Street Church quarterly lunch and prayer needed

Anyone that is interested in ministry to those homeless on the street, people who would like to provide meals, those who enjoy befriending the poor, people who would like to help people find jobs, homes, rehabilitation services, and the hope of Jesus please alert them to our quarterly Street Church lunch on Sunday April 29th in the Fireside room-12:30-2pm with free lunch. Have them email me to RSVP or call 650.364.6304 x252. Street Church meets every Tuesday and Thursday night at 9pm. Please pass this on to your ministries email lists or where appropriate verbal announcements.

2-Also, please pray for our friends at Street Church. VTA bus services are making changes intended to drastically affect our people who utilize the late night busses for warmth and shelter at night. Annamae Thomas from Street Church, who also participated in our Sketch during the series on James, is quoted in this article:
http://www.paloaltodailynews.com/article/2007-4-8-pa-hotel-22

Happy Easter. Jesus Christ is Risen!

What Jesus did for us 2000 years ago in his life, death, and resurrection was give us a new and full life in a relationship with God as Father, purpose and mission, freedom from sin and fearing death, AND (not just) life eternal.



He is risen Indeed.


Well, life for me as husband, father, and pastor will start anew tomorrow. I have had two great weeks to be with my family and enjoy together this new season of life!Thanks to our great Church and community for offering me this opportunity. I am looking forward to meeting again with people and connecting with God's movement within.

Keep this on the radar!

LEADERS AND SERVANTS PRAYER AND DINNER ON FRIDAY APRIL 13TH
SUNDAY HANG OUTS AFTER SUNDAY AT 6 RESUME ON SUNDAY APRIL 15TH
THE DEEP ON SATURDAY APRIL 28TH!

Musings on Starbucks, Isella, and community

It's no surprise to any that I love Starbucks and having a baby won't stop me from enjoying my favorite soy beverages --which lure me there often. Besides it's not just the sweet java that brings me there but the community element that I also love. I love that I am known by name and that I can call the baristas by name. I love that Starbucks is not just a place where I get coffee, but a place where I meet with God and "work" for God. Not only do I love spending time journaling and reading there, but I love being able to get in conversations with people there about God. I love hoping and praying for each barista to be blessed and find the transforming love of God. I have even been able to pray and study the Bible with some of Starbucks' finest baristas! Now, Isella is also a part of this, too. My hope and prayer for her life is that she would learn to value all people and see that each relationship she makes is significant in eternity. My prayer for her is that she seizes any and all opportunities to bless people and live out Jesus' words in Matthew 5:16 to let her light shine before all people so that they may see her good words and praise God, too. (BTW-Ella means Bringer of light). She's already on her way and being used to usher in God's kingdom. I love it.

Isella's Baristas!

Learning about God's love with Isella

Everyone says becoming a parent teaches you about God's love. It's so true for me. I love this little girl and she has done nothing from me. Just because she is mine I love her and want to be close to her! If I could only get that fully for myself with God's love for me!It's good to be home!
Welcoming her home were pink roses and some pink balloons! Mom dressed her up in her pink velour BABY GAP and she took her first ride in the car!

Photo Sharing - Upload Video - Video Sharing - Share Photos



Our sweet little girl spends a lot of time sleeping, but don't let that fool you, she has no problem expressing her opinions. As of her first 48 hours, she doesn't like being changed. We hope that changes!

She's already earned a nickname for this cry. We call it the VULTURE CRY because she screeches at the cold of wipes or just cold in general. After all, she's used to being in the warmth of the womb!










Important prayer request:
Isella's (2nd) cousin was born on March 23rd.
Cooper Joseph Wooldridge along with his
mom, my Aunt Jerri, is still receiving
medical treatment at the hospital in Illinois.
Please pray for both of their recovery and full healing!

New Life

Here's a brief update on the new addition to my family!



She finally arrived. The kisses are now Hers, and hers, and his!

