Reseda Church of Christ

CAROLE L. LUTNESS, LCSW LAADC

Reseda CofC — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 23:24:31 +0000

CAROLE L. LUTNESS

CAROLE L. LUTNESS, LCSW LAADC

carolelutness@att.net

EDUCATION

1984                MSW              Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Social Work

1967                BA                   Davis and Elkins College, English, Speech, Drama

                                                (Secondary Education Certification)

(Eighteen Additional Graduate Hours from University of Virginia and George Mason University. Plus a two year Postgraduate Internship at the Family Practice Therapy Center,Washington, D.C. )

HONORS

2010       Honored              DP/SFV Truman Volunteer of the Year for DN38

2009       Named 27th of 51 “Most Influential People of Santa Clarita” by The Signal

2009       Honored              FDR - 38th AD Democratic Woman of the Year -LACDP

2008       Recipient       AFSCME Local 2712 RobbynPanitch Memorial Award

2008       Nominated     LACDMH/PSWA Social Worker of the Year

2007       Nominated     Santa Clarita Woman of the Year (SCOPE)

2005       Honored         Region 6 Volunteer of the Year- California Democratic Party

2004       Named            Outstanding Social Worker of the Year Santa Clarita NASW

2001       Nominated     Outstanding Employee of the Year- LADMH

1996       Honored         Sussex County Collaborator of the Year- Interagency Council for Families and Children

1990       Honored         Fairfax County Board of Supervisors for Project Homes

1984       Recipient       Helen Pinkus Award for Outstanding Clinical Social Work Student, VA Society for Clinical Social Work and VCU School of Social Work

1984       Recipient       Leadership & Service Award, VCU School of Social Work

1983       Recipient        National Merit Scholarship, American Friends Service Committee

1983       Recipient        Merit Scholarship, VCU School of Social Work

August 2011-Present                      Private Practice

Outreach Counseling Services, Los Angeles, CA. Provide Mental Health, Addiction and Employment Counseling to individuals, families and groups. Provide training and consultation to area businesses in management, supervision and human relations.

Jan. 2011-Present                                            Psychiatric Social Worker

Mission Community Hospital Day Treatment Valencia Ca. Provide part-time per diem psychotherapeutic and case management services to chronically mentally ill clients most of whom are Dually Diagnosed. Supervisor Melissa Contractor, LCSW 818-904-3546

Maxine Waters & Carole Lutness

Karen Bass & Carole Lutness

Barbara Lee & Carole Lutness

Prof. James Lance Taylor

Reseda CofC — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 23:02:32 +0000

taylorj@usfca.edu

University of San Francisco
College of Arts and Sciences
2130 Fulton Street
San Francisco, CA 94117

James Lance Taylor

Chair, Associate Professor

James Lance Taylor is author of the book, Black Nationalism in the United States: From Malcolm X to Barack Obama (2011). Between 2009 and 2011, he served as President of the National Conference of Black Political Scientists (NCOBPS), the largest organization of African American, African, and Afro Caribbean political scientists in the United States.

He is associate professor and newly elected Chair of the Department of Politics at the University of San Francisco. His undergraduate degree is from Pepperdine University and his graduate degrees were earned at the University of Southern California (USC). Since 2010, he has taught political science and African American Studies at University of California, Berkeley.

He is co-editor with Katherine Tate (UC Irvine) and Mark Sawyer (UCLA) for a forthcoming book, Something's in the Air: Race and the Legalization of Marijuana, focusing on controversies concerning race and marijuana legalization. His current research is for a book manuscript, Peoples Temple, Jim Jones, and Black America, which is a study of the Peoples Temple movement and African American political history. His article, "Bring Out the 'Black Dimensions' of the Peoples Temple," appears in the Fall 2011 edition of the Jonestown Report newsletter at San Diego State University

( http://jonestown.sdsu.edu/AboutJonestown/JonestownReport/jtreport.htm).

A second short term project is an article entitled, "A Black Theology of the 'Souls' of W.E.B. Du Bois's Black Folk." He has been published by Harvard University and Oxford University presses, Baylor University Press, Rowman and Littlefield, Lynne Rienner Publishers, State University of New York Press, University of California Press (currently in review), and is a noted political commentator on US and San Francisco politics for national and Bay Area media. He has given public lectures recently at Northwestern University, Ohio State University, Stanford University, and The University of California University, Berkeley. He speaks frequently to youth and community groups on issues of education and community empowerment.

