News and Updates https://www.gspc.org Mon, 18 Mar 2024 19:21:38 -0700 http://churchplantmedia.com/ Pastor's Note https://www.gspc.org/blog/post/pastors-note https://www.gspc.org/blog/post/pastors-note#comments Sat, 24 Jul 2021 10:00:00 -0700 https://www.gspc.org/blog/post/pastors-note In the summer of 2016 I began a doctoral program at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. The cohort-based program included three, annual, two-week “intensives,” where students would travel to be together for both lectures and discussions about church leadership in our rapidly changing culture. At the program's conclusion, we were to each write and defend a dissertation, applying the countless books and lectures to the work of ministry in the 21st century.

Over the past few years, however, with some staff transitions and especially the challenges of this past season, I’ve put my coursework on hold. But, as they say, “It’s time to fish or cut bait!”

With approval from our Board of Elders earlier this year, I will be away for a few weeks starting on Wednesday, July 28th. This time away includes accumulated study leave, as well as vacation time to rest and reconnect with my family.

To be clear: My health is fine. My family is great. But I will be away from Good Shepherd to reengage some research and writing about where God is taking our church in the years ahead.

If God brings me to mind during these weeks, I covet your prayers that I would make some progress - instead of just making payments! And I look forward to being back in a few weeks to kick off the fall engaging Paul’s letter to the Galatians.

Pastor Curtis

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In the summer of 2016 I began a doctoral program at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. The cohort-based program included three, annual, two-week “intensives,” where students would travel to be together for both lectures and discussions about church leadership in our rapidly changing culture. At the program's conclusion, we were to each write and defend a dissertation, applying the countless books and lectures to the work of ministry in the 21st century.

Over the past few years, however, with some staff transitions and especially the challenges of this past season, I’ve put my coursework on hold. But, as they say, “It’s time to fish or cut bait!”

With approval from our Board of Elders earlier this year, I will be away for a few weeks starting on Wednesday, July 28th. This time away includes accumulated study leave, as well as vacation time to rest and reconnect with my family.

To be clear: My health is fine. My family is great. But I will be away from Good Shepherd to reengage some research and writing about where God is taking our church in the years ahead.

If God brings me to mind during these weeks, I covet your prayers that I would make some progress - instead of just making payments! And I look forward to being back in a few weeks to kick off the fall engaging Paul’s letter to the Galatians.

Pastor Curtis

]]>
Venn Diagrams https://www.gspc.org/blog/post/venn-diagrams https://www.gspc.org/blog/post/venn-diagrams#comments Thu, 09 Jan 2020 11:00:00 -0800 https://www.gspc.org/blog/post/venn-diagrams I love Venn diagrams. The visual representation of all logical relations between a finite collection of different sets is just the coolest. Don’t you think?

A while back a Venn diagram representing the different people who use the phrase “put your hands in the air” made it’s way around the internet. This diagram includes bank robbers, DJs, preachers, and Mom Taking Off Your Sweater.

A strange assortment of folks if there ever was one.

But take a look at it. I think you’ll agree that Venn diagrams - especially this one - are just wonderful.

8e7

In last week's message, we thought together about taking our "next right step" into 2020. (While I didn't say “Listen to me, Buster” or “I know you’re better than this," there may have been an occasional “Are you with me?")

Good Shepherd's venn diagram of 'living into a Christ-centered life in God's family' is a little more like this one.

Presentation1

A life of discipleship to Jesus involves all three of these areas - Up to God in worship, In to community with one another, and Out in service to the world. Following Jesus is like something DJs and bank robbers and preachers would say, “Give everything you’ve got." It involves our head, our heart, and our hands.

This Sunday, January 12th, following both our 9 & 10:45am Worship Gatherings, Life Group leaders will be in Zirbel Hall, looking forward to meeting you and welcome you IN! To be clear, a Life Group does not mean you're committed for life! It's any regular gathering where you study Scripture, grow in faith, and encourage and care for one another. In other words, it’s a place where you share life as you seek to become a disciple of Jesus - it’s something we all need.

So, are you connected IN a Life Group? If not, as DJs and bank robbers and Moms Taking Off Your Sweater would say, “You know what to do.”

Pastor Curtis

 

 

]]>
I love Venn diagrams. The visual representation of all logical relations between a finite collection of different sets is just the coolest. Don’t you think?

A while back a Venn diagram representing the different people who use the phrase “put your hands in the air” made it’s way around the internet. This diagram includes bank robbers, DJs, preachers, and Mom Taking Off Your Sweater.

A strange assortment of folks if there ever was one.

But take a look at it. I think you’ll agree that Venn diagrams - especially this one - are just wonderful.

8e7

In last week's message, we thought together about taking our "next right step" into 2020. (While I didn't say “Listen to me, Buster” or “I know you’re better than this," there may have been an occasional “Are you with me?")

Good Shepherd's venn diagram of 'living into a Christ-centered life in God's family' is a little more like this one.

Presentation1

A life of discipleship to Jesus involves all three of these areas - Up to God in worship, In to community with one another, and Out in service to the world. Following Jesus is like something DJs and bank robbers and preachers would say, “Give everything you’ve got." It involves our head, our heart, and our hands.

