Ventura Kids Art Camp 2019

Popcorn, salt art, slime, a visit from a T-Rex and so much more! Ventura Kids Art Camp was such a blast this year. We learned how God makes us ALIVE and how we stay ALIVE by staying connected to Him in prayer and reading Scripture.

Seeing children from different backgrounds, different neighborhoods and schools come together to create art and build community was a big win for us as a church. We love our children and want to do our best to provide a safe, fun, creative, and supportive environment for them to experience Jesus.

Yes, we’re already making plans for Ventura Kids Art Camp in 2020 and it’s going to be AWESOME! If you’d like be added to the text update list for kids events, camps, and programs in Ventura County you can send a text to 805-215-3558 with your name and the words “add to coast kid's list”.

Ventura Kids Art Camp

This year is our FIRST EVER Ventura Kids Art Camp and we are so excited about it! We want our kids to enjoy the process of CREATING art projects, being inspired by God's creativity on earth, and making new friends at art camp. TWO DAYS only and ages 4-12 are welcome. 

You could call this a VBS (Vacation Bible School) but we're a little different at Coast Church Ventura so we like to just call it Art Camp. To sign up text 805-215-3558. The camp is FREE to all kids in Ventura County. 

Projects include: stencil art, slime, street art for kids, t-shirt making, etc. 

Ventura Beach Clean-up X Coast Church

DO SOMETHING! Join us for beach clean-up over the holiday weekend (4th of July). We'll be going out in the mornings and evenings on several days to keep the trash out of our oceans. Sign up below in the comments section, email us or tex to 805-215-3558 and let us know what day/time you'd like to join us. More info forthcoming. 

The ASCEND Series || Guest Speaker: Jerry Menchaca

There are TWO reasons that you should be at Coast Church this Sunday: ONE: Pastor Jerry Menchaca (Santa Barbara, CA) will be joining us at our 4:00pm gathering and bringing a message of hope from the Scripture.  He will also be sharing some of personal story of a life filled with a broken home, drugs, gangs, prison, and how the Gospel of Jesus Christ impacted him and put him on the ASCENT!  TWO: this may be our last Sunday at our current facility on Telegraph Rd.  We are still working out all of the details and hope to bring some big news soon.  Hope to see you there: 4:00pm Sunday at 4300 Telegraph Rd. Ventura.  www.CoastChurch.com for more info.  #belongbelievebecome #coastchurch #ccventura #vta #ventura #weloveventura #jesuslovesventura #faithhopelove #timetoascend #venturachurch 

Let's Make a Difference

Last night a 24 year old young man was stabbed to death in North Oxnard, in a neighborhood that Coast Church Ventura has established a Community Group Bible study geared towards young people.  Our hearts are absolutely burdened by the loss and we mourn the loss.  Yet there is a holy angst that is rising within us to DO MORE, to make a DIFFERENCE in this community.  

It may sound crazy, that a new church in Ventura (which is just getting started) would be reaching out to a community in Oxnard, but we believe that usually the crazy ideas are the ones which God is right in the middle of (think: David and Goliath).  

We know there are mega-churches around but NOBODY has reached the kids we are reaching in this neighborhood and we see a great need to shine the light of the Gospel to them.  Our prayer is that God would continue to use us to reach this dark world and shine brighter than ever before.  The bad news is that this junk is happening...THE GOOD NEWS IS THAT YOU CAN HELP!  LET'S MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN VENTURA AND OXNARD!

How can you help? 

-Join the Coast Church team!

-Host a Coast Community group or volunteer to help with one that is going. 

-Donate to our fundraiser to purchase a van to pick-up kids in this area for youth events, church gatherings, camps, etc.   

-Donate snacks, drinks, school items, etc. to be used in our Coast Community group in N. Oxnard.

David and Goliath - The Most Powerful Part of the Story You've Been Missing All Along

What has been a "built up frustration" in 2015 and what are you planning on doing in 2016 to overcome it?  Tune in next week (or better yet, join us on Sunday at 4:00pm in Ventura, CA) to see how one Bible story shows us how we can grow BETTER instead of BITTER. 

