This week was a busy one for outreach at Crown of Life.
First was Camp Sonshine. This week we conducted our all day long all week long Bible day camp with 41 children, 8 staff, 9 borrowed vehicles, 2 bus drivers and a partridge in a pear tree. It's all fact except the partridge in the pear tree. It was a great week with Bible stories themed on Jesus & water, loud singing, swimming, bowling, Soak City, the Beach, crafts, hula hoops and Crown of Life tee shirts. Special thanks to Carin who was this year's camp director; to a great staff: Carin, Louise, Courtney, Lauren, Nicole and Amanda.. Thanks also to everyone who loaned us a vehicle, to the meal hosts and host homes and to Kelly for the special snacks for the children. We went through $100 in sunscreen (Water Babies SPF 50), a mountain of snacks and gallons of drinks. Next year, I will recommend to parents whose children are extremely sensitive to the sun that they get rash guard shirts for their children. We did have some sunburn on a few children even though we greased up the kids with sunscreen every hour and a half.
Now the work of follow up.
Corona 4th of July Parade And this year COL had a float again. Mike, our outreach guy, rented a 20 foot flatbed. Jennifer designed the decorations. The Chojnackis and Sheltons did the decorating. Tim put together a band (great job Brad, Leah, Heather, Connor, Savannah and Tim) and today the Brys, Gowins, Ferreris, Chojnackis, Unkes, Jason Smith, Cathy Reisinger and Darla Travers handed out 3000 pencils. Today we rubbed shoulders with our community.
Friday, July 4, 2008
56 Signers
This from Mark Batterson's blog. I thought it was very interesting.
"I love history. And I love America! Thought I'd share a little of both as we celebrate Independence Day.
We live in a a day and age where we almost have to defend our patriotism. I'm certainly not suggesting that America is above reproach. Far from it. But a few years ago I did extensive research for a sermon series on our spiritual heritage. And I walked away with a renewed sense of destiny. There is so much revisionist history out there that we tend to forget that a lot of our Founding Fathers were motivated by their faith in Christ.
Just thought I'd share some backstory about some of the fifty-six signers of the Declaration of Independence. Most Americans know next to nothing about these fifty-six heroes who pledged their lives, fortunes and sacred honor to the cause of freedom.
John Witherspoon was an ordained minister and authored several books of sermons, as well as editing America's first family Bible published in 1791.
Charles Thomson served as Secretary of Congress and was a Biblical scholar. He helped edit the first American translation of the Greek Septuagint into English.
Charles Carroll, the last of the fifty-six signers to pass away at the age of 95 in 1832, wrote out his declaration of faith at the age of eighty-nine.
On the mercy of my Redeemer I rely for my salvation, and on His merits; not on the works I have done in obedience to His precepts.
Another Founding Father, Benjamin Rush, is considered the "Father of American Medicine." He personally trained three thousand medical students. Dr. Rush also founded "The First Day Society" which was the precursor to the Sunday School movement, as well as founding America's first Bible society. It was Benjamin Rush who said the Constitution was "as much the work of Divine Providence as any of the miracles recorded in the Old and New Testament were the effects of divine power."
Francis Hopkinson was a church music director and edited one of the first hymnals printed in America in 1767. He also set 150 psalms to music.
Roger Sherman is the only Founding Father to sign all four of America's Founding documents: the Articles of Association in 1774, the Declaration of Independence in 1776, the Articles of Confederation in 1778, and the U.S. Constitution in 1787. Roger Sherman was also a theologian. He wrote a personal creed that was adopted by his church:
I believe that there is one only living and true God, existing in three persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, the same in substance, equal in power and glory. That the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are a revelation from God, and a complete rule to direct us how we may glorify and enjoy Him.
I could share story after story, but the bottom line is this: many, if not most, of our Founding Fathers were motivated by their Faith in Christ. They wrote sermons and creeds and hymns. They founded Bible Societies and Sunday Schools. They served God's purposes in their own generation.
By the way, five signers were captured and tortured during the Revolutionary War. Twelve signers had their homes ransacked and burned. Two signers lost sons to the war they declared. Two signers had sons become prisoners of war. And nine signers fought in the war and died from wounds or hardships of war.
Hope that adds a dimension of gratitude to your 4th of July celebration!"
"I love history. And I love America! Thought I'd share a little of both as we celebrate Independence Day.
We live in a a day and age where we almost have to defend our patriotism. I'm certainly not suggesting that America is above reproach. Far from it. But a few years ago I did extensive research for a sermon series on our spiritual heritage. And I walked away with a renewed sense of destiny. There is so much revisionist history out there that we tend to forget that a lot of our Founding Fathers were motivated by their faith in Christ.
Just thought I'd share some backstory about some of the fifty-six signers of the Declaration of Independence. Most Americans know next to nothing about these fifty-six heroes who pledged their lives, fortunes and sacred honor to the cause of freedom.
John Witherspoon was an ordained minister and authored several books of sermons, as well as editing America's first family Bible published in 1791.