This Sunday, January 12th, following both our 9 & 10:45am Worship Gatherings, Life Group leaders will be in Zirbel Hall, looking forward to meeting you and welcome you IN! To be clear, a Life Group does not mean you're committed for life! It's any regular gathering where you study Scripture, grow in faith, and encourage and care for one another. In other words, it’s a place where you share life as you seek to become a disciple of Jesus - it’s something we all need.

So, are you connected IN a Life Group? If not, as DJs and bank robbers and Moms Taking Off Your Sweater would say, “You know what to do.”

Pastor Curtis

 

 

]]>
One Step Toward Our 2030 Vision https://www.gspc.org/blog/post/one-step-toward-our-2030-vision https://www.gspc.org/blog/post/one-step-toward-our-2030-vision#comments Sat, 04 Jan 2020 11:00:00 -0800 https://www.gspc.org/blog/post/one-step-toward-our-2030-vision As we enter a new year of “inviting all people to grow into a Christ-centered life in God’s family” Good Shepherd staff members have brainstormed three key areas vital to living out that mission. Doing so will help us lead toward our 2030 vision where “our church campus will be a missionary outpost that exhibits a foretaste of heaven, brimming with all generations and every ethnicity.” (see our entire 10 year vision statement below!)

We believe a Christ-centered life in God’s family moves in three directions: Up to God in worship, In to community with one another, and Out in service to a lost and hurting world. You're invited you to go “Out,” serving in one of these three key areas, as a “One Hour Hero” for as little as one hour a month:

  • In Children’s Ministry, as a joyful assistant in our classrooms on Sunday mornings, in hospitality on Wednesday night, or to play with our children at special events. Share your love, time, and kindness with both Good Shepherd Kids and Families behind the scenes!
  • In Youth Ministry, where Teenagers really do want adults to be involved in their lives. They’re not looking for someone that’s cool, young or funny… They want adults who are caring, have an interest in their lives and who will just be themselves. You know the stats: Teenagers who have 5 Christian adults investing in them significantly increases their chance of having a faith in Jesus that lasts a lifetime.
  • In Welcome/Usher Ministry... Did you know that guests make a subconscious decision whether or not to return to a church in the first 11 minutes of being on campus? 11 minutes! That’s long before the sermon, time of worship, maybe even before the welcome! And all you need is a smile. 

You’ve may have heard of a 2020 vision - but we want to keep our eyes set ten years out, on 2030! This vision, becoming a church that is “brimming with all generations and every ethnicity” begins on campus this Monday at 6:30pm, with a training session for all three Servant Leader opportunities. 

Please prayerfully consider which of the three “Out” opportunities you would be willing to engage just once a month. Then, let us know which area you feel God’s leading to serve in. 

Hope to see you Monday evening!

Pastor Curtis

 

10 Year Vision

By 2030, Good Shepherd will transform from a house of God to a home in Christ for thousands of residents in the surrounding area. We will warmly welcome individuals home into the family of God by creating space where they can be who they are and become who God created them to be.

Southern California leaves many like sheep without a shepherd, tossed back and forth by the wind and the waves of a fast-paced, fragmented culture. While this affects all generations, it has increasingly confused young people by clouding the good news of the gospel.

Therefore, we will live out the name of our church, embodying the Good Shepherd, by seeking out and leading others into the family of God, that together, we might grow up into Him who is the head of the church. Our church campus will become a missionary outpost that exhibits a foretaste of heaven, brimming with all generations and every ethnicity.

We will take personal risks to lead others to the good news of the gospel. Today we gather as comfortable worshippers. Tomorrow we scatter as passionate front-yard missionaries.

]]>
As we enter a new year of “inviting all people to grow into a Christ-centered life in God’s family” Good Shepherd staff members have brainstormed three key areas vital to living out that mission. Doing so will help us lead toward our 2030 vision where “our church campus will be a missionary outpost that exhibits a foretaste of heaven, brimming with all generations and every ethnicity.” (see our entire 10 year vision statement below!)

We believe a Christ-centered life in God’s family moves in three directions: Up to God in worship, In to community with one another, and Out in service to a lost and hurting world. You're invited you to go “Out,” serving in one of these three key areas, as a “One Hour Hero” for as little as one hour a month:

  • In Children’s Ministry, as a joyful assistant in our classrooms on Sunday mornings, in hospitality on Wednesday night, or to play with our children at special events. Share your love, time, and kindness with both Good Shepherd Kids and Families behind the scenes!
  • In Youth Ministry, where Teenagers really do want adults to be involved in their lives. They’re not looking for someone that’s cool, young or funny… They want adults who are caring, have an interest in their lives and who will just be themselves. You know the stats: Teenagers who have 5 Christian adults investing in them significantly increases their chance of having a faith in Jesus that lasts a lifetime.
  • In Welcome/Usher Ministry... Did you know that guests make a subconscious decision whether or not to return to a church in the first 11 minutes of being on campus? 11 minutes! That’s long before the sermon, time of worship, maybe even before the welcome! And all you need is a smile. 

