May 1st Pause with the Pastor and Announcements
ANNOUNCEMENT INDEX
Pause with the Pastor
Dear family and friends,
As I talk to many of you, one of the things I see almost daily is that forgiveness is hard. We all carry hurts: words that cut deeply, trust that’s been broken, wrongs that might seem insignificant to others, but feel anything but small to us. The Bible doesn’t minimize those hurts, but it does show us a way to live forgiving others.
At its most primary level, forgiveness is a deliberate decision to release a person from the debt they owe. This is foundational for us as Christians since God released us from our debt of sin because of Christ. One of the best verses that sums this up is Ephesians 4:32, “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
Forgiveness is not saying that the wrong done to you didn’t matter. It’s not trusting someone who is unsafe, and it’s not forgetting what happened. It is releasing your right to get even and entrusting God to take care of any justice. Paul says (in Romans 12:19), “Do not take revenge . . . ‘It is mine to avenge,’ says the Lord.”
We do this because unforgiveness can quietly take over a heart in the worst of ways. Hebrews 12:15 says, “See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.”
We may think that bitterness somehow protects us; the reality is that it can eat us alive. However, what really sets us free is God’s forgiveness. By forgiving, we’re not excusing evil, we’re refusing to let it rule us.
Christians want to forgive because, on the Cross, Jesus bore our sins and extended mercy to us and that is the pattern for how we should live. So, how do I forgive?
· I’m honest with God because God is not shocked by my pain (Psalm 62:8)
· I remember the gospel – I’ve been forgiven a debt I could never repay. (Colossians 2:13, 14)
· I understand that forgiveness is an act of the will; it’s not a feeling
· I trust that God will do the just thing to defend me (1 Peter 2:23)
· I pray for the one who’s offended me! (Matthew 5:44)
Finally, forgiveness and reconciliation are not the same thing. Reconciliation requires repentance, rebuilding trust, and sometimes boundaries. You can forgive someone before God, even if the relationship isn’t restored.
Who do you need to forgive? If someone comes to mind, follow the above Scripture.
In preparation for this Sunday morning please read Luke 20:1-19.
ANNOUNCEMENT INDEX
PAUSE WITH THE PASTOR | HIGHLIGHTED ANNOUNCEMENTS | NEW MEMBER TESTIMONIES | ALL OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS | CLASS SCHEDULE | MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES
HIGHLIGHTED ANNOUNCEMENTS
MEMBER KARON JARRARD went home to be with the Lord this past Sunday night. We will let you know when a service will take place.
HOSPITALITY TEAM
We’re looking for a few friendly volunteers to join our coffee and donut hospitality team! Serving just once a month, this is a great opportunity to connect with our church community — and it’s compatible with attending either service. Interested? Reach out to John Kirk at 858-531-3695.
MISSIONS BOOK CLUB
Come join us for the missions book club! Meetings are on the first Friday of each month. We will be skipping April but will have our next meeting on May 1st (TONIGHT!) to discuss “Jungle Pilot” by Russell T. Hitt. Following that, June’s meeting we’ll be discussing “The Missionary Fellowship of William Carey” by Michael Haykin and July’s meeting we’ll be discussing “De Vez en Cuando: From Time to Time” by Rick Johnson. If you are interested, you can reach out to Maria Farr (619- 599- 5693).
GUYS BREAKFAST
Saturday, May 2nd, 8AM in Fellowship Hall. Bring your favorite breakfast food to share and enjoy great fellowship with us! Bridging from last month’s Men’s Breakfast, our very own Mike Price will be speaking on “Prioritizing our time for Godliness.”
NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER
Thursday, May 7th, 6AM-6PM in The Upper Room. We’ll have a list of prayer requests for our church, our missionaries, and our country. You can stay as long as you like, but we’ll have someone in charge of each hour time block. If you are interested in serving during one of those hours, contact Dan Cassels (619-972-5976). Otherwise, you can show up anytime on that day and stay as long as you like to pray!
EMMANUEL WOMEN
God has so intricately woven together the entire Bible to point us to Jesus. Bible teacher Judy Wu leads this Resilient Faith Pop-Up on “How the Old Testament Deepens our Understanding of Jesus”. Join the conversation on Saturday May 9, 9:30-11:00AM – we’ll be in The Upper Room.
