August 2009

Fall Kickoff

• Sunday, September 13
• Byron Burns will be here to sing for us!
• We’ll have a BBQ lunch in our Social Hall & Patio after the service.
• Everyone is welcome—invite a friend.

This will be a great morning!


From the Pastor
Hello CCH Family!

One of the most difficult things for any individual or family to do is to visit a church. It can be a daunting, intimidating and uncomfortable task. Those who do come to visit our church, or any church for the first time, should be applauded for their courage to visit a place filled with strangers and attend a program that they don’t know anything about!

The reason I bring this up is that just about every week we have individuals visiting our church. They have decided to take the bold step to be a guest at our church and see what we’re all about. It’s a courageous effort! However, maybe we can make this difficult step a little easier, a little less stressful and a lot more enjoyable!!

How can you help? What can you do to help someone’s initial visit be a positive one? Here are some proactive steps you can take to help make a visitor feel welcome…

• Even before the worship service starts, if you see a visitor sitting by themselves (visitors usually come early and sit alone) take the initiative to go over and introduce yourself to them. You don’t need to overwhelm them - you can simply introduce yourself and thank them for visiting the church.
• During most worship services there is a greeting time or a time to shake hands with those around you. Make sure you take the time to walk over and greet a newcomer. Don’t just greet those you’re comfortable with…make the effort to greet those you don’t know.
• After the worship service is over, make an effort again to talk to someone who is new to the church rather than just a small circle of friends. Thank them for coming and invite them to come back and visit again.
• Invite a visitor to get a cup of coffee at the refreshments table. You might respond to this by saying, “I wouldn’t know what to talk about!” Here are some questions I like to ask people when meeting them for the first time…

1. Have you visited our church before?
2. How did you find out about CCH? Do you live in the area?
3. Is there any question I can answer for you about our church?
4. And if they are open to your conversation you can ask, what do you do for a living? What’s your occupation?
5. Share a little bit about yourself with that person.
6. Let them get to know you a little bit so that next time they visit they feel they are familiar with someone at the church.

These are just a few of the ways to help make a visitor feel comfortable. Taking time to greet visitors is a habit that takes time to develop. You have to come to church with an attitude of readiness to look for and befriend those who are coming to visit. I hope you’ll begin to make the effort to greet those who are new to our worship services. And, you never know…you might just be the person who helps a visitor make CCH their spiritual home!

Have a blessed week,

Pastor Dave!!


PATHFINDERS by Amber George:

August is already here. Which means summer is almost over and school is starting soon! It went by so fast.

First, I want to say thanks to everyone for committing to be at church every week and to get there early. It has already made a big difference in the Sunday School and Preschool classes. We had twelve kids in the Children's Ministry classes last week and eleven the week before! Let's keep it up and invite friends!

The Pathfinders are continuing their curriculum series called “The Bible Tells Me So”. We have been learning about the Ten Commandments and have already looked at the first three Commandments. This month we will be learning mom's and dad's favorite Commandment, “Honor your Mother and Father” -- among others.

Also, the kids will still be working on their own workbooks in class each week in Sunday School and will be taking home a “Disciple Guide” weekly. I encourage you to help your kids go over this; that way you can keep up with what they are learning in Sunday School.

Also, an announcement for parents of preschool children: Please remember to sign in your kids before class and leave any special instructions on the sign in sheet. You can do this before the church service begins so you don’t have to leave when the sermon begins.

Lastly, if anyone is interested in helping teach Sunday School once a month in the Pathfinders class we would love to have you! We still need some volunteers. Please let Amber know if you are interested and we will get you started right away!

I hope everyone enjoys the rest of their summer! Have fun and stay safe!


YOUTH: by Chris Miuccio

• Chris will be having another 12th Grade- College age group gathering on Sunday, August 16th from 7-8:30-ish at Barnes and Noble in Westlake to discuss current events, prayer requests and life challenges. Bring a friend. Very casual atmosphere.
• August Sunday studies will be "Scripture Memorization Month"
  

We'll memorize a new scripture each week and discuss the merits of being armed with God's word.

See you there!!


Missions
Backpacks for kids -- Everything is going well with the backpack outreach. We have all the supplies pledged to be brought in.