You’ve may have heard of a 2020 vision - but we want to keep our eyes set ten years out, on 2030! This vision, becoming a church that is “brimming with all generations and every ethnicity” begins on campus this Monday at 6:30pm, with a training session for all three Servant Leader opportunities. 

Please prayerfully consider which of the three “Out” opportunities you would be willing to engage just once a month. Then, let us know which area you feel God’s leading to serve in. 

Hope to see you Monday evening!

Pastor Curtis

 

10 Year Vision

By 2030, Good Shepherd will transform from a house of God to a home in Christ for thousands of residents in the surrounding area. We will warmly welcome individuals home into the family of God by creating space where they can be who they are and become who God created them to be.

Southern California leaves many like sheep without a shepherd, tossed back and forth by the wind and the waves of a fast-paced, fragmented culture. While this affects all generations, it has increasingly confused young people by clouding the good news of the gospel.

Therefore, we will live out the name of our church, embodying the Good Shepherd, by seeking out and leading others into the family of God, that together, we might grow up into Him who is the head of the church. Our church campus will become a missionary outpost that exhibits a foretaste of heaven, brimming with all generations and every ethnicity.

We will take personal risks to lead others to the good news of the gospel. Today we gather as comfortable worshippers. Tomorrow we scatter as passionate front-yard missionaries.

]]>
Mine! https://www.gspc.org/blog/post/mine https://www.gspc.org/blog/post/mine#comments Fri, 07 Sep 2018 08:00:00 -0700 https://www.gspc.org/blog/post/mine Every year at this time, the Weekly is filled to the brim with various opportunities in the life of our church. By my count, there are 23 opportunities this week alone!

A recent member of the Good Shepherd family recently e-mailed me to share of the fun they’re having in our church, trying all the various programs and activities. And like this message explained, all of them are great!

It’s possible though - some might even say likely - to get lost in the shuffle, in the dizzying array of the myriad options. All the various opportunities in our church can be like trying to order from the menu at the Cheesecake Factory, with its pages upon pages of various types of cuisine.

Like the Cheesecake Factory, all the various things going on in the life of our church taste great (to stay with the metaphor), but at their best, they aren’t just there for our consumption and satisfaction.

Remember, the mission of Good Shepherd is not “to offer a bunch of different programs to keep us busier than ever running from here to there.” No, on the contrary, it is to “invite all people to grow into a Christ-centered life in God’s family.”

At our recent Session retreat, I shared my conviction that a “Christ-centered life” of discipleship includes three areas: our heads, our hearts, and our hands. Put differently, Jesus wants to infiltrate all we think, feel, and do. Like he says to one of the teachers of the law, the greatest command is to “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.” (Mark 12.30)

And so with all the 23 options available this week, it is my hope and prayer that you would prioritize these three areas of head, heart, and hands: worship Sunday morning, commitment in a group, and some area of service in the name of Jesus. Less Cheesecake Factory menu, more In-N-Out.

So what’s your next step?

If you’re plugged into worship, great! When could you make space in your life to join a group?

Are you worshipping and in a group? Where is God calling you to serve?

Do you worship, lead 17 groups, and serve in 5 places? You might want to think about taking a nap. (A Christ-centered life includes naps, too - even Jesus took ‘em!)

Abraham Kuyper put it this way: “There is not a square inch in the whole domain of our human existence over which Christ, who is Sovereign over all, does not cry, Mine!” What area are you being called to surrender to him this week?

Your head? Your heart? Or your hands?

Pastor Curtis

]]>
Every year at this time, the Weekly is filled to the brim with various opportunities in the life of our church. By my count, there are 23 opportunities this week alone!

A recent member of the Good Shepherd family recently e-mailed me to share of the fun they’re having in our church, trying all the various programs and activities. And like this message explained, all of them are great!

It’s possible though - some might even say likely - to get lost in the shuffle, in the dizzying array of the myriad options. All the various opportunities in our church can be like trying to order from the menu at the Cheesecake Factory, with its pages upon pages of various types of cuisine.

Like the Cheesecake Factory, all the various things going on in the life of our church taste great (to stay with the metaphor), but at their best, they aren’t just there for our consumption and satisfaction.

Remember, the mission of Good Shepherd is not “to offer a bunch of different programs to keep us busier than ever running from here to there.” No, on the contrary, it is to “invite all people to grow into a Christ-centered life in God’s family.”

At our recent Session retreat, I shared my conviction that a “Christ-centered life” of discipleship includes three areas: our heads, our hearts, and our hands. Put differently, Jesus wants to infiltrate all we think, feel, and do. Like he says to one of the teachers of the law, the greatest command is to “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.” (Mark 12.30)

And so with all the 23 options available this week, it is my hope and prayer that you would prioritize these three areas of head, heart, and hands: worship Sunday morning, commitment in a group, and some area of service in the name of Jesus. Less Cheesecake Factory menu, more In-N-Out.

So what’s your next step?

If you’re plugged into worship, great! When could you make space in your life to join a group?

Are you worshipping and in a group? Where is God calling you to serve?

Do you worship, lead 17 groups, and serve in 5 places? You might want to think about taking a nap. (A Christ-centered life includes naps, too - even Jesus took ‘em!)

