We hope you've had a wonderful week and have been able to enjoy these beautiful days. We're looking forward to gathering as a church family and worshiping together!
We continue to examine 1 John this week, which is a practice that should apply to the whole of our Christian lives: Examine. Do you know that a significant part of what it means to follow Jesus is to live a life of examination?
There's so much happening in the life of our church, including Daylight Savings!-be sure to check out all the exciting updates below!
We're looking forward to gathering with you this Sunday!
Community Covenant Church
LIFE AT COMMUNITY COVENANT
Daylight Savings This Sunday!
Just a quick reminder that Daylight Savings Time begins this Sunday, March 9! Don't forget to set your clocks forward one hour on Saturday night so you don't miss out on worship with us. We're looking forward to gathering together, bright and early, as we continue to grow in faith and community. See you Sunday!
It's Time to Sign Up to See Where Paul Walked!
Pastor Eric is inviting you on an exciting fall tour of many of the sites where the Apostle Paul established the earliest Christian churches, and sign-ups are happening now! Join your CCC friends, and others, as we visit Corinth, Thessaloniki, Athens, Crete, Ephesus, and others. In addition to a beautiful cruise across the Mediterranean, we will learn more about the Apostle Paul and early Christianity than you can hope to learn by staying home and reading books. The trip will take place between September 28 and October 10, with an optional extended tour of Istanbul and Cappadocia.
Looking for the perfect way to connect after church? Join us on the patio this Sunday for some coffee, tasty treats, and great conversation! It's the best way to unwind and spend time with friends-both old and new-in a warm and welcoming environment. ?
? We Need YOU to Bring the Goodies! ?
Goodies have been a bit light in recent weeks, and people love to have great conversations with good food. If it's your week to provide, we'd love for you to bring a delicious snack to share. Simply drop off your plated, ready-to-serve treats in the Fireside Room before worship. Not your week? No problem-you're always welcome to contribute on another Sunday!
Let's make this Sunday extra sweet with coffee, treats, and community! ☀️
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Monthly Schedule
First Sunday Last Name A Thru F Group #1
Second Sunday Last Name G Thru M Group #2
Third Sunday Last Name N Thru S Group #3
Fourth Sunday Last Name T Thru Z Group #4
Fifth Sunday Fellowship Coordinator Team
Let's come together, share some good food, and enjoy the gift of fellowship. We can't wait to see what you bring to the table! ?☕
Leadership Board Candidates' Bios
Chris Call - Chair (2-year term)
My wife, Lisa, and I have been attending Covenant churches since we were married nearly 44 years ago. We have enjoyed being part of the Community Covenant Church family for four years now. I have been privileged to serve as a volunteer at CCC in youth ministry, worship, strategic planning, and staff development, as well as serving the past two years on the Leadership Board as Treasurer. I am honored to be nominated this year as Church Chair. I retired after 35 years as a college administrator, the last 18 of which were spent as Vice President for Administration and Planning at Westmont College.
Diana Sunukjian - Vice Chair (2-year term)
I did not have the privilege of growing up in a Christian home; I became a believer the summer before my junior year in high school through the ministry of Young Life. After college, I joined Young Life staff full-time, where I met my husband, Len. We were married for 54 years before he succumbed to brain cancer on 11/28/23. Our two sons, Jason and Luke, are both married, and our six grandchildren (five girls and one boy) range in age from 10 to 20 years old.
Our first sojourn in Santa Barbara lasted 17 years while Len pastored two churches. Since moving back to Santa Barbara from Thousand Oaks in 2011, we have been committed to the body at CCC. Throughout my adult life, I have sought to serve the Lord in the various ministries He has brought my way. I've been involved in Bible Study Fellowship, Women's Ministry in several churches, counseling ministry, and previously served on the Leadership Board at CCC. I am honored to be asked to serve on the Leadership Board at this juncture in the life of our church.
Karen Carol - Secretary (3-year term)
I have been a member of this church for approximately six years. I am an RN and worked at GVCH and SBCH for 36 years, mostly in critical care, before retiring two years ago. My husband, Jay, and I have four children (now six with a wonderful daughter-in-law and new son-in-law) and two grandchildren.
I was raised in the Presbyterian church and have always believed in Jesus. When I was in junior high, I was reborn by the Holy Spirit. I appreciate this opportunity to give back to our church and am grateful for the spiritual growth and learning I have experienced here at CCC. My relationship with God has grown and continues to grow. The wonderful believers I have met here have helped in that growth, and I will be forever grateful.
