UPDATES

Susan and I got back from our Canadian World News and Prophecy Seminar Tour on late Monday evening. After having been away for nearly six days it was really good to be home. Our visits along with Darris and Debbie McNeely to the Vancouver and Penticton, British Columbia congregations seemed to be most profitable to all that came.

In Vancouver: We had a full service, a potluck and three classes in the afternoon.

In Penticton: We had four classes in the afternoon.

These presenations serve a number of purposes. It allows us to shape and mold a responsible Christ-centered approach to prophecy that shapes a very positive prophetic outcome. It allows the local ministry and the brethren to understand as editors and writers dealing with the subject of prophecy on a monthly basis how we approach the subject with humiliy and care, but with assurance as well. Because the local pastor normally invites the Good News Magazine Public, it also is "welcome home" time for former church members who have not attended in some time, plus brand new attendees who have come to hear our message.  It also allows a very upclose and personal experience between the magazine writers and the reading audience. With all those various parts of the audience it makes for a multi-faceted and rich experience.    Gordon and Nancy Goodliffe, formerly of the Redlands congregation, wanted to be sure "to be remembered" to all of you. They are looking well. 

UCG-Canada did a wonderful job of preparing for the day. At this time, they do have a commercial cable presence with the "Beyond Today Program" that projects around large parts of their country.  My last visit wth Susan this year will be at Oklahoma City in late May. Mr. and Mrs. Melvin Rhodes will be joining us for that tour. 

All of us are moving towards the Spring Festival Season. All of us, be we:  Elders or members are preparing for that special time. Some with messages and some with service behind the scenes.  Remember please, it takes all of us and your labor of love is most appreciated. If you have any questions regarding the upcoming Festival Season, please don't hesitate to call.  

REMINDERS

Please remember the special times for church services this weekend: San Diego meets at 10:30 a.m. and Redlands meets at 2:30 p.m.  Please remind those with whom you come into contact  There will be a Bible Class on 1 John in Redlands after services.  We look forward to seeing all of you.  

All festival maps with places, times and details may be accessed from our local home pages. If you know someone that would profit by attending our services during the Feast of Unleavened Bread, please feel free to invite them if they are truly searching for God's purpose for their lives. Our doors and our hearts should always be open. What a wonderful time to understand how Christ can live in us and that our lives can be dedicated to Him.

Good News Magazine Distribution-We have 100's of Good News Magazines for local distribution. I would ask that you join with me in responsibly placing them in places that allow for such display. All of us as church members, each and everyone of us, has an opportunity to spread the seed of God's word. It will take all of us, not just one or two. If we all take just 25 to 30 magazines, it would be greatly appreciated. I'll talk a little more about it at each service this week.  

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT 

1 Corinthians 10:16-17: "The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?   For we, though many, are one bread and one body;  for we all partake of that one bread."

We read to know we are not alone. Each of is special. We worship and live for the gracious God that grants us complete fellowship with Him and one another that our joy may be full. 

A Joyous and Profitable Time of Reflection to each of you,

Robin and Susan  

 

 

   

 

 

   

UPDATES

Susan and I look forward to being with our San Diego member on this coming Sabbath.

At this time, we have several individuals who are considering the wonderful opportunity of baptism.  Such occasions allow me to enter wonderful conversations about the purpose, plan and love of God. It is always rewarding to see people step forward in life and surrender their lives to something greater than themselves. I have been working on offering the recent message on baptism entitled "What Then Shall We Do?" to our Good News Magazine audience.  I hope to see it go out in April.

I know I speak on behalf ofall the Elders in our circuit that we would appreciate your prayers on our behalf as we partake of the upcoming Regional Ministerial Conference in Riverside. The Conference will run from Sunday through Monday for all our Elders and for pastors on Monday. Such conferences are always beneficial in bringing our region together as we build upon the personal connections that are vital to maintain the spiritual health of our church community.

