Richard Todd's thoughts

A FEW WORDS FOR THE WEEK BEGINNING SUNDAY, AUGUST 23rd, 2009

GOODBYE AND WELCOME BACK, YUALL

By Pastor (Fall weather is coming) Richard

Give ‘em a Southern California welcome and excuse their Texas drawl. Who am I referring to? None other than our Adam and April Landrum and their son, Malachi, who are coming into town as I write to you. They will be with us in worship August 30^th. If you invite them to lunch they will probably want to go to Lucilles or ChrisNPits or Red Oak BBQ.

And by the way, did you notice our children’s group was full at the 9:30 hour the other Sunday? And the nursery was almost full, too. You are praying for this, aren’t you?

SERMONRECAP-Some people just don’t get much attention. As a result, we have been looking at the UNSUNG HEROES OF THE BIBLE in recent weeks…people like Ananias, Nathan, and Esther so far. I know Esther was queen and a whole book of the Bible is named after her. But she and her book have been passed over and even criticized for never once mentioning the name of God in her story.

SUMMERSUNDAYREPORT…one more time I can’t believe the dessert buffet we got to choose from. I don’t come to Summer Sunday because of the desserts but it makes it all the more enjoyable. August 16^th was our evening to receive a special message from the heart of Joe Ramos. I know I know. Some of you missed out and are saying WHY DIDN’T YOU TELL ME? Come every Sunday and you won’t miss out. August 30^th is our final SUSU for 2009 so let’s celebrate by having one more dinner. We are going to make it potluck since I missed the other potluck. You bring a main dish and something to share. I’ll make sure there is dessert.

Pastor Henry Rempel passed away several days ago at the age of 105. A number of you were present here at Community when Pastor Henry had preached. Services were held yesterday at Rose Hills.

Marco joined us at Summer Sunday and blest us. He saw the Bibles and heard Bob Castillo and came in to see if he could attend. He joined us the following week.

God’s best to you,

Pastor Richard

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

I DIDN’T GET MY BIRTHDAY HYMN!

You are probably wondering what a birthday hymn is. Well it is a deal that Heidi Romero made with Tim Ramos (who leads us when we sing many of our hymns). You see, Heidi had her birthday on August 2nd and had asked to sing WONDERFUL GRACE OF JESUS. We had one little problem in that Tim Ramos had a family emergency that day so he came ready to fulfill his bargain on August 9^th. The only problem that day is that Heidi had to work at the hospital. Tim led us in the song. And Claudia, my wife, dialed Heidi’s cell phone number while we sang and filled her voice mail with your voices. Clever, huh?

My writings or whatever you want to call them are regularly emailed to missionaries and others wanting to keep in touch with the Community Grace Brethren family.  RECEIVE BY EMAIL: If you or someone you know wants to receive this article and a pdf of today’s program (bulletin) then send an email request to whittierbrethren@gmail.com FOLLOW IN FACEBOOK: You can also find my writings and view our church photo album and other material by going to whittierbrethren.net and follow the links. You can also sign up to be my friend at Facebook and read these words there if you so desire.

A FEW WORDS FOR THE WEEK BEGINNING SUNDAY, AUGUST 16th, 2009

SHE IS BACK IN FRANCE (WHO’s THAT?)

By Pastor Richard Todd

PATTY MORRIS MADE IT BACK TO FRANCE just a few days ago. She was needing additional financial support, much of which came through from her supporters including some of you….and yes, she is reunited with her cat.

We have some of our folks here at Community that need a little PICK ME UP on Sunday mornings. Could you help by picking someone or two people up and bringing them with you to church? Contact the church office or see me if you can help in this way.

Summer Sundays continue while we have summer weekend so come again this evening at 530pm. Larry Williams blest us August 9^th with the idea of MOVING FORWARD even when you are depressed.

Last Sunday morning we continued our UNSUNG HEROES OF THE BIBLE SERIES with a focus on the Old Testament prophet, Nathan.

A group of our gals are signing up now to attend the Revolve Tour that will be in nearby Ontario in October. See Seri Elisaldez for info about attending or helping with transportation, etc. The theme is GOD LOVES YOU…THE REAL YOU!

