Be ThankfulI hope your Thanksgiving season is a great time to reflect on all the blessings God has given you. We again will have a house full of friends and family. I think we will have over 20 people, along with our annual Turkey Bowl football game. I am thankful to my wife, Vicki, for so much--and she loves hosting and cooking for this Thanksgiving  event.
I just finished writing some thank-you notes to some people for the little things they've done to make our retreats go so well. I am thankful that I have a good assistant to remind me to write these notes. It is a good thing to say thank you. It's also good to receive it with a sincere "you're welcome." So...thanks to you for taking time to read this newsletter, thanks for all those who financially support our association and church planting efforts, and thanks to all our pastors and church staff who faithfully serve in their churches. I also give thanks for this country I live in, who, with all her shortcomings, still gives us much to be thankful for, including the privilege and responsibility to vote. Don't forget to vote on Tuesday, November 6.
"Always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." Ephesians 5:20
I've heard a saying that goes something like this: "Imagine if you had tomorrow, only the things you thanked God for today." Something to think about.
 Happy Thanksgiving!
Jim Smith
Executive Director
CB Southern California |
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Billy Graham on the upcoming Elections |
 Billy Graham recently wrote about the upcoming election, and we'd like to pass along his words: "The legacy we leave behind for our children, grandchildren, and this great nation is crucial. As I approach my 94th birthday, I realize this could be my last. I believe it is vitally important that we cast our ballots for candidates who base their decisions on biblical principles and support the nation of Israel. I urge you to vote for those who protect the sanctity of life and support the biblical definition of marriage between a man and a woman. Vote for biblical values this November 6th, and pray with me that America will remain one nation under God."
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WorldVenture Announces New President |
 WorldVenture is pleased to announce the selection of their new President and CEO, Dr. Jeff Denlinger. Jeff came to WorldVenture in 1988 as a mid-term missionary working in Davao City, Philippines. Two years later, in 1990, Jeff and his wife, Christine, went as career missionaries with WorldVenture, to Caracas, Venezuela with a focus on church planting. In the last 3 years, Jeff has served in Denver as the Senior Vice President of International Ministries. Jeff and Christine have two adult children, Andy and Rachel. They make their home in Highlands Ranch, Colorado. Jeff will become President, effective November 1, 2012. The installation will be on January 30, 2013 in Denver, Colorado. At Jeff's request, Hans Finzel, WorldVenture's outgoing President, will work alongside him for the remaining weeks of 2012. read more
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Geoff Surratt meets with K-Club |
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Geoff Surratt |
On Monday, October 1, author and pastor Geoff Surratt met with our group of approximately 20 pastors to answer questions and discuss church planting and multi-site campuses. Twice a year, CB Southern California hosts a meeting for pastors whose churches have an attendance of near or over 1,000 (K) within CB or Transformation Ministries. They discuss issues that pertain to larger churches. Geoff is currently the director of Exponetial and has served on church staffs in Texas, Seacoast Church in South Carolina and recently with Saddleback Church. ECCU made their Brea office available for the meeting, and all were very appreciative of the time they had with Geoff. Geoff has authored several excellent books for churches including Multi-Site Church Revolution, Multi-site Church Roadtrip and Ten Stupid Things That Keep Churches From Growing. |
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Fall Retreats Conclude with Good Results |
 Over 800 men and women attended one of our five retreats this past September and October up at Pine Summit in Big Bear Lake: 2 English Women's Retreats, the Spanish Women's Retreat, the Spanish Men's Retreat and the English Men's Retreat. Noel Robbins, Vicki Smith, Bert Down, Aikos Reyes and Marisa Delgado were the main speakers along with a host of seminar leaders and volunteer help. The largest group was our Spanish women with 213 for their retreat. At least 10 people made professions of faith and over 35 made recommitments to serve Christ. Thanks to Vicki Smith, Oralia Cuellar, Fanny Arriaza, Jesus Rubio, Rolman Mazariegos and all those who helped organize, arrange travel, collect money, plan events, and lead seminars or events for these retreats and in your local churches. We appreciate all of your help and efforts. Thank you. |
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Shorelife Church Pastor Resigns |
