Some Updates

We continue to make plans to start The Branches Community Church of Escondido...

* Currently we are working on putting our church planting strategy down on paper.

* This Sunday I will be preaching at our parent church, Brookville Road Community Church.

* Our internship at BRCC is going well and I'm enjoying learning from their staff, and ministers from other daughter churches.

* We have plans to meet weekly with our core team moving out with us to Escondido.

* The Branches website is getting closer to being completed. (www.thebrancheschurch.com)

* In mid-May my father and I will be traveling to Escondido to look for a condo for my family.

* We will be having a moving sale over the next several weeks. The plan is to move with just our car and as few possessions as possible.

* I'm looking forward to calling California "home".

Some Updates

We continue to make plans to start The Branches Community Church of Escondido...

* Currently we are working on putting our church planting strategy down on paper.

* This Sunday I will be preaching at our parent church, Brookville Road Community Church.

* Our internship at BRCC is going well and I'm enjoying learning from their staff, and ministers from other daughter churches.

* We have plans to meet weekly with our core team moving out with us to Escondido.

* The Branches website is getting closer to being completed. (www.thebrancheschurch.com)

* In mid-May my father and I will be traveling to Escondido to look for a condo for my family.

* We will be having a moving sale over the next several weeks. The plan is to move with just our car and as few possessions as possible.

* I'm looking forward to calling California "home".

California Lyric Video

California Lyric Video

Sponge Bob Time

I now own one watch; only one, this one. I scored this baby today because Shelby got it in her BK "Value" meal, and she is not a Sponge Bob fan. To be honest, I've never seen an episode of Sponge Bob but I am a fan of "free" watches.

Sponge Bob Time

I now own one watch; only one, this one. I scored this baby today because Shelby got it in her BK "Value" meal, and she is not a Sponge Bob fan. To be honest, I've never seen an episode of Sponge Bob but I am a fan of "free" watches.

Core Values

James and I worked this morning on defining and refining the "core values" of The Branches Community Church. Here are some of the things that makes our heart beat...

Our values are what make us unique and distinct. They flow out of our desire to make everything about God and for His glory.

We embrace movement – not for movement sake, but because God is continually seeking to do a new thing to radically transform lives through His Gospel.

We embrace love – we will love people whether they ever to chose to love God.

We embrace community – laughing, crying, learning, sharing, loving supporting, giving, working, playing, eating shopping, singing, worshipping, caring… together.

We embrace everyday – Everyday people being transformed and loving everyday, because the church is a lifestyle and not just an event.

We embrace creativity and excellence – Simply put; we want to give God our best.

Core Values

James and I worked this morning on defining and refining the "core values" of The Branches Community Church. Here are some of the things that makes our heart beat...

Our values are what make us unique and distinct. They flow out of our desire to make everything about God and for His glory.

We embrace movement – not for movement sake, but because God is continually seeking to do a new thing to radically transform lives through His Gospel.

We embrace love – we will love people whether they ever to chose to love God.

We embrace community – laughing, crying, learning, sharing, loving supporting, giving, working, playing, eating shopping, singing, worshipping, caring… together.

We embrace everyday – Everyday people being transformed and loving everyday, because the church is a lifestyle and not just an event.

We embrace creativity and excellence – Simply put; we want to give God our best.

First Day at BRCC

Today was our first day worshipping at Brookville Road Community Church. James and I were able to introduce our families to the congregation in both of the services. They are a great congregation; very welcoming and excited for us as we prepare to start the church out in California. We had some fun conversations with people who have California connections; meanwhile our children had a great time in all the different children's environments. An excellent first day; now we are looking forward to staff meeting tomorrow morning!

First Day at BRCC

Today was our first day worshipping at Brookville Road Community Church. James and I were able to introduce our families to the congregation in both of the services. They are a great congregation; very welcoming and excited for us as we prepare to start the church out in California. We had some fun conversations with people who have California connections; meanwhile our children had a great time in all the different children's environments. An excellent first day; now we are looking forward to staff meeting tomorrow morning!

Final Message

I've posted the final message that I delivered at FFC last Sunday. I begin with a confession...

Final Message

I've posted the final message that I delivered at FFC last Sunday. I begin with a confession...

Soon

Soon this will be our new home. 30 minutes to the ocean, 30 minutes to the desert, 30 minutes to San Diego, 45 minutes to the mountains. Population 140,000+, 50% white - 50% hispanic/other; 13 parks, etc. (Wikipedia Escondido)

Soon this will be the home of The Branches Community Church.

