Scott Wilson

LAST SUNDAY Pastor Louis did a great job closing out 2018 by having us consider the mission we’ve been given— that of making disciples of Jesus. Writing the names of those in our lives whom we want to see become His followers on white rocks and then laying them before the Lord was powerful!  It was also special getting to see Skylar, Alicia and Ashley pledging their lives to Jesus by being baptized!  We’re excited for you!

THIS SUNDAY we’re starting off the new year with a message series we’re calling The Gospel According to Abraham. The passage we’ll be looking at on Sunday is Genesis 11:27-12:8 in which God called Abraham into a personal relationship with Him. There are a number of powerful and practical principles in the passage that show us what to expect when God calls anyone to follow him. In addition, there’s an update on the remodeling of the worship center I’m looking forward to sharing with you. This will be a great Sunday to invite a friend to join you at Gold Coast!

LIFE GROUPS START NEXT WEEK (WEEK OF JANUARY 6th): The primary purpose of LIFE Groups is joining with other believers, doing life together in community as we spur one another on to grow in following Jesus and helping others begin a relationship with Jesus. 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 Desk this Sunday. 

DISCOVERING A CHURCH FAMILY, SUNDAY, JANUARY 20, 12:30 PM TO 2:30 PM, YOUTH ROOM: I’d love for you to join me for this special time. We’ll meet in the youth room and lunch will be provided. This “101” class shares vital information on what we believe, why we do what we do- our purpose, our mission and more! This is a good opportunity to see what makes Gold Coast unique as well as what makes us “tick.”  We’ll conclude by 2:30 PM.

In order to plan for the lunch, the deadline to register is Thursday, January 17. (If you could use childcare for this event, we’ll need to know the number of children and their ages by Monday, January 14.)

Register by clicking HERE or by writing “101 Class” on your Connection Card on Sunday. If you have any questions, please contact the church office at office@goldcoastchurch.org or 805.485.5433.

DO YOU HAVE A GIFT OF HOSPITALITY? If you would enjoy serving others by preparing/coordinating food and preparing a room for meetings, please contact the church office at 805.485.5433.

PRAYER TIME EVERY SUNDAY MORNING: You’re invited to Sunday morning Prayer Time from 8:30-9:00 am in the Youth 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. You can contact Anne Romero if you have any questions at anne2grace@gmail.

IN THIS UPDATE: 

REMINDER: ONE COMBINED WORSHIP SERVICE IS THIS SUNDAY, DECEMBER 30, AT 10 AM. (Our regular Sunday morning service schedule of 9:15 and 10:45 AM will resume the following Sunday, on January 6th.)  Several people will be getting baptized on Sunday. It will be a great time of being together in worship as we say goodbye to 2018 and get ready to start a new year of loving and serving Jesus as well as introducing others to him!

WORSHIP CENTER RE-MODEL PROJECT: The plan is to use volunteers to do the work (carpet removal, loading dumpsters, recovering sounds panels, painting, carpentry, etc.) The estimated cost of materials and supplies for the project is $10,000. We are looking to raise those funds with over-and-above gifts/donations.

You can make this tax-deductible year-end gift either through the offering during the worship service this Sunday and/or at https://goldcoastchurch.org/give/ before midnight on December 31, or mail it to Gold Coast Christian Church (3500 Camino Ave., Oxnard, CA, 93030), postmarked by December 31.

TAKING DOWN DECORATIONS, FRIDAY, JANUARY 4: We need about 6-8 individuals to help take down the Christmas decorations. We’ll be starting at 9 am and should be finished by about 10:30 am or so. If you can assist, please write “Take Down” on your Connection Card this Sunday or go online. Want a free artificial Christmas tree? There will be two Christmas trees and some lights that will be available to pick up at noon that day. Questions, contact Darrell Foote at 805.660.3061 or darrell@goldcoastchurch.org.

LIFE GROUPS START THE WEEK OF JANUARY 6th: The primary purpose of LIFE Groups is joining with other believers, doing life together in community as we spur one another on to grow in following Jesus and helping others begin a relationship with Jesus. 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 Desk this Sunday. 