I brought some materials home from the National Conference of Brethren missionaries, pastors and church leaders that I attended in Columbus, Ohio the last week in July. They are at the table at the back of the auditorium this morning for you to review. Take any of the materials from the table with you to read later (just don’t take the table).

Ready for the next installment of my VACATION QUIZ? QUESTION ONE-who is vacationing in Indiana right now? QUESTION TWO-who is camping above Mammoth and eating all the trout they can catch and eat? QUESTION THREE-Which of our Adult Bible Fellowship teachers is out of town today with his wife? And the answer is?

You have been joining me on Monday evenings this summer for the Concerts in the Park that are held in the park across the street from my house. We have enjoyed good times talking and laughing and passing Henry Pompa’s Kettle Popcorn around. Don’t come tomorrow evening because the concerts are over for the summer.

God’s best to you,

Pastor Richard

My writings or whatever you want to call them are regularly emailed to missionaries and others wanting to keep in touch with the Community Grace Brethren family.  If you or someone you know wants to receive this article and a pdf of today’s program (bulletin) then send an email request to whittierbrethren@gmail.com You can also find my writings and view our church photo album and other material by going to whittierbrethren.net and follow the links. You can also sign up to be my friend at Facebook and read these words there if you so desire.

A FEW WORDS FOR THE WEEK BEGINNING SUNDAY, AUGUST 9th, 2009

DON’T SKIP TONIGHT’S GATHERING

By Pastor Richard

Once again, I tell you that tonight at Summer Sunday is a special gathering. We begin at 5:30 with our speaker and dessert is right after that. See you there (see ad).

I’ve brought some materials home from the National Conference I attended the last week of July in Columbus, Ohio and want you to review. They are at the table at the back of the auditorium this morning for you to review.

I was away with Claudia for a little rest and relaxation (aka R&R) up at Forest Home Christian Conference Center where we attended their family camp with some of you families we returned home yesterday afternoon). It’s nice to be home. I’ll be at Summer Sunday tonight, Concert in the Park tomorrow evening and Prayer Meeting this Wednesday.

Today continues to be BONUS Quote of the Week Sunday in that I am inserting several comments you have said to me or to each other recently. I haven’t been able to insert them before so today I am bundling a group of quotes that are too good to pass over.

Today we continue our short summer mini-series I am calling UNSUNG HEROES OF THE BIBLE. These are people in our Bibles that haven’t had too many sermons preached or books written on them. Last week we looked at the life of Ananias in Acts 9 (not the I LIED AND I DIED ANANIAS of Acts 5). This is the guy that had to adjust his view of his enemies because the Lord told him to.

Our Todd family participated in the Family Camp at Forest Home this past week with some of you folks. I call it a VACATION WITH A PURPOSE because of the great fun and great Bible teaching that goes on every day.  Our time away with some of you was special. Every year some of you say WE HAD THOUGHT ABOUT SIGNING UP TO ATTEND FAMILY CAMP WITH YOU BUT THEN IT WAS TOO LATE.  Now is the time to sign up for next year.  A deposit holds your reservation till the time closer to camp.  The camp schedule for 2010 begins Sunday afternoon, August 8, 2010.  I have brochures for summer, 2010.  Just ask.  You can also speak with my wife, Claudia, about the camp.

The last Concert in the Park for summer 2009 is tomorrow evening. See the ad on the other page in this bulletin for the details.

Our family left town this past Sunday evening after praying with Mr. Ed Ramos who was in Presbyterian Hospital. We received news during the days that followed that he is now home recovering. Amen!

God’s best to you,

Pastor Richard

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

I’VE MADE IT MY GOAL TO LEARN TWO

NEW NAMES EVERY SUNDAY

Do you know everybody’s names in our community of believers? Here’s what one of you shared with me the other day that you are doing. Yes, it does take a little work to get to know others.

ANOTHER QUOTE OF THE WEEK

I’M GOING TO AMERICA

Madelyn Borges is the “pre-school” age daughter of our missionary partners, Jason and Angie. She had a disagreement with her parents recently and grabbed her stuff and announced to her family this message.

ONE MORE QUOTE OF THE WEEK

WHAT HAPPENED TO MAY?

One of you sponsored the January birthday club celebration and then someone else sponsored the June birthday club celebration. But no one sponsored the people with birthdays and anniversaries in the month of May. You can sponsor a month (see me to get things started).