SAN BERNARDINO - Making Sense When Tragedy Strikes

The senseless.  How do you make sense of it?  I believe that this very question is the answer that explains much of the talk you're hearing on social media, at the coffee shop, and the water cooler today.  We live as human beings who seek to compartmentalize everything and find answers to the most senseless and vile acts of humanity.  When we come up with an answer or try to "make sense" within the first few hours of a tragedy, we typically miss the mark. 

I watched within minutes (not hours) as desperate souls beat the air for answers, for "sense", today.  They blamed white militia, Islam, workplace violence, drug cartels, guns, and even the mentally disabled for the tragedy.  As soon as political candidates began to make statements it all hit the fan.  The NY Daily News let us know emphatically that, "GOD ISN'T FIXING THIS" and apparently rebuked several politicians for praying for the families of the victims (I could be wrong but I'm pretty sure this is a first).  ISIS isn't claiming responsibility but they're taking to the interwebs to glorify the fact that Americans have been killed.  Then, in the fray, the average and sensible American searches to make "sense" out of this tragedy.  Like a child in the middle of a domestic dispute, amidst the yelling/screaming/fighting we sit down and weep over the tragedy but even more so we weep over the lack of "sense" that is to be found in it all.  

The "sense" cannot be found.  I would imagine that we'll find a motive, we'll find some of the issues that led up to this act of evil but will that "make it all make sense?"  I doubt it.  What does make sense is that our world is in terrible shape and people are hurting.  What does make sense is that we have a heart problem in our nation.  What does make sense is that there are many who have never seen good or known it, so they turn to evil.

What does make sense is to "overcome evil with good."  What does make sense is to "love your neighbor."  What does make sense is to "be a peacemaker."  What does make sense is...wait...yes, what makes sense is that we may not have all the answers or be able to make sense of senseless acts, but the messages of truth that Jesus Christ spoke over 2000 years ago are still ringing true today!  

I re-read Jesus' Sermon on the Mount this evening as I processed and unpacked my emotions from a very tense, emotional day.  What unfolds in Matthew 5-7 is absolutely the most relevant answer for the world today.  IT IS THE ONLY THING THAT MAKES SENSE!  

What would it look like if this "Christian Nation" started acting like "Christians."  What would it look like if we started following this Sermon on the Mount that our fearless Leader Jesus Christ left for us in the pages of the Scripture.  We need an awakening, a revival, of true love and compassion!  The kind of love that drives us to pray for those who carry out evil acts and the kind of compassion that wins over the most hardened of hearts.  Some scoff and say it can be done.  The spirit of cynicism and criticism creeps in and tells us that it will never happen in our day and age.  But I still believe in the Word of a loving Savior.  I still believe there is power in that Word!  Let us bind together and know this: there are still a few things that DO MAKE SENSE.                                                                                  -Pastor Scott

NO DREAMS - The Coast Church Van Project

The blank looks and the silence in the room was my first indication that we were in the right place.  The question was asked, "what are your dreams in life" and the silence was deafening.  One of the older boys stepped up and said, "to get a job and pay the bills."  I'll never forget the first night of our Youth Bible Study in North Oxnard at that apartment complex.  I can never put that visceral silence of "youth without dreams" away from my thoughts as we endeavor to reach out to a community that needs the light of the Gospel.  

It started with a group of 13 young people hanging out at our BBQ and now we're seeing a group form that is hungry for something real in their lives.  We're in need of a church van to transport the group to our Sunday gatherings, to community outings, to events, and also to provide others with a ride who do not have transportation.  In the near future we will begin a program called "LIFE - Life in Focus Education" that teaches life skills, gang intervention, drug/alcohol rehab, parenting, anger management, etc.  We want to be able to offer transportation to these classes as well.  

When I read the headlines on KVTA's Facebook page this morning about a homicide in a public park in Oxnard (less than one mile from the apartment complex we have our group at) my heart hurt but I also felt a glimmer of hope for the future.  Knowing that we're shining light into the darkness is the solace we have when facing the daunting task of reaching an area where this kind of tragedy is the norm.  