Taylor has also served as a policy consultant for the San Francisco Human Rights Commission and San Francisco Board of Supervisors. His teaching and research scholarly interests are in religion and politics in the United States, race and ethnic politics, African American political history, social movements, political ideology, law and public policy and the U.S. Presidency. He lives with his family in Oakland, California.

Mark S. Pash, MBA, CFP

Reseda CofC — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 22:55:36 +0000

Mark S. Pash

mark@pash-benson.com

Bachelors of Business Administration: UCLA

Masters of Business Administration: USC

Certified Financial Planner: CFP Standards Board

Past Chairman of the Board and President of the San Fernando Valley Chapter of the International Association for Financial Planning

Past Vice President on the Executive Committee of the State Board of Directors of the California Association for Financial Planning.

Adjunct Faculty: College for Financial Planning, Golden Gate University and UCLA

Registered Investment Advisor: State of California (&SEC)Registered Principal: FINRA

Practicing Financial Planner: 37 years in the Financial Services Industry

Listed by Money Magazine as one of the top planners in the nation

Listed by SFV Business Journal as one of the top 50 advisor firms

Served as an economic advisor to a Presidential campaign

Author of articles, his book, and website on macroeconomics.

Securities through NPB Financial Group, LLC – Member FINRA SIPC

Dylan Habeeb Roby, Ph.D.

Reseda CofC — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 22:47:31 +0000

Dylan Habeeb Roby, Ph.D.

EDUCATION

January 2006 The George Washington University, Washington, DC

Doctor of Philosophy, Public Policy (Health Policy Specialization)

Dissertation: An Analysis of the Characteristics of Health Centers Facing

Financial Deficits

Committee: Sara Rosenbaum, Joseph Cordes, and Sharon K. Long

January 2002 The George Washington University, Washington, DC

Master of Philosophy, Public Policy (Health Policy Specialization)

June 1998 UCLA, Los Angeles, CA

Bachelor of Arts, Geography (Urban & Regional Development Studies)

Minor in Public Policy

WORK EXPERIENCE

Current positions:

Assistant Professor July 2008 to present

UCLA School of Public Health, Department of Health Services

• Guided multiple research projects as Principal Investigator, Co-Principal Investigator, and Project Director.

• Managed data analysts and research associates to complete research and evaluation projects.

• Developed study design and analytic plans for evaluations of Medi-Cal disease management, care coordination, and hospital discharge planning programs, and ten county

indigent care coverage programs.

• Developed successful funding proposals for the California Department of Health Care Services, California Endowment, California Office of the Patient Advocate, Blue Shield of

California Foundation, California HealthCare Foundation, and The Physicians’ Foundation.

• Completed research projects, including study design, conceptual framework, and data analysis for studies of managed care enrollees in California, primary care physician

shortage, predicting impact of health care reform using micro-simulation modeling, and comparison of disabled Medi-Cal beneficiaries.

• Completed and published peer-reviewed journal articles, policy briefs, and reports for publication based on funder goals and timelines.

• Led workgroup to design new content for health care reform components of the 2011 California Health Interview Survey and the HMO module for the 2009 and 2011 California

Health Interview Survey.

• Investigator on two NIH-funded projects: a study of access to dental care in California (R01) and one Comparative Effectiveness Research grant (RC4) comparing medical panel

management and community health interventions for managing diabetes in safety net clinics.

• Instructor for 1 to 2 courses per quarter, including “American Political Institutions and Health Policy”, “Introduction to Health Services”, and “Process Improvement, Quality and Health Information Technology.”

Associate Director of the MPH Program July 2010 to present UCLA School of Public Health, Department of Health Services

• Act as advisor to MPH students, specifically members of our “policy” track

• Developed Professional Skills Seminar series for 1st and 2nd year MPH students

• Faculty representative for the Health Services Student Association (HSSA)

• Assist Program Director in recruiting and admitting new students, coordinating financial awards, and accreditation processes

• Member of Admissions Committee, Marketing Committee, MPH Curriculum Committee, and Revenue Generating Committee.

Instructor Sep 2006 to present

Certificate Program in Healthcare Management and Leadership

UCLA Extension and School of Public Health

• Responsible for teaching two courses each year: Public Health X440 - Introduction to the

U.S. Healthcare System and Public Health X446 – Quality Improvement, Performance Management, and Health IT.

