BACK FROM MAUI

I've returned from my vacation in Maui. It was a true treat. I didn't touch a computer for a whole week. No emails, blogging, or even any youtubes. It was great. (Even though one day I caught a TV show while working out in the gym and they talked about a clip with David Letterman that I made sure to watch right when I got home). I felt disconnected from the world, but it was good because I truly had time to connect with God and my family.



Isella was so fun on this trip. Lots of laughing and smiling. One challenge we had was (besides lugging a million things like portable cribs, strollers, and beach toys everywhere) Maui's time difference is three hours behind us. So Isella's internal clock was way off. She'd wake up at 4:30am because it was really 7:30 am Cali time.





This is obviously not an ideal time to get up on vacation. The first day I sucked it up and took the morning shift, since Wendy takes EVERY other shift, it was the least I could do for my beautiful hard-working wife. The cool thing is that getting up so early gave me some great advantages. I got great daddy daughter time with isella, we got to walk in the fresh Hawaiian air every morning, we got to hang out at a great little coffee shop. And every morning I would get to have some Chai Tea or a White Mocha while I read God's word and journaled. Ah, if life were always that simple. AND we also met Abigail.



Abigail was sweeping the parking lot of a little strip mall with a bar, nail salon, and Internet cafe (which I only drank coffee from and never hit the keypad!). We became friends at 5am the first morning we strolled down the sidewalk as the day awakened. We saw each other every day after. She would work sweeping 5 days a week from 4:30am to 7:30am as an extra side job to provide for her family. She actually lived in San Francisco for awhile. English was her second language and Spanish her first so we bantered a little in Spanish, too. Even though I was "on vacation" from my "job"--so weird that I need a vacation from being a pastor--But I wasn't on vacation from my role as God's son, his servant, and instrument of his love. So I saw Abigail as one of God's loved ones that both Isella and I could be Jesus to with love and friendliness.



I think God used isella more than me. All she has to do is smile and people seem to respond. I loved being able to share that time with her. It excited me to think that God had given me this beautiful daughter to train up in his ways and help shape her identity and purpose in God's kingdom. I hope she grows up with a strong sense of her calling and giftedness and I am praying for that almost daily. I keep a journal for Isella, too, so that day we met Abigail I wrote an entry to Isella about the importance of knowing, loving, and serving all of those God has put us around. Abigail was one of those and we will now never forget her.



So, although I could have stayed in Maui a lot longer it was time to come home. And man, it's like the season changed in one week of us being away. All of a sudden it is a little frosty and pumpkin patches and orange string lights have popped up all around.

This awesome Church building (below) was in Lahaina. Just looking at it stirred excitement for me. Especially the day when a rainbow appeared behind it. I wondered if some saw this proclamation of Jesus' return as scary or maddening. "Quick everyone look busy," as one bumper sticker put it. My prayer will be that this TRUTH of Jesus' return will bring HOPE for all people because they know who He truly is and how much he loves the world.



SEE YOU ALL FRIDAY FOR THE DEEP AT THE FALLON HOUSE.

LA TARTINE WAS AWESOME LAST NIGHT.

for this week

Hey All. I am preparing for a 6 day vacation and won't be around this Sunday, but I wanted to encourage you all with a few things. Last night we had a dinner at our house for those who are new to our community and it was really energizing to see God at work and growing our community with some fun, unique people—who are teachers, engineers, construction workers with lots of different passions and dreams—many who are new to following Jesus. It’s great and this means that God wants all of us to reach out and help connect and network together!

So with that I wanted to encourage you to come to Sunday at 6 and hang out at La Tartine afterwards. I have to tell you some cool news that happened last Sunday we had a sweet time at the cafe. We had an impromptu music session and the owners, Andrew and Monique, were stoked to have quality music and people hanging out in their place. God is at work there. I humbly ask that we as a community take the opportunity to love those that are serving us by 1-making an effort to hang out at La Tartine every week, 2-introducing yourself to the owners, baristas, and all of new people who have joined our community and 3-making good use of the time in the cafe by REALLY getting to know people with good conversations and initiating prayer with each other. One of my favorite things to see is people praying together afterward outside of the cafe in the parking lot or on the sidewalk. I love that.


PCC's Compassion and Justice Learning Community starts SUNDAY Sept.30th. Each week we will interact with the Bible, literature, and audio/visual media focus on significant local and global issues. We hope to engage compassion and justice issues intentionally and strategically through unique experiences. Our Purpose is to build a community of believers who are interested in learning together, discussing together, praying together, and humbly serving together as we demonstrate the love of Jesus to the least of these in Redwood City and beyond. We desire to live out our Christian mandate to LOVE GOD and LOVE OUR NEIGHBOR.

You can choose to participate in one of the following learning communities:

11am which meets in room 22B (fellowship center)

4pm which meets in Fireside Room.

In our first meeting we will be reviewing the following:

Purpose of C&J Learning Community

Desired Outcomes

Commitment

Class Structure

We will also share a dynamic video and have time to reflect on Isaiah 58.



For more information check out the C&J blog at http://compassionandjustice.blogspot.com

Please bring a Bible, journal and pen to each class. The book fee is $35.


Also today is the day some of our PCC friends (David Bromberg, Kirsten Devlin, Matt Nightingale to name a few) are taking of on their East Euro mission. Watch their trip and pray by checking in on this site:
http://www.pcceuromission.blogspot.com/



If you are on our mailing list, you should be receiving our calendar for October and November this week. There are significant dates and events for you to know. A coaching workshop at PCC 10/5-6. A date change for the Deep. It’s on Friday, now, October 12th at the Fallon House. A Bible Trivia night on Saturday October 20th. And Hallowed in San Jose Saturday October 27th-anteractive, art, music, film and poetry.


See you soon,

Tony

Conference take-aways

Just got back home this week from a great conference in Dallas. It was great to learn and getaway, but also great to be home! There's no place like home!

I had a great time with LEADNOW, an organization geared toward twenty and thirty somethings and leadership of our generation. The above video is a snippet from last year's event--(I already bought tickets for next year)--but it gives you the general feel to the experience I had! I had a good time of refreshing in my personal relationship with God and some affirmations of what is already happening in our are ministry. Here are some take-aways that affirmed and challenged me!


