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NEWSLETTER
Wednesday Edition |
December 14, 2011 |
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KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS
Greetings!
Why do you celebrate Christmas? Why would others try to prevent you from celebrating it? Answers to these questions may vary from one extreme to another, as gleaned from commentaries on the National Public Radio station earlier this morning. Amid all the commercialism that goes with it, is there some merit in remembering that event which occured two thousand years ago? Yes! Because it gives people a chance to turn their thoughts to that life changing moment in the history of mankind. Granted that perhaps the majority of people celebrating Christmas do not even know the "reason for the season," it still is an opportune time for Christians to make Christmas one of the focal points in their witness to those who otherwise wouldn't know! So, yes, let's make Christmas a way to tell others about why Jesus came to this world of ours. Some may argue that Christmas had pagan beginnings, and yet, certainly anything negative about it can be turned into a positive. God's blessings be yours and your family's not only in this Christmas season but through every day of your lives. The Church Staff |
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 A REMINDER, ALWAYS Have we made the point yet? Or, perhaps, you haven't heard, in case you have been away on vacation or hadn't had the chance to check your e-mail. Pastor John's evangelistic series entitled "King of Kings" will continue for two more successive Sundays. Sunday, December 18, he will preach on "The Promise Keeper," and on Christmas Day the sermon is on "The Perfect Gift." The theme of the series revolves around "the complete Messianic ministry of Jesus Christ" and "about the God who loves you unconditionally, and how He saves you by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone." The two previous topics Pastor John spoke about are the "Everlasting Father" and Worthy is the Lamb." |
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HOLD ON TO YOUR GOLD
The GoldFellow gold buyer will not be here on Sunday afternoon, as previously announced. This is postponed till after the new year. So hold on to your broken, old or unwanted gold (or silver) pieces of jewelry for another day of fund-raising. You will recall that this was to benefit the church.
Don't despair, as another opportunity to do this will soon come. |
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END-OF-THE-YEAR GIFTS
We have promoted a number of fund-raising activities in the recent past and again, this is simply a reminder for those contemplating to make end-of-the-year gifts and offerings to make sure that our church receives them no later than December 31st, or if mailed, that they are postmarked on December 31st at the latest.
Backdated checks received after that date will count towards next year's donations. If you turn in a backdated check after December 31 and ask that it be considered as a 2011 donation, we'll just say to you, "Thank you for your donation, but lead us not into temptation!"
Commitments and pledges made for the "Million Miracles" fund are welcome. We know that God will make a way, but He wants to know of our commitment to His cause. |
 CHRISTMAS PARTY v. YOUTH GROUP Our youth will have their Christmas Party on Friday, December 16, beginning at 6:30 p.m. This will be held at Gospel Life's Fellowship Hall. Those attending are asked to bring a wrapped gift worth about ten dollars to participate in the White Elephant gift exchange. Also please bring a side dish, a snack or non-alcoholic drinks or a five dollar contribution for the food. |
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NEW SGF IN LA
We heard the good news. Another bible study group will begin the Basic 10 lessons in Los Angeles, thanks to the initiative of Sperry Anderson who currently attends the Thursday Small Group Fellowship led and hosted by Medy and Irma Alcaraz.
Let's all pray for this new beginning, so that a Spirit-led teaching and learning experience will envelop everyone who will compose this group. And let's pray for more bible study groups to form now and in the coming year.
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DEVOTIONAL
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"But the basic reality of God is plain enough. Open your eyes and there it is!" (Romans 1:19 MSG)
About 35 years ago, I was at a camp in the mountains. Alone in a room, I prayed, "God, if you are there, I'm open. If you are real, I want to know you are real. And, Jesus, if you can change my life, I want to know it. If there is a purpose for my life, I want to know it."
It was the turning point in my life because I was no longer biasing myself against God. I wanted to know the truth, even if it was inconvenient.
Truth can be discovered, but first we have to have an attitude of openness that says, "I want the truth more than anything else." Once you choose that attitude, you can discover the truth.
How?
For one thing, we can see God at work in creation. Just by looking at nature, we can learn about God's character. This is why science is so important, because it helps us understand God and his universe.
Did you know there are 60,000 varieties of beetles? This shows us that God likes variety. When we see a volcano, a tidal wave, or an earthquake, we can see that God is powerful. The delicately balanced ecosystem reveals that God is incredibly organized.
The Bible says, "The basic reality of God is plain enough. Open your eyes and there it is! By taking a long and thoughtful look at what God has created, people have always been able to see what their eyes as such can't see: eternal power, for instance, and the mystery of his divine being. So nobody has a good excuse" Romans 1:19-20 (MSG).
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(Rick Warren is the founding pastor of Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, Calif., one of America's largest and most influential churches. Rick is author of the New York Times bestseller The Purpose Driven Life. His book, The Purpose Driven Church, was named one of the 100 Christian books that changed the 20th century. He is also founder of Pastors.com, a global Internet community for pastors.)
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CHURCH GREETERS' SCHEDULE
December 18 - Ruby & Ding Dijamco
December 25 - Linda & Danny Santos
January 1 - Vonnie & Tito Cabrera
January 8 - Penny & Conrad Miranda
January 15 - Eunice Alinsod
January 22 - Lelit & Tony Luciano |
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COMING UP
Wednesday, December 14, 7:30 p.m. - Intercessors' Meeting - Fellowship Hall
Friday, December 16, 6:30 p.m. - Youth Christmas Party - Fellowship Hall
Sunday, December 18, 10:00 a.m. - Praise and Worship - at the River
11:00 a.m. - Good News Hour - Pastor John Tulio
" The Promise Keeper"
Tuesday, December 20, 7:00 p.m. - Christmas Holiday Dinner Fellowship -
Capital Restaurant, 1715 S. Nogales St. #132
Rowland Heights, CA 91748 (Nogales and Gale at the 99 Ranch Market Center)
Please call Johnny Chua (909-228-2162) for reservations.
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TIPPING POINTS
Pastor John's book, "Tipping Points of Grace: Old-Time Dogma Re-Examined" is thoroughly researched and biblically based. An excellent gift to your doubting friends and family members!
Donation: $ 10.00 per book
S & H: $3.00 
or May Pick Up |
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MAILING ADDRESS:
436 Crestwood Lane
Walnut, CA 91789
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| MEDITATION |
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"Dear God, help me. Thank You for giving me wisdom in how to deal with difficult people. Help me to understand why they are being difficult.
"Is it a personal problem? Are they experiencing something that has them irritable? Have they been abused or betrayed by someone? Do they have physical or mental health problems? What can I say or do to help the situation? Or am I the problem?
"Help me to speak and act in the way that will show Your love in action. Help me to be the example and to do what is right, in whatever circumstance arises. Thank You for anointing me, for giving me strength, for giving me words to say--or keep me from saying things I should not.
"Thank You, Lord, for working through me to defuse the situations and bring peace to all. I pray that the outcome will be Your will. Thank You for your power and presence in my life...and in facing the challenges to come. In the name of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior, I pray. Amen." |
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