Pastor Steve Redmond Grumbling and Grace. Exodus 17:1-7

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1 2019 Castro Valley Church of the Nazarene Engage Jesus, His Word, Worship, Prayer, Fellowship and Mission March 2019 Newsletter Pastor Steve Redmond Grumbling and Grace. Exodus 17:1-7 As we work our way through Exodus there is a lot to learn. There is an amazing truth that is interwoven into the very fabric of this book and that is simply, God is patient and gracious with His people. The Israelites had seen so many wonderful miracles around them. They were delivered from Egypt, led by God himself and He provided for every need. And yet, they still grumbled and complained. The story tells us about God s patience and the graceful actions toward His imperfect people. But when they came to Rephidim, something different happened. It wasn t just about water, but about the truth of God s presence. They questioned whether God was with them or not. Terrible! How could they do this? How could they have possibly forgotten all that God has done for them? O that I was so patient. Even with this, God was patient and gracious and immediately proves this in a battle with the Amalekites. Do we understand God s amazing grace, never ending patience and His mercy on our lives? Or do we see God as ready to pounce, ready to express His wrath at the first sign of our human failure? Today, let s use this part of Israel s journey to help us understand how God deals so graciously with His people.

2 Castro Valley Church of the Nazarene March Annual Report: Pastor Steve Membership 16 New Members Pastor Rick Eastman Cindy Eastman Suzanne Mason Sarahann Mason Troy Cote Lisa Cote Jacob Cote Brandon Cote Tyler Cote Lisa Davy Robert Davy Debbie Machetta April Machetta Jean Abbett Jacob Abbett Sarah Abbett...more to come! It is with great honor that I bring my 26th report as Pastor of the Castro Valley Church of the Nazarene, a ministry I am delighted to continue and grateful to be a part of. As the world changes around us so much, we adapt to make sure we are continuing to pursue our mission to reach people for Jesus and to disciple those whom God has given us with strong opportunities for spiritual growth and personal encouragement. A lot has changed over these years and the ebb and flow of ministry continues. However, as much as everything changes there are still some things that are absolutely constant. The most important is the world around is needs something to believe in, something that helps them through the daily grind, the ups and downs, the challenges and crisis of life. That something is faith in Christ. As a church, we are committed to proclaiming this message and doing everything we can to equip our people to be what we need to be, engaging our community, sharing compassion and serving for Jesus 2018 was a very good year. I want you to know and believe that 2019 holds greater opportunity than ever before. God is ready, are we? THANK YOU I want to take a moment to thank those who gave so much to make this such a good year. Thank you Rev. Salvador Zavala and Rev. Simon Lam and your teams for your faithfulness in leading the Spanish and Chinese language ministries. To Pastor Glen Thornell and Wendy for faithfully seeking the direction of God as you engage the Young Families and Young Adults in ministry. Each chapter of our church s history has been guided by the hand of the Lord and we are thankful for all He does. But we could not do it without a long list of volunteers. A special thanks to our corporate secretary, Debbie Hartshorn, for faithful service to this church, for your integrity in keeping us reasonable and on track. To our

