Scott Wilson

IN THIS UPDATE:

THIS SUNDAYmorning, as we’re in the final weeks of our study in the book of Hebrews, we come to Hebrews 12:14-17.  We’re going to look at God’s call to grow up spiritually and how that leads to living at peace with others.  In a world that seems more divided than ever, it’s an important to know what God’s word has to say about it being peacemakers. I look forward to seeing you.

LADIES’ BEACH BIKE RIDE, SATURDAY, JULY 28th: Join Donna Beeson and some of the ladies of Gold Coast on an 8-mile round trip bike ride on Saturday, July 28th. This from Donna- “Meet at 8:00 am at the San Buenaventura Beach. Park on the streets around Pierpont Blvd. and San Pedro (exit Seaward off the 101 freeway) or pay to park at the San Buenaventura Beach. Ride up the coast through the Harbor. We will stay on the trail by the railroad tract and come out on the exit for the Ventura Beaches. We’ll enjoy some light snacks as a reward. Contact me at 805.630.2217 so I know how many are expected.”

HIGHER GROUND HIKE, VENTURA BEACH, SUNDAY, JULY 29: Higher Ground is hosting a Ventura Beach Walk from Marina Park to the Ventura Pier and back after church on Sunday, July 29th from 2-5 pm. Come and see the beautiful ocean, walk along the shoreline, and soak up the sun! Dogs are allowed on Ventura beaches at Marina Park and San Buenaventura State Beach. Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, hat and camera. Invite a friend! Contact Maggie Cantu at [email protected] or 805.660.1187.

 

Difficulty: Easy

Distance: 5 miles round trip

Hike Time: min. 2 hours

 

HIGHER GROUND HIKING T-SHIRTS AND TANK TOPS will be available in the lobby on Sunday.  Prices are from $9-12.

 

BUDDY BREAK TRAINING & SUPPORT, SUNDAY, JULY 29: Be a Buddy! Buddy Break is a free respite program for parents and caregivers who have children with special needs (VIPs). Have some fun and be a blessing to VIPs and their families! Buddies are volunteers who are paired with a VIP or sibling and are usually at least 14 years old. No previous experience is necessary, just a willing heart and an openness to learn! A Buddy Training class and a background check are required, at no cost to you. The next Buddy Training is Sunday, July 29th, after the second service in the Youth Room. Lunch will be provided. Sign up by writing “Buddy Break” on your Connection Card this Sunday!

IN THIS UPDATE: THE MEN’S BREAKFAST IS TOMORROW, SATURDAY, JULY 14, 8:30 to 10 AM: Men, it’s time to come together for great fellowship, encouragement, and challenge in our spiritual growth. Breakfast will be served. Cost is $5. First time guests are free. Guest Speaker, Tim Kanter, made loads of bad choices as a teen. … Read more

IN THIS UPDATE:

TOMORROW, SATURDAY, JULY 7, IS GOLD COAST’S TURN TO SERVE AT THE RESCUE MISSION, FROM 4:15-6:15 PM. For more information, contact Stuart Baker at [email protected] or call 805.427.5528

 

THIS SUNDAY morning we’ll again be looking at Hebrews 11, the “Hall of Faith” chapter of the Bible.  Last Sunday we looked at the kind of faith that pleases God as well as types of “faith” that doesn’t. This week we’re turning our attention to what God’s designed faith to do as well as what God never intended it to do. Understanding this can mean the difference between life and death. Both our culture and our ultimate enemy attempt to get us to believe that if we just had enough faith, all our troubles would be over. God says something different. I’m looking forward to being with you and worshipping together!

 

YOUTH (GRADES 6-12)CAMP AT ANGELES CREST- REGISTER BY THISSUNDAY, JULY 8: This is a great opportunity for students from all backgrounds to have fun, make new, like-minded friends, explore nature and, most importantly, grow in their relationship with God! When campers aren’t in organized worship or hearing from inspirational speakers like Josh Best, they’re busy with tons of awesome activities like paintball, basketball, digglers, Zip lining, volleyball, archery, a climbing wall, a trampoline, hiking trails, swimming, games, and more! Cost is $335. Contact Christian Schaefer at 541.601.7131 or [email protected], if you have any questions.

