Touching Base

A Little R & R

Mon, 07 May 2012 16:59:00 GMT

Amy and I are away for a few days in Palm Springs…so the office will be closed this week. We look forward to seeing you on Sunday for Mother’s Day and week 5 of 40 Days In the Word. Ladies…we encourage you all to wear a hat to church on Sunday. We love to see the hats on Mother's Day.

Please remember to sign up for the retreat, make an appointment to give blood, and make plans to be a part of all of the great stuff going on at Venice Church.

Upcoming Events:

April 15^{th –}May 27^th – 40 Days In the Word

May 13^th – Mother’s Day…Ladies wear your hat to church!

May 19^th – Women’s Ministry Event

May 20^th – Men’s Ministry BBQ

June 3^rd – Mark & Judy Reynolds – Water For Life Worldwide

June 3^rd – EPIC Camp Fundraiser

June 9^th – CLASS 101: Discovering Membership

June 10^th – Venice Church Community Blood Drive

June 22^nd – 25^th – EPIC Camp

June 24^th – Don & Sheryl Rooks – Connecting Point Ministries

August 24^th – 26^th – Church Retreat

Listen to messages online at venicechurch.com or search Venice Church podcast on iTunes.

Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Venice-Church/165528453498230

Busy, busy, busy

Wed, 02 May 2012 16:18:00 GMT

Just in case 40 Days In the Word is not keeping you busy enough there is a ton of stuff going on at Venice Church.

Let me encourage you to read your handout very carefully on any given Sunday. You will find details for the upcoming events that you find listed at the bottom of the blog each week.

Here are a few things to focus on this week:

Ladies, Sunday is your last chance to buy tickets for the Women’s Luncheon that is coming up on Saturday May 19^th. See the ladies in the lobby to purchase your ticket and reserve your spot.

We are sponsoring a Community Blood Drive on Sunday June 10^th. The Bloodmobile will be here from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Please see Amy Henson on Sunday to make an appointment to give blood.

And our first ever Church Retreat is coming up August 24^th – 26^th. We need you to let us know if you are planning to attend. You can simply write “retreat” on the back of your response card on Sunday or reply to us by email at info@venicechurch.com. For more information contact Daniel & Kristin Nehrig at jenkrist@yahoo.com.

Upcoming Events:

April 15^{th –}May 27^th – 40 Days In the Word

May 13^th – Mother’s Day…Ladies wear your hat to church!

May 19^th – Women’s Ministry Event

May 20^th – Men’s Ministry BBQ

June 3^rd – Mark & Judy Reynolds – Water For Life Worldwide

June 3^rd – EPIC Camp Fundraiser

June 9^th – CLASS 101: Discovering Membership

June 10^th – Venice Church Community Blood Drive

June 22^nd – 25^th – EPIC Camp

June 24^th – Don & Sheryl Rooks – Connecting Point Ministries

August 24^th – 26^th – Church Retreat

Listen to messages online at venicechurch.com or search Venice Church podcast on iTunes.

Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Venice-Church/165528453498230

For Your Own Good

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 15:39:00 GMT

I hope that you are enjoying 40 Days In the Word. God is really using this time of emphasis on the Bible to work in my life. I hope that you are getting the daily devotionals at 40daysintheword.com. They are being taught by 40 of the greatest Bible teachers in the world. They are really good. I am really enjoying them.

As I was watching today’s devotional I was reminded of this truth. Everything that God tells us in the Bible is for our own good. Every promise, every precept, every command is for our own good. My parents always said that to me. “I am telling you for your own good.” They had my best interest at heart. God has our best interest at heart as well. Everything He says is for our own good.

Upcoming Events:

April 15^{th –}May 27^th – 40 Days In the Word

April 28^th – Men’s Ministry Service Project

May 19^th – Women’s Ministry Event

June 3^rd – Mark & Judy Reynolds – Water For Life Worldwide

June 9^th – CLASS 101: Discovering Membership

June 24^th – Don & Sheryl Rooks – Connecting Point Ministries

August 24^th – 26^th – Church Retreat

Listen to messages online at venicechurch.com or search Venice Church podcast on iTunes.

Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Venice-Church/165528453498230

Life Change Happens Best In Small Groups

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 17:06:00 GMT

We began 40 Days In the Word on Sunday. We are off to a good start as we love the Word, learn the Word, and live the Word of God. Your 40 Days experience will be greatly enhanced if you are in a small group. It is not too late to jump in. If you are not in a group, I would love to help you find one. Hit me at info@venicechurch.com for more information.

We have a wonderful opportunity to partner with our Men’s Ministry to serve our community. The men are serving Love and Respect Youth Center in south Los Angeles. You can help by giving to offset the cost of the project or by donating an old PC computer. If you have questions or if you want to help send me an email and we will get you set up.

I look forward to worshipping with you and studying the Word of God with you on Sunday. Have a great week.

Upcoming Events:

April 15^{th –}May 27^th – 40 Days In the Word

April 28^th – Men’s Ministry Service Project

May 19^th – Women’s Ministry Event

June 3^rd – Mark & Judy Reynolds – Water For Life Worldwide

June 24^th – Don & Sheryl Rooks – Connecting Point Ministries

August 24^th – 26^th – Church Retreat

Listen to messages online at venicechurch.com or search Venice Church podcast on iTunes.

Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Venice-Church/165528453498230

Learn it. Love it. Live it.

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 16:23:00 GMT

God really blessed our Easter week with a total attendance of 356 with 6 people accepting Christ as Savior. Thank you to all of you who volunteered and served in and prayed for our three services. It is exciting to see what God is doing in our church.

And…40 Days In the Word begins this Sunday. We are going to learn the Word, love the Word and live the Word of God. If you are not in a small group, please seriously consider joining one at least for this campaign. Your 40 Days experience will be greatly enhanced if you are in a small group. I would love to help you find one. If you would like to host a new group I would love to hear from you as well. Hit me at info@venicechurch.com for more information.

Upcoming Events:

April 15^th – 40 Days In the Word

April 28^th – Men’s Ministry Service Project

May 19^th – Women’s Ministry Event

June 3^rd – Mark & Judy Reynolds – Water For Life Worldwide

June 24^th – Don & Sheryl Rooks – Connecting Point Ministries

August 24^th – 26^th – Church Camp

Listen to messages online at venicechurch.com or search Venice Church podcast on iTunes.

Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Venice-Church/165528453498230

Easter!

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 15:51:00 GMT

Easter week is here!! Make your plans to be at one or more of the services and invite somebody to attend with you. The services are Good Friday @ 7:00 PM and Easter Sunday @ 9:00 & 10:45 AM. And…there will be free coffee and Krispy Kreme between the Sunday services.

And…40 Days In the Word begins on Sunday April 15^th. We are going to learn to love the Word, learn the Word, and live the Word of God. Your 40 Days experience will be greatly enhanced if you are in a small group. If you are not currently in a small group I would love to help you find one. If you would like to host a new group I would love to hear from you as well.

Upcoming Events:

April 6^th – Good Friday Service 7:00 PM

April 8^th – Easter Sunday – Two Services 9:00 & 10:45 AM

April 15^th – 40 Days In the Word

April 28^th – Men’s Ministry Service Project

May 19^th – Women’s Ministry Event

June 3^rd – Mark & Judy Reynolds – Water For Life Worldwide

June 24^th – Don & Sheryl Rooks – Connecting Point Ministries

August 24^th – 26^th – Church Camp

Listen to messages online at venicechurch.com or search Venice Church podcast on iTunes.

Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Venice-Church/165528453498230

Easter Is Coming

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 16:11:00 GMT

It is almost Easter. It is time for some Robin Eggs. You might roll with some Peeps. Cadbury eggs are out there. Every candy bar known to man has an Easter version, except for maybe Payday. You can’t just shape a peanut covered candy bar like an egg and put it out there. That would just be weird. Easter means candy and Easter means opportunity. This is it. This is your opportunity to help somebody find Jesus. Invite somebody to one of our three Easter Services. Good Friday @ 7:00 PM. Easter Sunday @ 9:00 & 10:45 AM. And…there will be free coffee and Krispy Kreme between the Sunday services.

