Venice Touching Base

Venice Church Website

2011-10-06T17:23:00.001-07:00

The new website is live!

Check it out...

http://www.venicechurch.com/

Sunday, Sunday, Sunday

2011-10-05T10:50:00.000-07:00

I am having a very nice week and I am enjoying the rain today. I am looking forward to this Sunday at Venice Church. You probably noticed that we rolled out new gift bags and handouts on Sunday. I hope you enjoyed the new look and…you can look forward to a brand new, redesigned website that is set to launch any day.

This Sunday begin a new series called The Seven Deadly Sins. Church leaders back in the dark ages lined out these seven sins (pride, anger, envy, slothfulness, lust, gluttony, and greed) as the most deadly to our relationships and our lives. The truth is that all sin is deadly. Our sin breaks up our community with God and others. These seven in particular will really mess you up with God and others. Join us this Sunday when we talk about pride. Invite somebody to be with you.

And…right after the service the 2011-2012 season of Men’s Ministry gets rolling with a taco truck, games, and a bunch of other good stuff. Men, make your plans to hang around for all the fun this Sunday.

Check us out online at: venicechurch.com
Listen to messages online or search Venice Church podcast on iTunes.
Follow us on Twitter: @venicechurchla, @pastorcraig55, @venicerockstars
Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Venice-Church/165528453498230

Upcoming Events:
October 9th – Message Series: The Seven Deadly Sins
October 9th – Men’s Ministry Meeting
October 23rd – Richie Henson Speaking
October 30th – Trunk or Treat

A Big Event

2011-09-28T09:03:00.001-07:00

Fall is here…September is just about gone and that means that Halloween is right around the corner. Every year at Halloween we do our best to serve our community by providing a fun and safe alternative to Trick or Treat. We call it Trunk or Treat. You are all invited to participate. There are three ways that you can participate leading up to event and then during the event.
1. You can donate candy. Just bring Halloween candy with you when you come to church on Sunday and put it in the bucket in the coffee bar.
2. You can decorate the trunk of your car and allow kids to trick or treat out of your trunk.
3. You can bring your family and friends and neighbors and enjoy all of the Trunk or Treat fun!
It all happens on Sunday evening October 30th from 4:00 – 8:00 PM. It is a great time. Start making your plans to join us for this wonderful event sponsored by our Rockstars Childrens’ Ministry.

Rockstars parents don’t forget about the Back to School Rockstars BBQ this Sunday following the service. Get more info here.
http://venicechurchrockstars.blogspot.com/

Follow us on Twitter: @venicechurchla, @pastorcraig55, @venicerockstars
Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Venice-Church/165528453498230

Upcoming Events:
October 1st – CLASS 101: Connecting With God’s Family
October 2nd - Communion
October 2nd – Rockstars’ Back to School Family BBQ
October 9th – Message Series: The Seven Deadly Sins
October 9th – Men’s Ministry Meeting
October 23rd – Richie Henson Speaking
October 30th – Trunk or Treat

2011-09-21T09:14:00.000-07:00

This Sunday is what amounts to Venice Church Carmegeddon! It is the L.A. Triathlon and Venice Blvd. will be closed. Getting to church will be a challenge if you live south of Venice Blvd., but it can be done. For more information about closures go here. http://www.latriathlon.com/traffic_and_parking/

You may not have noticed unless you have a child in the ministry or you work in the ministry, but our Rockstars Children’s Ministry is on the rise. God has blessed us with more families and more children and this important ministry is really beginning to take off. I encourage you to check out Richie’s weekly Rockstars blog.
http://venicechurchrockstars.blogspot.com/
If you have children in the ministry make plans to be at the Back to School BBQ on Sunday October 2nd. Details are available at the blog.

And…please pray for Becky Crespo and her family. Her brother was killed in a work accident yesterday. We praise God that Dwayne knew the Lord, however this family needs our prayers and encouragement during this difficult time of loss.

Follow us on Twitter: @venicechurchla, @pastorcraig55, @venicerockstars
Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Venice-Church/165528453498230

Upcoming Events:
October 1st – CLASS 101: Connecting With God’s Family
October 2nd – Rockstars’ Back to School Family BBQ
October 9th – Message Series: The Seven Deadly Sins
October 9th – Men’s Ministry Meeting
October 23rd – Richie Henson Speaking
October 30th – Trunk or Treat

It Is What It Is

2011-09-14T09:05:00.000-07:00

If you are new to the blog…welcome to Touching Base. Touching Base is my attempt to stay connected to the members and attendees of Venice Church during the week. I try to let you know a bit about what is going on in my world and what is going on at Venice Church. I hope that you enjoy reading each week.

I am excited about how many of you told us that you are going back to your group, looking for a new group, or wanting in to a Venice Church small group. Small groups are the heart and soul of Venice Church. A vital weekly connection to other Christ followers is essential to our growth as individuals and to our growth as a church. If you were not here Sunday and would like more information about our small groups hit me at info@venicechurch.com. And…you are going to hear more about small groups as we talk about What It Means to Follow Jesus over the next three weeks.

I know that it is still a week and a half away but I need to remind you about what amounts to Venice Church Carmegeddon! Sunday September 25th is the L.A. Triathlon. Venice Blvd. will be closed. Getting to church will be a challenge if you live south of Venice, but it can be done. For more information about closures go here. http://www.latriathlon.com/traffic_and_parking/

Follow us on Twitter: @venicechurchla, @pastorcraig55
Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Venice-Church/165528453498230

Upcoming Events:
September 18th – Baptism
September 25th – L.A. Triathlon (Venice Blvd. closed.)
October 1st – CLASS 101: Connecting With God’s Family
October 2nd – Rockstars’ Party
October 9th – Message Series: The Seven Deadly Sins

Pray For Brad

2011-09-10T08:58:00.000-07:00

Do you have somebody in your life that is just an absolute rock? I mean, no matter what happens they are rock solid and steady and faithful and strong.
My friend Brad Jensen is that guy!

Brad needs our prayers today.
Within the last 24 hours Brad has lost his step-mom and his dad.
Please pray for Brad and his entire family.
It is going to be a tough couple of days and probably weeks.
If you know Brad, you know that his faith in Jesus Christ will not waver, nonetheless, he needs our prayers and support and love and encouragement.

Be that guy and that gal for Brad.

Road Trip Report

2011-09-07T08:56:00.000-07:00

The Men’s Ministry Road Trip to Lake Powell was unbelievable! The place, the speaker, and the men were such an awesome blessing. We learned, we grew, and we got to know each other in amazing ways. Every portion of the trip, from the drive up to the drive back, was outstanding. Special thanks to Denise Jensen for preparing our fantastic menu and shopping for us. Thanks to Daniel Nehrig for running the kitchen. The food was wonderful. Thanks to Pastor Paul Blue of Family Fellowship of Greeneville, Texas for giving us his time and bringing us the Word. And finally…thank you Brad Jensen for sharing your vision, love for men, time, talent and toys with us. You bless the men of Venice Church in such a wonderful way! I am glad to be home, but I am already looking forward to next year’s trip.

This Sunday is a special day. It is the 10th Anniversary of 9/11. Most of us will never forget where we were on that day and what that day was like. I know I won’t. I know that there is a lot of stuff in media this week to remind us of that tragic day, however I would like to share this testimony with you. I have told you about iamsecond.com before, but Brian Birdwell’s testimony of God’s providence will blow you away. Check it out here http://www.iamsecond.com/seconds/brian-birdwell/.

And…this Sunday we begin talking about What It Means to Follow Jesus. I look forward to seeing you then.

Upcoming Events:
September 9th & 10th – Women of Faith Conference
September 18th – Baptism
September 25th – L.A. Triathlon (Venice Blvd. closed.)
October 1st – CLASS 101: Connecting With God’s Family
October 2nd – Rockstars’ Party

Your Big Chance

2011-08-24T13:25:00.000-07:00

Baptism is the first thing that God asks us to do after we accept Jesus Christ as our Savior. If you have accepted Christ and you have not been baptized you have an opportunity to take this important step in your walk with Christ. We are going to baptize on Sunday September 18th at the end of the morning service. If you have not been baptized yet that is your day.

What I want you to understand more than anything is that baptism does not save you, forgive you, wash away your sins, or get you into heaven. Only putting your faith and trust in Jesus Christ and His death, burial, and resurrection does that. But…baptism is your next step after salvation. It is your coming out party. It tells everybody, your friends, your family, and the world that you are a Christ follower. When you stand in the water it is a picture of Christ on the cross. When you go under the water that represents His burial. When you come up out of the water it shows that Christ has risen from the dead. Baptism is a statement of your faith.

I look forward to this exciting time on September 18th. I know that God will be glorified.

There are a couple of events that are coming up that I must remind you of.
This Saturday is the last Seek N Surf for this summer. They meet at Manhattan Beach Pier on Saturday at 7:30 AM. For more information go here https://www.facebook.com/seeknsurf.

Men, there is still time and opportunity to join us for our Men’s Road Trip to Lake Powell. You can sign up and pay on Sunday. See Brad Jensen for more information. Bradjensen7@sbcglobal.net.

This Sunday we continue with The Summer of Love when we talk about speaking the truth in love. I can’t wait to see you then.

Upcoming Events:
August 27th – Seek N Surf
August 31st – September 4th – Men’s Ministry Road Trip
September 4th – Guest Speaker – Pastor Bob Henson
September 9th & 10th – Women of Faith Conference
September 18th – Baptism
October 1st – CLASS 101: Connecting With God’s Family

You Were Created For Community

2011-08-17T10:24:00.000-07:00

Good Morning! I hope that your day and your week are going well.

Summer is winding down. School is getting ready to start. And…Venice Church is preparing to start up our adult small groups. Most of our groups have been off for the summer and it is just about time to get them revved up again.
I have a challenge for you today. I am challenging each and every one of you to begin praying about being involved in a Small Group Bible study at Venice Church. I am not asking you to make a commitment to a group today. I am asking you to begin praying about being involved in a small group.

It looks a little bit different for each one of us. Some of you have been involved in a group so begin praying for your group as you prepare to head back. Some of you have never been in a group so pray that God would show you the value of small groups and would lead you to the right group for you. Some of you used to be in a group and you need to get back in a group. And…some of you have been involved in groups for a long time and you need to ask God if it is time for you to lead a group. We need more groups with more people in them so that we can grow into the people and the church that God has called us to be. We cannot reach our full potential without real, genuine, God-honoring community with other believers.
For the next month or so you are going to hear a lot about small groups. You are going to be invited to join a small group. You need a group. There is a group that needs you. Start praying.

Ladies, the Women of Faith Conference is full! All of the tickets are accounted for. Thanks for signing up and paying I know you will have a great time.

Men, there is still time and opportunity to join us for our Men’s Road Trip to Lake Powell. You can sign up and pay on Sunday. See Brad Jensen for more information. Bradjensen7@sbcglobal.net.

This Sunday we continue with The Summer of Love when we talk about Love Is Forgiving. I look forward to seeing you then.

Upcoming Events:
August 31st – September 4th – Men’s Ministry Road Trip
September 4th – Guest Speaker – Pastor Bob Henson
September 9th & 10th – Women of Faith Conference
September 18th – Baptism
October 1st – CLASS 101: Connecting With God’s Family

Prayer & Praise Workshop

2011-08-10T15:15:00.000-07:00

Amy and I are glad to be home. We enjoyed our time away and now we are enjoying the freshness of the sea breeze. There is nothing like it!

All of us have a wonderful opportunity on Saturday. Our prayer ministry is sponsoring a Prayer & Praise Retreat. This is a great time to come away for a bit to pray and worship together. The event runs from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM. The cool thing is that you can come for the entire time or you may come and go. I encourage you to make some time to join us on Saturday. For more information go here…https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=250465721645721.

This Sunday we continue with The Summer of Love when we talk about Love Is Patient. We will share in Communion as well. I look forward to seeing you then.

Upcoming Events:
August 13th – Prayer & Praise Workshop
August 31st – September 4th – Men’s Ministry Road Trip
September 4th – Guest Speaker – Pastor Bob Henson
September 9th & 10th – Women of Faith Conference

Wanna Get Away?

2011-08-03T09:23:00.000-07:00

One of the things that I love about the technology of today is that I can be mentored without ever leaving my desk. I have only met Rick Warren on one occasion, yet he mentors me monthly through his blog and daily through Twitter.

I learned this from Rick years ago and it is something that I try to employ in my life. I share these truths today because this is what Amy and I are doing next week. We leave Saturday for some rest and relaxation in Palm Springs. We will miss being at Venice, but sometimes you just have to get away and I know that you will enjoy hearing from others and not hearing from me for a change!
http://blog.pastors.com/blogs/pcom/the-jesus-model-of-ministry-relaxation/

I am praying for your week. You guys will have a great time on Sunday when Richie talks about Love Is Respectful. I will see you next week.

Upcoming Events:
August 7th – Richie Henson Speaking
August 13th – Prayer & Praise Workshop
August 31st – September 4th – Men’s Ministry Road Trip
September 4th – Guest Speaker – Pastor Bob Henson
September 9th & 10th – Women of Faith Conference

Back From the Desert

2011-07-28T10:12:00.000-07:00

Amy and I just returned from a few days away with our family. We had a wonderful time, but we are glad to be home and are looking forward to seeing all of you on Sunday. Actually, I could have stood another couple of days of golf…but…I am looking forward to seeing you all on Sunday.

Just a couple of reminders…
The Men’s Ministry Road Trip is August 31-September 4. The cost is only $225.00 and there is still space available. If you need more information contact Brad Jensen at bradjensen7@sbcglobal.net.

Ladies, there are only 3 spots left for the Women of Faith Conference on September 9 & 10. The next three ladies to pay $89.00 get the spots. The conference will be great. The community with the ladies will be great. Don’t miss it. Make the time. Get your money in to Amy Henson this Sunday.

And…our prayer ministry, Just Pray, is sponsoring a Praise & Prayer Workshop on Saturday August 13th from 10:00 – 2:00 PM at Temescal Gateway Park. You may come and go as your schedule dictates. Check your handout on Sunday for more information or contact Richard at justprayvbc@gmail.com.

I am praying for your week. The Summer of Love continues on Sunday when we discover that Love Is Humble.

Upcoming Events:
July 30th – Seek N Surf
August 7th – Richie Henson Speaking
August 13th – Praise & Prayer Workshop
August 31st – September 4th – Men’s Ministry Road Trip
September 4th – Guest Speaker – Pastor Bob Henson
September 9th & 10th – Women of Faith Conference

Trips for Men & Women

2011-07-20T09:32:00.000-07:00

Thank you to all of you who donated to and served at the Women’s Ministry Parking Lot Sale on Saturday. We raised $1,500.00 for our missionaries. We will be blessed to be a blessing to them at Christmas time.

