Special Spiritual Experience

GOOD FRIDAY

I am looking forward to a time of contemplation and communion at 12:15pm on Friday. This is a wonderful way to begin the Easter weekend as we consider the greatest sacrifice ever paid. Because Jesus was willing to pay the ultimate price, we have access to ultimate prize.

EASTER

Four celebrations to choose from . . . Saturday at 7:00pm, Sunday at 9:00am, 10:30am, or noon. This is a perfect opportunity to invite a friend to join you at church. People are actually hoping someone will extend an invitation for this special spiritual experience. There will be incredible music, stories of lives that have been changed through faith in Jesus, and a message that will celebrate the gift God offers every person on earth. I can’t wait!

SPECIAL BUSINESS MEETING

We considered the approval of purchasing a digital sign that would front the freeway from our property. It required a two-thirds majority to move forward. We ended up one vote short of a two-thirds majority. Most of the no votes were simply because some wanted to see if we could raise the funds needed to purchase the sign instead of finance it. We will present a revised approach at another special business meeting to convene on Sunday, April 22, at 5:00pm in the Auditorium. This is a wonderful opportunity and we would love to have your involvement in the decision making process if you are a member of our church.

Mark 14:4-7 But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away. As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed. “Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter, ‘He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.’”

Pastor Rick

Souldesign: Now Go

LIVING A LIFE OF LOVE

We will wrap up our study this week with a look at the opportunities before us to let our light shine for others to see. With Easter one week away, we want to invite our family and friends to one of our services. People are waiting for genuine love and compassion. Let’s bring it to them!

GOOD FRIDAY

Our annual Good Friday service begins at 12:15pm on April 6. It is a wonderful time of reflection regarding the supreme gift of love Jesus gave.

EASTER

Four services to choose from where we will present the Easter message . . . “God So Loved . . .” Saturday, April 7 at 7:00pm, Sunday at 9:00am, 10:30am and Noon. It is going to be a wonderful celebration of life.

SPECIAL BUSINESS MEETING

We have an opportunity to place a digital sign on our property right next the Hwy. 50. Our bylaws require the approval of our members when we consider an expenditure exceeding $250,000. The cost of the sign would be in excess of this amount but will also provide a revenue opportunity to cover its cost through advertising. We would retain at least half of the ad space available for our messaging and sell the other half to cover the cost of the sign which would be paid off in five years. Our meeting will convene to consider this at 1:30pm on Sunday, April 1, in the Sanctuary.

Philippians 4:4-6 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Pastor Rick

Expanding Outreach through Missions

We had a wonderful Easter experience this past week. Every gathering was special and impacting. A big thank you to the multitude of volunteers who assisted with communion, ushering, guest services, Easter egg hunt, choir, orchestra, choreography, technical services, Kidsville, nursery, and early childhood. We have a wonderful family and great things are accomplished when we all work together.

I am looking forward to meeting with you again on Sunday. One of my sincere desires is to experience God’s presence in a tangible way and grow more intimate in relationship with Jesus. I have that desire for you as well. It matters when we meet together. I am believing we will all be better equipped when we leave the church campus to live in harmony with our families and impact the world with love. This week is a great opportunity to expand our outreach through missions. One of our members told me this week that he made an increased commitment to missions three months ago. Since that time, his business has been miraculously blessed and has made significant profit during that time period. He attributed the business growth to his commitment to give to reach the world. I am praying that for all of us. It’s going to be a great day as we learn about the effort of Race for a Mission (R4M) to use the endurance bicycle Race Across America to raise awareness for helping hurting people.

Titus 3:4-7 But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.

Pastor Rick

EASTER 2011

This weekend is what gives life to life itself. Without the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus we would be without hope. However, because of this reality, we can celebrate the life Jesus has given us and the knowledge of eternal life with Him.

Here is a rundown of our schedule:

Friday at 12:15pm – Good Friday communion service

Friday at 7:30pm – “God So Loved” with our choir and orchestra

Saturday at noon. – Easter Egg hunt for children

Saturday at 4:00 and 7:00pm – “God So Loved” with our choir and orchestra

Sunday at 8:00, 9:30, and 11:15am – Easter services with special music from our choir and orchestra and a message of hope from Rick Cole. Included in the message will be a remarkable story of transformation from Phil Grams.

It is going to be a wonderful weekend of celebration and inspiration! Can’t wait to see you at CCC.

Romans 8:11 And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you.

Outreach Opportunity

Easter weekend was an incredible experience! The Savior, Healing Hands musical was presented with excellence by our Music and Creative Arts Ministry. A big thanks to Pastor Rob for his vision and leadership. We had 5,000 people attend one of the three presentations. There were about 4,000 at the Easter egg hunt on Saturday which was well organized by Pastor Ed and his team. Then, on Easter Sunday we had 5,262 worship with us. A big thank you to all our volunteers who made this a spectacular weekend!

We continue the theme for April of outreach with a focus on our task. It is more like an opportunity than a task. The word task sounds more like a duty or obligation. I like to think of what we can do to reach those without faith as more of an opportunity. It is a joy. The foundation for Sunday’s message will be Micah 6:8. “He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”

I’m looking forward to celebrating with you and strategizing how we can invite our friends to join us on Sunday, April 25, to hear the real life father of the Blind Side story. Sean Touhy will be our guest and he will provide a great conclusion to our focus for the month.