My writings or whatever you want to call them are regularly emailed to missionaries and others wanting to keep in touch with the Community Grace Brethren family.  If you or someone you know wants to receive this article and a pdf of today’s program (bulletin) then send an email request to whittierbrethren@gmail.com You can also find my writings and view our church photo album and other material by going to whittierbrethren.net and follow the links. You can also sign up to be my friend at Facebook and read these words there if you so desire.

A FEW WORDS FOR THE WEEK BEGINNING SUNDAY, AUGUST 2nd, 2009

ALMOST AS GOOD AS IN N OUT!

By your Pastor who is back in town

Notice that I said ALMOST AS GOOD AS In N Out burgers. People on the East Coast have started a new hamburger chain to deal with life without In N Out. They are calling it FIVE GUYS BURGERS and they had a location one block from the hotel where a group of us stayed this past week. I would point out that 1)they are ALMOST as good as In N Out, 2)they do not serve shakes, and 3)they are 50% more expensive. I’ll take my In N Out any day. You can see a snapshot or two at my Facebook pages or our church website photo gallery.

I attended a conference of pastors and church leaders and missionaries this past week in Columbus, Ohio. What did I do while there? Here was my schedule last Sunday, July 26: 1)attended church service in Lexington, Ohio where Pastor Vic Young preached(one hour drive each way), 2)ate at 5 Guys burgers, 3)CE National Corporation report and meeting 4)assisted at delegates table signing in churches, 4)Ministers meeting, 5)Conference Business Meeting, 6)ballot counting committee, 7)evening meeting where Pastor Dave Plaster preached, 8)Missionary Herald book signing/dessert, 9)met with our church missionary partners, Brenda and Bess and took a picture that is now on our church family website.

Once again, I tell you that tonight at Summer Sunday is a special gathering. We begin at 5:30 with our speaker and dessert is right after that. See you there.

I’ve brought some materials home from the conference I attended this past week and want you to review. They are at the table at the back of the auditorium this morning for you to review.

I’ve got a praise item for you. I have written a series of children’s books on Salvation, Baptism, Church, Communion and Giving that are used in some churches here in America, Canada and in South America. I received a message from a church in New England that had Vacation Bible School a few weeks ago and used 80 Salvation Wordbooks (that I wrote and some of you helped me to assemble) to follow up children that received Christ as Savior during that VBS.

I was away on church family business this past week. This coming week I will be away with Claudia for a little rest and relaxation (aka R&R) up at Forest Home Christian Conference Center where we will be attending their family camp with some of you families. See you next Sunday.

Today is BONUS Quote of the Week Sunday in that I am inserting several comments you have said to me or to each other recently. I haven’t been able to insert them before so today I am bundling a group of quotes that are too good to pass over.

Today we start a short summer mini-series I am calling UNSUNG HEROES OF THE BIBLE. These are people in our Bibles that haven’t had too many sermons preached or books written on them.

Tomorrow is another Concert in the Park in our front yard (see the ad on the other page).

God’s best to you,

Pastor Richard

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

DID U MISS ME?

One of you that had been sick for a while returned and

asked me this question. The answer is YES!!!

ANOTHER QUOTE OF THE WEEK

I REFUSE TO SHAKE THE HAND OF A TRAITOR

Wow! Who would refuse to shake the hand of their pastor on a Sunday? I found out who this was after I showed that picture of me at Yankee Stadium on July 17, 2009 wearing a Yankee cap (it was a borrowed hat and I never gave the Yankee organization money for a ballcap).

My writings or whatever you want to call them are regularly emailed to missionaries and others wanting to keep in touch with the Community Grace Brethren family.  If you or someone you know wants to receive this article and a pdf of today’s program (bulletin) then send an email request to whittierbrethren@gmail.com You can also find my writings and view our church photo album and other material by going to whittierbrethren.net and follow the links. You can also sign up to be my friend at Facebook and read these words there if you so desire.

A FEW WORDS FOR THE WEEK BEGINNING SUNDAY, JULY 26th, 2009

YOU ARE IN GOOD HANDS

By your pastor who is in Ohio

A while back there was a series of commercials that ran saying YOU ARE IN GOOD HANDS WITH ALLSTATE (we have our house and auto insurance with them today). I would like to pass that message on to you today yet insert the name PASTOR PAUL. You are in good hands with Pastor Paul Hoffman as he opens Scripture and preaches the morning message.