• Member of Certificate Program Advisory Board

Rev. Dr. Alvin K. McKinney,“Saxophonist”

Reseda CofC — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 22:22:01 +0000

: Dr. Alvin McKinney

The Rev. Dr. Alvin McKinney is a Power Alto Saxophone player promoting his musical talents and sound on his debut solo CD “A Spiritual Journey”. A native of Memphis, Tennessee, Dr. McKinney has been performing since the age of four. For 30 years he’s performed on Alto, Tenor and Soprano saxophones professionally. Additional musical skills and talent include flute, clarinet, midi wind controller, keyboards, drums and percussion. His musical background includes such styles as Classical, Jazz, Gospel, Blues, Dixieland, R & B, Soul, and Funk. He’s a song writer/composer, arranger and producer with a history of projects in production, musical director, acting and choreography. He graduated from University of Memphis with a Bachelor in Music Education (B.M.E.) and concentration in saxophone performance. He studied under the Professor of Saxophones, Mr. Allen Rippe; and won the Woodwind Concerto Competition in 1987. In the University of Michigan’s Masters Program, he studied saxophone performance under Mr. Donald Sinta and taught jazz styles as a graduate assistant under Ed Sarath for one year.

Over the years Dr. McKinney has performed as a Featured artist, Guest artist, worked as a Music Director and/or Toured or recorded with such artists as: Rufus Thomas and Carla Thomas, B. B. King, Johnny Adams, Lazy Lester, Latimore, Louie Bellson, Clark Terry, Lou Rawls, Kirk Whalum, Ron Brown, Billy Preston (saxophone and horn arranger), Phil Upchurch, Howard & Darius McCrary, Syreeta Wright, La Rita Shelby, Stafford Floyd, Tumi Ansa, Kurl & Paul McKinney, Bobby Rodriguez, J. P. Myles (Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, Russia), DN’A (Martinique/Caribbean Islands & opening act for Darryl Coley & Vanessa Bell Armstrong), Brenda Lee Eager, Bugsy Wilcox’s “The Message”, and Rick Joswick & Joz Swing Band. With Dr. Iris Stevenson & the Crenshaw High School Elite Choir he toured annually as the featured Saxophonist throughout the US, France, Monaco, Switzerland, Andora Spain. He’s also ministered with Minister Stephen James-music director/vocalist, Wayne Linsey-music director/keyboardist for Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Miles Davis, Stevie Wonder, Whitney Houston, Gerald Albright, American Idol, etc. In 1997, Dr. McKinney worked with Conrad Bullard- producer/director/ writer/promoter, as the music director for the television pilot, “Zero to Hero” and music producer on a soundtrack for the movie, “Unconditional Love.”

In the country of Ghana, he performed in the Panafest 2005; also played the Ghanain National Anthem. Dr. McKinney’s CD was produced by TVAfrica and is promoted in Ghana.

He recorded and toured nationally with Nashville

recording artist Todd Bradley & Next Level for 5 years. He left the group in 1995, then rededicated his life back to Jesus Christ. Dr. McKinney has also ministered on events sponsored by: Department of Cultural Affairs-City of Los Angeles-MLK Gospel Festival-City of Los Angeles-2012; California Green Work’s Earth Day Festival at the Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza; KJFJ FM Gospel Music Internet Radio Station events; Rev. Dr. O. C. Smith- City of Angels Church-2000; Time Warner and KJLH (Stevie Wonder’s Radio Station) on the Variety Stage of the 2007 Long Beach Jazz Festival, Long Beach Gospel Festival-2009 & Unity Festival-2010; the African Market Place & Cultural Faire and the 2008 Community Day Event in Los Angeles; and Summer Christian Music Workshop-Drs. Harold & Diana Johnson, the 2008 & 2009 Holy Convocation for the C.C.C.-Bishop Napoleon D. Rhodes; Bishop Dr. Clifton Knight-COGIC-2010; Birthday Party for President Barack Obama-Long Beach-2010, Gospel Komedy Slam with Lamont Bonman-Crenshaw Christian Center-Los Angeles-2010; Bishop Noel Jones, City of Refuge Church-2010; The City of Inglewood, CA, American Cancer Society Relay for Life-2011; Pastor Benny Hinn Ministries-2011, Dr. Morris Cerullo-Anaheim School of Ministry-2011; Dr. Rod Parsley-2011; Dr. Mike Murdock-2011; Dr. Jamaal Bryant; Dr. Gary Greenwald-Eagle Nest Ministries-2011.