-Create (less programs) and be creative (with art, music, space, film, etc)


-Tell Good stories. There is no easy 1,2,3 answer to the Christian life. It's hard, messy, and like growing a tree. Jesus is not a product we can sell with an infomercial. Bullet points do not always have an impact. Christian candy like testaments, christian t-shirts, and screaming on a bullhorn don't ALWAYS work either. My responsibility is to be in relationship with people.

--Technology is good I should use it but be careful that it doesn't take me away from actually interfacing and communicating with people.

--Love people everywhere, know them, hang out, pray and get out of the Christian Bubble. I should know my neighbors, baristas, the poor and downcast in my community. I should be willing to dialog with people who are different and disagree with me. Christianity is not meant to be a debate.

--Create a place where people can be real--and elevate a culture that welcomes questioning and confession.

--Invite, Anoint, train, partner, and discipline leaders to lead.

--Major on God--and the core truths (don't waste time and petty arguments that aren't fundamental--and don't be self-righteously judgemental with those who disagree.

--be humble

--LOVE GOD AND LOVE PEOPLE


Earth shattering revelations? Not completely but challenging nonetheless. Hopefully if you are around me and this great community God has called us to, you will also be a part of living these things out!

Feeling Love

I am becoming so sappy. Seriously, I have always been in touch with my emotions which hasn't always been perceived as the "macho" thing but, hey, I am proud of it. But I must admit some of this sappiness is getting out of control. Connecting the dots leads me to believe being a husband and father is to blame! What's the evidence? Well, when I am away from my family at work or traveling on a trip I am constantly reminded of them. I hear a song, a sound, see a picture, and/or sometimes a smell triggers me(don't ask). Lately I am finding myself instantly tearing up within seconds. It can happen any where and in the most random places like walking through a mall or in a drive thru--I'm toast! My vision blurs as my eyes well up and I'm warm all over. Just today I caught a glimpse of a commercial with a young family like mine and I felt like I just got hit in the gut out of nowhere. BAM! And to be honest--I love it. I love this sappiness. because I love my family and it makes me grow in love for them more to think about then and actually feel something..and that something feels good!

The real truth is that whether we are husbands, wives, mothers or fathers-it doesn't really matter. It's just being God's creation that does. What I love about God is that he created each one of us to be whole emotionally and to experience the full range of emotions in healthy ways. We "feel" because we "believe." I well up (or cry lets be honest) because I believe my family is a great gift that I enjoy and I believe they love me and make my life better. I feel because of what I believe. And just think how great we "feel" when we truly believe God loves us! Think on that for a while. Read God's word. You and me are created and loved by God. We are in relationship with God. Just being human (created by God) entitles us the opportunity to experience the depth of love and all the gooey craziness that comes when we have feelings as a result. If you are reading this, I hope that you are engaging in the opportunity to feel what God wants you to feel as a result of believing and letting him in to live in you. I hope you, too, are getting all gooey and sappy when you catch a glimpse of a picture or hear a song that reminds you of God and his love for you. Read John 14. (Jesus said those who love him will be loved back by him and his father and that they will LIVE IN US!) He is thinking of you, loving you, and ever present with you all day long wherever you are (Psalm 139).

PS.

My wife made this as a blog post for our family's blog and it was so cute I had to pass it on to our community!

A few of my favorite things by Isella Rose

I love reading a good book...

standing up (ok, with a little help)...

watching the world around me...

having a good laugh...

gnawing on things...

wiggling my legs...

exersaucin' (thanks for the loan, Natalie Stewart!)

....and snuggling with my daddy.

More to come as I grow...

Rob Bell coming to SF

11/12/2007

My 3rd anniversary! We will be celebrating by going to San Francisco.

Stories. God. Relevance.

Wanna come? Get your tickets by clicking here:

ROB BELL TICKETS!

INVITE YOUR FRIENDS. THE TOPIC WILL BE GREAT FOR THEM.

My Opera Debut

and NO it wasn't singing, obviously.

I sometimes get random acting jobs. Last weekend I had a "live performance" gig. It was sponsored the the BRAVO! CLUB, a young Opera appreciation club. They really want the "young people" to come out to the Opera. Well, last night was San Francisco's fall premiere of SAMPSON AND DELILAH of all things and they hired actors for a faux film set for the Opening Night Pre-Show Gala. It was quite a show of tuxedos, diamonds, red carpet, fancy hoers devours, the whole nine yards. We had to entertain hundreds of people as they mingled and drank their champagne so they wouldn't get bored waiting for the Opera to start. It was actually a lot of fun!



I played the famous movie maker Cecil B. DeMille (Ten Commandments, Ben Hur, Sunset Boulevard). It was definitely an act of God that I got cast because if you google DeMille, you'll see I look NOTHING like him. But turns out he was a Christian and a very influential man in Hollywood. In fact, by God's providence I got a piece of mail from the Hollywood Prayer network this very week with a quote from Demille himself. Totally God-ronic. It was like God was giving me a great gift! I felt honored to play this man and get this opportunity. AND I had fun and got to improvise with the crowd and was stoked to get some food for my creative hunger!

"I have found the greatest power in the world is the power of prayer"
Cecil B. DeMille

Sunday nights..this fall 2007

After Sunday at 6 HEAD OUT to HANG OUT in downtown Redwood City.

La Tartine is a new cafe opened right in the heart of our great city. It's perfectly located by burritos, pizza, and movies! The perfect hang out! Right across from Century 20 with free validated parking off of middlefield! I have connected with owners-Andrew and Monique and they welcomed us to come and hang out every Sunday night. They even said we could bring in some live music sometime. So after Sunday at 6 this fall bring yourself and your friends to hang out and connect with others over some good java--make friendships and grow other relationships!

La Tartine



This must be more than just drinking coffee. Cause life (and our times of being community) is more than that! It's about listening and asking questions. It's about bringing people to the table who have never been before, and helping them (spiritually speaking and physically speaking) get a drink! It's about praying together and caring for people as Jesus did. Being good news. Some great new people are coming to our community in search of connection. Connection with people and with God! I am seeing that we have fantastic opportunities right now! I hope that we can all engage in God's best for us!

Hallowed

This event happened last year and will happen again this year. This video chronicles our journey in 2006! If anyone is interested in being a part of this event, see more info below, attend the meeting on Wed. night Sept. 5th.