Abraham Kuyper put it this way: “There is not a square inch in the whole domain of our human existence over which Christ, who is Sovereign over all, does not cry, Mine!” What area are you being called to surrender to him this week?

Your head? Your heart? Or your hands?

Pastor Curtis

]]>
Start With Why https://www.gspc.org/blog/post/start-with-why https://www.gspc.org/blog/post/start-with-why#comments Fri, 17 Aug 2018 10:00:00 -0700 https://www.gspc.org/blog/post/start-with-why Next Saturday, August 25th, our elders are meeting for a bi-annual retreat day. We do so every January and August, and they have become two of my absolute favorite days of the entire year, not only because we have a lot of fun together, but also because I learn so much from each one of the leaders on the team.

I’ve shared in sermons about Simon Sinek’s book Start With Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action. His thesis is that most organizations think too much about the what (what they’re selling, what they’re doing, etc.). Sinek argues, conversely, that the best organizations start instead with why they do what they do, then discuss how they do it, and only then engage the what.

Apple is a great example. Despite having a small fraction of U.S. computer sales, just two weeks ago Apple became the first publicly traded U.S. company to reach a $1 trillion valuation. According to Sinek, their success is because they didn’t limit themselves to being a “computer company,” but instead started with their why: “Think Differently.”

“Think Differently” has prompted them to not only make computers but the iPod, iPad, iPhone, and soon to come, an Apple Car! You see, the “why” inspired the “what.”

We have our own why: “Living into a Christ-centered life” - a calling that will draw us out of ourselves and into the fullness of God’s desires for us, individually and as a community. This lifelong journey into Christlikeness requires a three dimensional pattern. First, we look up to God in worship. Second, we live in community with others. Third, we go out in service to the world.

Up. In. Out.

How fascinating that we see this pattern even in Jesus’ own life. He modeled for us the life we are called to live. Look, for instance, at Luke 6 (verse 12 is up, 13-16 is in, and 17-19 is out!).

The retreat is next Saturday, August 25th. The following day, we’ll engage Peter’s instruction to church leaders (see 1st Peter 5.1-4). Would you pray - even now - for our time together? Pray that God would continue to equip those he has called into leadership. (Remember: He doesn’t call the equipped, He equips the called)

And if you feel God’s call on your life to serve as an Elder or Deacon, contact Betty Schmicker-Black, Chair of the Nominating Team, at betty.schmicker-black@csulb.edu.

Pastor Curtis

]]>
Next Saturday, August 25th, our elders are meeting for a bi-annual retreat day. We do so every January and August, and they have become two of my absolute favorite days of the entire year, not only because we have a lot of fun together, but also because I learn so much from each one of the leaders on the team.

I’ve shared in sermons about Simon Sinek’s book Start With Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action. His thesis is that most organizations think too much about the what (what they’re selling, what they’re doing, etc.). Sinek argues, conversely, that the best organizations start instead with why they do what they do, then discuss how they do it, and only then engage the what.

Apple is a great example. Despite having a small fraction of U.S. computer sales, just two weeks ago Apple became the first publicly traded U.S. company to reach a $1 trillion valuation. According to Sinek, their success is because they didn’t limit themselves to being a “computer company,” but instead started with their why: “Think Differently.”

“Think Differently” has prompted them to not only make computers but the iPod, iPad, iPhone, and soon to come, an Apple Car! You see, the “why” inspired the “what.”

We have our own why: “Living into a Christ-centered life” - a calling that will draw us out of ourselves and into the fullness of God’s desires for us, individually and as a community. This lifelong journey into Christlikeness requires a three dimensional pattern. First, we look up to God in worship. Second, we live in community with others. Third, we go out in service to the world.

Up. In. Out.

How fascinating that we see this pattern even in Jesus’ own life. He modeled for us the life we are called to live. Look, for instance, at Luke 6 (verse 12 is up, 13-16 is in, and 17-19 is out!).

The retreat is next Saturday, August 25th. The following day, we’ll engage Peter’s instruction to church leaders (see 1st Peter 5.1-4). Would you pray - even now - for our time together? Pray that God would continue to equip those he has called into leadership. (Remember: He doesn’t call the equipped, He equips the called)

And if you feel God’s call on your life to serve as an Elder or Deacon, contact Betty Schmicker-Black, Chair of the Nominating Team, at betty.schmicker-black@csulb.edu.

Pastor Curtis

]]>
A Day at CBS https://www.gspc.org/blog/post/a-day-at-cbs https://www.gspc.org/blog/post/a-day-at-cbs#comments Sat, 04 Aug 2018 10:00:00 -0700 https://www.gspc.org/blog/post/a-day-at-cbs Last week we welcomed over 220 kids for VBS. This week, our Middle and High School students are on Catalina at Campus by the Sea for a week of summer camp. Different settings, to be sure, but the same goal.

I had the pleasure of visiting Campus by the Sea on Thursday. I got to ride along on a ski boat that pulled our youth around on an inner tube bouncing in the waves of the Pacific and hike up to the cross and toss try to toss grapes in each other’s mouths from across the table at dinner. It was the most fun I’ve had in a long time.

I think a couple of the students weren’t quite sure what to do with me. Their looks could be interpreted as asking, “Isn’t this the stuffy pastor who always wears a suit and tie on Sundays even in the summer time?”

Maybe not exactly, but you get the point.

I hadn’t thought of going along on a summer camp trip since my days in youth ministry. “I don’t want to intrude,” I thought to myself. Until I read our Summer Book Study offering, Growing Young. In it, authors from Fuller Seminary describe six core competencies that “help young people discover and love your church.” One of the six is “Empathizing with Today’s Young People.” It was really convicting to me. Unconsciously, I think I moved out of youth ministry years ago and allowed Josh, Elizabeth and our Youth Advisors to take the reigns, without understanding or empathizing with their current challenges in life. Have you ever done something similar? Like, “Hey it’s someone else’s job, now.”

It was fun reading Growing Young, but even better spending a day with the incredible kids who are a part of our church. I’m sure that I got more from interacting with them than they got from me. But isn’t that how it often goes in Jesus’ Kingdom? “Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me.” (Mark 9.37)

Pastor Curtis

]]>
Last week we welcomed over 220 kids for VBS. This week, our Middle and High School students are on Catalina at Campus by the Sea for a week of summer camp. Different settings, to be sure, but the same goal.

I had the pleasure of visiting Campus by the Sea on Thursday. I got to ride along on a ski boat that pulled our youth around on an inner tube bouncing in the waves of the Pacific and hike up to the cross and toss try to toss grapes in each other’s mouths from across the table at dinner. It was the most fun I’ve had in a long time.

I think a couple of the students weren’t quite sure what to do with me. Their looks could be interpreted as asking, “Isn’t this the stuffy pastor who always wears a suit and tie on Sundays even in the summer time?”

Maybe not exactly, but you get the point.

I hadn’t thought of going along on a summer camp trip since my days in youth ministry. “I don’t want to intrude,” I thought to myself. Until I read our Summer Book Study offering, Growing Young. In it, authors from Fuller Seminary describe six core competencies that “help young people discover and love your church.” One of the six is “Empathizing with Today’s Young People.” It was really convicting to me. Unconsciously, I think I moved out of youth ministry years ago and allowed Josh, Elizabeth and our Youth Advisors to take the reigns, without understanding or empathizing with their current challenges in life. Have you ever done something similar? Like, “Hey it’s someone else’s job, now.”

It was fun reading Growing Young, but even better spending a day with the incredible kids who are a part of our church. I’m sure that I got more from interacting with them than they got from me. But isn’t that how it often goes in Jesus’ Kingdom? “Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me.” (Mark 9.37)

Pastor Curtis

]]>
VBS Week https://www.gspc.org/blog/post/vbs-week https://www.gspc.org/blog/post/vbs-week#comments Fri, 27 Jul 2018 14:00:00 -0700 https://www.gspc.org/blog/post/vbs-week VBS week is like no other week on campus. It’s not even close.

All week, over 220 Pre-K through 5th graders have been making crafts, engaging in science experiments, playing games, watching skits and singing. And singing. Then, a little more singing - all about how Jesus rescues us from life’s shipwrecks.

I hope that by November the songs might work their way out of my head! Until then, I’ll be singing along - and doing the motions.

A couple different times through the week, adult “Crew Members” have expressed concern for how the staff could “get any work done” with all the racket. My response was the same every time: “I wouldn’t have it any other way. This is the best week of the year!” And not only because Josh drafted me onto the skit team (pictures are already floating around the internet - and probably making their way to People Magazine).

VBS week is the best week on campus because it helps us live out our mission: “Inviting all people to grow into a Christ-centered life in God’s family.” All people. Including children. Especially children! Remember Jesus’ reaction when his disciples were shooing away little ones:

When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them.

Hear that line again: “anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” Those are words for me - perhaps for you, too. Selfishly, that’s why I love VBS week.

We live in a world where kids are forced to grow up faster and faster, whether that be through increasing demands at school, on sports teams, or navigating the difficulties in their home life. We operate under the assumption that they should be more like us adults, but Jesus says the opposite: “You have to become more like them.”

I, too, have been renewed by meditating on the daily themes of “Shipwrecked”:

            When you’re lonely, Jesus rescues!

            When you worry, Jesus rescues!

            When you struggle, Jesus rescues!

            When you do wrong, Jesus rescues!

            When you’re powerless, Jesus rescues!

The other reason I love VBS week is reveals our church at it’s best. Everyone comes together serving in whatever way they’re able, for one single purpose. It is a joy to see. It is a vivid reminder that each and every member of Christ’s body has been given a spiritual gift to build up the family of God.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who served on campus, prayed for the week, donated supplies, or gave financially so that we could have such a great time together, teaching - and being reminded ourselves - that Jesus rescues!

Pastor Curtis

]]>
VBS week is like no other week on campus. It’s not even close.

All week, over 220 Pre-K through 5th graders have been making crafts, engaging in science experiments, playing games, watching skits and singing. And singing. Then, a little more singing - all about how Jesus rescues us from life’s shipwrecks.

