Red Rock Rocked!

The Red Rock Trip was fantastic! Special thanks to Brad Jensen for planning and organizing our trip. A great time was had by all.

I am so pleased that we had an opportunity to recognize Morris and Millie Ballard before they moved away. I regret to inform you that Morris went home to be with the Lord last week. The family is planning a memorial reception here at Venice Church. It will be on Saturday October 10th. The time is tentatively set for 3:00 PM in the Berean Room. More details will follow.

And…God has answered our prayers and Anita Kamberg is home. She is continuing her recovery and would like to express her thanks to all of you in the Venice family who have been faithful to pray for her. Please continue to pray for her full recovery. We will look forward to having her with us in services very soon.

I look forward to seeing you and worshiping with you on Sunday. Don’t forget that this Sunday is the L.A. Triathlon. If you live south of Venice Blvd., getting to church could be a problem. Please go here for street closures and alternate routes. http://trafficinfo.lacity.org/html/2009Triathlon.html

Upcoming Events:
October 3rd – Venice United Soccer
October 4th – L.A. Triathlon – (Go to http://www.latriathlon.com/ for street closures.)
October 17th – CLASS 101: Connecting With God’s Family
October 18th – Small Group Leader Meeting
October 25th - Baptism
October 31st – Trunk or Treat
November 1st – 40 Days of Love
November 7th – Ladies Parking Lot Sale
November 14th – CLASS 201: Growing to be Like Christ

God's Plan For the Family

Amy and I arrived home safely this morning at 5:30.
Thank you for your prayers.
We had a wonderful vacation in Hawaii.
God is so good!

It is a big week and a short week (for me).
This Sunday I will begin our new series called "Who's the Boss?".
We will discuss God's plan for the family.
I look forward to seeing you then.


Upcoming Events:

September 25th – Red Rock Prayer Meeting & Orientation

September 26th – Seek N Surf

September 27th-29th – Red Rock Trip

October 3rd – Venice United Soccer

October 4th – L.A. Triathlon – (Go to http://www.latriathlon.com/ for street closures.)

October 17th – CLASS 101: Connecting With God’s Family

October 18th – Small Group Leader Meeting

October 25th - Baptism

October 31st – Trunk or Treat

November 1st – 40 Days of Love

November 7th – Ladies Parking Lot Sale

November 14th – CLASS 201: Growing to be Like Christ

Amy and I leave tomorrow. We will return on the 24th.
I know that you will enjoy your time together over the next couple of Sundays. We will miss you and will look forward to seeing you on the 27th.
I will begin the family series “Who’s the Boss?” that day. I am looking forward to it.


Upcoming Events:
September 13th – Guest Speaker: Bob Henson
September 20th – Guest Speaker: Jim Gane
September 27th-29th – Red Rock Trip
October 3rd – Venice United Soccer
October 4th – L.A. Triathlon – (Go to http://www.latriathlon.com/ for street closures.)
October 17th – CLASS 101: Connecting With God’s Family
October 18th – Small Group Leader Meeting
October 25th - Baptism
October 31st – Trunk or Treat
November 1st – 40 Days of Love
November 7th – Ladies Parking Lot Sale
November 14th – CLASS 201: Growing to be Like Christ

Longest Week Ever

This has to be the longest week of each and every year. No…it is not long because it is the final week of August/first week of September. It is the longest week of the year because it is the week before Amy and I go on vacation!! Longest week ever!!
So we are grinding away. Doing our thing. Getting ready for another great Sunday with you. We will wrap up our series “Crossroads”.

When we get back I will begin a new series called “Who’s the Boss?” It is a parenting series. I am praying that God will use it in our lives. It doesn’t matter if you are single, married, a single parent, a mom, a dad, an aunt, an uncle or a grandparent I believe this series will minister to you as we come to understand God’s plan for the family.

Do your best to stay cool! See you on Sunday.


This Saturday:
Seek N Surf: Santa Monica Beach – 7:00 AM Lifeguard Tower #24 (contact:seeknsurf@gmail.com for more information.)

Venice United Soccer: Marine Park – 1:00 PM. (contact mrhensonrocks@yahoo.com for more information.)

Upcoming Events:
September 13th – Guest Speaker: Bob Henson
September 20th – Guest Speaker: Jim Gane
September 27th-29th – Red Rock Trip
October 4th – L.A. Triathlon – (Go to http://www.latriathlon.com/ for street closures.)
October 17th – CLASS 101: Connecting With God’s Family
October 18th – Small Group Leader Meeting
October 25th - Baptism
October 31st – Trunk or Treat
November 1st – 40 Days of Love
November 7th – CLASS 201: Growing to Be Like Christ

Hoe Down!

I am looking forward to the Country Hoe Down Dance this Saturday evening at 6:00 PM. 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 will be available at the door.

