Summer Begins!
June 30, 2010
Journeyers!
I hope your summer has gotten off to a good start. The Journey's summer schedule is just about to begin. This Friday, we are concluding our study of 1 John, but since it is summer now, we'll be switching things up a bit and having FUEL on the patio outside of the Student Ministries Building. And to make things just a little bit tastier, we'll even have pizza and cold beverages for your digestive pleasure, beginning at about 6:30pm.
FUEL will officially begin at 7pm with a short time of worship and then it's time to pick teams and team names (The last two year's wi ... read more
|
A More Organic Worship Experience
June 03, 2010
This week marks a new beginning for THE JOURNEY, a sort of return to our roots. You might call it a journey home. We are shifting gears this week from a worship service to more of a home-style fellowship. The result is a more organic worship experience. Here's what to expect...
Come a little early, sometime after 6:30 p.m., for dinner (only on the first Friday of the month). This week the menu will be sandwiches and soft drinks.
At 7 p.m. join the circle as we gather to worship the Lord and pray.
Then it's time for a little family meeting as we discuss what's coming up ... read more
|
2 Special Friday Night Events...
March 31, 2010
Dear Journeyers!
I have big news since last I wrote: on Sunday, March 21, my wife Cristina gave birth to our beautiful baby boy, Josiah! He measured in at 7 pounds, 4 ounces, 20 ½ inches long. The three of us have spent the last week and a half enjoying each other and adjusting to life together. We would appreciate your prayers for health, rest and wisdom in this new leg of the journey.
In other news, I want to remind you of two important events…
First, THIS FRIDAY at 7pm is our special Good Friday Service open to everyone! Bring your whole family and invite all ... read more
|
The Journey 2010 Winter Games
February 10, 2010
Journeyers,
I am pleased to announce (via email) the schedule for The Journey's 2010 Winter Games! We have three Fridays of fun starting with ICE SKATING this week after Fuel. And we have a couple of weekend excursions as well, including a HOCKEY GAME, which I will need money for by this Sunday evening to reserve your spot. Check out the details below...
FRIDAYS AFTER FUEL*
February 12: ICE SKATING. $12 for skates and skating. Carpool to ice Town in Riverside.
February 19: Wii OLYMPIC WINTER GAMES
February 26: SCAVENGER HUNT
WEEKEND EVENTS
... read more
|
Read to Believe
January 20, 2010
Read to Believe is a practical way to increase your knowledge of and trust in the love of God by reading through the writings of the Apostle John in one year. That includes, The Gospel of John, 1 John, 2 John, 3 John and Revelation-50 chapters in all. To take the challenge, all you have to do is...
1.) Decide on definite time either Saturday or Sunday to read the week's chapter and read it in a place without distractions. You may even want to read it out loud with a friend or significant other.
2.) Then spend some time every day throughout the week praying, thinking and talking about ... read more
|
The Love Challenge
January 07, 2010
Happy New Year Journeyers!
I hope you have enjoyed the holidays and that you have caught a glimpse and a taste of God’s goodness and grace. The New Year is a good time to look back and reflect on our lives and the way things have turned out so far. We may be looking back with joy and thanksgiving. But in all likelihood there are also some regrets. These regrets often prompt resolutions to change or seek something better. And if you are setting such goals for yourself, I applaud and encourage you for that, especially if those resolutions involve seeking Jesus and becoming more like Him ... read more
|
Supernatural + Food Baskets + Christmas Party
December 09, 2009
Journeyers!
I have three important announcements to share with you this week...
First, we had a great time last Friday as we began this month's series, "Supernatural." I hope you will plan to be there with us this Friday as we take a look at what God is doing around the world. The Journey meets at 7pm in the Student Ministries Building. Childcare is available.
Second, over half of the kids at Curtis Middle School only eat when they are at school. So during the Christmas break it will be hard for their families to provide enough food for their kids. This is why The Jo ... read more
|
Petition with Thanksgiving
November 25, 2009
Journeyers!