Host: X-Factor
Location: Mission City Coffeehouse
2221 The Alameda, Santa Clara, CA 95050 US

When: Wednesday, September 5, 7:30PM
Phone: 408-813-2505
Please join us for our second planning meeting for the 2007 Hallowed event, A Sanctuary for the Soul. We will be discussing the vision for each of the lead artists in relation to the theme, as well as the charity we have chosen to support this year.

Hallowed will take place Saturday, 10/27/2007 at The Oasis in downtown San Jose. We will have a more unplugged vibe this year and I am looking for 6 artists to create an installation space with their team, as well as spoken word artists/poets and documentary filmmakers with content addressing social justice issues.

Who am I?

Each season I have to repriortize my life and schedule. Over the years I have come to these seven important considerations to prioritize and evaluate my spiritual growth and maturity. As fall approaches I have taken a look at these again.
This is what I want to be about.

1-Live into your identity in Christ and grow in your relationship with God as your Father. You were made to be in relationship with God, your creator, who made you for intimate communion as his child through Jesus Christ and to be made like him. You will never be disappointed with spending your life understanding God's love. Your beliefs will affect your behavior. Your life and beliefs are shaped by reading God’s word, the Bible, and taking time to pray and relate to him. Read any and all books about God’s love and the roles of the Trinity. Talk about it with humble, trustworthy, Biblically-rooted people, mediate on the Bible’s truths and examine how your family of origin has affected you and your understanding of God as Father. Seek to live in God’s forgiveness, and extend it to others. God really loves & likes you. John 15. Eph 1-3. Col 3:16. Make the time to love God and let him Love you.
2- Live your life passionately, as worship and with purpose. Develop (and utilize) your prayer life, purpose, and spiritual gifts. In love, God created you to be satisfied with himself and with a specific purpose to help usher in his kingdom. This means you must listen to him in order to live this out. Be an active part of God’s church filling your “part” of the body and living out your role. Read, study, and meet with people who live this out. Pray without ceasing. Study biblical prayers. What can you learn from them? Then make sure you can teach others. Read up on spiritual gifts. What are yours? How do your passions, hobbies and skills work together to advance God’s kingdom? Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12, Col 3: 17, 23, Eph 4, 1 Peter 4. Commit to worshipping with others. Be mentored and mentor others. (Worship is not just about music, it’s your lifestyle. Do everything as worship and be holy ad God is holy.) 1 Peter 1-2.
3-Live into God’s design for healthy masculinity/femininity and practice godly relationships. Study the roles that God has given to men and women and live in purity. Learn all that you can about sexuality and healthy relationships. Be single and pure, and if you want to be married, live like it now in your purity and roles as men and women. (When/if you are married, then prioritize your family above all else. Your spouse (family) is your first ministry.) I believe that when men and women truly live out their God given roles, it affects all of society. When these roles are dysfunctional, weak, or lacking power, it contributes to the breakdown of the family, society, and our world. Ephesians 5, 1 Peter 3, Proverbs 31.
4-Practice authenticity, be honest about your brokenness, live in forgiveness and seek reconciliation. Are you honest about your issues? Have you confessed your sin and found help? Are you free from bitterness toward all the people in your life? Find people with whom to share your story and prioritize living in God-centered community. Care more about what God thinks of you than what people think about you. Check your emotions. God created you with them and they are good. Live life with trustworthy, close people who you can share anything with yet depend on encouragement and accountability! Seek to get over your pain from the past with God’s power and love and live free. The lamest choice in life is the choice to be fake, to live in unforgiveness or in fear of what people think, to compartmentalize life, or to choose to believe or live lies. Do you need counseling? Get it. There is no shame in that! James 5:16, Hebrews 10:24-25
5-Live a missionary life where ever you are...wherever you physically live, live/serve as God has made you. We are called to live like Jesus and love others. Bless others, know and love your neighbors and those who work and serve around you. What has God called YOU to do? What is your mission? Don’t be anybody but who you are, and do this in a way that impacts and influences our world. Ministry is not just for those who are paid by the church—we all can live lives of ministry. Love/serve others: Our workplaces, neighborhoods, communities, etc. are our mission fields. Matt 5:16.

6- Give, save, and manage money as God’s steward. All you have comes from God. How you spend your money is worship. Your spending and giving is a reflection of your heart and character. If not wisely planned and budgeted, money can be very dangerous and have negative implications on your whole life. Get a spending plan and spend less than you make. Prioritize and budget giving to God’s purposes and the Church. Spend more on others than yourself. Seek simplicity. Your credit card statement/checkbook reflects your heart for God. Avoid debt, materialism, and closets full of clothes and stuff. Matt 6:19-24, 1 Tim 6:10.

7-Take care of the least of these. Jesus was concerned for the outcast, sick, and socially estranged. Christians need to be concerned and broken for the poor, orphaned, widowed, sick, and imprisoned. Do not take God’s word lightly we must not neglect the poor, widowed, and oprhans. Read the Bible and see how often God takes up the cause of the alien and stranger. Consider adoption, simple living, and radical sacrifice so that you can give to and serve in God’s purposes? Do you know a homeless person in your area? Take her to lunch. Invite him over to your warm house. Pray for the 163 million orphans in the world. Start and/or partner with ministries that make a difference for these causes. To know God is to love the poor. To follow Jesus is to live a life of sharing with those in need. Prov. 14:21&31, 19:17, Jer 22:19, Matt 25:31-46.

Wrestling through compassion and justice

WE NEED GREAT LOVE. WE NEED BIGGER HEARTS.

I am currently writing from Dallas Texas where I am participating in an amazing workshop on COMPASSION AND JUSTICE.

(Here's me listening intently)

I HIGHLY encourage that you read through the following blog EXTERNALLY FOCUSED LINK and read through the posts, look at the artistic note taking pictures, and eventually LISTEN to the MP3s of the main sessions.



HERE'S SOME AH-HA THOUGHTS SO FAR.
The closer we come to knowing and loving God, the more we will want to love people his ways.

We cannot truly follow Jesus without finding ourselves caring for the poor.

