xaris november newsletter

The
Xaris Newsletter
November 10, 2013
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Lazaro Martinez
OCTOBER 9, 1985 (28)
Frances Kay Smothers
NOVEMBER 5, 1960 (63)
Gustavo Akito Gyotoku
NOVEMBER 9, 1987 (26)
Steven Arthur Hudec
PRAISE REPORTS!
1) Praise God! We had baptized 2 new believers into the family of God. On
September 15, 2013, the Xaris family witnessed and celebrated the baptism
of Jocelyn and Marcela, as well as the dedication of baby Emily. Jocelyn
was a part of Xaris Church since the beginning but has recommitted her heart
to Christ recently. Marcela has been attending since June of this year. We
thank God for their public profession of faith and we warmly welcome them
into the family of God.
2) Now that Summer Break is over, the church is now back on full gear:
Xaritos Club resumed on September 6, 2013, as well as visits to Colonial
Manor Convalescent Home for worship and fellowship on September 15,
2013. Praise God for His wonderful opportunities of service to others.
NOVEMBER 13, 1948 (65)
Julio Craig-Allen Palmer Wilson
NOVEMBER 15, 1994 (19)
3) Our youth group kicked off their Fall season with an exciting time at Six
Flags Magic Mountain. We also began Friday night worship services for the
youth and young adults. They are held every second Friday night of the
month. Our theme for this year: “Young Heroes in Bible.”
4) We partook in a gigantic outreach endeavor on Sunday, September 29,
2013. Praise God for His grace with our record high attendance! Ruth J.
Continued on Page 2
Article Continued. . .
Sheff, who is a counseling pastor, came to
bless us with her incredible testimony of
healing and redemption.
Four people
committed and recommitted their lives to
Christ during the altar call. After the
service, we had a wonderful potluck lunch.
Victor blessed the newcomers with family
portrait photography. Praise God for such
an awesome Back to Church Sunday!
5) Xaris is journeying through a new Fall
campaign this month: Rebuilding. Pastor
John has been preaching on rebuilding our
lives through the Book of Nehemiah. The
Xaris family was also encouraged to a start
30-day challenge to rebuild, retool, recover,
and refine one area of their life.
6) Again, our missions endeavor continues
on with Xaritos Club, Colonial Manor
Convalescent Home, and Celebrate
Recovery. Pastor Michelle led another
Xaritos Club class on October 4, 2013.
Frances and a few other members visited
the nursing home again on October 20,
2013 to bless the elderly residents.
Celebrate Recovery has been also going
very well with new people coming from
local areas and neighboring churches. Big
time kudos to all those serving and blessing
our neighbors!
7) The Xaris family showered the Pastors
John and Michelle with their love and
giving for Pastors’ Appreciation Month. On
October 27, 2013, the church family blessed
the pastors with a love offering, “thank you”
poster, and prayer. We thank God for a
congregation full of love.
4. We welcome Patricia’s family, Susie’s
family, and Vickie’s family this month!
PRAYER REQUESTS:
1) Fitness of the Xaris family in 2013.
2) Fall Campaign: Rebuilding.
3) God’s blessing and guidance upon
missions, both locally and internationally–
Xaritos Club, Celebrate Recovery, Colonial
Manor Convalescent Home, and upcoming
South Sudan missions in December.
4) Salvation of the family members of Xaris–
Jessica’s family, Joann’s family, Jennifer’s
family, Emily’s family, Ken’s family,
Steve’s family, and Gus’ family.
5) God’s peace and comfort for those who
have lost their loved ones.
6) Physical healing and fitness for Bonny
Wilson.
And I said: “I p ray, Lord God of Heaven, O great and
awesome God, You who keep Your covenant and mercy
with those who love You and observe Your
commandments, please let Your ear be attentive and Your
eyes be open, that You may hear the prayer of Your
servant which I pray before You now, day and night, for
the children of Israel Your servants, and confess the sins
of the children of Israel which we have sinned against
You.”
– Nehemiah 1:5 - 6
In the past two months, I have attended three
funerals.
Three different people with three different life
stories. Three different families grieving over the
passing of their three loved ones.
During those services, these “iProducts” meant
little to anyone.
Pastor John’s Corner
The “IResurrection” & “ILife”
Apple just released their newest and updated
iPad product, the new “iPad Air.” They
advertise them as even thinner (again), even
faster (again), and with an even more superior
display
(again).
It seems to me that Apple has re-invented our
everyday life with an “iProduct.” Steve Jobs’
conquest began with the iPod a little more than
over a decade ago. The iPod, coupled with
iTunes, revolutionized the way we enjoy
music, entertainment, and technology.
From there, they continued to come up with
new “i’s,” going from iPods, to iPhones, to
iPads. These products have somehow turned
into a “necessary evil” for most of us. They
are now a big part of our lives.
Death suddenly reminds us that the newest iPads
or iPhones that we live and die for doo not mean
a thing.
Jesus Christ once said, “I am the resurrection
and the life. He who believes in Me, though he
may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and
believes in Me shall never die…” (John 11:2526)
When all the “i’s” of our world can do little to
change our destiny, Jesus offers new “I’s” to
each one of us: IResurrection and ILife.
Only the “IResurrection” of Jesus Christ can
transcend through our frail life.
Only the
“ILife” that Jesus offers can make death history.
Best of all? The “IResurrection” and the “ILife”
are available for free to those who believe in
Him. Trust Jesus during the painful, grieving
times of your life. Remember that His “I”
overcomes
everything—including
death!
Thank you Jesus for your “IResurrection” and
“ILife!”
http://www.xarisgeneration.com 1417 W. Badillo St. West Covina, CA 91792 Sunday Celebration: 11 AM Upper Room: 7 PM Celebrate Recovery: 7 PM Friday Night Live Action: 7 PM