We'd like you to meet:
ISELLA ROSE
(Pronounced E-sella. In Italian we say "I" as "E")

Born Sunday March 25th at 2:57am.
7lbs 13oz, 19.5 inches

We are very much in love and therefore very much tired! What a wild ride. Thanks for all the visits and calls from everyone!


JUST A NOTE TO ALL MY PCC PEOPLE AND YOUNG ADULTS COMMUNITY: I hope you'll understand my absence from events, mentoring times, Street Church, Sunday dinners, and other community happenings while I spend time getting to know my new daughter for the next two weeks--and trying to get some rest! :)





MORE TO COME SOON ON OUR INCREDIBLE JOURNEY THIS PAST WEEKEND!


and..introducing our new family logo!

This was waiting in my inbox from my good friend Glenn Wong. He designed our original Gapastione Cafe, and then "one on the way," and tonight when I snuck home real quick to get a shower this surprise was a gift to add to our blog! Awesome! Thanks Glenn, Jenn, and Owen!

Blessing of Titus 2 relationships

Word from Titus 2:1-8
You must teach what is in accord with sound doctrine. Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance. Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, 5to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God. Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled. In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.
************************
Now that Wendy is officially a stay at home mom, (Baby Gap is still in utero) we were able to go out to lunch with these great Godly women. Elizabeth and Ernestine take our friend Lorraine out almost monthly. We love to join them and here their wisdom and love for God.

My hope is that our community builds great relationships with godly people like this!

THIS SATURDAY NIGHT MARCH 24TH IS BUNCO AT PCC FELLOWSHIP HALL!
Bring a quart of Chinese food and a donation of $6 at 6:30pm for a fun time of hanging with the whole Church family at PCC and especially those in the 50plus ministry!

Crabby Crab

Saturday March 10th a bunch of us worked the Kiwanis Club Annual Crab Feed! We served 400 hundred hungry (gluttonous) people buckets of crab! And then at the end of our shift, we got to eat this succulent seafood, too, The whole place was decked out with decorations like a scene from the Pirates of the Caribbean and The Little Mermaid.



It was a fun time of serving together. Our group was asked back for our fourth year in a row by a PCC member who is part of the Kiwanis Club. Every year they generously donate to our ministry and give us a chance to have fun and I also was reminded of a spiritual truth, too. Did you know that food can have power over us?



It was our job to keep the bowls filled with crab on each table. Hundreds of people had paid to come and indulge in this annual all you can eat ritual. There would be times when the ravenous crabbers would roar to get our attention for a refill. Their bowls would be half full and they'd already be waving us down for more. These people were determined to get there money's worth. I think some planned to be wheeled out on a stretchers ready for a stomach pump. It was hilarious. But because our own personal crab feast had to be prolonged until the end AFTER the starving "paid" guests had got their fill, I too joined the gluttonous spirit club. As we kept refilling bowls I started to worry if there would be any left for us at the end. I started thinking of strategies to horde some of the crab in the back room. I was panting my tongue like a dog hungry to stuff myself with crab, too.



Why does food have that affect on people? Answer: there's a connection with food to love and satisfaction. We often don't think about this but food has a huge connection to God and our spirituality. It's true and hard to admit. Remember Pascal's God shaped vacuum theory? Everyone has a desire and longing for God and we all try to fill it with everything but Him. I fall in that camp. I can use food for a quick fix. Some use sex, TV, drugs, adventure, work, shopping, and some use food (to feel full, kill pain, comfort, etc). God will speak anywhere. I love that these deep thoughts came while pirates pranced around with helium dolphin balloons.



I am happy to announce that I did enjoy A LOT of Crab, but stopped before getting full! Thankfully eating crab is a lot of work and takes a lot of time to eat cause you have to crack open all the shells. I didn't have the patience to overeat! :) And I wanted God to make me full.

Next year I want to be a pirate!

Squirrels: Pure fun!