Upcoming Events:

April 6^th – Good Friday Service 7:00 PM

April 8^th – Easter Sunday – Two Services 9:00 & 10:45 AM

April 15^th – 40 Days In the Word

April 28^th – Men’s Ministry Service Project

May 19^th – Women’s Ministry Event

June 3^rd – Mark & Judy Reynolds – Water For Life Worldwide

August 24^th – 26^th – Church Camp

Listen to messages online at venicechurch.com or search Venice Church podcast on iTunes.

Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Venice-Church/165528453498230

Kids Serving Seniors

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 22:14:00 GMT

God has blessed Venice Church in so many wonderful ways. One of the true blessings is that we are a multi-cultural and multi-generational church. This Sunday our Rockstars kids will cook, serve and eat breakfast with our senior citizens. It is a wonderful opportunity for these two generations to merge. The breakfast will be at 9:00 Sunday morning in the Berean Classroom. All senior adults are welcome. If you do not always attend the Berean Small group, but would like to attend, please let Richie know by emailing him at venicerockstars@gmail.com.

And…men don’t forget your March meeting will follow the morning service this Sunday. Tito’s Tacos are on the menu. It will be a great time.

Upcoming Events:

March 25th^h – Rockstars & Senior Adult Breakfast

March 25^th – Men’s Ministry Meeting

March 30^th - EPIC Camp

April 6^th – Good Friday Service 7:00 PM

April 8^th – Easter Sunday – Two Services 9:00 & 10:45 AM

April 15^th – 40 Days In the Word

April 28^th – Men’s Ministry Service Project

May 19^th – Women’s Ministry Event

June 3^rd – Mark & Judy Reynolds – Water For Life Worldwide

August 24^th – 26^th – Church Camp

Listen to messages online at venicechurch.com or search Venice Church podcast on iTunes.

Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Venice-Church/165528453498230

Checkup

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 18:15:00 GMT

So I have this love/hate relationship with my dentist. He is a great guy and a very good dentist. I love that. What I hate is that I single handedly paid his Porsche payments last year! The cool thing about going to the dentist is the bi-annual cleaning. I had my teeth cleaned this morning and I feel great. I have been flossing and so the cleaning went well. I did a good job. If they gave stickers to middle aged soon to be grandfather’s I would have received one this morning.

While I was sitting in the chair listening to CNN drivel on the television I had a thought. I know. That is very scary. I thought about a six-month checkup and I thought what a novel concept. Every six months they clean your teeth and they check your teeth just to make sure that everything is going well. I thought…I kind of need a six-month spiritual checkup. Typically around the first of the year I do an in depth spiritual survey of myself. I get all resolute and make up my mind to learn more, live more, and love more in the New Year. But…I rarely stop six months in and really evaluate how I am doing. The more I thought about it the more I realized that I probably need like a quarterly checkup. Now, I check in with my small group every week, but I don’t always do an overall survey of my spiritual life. I need that. I need the checkup to clean some things up, to make sure everything is going God’s way. And…sometimes there may be some cavities, some holes in my spiritual life that need to be filled. The teeth are good. Now it’s time to check on my spirit.

Upcoming Events:

March 18^th – Rockstars Singing

March 25^th – Men’s Ministry Meeting

March 30^th - EPIC Camp

April 6^th – Good Friday Service 7:00 PM

April 8^th – Easter Sunday – Two Services 9:00 & 10:45 AM

April 15^th – 40 Days In the Word

April 28^th – Men’s Ministry Service Project

May 19^th – Women’s Ministry Event

June 3^rd – Mark & Judy Reynolds – Water For Life Worldwide

August 24^th – 26^th – Church Camp

Listen to messages online at venicechurch.com or search Venice Church podcast on iTunes.

Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Venice-Church/165528453498230

God Is Working

Wed, 07 Mar 2012 19:39:00 GMT

I love this time of year. Spring is on the horizon. Daylight Savings Time begins on Sunday. And Easter is right around the corner. I love this season because it is ripe with opportunities to introduce people to Jesus. Between now and Easter we are focusing on a relationship with Jesus. Then we are going to focus on some of the essential elements of Christianity. We are attempting to be extremely user friendly in terms of those who are far from God, seek God, and maybe even skeptical about Jesus. Let me encourage you to bring a friend. Have a spiritual conversation with a friend. I know this. The Holy Spirit of God is at work. He is working your life. He is working in our church. He is working in the life of your friend. Enjoy the season. Embrace the season. Take advantage of God working during this season.

