Revelation of Jesus

REVELATION OF JESUS

Something happens when we focus our full attention on Jesus. The first chapter in the book of Revelation provides an awe-inspiring glimpse of Him. I am looking forward to growing in intimacy with Jesus on Sunday as we study this incredible book together.

ONE DAY TO PREVENT HOMELESSNESS

Take a look at these brief videos that reflect the impact we have had over the past year in helping hundreds of people affected by economic trials.

http://onedaytopreventhomelessness.org/?p=110
http://onedaytopreventhomelessness.org/?p=108

We are partnering with our city leaders again this year to continue reaching out to those in need. Please consider participating in this act of love by donating one day’s worth of your rent or mortgage payment to provide permanent shelter for those displaced in our community.

MEMORIAL DAY

It is important for us to remember those who have given their lives in defense of our freedom in America. Since the beginning of our history, we have lost approximately 1,344,000 soldiers in battle. Another 1,530,000 have been wounded. The price for freedom is steep and the sacrifice of our brothers and sisters deserves our deepest appreciation and honor.

Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Pastor Rick

IS THE END NEAR?

Matthew 24:36 says, “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” This is not a difficult verse to interpret. There is only one person in the universe who knows when the end will come. This passage goes on to say,”Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.”

The important message is to pursue the wonderful relationship offered to us through faith in Jesus. We can live ready at all times for His return. I am looking forward to studying the book of Revelation with you over the next few weeks. We will be informed, inspired, and drawn to Jesus as we learn more about Him and His plans for our future.

God promises a blessing on those who focus their attention on this last book of the Bible: “Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near.” (Revelation 1:3).

ONE DAY TO PREVENT HOMELESSNESS

We will end our worship experience on Sunday with the wonderful opportunity to help hurting people in our community. Please consider giving one day’s worth of your rent or mortgage payment to help people in our community to have a roof over their head. Last year nearly 2,000 families were helped by the generosity of the faith community. Let’s see what we can do to help others in need at this season of life.

I am looking forward to what God has in store for us!

Pastor Rick

Loving the City

I am struck by the scene described in Luke 19 when Jesus approached the city of Jerusalem and wept over it. He so wanted the people to understand His love for them and the difference He could make in their lives. There are days that I am moved when I look over our city, people rushing around oblivious to the amazing love of Jesus. So, we are doing our best to reveal His love everywhere we can. Here are some of the latest expressions from our Capital family to our city:

CHARACTER COMBINE
Over 700 coaches and athletes gathered two weeks ago day to receive inspiration from Jason Harper, Jamie Whitmore (three-time triathlon champion and a cancer survivor), Kevin Bracy (nationally recognized motivational speaker), Troy Ellerman (author of Forging Iron), Mark Munoz (Ultimate Fighting Champion), Jerry Manuel (former Major League Baseball manager for the White Sox and Mets), Anthony Robles (NCAA wrestling champion born without one leg). It was an amazing day of giving love to our community so they can pass it on in their areas of influence.

EVENING OF DREAMS
This Saturday we will host a prom for 150 special needs individuals. Each person has been matched with an escort to the prom from athletes and students around our community. It is going to be an amazing experience of making dreams come true.

RACE ACROSS AMERICA
Four men from our Capital family will be riding bicycles over 3,000 miles with a mission in mind. Their monumental effort will raise awareness for charitable giving to the cause of hunger, clean water, and education around the world. They will be featured on Good Day Sacramento from 6:30am to 10:00am next Thursday.

These are just a few of the many expressions of love to our community. I love the heart of our Capital family to express the love of Jesus in every way possible. Great days ahead!

Sunday we will hear from the leaders of our youth ministry. It is a special day to focus on children and students of all ages. It is great to see the commitment our youth have to loving Jesus. We will cap off the day with our annual spring children’s musical “Lifesong.”

Matthew 5:16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

Pastor Rick

Mother's Day

We just found out our third grandchild, due in late September, is a girl. Her proposed name is Ireland Laine Alves. This new season in our lives has brought even more significance to Mother’s Day. The gift of life brings awe and wonder as we experience the unique personality of each new child. Also, the energy it takes for moms to care for these little ones is stunning. Moms are remarkable pillars of strength in our lives from the day we are born. Cathy and I will team up to share some important family principles on Sunday as we gather to worship God and honor moms.

Don’t forget to talk to your friends about our series from the Book of Revelation beginning Sunday, May 22. The events unfolding around our world give us reason to consider where we stand in relationship to eternity. It’s going to be an important study for sure.

Also, May 22 will be the day we contribute to One Day to Prevent Homelessness for 2011. Last year’s effort provided assistance for approximately 2,000 families to be protected from homelessness. Our hearts are touched by the needs of those around us who are suffering from the economic challenges of the day. The goal we have set is to contribute one day’s worth of rent or mortgage payment to provide a family a secure place to stay.

Proverbs 31:25-30
She is clothed with strength and dignity;
she can laugh at the days to come.
She speaks with wisdom,
and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
She watches over the affairs of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.
Her children arise and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:
“Many women do noble things,
but you surpass them all.”
Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.

Pastor Rick