Welcome Guests Thanksgiving in April Today at Conejo... Randy

VOL. XLVIII, No. 17
Welcome Guests
The members of the Conejo Valley Church of Christ welcome you
to our assembly. We are pleased that you are here and pray that you will
encounter God as you worship with us. We invite you to join us for our
various Bible classes at 9:30 a.m. During our worship services, we have
a 2s/3s class and Children's Worship for ages 4 through 5th grade. Look
for the dismissal time in our Order of Worship.
Randy and Rhonda Lowry
Guest Teaching
We are very pleased to
welcome Randy and Rhonda
Lowry, the president and first
lady of Lipscomb University in
Nashville, who will be bringing the Word to us today. The
Lowrys were long-time leaders
and members at Conejo Church
before beginning their work
at Lipscomb in September of
2005. Randy’s sermon message,
based on Matthew 28:1-6, is titled “Now, What’s Next?” and
will explore how Jesus’ resurrection continues in the lives
of His followers as life is breathed into their daily journeys.
During our Bible class hour, Rhonda will be teaching our
auditorium class with a message titled “Sustaining Newness
on Our Journey,” from 2 Corinthians 5.
Church Celebration Sunday
Today is a special day of celebration to honor God’s work
and your faithfulness over the past several years. The day will
include lunch in the Backyard. The Habit truck will be serving
burgers, fries, and sodas at noon, to complement the salads,
side dishes, and desserts that we bring. We will also reveal the
results of the Dunk-a-Minister fundraiser, with Andy, Jack, or
Zach visiting the wet side of a dunk tank. You don’t want to
miss this!
Today at Conejo...
9:30 a.m. Bible classes for all ages,
Rhonda Lowry teaching Adult
Auditorium Class
10:45 a.m. Worship Service,
Randy Lowry Guest Preaching
12:00 p.m. Church Celebration
April 27, 2014
Thanksgiving in April
My wife, Carrie, grew up in a home in which gratitude
was strongly emphasized. As a result, she cannot not send
a thank you note after she has received a gift. As a parent,
Carrie has always carried the banner of gratitude in our
home, carefully inculcating the values of saying “thank you”
and expressing appreciation whenever appropriate.
Such values certainly have roots in Scripture as a whole
and in our Christian faith in particular. God’s people, the
Israelites, were repeatedly instructed to remember what the
Lord had done for them in bringing them out of slavery in
Egypt. The Psalmist summoned God’s people, “Oh give
thanks to the LORD, call upon His name; make known His
deeds among the peoples.” Prophets like Hosea reprimanded
Israel for forgetting her Maker and Redeemer by lapsing into
idolatry and mistreating the vulnerable.
In the New Testament, the Good News of what God has
done and is doing through Jesus Christ repeatedly evokes
gratitude and thanksgiving. The birth of Jesus was accompanied by a song of praise: “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace...” In his teaching, Jesus connected
gratitude with generosity, saying, “Freely you have received;
freely give.” “Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!”
Paul writes in one remarkable outburst of appreciation.
This brief survey provides ample grounds for what we
are seeking to do today as a congregation of God’s people. As
we look back over the years in the life of our church family,
we can see God’s providence and gracious hand. Though we
would never claim that our deeds have somehow “earned”
us what God has so bountifully provided, we always want
to practice gratitude, express appreciation, and be thankful to
God for his work within us, among us, and despite us.
Today is about returning thanks to God, completing the
loop that begins with divine grace and ends with human
praise. Today, we gratefully celebrate how—during the long
recession that began in 2008—God provided sufficiently for
the needs of individuals and families at Conejo through your
generous sharing of your resources on at least three different
occasions. Today, we gratefully celebrate how from 2011-2013,
God provided for many much-needed improvements on our
facility through your generous giving during our annual special offerings. Today, we gratefully celebrate God’s blessing
and protection as we’ve sent multiple short-term mission
teams to work with the City of Children in Ensenada, Mexico,
Amor ministries in Rosarito, Mexico, Made in the Streets ministry in Nairobi, Kenya, and the ministries of the Metropolitan
Church in Panama City, Panama. Today, we gratefully celebrate God’s increase in the work of various church planting
efforts we support, including those of our number who went
Conejo Clipboard
in 2011 to work for the renewal of the Camarillo Church of
Christ. Today, we celebrate the ways God continues to lead us
into our next phase of ministry, service, and outreach. In all
these things, may God be praised, through Christ our Lord!
