptations. It is so difficult to maintain any level of godliness and purity. We can easily feel like the pressure and expectations are just too much. Maybe you feel lost in sin and shame, knowing exactly where you've fallen short, or maybe you are exhausted from striving to be "good" and earning God's approval.
Our own Carolyn Peak was in the hospital a few days this week. Claudia and I along with Betsy Morris had dinner with her at Corner Bakery on Wednesday evening. You will hopefully be able to greet her this morning.
We welcome Pastor Paul Hoffman to our pulpit here at Community this morning.
My message of July 9th was one of my rare messages from the book of Revelation. I tackled Revelation 21-22. I asked the questions of WHAT WILL THE NEW HEAVEN AND EARTH BE LIKE and WHO WILL BE THERE?
Concerts in the Park is tomorrow night at 7pm in the park across from our house. We are returning from our road trip tomorrow afternoon and plan on arriving to join you for the evening concert. Join Claudia and I in the cool shade in our front yard.
The Memorial Service for Dr. Wayne Flory will be Sunday afternoon, August 13 at 1:30 pm. It will be at Los Altos Grace Brethren Church, 6565 Stearns St. in Long Beach.
God’s best to you,
Pastor Richard
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
GOD ALLOWED THE HORSE TO THROW ME TODAY. I’M GETTING BACK ON!
Pastor Paul Hoffman sent this out in his regular email a few days ago. Get him to share the rest of the story with you this Sunday.
What Did the Pastor Do On July 4th? (7/9/17)
Claudia and I drove our pickup truck to the parking lot at Mulberry and Carmenita around 8pm on July 4th. All around us people living in LA County neighborhoods were lighting up the sky all around with fireworks. We enjoyed our donuts until 9pm when the good stuff began at nearby York Field. We didn't hear the music they played but we saw the fireworks being launched. Nice evening worth returning to in 2018.
You may have heard us Todds are moving homes and that is correct. You can get all the details from my wife, Claudia. Our new address beginning July 24th is 14437 Cullen Street, Whittier, CA90603.
Several days ago on Thursday, we hosted the Lead Pastors from the churches in Whittier for morning prayer (7:30am). We meet in a different church each month. Several pastors have wives with serious conditions so our prayer focus was on them and their husbands. Our mayor, Joe Vinatieri, joined us asking for special prayer for our city.
Concert in the Park is tomorrow night at 7pm in the park across from our house. Join Claudia and I in the cool shade.
No news update on Pastor Tom Hughes for July 9th. Just a bit of summer pastor trivia: Our first part-time pastor here at Community was Wayne Flory and he is still walking with the Lord and lives in Lakewood, CA.
My message on July 2nd was from 1 Peter 2 on how to live in our world as it is today. I suggested that 1) God still reigns and 2) victory is certain and 3) the church is still precious amongst the 5 points I shared as we worked our way through chapter 2.
God’s best to you,
Pastor Richard
WHO IS THAT NICE LADY? (7/2/17)
Ed Waken shared a special message here at Community on June 25 about BEING DIFFERENT ENOUGH TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE. Ed and his wife, Debbie, have been in Los Angeles in recent days on vacation from the Phoenix area (think HOT TEMPERATURES of up to 122 degrees) where Ed Pastors Valley Life Church. Ed was part of our pastoral staff in the 1980s and 1990s prior to planting Valley Life. Ed’s message is worth listening to and is posted at our church website at whittierbrethren.org
Want one more thought from Ed’s recent message? Read the second quote of the week below.
NEWS UPDATE ON PASTOR TOM HUGHES. Pastor Tom was Lead Pastor here in the 1980s and now lives in Bakersfield. His son, Tom attends church there with relatives of our Sapp family. Pastor Tom is not going to have spinal tap surgery because of his heart condition and age. The doctors recommended against it. Tom and the family both agree to LET GOD DECIDE WHEN IT’S TIME.
Today’s message relates to the upcoming holiday and our country: WHAT HOLDS US UP IN TROUBLED TIMES LIKE THIS? I have inserted an outline to assist your study.
There is no Concert in the Park July 3rd. The next concert is July 10th. See you then.
Hope you have a happy 4th of July.
Pastor Richard
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
BRING THAT NICE SWEET LADY WITH YOU THAT YOU BROUGHT LAST YEAR.
Claudia and I attend a neighborhood breakfast each year in Whittier only July 4th. We took one of you with us to the gathering last year and when the host family invited us for the 2017 breakfast they said these words. I love it when my unsaved friends speak so admiringly of my church family and I love it when I can say SHE IS PART OF MY CHURCH FAMILY. Many of the nicest people I know are church going folks.
SECOND QUOTE OF THE WEEK
I LIKED PASTOR ED’S MESSAGE
Ed Waken preached here at Community on June 25th. One of you discussed the message with your spouse and shared this comment during the week.
NOTE: you can listen to Ed's message on the MEDIA page.