REMINDERS

San Diego: We will have our 4th Class on 1 John after services

Redlands: Please be prepared to sign up for the Night to Be Much Observed Banquets

If you know of anyone who may need the DVD/VHS Passover Service due to being homebound, please let me know so we can get it to them as soon as possible.

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT

The Postitiion for Troubles:

"If all your troubles are deep-seated and longstanding, try kneeling."

A profitable and meaningful Sabbath to each of you,

Robin and Susan 

UPDATES

It has been a while since I wrote to all of you in the midst of the week. My apologies! Since we went back for the WNP Seminar, my scheduling for such things got sidetracked.  I will once again strive to get on track and drop you a weekly note---even if short. 

All has been going well throughout our circuit. No major news to report. As always, our brethren are in touch with one another supporting each other during the week which is commendable and so very needed. I am happy to report that the loving fabric of our congregations is strong and durable.

One note that I can share with you is that we are once again "ramping up" our local evangelism efforts towards the local community. Starting in April, we will once again be contacting our local Good News Magazine audience up to 3 times a year making them aware of our local congregations, offering a MP3 message or inviting them to an Open House or seminar. Our Open Houses will most likely be in August. I am also working towards having another World News and Prophecy Seminar both in Redlands and San Diego (separately) in February 2009. We have had some very constructive local evangelism committtee meetings in San Diego and I look forward to having the same discussion with our Redlands personnel.

I hope that all of our membership understands and appreciates the opportunity they have to invite people to church services that may have a sincere desire to understand more about our way of life. This may be a family member, neighbor, coworker or school mate.  While God may not be calling everyone at this time, we certainly want to create a church environment that shares wonderful truths while maintaining an open door and open hearts to receive whoever might attend. 

I hope that each of us when we see someone visiting will take it upon ourselves to be a "committee of one" to greet people and make them feel at home. By and large, I think we are doing a good job of this. Just remember it is not anyone person's sole responsibility, but all of ours, together, to reach out and share the warmth of our congregation and the joy of God's Spirit.  

Reminder

Susan and I will be in San Diego this weekend. After services: We will be having our 3rd Class on the Epistle of 1 John.  Chapter 2 gives us some important insight to appreciate our various stages of the Christian journey.

I hope all of us in Redlands will welcome Mr. Herb Vierra as he and his family come out to share the Sabbath Day with you.

Something to Think About

I just read something that put a smile on my face and made me think twice as to how I approach life with its challenges. The following story reminds each of us that its not the size of the problem, but the size of our heart that counts.

Story: The lady was small, old and frail. She had lost the sight of her eye, and it had to be removed. When it was time to be replaced with a false eye she said to the doctor, "Be sure to choose one with a twinkle in it."   

I guess she said it all. Speaks to me! I hope it does to you.

A Happy and Profitable Sabbath to all,

Robin and Susan  

 

 

 

  

 

UPDATES

Everything is going relatively well throughout our circuit. Our greatest challenge continues to be the health needs of our members. I made you aware of many of them last time and their needs remain. I finally had an opportunity to have some what of a "down day" after a couple of weeks of constant activity. First time, I've been able to spend the day at home in the office for about two weeks. Nice feeling and always plenty to do right here in serving you.

I will be in Dallas, Texas from Monday till Wednesday of next week for Festival Coordinator's Meetings. When I come back, I hope to get a lot of "good visiting in" both in Redlands as well as San Diego.

I have some good news to pass on to our San Diego members. Our Local Church Council approved the purchase of new chairs with arms) that we hope to have in place in the early Spring. This will truly assist in upgrading our facility. Redlands already has a wonderful facility to meet in ---so--- as we move forward both congregation's facilities will be condusive quality worship environments

Starting this Sabbath: Both congregations will be utilizing our official new hymnal as our Songleadier and Accompanist copies came this week.

REMINDERS

San Diego: Young Adults Bible Study at 1 p.m. this Sabbath

San Diego: We will commence with our ABC Series on 1 John (45 minutes after services)

Redlands: You can look forward to having two guest speakers from San Diego this coming Sabbath: Mr. Chris Coser and Mr. Jim Cowell. I also have handouts for you from last week's study.