 

26TH ANNUAL REHAB POINT PICNIC, THIS SUNDAY, JULY 8: The Ed Hunt Rehab Point Project is a 900-foot concrete path by Oxnard Beach Park that gives access to the beach for people who use walkers and wheelchairs. Each year a picnic is held to provide resource information to people affected by disabilities as well as offer some food, festivities, and activities for the kids. Stop by Gold Coast’s Special Needs Ministry tables! Let us know you’ll be attending or just show up! Contact Tana Seufert if you have any questions at 805.485.5433 or [email protected].

 

Time: 11 am-3 pm; Location: 1601 South Harbor Boulevard, Oxnard Beach Park

 

MEN’S BREAKFAST, SATURDAY, JULY 14, 8:30 to 10 AM: Men, let’s get together for a great time of fellowship, encouragement, and challenge in our spiritual growth. Breakfast will be served. Cost is $5. First time guests are free. Guest Speaker, Tim Kanter, made loads of bad choices as a teen. God got a hold of him and changed his life. Now a Christen playwright, traveling comedian, and pastor, come hear how God shifted his life mission to lead others to Jesus. Sign up at the table in the lobby on Sunday. Questions? Contact George Garcia at [email protected] or 805.302.8475.

 

TOMORROW, June 30, is the HIGHER GROUND HIKE, Arroyo Verde Park in Ventura:

We’re meeting at Arroyo Verde Park in Ventura for our next summer hike. This is one of the nicest parks in Ventura County and it’s dog friendly! See beautiful wildflowers and views of Channel Islands. Enjoy a free continental breakfast after the hike. Everyone is welcome! Bring water, sunblock, hat and camera. 

For information and to sign up contact Margie Cantu at [email protected]. 

Distance: 2.9 miles; Difficulty: Moderate *Parking Fee: $2.00 on weekends 

Meet at 8:30 am near the restrooms. Start time: 8:45 am. End: 11:00 am 

Address: 5005 Foothill Rd., Ventura *or park on Foothill Rd. and walk to park

IN THIS UPDATE:

LAST SUNDAY, in our message series on the book of Hebrews, we delved into Hebrews 10:19-25 and learned, order to flourish, we need deep relationships with God and others. We saw the importance of being committed to a church family, in which we allow others to love us enough to both encourage us and to even “spur” us- irritate us, challenge us- when needed. As painful and uncomfortable as that can be, it plays a vital role in how we grow and mature to be more like Jesus. As Proverbs 27:5,6 says, wounds from a friend can be trusted.

Our culture has produced a generation of church shoppers and hoppers. But God calls us to be committed to a local church family, through thick and thin. Jesus actually places his family, the church, above earthly families (Matthew 12:46–50.)And yet, if we treated our earthly families as casually and nonchalantly as some treat their church family, others would be shocked!

The following article from Jonathon Seidl, entitled, “Are you guilty of one of the ‘most damaging’ attitudes within our churches?” touches on this very theme. It’s a good, short read.

My wife and I recently moved about 40 minutes away from our church. As covenant members of our congregation, we met with our pastors and told them we would like to find a church closer to our new home and would appreciate their blessing to do so. They didn’t think twice, and in fact gave us recommendations about churches in our new area that aligned with the gospel. What a relief!

 

But that started a months-long search for a new church home that revealed some things in our hearts that we needed to work on. Let me explain.

 

See, we started trying out different churches every week. We’d go to one, then talk about what we liked and didn’t like, and then not go back. We’d go to another, talk with a pastor there, and then go to lunch and pick apart what he said. We’d grade the worship, the preaching, the greeting, the children’s ministry, and even the parking situation. We started keeping a type of unofficial points system in our minds.

 

After one Sunday, we started feeling exhausted. And that’s when we finally did what we should have done from the beginning: we took it to the Lord in prayer. The answer came pretty quick: One of the churches we had visited but “docked” for less-than-perfect worship was where He wanted us. Within a week we started the membership process. If only we would have done that sooner we would have saved so much time and wasted energy!

