Westchester Christian Church (Los Angeles)

Good Day To You!

On Sunday morning as I prepared to attend church God revealed to me that I have a new, Biblical name. That name is Jonah.

Like that prophet I was called to a special work and I declined the invitation. Long before coming to Westchester Christian Church I sensed in various ways that I was called to plant/start a new congregation. Over time I allowed my fear of doing that and the "comfort with the discomfort" of being at WCC, to keep me from taking that step. During my 16+ years at WCC several people (and one pastor in particular) have reaffirmed that calling several times. Until now, I've not been ready to accept that "invitation."

Like Jonah, God was patient with me but was not going to let me continue to run from my call. After being caught in the belly of MY whale (WCC) and delivered to my "destination" (when I was spiritually, emotionally and intellectually developed) I was spit out (from WCC) and challenged/invited yet again, to follow my call (make new disciples) in the form of the new community. I went to church, see below, with that understanding of where I am in my life.

Sunday was my second day of being "a pastor without a pulpit". As was the case on the first Sunday in my new life it turned out to be a very good day. After considering several alternatives I was led, after reading about the topic of his sermon on the church website) to attend the Sunset Park Christian Church in Santa Monica. I read and studied the scripture on which he sermon was based and prepared myself as I always hoped that my congregation would prepare themselves for the worship experience.

I have known the pastor for many years and been supportive of that congregation since my early days in Los Angeles. Like many people at WCC the people there are nice. elderly (with the exception of one family) and based on my impressions from their conversations, isolated from the world. Be that as it may, I was warmly greeted and enjoyed the service. Pastor Jim gave a succinct message that was quite deep. I don't know that his people received all that he offered but I took four pages of notes on what he said.

After the service Pastor Jim and I chatted and I told him that I was no longer at WCC. Upon hearing my vision and the mission of the Living Water Christian Community he invited me to return next Sunday to share musically and to speak about this new call. He expressed his complete desire to be a partner in this new work. I gladly accepted both offers.

Thank you for your prayerful support during this season in my life.

I pray that you enjoy a very safe and blessed weekend.

John-David

This morning I received an email that contained some interesting thoughts. The instruction was to send this to a specified number of people with the promise that something good was going to happen today to everyone who followed this instruction.

After a few moments of meditation I rewrote the email in the spirit of my teaching moment this past Sunday. It speaks of what I have learned via my faith walk. I share it with you is hopes that you will be encouraged. Thanks for your time. -- John David

Thought Starters

(Not original with John-David)

'To get something you never had, you have to do something you never did.'

When God takes something from your grasp, God's not so much about punishing you,

but opening your hands to receive something better. '

The will of God will never take you where the Grace of God will not protect you'

The following is a faith statement, based on the 23rd Psalm, for today.It begins with a prayer.

God our Creator. Walk through my life and guide me in the steps I need to take to move me from worry to faith. In the name of Jesus, I invite you to help me pro-actively live Psalm 23.

An affirmation of faith based on the New Century Version (NCV) of Psalm 23

The Holy Bible, New Century Version®. Copyright © 2005 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.

Because the Lord is my Shepherd, I choose to live knowing that

I have everything I need

Because the Lord is my Shepherd, I choose to live knowing that

2 God lets me rest in green pastures. God leads me to calm water.

Because the Lord is my Shepherd, I choose to live knowing that

3 God gives me new strength.

Because the Lord is my Shepherd, I choose to live knowing that

God leads me on paths that are right for the good of his name

Because the Lord is my Shepherd, I choose to live knowing that

4 Even if I walk through a very dark valley, I will not be afraid, because God is with me.

Because the Lord is my Shepherd, I choose to live knowing that

Gods rod and shepherd's staff comfort me.

Because the Lord is my Shepherd, I choose to live knowing that

5 God prepares a meal for me in front of my enemies.

God pours oil of blessing on my head;[a]

God fills my cup to overflowing.

Because the Lord is my Shepherd, I choose to live knowing that

6 Surely Gods goodness and love will be with me all my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever.

During the past several years Westchester has experienced  strong revitalization and rebirth. As a result there are many people in the area who have seen our buildings but are not familiar with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in general and the Westchester Christian Church in particular.

As a point of local history we are the oldest Protestant church in Westchester. While we celebrate that past, we invite you to take part in building a bright future. As you become  acquainted with our denomination and our church, we want to know you as well.

This site was created to help you to know some general reasons people have, over the years, chosen to come to our church. The following pages will give information and direct you to sites with more information that will be helpful to you.

The church buildings are one short block from the heart of the Westchester Village Business district. Wonderful restaurants and shopping opportunities are within easy walking distance. The LAX Airport and the Pacific Ocean are only minutes away.The CHURCH, however, is where the people of God are present and doing the work of the One who sends us. The site is the training site and the launching pad from which we go to fulfill the Great Commission. 
Please visit the following pages to learn  about  the amazing things God is doing in the midst of our multicultural, multiracial, multi-generational faith community. We invite you to join us for worship on Sunday mornings at 10:30 am, and drop in for bible study at 7:00 pm each Wednesday evening. You will find more information about gathering times on the pages following this one.