YOU ARE INVITED TO THE FIRM FOUNDATION CLASS on Sunday May 10, when our missionary Jay Franicevich will teach the lesson on Noah. Jay taught through all four phases of this series over a period of 9 years, and most recently during their time in South Asia. We’ll meet at 8:30am in The Upper Room.
PRIMETIMERS LUNCHEON
Wednesday, May 13, 12 PM n the Fellowship Hall • $5 per person
Seniors (55+), come join us for a time of fellowship, good food, and a message from Sara Patrick of Young Life (YL). Sara is the area director of YL at Mission Bay High and Clairemont High. She will give us an update on the ministry. In addition, you will enjoy an incredible catered lunch and a great time of music and fellowship.
MEMBERSHIP CLASS
May 17, 2-5PM in The Upper Room. If you are interested in being a part of the Clairemont Emmanuel family, come and join this introduction to our church family that will explain our values, history, beliefs, and what it means to belong. If you have any questions, or know for sure you’d like to come, contact Kenny (619-508-3785) or Aaron (619-855-4966) or just show up.
BAPTISM AND MEMBERSHIP
Robert Bonomo
I grew up in a Catholic home, so we were introduced to God and Jesus early in life. As I matured, I knew there was something more than the ritualism of the Catholic Church. I started attending Horizon in 1984 and found a deeper relationship with Jesus that has been growing ever since. My only hope is because Christ died for me.
Barry Echols
It was “find God or die.” I was an alcoholic (37 years ago). I was very sick and was really at the end of my life. I hadn’t heard of God or AA but my mom told me to go to an AA meeting in Orange County. I went and one guy I met there was doing a lot of “bellyaching” about the Baptists. I thought I’d go to a Baptist church and see for myself if what this guy said was true.
I found Trinity Baptist (near Calvary Chapel in Costa Mesa) – they treated me and my sons like gold. They were so welcoming and got my three boys in AWANA. They seemed to genuinely like us; I wasn’t hostile or anything but don’t think I was the easiest person to love. One woman in particular was very kind, answered my questions, and pointed me to Jesus.
I ended up trusting Christ as my Lord and Savior at that church. One thing that happened immediately is that God promised to take away my addiction to alcohol and I haven’t had any desire for it since.
I know my faith grows as I hear God’s Word taught and I’m trying to learn Scripture to have that part of my spiritual armor always on.
I liked that Calvary Chapel (Costa Mesa) had worship services every night . . . and I started going every night to one of their services.
Philippians 1:21 says “to live is Christ and to die is gain” and so when I die, I have every assurance that my gain will be to be in Jesus’ presence.
Jacob Siken
I was young at the age of seven when I realized I had a hole in my heart – a need that I couldn’t fill. I talked to my parents and my dad brought me to Christ to accept Jesus into my life and follow him and live for him. My one true hope is that I believe Jesus died for my sins and rose again. Being in the Word every day is what helps me to grow most in my faith.
Jaclyn Siken (Baptism)
I was born and raised within the Baptist Church as a child. I was very active in youth ministries. During that time I accepted Jesus Christ into my life. I would tell the Lord that I am not worthy of being in Heaven, and it is only by His grace that I would be allowed in.
Elliott Schultz
I grew up in a Christian home, both my parents are believers, and decided when I was 14 to follow Christ and be baptized. Through much pruning and choosing my own sin after leaving high school for college, my faith transformed from “knowing” what to do, and say, to truly believing and trusting in God. My college track teammates, including Miguel Garrison, and I were all professing Christians, but knew we weren’t living out our faith publicly, and decided to become members of Saints Baptist Church in Maryland. That put us in a place where we could grow and begin living out our Christian lives. The Holy Spirit has produced in me the fruits of the Spirit, and it is evident that these fruits come from God alone, and not my own strength. God convicts me of sin and produces repentance. The change in my life in action, speech, and faith is only possible by God’s providence.
Sean Hetrick (Baptism)
I was born into a Christian family, received Christ when I was eight years old, but seriously have been following Christ for the last six months. I realized I am not able to do this life alone, and that God is genuinely real based on His Word. Looking back on my life, and noticing it was hard because I wasn’t walking with God, I realized my purpose is to know and follow Him because Jesus died from my sins on the cross.
