Scott Wilson

IN THIS UPDATE: 

 

IT’S TIME TO FALL BACK!  THE TIME CHANGE HAPPENS TOMORROW, NOVEMBER 4: Daylight Saving Time ends at 2:00 AM tomorrow, Sunday, November 4th. Make sure you turn your clocks BACK one hour before going to bed tonight, Saturday, November 3.

 

THIS SUNDAY, in our current message series of some of the shocking statements of Jesus, we’re looking at what Jesus said as recorded in John 14:13,14: “And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.”

Many read this and think, “Wow! How cool is that?!  I can ask God for anything, tag on Jesus’ name at the end and voila, it comes about!” Is that how it works?  We’re going to see that when it comes to bringing our requests to God, there are some very important things to understand and consider.

 

RESULTS OF THE MATTHEW 25 CHALLENGE: God used this recent experience to grow our hearts for the “least of these.” 24 children gained sponsors, which means about 100 kids’ lives will be changed in radical ways. (You see, because of their holistic, community-focused approach, for every child sponsored, 4 other children in the community benefit.) Centered in Christ, World Vision’s Child Sponsorship Program strengthens the whole community, so children can thrive with essentials like clean water, nutrition, education, and more. Thanks to all who are helping these vulnerable children break free from poverty for good.

For those who missed out on participating in the challenge, there is still a way for you to experience a life-changing impact as well as impact others in a profound way. There are 7 sponsorship folders for children that are still available. You can find them at the Welcome Desk in the Gold Coast lobby tomorrow. The folders have details about the child who is in need. If you would like to sponsor a child or would like more information, please go to the Welcome Desk. You can also check out what makes World Vision child sponsorship programs uniquefor more information.

PRAYER FOR MISSIONS, TOMORROW AFTER THE 2ND SERVICE: On the first Sunday of each month, 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 yeaman7@hotmail.com or 805.331.3899 for more information.

SERVE DAY, SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 17: This is an opportunity to do various service projects for seniors, disabled residents, and under-resourced families. Projects are based on those who sign up. If you are interested in participating, go to the Welcome Desk and fill out a Serve Day form or go online.

DISABILITY CHRISTMAS SHOPPE, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 8: You’re invited to be part of the fun at the 6th annual Disability Christmas Shoppe to benefit families who have children with special needs/disabilities! There will be new toys, kid’s clothing, and other items for parents to choose as Christmas gifts for all of the children in their family. It will be a festive day filled with Christmas music, refreshments, entertainment, childcare, gift wrapping, sharing the gospel and an opportunity for prayer.

You can be a part of this special event by:

Donating new toys, gifts, or gift cards by December 2nd

Collecting new toys at your home or place of work

Serving before, on the day of the Shoppe, or afterwards

Sign up at the table in the lobby or go online.

Volunteer online under the Get Connected tab on our website.

IN THIS UPDATE: 

 

OUR MATTHEW 25 CHALLENGE CELEBRATION IS HAPPENING THIS SUNDAY!  What an amazing adventure this week has been! God’s been at work, using the daily challenges to grow our hearts for the “least of these.”

In our teaching time on Sunday, we’re going to look at Matthew 25:14-46, a parable Jesus tells about a wealthy man who entrusts three of his workers with resources to put to work for him. When he returns and inspects what they’ve done, he commends and rewards two of them for their faithful, conscientious service but dishes out harsh consequences for the third due to his laziness. In fact, as we’ll see, his words are shocking! 

It’s going to be a powerful time of worship and being in the word of God. This is a great Sunday to invite someone to join you!

THE HIGHER GROUND HIKE TO PARADISE FALLS, WILDWOOD PARK, IS TOMORROW, SATURDAY, OCTOBER 27: You’ll see sweeping grasslands, prominent ridges and peaks like Lizard Rock. The hike will take us up to Paradise Falls that plunges 40 feet into a large pool surrounded by beautiful landscape.

Distance: 2.8 miles Start Time: 8:30 am; Difficulty: Moderate; End Time: 11:30 am

Meet at Starbucks in Camarillo at the Las Posas Shopping Center. We’ll be leaving for Thousand Oaks by 8:45 am. Bring good hiking shoes, sunscreen, water and a camera for pictures!

Invite a friend or bring the family along to share the experience. A continental Breakfast will be provided after the hike along with snacks and drinks.

Contact: Margie Cantu at mcantu830@verizon.net or cell 805.660.1187.

