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SOME GOOD NEWS - A WEEKLY WORD FROM KEN

Posted Tuesday, August 26—

My dear church family,

This Sunday, August 31, marks the 90^th birthday of Helen Young—our dear sister and friend, servant of the Cross, hero of the faith, teacher of the Bible, matriarch of our university, role model extraordinaire, and friend of Jesus Christ.  (One of the things I take most and justifiable pride in, is being Helen’s preacher.)  Helen, we love you and thank God for the innumerable ways He has enriched, strengthened and gladdened our lives through you.  Happy birthday!

Thank you all for getting our school year off to a great start!  (Check the church home page for some pictures.)  For everyone who baked cookies and welcomed parents … all who helped set up the Fieldhouse (Zach Love, our Worship Assistant, in particular) … those who led our worship (didn’t you love our multi-generational praise team and scripture readers?) … our elders who welcomed us to the Table of the Lord … and so many others of you who made our students feel welcomed “home,” we give thanks.
     Looking ahead:  In two weeks—on September 7—we’ll enjoy a special time of fellowship, and another chance to get to know each other, when we gather after morning services at Brock House for an All-Church Potluck.

Baptism.  This Saturday, you are invited to the pool at Andy and Debby Benton’s home at 11:30 a.m. to witness the joyful baptism of Robert Radnoti, Pepperdine’s track and cross-country coach.  A time of fellowship will follow immediately thereafter at the Durhams’ home at 24535 Mariposa on campus.

Great is the Lord!  We are proud to announce the publication of a new book by our brother and shepherd Ron Highfield.  Great is the Lord: Theology For the Praise of God, the result of years of careful and prayerful preparation on Ron’s part, is about to be released by Eerdmans; you can pre-order it through sources such as Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/Great-Lord-Theology-Praise-God/dp/0802833004/ref=rsl_mainw_dpl?ie=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER.

Zhao article.  Several of you have asked about the recent Wall Street Journal article I mentioned Sunday, about the Chinese economist Peter Zhao’s controversial observations on Christianity.  Zhao, whom one Chinese source identifies as the most widely-read online writer in China, reportedly became a Christian after witnessing the unique teachings of Jesus shaping what is best in the American economic system.  You can read Rob Moll’s WSJ article at http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121815556386722667.html?mod=googlenews_wsj.

THIS SUNDAY (please take note): 

·         Our Bible classes will meet as always at 9:50 a.m.  (Check the UCC website for a host of excellent adult options.)

·         8:30 a.m.—Early Service in PLC 125.

·         11:00 a.m.—Late Service in PLC 125, with a concurrent overflow service in Stauffer Chapel.  (We’re expecting a sizeable crowd at 11, and don’t want to have to turn anyone away.)

In our worship services this Sunday, Thomas Fitzpatrick and I will be engaging in what we pray will be a candid biblical dialogue on the current and future state of the Church, under the title “Whose Church Is It, Anyway?”  I’ll be looking for you on the Lord’s Day. 

Love, grace, and peace,

Ken

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LAST WEEK'S WEEKLY WORD

Posted Tuesday, August 26—

My dear church family,

WELCOME TO ALL OUR NEW AND RETURNING STUDENTS!

ONE SERVICE IN FIRESTONE THIS SUNDAY
AT 11:00 am.

The start of the 2008-2009 school year is almost upon us!  Let’s all open our arms wide to receive all those whom God will be bringing our way in the next few weeks.  The window of opportunity to connect to new students and others will close quickly, so now is the time for us all to extend our warmest UCC welcome.   

Our Youth Group certainly did us proud—and called us to a fuller life in Christ—this past Sunday morning.  This summer in Honduras and San Diego, at King’s Camp and Teen Camp, our young people (under Roslyn’s capable leadership) have been showing us the way, in Christian service, growth and fellowship.
     And as Josh Stutzman completes his work as our Youth Ministry Intern, we thank God for his delightful presence and powerful spiritual influence among us this summer.

The Martins are in China!  No, Elizabeth and Andrew are not entered in any Olympic events; they have an even higher purpose—to teach.  We are so thankful for this beloved sister-brother team as they’ve gone to serve and be a blessing to the people of China.        

Nuptials.  This Saturday is the wedding date for Jack Parmelee and Jessie Phetteplace, so let’s keep this dear couple in our prayers as they begin their new life together.

Baptism.  You are invited to the pool at the Brock House—the President’s home—at 11:30 on the morning of Saturday, August 30, for the baptism of Robert Radnoti, Pepperdine’s track and cross-country coach.  A time of fellowship will follow immediately thereafter at the Durhams’ home at 24535 Mariposa on campus.

Rejoicing and Correcting.  Despite what the dimwitted preacher said in first service Sunday, Regan and Robby Schaffer’s new boys are Milo and OSCAR … not Otis.  (I have now formally apologized to Oscar.)  Mom and the twins are now home safe and sound.

Loving our Neighbors.  I am pleased to report that the Jesus Company—our UCC kids—are going to be helping us collect food each month for hungry people in the Malibu and the Conejo areas.  Be listening for further instructions and looking for the food collection sites.
     Also, Betty Glass says it’s time again when we collect school supplies for the School On Wheels, a tutoring service for homeless students (K-12) headquartered here in Malibu.  Next Sunday boxes for your donations will be available just outside our meeting place.  Betty says, “Please consider this need as you are shopping for your own children and buy a little extra for those who are homeless through absolutely no fault of their own.”

UPCOMING SERVICES:

·         This Sunday, Aug 24:  Bible classes at 9:50 a.m., one worship service only in Firestone Fieldhouse at 11:00 a.m.

·         Aug 31:  Bible classes at 9:50 a.m., two (2) worship services, in PLC 125 at 8:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.

This Sunday should be a grand time of reunion and praise—I hope you can be part of it. 

Love, grace, and peace,

Ken

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