Jay Parker
I was raised in the Roman Catholic Church and did all they required (baptism, confirmation, communion) but around age 12 came out not a Christian. Some years later, a friend invited me to a Bible Study and as they studied Galatians, I understood my need for Christ and became a Christian. One evidence of that was that I had a foul mouth that God immediately took away. What has helped me to grow since then is studying God’s Word with other believers and memorizing Scripture. I don’t deserve Heaven. It’s only by the blood of Jesus that I can be there. Like it says in Hebrews 9:22, “without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sin.”
Olivia Reeves
I went to private Christian school from first through eighth grade. My parents always took us to church growing up. I remember being in Sunday church with my family when I told them I wanted to become a Christian. Ever since then I have always known without a doubt that He is with me. He just is because He promised to be (Hebrews 13:5), and because I know Him and choose Him (and He chose me, Ephesians 1:4) I will be let in at the gates of Heaven (1 John 5:11-13).
Marriane Abraitis
After witnessing the change in my dad’s life, and on my way to hang out with a group of unbelievers, the Holy Spirit spoke to me, and I knew it was time to choose which path I would take – continue walking away, or repent from my sin. My faith rests in Jesus Christ, His death and resurrection, trust in His promises, and a daily commitment to follow and know Him more deeply.
George Abraitis
I wasn’t a Christian when Marianne and I got married. My father-in-law witnessed to me and two months later I was lying in bed thinking about what he was saying, and I decided I wanted Jesus in my life. I admitted I was a sinner and asked Him in my life. When I did, it felt like there was a giant weight lifted off my chest. What has helped me to grow most in my faith (and still does) is personal time with the Lord and being in small groups with other believers.
Ben Fung
In third grade, I got into a surprisingly deep conversation with a classmate at the swings. She challenged my Christianity; I went home, where my mother explained that salvation isn’t a label, it requires Jesus to be in your heart as a personal Savior. I prayed the sinners prayer that afternoon; rededicated my life in high school, and was baptized on my birthday, Palm Sunday 2000. Jesus is my Lord and Savior; I am at the mercy of His blood, and have done my best to live life according to His will with the time He’s given me (Ephesians 2:8, 9).
Christina Fung
I was raised in church, and my parents did an excellent job, leading me through a worldviews course, which did a deep dive into Christianity. I don’t remember, not believing in Jesus, as I asked him to be in my heart at a young age. When I die, I would tell God that I don’t deserve heaven however, I did accept that I am a sinner and asked God to come into my heart (Romans 5:8). After knowing Jesus myself, the most important thing I did in life is to raise my son to love Jesus, and be a godly man.
Kenny Haworth
I was blessed to be born and raised in a Bible teaching church, but I’d say it wasn’t until the age of 12 that I made my own decision to follow Jesus. Salvation is through faith alone, not through works, that no one might boast (Ephesians 2:8, 9). I do not deserve Heaven – none of us do. But Jesus died on the Cross to cleanse us of our sin in God’s eyes. Romans 10:9 says faith in Jesus’ sacrifice for us will save us.
Kayley Haworth
I grew up surrounded by the faithful prayer of my mother and her sister, my aunt. As the first born of three girls, I carried a lot of self-inflicted pressure to do well in school, sports, and life. I became very anxious by the age of eight. I remember beginning to talk to God out loud – like he was a friend beside me. Through that relationship, my faith became personal. I felt the Holy Spirit helping me discern decisions and relationships. Recently, my faith became more meaningful when I lost too close aunts in the same year. Knowing that Jesus died for us, and rose again gave me hope that my aunts conquered death and entered eternity. That hope is something I believe and something I feel compelled to share with others. Jesus shouldn’t let me into Heaven – I don’t deserve it. It is by His grace alone that I can. I am so imperfect and so undeserving, and yet Jesus loves me and forgives me.
all other Announcements
MISSIONS BOOK CLUB - Come join us for the missions book club! Meetings are on the first Friday of each month. Our next meeting on May 1st to discuss “Jungle Pilot” by Russell T. Hitt. Following that, June’s meeting we’ll be discussing “The Missionary Fellowship of William Carey” by Michael Haykin and July’s meeting we’ll be discussing “De Vez en Cuando: From Time to Time” by Rick Johnson. If you are interested, you can reach out to Maria Farr (619-599-5693).
WALK FOR LIFE – Saturday, May 2, 8:30AM Memorial Park Chula Vista (373 Park Way, Chula Vista). There will be free food, kid’s activities, a photo booth, prizes and more. Special speaker is former NFL linebacker, Nick Roach. There will also be a time of worship. For more information or to register, go to event.fundeasy.com/32346.