WHAT IS SUSU? I fill up so much of the space I am given to jot this note to you each week with the words SUMMER SUNDAY so I thought that I would figure out a simple, effective abbreviation so I would not always have to write those words, SUMMER SUNDAY. So I adopted SUSU a while back. The only problem is that my wife asked me what SUSU meant a few weeks ago. Tonight is potluck evening. Bring a main course to share and a side dish. Dessert is being provided.

The good news report I shared with you on July 19^th is that we have received a three-month extension to continue meeting at the Whittier Senior Center through the end of October. Amen! As nice as it is, this is a temporary meeting place.

You can view the daily reports from the Momentum Youth Conference at “buildmomentum.org”

WHAT WILL I MISS THIS COMING WEEK WHILE I AM AT CONFERENCE? I am in Columbus, Ohio this morning representing you at our conference of church leaders and missionaries. I’m gonna miss worshipping with you this morning and hearing the special message Pastor Paul Hoffman has in his heart to share with you. And I am going to miss the special Summer Sunday pot-luck dinner and speaker planned for tonight beginning at 5:30. And I am going to miss sitting around with you eating hot kettle popcorn tomorrow evening and listening to the music with you and the crowds across the street at Concerts in the Park. And I am going to miss joining with you in special prayer at the Church Prayer Meeting this coming Wednesday evening. But firstly I will miss my wife, Claudia.

When I was in New York City the other day I noticed how many people depend on a taxi to get them where they need to be. We need some of you to make yourselves available for various events to pick people up for church services, etc. Let me know if you are willing to help minister in this way.

I return to Los Angeles on Friday, July 31 near midnight and Lord willing, plan to preach here on August 2.

Tomorrow night is another Monday evening Whittier Concerts in the Park series where Claudia and I invite you all to come enjoy the concerts in OUR FRONT YARD WITH US (see ad on other page). She will be present to greet you for both of us.

Remember which book of the Bible Larry Williams preached from on July 19^th? And do you remember which church he pointed out to us?

God’s best to you,

Pastor Richard

My writings or whatever you want to call them are regularly emailed to missionaries and others wanting to keep in touch with the Community Grace Brethren family.  If you or someone you know wants to receive this article and a pdf of today’s program (bulletin) then send an email request to whittierbrethren@gmail.com You can also find my writings and view our church photo album and other material by going to whittierbrethren.net and follow the links. You can also sign up to be my friend at Facebook and read these words there if you so desire.

YOU ARE IN GOOD HANDS

A FEW WORDS FOR THE WEEK BEGINNING SUNDAY, JULY 19th, 2009

I HAVE SOME GOOD NEWS TO SHARE WITH YOU

by Pastor Richard Todd

Ok, I admit that I love to share good news and drag my feet on the bad news (I never did like that show, The Bad News Bears, because of its title). Well, I have some good news about our temporary worship facilities to share with you today. Ask me tonight at Summer Sunday if you read this but miss the update.

MOMENTUM Youth Conference has ended yesterday and students are enroute home as you read these words. These students camped out this past week at Robert Morris University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The theme for Momentum 2009 was 2:8 Nation, giving hope, giving care, giving our very lives. That sounds great, but what does that even mean? What is a 2:8 Nation? The theme for this year came from 1 Thessalonians 2:8 which says, “We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God, but our very lives as well.” Our own Bob Hetzler was part of the ministry team at Momentum and we will look to get a report from him when he returns to the Los Angeles area.

By the time you read this you should have noticed that our missionary partner, Patty Morris, is with us one more time today before she returns to France.

Larry Williams will be preaching this morning about a special church.

Clark and Helen are recently returned from their travels up north. The Romeros from Laguna, Larry and Pat Williams from Hawaii and others of you from other places.

Thanks to the digital world of email (and Evernote for those that have heard of it), I am writing to you from one of the zillion Starbucks in New York City (if you want to know which one, it is 416 Columbus Avenue) this week instead of our church offices. My son, Riley, attended a law school conference in Washington D.C. last weekend and I flew in (and brought Ryan and Vanessa Todd came with me) and joined him afterwards for a few days in New York City. We should have returned home last evening near 11pm.