I seriously like squirrels! I'm glad God made them because I get a lot of personal laughs from watching them in my backyard. Like clockwork every day they come out and play and while I eat my breakfast I get a little show so I started filming the little guys. The following WAS purely for my own entertainment BUT I thought I'd share this little piece of art with whoever might find the same enjoyment from it as I do! So for all the squirrel lovers out there and for THE GLORY OF GOD- for creating these magnificent creatures!




When we were kids my dad would always make the voices of animals (he still does this) and my brother and I would crack up (and we still crack up). This video is proof that I share my dad's genes.

Stealing, double-dipping, uncle Ben, and Amaing Grace

This past weekend held some really memorable moments in community!

First of all, I wholeheartedly recommend Amazing Grace the movie. I was choked up and given chills numerous times. What a story about Wilberforce and John Newton (who wrote Amazing Grace) and their experiences with the slave trade in Britain. What a sweet story of fighting for value for all people.It was also a phenomenal reminder of God's call for us to be salt and light-for Christians to serve God in secular settings and to take a stand for truth that will change the world. I also was reminded of the awesome role a woman has as a wife to her husband. It was Wilbur's wife who rekindled his passion after 15 years of feeling like a failure at his his cause.


It made me appreciate my wife so much for the ways she spurs me on to be who I am today.

Other fond memories of the weekend were:

*Crowding into a packed Amelia's Restaurant for dinner, that of which I had to leave before my meal ever came because it took so long. Thanks to Ben Matthias I got my quesadilla delivered to my house in a doggie box!

*The Deep, as usual was encouraging and so many shared, prayed, and stepped up to give insight into God's word and our communal journey of faith.

*A cool prayer experience praying for Eric's Uncle Ben who was lost for four hours on a mountain walk and was found within minutes after we prayed. That was awesome and humorous at the same time.

*Welcoming Chris Taylor, a new believer as of two weeks ago, into our community with prayer.

*Communion with cookies.

*Honest conversations about what it means to steal and confessing ways we have and ways we still do while chowing down on Franklin St. Cafe fries (the best seasoned fries around) with Jeff, Azzadeh, Jill, Aftan, Jenni and everyone else who double dipped in the bowl of ranch.


Thanks for being great community everyone!

COMING UP!

THIS SATURDAY 3/10 IS THE CRAB FEST FUNDRAISER!

If you RSVPd on the Evite. Please show up at Menlo College cafeteria by 5:30pm and be ready to serve it up! Remember this is a great opportunity to be a light and rub shoulders with people in our community!

and MARK YOUR CALENDAR--

Taize service of prayer-awesome Biblical meditation Friday at PCC 3/16

and hang out for Chinese food and Bunco with the PLUS ministry Saturday 3/24 at PCC

And Daddy Daughter Dance Fundraiser 3/31--email Kehau to help tropicalblossom529@yahoo.com

A day of hanging out with community.

A Saturday hang out option!

Longing for some community?

Let us plan your Saturday for you! Come to it all. Or pick and choose!

10:30am-Main St. Café for Brunch 150 Elm St.

4pm-AMAZING GRACE Movie at Century 12 Redwood City
557 E. Bayshore Blvd., Redwood City, CA 94063

6:15 Dinner at Amelia’s Mexican Restaurant (one block south of Jefferson on Broadway). Lots of other food options around there, too. Sushi,
pizza, icecream, Greek food, and smoothies.


8pm THE Deep at Tony and Wendy’s House-prayer, communion, and Bible teaching.

Bring cash to cover your movie and dinner.

Adultery this Sunday

This Sunday we will discuss ADULTERY in our worship gatherings at PCC. It should be an eye-opening time. Hope to see you there!

Interesting thought: Don’t think you can’t commit adultery if you’re not married because if you define adultery as sexual intimacy with someone who is not your spouse, then you can actually commit adultery on your future mate through sexual intimacy before marriage. It’s the same as adultery!

Coming up:

Every Sunday night hang out: Pizza, Burritos, Ice cream. Downtown RWC.