I hope that by November the songs might work their way out of my head! Until then, I’ll be singing along - and doing the motions.

A couple different times through the week, adult “Crew Members” have expressed concern for how the staff could “get any work done” with all the racket. My response was the same every time: “I wouldn’t have it any other way. This is the best week of the year!” And not only because Josh drafted me onto the skit team (pictures are already floating around the internet - and probably making their way to People Magazine).

VBS week is the best week on campus because it helps us live out our mission: “Inviting all people to grow into a Christ-centered life in God’s family.” All people. Including children. Especially children! Remember Jesus’ reaction when his disciples were shooing away little ones:

When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them.

Hear that line again: “anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” Those are words for me - perhaps for you, too. Selfishly, that’s why I love VBS week.

We live in a world where kids are forced to grow up faster and faster, whether that be through increasing demands at school, on sports teams, or navigating the difficulties in their home life. We operate under the assumption that they should be more like us adults, but Jesus says the opposite: “You have to become more like them.”

I, too, have been renewed by meditating on the daily themes of “Shipwrecked”:

            When you’re lonely, Jesus rescues!

            When you worry, Jesus rescues!

            When you struggle, Jesus rescues!

            When you do wrong, Jesus rescues!

            When you’re powerless, Jesus rescues!

The other reason I love VBS week is reveals our church at it’s best. Everyone comes together serving in whatever way they’re able, for one single purpose. It is a joy to see. It is a vivid reminder that each and every member of Christ’s body has been given a spiritual gift to build up the family of God.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who served on campus, prayed for the week, donated supplies, or gave financially so that we could have such a great time together, teaching - and being reminded ourselves - that Jesus rescues!

Pastor Curtis

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Thank You! https://www.gspc.org/blog/post/thank-you https://www.gspc.org/blog/post/thank-you#comments Fri, 20 Jul 2018 10:00:00 -0700 https://www.gspc.org/blog/post/thank-you When we discovered Jen was pregnant with our first child we were still in Princeton, NJ, entering the last year of our seminary adventure. It was the summer of 2000.

In the fall of that year we traveled back home to southern California. We celebrated Jen’s birthday with friends and family and I was scheduled to preach at the church in which I grew up, East Whittier Presbyterian.

We had been able to keep the pregnancy a secret from my parents, and it was early enough that Jen wasn’t really showing. I had arranged with the pastor at East Whittier to allow me to make the surprise announcement at the conclusion of the worship service, just after the benediction.

The moment came, I shared the good news, and my mom erupted with a “WHOOP!” of pure joy. (This was her first grandchild. That “WHOOP!” might still be echoing in the hills in Whittier, such was its power.) Later, before lunch at my parents’ home, our extended family gathered for a prayer, which my dad began, “God, our hearts are full…”

As Jen and I think back on our time at Good Shepherd that’s how we feel: our hearts are full.

This congregation has been so supportive, so encouraging, so generous, and so appreciative. We have shared life together for almost seventeen wonderful years. We are deeply grateful.

As one of your pastors it has been a privilege to live and work among this family of faith, participating in the joys and celebrations as well as the trials and heartaches. (I subscribe to Henri Nouwen’s notion of Christians as “wounded healers.” Our own hurts are somewhat redeemed when they move us to love and care for others in their pain.)

There have been many transitions over the years, both personally at home and professionally at Good Shepherd. Through it all God has been faithful.

And now it is time for another transition. May I encourage us both to rest in the continued faithfulness of God? Let us trust that God is at work in the life of Good Shepherd and in the life of our little family, at work to bring about God’s best.

Friends, may you be blessed (and be a blessing) as you continue to invite all people to grow into a Christ-centered life in God’s family. We’ll be cheering for you as you do.

 

With full hearts,

 

Paul & Jen

(and Jeremiah, Riley & Wesley)

]]>
When we discovered Jen was pregnant with our first child we were still in Princeton, NJ, entering the last year of our seminary adventure. It was the summer of 2000.

In the fall of that year we traveled back home to southern California. We celebrated Jen’s birthday with friends and family and I was scheduled to preach at the church in which I grew up, East Whittier Presbyterian.

We had been able to keep the pregnancy a secret from my parents, and it was early enough that Jen wasn’t really showing. I had arranged with the pastor at East Whittier to allow me to make the surprise announcement at the conclusion of the worship service, just after the benediction.

The moment came, I shared the good news, and my mom erupted with a “WHOOP!” of pure joy. (This was her first grandchild. That “WHOOP!” might still be echoing in the hills in Whittier, such was its power.) Later, before lunch at my parents’ home, our extended family gathered for a prayer, which my dad began, “God, our hearts are full…”

As Jen and I think back on our time at Good Shepherd that’s how we feel: our hearts are full.

This congregation has been so supportive, so encouraging, so generous, and so appreciative. We have shared life together for almost seventeen wonderful years. We are deeply grateful.

As one of your pastors it has been a privilege to live and work among this family of faith, participating in the joys and celebrations as well as the trials and heartaches. (I subscribe to Henri Nouwen’s notion of Christians as “wounded healers.” Our own hurts are somewhat redeemed when they move us to love and care for others in their pain.)