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT

Being gone next week, I will probably not have time to offer a full Updates and Reminders. So allow me now to share some thoughts with you as we approach President's Day and offer some reflections on one great man that God placed into our national history at a specific time. You might say in paraphrase fashion---"for who knows whether he came to the kingdom for such a time as this?(Esther 4:14) I speak of Abraham Lincoln and would like to share the entry of February 12th from Leroy Brownlow's Today is Mine Journal. It is entitled: "A Wise Ruler"

Abraham Lincoln's own words bespeak his greatness.

His love for the common people: "God must be a lover of the common people, or he would not have mad so many of them

His honesty: "If, in your judgment, you cannot be an honest lawyer, reslove to be honest without being a lawyer."

His commitment to right: "I am not bound to win, but I am bound to be true. I am not bound to succeed, but I am bound to live up to what light I have."

His compassion and foresight: "I believe this nation cannot endure permanently half slave and half free.

His resolution: "..that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain.."

His trust in God: : Without the assistance of the Divine Being...I cannot succeed. With that assistance I cannot fail!"

Here then, are some thoughts to consider:

"Select a discerning and wide man, and set him over the land"--Genesis 41:33

Moreover you shall select from all the people able men, such s fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them, to be rulers"--Exodus 18:21

A Happy and Prospering Sabbath to each of you,

Robin and Susan

Updates

As mentioned last time, I have been working on festival housing this week for the upcoming Feast of Tabernacles. As Charles Melear and I ventured in and out of hotels, motels and condo units from Escondido to Carlsbad; I couldn't help but marvel what a blessing it is to have the feast site in our area. What a wide variety of venues this site offers to feast goers!  Sometimes as Southern Californians, we can take for granted the many wonders of living here and what we have access to just not for a week, but year round.  We do strive to negotiate the best possible rates for all of our members as they are so dedicated in honoring God with their attendance at His Feast of Tabernacles.

Let's please continue to remember in prayer Mrs. Janice Usselman of Hesperia (Redlands) who is challenged with cancer. She is coming home from the hosptial on Thursday. Susan and I look forward to spending the  afternoon with the Usselmans this coming Monday.

Also, let's please remember Mrs. Sandy Taber (San Diego, now back in New Mexico with her husband Gene) who also is battling cancer. 

Each lady and their loving husbands would really appreciate your prayers.

Susan and I look forward to being with our brethren in Redlands on the coming Sabbath. I will be bringing a message related to the subject of prophecy.  

Reminders

This coming Sabbath in San Diego after a shortened service period, Mr. Bob Gardenhire will be offering a worthwhile presenation on how to utilize certain Bible Tools. I hope all of you in San Diego will support Mr. Gardenhire's efforts to bring you relevant material that you can immediately put to use.

Something to Think About

Who do you hold responsible when things don't go your way?

Consider for a moment:

"The man who blames others for his problems has not begun his education The man who blames himself has begun his education.  And, the man who blames no one has finished his education."

Scripture focuses on such a moment of "education" in Luke 15:17--"But when he came to himself" 

A prosperous and joyous Sabbath to each of you,

Robin and Susan 

UPDATES

Its always good to be able to say all is going well throughout our circuit.  That doesn't mean that we are not faced with life's challenges, but it is important to realize that God has blessed us with a spirit- hearted community to accompany us on this sometimes bumpy road of life.

This coming month is going to be a full one for me. It is time to be working on the various church budgets (ministerial, congregational, and festival) so that the Home Office can project forward a 2008-2009 fiscal budget for the General Conference of Elders to consider.  Next week, I will be spending a day or two on festival housing for the Escondido Feast Site. We will be having a local evangelism committee meeting in San Diego. I will speaking at Garden Grove's Women's Enrichment Weekend and then will be preparing for the World News and Prophecy Seminar for St. Louis. So the month will be full, but rich---and never, ever too busy to take a call from you.