A safe, reliable, used 15 passenger van will cost between $20-30,000 if we were to purchase from a dealer.  We have a contact who is a wholesale broker and can get us a $20-30k van at roughly $15k and is agreeing to do so at no charge to our church.  

Christmas is a tough time on the pocketbooks of most people but it is also a time when miracles happen and when great causes see great support.  We realize that this idea represents more than a van, it represents hope for a community, it represents future leaders...it represents DREAMS in hearts of children who have NO DREAMS.  Would you partner with us today?  We appreciate your prayers and support!        -Pastor Scott

P.S.  We have room for several business/corporate sponsors to have their company logo on the back of our van.  Do good and advertise all around Ventura, Oxnard, etc.!

All Alone for Thanksgiving?

Living away from home is tough. Wether you're in the military, at school, exploring, or have found yourself homeless in need of help...we want to encourage you not to try and do life alone. Coast Church's community wants to extend an open invitation to ANYONE who does not have a place to spend Thanksgiving and invite you to spend it with us. We may not be gourmet chefs, we may not decorate like Kinfolk Magazine but we promise to make up for it with laughs, smiles, good times, and authentic community. All you have to do is call or text 805-215-3558 or DM us through any social media channel. No questions asked, no judgement, just love...we promise. Don't do life alone. #ccventura #coastchurch #thanksgiving #turkey #family #805community #805 #belongbelievebecome #venturachurch #ventura #vta #venturachurches #weloveventura #jesuslovesventura #acts238

NEW SERIES STARTING 11/29: Step Up and Step Out

In a box? You probably got into that box thinking it was something else right? Isn't it ironic how the world works? Materialism starts out as a way to enjoy your hard earned money, then it becomes a box as it grows old. Casual drug use or binge drinking? It starts out with "just" one night or "I need to clear my head" and then it boxes you in. Depression, anxiety, bitterness, competitiveness, low self-esteem were not the goal in the beginning but they become the box in the end. Things in this world will try to box you in, Jesus came to make you free! We're starting a new series of messages this Sunday at Coast Church called, "Step Up and Step Out." Don't wait until January to make a change, to challenge yourself, get a jumpstart with a message of encouragement this Sunday at 4:00pm at 4300 Telegraph Rd. Ventura. #‎stepupandstepout #‎faith #‎coastchurch #‎ccventura #‎belongbelievebecome #‎venturachurch #‎ventura #‎vta #‎venturachurches #‎weloveventura #‎jesuslovesventura #‎acts238

North Oxnard Community Group - Meet & Greet

We're excited to be adding another Coast Community Group in North Oxnard that will begin meeting weekly November 11th.  To kick things off we'll be having a "Meet & Greet" with a FREE Thanksgiving craft for the kids, FREE hotdogs/chips/drinks and dessert.  It will be an informal, open house format and we welcome you all to get to know us.  RSVP 805-215-3558 (text/call)

-November 11th (Wednesday) 6:00-8:30pm
-Cedar Glen Apartments (main clubhouse)
-701 Aster St. Oxnard
-(hablamos español)

What is a "Coast Community Group?" -These are small groups (up to 18 people) that meet in homes, cafes, parks, and other public places weekly.  We gather together as a group and get to know each other, read from the Scriptures, hear an encouraging/life-giving word, and typically share some snacks.

What other locations do you have?  -Currently we have a group meeting in Ventura on Wednesdays, a student (ages 12-18) group meeting Fridays, a group in Calabasas on Tuesdays, and are always looking to add more groups in locations throughout Ventura County.  

What topics do you cover? -We cover everything from practical, daily living inspiration from the Bible to deeper topics like forgiveness/battling addiction/etc. to basic teaching about salvation/prayer/devotion.  Every group is filled with people who are caring, loving, and free of judgmental attitudes.  

What if we have kids? -Most groups have something for the kids to do and as the groups grow we will begin some short Bible lessons for the kids.  

