Scott Wilson

LAST SUNDAY we started a new mini-series on the Beatitudes within our major study of Matthew’s gospel. We’re calling it The Upside-Down Kingdom. We looked at the first one, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:3) In my Bible reading on Thursday, I came across Revelation 3. The passage contains some of the most sobering words in all the Bible when it comes to churches and followers of Jesus. At the end of the chapter, Jesus’ words to the church in Laodicea reminded me of the danger we looked at last Sunday in not recognizing that our need for Jesus is not just partial but it is total:

“To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God’s creation.  I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked.  I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see. Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent.  Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me. To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat down with my Father on his throne.  Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” (Revelation 3:14-22)

TOMORROW we’ll be tackling Beatitude #2, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.”  We’ll also be praying for school teachers and students as they’re getting back to school. So, if you’re a teacher or student, make sure you’re at one of the services tomorrow! It’s going to be a good day to come together with the rest of the family to worship, learn, and encourage one another!

By the way, more has been accomplished with the worship center re-model project, as you’ll see. 

20TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION, SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, ONE WORSHIP SERVICE AT 10:00 AM/LUNCH & FUN AT 11:30 AM: Complimentary food tickets are available tomorrow at the table outside by the coffee and donuts. Get ready to celebrate with music, food, fun activities for the kids, and more!We need more helpers for the children’s games (at ½ hours increments), and need to borrow some corn hole and pop-up tents. Sign up outside at the ticket table this Sunday.You can also contact Emy Russell for set-up/clean-up at [email protected] or contact Dianna DeRemer with any questions at [email protected]. 

WE WANT YOUR GOLD COAST BIRTHDAY GREETING: We’re putting together a video of short birthday greetings from a number of different individuals to show during the service on September 15th. It would be great to have a video from you! Your greeting needs to be SHORT – 3 to 5 seconds (no longer than 5 seconds)! In addition to being SHORT, lots of love and energy would also be greatly appreciated!  Please email them to me soon at [email protected]. Thanks!

GOLD COAST T-SHIRT PAYMENTS: If you ordered a T-shirt and need to pay for it, please make sure you do so by this Friday, September 6th, for online or text payments. For check or cash payments, please pay by September 8th. Make checks payable to Gold Coast Church and write “T-shirts” on the memo line. For text payments, text 77977 and choose Promos. T-shirts that have been ordered and paid for will be handed out on September 8th. 

LIFE GROUPS START THE WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 8: The primary purpose of LIFE Groups is joining with other believers and doing life together in community. It’s where we connect and assist one another in our faith journey. If you are new to a LIFE Group or wish to change to a different LIFE Group, please go to the Welcome Desk in the lobby tomorrow for a current list of available groups or for more information. If you have any questions, please contact Darrell Foote at 805.660.3061 or [email protected].

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SHARON!  I’m so thankful I get to do life with you! I appreciate the way you love Jesus, me, our family and all those God brings across your path. I love you!

TOMORROW we start a new ‘mini’ series, within our study through the Gospel of Matthew, as we look at the Beatitudes in Matthew 5. We’re calling it “The Upside-Down Kingdom” because what he describes as a blessed and happy life is the opposite of what the world would say it is. Tomorrow we’re going to drill down on the first one Jesus mentions- “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Mt. 5:3) I’m excited about what we’re going to learn together. I look forward to seeing you!

20TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION, SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, ONE WORSHIP SERVICE AT 10:00 AM/LUNCH & FUN AT 11:30 AM: Complimentary food tickets will be available tomorrow at the table outside by the coffee & donuts. Get ready to celebrate with music, food, fun activities for the kids, and more! Sign up to help with children’s games, decorating, set up, and clean up at the table in the lobby tomorrow. You can also contact Emy Russell for set-up/clean-up at [email protected] or contact Dianna DeRemer with any questions at [email protected]. 

