Pastor’s Update, March 23, 2018

IN THIS UPDATE:

 

WITH A HEAVY HEART I share with you the passing of our dear sister Laurie DeRemer on Wednesday morning, March 21. Our deepest condolences to Pat, Ryan, Katie, Sophie and the entire DeRemer family. Our prayers for God’s comfort and strength for these loved ones are appreciated very much as this time.

 

From Pat: My beauty, the love of my life peacefully went to the arms of Jesus to receive her reward this morning at 7:00am with me at her side. Her beautiful blue eyes opened widely and looked deep into my soul before she took her last breath. As most of you know my wife was a remarkable woman who brought light into every life she encountered, especially mine. Please pray for our family as we join you in grieving our loss but rejoicing in Heaven’s gain. We would also ask that you would respect our privacy over the next several days. Please know that your love and support over the past couple of years has sustained and encouraged us. We could never adequately thank you enough for all of the prayers, hugs, meals, visits, cards, texts, emails, phone calls sprinkled with grace, compassion and love. We are truly blessed!   Love, Pat and family

 

GOOD FRIDAY SERVICE, MARCH 30, 7:00 PM: This special time will include communion and reflections on Jesus’ great sacrifice for us.

 

EASTER SUNDAY, APRIL 1, 9:15 & 10:45 AM: A free Easter brunch will be available after the 1st service/before the 2nd service. Use Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, text, and emails to invite your family, friends, co-workers, and neighbors to our Good Friday and Easter Services! A free brunch will be available after the 1st service/before the 2nd service on Easter. So hang out between services and meet someone new! You may want to attend the 9:15 am service, as we anticipate the 10:45 am service as being full.

 

HIGH SCHOOL BIBLE STUDY is on Sunday evenings at 7-9 pm. It’s a chance to explore faith, grow in love, and become the next generation of leaders. For location information, contact Christian at christian@goldcoastchurch.org or 541.601.7131.

 

MEN’S BREAKFAST, SATURDAY, APRIL 7: Men, let’s get together from 8:30-10:00 am for a great time of fellowship and being encouraged and challenged in our spiritual growth. Pancakes, eggs, and bacon will be served for $5 per person. First time guests are free. Sign up at the table in the lobby this Sunday. If you have any questions, contact George Garcia at gsgarciains@yahoo.com or 805.302.8475.

 

JOIN A LIFE GROUP! SPRING GROUPS START WEEK OF APRIL 8: The primary purpose of LIFE Groups is joining with other believers and doing life together in community. It’s where we connect and assist one another in our faith journey. If you are new to a LIFE Group or wish to change to a different LIFE Group, sign up through the church website or visit the Welcome Center in the lobby this Sunday. A list is available at the Welcome Center. If you have any questions, please contact Darrell Foote at 805.660.3061 or at dfoote07@verizon.net.

 

BUDDY BREAK SUPPORT, APRIL 9 & 10: We need a lift…or a couple of lifters! Before and after Buddy Break, we need a few men who can do some lifting to set up and re-set the rooms for 1-1.5 hours in the afternoon on the second Friday of most months (to set up) and/or on the second Saturday of most months (to re-set). If you are available on April 9 and/or April 10, please write “Buddy Break” on your Connection Card or sign up at the Welcome Desk this Sunday. Questions, please contact Darrell at dfoote07@verizon.net or 805.660.3061, or Tana at tana@goldcoastchurch.org or 805.485.5433.

 

3RD SATURDAY SERVE DAY, SATURDAY, APRIL 21: Here is your opportunity to do various service projects for seniors, disabled residents, and under-resourced families on the 3rd Saturday of most months. Projects are based on those who sign up. If you are interested in participating, stop by the Welcome Desk and fill out a Serve Day form this Sunday. Contact Darrell Foote at dfoote07@verizon.net or 805.660.3061 for more information.

 

ANNUAL LADIES’ SPRING CONFERENCE & LUNCHEON, SATURDAY, APRIL 28TH FROM 10:00 AM TO 2:30 PM: The theme of the conference this year is “Discover Treasures in Our Trials.”  The speaker is Kristy Marcotte, from Saddleback Church.  DJ’s Catering will provide lunch that features lots of gluten free choices.  To learn more about Kristy, go to her website at www.straighttalkforwomen.com. Tickets are available this Sunday at the Women’s Ministry table in the Gold Coast lobby. Ladies are being sought to host and decorate a table for eight.  Cost is $35 per person. Contact Lynn Knuth for more information at (805) 443-4471 or email her at alynknuth@aol.com.

 

MEN’S RETREAT AT ANGELES CREST, APRIL 27-29: Come hang out with a bunch of like-minded guys for an awesome weekend of adventure! Frankly, women retreat more often. They love to create ‘foo foo’ experiences that pamper, cater, sing forever and connect with other women. Nothing wrong with it. But when men get together, they typically are happy with 3 simple things: Good food and lots of it; hang time with cool, fun stuff to do; and gatherings that are not weird but personally helpful.

 

These three things are exactly what you’ll find at the Angeles Crest Men’s Retreat. Sure- we’ll have excellent worship and teaching times, (as a matter of fact) this year the theme of “The Heart of A Man” promises to be both inspiring and practical. Come retreat to the mountains and discover the power of rest, play, Godly challenges and great food.

 

Three easy ways to register: 1. Call Vicky Stevens at 714-870-9190; 2. Email her at vicky@angelescrest.com; 3. Register online. The cost is $149 per person. Questions? Contact George at 805.302.8475, gsgarciains@yahoo.com or contact Darrell at dfoote@verizon.net or 805.660.3061.

 

STEPHEN MINISTRY: In difficult times, God’s love is especially precious to us, and it is very important to know someone who cares. Our congregation has trained Stephen Ministers who offer a ministry of caring in a Christ-like way. To find out more about receiving a Stephen Minister’s care, write “Stephen Ministry” on your Connection Card and place it in the offering basket this Sunday or call Art or Rose Flatray at 805.987.1428 for more information.

 

DAILY BIBLE READING SCHEDULE FOR THIS WEEK:

 

Sunday, March 25:              Josh. 21-22; Ps. 47; 1 Cor. 10

Monday March 26:               Josh. 23-24; Ps. 44; 1 Cor. 11

Tuesday March 27:              Judg. 1-3; 1 Cor. 12

Wednesday March 28:        Judg. 4-5; Ps. 39, 41; 1 Cor. 13

Thursday March 29:            Judg. 6-7; Ps. 52; 1 Cor. 14

Friday March 30:                  Judg. 8; Ps. 42; 1 Cor. 15

Saturday March 31:             Judg. 9-10; Ps. 49; 1 Cor. 16

Sunday April 1:                     Judg. 11-12 Ps. 50; 2 Cor. 1

 

ISRAEL TRIP: Thanks to all those who prayed for the group that went on the trip to the Holy Land. It was a wonderful experience for the eighteen who participated!

 

THIS SUNDAY we start a 3-part series we’re calling Getting to Know the Unknown God.  This Sunday we’re looking at The God Who Is There. The message on Easter will be JESUS: Legend? Lunatic? Liar? Or Something Else Entirely? On the Sunday after Easter we’ll look at the dangers of distorted views of God and how we can break free from them.

 

Looking forward to seeing you Sunday,

Scott