Okay, let me keep it real today. I am going to preach…and I may even go to meddling so take it for what it is worth.

Let me talk to men first. Men we have room for you on our Men’s Ministry Road Trip August 31-September 4. The cost is only $225.00 for a five-day trip with four nights on a houseboat with all of the wakeboarding and personal watercraft that you can stand. That is an absolute bargain! Some of you think that you don’t have time to go or you cannot afford to go, but the truth is you cannot afford not to go. You need the community with other men. You need to be challenged in your walk with Christ. You need to get your junk together because your life, your marriage, and your kids need you to get your junk together. I promise you if you go…our speaker Paul Blue will challenge you. You will change and your life and your relationships will never be the same. It is a small investment to make. You will not regret it.

And…because I am an equal opportunity nag!! Ladies, there are five spots left for the Women of Faith Conference on September 9 & 10. The next five ladies to pay $89.00 get the spots. The women of Venice always have a wonderful time on their retreats. This will not be any different. The conference will be great. The community with the ladies will be great. Don’t miss it. Make the time. And again…$89.00 plus hotel is an absolute bargain. Get your money in to Amy Henson this Sunday.

I am praying for your week. I look forward to seeing you on Sunday when we continue our Summer of Love when we talk about Love Is Not Jealous.

Upcoming Events:
July 30th – Seek N Surf
August 7th – Richie Henson Speaking
August 31st – September 4th – Men’s Ministry Road Trip
September 4th – Guest Speaker – Pastor Bob Henson
September 9th & 10th – Women of Faith Conference

Women's Ministry Parking Lot Sale

2011-07-13T12:18:00.001-07:00

Dear Venice Family,

Thank you to all of you who have brought items for our parking lot sale. It is not too late to bring items. We need more items. If you have items to donate you can bring them and leave them on the porch near the church office or you can even bring them as late as Saturday morning.

We need your help to set up on Saturday morning as well. The setup begins at 7:00 AM. In addition to the women who are coming to set up and run the sale, we need some men to help us Saturday morning to move heavier items like TVs. If you are available, please respond to my email address at amersh55@yahoo.com. I don’t want to have to call you. I can be very persuasive!! It is always better to volunteer than have me track you down. Haha! And…God will get glory from your service.

I look forward to hearing from you and seeing you Saturday morning at 7:00 AM. Remember…all the proceeds go to a good cause…Christmas Gifts for our missionaries! Thanks for your help and consideration.

Much Love,
Amy Henson

Upcoming Events:
July 16th – Seek N Surf
July 16thth – Women’s Ministry Parking Lot Sale
August 31st – September 4th – Men’s Ministry Road Trip
September 4th – Guest Speaker – Pastor Bob Henson
September 9th & 10th – Women of Faith Conference

At the End of the Day

2011-07-06T08:53:00.000-07:00

We have all kinds of qualifiers that we use when we want to say something definitive. We say things like, “when all is said and done”, “when you boil it all down”, but perhaps our favorite these days is, “at the end of the day”. It is really quite effective. At the end of the day he is still a jerk. At the end of the day you have to be able to live with yourself. At the end of the day…it is what it is! (I couldn't resist...)

Jesus had an “at the end of the day.” Jesus basically said at the end of the day the only thing that really matters is that you love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and body and you love your neighbor as much as you love yourself.

The Apostle Paul had an “at the end of the day.” We see it here and it is the basis for our summer series The Summer of Love.
1 Corinthians 13:13
Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love.
At the end of the day love is what matters most. Join us this Sunday as we learn to love God and love others.

Venice Church has a new fan page on Facebook. Head over there and “like” our page to get updates on everything happening with our church family. http://www.facebook.com/pages/Venice-Church/165528453498230

Upcoming Events:
July 10th – The Summer of Love…an 8 week study in 1 Corinthians 13
July 16th – Seek N Surf
July 16thth – Women’s Ministry Parking Lot Sale
August 31st – September 4th – Men’s Ministry Road Trip
September 4th – Guest Speaker – Pastor Bob Henson
September 9th & 10th – Women of Faith Conference

Growing People Change

2011-06-29T09:40:00.000-07:00

It has been an eventful week around here. God has blessed us in so many ways. 7 people gave their lives to Christ in our service on Sunday. Thank you so much for praying this past week.

On Saturday and Sunday we gave away over 1,000 Venice Church pens to visitors at the Venice High School Centennial. Thank you to Paul Henson, Tom & Sharon Nichols, and Daniel Sweet for manning our booth at the event. Special thanks to Eddie & Dani Cross for giving their entire weekend to organize our booth and represent Venice Church so well at the centennial.

And…a beloved part of our church family went home to be with the Lord. Mrs. Adelia Walpole went home to be with the Lord last Wednesday. We are thankful for the promise of Scripture. She is absent from this body, but she is in the presence of the Lord. She was a blessing to all who knew her. Some of you knew her as Grandma Walpole. Some of you knew her as Shirley Twitchell’s mother. Mrs. Walpole loved Jesus and was a great encouragement to me. Her service is this Friday at 1:00 PM at Gates, Kingsley, Gates in Culver City. Please pray for Shirley and the rest of the family during this time of loss.

This Sunday we wrap up our series called That’s How We Roll. We will talk about this truth…according to the Scriptures growing people change. I look forward to seeing you then.

Venice Church has a new fan page on Facebook. Head over there and “like” our page to get updates on everything happening with our church family. http://www.facebook.com/pages/Venice-Church/165528453498230

Upcoming Events:
July 10th – The Summer of Love…an 8 week study in 1 Corinthians 13
July 16thth – Women’s Ministry Parking Lot Sale
August 31st – September 4th – Men’s Ministry Road Trip
September 4th – Guest Speaker – Pastor Bob Henson
September 9th & 10th – Women of Faith Conference

A Life-Changing Day

2011-06-23T09:38:00.000-07:00

I hope that you are having a great week. I hope that you are praying with me about this Sunday. I believe that it is an important day, a big day. I am praying that it turns out to be a life-changing day for your friend who needs to meet and receive Jesus. I am praying for you. I am praying for your friend. Please pray for me. I am going to do my best to introduce your friend to Jesus. Pray that the Holy Spirit will touch our hearts on Sunday.

And…it will be our privilege to have our Missionaries Dave & Nan Walter with us on Sunday. I know that you will enjoy hearing from them. I know that many of you look forward to meeting them and many of you look forward to getting reacquainted with them.

If you are going to be at the Venice High School Centennial Celebration on Saturday and/or Sunday please stop by the Venice Church booth and say hello. We are very proud to be a part of this historic celebration in our community.

Venice Church has a new fan page on Facebook. Head over there and “like” our page to get updates on everything happening with our church family. http://www.facebook.com/pages/Venice-Church/165528453498230

Upcoming Events:
June 25th – Seek N Surf
June 26th – Missionaries Dave & Nan Walter
July 10th – The Summer of Love…an 8 week study in 1 Corinthians 13
July 16thth – Women’s Ministry Parking Lot Sale
August 31st – September 4th – Men’s Ministry Road Trip
September 9th & 10th – Women of Faith Conference

Father's Day

2011-06-15T10:26:00.000-07:00

If you think about it Father’s Day is kind of weird. Some people are even opposed to celebrating Father’s Day. They think it is lame because they see it as a Hallmark creation. I once read where a guy, a father, said about Father’s Day, “Anyone can procreate, and most eventually do. I refuse to celebrate a statistical probability.” I get his point and having been raised by a father and having been a father now for 25 years I appreciate fatherhood more than ever. Obviously, I am not talking about the ability to procreate, but rather the skill of fathering. Fathering (parenting) is a skill. Good fathering can be learned. Every father has strengths and weaknesses. Take everything you can (the good and the bad) from your father and use it to grow into the person that God has called you to be. Give thanks and celebrate your father on Sunday.

And…this Sunday wear your favorite jersey to Venice Church to honor all the dads. We will continue with our series “That’s How We Roll” when we talk about community and fellowship. See you then.

Venice Church has a new fan page on Facebook. Head over there and “like” our page to get updates on everything happening with our church family. http://www.facebook.com/pages/Venice-Church/165528453498230

Upcoming Events:
June 18th – Rockstars Concert & Open House
June 19th – Father’s Day
June 22nd – EPIC Camp
June 25th – Seek N Surf
June 26th – Missionaries Dave & Nan Walter
July 16thth – Women’s Ministry Parking Lot Sale
August 31st – September 4th – Men’s Ministry Road Trip
September 9th & 10th – Women of Faith Conference

Venice High Centennial

2011-06-08T10:11:00.000-07:00

Venice Church has been blessed to be a part of this community for 84 years. That is a testimony to God’s faithfulness and the faithfulness of his people that have been a part of this great church. Our longevity in the neighborhood is surpassed by only a few entities. One of them is Venice High School. Venice High is celebrating its Centennial June 24th -26th with an extravaganza that encompasses the entire weekend. There will be a festival on the font lawn of the school on that Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

We would like to be there with a booth to help them celebrate. We will need quite a few people to man the booth. If you are alum or would like to represent Venice Church at their Centennial Celebration, please let me know by firing me an email.

Venice Church has a new fan page on Facebook. Head over there and “like” our page to get updates on everything happening with our church family. http://www.facebook.com/pages/Venice-Church/165528453498230

This Sunday we roll on with our series That’s How We Roll when we talk about service and ministry. I look forward to seeing you there.

Upcoming Events:
June 18th – Rockstars Concert & Open House
June 19th – Father’s Day
June 22nd – EPIC Camp
June 26th – Missionaries Dave & Nan Walter
July 16thth – Women’s Ministry Parking Lot Sale
August 31st – September 4th – Men’s Ministry Road Trip
September 9th & 10th – Women of Faith Conference

How We Roll

2011-06-01T09:31:00.000-07:00

Summer is approaching and things are heating up here at Venice Church. There is all kinds of stuff going on.

It is not too late to get in the Church Membership class on Saturday. CLASS 101: Connecting With God’s Family is this Saturday at 9:00 AM. If you have not signed up but would like to attend…please respond to this email. I will get you enrolled.

This Sunday…
…The Rockstars Kids are serving breakfast to our Senior Citizens at 9:00 AM in the Berean Room. If you are 60 and up you are welcome to join them.

…We will be receiving donations for our EPIC Student Ministry Summer Camp. The cost of camp is $200.00 per camper. If you want to give just put your gift in an envelope and mark EPIC Camp on it. And…during the offering on Sunday the EPIC Youth Ministry Band will be playing. I am looking forward to hearing them play.

…I will begin a new series called That’s How We Roll. I am going to be talking about our core values here at Venice Church.

Venice Church has a new fan page on Facebook. Head over there and “like” our page to get updates on everything happening with our church family. http://www.facebook.com/pages/Venice-Church/165528453498230

Upcoming Events:
June 4th – CLASS 101: Connecting With God’s Family
June 5th – Rockstars & Senior Adult Breakfast
June 5th – EPIC Youth Band
June 18th – Rockstars Concert & Open House
June 19th – Father’s Day
June 22nd – EPIC Camp
June 26th – Missionaries Dave & Nan Walter
July 16thth – Women’s Ministry Parking Lot Sale
August 31st – Men’s Ministry Road Trip

Fan Page

2011-05-25T14:15:00.000-07:00

I can’t believe that Memorial Day weekend is upon us. This year is moving briskly and what a year that it has been. God has been extremely good to us at Venice Church. He has blessed us in so many ways. We have seen many give their lives to Christ. We have baptized a few of you. Maybe your next step is church membership.

If you are an attendee of Venice Church and you are interested in church membership or just knowing more about Venice Church, CLASS 101: Connecting With God’s Family is for you. I teach the class and it is being offered on Saturday morning June 4th from 9:00 to noon. I would love to see you there. We will provide coffee and a light breakfast. If you want to sign up you can respond to this email or just mark the “101” box on your response card on Sunday.

Venice Church has a new fan page on Facebook. Head over there and “like” our page to get updates on everything happening with our church family. http://www.facebook.com/pages/Venice-Church/165528453498230

Upcoming Events:

June 4th – CLASS 101: Connecting With God’s Family

June 5th – Rockstars & Senior Adult Breakfast

June 18th – Rockstars Concert & Open House

June 19th – Father’s Day

June 22nd – EPIC Camp

June 26th – Missionaries Dave & Nan Walter

July 16thth – Women’s Ministry Parking Lot Sale

August 31st – Men’s Ministry Road Trip

Membership

2011-05-18T09:38:00.000-07:00

Ladies, your Women’s Ministry Service Project is this Saturday @ 10:30 AM. You are going to put together care packages for the men and women of our Armed Forces. Your help is needed. Please contact Denise Jensen if you have any questions. Bjensen623@verizon.net.

If you are an attendee of Venice Church and you are interested in church membership or just knowing more about Venice Church, CLASS 101: Connecting With God’s Family is for you. I teach the class and it is being offered on Saturday morning June 4th from 9:00 to noon. I would love to see you there. We will provide coffee and a light breakfast. If you want to sign up you can respond to this email or just mark the “101” box on your response card on Sunday.

We continue our family series on Sunday talking about “Family Matters”. I look forward to seeing you then.

Upcoming Events:
May 21st – Women’s Ministry
June 4th – CLASS 101: Connecting With God’s Family
June 18th – Rockstars Concert & Open House
June 19th – Father’s Day
June 22nd – EPIC Camp
June 26th – Missionaries Dave & Nan Walter
July 16thth – Women’s Ministry Parking Lot Sale
August 31st – Men’s Ministry Road Trip

Men & Women

2011-05-11T09:21:00.001-07:00

The next couple of weeks present us with some very important opportunities.

It all begins this Sunday following the morning service. Men’s Ministry wraps up its season with a BBQ at Bob Tripp’s house. (1089 Palms Blvd. Venice 90291). There will be great food, great fellowship, the season wrap up, and information about the upcoming trip and season.

And ladies…you have an important Women’s Ministry Service Project coming up on Saturday May 21st @ 10:30 AM. You are going to be putting together care packages for the men and women of our Armed Forces. We need you to participate. We need to know that you are going to participate. We need you to sign up at the information counter right after the service on Sunday. If you are not able to attend on Saturday the 21st, please bring your donations this Sunday. There will be ladies out there to assist you and to answer your questions. Contact Denise Jensen if you have any questions. Bjensen623@verizon.net.

We roll on with our series Family Vacation this Sunday. We are going to talk about your view of God and how it affects your family.

Upcoming Events:
May 15th – Men’s Ministry
May 21st – Women’s Ministry
June 4th – CLASS 101: Connecting With God’s Family
June 18th – Rockstars Concert & Open House
June 19th – Father’s Day
June 22nd – EPIC Camp
June 26th – Missionaries Dave & Nan Walter
July 16thth – Women’s Ministry Parking Lot Sale
August 31st – Men’s Ministry Road Trip

Hats!

