Happy Valentine's Day
from PACIFIC CHURCH NETWORK
5 Dating Tips for Married Couples

Despite the quiet promises we make, many times we can find ourselves consumed with each day's demands, deadlines, and duties. Time, energy, and money for a romantic getaway may seem impossible and downright inconceivable.

But you can make a change. Commit today to dating your spouse and celebrating the gift of marriage once again. 

Here are 5 hot dating tips for married couples:
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The Legend of Valentine's Day

The history of Valentine's Day-and the story of its patron saint-is shrouded in mystery. We do know that February has long been celebrated as a month of romance, and that St. Valentine's Day, as we know it today, contains vestiges of both Christian and ancient Roman tradition. But who was Saint Valentine, and how did he become associated with this ancient rite? 
READ MOR


Winners!!
Well, congratulations to the Patriots. It was an exciting Super Bowl, right down to the final minute. However, the really exciting news is that as Christians, we all are on the winning team. The game of life is a lot longer than a football game, but not compared to eternity. As Christians, we look forward to the eternal celebration of the victory we all have in Christ. Jesus is obviously our MVP, "for apart from me (Jesus) you can do nothing" John 15:4. Here are a few more victory verses: "But you belong to God, my dear children. You have already won a victory over those people, because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world." 1 John 4:4; "No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us." Romans 8:37. (It's not even close.)

When life gets tough, remember, as Christians, we are on the winning team. The best is yet to come.

Happy Valentine's Day

Jim Smith
Executive Director 

 