“OPPORTUNITY DRAWING” YOUNGLIVES FUNDRAISER – We are selling (raffle) tickets with many prizes like Amazon, Apple, Airbnb rentals, etc. available worth $500 or more. Tickets start at $25 each and get less expensive the more you buy. Final drawing is June 22. For information please contact jeanie.presley@gmail.com or 619-997-2079.
MOTHER’S DAY – Community Care Ministry would like to present Clairemont Emmanuel Mothers with a recyclable bag and choice of either a book or box of cards on Sunday May 10th on the patio. Thank you for all you do.
COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECT: SAVE THE DATE - October 10th is our annual Clairemont Emmanuel service project. We will be returning to Generate Hope, https://generatehope.org/, a Christian organization that rescues women from vulnerable situations. For more information contact Bob Thomas 619-203-8604.
CLAIREMONT EMMANUEL VETERANS GROUP – If you are you a vet of any branch of military service, contact Timothy Hulbert at timothy_hulbert@yahoo.com, or 858-754-7946 to find out more. We would love for you to join us.
INTERESTED IN SERVING IN KIDS MINISTRY? – We have many opportunities to join on Wednesday nights and Sunday mornings. We’d love to have you join us in our partnership with parents to disciple this next generation! Get involved by contacting Susan Robinson at 619-985-5188 or at SusanAnnRobinson@gmail.com. (AWANA - Wednesday nights from 5:45-8:15pm / EMMANUEL KIDS SUNDAY SCHOOL – Sunday mornings from 10:05am-12:05pm in the Ark or the Harbor. / SPECIAL NEEDS BUDDIES - Sunday or Wednesday nights.)
INTERESTED IN JOINING A SMALL GROUP? – Would you like to start or join a small group? Participants decide the frequency and scope of their gatherings. Small groups meet together for fellowship, prayer, and Bible study. These groups are an integral part of our church community. Most meet regularly in the home of a group member. It may include dinner from time-to-time. If you haven’t found a group in your area, please let us know! Call or text Pastor Aaron if you’re interested. (If you’re interested in a women’s group, contact Lois Taylor at the church office.)
CARE FOR CLAIREMONT – Is a group of guys willing to help do some safe, light, ‘muscle jobs’ for seniors that could take around an hour or so to do. If you have need of some help around your home, contact Pastor Kenny.
SEE SOMEONE YOU DON’T RECOGNIZE AT CHURCH? – Please don’t assume that someone else will greet them. Will YOU go up and introduce yourself to them and welcome them this Sunday to Clairemont Emmanuel!!
ANNOUNCEMENT INDEX
PAUSE WITH THE PASTOR | HIGHLIGHTED ANNOUNCEMENTS | NEW MEMBER TESTIMONIES | ALL OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS | CLASS SCHEDULE | MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES
2026 Class Schedule
· All classes are held in The Upper Room from 2-5PM
· Text Pastor Kenny (619-508-3785) if you’re interested in reserving a spot for any of these classes.
· Our goal is that every member takes each one of the classes.
April 19 Ministry
May 17 Membership
June 14 Evangelism
July 12 Membership
Aug 9 Discipleship
Sept 13 Membership
Oct 11 Ministry
Nov 8 Membership
ANNOUNCEMENT INDEX
PAUSE WITH THE PASTOR | HIGHLIGHTED ANNOUNCEMENTS | NEW MEMBER TESTIMONIES | ALL OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS | CLASS SCHEDULE | MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES
MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES
NEED PRAYER? – Community outreach prayer tent opportunity. For the past months on Monday evenings from 6-8PM in the middle parking lot, you may have seen a blue easy-up with “Need prayer?” signs and a couple of Clairemont Emmanuel people there to pray, talk to people, and hand out Bibles and other information. If you’re interested in finding out more, stop by on a Monday evening or call/text Dan Cassels at 619-972-5976.
AFTER-SERVICE PRAYER – We will continue to invite people to come forward for prayer at the end of the service. Please know that this is an invitation for you to come forward and pray about anything that God has put on your heart. Of course to know the Lord, or to make spiritual decisions, but also to pray for anything personal you’d like prayer for. You might have a special prayer request for family, friends, work, etc. Maybe it’s on your heart to come and pray for our pastors, missionaries, staff, youth, children, or one of our other ministries, etc. Our team is available to pray with you about anything God puts on your heart. Please come and join us.