Charles Thomson served as Secretary of Congress and was a Biblical scholar. He helped edit the first American translation of the Greek Septuagint into English.
Charles Carroll, the last of the fifty-six signers to pass away at the age of 95 in 1832, wrote out his declaration of faith at the age of eighty-nine.
On the mercy of my Redeemer I rely for my salvation, and on His merits; not on the works I have done in obedience to His precepts.
Another Founding Father, Benjamin Rush, is considered the "Father of American Medicine." He personally trained three thousand medical students. Dr. Rush also founded "The First Day Society" which was the precursor to the Sunday School movement, as well as founding America's first Bible society. It was Benjamin Rush who said the Constitution was "as much the work of Divine Providence as any of the miracles recorded in the Old and New Testament were the effects of divine power."
Francis Hopkinson was a church music director and edited one of the first hymnals printed in America in 1767. He also set 150 psalms to music.
Roger Sherman is the only Founding Father to sign all four of America's Founding documents: the Articles of Association in 1774, the Declaration of Independence in 1776, the Articles of Confederation in 1778, and the U.S. Constitution in 1787. Roger Sherman was also a theologian. He wrote a personal creed that was adopted by his church:
I believe that there is one only living and true God, existing in three persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, the same in substance, equal in power and glory. That the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are a revelation from God, and a complete rule to direct us how we may glorify and enjoy Him.
I could share story after story, but the bottom line is this: many, if not most, of our Founding Fathers were motivated by their Faith in Christ. They wrote sermons and creeds and hymns. They founded Bible Societies and Sunday Schools. They served God's purposes in their own generation.
By the way, five signers were captured and tortured during the Revolutionary War. Twelve signers had their homes ransacked and burned. Two signers lost sons to the war they declared. Two signers had sons become prisoners of war. And nine signers fought in the war and died from wounds or hardships of war.
Hope that adds a dimension of gratitude to your 4th of July celebration!"
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Update on Kay
Kay suffered a pretty big setback yesterday. Her doctor wanted her to come back to the hospital because labs revealed a high white count indicating an infection. When he examined her in the hospital, he discovered that her incision had opened because the skin wasn't able to sustain the stitches and they pulled out leaving a pretty wide and long open wound. She underwent emergency surgery last night from 9pm to midnight. He implanted a skin mesh across the wound because he could not close it any other way. It's hoped that her own scar tissue will grow along this mesh to close up the wound.
After the surgery, she slept pretty soundly, not waking up until 4:30pm.
She will be hospitalized at least a week, according to her doctor.
She's at UCI Medical Center in Orange.
After the surgery, she slept pretty soundly, not waking up until 4:30pm.
She will be hospitalized at least a week, according to her doctor.
She's at UCI Medical Center in Orange.
Monday, June 30, 2008
A Great Start in Beaumont
Yesterday was the first of our preview services in Beaumont and it was a terrific start. First let me begin by saying that the purpose of preview services is to gather a core group before the launch of every Sunday worship. It allows us time to build leadership, to gather musicians, to feel out way a little bit before we get out and invite the community big time. With that said, the first preview service in Beaumont was outstanding. We had 48 people attending, depending on who did the counting. There were about 15 guests who have no connection with Crown of Life. There were also two couples from King of Kings in Garden Grove, there just to show support. And there were 10 to 15 Corona people who made the drive just to show that they cared.
Tim and Mary did a very fine job with the band and we may have another vocalist to add plus a sax player. A young lady who Tim invited online showed up with her young son. She is interested in singing as part of the band. Also, a sax play who has said he is very interested wasn't able to attend last night--he w as on vacation. But he'll be there next month.
Please keep our Beaumont site in your prayers.
Tim and Mary did a very fine job with the band and we may have another vocalist to add plus a sax player. A young lady who Tim invited online showed up with her young son. She is interested in singing as part of the band. Also, a sax play who has said he is very interested wasn't able to attend last night--he w as on vacation. But he'll be there next month.
Please keep our Beaumont site in your prayers.
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Kay is home
Kay came home from the hospital today. I personally think that she came home too early but the doctors discharged her and didn't ask my opinion. The trip from the hospital seems to have tired her out a great deal. She's been sleeping most of the time since coming home. I'd like to see her eat a little something but it's hard to eat and sleep at the same time. Maybe tomorrow.
As I said, I think she came home too early but I have thought that each time she was discharged from the hospital and she seems to have come through okay.
As I said, I think she came home too early but I have thought that each time she was discharged from the hospital and she seems to have come through okay.
Friday, June 27, 2008
Let the children come
"Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these." M 10:14
It's Friday and the last week has been just nuts. This summer we are focusing on kids and their families in our outreach and this past week has seen some very positive responses to our invitations.
This whole month of June has seen a huge increase in enrollment at King's Kids, our Christian child-care center. We just picked up another enrollment today bring the number of new children for June to 17. Each day these children have a devotion and Bible stories and see modeled by their teachers Christian faith and love. Let the children come.