Encouraging Annual Meeting
Over 200 people attended Pacific Church Network's annual meeting at Redemption Hill Church in Whittier. We introduced our new pastors, one of whom mentioned that "the message at the main session regarding discipleship, particularly with our families, was convicting and confirming." Brian Howard and 10 of our church planters shared what is going on at their churches. Al Russell and Andy Meverden shared what is going on with our chaplains worldwide. We elected three board members, and Jim Smith brought the message on disciples and parenthood. Check out the pictures on our facebook page. If your church hasn't signed the PCN Membership Covenant, we invite you to click here and join us.
New CBA Chaplaincy Director
Pacific Church Network was privileged to welcome Chaplain Andy Meverden to his new position as the Director of Chaplaincy at our annual meeting this year. Colonel Meverden has served as Director of Church Relations for Partners International in San Jose, California; in the US Army Reserve; as Assistant Pastor of Ministry Development at Calvary (Baptist) Church in Los Gatos, California; and as Senior Pastor of Galilee Baptist Church in Denver, Colorado. While pastoring in Denver, Chaplain Meverden was called to active duty in Afghanistan, as chaplain of the Colorado Army National Guard Green Berets. After serving in Kabul, Afghanistan as Chaplain of US Army Special Forces, Chaplain Meverden became a management and program analyst at Joint Forces Headquarters in Centennial, Colorado, while continuing his part-time Guard Chaplaincy. He has served since 2007 as Command and full-time support Chaplain at Joint Forces Headquarters, Colorado. Welcome Andy!!
Thank You Al Russell
At our annual meeting, we recognized Al Russell, the outgoing Chaplaincy Director who has served in this capacity with CBAmerica for the past 21.5 years. We gave him a plaque, check and a standing ovation. Thanks, Al, for all you've done!! CB Chaplaincy works with 285 chaplains in the military and hospitals, and in many locations around the world. In addition to supporting our church planters with your gifts, Pacific Church Network is also able to financially support CB Chaplaincy every month.
Free Workshop: Leaving a Legacy
March 3 / Upland
On Tuesday, March 3, Daniel Montgomery will lead a workshop on "How to Avoid Burnout and Leave a Legacy." Daniel is the founder and Lead Pastor of Sojourn Community Church, a multi-site community with three campuses in Louisville, KY and one in New Albany, IN. Sojourn began in September 2000 with approximately 60 people. As a result of being intentionally gospel centered while engaging the culture of Louisville, Sunday morning attendance has grown to 4,000 people.  
Register here (small fee for non-PCN members).
Spanish-language Workshop
Sharpening Your Sword / Saturday, February 28
For all those who teach the Bible, come to this one-day workshop in Spanish to hear how to sharpen your study skills in order to prepare an effective sermon or lesson. The training will be held at Iglesia Bautista De Bell, 4900 Clara Street, Cudahy, CA 90201. 323-560-1238. More info and register here.
5 New Church Plants
At our 2015 Annual Meeting, we announced the 5 new church plants Pacific Church Network will support this year. Including the new 5, since 2012, we have supported 12 church plants!! The new churches are Faith of Christ, Simi Valley; The Response Church, San Diego; Cross of Christ, Burbank; Redeemer Inland Empire, Claremont; and Victory Aiea, Aiea, Oahu. When we started the plan, our goal was to have 76 new plants by 2026. 64 to go! We appreciate your financial support to PCN. Read more.
Reaching Your City Workshop 
Tuesday, May 12 / Upland, CA
This free training event for Pacific Church Network and TM member churches ($10 for all others) will feature Tom Mercer, Senior Pastor of High Desert Church in Victorville, CA. HDC has grown from a small church of 150 to over 8,000 in the past 30 years using a very simple but effective way of reaching people with the gospel. Come hear Tom as he shares his story and some very practical way to implement outreach principles in your church. Lunch is included. Register
Ordination in Lakeside
On Saturday, January 31, Jon Bones, Youth Pastor at Mapleview Baptist Church in Lakeside, CA, met with the Pacific Church Network Ordination Council. After about 3 hours, they approved his ordination and recommended that Mapleview Baptist should publicly acknowledge Jon for the Ministry of Gospel in the near future. Congratulations Jon!!
Transition in Palmdale
After 21 years as the pastor of Desert Highlands Baptist Church and administrator of Westside Christian School, Charlie Miller has resigned in order to seek another ministry. Charlie has been involved in a wide range of ministries, including children's, youth, music, teaching, Christian education and preaching. He is prayerfully considering many possibilities. 
Pacific Church Network Growing
Several years ago, CB Southern California had only 38 supporting churches. We have since changed our name and now focus on church planting and church health. As of our annual meeting, we now have 62 churches in Pacific Church Network, all committed to financially supporting PCN. Church Multiplication Director Brian Howard reported at the annual meeting that our first 7 church plants are all in the top 16 supporting churches of PCN!
New Interim in Lakeside
On the recommendation of Pacific Church Network, on February 1, Dave Bancroft started as the Interim Pastor at Mapleview Baptist Church in Lakeside. Dave has been a pastor with numerous churches in California and Arizona before retiring in Victorville, CA. Dave is excited about assisting Mapleview as their Interim Pastor during their transitional time.
Prayer Needed
John Miller, Pastor-at-Large for Pacific Church Network--also serving for many years on our board--was found to have a fast moving inoperable cancer throughout his body. Pray for a miracle to happen, for his wife Sharon, and for his family.  They appreciate your prayers.
Leadership Change in San Bernardino
Steve Spray, pastor and school administrator at Grace Church and Del Rosa Christian school in San Bernardino resigned last month. He has been involved in churches in Oceanside, San Jose and San Bernardino. He and his wife have two grown children and he is seeking God's will for the next phase of his life.
Resignation in Lake Elsinore
dave
On Sunday, January 18, Pastor Dave Metzger announced his resignation from Lakehills Community Church in Lake Elsinore in order to pursue other ministry options. Dave and his wife, Ruth, served for 15 years at Lakehills. Dave had also served on the CBSC board for a number of years, and we pray that God will lead him to a fruitful ministry in the near future.
New Youth Pastor in Bellflower

Jason Ricafranca was installed on Sunday, January 18, as the new full-time Student Ministries Pastor at Bethel Grace Baptist Church. The church is excited to bring him on board. Soon after the installation, at the first Bible study led by Jason, a young man received Christ as his Lord and Savior! This young man was invited by a friend in recent months, came several times, had been encouraged in the Gospel by a handful of students and leaders, and as Jason taught from John's Gospel and spoke personally with him afterward, his heart was opened to receive Christ. Read more about Jason, his wife, Annie, and their family here.

Worthy Conference 
Worthy Conference is an event dedicated to informing teen girls that their worth is based not on beauty or intelligence or anything else, but solely on their identity in Christ. They do so by providing a high quality, Bible-based worship experience at an affordable price for all teen girls. They desire to see a world where teenage girls are cherished and encouraged to love as God first loved us! Learn more at WorthyConference.com.

If your church is not yet part of PCN and you would like to join this growing group of churches dedicated to church planting and church health, find out more information and sign up here.
 
Sincerely,
 


Jim Smith
Pacific Church Network