DISCOVERING A CHURCH FAMILY, SUNDAY, JANUARY 20, 12:30 PM TO 2:30 PM, YOUTH ROOM: Discovering a Church Family (101 Class) provides information on what we believe, church membership, and more! Sign up by writing “101 Class” on your Connection Card this Sunday or go online at goldcoastchurch.org to register. Lunch will be provided. If you have any questions, contact the church office at office@goldcoastchurch.org or 805.485.5433.

DO YOU HAVE A GIFT OF HOSPITALITY? If you would enjoy serving others by preparing/coordinating food and preparing a room for meetings, please contact the church office at 805.485.5433.

Hi Gold Coast,

I was told that the link to the invitation for our Christmas Eve services I shared in my Pastor’s Update is incorrect. Following is the correct link. As you think and pray about who you can invite to one of our 2 services, go to goldcoastchurch.org/christmas to download the invitation.

Because He came to earth,

Scott

IN THIS UPDATE: 

 

CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES ARE THIS MONDAY, DECEMBER 24, at 4:00 & 5:30 PM: Enjoy spending time celebrating Jesus’ birth! Nursery care will be provided at the 4 PM service for children under 2 years old. Fun “activity bags” have been put together for children ages 3 to 10 at both services.

 

CHRISTMAS EVE SIGNS FOR YOUR YARD OR WINDOW: If you have a Christmas Eve yard sign from last year, it’s time to start displaying it! If you don’t have a yard sign, you can pick one up tomorrow at either entrance of the Gold Coast facility. Display one in your yard or window. Let’s get the word out about Gold Coast’s Christmas Eve Services at 4:00 & 5:30 pm!

 

DIGITAL INVITATION POSTCARDS TO CHRISTMAS EVE AT GOLD COAST: Be thinking and praying about who you can invite to experience God’s love this Christmas! Go to goldcoastchurch.org/christmasto download the postcard.

 

THIS SUNDAY, we wrap up ourChristmas series, He Will Be Called, by looking at Jesus as the Prince of Peace. Jesus came to earth over 2000 years ago, promising peace and yet, conflict abounds throughout the world, between both individuals and nations. Chris Hedges, writing for The New York Times, states, “War is defined as an active conflict that has claimed more than 1,000 lives. Of the past 3,400 years, humans have been entirely at peace for 268 of them, or just 8 percent of recorded history. At least 108 million people were killed in wars in the twentieth century.”

Besides interpersonal conflict, there’s also the inner conflict that many find within themselves, which they discover they cannot overcome. Add to that strained and/or negative relationships multitudes experience with God, life can be anything but truly peaceful.

Just how is Jesus the Prince of Peace? Can his promised peace be experienced today? Sunday will be a rich time as, together, we focus on Jesus and what he brings. Invite a friend to join you!

 

ONE WORSHIP SERVICE, SUNDAY, DECEMBER 30: Mark your calendars- the Sunday after Christmas, we’ll join together for one worship service at 10:00 am!

IN THIS UPDATE: 

 

THIS SUNDAY we continue ourseries entitled He Will Be Called, looking at the different descriptions/titles of Jesus as recorded in Isaiah 9:6. On Sunday we’ll consider Jesus as the Everlasting Father.

WEAR YOUR CHRISTMAS SWEATERS ON SUNDAY: Wear your most BEAUTIFUL OR HIDEOUS Christmas sweater to Gold Coast on Sunday!

WORSHIP CENTER RE-MODEL PROJECT: After thirteen years, it is time to give our worship center a facelift! With Gold Coast people volunteering the manpower, the estimated cost of materials and supplies for the project is $10,000. We are looking to raise those funds with over-and-above gifts/donations. Our Christmas Offering this year will be used to fund this project. 

It would be great to have this project fully funded by the close of the year.  Will you consider a year-end gift to help us get there? Be sure to check out thedisplay table in the lobby this Sunday. You’ll be able to see pictures of the concept created by Aaron Nicholls as well as sign-up to volunteer to serve on the project.

The project begins in January. Volunteer opportunities include carpet removal, loading dumpsters, recovering sounds panels, painting, carpentry, etc.