Please have all items here no later than Wednesday, August 12 so that we can be sure all the supplies are purchased. We will then be able to get last minute items if needed.

Help is needed filling the backpacks on Sunday, August 16 after the service. We’ll meet in the social hall.

Mission Team Meeting: The next mission team meeting is this Sunday, August 9 after the service.

World Vision Adopt-a-child — “Jeanne” is our adopted little girl from Rwanda (6 years old). There is a picture of her in the lobby along with a box for the money and letters. $1 per person per month will help fund Jeanne’s care. Letters to Jeanne are appreciated too!

Pins & Needles: our next meeting will be Thursday, August 27th.

Manna Food Collection - This outreach continues on the 4th Sunday of every month. The tub will be out in the lobby again on August 23rd. The pantry is low so anything is helpful, but the following are especially needed:

• soups,
• canned fruit, beans and chili;
• macaroni and cheese,
• peanut butter,
• sugar,
• and cooking oil.

Prayer Chain

After the passing of Skip H. in July, Marcia sent a note to CCH that reads: Bless each and everyone that has prayed, cried and upheld us during this difficult time. The flowers graced the service and were also used for the graveside. I hope all of you will pray for our church. Our sympathy goes out to the entire family.

Dale R. — continued prayer for his lung disease—and Dee is battling pneumonia.

Darlene H.’s mom, Anita’s health is poor.

Jane M.’s sister’s friend, Diane had surgery for pressure sores and is recovering. Pray for healing of her paralysis.

Emily—15 year old daughter of pastor Dave’s good friend has a mass on her brain stem and is undergoing tests.

Lissa—one month old daughter of Adam G.’s friends is not thriving, still around 5 lbs. She also needs heart surgery in the fall.

Daughter of Dave & Judy--Cindy's friends lost their home in a recent fire.

Nancy O. is our Prayer Chain coordinator. Please be sure to let her know of any updates and prayer needs.


Birthdays and Anniversaries

If we have your birthday or anniversary on record—we are listing those who celebrate this month. Happy Birthday & Happy Anniversary to you!

If we don’t show you here, please drop an email with your dates—or better still go on line www.cchagoura.com/groups and fill out a survey form - we’d love to have that on file!

August Birthdays

• 14—B. Thomas
• 10—J. Hanna
• 14 — W.Patton
• 26 — D. Hanna
• 26—R. Thomas

Anniversaries

• 8—Cossentines (40 years!!)
• 23 — A. & A. George

Congratulations everyone!


Lifeline Screening

2 weeks out from screening date—August 12 at Christian Church of the Hills in Agoura.

Have you suffered a broken bone in your hip or spine? Do you feel as if you are getting shorter? If you answer "yes" to either of these questions, you may want to consider being screened for the risk of osteoporosis. We are pleased to offer a Life Line Screening preventive health event that can be used to detect just such a risk. Life Line Screening uses a quantitative ultrasound bone densitometer, using the heel as a measurement site, to assess one's risk of osteoporosis. This screening compares your bone density to that of the average 20-year-old adult female, according to World Health Organization guidelines. The osteoporosis screening is not only for women. Of the 10 million Americans who have been diagnosed with osteoporosis, 2 million are men.

The screening will take place on August 12, 2009. Your Health is in Your Hands, so call 1-888-653-6441, or visit www.lifelinescreening.com, for more information or to pre-register.

Pick up a pink flyer in the lobby for a list of tests Lifeline performs.


Holy Humor – signs outside churches…

• There was a Church that had problems with outsiders parking in its parking lots, so they put up a sign: CHURCH CAR PARK - FOR MEMBERS ONLY trespassers will be baptized!
• Searching for a new look? Have your faith lifted here!
• People are like tea bags - you have to put them in hot water before you know how strong they are.
• Fight truth decay - study the Bible daily.
• Dusty Bibles lead to Dirty Lives
• Come work for the Lord. The work is hard, the hours are long and the pay is low. But the retirement benefits are out of this World.
• It is unlikely there'll be a reduction in the wages of sin.
• This is a ch_ _ ch. What is missing? ---------(U R)
• In the dark? Follow the Son.
• If you can't sleep, don't count sheep. Talk to the Shepherd

July 2009 Newsletter

Luau

Don’t miss this great lunch after church on Sunday, July 12th — and invite a friend or two to church.