Upcoming Events:

March 11^th – Time Change – Spring Forward

March 11^th – Women’s Ministry Spring Cleaning

March 18^th – Rockstars Singing

March 25^th – Men’s Ministry Meeting

March 30^th - EPIC Camp

April 6^th – Good Friday Service 7:00 PM

April 8^th – Easter Sunday – Two Services 9:00 & 10:45 AM

April 15^th – 40 Days In the Word

April 28^th – Men’s Ministry Service Project

May 19^th – Women’s Ministry Event

June 3^rd – Mark & Judy Reynolds – Water For Life Worldwide

Listen to messages online at venicechurch.com or search Venice Church podcast on iTunes.

Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Venice-Church/165528453498230

What a Day!

Wed, 29 Feb 2012 17:37:00 GMT

I am still fired up about last Sunday! What a great day at Venice Church. What a great day for 14 people who solidified their commitment to Jesus. What a great day for their friends and family who were there to support them. And…big props to the Venice Church family for your amazing support for them as they stepped out and walked forward to be baptized. There is nothing better than seeing lives changed. We praise God for His amazing work in our lives and in our church.

So…check this out. For the next 6 weeks we are going to really hit some fundamentals of the faith. If you have a friend or loved one who has not crossed the line and accepted Jesus…maybe they are a bit skeptical…these next six weeks are for them. Invite somebody to come with you to a service. There will be no surprises. Just cranking worship music and a solid message. We begin on Sunday with Jesus’ basic invitation to follow. I can’t wait to see you on Sunday.

Upcoming Events:

March 4^th – Communion

March 11^th – Time Change – Spring Forward

March 11^th – Women’s Ministry Spring Cleaning

March 18^th – Rockstars Singing

March 30^th - EPIC Camp

April 6^th – Good Friday Service 7:00 PM

April 8^th – Easter Sunday – Two Services 9:00 & 10:45 AM

April 15^th – 40 Days In the Word

May 19^th – Women’s Ministry Event

June 3^rd – Mark & Judy Reynolds – Water For Life Worldwide

Listen to messages online at venicechurch.com or search Venice Church podcast on iTunes.

Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Venice-Church/165528453498230

Identify

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 18:09:00 GMT

I hope and pray that our series in Revelation has been encouraging and life changing for you. It certainly has been for me. We are going to wrap it up this Sunday when we see the last church, the church at Laodicea. Their problem was complacency. We are going to talk about what it means to identify with Christ and the church.

We are going to focus primarily on baptism and then we are going to baptize. If you have signed up to be baptized or you want to be baptized on Sunday here is what you need to know. We will baptize toward the end of the service after the message. It is not necessary, but if you would like you can bring a bathing suit to wear under the “scrubs” that we provide. We will provide you with a towel. If you have any questions, please hit me at pastorcraig@venicechurch.com.

It will be a great time of commitment and celebration and identification with Christ. I know that you don’t want to miss it. I look forward to seeing you on Sunday.

Upcoming Events:

February 19^th – Ben & Raelene Walker – Missionaries to New Zealand

February 25^th – Men’s & Women’s Ministry Brunch with Special Guest: Kerry Pomarolli

February 26^th – Baptism

March 11^th – Time Change – Spring Forward

March 18^th – Rockstars Singing

April 6^th – Good Friday Service 7:00 PM

April 8^th – Easter Sunday – Two Services 9:00 & 10:45 AM

April 15^th – 40 Days In the Word

June 3^rd – Mark & Judy Reynolds – Water For Life Worldwide

Listen to messages online at venicechurch.com or search Venice Church podcast on iTunes.

Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Venice-Church/165528453498230

Truth

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 17:43:00 GMT

I was really heartbroken to hear of the passing of Whitney Houston. There is something about her passing that is really hitting me in the gut. I heard her Pastor interviewed this week and he talked about her faith in Jesus Christ and how she never lost her faith in Jesus and how she would come back to her home church in New Jersey and sing on Easter Sunday. I think all of that is great. And…I hope and I pray that she had a real and personal relationship with Jesus Christ and is in Heaven today.

