Keep Praying

Thank you for your continued prayer for Anita Kamberg. She is still in the hospital, but is making progress in her recovery. Your prayers are making a difference.

Every year the dog days of summer hit this time of year. It seems like every year that our offerings go through the “dog days” as well. I want to encourage you to be faithful to give as God is faithful to bless you. I know that these are difficult economic times. The offerings in July left a bit to be desired. Please pray with me that August will be better. We need to finish the summer well so that we may have a strong fall where people give their lives to Christ and members are added to the church.

The church picnic was a big success. We had a great time together. Let me encourage you to make plans to be at the Country Hoe Down Dance on August 29th. Thea, our resident dance instructor, will be there to teach us the two-step. There will be prizes for the best cowboy and cowgirl outfit. We will have a great time together. Tickets are $5.00 and will be on sale beginning Sunday.

I look forward to worshiping with you on Sunday.

Upcoming Events:
July 31st – Just Pray @ 7:00 PM @ Venice Boardwalk
August 29th – Country Hoe Down Dance
September 13th – Guest Speaker: Bob Henson
September 20th – Guest Speaker: Jim Gane
September 27-29 – Red Rock Trip

Venice Church Picnic

The Venice Church Picnic is this Saturday at Syd Kronenthal Park in Culver City. (To get there…go east on Venice Blvd. and make a right on Helms and then a left on Washington and then a right on McManus and go all the way to the dead end.) We have a spot reserved from 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM. We have two covered picnic areas, two barbecues, a playground, a basketball court, a softball diamond, and room for soccer, football, and other junk. Sorry…you may not bring your dog or your barbecue. You may want to bring your beach chair. I am looking forward to seeing you there.

Hey, it is not too late to sign up for Red Rock. There are about 9 spaces left. It is going to be a blast. Some of you have no excuse for not going! You know who you are. Stop dragging your feet. Sign up! Get your deposit in. For more information contact Brad at bjensen623@verizon.net.



Upcoming Events:
July 25th – Church Picnic @ Kronenthal Park
July 26th – Seek N Surf @ Venice Pier 7:00 PM
July 31st – Just Pray @ 7:00 PM @ Venice Boardwalk
August 29th – Country Hoe Down Dance
September 27-29 – Red Rock Trip

Picnic!!

This Sunday is a Super Sunday in Rockstars. It is a great day for your kids to invite a friend. There will be lots of games and a really fun time with other kids. Encourage them to bring a friend to Rockstars this Sunday at 10:00 AM.

I hope that you are all planning to join us for the Church Picnic on Saturday July 25th. It will be a great time of just hanging out and enjoying some time together. This is also a great opportunity to invite a friend or neighbor. Bring somebody with you. We have space reserved at Kronenthal Park from 10:00 AM t0 3:00 PM. Bring your lunch and stay as long as you like.

Hey, it is not too late to sign up for Red Rock. There are about 9 spaces left. It is going to be a blast. Some of you have no excuse for not going! You know who you are. Stop dragging your feet. Sign up! Get your deposit in. For more information contact Brad at bjensen623@verizon.net.

Just a reminder that you can always read the Touching Base at my blog at http://venicetouchingbase.blogspot.com/.


Upcoming Events:
July 25th – Church Picnic @ Kronenthal Park
August 29th – Country Hoe Down Dance
September 27-29 – Red Rock Trip

Perspective

I am big on perspective. I think that it pretty much means everything. As Christ followers, our ability to see things from God’s perspective is literally everything. I have noticed that if I will pay attention, God will put things in perspective and keep things in perspective for me. Sometimes that amounts to a gentle nudge or a big proverbial smack upside the head. It may be manifest in another Christ follower or comrade in ministry calling me out. It may hit home in the form of a gentle reminder that it is not about me.