 

RESCUE MISSION OUTREACH, SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 3, FROM 4:15-6:15 PM: Sign up online at goldcoastchurch.org or write “Rescue Mission” on your Connection Card this Sunday. Contact Stuart Baker at stuartbaker45@aol.com or 805.427.5528, if you have any questions.

WORSHIP CHOIR, THURSDAY NIGHTS IN NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER: Every Thursday night from 6:30-7:30 pm during the months of November-December, the Worship Choir will be meeting in the youth room. We’ll be exploring worship through the use of our voices and challenging ourselves to bring worship into the lives we live every day while preparing to sing during the Christmas season. All are welcome. NO TRY OUTS! Info meeting is this Thursday, November 1. Sign up in the lobby this Sunday or go online to Gold Coast’s website. Contact Rachel Sutherland at 805.218.2809 (text or call) for more information.

TAKE THE MATTHEW 25 CHALLENGE!

If you missed this morning’s services, it’s not too late for you to opt into this 7-Day challenge. It begins tomorrow, Monday, October 22. 

This special challenge has the power to radically change our perspective on some of the greatest needs facing the world today.   

It will walk us through Matthew 25:35-40 as a community. Every day this week, you’ll receive a few text messages that will give you and your family a small challenge. Calling you out of your comfort zone, you’ll learn about a child living in extreme poverty, and get reflection questions to grow your heart for the poor.

How to opt in: Open up your text messages on your cell phone and start a new message. Type 44888 in the space where you would put someone’s phone number. (Do it just like you are texting someone whose number isn’t in your contacts.) Then, in the body of the text, where the message goes, just type M25, then click send.

You’ll be asked just 2 things to opt in: 

The date of the challenge – since we’re starting tomorrow, choose OPTION A by typing an A in the text box and hit send.

You’ll get a text asking for your zip code so you get texts at the right time throughout the day!  Type that in and hit send. 

You’re all set now.  We’d like for EVERY SINGLE ONE OF US at Gold Coast to opt in.

This week, if you miss one of the daily challenges, don’t opt out. Just stick with it and do your best. This challenge has the potential to transform your faith, but only if you take it seriously and stick with it.

I believe this is going to be a life-changing experience!

Parents – this is a great discipleship experience for your entire family. 

You can even invite your friends to take the challenge with you. Do it with your Life group.

(If you don’t do texts, sign up for daily emails at worldvision.org/M25.)

Next Sunday, October 28,  you will want to be at one of the morning services at Gold Coast for a special Matthew 25 Celebration service.

Peace,

Scott

IN THIS UPDATE: 

 

THIS SUNDAY we continue our series of messages on shocking statements made of Jesus by looking at Matthew 25:31-46. It’s another very famous passage of Scripture. I’m looking forward to sharing the message with you. Invite a friend to join you tomorrow.

 

HIGHER GROUND HIKE, PARADISE FALLS, WILDWOOD PARK, SATURDAY, OCTOBER 27:

Join us for a Fall hike! There are sweeping grasslands, prominent ridges and peaks like Lizard Rock. The hike will take us up to Paradise Falls that plunges 40 feet into a large pool surrounded by beautiful landscape.

Distance: 2.8 miles Start Time: 8:30 am

Difficulty: Moderate End Time: 11:30 am

Meet at Starbucks in Camarillo at the Las Posas Shopping Center. We’ll be leaving for Thousand Oaks by 8:45 am. Bring good hiking shoes, sunscreen, water and a camera for pictures!

Invite a friend or bring the family along to share the experience. A continental Breakfast will be provided after the hike along with snacks and drinks.

Contact: Margie Cantu at mcantu830@verizon.net or cell 805.660.1187.

 

RESCUE MISSION OUTREACH, SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 3, FROM 4:15-6:15 PM: Sign up online at goldcoastchurch.org or write “Rescue Mission” on your Connection Card this Sunday. Contact Stuart Baker at stuartbaker45@aol.com or 805.427.5528, if you have any questions.

WORSHIP CHOIR, THURSDAY NIGHTS IN NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER: Every Thursday night from 6:30-7:30 pm during the months of November-December, the Worship Choir will be meeting in the youth room. We’ll be exploring worship through the use of our voices and challenging ourselves to bring worship into the lives we live every day while preparing to sing during the Christmas season. All are welcome. NO TRY OUTS! Info meeting is on Thursday, November 1. Sign up in the lobby this Sunday or go online to Gold Coast’s website. Contact Rachel Sutherland at 805.218.2809 (text or call) for more information.

