Feb 20th Devotional and Announcements
ANNOUNCEMENT INDEX
Dear family and friends,
I want to use the fact that this Sunday’s sermon is on prayer to think more deeply about some different aspects of prayer over these next couple weeks. The first question is: why do we pray? We pray because we’re dependent.
E.M. Bounds in his book The Weapon of Prayer, writes this: “The central significance of prayer is not in the things that happen as results, but in the deepening intimacy and unhurried communion with God at His central throne of control in order to discover a ‘sense of God’s need in order to call on God's help to meet that need.’”
Prayer is not a religious performance or spiritual technique; nor is it a way to prove devotion. Prayer is the language of dependence.
From the beginning of Scripture to the end, God’s people are marked not by self-sufficiency but by reliance. Prayer is the humble acknowledgment that we are not in control — and that God is.
When we pray, we’re acknowledging that we don’t see the full picture, that we can’t fix everything. We’re saying that we need wisdom and strength that is greater than our own and that we must rely on the grace of God.
Prayer dethrones self-reliance and restores God to His rightful place in our hearts.
It’s easy to drift into functional independence — to plan, decide, react, and move forward without seeking the Lord for His leading and direction. Prayer interrupts that pattern. It’s meant to slow us down long enough to say, “Lord, I need You; I want You to direct me.”
And here is the beautiful truth: dependence is not weakness in the kingdom of God, it’s maturity.
The most spiritually healthy believers are not the most self-assured — they’re the most prayerful. They understand that everything good flows from the Father.
Will you take a moment right now as you read this and ask yourself: Is prayer my first response or my last resort? Do I pray only when I feel desperate, or because I know I’m dependent? (And of course it’s OK to pray when you’re desperate!) Where in my life am I trying to manage without God?
Prayer doesn’t begin with eloquence, but with humility, and humility is where grace flows. If you’re in the habit of daily prayer, by all means, keep it up! If you’re not, then will you commit to spending ten minutes each day this week, starting today, in prayer, and then keep it going throughout the day? The ten minutes is not meant for you to say, “I’ve done my ten minutes of prayer for the day.” No! It’s meant to put you in an attitude of prayer that will endure all day until your head hits your pillow at night.
In preparation for this Sunday morning, read Luke 18:1-8.
ANNOUNCEMENT INDEX
MESSAGE FROM PASTOR KENNY | HIGHLIGHTED ANNOUNCEMENTS | NEW MEMBER TESTIMONIES | JOB OPENINGS | MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES | CLASS SCHEDULE | HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES
HIGHLIGHTED ANNOUNCEMENTS
NEVER ALONE WIDOWS BREAKFAST SOCIAL – February 14, 10AM, at Marie Callender's (6950 Alvarado Rd). Please join us as we gather to foster community, enjoy a delicious breakfast buffet, and host a free raffle with fun prizes. We hope you’ll join us for a lovely morning of fellowship, friendship, and fun. Cost: $20 (Includes breakfast and raffle tickets for prizes. (Cash only – Pay at the door.) Contact Karen Magnuson to register, 858-405-0410.
PIZZA WITH THE PASTORS – February 22, 12 PM in The Upper Room
Unsure of who the pastors are? Members and guests alike, if you haven’t been to this event before, please join us so we can all get to know one another.
JOSHUA TREE CAMPING TRIP – The Men’s Ministry Team is planning a camping trip for dads and sons / daughters the weekend of February 21-22. We’ll be tent camping, hiking, and rock climbing. For more information contact John Kirk at 858-531-3695.
MISSIONS HOUSE NEED – The Mallette missions house is in need of a twin mattress. If you happen to have an extra one or one that you no longer need, please contact Zac Shira (619-980-9805).
TIJUANA HOUSE BUILD – OnSaturday, April 25th, Clairemont Emmanuel will be taking a day trip to build a house in partnership with Radius Serve. The cost is $85 per person and a passport is required. If you are interested in going or would like to donate to the cost of a house or provide scholarships, please contact Matt (matt.a.farr@gmail.com, 858-750-0709) or Maria Farr (maria.o.farr@gmail.com,619-599-5693) or stop by the table on the patio today.
RESILIENT CHILD DISCIPLESHIP TRAINING – Join us on Saturday, February 28th from 9AM-3:30PM in Fellowship Hall to get trained to use practical, Gospel-rooted, research-backed tools to help you anchor kids’ hearts to Jesus. Forever. This isn’t the kind of training you’ll have to go home and read more about and then restructure to use with your kids. Resilient Child Discipleship TrainingTM(RCDT) gives you insights you can apply right away and skills you can practice the next time your ministry meets. Register by 2/18 to attend for FREE ($39 off); lunch will be provided!
CLASSES – The next Clairemont Emmanuel Membership class will be Sunday, March 22 also in The Upper Room from 2-5PM.