Perspective even rocks my world in the gym. This week I resumed my workouts after a week off and I was not very motivated. I did alright during my lifting. I mean, I was doing an arm workout and its beach season. That is motivation. I wasn’t, however, very motivated to do my cardio work on the elliptical and I was rationalizing and making excuses about how to get out of doing my cardio work, but I drug myself up there and began to do the work, all the while grumbling on the inside when I was given a swift kick in the basketball shorts. An amputee complete with prosthetic from what appeared to be from the knee down jumps up on the elliptical next to me and goes to work. That will give you some perspective and in my case, the motivation that you need to get over yourself and stop feeling sorry for yourself. It did motivate me. I never cease to be amazed at what a sissy I can be. I didn’t meet the man. I didn’t talk to the man. I thank him for the perspective.

Hey, it is not too late to sign up for Red Rock. There are about 9 spaces left. It is going to be a blast. Some of you have no excuse for not going! You know who you are. Stop dragging your feet. Sign up! Get your deposit in. For more information contact Brad at bjensen623@verizon.net.



Upcoming Events:
July 25th – Church Picnic @ Kronenthal Park
August 29th – Country Hoe Down Dance
September 27-29 – Red Rock Trip

Father's Day

Summer Time

Summer is officially here. There has even been an occasional appearance by the sun. I hope that you have big plans for your summer and I encourage you to stay connected to the Venice Church family.

We have a good message series planned for you during July and August. We are going to study through the book of Colossians. If you miss a Sunday, just pick up a cd at the information counter and you will hear every message.

My summer really begins next week. Amy and I will be out of town next week. The office will be open on Monday June 29th, but then will be closed for the rest of the week.

For most of us summer will not end until we get back from the Red Rock Trip. Sign-ups have begun and there are more than 30 people signed up. The first 50 are in for the trip. Some of you have no excuse for not going! You know who you are. Stop dragging your feet. Sign up! Get your deposit in. For more information contact Brad at bjensen623@verizon.net.

Upcoming Events:
July 25th – Church Picnic @ Kronenthal Park
August 29th – Country Hoe Down Dance
September 27-29 – Red Rock Trip

Get Your Deposit In

Please pray for the Epic Student Ministry Ski Trip & Camp. They leave on Friday and return on Wednesday. Please pray for their safety on the roads and at the lake. Pray that God will move among our teenagers.

This Sunday is Father’s Day. We encourage everyone to wear their favorite team jersey or shirt to the service that day. One lucky dad will walk away with a family four pack of tickets to an upcoming Dodger game. They are in the all-you-can-eat pavilion and parking is included.

Seek N’ Surf BBQ will be Saturday June 27th. Surfing from 7-11 AM at Ventura County Line followed by barbecue at Manny & Leanna’s house. For information contact the ministry at seeknsurf@gmail.com.

Red Rock Trip: Sign-ups have begun and there are more than 30 people signed up. The first 50 are in for the trip. You do not want to miss this. It will be great and I guarantee that you will enjoy our speaker Jim Baize. He is a lot of fun and a dynamic speaker. What could be better than hanging out with me for three days? Seriously! For more information contact Brad at bjensen623@verizon.net.

There is so much going on at Venice Church and I am glad that all of you are a part of it. We praise God for the members that were added to the church last Saturday and for those that were baptized on Sunday. God is so good. There is nothing better than seeing lives changed!

Upcoming Events:
June 19th – 24th – EPIC Camp & Ski Trip
June 21st – Father’s Day (Sports Jersey Day & Dodger Tickets)
June 27th – Women’s Ministry Meeting
July 25th – Church Picnic @ Kronenthal Park
September 27-29 – Red Rock Trip

CLASS 101

It is so exciting to be a part of what God is doing here at Venice. There is so much going on and there are so many lives being changed. God is good and I look forward to what He will continue to do.

There are two very important opportunities this weekend.
On Saturday I will host and teach CLASS 101: Connecting With God’s Family. If you would like to know more about Venice Church or if you are interested in joining Venice Church this class is for you. It is very laid back. We will be serving a light breakfast. It all begins Saturday morning at 9:00 AM. I will have you out by lunch time. The class meets in the back of the church plant. Please enter through the gate between the hedges on the Walgrove Ave. side of the church.

Sunday morning we will be baptizing in the worship center just before the service. The baptism will be at 9:45. If you are planning to be baptized, please meet me at the piano at 9:30. Bring your bathing suit and a T-shirt. We will supply the towels and hair dryers and everything else you may need.