2011-05-04T09:30:00.000-07:00

This is a special Ladies Edition Touching Base! Men you can read it…I just don’t know that you will find it that interesting.

Okay ladies…first of all this Sunday is Mother’s Day and in the spirit of Mother’s Day…and to prove that the Brits have nothing on us with their fancy Royal Wedding…we are inviting all the ladies to wear hats on Sunday! Guys, you can wear a hat if you want, but we would love to see the ladies in a fancy hat on Sunday. It will be a lot of fun! I hope that you all will participate. Men wear team jerseys on Father’s Day. Ladies can wear hats on Mother’s Day.

And ladies…you have an important Women’s Ministry Event coming up on Saturday May 21st @ 10:30 AM. You are going to be putting together care packages for the men and women of our Armed Forces. We need you to participate. We need to know that you are going to participate. We need you to sign up at the information counter right after the service on Sunday. There will be ladies out there to assist you and to answer your questions. Contact Denise Jensen if you have any questions. Bjensen623@sbcglobal.net.

We roll on with our series Family Vacation this Sunday. We are going to talk about foundations that matter. I will see you then.

Upcoming Events:
May 8th – Mother’s Day
May 15th – Men’s Ministry
May 21st – Women’s Ministry
June 4th – CLASS 101: Connecting With God’s Family
June 18th – Rockstars Concert & Open House
June 19th – Father’s Day
June 22nd – EPIC Camp
June 26th – Missionaries Dave & Nan Walter
July 16thth – Women’s Ministry Parking Lot Sale

Another Big Day Is Coming

2011-04-27T08:33:00.000-07:00

We live in a very complex world. The complexity of our world puts a lot of pressure on the family. Sunday I will begin a new five week series called Family Vacation. I hope to help us establish a foundation and acquire the necessary tools to have a strong and loving family in our complex world.

And…at the end of the service on Sunday we will baptize. If you have accepted Christ, but have not been baptized Sunday is the day. If you would like more information about baptism or want to be baptized that day you can sign up by responding to this email.

And…this Sunday right after the service is the EPIC Youth Ministry Camp Fundraiser Lunch. Lunch is free, but we need your help to send teenagers to camp this summer. Make plans to attend the lunch and bring your checkbook and help sponsor a camper. Your help is greatly appreciated.

Upcoming Events:
May 1st – Baptism
May 1st – EPIC Camp Fundraiser Lunch
May 8th – Mother’s Day
May 15th – Men’s Ministry
May 21st – Women’s Ministry
June 4th – CLASS 101: Connecting With God’s Family
June 18th – Rockstars Concert & Open House
June 19th – Father’s Day
June 22nd – EPIC Camp
July 16thth – Women’s Ministry Parking Lot Sale

Passion Week

2011-04-20T09:00:00.000-07:00

I hope that your Passion Week is going well and that you are planning to be with us for our Good Friday Service @ 7:00 PM and one of our two Easter Services on Sunday @ 9:00 or 10:45 AM. We have some good services planned for you. Come and invite somebody to come with you.

One week from Sunday, May 1st, is a very important day here at Venice with two very significant events taking place. We will baptize at the end of the service on May 1st. If you have accepted Christ, but have not been baptized May 1st is the day. If you would like more information about baptism or want to be baptized that day you can sign up by responding to this email.

Also on May 1st is the EPIC Youth Ministry Camp Fundraiser Lunch. Lunch is free, but we need your help to send teenagers to camp this summer. Make plans to attend the lunch and bring your checkbook and help sponsor a camper. Your help is greatly appreciated.

Upcoming Events:
April 22nd – Good Friday Service – 7:00 PM
April 24th – Easter – 2 Services @ 9:00 & 10:45
May 1st – Baptism
May 1st – EPIC Camp Fundraiser Lunch
May 8th – Mother’s Day
May 15th – Men’s Ministry
May 21st – Women’s Ministry
June 4th – CLASS 101: Connecting With God’s Family
June 18th – Rockstars Concert & Open House
June 19th – Father’s Day
June 22nd – EPIC Camp
July 16thth – Women’s Ministry Parking Lot Sale

Greeting Ministry

2011-04-13T09:22:00.000-07:00

We have been praying that souls would be saved and lives would be changed during this time leading up to Easter and throughout the Easter season. God has blessed and we have seen 17 people give their lives to Christ just this month. This coming Monday and Tuesday our 40,000 Easter door hangers will go out. Please pray with me that they will land in the hands of people who need Jesus and are seeking God.

And…make your plans to be with us next week for our Good Friday service and for one of our Easter services.

God has been so good to us to send us many visitors to our services. Many are finding Christ. Many are finding a home here at Venice. Thank you for being so welcoming as a church family. It really makes a difference.

With Easter approaching and more and more visitors expected we want to be more organized in our effort to greet our guests, attendees, and members. If you are interested in participating in a more formal greeting ministry, please plan to hang around for a few minutes on Sunday right after the service. If you are interested in greeting at the front door, dispensing information, passing out bulletins, or helping with some ushering this meeting is for you. All that is required is a warm handshake and a friendly smile. My wife Amy will lead this organizational meeting. Please meet her near the piano in the worship center. If you have any questions you may contact Amy at amersh55@yahoo.com.

Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God. 8) But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love. 1 John 4:7-8

Upcoming Events:
April 22nd – Good Friday Service – 7:00 PM
April 24th – Easter – 2 Services @ 9:00 & 10:45
May 1st – Baptism
May 1st – EPIC Camp Fundraiser Lunch
May 8th – Mother’s Day
May 15th – Men’s Ministry
May 21st – Women’s Ministry
June 18th – Rockstars Concert & Open House
June 19th – Father’s Day
July 16thth – Women’s Ministry Parking Lot Sale

Men's Ministry This Sunday

2011-04-06T09:36:00.000-07:00

We had another great Sunday here at Venice. We had a good attendance with many first-time visitors and 6 more people give their life to Christ. God is so good. Thank you for sharing, serving, and inviting. Please keep praying that God will continue to move in a great way. Continue to pray for lives to be changed through our Easter outreach.

Men…our April Men’s Ministry Meeting is this Sunday following the morning service. Hot wings are on the menu. Creation is the topic. We will be viewing the film The Privileged Planet. Make your plans to hang out with the fellas this Sunday.
As you can see below…there is a ton of stuff coming up here at Venice. Make your plans to be involved. Enjoy the rest of your week.

Upcoming Events:
April 10th – Men’s Ministry
April 15th – EPIC Girls: Revolve Tour
April 22nd – Good Friday Service
April 24th – Easter – 2 Services @ 9:00 & 10:45
May 1st – EPIC Camp Fundraiser Lunch
May 6th – EPIC All-Nighter
May 8th – Mother’s Day
May 15th – Men’s Ministry
May 21st – Women’s Ministry
June 18th – Rockstars Concert & Open House
June 19th – Father’s Day
June 22nd -25th – EPIC Summer Camp
July 16thth – Women’s Ministry Parking Lot Sale

God is so good...

2011-03-30T09:40:00.000-07:00

Our prayers are already being answered! We had a wonderful attendance of 186 and 7 of those people accepted Christ in the service on Sunday. It doesn’t get any better or more exciting than that.

If anything can come close it is this. I am hearing story after story of how people of Venice are being given opportunities to share the Good News and they are taking them. People are stepping up in big ways to share their faith and to encourage others with God’s grace. That is a beautiful ting. That gets me fired up! I am excited about what God is going to do among us and through us here at Venice.

Finally, I want to say thank you. Amy and I thank you for 15 wonderful years here at Venice Church. We look forward to at least another 15 serving God and this community with you. Enjoy your week. I am looking forward to seeing you on Sunday.

Upcoming Events:
April 10th – Men’s Ministry
April 22nd – Good Friday Service
April 24th – Easter – 2 Services @ 9:00 & 10:45
May 1st – EPIC Camp Fundraiser Lunch
May 8th – Mother’s Day
May 15th – Men’s Ministry
May 21st – Women’s Ministry
June 18th – Rockstars Concert & Open House
June 19th – Father’s Day
July 16thth – Women’s Ministry Parking Lot Sale

Light On a Hill

2011-03-23T13:53:00.000-07:00

We are about to embark on a four week run up to Easter. This season comes with unique opportunities to share Jesus Christ with others. With that in mind I would like to encourage you in a couple of ways. First of all pray for the forty thousand door hangers that will go out the week of Easter. They will undoubtedly land in homes and in the hands of people who need Jesus in their lives. Pray that this Easter season would be the time of their salvation.

And…pray specifically about with whom you can share the Good News or invite to an Easter Service. God has called us to this assignment. I know that most of us are just like most everybody that God called out in the Bible. When God calls somebody to an assignment you almost always notice three things. 1. They offer God a long list of excuses. 2. God doesn’t seem surprised by their excuses. 3. God doesn’t change His mind. Jeremiah told God that he was too young to be a prophet. God told him to do it anyway. Timothy told God that he was too immature to lead. God told Timothy through the Apostle Paul to stop making excuses and lead by example. We are going to be flooded with reasons why we cannot share Christ this Easter. The truth is we are the light of the world. We cannot, we must not be hidden. That’s what Jesus said.

“You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless. 14) You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. 15) No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. 16) In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” Matthew 5:13-16.

Upcoming Events:
April 10th – Men’s Ministry
April 22nd – Good Friday Service
April 24th – Easter – 2 Services @ 9:00 & 10:45
May 15th – Men’s Ministry
July 16thth – Women’s Ministry Parking Lot Sale

2011-03-16T09:11:00.000-07:00

As I was thinking about the people of Japan and praying for the people of Japan I could not help but think about how chaotic our world is right now. I am thankful to know the true and living God who is the Creator of all of this. I am thankful for His Word that assures me that He has this all figured out and He knows exactly what He is doing. It seems…and He is God and I am not so only He could say for sure…it seems that God allows something like this every so often to remind us that we are not in control and we do not have this all figured out.

I know this. There is nothing more important than getting the truth of who Jesus is in the hands and hearts of people who are far from God. There is nothing more important than helping people find Jesus so that their sins are forgiven and their eternity in heaven is secure and their life here on earth is fulfilling and they live with the peace that only comes from knowing Jesus as their Savior.

Amidst all of the bad news there is Good News. Jesus came to save sinners. The thing about good news is it is only good news if it is shared. Share the good news today. Pray for the people of Japan and share the good news today.

Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. 19) Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20) Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20.

Upcoming Events:
April 22nd – Good Friday Service
April 24th - Easter
July 16thth – Women’s Ministry Parking Lot Sale

Care Packages

2011-03-09T12:47:00.001-08:00

The Men’s Ministry will deliver the care packages to the men of Love Lifted Me Missionary Baptist Church on Saturday. Thank you to all of you who gave so generously to this project. You are a blessing to these men and I know that God will bless you for your willing spirit to give.
Men, we are meeting at Venice Church at 9:00 AM on Saturday to load up and car pool. I will see you then.

And…then don’t forget to set your clock forward one hour on Saturday evening. Daylight Savings Time 2011 begins early Sunday morning.

The Women’s Ministry is going to be sponsoring a Parking Lot Sale on Saturday July 16th. So you have plenty of time to get your Spring Cleaning done and pile up some stuff to sell. Ask your neighbors to donate items for you to sell as well. The proceeds will go to Christmas gifts for our Missionaries.

Upcoming Events:
March 12th – Men’s Ministry Service Project
March 13th – The Truth Project
April 9th – Women’s Ministry Parking Lot Sale
April 22nd – Good Friday Service
April 24th - Easter

2011-03-02T09:25:00.000-08:00

I am always looking for ways to grow in my faith. I hope that you are as well. Let me encourage you to read one Proverb a day for the entire month of March. It is only the 2nd so if you forgot yesterday you can get on track today.

We are offering you a wonderful opportunity to grow in your faith as you learn more about God’s plan. The Truth Project begins on Sunday March 13th at 8:15. If you will commit the time to attend this 12-week series you will be blessed and you will enjoy it. You can sign up at the information center on Sunday and for more information check out the website. http://www.thetruthproject.org/

If you are partnering with the Men’s Ministry to provide for the men of Love Lifted Me Missionary Baptist Church you need to bring your items this Sunday. The guys will be in the lobby to assist you. The “care packages” will be delivered next Saturday March 12th. If you are unable to bring the items on Sunday you will need to bring them during the week.

The Women’s Ministry is going to be sponsoring a Parking Lot Sale on Saturday April 9th so get your Spring Cleaning done and pile up some stuff to sell. Ask your neighbors to donate items for you to sell as well. The proceeds will go to Christmas gifts for our Missionaries.

Upcoming Events:
March 6th – Communion
March 12th – Men’s Ministry Service Project
March 13th – The Truth Project
April 9th – Women’s Ministry Parking Lot Sale
April 22nd – Good Friday Service
April 24th - Easter

Get Some

2011-02-23T09:05:00.000-08:00

I love how straight forward the Bible is. God doesn’t pull any punches. I love what He says here.
Getting wisdom is the wisest thing you can do! And whatever else you do, develop good judgment. Proverbs 4:7
This Sunday we are going to talk about getting God’s wisdom. It is an essential element to a successful life.

This is your last chance to get your question in for our relationship Q&A at the Men’s Ministry breakfast this Saturday. You can still get a question to us by responding to this email. You can ask about dating, marriage, parenting, dealing with family and in-laws…anything. We would love to hear from you.

The Men’s Ministry is also sponsoring a service project and all of you are welcome to participate. We are partnering with Love Lifted Me Missionary Baptist Church to provide for men who are in recovery. You can “adopt” a man by going to the information counter on Sunday. You will receive a “bio” on the man and a list of his needed items. The needs of each man could become somewhat cost prohibitive so you may want to partner with another individual or family or with your small group. Thank you for considering this ministry opportunity.

And finally…the Women’s Ministry is going to be sponsoring a Parking Lot Sale on Saturday April 9th so get your Spring Cleaning done and pile up some stuff to sell. Invite your neighbors to come and sell. The proceeds will go to Christmas gifts for our Missionaries.

Upcoming Events:
February 26th – Men’s Ministry Breakfast
March 6th – Communion
March 12th – Men’s Ministry Service Project
March 13th – The Truth Project
April 9th – Women’s Ministry Parking Lot Sale
April 22nd – Good Friday Service
April 24th - Easter

Men's Ministry Stuff

2011-02-16T10:59:00.000-08:00

I am thankful for the rain today. I hope that you are dry and enjoying a week of winter.

The Men’s Ministry breakfast is coming up on Saturday February 26th. All of the women are invited as well. This is not just for couples. This is for all men and all women. The cost is $16.00 per person and you can sign up and pay at the information center on Sunday. Amy and I will be doing a Relationship Q & A at the breakfast. We would like to have your questions in advance. You can get a question to us by responding to this email and you will have another opportunity with your response card on Sunday.