Love in Christ,
Raul and Betty Alvarado Guest Teaching
Next Sunday, May 4, we are pleased to have with us Raul
and Betty Alvarado, the missionaries we support in Panama.
Raul will be preaching for us at both services, and Betty will
be teaching our adult auditorium class along with Raul. The
Alvarados lead the dynamic ministry of the Metropolitan
Church of Christ in Panama City, a ministry that blesses
and strengthens dozens of churches through the country of
We Are Praying For...
Pregnant Moms:
Hannah Parmelee (June), Dorothy Andreas (August).
Praises:
Odalis Rivera (friend of Rosie Patenaude) – breast cancer.
Betty Demuth (Kathy Cocke's sister) – breast cancer, also cancer in hip
and spine.
Robin Zolares (friend of Karla Chismar) – cancer.
Steve Hewgley – battling cancer.
Carol McNutt's results from PET scan came back negative for cancer.
The baptisms of Gabrielle Antonio and Miranda Brawner on 4/18.
The birth of Lyzette Victoria Daringer daughter of Phil and Staci,
and little sister of Wyatt and Raquel, on 4/2.
Devote yourself
The safe delivery of Cruz Vicente Castillo, son of Pedro and
to prayer, being
Shelly, and little brother of Maya, on 3/31.
The engagement of Josh Horton and Cassie Thomas.
watchful and
New Members: Bert, Sarah, Adria, Kyla, and Jayden Ballard;
thankful.
JB Bre.
Colossians 4:2
Those Grieving:
The family and friends of Patty Gilmore (friend of Sheryl
Sanders) – following Patty's death from ovarian cancer.
The family of Joy Rhoades – following the death of her
mother, Flo Willett.
The family of Kathy Cocke – following the death of her
mother, Katherine Burgner.
The family of Pam Isaac – following the death of her
mother, Odessa Castle.
The family of Samantha Dencer – following the death of
her 19-year-old niece, Jenifer Benga, in a car accident.
The family of Gary Scott – following the death of his
brother, Greg Scott.
The family of Daphne Green – following the death of her father,
Harold Nutter.
Those Fighting Cancer:
Mona Edwards (sister of Char Hurley) – diagnosed with breast cancer.
Sandy Dawson (Mother of former member Tara Morrow) – stage 3
reproductive cancer; recovery from surgery, chemotherapy to follow.
Carol McNutt – completed chemotherapy for uterine cancer;
treatment for neuropathy.
Mary Bell (Alexis Lasiter's mother) – rare form of lymphoma; completed
chemo treatments and considered to be in remission.
Dana Sheehan (friend of Lisa Scott) – completed chemo for breast cancer.
Shawna Hawn (Daphne Green's sister) – completed chemo for breast
cancer; prayer for her strength to return and that she is able
to handle her depression.
Marlene Michaels (friend of Lisa Scott) – in treatment for
Adenocarcinoma (non-smoker's lung cancer); metastasized to the brain.
Connie Roberts (friend of Penny White) – recovering from recent
surgery; continuing chemotherapy.
James Hawn (Daphne Green's brother-in-law) – lung cancer.
Susie Baston (Cindy Randolph's cousin) – cancer in spine.
Various Concerns:
Julie Waters -- recovery from outpatient surgery on 4/21 to
remove a stone in each kidney.
Caye Randolph (Susie Lindley’s and Loyd Randolph’s
sister-in-law) – has returned home; continues to receive
antibiotics daily to combat infection.
John Mattheis (Donna Mattheis' nephew) – stress issues.
Eric Sanders (Ed Sanders' brother) – recovery from stroke.
Sharon Gatchell (Sheryl Sanders' mother) – bedridden with
severe lumbar spinal stenosis; facing major back surgery.
Lowell Tate (Christy Guilbault's grandfather) – recovery from stroke.
Betty Brown – recovery from fractured hip.
JB Bre – healing for shattered right wrist.
Victor Ngatia (6-year-old Kenyan) – recovery from surgery.
Karla Chismar – job situation.
Bert Ballard – dealing with inner ear issues, vertigo, and dizziness.
Hadley Strecker (Heather Phillips' ten-year-old niece) – recovery from
spinal surgery.
Nancy McChessney (Daphne Green's neighbor) – battling MRSA infection in her spine.
Edith Schwartz (Miriam Gunderson's sister) – Parkinson's Disease;
prayers that the doctors can adjust medications for maximum benefit.