You likely know by now that there is no church tonight (Wednesday, 11/25) or on Friday (11/27), due to the Thanksgiving holiday. But we don’t have to wait until Sunday to be seeking God. This year, our constant prayer has been, “Father, help us to see Jesus and be like Him!” And just this last week we issued a 3-part challenge that I believe will help us in this pursuit: 1.) Ask God for something specific and watch how He works; 2.) Ask God to work in someone else’s life. 3.) Pray with others for God to work. Our hope is that as we see God answer prayers in our own lives w ... read more
|
Fall Fest 2 is tonight!
October 30, 2009
Dear Journeyers,
Last week, Cristina and I saw the legendary U2 live in concert. It was a fascinating spectacle-musically, visually, and spiritually. One of the most dazzling light displays, and a definite highlight of the show, was during one of their new songs when Bono sings, "We're going to make it all the way to the light / But you know I'll go crazy if I don't go crazy tonight!"
I think that sums up exactly what tonight at Fall Fest is all about: going crazy-enjoying the freedom we have in Christ! Jesus said, let the little children come to me; the kingdom of God belong ... read more
|
Guest Musician Michael Barker at Fuel
September 04, 2009
Hey there journeyers!
It’s been a while since my last communication with you. Cristina and I took a holiday in Tahoe for our two-year anniversary. We had a wonderful time relaxing and taking in the beauty of it all together. But we are back now and ready for all God has in store for us as we walk together with you on The Journey. In fact, I have two cool things to share with you about that…
One thing I’m sure you’ll be interested in is tonight’s Fuel with our special guest musician Michael Barker, who you know as the leader of the worship band at Sunday Night Remix. We are go ... read more
|
Reading Matthew
August 14, 2009
Greetings Journeyers!
So here's the alarming news: Summer is almost over! Can you even believe it? For some of you school's already starting!!!! Lord, have mercy! The BBQs and beach trips are becoming fewer as we all slip into new routines.
I know that for The Journey we have had a great Summer! Summer Sports Series V was probably the best one yet! Congratulations again to the Cookie Monsters, who, in the end, beat the Roasty Toasty Marshmallows by a mere 25 points. And thanks to all who came out for Potluck Praise Night in June, our indoor Picnic Potluck & Summer Sports ... read more
|
BBQ Potluck + Guest Musician Kevin Krogstad at FUEL
August 05, 2009
Greetings Journeyers!
We had a great turnout for Flag Football last week! And boy did the Roasty Toasty Marshmallows finish strong! If you participated in Summer Sports Series this year, do not miss it this Friday’s Fuel where we will be passing out awards for each team.
IF YOU HAVE DIGITAL PICTURES OF THE GAMES PLEASE EMAIL YOUR BEST PICS TO ME ASAP SO I CAN SHARE THEM ON FRIDAY. Please send pictures of all events.
Also this Friday at FUEL (8/7) it’s time for another POTLUCK PRAISE NIGHT as we fire up the barbeque and play host to our good friend and guest musician ... read more
|
Final Event: Flag Football
July 31, 2009
Greetings Journeyers!
Tonight (7/31) is the final showdown between the Cookie Monsters and the Roasty Toasty Marshmallows as they battle it out in a game of FLAG FOOTBALL! Do not miss it!!!! Tonight’s game will be at Hunter Park on the corner of Iowa Avenue and Columbia Avenue in Riverside (get directions here; park off Marlborough Ave). Meet us there at 6:45pm. We will be having pizza after the game.
Next Friday (8/7) we return to the Student Ministries Building at 7pm for another POTLUCK PRAISE NIGHT as we fire up the barbeque and play host to guest musician Kevin Krogstad ... read more
|
Pass, Catch & Shoot Tonight!
July 17, 2009
Greetings Journeyers!
There’s so much to say, I’ll just get right to it.