We look forward to seeing all those Hawaiian print clothes!

There is a sign up sheet in the lobby for main dishes; vegetable, fruit or salads; bread; and dessert. Please stop by and sign up so we know how many to expect — and to be sure there is enough food.

We plan to hold a raffle again—$1 per ticket and you need to be present to win. The tickets will be sold that day. What are we raffling off?

· $10—Coldstone Creamery Gift Card· $10—Jamba Juice Card· $20—Movieco Theater Card (in the Oaks Mall)· And a 10% discount card for Starbucks—good for one year ($25 value)

MaryAnn and Lela welcome help setting up and cleaning up. Please indicate your willingness to help on the sign up clipboard!

From the Pastor

This letter was mailed out on Thursday afternoon to all regular attenders. We welcome all CCH attenders at the meeting.

Dear Church Family,

This letter is to invite you to a very important congregational “town hall” meeting. The meeting will take place on Sunday, July 19^th immediately following the worship service from 11:30 to 12:30.

Pastor Dave will be leading the meeting along with the staff and the Board of Elders. This meeting will not deal with any financial matters, but instead will focus on key topics for the future direction of the church.

We consider this church a family and want everyone to be present for this church family meeting. It is very important that EVERYONE be in attendance. Without your presence the meeting will not be effective.

This will be a time where the leadership will be sharing with you, but also a time for you to ask any questions you may have after the presentation.

Thank you for taking the time to read this letter and I look forward to seeing you there.

In Christ, Pastor Dave Crouse

Kids & Youth News by Amber

PATHFINDERS: Happy 4^th of July! I hope everyone enjoys the fireworks and BBQ’s during the 4^th weekend. Here are some of the things going on in July.

The Pathfinders are starting their new curriculum this month! Our new series is called “The Bible Tells Me So”. We will be looking at God’s Laws and the Ten Commandments over the next couple of months. It will give the kids a chance to really understand what God asks of us and how He wants us to follow His word.

Also, the kids will be working on their own workbooks in class each week in Sunday School and will be taking home a “Disciple Guide” weekly. I encourage you to help your kids go over this and that way you can keep up with what they are learning in Sunday School.

Also, an announcement for parents of preschool children: Please remember to sign in your kids before class and leave any special instructions on the sign in sheet. You can do this before the church service begins so you don’t have to leave when the sermon begins.

Let me know if anyone is interested in an end of summer fun trip! I would love to hear some ideas about what you would like to do in mid-August before school begins.

Lastly, if anyone is interested in helping teach Sunday School once a month in the Pathfinders class we would love to have you! Please let Amber know if you are interested and we will get you started right away!

I hope everyone is enjoying their summer! Have fun and stay safe!

YOUTH:

Hey everyone! This is the last week to sign up for Angeles Crest summer camp, which is taking place August 2^nd – 7^th. The cost is $275 for the whole week. If the cost is a problem, please talk to Amber. Scholarships are available and we don’t want that to be the only thing keeping you from attending this amazing, life-changing camp.

SO, talk to Amber THIS WEEK if you are interested in attending. Please, have checks made out to ACCC by this Sunday the 5^th.

Young Adults from Chris:

On Sunday, July 19th, Chris M. will be leading another High School / College Group gathering from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the Barnes & Noble Coffee Shop in Westlake.

We will discuss both personal and societal current events. Invite a friend.

Backpack Outreach

As an outreach to our community, again this year we plan to assemble backpacks with school supplies for kids in need. After checking with Sumac Elementary School we found that they were very appreciative of last year’s gift and welcome the backpacks again this year.

We are hoping to supply the school with one boy, one girl and one neutral backpack for each of the grades one through five (15 total).

Throughout July, please bring in NEW supplies and backpacks. A list of needed items is in the lobby—please sign up for the items you will purchase so we are sure to have everything covered.
Cash donations are welcome— Lori will be happy to make the purchases.