 

Here’s what we realized. We were treating finding a new church like used-car shopping. We were looking to be wowed and sold. And when we found the tiniest thing we didn’t like, we picked at it until it became something big enough to make us move on. A church could have “everything” we were looking for, but if we didn’t just “feel it,” we kept looking.

 

In other words, it became all about us. In his marriage course, Kirk Cameron made an observation: What if marriage isn’t about making us happy, but rather making us holy? I think the same thing goes for churches. My wife and I were looking to be tickled just the right way, instead of seeking the Lord about where HE wanted us and where we would grow.

 

And that brings me to the “most damaging” aspect of this article’s headline. I was scrolling through my Facebook feed yesterday and came across an article for Relevant Magazine. The author, CM Joyner, details “The Most Damaging Attitude in Our Churches.” That attitude? Cynicism.  Are you looking for a church that will make you “feel all the feels,” or are you looking for a church that God will use to challenge you, grow you, and bring Him glory?

IN THIS UPDATE:

WELCOME NEW GOLD COAST CHURCH FAMILY MEMBERS!The following Christ-followers recently participated in the Discovering a Church Familyseminar and have made Gold Coast their church home: Mike Chavez, Aeryn Cook, Arwen Cook, Jonathan Cook, Stephanie Cook, Tom Cook, Kathleen Curran, Rhonda Greer, and Eileen Hansen. Welcome home!

THIS SUNDAYmorning we’ll be looking at Hebrews 10:19-25. In this passage we see that we were designed in such a way that we need deep relationships with others in order to flourish. This is becoming increasingly apparent as many are finding rich, nurturing relationships with others are becoming more and more elusive in our culture.

Lee Eclov shares the following:In a New York Times magazine article, Hal Niedzviecki reflected on social media sites—specifically, Facebook. Soon after starting a Facebook account, Niedzviecki had accumulated about 700 on-line “friends.” In his own words, he was “absurdly proud of how many cyberpals, connections, acquaintances, and even strangers I’d managed to sign up.” But he went on to point out that due to a 2-year-old at home, his “workaholic irritability,” even his love of being left alone, he had fewer in-the-flesh friends to hang out with than he’d ever had before. So he decided to have a Facebook party to push his virtual friends into actual friends.

 

Niedzviecki invited all 700 of his “friends” to a local bar for a party. People could respond to one of three options: “Attending,” “Maybe Attending” and “Not Attending.” Fifteen said they would be there, and sixty said they might be there. He guessed somewhere around 20 would show up.

 

He writes about what happened next: “On the evening in question, I took a shower. I shaved. I splashed on my tingly man perfume. I put on new pants and a favorite shirt. Brimming with optimism, I headed over to the neighborhood watering hole and waited. And waited. And waited. Eventually, one person showed up.”

 

And the one woman who showed up to meet Niedzviecki? He didn’t know her. She was a friend of a friend. They ended up making small talk and then she left.

 

Hal waited till midnight but no one else showed up. So, he ordered a beer and sulked. He concludes his article with these words: “Seven hundred friends, and I was drinking alone.”

As we’re going to see in our text tomorrow, God did not create us to remain alone; He created us to connect with him as well as to others.

Tomorrow would be a great Sunday to invite someone to join you at Gold Coast!

 

SPECIAL NEEDS MINISTRY LUNCH MEETING, SUNDAY, JULY 1, AFTER THE SECOND SERVICE:Meet in the Youth Room from about 12:15-1:45 pm. This is for anyone who would like to be part of being a blessing to people affected by disabilities in our community! We will discuss current and upcoming events and activities that are going on in the area, like the Ed Hunt Rehab Point Project, Buddy Break, the Disability Christmas Shoppe, and more. To sign up, write “Special Needs” on your Connection Card at one of the services tomorrow or contact Tana at [email protected] or 805.485.5433.

 

PRAYER FOR MISSIONS, SUNDAY, JULY 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 for more information.

 

26TH ANNUAL REHAB POINT PICNIC, SUNDAY, JULY 8: The Ed Hunt Rehab Point Project is a 900-foot concrete path by Oxnard Beach Park that gives access to the beach for people who use walkers and wheelchairs. Each year a picnic is held to provide resource information to people affected by disabilities as well as offer some food, festivities, and activities for the kids. Stop by Gold Coast’s Special Needs Ministry tables! Let us know you’ll be attending or just show up! Contact Tana Seufert if you have any questions at 805.485.5433 or [email protected].