Last Saturday, instead of the usual VBS format which doesn't work well here because of the year round schools, we did our first Beach Day. It was a water filled day with slides and slip n slides and water games and even beach sand AND the Bible story of Jonah and handicrafts and worksheets. We had over 50 children attend. And that despite 110 degree heat. Let the children come.
Next week, we are closing King's Kids for a week to do Camp Sonshine, our annual Bible day camp. Last year all the Bible stories had animals in them. This year the theme is Living Water and the Bible stories all have to do with water but most importantly will all lead to Jesus, the Living Water for our souls. It looks like we'll have 40 or so kids, that up by 10 from last year. We'll sing and do crafts and play games in addition to the Bible stories and then in the afternoon have fun with bowling, swimming, Knott's Soak City and the Corona del Mar beach. Let the children come.
Why do we go to all this work to reach out to these children? Some of these children are from our own church but most are not. Either way, these are children for whom Jesus died and rose again and when we run a child care center or plan a special even like Beach Day or do our Bible Day Camp, we get to tell them about the Jesus who died and rose for them. It's really that simple. Recently we've gotten a bit of criticism again for how we run our church, for our outreach, our worship, our music and our ministries. It's just because those doing the criticizing don't know or understand. But when I see those children sitting around their teacher who is telling them the Bible story of Abraham and Isaac and then reminding them that Abraham didn't sacrifice his son but God sacrificed his, I forget the criticism. And I thank God that He has allowed me to be the pastor of church that cares enough about children to reach out and be creative and I pray that God will continue to let the children come.
It's Friday and the last week has been just nuts. This summer we are focusing on kids and their families in our outreach and this past week has seen some very positive responses to our invitations.
This whole month of June has seen a huge increase in enrollment at King's Kids, our Christian child-care center. We just picked up another enrollment today bring the number of new children for June to 17. Each day these children have a devotion and Bible stories and see modeled by their teachers Christian faith and love. Let the children come.
Last Saturday, instead of the usual VBS format which doesn't work well here because of the year round schools, we did our first Beach Day. It was a water filled day with slides and slip n slides and water games and even beach sand AND the Bible story of Jonah and handicrafts and worksheets. We had over 50 children attend. And that despite 110 degree heat. Let the children come.
Next week, we are closing King's Kids for a week to do Camp Sonshine, our annual Bible day camp. Last year all the Bible stories had animals in them. This year the theme is Living Water and the Bible stories all have to do with water but most importantly will all lead to Jesus, the Living Water for our souls. It looks like we'll have 40 or so kids, that up by 10 from last year. We'll sing and do crafts and play games in addition to the Bible stories and then in the afternoon have fun with bowling, swimming, Knott's Soak City and the Corona del Mar beach. Let the children come.
Why do we go to all this work to reach out to these children? Some of these children are from our own church but most are not. Either way, these are children for whom Jesus died and rose again and when we run a child care center or plan a special even like Beach Day or do our Bible Day Camp, we get to tell them about the Jesus who died and rose for them. It's really that simple. Recently we've gotten a bit of criticism again for how we run our church, for our outreach, our worship, our music and our ministries. It's just because those doing the criticizing don't know or understand. But when I see those children sitting around their teacher who is telling them the Bible story of Abraham and Isaac and then reminding them that Abraham didn't sacrifice his son but God sacrificed his, I forget the criticism. And I thank God that He has allowed me to be the pastor of church that cares enough about children to reach out and be creative and I pray that God will continue to let the children come.
The world through Addison's eyes
It has been a great time having Dan, Becky and Addison around. Every morning I get some time with Addison before I head off to work or before they head out for the day. Yesterday, she brought her shoes to me to help put on. I've seen her do it herself so I'm sure she was just humoring "papa." A couple of days ago, we all went to visit Kay in the hospital and then ate dinner at the cafeteria--outside seating where the birds come around. I forgot how much fun it is to have little children around. Everything is so fascinating and interesting and joy-filled to them.
We (Addison and her grandpa) played for 10 minutes with the little "helicopter" seed pods from the tree in front of our house, throwing them up and watching them rotate around. We spent almost five minutes watching a snail crawl along the front sidewalk. She points to birds and sings in baby talk and finds the greatest joy in running around our kitchen island laughing and giggling. She carries Cheerios around in a cup, not to eat them but I think she just likes the sound they make as they slide around. You can probably tell that I am pretty taken with my cute little granddaughter.
The world through the eyes of a child is a wondrous place. And as Addison's "papa", I've gotten a glimpse of it again. It's been wonderful.
We (Addison and her grandpa) played for 10 minutes with the little "helicopter" seed pods from the tree in front of our house, throwing them up and watching them rotate around. We spent almost five minutes watching a snail crawl along the front sidewalk. She points to birds and sings in baby talk and finds the greatest joy in running around our kitchen island laughing and giggling. She carries Cheerios around in a cup, not to eat them but I think she just likes the sound they make as they slide around. You can probably tell that I am pretty taken with my cute little granddaughter.
The world through the eyes of a child is a wondrous place. And as Addison's "papa", I've gotten a glimpse of it again. It's been wonderful.
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