Soon this will be the place where lives will be impacted through a community of believers living out the gospel.

Soon families will pack up their belongings and move across the country to be part of a larger plan orchestrated by God to call to Himself a community of believers.


View Larger Map

Soon

Soon this will be our new home. 30 minutes to the ocean, 30 minutes to the desert, 30 minutes to San Diego, 45 minutes to the mountains. Population 140,000+, 50% white - 50% hispanic/other; 13 parks, etc. (Wikipedia Escondido)

Soon this will be the home of The Branches Community Church.

Soon this will be the place where lives will be impacted through a community of believers living out the gospel.

Soon families will pack up their belongings and move across the country to be part of a larger plan orchestrated by God to call to Himself a community of believers.


View Larger Map

What's Next?

Here's what's next as we take our next steps toward planting The Branches Community Church in Escondido, CA.

• James Pinkerton and I will begin our internship at Brookville Road Community Church in New Palestine, IN. very soon.
• I will preaching at BRCC on May 2nd and then again in early June.
• We will have the opportunity to visit other churches that BRCC has helped to get started in Indiana, like THIS ONE.
• We get to make new friends at a number of churches that we will be in partnership with.
• James and I will be learning from some great men of God.
• BRCC has arranged housing for our families, if we need it.
• Tammy and I are still trying to sell OUR HOUSE; we have lowered the price again, and we would love for you to buy it!
• James and I will be traveling to Escondido in early-mid May to secure housing for our families.
• The plan is to move in late June
• We intend on officially launching the church in December of this year.
• The next 9 months are going to be crazy. CRAZY AWESOME!

What's Next?

Here's what's next as we take our next steps toward planting The Branches Community Church in Escondido, CA.

• James Pinkerton and I will begin our internship at Brookville Road Community Church in New Palestine, IN. very soon.
• I will preaching at BRCC on May 2nd and then again in early June.
• We will have the opportunity to visit other churches that BRCC has helped to get started in Indiana, like THIS ONE.
• We get to make new friends at a number of churches that we will be in partnership with.
• James and I will be learning from some great men of God.
• BRCC has arranged housing for our families, if we need it.
• Tammy and I are still trying to sell OUR HOUSE; we have lowered the price again, and we would love for you to buy it!
• James and I will be traveling to Escondido in early-mid May to secure housing for our families.
• The plan is to move in late June
• We intend on officially launching the church in December of this year.
• The next 9 months are going to be crazy. CRAZY AWESOME!

New Look

Obviously, this blog has a new look as of April 11th, 2010. You will find links just below the header to my personal sites, as well as links to our future church plant, The Branches Community Church, and to each of Tammy's blogs. You will also notice the return of the Twitter feed to the right and a much more minimalist look.

Missing from each post are the comments. I do most of my interacting these days via Facebook & Twitter moderating and responding to comments on the blog is more than I'd like to follow right now.

FYI: The header picture up above ties together a couple of things. The branches on the tree represent our new church, and the changing seasons of the tree represent the positive effects of change.

New Look

Obviously, this blog has a new look as of April 11th, 2010. You will find links just below the header to my personal sites, as well as links to our future church plant, The Branches Community Church, and to each of Tammy's blogs. You will also notice the return of the Twitter feed to the right and a much more minimalist look.

Missing from each post are the comments. I do most of my interacting these days via Facebook & Twitter moderating and responding to comments on the blog is more than I'd like to follow right now.

FYI: The header picture up above ties together a couple of things. The branches on the tree represent our new church, and the changing seasons of the tree represent the positive effects of change.

Saying Goodbye

Tomorrow's the day. My last day at FFC. I have mixed emotions as I say goodbye to a congregation that I've spent nearly a decade at. I'm going to miss a lot of the folks here, and that makes me sad; but on the other hand, I'm excited to turn the page and begin the next chapter of my life.

Thank you FFC for allowing me to be your pastor. I have learned a lot; I've been stretched and molded into the person I am today as a result of my time here. In the coming days, months, and years I pray that FFC becomes more and more like the spotless bride that Jesus died for and intends to have presented to Himself. Place Christ first, and others before you, and you will be well on your way.