MISSIONS BOOK CLUB – Come join us for the missions book club! Meetings are on the first Friday of each month. Book for March (6th): “Behind the Veils of Yemen: How an American Woman Risked Her Life, Family, and Faith to Bring Jesus to Muslim Women” by Audra Grace Shelby. Book for April: “Jungle Pilot: The Gripping Story of the Life and Witness of Nate Saint, Martyred Missionary to Ecuador” by Russell T. Hitt. If you are interested, you can reach out to Danielle Huffman (435-531-2943) or Maria Farr (619- 599-5693).
NEED PRAYER? – Community outreach prayer tent opportunity. For the past months on Monday evenings from 6-8PMin 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 eveningor call/text Dan Cassels at 619-972-5976.
MEN’S RETREAT 2026 ‘Building Connections’ March 13-15, Rough Acres Ranch – The weekend will challenge and inspire you in your faith and is exclusive to CEBC men. Enjoy a time of reflection, rest, recreation, and great food—don’t miss this opportunity for growth and connection with other men in your church family! Sign up on the church website. Contact Mike Uyboco for details 619-770-0348.
5TH SUNDAY PRAYER MEETING – for our missionaries started last Sunday. Our next meeting will be on Sunday, March 29 immediately following the second service in the sanctuary on the west side of the church. Please join us for a time of intercession for our Clairemont Emmanuel missionaries. All are welcome.
PARKING – If you are able, please park on the street near the church so we can leave the parking lot for our elderly, our families with little kiddos and our visitors. Thank you.
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.
NEED FOR HOUSING – A couple from Pastor Tim Blackmon’s church (he’s a former speaker at Emmanuel some years ago, now a pastor in Michigan) is looking for housing for the month of March as they will be in San Diego for medical purposes. If you have or are aware of someone in need of house sitting, etc., talk to Pastor Kenny.
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. (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.)
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.
CLAIREMONT EMMANUEL VETERANS GROUP – If you are a vet of any branch of military service, contact Gary Anderson at 858-769-6911 or crazygrandpa5x@yahoo.com to find out more. We would love for you to join us.
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.)
PRAYER AND ENCOURAGEMENT – If you’re aware of people who are sick, stuck at home or just lonely, please pray for them and give them a call! Many of these folks have been contacted by you and been so encouraged! Will you pick someone from our church family to especially pray for this week, maybe someone you haven’t seen in a while, and call them or drop them a note to let them know you love them and are praying for them.
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!!
PRAY FOR OUR SERVICE MEMBERS DEPLOYED or ON ASSIGNMENT – We have several of our young men who are currently deployed. PLEASE PRAYespecially for Clayton Reppert (Navy), and), Kerry Hicks (Navy). Please text Pastor Kenny and let him know of any other members or regular attenders who are deployed or away temporarily and please pray for them.
ANNOUNCEMENT INDEX
MESSAGE FROM PASTOR KENNY | HIGHLIGHTED ANNOUNCEMENTS | NEW MEMBER TESTIMONIES | JOB OPENINGS | MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES | CLASS SCHEDULE | HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES
BAPTISM AND MEMBERSHIP
ANNOUNCEMENT INDEX
MESSAGE FROM PASTOR KENNY | HIGHLIGHTED ANNOUNCEMENTS | NEW MEMBER TESTIMONIES | JOB OPENINGS | MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES | CLASS SCHEDULE | HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES
MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES
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 morningor 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 Gary Anderson at crazygrandpa5x@yahoo.com, or 858-769-6911 to find out more. We would love for you to join us. Stop by the table on the patio to learn more.
COMMUNITY CARE/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
MESSAGE FROM PASTOR KENNY | HIGHLIGHTED ANNOUNCEMENTS | NEW MEMBER TESTIMONIES | JOB OPENINGS | MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES | CLASS SCHEDULE | HOUSING 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.
March 22 Membership
April 12 Ministry
May 17 Membership
June 14 Evangelism
July 12 Membership
Aug 9 Discipleship
Sept 13 Membership
Oct 11 Ministry
Nov 8 Membership
ANNOUNCEMENT INDEX
MESSAGE FROM PASTOR KENNY | HIGHLIGHTED ANNOUNCEMENTS | NEW MEMBER TESTIMONIES | JOB OPENINGS | MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES | CLASS SCHEDULE | HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES
Housing/JOB OPENINGS/For Sale
JOB SEARCH PRAYER – Pray for a number of our folks looking for jobs in management, sales, engineering, and counseling.
ANNOUNCEMENT INDEX
MESSAGE FROM PASTOR KENNY | HIGHLIGHTED ANNOUNCEMENTS | NEW MEMBER TESTIMONIES | JOB OPENINGS | MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES | CLASS SCHEDULE | HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES