WE DID IT

Thanks to the many volunteers from Church at the Falls, Mountain Park Church and the many people from the community that donated peanut butter, we hit our 1000 jar goal. It was incredible to see the jars come rolling in one by one and dozen by dozen. What an incredible day! I am so proud of each person that gave of their time, talent and treasure to make this day a big success. Because of your generosity, Project Share has a whole bunch of peanut butter to give away to those that are in need. In addition to the peanut butter we also raised somewhere around $700 from the charity BBQ we operated all day at Zehrs - with all funds going to Project Share. I must also say thank you so much to Zehrs for all your support. We couldn't have done it without your help.

Some other great news, the gentleman that was so in need of a microwave to cook his meals (he had no other proper cooking appliance) received that gift from us last week. Guess what, he came to church this past Sunday. He came because one person cared enough to start building a relationship with him, another person cared enough to give the money to buy the microwave and a bunch of people prayed for God to work in this man's life. That's what being the hands of Jesus is all about.

CATF we have only just begun this great adventure of showing the community the love of Jesus.

PB

Saturday is P Day ....that's Peanut Butter Day. Come by and see us at Zehrs and bring a jar along.

RANT

Yesterday I was driving along the QEW and trying my best to be a courteous driver by allowing cars to merge on to the highway. To do that I had moved over to the passing lane. Just as it was safe to move back over to the right lane a UFO was on my tail and I could hardly get out of the lane and he blew by me - practically pushing my car out of the lane. That guy put my blood pressure through the roof. My first reaction was to chase him down and I did actually do that - I hope the view of my vehicle in his mirror reminded him that not all people will put up with aggressive dangerous driving. Slow down and take a pill. The question is, should I have chased after him? I don't know for sure, I love to seek justice and defend what is wrong in this world. We do have police for this reason, but none were around. I couldn't help but think, what if he is did this to my wife, my mom or my sister? So I say to the UFO once again, slow down and treat others as you would want to be treated.

Faith

Great book to solidify your faith and help those that are seeking faith in Jesus Christ.

Choosing Your Faith

http://www.choosingyourfaith.com/

Are We A Good Neighbour?

Is Your Church a Good Neighbour?
Why some communities resist churches—and others welcome them.
by Eric Sanson

http://www.christianitytoday.com/outreach/articles/isyourchurchagoodneighbor.html

Thoughts

As a pastor it is very common to experience both highs and lows within minutes of each others. Let me explain. I can get right excited when I see the many people that are serving at the Peanut Butter Extravaganza. I can get real excited after hearing the great things God is doing in the lives of people at CATF. I can hit the roof when I see answered prayer. I am pumped up when one person from the church is connecting with a needy person and another person buys a microwave for that needy person - two are better than one:-)

On the other hand I can feel kinda down because I feel like I don't live up to every one's expectations - not that I should or ever will but it's a struggle most pastors have. I have a heavy heart when I think about the hurting families and individuals that share their struggles with me. I feel a lot of pain for those that just stay home and don't gather regularly - I'm not speaking of vacation time - I'm speaking of just staying away from the place that can make such a huge difference in life. I hurt for the world around me - so many needs. I struggle with whether we are making a big enough difference. I hurt for those that make choices that lead them away from God.
Some of you are thinking - Brandon - you can't control any of that. I know, but I'm human and it's a pastoral reality:-) Let me say this, it is my privilege to share in the highest highs and lowest lows. It's what I have been called to do...but it doesn't make it any easier.

Please understand there are times when I am not available. To be very frank, I need down time. I am very selective in what additional social gatherings and activities I attend. I need to reserve my energy for the spiritual well being of the church. It's not that I don't care but it's who I am - social gatherings drain the life out of me. You might see me upfront on a Sunday morning and think I'm an extrovert - couldn't be further from the truth. I love speaking to groups but don't like being part of the group. I love talking to people or families one on one, but get exhausted in social settings. I pour myself into the spiritual leadership of CATF and that leaves little energy for the social events that may come along and little energy means they fall to real low priority. Please understand, I care very much, that's why I say no to certain activities or opt out.

That's just a little about my unique challenges and I share this so you can better pray for me and understand me. I'm just a little weird like the rest of you:-) Please don't pray that I change - I am who God created me to be. Pray that I maximize the talents, gifts and personality that God has given me. Pray that people respect who I am and not try to make me something I'm not. I will do the same for you. You are an amazing individual created by an amazing God. We are all in this together - supporting one another.

Next Series of Talks

God Provides

Rick Warren tells his story of stepping out in faith to start a new church. It reminded me of all that God did for Brenda and I as we stepped out to start Church at the Falls. We had no people, no money, no location, no equipment and we had never started a church before. God provided everything we needed including the most incredible people to work along side us. Where God leads, He provides - I know that for sure. So as you read the story below ask yourself, "What is God calling me to do?" It may be giving to the needy, helping a friend, using your talents to further God's work. I don't know what He has in mind, but it will be great and He will provide.

Risks in Faith: Where God Guides, God Provides

by Rick Warren
And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:19 (NIV)

*** *** *** ***

If God tells you to do something, he will give you the energy, talent, resources – whatever you need – to do it. Where God guides, he provides.

In 1979, I was finishing seminary in Texas when God said, “I want you to go to the Saddleback Valley and start a church.” There were two problems with that: I had never been a senior pastor, and I didn’t know anything about the Saddleback Valley; I’d never been there, and I didn’t know a single person there.

But my wife, Kay, and I decided to take a risk and launch out in faith. We loaded a U-Haul truck and moved with our four-month-old daughter to the Saddleback Valley.