Here are a couple of other important announcements…

Father’s Day: Father’s Day is Sunday June 21st. We encourage everyone to wear their favorite team jersey or shirt to the service that day. One lucky dad will walk away with a family four pack of tickets to an upcoming Dodger game. They are in the all-you-can-eat pavilion and parking is included.

Red Rock Trip: Sign-ups have begun and there are more than 30 people signed up. The first 50 are in for the trip. You do not want to miss this. It will be great and I guarantee that you will enjoy our speaker Jim Baize. He is a lot of fun and a dynamic speaker. Your deposit of $50.00 is due on Sunday. For more information contact Brad at bjensen623@verizon.net.

You will find more fun stuff listed below. Please mark your calendars and plan to participate.

Upcoming Events:
June 13th – CLASS 101
June 14th – Baptism
June 19th – 24th – EPIC Camp & Ski Trip
June 21st – Father’s Day (Sports Jersey Day & Dodger Tickets)
June 27th – Women’s Ministry Meeting
July 25th – Church Picnic @ Kronenthal Park
September 27-29 – Red Rock Trip

Lots To Do

There is so much going on that I must commit this week’s Touching Base to information for you.

So…here you go. Learn it. Know it. Live it.

Attention Rockstars Parents: There is a change to the Sunday morning schedule. Take One has been suspended immediately and the children will no longer be worshipping with us on Sunday mornings. Please check your child into their Studio before you come to the Worship Center. Studios will be open no later than 9:45 AM each Sunday morning.

Epic Camp Fund Raiser: Epic Youth Ministry is hosting a free lunch this Sunday right after the service. It is a fund raiser to help students go to camp. Come for the free food and bring your check book and help a teenager go to camp. You can give a full scholarship ($200.00), a partial scholarship or any amount that you can. Every little bit will help. The camp is June 19th -24th. For more information contact Daniel & Kristen at jenkrist@yahoo.com.

Father’s Day: Father’s Day is Sunday June 21st. We encourage everyone to wear their favorite team jersey or shirt to the service that day. One lucky dad will walk away with a family four pack of tickets to an upcoming Dodger game. They are in the all-you-can-eat pavilion and parking is included.

Red Rock Trip: Sign-ups have begun and there are already 30 people signed up. The first 50 are in for the trip. You do not want to miss this. It will be great and I guarantee that you will enjoy our speaker Jim Baize. He is a lot of fun and a dynamic speaker. For more information contact Brad at bjensen623@verizon.net.
You will find more fun stuff listed below. Please mark your calendars and plan to participate.

Upcoming Events:
June 7th – EPIC Youth Ministry Camp Fund Raiser
June 13th – CLASS 101
June 14th – Baptism
June 19th – 24th – EPIC Camp & Ski Trip
June 21st – Father’s Day (Sports Jersey Day & Dodger Tickets)
June 27th – Women’s Ministry Meeting

Happy Memorial Day

I hope that you are having a wonderful Memorial Day! It is good and right to remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. Thank you to all who have served us in our armed forces. The families of those who have lost loved ones are in our prayers today.

Attention Rockstars Parents: There is a change to the Sunday morning schedule. Take One has been suspended immediately and the children will no longer be worshipping with us on Sunday mornings. Please check your child into their Studio before you come to the Worship Center. Studios will be open no later than 9:45 AM each Sunday morning.

FYI…Amy and I are going to Palm Springs for a few days this week. The church office will be closed Wednesday – Friday.


Upcoming Events:
June 6th – Seek & Surf
June 7th – EPIC Youth Ministry Camp Fund Raiser
June 13th – CLASS 101
June 14th – Baptism
June 19th – 24th – EPIC Camp & Ski Trip
June 21st – Father’s Day (Sports Jersey Day & Dodger Tickets)
June 27th – Women’s Ministry Meeting

Summer Is On the Way

The end of the school year is quickly approaching and summer is just around the corner. As you can see by the calendar of events, this summer is jam packed here at Venice Church. Please mark your calendars and make your plans to be a part of all that is happening.