There is a ton of stuff going on here at Venice. I hope that you will stay involved as the summer winds down. For all of you going to Red Rock, please continue to get your money in and you will begin hearing from Brad frequently by email. I can’t wait for Red Rock. It will be a blast.

Please continue to pray for Anita Kamberg. She has been moved to a rehab facility. You can continue to get updates here: http://howisanitadoing.wordpress.com/.


Upcoming Events:
August 29th – Seek In Surf
August 29th – Country Hoe Down Dance
September 13th – Guest Speaker: Bob Henson
September 20th – Guest Speaker: Jim Gane
September 27th-29th – Red Rock Trip
October 17th – CLASS 101: Connecting With God’s Family
October 18th – Small Group Leader Meeting
October 25th - Baptism
October 31st – Trunk or Treat
November 1st – 40 Days of Love
November 7th – CLASS 201: Growing to Be Like Christ

Soccer, Super Sunday and Other Stuff

It is amazing to watch God put ministry on the hearts of our people. Over the last couple of years we have seen a prayer ministry and a surfing ministry spring up. We have a group of young adults in our church that play Ultimate Frisbee for the sole purpose of connecting with people far from God. And now…we have some soccer enthusiasts that would like to do something similar. They are calling themselves Venice United and they are going to be at Penmar Park on Saturday at 11:30 AM. So bring your lunch and your best step over and join them for some soccer. For more information contact Richie Henson at mrhensonrocks@yahoo.com.

To celebrate their hard work, our Rockstars are rewarded with a Super Sunday every four weeks. This Sunday is Super Sunday and they will be playing water games outside. Please be sure to send your child in clothes that you do not mind getting dirty and wet. We want to have a Super time without being Super soaked in our nice clothes! For more information please contact Jennifer Villaryo (310.384.5694) or Becky Henson (310.435.4377).

Make your plans to join us for 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 are on sale now.

Please continue to pray for Anita Kamberg. She is still in the hospital. You can get updates here: http://howisanitadoing.wordpress.com/.


Upcoming Events:
August 22nd – VeniceUnited Soccer
August 23rd – Rockstars Super Sunday
August 29th – Seek In Surf
August 29th – Country Hoe Down Dance
September 13th – Guest Speaker: Bob Henson
September 20th – Guest Speaker: Jim Gane
September 27-29 – Red Rock Trip
October 31st – Trunk or Treat
November 1st – 40 Days of Love

Donations

The Monday night young adult small group is collecting clean, gently worn clothes and shoes for Bible Tabernacle in Venice. Clothes and shoes for men, women, and children are needed. Please bring clothes and shoes without holes, stains, and tears. Please no missing buttons or laces. Costco and Smart & Final gift cards are welcome donations as well. Collection boxes will be located right outside the worship center. Thank you for your help with this service project.

Make your plans to join us for 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 are on sale now.

Let me offer this for your consideration. Please make note of the dates below and please read your handout on Sunday mornings. Most of the information that you need can be found there. We are doing our best to limit the audio announcements in the Sunday service.

Please continue to pray for Anita Kamberg. She is still in the hospital. You can get updates here: http://howisanitadoing.wordpress.com/.


Upcoming Events:
August 22nd – VeniceUnited Soccer
August 23rd – Rockstars Super Sunday
August 29th – Seek In Surf
August 29th – Country Hoe Down Dance
September 13th – Guest Speaker: Bob Henson
September 20th – Guest Speaker: Jim Gane
September 27-29 – Red Rock Trip
October 31st – Trunk or Treat

Lots Going On

I know that many of you are looking forward to the Red Rock Trip. It is time to get your money in! The cost is $200.00 per person. There is specific information coming your way very soon. And…there is still room for a few more. Sign up and get your deposit in. Don’t miss this wonderful time of fun, community, and growth.

Make your plans to join us for 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 are on sale now.

We continue our study in Colossians on Sunday. We will be in chapter 3 once more for part 2 of our message: Your New Life. We will finish up the series on August 16th when we talk about New Life Relationships.

Let me offer this for your consideration. Please make note of the dates below and please read your handout on Sunday mornings. Most of the information that you need can be found there. We are doing our best to limit the audio announcements in the Sunday service.

Please continue to pray for Anita Kamberg. She is still in the hospital. You can get updates here: http://howisanitadoing.wordpress.com/.


Upcoming Events:
August 22nd – VeniceUnited Soccer
August 23rd – Rockstars Super Sunday
August 29th – Seek In Surf
August 29th – Country Hoe Down Dance
September 13th – Guest Speaker: Bob Henson
September 20th – Guest Speaker: Jim Gane
September 27-29 – Red Rock Trip
October 31st – Trunk or Treat
November 1st – 40 Days of Love

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.