Scott Wilson

IN THIS UPDATE: 

 

THIS SUNDAY: As was shared a couple of weeks ago, this Sunday is DeeDee’s last Sunday on staff here at Gold Coast. She has served a vital role the last five years as our Children’s Ministry Director. God has touched many lives through her and we’re thankful for her ministry!

We will have a cake in her honor between the 2 morning services on the patio. If you attend the 10:45 AM service, make sure to arrive a little early so you can participate. Feel free to bring cards of love and appreciation!

We continue our sermon series, Relational Wisdom, from the book of Proverbs on Sunday. We’re going to look at the problem of pride and its effects on our relationships, with God and others.

Matt Woodley writes the following: Here’s some good news: if you’re like most people, you’re way above average—at almost everything. Psychologists call this the state of “illusory superiority.” (It’s also called “The Lake Wobegone Effect,” from Garrison Keillor’s fictional Minnesota town where “all the children are above average.”) It simply means that we tend to inflate our positive qualities and abilities, especially in comparison to other people.

 

Numerous research studies have revealed this tendency to overestimate ourselves. For instance, when researches asked a million high school students how well they got along with their peers, none of the students rated themselves below average. As a matter of fact, 60 percent of students believed they were in the top 10 percent; 25 percent rated themselves in the top one percent. You’d think college professors might have more self-insight, but they were just as biased about their abilities. Two percent rated themselves below average; 10 percent were average and 63 were above average; while 25 percent rated themselves as truly exceptional.

 

Of course, this is statistically impossible. One researcher summarized the data this way: “It’s the great contradiction: the average person believes he is a better person than the average person.” Christian psychologist Mark McMinn contends that the “Lake Wobegone Effect” reveals our pride. He writes, “One of the clearest conclusions of social science research is that we are proud. We think better of ourselves than we really are, we see our faults in faint black and white rather than in vivid color, and we assume the worst in others while assuming the best in ourselves.” 

TOMORROW IS HIGHER GROUND’S ESCONDIDO FALLS HIKE- SATURDAY, AUGUST 25: Join others for a beautiful hike in Malibu at Escondido Falls off Pacific Coast Highway. This hike will start off in a beautiful Malibu neighborhood overlooking the ocean with gorgeous views. We venture to a trail that takes us through a creek surrounded by herbs, flowers and wildlife. There will be fun rock-hopping until we reach the Lower Escondido Falls where water pours over a wall of lush green moss landing in a calm pool. Dogs are allowed on the trail. No bathrooms. (Use Starbucks in Malibu.) Invite a friend!

IN THIS UPDATE: 

THIS SUNDAY we continue our sermon series, Relational Wisdom, from the book of Proverbs. We will look specifically at God says about how to speak to others. We’re going to see our words are powerful.

Craig Groeschel writes, “Perhaps the adult translation of the age-old children adage, ‘sticks and stones my break my bones, but words can never hurt me’ is more like ‘stick and stones can bruise your body for a few days, but words can scar your soul for life’… Whether you’re eighteen or eighty, you can probably recall the pain of someone’s harsh words scalding your soul.”

Rubel Shelly states, “Like starting a forest fire, it requires little effort to produce a “wildfire” with our tongues. Rumors, half-truths, grumblings, sarcastic remarks, hurtful things said in the heat of anger—all of these smoldering matches have the potential for burning down acres of office morale, family peace, and personal relationships.”

As we’ll see, Proverbs has much to say to those who desire to honor God with their tongues. It’s going to be good day to come together.  I look forward to seeing you!

 

HIGHER GROUND ESCONDIDO FALLS HIKE — SATURDAY, AUGUST 25: Join others for a beautiful hike in Malibu at Escondido Falls off Pacific Coast Highway. This hike will start off in a beautiful Malibu neighborhood overlooking the ocean with gorgeous views. We venture to a trail that takes us through a creek surrounded by herbs, flowers and wildlife. There will be fun rock-hopping until we reach the Lower Escondido Falls where water pours over a wall of lush green moss landing in a calm pool. Dogs are allowed on the trail. No bathrooms. (Use Starbucks in Malibu.) Invite a friend!

 

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate (A few hills may be difficult for anyone with knee issues.) Distance: 3.8 miles. Time:About 3 hours.

Meet at Starbucks in Camarillo at the Las Posas Shopping Center. We leave for Malibu by 8:45. Address: Winding Wind Way, Malibu, Off PCH, Near Paradise Cove

Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, hat and camera. A free continental breakfast is provided after the hike. Contact Margie Cantu at mcantu830@verizon.net or 805.660.1187.

 

HIGHER GROUND HIKING T-SHIRTS AND TANK TOPS: Place/pick up your order in the lobby this Sunday.