Please make note of these special announcements. These events are approaching quickly.

We have many unique ministries here at Venice Church. One of them is our Seek & Surf ministry. It cranks up every summer and it gets started on Saturday June 6th. It is for surfers and those learning to surf. It is a time for those seeking God and interested in surfing to get together and hang out and study the Bible and…well…surf. For more information, get in touch with Marc Bagasao. cram777@ca.rr.com

If you have not joined our church by completing CLASS 101: Connecting With God’s Family and would like to, then make your plans to attend the class on Saturday June 13th @ 9:00 AM. The class is designed to answer your questions about Venice Church. You can enroll in the class by marking the box on the back of your response card on Sunday morning or by responding to this email.
If you have not been baptized and would like to be baptized then Sunday June 14th is for you. We will baptize right before the service at about 9:45 AM. You can sign up to be baptized on the back of your response card on Sunday or by responding to this email.

Just a reminder…you can read each week’s touching base on my blog at http://venicetouchingbase.blogspot.com/. You can also link to the blog from our church website venicechurch.com.

Upcoming Events:
June 6th – Seek & Surf
June 7th – EPIC Youth Ministry Camp Fund Raiser
June 13th – CLASS 101
June 14th – Baptism
June 19th – 24th – EPIC Camp & Ski Trip
June 21st – Father’s Day (Sports Jersey Day & Dodger Tickets)
June 27th – Women’s Ministry Meeting

Seek & Surf

I am seriously praising God for His wonderful work here at Venice Church. This past Sunday we had our best attendance in years (excluding Christmas & Easter) with 175 in attendance! God is truly good and it is great to be a part of what He is doing in our neighborhood.

That being said, we need your help. I know this is a lot to ask, but I must ask so that we may all fit in the worship center. As you make your way into the worship center, please try to fill up the section on the east side of the building and…sit toward the middle and the front. Late arrivers typically head down the outside aisles looking for a seat. Many times these late arrivers are visitors or guests. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated.

Our desire is to fill up this one service on a regular basis. If we do, we will definitely set the wheels in motion for a second service. We are praying for that day. God is good…all of the time.

We have many unique ministries here at Venice Church. One of them is our Seek & Surf ministry. It cranks up every summer and it gets started on Saturday June 6th. It is for surfers and those learning to surf. It is a time for those seeking God and interested in surfing to get together and hang out and study the Bible and…well…surf. For more information, get in touch with Marc Bagasao. cram777@ca.rr.com If you are not familiar with the name…Marc is the sax and keyboard guy in the band.

If you have not joined our church by completing CLASS 101: Connecting With God’s Family and would like to, then make your plans to attend the class on Saturday June 13th @ 9:00 AM. The class is designed to answer your questions about Venice Church. You can enroll in the class by marking the box on the back of your response card on Sunday morning or by responding to this email.

If you have not been baptized and would like to be baptized then Sunday June 14th is for you. We will baptize right before the service at about 9:45 AM. You can sign up to be baptized on the back of your response card on Sunday or by responding to this email.

Ten Things I Think

1. I think that of all of the Hallmark holidays, Mother’s Day may be the most worthy.
2. I think that my mom is going to have a big old mansion in heaven for putting up with my father, brother, and me.
3. I think that we think that our moms are brilliant from birth to age 12 and then we think that they get incredibly ignorant until we are about age 25 and then suddenly they are brilliant again.
4. I think that my mom is great, but not as great as my kid’s mom.
5. I think the saying, “A face only a mother could love,” is true and there are many other features and factors that you could put in place of “face”.
6. I think that Father’s Day takes a backseat to Mother’s Day and it should.
7. I think that men over 40 should not wear sports jerseys…except on Father’s Day at Venice Church.
8. I think that this Men’s Ministry season was a huge success. Thanks to Brad and his entire team for a great year.
9. I think that our Easter outreach program was a huge success. With the exception of this last Sunday our attendance has jumped about 15 each week. It is great to see first time visitors every week.
10. I think…okay I know… that the NFL season is only 128 days away. Football, you bet!!