The Men’s Ministry is also sponsoring a service project and all of you are welcome to participate. We are partnering with Love Lifted Me Missionary Baptist Church to provide for men who are in recovery. You can “adopt” a man by going to the information counter on Sunday. You will receive a “bio” on the man and a list of his needed items. The needs of each man could become somewhat cost prohibitive so you may want to partner with another individual or family. Thank you for considering this ministry opportunity.

Upcoming Events:

February 26th – Men’s Ministry Breakfast

March 6th – Communion

March 12th – Men’s Ministry Service Project

March 13th – The Truth Project

April 22nd – Good Friday Service

April 24th - Easter

Breakfast

2011-02-09T12:15:00.000-08:00

Sunday is a very important day here at Venice Church. We are going to wrap up our SEXpectations series with a talk about homosexuality. I covet your prayers for this important message and service on Sunday.

There is a lot of important stuff coming up. I encourage each one of you to be involved. The Men’s Ministry breakfast is coming up on Saturday February 26th. All of the women are invited as well. This is not for couples. This is for all men and all women. The cost is $16.00 per person and you can sign up at the information center on Sunday. Amy will be doing a Relationship Q & A at the breakfast. We would like to have your questions in advance. I will tell you how to get your question to us when I talk with you on Sunday.

There is other good stuff coming up. Be sure to read your handout carefully on Sunday.

Upcoming Events:
February 26th – Men’s Ministry Breakfast
March 6th – Communion
March 6th – The Truth Project
March 12th – Men’s Ministry Service Project
April 24th - Easter

Special Project

2011-02-02T08:51:00.000-08:00

Today is one of my favorite days of the year. We mailed our tax junk to our tax guy today. Hopefully, prayerfully, everything is in order and I will hear back from the tax guy very soon that everything looks good and the chances of us being audited are very slim.

This past Sunday we held our Annual Business Meeting. Everything went very well. God was very good to our church in 2010. We are excited about what God will do in us and through us in 2011. As you have noticed there are many guests visiting our services. Please pray that many will receive Christ and will join our Venice Church family.

And…here is a matter of prayer. Last year our worship center sound system “blew up” and with the help of an experienced sound technician we were able to get our sound system functional. The truth is we are just functioning where our sound system is concerned. To run at an optimal level there is a lot more work for us to do. And unfortunately that requires a fairly significant investment. To get the system where it needs to be we need to spend about $13,000.00. We have not budgeted for this in 2011. To do this work we need for God to provide in an amazing way. Please pray with me that God would provide so that we can tackle this special assignment. And…if I could drop a not so subtle hint…if any of you have been blessed in an amazing way and would like to contribute to this special project, please contact me. I know that God will bless you in your generosity.

Upcoming Events:
February 6th – Communion
February 26th – Men’s Ministry Breakfast
March 6th – Communion
April 24th - Easter

Business Meeting

2011-01-25T12:11:00.000-08:00

I hope that this week’s email finds you all well and I hope that you are enjoying, learning, and growing during our series SEXpectations. To this point the message has been very basic and probably just about what you expected. The last three messages are a bit more dicey. Please pray that God will use the messages to educate, grow, heal, convict, and change. This Sunday we are going to talk about Single Sex. And then…

We will have our Annual Business Meeting approximately 15 minutes after we are dismissed from the service. I hope that you have a great week and I look forward to seeing you on Sunday.

As always…if you have any questions about Venice Church, it’s methods, the messages, or any thing else, please respond to this email and I will do my best to answer your question and/or concern.

Upcoming Events:
January 28th – Women’s Ministry Retreat
January 30th – Annual Business Meeting
February 6th – Communion
February 26th – Men’s Ministry Breakfast

Purpose Driven

2011-01-19T09:51:00.001-08:00

2011 is in full swing here at Venice Church and this year is quite a bit different than most because so far we have focused on the end of the world and now we are talking about God’s most intimate creation…sex. Because we are taking a bit of a different approach I want to remind you of these truths.

We were not created exclusively to have sex. We were created to live out God’s five purposes. We were created for worship, community, growth, ministry, and evangelism. Venice Church is a purpose driven church. These five purposes lay beneath any and all events, activities, teaching, and methods that we employ.

Our desire is that as we stay connected to God moment by moment that we learn to love Him more. That is worship. I pray that we grow closer to one another. That is community. I pray that we grow closer to Him by knowing Him better. That is growth. I pray that we serve God and others with passion and humility. That is ministry. I encourage you to share the life-changing truth of who Jesus is every time that you are presented with the opportunity. That is evangelism.

Living in and living out God’s purposes is not easy, but it is simple. Let’s keep it simple and honor God through our lives and our church.

Upcoming Events:
January 28th – Women’s Ministry Retreat
January 30th – Annual Business Meeting
February 6th - Communion

Cruisin'

2011-01-09T20:30:00.000-08:00

This is always a special week for Amy and me. Every year we get to go a little Baja cruise with some other pastors and their wives. It is a great time of fellowship and encouragement for us. Pray for us while we are away this week. The church office will be closed.

Sunday is the big day! We are going to begin a series called “SEXpectations”. We are going to see what the Bible says about God and sex, single sex, married sex, same sex, and all kinds of other aspects of sex. It will be a great time to invite a friend. Just a warning…this series will be PG-13 in some regards. If you have a Middle School student with you in the services you may want to plan to have some conversations with them that center around the messages.

And on Sunday there is a ½ Marathon that runs down Venice Blvd. It will affect traffic and possibly your route to church. Please go here for more information. http://www.131marathon.com/13_1_Los_Angeles.htm

As you can see in the calendar below there is some good stuff coming up. Make your plans to be involved. As always you can go to our website for more information. Venicechurch.com

Upcoming Events:
January 16th – Venice ½ Marathon
January 16th – Men’s Ministry
January 16th – Women’s Ministry Retreat Information Meeting
January 28th – Women’s Ministry Retreat
January 30th – Annual Business Meeting
February 6th - Communion

Is the End Near?

2011-01-05T11:19:00.000-08:00

This Sunday we are going to conclude our series “Live Like There’s No Tomorrow”. Many believe that the world will end in 2012. We are exploring the validity of that belief and what it means to our lives. More importantly we are seeing that God has a plan.

And then, next Sunday January 16th, we are going to begin a series called “SEXpectations”. We are going to see what the Bible says about God and sex, single sex, married sex, same sex, and all kinds of other aspects of sex. It will be a great time to invite a friend. Just a warning…this series will be PG-13 in some regards. If you have a Middle School student with you in the services you may want to plan to have some conversations with them that center around the messages.

And on the 16th there is a ½ Marathon that runs down Venice Blvd. Westbound traffic on Venice Blvd. will be closed. Please go here for more information. http://www.131marathon.com/13_1_Los_Angeles.htm

As you can see in the calendar below there is some good stuff coming up. Make your plans to be involved. As always you can go to our website for more information. Venicechurch.com

Upcoming Events:
January 16th – Venice ½ Marathon
January 16th – Men’s Ministry
January 28th – Women’s Ministry Retreat
January 30th – Annual Business Meeting
February 6th - Communion

Happy New Year

2010-12-29T11:59:00.000-08:00

I hope that your “tweener” week is going well. I am praying that you are getting some time to rest and/or catch up on things at work.

I am excited about the New Year and I am excited about what God is doing in you and in Venice Church. I am excited about how God is working through you and through Venice Church.

We are going to hit the ground running this Sunday with this new series “Live Like There’s No Tomorrow”. Many believe that the world will end in 2012. We are going to talk about the validity of that belief and what it means to our lives.

And then…and then…beginning on Sunday January 16th we are going to begin a series called “SEXpectations”. We are going to see what the Bible says about God and sex, single sex, married sex, same sex, and all kinds of other aspects of sex. It will be a great time to invite a friend. Just a warning…this series will be PG-13 in some regards. If you have a Middle School student with you in the services you may want to plan to have some conversations with them that center around the messages.

Enjoy the rest of your week.

Happy New Year!

Upcoming Events:
January 15th – Men’s Ministry
January 28th – Women’s Ministry Retreat
January 30th – Annual Business Meeting
February 6th - Communion

Stop

2010-12-22T08:32:00.000-08:00

Dear Venice Family,

Stop. Please stop. Just stop long enough this week to thank Almighty God for sending His Son to live among us and die among us and to rise again among us. He came that we might have life. He came that we might be forgiven. He came so that we could be reunited with Almighty God.
Give gifts. Open gifts. Eat. A lot. And stop. Stop long enough to give thanks for the gift of Jesus Christ this Christmas.

Merry Christmas!
Craig

Upcoming Events:
December 24th – Christmas Eve Service @ 6:00 PM.
January 15th – Men’s Ministry
January 28th – Women’s Ministry Retreat
January 30th – Annual Business Meeting

Christmas Time Is Here

2010-12-16T09:30:00.000-08:00

My prayer is that you are enjoying the Christmas Season. Many members of our church family will be traveling over the next couple of weeks. Please pray that God would keep them all safe during their travels.

If you are in town I trust that you are making plans to be with us on Sunday and on Christmas Eve. We are blessed to have such a wonderful season where we can focus on and remember God’s wonderful plan to save us. This is a wonderful time to invite somebody to a service. Take advantage of your opportunity.

Take care. Stay safe.

Upcoming Events:
December 24th – Christmas Eve Service @ 6:00 PM.
January 15th – Men’s Ministry
January 28th – Women’s Ministry Retreat
January 30th – Annual Business Meeting

Stuff...

2010-12-08T08:43:00.000-08:00

Amy is making good progress and her recovery is on schedule. She is healing and getting stronger every day. Thank you all for your continued prayer and support.

A couple of reminders…don’t forget to bring an ornament for the Christmas tree in the lobby. We are counting on you to decorate it with your own personal tradition and flair. Thanks for participating.

And…our annual Christmas Card exchange has begun. There will be two gift boxes in the lobby. You can drop off cards for church family members by the first letter of their last name. And of course, please pick up your cards under your last name.

Upcoming Events:
December 24th – Christmas Eve Service @ 6:00 PM.
January 15th – Men’s Ministry
January 28th – Women’s Ministry Retreat
January 30th – Annual Business Meeting

Thanks for Your Prayers

2010-12-02T10:16:00.000-08:00

Amy and I covet your prayers today. Amy had some emergency “minor” surgery yesterday in the ER. She is at home recovering and is pretty uncomfortable. Her recovery time will be about 10 days. Thank you for all of your prayers and concern.

A couple of reminders…don’t forget to bring an ornament for the Christmas tree in the lobby. We are counting on you to decorate it with your own personal tradition and flair. Thanks for participating.
And…our annual Christmas Card exchange will begin on Sunday. There will be two gift boxes in the lobby. You can drop off cards for church family members by the first letter of their last name. And of course, please pick up your cards under your last name.

Ladies, your Christmas Party is Saturday evening. Check with Becky Henson for more information.
Men, your Men’s Ministry Meeting is Sunday right after church. Check with Brad Jensen for more information or hit them up at Venice Men’s Ministry on Facebook.

Upcoming Events:
December 4th – Women’s Ministry Christmas Party
December 5th – Men’s Ministry
December 24th – Christmas Eve Service @ 6:00 PM.
January 28th – Women’s Ministry Retreat

Serve Somebody

2010-11-23T10:44:00.000-08:00

God has blessed you so that you can be a blessing. This week, give thanks for all that God has done for you and then serve somebody with your gifts, talents, abilities, resources and experiences. You have the Holy Spirit. You have the power. You have been gifted. Give thanks. Give back.

And…here is a service opportunity for you. This Sunday @ 2:00 PM we will be decorating the church for Christmas. Everyone is invited and welcome to help. Even if you cannot help on Sunday we would love for you to be involved. We would like the Christmas tree in the lobby to reflect our families and traditions so please bring an ornament (not a new one, but one that has been around a while) with you to church to hang on the tree in the lobby. Bring an ornament and place it on the tree in the lobby on this Sunday.

Upcoming Events:
November 28th – Christmas Decorating @ 2:00 PM
December 4th – Women’s Ministry Christmas Party
December 5th – Men’s Ministry
December 24th – Christmas Eve Service @ 6:00 PM.
January 28th – Women’s Ministry Retreat

60/60 Rolls On

2010-11-17T09:52:00.000-08:00

Dear Venice Family,

For us to become all that God intended we need people around us. We don’t need people around us to remind us of the junk and baggage that we are leaving behind. We need people around us to remind us that God has created as His masterpiece and that we are created anew in Christ so that we can become all that He planned. We need people to remind us to stay willing before God. We need people to encourage us to hang with God so that He can remove all the baggage and all the stuff that has kept us from being and living as God intended, as the masterpiece that He created us to be. We need a lot of encouragement. The Bible says it this way.

Hebrews3:12-13
Be careful then, dear brothers and sisters. Make sure that your own hearts are not evil and unbelieving, turning you away from the living God. 13) You must warn each other every day, while it is still "today," so that none of you will be deceived by sin and hardened against God.

This week in the 60/60 Experiment we will learn how to develop new habits that will allow us to stay willing to follow God’s leading and become all that He intended. Read chapters 12 &13 in Soul Revolution. Hang in there. We are almost home.

Blessings,
Craig

Hey Family,

I would like to touch base with you on few items this week. Here is what you need to know…

On Sunday November 28th @ 2:00 PM we will be decorating the church for Christmas. I would like the Christmas tree in the lobby to reflect our families and traditions. Please bring an ornament of your choosing and place it on the tree in the lobby beginning on the 28th.

Ladies…if you have not RSVP’d for the Ladies Christmas Party you can do so by responding to this email or let Becky Henson know by sending her an email at henson.becky@yahoo.com.

And finally…we need to deliver the Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes to the Palisades this week. We need a large vehicle or truck to get the job done. If you can help with your time and your vehicle it would be greatly appreciated.

Much Love,
Amy

Upcoming Events:

December 4th – Women’s Ministry Christmas Party

December 5th – Men’s Ministry

December 24th – Christmas Eve Service @ 6:30 PM.

January 28th – Women’s Ministry Retreat

Get Baptized This Sunday!

2010-11-10T08:31:00.001-08:00

We all desire to be known and loved. We all long to be known and loved and yet there are things about us that we don’t want people to know about us because if they knew those things that would not love us and they would not want to know us. If people really knew us they would not love us and so we try to bury those things. We run from those things. We hide from those things. What we begin to discover and realize is that we can’t hide from them. They actually contaminate our lives. They keep us from experiencing what we long for…to be loved.

This week in the 60/60 Experiment we will learn how to move past our pride so that we can bring our failures into the light so that God can remove them. Read chapters 10-13 in Soul Revolution. You will be glad that you did.

And…if you have not been baptized and would like to be baptized…we will baptize in the Worship Center this Sunday near the end of the service.. If you have questions about baptism or would like to sign up to be baptized you can respond to this email and I will contact you with everything that you need to know.

