1. Many thanks to all of you who worked so hard to make our annual, all-church Christmas dinner so special. It was a wonderful evening and I believe Jesus was our honored guest.
2. The Harbor Cruise (12.21) to see the Christmas lights is SOLD OUT. However – if you would like to go, CALL ISLAND PACKERS directly at 805-642-1393 to purchase individual tickets for December 21 at 5 pm – the same cruise we will be on. It is a wonderful experience. Cost is $18 per person. (Arrive at 4:15 PM for a 4:30 boarding)
3. On Sunday, Christmas Eve (12.24) we will have one morning service at 10 AM. There will NOT be Bible Alive that morning. Then we encourage you to come back at 4 PM, we will have our Christmas Eve Candlelight Service. It will be a wonderful Sunday as we come together to celebrate our Savior’s birth.
4. Many of you have been bringing in delicacies for the staff to enjoy — and we do! We all want to thank you for treating us so royally. God bless you and may you have a most wonderful Christmas.
5. One last reminder … Sometimes people, for tax purposes, want to make a special year-end gift to the church. To get the benefit, tax-wise, the check must be dated before the end of the year. One thing is certain — you will be blessed if you give it as an expression of your love for Him.
6. Something to consider. In a recent survey that I read, they found that 75% of unchurched people said they would attend if they received a personal invitation from someone in the church. Don’t hesitate to invite family and friends regularly. We try hard to make every Sunday special.
7. Men’s Breakfast & Bible Study every Thursday at 6 AM. Our guys fix a terrific breakfast, we have a short time of worship and then time in the word. What a great way to meet and make new friends.
8. Memorial Service for Bruce Byrd. On Friday, Dec. 29th at 10:30 AM, at our church, we will gather to give support to Elanor Byrd and her family on the passing of her son Bruce. Remember them in your prayers.
9. Our Women’s Bible Study is on Christmas break. WBS will resume on Wednesday, January 4 with our all-new DISCOVERING WISDOM IN PROVERBS study. Books are available for $20 in the church office.
10. Every Thursday at 11 AM, you can join a group of people in our library for an hour of prayer. We have so much to pray about – our church ministries, around the world, our church family, and our nation. God’s word says to “devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” Please join us!
11. Our Monthly Grief Support Group will be meeting on Tuesday, January 9. Come join others and share under the direction of Certified Grief Counselor, Paul Lenderman. Time – 4 PM in the Library/Conference room.
12. Membership – We encourage membership because it speaks of our commitment to Christ and the members, one to another. Membership forms are at the Welcome Center desk. Pick one up, complete it, and return it to the church office and Pastor Leonard will contact you. We will notify you when the next class is. If you have any questions, call Pastor at 805-320-4984.
13. Baptism – Recently, several have contacted us about being baptized. We would love to schedule such a service either late in January or early February. If you haven’t been baptized as an expression of your faith in Christ, please pick up the application form at the Welcome Center. Complete the form and get it back to the church office. Jesus is the one who asks us to honor Him.
2024 UPCOMING EVENTS
- 2ND ANNUAL CHILI COOK-OFF will be on Friday, February 16, 2024. Talk about a fun, tasty competition! Plan to enter this wonderful event with your favorite chili… ONLY 12 entries will be accepted. Contestant Sign-Up begins January 7th at the Welcome Center. Ticket sales begin on January 21st, at the Welcome Center.
- SPRING BIBLE CONFERENCE with Charlie Campbell. He is such a gifted communicator and so solid in his teaching. Put this on your calendar so that you don’t miss it. He will be with us from April 20-21, 2024.