GOLD COAST T-SHIRT PAYMENTS: If you ordered a t-shirt and need to pay for it, please make sure you do so by September 6th for online or text payments. For check or cash payments, please pay by September 8th. Make check payments to Gold Coast Church and write “T-shirts” on the memo line. For text payments, text 77977 and choose Promos. T-shirts that have been ordered and paid for will be handed out on September 8th. 

LIFE GROUPS START THE WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 8: The primary purpose of LIFE Groups is joining with other believers and doing life together in community. It’s where we connect and assist one another in our faith journey. If you are new to a LIFE Group or wish to change to a different LIFE Group, please go to the Welcome Desk in the lobby tomorrow for a current list of available groups or for more information. If you have any questions, please contact Darrell Foote at 805.660.3061 or [email protected].

REMINDER:

Beginning tomorrow, Sunday, August 4, the start of our first worship service is 9 AM! 

If you arrive at 9:15 AM (the old start time), you’ll miss out on some good stuff!See you all of you former “9:15ers” at 9 AM!

Scott

THIS SUNDAY, as we continue our series “King Jesus,” we’ll be diving into Matthew chapter 3. We’ll meet John, the forerunner of Jesus. He offers vital lessons when it comes to preparing ourselves and others to receive Jesus. I encourage you to read the chapter before Sunday.  

FIRST SERVICE TIME CHANGE IS COMING SOON- SUNDAY, AUGUST 4TH: Please note that, beginning on Sunday, August 4th, the start time for the first worship service will be at 9:00 AM. The second worship service starting time will remain the same, at 10:45 am.

RESCUE MISSION, SATURDAY, AUGUST 3TH: This Oxnard outreach is from 4:15-6:15 pm on the first Saturday of each month. To sign up, write “Rescue Mission” on your Connection Card on Sunday, go online, or contact Stuart Baker at 805.427.5528 or [email protected]. 

PRAYER FOR MISSIONS, SUNDAY, AUGUST 4TH: On the first Sunday of each month, please gather in the Worship Center after the 2nd service to pray for the missions and missionaries that Gold Coast supports. Contact Mike or Lynne Yeaman at [email protected] or 805.331.3899 or Tim Kanter at [email protected] for more info. 

LADIES’ NIGHT, FRIDAY, AUGUST 16TH, 6-8 PM: We just want to start getting together to get to know each other, so for the summer, we are planning a low key, no stress ladies’ night. The next one is Friday, August 16, (Location TBD.) Sign up on your Connection Card this Sunday or go online. Text Faith DeLuca at 805.827.3557, if you have any questions. We look forward to seeing you there! 

THE HUDDLE, SATURDAY, AUGUST 17, 7:30 to 9:00 AM: Men, we’re meeting on the third Saturday of each month at the church. Plan on good conversation as we discuss the most important attributes men need to survive in today’s modern world. Food and coffee will be available. Donations are accepted. Sign up through our website. Contact Louis DeLuca with any questions at [email protected].

20TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION, SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 15TH: We’ll have one worship service at 10:00 am and move into lunch and other activities as we celebrate our 20th Birthday. Sign up to help with decorating, set up, and clean up at the table in the lobby this Sunday. You can also contact Emy Russell for set-up/clean-up at [email protected]. To submit your old GC photos and videos, contact Pam Grisham at [email protected] or contact Dianna DeRemer with any questions at [email protected].

THIS SUNDAY we continue our series “King Jesus” that we kicked off last week by looking at Jesus’ amazing genealogy. This Sunday we’ll be looking at Matthew 1:18-25. It’s all about how and why Jesus came to earth. We’re going to learn from an often-overlooked individual in the life of Jesus who has much to teach us about our relationship with God and how to please him. Invite someone to be your guest this Sunday!

LADIES’ NIGHTS IN JULY AND AUGUST: Get together and get to know other women who attend Gold Coast this summer! The following are low-key, no-stress ladies’ nights at people’s houses.

