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Choose one of our bible study groups
or small group fellowships
to be a part of.
You will be glad you when you do! |
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Greetings!
Have you considered the "seasons" of your spiritual life? I remember reading an article that was asking if we thought our spiritual maturity is measured by how busy we are in attending church services, church events, the number of spiritual disciplines we have incorporated into our schedules, the number of spiritual conversations we've had in the week and how passionate we are about them all? Do we fashion our model of spirituality by saying that loving Jesus equals doing a lot and doing all in a fever of excitement? Is that what Jesus means when He says we are to bear much fruit? Is bearing fruit a result of our own efforts? "Fruit implies seasons. So, if bearing much fruit is every Christian's calling, our hearts will need all the seasons to produce it. They'll need winter's dormancy, and spring's flourishing, and summers's basking, and fall's ripeness....Each season is integral to growing fruit; in only one season will we actually reap it." (Mark Buchanan, "Spiritual Rhythm," Aug. 2010, Zondervan)) "For everything there is a season." Ecclesiastes 3:1 NLT . All of us must learn to thrive in God's presence during all the spiritual seasons of life. The Church Staff
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SERIES CONTINUE
The "King of Kings" evangelistic series continue every Sunday at the Good News Hour. Yesterday's topic was "Worthy is the Lamb." The next two Sundays will feature "The Promise Keeper" and the "The Perfect Gift."
Pastor John continues to expound on the fact that we are saved through grace alone, by faith alone, in Christ alone. There are to be no ands, ifs and buts about it.
Don't miss these presentations on December 18 and 25. |
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 GIFT OF THE MAGI
An opportunity to help raise funds for Gospel Life was presented yesterday to allow time for everyone to get their stuff ready for next Sunday.
A GoldFellow gold (and silver) buyer who tests, grades, weighs and prices the gold and/or silver items that you bring will be here from 2 - 5 p.m. and will pay you cash on the spot for old, unwanted, broken or out-of-style jewelry that you no longer want to keep. They may be a broken clasp, an earring whose pair has been lost, or whatever it may be that causes you to want to get rid of or to let go of such items.
Ten per cent will be given by the buyer to the church, and you may also, at your option, want to donate part or all of the proceeds of the sale to Gospel Life.
In all these, let's remember that God owns everything on this planet, and that we are stewards entrusted to rightfully take care of whatever the Lord has allowed us to have and to use them in a way that brings honor to Him. |
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 MILLION DOLLAR CAMPAIGN
Do not forget our "Million Dollar Fund Campaign" to help retire the mortgage on our church. Drop your properly marked offering envelopes into the "treasure chest" each Sunday.
Remember, too, some of the types of giving we heard about in the Family Finance Seminar some months ago: 1) proportionately, when we give a percentage of our income rather than a specific amount; 2) sacrificially, when we forego or give up something in order to make funds available; and 3) faith giving, which involves great dependence upon God's miraculous provision in order to give a substantial amount not normally available without God's definite intervention.
"The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it. The world and all its people belong to him."
Psalm 24:1 NLT |
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 SMALL GROUP FELLOWSHIP
You can consider the small group fellowship or bible study group as the basic church group from which growth begins. When we invite family members, friends and co-workers to join us in these groups, we grow, we expand and our numbers eventually increase. We develop "safe havens" for each member as we continue to learn about each other, support each other and pray for one another.
As the number in our groups begins to increase, and as new leaders develop from these groups, we start newer groups, so as not to keep increasing our numbers in the original group. As we keep doing this, pretty soon there are more small groups meeting, spreading God's good news and continuing to develop more leaders who can, in turn, lead their own small groups in harmony with the rest of the established groups.
Each group should ideally consist of eight to ten members. Beyond this, the group should split, so that each half gets a chance to grow some more.
Let's encourage everyone to join at least one of the small groups listed in the Church Bulletin. If you wish to host a group or to lead one, please let the staff know, so we can get you some help to get started. |
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PRE-CHRISTMAS GATHERING
Ruby and Ding Dijamco hosted a fun-filled pre-Christmas gathering at their home last evening. This was mainly for the bible study group that they belong to, but many more were present.
There was a large array of food served including regional cooking like "menudo" and "pastel". Ray Bautista brought his keyboard and sound system to provide praise and Christmas music to everyone's delight.
A game of "right, left, and across" was a certain instant hit with the participants who kept the gifts that they were left holding in their hands at the end of the game.
The fellowship was very good and there was more than enough food for a number of folks to take home, thanks to the Dijamco hospitality. |
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MARKETPLACE MINISTRY
Why the Workplace?
"Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind" (Rom 12:2).
If we are going to see the transformation of workplaces, cities and nations it will only happen if we equip, affirm, and release believers into their callings in the marketplace. The marketplace is the place where there is real authority - authority that can change society. We will not see change come through pastors and prayer alone. It will come through those who are in places of power who are also in relationship with pastors and intercessors who can make changes.
I often receive requests from the media for interviews about the faith at work movement. One day a writer from the New York Times magazine called. After several interviews, the reporter asked me, "Can you point me to someone who can demonstrate what this looks like in a daily workplace?" I told the writer to give my friend Chuck Ripka a call. Chuck was a banker in Elk River, Minnesota who is a great example of a Christian impacting his workplace and city for Christ.
I told Chuck that the reporter would be calling him and Chuck and I immediately began praying for the writer. A few days later, Chuck called me and said the Lord was going to use this article not only for the workplace movement, but also for this writer's life.
The writer visited Chuck and the bank for two days and attended community meetings, interviewed all the employees of the bank, and watched Chuck pray for many people at the bank.
At the end of the reporter's visit, Chuck asked the writer if he and a friend could pray for God's blessing on him. He agreed, and they prayed for God's blessing on his writing skills and for the New York Times. They prayed that God would help him write the article. The writer was touched by this. Afterward, Chuck asked him about his own relationship with God, which led to him praying to receive Christ. Two weeks later, photographers came to take pictures for the article, and they too prayed to receive Christ.
When the article was published it was one of the best, most extensive and balanced articles on the faith at work movement that has been written from a secular viewpoint.
How might God use you to impact your workplace?
(Today God Is First (TGIF) devotional message, Copyright by Os Hillman, Marketplace Leaders) |
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MAILING ADDRESS: 436 Crestwood Lane Walnut, CA 91789 |
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| MEDITATION |
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"Dear God, You own even the cattle on a thousand hills. You made everything, oh Mighty Creator, and all is Yours. You have provided abundantly for Your creation.
" I'm sorry that I have not taken care of so many of the resources you have given me. I'm sorry for my complacency. I am thankful for Your perfect plan and creation. I am thankful for Your provisions and Your ever presence.
"Please grant wisdom and knowledge that I will be the biblical and wise steward that you want me to be. Thank You for taking care of me and my family. Thank You for your blessings upon me. Thank You for Your protection and Your haven within the body of Christ. I love you, Father. In Jesus' name, amen. |
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