Men's Ministry This Sunday

Last week it was the Women’s Ministry in the spotlight and this week Men’s Ministry comes to the fore.

This Sunday, May 3rd, we have our end of season BBQ at Bob Tripp’s house immediately following the worship service. It will be a great time. We always have outstanding food. Richie Henson will wrap up our season-long prayer curriculum and you will get all of the 411 on the upcoming Men’s Ministry Road Trip and season. I will look forward to seeing you all there. As always you can find Men’s Ministry info at there blog at http://www.venicemensministry.blogspot.com/.

The following Sunday, May 10th, is Mother’s Day. Don’t forget to honor your mom, wife, and mother of your children on that special day. We will be honoring all of the moms in our worship service.

And finally…on Father’s Day, June 24th, we are encouraging everybody (men, women, boys & girls) to wear their favorite sports jersey or shirt to the service. We are giving away a family four pack of Dodger tickets in the all-you-can-eat pavilion (plus parking) to one lucky dad in attendance that day.

Upcoming Events:
May 3rd – Men’s Ministry
May 10th – Mother’s Day
June 13th – CLASS 101
June 14th – Baptism
June 19th – 24th – EPIC Camp & Ski Trip
June 21st – Father’s Day
June 27th – Women’s Ministry Meeting

For Women Only

Hey! How are you doing?


This Saturday at 10:00 AM is our Women’s Ministry Career Building Seminar. Our speakers will share these topics: prayer, leadership, goal setting, & discipline. Our speakers will share these topics in the context of home, work, and church.


If you have not signed up and you are planning to attend, please respond to this email. We are preparing a light breakfast and gift for each lady in attendance. The cost is $5.00 per person.


If you are an amazing woman and have all of these areas of your life together already…just come and enjoy the fellowship with the other ladies of Venice that are struggling.


With Love,

Amy



Upcoming Events:

April 25th – Women’s Ministry Career Seminar

May 3rd – Men’s Ministry

May 10th – Mother’s Day

June 13th – CLASS 101

June 14th – Baptism

June 19th – 24th – EPIC Camp & Ski Trip

June 21st – Father’s Day

June 27th – Women’s Ministry Meeting

Rejoice!

I am rejoicing over the wonderful blessings of this past weekend! We had a total attendance of 360 in our three services and we handed out over 50 gift bags to first time visitors. Some of our visitors have already expressed a desire to come back again. We praise God for His wonderful works. We continue to pray that God would call many into His family and into our church family.

Special thanks to our Communication Team for their smarts and hard work in promoting our Easter services. We are truly blessed to have so many talented people using their talent for God.

Over the last couple of days our Panama Missions Team has returned home safely. We can look forward to hearing their stories and testimonies over the coming weeks.
There is so much exciting stuff going on that it is difficult to contain myself. It is a joy to share in all of it with you. I look forward to all that God has planned for us here at Venice Church.

This Sunday we begin a new series called Leaving a Lasting Legacy. I look forward to seeing you then.

Upcoming Events:
April 25th – Women’s Ministry Career Seminar
May 3rd – Men’s Ministry
May 10th – Mother’s Day
June 13th – CLASS 101
June 14th – Baptism
June 19th – 24th – EPIC Camp & Ski Trip
June 21st – Father’s Day
June 27th – Women’s Ministry Meeting

Doorhangers!

It is Easter week. Many of you probably already know this because you got an Easter Service invite on your front door! (The attached picture is from the Cope's home.) Please continue to pray over the next few days as 25,000 households are invited to our services this weekend. Pray that many will attend and that God will call some to faith in Christ and into His family.

If you did not get a door hanger…here is this week’s lineup. There will be a Good Friday Service @ 7:00 PM. Studio Green (nursery) and Studio Blue will be open on Friday night. We will have two services on Easter Sunday at 9:00 & 10:45 AM. Rockstars will run during both services.

Our Panama Missions Team will be in Panama until Sunday. Please pray for their safety and that God will continue to work through them. We look forward to a wonderful report upon their return.

It is an exciting week. I am thrilled to be sharing it with you.


