Three Unique Communities -- One Church
Senior Pastor Mike Popovich

Have you chosen your community? Do you enjoy bringing friends to a service where your heart language is spoken? It has been 10 weeks since we moved into three different worship communities with their own heart language and style, and in the last 8 weeks we have seen an average increase in our attendance of over 100 people per week.

Let me point out that the growth is not in any one community, it is in all three. What is also interesting is that in each of the three communities, along with the target generations, there is a healthy mix of older and younger people connecting to that heart language.

The Great Room Community began following Easter and has drawn mostly younger adults. The great thing is many are not coming from another church, they are coming to church for the first time. Once Great Room got under way, it allowed Journey to really begin, also. Journey is our modern worship community and serves the middle generations. The Classic service has been offered since last September and is loved by all who attend because it is the music and worship they grew up with.

Even with 3 great communities, the real key to the success of our church is you. You are here to make a difference in the lives of your Oikos (the 8 to 15 people God has placed in and around your life). Over 85% of people find their way to Jesus because a friend like you invited them to church.

Make plans to love and relate to your Oikos and get involved in their lives. And when one day they ask you, “How do you make it through each day?” or “How did you get through that tough time?” you can tell them how your life with Jesus makes all the difference, and when you have the opportunity, invite them to one of our 3 services. Or, choose an event like our upcoming Patriotic Celebration and BBQ, on Sunday, June 29, to introduce them to a fun yet meaningful side of our church.

For the first time in many years, we are seeing signs of growth. It will only continue as each of us do our part to build the body. We should all remain prayerful and seek to deepen our relationship with the Lord everyday. Think about: joining a life group, get into Pastor Bill Magsig’s group leadership training, volunteer, and/or invite someone you know to come to church with you.

Windows on the World
MISSION IMPOSSIBLE
Gloria Marshall for the Mission Advocate Committee

As we sat in the old historic First Baptist Church of Pasadena, one could sense the more than 125 years of ministry, praise and worship that had taken place in this sanctuary. The traditional stained glass windows made soft colors dance on the worn and polished wooden pews. The elegant pulpit and furniture was elevated above the floor with red carpeted steps leading up to the choir loft.

We were there to join with the American Baptist Churches of Los Angeles and the Congregations of the Southwest and Hawaii for their annual conference. The theme was very appropriate, “Deep Roots – Fresh Fruit” asking the question, “Are you pushed by the past or pulled by the future?” Sitting there in that traditional milieu, it was a thought provoking idea.

The great events that followed, however, catapulted all of us into 2008 with a message from Dr. Larry Acosta on Ministry Outside the Church Walls. He challenged us to take our cues from a fresh cultural exegesis that engages the next generation. He reminded us that over half the world’s population lives in cities and 60% are 18 years old or younger. “Are we ready to translate the gospel to this young and urban world?” he challenged.

No staid choir music at this convention. The praise and worship team was young and multi-cultural. The music was fresh and inspirational.

The most stirring and fresh moments came next as Chuck and Ramona Shawver were re-commissioned to take their place again as missionaries to Mexico under the International Ministries Board of ABC/USA . Their new assignment is with the Baptist Seminary of Mexico, located in Mexico City. They will be based at the seminary, but will be developing and teaching extension courses for the pastors.A beautiful poem had been written by a Mexican colleague that said it all:

Carlos traveled over valleys, gullies and deserts,
Jungles, rivers and burning sand,
Rain and hail fell on him and he was never frightened
Because God was at his side.

The love of their indigenous brothers and sisters was overflowing,
And here they were never forgotten, they were always in our prayers
That they might come back and stay with us forever
Today the request is fulfilled, and they are going to be at our side.

Are we up to understanding this new culture and generation that needs the love of Jesus? Can we get outside the walls of our beautiful and comfortable churches? Can Chuck and Ramona, move, write lesson plans, teach and travel and fulfill all the dreams of the folks who eagerly await their arrival?

The real answer is “NO – Not in our own talent, strength and abilities” It is an impossible mission.

But Galatians 5:22 reminds us that the Holy Spirit can bring fresh fruit beyond measure when it is done in His power. Let us look to the one who is the author and finisher of our faith for fresh fruit.

Jr. High Pismo Beach Summer Camp
Pastor Mike Gliem

The Jwalk 2008 Summer Camp is going to be bigger and better than ever.

Your trip includes. . .
Camp T-shirt
4 days camping at the beach
Insane competitions
Yummy meals and snacks
Group games
Exciting speakers
Discussion time with friends
Shopping time
And a brand spankin new surprise!

Call Kim Coats in the Church Office at 393.8210 for more
information and a registration form.

Finance report
Connie Farmer, Business Administrator

Finances Jan - Mar 2008

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