If all we offer are lots of Bible Study groups, times of prayer and singing and no one is seeking to show compassion and justice, care for the poor, or help the lowly as a result, these Bible study groups and prayer times are not truly transforming us. When we are truly transformed this will be evident.

When we are truly transformed we really become RUINED for God's purposes.

Living in the Kingdom of God means that we are living a life of giving and sharing not hording and building for ourselves.

MATTHEW 25 IS SERIOUS. There are lots of scripture where God calls us to care for the poor. Do we take this to heart? Seriously?

Quote: "When we say we worship Jesus but all we do is shop, we've made Jesus and idol. If we worship Jesus then we serve the poor." This was spoken in the context of raising children, too. Our kids will learn how to live out their faith if they see their parents living out this faith and being generous to the poor.

The good news for the poor means that they will receieve physical help! The will receieve food and shelter not just a spiritual change. And when we encounter Jesus and his love and his model, we will want to help people physically. That's they the church in Acts was all about helping others and sharing.

Ministry of Money website




Which one of these locations looks like where you do your shopping?


Ok, got to get to my discussion group. More later.

Humbled,

TG

Want to particpate in Hallowed this year?

PRELIMINARY MEETING THIS WEEK!!!!
This awesome artistic event is coming again. See pictures below from the previous years. If you would like to attend this event please try and make this meeting in San Jose. I am at a conference this week and cannot make it! Art for God! I love it!

Host: X-Factor
Location: Mission City Coffeehouse
2221 The Alameda, Santa Clara, CA 95050 US
When: Wednesday, August 22, 7:30PM
Phone: 408-813-2505

Hallowed is approaching quickly in the next 2 1/2 months. This year we will utilize Hallowed as a fundraising outreach to a charity (to be announced) that services the poor and needy.

This year's theme is A Sanctuary for the Soul and will take place Saturday, 10/27/2007 at The Oasis in downtown San Jose. We will have a more unplugged vibe this year and I am looking for 6 artists to create an installation space with their team, as well as spoken word artists/poets and documentary filmmakers with content addressing social justice issues.

We will have our first planning meeting this Wednesday, Aug. 22nd at Mission City Coffeehouse. Please call Jonathon at the above number if you are available.


Jonathan Fung

Hot Water Weekend 2007

Here's a little video recap of this truly awe-inspiring weekend at Lake Don Pedro. Our 8th annual trip. God moved in so many ways. People came to know him, others found themselves growing, people were baptized, and we had great food, fun, and sweet times of prayer in this community. It's times like these that I am reminded of how blessed I am to live the life that I live (a gift from God) and how important it is to live in community and do life together by praying and sharing our stories.

ALSO--WE WELCOME CURTIS ASHFORD AND CHRIS "SHOE" INTO GOD'S FAMILY!

Hebrews 10:24-25

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

Enjoying my daughter reminds me of God's enjoyment of us

I know every parent has the "love revelation." It just hits you. All of sudden you get a small, but real piece of God's heart. I'll be looking at Isella and totally enjoying her--whether it's during her moments of screeching with joy, holding her toes, waking up in the morning, and even during diaper duty when WHAM the love revelation hits me. I stop, think, and feel...I am absolutely in love with this little person. Not only has she moved into our house with her entourage of gadgets, toys, and accessories, but also she has fully moved into my heart. I sometimes want to hug her so much that I wish I could pull her inside of me. I want to just eat her. (Not in the cannibalistic way..but in the...well, I don't know what kind of way, it's just an expression-I don't like to eat babies. I just love her so much I have no other words. Wendy warns me that this may give her nightmares so I need to cut back on the sound effects when kissing her toes). BUT To think that God's love for me, for all of his creation, expands beyond this little feeling I have boggles my mind. I cannot fully digest this. It's too much, too wonderfully messy. He LOVES US.

I have made it my ambition to pray for Isella and try to speak God's word to her. Often as I am whispering, "God created you, you are fearfully and wonderfully made" or "God has a purpose for your life to prosper you and not to harm you but to give you a hope and a future," I have had to stop myself and receive those words for my own life. I have to remind myself that this incredible love that I have for Isella is the same incredible love that God has for me. Even when I don't feel it, God loves me like this. Ah. Argh. Ug. Sigh…..(Selah)

This is amazing.

AND... another crazy God LOVE REVELATION correlation! I have even felt a twinge of jealousy in my love for my daughter. Now, I don't dare compare this type of love to God, because I am human and my motives are really fleshy..selfish...but the thought works again as an analogy.

I (selfishly) don't want any other person, especially another man, to make her smile more or give her more joy THAN ME. It struck me today, that (again, it's a metaphor) God must feel like this for us. He doesn't want anyone or anything to be the main source of our joy but HIM. It made total sense today as I thought about it. Honestly I have no jealousy toward my wife, thankfully ☺, she’s the best and we have enough challenges as parents than being competiitve in this area, so whew..not an issue.(I’d probably lose anyway cause I don’t have what we call the magic latte!)—but I have honestly felt this toward others. Weird huh? But let me say: Of course I want her grandparents, aunts, uncles, baby-sitters, etc to love on her and gush over her--but I always want to be her Papa who she runs to and keeps number one. I tear up as I type this because I again thank God for his passionate love for me in this same way. He longs for us to run to him and to make him our soul’s satisfaction.

For an encouragement read Zephaniah 3:17

God, thank you for loving me so much that you want to satisfy all my desires with good things. Thank you that you are good and worthy of my attention. I love you for loving me and being an amazing father. May I please be a father like you to my children.

In Jesus’ name forever.

Amen.

Street Church update

“..and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry
and satisfy the needs of the oppressed,
then your light will rise in the darkness,
and your night will become like the noonday.”
Isaiah 58:10

Hello Street Church Family! In this blog:

-1-website coming
-2-Need extra help this month
-3-Thanksgiving heads up
-4-Next meetings—mark your calendar
-5-Needs

So thankful for all you do in serving and giving your time to our friends at Street Church!
Our PCC High School Students served our Street Church brothers and sisters last night for a special meal! I am so thankful to see God moving and blessing on the streets. I have been so encouraged by reading Isaiah 58 lately. I dare you to read about the fasting and praying that God asks of us. It’s humbling and inspiring.



1-GREAT NEWS!!

We will launch a website in September specifically for Street Church. It will be an interactive site used for those on the street to find help and food, as well as information for you as leaders and servers in the ministry.

