Romans 8:32 He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?
Dear Church Family,
Some of the men have been meeting at church (yes, with masks and social distancing) for a Bible study in growing as a Christian. We take turns facilitating the meeting. Last week, we studied prayer.
Of course we pray for each other... We also pray for the church to remain spiritually strong and healthy. It has been refreshing for us, to have a corner of time that acts like a refreshing spring.
Are you finding a place to grow? Are you being refreshed, regularly?
I was refreshed at our last Prayer Meeting on Wednesday evening.
I hope it helps to remember, we are praying for you.
Be Blessed,
Pastor Albert
Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. Mark 11:24
Church is now open with antivirus measures in place.
Guest Speaker: (Mostly written by Pastor Christian) This Sabbath, our special guest speaker will be Dr. Kendra Haloviak, Associate Professor of New Testament Studies at La Sierra University. As some of you know, I began attending La Sierra University in September of 2019. I got to know Dr. Haloviak last quarter by taking her class, New Testament and its Communities. As a student, I learned that Dr. Haloviak is extremely knowledgeable in her field. Her enthusiasm for the New Testament was contagious and I looked forward to attending her class every week. The historical and cultural information she shared with us about the world of the New Testament allowed the Scriptures to come alive for me in new ways.
Most importantly, I have seen that Dr. Haloviak has a love for Jesus that she desires to share with her students. Please invite your friends and family to join us this Sabbath morning as we hear Dr. Haloviak share the message with us during our regular worship service, “The First Disciple”.
She has served the Seventh-day Adventist church as a pastor and college teacher for thirty-one years. She is married to Gil Valentine and they have loved becoming grandparents to Bronte (8), Hayden (6), Tess (3) and Caspar (1). Gil and Kendra live in Riverside, California where they enjoy morning walks together.
From Marie McCalla: Coming to Gods house last Sabbath was such a blessing and I would like to encourage all my brothers and sisters to come to church and experience a blessing, as Karl and I did. (Pastor adds: Restrictions are still in place; We like to see you however you may ‘attend’.)
Reminder about Donations: (from Betsy Adams) Please remember that the tax law has been changed for this year only. Ordinarily only a portion of your charitable giving (your tithe and offering) is tax-deductible. This year, however, 100% of your gifts are tax-deductible. If you’re financially able, this is a wonderful time to increase your giving. Help your church and help yourself.
Reminder about College Scholarship Fund (from Betsy Adams): Our church has four young adults attending our SDA colleges. We have supported them financially in the past. Please contribute to the college scholarship fund, if possible. Presently, there aren’t many dollars in that fund. [Mark you donation “Scholarship: College”]
Prayer Meeting: Will now be preceded by a special half hour, starting at 6:30 p.m., dedicated to prayer for our church. We want to be ready for new opportunities and ministries that will be part of our future. Already there has been a dedicated group interceding for the church at large; they will especially be in attendance. This week, Janet Barnhill will lead this segment. At 7:00 p.m. our usual Prayer Meeting will begin, with a half hour Bible Study and then a personal sharing and prayer time for those who attend. This week, Carroll DeVault will be leading this segment.
To join this meeting, at any time convenient to you, please see the invitation section below.
Pastor on Vacation: I will be stretching my weekend, taking an extra day or two at the beginning of the week for the next two weekends. I need to use some vacation time, or ‘lose it’.
I will be present at the Wednesday Prayer Meeting and on duty through the Sabbath. I will continue to answer the church office phone and be available if needed.
Upcoming Sabbaths:
July 18: We will have a special Communion Service.
July 25: The Youth and Pastor Christian will be hosting the worship service.
Church Secretary Needed: Our current church assistant, Becky, will be seeking new opportunities. From our advertisement:
Church Secretary Job Opening
Flexible Hours, up to 19 per week, much may be done from the home.
Wages begin at $14.25 / hour and increase according to abilities and experience.
Requirements: Membership in the Seventh-Day Adventist Church; Computer Skills (email; Word processing); People Skills.
To Apply: Send resume’, and two or three references by email. Deadline: August 2, 2020
If you have a blessing to share with the church, please send us your message to include in our next newsletter!
REMINDER:
Sabbath School this quarter we want to brainstorm ideas to be more effective both individually and as a church to share the love of God. Please join us to provide your testimony, experience, and ideas. Join us Sabbaths at 9:40am.
Reach Your Pastor: I am forwarding the church phone (310/541-1819) to my home phone (424/206-2949). You can call my cell phone (626/826-8448), text me, or email me: albertfrederico@gmail.com
This is the perfect time to share more uplifting messages online: if you have any social media accounts, follow and share post, messages, and comments with and from our church accounts on Facebook, Instagram, our youth Instagram, our local conference page. There are many people online who may not come to church, but may see a message that will encourage them to seek Christ.
A healthy body is the foundation for an optimally healthy mind that will also be the foundation for an optimally healthy spirituality. And optimal health is the greatest protection against COVID-19, which, unfortunately, is still out there. What is and how we can have this optimal health is a quest we will always be on in this world of imperfect understanding, so here are some new videos for you to keep learning from! Watch the latest videos from Modern Manna's online Health and Healing Crusade!
Online Giving: did you know you can return your tithes and offerings online? Adventist Giving enables us to return our tithes and offerings online easily.Go to Adventist Giving
6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