Here is what is so gut wrenching to me. If you give your life to Jesus Christ it does not make you immune to the allure and trappings of the world and the Devil and the subsequent consequences that will result and follow. If you make poor choices you will surely reap the destruction that sin always brings with it. If you choose to use and abuse alcohol and drugs you are going to experience all of the garbage that comes with it. If you choose to be in relationships that are not founded on Jesus Christ and encourage you and inspire you in your walk with Christ you are going to live with the abuse and drama and heartache that come with that dysfunction.

Just because you and I belong to Jesus and He is our Savior does not make us immune to the world, the Devil and the consequences of sin. If we come to church on Sunday, but live in sin all week we should not believe for a minute that we will escape the heartache, torment, and destruction that sin will bring into our lives.

Just like all of the people in all of the churches in Revelation, Jesus wants us to live in victory. That is what He wanted for Whitney. You cannot…you cannot live in victory if you mess around with sin and its trappings. If you want to live with victory and overcome you have to make good choices.

"Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends. 21) Those who are victorious will sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat with my Father on his throne." Revelation 3:20-21

Upcoming Events:

February 19^th – Ben & Raelene Walker – Missionaries to New Zealand

February 25^th – Men’s & Women’s Ministry Brunch with Special Guest: Kerry Pomarolli

February 26^th - Baptism

March 18^th – Rockstars Singing

April 15^th – 40 Days In the Word

June 3^rd – Mark & Judy Reynolds – Water For Life Worldwide

Listen to messages online at venicechurch.com or search Venice Church podcast on iTunes.

Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Venice-Church/165528453498230

It's a Great Day

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 16:48:00 GMT

Because of Ephesians 2 today is a great day.

Before Christ we were…

Dead because of our disobedience and sin.

Living in sin, obeying the devil.

Following the passionate desires of our sinful nature.

Subject to God’s anger.

But God…

Is rich in mercy and loves us so much.

Even though we were dead because of our sins, gave us life.

Raised Christ from the dead.

Raised us from the dead with Christ.

Saved us by His grace when we believed.

Gave us the free gift of salvation.

Made us new in Christ Jesus so that we can do good works.

It’s a great day!

Upcoming Events:

February 19^th – Ben & Raelene Walker – Missionaries to New Zealand

February 25^th – Men’s & Women’s Ministry Brunch with Special Guest: Kerry Pomarolli

February 26^th - Baptism

March 18^th – Rockstars Singing

April 15^th – 40 Days In the Word

June 3^rd – Mark & Judy Reynolds – Water For Life Worldwide

Listen to messages online at venicechurch.com or search Venice Church podcast on iTunes.

Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Venice-Church/165528453498230

Victory

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 17:30:00 GMT

Victory: a success or triumph over an enemy in battle or war. Life is a battlefield for every Christ follower that walks on this planet. If any of us thought anything different when we signed up to follow Jesus we were sorely mistaken. Following Jesus is one fight, one battle after another and that may sound a bit intimidating or depressing, but there is very good news. Jesus Christ has already emerged victorious. His desire for us is that we would live in victory each and every day. He has overcome sin, Satan, death, and the grave to ensure that we can live in victory.

At the end of every message that Jesus sends to the seven churches of Revelation He encourages them to live in victory. He promises blessings and rewards for those who live in victory. When we were sinners, separated and dead, Jesus saved us. Now we live forgiven, connected, and alive in Jesus Christ. There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Victory can be ours if we will stick close to Jesus. Victory is within our grasp when we live according to His Word. It is a fight. You can win if you are in Christ!

Upcoming Events:

February 19^th – Ben & Raelene Walker – Missionaries to New Zealand

February 25^th – Men’s & Women’s Ministry Brunch

February 26^th - Baptism

March 18^th – Rockstars Singing

April 15^th – 40 Days In the Word

June 3^rd – Mark & Judy Reynolds – Water For Life Worldwide

Listen to messages online at venicechurch.com or search Venice Church podcast on iTunes.

Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Venice-Church/165528453498230