Upcoming Events:

April 2nd – April 12th – Panama Missions Trip

April 10th – Good Friday Service @ 7:00 PM.

April 12th – Easter: Two Services @ 9:00 & 10:45 AM.

April 25th – Women’s Ministry Potluck

May 3rd – Men’s Ministry

May 10th – Mother’s Day

Touching Base

Next week is Easter week. I hope that you are planning to worship with us and have invited somebody to attend with you. We have three opportunities for you. There will be a Good Friday Service on April 10th @ 7:00 PM. We will have two services on Easter Sunday at 9:00 & 10:45 AM.

Our Panama Missions Team is just a couple of days from departing to Panama. Please pray for their safety and that God will accomplish His will through them. We look forward to a wonderful report upon their return. They will return April 12th.



Upcoming Events:

April 2nd – April 12th – Panama Missions Trip

April 10th – Good Friday Service @ 7:00 PM.

April 12th – Easter: Two Services @ 9:00 & 10:45 AM.

April 25th – Women’s Ministry Potluck

May 3rd – Men’s Ministry

May 10th – Mother’s Day

There are some wonderful opportunities for ministry this week and in the coming weeks.
Please take advantage of these opportunities.

Our Prayer Ministry Team is planning a very special prayer meeting this Friday night March 27th. It will be an “all-night” meeting beginning at 7:30 and continuing until midnight. Make your plans to come and pray some time during the evening. Of course you are invited to pray with them every Sunday morning at 9:00.

This Sunday during the service we will have a special time of prayer over our Panama Missions Team. We will gather around them and pray for them. They leave for Panama next Thursday.

Men, your next Men’s Ministry meeting will be this Sunday right after the service. For more information, check out the Men’s Ministry blog. You can link to it from our website venicechurch.com.

Easter is just a couple of weeks away. Please begin making your plans to celebrate with us. We have three services planned. There will be a Good Friday Service on April 10th @ 7:00 PM. We will have two services on Easter Sunday at 9:00 & 10:45 AM. And…it is a great time to invite somebody to come to church with you. It just might change their life now and for eternity.


Upcoming Events:
Every Sunday @ 9:15: Take One for Rockstars
March 27th – “All-Night” Prayer Meeting
March 29th – Men’s Ministry after the morning service.
April 2nd – April 12th – Panama Missions Trip
April 10th – Good Friday Service @ 7:00 PM.
April 12th – Easter: Two Services @ 9:00 & 10:45 AM.
April 25th – Women’s Ministry Potluck

God is good!

God is so good! You all did good too! Because of the faithfulness and goodness of God and because of your faithfulness to God we were able to raise $3,333.00 for our Panama team this past Sunday. I want all of the credit to go where it is due. You are to be commended for your generosity. Good people of Venice Church, thank you for caring for the lost and needy of Panama. All praise to God for His wonderful blessings. Without the blessings and generosity of God you would not have had an offering to give. God is so good! We praise Him wonderful name.

And now…a few quick reminders.

Our Prayer Ministry Team is planning a very special prayer meeting for Friday night March 27th. It will be an “all-night” meeting beginning at 7:00 and continuing until midnight. Make your plans to come and pray some time during the evening. Of course you are invited to pray with them every Sunday morning at 9:00.

Men, your next Men’s Ministry meeting will be Sunday March 29th right after the service. For more information, check out the Men’s Ministry blog. You can link to it from our website venicechurch.com.

Easter is less than one month away. Please begin making your plans to celebrate with us. We have three services planned. There will be a Good Friday Service on April 10th @ 7:00 PM. We will have two services on Easter Sunday at 9:00 & 10:45 AM. And…it is a great time to invite somebody to come to church with you. It just might change their life now and for eternity.


Upcoming Events:
Every Sunday @ 9:15: Take One for Rockstars
March 27th – “All-Night” Prayer Meeting
March 29th – Men’s Ministry after the morning service.
April 2nd – April 12th – Panama Missions Trip
April 10th – Good Friday Service @ 7:00 PM.
April 12th – Easter: Two Services @ 9:00 & 10:45 AM.