We will have stories, hopefully videos, and pictures of what God is doing. Please pray for this project that God uses it to bring many people to himself and also for those creating it and taking the photos to see JESUS through the least of these.

2-Need more coverage on Tuesday and Thursday nights
I will be gone for almost all of the Tuesdays this month. I need some rest from a very busy summer and I am vacationing, as well. I will also be in Dallas to participate in a conference (with Ruby Jacques, and some others from PCC), specifically on compassion and justice—and preparing for a class that we are offering on that very topic this fall!!

So, I would really appreciate lots of coverage on the street in my absence!

Also—our Thursday team is in need of more leaders to befriend, talk, and pray. We always lose a lot of help after summer when our interns and college students return back home. And the summer months are easier and warmer, but we always anticipate needing helping when winter comes. Please pray about joining us from 9-10:30pm behind café barrone on any Tuesday or Thursday night.


3-THANKSGIVING LUNCH IS APPROACHING

Please consider participating in our fifth annual Thanksgiving Lunch for the whole church body and our friends from the street! November 22nd at 11:30am in the fellowship hall!! We need lots of gifted people to make this amazing experience happen.

4-NEXT STREET CHURCH LUNCH MEETING
10/21-Lunch 12:30-(Thanksgiving planning)
11/18-Thanksgiving lunch pre-prep meeting



5- WE NEED SOME DRIVERS THIS MONTH on Tuesdays IN AUGUST AND A MEAL FOR TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 18TH. If you are able to take care of these needs—please contact Kirsten at 364.3604

Thanks!

Happy August to you all!
tony

A Eulogy for my Gnome

It was a beautiful Sunday morning.

The espresso machine was crankin out the magic java and Wendy was making a fritatta.

The Gapastiones were preparing for some guests.

The gnome at the door held a post it note that said, "Come on in and

don't make sound, we don't want the baby to cry."

Little did we know this would be the day our beloved gnome would die.

Everyone arrived with smiles and fun banter,

but no one could have forshadowed the events that happened after.

When our time had come to a close, we said our goodbyes,

and ushered our friends back out through the door.

With a crash and a bang,

and someone shouting, "Oh Dang,"

Our morning came to a halt.

"Oh no, I'm so sorry. I didn't even see him there."

Sigh. I"t's OK."

I see how this could happen.

He's so small, so small and so fragile, (and I even thought he was wooden).

His death came by a huge leather purse

and now his body is carried off by a wee- little hearse.

One swift swing to his dome-

did in our poor friend the gnome.

So, Goodbye forever Mr. Broom-holding, hobbit-looking thing.

May you rejoice as you hear all the angels sing in the presence of our almighty king.

One last thing I'd like to say.

You brought us such joy, as we proudly displayed you in our garage.

A film showing Sunday 7/29 at Mercy Cafe

Invisible Children will be shown Sunday night at 8:30pm in Fellowship Hall. This documentary (PG-13) focuses on the thousands of children that flee their homes nightly in order to escape being abducted as a child soldier Uganda’s war. This movie will move you. See more info by clicking here






Watch the Trailer HERE

The Deep Saturday 7/14 Red Morton Park RWC

USUALLY The Deep is held in homes. A time to worship and be the Church in communion with God and each other. This month we'll venture outside, literally. We don't need walls. We'll meet at 120 Roosevelt Ave. in Redwood City

We'll meet at Red Morton Park around 6pm. Bring stuff to grill out for dinner and expect we'll gather on blankets (be sure to bring some) to worship by praying, singing, connecting, and just being. Spread the word, this is a change. And God may open doors for others in the park, let's pray that God would use us to bless others.
Dress warm in case of cold and bring flashlights to see your Bibles!

For directions click the Red Morton link here!

DON'T FORGET OUR SPECIAL MERCY CAFE GUESTS: MARKET FRESH IMPROV COMEDY playing after Sunday at 6.

Prayer Retreat This Saturday!!

This month's discipleship time is a PRAYER RETREAT!

A time to pray together, alone, in silence, on a trial/hike, and in comfortable home setting with beautiful outside options.

Saturday July 7th, 9:30am to 1pm.


The prayer retreat will happen in a secret, peaceful location. Meet at PCC's parking lot where the Emma Rhen playground. Plan on coming and staying for the whole time. Plan on car-pooling (for only 15 minutes to our location) or following the group. (If you can't make it for the whole time, then maybe next time you can participate).


Bring your Bible/Journal, comfortable clothes, hiking shoes and/or a blanket if you want, and plenty of water and/or juice. You can spend the whole time indoors if you want so don't feel obligated to be outside-it's just an option.

See you Saturday morning. We will finish by 1pm. You may consider fasting for the morning and breaking it by going out to lunch afterward. (No food will be provided during the retreat).

Invite other people. Questions? email tonyg@peninsulacovenant.com

MATTHEW 7:7

Recycling

Recycling is a priority for me. I believe it's a mandate for Christ followers to love creation and take care of it. I think littering is a sin. Being careless will effect our future. I remember one time when my mom saw a guy throw a full bag of fast food garbage out of his car window. I was about ten years old. She sped up to the next stoplight and pulled next to him with her window rolled down and yelled, "Because of you my kids have to grow up in a dirty world." I was totally embarrassed, but I can never forget that experience. She was right. How we live will impact our future. We have a responsibility to be a good steward with our stuff and think about future generations. AND recycling not only honors God but it comes with an added bonus. Watch the video to find out.

July 14th and 15th

July 14-the Deep at the Fallon House

AND


Market Fresh Comedy IMPROV (from So-Cal)
Performing at Mercy Café Sunday night July 15th.

After Sunday at 6 enjoy coffee and some fresh, CLEAN, family friendly comedy. Fun for the whole family. (Grills are always open for you to bring your own meat and eat pic-nic style). Show starts at 8pm bring a blanket and a lawn chair. Sunday at 6 will be on the lawn this day.
Great opportunity to invite friends.


It’s free, but we ALWAYS take donations for the food and Mercy Café. Please keep this in mind and financially support Mercy Café as an experience sponsored by the Young Adults community for the whole church body.

Market Fresh is also looking for a venue to play Saturday. Any connections let me know.


