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Today 10:00am Virtual Meet-and-Greet via
YouTube Chat Box10:15am Virtual Worship Service via
YouTube, James Stephens preaching
11:15am Virtual Lobby via Zoom4:00pm MS Pod with Travis
Moore4:00pm “Hard Pressed But Not
Crushed” Class via Zoom
Upcoming Events Feb 8 Women’s Bible Study
(Zoom)Feb 9 Guys’ Group (Zoom)Feb 10 Hungry / Thirsty Group
(Zoom)Feb 10 High School Pod Feb 11 TO Life Group (Zoom)Feb 11
Book Club Resumes
(Zoom)Feb 20 Baby Shower Sarah Jane
Norris (Drive-Through)
Birthdays This WeekChristopher Haye 2/7Keith Hinkle 2/7Sam
Audenino 2/8Ashleigh Baird 2/9Paxton Van Atta 2/11Heather Phillips
2/12
February 7, 2021
Welcome!Thank you for joining us for
virtual worship. We pray you will encounter God as we
worship
together.
Returning From ExileBy Jack Williamson
Isaiah 51:11 reads:
Those the Lord has rescued will return. They will enter Zion
with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads.Gladness and
joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away.
I have often wondered what those ancient Israelites felt like
upon returning to Jerusalem from their exile in Babylon. They found
their city in ruins, the temple in disarray. They settled in to
rebuild and begin their lives anew in a familiar place that many of
them had heard about, but never seen. In a sense, after seven
decades of Babylonian exile, they returned home to a place they had
never been before. How strange must that have been? Still, in the
verse above, as Isaiah prophesies about that time, he speaks of the
Lord replacing sorrow and uncertainty with joy and songs of praise.
He speaks of heads crowned with the knowledge that God loves them
and will make all things right.
After this past year of pandemic, lock-down, and loss, I think I
can relate to these banished believers more closely than I could
have just twelve short—and very long—months ago. Isaiah’s words
have a ring of hope to them. More than that, they have a ring of
truth to them. They lead us to think about the best claims of our
faith. They lead us to hold tightly to the highest and most desired
claims of the Gospel. They remind us that God has not left us
abandoned in this time or in any other. They remind us that these
troubled days will also pass away.
While complete deliverance from these threats—pandemic, economic
uncertainty, or a dozen other possible troubles—may not be at our
fingertips or even yet in sight, do not let hope be lost. We can be
confident of this. He who restored Israel after exile is present
with us now. He who created us for his purpose is neither surprised
nor frustrated by these obstacles we face.
We may feel like exiles in our own homes, but God is not
worried. He will bring us out of this just like he has always
brought his people out of difficulty with songs of praise. Like
Jeremiah, another prophet of God, asserted, the Lord says, “I know
the plans I have for you...” (Jer.29:11) As Paul confidently cries
out, “He who began a good work in you will carry it through until
completion on the day of Christ Jesus.” (Php.1:6) May we all find
our strength through that faith which will not allow us to lose
hope—for the Lord, our God, is faithful.
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What’s Happening at ConejoHope For All Who Are Weary
Well here we are, starting the second month of 2021... not much
has changed. We are still facing lockdown and pandemic and the
threat of economic and political unrest. In response, our sermons
this week and next week will focus on hearing words of wisdom and
hope from those in the Bible who also faced hard times. In their
stories we find resilience and hope. In their words and actions we
can find steps to follow in our times of hardship and pain. Looking
closely we may also find that God is more present with us in these
troubled times than we may have recognized. Go figure! God does
have a plan during these times filled with chaos and
uncertainty.
Hard Pressed but Not Crushed: A Class on Resilience in
Challenging TimesThis LONG season of the pandemic has brought many
challenges to the world. Our Conejo community has certainly not
been exempt. How can our faith, our church family, and our
practices sustain us? Throughout history, God’s people have endured
many trials, remained faithful, and allowed their faith to provide
an anchor. How can we do that? This very practical class will
include some instruction and some discussion as we encourage each
other in resilience. Led by Conejo’s own Connie Horton, this four
week Zoom class will meet for its final session today at 4pm. Zoom
Meeting Link.
Tuesday Guys’ GroupThe Guys’ Group is currently reading the book
Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis. They meet virtually at 7pm each
Tuesday. For additional information, please contact Greg B. or Bob
P.
Book Club Resumes / February 11Beginning this Thursday, February
11, there will be a bi-monthly discussion via zoom of “The Color of
Compromise” by Jemar Tisby. Please contact Paula Marrs if you would
like to be a part of this discussion group. Zoom Meeting Link.
Baby Shower for Sarah Jane Norris / February 20The baby shower
for Sarah Jane and Carlton Norris is on Saturday, February 20,
beginning at 1 p.m. Much like other events held here at the church
during the pandemic, it will be drive-through style. So that we
don’t have any car backup, please click here to sign up for a time
to drive by and say hello to the parents-to-be. To view the
registry list for Baby Girl Norris, please click here.
Service Outreach Opportunities There are many opportunities to
help and encourage others in the neighborhood and nearby community.
