TRADE AS ONE: This Sunday

We’re having a store of fair trade items on Sunday, Dec. 2 from 9 am to 6 pm at PCC.




Trade as One is a Fair Trade organization that exists to change lives the lives of the global poor by supplying products that give them jobs while bringing more meaning to oue lives as believers. We believe that by meeting each others' needs through the vehicle of trade we create a powerful and sustainable way to change our world for good. The organizations we source our products from work with the poorest of the poor, the abused, trafficked and those suffering from HIV / AIDS. We are proud of both the work that they do and the quality of the products they make.
As much as I am frustrated by the commercialism of Christmas by American Culture--I think if you are going to buy gifts this Christmas--and I'm sure many of us will, lets put money toward causes that will touch the lives of those who need it. Not just make others richer to buy more cars and houses, but enable others able to EAT! I've met Nathan. He's a totally humble guy who is very passionate about helping others and freeing people from the oppression of poverty! Nathan will also be here to speak at our Compassion and Justice classes at 11am and 4pm.




We partner closely with churches because we believe that the Christian faith is a powerful motivator to see a world take shape that more closely reflects God's intentions for it. Trade as One aims to be a vehicle for faith and values to be turned into action.



The Trade As One Story: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G29zbXwuHZo



Nathan George, Founder (lives in Cupertino!)

Thanksgiving 2007

Our 5th annual PCC Family Thanksgiving. What a day. Truly it was a feast. Something like 10 turkeys, hundreds of pieces of pies, and double that on bread! But the people made it what it was. God was at work today. People were worshipping in the kitchen--meaning as they were washing and drying they were honoring God! I loved what today was. I loved the generations and the color of our gathering. We had so many uniquely created people! And it must have been the biggest prayer circle I've ever been in. I just sit back and simply say, "Thank you to God. Thank you to everyone who made it what it was"

Another Beautiful day

Our church had a great day of serving and partnering with the community. Schools, habitat for humanity, and some families were blessed this past weekend.

Listen to what the principals say about partnership with the church. I love that in being like Christ we are truly being a community TO the community. I love being able to know by name, and hopefully know in person someday, people who are serving and working in our community. Three schools were impacted this weekend. I love our church!

As I watched yesterday unfold, I am reminded of my love for community. Specifically, this RWC community. We/I really like living here in RWC. Despite the outrageous cost of living, I enjoy so much about this beautiful Climate best by government test area!

One of my favorite things is to walk into a cafe, restaurant, or grocery store--whatever--and know the person behind the counter. It's a small town feeling to be known by name, I know. But although we live in a city of 75,000 people, there is still a way to experience community in such a way. It just takes getting to know the people of our community. Names are huge! When someone remembers my name I feel good and I want others to be remembered, too! And this shows care and in a small way this is how I can be like Jesus. It seems like nothing, but over time I can see how really awesome relationships develop!

I just got back from La Tartine, and tonight, whoa...Wendy was asleep when I got home and I had to wake her to talk with her. God is just at work in people's lives!

If I were to write a book on community I'd start simple baby steps like introducing yourself to the people you live by, work with, school, gym, etc. Frequent the same restaurants and gas stations. Go in the same check out lane for groceries and say thanks to the lady checking your groceries. Make a habit of getting the name of your mail carrier. My guy is Eli, he's a really cool guy. Sometimes if I'm home during the day, I'll hear him lift up our mailbox lid and just make a point to say hi. Start with names and being thankful for the ways they serve you (like our local heroes: teachers, police/fire, etc. Then once we have a relationship we can show our love by serving and helping meet any needs they have. This in essence is our Beautiful day.

Ahhh. Ok. I'm just thankful for all this great stuff! It's a great time to send a THANK YOU note! I think I'm gonna do that this week!

I'm gonna write some notes to service people! (Like "my" baristas and those who are assisting in my dental work. I've been there so much I've gotten in good with the hygienists!)

Anyone else want to join me? Who are you thankful for? Write a note and give some words.

Here's to a great week of being thankful!!!

What Would Jesus Buy?

Summary from Wikipedia:

The film focuses on the issues of the commercialization of Christmas, materialism, the over-consumption in American culture, globalization, and the business practices of large corporations, as well as their economic and cultural effects on American society, as seen through the prism of activist/performance artist Bill Talen, who goes by the alias of "Reverend Billy," and his troupe of activists, whose street theater performances take the form of a church choir called "The Church of Stop Shopping," that sings anti-shopping and anti-corporate songs. The film follows Billy and his choir as they take a cross-country trip in the month prior to Christmas 2005, and spread their message against what they perceive as the evils of patronizing the retail outlets of several different large corporate chains.

This film releases this week!

Celebrating our one flesh!

I celebrated three years of Marriage with Wendy! November 12th is our anniversary. I love this woman so much. I choose and want to give her my best and I feel intimately close to her. Marriage is an amazing and complex thing. The Bible says that people who get married have lots of problems, and it is true. But Marriage is a gift from God and these problems become challenges that sharpen and make us more humble, the way God intended us to live! I love my wife and I am a better man because of her! I love sharing all the FLAMES of love with her! Thanks to God!

We celebrated in many ways--a night out, coffee, encouraging and praying for each other but at night we went to San Francisco joined by others from PCC to hear Rob Bell. This is what I took away:

You don't have to live like this.
You don't have to earn God's love.
You don't have to burn out to feel good.
You don't have to beat yourself up to pay for your shame.
You don't have to pay for your own sins.
You don't have to live like this.

Fall Retreat 2007

Amazing weekend.

Why?

God. His Love. People responding to his love. People loving each other.
And Tater Tots.