He has also performed the National Anthem for the following:

* The MLS Club Deportivo Chivas USA Soccer Organization in Carson, CA.

* The City of Inglewood, CA.-Annual Fourth of July Celebration-2008

* City of Inglewood, CA-Annual Memorial Day Celebration at City Hall-May 2010 & 2011(Selections performed accopella: “Star Spangled Banner”, “America the Beautiful” and “God Bless America”)

* City of Compton, CA-Annual Juneteenth Festival-

Los Angeles, CA -June 19, 2010

* Leimert Park Jazz Festival-Los Angeles, CA-2010

* 9/11 Freedom Harvest Rally, Crystal Cathedral Ministries Men's Ministry Steering Team-September 11, 2010

* Accepted to Perform National Anthem for Los Angeles Sparks-Janel Bullard-Accounting Executive-July 12, 2011

* Performances of the Black National Anthem, "Lift Every Voice and Sing" include the following:

* Various churches and schools (both locally and nationally)

* Annual Black History Month Program-Southeast Middle School-South Gate,CA-2004 through 2010

* Regional Black Chamber of Commerce San Fernando Valley- 6th Annual Small Business Awards Dinner/Gala

(Honoring The Whispers and Obba Babatunde) at the Hilton University City-Guest of Madame M.C. Townsend-(Referred by Marcia Ann Coppertino, Ph.D Msc.D Psy.D, USC Institute For Genetic Medicine)-Dec. 3, 2010

Dr. McKinney also volunteered and ministered with Praisefest Ministries’ “Cruise for a Cause 2008” (www.praisefestministries.com), assisting in bring 10,250+ people into the Body of Christ; and by invitation, also ministered in music with Jason Crabb and The Crabb Family and Pastor Andre Crouch; and ministered in music and prophecy in the Azusa Street Festival 2009.

Dr. McKinney graduated from the Global Evangelical Christian College & Seminary where he received his Doctor of Ministry Degree in Sacred Music and his Master of Divinity Degree in Religious Community and Economic Development, Wetumpka, Alabama, 2005.

He serves as the Assistant Pastor/Prophet & Minister of Music for Redeemer Church of Christ-Power of God Ministries, Bellflower, CA (www.redeemercoc.org).

He was the Music Director for "Spiritual Journeys," an AT&T Broadband Cable Show and has produced for film and radio projects. Dr. McKinney is happily married to his Pastor, Rev. Dr. Elizabeth A. McKinney.

ENDORSEMENTS:

Dr. McKinney is an Artist/Clinician, performing exclusively on:

Keilwerth Saxophones (Alto, Soprano & Tenor)

http://www.schreiber-keilwerth.com/englisch/keilwerth/artists/mckinney.htm

Beechler Mouthpieces

http://www.beechler.com/artists.htm

Légère Reeds LTD.

http://www.legere.com/index.php?page=rev-dr-alvin-mckinney

Audio Technica Inc.-Wireless Microphone System

http://www.audio-technica.com

KORG USA-Triton Studio Work Station

http://www.Korg.com

ORGANIZATIONS:

• Assistant Pastor, Prophet of God, and Minister of Music

Redeemer Church of Christ-Power of God Ministries; Bellflower, CA., (www.redeemercoc.org)

• President/CEO of Prophetic Management & Entertainment

• President/Founder of the Alvin & Elizabeth McKinney Foundation-(www.aemfdtn.org), a 501(c) 3 Non Profit

Public Benefit Corporation established to promote cultural exchange through music and the arts with such: supporters as the D’Addario Foundation for the Performing Arts, The Music Group and Charle’s Music.

• Dr. McKinney holds a professional clear teaching credential with the State of California and is a Certificated Teacher with the Los Angeles Unified School District (L.A.U.S.D.) where he works as the Music Director of Performing Arts at Southeast Middle School in the City of South Gate.

• Member of the American String Teachers Association with the National School Orchestra Association

• Member of the Southern California Band and Orchestra Association

• Member of Musicians In Action, Inc.-Gospel Musicians in Los Angeles

• Board member, Ghana T.I.O. Inc. (Trade Information Office- http://www.ghanatio.org)

• Founder/Executive Director, Global Foundation for the Arts & Culture Exchange

HONORS:

• Recipient of The King’s Birth Name, “Kwamana Sakum,” granted by His Excellency Osabarimba Kwesi Atta II-

The Omanhene (King) of Cape Coast, Ghana, West Africa; during Naming Ceremony at California State University of Domingus Hills-October 16, 2004

• Recipient of The Man of Excellence Award from the Association of Black Women Entrepreneurs

• Recipient of The Essential for A Healthier Life Award from the Wellness Group-Michelle Moore Bell

• Recipient of The Certificate of Recognition from the City of Los Angeles presented in honor of talent and

works representing the African-American Community, for International Family Day-August 2008.