Please click the links below or see the Service Opportunities
spotlight item on the CVCC website for details about how to
participate in the following ongoing or upcoming community outreach
efforts.
• Senior Concerns Goods Collection• Helping Hands Food
Distribution • Conejo Elementary Tutoring Program In Case of
Technical DifficultiesAs we continue to improve our live streaming
process, one way you can help is by “subscribing” to our YouTube
channel and setting the alert. This will enable you to
automatically receive an email should we have to re-upload our
worship livestream as we did two weeks ago. Here’s how:
• Type “youtube conejo church of christ” in your Google search
bar
• Click on the “Conejo Valley Church of Christ - YouTube” link
that shows up in the search listing
• Click the “Subscribe” button• Click the little bell (the
notifications icon) and select “all”OR, if you prefer, simply
choose your e-mail inbox for a new link. It will go out within
about minutes after is has been created.
Groundhog Day Donut Celebration and
Food Drive
https://pepperdine.zoom.us/j/85340449969https://pepperdine.zoom.us/j/85340449969https://pepperdine.zoom.us/j/94366530731https://www.signupgenius.com/go/409044caea72aa7fd0-norrishttps://www.babylist.com/baby-sarah-jane-norris?fbclid=IwAR2JqUDkbSy7ofjKuXny4Vrf-RKBWHLqMYfKKfurzTsNZNIk087TXgWhlNUhttps://conejochurch.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Senior-Concerns-Pantry-needs.pdfhttps://conejochurch.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Service-Opportunities-Helping-Hands-Food2.pdfhttps://conejochurch.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Service-Opportunities-CES-Tutoring2.pdf
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Youth Group Pods The youth group is meeting weekly in “pods.”
Pods are small groups that meet outdoors, in accordance with state
safety protocols and our youth group wellness policy.
Middle School Pod – Sunday Nights from 4 to 5:30pm Location –
12904 Sleepy Wind St., Moorpark, CA 93021
High School Pod – Wednesday Nights from 6 to 7:30pm Location –
Conejo Valley Church Backyard (2525 E. Hillcrest Dr.)
Summer Camps - Save the Dates!We are hopeful and very much
looking forward to having camps this summer. We have been in
contact with Camp Maranatha and have officially reserved our dates
for summer 2021! Here are the dates for both camps:
So Cal Teen Camp: “Tangible” Sunday, July 11 through Saturday,
July 17
King’s Kamp: “Run to Win” Sunday, July 25 through Saturday, July
31
Once registration opens, you will be able to register your child
for Teen Camp at www.socalteencamp.org and for Kings Kamp at
www.kingskamp.org. Teen Camp is for students graduating from grades
8-12th and Kings Kamp is for students entering
into grades 4-8th in the fall of 2021. Stay tuned for
information on when registration will open.
“Over It” Devotional ThoughtThe power of forgiveness changes not
only others, but also ourselves... No matter who we are, we all
know what it’s like to fall short. Being aware of our imperfections
while also knowing that God is perfect can be intimidating at
times. How can we as imperfect people ever live up to a perfect
God? The good news is that it’s not our perfection that God wants;
it’s our faith. Faith allows us to believe that He loves us
unconditionally, that He is good, and that He gives us the help we
need daily to walk with Him. His standards are high, but His love
is even greater! Memorize the verse listed below this week to
remind yourself that while no one is perfect, God’s love is greater
than any imperfection. Resist the urge to make it about yourself.
It’s not about us or what we can or can’t do. It’s about our loving
Father whose love is relentless and greater than any other
influence we may come across. All praise and glory are due to
Him!
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all
are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came
by Christ Jesus.” Romans 3:23-24
Valentine Outreach OpportunityLet’s get our valentines in the
mail for senior citizens in our community! Since the valentines
cannot be delivered in person, Kellie Van Atta has provided us with
the names/addresses of various care facilities in our area so we
can mail valentines directly to the facility.
Church, everyone is invited to send valentines to residents and
caregivers! Create your valentines and mail them to one or more of
the facilities listed below:
Sunrise of Westlake Village 3101 Townsgate Rd Westlake Village
CA 91361
Sunrise at Wood Ranch 190 Tierra Rejada Rd Simi Valley CA
93065
Hillcrest Royale Retirement Living 190 E Hillcrest Dr Thousand
Oaks, CA 91360
Belmont Village Senior Living 3680 N Moorpark Rd Thousand Oaks,
CA 91360
Meadowbrook of Agoura Hills 5217 Chesebro Rd Agoura Hills, CA
91301
Scripture MemoryMay the God of hope
fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him,
so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy
Spirit.
Romans 15:13 NIV
Let’s get our valentines in the mail for senior citizens
in our community!