Upcoming Events:
November 11th – EPIC Winter Camp
November 14th – Baptism
December 4th – Women’s Ministry Christmas Party
January 28th – Women’s Ministry Retreat

Fall Back

2010-11-03T09:13:00.000-07:00

God wants to take the torn pieces of our lives and our relationships and He wants to rework them and make them new. As we are willing to place our lives and our relationships in His hand He reclaims and reforms and reconciles our relationships. He takes them and forms then into something new. This will be one of God’s primary objectives as we stay connected to Him. Spiritual growth is all about relationships. It is about learning to love God and learning to love people. That is what we are doing in this 60/60 Experiment. We learn to love God and we demonstrate love for God when we respond to His involvement in our lives and as we willingly respond to his will throughout the day. As we talked about last week, we cannot really love God until we learn to love other people.
We can’t do this relationship thing alone. That is why we are learning to respond to God. We can’t do difficult relationships on our own. In fact, we can’t even do the good relationships well on our own. That is why we are learning to be connected and stay connected to God. This is why we are learning to hear and respond to the God promptings that we hear throughout our day. God wants to guide us and He wants to teach us how to love with a higher love.

If you receive this email, but are not a member of Venice Church but are interested in becoming a member of Venice Church then CLASS 101:Discovering Membership is for you. The class is being offered tomorrow evening at 7:00 PM. I would love to see you there. If you have any questions about the class just respond to this email.

Don’t forget to “fall back” on Saturday night. Set your clock back one hour or you will be very early for church on Sunday!

Men’s Ministry will meet this Sunday following the morning service. We will have Tito’s Tacos for lunch. For more information, search Venice Church Men’s Ministry on Facebook.

And…if you have not been baptized and would like to be baptized…we will baptize in the Worship Center on Sunday November 14th. If you have questions about baptism or would like to sign up to be baptized you can respond to this email and I will contact you asap.

Upcoming Events:
November 4th – CLASS 101: Discovering Membership
November 7th – Daylight Savings Time Ends
November 7th – Men’s Ministry
November 11th – EPIC Winter Camp
November 14th – Baptism
December 4th – Women’s Ministry Christmas Party
January 28th – Women’s Ministry Retreat

This Sunday...

2010-10-27T10:08:00.000-07:00

So we are reading this book together. We are meeting in groups together. We are setting alarms in our lives to go off every 60 minutes. It reminds us to stay focused on God. It reminds us that God is near and that He is interested. It reminds us of God’s presence. We want to hear from God in those moments and see the world through God’s eyes in those moments.

Here is what is wonderful and worrisome about this exercise. The more that I do this and the more I interact with people the more I realize God’s passion for people. The more I open my eyes and ears to see and hear what God sees and hears the more I see people around me. I see people that take time. I see people that require energy. I see people that take resources.

What I am hearing from others is that they are setting their ears and eyes to hear and see what God hears and sees and the difficult person at the office keeps showing up in their life. We get in tune with God and we see our impatience with our spouse or with our kids. We hear and see what God does and we notice more and more that needy person. This should not be a surprise because God loves people. When we look in the Scripture and we see the essence of God we see again and again that God loves people. You cannot love God without loving people.

And…don’t forget…
Trunk or Treat is this Sunday, Halloween Night, from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM. Postcard invitations are still available in the postcard rack in the information area. Take as many as you need to invite friends and family to this safe trick or treat alternative.

If you receive this email, but are not a member but are interested in becoming a member of Venice Church then CLASS 101:Discovering Membership is for you. The class is being offered on Thursday November 4th @ 7:00 PM. I would love to see you there. If you have any questions about the class just respond to this email.

Men’s Ministry will meet on Sunday November 7th following the morning service. We will have Tito’s Tacos for lunch. For more information, search Venice Church Men’s Ministry on Facebook.

Upcoming Events:
October 31st – Trunk or Treat
November 4th – CLASS 101: Discovering Membership
November 7th – Daylight Savings Time Ends
November 7th – Men’s Ministry
November 11th – EPIC Winter Camp
November 14th – Baptism
December 4th – Women’s Ministry Christmas Party
January 28th – Women’s Ministry Retreat

Set Your Alarm

2010-10-20T14:39:00.000-07:00

We are walking together through Soul Revolution and we are participating in the 60/60 Experiment. We are reading the book and setting alarms. What this does is interrupt our natural habit of going through the day ignoring God. We are using this to train us to realize that God is always with us and that He wants to be a part of our life, our day, and each moment. God wants to do life with us. God wants to be hour helper, guide, counselor and friend. He will be all of that if we will seek to stay connected to Him.

It is not too late to join us. Get a book in the coffee bar. If you want to walk through this with a group, respond to this email and I can recommend a good group to you. It is never too late to begin experiencing a relationship with God that is moment-by-moment and day-by-day where we actually hear from God.

And that may be the real question. Does God speak? If I get in this relationship with God, if I get connected to God, how do I know that what I am hearing is from God? How do I know that it is God? Well, it may be difficult to know when it is God. Maybe the way God speaks, in this broken world, is a different kind of way and if we keep ourselves distracted and noisy and busy maybe we never learn to hear. That is why we see this phrase throughout the Bible. From Genesis to Revelation we see the phrase, “any one with ears to hear should listen and understand.” What it means is that there is a spiritual kind of hearing and understanding that we must tune our spiritual ears to. Learning how to hear from God is what we hope to discover this Sunday as we continue with Soul Revolution. I look forward to seeing you then.

And…don’t forget…

Trunk or Treat is Halloween night from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM. Postcard invitations are now available in the postcard rack in the information area. Take as many as you need to invite friends and family to this safe trick or treat alternative.

If you receive this email, but are not a member but are interested in becoming a member of Venice Church then CLASS 101:Discovering Membership is for you. The class is being offered on Thursday November 4th @ 7:00 PM. I would love to see you there. If you have any questions about the class just respond to this email.

Men’s Ministry will meet on Sunday November 7th following the morning service. We will have Tito’s Tacos for lunch. For more information, search Venice Church Men’s Ministry on Facebook.

Upcoming Events:

October 31st – Trunk or Treat

November 4th – CLASS 101: Discovering Membership

November 7th – Men’s Ministry

November 14th – Baptism

December 4th – Women’s Christmas Party

Soul Revolution

2010-10-13T09:27:00.000-07:00

If you read the Scriptures, if you read the Bible from the beginning to the end, you see that we were created to be in an intimate and loving relationship with God. You will see that we were meant to do life with God at the center of our life. From Abraham to Moses to David and through all of the prophets in the Old Testament you see God call people into a love relationship with Him and you see them respond with love in return.

If we jump ahead into the New Testament we see that Jesus reiterates the words that Moses wrote when He says the two greatest commandments are to love God with all that you have and love your neighbor as yourself. The Scripture goes on to tell us that Jesus came to demonstrate God’s love for us. Jesus lived and served and loved so that God’s character would be revealed to us. Ultimately He demonstrated God’s love for us by dying on the cross for us to pay the penalty for our sin so that we might be restored to this love relationship with God that we were created for.

When we arrive at the last chapter of the last book of the Bible we see this picture of eternity and what we see there is what God calls His wedding day when all those that are pledged to Him are united with Him in love.

We were created to live life and to do life in a love relationship with God. We were created for intimacy with God. We are designed to live in God’s love, with God’s love and returning love to God. The real question is, the tough question is how do you do that?

That is what we hope to discover as we begin Soul Revolution this Sunday. The heart and soul of this emphasis is the 60/60 Experiment. So, get your alarm device ready to go and pick up your book at the Sunday Blend Coffee Shop or in your adult small group. The books are only $7.00. I know that this will be an exciting time in our spiritual development as individuals and as a church.

Just a couple of quick reminders….

Disco Night is Saturday night at 6:00 PM. It is a 70’s themed party so dress the part and come and hang out, have some dessert, and maybe dance a little. And…it is not about dancing. It is about hanging out with your church family and having a good time!! If you forgot to buy a ticket there is still room for you. Just let Amy (amersh55@yahoo.com) know by Thursday at 4:00 PM.

Trunk or Treat is Halloween night from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM. Postcard invitations are now available in the postcard rack in the information area. Take as many as you need to invite friends and family to this safe trick or treat alternative.

Upcoming Events:

October 16th – Disco Night

October 17th – New Series: Soul Revolution – The 60/60 Experiment

October 31st – Trunk or Treat

November 4th – CLASS 101: Discovering Membership

November 7th – Men’s Ministry

November 14th – Baptism

December 4th – Women’s Christmas Party

Get Your Tickets to Disco Night

2010-10-06T09:09:00.000-07:00

Disco Night on Saturday October 16th is a 70’s themed party so dress the part and come and hang out, have some dessert, and maybe dance a little. And…it is not about dancing. It is about hanging out with your church family and having a good time!! We need you to buy a ticket so that we know how many to prepare for. Tickets are $5.00 and are on sale in the Sunday Blend.

On Sunday October 17th we begin our walk through Soul Revolution. The heart and soul of this emphasis is the 60/60 Experiment. So, get your alarm device ready to go and pick up your book at the Sunday Blend Coffee Shop or in your adult small group. The books are only $7.00. I know that this will be an exciting time in our spiritual development as individuals and as a church.

Trunk or Treat is Halloween night from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM. Postcard invitations are now available. You will get one in your handout on Sunday and they will be available in the postcard rack in the information area. Take as many as you need to invite friends and family to this safe trick or treat alternative.

Upcoming Events:
October 16th – Disco Night
October 17th – New Series: Soul Revolution – The 60/60 Experiment
October 31st – Trunk or Treat
November 4th – CLASS 101: Discovering Membership
November 7th – Men’s Ministry
November 14th – Baptism
December 4th – Women’s Christmas Party

L.A. Triathlon

2010-09-29T10:38:00.000-07:00

Men’s Ministry kicks off Season Five this Saturday morning at 9:00 AM. We will enjoy breakfast together and then what I think will be a very interesting discussion on sin and salvation. Make your plans to join us, and if you need more info hit Venice Church Men’s Ministry on Facebook.

Alert! Alert! The L.A. Triathlon will be held on Sunday October 3rd. The bike portion of the race closes Venice Blvd. This can pose a problem for you finding your way to church. Please visit their website so that you may plan an alternate route if necessary. http://www.latriathlon.com/traffic_and_parking/

This Sunday we continue with our series Losing Your Religion. It is a time for all of us to grow and it will be a good time for your friend who doesn’t know Christ or is far from God to consider connecting or reconnecting with God. Take some of the postcard invites and invite somebody to come with you.

When we finish up with Losing Your Religion we will embark on a new study called Soul Revolution. Soul Revolution is a book by John Burke, the Lead Pastor of Gateway Church in Austin, Texas. We will read the book together and each Sunday we will have a message that will reinforce what we read. You will begin reading and hearing about the 60/60 Experiment. You can get your copy of the book at the Sunday Blend Coffee Shop or in your adult small group. The books are only $7.00. What a deal!!

And finally…make plans to be with us for Disco Night on Saturday October 16th. It is a 70’s themed party so dress the part and come and hang out, have some dessert, and maybe dance a little. Tickets are $5.00 and are on sale in the Sunday Blend.

Upcoming Events:
October 2nd – Men’s Ministry
October 3rd – L.A. Triathlon
October 16th – Disco Night
October 17th – New Series: Soul Revolution – The 60/60 Experiment
October 31st – Trunk or Treat
November 4th – CLASS 101: Discovering Membership
November 7th – Men’s Ministry
November 14th – Baptism
December 4th – Women’s Christmas Party

Losing Your Religion

2010-09-22T09:36:00.000-07:00

This Sunday we continue with our series Losing Your Religion. It is a time for all of us to grow and it will be a good time for your friend who doesn’t know Christ or is far from God to consider connecting or reconnecting with God. Take some of the postcard invites and invite somebody to come with you.
And…this is very important. To make the most of the new series you need to attend a small group where you can discuss each week’s lesson. There is no better time to join a small group and get involved at Venice Church in a deeper and more meaningful way. You can see a complete list of small group opportunities at the website venicechurch.com. Please contact me if I can assist you in a finding a group that is right for you.

The L.A. Triathlon will be held on Sunday October 3rd. The bike portion of the race closes Venice Blvd. This can pose a problem for you finding your way to church. Please visit their website so that you may plan an alternate route if necessary. http://www.latriathlon.com/traffic_and_parking/

And finally…make plans to be with us for Disco Night on Saturday October 16th. It is a 70’s themed party so dress the part and come and hang out, have some dessert, and maybe dance a little. Tickets are $5.00 and are on sale in the Sunday Blend.

Upcoming Events:
October 2nd – Men’s Ministry
October 3rd – L.A. Triathlon
October 16th – Disco Night
October 17th – New Series: Soul Revolution – The 60/60 Experiment
October 31st – Trunk or Treat
November 4th – CLASS 101: Discovering Membership
November 7th – Men’s Ministry
November 14th – Baptism
December 4th – Women’s Christmas Party

Disco Night

2010-09-15T11:28:00.000-07:00

Amy here…I am happy that the men had a great trip. I am glad they are home. My husband is here to protect me so I don’t have to sleep with a golf club and tennis racket nearby for protection!

It is so far out that we are having Disco Night at Venice Church on Saturday October 16th @ 6:00 PM. The preparations are coming together and tickets are on sale in the Sunday Blend, which is the coffee shop, beginning this Sunday. Tickets are $5.00 and this is for adults only.

Speaking of the Sunday Blend…coffee and donuts are available every Sunday beginning at 9:00 AM. This month’s drink of the month is an Orange Julius…totally a 70’s thing! Karen Montez and I had so much fun remembering our High School days as we sipped Orange Julius on Sunday. If you haven’t visited the Blend, come a bit early and check it out. We have quality products at reasonable prices.

And…Craig here…This Sunday we will begin a new series of messages called Losing Your Religion. We will talk about some of the obstacles that hinder people from coming to Christ and following Christ. It will be a time for all of us to grow and it will be a good time for your friend who doesn’t know Christ or is far from God to consider connecting or reconnecting with God. Invite somebody to come with you.

And…this is very important. To make the most of the new series you need to attend a small group where you can discuss each week’s lesson. There is no better time to join a small group and get involved at Venice Church in a deeper and more meaningful way. You can see a complete list of small group opportunities at the website venicechurch.com.

Upcoming Events:
Septebmer 19th – October 10th New! Message Series: Losing Your Religion
October 2nd – Men’s Ministry Meeting
October 16th – Disco Night
October 30th – Trunk or Treat
November 11th – EPIC Youth Ministry Winter Camp

Hatch On Sunday

2010-09-09T11:33:00.000-07:00

Amy and I are home safely. We had a wonderful time in Hawaii and Shaun and Katy Tucker’s wedding was amazing! We were blessed to be a part of it.