Questions? Contact Sharon Wilson at 805-204-8644.

I appreciate the following short article from Dr. Jim Denison and want you to benefit from it.

 FOUL-MOUTHED SANTA FRIGHTENS CHILDREN, December 14, 2018:

It was the nightmare before Christmas.

IN THIS UPDATE: 

 

TOMORROW we continue our series entitled He Will Be Called, in which we’re looking at the different descriptions/titles of Jesus as recorded in Isaiah 9:6. Tomorrow we’ll take a look at Jesus, the Mighty God.

 

LADIES’ COOKIE EXCHANGE,TOMORROW, DECEMBER 9, 4 PM, 751 BIG HORN CT., CAMARILLO: “‘Tis the season to be sweet, so bring 4 dozen of your favorite treat!”  Ladies, this is a fun and non-threatening event to invite and bring other women to who don’t yet know Jesus and/or have a church home! You don’t bake? Not a problem. You don’t have to participate in the exchange in order to have a great time at the party! RSVP to Margie Cantu at 805-660-1187.

 

CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES ARE MONDAY, DECEMBER 24 at 4:00 & 5:30 PM: Enjoy spending time celebrating Jesus’ birth with your loved ones!

 

CHRISTMAS EVE SIGNS FOR YOUR YARD OR WINDOW: If you have a Christmas Eve yard sign from last year, it’s time to start displaying it! If you don’t have a yard sign, you can pick one up tomorrow at either entrance of the Gold Coast facility. Display one in your yard or window. Let’s get the word out about Gold Coast’s Christmas Eve Services at 4:00 & 5:30 pm!

DOWNLOAD THE CHRISTMAS EVE INVITATION POSTCARD: Be thinking and praying about who you can invite to experience God’s love this Christmas! Go to goldcoastchurch.org/christmas to download the postcard.

WEAR YOUR CHRISTMAS SWEATERS ON DECEMBER 16: Get in the Christmas spirit by wearing your most BEAUTIFUL OR HIDEOUS Christmas sweater to Gold Coast that morning!

 

AN EASY ADDITIONAL WAY TO SUPPORT THE MINISTRY OF GOLD COAST: Are you using Amazon in your Christmas shopping? Amazon will send a small percent of every purchase you make to the charity of your choice. Just go to: smile.amazon.com, and select “Gold Coast Christian Church” as the charity you wish to support from the drop-down menu under the amazon search bar. Once you make your purchases, Gold Coast will automatically receive a small donation! This works with both Amazon Prime as well as the regular Amazon. Please note: you must continue to use smile.amazon.com to utilize the donation feature on subsequent purchases; this will not activate on amazon.com!

 

ONE WORSHIP SERVICE, SUNDAY, DECEMBER 30: Mark your calendars- the Sunday after Christmas, we’ll join together for one worship service at 10:00 am!

 

BAPTISMS, SUNDAY, DECEMBER 30: If you are interested in being baptized, please write “baptism” on your Connection Card tomorrow and/or contact Pastor Scott at scott@goldcoastchurch.org if you have any questions.
DISCOVERY COVE (OUR CHILDREN’S MINISTRY HERE AT GOLD COAST) IS LOOKING FOR A FEW MORE HANDS TO SERVE! Every time a child comes to Gold Coast, they are taught that they are LOVED Jesus and his church! Presently, there are opportunities to serve either on Sunday mornings and Wednesday nights. Interesting in finding out more about how an hour a month can make an eternal impact? Contact Krystal Cooper at krystalcooper@live.com or Sharon Wilson at swlighthouse81@gmail.com to find out more.

WORSHIP CENTER RE-MODEL PROJECT: After thirteen years, it is time to give our worship center a facelift! With Gold Coast people volunteering the manpower, the estimated cost of materials and supplies for the project is $10,000. We are looking to raise those funds with over-and-above gifts/donations. $1700 HAS COME IN SO FAR- CLOSE TO 20% OF THE GOAL. It would be great to have this project fully funded by the close of the year.  Will you consider a year-end gift to help us get there?  Be sure to check out thedisplay table in the lobby this Sunday. You’ll be able to see pictures of the concept created by Aaron Nicholls as well as sign-up to volunteer to serve on the project.