 In October, Lead Pastor Brent Strawsburg of Shorelife Church announced his resignation. His last day in the pulpit will be Sunday, November 4 when the church will hold a farewell service to honor Pastor Brent and his wife Cheri for their 13 years of service. Brent became the Lead Pastor at Shorelife in January 1999 and Shoreline will retain him as a consultant through the remaining part of 2012. Brent wrote in his letter to the church, "... over the last several months I have become convinced that a fresh start for both myself and our church is the best path for Shorelife." |
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M316 Church Plant in San Marcos Growing |
 Pastor Sam Brummit reports that Mission 316 held a "Kids Day" recently including classes with singing, crafts and puppets, jumpy houses, face painting, puppet shows, a balloon guy, games, popcorn, sno-cones, lunch and much more! Many new people came and the response was extremely favorable. They reached a high of 124 that Sunday and learned a bit about what works in the community as a result of the event. M316 has been going through a series called the "God Questions" and will conclude it with guest speaker Hal Seed, author of the book, fellow CB pastor and close-by resident. A new believer will be baptized soon and seven small groups are up and running--with an encouraging response. |
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Sunrise High Desert Launches |
 On Sunday, October 14, Sunrise Church in Rialto launched their 5th external campus in Victorville. After much prayer and outreach plus two preview services, they had a total attendance of 484; with 260 in the English adult service, 160 in the Spanish adult service and 64 in the children's ministry. The following Sunday they still had over 300 in attendance. Earlier this year, they bought an unused, but new, beautiful church building in Victorville. They have spent months getting all the unfinished permits completed. Under Sunrise's guidance and Campus Pastor Art Lucero's leadership, we trust Sunrise High Desert will have a strong positive impact in the community for Christ.
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CB Leadership Renewal Retreat |
 On January 21-23, CBSC will host a leadership retreat at Rancho Capistrano in San Juan Capistrano as we step into the new year. The event will start on Monday evening and ends after breakfast on Wednesday. Join Jim Smith as he hosts this time of refreshment and renewal along with Saddleback's Jamin Goggin, Director of Retreats & Spiritual Renewal, and David Chrzan, Saddleback's Chief of Staff, who will share some practical ideas on team building/vision casting. Plan on attending this valuable getaway for all leaders in ministry. Cost is $140 for individuals and $250 for married couples. Space is limited, lodging is double occupancy. Register now. |
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Divorce Statistics Quote May Be Wrong |
 The stat in question was that Christians divorce at roughly the same rate as the world. But what did the actual research show-particularly concerning practicing Christians? People who seriously practice a traditional religious faith-whether Christian or other-have a divorce rate markedly lower than the general population. What appears intuitive is true. Couples who regularly practice any combination of serious religious behaviors and attitudes-attend church nearly every week; read their Bibles and spiritual materials regularly; pray privately and together; generally take their faith seriously, living not as perfect disciples but serious disciples-enjoy significantly lower divorce rates than mere church members, the general public and unbelievers.
read the rest of the article by Ed Stetzer
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Hope Again Celebrates 20 years in Hollywood |
 On Saturday, October 20, Hope Again celebrated their 20th anniversary with a celebration luncheon at Journey of Faith in Manhattan Beach. Executive Director Ross Lokken (who served as the master of ceremonies) was joined in the festivities by founder and former director Carole Clarke, Missions Door representative George Loring, Hope Again's Chaplain Ron Galpin, current and former residents, supporters, friends and board members from the past 20 years. Hope Again has expanded from a room at the back of Hope International Bible Fellowship to three transitional homes and an office on Sunset Blvd as it continues to have a positive Godly impact to those trying to rise above their destructive habits and desperate circumstances.
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Bible Reading Revolution |
The headlines can be pretty grim these days. The people in your church feel a growing sense of loss. What can bring back the good jobs, the good values, and the security and optimism? Fortunately, you have the answer in your hands.
It's the Bible. The Bible's effect on people isn't mysterious. When people read the Bible, they learn valuable virtues like honesty and integrity. Their self-discipline and work ethic increases. They learn to love and put others first. People like that become better leaders and parents. But, it is clear that, as a nation, our Bible reading is waning.
