October 5, 2025
CELEBRATE NATURE
October 5, 2025
Our Trunk and Treat event each fall is a big deal. Lots of unchurched and churched people come. It’s a great opportunity to connect with the community, to witness and to work with our friends at Grace House.
There is an ancient Celtic festival connected with the yearly harvest which included bonfires, scary costumes and sacrifices to ward off the evil reflected in lengthening nights, falling temperatures, withering plants and the end of harvest. When Christianity swept Europe it Christianized this pagan holiday, just as many pagans became Christians.
Thus, the eighth century Pope Gregory IV moved All Saints’ Day to November 1, making October 31 All Hallow’s Eve, or Halloween. People dressed up to chase away wandering spirits. They would do this on the night before celebrating all the saints who had passed away.
What should be our reaction to all of this?
Each person must as do as he or she feels led. Some Christians feel led to ignore Halloween. Some use it to get to know their neighbors, and even to pass out tracts about Jesus. Of course, if you do that, add candy!
Our church typically uses Halloween to be a witness for Christ (see 1 Corinthians 9:19-23). We’re also celebrating the harvest. Similarly, the Hebrews had the harvest festivals of Unleavened Bread (harvesting barley), Pentecost (harvesting wheat) and Tabernacles (harvesting fruit).
So, this month I’ll be preaching on “Celebrate Nature.” Many people love fall because of the crispness in the air and the vivid colors in nature. So, let’s celebrate God’s goodness, and invite people to our Trunk and Treat Oct. 25. Also, please put candy in the foyer for this event, and maybe offer your car trunk for service to the Lord.
By the way, our youth director, Jafet, will be preaching Oct. 5! His message is from Joshua 1:9, Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone. Let’s pray for him and come and support his ministry and our youth.
Love,
Jim Meek
Join us for Bible Study and Worship Service
Sunday
9 am - Bible Study for all ages
Pastor Jim's Adult Bible Study is live streamed on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/elcaminobaptistchurch/videos
10:30 am - Worship Service
live streamed on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/elcaminobaptistchurch/videos
5:15-6 pm - Wednesday Night Dinner
6:00 pm - Awana - Kids Center
6:00 PM - Youth
6:15 pm Bible Study - Adults
Pastor Jim's Wednesday Night Bible Study is live streamed on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/elcaminobaptistchurch/videos
Thursday
10:30 am - Women's Life Group and Prayer - Bldg. 100, Women's Center
Daily Devotionals with
Pastor Jim Meek!
Join us Tuesday through Saturday 10:00 am for an inspiration devotional message from Dr. Jim Meek
Live steamed on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/elcaminobaptistchurch/videos
Join us as we celebrate the Lord's Supper during our Worship Service on
Sunday, October 12, 2025.
This will be a time of thoughtful inspiration and worship.
Women’s Ministry Prayer Breakfast
Saturday, October 11th—9 am
Fellowship Hall
Join us for an amazing breakfast, uplifting
fellowship, motivating devotional and a sacred time of prayer!
Questions? Please contact Mary Rienks or call the church office, (916) 488-1522
SPECIAL
Special Church Council Calendar Planning Meeting
October 12th, 12 pm - Worship Center
If you are on staff, a ministry director, committee chairperson, or a trustee, please plan
on attending. If you cannot attend, please plan on having someone from your committee or ministry attend. If your events are not calendared during this time, you will need to complete a Facilities Use Request to have them approved and added to the calendar at a later date.
Bake Sale to support the
2026 Live Nativity Program
Sunday, October 19th immediately following the worship in front of the Prayer Garden to the left of the Worship Center entrance.
If you would like to donate to this or need additional information, Please see Mary Rienks or Betty Allen or call the church office
Candy donations accepted NOW in the lobby or at the church office. Cakes for Cake Walk accepted on the day of Trunk or Treat - Contact Tenille Stewart to let her know you will bring a cake or for more information
Se aceptan donaciones de dulces AHORA en el vestíbulo o en la oficina de la iglesia. Se aceptan pasteles para Cake Walk el día de Trunk or Treat. Comuníquese con Tenille Stewart para informarle que traerá un pastel o para obtener más información.
Behold Your King
Studies in Matthew
Taught by Dr. Jim Meek
Wednesday
6:15 pm, Suite E
Pastor Jim's sermon notes are on the YouVersion Bible App under the Live Events.
- In the app, go to "More" then Events
- If you are local to the Sacramento area, you should be able to find the event for El Camino Baptist Church.
Our sermons are recorded and available on our website and our Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/elcaminobaptistchurch/videos). You may also request a complementary DVD. Just email or call the church office and give the date of the sermon and your mailing address and we'll get one out to you as soon as possible. Please allow 7-10 business days to receive it. You may also pick it up in the office once you are notified it is ready. Thank you!
Join us for our
Visitation Ministry
Thursdays, 3 pm
Meet in the church office
5:15 - 6 pm in the Fellowship Hall.
Suggested donation $5 per Adult and child/youth over 10 years of age / $2 per child under 10
Questions? Call the church office (916) 488-1522
Directory Update
We want to be sure we can keep in touch with you in order to minister to your needs. Please help us by updating your contact information. Simply click on the link below and complete the Directory Update Form. Thank you!
Have You Lost Something? 
We have lots of items (Bibles, ear buds, keys, and many other things) that have been turned into the office. If you have lost something, please stop by the church office during normal operating hours and check our Lost and Found! You may find your long, lost treasure! Questions? Call the church office, (916) 488-1522.
October
10/11 – Women’s Ministry Prayer Breakfast – 9 am
10/11 – Building and Grounds Committee Meeting
10/11 – Mision Hispana – Limpieza General – Chapel
10/12 – Lord’s Supper During Worship
10/12 – Special Church Council Meeting for 2026 Calendaring – 12 noon
10/14 – Nominating Committee Meeting – 3 pm
10/14 – Deacons’ Meeting – 6:30 pm
10/19 - Women's Ministry Bake Sale 12 pm
10/21 – Finance Committee Meeting – 5:30 pm
10/24 – Mision Hispana – Noche de Talentos – 5 pm
10/25 – Trunk or Treat – 5:30 pm
10/26 – By-Laws Committee Meeting – 1 pm
10/28 – Personnel Committee Meeting – 6 pm