Click here to watch video

My first dad's day

I had my first father's day this past Sunday. I loved it. Being a dad is one of the greatest privileges of me life, right under being a husband.


FYI

I’ll be returning to the office Thursday morning. In my absence if you have any needs/concerns regarding the interns please contact Lauren Majewski at Lauren.majewski@gmail.com .


Tuesday night Street Church is in need of someone to pick up food and deliver it to Street Church this week. If you are able please contact Kirsten Devlin to arrange the specifics. 650.364.3604, or kirstend@peninsulacovenant.com .


College and Young Adult Care Groups started last Wednesday and continue every week in Room 301 at 7pm. If you have needs/concerns email Christina Preston at cmp575@gmail.com .

Thank you.

Tony Gapastione

The Deep on Saturday night 6/16

I like Steak..and summer is a great time to grill it up!


so bring your tri-tip and top sirloin...

cause you all are invited to the Deep --which starts at 8pm at 617 Fallon Ave in San Mateo 94401. North Bound 101-Get off on Third Street Exit and Go East. Take that to Norfolk and Go Right, Then take a left on Shoreview and Go right on Fallon Ave.

BUT...BEFORE..THATyou are all invited to come and BBQ! Come anytime after 4:30pm. Bring some food to share, SALAD, SODA, DESSERT, CHIPS, or some meat to grill (there will be some food provided) and invite friends. When 8pm hits we will worship together in prayer, the word, communion, and discussion, and meditation.

What does it mean to follow Jesus and live like him?...and are you?

SUMMER IS HERE!!

A LIVING AND SERVING COMMUNITY. That's what we are. That's what we are striving to be. We are the Church! Our hope is that although we do have certain gathering points this summer that we strive to live life together loving God and loving others and making disciples.




YOUNG ADULT HAPPENINGS FOR THE SUMMER

MERCY CAFE Sundays
Every Sunday night: A time to celebrate! Starts June 10th!
4:30-Grill out, lawn games, hang time
6-Sunday at 6 worship gathering
8pm-Mercy Cafe-coffee, open mic, music, games, hang out

This is a great and casual time to invite friends.

Wednesdays-New summer care groups!
A time to grow, pray, and celebrate
Starting June 13th at 7pm every week for the summer. Room 301 near the PCCC bym and Bayview room at PCC. We'll have potlucks every week so that we can eat together, a time of teaching, and then small groups (same gender) meet to pray, study the Bible, and share stories. We will be giving options for each group to determine their focus but since our PCC summer theme if RISKING IT ALL and we’ll be studying the book of Esther, we also have the option of reading through SHANE CLAIBORNE’S NEW BOOK: The irresistible revolution: Living as an Ordinary Radical. We have the books available for you at a cost of $10, and you can also download the book for $12.99 on Itunes. See his website at www.thesimpleway.org

Monthly Worship Gatherings in Homes:The Deep:
A time to grow and a time to pray in homes
Saturday June 16th-location TBA
Saturday July 14th-location TBA

Monthly Discipleship teaching times.
These monthly times were started as an effort to discuss theology and apply God's word to our lives so that we can live missional lives that honor God and help us grow. June 1st at 7pm is our first one for the summer. It will happen at our (The Gapastione) home. If you would like to come email me ASAP. Other summer DATES TBA and will be announced through an EVITE.


Street Church
A time to pray, grow, and serve
time to pray, grow, and celebrate
August 10-12 at Lake Don Pedro. Wake Boarding, Wave-runners, camping, etc. EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION IS $90 before July 15th. After it goes up to $115.
Register ASAP by calling 650.364.3604 and talking to Kirsten or fill out the form and turn it in to Tony or Intern Christina Preston

and developing friendships. We meet in Menlo Park behind Cafe Barrone at 9pm.


Hot Water Weekend:
A time to pray, grow, and celebrate
August 10-12 at Lake Don Pedro. Wake Boarding, Wave-runners, camping, etc. EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION IS $90 before July 15th. After it goes up to $115.
Register ASAP by calling 650.364.3604 and talking to Kirsten or fill out the form and turn it in to Tony or Intern Christina Preston.

A gift from Wayne is a gift from God

Tuesday nights=Street Church.




The Church is God's people and no walls are necessary. I am a stickler for language. Did you know we can't GO to church or attend church. At least God never intended for it to be that way. He intended for us to BE (A PART OF) THE CHURCH which includes us interacting intimately with the people who make up the church and patnering togeher to build God's family. No consumer worshipping, necessary or fancy schmancy building, no just coming and sitting in a pew to listen or be entertained by watching one or two people preach/sing, but so much more! God wants us to be the church by having relationships, helping others find Jesus AND get their daily needs met, praying together, taking care of the poor, and doing life together. Ok, off my soap-box.
So every Tuesday I am a part of the church that meets on the street. I gather with my friends at a bus stop for dinner, conversation, prayer, and some Bible teaching and dialogue. I love it. For six years I have been able to create amazing relationships and see God do some amazing life change. Tonight was a reminder that God gifts me through this Church , too.

After the night was over and I was heading to my car, when Wayne called me over to the bench where he was sorting his plastic bottle and aluminum cans for recycling. A little background on Wayne. When we first started Street Church, Wayne would come for the food and leave. At one time he wouldn't accept being called any one's friend because he didn't have any friends nor did he want to be any one's friend. Hugging Wayne was like hugging a pole, he wouldn't move or physically respond. Sometimes it seemed that he would even scoff at or efforts to share the Bible and God's love with others talk. Over the years God has done an amazing thing in Wayne, he has warmed up more than ever, never misses a prayer time (even has initiated it) or a hug, and one Christmas he even sang Silent Night out loud for all of us IN GERMAN. I love this guy.



All this to say that tonight when he called me over he said this:

"I have a gift for you. Well, it's not really for you, but for Isella. I found this stocking in the garbage by Big 5, it looks brand new and I thought it would be great for Isella's first Christmas, even though I know that getting presents isn't what Christmas is about I just wanted to give it to you for her."



The crazy thing is this isn't the first time I've received a gift from one of my friends who happens to be homeless.

Hope for the Homeless

Today was a beautiful and amazing event sponsored by the San Mateo county where we live. From 9am-3pm today Red Morton Community Center (pictured below) was filled with 100 local volunteers (8 from PCC/Street Church) and 150 poor and homeless friends from our community.