 

PRAYER FOR MISSIONS, NOVEMBER 4: 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 yeaman7@hotmail.com or 805.331.3899 for more information.

 

SUNDAY PRAYER TIME EVERY SUNDAY MORNING: You’re invited to Sunday morning Prayer Time from 8:30-8:55 am in the Elementary Room every Sunday! Come for a couple of minutes or stay longer. This is open to everyone! Pray aloud or silently. Contact Anne Romero if you have any questions at anne2grace@gmail.com or contact Darrell Foote at dfoote07@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 Christian caring. To find out more about how to receive a Stephen Minister’s care, write “Stephen Ministry” on your Connection Card or go online to sign up. You can call Art or Rose Flatray at 805.987.1428 for more information.

 

STEPHEN MINISTERS ARE AVAILABLE: 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 being trained as a Stephen Minister or to receive 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.

 

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.

THE SOLOMON FOUNDATION INFORMATIONAL DINNER, SUNDAY, OCTOBER 28, 6:30 PM: Held at West Valley Christian Church (see link below for directions), the purpose of the dinner is to give a detailed look at a ministry called The Solomon Foundation. They are known as a Church Extension Fund which provides funding for Christian Church and Church of Christ churches, as well as Christian universities throughout the US. In fact, Dave Hamilton was here a few weeks ago to talk about The Solomon Foundation but you may not have been able to get more information from him while he was here. This is an opportunity to find out everything you would like to know as well as a question and answer time.

IN THIS UPDATE: 

THE ANNUAL OXNARD CHURCHES SERVE DAY IS TOMORROW, SATURDAY, OCTOBER 13, 9 AM TO NOON: Gold Coast is joining other churches in our area to serve the people of Oxnard through the love of Jesus!

The following are areas you can serve in during that 3-hour time period:

Neighborhood/Alley Cleanup, Beach Cleanup, Sack lunch distribution, Homeless Care Kit Distribution, Shelter Care Resources (Foster Kids Fest), Prayer Team (Levite Ministry), Structure Painting, Flower Distribution, Water Distribution, Beach Cleanup, Gabriel House Cleanup, Convalescent Home Visit, Coffee Outreach and Laundry Love.

As you can see, there’s a place for every Christ-follower to serve that day so please put it on your calendar and plan to take part in this important experience.

Last year’s first event of its kind proved to be a powerful experience and display of unity in the name of Jesus and this year’s event promises to be even greater!

Below you will find some general information regarding tomorrow from Pastor Darrell:

 

Meet at New Life Community Church, 1251 N Rice Ave, Oxnard

 

8:00 am – Bagels & Coffee (optional) in the outside patio area

 

8:45 am – The sanctuary will open for the worship & welcome (no drinks or food in the sanctuary)

 

9:00 am – Worship & Welcome (appx 20 minutes)

 

9:20 am – Meet those leading the various projects and get instructions/directions in the outside patio area

 

9:30 am – Head out to the various worksites

 

12 Noon (approximately) – Projects will conclude (some may end earlier)

 

Important information:

 

They are now expecting over 1000 volunteers, so things are going to be a little hectic, so please be patient and flexible!

IN THIS UPDATE: 

THE YOUTH RESCUE MISSION OUTREACH IS TOMORROW, SATURDAY, OCTOBER 6: Meet at the church at 3:45 pm, then drive over to the Rescue Mission to serve. Return to Gold Coast Church by 6:30 pm. Call Stuart Baker at 805.427.5528 for more information.

THANKS TO ALL WHO TOOK PART IN MAKING THIS PAST SUNDAY’S PICNIC a fun and special time for the Gold Coast family! Special thanks to Jon and Kristy Bias and Darrell Foote for heading up the effort. It was a wonderful afternoon of connecting with the church family and making new friends in a beautiful and relaxing setting.

THIS SUNDAYwe continue our series of messages on shocking statements made of Jesus by looking at Matthew 19:3–9. In talking about marriage with the Pharisees, Jesus says, “Whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery.” What does Jesus teach about marriage, divorce and re-marriage? I encourage you to read the passage and come prepared to dig in as we tackle this teaching together.  This would be a good Sunday to invite a friend to join you! 

