The Weekly | Sunday, March 4th

Pastor's Update

The season of Lent is a special time within the Church year - a time to focus on the events of our Lord’s “Passion.” Passion is the Christian theological term used for the events and suffering - physical, spiritual, and mental - of Jesus in the hours before and including his trial and execution by crucifixion.

On Maundy Thursday, April 5th, we will be conducting a Seder Dinner (with Communion) led by a Messianic Jewish missionary who will point us to “Christ in the Passover.” This will be a significant time of remembering Jesus’ “Passion” and it’s place in God’s work of salvation. We will also be conducting a Good Friday evening service.

I pray that we will draw nearer to Jesus in this special time of the year,
Pastor Jim

Coming Up

Join the Family!

Become a member on Saturday, March 24th from 9am to Noon in the Fireside Room. This is a great opportunity to meet with the Pastors and Elders to answer any questions you may have. Contact Herb at 562/494.4236 with questions.

Daylight Saving Time

Don't forget to turn your clocks ahead one hour before retiring on Saturday, March 10th!

South Gate Closure

The South Gate entrance is closed from the parking lot to pedestrian traffic due to construction. Please use the North Gate entrance (or, if it's open, sneak through the gym!).

Children

VBS 2012

Mark your calendars! Vacation Bible School 2012 will be July 30th-August 3rd!

Students

JUMP, JUMP, JUMP at Sky High Trampolines!

Meet at church for pizza - and then we're off to Sky High! Cost: $15. Limited spots! Bring a friend! And sign up ASAP!

Serve in Love this Spring Break

High school students: Join the mission of God in extending the love of Jesus Christ to the people of Ensenada, Mexico this Spring Break, April 9th-14th. Contact Werner with any questions.

Summer Camp 2012

Save the date! Summer Camp at Forest Home will be August 5th-10th for 6th-8th grade students and July 8th-13th for 9th-12th graders!

Families

Parents, Need A Date Night!?

Join us for hors d'oeuvres and a short topic on strengthening your marriage from Pastor Paul White on Saturday, March 10th from 5-5:45pm in the Fireside Room. Then enjoy a date on your own with your spouse up until 8:30pm. Meanwhile, your kids will be fed dinner at the church and entertained with a super fun bubble show provided by a private party coordinator! Don't miss this great night! Childcare is $15 per couple regardless of number of children. E-mail to save your spot!

Mommy & Me

Meet on Wednesdays at 9:30am in the Fireside Room. Contact Paula at 714/828.9109 with questions.

Parenting Class

Parents! Plan ahead for a six week class beginning Wednesday, April 18th, led by staff from the Center for Individual and Family Therapy.

Adults

Busy? Tired? Stressed Out?

Balancing Life’s Demands is a 10 week study that teaches practical biblical insights to help order your personal world. Continues Mondays at 7pm.

Prayer Meeting for Persecuted Christians

Meet this Monday, March 5th at 7pm in the Brides Room. All are encouraged to come. Contact Ken at 562/594.6026 with questions.

Men

Save the Date!

This year we will again host the Los Ranchos Presbytery Men's Breakfast on Saturday, May 12th. Watch for details!

Women

Sarah Circle

Meet on Thursday, March 8th at 7pm in the Library.

Save the Date

Our annual Women’s Spring Luncheon will be Saturday, May 5th. The theme this year will be “What is your Focus?” Ticket sales begin March 25th!

GSPC Literary Women

Meet on Saturday, March 10th at 9:30am in the Fireside Room. We will discuss the book Sarah's Key by Tatiana de Rosnay. Newcomers welcome!

Women: Stay Connected

Keep updated about this year's Women's Retreat by sending an e-mail to

Senior Adults

Day Trip to The Living Desert

Join us on Thursday, March 1st for a fabulous day trip to The Living Desert! The bus will leave the church at 8:30am, returning at 4:30pm. Lunch on your own. Cost: $50 (includes transportation, shuttle, and entrance fee). Sign up at the Senior Adult table.

Opportunities to Serve

"Let the Little Children Come to Me..."

We are in need of willing servants to spend time with babies during our 10:30am worship hour. If you're willing to serve in this way, please contact Michelle Heath at or 562/493.2553 x110.

Quilters

Meet on Monday, March 5th at 7pm in the Round Room #4.

Support Our Mexico Mission at the Open Table

Our High School Mexico team will be helping to serve dinner at The Open Table on Tuesday, March 6th. All donations that day will go towards our trip! Join us!

Spring Cleaning

Join us on Saturday, March 24th from 9am to Noon for our annual Spring Cleaning day! Pizza and soda will be served. Contact Doug with questions.

Blood Drive - March 18th

Save the date! All participants will be entered into a regional drawing for two annual Disneyland passes, LA Galaxy passes and LA King discount tickets!

Dinner & Game Night

Join Rising TIDE, afterschool program at Covenant Presbyterian Church, on Friday, March 9th at 6pm, for a spaghetti dinner and game night. Games include Clue, Life, Monopoly, Scrabble and Yahtzee. Cost for the evening $10! Childcare available. Register on the patio or contact Sue at 562/708.7804.

We Care's 6th Annual Dinner and Jazz Fundraiser

We Care, our local food pantry and family resource center, invites you to attend their 6th annual casual evening of food, fun & jazz on Saturday, March 24th at 6pm, at Aegean Designing Whims. Tickets are $60 and can be purchased on the patio or by calling We Care at 562/598.9790.

Save Your Recycling

We continue to collect aluminum cans and plastic bottles for the Quinonez family. No glass please. Drop off by the storage bins on Sunday mornings.