Alex and Diana Mata are hosting an evening ministry update/fund-raiser on Sunday, July 26, 2009 (5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.) at the Marriott Norwalk, 13111 Sycamore Drive, Norwalk, CA 90650. Alex is Co-director of Spectrum Mission of the Navigators. Please RSVP by calling 1-800-947-0550.

I want you to attend every Summer Sunday when you are in town during the summer and tonight is no exception. Tonight’s meal is BEEF DIP SANDWICHES (specially prepared by a local caterer). Bring a side-dish or dessert (you know stuff like french fries or cole slaw or pie or cookies or jello or fruit or garlic bread or corn on the cob…you can tell I’m not picky). But come tonight for the speakers. Yes, there are  two speakers this evening and both are friends of mine and one is closer than a friend (no more clues). I think we had five pies last Sunday and several fresh peach pies (thank you because someone told me fresh peach is $13+).

SERMONREPORT- Last Sunday I walked you through the issue that causes many to see God incorrectly and no longer trust Him. I shared with you reasons to believe in a God that allows suffering.

Tomorrow night is another Monday evening Whittier Concerts in the Park series where Claudia and I invite you all to come enjoy the concerts in OUR FRONT YARD WITH US (see ad on other page).

When I left town earlier this week, Sandra Olguin was in the hospital. And while I was gone I heard that Enrique Valencia underwent medical treatment. And job loss hit some of you this week. Pray for one another.

I leave this Friday to represent you and our church family at the annual gathering of the National Conference of Grace Brethren missionaries and church leaders and pastors. Some years I have a group of you attend like recently when the meetings were held in nearby Palm Springs area. This year we will gather in Columbus, Ohio.

God’s best to you,

Pastor Richard

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

Most Christians believe in reincarnation. They’re waiting for their next life to be sold out to God.

this quote was passe on to me by one of you…thank you C.T. (you guess who).

My writings or whatever you want to call them are regularly emailed to missionaries and others wanting to keep in touch with the Community Grace Brethren family.  If you or someone you know wants to receive this article and a pdf of today’s program (bulletin) then send an email request to whittierbrethren@gmail.com You can also find my writings and view our church photo album and other material by going to whittierbrethren.net and follow the links. You can also sign up to be my friend at Facebook and read these words there if you so desire.

A FEW WORDS FOR THE WEEK BEGINNING SUNDAY, JULY 12th, 2009

MY FATHER’s EYES

By Pastor Richard Todd

One of the best newsletters around is put out by our youth group. I put a few copies of the most recent edition at the Information Center in the Lobby for you and we ran out. So I have put a few more copies for your use. Read the special article titled MY FATHER’s EYES.

You may have heard the rumor that I am headed out of town with three Todd family members this coming week. Actually, Riley is in Washington DC, for a weekend law school conference and then we are going to meet up Tuesday afternoon, catch a Yankee game and head home (“Dodger fan forever” except this Friday evening). I’ll be in the office tomorrow and take off after Concerts in the Park. I will be back here next Sunday morning with you.

My points weren’t an acrostic but I wanted to share with you how to build a foundation in your life to look at the situation in our world with North Korea shooting missiles towards Hawaii and Iran boasting of blasting Israel off the map and Communist China making its’ threats against our financial system. It all started with 1)God is still on the throne and included 2)the church is still precious and ended with 3)our victory is certain. Scripture used was 1 Peter 4:12-16. One of the quotes of the week is from this sermon. And thanks to Heidi Romero for sharing from her heart about her faith in Christ and her love for her country.

I enjoyed the words from Bob Castillo at SUSU on July 5th and I heard the same from you. His Scripture was the theme verse for SUSU09 (aka Summer Sunday 2009). Take note that today is ITALIAN NIGHT where we provide the homemade spaghetti (and garlice bread and beverages) and you bring a side dish or dessert. Heidi Romero had better bring that homegrown vegetable casserole that she is famous for this week and we are all looking for strawberry pie from someone (hint, hint).  Thank you for those deviled eggs (doesn’t that sound awkward at a church event?) and scalloped potatoes. An info flyer is at the Info Table in the lobby.