It will be great to have my dear friend Robert Hatch with us on Sunday. Hatch will be preaching in the morning service at 10:00 AM and then will be our speaker on the Men’s Ministry Road Trip this coming Sunday through Tuesday. Please pray for the service and for the Men’s Trip.

On Sunday September 19th I will begin a new series of messages called Losing Your Religion. We will talk about some of the obstacles that hinder people from coming to Christ and following Christ. It will be a time for all of us to grow and it will be a good time for your friend who doesn’t know Christ or is far from God to consider connecting or reconnecting with God. Invite somebody to come with you.
And…this is very important. To make the most of the new series you need to attend a small group where you can discuss each week’s lesson. There is no better time to join a small group and get involved at Venice Church in a deeper and more meaningful way. You can see a complete list of small group opportunities at the website venicechurch.com or in your handout on Sunday.

Upcoming Events:
September 12th – Guest Speaker: Robert Hatch
September 12th – 14th Men’s Road Trip
Septebmer 19th – October 10th New! Message Series: Losing Your Religion
October 16th – Disco Night

Hawaii

2010-09-01T09:47:00.001-07:00

Amy and I are off to Hawaii later today. Please pray for us as we travel and pray that God will be honored as Shaun & Katy are married on Sunday.

For all of you that are surfers or aspiring surfers…Seek N Surf is this Saturday. In the water at 7:30 AM at El Porto #43. Check them out on Facebook for more information.

Men! Our road trip is coming up September 12th – 14th. Brad will fill you in on all the details at the meeting this Sunday. Meet near the piano immediately following the service. For more info in the mean time…contact Brad Jensen at bradjensen7@sbcglobal.net.

Upcoming Events:
September 4th – Seek N Surf
September 5th – Richie Henson Speaking
September 12th – Guest Speaker: Robert Hatch
September 12th – 14th Men’s Road Trip
October 16th – Disco Night

Prayer, House boating, etc...

2010-08-25T09:41:00.000-07:00

This Saturday our Just Pray ministry is hosting a prayer “retreat” in Temescal Canyon. All are invited to attend and participate. You are welcome to attend all of the retreat or just come for some segments. Feel free to come and go. For more information contact them at justprayvbc@gmail.com.

Men! Our road trip is coming up September 12th – 14th. That is just over two weeks away. We are going to be house boating on Lake Mojave. It will be spectacular. There is still some space available. It is a great time. We would love for you to go. For more information or to sign up, contact Brad Jensen at bradjensen7@sbcglobal.net.

Ladies, plans and preparations are underway for your 2010-2011 Ladies Ministry season. Look for an information email and check your handout on Sunday for a list of events.

Upcoming Events:
August 28th – Just Pray Retreat
September 5th – Richie Henson Speaking
September 12th – Guest Speaker: Robert Hatch
September 12th – 14th Men’s Road Trip
October 16th – Disco Night

We Made It Back...

2010-08-18T13:48:00.000-07:00

It is great to be home. We had a wonderful time in Chicago. It is a great city with great people and many things to see and do. We saw and did just about everything in 5 days! We are just awesome like that. We did miss being here with you on Sunday. I have heard that you guys had a great time. My mom and dad always love being here. Dad’s message was right on as always. The message is now available, if you missed it or if you just want to listen again.

This Saturday our Just Pray ministry is hosting a prayer “retreat” in Temescal Canyon. All are invited to attend and participate. For more information contact them at justprayvbc@gmail.com.

Men! Our road trip is coming up September 12th – 14th. Space is filling up quickly. You better get signed up! We are going to be houseboating on Lake Mojave. It will be spectacular.

Upcoming Events:
August 28th – Just Pray Retreat
September 5th – Richie Henson Speaking
September 12th – Guest Speaker: Robert Hatch
September 12th – 14th Men’s Road Trip
October 16th – Disco Night

A little trip to the Windy City...

2010-08-10T09:40:00.000-07:00

Another reminder…for your convenience the Sunday morning messages are now available online. You can listen to the message online or you can download the message and take it with you on your handheld device. You can link to the messages through the website (venicechurch.com) or you can subscribe to the podcast at iTunes. Just search Venice Church Podcast in the iTunes store. Unfortunately, the messages will no longer be available on cd. I apologize for any inconvenience.

On Saturday August 28th our Just Pray ministry is hosting a prayer “retreat” in Temescal Canyon. All are invited to attend and participate. For more information contact them at justprayvbc@gmail.com.

The next Seek N Surf is coming on Saturday August 14th at Manhattan Beach Pier. Beach Volleyballers are also welcome. Mark Coleman is getting that rolling. In the water at 7:00 AM and the devotion will follow at 8:30. For more information you can find them on Facebook or email them at seeknsurf@gmail.com.

Men! Our road trip is coming up September 12th – 14th. Space is filling up quickly. You better get signed up! We are going to be houseboating on Lake Mojave. It will be spectacular.

This is an exciting week for Amy and me. On Wednesday we will celebrate our 26th Wedding Anniversary. God has been so good to us. His mercies never fail. God has been especially good to me. Amy is the great blessing of my life. We enjoy our life together here so much. We love and enjoy serving with you here at Venice Church.

And…on Thursday we leave for 5 days in Chicago. It is a little vacation just to see the Windy City. All of the kids are going along. We will have a great time. I will see you a week from Sunday. I know that you will enjoy hearing my dad speak on Sunday. Mom and dad always enjoy being here.

Upcoming Events:
August 14th – Seek N Surf
August 15th – Guest Speaker: Bob Henson
August 28th – Just Pray Retreat
September 5th – Richie Henson Speaking
September 12th – Guest Speaker: Robert Hatch
September 12th – 14th Men’s Road Trip
October 16th – Disco Night

Just Pray

2010-08-04T08:58:00.000-07:00

I have exciting news! For your convenience the Sunday morning messages will now be available online. You can listen to the message online or you can download the message and take it with you on your handheld device. You can link to the messages through the website, my blog, or you can subscribe to the podcast at iTunes. Just search Venice Church Podcast in the iTunes store. Unfortunately, the messages will no longer be available on cd. I apologize for any inconvenience.

Our prayer ministry, Just Pray, has a couple of events coming up this month. This Friday evening they are going to the Venice Boardwalk to take some food and to pray with people there. On Saturday August 28th they are having a prayer “retreat” in Temescal Canyon. All are invited to attend and participate. For more information contact them at justprayvbc@gmail.com.

The next Seek N Surf is coming on Saturday August 14th at Manhattan Beach Pier. Beach Volleyballers are also welcome. Mark Coleman is getting that rolling. In the water at 7:00 AM and a devotion will follow at 8:30. For more information you can find them on Facebook or email them at seeknsurf@gmail.com.

Men! Our road trip is coming up September 12th – 14th. Space is filling up quickly. You better get signed up! We are going to be houseboating on Lake Mojave. It will be spectacular.

Upcoming Events:
August 6th – Just Pray @ the Venice Boardwalk
August 14th – Seek N Surf
August 15th – Guest Speaker: Bob Henson
August 28th – Just Pray Retreat
September 5th – Richie Henson Speaking
September 12th – Guest Speaker: Robert Hatch
September 12th – 14th Men’s Road Trip
October 16th – Disco Night

Podcast

2010-08-02T12:02:00.000-07:00

I am happy to inform you that we are just days away from having our sermons online. You can listen here and very soon you will be able to subscribe to the podcast through itunes and other outlets.
Feel free to begin listening here.

Church Picnic

2010-07-28T11:05:00.000-07:00

We are having a picnic on Saturday and it will be tons of fun. We will be at Kronenthal Park (http://www.culvercity.org/Government/PRCS/Parks/ParkSites/KronenthalPark.aspx) in Culver City from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Everybody is welcome. There is a great playground for the kids. There is shade. Bring your own lunch and beverages. You may not bring your own grill, however there is some space to grill there at the park. For those that are interested there will be a soccer match at 10:00 AM sharp. Softball will follow lunch at 1:00 PM. Come on out and enjoy the mild summer temperatures and the lovely company.

Men! Our road trip is coming up September 12th – 14th. Space is filling up quickly. You better get signed up! We are going to be houseboating on Lake Mojave. It will be spectacular.

Upcoming Events:
July 31st – Church Picnic
August 15th – Guest Speaker: Bob Henson
September 5th – Richie Henson Speaking
September 12th – Guest Speaker: Robert Hatch
September 12th – 14th Men’s Road Trip
October 16th – Disco Night

Upcoming Stuff

2010-07-21T08:59:00.000-07:00

If you are into surfing or are learning or want to learn our Seek N Surf ministry may be for you. They are meeting again this Saturday July 24th at Lifeguard 43 El Porto at 7:00 AM. It is a great way to connect with people here at Venice Church. If you want more information hit them on Facebook. Just search Seek N Surf.

Our church picnic is just over a week away on Saturday July 31st at Kronenthal Park in Culver City. We will have a great time. Bring your own lunch and beverages. You can find more details in the handout on Sunday.

Have a wonderful week.

Upcoming Events:
July 31st – Church Picnic
August 15th – Guest Speaker: Bob Henson
September 5th – Richie Henson Speaking
September 12th – Guest Speaker: Robert Hatch
September 12th – 14th Men’s Road Trip
October 16th – Disco Night

Sound System

2010-07-14T09:13:00.000-07:00

I trust that your week is going well. Mine is going quite well, thank you. I hope that you are enjoying our study in Philippians. To date we have talked about living with joy in our relationships and in our circumstances. This Sunday we are going to tackle our attitudes. Our attitudes have a lot to do with our joy and Paul will teach us the attitudes that lead to joy in our lives. To whet your appetite you might want to read Philippians 2:1-15.

If you are into surfing or are learning or want to learn our Seek N Surf ministry may be for you. They are meeting again on Saturday July 24th at Lifeguard 43 El Porto at 7:00 AM. It is great way to connect with people here at Venice Church. If you want more information hit them on Facebook. Just search Seek N Surf.

Make your plans to be with us for the church picnic on July 31st. We had a great time last year and you can expect more of the same this year. Bring your own lunch and beverages. You can find more details in the handout on Sunday.

And…Lord, willing our sound system repair and upgrade will be completed this week. God is good.

Have a wonderful week.

Upcoming Events:
July 31st – Church Picnic
August 15th – Guest Speaker: Bob Henson
September 5th – Richie Henson Speaking
September 12th – Guest Speaker: Robert Hatch
September 12th – 14th Men’s Road Trip
October 16th – Disco Night

Complaining??

2010-07-07T11:26:00.000-07:00

Okay…so here is my question today. Why is everybody complaining about the weather? It’s just a little mist. I know. I know. It’s supposed to be summer, but would you rather be in New York where it is 105 with humidity? I don’t know about you, but I can’t be out in the weather right now anyway…cause I’m working. And you can be sure of this. We will all be complaining when we are paying for this in October when it will be 90 on the Westside. I’m just sayin…

Here is a quick sound system update. We are making good progress. We survived on Sunday despite a couple of hiccups. We have one more Sunday with some of the older equipment and by Sunday the 18th…we should have all of our new equipment in place and up to speed. Thank you for your patience and prayers.

And…make your plans to be with us for the church picnic on July 31st. We had a great time last year and you can expect more of the same this year. You can find details in the handout on Sunday.

Have a wonderful week.

Upcoming Events:
July 31st – Church Picnic
August 15th – Guest Speaker: Bob Henson
September 5th – Richie Henson Speaking
September 12th – 14th Men’s Road Trip
October 16th – Disco Night

July 4th

2010-06-30T13:50:00.000-07:00

Please join us for a portion of your 4th of July this Sunday. We are going to begin our series in the book of Philippians. For the remainder of the summer we will be discovering how to live with great joy. Please invite somebody to be here with you. As always, our service begins at 10:00 AM.

You may or may not know that we are having some serious difficulties with our sound system. We have enlisted some very good professional help and we are hoping to be functioning at an optimum level in the very near future. I would appreciate your prayers in this matter.

And…make your plans to be with us for the church picnic on July 31st. We had a great time last year and you can expect more of the same this year. You can find details in the handout on Sunday.

Have a wonderful week.

Upcoming Events:
July 4th – Philippians: 9 Secrets to Expressing Great Joy
July 31st – Church Picnic
August 15th – Guest Speaker: Bob Henson
September 12th – 14th Men’s Road Trip
October 16th – Disco Night

EPIC Camp

2010-06-21T14:48:00.000-07:00

The Touching Base is coming out a little early this week because I am taking a little vacation time. We are going to spending some time with my parents who are celebrating their 50th Wedding Anniversary. God has been very good to our family. I will miss seeing you on Sunday. My friend Dennis Carlson will be here to preach. I know that you will enjoy Dennis and Sandra. They are great people.

The teenagers leave for camp on Wednesday. Pray for their safety and that God would work in their lives during their special time away.

Have a great week. I will drop you a line next week at the regular time.

Upcoming Events:
June 23rd – 26th – Epic Camp
June 27th – Guest Speaker: Dennis Carlson
July 31st – Church Picnic
August 15th – Guest Speaker: Bob Henson
September 12th – 14th Men’s Road Trip
October 16th – Disco Night

Father's Day

2010-06-16T09:20:00.000-07:00

This Sunday should be a great day at Venice Church. It is Father’s Day and we encourage you to honor the dads by wearing your favorite sports team gear. Make your plans to arrive early. The Sunday Blend, our coffee bar, will be serving FREE Krispy Kreme Donuts and Coffee.

If you did not have a chance to get connected with our surfing ministry this past week you have another opportunity. Seek N Surf will meet this Saturday at 7:00 AM just off of Ocean Park at Hollister. For more information you can find Seek N Surf on Facebook.

Upcoming Events:
June 19th – Seek N Surf
June 20th – Father’s Day – Wear your favorite sports team gear!
June 23rd – 26th – Epic Camp
June 27th – Guest Speaker: Dennis Carlson
July 31st – Church Picnic
August 15th – Guest Speaker: Bob Henson
September 12th – 14th Men’s Road Trip

Seek N Surf 2010

2010-06-09T09:18:00.000-07:00

God is blessing Venice Church in many wonderful ways. One of the ways is with guests. Since Easter Sunday we have given out over 100 gift bags to first time guests. That is amazing. Here is the cool thing. Every single guest is a person that God loves and wants in His family. Please pray that many who visit will come to know Christ and will find a church family with us here at Venice.

We need your help. We are looking for people who are interested in serving by greeting our guests and our church family before our Sunday services. If you are looking for a place to serve, energetic, and friendly we would love to have you join our team. If you are interested, please respond to this email.

Our Seek N Surf ministry kicks off it’s 2010 season this Saturday. They are meeting at the Manhattan Beach Pier from 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM on Saturday. Go check it out. It is a great time in the surf. You can find Seek N Surf on Facebook.

