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, how to be relationally wise. 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!
DISCIPLE-MAKING 101: ANSWERING THE GREAT COMMISSIONSEMINAR, TONIGHT, August 10th, 7 pm to 9 pm and TOMORROW, Saturday, August 11th, 9 am to 1 pm, Sojourn Church (445 Rosewood Ave, Suite G, Camarillo): Every Christian has been given the responsibility of making disciples of Jesus. But that can be hard to do, especially in Southern California. This seminar gives practical tips and concrete tools that will help you to share Jesus with the people God has already placed in your life.
Topics Covered:
-What’s the difference between Disciple-Making and Evangelism?
-How do I know if people in my life even want to hear about Jesus?
-What if I think I’m definitely not a good enough Christian, don’t know enough and am not spiritual enough to teach anyone about Jesus?
-What does the Disciple-Making process look like?
-Ok! I found someone who wants to know Jesus… now what do I do?
-I don’t have a testimony to share, so how do I share my faith?
-What happens if people have questions I can’t answer?
“I was really, really skeptical of this class. I wasn’t comfortable talking to people about my faith. But afterward, when God brought someone across my path who was ready to start a relationship with Him, I was ready to guide her. It has been so cool being involved in her journey.”- Hannah Slaven
The cost is $100. Register by going to https://mailchi.mp/d2719fa9d416/dmt-spring-2018.
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.
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 or rebeesonbob@gmail.com or 805.630.2217. Register at classperspectives.org.
DAILY BIBLE READING SCHEDULE FOR THE COMING WEEK
Friday August 10 Jer 5,6 ; Jn 12
Saturday August 11 Jer 7-9 ; Jn. 13
Sunday August 12 Jer 10-12 ; Jn 14
Monday August 13 Jer 13-15 ; Jn 15
Tuesday August 14 Jer 16-17 ; Ps 96; Jn 16
Wednesday August 15 Jer 18-20 ; Ps 93 ; Jn 17
Thursday August 16 2 Ki 24 ; Jer 22 ; Ps 112 ; Jn 18
Friday August 17 Jer 23-25 ; Jn 19
Saturday August 18 Jer 26,35-36 ; Jn 20
Sunday August 19 Jer 45-47 ; Ps 105 ; 1 Jn 21
ALL CHURCH PICNIC, SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 30: Mark your calendars for a church picnic from 12:30-4:30 pm at Camarillo Grove Park — food, fellowship, games, FUN!!!
Love,
Scott