There have been many transitions over the years, both personally at home and professionally at Good Shepherd. Through it all God has been faithful.

And now it is time for another transition. May I encourage us both to rest in the continued faithfulness of God? Let us trust that God is at work in the life of Good Shepherd and in the life of our little family, at work to bring about God’s best.

Friends, may you be blessed (and be a blessing) as you continue to invite all people to grow into a Christ-centered life in God’s family. We’ll be cheering for you as you do.

 

With full hearts,

 

Paul & Jen

(and Jeremiah, Riley & Wesley)

]]>
Rivalries https://www.gspc.org/blog/post/rivalries https://www.gspc.org/blog/post/rivalries#comments Thu, 05 Jul 2018 22:00:00 -0700 https://www.gspc.org/blog/post/rivalries The Red Sox and the Yankees.

Tom and Jerry.

UCLA and USC.

Batman and the Joker.

Coke and Pepsi.

The Hatfields and the McCoys.

Classic rivalries are all around us. Here's one you may have never thought of: 9am Classic and 10:45am Modern gatherings at Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church, Los Alamitos. It's not quite the Hatfields and the McCoys, but sometimes, if we're not careful, our two worship gatherings feel like two different congregations at best, and a sibling rivalry at worst.

Perhaps you haven't felt this. In fact, I hope not! But, in the recent past, I've had conversations with a number of folks who've felt this way.

Now, even if members of our congregation have felt that way, that wouldn't be enough to make any changes. While that might feel a bit harsh, my point is this: As a church, we aren't guided by our feelings or our what we like or, more importantly, what we don't like.

We are guided, first and foremost, by God's Son, our Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ. Secondly, we are guided by God's Word, the authoritative Scriptures. Then (and only then), we are guided by our mission to

Invite all people to grow into a Christ-centered life in God's family.

Implicit in this mission are our three core values: Authentic Evangelism, Biblical Discipleship, and Intergenerational Family. 

Now, organizations have values and aspired values, the difference being whether they are currently lived out or the organization is trying to live them out. "Intergenerational Family" is an aspired value. We want to be an intergenerational family, but we aren't quite yet. There is still work yet to be done. 

You see, "intergenerational" is different than "multigenerational." Multigenerational simply means there are multiple generations present at Good Shepherd. We already have that covered. But intergenerational is another story. The word can be defined as "relating to, involving, or affecting several generations."

As such, for 9 nine weeks this summer (beginning July 8th through September 2nd), the Session of Good Shepherd has voted to "blend" our worship gatherings, in hope of living into this aspired value. We will return to our "regularly scheduled programming" on Sunday, September 9th. 

One of the other reasons for this little 9 week experiment has been inspired by our summer book study on Growing Young: Six Essential Strategies to Help Young People Discover and Love Your Church. As it turns out, one of the most important aspects of helping young people retain their faith through high school, into college, and through their young adult years is intergenerational worship. 

Really. It's true!

I know some of you are reading this thinking, "Well, obviously! That's not news."

Others aren't convinced that blending our worship services is worth it.

I understand. It's difficult to let go of a thing we like, whether that's the Classic or the Modern Gathering. It's difficult to let go of what we like, even for 9 weeks.

Paul's letter to the Ephesians is one of my favorites. For that reason, our "Welcome Home" series in Fall 2015 was such a joy for me. In chapter 2, Paul writes, 

Therefore, remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by birth and called “uncircumcised” by those who call themselves “the circumcision” (which is done in the body by human hands) - remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ.

For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by setting aside in his fleshthe law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.

Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy templein the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit. (verses 11-22)

The Red Sox and the Yankees.

Tom and Jerry.

UCLA and USC.

Batman and the Joker.

Coke and Pepsi.

The Hatfields and the McCoys.

The Jews and the Gentiles.

9am Classic and 10:45 Modern.

Or... "no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people."

Pastor Curtis

]]>
The Red Sox and the Yankees.

Tom and Jerry.

UCLA and USC.

Batman and the Joker.

Coke and Pepsi.

The Hatfields and the McCoys.

Classic rivalries are all around us. Here's one you may have never thought of: 9am Classic and 10:45am Modern gatherings at Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church, Los Alamitos. It's not quite the Hatfields and the McCoys, but sometimes, if we're not careful, our two worship gatherings feel like two different congregations at best, and a sibling rivalry at worst.

Perhaps you haven't felt this. In fact, I hope not! But, in the recent past, I've had conversations with a number of folks who've felt this way.

Now, even if members of our congregation have felt that way, that wouldn't be enough to make any changes. While that might feel a bit harsh, my point is this: As a church, we aren't guided by our feelings or our what we like or, more importantly, what we don't like.

We are guided, first and foremost, by God's Son, our Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ. Secondly, we are guided by God's Word, the authoritative Scriptures. Then (and only then), we are guided by our mission to

Invite all people to grow into a Christ-centered life in God's family.

Implicit in this mission are our three core values: Authentic Evangelism, Biblical Discipleship, and Intergenerational Family. 