Thank you, Your Mission Team

Prayer List

• Lynn S.’s Daughter Patty—Is recovering from an infection following her 2nd brain surgery.
• Dale R. — continued prayer for his lung disease.
• Thais K. — Prayer for health and some family issues.
• Our Servicemen: Drew Lewis, Andrew Olson and Scott Olson
• CCH — Please pray for young families to come to CCH to build our children’s & youth department.
• Angeles Crest Christian Camp — pray that the Lord will provide the campers and donations needed to provide their great ministry here in Southern California.
• Finances: These are tough times for many individuals and ministries. Please pray that God will help his people get through this recession.

Nancy O. is our Prayer Chain coordinator. Please be sure to let her know of any updates and prayer needs.

Mission Updates

The following are outreaches we will be continuing:

• World Vision Adopt-a-child — “Jeanne” is our adopted little girl from Rwanda (6 years old). There is a picture of her in the lobby along with a box for the money and letters. $1 per person per month will help fund Jeanne’s care. Letters to Jeanne are appreciated too!
• Manna Food Collection—continues on the 4th Sunday of every month. The tub will be out in the lobby again on July 26th.
• Pins & Needles: crochet or knit projects which are donated to the community. Currently we are making baby “stroller-sized” blankets. Our next monthly meeting is July 23rd at 7:00 p.m . here at CCH. You are welcome!!

Birthdays and Anniversaries

Happy birthday to everyone that celebrates in the month of July. Here are the CCH attenders that we know have birthdays and anniversaries:

July Birthdays
13—Bill H.r & Maria H.
21—Amy F. & Hailee H.
23—Judy L. & Amanda M.
25—Suzi S.27—Kay D.

Anniversaries
4—Steve & Kitty L.
11—Mark & Patti W.
12—Doug & Marilyn S.

Congratulations everyone!

Greetings Bible Enthusiasts

Since we're right in the middle of baseball season, I thought I'd share some superstitions that some baseball players have had. Many ball players develop some pretty odd behaviors with the belief that these little rituals will help them play better or even win a game. Here's a sample of some of them from the past:

• Babe Ruth always stepped on second base for "good luck" as he ran back to the dugout from his outfield position.
• Willie Mays would give second base a swift kick as he passed by, also for "good luck."
• Manager Leo Durocher would ride in the back seat of the team bus to break a losing streak.

Other superstitions:

• Never changing bats after two strikes.
• Not changing uniforms during a winning streak (Ugh!).
• Tapping the plate three times with the bat.
• Not ever stepping on the foul line. Lefty O'Doul, pitcher for the Yankees during the 20's had this to say about his foul line superstition: "It's not that if I stepped on the foul line it would really lose the game, but why take a chance?" He knew that there was a supernatural power, and was looking for some help.

Some say these are just harmless rituals, but what do they really say? Do superstitions reveal things about where people are placing their trust? The Bible warns against trusting in unknown forces working behind the scenes. Those who have placed their trust in Christ have to reject the idea of luck or chance. We understand that God is all-knowing and is in control over the events of our lives. He wants us to trust Him - and Him alone.

Do you have any superstitions? Examine them if you do, and decide to discard them and replace them with your complete trust and faith in the Lord. Good Luck! JUST KIDDING.....!!!!!! (Ha! Just checking to see if you're paying attention!) Let's always remember to replace “good luck” in our speech with an enthusiastic "GOD BLESS YOU!

Argument for Christianity

The best argument for Christianity is Christians - their joy, their certainty, their completeness.

But the best argument against Christianity is also Christians - when they are somber and joyless, when they are self-righteous and smug, when they are narrow and repressive. Then Christianity dies a thousand deaths.
-C.S. Lewis

Getting in free

A little boy came bouncing home holding an ice cream cone. "Where did you get that?" asked his mother. "I bought it with the money you gave me for Sunday school," he smilingly answered.

"Why didn't you give it to the church?" she asked. "Because the minister met me at the door and got me in free," he answered.

December 2008

Christmas Celebrations
We invite you to join us each Sunday as we sing the wonderful Christmas songs we hear only at this time of year, light the advent candles, and hear inspiring messages about the hope we have through the birth of our Lord Jesus.

