On-site options: Dan Klein Sr's class is doing a hybrid of Zoom and in-person in the Board Room, as is Class 220 (in Room 220 at the back of the sanctuary, where you'll find Chris Andersen there to greet you). Nearby in Room 224 is the new prayer group for parents who are praying for their children to return to Christ. Down in Heartland Hall A you can join a small group watching episodes from acclaimed video drama "The Chosen" on the life of Christ. In Heartland Hall C you'll find Something Else Sabbath School in a hybrid format. (Welcome back, everyone!)
Our doors are open! Join us for Sabbath School at 9:45 and whole-church worship at 11:00am in the sanctuary.
The bulletin and church life news are always available and updated weekly on our CVC app.
Services are being streamed via Livestream (hosted by Union College) and on the CVC Facebook page. There is a sermon archive available for Apple TV, Roku, and directly on your device (full video or audio only) on our CVC app.
Sabbath Schools are continuing to meet--online, in-person, and in hybrid formats. All children and youth classes are meeting on-site and in-person.
Attend Online or watch past services.
Join us each Saturday for our weekly gathering.
Sabbath School: 9:45 – 10:45 am
Church Service: 11:00 am
Lead Pastor Simon Liversidge 805.498.2300
OK, one more week on this amazing letter from Paul to the believers in Philippi. Chapter 4 has to rank right up there as one of my favorites. It talks about positive attitude, answered prayers, a screening system for making life-choices, and contentment.
Positive Attitude: "Rejoice in the Lord always. I'll say it again, Rejoice!... And let your gentleness be evident to all."
Answered Prayers: "Don't be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition WITH THANKSGIVING, make your requests to God."
Screening System: "Finally brethren (and sistern!) whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, or trustworthy, think on these things."
Contentment: "I have learned to be content in every situation and whatever the circumstances."
Circumstances I can't always change, but I can decide how I respond to them. It's either partly sunny or partly cloudy - my choice. The cup is either half full or half empty - my choice. Life throws all kinds of things my way; I can give up, give in, or rise above - my choice. Paul's first suggestion as he wraps up his letter is to rejoice, and be gentle. Rejoicing can help me; being gentle can help others. It's a complete package in a cruel world!
And if it's prayer you're wrestling with, Paul's wisdom is supreme - Pray, WITH THANKSGIVING. Here's the clincher though - I don't get what I want, but I can have peace knowing that He is in control. His response to my thankful prayers is, "and the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
And if you're still trying to figure out how to live the best Christian life, read verse 8, and run your decision past the, is it "true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent or praiseworthy" checklist. If so, continue; if not, rechoose!
And then, be happy/content. Like Paul I need to keep learning to be satisfied, with much or with little, with the straight paths and the curved, with the good deal in life or the not so good deal. It's in that context that he says, "I can do all things through Him who gives me strength." That over-quoted promised text is not a guarantee for me that I can do anything and everything I want, but that I will be able to handle anything that life throws my way because:
Have a great day following God's ways,
Pastor Rich
Previous sermons are available in the Video Archive. Additionally our CVC app (free to download and free to use!) has a collection of sermons (not full services) that are easy to watch and share.