And…men…I know that it seems early but you need to start making your plans and signing up for our Men’s Ministry Road Trip that is coming up on September 12th. Details will be coming your way in the next few weeks.

Upcoming Events:
June 12th – Seek N Surf Summer Kickoff
June 20th – Father’s Day – Wear your favorite sports team gear!
June 23rd – 26th – Epic Camp
June 27th – Guest Speaker: Dennis Carlson
July 31st – Church Picnic
August 15th – Guest Speaker: Bob Henson
September 12th – 14th Men’s Road Trip

Information

2010-06-01T08:58:00.000-07:00

There is some very cool stuff coming up in the next few days and weeks. This week’s email will serve to remind you to get connected and stay connected and to get involved and stay involved.

This Saturday our Ladies Ministry and our Rockstars Children’s Ministry is combining to assemble 100 shoe boxes for Operation Christmas Child. It will be a great time and is a wonderful opportunity to bless some less fortunate children in the world. It all starts at 1:00 PM here at the church.

This Sunday, immediately following the service, is our EPIC Student Ministry Camp Fundraiser. Lunch will be served and you will have an opportunity to bless one of our students by helping them get to camp. The cost of camp is $200.00. Please make plans to attend the lunch and please pray about the part that God would have you play in helping a teenager go to camp. You may want to give a full scholarship or a1/2 scholarship. Your help is greatly appreciated.

Our surfing ministry, Seek N Surf, will kick off the 2010 season on Saturday June 12th. They will be hanging ten at the Manhattan Beach Pier from 7:00 AM – 11:00 AM. For more information check them out on Facebook. http://www.facebook.com/seeknsurf?ref=ts

Sunday morning we continue our series Too Good To Be True. Romans 8:28 says all things work together for good. Is everything good? Is it too good to be true? We will discover the truth together on Sunday. I will see you then.

Upcoming Events:
June 5th – Women’s Ministry & Rockstars Christmas in June
June 6th – Epic Camp Fundraiser
June 12th – Seek N Surf Summer Kickoff
June 20th – Father’s Day – Wear your favorite sports team gear!
June 23rd – 26th – Epic Camp
June 27th – Guest Speaker: Dennis Carlson
July 31st – Church Picnic
August 15th – Guest Speaker: Bob Henson
September 12th – 14th Men’s Road Trip

Big Time Blessing

2010-05-26T09:14:00.000-07:00

You guys are unbelievable!! Your generosity is beyond belief. Your response to the Lyons family was fantastic. You honored them with a $3,019.00 love offering. What a blessing to that family and what an awesome testimony to your faithfulness. I am so proud of our church.

Please pray with me as we consider the Lyons family for full-time support. I believe that they would be a fine addition to our Missions family and they fit precisely with our Missions vision.

This week I will begin a new series called Too Good To Be True. There are some things in the Bible that have become cliché and in some cases they seem to be too good to be true. This Sunday we will talk about faith. Did Jesus really say, “if you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could move mountains,”? Is that what he really meant? What did he mean? Is it too good to be true? We’ll find out on Sunday.

Have a wonderful week.

Upcoming Events:
June 5th – Women’s Ministry & Rockstars Christmas in June
June 6th – Epic Camp Fundraiser
June 20th – Father’s Day – Wear your favorite sports team gear!
June 23rd – 26th – Epic Camp
June 27th – Guest Speaker: Dennis Carlson
July 31st – Church Picnic
August 15th – Guest Speaker: Bob Henson
September 12th – 14th Men’s Road Trip

Big Week

2010-05-18T11:01:00.000-07:00

It will be our pleasure to have Luke and Kelly Lyons with us on Sunday. They will be telling us about what God has called them to in the Philippines. If you would like to learn more about them in advance you can go to impactingasia.org.
We will be receiving a love offering for them at the end of the service. This is how it will work. We will receive our regular offering at the usual time in the service and then we will have the folks bring the baskets by a second time and we will receive a separate offering for the Lyons. I wanted to give you a heads up so that you are prepared. I know that you will enjoy meeting and hearing from the Lyons.

And…God has added another to our church family. I am pleased to tell you that Alex and Christy Sears are the proud parents (and Colton the big brother of) another beautiful boy. Sebastian was born Tuesday morning and weighed in at 9 lbs. 8 oz. The Lord has truly blessed the Sears family.

I pray that you are enjoying your damp week. I look forward to seeing you on Sunday.

Upcoming Events:
May 23rd – Missionaries Luke & Kelly Lyons
June 5th – Women’s Ministry & Rockstars Christmas in June
June 6th – Epic Camp Fundraiser
June 20th – Father’s Day
June 23rd – 26th – Epic Camp
June 27th – Guest Speaker: Dennis Carlson
July 31st – Church Picnic
August 15th – Guest Speaker: Bob Henson
September 12th – 14th Men’s Road Trip

The Time Is Now

2010-05-12T09:01:00.000-07:00

I told you that it was coming and it has arrived. God has presented us with three wonderful mission projects that I would like to tell you about.

Gospel Alive is an organization that sponsors youth camps in Great Britain. The youth of England need desperately to know the truth about Jesus. Dale Peterson and Gospel Alive take the gospel there every summer. 53% of the students who attend the camp give their lives to Christ. We have the privilege of sponsoring 4 students that will attend a camp this summer. We are sending $1,000.00 to assist these students so that they can hear the gospel of Jesus Christ.

We are also getting in on the ground floor of the Boston Project. The Boston Project is designed to start 5 new churches in the greater Boston area over the next 10 years. There are two churches that have started in the last five years that are doing well and will serve as the sending churches for the new church plants. Our Leadership Team believes that this is a worthwhile endeavor. Think about this. There are more Christ followers residing in Bagdad, Iraq than there are in Boston, Massachusetts. I know. That’s crazy right? We want to partner with other churches to start new churches in Boston. Support of this project will begin when the infrastructure is ready to receive funding.

And…Luke and Kelly Lyons will be with us on Sunday May 23rd to tell us more about what God has called them to do in Metro Manila in the Philippines. God is doing amazing things in the Philippines and I know that you will want to hear more about what God is doing through this young couple.

God is using us here to reach the people of Venice and the surrounding areas. God is using us to partner with others to reach around the world. I want to encourage you to continue to give your tithe to Venice Church so that we can reach our neighbors with the gospel, but let me encourage you to give to our missions program as well. I am excited about the new opportunities that God has and will put before us. Not all of us can go, but most of us can give. If you want to give to support projects like these make sure that you designate your mission offering on your envelope.

Have a great week and tell somebody about Jesus.

Upcoming Events:
May 23rd – Missionaries Luke & Kelly Lyons
June 5th – Women’s Ministry & Rockstars Christmas in June
June 6th – Epic Camp Fundraiser
June 20th – Father’s Day
June 23rd – 26th – Epic Camp
June 27th – Guest Speaker: Dennis Carlson
July 31st – Church Picnic
August 15th – Guest Speaker: Bob Henson
September 12th – 14th Men’s Road Trip

Missions

2010-05-05T08:53:00.000-07:00

Over the next several weeks and months you will be presented with opportunities to impact the lives of people all over the world. You can read about the Operation Christmas Child project below and coming up on Sunday May 23rd a fine missionary couple, the Lyons, will be here to talk to us about what God is doing in Manila. More opportunities will be presented in the future.
It is our desire to put more missions opportunities before you on a more regular basis. So…this is what I would like for you to do for now. I believe that God would like for Venice Church to do more to support missions in our country and around the world. Would you pray with me that God would work in us and show us who to partner with? Would you pray about what God would have you do in the area of missions? It could be that you give to missions here at Venice and you will be moved to give more. It could be that you have not been giving to missions and God will move you to begin. For now…let’s pray together and see what God will do.

I am excited about the Rockstars Childrens Ministry and Ladies Ministry missions project. The kids and the ladies are partnering to send 100 shoe boxes for Operation Christmas Child this year. The project takes place on Saturday June 5th. There will be a flyer with details in your handout this Sunday. Even if you are not a kid or a lady you can participate. Contact Amy (amersh55@yahoo.com) for more information.

Get connected.
Stay connected.

Upcoming Events:
May 9th – Mother’s Day
May 23rd – Missionaries Luke & Kelly Lyons
June 5th – Women’s Ministry & Rockstars Christmas in June
June 6th – Epic Camp Fundraiser
June 20th – Father’s Day
June 23rd – 26th – Epic Camp
July 31st – Church Picnic

Mustache Challenge...Over

2010-05-04T11:50:00.003-07:00

I kept it for three plus weeks, but it bugged.
Mustache Challenger...over and out.

Men's & Women's and Kid's Ministry Oh My

2010-04-28T10:08:00.000-07:00

This Sunday our Men’s Ministry season wraps up with a BBQ at Bob Tripp’s house. Men, let me encourage you this way. If you have been attending the meetings this year…finish strong. Make the last meeting. Enjoy the fellowship. If you have not been attending the meetings…start with this one. I promise this. You will enjoy the food. You will enjoy the fellowship. You will not be lost during the lesson. You don’t need to have been at the meetings or read the book to follow this lesson. Most importantly, you will get your foot in the door, get acquainted with the guys, and you will hear about next season. Next season is going to kick off with a fantastic and fun trip. You will want to hear about it and when you hear about it you will want to go.

I am excited about the Rockstars Childrens Ministry and Ladies Ministry missions project. The kids and the ladies are partnering to send 100 shoe boxes for Operation Christmas Child this year. The project takes place on Saturday June 5th. There will be a flyer with details in your handout this Sunday. Even if you are not a kid or a lady you can participate. Contact Amy (amersh55@yahoo.com) for more information.

There is a lot of good stuff going on at Venice.
Get connected.
Stay connected.

Upcoming Events:
May 1st – Rockstars Portrait Party
May 2nd – Men’s Ministry
May 9th – Mother’s Day
May 23rd – Missionarires Luke & Kelly Lyons
June 5th – Women’s Ministry & Rockstars Christmas in June
June 6th – Epic Camp Fundraiser
June 20th – Father’s Day
June 23rd – 26th – Epic Camp

Kids...

2010-04-21T09:40:00.000-07:00

Dreams do come true! We have and have had many dreams for Venice Church. Some of them are big dreams and some of them seem to be fairly simple dreams, but when they come true it is thrilling. I have always dreamed that God would fill our church nursery with babies. It seemed like it might never happen, but alas it has happened. We have new babies and more on the way. God is so good.

We have dreamed of a ministry for children that would be growing and thriving and God has blessed us with more and more children to minister to. This past Sunday we had 29 kids and 10 leaders working with them. We thank God for Richie, Becky and their entire team. I believe that God has bigger and better things in store for our kids and their families. Check out their upcoming events in the calendar below and look for details in the handout on Sunday.

And…we have dreamed of a youth ministry that is marked by love for God and love and acceptance of others. God has delivered there as well. Daniel, Kristen and their staff do a wonderful job. I am excited about what God has in store for the EPIC Student Ministry. Their camp is coming up on June 23rd. Please pray that God will have his hand on the camp. Please join them for their camp fund raiser after church on June 6th. You can be a blessing to a kid by giving to help them go to camp.

There is a lot of good stuff going on at Venice.
Get connected.
Stay connected.

Upcoming Events:
May 1st – Rockstars Portrait Party
May 2nd – Men’s Ministry
May 9th – Mother’s Day
May 23rd – Missionary Luke Lyons
June 5th – Women’s Ministry & Rockstars Christmas in June
June 6th – Epic Camp Fundraiser
June 20th – Father’s Day
June 23rd – 26th – Epic Camp

We Must Be Doing Something Right....

2010-04-13T10:52:00.000-07:00

I guess you can file this under…we must be doing something right. My pastor friends tell me that when God begins to move in a church or in a community that adversity is right around the corner. I know that when God shows up many times the Devil shows up too. This past Friday night our sign was “tagged”. On Sunday night, somebody threw a piece of concrete through one side of our sign. It will be repaired today and we will move on.
And…we will not be deterred from what God has called us to do. God placed Venice Church right here on this corner to bring people to Christ and then help them grow to be like Him. We will continue to do what God has called us to do.
Pray that God will continue to provide for us. Pray that God will protect us. Pray for the people in our neighborhood who are far from God. And take advantage of your opportunities to share Christ. At our Men’s Ministry meeting this past Sunday we were challenged with the truth that each one of us has been given a platform for sharing Christ. Your platform is your home, your job, your school, your team, your club…wherever God has put you. Help somebody find Jesus. Tell somebody about Jesus. Tell them what He has done in your life.

Don’t forget that we are baptizing on Sunday the 18th. If you would like to be baptized just respond to this email and I will add you to the list. If you have questions about baptism then respond to the email and I will do my best to answer your questions.
I look forward to seeing you on Sunday. We will wrap up our series talking about The Mystery of God’s Glory. Have a great week.

There is a lot of good stuff going on at Venice.
Get connected.
Stay connected.

Upcoming Events:
May 2nd – Men’s Ministry
May 9th – Mother’s Day
May 23rd – Missionary Luke Lyons
June 20th – Father’s Day

God Showed Up

2010-04-06T10:58:00.000-07:00

The email is coming to you a day early this week because…well…I cannot contain this news any longer. God came up big for us this past Easter weekend. We had a total attendance of 439 (79 more than last year) and 9 adults marked their card that they had given their life to Christ! God is so good and we give Him all the glory for what was accomplished this past weekend.
You are to be commended. Many of you had a guest or guests with you. Thank you for caring for your friends and family and inviting them to a service. Special thanks to our Communication Team. They did a wonderful job on our door hanger and campaign. Many visitors came because of the door hangers. Again we praise God for working in us and through us here at Venice Church.

This Sunday our Men’s Ministry will meet right after the service. We are having hot wings for lunch. We always have a great time. Don’t miss out guys!

And don’t forget that we are baptizing on Sunday the 18th. If you would like to be baptized just respond to this email and I will add you to the list. If you have questions about baptism then respond to the email and I will do my best to answer your questions.

There is a lot of good stuff going on at Venice.
Get connected.
Stay connected.

Passion Week

2010-03-31T09:21:00.000-07:00

It is Easter week and this week is always an exciting time in the Kingdom of God. It is an exciting time here at Venice Church. I hope that you are planning to be with us for our Good Friday Service. It will begin at 7:00 PM and there will be free coffee, hot chocolate, and cookies served immediately following the service. Plan to hang around for a bit and enjoy your friends and church family.

Of course Sunday is the big day. We have two services at 9:00 and 10:45 AM. Free coffee, hot chocolate, and Krispy Kreme Donuts will be served before each service. I hope you are planning to attend and have invited somebody to come with you.

And…we would like to have a concerted effort to welcome those who arrive on Sunday. If you would like to help by greeting those who arrive or by passing out handouts, please let me know by responding to this email. When you respond, please let me know which service you will be attending. Thank you.

