LAST SUNDAY we started a new mini-series on the Beatitudes within our major study of Matthew’s gospel. We’re calling it The Upside-Down Kingdom. We looked at the first one, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:3) In my Bible reading on Thursday, I came across Revelation 3. The passage contains some of the most sobering words in all the Bible when it comes to churches and followers of Jesus. At the end of the chapter, Jesus’ words to the church in Laodicea reminded me of the danger we looked at last Sunday in not recognizing that our need for Jesus is not just partial but it is total:
“To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God’s creation. I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see. Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me. To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat down with my Father on his throne. Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” (Revelation 3:14-22)
TOMORROW we’ll be tackling Beatitude #2, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” We’ll also be praying for school teachers and students as they’re getting back to school. So, if you’re a teacher or student, make sure you’re at one of the services tomorrow! It’s going to be a good day to come together with the rest of the family to worship, learn, and encourage one another!
By the way, more has been accomplished with the worship center re-model project, as you’ll see.
20TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION, SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, ONE WORSHIP SERVICE AT 10:00 AM/LUNCH & FUN AT 11:30 AM: Complimentary food tickets are available tomorrow at the table outside by the coffee and donuts. Get ready to celebrate with music, food, fun activities for the kids, and more!
We need more helpers for the children’s games (at ½ hours increments), and need to borrow some corn hole and pop-up tents. Sign up outside at the ticket table this Sunday.
You can also contact Emy Russell for set-up/clean-up at [email protected] or contact Dianna DeRemer with any questions at [email protected].
WE WANT YOUR GOLD COAST BIRTHDAY GREETING: We’re putting together a video of short birthday greetings from a number of different individuals to show during the service on September 15th. It would be great to have a video from you! Your greeting needs to be SHORT – 3 to 5 seconds (no longer than 5 seconds)! In addition to being SHORT, lots of love and energy would also be greatly appreciated! Please email them to me soon at [email protected]. Thanks!
GOLD COAST T-SHIRT PAYMENTS: If you ordered a T-shirt and need to pay for it, please make sure you do so by this Friday, September 6th, for online or text payments. For check or cash payments, please pay by September 8th. Make checks payable to Gold Coast Church and write “T-shirts” on the memo line. For text payments, text 77977 and choose Promos. T-shirts that have been ordered and paid for will be handed out on September 8th.
LIFE GROUPS START THE WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 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, please go to the Welcome Desk in the lobby tomorrow for a current list of available groups or for more information. If you have any questions, please contact Darrell Foote at 805.660.3061 or [email protected].
JOIN A SUNDAY MORNING MINISTRY TEAM: The Café, Welcome Desk, and Greeter ministry teams are looking for some additional volunteers to assist approximately once a month on Sunday morning. Sign up on your Connection Card tomorrow, our website, or contact Darrell Foote at [email protected] or 805.660.3061.
PRAYER FOR MISSIONS, TOMORROW, SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 1: On the first Sunday of each month, please gather in the Worship Center after the 2nd service to pray for the missions and missionaries that Gold Coast supports. Contact Mike or Lynne Yeaman at [email protected] or 805.331.3899, or Tim Kanter at [email protected] for more info.
DAILY BIBLE READING SCHEDULE:
Friday August 30 Ezek 8-11; Rev 4
Saturday August 31 Ezek 12-14; Rev 5
Sunday September 1 Ezek 15-16; Ps 70; Rev 6
Monday September 2 Ezek 17-19; Rev 7
Tuesday September 3 Ezek 20-21; Ps 111; Rev 8
Wednesday September 4 Ezek 22-24; Rev 9
Thursday September 5 Ezek 25-28; Rev 10
Friday September 6 Ezek 29-32; Rev 11
Saturday September 7 2 Ki 25; 2 Chr 36; Jer 40-41; Rev 12
Sunday September 8 Jer 42-44; Ps 48; Rev 13
1ST SATURDAY SERVE DAY, SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 7: Here is your opportunity to do various service projects for seniors, disabled residents, and under-resourced families on the 1st Saturday of most months. Projects are based on those who sign up. If you are interested in participating, go to the Welcome Desk tomorrow and fill out a Serve Day form. Contact Darrell Foote at [email protected] or 805.660.3061 with any questions.
RESCUE MISSION, SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 7: Oxnard outreach is from 4:15-6:15 pm on the first Saturday of each month. To sign up, write “Rescue Mission” on your Connection Card tomorrow, go online, or contact Stuart Baker at 805.427.5528 or [email protected].
BUDDY TRAINING, SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 8: Families in our community who have children with special needs need to know God’s love and care! Buddy Training provides info on how to help by being a Buddy at Buddy Break, a free respite program where kids have fun and parents get a break from their on-going child care responsibilities. Buddy Training will be after the second service at about 12:15 pm in the Youth Room. Lunch will be furnished. Adults are provided with a free back-ground check. Kids can serve as Buddy Helpers. Sign up tomorrow on your Connection Card by writing “Buddy Break” or go online under the Get Connected tab. Contact Tana Seufert at 805.824.5794 or [email protected] with any questions.
THE HUDDLE, SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 21: Men, let’s meet at 7:30-9:00 am on the 3rd Saturday of each month here at the church. Plan on good conversation as we discuss the most important attributes men need to survive in today’s modern world. Food and coffee will be available. Donations are accepted. Sign up through our website. Contact Louis DeLuca with any questions at [email protected].
SAVE THE DATES:
-ONE CITY/ONE CHURCH SERVE DAY, SATURDAY, OCTOBER 12, 9 AM TO NOON
-BIG JESUS TENT IN OXNARD with NICK VUJICIC- November 14-17 and 21-24
TANA TAKES ON A NEW MINISTRY: Tana Seufert has been the Office Administrator at Gold Coast for the last nine years, serving faithfully and effectively. She will be taking a new position with Nathaniel’s Hope, the organization that has provided us with the Buddy Break program. We know God will use her heart and abilities in her new work in great ways. Her last week in the office will be the week of September 15. We’re going to miss her being a part of our staff but I’m happy to say that she will continue as a co-leader of our Special Needs Ministry, doing Buddy Break and the Disability Christmas Shoppe.
Love,
Scott