Any more questions?  Would you like to RSVP?  Feel free to call or text us at 805.215.3558 or email at coastchurchventura@gmail.com

805 Community Nights - Ventura Outdoor Movie Night -10/23

Back by popular demand!  We have a huge 12' screen, fresh popcorn, and a family friendly movie all under the stars in beautiful Ventura.  Invite your friends, neighbors, kids at school, etc. and join us in the outdoors for a good time of community.  FREE ADMISSION for ALL! 

Details:

When: Friday, October 23rd at 6:00pm  Where: 4300 Telegraph Rd. Ventura, CA on the lawn across the street from Ventura College.  Who: Open to all.  What to Bring: a blanket, a chair, a friend.

805 COMMUNITY NIGHTS - BONFIRE AT PT. MUGU STATE PARK

WE'RE PRETTY EXCITED ABOUT OUR FIRST (OF MANY) 805 COMMUNITY NIGHTS AT POINT MUGU STATE PARK IN OXNARD, CA.  IF YOU LOVE S'MORES (WHO DOESN'T?), BEING OUTSIDE, THE BEACH, GAMES, AND GREAT PEOPLE THEN WE'D LOVE TO SEE YOU THIS WEDNESDAY AT THE BEACH.  WE'LL KICK THINGS OFF AROUND 6:00PM AND WRAP IT UP AT 9:30PM.  YOU CAN PARK IN THE STATE PARK ($12 PARKING FEE) OR ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND WALK DOWN.  TEXT OR CALL 805-215-3558 FOR DIRECTIONS AND A SPECIFIC LOCATION WHEN YOU GET THERE.  THESE EVENTS ARE DESIGNED TO BE A FUN TIME OF COMMUNITY, GETTING KIDS OUTDOORS, NETWORKING WITH OTHER PEOPLE IN THE 805, SHARING OUR LOVE FOR OUR AREA TOGETHER, AND INSPIRING ONE ANOTHER TO BE THE VERY BEST THEY CAN BE IN OUR COMMUNITY.  IF YOU CAN'T MAKE IT THIS MONTH, WE HAVE SOMETHING AWESOME PLANNED ON SEPTEMBER 30TH IN THE 805.  PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CALL OR EMAIL FOR MORE INFORMATION AND WE HOPE TO SEE YOU ALL THERE.  

WHAT TO BRING: YOURSELF, YOUR KIDS, A FRIEND, FAMILY MEMBERS, ETC.  A BEACH BLANKET OR BEACH CHAIRS.  YOUR FAVORITE FRISBEE/VOLLEYBALL/FOOTBALL.  

WHAT WE'RE PROVIDING: FIRE, S'MORES, LAUGHS, GAMES (SMASHBALL, FOOTBALL, WIFFLEBALL, FRISBEE, ETC.), POSSIBLY A COUPLE OF SONGS WITH SOME ACOUSTIC GUITAR, WATER/DRINKS, CHIPS, OVERALL GOOD VIBES.

WHAT IF I DON'T KNOW ANYONE: THAT'S TOTALLY OKAY AND HONESTLY, THAT'S WHAT THESE 805 COMMUNITY NIGHTS ARE ALL ABOUT.  THEY'RE A CHANCE FOR YOU TO NETWORK, MEET NEW PEOPLE IN A FUN, SAFE, FRIENDLY ENVIRONMENT. WE HOPE PEOPLE WHO ARE NEW TO VENTURA COUNTY, JUST MOVING TO VENTURA COUNTY, OR LOOKING FOR FUN THINGS TO DO IN VENTURA, OXNARD, OJAI, SANTA PAULA, CAMARILLO, FILLMORE, CARPINTERIA, ETC. FIND THESE NIGHTS A GREAT TIME AND A HIGHLIGHT OF THEIR SUMMER AND FALL.  

COMING SOON: 805 Community Nights

We're so excited to announce 805 Community Nights, a series of evenings spent outside in Ventura County enjoying community, bonfires, outdoor movies, art, music and of course the beautiful weather we always forget about here in Ventura.  Mark these dates on your calendar.  Each event that Coast Church promotes is open to the public unless otherwise noted.  We encourage you to share this with your family, friends, co-workers, etc.  We're also looking for local artists, businesses, and charities to feature/sponsor at these events.  We will have more information forthcoming.  Can't wait to see you there!