High School + Middle School
Children’s Ministry
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Attendance+ Giving
January 31 Giving $23,899
Weekly Giving Average $15,571
Weekly Giving Budget $12,812
Be the Blessing Giving (To Date) $1,575,726
Property Settlement $225,000
PRAISESPREGNANCY: Sarah Jane Norris (March), Erin Opdahl
(April)
THOSE GRIEVINGJoe Cocke– loss of wife, KathyChristina Eng – loss
of neighbor, Deb SchultzMaribel Guevara – loss of uncle, Carlos
HernandezMary Jo Hardman and family – loss of husband, Stu
HardmanJoy Rhoades – loss of sister, Lani ShearnMike Rivas – loss
of niece, Iesha Moreno Guy Patenaude – loss of aunt, Chris De La
RosaMaribel Guevara – loss of nephew, Julian HernandezMatt Joyner –
loss of grandfather, Steve EcksteinTim Horton – loss of
brother-in-law, John LammAndy Caldwell – loss of mother, Margie
CaldwellBob Falletta – loss of mother, Ida FallettaKay Falletta –
loss of sister, Mary McQuillanRick Marrs – loss of mother, Vivian
MarrsJack Williamson – loss of mother, Melva Williamson Erin Opdahl
– loss of infant daughter, Maelyn; loss of husband, Silas
FIGHTING CANCERJoella Michael – recovering from liver surgery
related to mucosal
melanoma; immunotherapyMarilyn Aurand – neuro-endocrine cancer;
chemotherapy treatments in process Karen Kennedy (friend of Lisa
Scott) – Stage IV kidney cancerSteve Hallman (brother-in-law of
Larry McNutt) – having difficulty with treatment for rare melanoma
in lungs Nan Fox (aunt of Matt Joyner) – undergoing chemotherapy
Shera Miner (mother of Rachel Miner) – aggressive cancer also
battling COVID-19Barbara Sanders (mother of Ed Sanders) – colon
cancerTed McAllister (former member) – chemo following successful
stem cell transplantLucinda Hodges (sister-in-law of Darlene Rivas)
– multiple myeloma and cardiac amyloidosis Jim Bishop (friend of
Lisa Scott...) – cardiac issues and leukemiaKurt Krebs (friend of
Ed and Sheryl Sanders) – multiple myelomaMarlene Michaels (friend
of Lisa Scott) – stage IV cancerJustice Howard (cousin of Yashica
Budde) – thyroid cancer
VARIOUS CONCERNSVi Schultz (friend of Christina Eng) –
91-year-old neighbor grieving loss of daughter Pat Tudor – working
with doctors regarding stem cell transplantEileen Charles
(step-mother of Robert Charles) – suffered recent stroke
Roger Dillion (father of Jacqueline Dillion-Wiens) – suffered
recent strokesTom Dunsworth (brother of Jackie Murrie) –
hospitalized with pneumonia and congestive heart failureMartha
Condley (daughter of Janie Condley) – lupusSara Hodges (mother of
Darlene Rivas) – navigating serious health issuesLinemen and
firefighters as they work to serve the community during extreme
conditions Teachers, students, parents, and administrators during
this unusual academic yearHealing, peace, and justice in our nation
and communitiesRoscoe Marrs (father of Rick Marrs) – grieving loss
of wife Marilyn Aurand – spinal stenosisMary Zollman (friend of
Lisa Scott) – multiple sclerosisAshlyn Thomas – continued health
issues; pray for answers and successful treatments Harriet Nutter
(mother of Daphne Green) – depression and lonelinessBetty Brown –
pain relief, healing, and regaining of strengthCarol McNutt –
neuropathyCaleb Rodriguez (son of Marcus and Julia) – ongoing
seizuresResearchers, doctors, nurses, and patients battling
COVID-19CVCC FRIENDS WITH COVID-19 Imogene Wilson (mother of Lisa
Scott) – COVID-19
Andrea Thomas Carter (friend of Lisa Scott) – several medical
issues and COVID-19Al Odenath (father of Nick Odenath) – dehydrated
and confused by isolation due to COVID-19
MISSION EFFORTSRaul & Betty Alvarado – mission efforts in
PanamaTom Bonner – mission work in Albania Julie Broyles – Bible
English Study Center in CambodiaRyan Campbell – mission work in
PhilippinesCharles & Darlene Coulston – mission work in
KenyaMegan Randolph – teaching in Thailand David & Danna Willis
– mission work in Samoa
MILITARY SERVICETyler Scott – stationed in HI with the Navy
Michael Warford – stationed in FL with the Navy Derek Willis
(nephew of Tim Willis’) – serving in PA in the Army
Devote yourself to prayer being watchful and thankful.
Colossians 4:2Prayer Corner
January 31 Attendance
Online Viewing 117
CHURCH2525 E. Hillcrest DriveThousand Oaks, CA 91362
CONEJO VALLEY CHURCH OF CHRIST(805) 371-1381 Office | (805)
371-1384 Faxwww.conejochurch.org
OFFICE31225 La Baya Drive #214Westlake Village, CA 91362
Elders: Greg Brawner, Michael Ditmore, Chris Stivers, Tim Willis
– [email protected]
Rene Heard Worship & Media Manager(818) 665-8598
[email protected]
Kathia KingOffice Manager(805) 371-1381
[email protected]
Travis MooreYouth & Family Minister(520) 591-8246
[email protected]
Andy WallPreaching Minister(805) 331-0187
[email protected]
Penny WhiteChildren’s Minister(818) 857-6213
[email protected]
Jack WilliamsonOutreach Minister(805) 331-0183
[email protected]