IN THIS UPDATE: 

LAST SUNDAY was a great day as we added Louis DeLuca and Tim Kanter to our pastoral staff team. They come to us from Sojourn Church, amulti-gathering church in our area. As they shared, they are driven to see people trust in Jesus above all. They are committed to making disciples and to helping other disciples make disciples. They also love to pour into others in order to see spiritual maturity take place, helping people grow from spiritual infants to spiritual adults. They’re also passionate about the power and benefits of community, seeing the family of God experiencing rich relationships, helping and encouraging each other in the journey with Jesus.

They bring the above passions to Gold Coast. We’re looking forward to being more effective and accomplishing more together for the kingdom of God than we can separately. 

Louis is married to Faith and their kids are Gianna and Alessandra. Tim is married to Angela and their kids are Megan and Emma.

As I shared, I’d been praying for some time the prayer Jesus encourages us to offer up, as recorded in Matthew 9: “…Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”(Mt 9:38) One of the challenges of adding more workers for God’s harvest field is funding. God has provided it in that Louis and Tim come to us fully supported! “Where God guides, God provides.”

Additionally, another prayer close to Jesus’ heart is that his church would be united in love. Jesus prays in the shadow of the cross, “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one — I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me (John 17:20-23).Every Sunday in our services we ask God to pour out his blessing on every local church in our area that loves and serves Jesus and pursues His great commission.  By joining together, we are demonstrating the unity of Jesus’ church. We believe we’ll be better together.

It’s exciting to see God move and answer these two prayers with the addition of the Sojourn joining the Gold Coast family!

(To hear the whole story, check out the November 25th service on our website.)

Both Louis and Tim would love to meet you. If you’d like to grab a coffee, share a meal, etc. You can contact them at louis@goldcoastchurch.org and tim@goldcoastchurch.org.

 

TOMORROW we’ll kick off a new series entitled He Will Be Called. We’ll be looking at the different descriptions/titles of Jesus as recorded in Isaiah 9:6. Tomorrow we’ll be unpacking and applying how Jesus is the Wonderful Counselor. It will be good to join together in worship, fellowship and learning how to better love Jesus and others! Can’t wait!

IN THIS UPDATE: 

I HOPE YOU HAD A GREAT THANKSGIVING and you took some time to reflect on all the blessings God has poured out to you and thanked him for them.

 

REMEMBER THIS SUNDAY (NOVEMBER 25) IS OUR ONE COMBINED WORSHIP SERVICE AT 10:00 AM. Our regular schedule of Sunday morning worship times of 9:15 and 10:45 will be suspended on that day so we can all come together in one service at 10 AM. I’m really looking forward to sharing some exciting news with you!  A FREE LUNCH WILL BE SERVED IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE SERVICE so plan on relaxing a bit, having a bite to eat and enjoying the company of your Gold Coast family!

ADVENT DEVOTIONAL GUIDE AVAILABLE THIS SUNDAY: This 30-day devotional will help you journey through the upcoming Advent season. Pick up a copy in the lobby on Sunday. (One devotional booklet per family, please.)

NINOS DE BAJA SHOEBOXES: It’s time to donate filled shoeboxes for the children of Guadalupe Valley in Mexico for Christmas! Last year, there were 1,700 children at the event. Boxes and lists are available in the lobby. RETURN DEADLINE IS THIS SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 25. Donations are welcome, too. Just put “Shoebox” on the memo line of your check.

DISCOVERY COVE (OUR CHILDREN’S MINISTRY HERE AT GOLD COAST) IS LOOKING FOR A FEW MORE HANDS TO SERVE! Every time a child comes to Gold Coast, they are taught that they are LOVED Jesus and his church! Presently, there are opportunities to serve either on Sunday mornings and Wednesday nights. Interesting in finding out more about how an hour a month can make an eternal impact? Contact Krystal Cooper at krystalcooper@live.com or Sharon Wilson at swlighthouse81@gmail.com to find out more.

