December 6, 2023

Dear ,

What a glorious Easter Resurrection Weekend we celebrated as a church family!  There were 5 Services, two indoors and three outdoors and each one filled with the presence of our resurrected Lord, as we worshiped Him together!  It was so encouraging to greet one another and fellowship together before and after the Services.  CHRIST IS RISEN---HE IS RISEN INDEED!

The Easter weekend was the fulfillment of the prayers of many, who were claiming the promise in Ephesians 3:20: “Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us…”  The Lord has been so faithful to us as a church family over this past year, even though many of us have suffered greatly and have gone through very difficult and challenging experiences.  We have seen Him “show up” again and again, comforting us, strengthening us, guiding us and providing for us!  He has done so often, “immeasurably more” than we could have imagined!  As we move forward in this year 2021, we want to continue to pray boldly, to trust Him faithfully and to follow Him wherever that might lead…”according to His power at work within us.”

Here are a few upcoming events I don’t want you to miss:

Wills, Trusts, and Estate Planning Seminar will be held via Zoom on Saturday, April 24. Our own Rich Chinen, estate planning attorney, will discuss the roles of estate planning documents in the event of illness and incapacity and after death.  We will also have an outside speaker lead us in a very important presentation about the Five Wishes, a document recognized in California that gives end-of-life directives. Les Stocker will wind up our time with some thoughts on personal legacies. There will also be lots of time for Q & A.  

For more information and to register click here.

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Our next LAC New Membership Class takes place on Saturday April 17th from 9-11:30am.  You will hear various Pastors and Staff share about the life and ministry of Lake. You will hear Pastor Jeff Mattesich share his heart and vision for our church.  You will meet new people and build new relationships.  Come partner with us! To register click here.

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The Mosaic Course will be launched on Sunday April 18th. .  It is a fast-paced and very informative 8-weeks of looking into the major world religions and learning how to share Jesus with their adherents in meaningful and compelling ways.  The Course is on-line from 6:30-8pm.  To register click here.

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Green Oak Family Camp weekend is back Home at Green Oak from Friday May 28 to Monday May 31. For more information and to register click here.

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Grief and Loss Support Groups are starting soon.  Mondays from 1-2:30pm or Thursdays from 5-6:30 pm. Contact the Counseling Ministry to Sign up.  626.844.4794

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Anchored, our next gathering for college students and young adults, is on Friday April 23rd.  If you have College and Young Adult Kids and Grandkids, please contact Beth Paz 

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Grandparenting Ministry

We are all called to the fulfillment of the Great Commission – “make disciples.” We aren’t let off the hook as we age, but actually should have more time to commit to that calling. Our families are our first mission field… adult children, nieces, nephews, and grandchildren need to hear us affirm the truth of God’s Word and the reality of His presence with us. “Great is the Lord and greatly to be praised, and His greatness is unsearchable. One generation shall commend Your works to another, and shall declare Your mighty acts.” (Psalm 145:3-4)  We all speak into the lives of the younger generations, whether we intend to, or not. Let’s ask ourselves whether the way we live helps the ones we influence to grow in their love for God and for each other.

GRAND Monday Nights seminars on grandparenting topics, is one way to learn how to share our faith and leave a spiritual legacy for future generations. You can register for the one-hour free webinar here.  

The LEGACY GRANDPARENTING SUMMIT will have a simulcast site at Lake Avenue Church on October 21-22, 2021. So mark your calendar for a couple days of challenging and exciting teaching. LAC’s Kara Powell is one of the speakers, and so is John Stonestreet, president of The Colson Center. David Green, founder & CEO of Hobby Lobby and Valerie Bell, CEO of Awana are also speaking. You can check out the whole line up here. We will begin registration in July. 

Moms In Prayer (Grandmas In Prayer) – I just found out about this wonderful organization that gathers women together to pray for children and schools using Scripture and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.  www.momsinprayer.org A regional coordinator was happy to let me know that you don’t have to be a mom or grandma in order to join, just a woman who loves children. There are a number of MIP groups near us or we could begin our own, on Zoom or in person at a later date. If you have an interest in this idea, please contact Nancy Smith at . 

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OUR CAMPUS IS OPENING UP FOR INDOOR WEDDINGS AND MEMORIAL SERVICES
In light of the changes made for California regarding Covid 19 restrictions, our Lake leadership has made the following decisions for our Weddings and Memorials on our campus:  we are ready to open up our indoor venues for weddings and memorials. Here are some things to keep in mind as you interface and plan with the families:

Covid Protocols: Most of what we have come to expect. Mask wearing, physical distancing, and now keeping attendance to 25% or less of room capacity.

Singing: The state of California just dropped some new protocols when it comes to singing in services. We are still unpacking how we are going to approach these new rules. There will be some flexibility here.

Food After the Event/Service: I know this has been a consistent request when it comes to these services. In general, it is still something we would discourage, but if it is a make or break issue for a family we can consider it. It certainly would need to be outside and we would need to see a plan for how we would provide adequate space for distancing while people are eating. 

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COVID-19 VACCINATION INFORMATION:
Here is a website to go to if you would like to schedule a vaccination:  http://www.findmyvaxla.com

I wish for each one of you a daily encounter with the Risen Lord and that you experience His faithfulness in every area of your lives “exceeding aboundantly above all you could ask or imagine!”

Blessings,