Cruise with a Mission report

Our worship room aka Reuben's Lounge (don't know who took this picture but it was on my computer, thanks)
On December 16th, about 350 young adults boarded the MS Veendam Cruise Ship to embark on Cruise with a Mission. We had several present and former Calimesa members participating on the mission trip/spiritual retreat. The week started off a little rocky as we had some VERY high seas but after a few days the seas calmed and we were able to enjoy the cruise better. Each day started with a worship session. There were also, breakout sessions, mission opportunities in Belize and Guatemala, as well as some times to just relax and enjoy time together. Some highlights for our Calimesa group included, playing volleyball on ship on Tuesday as well as a beachfront sundown dinner in Cozumel. Thanks to all who participated and prayed for this 1st ever mission opportunity. The dates are already set for next year. December 14-21, 2008. Find out all the info at www.cruisewithamission.org

by the last night we were all a little crazy!!! (photo submitted by Neal Cochran)

Thoughts on the soon approaching new year!

During our pastors retreat several weeks ago, the pastoral staff went to the San Diego Museum of Natural History to view the Dead Sea Scrolls. One of the powerful quotes that stood out for me was "Ideas must be useful and relevant to survive." The Holy Scriptures certainly fit that description. I am just returning with a group of 10 of your fellow young adults from Calimesa from Cruise with a mission. It was a powerful experience that I know many will cherish for a lifetime but some are in healthly conversations if the "idea is useful and relevant".

What about your personal life? 2008 is the year of the Rat according the chinese zodiac. The rodent that often lingers in the dark in crevices, and under piles of junk. What do you find useful and relevant in your life that you will choose to carry into the new year. What will emerge to the top of your piles of things to do in life?

Let me share a few observations from our Young Adult Ministries. More theme based Bible studies in Sabbath School seemed to be valued so that is something that we will carry over into 2008. Another idea that seems to be flourishing is the collegiate sabbath school. Jared has led the team that is working diligently with this demographic. Outreach options including Blanquita will be continued due to great response.

Thanks for your committment to our ministry and we look forward to God's continued leading in 2008!!

pastoral bell choir rescheduled!!

RESCHEDULED FOR JANUARY 5, 2008
I love to travel and one way to do that was to be part of the Advent Ringers of Atlanta Adventist Academy. I enjoyed playing bells for 4 years and now the pastors and our families want to share our talents (or at least our Christmas Spirit) with our church family.
Come to worship this week and you will be treated to a very special pastoral family special music!!! Don't miss it. Tell your friends, for a once in a lifetime...okay maybe year experience.

Some thoughts on Young Adult Ministry

Formulating, defining, redefining, transitioning, evolving, and emerging are just a small sampling of words that describe the young adult. Likewise, it also defines the Young Adult ministry in Adventism and Christianity for that matter. It is so new in fact there will be a first ever Young Adult Summit: Ignition held in Dallas, TX in Feb, 2008. So this is what you are a part of. What opportunity, what potential, what imperative to do for this generation what has been lacking for so long.

As part of this formative process, you are a critical part. You are the one who must speak up and be heard. One of those opportunities is Cruise with a Mission which is happening this upcoming week. I have been part of this project and it has been a learning experience of trying to mold toether the various thoughts that come together for new ministry projects.

Several current and former Calimesa Young Adults will be on this Mission Cruise. I ask that you please pray for us and keep thinking of relevant ways that we can minister to our demographic.

Peace be with you these next two Sabbaths!

pastoral bell choir this Sabbath: Postponed!!!

postponed!!
stay tuned....
I love to travel and one way to do that was to be part of the Advent Ringers of Atlanta Adventist Academy. I enjoyed playing bells for 4 years and now the pastors and our families want to share our talents (or at least our Christmas Spirit) with our church family.
Come to worship this week and you will be treated to a very special pastoral family special music!!! Don't miss it. Tell your friends, for a once in a lifetime...okay maybe year experience.

Christmas Outreach!! Sign up here!

10 am Garden Chapel
Bring your items this Sabbath and we'll into baskets at 10am. Then we'll split into groups and take Christmas baskets to seniors in our community. While we are visiting our friends can sing a few Christmas carols for them to share the Advent Season with them!!! A great opportunity to show some authentic Christian love!

Thing we still need:
Warm socks (5 pairs)
Assorted Fruits (oranges, apples, bananas, etc)
Large Crossword Puzzle Book (4)
Lotion (unisex 5 bottles)
Shampoo (5 bottles)
Stationery (5 pads)

Just post a comment to let us know what you can bring!!! This will be a wonderful way to spend Sabbath morning and we should be back by 2nd service.

Recap of Christmas party and broomball

We had a great time this past Saturday night with our Christmas Party and Broomball. So glad that you all came out. Special thanks to our leadership team for organizing the event. I must say that gift of choice from our white elephant gift exchange was "Butt Paste". We had some great snack foods and even played guitar hero (thanks Kange) and wii sports. You can get a taste of our Wii Olympics to come first of the year! Check out Grace and Aaron boxing.



Broomball was also great fun out in Ontario. Slipping, sliding, falling, scoring were all just part of the action on Saturday night. The night started with everyone bundled up in fleece and jackets but soon found everyone sweating and in intense competition.

Pastor Chris Video now on Myspace

Hey Friends:
I know that many of you have been waiting for Pastor Chris' Sabbath School video where she talks about her journey and women in ministry. You can view it now on our myspace account.

Video here

Enjoy and share with friends. We are trying to put it on our blog too.