"New" people

It's always great to see new faces joining our Sunday worship. We had few this past Sunday, and some of them were not just new to our church but new to church, period. The very reason our church, and for that matter, any church exists is to provide a place and time where people can question, seek, and find God. How great it is to be reminded that God is always working on "new" people - new to church, new to God, and eventually a new eternal life. Those of you who came for the first time, we welcome you in God's love and hope! May God bless you as you seek God in your life!

A new partner in Christ

This past Sunday, I had a guest family visiting me for lunch. His name is Joel Harlow, a pastor at Journey Church in San Jose. He's actually their church planter getting ready to begin a "Mall Church." We got connected because of our similar vision, and it was great for me and my wife to hear someone else sharing a similar vision as we do! Joel and his family is still doing the planning work and soon have their first launch team gathering meeting. They hope to gather a good 20-30 people from the mother church - Journey.

Too bad they couldn't stay for the sunday worship at our church (a long drive back home and their kids needed rest). But, may the Lord keep them safe and strong as they begin their new exciting journey. Thanks Joel for your encouragement and prayer!

Open to the public!

We have finally begun to "open" our sunday gathering to the general public! We still have a long way to go, but the core group that has gathered feels ready to make ourselves available to the public and begun to make some changes in our overall approach and programs.

1. Sunday gathering (6:30pm) will now be a worship service - a small yet significant move from being focused on developing a core group to a gathering of everyone and anyone to "taste the glory of God" in worship. The current series is called "Who is God Anyway?", and everyone's welcome! This past Sunday, we had some new faces joining us. Welcome to those who came for the first time! And thanks to the worship team and the production team for putting together a great worship service - both musically and visually!

2. Life Groups: a little more intimate gathering than the Sunday worship service... We will meet twice a month (2nd and 4th Friday) for a time of fellowship, bible study, and prayer. This is where we become closer as a people of God, for new people to get connected. Eventually we will break off into smaller groups meeting weekly in their neighborhoods. The first meeting is on 10/28 at Paul and Sharon's house. Call me for direction (714-362-1806).

3. Triangle Business Group: As a part of our community service, we are sponsoring and organizing a monthly business group. Two purposes: 1) to provide local businesses an opportunity to connect with one another and share their "leads", and 2) to promote high ethical standards in business and to participate in community charity work together. It is a way for our church to serve the business community so that they can better serve their communities. The first meeting is on 11/2 (wed. 12pm) at the Block (Dave & Buster). Contact me for more info.


God has been faithful to us in the midst of challenges that come with planting a new church. I've personally learned so much that I wouldn't change this experience with anything else. However, I know God wants our church to be more than a learning experience. And, for that, we will keep asking for God's spirit and his hands. And, we will keep doing our very best to be used by Him. May the Lord find us in his grace.

"BE a LINK"

This past Sunday, we had David Trotter from Revolution Church come and do a workshop for our church. The workshop was called "Be a Link" - a creative and practical way for us to share our faith with those around us. The idea is that everyone would need a number of links (contacts) with Christians and the truth of Jesus Christ that we possess before actually being able to make their own commitment to Jesus. This was the case for all of us and also true for those around us who are not believers yet. Now, the key is to know this "process" and not try to be the "final link" all the time. We might be the final link to help someone make that leap of faith, but we might very well be "a" link in this sovereign process designed by God. No it's not to give us excuse not to share the gospel boldly, but it's to put things in bigger perspective and be freed to trust God rather than be pressured to do everything on our own in a very short amount of time.

Many people I've known (including myself) WANT to share the gospel of Jesus Christ but we just don't know where to begin or how to do it. Yes, the key is to do it with our lives not just in words, but it does require our effort and skills. For this reason, the workshop was great for those who attended. We were motivated, freed, and equipped. Thanks Dave!

Here is an excerpt from his outline:

What does it mean to "be a link?"
1. I have a depth of compassion for those Jesus misses most.
2. I am seeking out opportunities to introduce others to the love of Jesus.
3. I don't have to be the final link - just one of the links.
4. I am equipped to be the final link when God wants to use me.

3 steps:
- Define What's At Stake
- Develop Intentional Relationships
- Discover Their Story

Who IS God anyway???

*click the image to view.

Check it out!

A Mall with a Daycare Center

Why not a mall with a CHURCH???