Saturday March 3rd Franklin St. Café brunch 10:30am, 6pm showing of Amazing Grace Century 20 RWC
And The Deep 8pm at our home!

Saturday March 10th Fundraiser for upcoming YA events. Crab Fest and auction at Menlo College 5:30pm.
You can earn money toward a retreat or Mission Italy (date TBA)

Sunday March 18th Actors’ Group meets at PCC’s Choir room! 12:30-2:30. Improv, monologs, and scene work.

Saturday March 31st Fundraiser for upcoming YA events. Daddy Daughter Dance at PCC. For more info email Kehau at tropicalblossom529@yahoo.com

Cool Quote

A cool quote I heard someone say on the radio:

"Sometimes training for greatness comes when we refrain from bitterness for not being promptly rewarded for our righteousness."

I identified with this. How easy it is to become bitter when I feel like am doing all the right things but struggle to see the results that I WANT. How selfish, but I can see that God still wants my obedience regardless and that I will be truly great in his eyes if I continue to stay faithful and gracious!

FAITH FIRST

I walked into C-Dental X-ray Clinic. I had been there many times before for numerous jaw and bite X-rays. I was prepared to spend the next hour being reminded that all my dental work is far from being finished. I was not happy on the inside and I knew it was showing on the outside. The secretary greeted me and took my name and then made a face that foreshadowed some bad news. "Oh, I am sorry Mr. Gapastione. I have a note that we misquoted you on the phone. The price will actually be $100 more than we thought."

$540? I was ticked. I was ticked because not only is that a huge chunk of cash that insurance doesn't cover a dime, this unexpected hit wasn't good for our budget. This was hard to swallow, but what could I do I needed this work done and I had no choice. I paid and started the procedures. I was feeling so low and discouraged. During the whole experience I was feeling even guilty. I wanted to be conversational with the lab techs and "let my light shine," but I let my feelings dictate my actions. I walked out of there feeling as if I had failed, as if God had given me this opportunity to choose joy regardless of my circumstances, but instead I sulked thinking back to last week where I spent five endless hours in a gnarly head gear that also purposed to find some more reason for me to WAIT and dish out more cash for the thorn in my side (See ridiculous picture below).



That's when I was reminded, again, of an important spiritual concept that it seems God is teaching me.

Faith first.
Hope Follows.

My carnal nature leads me to doubt, discouragement, and hopelessness. When posed with difficult situations, or seemingly frustrating circumstances my first response is to doubt, be filled with discouragement or anger, and withdraw.

But I believe this phrase was spoken into my mind. by God: Faith first hope will follow. When I consciously choose to respond in faith, I usually find myself being hopeful.

To respond in faith means that I must claim God's words and promises when my own thinking can't see past the challenge.

For instance: My flesh says: My life is very challenging with these dental/mouth issues! My faith first response says: God will work this out and make it good.

My flesh says: I have a month to wait until my next appt? That seems like forever. Instead my faith first response is: I will cling to Jesus and have hope as the anchor to my soul.

When necessary and unavoidable medical or emergency bills seems inevitably to increase while our budget cuts in half, my faith first response will say,"God will provide all I need according to the glorious riches of Christ."

and HOPE WILL FOLLOW.


I think what I have just described is again one of the fundamental truths of Christianity. God will give us all we need to live a Godly life. We can choose the joy of the Lord as our Strength. Our beliefs will produce behavior. It's like one of those old school little "Bible Promise books." Even though I have written them off as cheesy, I really shouldn't judge it just by it's cover (I never have seen one that looks "cool.")what matters is that it uses scripture to bring hope by clearly communicating God's promises to us.

He will never leave us or forsake us. We can/must take that truth into every situation and believe it so that we be hopeful and joyful people. The contrary and only other option is that if we don't, nothing but hopelessness and despair will grip our lives.



THIS SATURDAY NIGHT IS THE DEEP 8PM 2/17/07-Our home.