Get connected.
Stay connected.

Upcoming Events:
April 2nd – Good Friday Service @ 7:00 PM.
April 4th – Easter – Two Services @ 9:00 & 10:45 AM.
April 11th – Men’s Ministry
April 18th – Baptism
May 1st – Men’s Ministry
May 23rd – Missionary Luke Lyons

Years and counting...

2010-03-24T09:14:00.000-07:00

Amy and I hit another milestone this week. This Sunday will mark our 14th year here at Venice Church. God has been so good to us and to our church. It is a pleasure to serve with all of you here. We look forward to what God has in store for us in the future.

Our Easter door hangers are being delivered this week. Please pray that God would use them to turn hearts to Christ. When a person grasps the true meaning of Easter it can literally be life-changing. Jesus came to seek and save the lost. Our desire, with these door hangers, is to seek out some who need to be saved.

This Sunday we will wrap up our series called Connecting With God. This week…The Prayer of Fulfillment. I look forward to seeing you on Sunday at 10:00 AM.

There is good stuff going on at Venice. Get connected. Stay connected.

Upcoming Events:
April 2nd – Good Friday Service @ 7:00 PM.
April 4th – Easter – Two Services @ 9:00 & 10:45
April 11th – Men’s Ministry
April 18th – Baptism
May 1st – Men’s Ministry
May 23rd – Missionary Luke Lyons

New Members

2010-03-17T09:28:00.000-07:00

It was my pleasure to walk 13 new members through our membership class last Saturday. God has blessed us with many wonderful people and He has added another batch to our family. It is exciting to see what God is doing in our church an in our neighborhood. Please pray that God would use the door hangers that go out Easter week.

Please invite somebody to attend one of our Easter services with you. Door hangers and campaigns are all well and good, but there is something about one of you saying to your friend, “I really like my church. You might like it too. Would you like to go with me sometime?”

This Sunday we will continue our series called Connecting With God. This week…The Prayer of Deliverance. I will see you on Sunday at 10:00 Am.

Get connected. Stay connected.

Upcoming Events:
March 20th – Men’s Ministry Workday
March 21st – Women’s Ministry Luncheon
April 2nd – Good Friday Service @ 7:00 PM.
April 4th – Easter – Two Services @ 9:00 & 10:45
April 18th – Baptism
May 23rd – Missionary Luke Lyons

Spring Forward 2010

2010-03-10T10:00:00.000-08:00

Don’t forget to spring forward on Saturday night. Daylight Savings Time begins and with it comes the anticipation of spring and summer. Easter is right around the corner and I always like to remind you that it is a wonderful time to invite a friend to a service. We are rolling out an Easter campaign. It is complete with 40,000 door hangers going to our neighbors to invite them to one of our three services. You can get the gist of the campaign at our website at venicechurch.com. Please pray that God will give an increase in attendance and people giving their lives to Christ. On Easter Sunday I am going to begin a series of messages called Making Sense of Life’s Mysteries. I hope that we can answer some of the difficult questions of life.

This Sunday we will continue our series called Connecting With God. This week…The Prayer of Release. I will see you on Sunday at 10:00 Am.

Get connected. Stay connected.

Upcoming Events:
March 13th – CLASS 101: Connecting With God’s Family
March 14th – Daylight Savings Time Begins
March 20th – Men’s Ministry Workday
March 21st – Women’s Ministry Luncheon
April 2nd – Good Friday Service @ 7:00 PM.
April 4th – Easter – Two Services @ 9:00 & 10:45
April 18th – Baptism
May 23rd – Missionary Luke Lyons

Congratulations!

2010-03-09T14:35:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to our son Paul and his new bride Monica!
We are blessed with two wonderful sons and now two wonderful daughters-in-law.

C3 West Coast

2010-03-05T07:58:00.000-08:00

I am attending the C3 Conference in San Diego. C3 stands for Creative Church Conference. I have learned a lot and have been encouraged to keep doing what we do at Venice Church. There is nothing like the church when it is working right. God has been so good to us at Venice. We really have momentum and I believe that God is going to keep it going.
You guys are the best. Amy and I are blessed to serve in such a great place with such great people. I look forward to seeing you and worshiping with you on Sunday.

New Stage of Life

2010-03-02T09:19:00.000-08:00

This Sunday Amy and I will embark on a new stage of life. Paul and Monica will be married on Sunday and we will enter (insert Twilight Zone announcer voice) the Empty Nest Zone. It is interesting how your age and your mortality hits you when your youngest gets married. I mean we are still relatively young, but you just feel a bit older when both of your kids are married and have their own lives. In all seriousness, I am humbled by God’s goodness. By His grace our two sons love God and His church. By His grace God has added two wonderful young ladies to our family. We are excited about Sunday and we are rejoicing during this exciting time in our lives and in our family.

February flew by as you would expect from the short month, but I have a feeling that March will fly by as well. We are just a little over four weeks from Easter and there is much to do between now and then. Just take a look at the calendar below.

Get connected. Stay connected.

Upcoming Events:
March 13th – CLASS 101: Connecting With God’s Family
March 14th – Daylight Savings Time Begins
March 20th – Men’s Ministry Workday
March 21st – Women’s Ministry Luncheon
April 2nd – Good Friday Service @ 7:00 PM.
April 4th – Easter – Two Services @ 9:00 & 10:45
April 18th - Baptism

Chili

2010-02-24T10:16:00.000-08:00

There is a lot going on at Venice Church. Check it out below. Get connected. Stay connected.
Here are some highlights:

Men, your February Men’s Ministry Meeting is Sunday right after the service. We always have a great time at these and I am really looking forward to indulging in Wayne’s and Alex’s chili! There will be the usual stuff at the meeting plus important information about our workday and next season.

Ladies, you received a special email earlier today detailing your next event. Be sure to make your reservation at the information counter.

And…there are several of you that receive this email that should seriously consider attending our membership class. It is coming up on Saturday March 13th @ 9:00 AM. I would love to see you there. You can register for the class by checking the appropriate box on the back of your response card on Sunday.

Upcoming Events:
February 28th – Men’s Ministry
February 28th – The Truth Project – 6:00 PM
March 13th – CLASS 101: Connecting With God’s Family
March 20th – Men’s Ministry Workday
March 21st – Women’s Ministry Luncheon
April 2nd – Good Friday Service @ 7:00 PM.
April 4th – Easter – Two Services @ 9:00 & 10:45
April 18th - Baptism

Not Quite a Miracle

2010-02-22T14:33:00.000-08:00

What a great win by the USA Hockey Team last night! It was not exactly a miracle. We have closed the gap between Canada and us quite a bit. In fact, as many Americans play hockey now as Canadians.
Our skill level is way up and our tenacity is back where it should be. Hopefully Ryan Miller can stay hot and the boys can bring home the gold.

Give Me a Break NBC...

2010-02-17T10:05:00.000-08:00

It has been a beautiful week. There is more rain coming, but this sure was a nice break from it.

You guys watching the Olympics…I mean the commercials? I love seeing one preliminary race and then four commercials and then another preliminary race and then four commercials and then a human interest story and then another four commercials. By the time the medal race comes along I am fast asleep. Oh, by the way…I already know who won the medal. Thank you NBC for all of the commercials and for tape delaying events that are happening live in my time zone.

That is enough ranting for today. Enjoy another beautiful day and I will see you on Sunday when we talk about The Prayer of Surrender.

There is a lot going on at Venice. Check it out below. Get connected. Stay connected.

Upcoming Events:
February 21st – Wedding Shower for Monica Delwarte
February 28th – Men’s Ministry
February 28th – The Truth Project
March 13th – CLASS 101: Connecting With God’s Family
April 2nd – Good Friday Service @ 7:00 PM.
April 4th – Easter – Two Services @ 9:00 & 10:45
April 18th - Baptism

Truth Project, Parking, etc..

2010-02-10T09:32:00.000-08:00

The response to The Truth Project has been outstanding and this session is now full. If you are signed up, please look forward to updates from Brad Jensen. The first session will be Sunday evening February 28th @ 6:00 PM. If you were shut out this time and would like to attend, please look for another seminar coming this fall.

This Sunday we dive deeper into our series Connecting With God: The Lord’s Prayer. We will see the prayer of connection this week. I look forward to seeing you then.

God is blessing us with good attendance so let me remind you…if you arrive early for music, prayer meeting, or other ministries…please help us by parking on the street and down the street just a bit. And…please pray with me that God will add many to our church family through CLASS 101 on March 13th.

Upcoming Events:

February 12th – EPIC Winter Camp

February 28th – Men’s Ministry

February 28th – The Truth Project

March 13th – CLASS 101: Connecting With God’s Family

April 2nd – Good Friday Service @ 7:00 PM.

April 4th – Easter – Two Services @ 9:00 & 10:45

April 18th - Baptism

Superbowl Prediction

2010-02-06T18:42:00.000-08:00

I am going to stay out on the limb with my prediction...Colts 31 - Saints 7.

Special For Ladies...

2010-02-03T10:16:00.000-08:00

Ladies, this reminder is especially for you…
You are invited to the shower for Baby Girl Morales this Sunday right after the service. Betsy and Ruben have been faithful members of Venice for many years. Let’s show them our love by celebrating the future arrival of their daughter. The Morales are registered at Babies R Us and Target. Lunch will be served so please RSVP to Becky Henson at henson.becky@yahoo.com.

You are also invited to the wedding shower for Paul Henson and Monica Delwarte on Sunday February 21st following the morning service. Monica is registered at Bed, Bath & Beyond and Target. Lunch will be served so please RSVP to Denise Jensen at bjensen623@verizon.net.
Your participation is greatly appreciated. Wedding and baby showers are a sign of a growing church. Thanks for celebrating these blessed occasions with us.

Coming up at the end of February we will be offering a special seminar for you. It is called The Truth Project and it will be hosted by Brad Jensen. There is limited space available. If you are interested in knowing more about what you believe and why you believe it this study is for you. You may begin signing up on Sunday. For more information contact Brad at bradjensen7@sbcglobal.net.

Celebrating With You,
Amy

Upcoming Events:
February 12th – EPIC Winter Camp
February 28th – Men’s Ministry
February 28th – The Truth Project
March 13th – CLASS 101: Connecting With God’s Family
April 2nd – Good Friday
April 4th – Easter
April 18th - Baptism

More Reality...

2010-01-27T12:35:00.000-08:00

This Sunday morning we will finish up our Eternal Realities Series when we talk about the The Reality of Heaven. It should be an exciting time as we see what God has planned for us.

This Sunday evening will be our Annual Business Meeting. We will review 2009 and look ahead to the remainder of this year. We get started at 6:00 PM. We would love to see you there.

Next week I am going to begin a series called Connecting With God: The Lord’s Prayer. We will take eight weeks and we will walk through the Lord’s Prayer together.

Coming up at the end of February we will be offering a special seminar for you. It is called The Truth Project and it will be hosted by Brad Jensen. There is limited space available. If you are interested in knowing more about what you believe and why you believe it this study is for you. You may begin signing up on Sunday. For more information contact Brad at bradjensen7@sbcglobal.net.

Upcoming Events:
January 31st – Annual Business Meeting
February 12th – EPIC Winter Camp
February 28th – Men’s Ministry
February 28th – The Truth Project
March 13th – CLASS 101: Connecting With God’s Family
April 2nd – Good Friday
April 4th – Easter
April 18th - Baptism

Update on Mrs. Trubey

2010-01-19T13:23:00.000-08:00

Mrs. Trubey is being moved to Culver West Rehabilitation Center today. She is doing a bit better, but still has a long recovery ahead of her. Please keep her in your prayers.

As I mentioned last week, God is sending many visitors our way. Many of those visitors are returning for a second and third visit. Please pray with me that God will draw many to salvation and many into membership here at Venice. It is an exciting time in our church. I am excited about what God will do in our neighborhood. We praise Him for His provision and His desire to use us to reach others.

The next two weeks offer a good opportunity to invite a friend to the service. We are going to embark on a two week series called Eternal Realities. This Sunday I am going to talk about The Reality of Hell. Next week it will be The Reality of Heaven. I hope to see you then.

Upcoming Events:
January 16th – Men’s Ministry
January 23rd – Women’s Ministry
January 31st – Annual Business Meeting
February 12th – EPIC Winter Camp
February 21st – Men’s Ministry
March 13th – CLASS 101: Connecting With God’s Family

Here we go...

2010-01-13T09:12:00.000-08:00

2010 has begun with a bang and with the exception of a half marathon disruption last Sunday things are going very well here at Venice Church. Last Sunday was just a minor distraction and for those who never made it to church, we look forward to seeing you on Sunday. We hope to give you much more notice the next time one of these rolls around.

At Venice Church, we are focused on reaching people who are far from God this year. We fully expect that God will send some others to us that are Christ followers, but need a church home. We are having visitors every Sunday. We want to be as accommodating to our guests as possible and one way that we may be able to help is to think about parking. We have a limited number of parking spaces. If you could help us with our parking it will be greatly appreciated. Here is what we would like to do. If you arrive early and you are able bodied, think about parking on the street, but not right in front on Lucille. This may not work for you if you are a Senior or if you are a family with small children, but if it will work for you it will help us by leaving the best spaces on Lucille and some spaces in the parking lot. It is just one small way that we can be more user friendly here at Venice Church.

I just received word last night that Mrs. Trubey has fallen and been injured. She is in the hospital in the Marina. I will know more after I check on her today. Please put her and keep her in your prayers.

Finally…men I look forward to seeing you at IHOP on Lincoln on Saturday morning at 9:00 for Men’s Ministry.

Upcoming Events:
January 16th – Men’s Ministry
January 23rd – Women’s Ministry
January 31st – Annual Business Meeting
February 12th – EPIC Winter Camp
February 21st – Men’s Ministry
March 13th – CLASS 101: Connecting With God’s Family

Have a Great Year

2009-12-30T13:26:00.000-08:00

God has been so good to us in 2009. I am looking forward expectantly to what 2010 will bring. Beginning on Sunday we will be talking about how to have a great year. I look forward to seeing you then.

FYI…The office will be closed next week (January 4-8). Amy and I will be on a Conference/Cruise.

Upcoming Events:
January 16th – Men’s Ministry
January 23rd – Women’s Ministry
January 31st – Annual Business Meeting

Just a few more days...

2009-12-22T14:27:00.000-08:00

I hope that you are having a wonderful Christmas week. I hope that you will be with us on Christmas Eve. The service will begin at 6:00 PM. Childcare will be provided for the little ones.

Once again you are to be commended. We reached our goal for the Christmas Outreach Offering. We are at $5,438.00 as of today. It is not too late to give. Just drop it in and write Christmas on the envelope.

Upcoming Events:
December 24th – Christmas Eve Service
January 16th – Men’s Ministry
January 23rd – Women’s Ministry
January 31st – Annual Business Meeting