Tomorrow night is another Monday evening Whittier Concerts in the Park series where Claudia and I invite you all to come enjoy the concerts in OUR FRONT YARD WITH US (see ad below).

God’s best to you,

Pastor Richard

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

THE DAY OF THE CASUAL CHRISTIAN IS OVER

From my message of July 5^th, 2009

My writings or whatever you want to call them are regularly emailed to missionaries and others wanting to keep in touch with the Community Grace Brethren family.  If you or someone you know wants to receive this article and a pdf of today’s program (bulletin) then send an email request to whittierbrethren@gmail.com You can also find my writings and view our church photo album and other material by going to whittierbrethren.net and follow the links. You can also sign up to be my friend at Facebook and read these words there if you so desire.

A FEW WORDS FOR THE WEEK BEGINNING SUNDAY, JULY 5th, 2009

YES, I ENJOY FIREWORKS!

By Pastor Richard

I always enjoy the fireworks at this time of year…Dodger stadium, Knotts, Disneyland, and some of your homes but not mine (illegal in my city). I appreciate those who shell out their bucks and superintend the shows while the rest of us sit on the sidelines.

We extended GRADUATION CONGRATULATIONS to Cambria Mendez on June 28^th who has recently graduated from Whittier High School. She is planning to attend college in Pasadena this September, 2009. And she said she will still be playing volleyball.

I enjoyed the SUSU KICKOFF on June 28 and I heard the same from you. Take note that today is PICNIC NIGHT where we provide the fried chicken (and beverages) and you bring a side dish or dessert. Heidi Romero had better bring that homegrown vegetable casserole that she is famous for and we are all looking for strawberry pie from someone (hint, hint). Info flyer is at the Info Table in the lobby.

I admit that I probably raised more questions from my message from 1 Corinthians 6:12-20 on June 28 than I answered. I said that sex is more than about sex. It is about being human and oneness and about God who made us with this capacity. From the Gospels I pointed out that people brought all sorts of sexual issues to Jesus and he never turned them away. And I pointed out that people are still making the same mistakes that Solomon in his wisdom pointed out in Ecclesiastes.

The Monday evening Whittier Concerts in the Park series where Claudia and I invite you all to come enjoy the concerts in OUR FRONT YARD WITH US begins tomorrow evening (see ad below).

God’s best to you,

Pastor Richard

My writings or whatever you want to call them are regularly emailed to missionaries and others wanting to keep in touch with the Community Grace Brethren family.  If you or someone you know wants to receive this article and a pdf of today’s program (bulletin) then send an email request to whittierbrethren@gmail.com You can also find my writings and view our church photo album and other material by going to whittierbrethren.net and follow the links. You can also sign up to be my friend at Facebook and read these words there if you so desire.

A FEW WORDS FOR THE WEEK BEGINNING SUNDAY, JUNE 28, 2009

THE BIRTHDAY CLUB

CELEBRATES AGAIN

By Pastor Richard (June birthday club member) Todd

for the week of June 28 thru July 5, 2009

HAVE I GOT A PICTURE TO SHOW YOU! Yes, the June Birthday Club celebrated on June 23^rd and boy, did we enjoy the party at Wood Grill Buffet (we last celebrated at this restaurant when we celebrated a special birthday for my wife, but do you remember the name of the restaurant back then? If so, tell me because we have forgotten). There were the stories of how fun it is to have a June birthday and/or anniversary (ever thought about how tough it is to grow up with your birthday on December 25^th?). This was an extra special birthday club gathering as our Missionary Partner, Patty Morris, joined us for the celebration.

SUMMERSUNDAYS start today at 5:30pm. Get the details in the brochure that I have placed at the Information Center. Our first speaker is all ready to share and so are the hot dogs (the speaker will share a piece of his mind and heart while the hotdogs will give their all).

Have you been wondering why I have been staring at my BOOKS OF THE BIBLE TIE? Well, firstly, Mando has the same tie as I did and I thought it was a one-of-a kind tie. And secondly, some of you have been staring with me at the tie and all I hear is JOB, PSALMS, PROVERBS or MATTHEW, MARK, LUKE as you count off 66.

Several weeks ago I shared with you from I Corinthians 6 a message on relationships with other believers? I mentioned the principle of Christians placing a higher priority on their love for one another than the desire to win in court over your brother in the faith. Some of you pointed out that there are many issues involved and I agree. I would be glad to discuss it further with any of you.