Pastor Rick

Easter Celebration

Cathy and I have been in L.A. taking a short vacation break before a very busy, but exciting, season in the month of April. We have had a great time with Nate and Lisa catching up with them in their life’s journey and engaging in thoughtful conversation. Good times!

Can’t wait for all we will experience this weekend. We begin with the Good Friday communion service at 12:15 pm and then open the doors for three presentations of the musical/drama “Saviour, Healing Hands,” at 7:30 pm and 4:00 and 7:00 pm on Saturday. Easter Sunday we will have music from the choir at 8:00 and 9:30 am and a message of celebration in all three services including 11:15 am. You might want to come to the early service or arrive early for the others as we will most likely have overflow crowds.

Acts 4:33 With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and much grace was upon them all.

Pastor Rick

Armor Project: Helmet of Salvation & Sword of the Spirit

I am basking in the glow of this past Sunday. Together we contributed $53, 821 for One Day To Prevent Homelessness. It was my privilege to present this check to the community on KCRA 3 news this past Monday evening. The community total is at $230,000 and rising. Most of the churches had not yet reported their response so we feel confident the $400,000 goal will be met. I am so proud of you for your continuing generosity to help hurting people at home and around the world.

Sunday we will complete the Armor Project with a study of the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit. It will be another wonderful day of worship, prayer, fellowship and learning.

Be sure to prepare for the Easter weekend and invite someone to the musical on Friday or Saturday and then to one of our Easter Sunday services. There will also be a great outreach for families on Saturday with the Easter Egg Hunt. These are all wonderful opportunities to make the love of Jesus known to others.

Ephesians 6:17-18 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.

Pastor Rick

My Final Answer

I am still overwhelmed with the experience we had for Easter this past weekend! There was so much to take in. From the noon Good Friday communion service, to the three presentations of "Saviour - Healing Hands," to our three Easter Sunday services with the incredible testimony of Bernie Guiterez, it was all so impacting. I must say the choir, orchestra, and creative arts participants were absolutely amazing! Rob Sapp and team gave it their all and excelled beyond measure. They represented our Saviour with absolute excellence. Coming away from this weekend only makes me more excited than ever about our future.

This week we begin a study in the Psalms. There is much to be gained from the contemplations of the Psalmists. "My Final Answer" is the focus on Sunday where we will gain a greater appreciation for God's Word. It is going to be a great day!

You might want to join us for "The Well" on Wednesday nights. We are learning more about the disciplines of our faith that strengthen us and produce growth in our lives. We will have a workshop on prayer this Wednesday where we will experience the joy of communicating with God.

Men . . . don't miss the Men's Breakfast next Saturday. The Katina's are an award-winning band and they will be our guests. They have a great anointing and wonderful servant hearts. I am confident we will experience something special from God as we gather as men hungry for more.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."

Together . . . Continuing the Dream,

Pastor Rick

Change That Lasts

We are ready for a wonderful experience this week focusing on the love of our Saviour. A lot of businesses close at noon on Friday to allow for a Good Friday worship experience. We have a service beginning at 12:15 pm that will include communion. It is always a special time in God's presence.

The choir and orchestra will present the musical "Saviour - Healing Hands" on Friday at 7:30 pm and Saturday at 4:00 and 7:00 pm. These presentations are free of charge and a great event to bring a friend to.

For all the children, there will be lots of fun and candy on Saturday at the Easter Egg Hunt from noon to 2:00 pm.

Easter Sunday services are at the regular start times of 8:00, 9:30, and 11:15 am. The choir and orchestra will present music from "Saviour - Healing Hands" and I will deliver a message titled "Change That Lasts." We are going to have an awesome time in God’s house on this Sunday. It might be good to consider coming to one of the earlier services in order to leave room for the many guests who tend to come to the final service.

Matthew 28:5-6 "The angel said to the women, 'Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.' "

Looking forward to seeing you this Easter weekend!

Together . . . Continuing the Dream,

Pastor Rick

Secrets of a Lasting Love

We wrap up 40 Days of Love this Sunday with "Secrets of Lasting Love." This has been an inspiring journey toward strengthening our ability to love others. I am expecting a great experience in God's presence and believing for His power to change our lives.

Easter provides some great opportunities to invite our friends and family to church. Check out the schedule on the home web page and pick up some of the invite tools on Sunday. We don't want to miss such a great moment to introduce people to our amazing Savior.

Ephesians 4:2-3 "Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace."

Together . . . Continuing the Dream,

Pastor Rick

Love is not Easily Angered

Easter is right around the corner and presents us wonderful opportunities to influence our friends and family toward Christ. Our award-winning choir and orchestra will present "Saviour . . . Healing Hands" on Friday, April 10, at 7:30pm and again on Saturday at 4:00 and 7:00pm. The event is free and we have some invitation tools you can use for invitation purposes.

Our traditional Good Friday service will take place at 12:15pm. and will include communion.

Easter Sunday the choir and orchestra will present excerpts from the musical in all three morning services and I will bring a life-giving message titled, "Change that Lasts." You might want to consider coming to one of the earlier services on Easter in order to provide room for the many guests who tend to come to the later service. This is going to be one awesome weekend!!!

This Sunday we continue our 40 Days of Love emphasis with "Love is not Easily Angered." Life is filled with challenges and challenging people. When we find the keys to controlling our own response, we find peace and true strength. We are all learning and growing. I’m looking forward to growing with you this week.

Colossians 3:12-17 "Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; 13 bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. 14 But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. 15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him."

Together . . . Continuing the Dream,

Pastor Rick