3 The Castro Valley Church of the Nazarene Lake Chabot Road Castro Valley, CA Castro Valley Church of the Nazarene A Welcoming, Affirming Congregation, Dedicated to Becoming a House of Prayer, a Place of Worship and a Vehicle for the Healing of the Entire Person ROARING LAMBS SCHEDULE Children ages 3 to 10 are invited to join our Kid s worship. Becky Amedio will be leading today. Join us in the Kid s Worship Center, leaving with staff during offering. March Schedule: March 3, Becky Amedio March 24, Gerry Hauser March 10, Patty Copp March 31, Debbie Olsen March 17, Judi Ragsdale & Valerie Bloemink Leadership Board: Zola Schantin, Judy Pierce, Dana Cintrone, Ed Bovee, Kevin Copp, Wylie Davis, Marilyn Cole and Michael Hartshorn for their faith, their vision and confidence in the task God has given to us. They have operated in faith and have seen that faith rewarded. Thank you to Greg Copp our church treasurer and Judy Pierce our bookkeeper for years of faithful service and integrity in finances, giving confidence to us that the stewardship of this church is in good hands. Thank you to Linda Cole and her Mission s team for keeping us connected to God s work around the world. Thank you to Suzanne Redmond and your team for taking up the important task of Women s Ministry in the Getting to Know You events and Prayer Shawl Ministry. Thank you Al & Jane Thornell for your support of the Senior Adult Fellowship. Thank you Darrell Shinnette for keeping our facilities looking beautiful every week. We want to also express our appreciation for the years of strong music ministry Judy Carlos brought to us. We were blessed and she will be missed. Thank you Judy. To our prayer chain group, Sunday School and small group teachers, to those who serve as Bible study leaders, host homes for small groups, ushers and greeters, who help organize musicians, play in the worship band, sing in the worship team and ensembles and support the Gospel Music Night Outreach, those who act in dramas and skits, those who care for our facilities and grounds, bake and deliver cookies, take pictures, purchase supplies, volunteer for the prayer chain, serve in Senior Home Ministries, and those who give generously and regularly to the funding of this church: A HUGE thank you to all!!! We cannot do it without you. You, the volunteers, the ones who contribute without being asked or respond to a need, God bless you in incredible ways. God has blessed us with all of you. I cannot thank you enough for your unwavering dedication to the Castro Valley Church of the Nazarene. You are wonderful people who are willing to allow God to use you to bless His church. As Pastor, it is exceptionally important that I have a safe place to go when I m not on a ministry assignment. Thank you Suzanne for making home a good place to be and to our girls for their love and care. I am confident that if we are ready and willing God plans to bless and will do so in ways that we cannot imagine. It s time for everyone to live in expectation of another great year and let that expectation empower our engagement and service. Let s go!!! The Castro Valley Connection will be published monthly and updates sent weekly. For announcements, articles and items of interest the church office at cvoffice@castrovalleynaz.org.

4 Page 4 Prayer Concerns: Please keep the following items on your prayer list this week: New Board and Leadership Please pray for your leadership in this new year. Vision Pray for God s direction and vision for our new year. Lie Lan Walter Peace and comfort through the loss of her husband Bob. Leslie Jennings Several serious health issues, possible back surgery. Linda Cole Several serious health issues including possible cancer. She needs clear answers and for the doctors to find the best course of treatments. Wylie Davis Needs prayer for terrible leg pain, and answers. Family Protection Pray that God would grant protection and blessing for marriages and for children. Spiritual Growth Pray for our congregation s spiritual growth and renewal during this season we re spending focusing on Becoming the People of God. The Castro Valley Connection If you would like to be included in our prayer notification telephone team, contact Bonnie Bovee. Prayer Team: For critical items of prayer contact Pastor Steve or Bonnie Bovee to activate the prayer team. Prayer is essential for the life of the believer, for in it is the vital connection with God. If there are other prayer concerns, please let the office know. Prayer updates are sent out via and phone notification. Did You Know. YOUNG ADULTS meet for Sunday School Class at 9:30 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall? AND Y A Women have Bible Study on Wednesday nights & Y A Men have Bible Study Tuesday nights. You can still buy tickets for Today s Take-Home Lunch in support of our Teens NYC Leadership Conference in July. $7.00 for Spaghetti and Parmesan Chicken, Green Beans with Garlic Bread Take Home Today!! PASTORAL EVALUATION AND REVIEW Rev. Albert Hung will be coming to do a bi-annual review of Pastor Steve and our church relationship. This will happen tomorrow evening at 7:00 p.m.

5 Tuesday Evening Pierce Small Group 7:00 p.m. Men s Bible Study Fellowship Thursday at 7:00 p.m. in the Book of Revelations Weekly Church Activities Women s Bible Study Selected Thursdays from 10.m. till noon here at the church. Sunday Evening Prayer, Hymn Singing and Bible Study 5:00 p.m. in the Fireside Room Senior Home Ministries Wednesdays 9:00 Emeritus Hayward 10:00 Castro Valley Acute Young Adult Bible Studies YA Men, Tuesday nights YA Women, Wednesday nights Home Groups Home Groups promote greater Bible knowledge, a deeper relationship with the Lord and deeper fellowship with fellow church members. CELEBRATION SUNDAY We REALLY want an updated photo of you and your family!! Please see Richard Oregon for a quick photo session in which he ll take a great picture of you for our photo wall. We want to be current! What do you look like now? We appreciate everyone s cooperation in helping us update. And blessings to Richard Oregon for his faithful assistance. IN OTHER NEWS Saturday, March 23rd We re having a Painting Party!! Get on those special Painting Clothes (grub gear) and come on down. Many hands make light work! Rick & Linda Cole are new grandparents, happy to have their new grandson, Lawson, in their lives! Dennis & Arlene Devore s New Address is 355 West Grant Line Road, Apt. 239 Tracy, CA (Ph: ) 209) Karen Anderson is flying off to Italy on March 31st for 3 months to fulfill a longtime dream of living there for a bit and perfecting her language skills.