"Clients" were able to receive haircuts (look for David Kyle's new do), register for DMV IDs, apply for shelters, receive government aid, bus passes, dental/medical and mental health care, massages, showers, bike repair, food stamps, clothing vouchers, and even pet care culminating at lunch with a big BBQ! Many of our friends from Street Church were there thanks to being picked up and shuttled over. I was able to pray with some people and also explain to a county leader why we wanted to join their efforts. "We are part of a church that wants to do more than just sit in a building. Jesus came to serve us and we want to follow him by serving others. That's why we want to help."

This was truly a beautiful day for me. And I was so proud watching God's people serve in such a way and also develop relationships with those who work for the county. The link below explains our county's initiative to end homelessness in our area.

SAN MATEO COUNTY HOPE LINK

God was at work and we were able to join him.

Thanks to all who came and supported this effort.

Don't forget this Saturday is PCC's Beautiful day. Those not going to the Gothold wedding are encouraged to serve at Roosevelt Elementary School in Redwood City all day Saturday May 19th! Also, Street Church is every Tuesday and Thursday night in Menlo Park at 9pm.

Internal, Eternal Ache

"Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come and the years approach when you you will say, 'I find no pleasure in them.'"
Ecclesiastes 12:1
A personal thought process from last night that I journaled.

It's 4am and I had just finished feeding isella. I laid in bed unable to fall back asleep. This is odd because I feel exhausted (in so many ways). This day brought a few disappointments. My poor wife is still not feeling good and still feeling pain (more than I think she should be), although she is home from the hospital. We had to cancel our family trip to Texas for my step-brother's graudation. Which is the right decision but I sorely let go of the plane ticket investment. On this same day I feel overhwhelmed with other issues: I didn't receive a hoped for salary increase, I am playing catch up and overwhelmed with work as I enter one of the busiest seasons of my year, and I still am dealing with my crazy-making dental issues. I lay there with all these things taking over my mind. I wanted to forget them and go to sleep. That wasn't happening. I also was nagged by the aching thought of an email that I was a week overdue for a response. It's sad, but that was the final motivating factor that got me out of bed. I made my way to to our computer and formulated my email. I did grab my journal on my way knowing that I needed to spend some time thinking and praying. Trying to compose my thoughts and words at such an early hour wasn't easy. Playing my itunes eased my angst. While listening, Carrie Underwood's cover song, "I'll stand by you," came up in my playlist. Even now as I type this I have it on repeat. It was perfect. I needed these words to touch me. I got on my knees and curled up on the floor. The lyrics washed over me like God's very words to me. (Look it up on itunes. It was featured on American Idol a month ago).

Carrie Underwood I'll Stand By You Lyrics
[acoustic version of The Pretenders' classic]

Oh, why you look so sad? Tears are in your eyes
Come on and come to me now.
Don't be ashamed to cry, let me see you through
Cause I've seen the dark side too.
When the night falls on you, you don't know what to do,
Nothing you confess could make me love you less
I'll stand by you, I'll stand by you, I won't let nobody hurt you,
I'll stand by you.
So, if you're mad get mad, don't hold it all inside,
Come on and talk to me now.
And hey, what you got to hide? I get angry too
But I'm alot like you.
When you're standing at the crossroads, don't know which path to choose,
Let me come along, cause even if your wrong
I'll stand by you, I'll stand by you, I won't let nobody hurt you,
I'll stand by you.
Take me in into your darkest hour, and I'll never desert you.
I'll stand by you.
And when, when the night falls on you baby, you're feeling all alone,
You won't be on your own, I'll stand by you. I'll stand by you, won't let nobody hurt you. I'll stand by you
Take me in into your darkest hour and I'll never desert you
I'll stand by you. ooooh, I'll stand by you. I'll stand by you.

I knew God was wooing me to him. He drew me close for the sake of being close. He didn't say that all these things were going to work out the way I wanted them to or even change for that matter. I was to come to God and pour them out, cry them out and shout them all out to him. How quickly I had forgotten his words to me in the hospital just a week ago. What matters is Him, his love, his satisfaction. No salary increase, or busy-free, easy-going schedule, "perfect American dream," or even a health-filled challenged free life will fully bring me the pleasure and fulfillment that I am looking for in this eternal, internal ache. We were not made to be fully content by what we can achieve, eat, earn, or create on our own.

The scene in the movie Garden State came to mind tonight. The main Characters Sam and Andrew (played by Zach Braff and Natalie Portman) stand atop a huge rock quarry overlooking a huge ravine in the rain. It's been a trying, painful journey for them and in response they just scream into the darkness of large abyss. It's a beautifully messy picture of our generation's struggle for find meaning amidst strife and frustration.




It's like Ecclesiastes. Someone would say that life is meaningless with all it's unanswered issues, cyclical wanderings, and unfair situations. The reality I see in life and in Ecclesiastes is that there truly sometimes is no answer. God is silent all too often. Our sorrow and misery can seem unaccounted for and things can seem unfair, but we have a choice. We can believe there is no point to all of it, or we can choose to continue to Honor God and keep his commandments EVEN when things don't make sense or seem meaningless. According to Ecclesiastes we are to enjoy life while we can, and enjoy the things that are enjoyable and when they are not, we are only able to conclude that we must continue to follow and obey God. Regardless of how we feel about it, that's all we have. It's a wonderfully real, raw, vulnerable, and messy commentary on life.

Like the song and like God's word, we are invited to get mad and express our deep emotions and release our stress to him. There is no fear in truly being human. Even in writing this I am feeling free.

The Christian fallacy is that because God's word says he have a plan, he has ordained all the days of our life, and he will work everything out for the good of those who loves him--that our life will be free from pain and full of everything we want. It simply isn't true. I confess, I struggle with this. I buy into the lie that God is supposed to make my life like the American dream when he wants to make my life like Jesus. And what do we have in Jesus? Humility and suffering as he lives his life in peace, kindness, and selflessness. This is crazy. Why do I think that God wants me to have a high profile life where I live luxuriously pain free? My savior and my God had nothing that was attractive about him. He was despised and had no where to live. I am so humbled.