In addition to the worship services please join us for:

• Sunday, December 14 — Old Fashioned Christmas Party, 6:30-8:00 p.m.
Come and sing some fun Christmas carols, enjoy the children’s story time, and a special visit from Santa—followed by dessert and hot chocolate or coffee. There is a sign up sheet in the lobby for bringing desserts and/or letting us know you will be here.

• Wednesday, December 24 — Candlelight Christmas Eve Service, 4:00—5:00 p.m.
Our annual Christmas Eve service is for the entire family. There will be a time of communion, and a special lighting of our candles and singing Silent Night together as we close the evening worship. We hope you will bring your friends and family; it’s always a wonderful service.

New Worship Time
Beginning on Sunday, December 14th, we will return to our previous worship time of 10:00 a.m.

Westlake Community Church is no longer meeting in our facilities which is why we changed to 9:30 a.m. earlier this year.

We hope you will like the time change and will be here to begin worshipping right at 10:00 on Sunday, December 14th!

• Randy Olson’s Sunday School class will discuss their start time this week when they meet at 8:30 as usual.
• The worship team will be notified as to what time rehearsals will begin. But this Sunday it is still 8:30 a.m.

From Pastor Dave
I love Christmas lights!! As I drive around the city it is fun to see more and more houses emerge with Christmas lights as we get closer to Christmas Day. The brightly colored lights announce the arrival of Christmas and are one of the unique aspects of the season. Christmas lights signify the great spiritual truth that Jesus Christ is the “light of the world”. The birth of Jesus was the fulfillment of a prophecy made by Isaiah hundreds of years earlier. Matthew records this fulfillment…

• When Jesus heard that John had been put in prison, he returned to Galilee. Leaving Nazareth, he went and lived in Capernaum, which was by the lake in the area of Zebulun and Naphtali—to fulfill what was said through the prophet Isaiah: "Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the way to the sea, along the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles—the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned." Matthew 4:12-16

Christmas commemorates the monumental event when God sent His Son to bring salvation to a world that was in spiritual darkness. I hope that as you enjoy the Christmas season you will remember what all the Christmas lights represent – that Jesus is the light of the world and that through His birth we are given hope, joy and peace with our God!

Merry Christmas, Pastor Dave


ELDER NOMINATIONS FOR 2009
The board of elders would like to let you know that the following men have agreed to be nominated for elder for 2009-2011:

Jerry A., Dave F., and Dave G.

We will hold a general congregational meeting on Sunday, December 7th immediately following the service in order to confirm their nomination. We hope you will be here to attend that meeting.

Note: Our bylaws require that you have placed your membership here at CCH in order to vote, and that you are an attending member over the age of 18. If you’d like information about placing your membership, please see Pastor Dave or Associate Pastor Chris.

If you have any questions or concerns, please speak to one of our current elders:

Randy O., Chair, Dave L., V. Chair
Jerry O., Doug S., Adam G., and Dave B.

Children' New, By Amber George

It’s Christmas time! I am so excited for this very special time of year when we can celebrate the birth of Jesus! We have so many wonderful things planned this month that I hope everyone gets involved with.

First, on December 3^rd we have our Hanging of the Greens event and Pizza Party to decorate the church for Christmas from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. We need all the help we can get, so kids, make sure you’re there.

Then on Saturday, December 13^th the Pathfinders will have their first special event! We will be going The Lakes Ice Skating Rink for our holiday event. We will meet at CCH at 10 a.m. and carpool over to The Lakes. Cost is $11.00 for admission and rentals. Please make sure to fill out a permission slip before Saturday the 13^th. Parents, you are more than welcome to join us. We would love to have you there. In the event of rain we will reschedule.

And, on Sunday, December 14^th we will be holding our Old Fashioned Christmas Party. We will sing carols, read The Night Before Christmas and eat dessert. And, there will also be a special surprise for the kids. So, make sure you’re there! The party starts at 6:30 p.m.

Then on Wednesday, December 17^th we will have our Christmas Party with the Youth Group in the youth room. We will have food, games and a unique gift exchange. The party will be from 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. Plan on being there and invite your friends.

