Hanging out with some pastors in the area

For those who don't know, our church is part of an association called Next Generation Churches. I lead the Alameda County pastor's cluster that gets together once a quarter for breakfast and fellowship. This morning we met at one of our churches in San Leandro. I just took on this responsibility about 9 months ago so this was our third time to get together. It was an especially good meeting because each of us took some time to share what was happening in our lives and then someone else in the group prayed for us. Here are a couple of thoughts that I had during our breakfast:

1. Everyone (even pastors) needs someone they can talk to about life. To often we think that the more spiritually mature we are or the longer we've been a Christian the less we will need to rely on others. The opposite is actually true. The more spiritually mature you are the more you will realize how much you need other people in your life.
2. Everyone goes through difficult times. Somehow the idea that good Christian people never have problems gained traction in the church. I'm not sure if its the Power of Positive Thinking Movement, or the Name It Claim It Theology Group, or if its the God Wants You To Be Rich Crowd, but regardless of where it came from, that idea is totally bogus and anti-Scripture. As I shared breakfast with these pastors I realized that all of us were just as human as anyone in our churches. Some of them are having serious health issues, others have financial problems, a few had family/relationship issues. Which validates what Jesus said, "In this world you will have trouble, but be of good cheer I have overcome the world."
3. Talking with other Believers about what is happening in your life is good for you. It may not fix the problem but it does seem to make it more manageable.

Relationships in the Church

We started a new sermon and small group series last Sunday that is studying I Corinthians 12:12-26. As the week as passed I have heard some really good comments regarding the small groups that have met. The major underlying theme that I am hearing is how enjoyable it is to spend a solid block of time in conversation about God and the Bible. I think this theme illustrates how seldom we set aside time to talk about God with other people. Usually our conversations focus on superficial things like weather, sports, or job situations. Sometimes we our close friends we discuss more important things like marriage, parenting, and financial pressures. The problem with this approach to relationships is that we focus all our attention on the outward. Whether those things be positive or negative, questions or answers, problems or solutions, they nevertheless are lacking since they bypass what should be the most central element of our life...God. So make some focused time to discuss God and what He is doing in your life this week with someone else.

BELONG Sermon and Small Group Series

This Sunday we launched a new sermon and small group series as we study I Corinthians 12:12-26. I was really excited to see how many have signed up to participate in the small groups each week. If you missed Sunday's message you can listen online at www.msconline.org

Christmas Pictures

We are ahead of schedule this year! Christmas pictures are already taken and Christmas cards already ordered. As many of you know we send out about 250 Christmas cards to the entire church family so the task of getting pictures taken, design selected, and then ordered has in the past hung over our heads like an never ending cloud, but this year my wife wisely suggested that we take the pictures before heading out to our family Thanksgiving party and so we did. Here are a few great ones that didn't make the final cut.

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a wonderful time of year. Although over the last few years it seems that more and more people are skipping this holiday to focus solely on the gift giving of Christmas. It makes total sense for those who make money off the materialism and consumerism of the Christmas, after all its hard to encourage people to be thankful while at the same time pointing out how much they need your product. The last few days have been a wonderful time at our home. Cecil and I have gotten lots of time with the kids and haven't been too rushed. We went into this holiday season with that as the goal (since we constantly seem to find ourselves overly committed to too many things. The list of things I'm thankful for could go on and on and on but I thought I would just leave you with my top 10 (not necessarily in order of importance):
1) God - I'm glad I have someone to express my thanks too, otherwise life would truly be a cruel joke
2) A wonderful wife
3) Two beautiful, healthy children
4) My awesome church family
5) Great parents and in-laws that are fun to be with
6) A home to welcome guests too
7) That I have a job I love
8) Friends to share life with
9) The promise of heaven and eternity with Christ Jesus
10) Eggnog :)

Chronicles of Narnia - The Voyage of the Dawn Treader

Every now and then as a pastor I get invited to an early screening for a movie that in some way promotes Christian values. Hollywood film makers have realized that the Christian market is a large and important demographic and they are learning to tailor certain movies to that audience. The first movie that really demonstrated that was the Passion of the Christ directed by Mel Gibson. So last Thursday my wife and I (absent our children thanks to friends) headed out for a date which included dinner and then a screening of the new Chronicles of Narnia movie, The Voyage of the Dawn Treader. Now just in case you were not aware, the Chronicles of Narnia is a book series written by a wonderful Christian theologian, C.S. Lewis. This delightful series is embedded with tons and tons of Biblical theology and Christian symbolism. I have seen both of the previous movies and found them very good and this movie was no exception. Below I've attached one of the more spiritually meaningful scenes. If you get the chance I hope you will support this movie (disclaimer - some scenes are a little too intense (in my opinion) for those under 7 or 8 years of age).

Checking Back In

Well it has been a while since I posted. Life has been busy (although that's not a good excuse).The last few months have been really good at MSC. Just this last Sunday I counted eight new families that were there that have begun attending over the last few months. We have also been working on remodeling the worship center. Attached are a few pictures of some of the finished project. Special thanks to the following people who helped out in a big way: Terri Sudbrook (picked out color schemes), Gary Simas (sent over an employee from his painting company), Jack Latreille, Tim Magee, Andrew del Rosario, the band, Cecil Wroten and Carrie Pitta. And a special, special thanks to Howard Harter and Lee Pitta for answering the last minute call for help from the pastor.