Would You Go to Church?
I go to church most Sundays, but of course I'm a pastor. Vacations are times I might not go, but they can also be good opportunities to visit other churches. There are reasons to stay home from church, but not many solid reasons compared to Christians around the world. Here in the USA, sometimes people who attend church decide that they won't go to church for a particular reason one week. It could be a a sore elbow, too tired, soccer game, too hot, too cold, too windy, cat is missing, or whatever. We prioritize work, go to work even when it's too hot, but not church. Why? Not sure. Then you hear of church members in Africa walking to church even though there may be land mines in the path. Wow! I am impressed with the dedication of church attenders around the world.
Two weeks ago I received news that a pastor in China was arrested. Weeks ago his church was raided and he was told to stop meeting. The pastor shared the gospel with the officers. Although threatened, the church members continued to attend church the following week! That Sunday, about 20 officers interrupted the service, took everyone's name in attendance and charged the pastor a fine of 50,000 RMB ($7500), which he is unable and unwilling to pay. The officers shut down the service, confiscated computers, took away certain privileges, and closed a training school they had as well. The members continue to meet in secret. They ask for boldness to be a witness for our Lord. Pray for them and their pastor. Lets be thankful for our freedom to meet together in church and take advantage of attending regularly.
"And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near." Hebrews 10:25 (NLT)
Jim Smith
President, Pacific Church Network
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CHURCH BOARD TRAINING
Do you want to improve your board meetings and membership meetings? Bring your board, staff, and volunteers to this one-day training. Dr. Rick Koole will share very practical ways to have a unified board, marks of a good board member, the role of leaders, how to gain congregational support for challenging changes, and more.....!!!
Saturday, August 25, 10 am - 2 pm.
Pacific Coast Church
2651 Calle Frontera
San Clemente, CA 92673
Free for all PCN, TM and A29 members. / $25 others
Lunch Included, please RSVP!!
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PCN YOUTH RETREAT
Join other youth groups from around Southern California to be inspired to make a positive impact in your circle of influence for Jesus. Get up to the mountains
for a memorable weekend at Pine Summit. Be challenged, encouraged, and motivated to do more to honor Jesus this school year.
August 23-25
Pine Summit
Big Bear Lake, CA
$135.00 per person
Ages 13 and older
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Leadership Summit Discount
CBAmerica has a discount code for the Global Leadership Summit, August 9-10. The Priority Code is GLSCRFT. The Summit continues to be focused on leadership development. Check out the conference speakers for this year. Craig Groeschlel, John Maxwell, T.D. Jakes, and more.
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Calvary Whittier Addition
In July, Pastor John Ploog of Calvary Baptist Church in Whittier, announced the addition of Iglesia El Calvario back to their campus. Years ago, this Spanish-language church met on their campus. They will have simultaneous church services for those who speak English or Spanish. They will unite children, youth, and young adults' programs for both churches.
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GRANDPARENTS' SUMMIT
The
Legacy Grandparenting Su
mmit
is a national conference for today’s Christian grandparents who want to be inspired and equipped to pass their faith on to their grandchildren. G
randparents have incredible potential for discipleship, but it is unrecognized and under-resourced. This conference is a start in the right direction. Hear Josh McDowell, Alistair Beg, Joni Eareckson Tada, Beth Guckenberger and more.
Mark your calendar now!
Legacy Grandparenting Summit
February 21-23 (Thursday - Saturday)
First Evangelical Church in Fullerton, CA.
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COSTA MESA CHURCH PLANT
On July 29, our church plant in Costa Mesa, called Tabernaculo Biblico Bautista Casa de Restauracion, baptized seven believers at Bonelli Park in San Dimas!! This church is a Spanish-speaking congregation that continues to see significant growth. Started in a small rental space in a strip mall, they have now rented seven units in the mall and are in need of more room. Pastor Mauricio Rivas is prayerfully hoping for a solution. They have a small "store" with food items for the community needs, a PCN seminary class that meets once a week, and a growing worship service on Sundays. If you know of a church or space that might be available for them in Costa Mesa, let us know.
Thanks for your support of PCN, which financially supports this church!
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PCN SEMINARY
Pacific Church Network has a seminary, currently offering a variety of classes in
Spanish at 10 different locations throughout SoCal and AZ. Fall classes will start in September. Director Emilio
Núñez and
his staff are working closely with Western Seminary and Arizona Christian University to strengthen our educational partnership to provide courses for credit.
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WELCOME NEW CHURCHES
At our summer board meeting in July, we approved the membership of two new churches who desired to be part of our growing Pacific Church Network family.
Family Bible Church, Desert Hot Springs, CA
Renacer Church, Anaheim, CA
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VIDEO ADDICTION
Flunking Out Playing Video Games. In a national study
of American youths, psychologists found nearly 1 in 10 of the gamers (8.5%) to be addicted, meaning that playing video games was causing damage in their lives. Some young people today are flunking out of college because instead of going to class, they are playing video games in their dorm rooms. Are you addicted? Try two weeks without any games. (Facts & Trends 6/15/18).
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RETIREMENT
Pacific Church Network partners with
GuideStone Financial Resources to offer numerous tools and resources designed to help church staff with their retirement income goals. Visit our website to learn more.
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