 Dr. Hal Seed, Pastor of New Song Community Church in Oceanside, has partnered with InterVarsity Press and Outreach, Inc. to release a book this fall that equips people to love and study the Bible. The Bible Questions answers the top twenty questions that people have about the Bible. Along the way it helps people understand the basics, develop a Bible-reading habit, learn how to study the Bible inductively, and in the end, it will challenge them to let the Bible master them.
To learn more about The Bible Questions go to:
www.thebiblequestions.info |
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Focus on Missions: Japan |
 Steve and Belva Kotlarczyk have been in Japan for 28 years with SEND International. Steve works at the Okutama Bible Chalet in the mountains just outside of Tokyo. He leads several camp programs, outdoor camping, bible studies, and weekly English classes, along with his main responsibility of maintaining the facilities and grounds at the chalet. Recently they have been focusing on relief and rebuilding efforts in Tohoku after they suffered the devastation from the 2011 earthquake and tsunami. There have been many opportunities to share the gospel of Jesus through their ministry in Japan. They are stateside now for a regularly scheduled home service and are hoping to return in April, but due to a currency exchange rate that highly favors the Japanese Yen, they need to raise their financial support. If you are interested in learning more, or would like to contact them, and even better yet, financially support them, please write or call them at 734.620.4048.
http://www.send.org/sbkotlarczyk/ |
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Pray for the Persecuted Church Worldwide |
 The month of November is set apart to remember and pray for the persecuted church, through the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church (IDOP). Although many have set apart November 4, you are free to choose another date if you wish. A sample of persecution:
At least three people have been killed and more than 48 injured in a suicide bombing at a church in Bauchi Town, Nigeria. Among those confirmed as deceased are the bomber and a woman and child who died at the scene. Many others are hospitalized with life threatening injuries.
The bomber, a suspected member of Islamic terrorist group Boko Haram, detonated his explosives at the church gate after being refused entry. This is the second such attack on Christians in the town within one week. The previous Sunday, four gunmen opened fire on a building, killing five at the scene and injuring four who later died in hospital."
Resources: IDOP; Voice of the Martyrs; Open Doors |
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Thanks for reading our newsletter. In October, I started as the Interim Pastor at Fallbrook First Baptist. I have enjoyed getting to know the members of FFB and helping them prepare for their next senior pastor. I spend Sundays and Thursdays in Fallbrook.
Sincerely, Jim Smith
CB Southern California
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Voter Guides
California Propositions
from California Family Council
from California Family Council
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| | Pastors, Churches and Politics
What May Pastors and Churches Do?
from Liberty Counsel
Outside of express endorsement of or opposition to candidates for political offices, pastors and churches may engage in many other permissible activities. Churches may host voter registration drives, be a host site for balloting, or host a forum where candidates address the congregation or answer questions from a moderator. Candidates visiting the church may be introduced, and political candidates may even preach in the pulpit so long as the pulpit is not used as a political forum to urge the members to vote in favor of the candidate. Churches may also distribute objective voter guides that address the candidates' views on a broad range of issues. Pastors can preach on biblical, moral and social issues such as homosexuality and abortion. Pastors can urge the congregation to become involved in the political process, urge them to register and vote. Pastors can acknowledge visiting candidates. Pastors can personally endorse or oppose political candidates, personally work for political candidates, and personally contribute to them. Also, a pastor's name may appear in a published ad or letter signifying the pastor's endorsement of the candidate, and the pastor's title and affiliation with the church. | |
read more
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Thanksgiving Proclamation
Abraham Lincoln
1863
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FDR Changes Dates
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FALL BACK
Move your clocks back
Sunday, November 4
Extra hour of sleep
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CB Annual Meeting
Sunday, March 3
Calvary Baptist
Huntington Beach
3:30 - 8:30 pm
Save the Date
Plan on attending | |
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Free Financial Forum
hosted by the
Evangelical Christian Credit Union (ECCU)
Thursday, November 8
9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Stay informed on the legislative, leadership, fundraising and banking changes that affect your ministry.
Who should attend?
-Senior Pastors
-Executive Pastors
-Business Administrators
-Chief Financial Officers
-Treasurers
-Board and Audit Committee Members
ECCU
955 West Imperial Highway
Brea, CA 92821
register here | |
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