Friday, July 19, 6-8 pm (Camarillo)
Friday, August 16, 6-8 pm (Location TBD)

Come to one or come to all! Sign-ups are in the Gold Coast lobby or online. Text Faith DeLuca at 805.827.3557 if you have any questions. We look forward to seeing you there! 

THE HUDDLE, SATURDAY, JULY 20, 7:30 TO 9:00 AM: Men, we’re meeting on the third Saturday of each month at the church. Plan on good conversation as we discuss the most important attributes men need to survive in today’s modern world. Food and coffee will be available. Donations are accepted. Sign up through our website. Contact Louis DeLuca with any questions at [email protected]. 

RESCUE MISSION, SATURDAY, AUGUST 3: This Oxnard outreach is from 4:15-6:15 pm on the first Saturday of each month. To sign up, write “Rescue Mission” on your Connection Card on Sunday, go online, or contact Stuart Baker at 805.427.5528 or [email protected]. 

NEW START TIME BEGINNING AUGUST 4TH FOR THE 9:15 AM SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP TIME: Starting August 4th, Sunday morning service times will be at 9:00 am and 10:45 am.

JOIN A SUNDAY MORNING MINISTRY TEAM: The Café, Welcome Desk, and Greeter ministry teams are looking for some additional volunteers to assist approximately once a month on Sunday morning. Sign up on your Connection Card this Sunday, our website, or contact Darrell Foote at [email protected] or 805.660.3061.

TOMORROW we begin a new series of messages through the gospel of Matthew. We’ve never studied Matthew as a church and I’m excited we get to journey through it together. We’ll be looking at Matthew 1:1-17.

PRAYER FOR MISSIONS AFTER 2ND SERVICE: Gather in the Worship Center after the 10:45 AM service tomorrow to pray for the missions and missionaries that Gold Coast supports. Contact Mike or Lynne Yeaman at [email protected] or 805.331.3899 or Tim Kanter at [email protected] for more info. 

LADIES’ NIGHTS IN JULY AND AUGUST: Get together and get to know other women who attend Gold Coast this summer! The following are low-key, no-stress ladies’ nights at people’s houses: Friday, July 19, 6-8 pm (Camarillo) Friday, August 16, 6-8 pm (Location TBD.) Come to one or come to all. Sign-ups are in the Gold Coast lobby or online. Text Faith DeLuca at 805.827.3557 if you have any questions. We look forward to seeing you there! 

THE HUDDLE, SATURDAY, JULY 20, 7:30 to 9:00 AM: Men, we’re meeting on the third Saturday of each month at the church. Plan on good conversation as we discuss the most important attributes men need to survive in today’s modern world. Food and coffee will be available. Donations are accepted. Sign up through our website. Contact Louis DeLuca with any questions at [email protected]. 

RESCUE MISSION, SATURDAY, AUGUST 3: This Oxnard outreach is from 4:15-6:15 pm on the first Saturday of each month. To sign up, write “Rescue Mission” on your Connection Card tomorrow, go online, or contact Stuart Baker at 805.427.5528 or [email protected]. 

NEW START TIME BEGINNING AUGUST 4TH FOR THE 9:15 AM SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP TIME: Starting August 4th, Sunday morning service times will be at 9:00 am and 10:45 am.SAVE THE DATE: Gold Coast’s 20th Anniversary Celebration takes place on Sunday, September 15. Plan now to be there. It’s going to be extra special!

THIS SUNDAY our series, The Gospel According to Joseph, wraps up by looking at Genesis 45:16-46:8. We’re going to see that Jacob and Joseph, as well all of his brothers, had lives that turned out much better than they had expected they would. We’re going to see why that was and what we can expect from this life as we live in God’s “already/not yet” kingdom. It’s going to be encouraging and challenging. Invite a friend to join you!