Those in the Armed Forces:
Ricky Nutter (Daphne Green's nephew) – deployed to Afghanistan with
the Army; Josh Budde – stationed in Virginia with the Navy; Ricky
Vasquez (Rosie Patenaude's son) – stationed in Japan with the Marines;
Nathan Reeves (Janie Condley's grandson) – stationed in Texas with the
Army; Derek Willis (Tim Willis's nephew) – stationed in Pennsylvania
with the Army; Michael Warford – stationed in San Diego with the Navy;
J.D. Burnham (son of Jan Williamson/nephew of the Scotts) – stationed in
Northern California with the Navy.
Missionaries/Mission Efforts:
FriendSpeak Ministry at CVCC for the Thousand Oaks community.
Julie Broyles – WEI in Cambodia.
Raul & Betty Alvarado – mission efforts in Panama.
Charles & Darlene Coulston – Made in the Streets Ministry in Kenya.
Scott & Kim Lambert and Kairos – church-planting ministry.
Tom Bonner (Tami Williamson's father) – mission work in Albania.
David & Danna Willis (brother of Tim Willis) – mission work in Samoa.
Conejo Clipboard
Panama. Both last summer and this summer we have been
blessed to get to send short-term mission teams to share in
ministry with the Alvarados in Panama.
And the Angels Rejoiced!
On Friday, April 18, Gabrielle Antonio
and Miranda Brawner were baptized into
Christ. Gabrielle was baptized by her uncle,
Steve Kliest; Miranda was baptized by her
dad, Greg Brawner. We rejoice with you and
your families. May God honor your decision
to surrender your life to Christ and sustain
and strengthen each of you so that your life
of faith will be a source of great joy and blessing to others.
Pepperdine Bible Lectures Mobile App
There are only two days until the 71st Annual Pepperdine
Bible Lectures begin on Tuesday afternoon, April 29. Download
our mobile app to keep track of schedule changes, take notes
in the sessions, track your favorite speakers, and link to the live
streaming lectures in the Fieldhouse! This year promises to be
one of encouragement and inspiration! Visit www.pepperdine.
edu/biblelectures for more information.
King’s Kamp 2014 – Secrets of the Kingdom
With summer soon upon us, it’s time again to think about
Bible camps. King’s Kamp provides an opportunity for kids to
learn more about God, His Son, His Word, and His creation in
an enjoyable atmosphere of Bible camp. The dates for Kamp are
August 3-9. Boys and girls entering 4th through 8th grades in
the fall of 2014 may attend. The cost is $299 by June 1 postmark,
$325 by July 10 postmark, or $350 after July 10. Kamp is limited
to the first 120 campers to register. There are brochures and
registration forms available on the information table.
Women's Ministry
BABY SHOWER!
Short-Term Mission Opportunity
Julie Broyles, our missionary in Cambodia, recently sent
a request for volunteers. The need is for a group of 4 to fly
to Cambodia around Monday, June 23, and begin teaching
Wednesday, June 25 for 4-weeks, leaving around July 23.
Retirees as well as college students often volunteer. See Char
Hurley for more information.
Women of CVCC are invited to
an Alice in Wonderland inspired tea
party in honor of Hannah Parmelee
& her baby girl-to-be on Saturday,
May 17, at 11:00 a.m. at the home of
Loretta Katch. Attendees are kindly encouraged to wear a lovely or
whimsical hat (are you becoming curiouser & curiouser?).
RSVP to Scarlett Lani at scarlettina5@gmail.com.
Youth News
Dunk-a-Minister
The winner if this year’s Dunk-A-Minister Fundraiser is…
Zach Lunde! Please join us after the service for a church lunch.
At 12:30, Zach will get dunked! After he is dunked, the dunk
tank will be open for anyone who wants to cool off. It is only $2
for a dunking!
No YOUTH NITE this Week
We will not meet at the church building on Wednesday
night this week. Instead come join us over at Pepperdine for the
evening session at the Bible Lectures!
Pepperdine View – Just for Teens
Each year, the Pepperdine Bible Lectures includes
Pepperdine View, a daily afternoon program for teens.
Coordinators Christian and Kathrine Pimentel of Cedar Park,
Texas, have arranged for a service project on Thursday and
a trip to the beach on Friday. Visit www.pepperdine.edu/
biblelectures for more information.
High School Guys, Guns, and Guts Retreat
This Saturday and Sunday, May 3-4, our high school guys
will head out to the desert for some “man-time” activities. We
will shoot guns, sit around a bonfire, and sleep under the stars!
This is a great time for our guys to grow closer together and
share in some fun activities! Please contact Zach or Jack if you
are planning on attending.
Summer Mission Get Your Passport
Our High School Summer Mission this
year will be the week of June 29 to July 4.
Please mark that date and make plans to join
us. We will be giving a lot more information
over the next couple of months, but wanted
to let you know the date right away. One
important thing to note: everyone who goes to
Mexico this year must have a passport. Please start the process
to get one soon if you plan to go and do not have one currently.
If you do have a passport, please check the expiration date to
be sure you can get a renewal, if necessary, before June 29, 2014.
Mark Your Calendars:
May 3-4
May 16-18
June 29-July 4
July 20-26
August 2-9
HS Guys, Guns, and Guts Retreat
Springfest in Bakersfield, CA
High School Amor Mission Trip
Teen Camp
King’s Kamp
Children's Ministry
Upcoming Events
May 3 - 4.................HS Guys, Guns, and Guts Retreat
May 4....................Raul Alvarado Guest Preaching
Thank you to all of you who were able to come
For
May 11......................Infant Dedication
out and help yesterday at our church work day! It
Sunday,
was great to work together on some spring cleanMay 17....................Baby Shower for Hannah Parmelee
April 20, 2014
ing, painting and maintenance work. Thank
Attendance at
May 16-18....................Springfest in Bakersfield, CA
you for your time and dedication to Conejo!
8:00 a.m. assembly: 98
Work Day, Thank you!
10:45 a.m. assembly: 270
This Week at Conejo
Total attendance: 368
We have a Bible class at 9:30 for those chilMONDAY, April 28
Contribution: $7,687.75
dren who are outgrowing the nursery but are
7:00 p.m. Men's Group at the home of Mike Rivas
2014 Weekly Average:
not ready for the 2s/3s class. Our dedicated
TUESDAY, April 29
Toddler Class teachers are
$10,807.59
Susan Pratt and Pam Isaac.
Pepperdine
Bible Lectures
Weekly Budget:
These ladies are both experiWEDNESDAY, April 30
$10,000
9:30 Toddler Class
enced grandmothers (having 15
grandchildren between the two of
them) and have taught this class together for many years. Come and visit or talk
with Susan or Pam if you feel your child
might be ready for this class.
It's Rattlesnake Season!
As the weather warms up, the snakes come out! Please do
not allow children to play in the flowerbeds in the front or at the
back of the building. The playground must be checked before
children are allowed outside. Thank you!
Pepperdine Bible Lectures
THURSDAY, May 1
Pepperdine Bible Lectures
FRIDAY, May 2
Pepperdine Bible Lectures
SATURDAY, May 3-SUNDAY, May 4
High School Guys, Guns, and Guts Desert Retreat
Making Waves – Children’s Program
Pepperdine welcomes families with children of all ages to
the Bible Lectures, April 29-May 2, 2014. Making Waves, a VBSstyle children’s program for ages 6 months through 11 yearsold, is offered during the afternoon and evening sessions. It
includes Bible stories, worship, Scripture memorization, crafts,
and games. Visit www.pepperdine.edu/biblelectures for more
information.
VBS Planning
Easter Verse Recitation Matthew 28:5-6
It’s time to start planning
for this summer’s VBS. If there
is a particular area in which
you’d like to work, please
speak with Leslie Stephens,
and she will hold that spot for
you. VBS is June 24-27, 9:0012:00. Thank you!
Church Office
141 Duesenberg Drive #11, Thousand Oaks, CA 91362 • 2525 E. Hillcrest Drive, Thousand Oaks, CA 91362
Fax: (805) 371-1384 • Website: www.conejochurch.org
Elders
Rick Marrs Michael Murrie Tim Pownall
Mike Rivas
Chris Stivers Stu Warford
Tim Willis
elders@conejochurch.org
Rene Heard/Tina Scruggs
Office Managers
(805) 371-1381 office
office@conejochurch.org
Zach Lunde
Youth Minister
(805) 300-0818 cell
zach.lunde@gmail.com
Leslie Stephens
Children's Minister
(818) 645-5675 cell
leslie.stephens@sbcglobal.net
Andy Wall
Minister
(805) 331-0187 cell
Andy@conejochurch.org
Jack Williamson
Youth and Family Minister
(805) 331-0183 cell
Jack@conejochurch.org