On prayer

It is so good to be home! I was in Denver for 6 days and five nights. Not quite a week, but it was long as I was taking an intensive theology course for our Covenant denomination. Although, I did have some great time of connecting with friends, resting, and even saw two great movies (Pursuit of Happyness and Pan's labyrinth-both thumbs up) it was hard for me to be away that long because I miss my wife terribly. This week marked my last travel trip away from home for awhile. Next time I travel I'll have a wife and child to miss and come home to. With all that said I am so glad to be home and back within our community. I did have a great time of learning, too. One cool experience that I had was with a former professor of mine from North Park University. Scot McKnight, a man who I have always respected and admired, has written a lot of books, is a New Testament Scholar, and speaks Hebrew as if it were really easy. He was teaching a workshop and I was able to start a great dialog on prayer theology (which is one of my top passions) with him that you can now read on his blog---which I highly recommend:

JESUS CREED


Look for his posting: "To whom to we pray.


THIS SUNDAY
PCC ACTORS' GROUP 12:30PM

YOUNG ADULTS DINNER AT ESCAPE FROM NEW YORK AFTER SUNDAY AT 6

Another reason why I love community.

(Cool announcement at the bottom)

We have a really great community at PCC. I seriously love being able to be with God's people. Last week eight of us went to see Shane and Shane in Berkeley and had a great time worshipping and celebrating! On the way home I was so filled because we decided to use that time to pray. It was such a redemptive time for me to realize how the choice to be intentional can bless me and others! We had forty five minutes of driving and the time was so well spent. When we pray for others we care for others. Not only does our praying for others SHOW that we care, but I also believe God grows our heart to care for them, too. It's hard to remain emotionally distant from those we pray for. When we arrived back at the PCC parking lot I wanted to hug each and every person in the van because while we were praying I was reminded of how valuable and awesome each person was!




--- FOR YOUNG ADULT SINGLES ---

THE FALLON FELLAS wanted to put something together for all the Young Adult singles in our community.

When: Friday February 9th at 7:30 pm.
Where: 617 Fallon Ave, San Mateo 94401
What: Dinner, hang out, prayer
Dress: Semi-Formal
Activities: TBA

Please RSVP by this Thursday, Feb 8th if you plan to join to jmurphy375@comcast.net.

Jeff, Frankie, Alex, David, Ben, and Zeke

Total gratitude

Although Baby Gap isn't here yet, she's being welcomed in by our community.



January 28th was a true show of how supported we are by God's family. We can't thank you enough. We were given so many amazing gifts and have been provided for heaps (to use a Markovich phrase). It was a true outpouring of peoples' generosity on us and our coming baby. We know how tight money can be and we feel so much gratitude for all that people gave and contributed not only for the gifts but for the food and decorations that made the party so cool. Wendy and I feel so encouraged. Thanks to the Fallon Guys house, Frankie and Jeff, the Wongs and Kelley Rhoads for all you did. We loved being with everybody and laughing so much. I was wiped out by the end of the day.

I love living life in God's family!


And amidst lots of cute dresses, breast milk gadgets, and pink fuzzy blankets, I am totally stoked about my new DAD toy: The baby video monitor! I know it will provide me hours of fun! Thanks to all who contributed to the great gifts. This was a true fulfillment of Philippians 4:19: God will provide all your needs according to the glorious riches of Christ Jesus.

COMING UP THIS WEEK
SHANE AND SHANE CONCERT. SOLD OUT! IF YOU RSVP'D on the Evite see you there or PCC parking lot at 6:30pm to carpool.

BOCCE BALL AND LUNCH this Saturday ! 1:15-3pm. $20!
come have some fun.

Humby Holy part 2

Be holy therefore as I am holy.
1 Peter 1:16

This holiness discussion has brought about some really meaningful conversations this past week. I've had them online, over coffee, in bed (with my wife), and on the street. One specific comment sticks out in my mind. It was something like this: "If I am supposed to be like God and forgive people and not be bitter, than I am far from being holy."