LAST SUNDAY, Louis did a great job with his message on fatherhood and parenting. One of his points was how we are to value God more than making All-Stars, a good GPA, and high SAT scores. The following piece by Jim Elliff, When Ball Becomes Baal- IS YOUR KID’S SPORTS INVOLVEMENT A FAMILY IDOL? is a good follow-up on that. 

It’s rare to see kids playing sports in the neighborhood anymore. We’re now organized and “professionalized”—including uniforms, state-of-the-art facilities, endless trips to the field, competitive coaches, equally competitive parents, and the after-season tournaments designed to give parents “bleacher bottom.” In addition, you’ve got to pay to play—and when you’ve paid that much, you’ll be sure to play. 

It is also fun, and it can be instructive. I love to watch my kids play sports. In fact, they need to play—some. But, it’s not so easy as handing over seventy bucks and saying, “Sign up Johnny and Susie this year.” Making that decision means that you may be out four to five times each week during the season. Soon sports becomes all about calendarization and control of your life—especially if you have more than one kid. Perhaps nothing outside of a change in your job has so much potential to turn the family schedule upside down. 

“This man understands,” you say. Now comes the part you won’t like: “Behold, I say unto you, you have made sports the household god.” Too strong? OK, not all of you. But the deification of sports is happening to many. 

How does ball become Baal? Answer: When it controls you, and you give it devoted worship. It is around your god that you order your life—and you can almost never say “no” to it. 

Like “athlete’s foot” on the hygienically-challenged teenager, sports has taken over more and more of the life of believers. Almost overnight we have awakened to the sad fact that, in many communities, sports has even usurped the hours believers meet on the Lord’s Day. All too often members are saying to church leaders, “We’ll be gone next Sunday because of the soccer tournament.” In turn, leaders are supposed to acquiesce humbly. After all, we can’t afford to appear “legalistic;” everyone knows that the greatest crime a church can commit is to demand something of someone. 

You’ll hear, “But the team needs all the players. We can’t let the team down.” It never occurs to them that the church Body is being deprived of a necessary body part, or that God is marginalized and disobeyed. We are not to forsake the assembling of ourselves together, states God in Hebrews 10:25. 

Devotion is the operative word. When the team says, “We need you,” we sacrifice to do it. But when it crosses the time allotted to spiritual edification and worship, the Ruler of the universe is often sent to the bench. In the process, we teach our children that devotion to sports is more important than both devotion to God and loyalty to our spiritual family. Have you considered that you may be teaching your kids to worship sports? 

Here are some ways to put sports in the proper place:

THIS SUNDAY IS FATHER’S DAY! It’s going to be a great day to gather together to not only honor our earthly dads but also to honor and worship our heavenly father! As we near the end of our current message series, The Gospel According to Joseph, we’ll be looking at how the attributes of our heavenly father can be present in us to impact and bless others. I’m looking forward to being together and being encouraged in our walk with Jesus. This would be a great Sunday to invite others to join you at Gold Coast! 

THE HUDDLE IS TOMORROW, SATURDAY, JUNE 15, 7:30-9:00 AM, GOLD COAST FACILITY: The Huddle happens on the 3rd Saturday of each month for the men of Gold Coast. Plan on good conversation as we discuss the most important attributes men need to survive in today’s modern world. This month bagels, cream cheese, pastries, and coffee will be available. Donations are accepted. Sign up online. If you have any questions, contact Louis DeLuca at [email protected]. 

HIGH SCHOOL OR COLLEGE GRAD?  Receiving a diploma from high school or a degree from college this year? We would like to honor you in an upcoming service. Please let us know by Sunday, June 23rd. Write your name, school, and type of degree on your Connection Card this Sunday or send your information to [email protected] or call 805.485.5433. 