DE BAJA MISSIONS TRIP: The missions trip to Ninos de Baja is to distribute the shoebox gifts to the children on December 8. Very limited space on this trip due to limited housing on site. PREFERENCE IS FOR FIRST-TIMERS. Passport required. Estimated $100/person, $50 deposit to a hold spot. Put “Mexico Trip” on the memo line of your check. Contact Michael Yeaman at yeaman7@hotmail.com with any questions.

CHRISTMAS DECORATING AT GOLD COAST FACILITY, THIS TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 27: Help set up Christmas decorations at the facility starting at 12:30 pm. Sign up by writing “Decoration” on your Connection Card this Sunday or sign up on our website.

 

MEN’S BREAKFAST & TOOL EXCHANGE, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 1, 8:30 TO 10:00 AM:  Take advantage of this EOO (excellent outreach opportunity)!  Invite friends, neighbors, co-workers, etc. who need Jesus and/or a church home to join you. In addition, it promises to be a great time for fellowship, being encouraged and challenged in your spiritual growth, and enjoying a good breakfast! $5 per person or free to first time guests. Sign up at the table in the lobby by the Welcome Desk this Sunday or go online. Contact George Garcia at gsgarciains@yahoo.com or 302.8475, if you have any questions.

 

RESCUE MISSION OUTREACH, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 1,FROM 4:15 to 6:15 PM: To sign up, go online or write “Rescue Mission” on your Connection Card. You can contact Stuart Baker at 805.427.5528 or stuartbaker45@aol.com, if you have any questions.

 

LADIES’ COOKIE EXCHANGE, SUNDAY, DECEMBER 9, 4 PM, 751 BIG HORN CT., CAMARILLO: “‘Tis the season to be sweet, so bring 4 dozen of your favorite treat!”  Ladies, this is a fun and non-threatening event to invite and bring other women to who don’t yet know Jesus and/or have a church home! RSVP to Margie Cantu at 805-660-1187.

IN THIS UPDATE: 

SERVE DAY, TOMORROW, SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 17: Camarillo Grove Park was hit hard by the fire.The Parks District is needing volunteers to pack sand bags to protect the trails in preparation for the rains that will be coming. 

Our original 3rd Saturday Serve Day project got postponed and so this is going to be our new project! Pastor Darrell will be there. You do not have to stay the whole time. Pertinent information below:

When:  Saturday, 8 am to 3 pm

What to bring:  Wear protective clothing & shoes and bring shovel(s), gloves, hat & sunscreen (optional). Masks will be provided (if needed), snacks and water. There’s a rumor that there might be pizza for lunch.

Project:  Filling sand bags and placing them at various places on the trail.  

THIS SUNDAY we wrap up our He Said WHAT?, the message series in which we’ve looked some of the shocking and difficult statements of Jesus. We’re going to look at the parable Jesus tellsabout the kingdom of heaven, recorded in Matthew 20:1-16. The story is about workers doing differing amounts of work and how they are compensated. In some ways, what some get for their work doesn’t seem fair. How do you respond when God doesn’t seem to be fair? I encourage you to read it beforehand and come ready to dig in.

PRAY FOR ELEANOR REYNOLDS: We prayed for her and her parents, Craig and Emily, last Sunday in our services. Eleanor is in critical condition at Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles. Please hold them up in prayer before the Father.

ONE COMBINED WORSHIP SERVICE A WEEK FROM THIS SUNDAY, ON NOVEMBER 25 AT 10:00 AM: The Sunday after Thanksgiving, let’s join together for one worship service at 10:00 am. (Our regular schedule of Sunday morning worship times of 9:15 and 10:45 will be suspended on that day).

 

THERE WILL BE A LIGHT LUNCH RIGHT AFTERWARDS FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO CONNECT WITH OTHERS.

Mark your calendars now!

 

ADVENT DEVOTIONAL GUIDE AVAILABLE THIS SUNDAY: This 30-day devotional will help you journey through the upcoming Advent season. Pick up a copy in the lobby on Sunday. (One devotional booklet per family, please.)