ANNUAL OXNARD CHURCHES SERVE DAY, SATURDAY, OCTOBER 13: The annual“ONE CITY- ONE CHURCH” Serve Day will take place from about 9 AM to noon that day. Gold Coast is joining other churches in our area to serve the people of Oxnard through the love of Jesus.

The following are areas you can serve in during that 3-hour time period: Neighborhood/Alley Cleanup, Beach Cleanup, Sack lunch distribution, Homeless Care Kit Distribution, Shelter Care Resources (Foster Kids Fest), Prayer Team (Levite Ministry), Structure Painting, Flower Distribution, Water Distribution, Beach Cleanup, Gabriel House Cleanup, Convalescent Home Visit, Coffee Outreach and Laundry Love. (If you usually serve at Buddy Break, please continue to serve as a Buddy or for setting up or resetting rooms.) As you can see, there’s a place for every Christ-follower to serve that day so please put it on your calendar and plan to take part in this important experience.

Last year’s first event of its kind proved to be a powerful experience and display of unity in the name of Jesus and this year’s event promises to be even greater!

I’d love to see 100% of our Gold Coast family to participate that day and here’s why. This is the best opportunity we have all year to participate in something that helps fulfill Jesus’ prayer for unity among his people:“I pray for these followers, but I am also praying for all those who will believe in me because of their teaching. Father, I pray that they can be one. As you are in me and I am in you, I pray that they can also be one in us. Then the world will believe that you sent me” (John 17:20–21).

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 being trained as a Stephen Minister or to receive 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.

IN THIS UPDATE: 

 

WE’LL HAVE ONE WORSHIP SERVICE THIS SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, AT 10:00 AM. (Please make note that our regular Sunday morning service schedule will be suspended that day.)We’ll worship together at the church at 10:00 am and then go to the church picnic at 12:30-4:30 pm.

 

THIS SUNDAY we continue our series of messages on shocking statements made by Jesus as we look at one of his best-known and yet often misunderstood statements (by both Christians and Non-Christians alike).  It’s recorded in a couple places in the gospels (Matthew 7 and Luke 6): “Do not judge, or you too will be judged.”  What does he mean by that? Is no one ever to judge anyone or anything?  Bring your questions with you as we tackle this teaching together. I think we’re going to be both challenged and encouraged!  Bring a friend along!

OUR ALL-CHURCH PICNIC IS THIS SUNDAY! After the worship service today, we’re meeting at Camarillo Grove Park (6968 E. Camarillo Springs Road). The picnic starts at12:30 PM.  They’ll be food, fellowship, games, and FUN! (I understand there might even be some jamming going on.)

If you haven’t signed up yet, stop by the Welcome Desk in the lobby on Sunday.

ANNUAL OXNARD CHURCHES SERVE DAY, SATURDAY, OCTOBER 13: The annual “ONE CITY- ONE CHURCH” Serve Day will take place from about 9 AM to noon that day. Gold Coast is joining other churches in our area to serve the people of Oxnard through the love of Jesus.

The following are areas you can serve in during that 3-hour time period: Neighborhood/Alley Cleanup, Beach Cleanup, Sack lunch distribution, Homeless Care Kit Distribution, Shelter Care Resources (Foster Kids Fest), Prayer Team (Levite Ministry), Structure Painting, Flower Distribution, Water Distribution, Beach Cleanup, Gabriel House Cleanup, Convalescent Home Visit, Coffee Outreach and Laundry Love. (If you usually serve at Buddy Break, please continue to serve as a Buddy or for setting up or resetting rooms.) As you can see, there’s a place for every Christ-follower to serve that day so please put it on your calendar and plan to take part in this important experience.

Last year’s first event of its kind proved to be a powerful experience and display of unity in the name of Jesus and this year’s event promises to be even greater!

I’m praying for 100% of our Gold Coast family to participate that day and here’s why. This is the best opportunity we have all year long to participate in seeing Jesus’ prayer for unity fulfilled among his people:“I pray for these followers, but I am also praying for all those who will believe in me because of their teaching. Father, I pray that they can be one. As you are in me and I am in you, I pray that they can also be one in us. Then the world will believe that you sent me” (John 17:20–21 NCV).

Max Lucado writes: How precious are these words. Jesus, knowing the end is near, prays one final time for his followers. Striking, isn’t it, that he prayed not for their success, their safety, or their happiness.

 

He prayed for their unity. He prayed that they would love each other. As he prayed for them, he also prayed for “those who will believe because of their teaching.” That means us! In his last prayer Jesus prayed that you and I be one.