Last Friday was great. Dodgeball was pretty intense. Many people were smacked in the face, which, as a spectator, I found mostly amusing, but only because no one got seriously hurt. I know everyone had fun. The Roasty Toasty Marshmallows (RTM) won that event, closing the point gap to 150/175 in favor of the Cookie Monsters (CM).
Then, on Saturday, I witnessed what may be the best match-up in Summer Sports Series history. Beach volleyball began with both the wind and sun at the backs of the CM. T ... read more
|
Summer Reading List
July 10, 2009
Good Friday to you, Journeyers!
As promised, I have a list of summer reading material for you: five books that could change your life. Now I don’t mean that these are the greatest reads out there, the great literary achievements of our time, or even the Christian equivalent to Twilight. But the authors have things to say that I believe are highly relevant to the young adult stage of the journey and that can be very useful in helping you take the next step in your life. Four of the books are only $12 at Christianbook.com (the last one is $5 more, but could save you thousands). But you ... read more
|
Introducing the Cookie Monsters & the Roasty Toasty Marshmallows!
July 09, 2009
Greetings Journeyers!
We had a great time last Friday at FUEL! I would describe it as a healthy helping of controlled chaos. We had people sitting randomly throughout the sanctuary on their lawn chairs and blankets. And all the food was so delicious. The newly married Jess was back leading worship again, and her hubby, Paul, was there too, hosting and coaching. We picked team and they picked food-related names. Jessica Landis is captain of the Cookie Monsters, who got 25 points for coming up with a name first, and Ammie Casino is captain of the Roasty Toasty Marshmallows.
The ... read more
|
Summer Sports Series V Kickoff Event
July 02, 2009
This Friday marks the beginning of one of The Journey’s most fun and time-honored traditions: Summer Sports Series. This will be our fifth annual Summer games (we had our first Winter games earlier this year). Here are the details…
This Friday, July 3, at 7pm in the Student Ministries Building, we are having our Summer Sports Series V kickoff event, complete with picnic potluck! That means, if you can, bring some picnic-style food to share like salads or sandwiches and such, and don’t forget your blankets and lawn chairs. After dinner, we will pick teams so we can start racking up the ... read more
|
Picnic Potluck + Sports Series Kick Off!
June 25, 2009
Greetings Journeyers!
I feel so blessed to be a part of this ministry and our mission to help you take the next step in your journey with the Lord. And I am honored to be on this journey with you. I have had the distinct pleasure of talking with some of you and hearing how God has been working in your life. And I have also seen God working in many of your lives as you yield to His leading.
No matter where you are on your journey, and whether or not you can sense God working in your life right now, I’d encourage you to show up and be present in some kind of young adult fellows ... read more
|
Update your info!
June 10, 2009
Greetings Journeyers!
We had such a great time at The Journey’s first ever Potluck Praise Night! Good food, conversation and a night of praise… what’s better than that? In fact, I think we just may do it again. So stay tuned for details. In the meantime, here’s what you need to know…
There will be NO FUEL THIS FRIDAY. Two of our Journey mentors, Paul and Jess are getting married this weekend. So we are taking a week off in honor of the occasion. But WE WILL BE BACK next week, June 19, so make plans to join us then.
Again, I’m asking everyone reading this right now to ... read more
|
Potluck Praise is THIS Friday (June 5)
June 03, 2009
Greetings Journeyers!
