January 22, 2011

A FEW WORDS FOR THE WEEK BEGINNING SUNDAY, JANUARY 23rd, 2011

IT’S NICE TO BE HOME (ALWAYS)! 

By Pastor Richard

     Claudia and I had a great trip. Lots of R&R. Met a boatload of people. Made a few new friends. No big challenges other than trying to walk my two miles a day in 43 mph winds. Claudia finished reading one book and started another. I read parts of five books and finished one (after I had returned home, whew!).

     Biola University was filled with students and youth sponsors for the annual TURN YOUR CAMPUS conference held January 22. A group of students and adults participated and have returned with a greater vision to TURN THEIR CAMPUSES.

     While I was away for two Sundays I heard we had a high attendance and that some of our newcomers had to set up their own chairs. Let’s think this through…the pastor goes away for two Sundays and one of them is a high attendance week. What if … 

     I hope that travel plans come together for my friend, TOM AVEY, to be with us in worship January 23. He is out here in California for leadership team meetings and SW Focus Conference where I will be attending at the end of this month. Ask me about the plans for the group that takes Tom to lunch.

     Pray for our National Fellowship Council that is meeting in the next few days here in the LA area and faces a number of important decisions that impact us here in Whittier along with our missionaries and other leaders.

     Sam and Ruth Sebabi, members of the Grace Brethren Church in Long Beach, Calif., have been caring for the orphaned children of their siblings in Uganda. In the Winter 2011 issue of FGBC World, read how the Long Beach congregation has come alongside them in this ministry. The magazine is available at the Information table in the lobby or online at fgbcworld.com.

     Ed Lewis (that “enthusiastic guy” as many of you call him) will be with us Sunday, January 30, in worship and for lunch afterwards (plan on coming with us for lunch).

     Olga says hi from her bed at Presbyterian Hospital. She is recovering but hospital food isn’t all that great she says. She wants to get well and join us in walking in to our new church home our FIRST WEEK.

     And yes, I have a good announcement for you about our new church home. Stay tuned for the details (I like making good announcements).

God’s best to you,

Pastor Richard

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

I WRITE THIS NOTE WITH GRATITUDE FOR YOUR SUPPORT AND THOUGHTFULNESS IN SENDING THE [CHRISTMAS GREETINGS] TO THE SOLDIERS DEPLOYED IN AFGHANISTAN. THEY ARE THRILLED THAT SOMEONE IS THINKING OF THEM AND THEIR WELL BEING WHILE THEY ARE AWAY FROM HOME. ABOVE ALL, WE COVET YOUR PRAYERS.

I received this note from Chaplain Richard R. Hurst of the US Army 10th CAB  TF Six-Shooters several days ago. They are words for you.

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.  You can find my writings and view our church photo album and other material by going to whittierbrethren.net and follow the links.

 

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

 

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