Please know that your Elders in each congregation and myself are in continual contact with one another in service towards you.  And, our deacons and deaconesses are doing a wonderful job in maintaining service to you on the Sabbath and throughout the week. Beyond that, I know you-- "the members" are looking out after one another on a continuing basis. Thank you.  Each member of "The Body" is to be commended for your "labor of love."  Keep it up, please!

Susan and I look will be in San Diego this weekend for the potluck and social. I look forward to bringing the 3rd Part of the 3 Part Series on "Individuals that Influenced the Apostle Paul." 

REMINDERS

Please remember to fill out your member surveys via computer.  Last call!

I hope that all of you can begin perusing the Epistle of 1 John in preparation for our upcoming Adult Bible Class.     

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT

"Life does not consist in what a person possesess, but what possesses him."

Mark 8:34-36--"When He had called the people to Himself, with His disciples also, He said to them Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.   For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel's will save it.  For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole wrold, and loses his own soul?

Thus the question:  What possesses us?

A Spiritually Profitable and Rewarding Sabbath to each of you,

Robin and Susan

 

 

 

 

UPDATES

All is going well in our area. No major concerns at this time. I have been able to get out a see a number of you. Always remember, please; I am just a phone call away whenever you need to talk or would like a visit. The carpet is being laid at our San Diego facility even as I speak. I had an opportunity to peek in yesterday and it is going to be nice. Once we get the lighting completely fixed and add some new bright chairs, we are going to have a very cheery meeting place.

REMINDERS

 Let's remember to fill out our member surveys from the Home OfficeYour candid and constructive comments will be appreciated

For San Diego members: Please remember that next week is our potluck social and game night.I certainly encourage you to bring any non-member spouses and family members to that occassion

The Penny Jar is awaiting you at both congregations. A little copper from your pocket to the jar goes along way in providing a festival experience for some of our international members.

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT

Three people were visiting and viewing the Grand Canyon--an artist, a pastor and a cowboy. As they stood on the edge of the massive abyss, each one responded with a cry of exclamation. The artist said, "Ah, what a beautiful scene to paint." The pastor proclaimed, "What a wonderful example of the handiwork of God!" The cowboy mused, "What a terrible place to loose a cow."

 Chances are we will meet many a person this week with a personal perspective as to how they view life. It may not be how you see things, but it is their reality. The question is not whether they will have their own perspective. They will. The question that only you can answer lies inside of you as to how you will respect their point of view and respond.

UPDATES 

There are no major updates at this time. It has been a full week of visiting both in San Diego and Redlands.  What a lovely time of year to travel from the coastal valleys of San Diego with their green blanket of avocado trees to the snowy passes of the San Bernardino Mountains to the breezy plains of the High Desert. Sometimes people ask me if I ever tire of driving. I simply say, "No! Not when you realize what's at the other end----God's people---the brethren."  Let's all please stay in touch with one another. And realize, please---- that I am just a phone call away if you ever have a question or need. 

Our mid-week study in the Hemet area focused on the ministry of Philip as shared in Acts 8 as he came into contact with the Samaritans and the Ethipian Eunuch. It makes a wonderful followup story to the recent message on Stephen---the man who imprinted his understanding of the "Boundless God" on Paul.  Seems as if that understanding became very contagious in the Book of Acts and things happened!    Hope you can take time to read it and see what an individual can do when he or she knows who they are actually serving and the broad horizons that are then made available to serve the limitless God.  

Susan and I look forward to sharing the Sabbath with our members in Redlands.

REMINDERS

San Diego will be having the Bible Chat Group at 1 p.m.  

There will be a brief memorial service for Mrs Phoebe Samorodin after services in San Diego.

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT

It has been said, "The person who knows everything has a lot to learn."  Perhaps they can learn more and so can we as we reflect on the words of Christ in Matthew 5:3--"Blessed are the poor in spirit, For theirs is the kingdom of Heaven."