We arrived during rush hour in January, 1980. I grew up in a town of fewer than 500 people, so when I saw the jam-packed freeway, I thought God had chosen the wrong guy.

But where God guides, God provides. We stopped at a real estate office and I met Don Dale. I said, “My name is Rick Warren and I'm here to start a new church. I need a place to live and I don’t have any money.”

Within two hours, Don found us a condo with the first month rent-free. Don also became the first member of Saddleback Church. Saddleback’s first service was in our home with just seven people – my family and Don’s family.

God began bringing others to join us in planting a church. And in April of 1980, 205 people streamed up the ramp at Laguna Hills High School for our first public worship service. It was amazing. I thought, “God! You have provided! This is the place we’re supposed to be.”

Kay and I believed in the dream and the vision that God gave us for the Saddleback Valley, and we followed that dream, even when it involved risks. If you’re going to live by faith, you’re going to have to take some risks. In some situations, you’ll wonder if God is going to come through. But keep believing – because where God guides, God provides.

Random Thoughts

• Great Sunday.
• I sense God is about to take us on to greater heights in the area of generosity.
• We have our first baby dedication coming up - parents ask me about this if your are interested.
• Looks like we have a new band member. Direct answer to prayer. This couple heard about our church, but didn't know what theatre we met in. God brought one of the people from CATF across their path to let them know about where we met - if that ain't amazing what is?
• I have the "Talks" all set up through October - great stuff coming up.
• We will start Life Groups in October - looking for leaders to facilitate a video curriculum. Just push play:-)
• Planning a week off over the summer.
• Thinking about the Leadership Summit coming up.
• We may move our office location - looking into a better office that will cost us less - what a combination.
• Still looking for cheap indoor storage for our trailer - let me know if you know of anything.
• I had reflexology done yesterday - that stuff is amazing. The areas on the foot align with various parts of the body. It's too early for me to say the benefits, but I can sense some stuff going on in my body already.

The Eyes of Jesus

When Jesus walked the earth his eyes fell upon those that were in need. He was on the look out for those that were spiritually, emotionally, relationally and physically needy. That hasn't changed, Jesus is still looking to meet those same needs today. The only difference, we are his eyes, his hands, his feet. I encourage you to look for those that need a touch of Jesus -- listen to God's leading -- then do something about it.

Proverbs 11:24-25 TLV (giving does not just apply to money)
24 There is one who is free in giving, and yet he grows richer. And there is one who keeps what he should give, but he ends up needing more. 25 The man who gives much will have much, and he who helps others will be helped himself.

Discouragment

Resist Discouragement

by Rick Warren
For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay.

Habakkuk 2:3 (NIV)

http://www.purposedrivenlife.com/en-US/FreeTools/devotional/todaysDevo/Devotional.htm?a=2632&z=1

Sunday Thoughts

Today was day one of "One Prayer". We were privileged to have Craig Groeschel as our guest speaker by video. I found his talk very helpful for my personal walk with God and heard the same from several others. I am really excited about what God has in store for the weeks ahead.

I am so thankful for our volunteers. As we head into the lazy days of summer we will likely be down a few sets of hands as people travel here and there. So, thanks for your commitment. I appreciate you so much - not sure my words are ever sufficient to communicate my thanks to you.

Thanks to Chris for jumping in today and helping with set up of our signs and tear down of the equipment afterwards. Chris, you are the Falls Fanatic of the week.

Thanks to Terry and Ian for sweating it out on the truck early this morning. We appreciate you so much.

Thanks to Lynn, Wendy and Margaret for being the Hostesses with the mostess (I know it's not a word, but humour me).

Let's keep encouraging one another on -- let's take vacation time this summer but also gather regularly with CATF.

Enjoy the summer day.

More on One Prayer

OnePrayer.com is the official, online gathering place for churches participating in One Prayer.

Currently, there are over 1300 churches and over 760,000 people participating. We encourage you to engage in the conversation with hundreds of thousands of believers on the OnePrayer.com website during this series. Each day on OnePrayer.com, we will share and discuss a special One Prayer devotional. Every day of the week, we will unite together.

The schedule for this coming week is:

• Monday: What did God do in your Church? Share what God is doing in your church and celebrate with other believers.


• Tuesday: We will fast together and pray for salvations. Go to the website to write the first name of someone you are praying will come to know Christ.If you can't fast, you might devote an hour to praying for salvations by sacrificing your time from the TV or another activity.


• Wednesday: What is your One Prayer? If you could pray one prayer for the Church, what would it be?


• Thursday: How can we pray for each other? Share requests with each other, and lift each other up in prayer.


• Friday: Pray for your church this weekend. Pray specifically for your church and the upcoming weekend.

One Prayer

One Prayer starts this Sunday. CATF will partner with over 1200 churches worldwide, which represent over 750,000 people, to send the message of Jesus Christ with one strong voice. Locally we are participating with Mountain Park Church, Southridge Church and Gateway Church. I am pumped up by what I believe God will do when the church unites. Don't miss this Sunday...it will be great.

Check out the One Prayer website and join in prayer with 1000's of other followers of Christ.
http://www.oneprayer.com/

Fear and Grace

Fear & Grace

by Rick Warren
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. Psalm 23:6 (NLT)
*** *** *** ***

God is watching over you.

We Can Learn From Others

Please take a moment to read this post from a pastor who has journeyed through a very challenging time, Chris Elrod

CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW

There are some churches that would say we just need to scream "Jesus Saves" a little louder and then people will get it. At CATF we have not and will not prescribe to that way of communicating about Jesus. We really try to communicate in a language that people understand. Read what a well know business advisor has to say about the same subject. Seth Godin.