I enjoy watching my grandkids, spending time with family and friends, volunteering at the dog shelter, golfing, traveling, and camping. Thank you for considering me for the position of Secretary. I pray I will serve you well.
Steve Wagner - Treasurer (1-year term)
My bride, Jonna, and I have attended CCC since 2000. We have been married for 35 years and have two incredible daughters, Ashley (31) and Jessica (29). We have led life groups at CCC for many years and have both served on leadership boards in the past.
Over the last four years, it has been a privilege to serve CCC as Leadership Board Chair and as a member of the worship team. I am honored to be nominated to continue serving on the Leadership Board as Treasurer.
Steve Long - Member (1-year term)
I have been growing in my walk with Jesus over the past 50 years-experiencing the transformation from head knowledge to heart change. My spiritual gifts seem to be in the areas of service, encouragement, generosity, and hospitality.
Molly and I have been married for 59 years. We have two children and four grandchildren. We have been members of Community Covenant Church for many years and continue to be blessed by this community.
Monte Fraker - Member (1-year term)
I was fortunate to be born and raised in Santa Barbara. My wife, Brenna, and I will be celebrating our 37th wedding anniversary in May. We have two amazing adult children: Spencer, a high school teacher in Southern California, and Taylor, who works in the marketing department at a local bank. Taylor married her college sweetheart, Adam, in 2020.
I accepted Christ at a young age, but my faith and walk with Him deepened and changed forever during the summer of 1987 when I was a staff counselor at Mount Hermon Christian Camp. That very place is also where I met Brenna.
We have been attending CCC since 2000 and have been involved in various ministries through the years.
Melissa Nguyen - Member (1-year term)
I have attended our church since I was in college in 2001. I have served on the Leadership Board since 2024, and I am a missionary with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship. My husband, Sean, and I have two wonderful children, Audrey and Evelyn.
Budget Update
Through the end of January, we were $20K short of our budget expectation for unrestricted tithes and offerings. This gap, along with the significant increase in property insurance costs last summer, places added pressure on our overall budget. The Finance Committee and Leadership Board will soon determine next year's budget based on giving in the coming weeks. We invite you to prayerfully consider how you can contribute, ensuring our ministries remain fully funded for the year ahead. Thank you for your faithful generosity in serving God's kingdom.
New Members Class | March 9 and 16
Our church has "Community" in its name on purpose, because we really want to be a community of people centered on Jesus. If you're interested in learning more about our community, and what it means to become a member, join us after our service on March 9 and March 16 for our two-week new members class. There's no obligation to become a member, but these two sessions are necessary if you would like to become a member. A good lunch and great conversation will all be a part of these classes!
Network Medical, one of Community Covenant's mission partners, is hosting their annual fundraiser! Join us for an unforgettable evening with Allie Beth Stuckey, a thought-provoking speaker, author, and podcast host known for her insightful commentary on culture and faith. Allie brings a powerful and engaging perspective, encouraging us to stand firm in truth while navigating today's world.
? Tuesday, March 18th at 7:00 PM
? The Granada Theatre
Mark your calendars! Our Annual Congregational Business Meeting will take place on Sunday, March 23rd, at 11:30 AM in the Worship Center, immediately following the service.
Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend, but if you are a member of Community Covenant Church, your participation is especially important. We'll be voting on new board leadership and approving the 2025-2026 budget-key decisions that shape the future of our church.
We look forward to seeing you there!
? Need Prayer? We've Got You Covered! ?
Feeling overwhelmed? Need a little extra support? We're here for you! Our amazing prayer team is ready and waiting to lift you up. Whether you're going through something big or just need some encouragement, we believe in the power of prayer and we're excited to stand with you in faith.
Submitting your request is super easy-just head to our website and use the Prayer Request tool. You can choose whether to share it with our whole community or keep it private for just our prayer team. Either way, know that your request will be handled with love, care, and a whole lot of compassion.
Let's connect through the power of prayer! You don't have to walk this journey alone. ?
To submit your prayer request, please click the button below.
Need some extra encouragement or a moment to connect with God after the service? We've got you covered! Every Sunday, our awesome prayer team will be available after worship to pray with you and for you. Whether it's something big or small, just approach one of our friendly team members after the service, and they'll step aside with you for a personal and heartfelt prayer.
Stay Connected-Sign Up for Prayer Updates! ✉️
Want to be part of something bigger? Join our Prayer Chain Email to stay in the loop! You'll get updates as prayer needs come in, and you can lift others up in prayer throughout the week. It's an easy way to stay connected and make a difference!