IN THIS UPDATE: 

NINOS DE BAJA SUMMER TRIP: Please be praying for the following folks (as well as the staff, tias and parents) who are on this trip today through Sunday: Mike and Lynne Yeaman, Jill Dwyer, Sharon and Blake Wilson, Rachel, Kai and Laini Sutherland, Gary and Cruz Hanson. They are delivering the school supplies Gold Coast provided for the kids of Ninos de Baja, our orphanage in Mexico. Pray for travel safety and that they are a blessing to the kids of Ninos.

 

THIS SUNDAY we start a new sermon series. We’ll invest the next few weeks in Proverbs, the Bible’s wisdom book. We’re going to look at what God wants for us in all of our relationships with others. This Sunday we look at the relationship called friendship.

Vivek Murthy served as the 19th Surgeon General of the United States From 2014 to 2017.  He says one of the most dangerous health crises in America today is the epidemic of loneliness. In an article he wrote for the August 2017 edition of the Harvard Business Review, entitled, “Work and the Loneliness Epidemic”, Murthy shares the following:

“We live in the most technologically connected age in the history of civilization, yet rates of loneliness have doubled since the 1980s. Today, over 40% of adults in America report feeling lonely, and research suggests that the real number may well be higher.

 

Additionally, the number of people who report having a close confidante in their lives has been declining over the past few decades.

 

During my tenure as US surgeon general … [and] my years caring for patients, the most common pathology I saw was not heart disease or diabetes; it was loneliness. The elderly man who came to our hospital every few weeks seeking relief from chronic pain was also looking for human connection: He was lonely. The middle-aged woman battling advanced HIV who had no one to call to inform that she was sick: She was lonely too. I found that loneliness was often in the background of clinical illness, contributing to disease and making it harder for patients to cope and heal.

 

Loneliness and weak social connections are associated with a reduction in lifespan similar to that caused by smoking 15 cigarettes a day and even greater than that associated with obesity. But we haven’t focused nearly as much effort on strengthening connections between people as we have on curbing tobacco use or obesity. Loneliness is also associated with a greater risk of cardiovascular disease, dementia, depression, and anxiety. At work, loneliness reduces task performance, limits creativity, and impairs other aspects of executive function such as reasoning and decision making. For our health and our work, it is imperative that we address the loneliness epidemic quickly.”

It’s crystal-clear that relationships are the most important things in all of life. Jesus said the second greatest command God has for us is love others. He longs for us to experience and develop healthy relationships with others, to do relationships right.That’s what we’re going to begin tackling together in God’s word this Sunday. I look forward being with you. Invite a friend to attend with you. This will be a good day to have others join you at Gold Coast!

IN THIS UPDATE: 

THIS SUNDAY we’re going to unpack the first part of Romans 1 (vs. 1-7).  It’s all about the good news of Jesus that we’ve been set apart to know and share… we’re going to see it’s too good to keep to ourselves!

OXNARD RESCUE MISSION SERVICE, TOMORROW, SATURDAY, AUGUST 4, 4:15-6:15 PM:Sign up by contacting Stuart Baker at stuartbaker45@aol.com or 805.427.5528.

PRAYER FOR MISSIONS THIS SUNDAY: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.

 

THIS SUNDAY’S THE LAST DAY FOR CONTRIBUTIONS FOR NINOS DE BAJA MISSIONS TRIP: Drop off school supplies at the table in the lobby or write a check and put “Ninos School Supplies” on the memo line. Contact Mike or Lynne Yeaman at yeaman7@hotmail.com, if you have any questions.

 

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.

PERSPECTIVES — WEDNESDAYS STARTING AUGUST 29: Camarillo Christian Church will be hosting ‘Perspectives on the World Christian Movement’ on Wednesday evenings, August 29-December 19. Experience 15 powerful lessons that have equipped thousands of everyday believers with great vision, hope, and passion. In Perspectives, scripture, history, culture, and strategy converge to reveal the unfolding of God’s redemptive purposes. He is on a mission to bless the people of the earth, and you’re invited to join Him. For more information, contact Donna Beeson at rebeesonbob@gmail.com or 805.630.2217. Register at classperspectives.org.

NINOS DE BAJA SUMMER TRIP, FRIDAY, AUG. 10-SUNDAY, AUG. 12: This is a weekend of serving the amazing kids of the Ninos de Baja orphanage in El Porvenir, Mexico. We will take school supplies for the children. Water play is also planned with the kids. Come change a life – it will probably be yours. Estimated cost is about $100. A passport is required. Go to the table in the lobby to sign up or contact Mike or Lynne Yeaman at yeaman7@hotmail.com. 

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 mcantu830@verizon.net 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 stuartbaker45@aol.com 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 christian@goldcoastchurch.org, 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 tana@goldcoastchurch.org.

 

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 gsgarciains@yahoo.com 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 mcantu830@verizon.net. 

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 tana@goldcoastchurch.org 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 yeaman7@hotmail.com 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 tana@goldcoastchurch.org.

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 stuartbaker45@aol.com 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 gsgarciains@yahoo.com or 805.302.8475.