Great video that captures the essence of how Christians have created their own subculture

This video is a hilarious but truthful way of demonstrating how Christians attempt to become "cool" and "relevant" to the world. But in actuality they just look really weird. Hope it makes you laugh a little.

Merry Christmas!

The last three days have been great. We had two meanginful Christmas Services at the church. The Birthday Party for Jesus was an absolute blast and best of all I really think it left a lasting impression on the kids that participated. Then last night's Christmas Eve Service was awesome. As usual, the band did a fabulous job with both traditional carols and songs with a modern twist. I am so blessed to pastor such wonderful people. Our staff, leadership team, and congregation are so much fun to partner with in sharing the message of Jesus in our community. We also announced the results of our Christmas offering. The goal was $5,000 but we ended up with $8,300! So many of you gave sacrficially and generously!

Merry Christmas!

Two Great Christmas Services

Quick reminder that we have two great Christmas services coming up this Sunday and Monday.

On Sunday at 10:35am, we have our annual Christmas Party for Jesus (Only 1 service this Sunday). This service was begun a few years ago as a way of teaching our children the reality and importance of Christmas. We serve cake, blow out candles, and have a great time celebrating the birth of Jesus. Both the young and the young at heart will find this service meaningful.

Then on Christmas Eve at 6:00pm we have our traditional candlelight service. Join us for lots of hot chocolate and cookies. The band will be playing your favorite carols and there will be a gift for each child. Childcare is provided for children 0-4 years of age.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

My thoughts regarding the tragedy in Connecticut

I first heard the news around 10:00am when my smart phone vibrated an alert from CNN. I followed the story throughout the entire day as new details were released. I talked with friends as we waited outside our school to pick up our children. My first thoughts are "God, Why?" Innocent children and heroic teachers, lives ended in a flash. Then in the sadness of the moment, I put myself in these parents shoes and I got a small taste of their despair and hopelessness. So what help is there for these grieving, broken families...I certainly have no answers. There is nothing that can be said, done, or given that can in any way repair the devastation that has come on their lives. I must admit that for a few moments I have my own doubts about the reality of God and his love. How could God allow this? If anyone in society deserves protection it is innocent children. But then I remember that the very fact that I am so saddened and outraged by this tragedy is proof that God exists. The fact that we (humanity) are made in God's image is why this is a tragedy. We are not just some highly evolved animals as some would suggest. We are made in his image and therefore we and life are precious. So how do we respond to this mess?

• First, we trust and have faith in God that...He will bring about justice for these innocent lives, that He sees beyond what we see and is in control, and that He will make all things right one day.
• Second, we remember that eternity is real. Every person is made for eternity. If this life alone is the beginning and end, then we all have no hope. Heaven is real. It is place of no tears, no fear, no tragedies...So as followers of Jesus we pray, "Come Lord Jesus Come!" Only Christ can bring about the change in this world that we so desperately need.
• Lastly, we value life and don't take it for granted. Hug your kids, play with them, enjoy life...we don't know when it will be gone. Every day families endure these types of tragedies but they don't get the media coverage. In cities like Oakland, families are torn apart by violence almost every day. We have no guarantees in this life so don't take this life for granted...

Psalm 23 (NLT)
¹ A psalm of David. The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. ² He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. ³ He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. ⁴ Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. ⁵ You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. ⁶ Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever.
^[1]

^[1] Tyndale House Publishers. (2004). Holy Bible : New Living Translation. (2nd ed.). Wheaton, Ill.: Tyndale House Publishers.

Volunteer Christmas Party

The kids weren't really excited that I asked them to clean a really hot grill.

This past Saturday was our 7th Annual Volunteer Christmas Party. It all started in 2005 with just a handful of people. Back when Cecil and I began this tradition we had about 12 people join us. Well...little did I know that 7 years later it would turn into a party that would feed 70+ people. Thankfully we have a great team at our house and dispite the fact that I bought the wrong type of green beans (note to self: French Style is not the same as French Cut), we all managed to pull it off. Below are some of the exciting photos.



Me and 32lbs of Tri-Tip!!!

Dang...my wife is hot!

My wife did a fantastic job with the mashed potatoes!



The night ended with a downpour and of course the kids got soaked.

Lots and Lots of Good Stuff Going On

It's been a little over a month since I last posted but I have a good excuse, I have been really busy doing lots of really fun stuff!

 
First want to say thanks to Carrie Pitta and our Events team that made our Thanksgiving Praise Service a huge success! It was great to hear the testimonies from our church family and to share a Thanksgiving meal with so many of our friends.

Congratulations to the five that publicly announced their decision to follow Christ through baptism! I think that is our 13th baptism of year...very awesome to lead a church family that has made reaching the unchurched such a huge priority.

Lastly, my family had the huge blessing of vacationing on a Disney Cruise down to the Mexican Riviera. My parents were very generous and paid for my family and my brother's family to join them on the cruise. It was really cool to hang out with my entire extended family and especially cool to get to know my wonderful nieces and nephews. Then we made a quick trip up to Tahoe before Thanksgiving and enjoyed hanging out with Cecil's parents.

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving...if you are interested in hearing a little different take on Thanksgiving here is the link to the short message I shared at our Praise Service. http://www.msconline.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/01-Thankful-for-Whats-Real.mp3

Happy Birthday...to my not so little, little girl!

Singing Happy Birthday at Home

I always wanted my first child to be a girl and God graciously granted that wish. Alanna Joy was born on October 12, 2004 at Washington Hospital in Fremont, CA. As the years have passed she has continually surprised me with her love for God, maturity, and logic. Sometimes her faith in God challenges me, sometimes her ability to understand complex issues catches me by surprise, and sometimes her beautiful smile makes me thank God all over again that I am priviledged to be her father. Happy Birthday Alanna!
  

Celebrating at school

Hanging out with friends at Great America