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!
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.
LIFE GROUPS START THE WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 16: 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. See a list of groups in this bulletin. Sign up for one, if you haven’t already. Contact Darrell Foote if you have any questions at 805.660.3061 or dfoote07@verizon.net.
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. Place it in the offering basket or call Art or Rose Flatray at 805.987.1428 for more information.
HIGHER GROUND HIKING T-SHIRTS AND TANK TOPS: This Sunday is the last Sunday to purchase or pick up your order in the lobby. Prices are from $9-12.
OXNARD RESCUE MISSION OUTREACH, Saturday, September 1st, at 4:15-6:15 pm: Write “Rescue Mission” on your Connection Card this Sunday at one of the services.
ALL CHURCH PICNIC, SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 30: Mark your calendars for a church picnic from 12:30-4:30 pm at Camarillo Grove Park- 6968 E. Camarillo Springs Road in Camarillo — food, fellowship, games, FUN!!! Get your tickets (and some for your friends) this Sunday.
ONE WORSHIP SERVICE, SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 30 AT 10:00 AM: Please make note that our regular Sunday morning service schedule will be suspended that day.
FATHER AND SON CAMP AT ANGELES CREST, OCTOBER 5-7: There are so many things coming against men and boys of faith in today’s world. We need to not only survive – but thrive! While connecting and having a blast together, both you and your son will discover solid biblical principles on how to survive and thrive in your walk of faith. And dad, come learn more about how to be a Godly example with your son as you bond with him over the weekend.
Every generation (sons, dads, and grandfathers) are welcome.
DATE: October 5-7, 2018
TIME: Check-in and registration is on Friday evening from 5:30-6:30 p.m. The camp concludes on Sunday morning at 11:00 a.m.
COST: Dads – $155
Jr High/High School Sons – $125
Elementary Age Sons (Kindergarten and up) – $115
REGISTER at https://angelescrest.com/camps-retreats/weekend-retreats/fatherson-retreat/
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.
“ONE CITY- ONE CHURCH” SERVE DAY, 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. 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!
DAILY BIBLE READING SCHEDULE FOR THE COMING WEEK
Friday August 24 Jer 33-34 ; Ps 74 ; 1 Jn 5
Saturday August 25 Jer 37-39 ; Ps 79 ; 2 Jn
Sunday August 26 Jer 50-51; 3 Jn
Monday August 27 Jer 52 ; Rev 1 ; Ps 143-144
Tuesday August 28 Ezek 1-3; Rev 2
Wednesday August 29 Ezek 4-7; Rev 3
Thursday August 30 Ezek 8-11; Rev 4
Friday August 31 Ezek 12-14; Rev 5
Saturday September 1 Ezek 15-16; Ps 70; Rev 6
Sunday September 2 Ezek 17-19; Rev 7
I look forward to seeing you,
Love,
Scott