An honest, authentic, broken, and totally true statement.

If we want to be holy as God is holy, we must deal with our unforgiveness and unreconciled relationships, we must confess and surrender our personal injustices and the litany of betrayals and pains that we have stored up in our hearts. These wounds need to be healed. If we don't find freedom and healing for any and every unfair, cruel, malicious, rude, ignorant, (small or grandiose) negative action or word put upon us, we will truly find ourselves suffering and not maturing in Christ-likeness or holiness. In some cases the present tension/anger/bitterness in our life can be fueled by unhealthy issues from our past or family of origin. The past can eat at us like a cancer darkening our already bruised identity in the present. And it will prevent us from being holy, yes.

Colossians 3:13

If you have these hurts from the past (like I did) being Holy doesn't mean ignoring them and acting as if you aren't hurt. Being holy is finding help, confessing the issues, as seeking peace at all costs with power of God's grace and the prayer and support of God's people. It's good and OK to be angry for the past. We need to grieve everything from the rapes to the lay offs and we must do it in God's design: Holy and Humbly.

There is no easy answer here, I know. There really is no 1,2,3 formula or time frame for Humble Holiness. All I know is that it's a requirement. No matter how long it takes or what is costs you to make amends with the people in your life. We need to forgive.

And all I know is that I must strive after it, too, because present issues often resemble past pains.

Jesus taught us to pray for forgiveness and right after that to pray that we would forgive those who have sinned against us, too. Matthew 6. Maybe the issues we need to be concerned about is our salvation rather than our holiness. We will forever be in the process of being made holy according to Hebrews 10:14, and this has to do with maturity in Christ. Maybe what we ought to be concerning ourselves with is the issue of salvation regarding unforgiveness.

Because if we have truly received God's unbelievable gift of grace for our deep and dark sins, how can we then tightly hold onto someone else and refuse to forgive him/her.

He who has been forgiven little, loves little. Luke 7.

That's something to chew on.

For more reading: Mathew 18: 23-35


-----------------
Coming up:

THIS SUNDAY'S MESSAGE:
Do not use the Lord's name in Vain. What does that truly mean for us today?

After Sunday at 6: Game on! ESCAPE FROM NY PIZZA and GAMES. Catch phrase, cranium, Pop 5. All at our new hang out location!

February 1st-One week away is the Shane & Shane Concert. If you have already RSVPd, great we have already purchased your tickets. Bring your $12 and meet at PCC 6:30pm next Thursday. If you want to go but haven't bought your tickets you'll have to order them on your own. Let me know if you need more info.

Saturday February 3rd: PLEASE RSVP for Bocce ball on the Evite! It's gonna be great because we are hanging out with the 50plus ministry, too! Another point of connecting and being intentional to be inter-generational. 12-3pm in Los Gatos. $20.

Humbly Holy part 1

(reflections from the Deep January 13)

I often think of Holiness in a number of ways. Sometimes I view holiness correctly and I crave to know the unique, special, powerful, and wholly "otherness" of God and I also want nothing more than to live a holy life to honor him. Other times I hear the whispers of the world and I fear the label that sometimes causes the misunderstanding of others regarding holiness. I fear being perceived as exclusive, stuck up, better than others, and untouchable. How can I be culturally relevant, able to connect with my friends and neighbors around me who don't know God, and still live out my calling be radically different? Holiness includes so many character traits and behaviors that seem impossible and utterly overwhelming to truly live out in a realistic way. I am supposed to avoid sexual impurity, coarse joking and slander, not even have a hint of sexual immorality in my life, and not complain or argue about anything to name a few of the challenging elements that one pursuing holiness must embody. But how does one live in the year 2007 with out reverting to the Little House on the Prairie lifestyle or completely avoiding the world and closing all influences out? The true reality is IT IS POSSIBLE. It was possible for Jesus and we are called to be like Jesus so it must be possible for us.