 

CHRISTMAS DECORATING AT GOLD COAST FACILITY, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 27: Help set up Christmas decorations at the facility starting at 12:30 pm. Sign up by writing “Decoration” on your Connection Card this Sunday or sign up on our website.

 

MEN’S BREAKFAST & TOOL EXCHANGE, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 1, 8:30 TO 10:00 AM:  Take advantage of this EOO (excellent outreach opportunity)!  Invite friends, neighbors, co-workers, etc. who need Jesus and/or a church home to join you. In addition, it promises to be a great time for fellowship, being encouraged and challenged in your spiritual growth, and enjoying a good breakfast! $5 per person or free to first time guests. Sign up at the table in the lobby by the Welcome Desk this Sunday or go online. Contact George Garcia at gsgarciains@yahoo.com or 302.8475, if you have any questions.

 

LADIES’ COOKIE EXCHANGE, SUNDAY, DECEMBER 9, 4 PM, 751 BIG HORN CT., CAMARILLO: “‘Tis the season to be sweet, so bring 4 dozen of your favorite treat!”  Ladies, this is a fun and non-threatening event to invite and bring other women to who don’t yet know Jesus and/or have a church home! RSVP to Margie Cantu at 805-660-1187.

IN THIS UPDATE: 

QUITE A WEEK: With the fires and the mass killing at the Borderline, this has been quite a sobering week for our community. Many have been affected. It wouldn’t surprise me if everyone reading this has either been impacted personally and/or knows someone who has. Keep praying and looking for ways to be the hands and feet of Jesus to those who are suffering and impacted by this. We’ve been reminded just how fleeting and unstable this brief life here on earth can be.  The world desperately needs Jesus- his grace, peace, and power as well as the hope that can only be found in him. A line in a song by Ryan Stevenson says, “You alone are the anchor when my sails are torn, your love surrounds me in the eye of the storm.”  How thankful I am that that is true.

THIS SUNDAY, we’re going to have a special time of prayer for our community, for those who are struggling over the events of this past week. The message is going to cover some essential principles for our life with Christ as well as how being focused on and passionate about Jesus can enable us to weather and survive any storm that comes along.

ONE COMBINED WORSHIP SERVICE, SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 25 @ 10:00 AM: The Sunday after Thanksgiving, let’s join together for one worship service at 10:00 am. (Our regular schedule of Sunday morning worship times of 9:15 and 10:45 will be suspended on that day). Mark your calendars!

 

CHRISTMAS DECORATING AT GOLD COAST FACILITY, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 27: Help set up Christmas decorations at the facility starting at 12:30 pm. Sign up by writing “Decoration” on your Connection Card this Sunday or sign up on our website.

 

MEN’S BREAKFAST & TOOL EXCHANGE, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 1, 8:30 TO 10:00 AM: Take advantage of this EOO (excellent outreach opportunity)!  Invite friends, neighbors, co-workers, etc. who need Jesus and/or a church home to join you. In addition, it promises to be a great time for fellowship, being encouraged and challenged in your spiritual growth, and enjoying a good breakfast! $5 per person or free to first time guests. Sign up at the table in the lobby by the Welcome Desk this Sunday or go online. Contact George Garcia at gsgarciains@yahoo.com or 302.8475, if you have any questions.

LADIES’ COOKIE EXCHANGE, SUNDAY, DECEMBER 9, 4 PM- Save the date, ladies!

NINOS DE BAJA SHOEBOXES & MISSIONS TRIP: It’s time to donate filled shoeboxes for the children of Guadalupe Valley in Mexico for Christmas! Last year, there were 1,700 children at the event. Boxes and lists are available in the lobby. Return deadline is Sunday, November 25. Donations are welcome, too. Just put “Shoebox” on the memo line of your check.

The missions trip to Ninos de Baja is to distribute the shoebox gifts to the children on December 8. Very limited space on this trip due to limited housing on site. Preference is for first timers. Passport required. Estimated $100/person, $50 deposit to a hold spot. Put “Mexico Trip” on the memo line of your check. Contact Michael Yeaman at yeaman7@hotmail.com with any questions.