Time: 11 am-3 pm; Location: 1601 South Harbor Boulevard, Oxnard Beach Park

 

RESCUE MISSION OUTREACH, SATURDAY, JULY 7, 4:15-6:15 PM:Sign up by writing “Rescue Mission” on your Connection Card on Sunday or contact Stuart Baker at [email protected] or call 805.427.5528.

 

MEN’S BREAKFAST, SATURDAY, JULY 14, 8:30 to 10 AM: Men, let’s get together for a great time of fellowship, encouragement, and challenge in our spiritual growth. Breakfast will be served. Cost is $5. First time guests are free. Guest Speaker, Tim Kanter, made loads of bad choices as a teen. God got a hold of him and changed his life. Now a Christen playwright, traveling comedian, and pastor, come hear how God shifted his life mission to lead others to Jesus. Sign up at the table in the lobby on Sunday. Questions? Contact George Garcia at [email protected] or 805.302.8475.

IN THIS UPDATE:

 

HARVEST AMERICA LIVE SIMULCAST IS THIS SUNDAY, JUNE 10, 3-6 PM, GOLD COAST WORSHIP CENTER:Hear live performances from Chris Tomlin, Switchfoot, Crowder, and Phil Wickham as well as the Good News of Jesus Christ from Pastor Greg Laurie. Invite a few friends to join you. More information at harvestamerica.com.   

 

DAILY BIBLE READING SCHEDULE FOR THE COMING WEEK

 

Sunday          June 10                      Song of Songs 1-4; Eph. 6

Monday         June 11                      Song of Songs 5-8; Phil. 1

Tuesday        June 12                      1 Ki. 12; 2 Chr. 10, 11; Phil. 2

Wednesday  June 13                      1 Ki. 13, 14; 2 Chr. 12; Phil. 3

Thursday       June 14                      1 Ki. 15; 2 Chr. 13, 14; Phil. 4

Friday             June 15                      1 Ki. 16; 2 Chr. 15, 16; Col. 1

Saturday        June 16                      1 Ki. 17-19; Col. 2

Sunday          June 17                      1 Ki. 20, 21; 2 Chr. 17; Col. 3

 

HIGHTIDE YOUTH GROUP meets on Wednesdays at 6:30 pm in the Youth Room. Middle school students also meet most Sundays starting at 10:45 am in the Worship Center and are dismissed later to the Youth Room. Contact Christian Schaefer at 541.601.7131 or [email protected], if you have any questions.

 

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 Christian caring. To find out more about receiving a Stephen Minister’s care, write “Stephen Ministry” on your Connection Card tomorrow at one of the worship services and place it in the offering basket or call Art or Rose Flatray at 805.987.1428 for more information.

IN THIS UPDATE:

 

TOMORROW, SATURDAY, JUNE 2, IS THE POINT DUME TRAIL HIKE SPONSORED BY HIGHER GROUND: Higher Ground is hosting a scenic hike in Malibu at the Point Dume Natural Preserve near Zuma beach. This hike overlooks Zuma Beach, Santa Monica Bay, and Boney Mountains. There are tide pools along the trail down at the beach with breath taking views.

Difficulty: Moderate; Distance: 4 miles.

Sorry, no dogs allowed. Bathrooms are located at Westward Beach down the road from our location.

Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, change of shoes or thongs for the beach, towel if you plan to get wet, and camera.

Park: surface streets in the neighborhood near the trail after the “No Parking” signs.

Meet: Starbucks in the Los Posas Shopping Center/Camarillo at 8:30 am. Leave by 8:45 am. Expected end time is 11:30 am.

A free continental breakfast will be served following the hike.

Bring a friend or family member to share the experience!

Contact: Margie Cantu at 805-660-1187 or email at [email protected].

DISCOVERING A CHURCH FAMILY IS THIS SUNDAY AT 4 PM: Discovering a Church Familyprovides information on what we believe, church membership, and more! It takes place in the Youth Room from. To sign up (or if you have any questions), email me at [email protected].