I think sometimes I confuse the concepts of God with that of the world. In the Bible God said, "Therefore, Be Holy as I am Holy." I somehow add something to that commandment which makes me want to avoid being perceived as "holier than thou" but God didn't say be holy and prideful, stuck up, and unable to relate to others. Isn't that they way sometimes we Christians are perceived? But in the word he also calls us to be humble (another seemingly impossible task)and not put ourselves above other in any way. In fact, we are called to live such good lives that people wouldn't be able to say anything bad about us. This revelation has been refreshing for me. This week I have been compounding HOLINESS AND HUMILITY. Just think of these two concepts as being together. We are called to be HUMBLY HOLY. We are called to be radically different, pure, Christ-like, blameless and free from sinful lifestyles while AT THE SAME TIME being kind, compassionate, serving of others, and able to relate and love people, too, without coming across as self-righteous. Now that sounds pretty impossible. And it is if we simply rely on ourselves to accomplish this behemoth calling. On our own efforts we will not really be authentic unless we choose by the grace and empowerment of God to let his love make humbly holiness possible.



Thoughts to reflect on:
Holiness: in the highest sense belongs to God (Isa. 6:3; Rev. 15:4), and to Christians as consecrated to God's service, and in so far as they are conformed in all things to the will of God (Rom. 6:19, 22; Eph. 1:4; Titus 1:8; 1 Pet. 1:15). Personal holiness is a work of gradual development. It is carried on under many hindrances, hence the frequent admonitions to watchfulness, prayer, and perseverance (1 Cor. 1:30; 2 Cor. 7:1; Eph. 4:23, 24).

1-Belonging to, derived from, or associated with a divine power; sacred.
2-Regarded with or worthy of worship or veneration; revered: a holy book.
3-Living according to a strict or highly moral religious or spiritual system; saintly: a holy person.
4-Specified or set apart for a religious purpose: a holy place.
5-Solemnly undertaken; sacrosanct: a holy pledge.
6-Regarded as deserving special respect or reverence: The pursuit of peace is our holiest quest.

Titus 2:11-15
11For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. 12It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, 13while we wait for the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, 14who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.

15These, then, are the things you should teach. Encourage and rebuke with all authority. Do not let anyone despise you.


*********************************
Up Coming events
Hope you all enjoy your January and time to relax and adjust to the New Year.

Acting group this Sunday 12:30-3 Choir room
This Sunday night we return to ESCAPE FROM NEW YORK PIZZA January 21st
Thursday February 1st Shane and Shane Concert
Saturday February 3rd Bocce Ball and Lunch 12pm
Saturday February 17th The Deep at our home 8pm

Hearing from God--going deeper

Do you remember when God spoke to Moses through the burning bush? Read Exodus 3! God required that Moses take off his shoes (sandals actually) because it was holy ground. This symbolism of taking one's shoes off is beautiful. Think of how amazing it is for our bare feet to touch the ground. It was simplicity and holiness all in one as Moses' feet and the ground made contact AND God came into contact with Moses in that way and heard the very voice of God.

God still desires for us to come to him and hear his voice. He wants us to hear him and not be distracted by the trappings of the world. Sometimes those distractions can actually be are own footwear and most times are much more and deeper. We must be willing to shed our fears, hindrances, and wrong perceptions of God so that we can truly hear him. What is hindering you right now from hearing him? Your busyness, pain, lack of boundaries, vocational/educational pursuits, material possessions, or sinful choices?

That's why we have set apart some time to worship and hear from God at the Deep. This sacred space happens this Saturday January 13th at 8pm in the Gapastione home.
If you want to come, please email for the address at tonyg@peninsulacovenant.com.
Hope to see you!

PS-

And funny enough..this Saturday if you are coming to the Deep at the Gapastione home, we ask you to take off your shoes just so we keep our carpets clean! --and hopefully, you too will hear from God like Moses.