6 Sunday, March 31th at 6:00 p.m. Fellowship Reception to follow. OVERFLOW PARKING LOT The school next door has graciously given us permission to use their parking lot as an overflow alternative. If the lot is full, please park next door. MARCH BIRTHDAYS 4 Arlene Devore 4 Adrianna Porter 6 Wendy Thornell 11 Karen Anderson 17 Virginia Lam 17 Don Walton 19 Mike Roche 21 Ron Gehrke 25 Penny Oregon 24 Rolan Kosciusko 28 Sue Little 31 Ralph Hauser MARCH ANNIVERSARIES 7 Darrell & Hongyan Shinnette 20 Dennis & Arlene Devore 27 Ivan & Debra Mendoza April 21 - It s time to be bold! Invite everyone you know to join us!!!

7 Announcements and Calendar Updates Page 7 Announcements and Calendar Updates March Events 2 Getting to Know You Women s Fellowship 3 Celebration Sunday / Fellowship Sunday 3 Young Adults Lunch Together at Denica s 6 Women s Stretch and Strong Class (1:00 p.m.) 10 Church Board Leadership Organizational Meeting 13 Women s Stretch and Strong Class (1:00 p.m.) 14 Women s Bible Study 10:00 a.m. till noon, at church 17 EASTER CHOIR Practice Begins 20 Women s Stretch and Strong Class (1:00 p.m.) 21 Senior Luncheon 23 Work Day (Please come help with painting) 27 Women s Stretch and Strong Class (1:00 p.m.) 30 Yard Sale! Here in the Church parking lot. 31 Gospel Music Night (with an Irish Lilt) APRIL Events Include; Getting to Know You; Jack Schantin Memorial Golf Tournament, Good Friday Service, Easter Breakfast, Easter Celebration Service, Michael Copp/Louise Lindgren Wedding and Missionaries John & Sandy Cunningham visit Castro Valley Church of the Nazarene Church Leadership Board Newly Elected Members: Karen Anderson, Matt Tutor, Mike Roche Continuing Members: Marilyn Cole, Dana Cintrone, Wylie Davis, Marilyn Cole Starting After Easter SUNDAY EVENING SERIES The Truth Project District Mission s Convention May 9-10 At the San Jose Point Church Elected Delegates: Dana Cintrone Ralph Hauser Robert Patten Gerry Hauser Julie Joseph Zola Schantin District Assembly May At the San Jose Point Church Elected Delegates: Davide Hartshorn Gerry Pierce Judy Pierce Sergio Portugal, alternate

8 THOUGHTS FROM PASTOR GLEN We have been getting a lot of rain recently and it s always interesting to me to see the responses that rain can bring about from people. Living in the drought-prone state of California, we tend to gladly welcome the rain when it first comes, but if it carries on for too long, we grow tired of it. It s funny how easily we can move from appreciating a thing to growing weary of it and forgetting its benefits. In the Sermon on the Mount, in the midst of talking about loving our enemies, Jesus said that God sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous (Matthew 5:45). I pray that as the rain continues this spring it will serve as a reminder to me and to all of us the grace and mercy that God pours out on us like rain from the heavens, and that those reminders would spark us to praise Him and to show ourselves to be children of our Father by pouring out love and grace to others even our enemies as He has done to us. For more information about these events contact Pastor Glen at glen@castrovalleynaz.org. Join the Easter Jack Schantin Memorial Golf Tournament is coming! See Jack Stephano for more information and to sign up. Choir Rehearsals Sunday after service starting March 17th.