SPECIAL NEEDS MINISTRY MEETING, SUNDAY, JUNE 30: Be a blessing to people and families affected by disability in our community! To find out more about the Special Needs Ministry here at Gold Coast or if you are already involved, be a part of a lunch meeting where you’ll discuss with others what we’ve been doing and what’s coming up – Ed Hunt Rehab Point Project, Buddy Break, the Disability Christmas Shoppe, and more. Meet after the 2nd service, at about 12:15 pm in the Youth Room. Sign up at the table in the lobby or go online.  Also join the Special Needs Ministry Team at the 27th Annual Rehab Point Project on Sunday, July 14, from 11-2 pm where we share information and invite the community to participate in what we’re doing here at Gold Coast. Enjoy food, festivities, and activities for kids at the Oxnard Beach Park. Contact Tana Seufert at [email protected] with any questions.

THIS SUNDAY, we continue our series “The Gospel According to Joseph.” We’ll learn some invaluable lessons from Joseph about FORGIVENESS.  In preparation, you can read Genesis 45:1-18; 50:15-21.

Did you know that within psychology, the subject of forgiveness is relatively new, having emerged as a research focus only in the later 1980’s? Robert Enright, Ph.D., is a professor of educational psychology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, a licensed psychologist, and the founding board member of the International Forgiveness Institute, Inc. and pioneered the social scientific study of forgiveness.

Enright gives different reasons to forgive: to repair relationships, to grow in character because it can help one become a better person, to exercise goodness as an end in and of itself regardless of how others react to one’s offer of forgiving and to become emotionally healthier. 

“According to researchers at Erasmus University carrying a grudge can weigh you down—literally. The researchers asked study participants to write about a time when they’d experienced a conflict. Some were instructed to reflect on a time when they didn’t forgive the offender, others were told to think about the time they did forgive the person, and a third group wrote about a comparatively dull social interaction. They were then given a small physical challenge: jumping five times, as high as they could, without bending their knees.”  

They then asked their human guinea pigs to jump as high as they could, five times, without bending their knees. Those who had been thinking about a time when they’d forgiven jumped highest, about 11.8 inches on average; those who had written about their grudges, on the other hand, jumped 8.5 inches. There were no significant difference in the jumps of those in the non-forgiveness and neutral conditions. In another, similar experiment, people who’d been set up to think about a time they held a grudge estimated that a hill was steeper than people who were thinking about a time they forgave someone.

The results suggest that the “weight” of carrying a grudge may be more than just a metaphor. The lead researcher for the study wrote, ‘A state of unforgiveness is like carrying a heavy burden—a burden that victims bring with them when they navigate the physical world. Forgiveness can ‘lighten’ this burden.’” (Melissa Dahl, “Holding a Grudge May Literally Weigh You Down,” Science of Us, 1-9-15)

It’s worth pointing out that thousands of years before psychologists figured out the importance of forgiveness, God was teaching about its importance and benefits through the life and example of Joseph!This Sunday we’re going to see so much from God’s word on how we can extend forgiveness to even those who have done horrendous things to us. It’s going to be a rich time in God’s word and in his presence. I believe there will be significant breakthroughs for many. You don’t want to miss it. Invite someone to join you! 

THE HUDDLE, SATURDAY, JUNE 15: Men, let’s meet at 7:30-9:00 am on the 3rd Saturday of each month here at the church. Plan on good conversation as we discuss the most important attributes men need to survive in today’s modern world. This month bagels, cream cheese, pastries, and coffee will be available. Donations are accepted. Sign up at the table in the lobby this Sunday or online. Contact Louis DeLuca if you have any questions at [email protected]. 

HIGH SCHOOL OR COLLEGE GRAD?  Receiving a diploma from high school or a degree from college this year? We would like to honor you in an upcoming service. Please let us know by Sunday, June 23rd. Write your name, school, and type of degree on your Connection Card this Sunday or send your information to [email protected] or call 805.485.5433.

Join us tomorrow, Sunday, June 2, at either 9:15 or 10:45 AM. The service will be different than anything we’ve ever experienced before at Gold Coast! A message, music, videos and more will be highlighting some of the great things that Gold Coast is about. You’re not going to want to miss this! Bring a friend and come ready to see what God’s been doing!