"...Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless." Eph 5:25b-27

If you would like to follow along in the next chapter of my life you can continue to follow this blog www.changeisgood4u.com, or www.thegrowingofthebranches.wordpress.com, or our Facebook page, or our soon to be launched website - www.thebrancheschurch.com

Saying Goodbye

Tomorrow's the day. My last day at FFC. I have mixed emotions as I say goodbye to a congregation that I've spent nearly a decade at. I'm going to miss a lot of the folks here, and that makes me sad; but on the other hand, I'm excited to turn the page and begin the next chapter of my life.

Thank you FFC for allowing me to be your pastor. I have learned a lot; I've been stretched and molded into the person I am today as a result of my time here. In the coming days, months, and years I pray that FFC becomes more and more like the spotless bride that Jesus died for and intends to have presented to Himself. Place Christ first, and others before you, and you will be well on your way.

"...Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless." Eph 5:25b-27

If you would like to follow along in the next chapter of my life you can continue to follow this blog www.changeisgood4u.com, or www.thegrowingofthebranches.wordpress.com, or our Facebook page, or our soon to be launched website - www.thebrancheschurch.com

All Authority

After Jesus' resurrection He declared to His disciples, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me." Matt. 28:18

All authority on earth has been given to the risen Christ. All of it. Jesus has the right to tell every man, woman, and child what they should do and think and feel. He has absolute and total authority over your life and over all cultures on the earth.

The risen Christ is King and as such, He has absolute, unlimited, unquestioned, unmitigated, unequivocal, and unmistakable authority over your life. His resurrection is God's declaration that he lays claim on every person in every nation because all authority on earth is His.

All Authority

After Jesus' resurrection He declared to His disciples, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me." Matt. 28:18

All authority on earth has been given to the risen Christ. All of it. Jesus has the right to tell every man, woman, and child what they should do and think and feel. He has absolute and total authority over your life and over all cultures on the earth.

The risen Christ is King and as such, He has absolute, unlimited, unquestioned, unmitigated, unequivocal, and unmistakable authority over your life. His resurrection is God's declaration that he lays claim on every person in every nation because all authority on earth is His.

Proud Father

There are some moments that my daughter makes me so proud of her that I think I could bust. This evening (Easter 2010) Shelby wrote lyrics for a song. I'm not sure how many songs she has written so far, but this is the first one that she has shared with me. After supper, she sat down at the laptop and began typing away, she proceeded to print a couple of copies off and then handed them to her mommy and me. I read the words and they melted my heart and I'm sure the heart of her Father...

God's love for me

God's love for me is like a flaming fire.

God's love for me is like a roaring ocean.

That's his love for me. That's his love for me.

He protects me from evil. He takes me to

heaven just for believing in Him. Oh,

God's love for me is like a flaming fire.

God's love for me is like a roaring ocean.

That's God's love for me. That's God's

love for me. Almighty God died on a

simple cross not covered in gold or silver.

Just for sinners. Just think an almighty God

died for a sinner like you and me. Oh, God

rescue me. I want to find you. I want to

seek you. I want to see your face oh Lord.

I love you so creator of heaven and earth.

All of evil only you can save me from. I

will devote all my time to you. All of earth

is frightened at the sound of all of your

words. At even the sight of you. This is

God's love for you.

by Shelby Sorensen (age 7)

"From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise" Psalm 8:2

Proud Father

There are some moments that my daughter makes me so proud of her that I think I could bust. This evening (Easter 2010) Shelby wrote lyrics for a song. I'm not sure how many songs she has written so far, but this is the first one that she has shared with me. After supper, she sat down at the laptop and began typing away, she proceeded to print a couple of copies off and then handed them to her mommy and me. I read the words and they melted my heart and I'm sure the heart of her Father...

God's love for me

God's love for me is like a flaming fire.

God's love for me is like a roaring ocean.

That's his love for me. That's his love for me.

He protects me from evil. He takes me to

heaven just for believing in Him. Oh,

God's love for me is like a flaming fire.

God's love for me is like a roaring ocean.

That's God's love for me. That's God's

love for me. Almighty God died on a

simple cross not covered in gold or silver.

Just for sinners. Just think an almighty God

died for a sinner like you and me. Oh, God

rescue me. I want to find you. I want to

seek you. I want to see your face oh Lord.

I love you so creator of heaven and earth.

All of evil only you can save me from. I

will devote all my time to you. All of earth

is frightened at the sound of all of your

words. At even the sight of you. This is

God's love for you.

by Shelby Sorensen (age 7)

"From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise" Psalm 8:2