• Recipient of The Certificate of Appreciation from the Gospel Hip Hop Praise TV, on January 30, 2010.

• Recipient of Award of Excellence in President Barack Obama’s “One Nation/One People”-Operation Confidence, for Supporting The United We Serve Fair-Consuella Mackey, Executive Director--August 14, 2010

• Dubbed, ”THE PRIME MINISTER OF JOYFUL JAZZ” by Roy Gray, Host of Gospel Jazz Internet Radio Station-"Jazz, Joy and Roy"-Los Angeles, CA-2010

• Accepted into the Los Angeles Arts County Commission-Musician's Roster-February 15, 2011

• Recipient of The Certificate of Completion for The Morris Cerullo School of Ministry, Anaheim, CA-September 5, 2011

Please click on or copy and paste the YouTube URL below to view my gospel jazz rendition of the National Anthem, performed at a MLS USA Chivas USA soccer game at the Home Depot Stadium in Carson, CA. (Dated: June 30, 2007-Performed exclusively on all endorsed products):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TOawcRgn75M

Please click on the following YouTube.com URL to view my video performance of an original composition, "And All Heaven Smiles," from Gospel the Jazz CD, "A Spiritual Journey," recorded at the Long Beach Unity Festival on Sunday, June 13, 2010: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1LP4sfRV6oY .

TO PURCHASE GOSPEL JAZZ CD,"A Spiritual Journey":

Please click on or copy & paste the following URL to make your payment of $15.00, via Paypal.com (tax, shipping, and handling included) at: http://www.redeemercoc.org/music.html .

At your request, Dr. McKinney will make a $5.00 donation (per CD purchased) to any Youth Ministry or Foundation of your choice (Please provide all necessary contact information, via email, below. Thank you.) Please allow 1 to 2 weeks for delivery. Thank you.

CONTACT:

Prophetic Management & Entertainment

9047 Cedar Street, Bellflower, CA 90706, USA

Tel: (323) 697-3781 or (562) 916-3313

Email: AlvinMcKinneySax@aol.com

Multi-Culturalism from a Black History Perspective – “Out of One Blood”

Reseda CofC — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 05:41:04 +0000

Multi-Culturalism from a Black History Perspective - "Out of One Blood"

February 26, 2012 from 3:00pm - 6:00pm. Refreshments served from 1:00pm - 3:00pm (Provided by Eddie's Edibles)

Prof. James Lance Taylor

Keynote Speaker: Professor James L. Taylor, University of San Francisco

James Lance Taylor is author of the book, Black Nationalism in the United States: From Malcolm X to Barack Obama (2011). Between 2009 and 2011, he served as President of the National Conference of Black Political Scientists (NCOBPS), the largest organization of African American, African, and Afro Caribbean political scientists in theUnited States. He is associate professor and newly elected Chair of the Department of Politics at the University of San Francisco.

Schedule of Speakers and Events

Opening Prayer:

Master of Ceremony: Bob Winn, Winn Consulting Group

"Go Down Moses": Reseda Mass Choir

Negro National Anthem on Sax: Dr. Alvin McKinney, Jazz Saxophonist

Why Do We Celebrate Black History? Don Nash, Reseda Church of Christ

History of Black and American Indian Relations: Ron Adrade, Native American Caucus, Ventura County

Infant Mortality Rates: Marlene K. Rowlett, Black Infant Health Institute

Health Disparities and ObamaCare Solutions: Dylan Roby, Ph.D, UCLA Health Policy, Assoc. Director

Creative Rendition of “It’s a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong (YouTube Video)

History of Blacks and Puerto Ricans: Edward Johnson, JCH Management

History of Black and Latino Relations: Carlos Rodriguez, Reseda Church of Christ member

Capitalism/Economic Inequalities/Financial Crisis: Mark Pash, CPA Encino Pash, Benson International Ltd., Center of Progressive Economics

Carole Lutness

Personal Testimony of Black and White relations: Carole Lutness, Lifetime NAACP Member

Mandela’s Inauguration Speech – Theo Gales, Reseda Church of Christ member

Blacks in Cultures around the World: T Fox, Professor at CSLA Director of MESA, Engineering Program, College of Engineering, Computer Science and Technology, California State University, Los Angeles, 5151 State University Drive

Keynote speaker: Prof. Taylor, Author of the book Black Nationalism in the United States from Malcolm X to Barack Obama

Where Do We Go From Here: J C Thomas Jr., Reseda Church of Christ

Final Thoughts: Dr. Dewayne Winrow, Minister of Reseda Church of Christ

"Lilly in the Valley": Reseda Mass Choir

Closing Prayer:

Come out and join us!

