EPIC. It’s a word that conjures up images of larger-than-life stories and legendary adventures. The Bible tells stories of epic heroes and villains battling for victory while revealing their own honest story…and perhaps our own. Come with us this summer for an adventure of biblical proportions.

Mission Viejo service times and directions.

Awakening is seven churches coming together for seven nights to worship, pray, fast and ask God to stir an awakening in our hearts, in His Church, and in His city. Childcare available.

The amazing grace of the Master, Jesus Christ, the extravagant love of God, the intimate friendship of the Holy Spirit, be with all of you. —2 CORINTHIANS 13:4 [MSG]

July marked the 20th anniversary of Forrest Gump. Forrest, played by Tom Hanks, is a simple man who manages to undermine the systems and powers of the world with his innocent naivete and pithy wisdom. I’m sure employees at See’s candy still tire of the phrase: “Life is like a box of chocolates…” I don’t know how many times, after making a regrettable mistake, I have invoked the line: “stupid is as stupid does.”

But, foremost among the lines that Forrest employs is this one:
“I’m not a smart man, but I know what love is.”

Paul, writing to the church in Corinth concludes his second letter with a closing benediction (as he does in many of his writings). In this case, he highlights “the extravagant love of God.” So, no matter the questions, wonderings, or trembling that accompany regular people, like us, on our journey of faith, perhaps it is best to remember that the one thing we will never fully understand is the one thing we all know… Love.

See you Sunday,
Jeff

Please join us as we pray for our children and students who are preparing to start school.

Saturday, August 16, 8-10a
Upper Room

For more information, please email Karen.

We are looking for medical professionals to volunteer for our safety team! If you have training in nursing, law enforcement, EMT or fire fighting and have a heart for our community, we have a place for you! For more info contact Alan.

I’m ready, God, so ready, ready from head to toe. Ready to sing, ready to raise a God-song: “Wake, soul! Wake, lute! Wake up, you sleepyhead sun!” (‭Psalm‬ ‭108‬:‭1-2‬ MSG)

Now, in the heart of the summer, when the sun seems to be fully awake (coupled with a dose of rare humidity) it’s hard to imagine the sleepy sun of the other seasons. The sun, of course, stands in stark contrast to my own children who, without the necessity of school attendance, rise at what seems to be only minutes before noon.

The Psalmist writes of his own readiness to rise, to sing, to celebrate. This is the quintessential “Good morning, God!” kind of person. Admittedly, the idea of this kind of early morning worship energy seems largely foreign to me. I’m barely able to see straight without coffee — the universally accepted stimulant of the weary work-worn masses. But, there have been a few moments this summer that gave me that unmistakeable feeling of  readiness — readiness to raise a God-song.

Yesterday morning, on the beach, I walked alone — a little solo time. I watched families of tourists trying to navigate California surf on rented boogie boards. I watched scores of waves frothing over the tiny tide pools teeming with life. I saw the vast ocean and felt the heat of sunshine. This — all of it — is what scholars refer to as “common grace.” It is all those things that tell a little piece of God’s story without using words. The apostle Paul writes that “since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities — his eternal power and divine nature — have been clearly seen, being understood by what has been made…”

Maybe what Paul is saying is that in looking all around — really looking — God’s story will become a bit clearer. When He and his invisible qualities come a bit more into focus, it gives us reason to “raise a God-song.”

This week, as we  continue in our Epic series, Doug Fields will be teaching. Don’t forget: After the 11 o’clock service, we’ll head to the beach. Bring a friend and some sunscreen.

See you soon,
Jeff

Come play at the beach! We’ll be heading down to Doheny to enjoy the surf and sand for the afternoon. Bring your chair/towel and any fun beach toys. Questions? Contact Mike.

Sunday, August 10, 1p

That’s right! There will be pancakes on the patio next Sunday. Come hungry and enjoy the deliciousness after both services.

Sunday, August 17, on the patio