INTERESTED IN SERVING IN KIDS MINISTRY? We have many opportunities to join on Wednesday nights and Sunday mornings. We’d love to have you join us in our partnership with parents to disciple this next generation! Get involved by contacting Susan Robinson at 619-985-5188 or at SusanAnnRobinson@gmail.com.
SOUND BOOTH – Those who control the video, sound, and lights, are looking for more volunteers for Sunday mornings. If you have any technical skills or desire to learn, talk to Pastor Zach or Stephen Carpenter in the sound booth and let them know you’d like to join the team.
JONI AND FRIENDS FAMILY RETREAT still has openings for this summer’s retreat! If you are a family affected by disabilities, come enjoy rest, joy, and open arms that are waiting for you at Family Retreat—a haven for families with special needs. Retreat takes place June 8th to June 12th and is located at Whispering Winds Camp & Conference Center in beautiful Julian, California. This retreat provides a fun, accessible, Christ-centered experience for each member of the family. Awaiting you is respite, worship, biblical teaching, indoor and outdoor activities, and more, all while building lasting memories and friendships with others who understand life with disability. For more information go to https://joniandfriends.org/event/family-retreat-southern-california/ or call family coordinator Linda Thompson (310) 738-9733. If you’re interested in serving at Family Retreat, more volunteers are needed. Check out the above website or talk to Heather White for more info (540) 671-1614.
WELCOME TABLE VOLUNTEERS – Have a heart to welcome our church on Sunday mornings? We invite you to serve here! The welcome table is a place to welcome all guests, to be a warm space for newcomers (and the regulars) to be seen and known, to connect them with our community, get their questions answered, to share about our church history and culture, and to get resources. Please contact Sunshine McCroskey for more details at speechsunshine@gmail.com. (Church membership required.)
AV MINISTRY – Men and women! If you are looking for a ministry and (especially if you have a background in technology / sound, but even if you don’t), contact Pastor Zach (858-322-2105), or one of the guys in the sound booth and let them know you’d like to join the team.
SPECIAL NEEDS MINISTRY – Children’s Ministry is exploring the idea of starting a Special Needs Team to better support individuals and families in our church community who have children with special needs. No experience is necessary—we’re simply looking to see who might be interested in learning more. This is not a commitment, just a chance to express curiosity or willingness to be involved in the future. If you’d like to be part of the conversation, please contact Nikki Uyboco at nikknacks1@gmail.com.
GREETING AND USHERING – If you are interested in greeting and ushering, talk to Joe Dameron on Sunday morning or to Timothy Hulbert (first service) or Justin Hoech (second service).
CLAIREMONT EMMANUEL VETERANS GROUP – If you are you a vet of any branch of military service, contact Timothy Hulbert at timothy_hulbert@yahoo.com, or 858-754-7946 to find out more. We would love for you to join us. Stop by our table on the patio today!
LIVING WATERS/MEMBER CARE – Living Waters ministry would like to love on our CEBC members in times of need (surgery, illness, cancer treatments, death of loved one) as well as celebrations of life (wedding, birth, new home, etc.). If you know of a CEBC member that deserves some love please submit a prayer card addressed to Living Waters with member name and address and reason for care and our Living Waters team will make sure a card will be sent to them.
MINISTRY TABLES – If you are a leader of one of our many ministries and would like a table on the patio, contact the office (619-276-1922) to schedule a Sunday! Plan to be at your table after both services.
ELDER CARE – Someone in the community, Pam, is looking for two people to help her twice a week in the afternoons with cleaning and organizing, etc. If you are interested in possibly helping out, contact Brooke Dumitru at 951-553-6578.
SILENT VOICES – Although they do not currently have a table on the patio, we have the opportunity to help restock the Silent Voices pantry with baby supplies (diapers, blankets, baby wipes, personal hygiene items, clothing, etc.). Silent Voices is a Christian pro-life pregnancy center founded by member Sharon Pearce, that provides life-affirming alternatives to abortion, and support to mothers and babies in our community who need help. If you have any questions about the ministry outreach, please contact Sharon Pearce (619-851-5336) or Paul Champlin (619-209-1237).
ANNOUNCEMENT INDEX
PAUSE WITH THE PASTOR | HIGHLIGHTED ANNOUNCEMENTS | NEW MEMBER TESTIMONIES | ALL OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS | CLASS SCHEDULE | MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES