Dear LBC family and friends,

I hope the week is off to a great start for you. A couple weeks ago we had a pretty momentous members meeting announcing the plans to plant a church in the Los Angeles area in the next year. I was so thankful to hear the enthusiastic response of our members because it showed once again how committed this congregation is to the MVP of LBC. We have said that we would be a church planting church and have done all we can to uphold this desire in accordance with God’s Word.

Some may be wondering why a church plant in Los Angeles is necessary. Aren’t there already good churches there? We announced at the members meeting, that a church in LA would be strategic because of its proximity to The Master’s Seminary. This could be instrumental in the training up of future pastors and leaders. Also, LA provides a more central location for all the California Lighthouse churches. But even without these factors in mind, it is a bit naive to think that there are a sufficient number of churches in LA. It is one of the most populated cities in America, and as we know too well, many churches do not equal many good churches. And even the good churches are not all committed to the MVP, and specifically church planting, in the way LBC is. Again, this isn’t to say that we believe we are the only church or even the greatest church, but we believe in what we are doing and want to continue to see the work spread throughout the surrounding regions and to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8).

I know that many were surprised to hear that elder Mike Chon and his family were planning to go and help Pastor John in the church planting effort. Many changes are going to be necessary in order to move forward. We don’t commit ourselves to church planting because it is easy or convenient. We do it because we love God and people, and want to see souls saved. So, though I’m sad that Mike and Caroline and the boys are planning to move away, I’m super excited that John will have good help and support (because he’s going to need it).

LBC San Jose and East Bay are also planning on losing much even in the fact that Pastor John is leading the church plant in LA. But we are completely confident in and excited for Pastor J. R. Cuevas to take the lead in San Jose, and that the East Bay church plant is in good hands with Pastor Jim Kang. Please continue to pray for our pastors and leaders and their families, that they would always depend on the Lord in all things and find their strength and sufficiency in Him. Please also pray that God would be gracious to give us fruitful ministries where people are being taught all that Christ commanded to the glory of God (Matt. 28:20).

At the members meeting, we were also happy to announce officially that the elders of LBC San Diego have nominated Johnny Kim as an elder. We are hoping to install him into leadership at the next members meeting. Please be praying for Johnny and Mimi as they take this time to carefully consider this nomination. Please also pray for Mimi as she continues in what has been a fairly difficult pregnancy.

So, it was a good members meeting. I can’t put into words how thankful I am for this church and ministry that I am given by the grace of God. Obviously in moving forward we have a lot to pray about, so let’s be faithful in it. Let’s pray that the name of Christ would be exalted and that the gospel of grace would go forth from us to the nations.

In His grace,

Pastor Patrick

Here are the announcements for this week. Please read through them all!

1. FLOCKS. Don’t forget that our regional flocks meet this week starting tonight. For more information about flocks, visit the info table on Sunday or check out the website. Also, don’t forget to complete the homework so you can participate in the large group discussion time. Flocks worksheets can be downloaded at the flocks website.
2. ALL-CHURCH PHOTO. This Sunday, after service, we will head out to the parking lot to take our annual all-church photo. Parents, please be sure to get your kids from their classes as soon as service is over so that we can take the photo quickly. Some families may also be asked to move their cars to make room for the photo.
3. FUN IN THE SUN. This Sunday will also be the last FITS of the summer. This time South Bay Community Church in National City will be joining us for fellowship. This is the church we are working with in a joint outreach effort to the children of that area. FITS will run from 11:30am-4:00pm. Be sure to bring sunscreen and a change of clothes! Lunch will be served for $5/adult (kids 0-12 eat free!).
4. KIDS’ CLUB. LKC will begin next Thursday, October 4, from 6:30-8:00pm. All kids ages 3-12 are welcome to participate. Yes! Parents, that means LKC is open to preschoolers, but your child must be potty trained. Please contact Josh Liu for information about registration (liu.joshuac@gmail.com). The cost is $30/child for the entire year! Each subsequent child in the same household will receive a $10 discount!
5. GRACE LIFE FAMILY MINISTRY. Grace Life will begin meeting for Bible studies on Thursday, October 4, in conjunction with the LKC schedule. All married couples and parents are encouraged to come out as we will walk through a biblical study of the mind. The theme is “What Do You Think?” and it promises to be a helpful study. This will also be a great time for fellowship! For your help, nursery care will be provided during this time.
6. ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL. Three classes will begin during the Sunday School hour on Sunday, October 7. Steve Preslar and Min Kim will be teaching “Fundamentals of the Faith.” Mike Chon will be teaching “Praying to the Glory of God.” John Rudolph will be teaching “Survey of Basic Apologetics,” answering common objections to the Christian faith. Please make time to attend one of these classes as they are provided to help equip and train you.
7. MEMBERSHIP CLASS. Our next membership class will be on Saturday, October 13, from 9:00am-12:00pm (yes, we are keeping the 9:00-12:00 schedule), and Sunday, October 14, from 2:00-5:00pm. Attendance at both classes is mandatory. Please contact Pastor Patrick for an application.
8. FALL FESTIVAL. Our annual Fall Festival will be on Wednesday, October 31, from 5:00-8:30pm. This is a great alternative to Halloween and an opportunity to spend an evening with the church family. There will be games and fun! The cost for entrance is $8/adult (children 0-12 are free!). Dinner will be served! Come dressed up! Prizes will also be awarded for best costumes. Please don’t dress in anything that promotes wickedness and evil or in anything inappropriate (including cross-dressing).
9. FALL FESTIVAL PLANNING MEETING. We need help making this year’s Fall Festival a success! If you would like to help out, we will be having an planning meeting on Tuesday, October 2, from 7:00-8:30pm. If you can help out but can’t make the meeting, please let Pastor Patrick know.
10. ALL-CHURCH RETREAT. Our all-church retreat is coming up on November 2-4 at Pine Valley Bible Conference Center. We are super excited that our speaker this year is Pastor James Lee of Pillar Bible Church. The cost for the weekend is $150/adult and $75/child (ages 3-12) with a $450 max/family. This price includes two nights and five meals, so it really is a great deal! Sign up this Sunday in the foyer!