GRADUATING FROM HIGH SCHOOL OR COLLEGE? Are you receiving a diploma from high school or a degree from college this year? We would like to honor you in an upcoming Sunday morning service. Please let us know by Sunday, June 3 by writing your name, school, and type of degree on your Connection Card this Sunday or send the information to the church office at [email protected] or call 485.5433.

IN THIS UPDATE:

 

101 CLASS, SUNDAY, JUNE 3, 4:00-6:00 PM: Our 101 class is called“Discovering a Church Family” and it provides information on what we believe, church membership, and more! Sign up by writing “101 Class” on your Connection Card or go to the Welcome Desk this Sunday. It takes place in the Youth Room from. If you have any questions, contact the church office at [email protected] or 805.485.5433

GRADUATING FROM HIGH SCHOOL OR COLLEGE? Are you receiving a diploma from high school or a degree from college this year? We would like to honor you in an upcoming Sunday morning service. Please let us know by Sunday, June 3 by writing your name, school, and type of degree on your Connection Card this Sunday or send the information to the church office at [email protected] or call 485.5433.

HIGHER GROUND POINT DUME TRAIL HIKE, SATURDAY, JUNE 2: Higher Ground is hosting a scenic hike in Malibu at the Point Dume Natural Preserve near Zuma beach. This hike overlooks Zuma Beach, Santa Monica Bay, and Boney Mountains. There are tide pools along the trail down at the beach with breath taking views.

Difficulty: Moderate; Distance: 4 miles.

Sorry, no dogs allowed. Bathrooms are located at Westward Beach down the road from our location.

Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, change of shoes or thongs for the beach, towel if you plan to get wet, and camera.

Park: surface streets in the neighborhood near the trail after the “No Parking” signs.

Meet: Starbucks in the Los Posas Shopping Center/Camarillo at 8:30 am. Leave by 8:45 am. Expected end time is 11:30 am.

A free continental breakfast will be served following the hike.

Bring a friend or family member to share the experience!

Contact: Margie Cantu at 805-660-1187 or email at [email protected].

DAILY BIBLE READING SCHEDULE FOR THE COMING WEEK

Sunday          May 27           Prov. 4-6; Rom. 8

Monday         May 28           Prov. 7-9; Rom. 9

Tuesday        May 29           Prov. 10-12; Rom. 10

Wednesday  May 30           Prov. 13-15; Rom. 11

Thursday       May 31           Prov. 16-18; Rom. 12

Friday             June 1            Prov. 19-21; Rom. 13

Saturday        June 2            Prov. 22-24; Rom. 14

Sunday          June 3            Prov. 25-27; Rom. 15

 

LOOKING FOR 8 TO 10 MEN TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE LIVES OF FOSTER KIDS WHO’VE BEEN ABUSED AND NEGLECTED, JULY 1-6TH AT THE ROYAL FAMILY KIDS’ CAMP: Testimony from Evelyn Metten: “I have been a part of Royal Family Kids Camp for over 5 years now and it is an amazing outreach to Foster Kids that have been abused and neglected. If you have any questions Ken Klopman is the Director and his contact info is 805.432.6210 or [email protected]. (See email message from Ken below.) THIS IS VERY TIMELY AS THE MANDATORY TRAINING IS ON JUNE 1ST/2ND.If there is any one that would like to talk with me about my experience, email me at [email protected] or call 805.268.1375.”

IN THIS UPDATE:

 

TOMORROW, SUNDAY, MAY 20, IS THE BBQ LUNCH,AFTER BOTH SERVICES, BACK PATIO: The Youth will be hosting a barbecue lunch on the back patio after both services for a suggested donation of $6 per person. Hot dogs, potato salad, beans, chips and water or lemonade will be available.Proceeds will go towards the YWAM Missions Trip to the Tenderloin District in San Francisco.

 

TOMORROW IS THE DEADLINE FOR THE LOWEST RATE: SUMMER CAMP THIS SUMMER FOR KIDS AND YOUTH AT ANGELES CREST: At Angeles Crest, the summer camp programsare an opportunity for students from any background to have fun, make new like-minded friends, explore nature and, most importantly, grow in their relationship with God. When campers aren’t in organized worship or hearing from inspirational speakers, they’re busy with tons of awesome activities like paintball, basketball, digglers (a unique cross between BMX & a scooter), Zip lining, volleyball, archery, a climbing wall, a trampoline, hiking trails, swimming, games and so much more!