The Pathfinders Sunday School is wrapping up their latest curriculum “My Awesome Adventure” this month. They will be completing their lesson workbooks in class and will be able to take them home after the last lesson. I hope you will take time to look over their workbooks with them and see what they have been learning about. We will also have some special Christmas lessons during Sunday school as well this month. Then in January we will start our new curriculum for the New Year.

Merry Christmas everyone!

Youth:

There is so much coming up in the coming months for youth group. First, youth group is moving to Wednesday nights starting December 3^rd. We will kick off our new night with the Hanging of the Greens event and Pizza Party. We will meet on December 3^rd from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. After that, we will go back to our regular time from 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.

And, on Wednesday, December 17^th we will have our Christmas Party with the Pathfinders in the youth room. We will have food, games and a unique gift exchange. The party will be from 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. Plan on being there and invite your friends.

Also, here are some dates for Winter Camps:

• Mammoth Camp with EV Free NP: January 23-26
• Angeles Crest: January 30- February 1^st, February 6-8, February 20-22

Let Amber know which dates you are available ASAP. For more info about winter camps talk to Amber. And, Youth group will not be meeting December 24^th, December 31^st or January 7^th. We will kick off the new year on January 14^th, 2009!

Fuse:

Because of the holidays we will NOT be meeting in the month of December. Enjoy this season and look for new events in the New Year! Merry Christmas!

GO M.A.D. (Go Make a Difference)
• Santa Comes to Agoura—Thank you everyone who brought in peanut butter and jelly for the food drive. The food will be sorted this Saturday at the Do-It-Center if you’d like to help out, 9:00 a.m.
• Angel Tree Gifts — All new, unwrapped gifts are due at CCH this coming Sunday for our outreach toward families in need this Christmas.


Birthdays and Anniversaries
Below are our December birthdays, there are no anniversaries this month. If yours is not listed, it may be because we have never gotten a profile on you or your family. Those are easily printed from our website, there are two pages and you can find them on the Groups page, entitled Member Survey. All CCH attenders (not just members) are encouraged to fill this out. Let send you a birthday card on your special day!!

December Birthdays:

• Drew L.—7th
• Lynn S. — 12th
• Morgan L. — 16th
• Jerry A. — 19th
• Caitlin C. — 29th

Prayer Chain

• Brian & Rebecca T.: Please keep them in your prayers as they grieve the passing of Barbara (wife and mother) who died late in November of heart complications.
• Dale R.— battling with lung disease and recently pneumonia. Pray for healing and comfort.
• Loretta H.— for knee and back pain — the treatments are not helping.
• Lynn S.—Cousin Art has cancer. Please keep him in your prayers.
• Amy F.’s Mom — is in declining health.
• Pat H. — several family members have health issues, please pray for them.
• Thais K. — Prayer for health.
• CCH — Please always keep our church in your prayers for growth both spiritually and in numbers, for wisdom and direction for the staff and elders, as well as future outreaches and events.
• Remember the servicemen:
• Drew L., Scott and Andrew O. and Amber’s brother Ty.

Nancy O. is our Prayer Chain coordinator. Please be sure to let her know of any updates and prayer needs. 706-2124.

“Christmas Packages”
4 Christmas One Acts
Produced by First Light Players

• "Mom's Ashes" brotherly relationships can become complicated, especially when mom is lost in UPS & the mob is involved, but love is the greatest command
• "Roots in the Wind" a struggling actress in Hollywood, goes home to Georgia for Christmas to find that her mom and step-dad have arranged a blind date for her with Tom Cruise.
• "A Little Corner in Nowhere" A place where we are reminded what Christmas is all about
• "A Quiet Christmas Eve" Steve and Roxanne want to spend a nice and quiet Christmas Eve together but family traditions get in the way

DEC. 12-21, Fri & Sat @ 8:00 pm, Sun @ 3:00 pm
ACTORS WORKOUT STUDIO, 4735 Lankershim, North Hollywood
ALL TICKETS $18.00, Limited Seating

Please see Kay Dease on Sunday for tickets or call her at 889-5964

Note: First Light Players is not affiliated with CCH, but their mission is to win non-believers to the Lord through their drama productions. Kay Dease is a member here and the team rehearses in our building.