First, let me apologize for not writing last week. Cristina and I had a bit of an adventure in faith as we tended to our bunny, Buffalo, who we found cold and unresponsive on Sunday night when we got home from church. We took her to the emergency clinic and, by morning, she was stabilized. They found out she was sick with bladder stones and may need surgery. At first, I was at a loss for how to pray for her. I couldn’t really say that by the stripes on Jesus’ back my bunny was healed. After all, Jesus took on a human nature, not a rabbit nature. But one line from ... read more
|
Potluck Praise Night
May 20, 2009
Dear Friends,
First, if you have not already done so, I would like to ask EVERYONE reading this email to update your contact information with us by visiting this link and filling out the form. It won’t take long and it would be very helpful to us as we move ahead in ministry together. (http://greensheet.truthlivedout.com/)
Second, we are trying something new for FUEL on June 5. It’s Potluck Praise Night! Not only do we get to sing our hearts out to the Lord; we also get to eat together DURING the service. All we need you to do is show up with something delicious to share. So ... read more
|
Yearning for God
May 13, 2009
I cannot put into words how wonderful a time of fellowship we had with (and in) the Lord on Friday night. As you know, a group of us went to see Matt Maher and Shane & Shane (click the links for video from that night). First of all, there was the fact that the event was at a Korean church in Anaheim. Not only that, but there were people from various Christian traditions there too: Baptists and Catholics and Charismatics, etc. So we were among an amazing diversity of Christian brothers and sisters. And we were all there worshiping Jesus side by side, opening our hearts to hear his voice and ... read more
|
Free ticket for the first to claim it!
May 07, 2009
Four things…
First, it turns out we have ONE extra and FREE ticket to see Shane and Shane and Matt Maher in concert this Friday, May 8. Be the first to email me back and ask for the ticket and it is yours! And even if you are not the first, tickets are still available online for $10 at JesusLife.com or will be available for $15 at the door on Friday. We’ll be meeting at Centerpoint this Friday at 6pm to carpool. Please let me know if you are planning to go with us.
Second, this means there will be NO Friday night service this week. We’ll be back next week, Friday, May 15.
&n ... read more
|
Parables
April 29, 2009
Greetings Journeyers!
First, let me briefly remind you about the concert on Friday, May 8. There will be no Journey service that night because we are going to see Shane and Shane and Matt Maher. Tickets are $10 in advance at JesusLife.com or $15 at the door. We'll be meeting at Centerpoint at 6pm to carpool. Please let me know if you are planning to go with us.
Second, The Journey has a new web address: truthlivedout.com. Starting in a few weeks the email update you are reading right now will be sent from thejourney@truthlivedout.com. So please set your email filters accordin ... read more
|
Only $10 to see Shane & Shane + Matt Maher
April 22, 2009
Greetings Journeyers!
Last week, I started with the word “Wow!” Let me say again… “WOW!” A group of us got to go to Santa Ana on Thursday to be led in worship by Charlie Hall and Phil Wickham. As a musician I was floored by Charlie’s band. They are technically intricate and amazing, truly playing skillfully with a loud noise unto the Lord! And, of course, our very own Friday night worship leader, Jess Cox, is personal friends with Charlie (They go WAY back… all the way to 2007!). So it was a treat for her especially to say hi to Mr. Hall again. I particularly enjoyed Charlie’s h ... read more
|
Phil Wickham and Charlie Hall TOMORROW!
April 15, 2009
Wow! We had a great time on Good Friday as we hosted a special time of worship and communion. All the feedback I have heard has been good. I want to thank everyone who helped out. And on behalf of our leadership team I want to thank all of you who came for worshiping with us. We hope you were blessed!
Not only that, we hope you come again. This week we resume our regular Friday worship gathering. We will be studying Matthew Chapter 12 and talking about how we can faithfully interpret Scripture. We meet in the Student Ministries Building at 7pm. Childcare is available.
I also ... read more
|
Journey Update
March 18, 2009
Journeyers,
We had a fun time Friday bidding farewell to Winter as we showed off our ice skating skills (or, in my case, lack of them). But freaketh not! Spring is here… and now it’s time to Spring Into Worship! Here’s what you need to know.
I need your money TONIGHT if you want to see PHIL WICKHAM & CHARLIE HALL on Thursday, April 16 in Santa Ana. We will be meeting at Centerpoint at 6pm to carpool. The cost is $20. Contact me IMMEDIATELY if you are interested in going to this concert (shawn@towardtruth.com). I will be at church tonight at the Women’s club or hanging aro ... read more
|