Psallo: A Praise & Worship Team, will minister @ Reseda COC this Sunday.

Reseda CofC — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 01:37:54 +0000

Since 1993 Psallo, A Praise & Worship Team has traveled across country, lifting the name of the Most High, expressing the importance of reflecting on God's love and providential watch-care. We believe that mankind exists for no other purpose but to live to the praise, honor, and glory of His name; to make praise and worship a natural part of his daily practices; visiting Him in prayer, praise, fellowship, study, communion and self-sacrifice.

Welcome Our New Sister In Christ

Reseda CoC — Sat, 12 Nov 2011 16:26:19 +0000

The Reseda family welcomes Maria Elena Rodriguez into our fellowship! Elena was baptized November 6, 2011 and her husband Carlos was added to body on 7/24/11She and her husband Carlos Rodriguez have two children Lorenzo, and Carlos Jr. We praise God for Maria's decision and and we offer our support and encouragement as she begins her new life in Christ.

40 Days of Love and Satan in the Waiting

AmirJ — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 03:05:50 +0000

Since Reseda has taken the challenge of 40 days of love; learning the model of Jesus and how to love, has Satan stepped in during this challenge with you?

Whenever you take on the lifestyle of modeling Jesus, Satan is always in the waiting to interfere with this. Showing love to the loveless is a challenge in itself, and often times we can become frustrated and discouraged. Share a situation in these last 3 weeks when you're expressing love, but Satan is right there to reject it.

New Additions to the Family

Reseda CoC — Sun, 09 Oct 2011 08:14:30 +0000

The Reseda church is excited to announce the addition of two new members to the family. Maria Esquivel & Kato Austin were both baptized on September 18, 2011. Maria was drawn to Reseda through the power of relationships, while Kato is a young man who was seeking to start a new life, with Christ as his Lord. We are confident that God will accomplish great things in their lives as they submit themselves to His transforming power.

Ten Principles of Jesus’ Ministry – Principle 2: Motivation

Reseda CofC — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 03:24:14 +0000

If we want to know how to effectively minister to others, we need to look at the model Jesus established. Last week, we talked about identification, that we must know who we are and who we belong to in order to be confident in ministry. By understanding that God creates each of us to be unique, we can engage in ministry without comparing ourselves to or copying others.

This week I want to talk about our motivation for ministry. To be effective in ministry, we must clarify why we are in ministry.

This was a settled issue for Jesus. He dedicated his entire life to pleasing God. In John 5:30, Jesus says, “I seek not to please myself but him who sent me” (John 5:30b NIV).

What was Jesus’ motivation for ministry? It was to please God the Father. Was it to please himself? No. Other people? No. To be popular? No. To make a lot of money? No. Ego strokes? No. He said, “I do it to please the Father.”

In your ministry, you have to clarify, “Who or what am I serving?” You have to do this right up front. Ministry is too costly to be motivated by the wrong motive. You’ve got to have the right motive in serving Jesus or you will not last for the long haul.

What is the right motive? “I seek not to please myself but him who sent me.” Jesus dedicated his entire life to pleasing God. When Jesus was baptized and the Spirit came down as a dove and the Father spoke, he said, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17 KJV).

The fact is, you can’t please everybody. That’s one of the great stresses in ministry. In fact, as a preacher, I’ve learned two things: There are people in the church who will support me no matter what I do, and there are people in the church who will criticize me no matter what I do.

Never base your ministry on what other people say about you; base it on what God says to do. Focus on pleasing God.