Our son, Rory, is home from his summer project in South Africa. You can read the reports that he and other members of his group wrote at www.sanibonanisouthafrica.blogspot.com. Our other son, Riley, also returned home this week from working on the staff of a youth ministry group in Northern California.

SERMONRECAP-Father’s Day I shared my message with you from Proverbs 2 that I titled FATHER KNOWS BEST. I always enjoy special messages on special days but I especially enjoy preaching from just about my favorite book of the Bible (you would also have to include the Gospels as my favorites along with the Epistle of James).

And don’t forget CONCERTS IN THE PARK begins on Monday evening, July 6^th and this summer there are only six Monday evening concerts at the park across the street from our house.

God’s best to you,

Pastor Richard

My writings or whatever you want to call them are regularly emailed to missionaries and others wanting to keep in touch with the Community Grace Brethren family.  If you or someone you know wants to receive this article and a pdf of today’s program (bulletin) then send an email request to whittierbrethren@gmail.com. You can also find my writings and view our church photo album and other material by going to whittierbrethren.net and follow the links. You can also sign up to be my friend at Facebook and read these words there if you so desire.

A FEW WORDS FOR THE WEEK BEGINNING SUNDAY, JUNE 21, 2009

HAPPY FATHERS DAY!

By Pastor Richard Todd

You may have seen me in the hospital emergency room with that worried look on my face last Saturday. It was because my grand daughter, Haylee, fell and hit her head and needed to get a few staples in her head (not Staples store nor Staples Center). The staples have now been removed and she has received an EVERYTHING IS FINE NOW report.

Our son, Rory, is heading home from his summer project in South Africa and is returning home this coming week. You can read the regular reports from his ministry group at www.sanibonanisouthafrica.blogspot.com or you can wait and ask him in person. Rory’s return will give us two sons in the area. Our third Todd son that is working out of the area is Riley, who is working with a camping ministry that uses houseboats on Lake Shasta to evangelize and disciple young people. Riley won’t be back with us until July.

SUMMERSUNDAYS start next Sunday. Get the details in the brochure that I have placed at the Information Center. Our first speaker is preparing his special message for us even as I write this to you.

SERMONRECAP-We continued my miniseries on 1 Corinthians with a birdseye study in chapter 2. We considered the two ways the Apostle Paul explained that people can do church: the NATURAL way and the SUPERNATURAL way. Being the church in real life means operating in the realm of the Spirit (of God).

THE BIRTHDAY CLUB IS CELEBRATING JUNE BIRTHDAYS AND ANNIVERSARIES. Yes, the June Birthday Club is celebrating all of you with June birthdays and anniversaries this Tuesday evening, June 23^rd, at 6pm. I have an invitation for you with June birthdays that are on the list (let me know if you are not on the list yet have a June birthday). Somebody sponsored the party in January and Claudia and I thought it would be good to celebrate June birthdays (since both of our birthdays are in this month and our daughter, Vanessa, has her birthday coming in just a few days). And this will be an extra special birthday club gathering as our Missionary Partner, Patty Morris, will be joining us for the celebration.

Thank you for all your help and contributions to the youth yard sale that was held June 13^th. Thanks goes to Marta, Sammy, Fernando, Liz, Sal, Sherry W. and Buddy. The group raised more than $200.  And go to our website to see the picture of the first customer at the yard sale.

This year I have two of my three sons that are not with us so that leaves the eldest son, Ryan, to give TWO extra gifts to me.

And last, but not least, HOW BOUT THEM LAKERS?

God’s best to you,

Pastor Richard

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

I’M SO GLAD TO BE HERE

WITH THE FAMILY OF GOD

These words were shared by Olga Mitchell. It was so good to see you back with us regularly

again on Sunday morning, June 7^th, Olga.

You are always the blessing to us.

My writings or whatever you want to call them are regularly emailed to missionaries and others wanting to keep in touch with the Community Grace Brethren family.  If you or someone you know wants to receive this article and a pdf of today’s program (bulletin) then send an email request to church@whittierbrethren.net. You can also find my writings and view our church photo album and other material by going to whittierbrethren.net and follow the links. You can also sign up to be my friend at Facebook and read these words there if you so desire.