Now, organizations have values and aspired values, the difference being whether they are currently lived out or the organization is trying to live them out. "Intergenerational Family" is an aspired value. We want to be an intergenerational family, but we aren't quite yet. There is still work yet to be done. 

You see, "intergenerational" is different than "multigenerational." Multigenerational simply means there are multiple generations present at Good Shepherd. We already have that covered. But intergenerational is another story. The word can be defined as "relating to, involving, or affecting several generations."

As such, for 9 nine weeks this summer (beginning July 8th through September 2nd), the Session of Good Shepherd has voted to "blend" our worship gatherings, in hope of living into this aspired value. We will return to our "regularly scheduled programming" on Sunday, September 9th. 

One of the other reasons for this little 9 week experiment has been inspired by our summer book study on Growing Young: Six Essential Strategies to Help Young People Discover and Love Your Church. As it turns out, one of the most important aspects of helping young people retain their faith through high school, into college, and through their young adult years is intergenerational worship. 

Really. It's true!

I know some of you are reading this thinking, "Well, obviously! That's not news."

Others aren't convinced that blending our worship services is worth it.

I understand. It's difficult to let go of a thing we like, whether that's the Classic or the Modern Gathering. It's difficult to let go of what we like, even for 9 weeks.

Paul's letter to the Ephesians is one of my favorites. For that reason, our "Welcome Home" series in Fall 2015 was such a joy for me. In chapter 2, Paul writes, 

Therefore, remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by birth and called “uncircumcised” by those who call themselves “the circumcision” (which is done in the body by human hands) - remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ.

For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by setting aside in his fleshthe law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.

Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy templein the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit. (verses 11-22)

The Red Sox and the Yankees.

Tom and Jerry.

UCLA and USC.

Batman and the Joker.

Coke and Pepsi.

The Hatfields and the McCoys.

The Jews and the Gentiles.

9am Classic and 10:45 Modern.

Or... "no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people."

Pastor Curtis

]]>
Resident Aliens https://www.gspc.org/blog/post/resident-aliens https://www.gspc.org/blog/post/resident-aliens#comments Thu, 07 Jun 2018 17:00:00 -0700 https://www.gspc.org/blog/post/resident-aliens Stanley Hauerwas and Will Willamon’s book Resident Aliens opens with these words:

Sometime between 1960 and 1980, an old, inadequately conceived world ended, and a fresh, new world began. We do not mean to be overly dramatic. Although there are many who have not yet heard the news, it is nevertheless true.

To make their point, they tell the story when “one of them” (though they don’t admit which) made a pact with six other youth group members to enter the front door of church on Sunday evening, then slip out the back to join John Wayne at the Fox
Theatre. On that night in 1963, in Greenville, South Carolina, the Fox Theatre opened on a Sunday.

Doing so was in defiance of the state’s time-honored blue laws. By doing so, the Fox Theatre went head to head with the church on who would provide the worldview of those seven teenagers. Before that day, the church was the only show in town. Think of how much our culture has changed in just the last 55 years. Sunday is now just another day of the week.

America’s founding seemed like an exodus, but now we’re in exile. Just like Hauerwas and Willamon, we too are resident aliens. But, we’re not the first: This week’s Scripture in 1st Peter makes clear that Jesus’ followers have always been strangers in this world (and some of us are stranger than others).

While we’re not the first resident aliens, there are less and less people committing to Christian faith these days - especially among young people. That’s the reason for our Summer Book Study on Growing Young: Six Essential Strategies to Help Young People Discover and Love Your Church. I hope you’ll join in.

We aren’t the first resident aliens, and if we all work together to “help young people discover and love Good Shepherd,” we won’t be the last!

Pastor Curtis

]]>
Stanley Hauerwas and Will Willamon’s book Resident Aliens opens with these words:

Sometime between 1960 and 1980, an old, inadequately conceived world ended, and a fresh, new world began. We do not mean to be overly dramatic. Although there are many who have not yet heard the news, it is nevertheless true.

To make their point, they tell the story when “one of them” (though they don’t admit which) made a pact with six other youth group members to enter the front door of church on Sunday evening, then slip out the back to join John Wayne at the Fox
Theatre. On that night in 1963, in Greenville, South Carolina, the Fox Theatre opened on a Sunday.

Doing so was in defiance of the state’s time-honored blue laws. By doing so, the Fox Theatre went head to head with the church on who would provide the worldview of those seven teenagers. Before that day, the church was the only show in town. Think of how much our culture has changed in just the last 55 years. Sunday is now just another day of the week.

America’s founding seemed like an exodus, but now we’re in exile. Just like Hauerwas and Willamon, we too are resident aliens. But, we’re not the first: This week’s Scripture in 1st Peter makes clear that Jesus’ followers have always been strangers in this world (and some of us are stranger than others).

While we’re not the first resident aliens, there are less and less people committing to Christian faith these days - especially among young people. That’s the reason for our Summer Book Study on Growing Young: Six Essential Strategies to Help Young People Discover and Love Your Church. I hope you’ll join in.

We aren’t the first resident aliens, and if we all work together to “help young people discover and love Good Shepherd,” we won’t be the last!

Pastor Curtis

]]>