If you don’t focus your ministry on God, you’ll discover people will place all kinds of impossible expectations on you. Perhaps you’ve seen this before, but this funny takeoff on a chain letter does a pretty good job of showing how a congregation’s expectations can become unrealistic:

“The results of a computerized survey of the expectations of church members now indicate the following characteristics of the perfect pastor: He preaches exactly fifteen minutes and includes all that the Bible has to say about the sermon subject. He condemns everybody's sin, except your sins, and he never says anything anyone might disagree with. He works from 6 A.M. until midnight and gets eight hours of sleep to stay healthy. He’s also the janitor after each service. He prepares a sermon every week for 40 years and never repeats an idea, an illustration, or a joke. He makes sixty dollars a week, wears good clothes, buys good books, drives a new car, and gives fifty dollars a week to the poor. He’s 28 years old and has been in the ministry for 30 years. Half of his hair is youthful blond and the other side is gray to give him that distinguished look. He has a burning desire to work with teenagers and spends all of his time with senior citizens. He’s a close personal friend to every member. The perfect pastor smiles all the time with a straight face because he has a sense of humor that keeps him seriously dedicated to his work. He makes 15 visits a day to church families, shut-ins and the hospitalized, spends all his time evangelizing the unchurched and is always in his office when you need him. He has four kids who never get in trouble and a wife who cooks like Betty Crocker, counsels like Joyce Brothers, prays like Anna, and looks like Marilyn Monroe without making anyone else jealous. If your pastor does not measure up to these expectations, simply send this chain letter to six other churches whose pastors fail to reach these reasonable standards. Then bundle up your pastor and send him to the church at the top of the list. In one year you will receive 1,643 pastors. And one of them should be perfect. Warning: Keep this letter going. One church broke the chain and got its old pastor back.”

You can’t please everybody, so you have to settle the issue of motivation right now. Who am I trying to please? The apostle Paul says, “Our purpose is to please God, not people. He alone examines the motives of our hearts” (1 Thessalonians 2:4 NLT).

Learn to live for an audience of one. I’m learning more and more the importance of that statement. No matter what I do, what matters is what Jesus would think about what I’m trying to do.

Dr. Dewayne Winrow

Our Video Studio

Reseda CoC — Sun, 11 Sep 2011 06:07:27 +0000

Welcome to the Family

Reseda CoC — Sat, 10 Sep 2011 03:35:52 +0000

The Bible tells us that there is much rejoicing in Heaven when one soul turns to the Lord. On September 4, 2011 the Reseda church family had much to rejoice aboutPaul Koen was added to the body of Christ. We praise God for Paul's decision to give his live to Christ and we offer our support and encouragement toward his spiritual growth and development.

It’s C.L.A.S.S. Time Again! March 11th and 18th at 3:00pm

Reseda CoC — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 06:36:15 +0000

Attend the Membership Seminar this quarter. Enroll now and learn God's purposes for your life and all you need to know about the Reseda church. The aim of the seminar is to enable you to confirm your relationship to Christ and His church family.

You Got Talent!!

Reseda CoC — Sat, 04 Jun 2011 20:58:39 +0000

Join the Reseda Mass Choir. They are the singing ambassadors of the Reseda church. The Choir membership is growing under the leadership of its director, Sherdale Smith. The Choir sings for community events, brotherhood fellowships, gospel and revival meetings, and church fellowship occasions. Each second and fourth Sundays, the Choir performs a Prelude to the worship services and sets the atmosphere of our worship celebration. Praise Team ministries are extensions of the Choir ministry.

Our Vision

Reseda CoC — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 07:36:52 +0000

Motivational Seminars

Reseda CoC — Tue, 31 May 2011 06:30:52 +0000

Attend the weekly motivational L.i.f.e. seminars conducted each Wednesday in the church community center. Come and Hear this week's motivational speakers. Jay Jones is conducting a success seminar entitled M.A.D. for Success. Seminar principles are biblically grounded, research confirmed by globally known bestsellers, and embraced by fortune 500 companies.

The Brotherhood of Men

Reseda CoC — Mon, 30 May 2011 19:44:49 +0000

Brotherhood Alliance is a fraternity of men whose ministry goal is to equip men to pursue lives of purpose, service, and leadership. The Alliance is a church-based community focused fellowship of men. It meets the each Wednesday at 7:00pm in the Community Center of the Reseda church.

Harvest Festival

Reseda CoC — Mon, 30 May 2011 19:41:25 +0000

The Annual Harvest Festival is a community outreach event that builds our relationship with the community. The event attracts community volunteers and college students to help manage the activities. The missions team sponsors This event corresponds to the last "E" objective of our community outreach P.E.A.C.E. plan, which is aimed at Encouraging and Educating the youth.

