Welcome to a brave new year!

Sunday we launched a new series called, “The Pursuit of Happiness.” The response has been amazing. This series is speaking to a lot of people.

We said that HAPPINESS IS RECEIVED, NOT ACHIEVED and that God blesses people who aren’t focused on blessing themselves. Many of you asked about ways you can serve. I’m going to tell you this Sunday. You can also see an updated list of opportunities Monica has posted on our website.

Our journey to a better understanding of happiness is just beginning. We’ll be continuing through the most famous sermon ever preached—Jesus’ message called the Sermon on the Mount. If you missed last week’s message, you can listen to it or pass it along here. (You might as well subscribe to the podcast, uploaded every week.)

Did you know that our church is one of the fastest growing churches in the country? Can you believe our church has grown from 150 to 826 adults this past Sunday—in just 2 1/2 years?! Numbers matter because each number represents a life (including yours), and God has a passion for every life, and plan for each person. More and more people are experiencing the love of Jesus at our church and lives are changing. And lives will keep changing because you invite people! Thank you for loving God by loving other people. You’re making a difference.

If it makes sense in your schedule, I’d encourage you to come to a service other than 10a. The 6p service is picking up great momentum. This week we’ll have food and patio loitering after the service.

Don’t worry, we’ll always make room for your family, friends, co-workers, and neighbors…so bring someone with you this week to encounter genuinely loving people, great music, and to hear a message about finding purpose in life and meaning in work. (I’m also going to give you an update on our future location.)

See you soon,

caleb

P.S.: If you haven’t signed up for Rooted, do it NOW!

What would it look like to Celebrate Differently this holiday season and make it less about us and more about Jesus? Celebrate Differently is our opportunity to radically love one another – our families, our communities and ourselves – without reservation. Instead of spending away our time and money this holiday season, let’s give of ourselves on behalf of the hungry and the oppressed and reclaim what it means to truly love the world.

Celebrate Differently this holiday season as we invite people to experience Jesus.

Here’s how you can help:

Give a Gift – pull a tag from the patio and celebrate the joy of Christmas by providing gifts to a family in need. (supporting 150+ families in the Oak View Community & single moms at Goldenwest College)

Serve at least once
YoungLives Christmas Boutique, Dec 18, 2-6p or 6-10p
Oak View Christmas Extravaganza, Dec 20, 12-2p

For detailed serving opportunities visit celebratedifferently.org

Our church is so awesome! You–our generous people–are stepping up, once again, and loving others in need this holiday season.

• Over 150 families in the Oak View Community will receive gifts this Christmas, along with 34 single moms from Goldenwest College.
• Over 125 families in need will receive food baskets thanks to our Children’s and Student Ministries.
• Over 100 of you are serving our community in a variety of ways throughout the holidays.
• Over 1,000 people in the Oak View Community will be celebrating Thanksgiving and Christmas at gatherings where YOU are serving.

… that’s over 1,500 people in the HB community that will be blessed throughout the holiday season… thanks to you!

We are LOVING WHERE WE LIVE and it’s making a difference.

I’m very excited about Sunday’s message. It’s one of those that could really help shape the way you view yourself and your contribution to the world around you. I’m looking forward to seeing you Sunday.

caleb

P.S.: Listen to past messages here.

P.S.S.: Give to Mariners HB here.