SERVE DAY pcitures! (7/30/05)

July 24 Meeting

What a great meeting we had today! Some regulars couldn't make it, but we had several new people who came out. The theme was on "UNITY" and we even celebrated the communion table together. United with Christ in faith and with each other... We were reminded that it is only by faith we are made right with God and also united together as a church.

Afterward, many people stayed around to get to know each other more. Some people went to the Block to hang out and some to restaurants to have a late dinner.

I thank everyone who came out, especially those who came out for the first time. May the Lord direct you to the right place for you, and if it is with us we welcome you with our two arms wide open!

Orage, CA (92866)

I got a chance to get a "neighborhood report" on the city I live as well as where CHURCH IN THE CITY will be (Orange, CA: 92866) - Percept(www.percept1.com)

Here are some interesting findings. (the second %number in parenthesis is the national average)

1. AGE
Gen Z (0-3 years): 6% (5%)
Millenials(4-23): 27% (29%)
Survivors (24-44): 37% (30%)
Boomers (45-62): 18% (22%)
Silents (63-80): 8% (10%)
Builders (81 and up): 4% (4%)

* Compared to the national average, we have more "survivors" and less "boomers".
* I like how they labeled each generation. I personally fall into the category of "survivors" - even though I have no idea what I have survived from...


2. Diversity
Anglo: 53% (67%)
African-American: 2% (12%)
Hispanic: 38% (14%)
Asian: 6% (4%)
Native Am. and Other: 2% (3%)

* Compared to the national average, we have a lot more Hispanics. I really need to learn how to speak Spanish...


3. Faith Involvement
Not involved: 52% (35%)
Somewhat involved: 25% (30%)
Strongly involved: 25% (35%)

*This tells us we have at least 77% of the total population we can minister to.


This area is still new to me and Kathy, and we have a lot to learn about. This report was helpful in giving us the overall picture. May the Lord open the doors for us!

"Be a Part of Something SPECIAL!"

A full Sunday

Yesterday was a full Sunday for me. In the morning, I had the privilege to speak at a church called Christ Community Church. The church leadership invited me to share about Church In The City and shared their desire to partner with us in everyway they could. The senior pastor even told every0ne that they have his ultimate blessing to go and partner with our new church if God calls them - meaning leaving his church and joining ours! What an awesome thing that a senior pastor could say to his church. I was greatly encouraged and honored to be there.

Many people came up to me after the service and said they want to somehow get involved and will visit us soon. We really didn't know what to expect from this church but it was a great time for me. I just pray God will convict their hearts even more and guide us the find the best ways to have these people be involved. May the Lord guide us!

In the evening, of course, was our Sunday gathering at Doubletree. It was our second Sunday meeting over there, and even though we had several regulars who couldn't make it we had a good time worshiping, praying, and connecting with one another.

One thing I realized yesterday... This REALLY has to be a God-thing. Yes, there are a lot of things we can do and will do in order to make this church launch and grow. But, it really has to be the spiritual depth and power that comes from the Lord that will make things work. People are hungry for new things, but in the end, people are hungry for God and his presence. May the Lord keep me drenched in His spirit!

A Sunday gathering at my house (6/26). It also was a house-warming party for our new home in Orange. Thank you all for coming! 

A New Beginning

So, here is a little update on what has been happening in my life.

Sometime back in February, I decided to start a new church. There had been few changes with my ministry prior to that time, and after a time of reflection, soul-searching, and somewhat blindely following an inner calling that couldn't be resisited anymore, I shared my thoughts with my wife and we decided to accept this as a leading from God and give our best effort in making a dream come true for God's kingdom.

Now, it's been about 5 months since that morning when I finally made the decision. I remember the moment I finally made the decision how I was so excited and grateful to God. I knew it was from God - what he wanted from me, and I felt so happy to know that I would spend rest of my life doing something not only what I always wanted to do, but what I knew God wants me to do as well.

Well, the past five months certainly haven't disappointed me. Not so much because everything went perfectly well, but because I am constantly reminded that God is so faithful. It has to be!!! I am doing this only based on faith, and I know this faith didn't come within me but from God himself.

a summary of what's happened during the past five months:

1. Application to my denomination (Reformed Church in America) with a vision to start a multiethnic, postmodern, and missional church in Orange County. Plan approved by the denomination.

2. Gathering a core team: Thankfully I got connected to several new people I hadn't known and they were committed to get involved in this vision.

3. Securing a place at The Block at Orange. We were able to secure

me and my wife, Kathy

In case some of you are wondering what I look like, here is a beautiful picture with my wife, Kathy. (of course, it's my wife that makes the picture beautiful...)

Welcome!

Welcome everyone to my blog! Knowing that we will soon have our church's website up and running, I thought it would be the perfect time to start my personal blog - which I've been thinking about doing for a while now. I hope this will be another venue where I can share my thoughts and feelings. I have so much to share as far as what has been going on in my life lately. I will take some time to post them here soon. But, until then, hope everyone has a good night and sweet dream!