God forgive me. Forgive me. Wash over me. I give you my disappointments, comparisons, anger, and hopelessness. I will continue to obey you. I will continue to do your will regardless of how I feel.

Wendy's Recovery update

Wendy is still in the hospital recovering. Things are going OK. It's hard but we see God with us. I have been able to spend good time with her, even snuggling in bed to watch a movie last night. I totally attribute this to people's prayers which have brought such peace and strength and tangible offerings of help that have freed me up. Last night the nurses brought in a big TV/DVD. I felt like we were in a college dorm still dating and being checked on by dorm moms or RA's. I new the time would come to an end and when I had to go home I was all weepy. Again, I appreciate and love my wife and miss her being home with me. AND I am so thankful she'll soon be home and we wont have to part ways.

Good things we are experiencing:

She IS able to breastfeed. A lactation consultant looked up each and every antibiotic to ensure it would be OK! She spent about an hour doing so out of her own time.

My prof from my Thursday night Seminary class excused me from class and she and the class sent emails and prayers. It freed me up to spend good time with Wendy.

We are befriending and enjoying the relationships with nurses.

She is in her room alone as a courtesy so we can bring isella in and stay for longer periods.

Isella is just amazing. She is flexible and calm and I am loving being her dad. Grandparents are also getting great time with her an learning the ropes.

God, still, is good.



THINGS TO PRAY:

For Wendy's' temp to stay normal and for this day to bring great strides in her health. She's having to take straight up potassium that she described as "drinking pure salt." Since it wasn't going down to easy, they mixed it with jello. Appetizing huh? Salty jello..

Saturday I have Seminary all day, this class not so easy to get out of since it only meets 5 times the whole semester. The first class I left early from because Wendy was having contractions! :) Pray for smooth orchestrating all the events of the day.

and pray that I continue passing the DAD test as I do the late night feedings and the "dressing" in the morning. It's a lot of pressure when I bring isella to the hospital HOPING to hear Wendy say, "Oh, she looks cute, Nice outfit choice." It's like the yearning to hear: "Well done, good and faithful servant!" :)

Consider it pure joy...

Whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.
James 1: 1-3

My wife Wendy's appendix ruptured sometime yesterday the surgeon said. Thankfully they were able to remove it, clean the toxins, and stabilize her. The say they'll want to keep her 4-5 days to monitor her recovery :(. Please pray for this because this will be challenging. I want what's best for her and I know God will work it out.

Although it's very frustrating that they sent her home yesterday saying it was a bladder infection, I am simply happy to have my wife. I was with her from 5pm until they took her into surgery at 7:45pm. She came out around 9:50pm and I finally saw her at 10pm. (What was so cool is that typical marriage vow popped in my head when I saw her.."I vow to love you in SICKNESS AND IN HEALTH."). It was another way God spoke to me about my role as her husband and loving her.

Those two hours of waiting gave me much time to pray, read, and journal. So here are my not-so put together musings. Beware this is like a journal entry:

My thoughts raced with anger, sadness, gratefulness, worry, frustration, and overwhelming helplessness. Although I wanted to know WHY God had allowed this to happen right now, I realized that's always the wrong question. I needed to trust God was doing something for his purposes. I was scared, too, and God reminded me that he loves Wendy more than I do. I even felt like he told me the same about isella. I was concerned that she might get confused with having the bottle so much and not breast-feeding (normally Wendy feeds her every 3 hours and the bottle has only been like 5 times since she's been born). God reminded me that again he LOVES ISELLA MORE THAN I EVER COULD. He, too, (like I am trying to teach her) has a purpose for her life which he started at her conception. This was also a cool thought for me. As I lay on the floor in the waiting room, I, Ultimately-I was reminded that no material thing would make me happy in that moment. Someone could have come in and offered me a million dollars, or a movie role in some huge film and it wouldn't have made me happy without having my best friend/my wife in my life! I couldn't care less if we ever owned a house or got another new car.At that moment I didn't want a bunch of new clothes, nor care if my name was ever attributed to anything historic, not even an upgrade to a Treo would do it :)--because nothing could fill me up like the good gifts God has given me. His love and faithfulness was what I needed and all i wanted was my wife to be well and for my family to together. If I could only have this same simple, non-comparing, self-less, God-centered attitude for the other 90% of my life. Needless to say, I spent much time being humbled in the past 24 hours about the condition of my heart. There's just one of many reasons why God allowed this. Perhaps, in my busy life of work, seminary, working out, parenting, etc--I just needed to have solo face time with God.

I clung to Isaiah 41.(Although God is talking to Israel in this passage)--I was comforted that he doesn't want us to fear and that he helps and cares for his loved ones. I rest in that.


BTW-Huge thanks to my great in-laws who had a crash course of baby-sitting isella fpr SEVEN HOURS which included two feedings, a bath, naps, play time, soothing and swaddling. They passed the test with flying colors proving that we definitely can go out for LONG dates starting after Wendy's recovery!

Also- I am thankful for the HUGE outpouring of help and prayers from my family and from our community. I know that things will work out this week and I will be taking you up on your offerings from your voice mails and text messages. I truly love our community and being a part of God's family.

I just had to process all of this for my own benefit. And so when Wendy returns she can know what was in my head. She likes that! I love her so much and miss her presence in this house right now.

I'm tired and tonight I'm Mr. Mom. I've got a few hours to nap.

God is good.

PS.


Local friends if you do want to visit call me first. She's gonna be very weak. She has had to fast from even water since she went in at 10am yesterday.

PCC's Beautiful day 2

This week in YA news:

I can't tell you HOW PROUD AND GRATEFUL I am for our community. Wednesday night you should have experienced the combination of high schoolers, turn-tables by DJ Alex, Little Miss Sunshine, Post-it notes, and a mixer that had sweaty people playing "air twister." It was a great night of communicating about what it means to be the body of Christ. The church is God's people. We don't go to or attend Church..WE ARE THE CHURCH. Our community of college students and young adults joined the High School students in an attempt to make some good connections. It was a good start to what I hope is a strong and continued relationship with them. Thanks to all who made that night possible.

Sunday at 6 team potluck at 4pm. If you are interested in serving in some way, please join us in the basement of the worship center.

Also!!
This Sunday we will determine after Sunday at 6 where we want to go to dinner.