Battle with Gossip

Two weeks to go in our "Summer of Wisdom" study. This week we will gain insight from Proverbs 26:20-22 regarding our life-long battle with gossip. We can all do better when it comes to talking about people and circumstances where we have only partial or tainted information. Much harm is done that could easily be avoided by growing in God's truth. It is going to be an important day for us to become more honorable in our relationships with others.

September brings a sense of new beginnings and we will embark on a study to encourage a life of "Uncommon Valor." Through faith in Jesus, we have the potential to rise above the mundane and become uncommon by the standards of society. We can stand out as lights in the world that attract attention toward the One who makes us uncommon. I am excited to pursue this journey with you!

James 3:13 "Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom."

Pastor Rick

True Friends

Vacations are wrapping up, school is starting, and I have a growing anticipation and excitement about the days ahead of us! There are two ways to think about the events coming that we cannot see. One is to worry because we fear the worst. The other is to anticipate joys and victories because of our faith in God's mercy and love. When we walk in faith we put our trust in God’s faithfulness and the incredible dreams He has for us. I am choosing to look forward with eyes of faith and see victory after victory. Join me in this faith inspired adventure.

"True Friends" is our theme for Sunday from the Proverbs. We will have communion, learn more about our partnership with New Hope Church in Galt, worship an awesome God, and learn from His wisdom. I can't wait to spend this time with you in God's presence.

Hebrews 11:1-2 "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for."

Pastor Rick

Grateful

I've had a good week of rest this week after a couple days in the hospital last week. It's very difficult to rest in the hospital. Seems like every couple hours they wake you up to take your vitals, take your blood, give you pills to take, or just say hi. I was in for another ablation procedure to eliminate irregular heart rhythms. The doctor is committed to getting me back to full activity without limitation. I am feeling good and very excited about meeting with you again this Sunday. Our celebration of worship will include communion and we will focus our attention on the wisdom of God from the Proverbs.

I am grateful for your love and prayers and blessed by the way God connects us to each other. You are important to Him and you are important to me. We really do need each other in the journey of life. Our sorrows are comforted and our victories are celebrated when we share them with each other.

Proverbs 13:20 "He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm."

Together . . . Continuing the Dream,

Pastor Rick

Expecting Incredible Things

I have just completed two great days of planning with our team and we are expecting incredible things from God in the weeks ahead. The anticipating begins with this Sunday's focus on the joys of giving the best we have to make the lives of those around us better. The focus from God’s Word has the potential to change our lives if we will receive it with open hearts and put it to work in our lives. Invite a friend to join you for this week’s celebration of worship and take another step forward in your spiritual journey.

Proverbs 11:25 "A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed."

Life giving moments await us in God's presence!!

Together . . . Continuing the Dream,

Pastor Rick

Rewards of Work

Cathy and I went to a Dodger game while on vacation in L.A. this week. Nate and Lisa went with us and about half-way through the game a foul ball came right at us down the right field foul line. Nate was sitting on the end of the row and he caught the ball and then went running up the aisle with his hands in the air celebrating. I looked up at the jumbo screen and there he was big as life as the camera followed him. When Nate got back to his seat, he tossed the ball to a 10 year old boy with a Dodgers jersey on sitting in front of us. That brought another cheer from the crowd and great joy to my heart. It is so good to be thinking about the joy of others. Way to go Nate!

Sunday will be an awesome day at CCC! We will celebrate our nation’s freedom and find wisdom from Proverbs 10:4-5 regarding the rewards of our work. Come with an open heart and receive a fresh experience in God’s presence. He is doing great things as we focus our attention on His amazing love and grace.

Proverbs 10:4 "Lazy hands make a man poor, but diligent hands bring wealth."

Together . . . Continuing the Dream,

Pastor Rick

Teachable

Things are heating up this weekend! It should be a perfect night for Ballpark Cinema Friday. Bring your friends and enjoy an evening on the lawn and under the stars with Kung Fu Panda.

Enjoy the comfort of our air conditioned Sanctuary on Sunday and the heat of God's awesome presence. Please make an effort to be on time as I will be getting into the message about 5 to 10 minutes into the service. The subject in our Summer of Wisdom series is about teachability from Proverbs 9:8-12 and we will be weaving our worship expression into the message. I am anticipating an incredible experience as we focus attention on the greatness of our God!

Proverbs 9:10 "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding."

I am looking forward to growing in wisdom with you!

Pastor Rick

Fatherly Wisdom

Happy Father's Day to all the Dad's! I am so blessed to have a Dad that I look up to and respect. He is a multi-talented person who can do virtually anything he sets his mind to. A gifted athlete (he still beats me in golf . . . very frustrating), an amazing trumpet player (highlighted by playing the National Anthem at a King's game this year), an inspiring leader, a great orator, a wise counselor, and so much more. But, the greatest thing about him is his character and integrity. He loves God and he loves people. He can remember names like no one I have ever seen. He is generous in giving to others. He lives his life for others. Thanks Dad for being who you are and showing us the way!!

Sunday we will gather to celebrate the love of our heavenly Father. Communion will be included in our worship as well as a message from the Proverbs focused on "Fatherly Wisdom." It will be another great day in God's house with my family of faith. See you there.

Proverbs 4:23 "Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life."

Finding Favor

I had a great experience in Ethiopia this past week. It is amazing how you can start the day in San Francisco and in 22 hours arrive on the other side of the earth. Dr. Tarr was a terrific host and took good care of me. The graduation ceremony for the Bible School went well and the church services on Sunday were a blessing. Visiting a land where one in five hundred people own a car and the average income across the country is one dollar a day, it definitely puts life in a different perspective. We have much to be grateful for. The Ethiopian people are beautiful and gracious and I would love to return there again.

This Sunday begins a summer series in the wisdom of the Proverbs. Finding Favor is this week's theme from Proverbs 3. I am looking forward to growing with you as we study God's Word and seek His presence.

Proverbs 3:3 "Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart."

Men . . . it's not too late to get in on the retreat this next weekend. It will provide a wonderful opportunity to grow in relationship with the Lord and build bonds with men who will be an encouragement to you in the days ahead.

Looking forward to seeing you!

Pastor Rick