Ministerial Mentoring

Reseda CoC — Mon, 30 May 2011 19:39:38 +0000

This is a widgeted area which is called Featured Top Right. It is using the Genesis - Featured Posts widget to display what you see on the Lifestyle child theme demo site. To get started, log into your WordPress dashboard, and then go to the Appearance > Widgets screen. There you can drag the Genesis - Featured Posts widget into the Featured Top Right widget area on the right hand side. To get the image to display, simply upload an image through the media uploader on the edit page screen and publish your page. The Featured Posts widget will know to display the post image as long as you select that option in the widget interface.

Life Groups

Reseda CoC — Mon, 30 May 2011 19:27:03 +0000

Our Life Groups provide the highest and most mature level of small group community experience. These groups can be described as nurture groups with a ministry and/or mission. Life Group are holistic groups in purpose and can literally be described as a microcosm of the church. They embody all five purposes of the church. These groups represent the expressed goal of our church ministry mission. Life is an acrostic that depicts the four aims of the Life Group ministry, which are Love, Individual, Family, and Economic development. Our vision is to bring the Life promise of the gospel message to the world.

Nurture Groups

Reseda CoC — Mon, 30 May 2011 19:25:28 +0000

Nurture Groups are small group bible studies that takes place in the context of community relationships. These small group studies areconducted by gifthe Word and their primary purpose is making disciples for ministries of life and missions of peace. Becoming a participant in a Nurture Group will represent the second major step in Member Development Process. The Nurture Group is a Care Group with a curriculum of weekly study. These groups carry out the church Purpose of Discipleship, which involves the Lord's commission of "teaching them to observe all things I have commanded of them."

First Place 4 Health

Reseda CoC — Mon, 30 May 2011 19:16:46 +0000

What can we say? God is revealing Himself in so many ways. Who would have thought that when we started this journey a year ago that God would require us to look at ourselves through a magnifying glass? The lesson learned in this group ministry have taught us that if we want to live a balance life we must put GOD FIRST!

We are SPIRITUAL, we are PHYSICAL, We are MENTAL and yes, We are EMOTIONAL beings.

Our studies address many issues of everyday life and provide opportunities for growth in Christ. Each Week, we complete a weekly Bible study which--combined with prayer and Scripture reading--helps to impart God's strength, empowering us to overcome temptation and make long-lasting lifestyle changes. All in search for the BALANCE.

What's unique about First Place 4 Health?

Bible study, prayer and Scripture memory keep it Christ-centered

Addresses the whole person--emotions, mind, body, and spirit

Support and accountability are provided through weekly small group fellowship gatherings on Monday evenings at 7:00.

Oh Yes! In the meantime we drop a few pounds and inches in the process.

Interested in learning more about this Life Group or their curriculum, please see Joyce Spears our Group Leader or Margaret Winrow the Division Coach.

M.A.D. For Success Seminar

Reseda CoC — Mon, 30 May 2011 19:16:27 +0000

Pursuant to our community PEACE missions, weekly L.I.F.E. seminars are conducted in our community center designed to address felt needs. These seminars are offered free of charge and provide qualitative guidance. One of which are the M.A.D for Success seminar conducted by motivational speaker Jay Jones. Jay teaches M.A.D. (Motivated and Dedicated) for Success principles that are scripturally grounded and also advocated in the works of many renown bestseller authors. This seminar serves to advance the purpose of the first "E" in our community P.E.A.C.E. objectives, which is to equip and empower leaders. Jay advocates being masters and not the servants, the head and not the tail. Those who attend are being coached to pursue their dreams of successful living.

Caring Hearts

Reseda CoC — Mon, 30 May 2011 19:16:09 +0000

Caring Hearts is a Life Group ministry of our senior saints. These senior ladies meet weekly for physical exercise and exercises in godliness. Life Groups are nurture groups with a ministry to the congregation. This group conducts a ministry of calling to the congregation on behalf of the Elders to assess and identify emerging needs of the membership.

Care Groups

Reseda CoC — Mon, 30 May 2011 18:46:03 +0000

The mission of our small group ministry is to provide every member of the Reseda church a place in community. In the pursuit of this mission, we provide a group experience to accommodate all levels of spiritual growth and development. The most basic level of small group experience is the Care Group. Care Group form around any common interest or task. These are simply connect groups. A Care Group serves the fundamental purpose of connecting people relationally through a task of common interest. All task group ministries at the Reseda church form caring relationships and are our primary entrances into the church community.