 

Of all the lessons we can draw from this verse, don’t miss the most important: unity matters to God. Why? Because “all people will know that you are my followers if you love each other” (John 13:35 NCV). Unity creates belief. How will the world believe that Jesus was sent by God? Not if we agree with each other. Not if we solve every controversy. Not if we are unanimous on each vote. Not if we never make a doctrinal error. But if we love one another.

 

Unity creates belief. Disunity fosters disbelief. Who wants to board a ship of bickering sailors? Paul Billheimer may very well be right when he says: “The continuous and widespread fragmentation of the Church has been the scandal of the ages. It has been Satan’s master strategy. The sin of disunity probably has caused more souls to be lost than all other sins combined.”

 

Could it be that unity is the key to reaching the world for Christ? The world will be won for Christ when the church is one in Christ. If unity is the key to evangelism, shouldn’t it have precedence in our prayers? Shouldn’t we, as Paul said, “make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3 NIV)?

 

Nowhere, by the way, are we told to build unity. We are told simply to keep unity. From God’s perspective there is but “one flock and one shepherd” (John 10:16). Unity does not need to be created; it simply needs to be protected.

 

Where there is faith, repentance, and a new birth, there is a Christian. When I meet a person whose faith is in the cross and whose eyes are on the Savior, I meet a brother or a sister. Wasn’t that Paul’s approach? When he wrote the church in Corinth, he addressed a body of Christians guilty of every sin from abusing the Lord’s Supper to arguing over the Holy Spirit. But how does he address them? “I beg you, brothers and sisters” (1 Corinthians 1:10 NCV).

 

When the church in Rome was debating whether to eat meat offered to idols, did Paul tell them to start two churches? One for the meat-eaters and one for the non-meat-eaters? No, on the contrary, he urged, “Christ accepted you, so you should accept each other, which will bring glory to God” (Romans 15:7 NCV).

 

Is God asking us to do anything more than what he has already done? Hasn’t he gone a long way in accepting us? If God can tolerate my mistakes, can’t I tolerate the mistakes of others? If God allows me, with my foibles and failures, to call him Father, shouldn’t I extend the same grace to others? If God doesn’t demand perfection, should I? “They are God’s servants,” Paul reminds us, “not yours. They are responsible to him, not to you. Let him tell them whether they are right or wrong. And God is able to make them do as they should” (Romans 14:4 TLB).

IN THIS UPDATE: 

 

THIS SUNDAY we continue our series of messages on shocking statements made by Jesus.  I’ll be sharing a message on some things Jesus tells us in Luke 14:25–27 and 12:49–53 that seem to contradict others things he teaches us to do. He specifically commands us to hate some pretty wonderful and special people in our lives! I encourage you to read the above passages in preparation for our time together.

ALL CHURCH PICNIC, SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, FROM 12:30-4:30 PM AT CAMARILLO GROVE PARK- (6968 E. Camarillo Springs Road in Camarillo) food, fellowship, games, FUN! (I understand there might even be some jamming going on.)

DEADLINE FOR MEAL TICKETS- SIGN UP BY THIS SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 23RD!  Go to the table outside on the patio on Sunday, go online, or see the insert in this Sunday’s bulletin for all the info and sign up!

ONE WORSHIP SERVICE, SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 30 AT 10:00 AM:We’ll worship together at the church at 10:00 am and then go to the church picnic at 12:30-4:30 pm.

 

Please make note that our regular Sunday morning service schedule will be suspended that day.

 

IT’S NOT TOO LATE TO JOIN A LIFE GROUP! 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. You can sign up through the church website or visit the Welcome Center today (a list of groups is available there.)  If you have any questions, please contact Darrell at dfoote07@verizon.net or 805.660.3061.

 

ANNUAL OXNARD CHURCHES’ SERVE DAY, SATURDAY, OCTOBER 13: This “ONE CITY- ONE CHURCH” Serve Day will take place that day from about 9 AM to noon. Gold Coast is joining other churches in our area to serve the people of Oxnard through the love of Jesus. Last year’s first event of its kind proved to be a powerful experience and display of unity in the name of Jesus and this year’s event promises to be even greater! Put it on your calendars and plan now to be a part of it! You can go to our website to sign up as a volunteer under the Get Connected tab.If you usually serve at Buddy Break, please continue to serve as a Buddy or for set up or reset. Contact: Darrell Foote at 805.660.3061.