A joyous and spiritually profitable Sabbath to you and yours,

Robin and Susan

 

 

Updates

I have been able to get a lot of visiting in this week, which is my favorite role as a pastor. I was able to see quite a few people in San Diego last week, so next week I turn my attention to the High Desert area. Some good news to share: Mrs.  Phoebe Samorodin is slowly, but surely recovering from her hip and wrist surgery and was moved today to a convalescing care facility in El Cajon to continue her long term rehabilitation. I'll try to get that address for you as soon as possible.  Additionally from Redlands, Mr. Fred Richardson had successful eye surgery on Tuesday and has been asked to just "take it easy" the next two weeks. Sure, just imagine Fred taking it easy!  Oh, well!   Another nice item to share is that Susan and I were able to visit our dear friends and your family in Christ, the Fagerstedts, this past Sunday. We had a lovely two hour visit and both Wallie and Jan send their love and fond regards. Let's please continue to keep both of them in our prayers for God's intervention and comfort regarding their challenges.

Reminders

This Sabbath at Redlands will be a full potluck after services. Please remember to bring your goodies. Please call and remind your friends who may be "computer-less" or were not at services last week.

Please remember on next Wednesday, December 12th, there will be a mid-week Bible Study and potluck at the Webbers in San Jacinto at 11 am. All are welcome. The study will be brought by Mr. Robin Webber.

Something to Think About

Its been said, "that worry is wasting today's time to clutter up tomorrow's opportunities with yesterday's trouble." With that said, it is interesting that most worries tend to be "re-runs." It is a sad truth that some folks worry when they run out of things to worry about. Perhaps the following conversation between two birds can guide us towards removing worry from our life----that is unless you are worried about two "talking birds" chatting together.

Said the robin to the sparrow, " I do not know why these human beings rush about and worry so." Said the sparrow to the robin, "I think that it must be that they have no Heavenly Father, such as cares for you and me."

Perhaps Christ was acquainted with these two feathered friends. For it is He who said, "Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?   Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your Heavenly Father feeds them.  Are you not of more value than they?"      Matthew 6:25-26        

A spiritually prosperous and rewarding Sabbath to each of you,

Robin and Susan 

i

  

 

Updates

For our Redlands members, I had an opportunity to speak to Mr. Cal Rufener today. Mr. Rufener lives way out there and "up" in Yucca Valley (For San Diego folk----that's High Desert at 3,500' elevation). He sends his greetings and love to all. 

For all of our members, I would ask that you would please remember Mrs. Phoebe Samarodin (Bob Witherington's mom) in your prayers. I had just mentioned to the San Diego cogregation this past Sabbath about her deteriorating bone condition. Today, she fell and broke her left wrist and left rib. You can appreciate how challenging this must be for an 88 year old lady. I had just visited her the other evening. This news came to me late this evening. Her son, Bob, has been with her all day in emergency. Mr. Miller will be on the scene tomorrow.  Let's also remember Bob and his wife, Susan, that they will have the strength and wisdom to maintain their care for Mrs. Samarodin.

This week in San Diego we will be having Mr. Paul Smith and Mr. Jerry Aust speak to you. I know many of you will appreciate having one of your former pastors spend time with you. Please keep an eye open for various guests as well as we have had a couple of calls from UCG members from out of town that will be visiting us.

Susan and I look forward to spending time this Sabbath Day with our Redlands Brethren. I will be starting the 3 part series on "3 Personalities that Influenced Paul."  This week we will begin with the person who shared with Paul the concept of the "Boundless God."

Reminders 

Redlands: Please remember we are meeting in the rear facility this weekend at 1:30 p.m. All refreshments will be provided. Please do not bring anything as there is no kitchen facility. Next week, December 8, there will be a potluck.

Something to Think About

A Christian is:

A mind----through which Christ thinks

A voice---through wich Christ speaks

A heart--through which Christ loves

A hand--through which Christ helps

"Only let your condut be worthy of the gosple of Christ......."  Philippians 1:27

A Joyous and Prosperous Sabbath to you and yours,

Robin and Susan