3RD THROUGH 5TH GRADERS’ CAMP,JULY 8-12

 

THEME: ROAD TRIP: The idea of a road trip can strike dread into the hearts of most preteens.Long, boring hours squeezed between siblings. Leg cramps from a hugecooler tucked under your feet. “Holding it” longer than you thought humanlypossible. Our lives are very much a road trip.

At Angeles Crest this summer,we will travel alongside the story of a water walker, one of the first followersof Jesus – a fisherman, a truth speaker, a passionate believer, and an occasional doubter. Together, we will tap into the amazing insights of his “road trip” and how ours can be all the better.

SPEAKER: AMBERLY NEESE

 

Amberlyis a national speaker, author, and humorist with a passion for pointing preteen students to the joy found only in Christ. Amberly received her Master’s degree from Biola University. She penned Bible curriculum for students for both Gospel Light and Standard and has worked with preteens for over 20 years.Amberly is a wife, the mom of two teenagers, the Program Director at UCYC (a Christian camp in AZ), a complete goofball, and a lover of all things Star Wars. She is excited to take your students and leaders on a “Road Trip” through the amazing story of Peter.

 

WHO? Grades 3rd – 5th

 

HOW MUCH? $320 IF REGISTERED WITH A $100 DEPOSIT AND PERMISSION SLIP BY MAY 20.Cost is $335 after May 20. Balance is due Sunday, June 17.

 

QUESTIONS?  Call Sharon Wilson at 805.204.8644

 

YOUTH CAMP, JULY 30-AUGUST 3

THEME: ROAD TRIP: Our lives are very much a road trip. At Angeles Crest this summer, we will travel alongside the story of a water walker, one of Jesus’ first followers – a fisherman, a truth speaker, a passionate believer, and an occasional doubter. We’ll tap into the amazing insights of their “road trips” and how ours can be better.

SPEAKER: JOSH BEST 

Josh is a powerful communicator. He is also a husband, father of 3 girls and one son, while planting and pastoring Hosanna City Church in Cathedral City, CA. His vision is to see people far from God come to know Him and make Him known. In his free time, he enjoys the simple pleasures of fishing, camping, hiking, coffee, and when tacos are calling, Pastor Josh is answering.

WHO?Grades 6 – 12

 

HOW MUCH?$320 IF REGISTERED WITH A $100 DEPOSIT AND PERMISSION SLIP BY MAY 20. Cost is $335 after May 20. Balance due: July 1

 

QUESTIONS? Call Christian at 541.601.7131 or Sharon at 805.204.8644

101 CLASS, SUNDAY, JUNE 3, 4 TO 6 PM, YOUTH ROOM: OurDiscovering a Church Family Classprovides information on what we believe, church membership, and more! Sign up by writing “101 Class” on your Connection Card or go to the Welcome Desk in the lobby tomorrow. Contact the church office at [email protected] or 805.485.5433 if you have any questions.

HIGH SCHOOL OR COLLEGE GRAD? If you will be receiving a diploma from high school or a degree from college this year, PLEASE LET US KNOW BY JUNE 3.Write your name, school, and type of degree on your Connection Card tomorrow or send your information to the church office at [email protected] or call 485.5433. We would like to honor you in an upcoming service!

 

LOOKING FOR 8 TO 10 MEN TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE LIVES OF FOSTER KIDS WHO’VE BEEN ABUSED AND NEGLECTED, JULY 1-6TH AT THE ROYAL FAMILY KIDS’ CAMP: Testimony from Evelyn Metten: “I have been a part of Royal Family Kids Camp for over 5 years now and it is an amazing outreach to Foster Kids that have been abused and neglected. If you have any questions Ken Klopman is the Director and his contact info is 805.432.6210 or  [email protected]. (See email message from Ken below.) THIS IS VERY TIMELY AS THE MANDATORY TRAINING IS ON JUNE 1ST/2ND.If there is any one that would like to talk with me about my experience, email me at [email protected] or call 805.268.1375.”