LAST SUNDAY we looked at the persecution one can suffer in following Jesus. I encourage you to check out Open Doors USA’s website for information on the persecuted church (www.opendoorsusa.org.)
If you’re on Facebook, check out their page there: www.facebook.com/opendoorsfans/.
THIS SUNDAY we begin a new message series through Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount that we’re calling “The King’s Speech.” We’ll be zeroing in on Matthew 5:13-16, where Jesus talks about us being salt and light: “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
What’s Jesus getting at, using the metaphors of salt and light to describe his followers? I think we’ll be both challenged and encouraged as we dig into this passage. This would a great Sunday to invite a friend to join you at Gold Coast!
(Remember, if you’re attending the 9 am service, plan on lingering a little longer after the service concludes and if you’re attending the 10:45 am service, arrive a little earlier. This will give you the opportunity to connect/catch up with others who attend the other service.)
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: We are looking for willing hearts and hands to be a part of Discovery Cove- our children’s ministry that serves our littlest family members from infancy through 5th grade. Volunteers serve one service a month. For additional information, please contact Christina Brower at christina@goldcoastchurch.org or 805.766.8876.
FREE WHEELCHAIR MISSION X2 CHALLENGE GOING ON NOW THROUGH OCTOBER 31: You can transform a life with an $80 gift that will provide a wheelchair for someone in a developing country who would not otherwise be able to afford one. The X2 Matching Gift Challenge doubles the number of wheelchairs delivered and therefore doubles the impact of each gift! Your “over and above” gift will not only help provide people around the world with the transforming gift of mobility, but the invaluable gifts of independence, dignity and hope. Write “FWM” on the memo line of your check or go online to donate. You can contact the church office at office@goldcoastchurch.org or 805.485.5433 if you have any questions.
THE CONTENT OF CHARACTER SERIES ONE-DAY EVENT, Saturday, November 2, 9 AM to 4 PM, Calvary Chapel Oxnard, 1925 Eastman Ave, Oxnard: This event presents our successes and hindrances in the achievement of that dream touching ALL AMERICANS through the lens of the American Black Experience. Dig deep into black history, social justice from a Biblical perspective, and the cultural information campaign designed to disrupt our Judeo-Christian values. Nationally recognized leaders from around the country are joining together to enlighten and broaden our perspectives. This is your opportunity to be part of something bigger than what any one of us can do alone. COST OF EVENT: $25 person includes snacks and gourmet lunch. Scholarships and partial scholarships available. https://www.contentofcharacterseries.com/ventura-county-2019
NINOS DE BAJA CHRISTMAS MISSIONS TRIP– DECEMBER 6 – 8: Join Gold Coast and other local churches as they travel to Ninos De Baja to be part of the Christmas Shoebox Mission Trip. We will handout boxes to the kids of El Porvenir and serve the children of Ninos de Baja. A $50 deposit is needed to hold a spot, with the full estimated cost of around $125/person. Checks can be made to Gold Coast – “NdB Mission trip” in memo line. Passport required. Space is limited due to housing in Mexico. Once allocated space is full, a wait list will be available. For more information contact Mike Yeaman at yeaman7@hotmail.com.
HOLYLAND TRIP 2021: Gold Coast is excited to invite you to Experience the Holyland, March 8-19, 2021. A discount is offered by the tour company for early registration and we want to give you the opportunity to take advantage of that, if interested, by providing information early which will also allow time to plan and save for the trip. A visit to Israel adds a new dimension to your Bible reading and study as you can visualize locations and understand the history of the area with greater clarity. This trip will be unique in that we will experience worship together in different locations led by our own Pat DeRemer. We’ll also share in worship with one of the churches in the Christian HolyLand Foundation that we support. Majd Shufani, an Arab Christian who spoke at Gold Coast in August, will be there to welcome us. If you would like more information about the trip, please see Sharon Wilson at the table in the lobby this Sunday.
DONUT PICKUP NEEDED: We need some second service attendees from Oxnard who would be willing to pick up donuts (approximately 9:30 am, corner of Gonzales & Oxnard Blvd) and bring them to the church facility on a rotating basis. If you are interested in the possibility of this ministry, please write Donut Pickup on the connection card this Sunday or contact Darrell Foote (806-660-3061 – dfoote07@verizon.net).
SUNDAY PRAYER TIME EVERY SUNDAY MORNING: You’re invited to Sunday morning Prayer Time from 8:20-8:50 am in the Elementary Room every Sunday! Come for a couple of minutes or stay longer. This is open to everyone! Prayer cards with suggested topics will be available – you can pray aloud or silently.
DAILY BIBLE READINGS SCHEDULE:
Friday October 25 Job 16; Acts 21-23
Sunday October 26 Job 17; Acts 24-26
Sunday October 27 Job 18; Ps 114; Acts 27-28
Monday October 28 Job 19; Mk 1-2
Tuesday October 29 Job 20; Mk 3-4
Wednesday October 30 Job 21; Mk 5-6
Thursday October 31 Job 22; Mk 7-8
Friday November 1 Ps 121; Mk 9-10
Sunday November 2 Job 23-24; Mk 11-12
Sunday November 3 Job 25; Mk 13-14
See you Sunday,
Scott