FOR SUNDAY

Do you want to learn more about serving the homeless in our area? Then
come to Street Church FREE LUNCH meeting.
12:30-2 in the Fireside room.


after Sunday at 6 for the next season we will head out to dinner at
the new ESCAPE FROM NEW YORK PIZZA (right next to Century 20
theaters). And this week since some people Monday off for the late
great Martin Luther King, you have the option to catch a movie, too.
Here are some options.

Dreamgirls 8:35
Pursuit of Happyness 9:05
Night at the Museum 9:30
Blood Diamond 9:30
Children of Men 9:40

Young Adults' Winter Retreat 07

This past weekend we had another great retreat up in Twain Harte. Thanks to all who came,served, played, and enjoyed community in the snow! Huge thanks again to Frankie for your cabin coordination and leadership. Thanks also to Frankie, Ben, and David for leading us musically in worship.



This is a juicy video!

Events for 2007

GROW PRAY SERVE CELEBRATE

and this is how we will do it:


This weekend is our PCC young adults Winter retreat! We plan to do some praying, and celebrating with each other that's for sure which I hope will result in lots of celebration. We travel up to Twaine Hart for Snowboarding and bonding. Please pray for the safety of people driving up to the cabins and cruising down the mountains. Pray for us to experience God while loving him and each other.

1/13 Saturday night The Deep at the Gapastione Home 8pm. A time to grow and pray in intimate worship through prayer, Bible Teaching, music, communion, and community.

1/14 Sunday Street Church lunch for servers and leaders: 12:30pm-2pm on Sunday Jan 14th. Come hear more about this ministry and get involved in serving the poor and needy in our community.

2/1 Thursday night Shane & Shane Concert! meet at PCC at 6:30pm $12-to RSVP your spot please email kirstend@peninsulacovenant.com. Hear there music at
www.myspace.com/shaneandshane
They have been called modern day hymn writers and their songs are amazing. You will be encouraged in your prayer life and be encouraged to undestand God's love more.

2/3 Saturday Lunch & Bocce Ball (space is limited) $20 Los Gatos www.campodibocce.com -To reserve your spot on this Saturday afternoon event that is fun for all with great Italian food: email tonyg@peninsulacovenant.com

2/17 The Deep Saturday 8pm at the Gapastione Home

DON'T FORGET:
Every Sunday night hang out for Dinner after Sunday at 6 (Starting Jan 14th New York Pizza next to Century 20 downtown RWC).

Every Tuesday and Thursday night Street Church meets in Menlo Park 9pm.
Are you serving anywhere? We need people with compassion and service gifts.

AND NEW:
Actor's Group at PCC. Third Sundays January-March 12:30-3pm 1/21, 2/18, 3/18
Room TBA

Starting the New Year

Our first day of 2007 was spent cleaning and organizing. We have a new person moving in with us and our stuff is getting in the way. We have to make room for Baby Gap. What was once our office is now becoming our nursery. It's an awesome and overwhelming experience that is also causing us to be a little frustrated with ourselves, too. We have too much stuff(or really I should say Junk). Why is it in our nature to accumulate? We try to horde things with some underlying belief that we need those things to live, but we don't. Ah, but we did have some laughter at what we uncovered. We found very old photos, memorabilia, letters and art from junior high school days, and useless items that make us question what we were thinking when we chose to cherish it as a keepsake in the first place. The fun continues as prepare for our little one and the growth continues as God does his own house-cleaning in our hearts. I hope you,too, can do some house/heart cleaning as you start out your new year.

Psalm 100

1 Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth.
2 Worship the LORD with gladness;
come before him with joyful songs.
3 Know that the LORD is God.
It is he who made us, and we are his
we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.
4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving
and his courts with praise;
give thanks to him and praise his name.
5 For the LORD is good and his love endures forever;
his faithfulness continues through all generations.

This Psalm encouraged me to start my year with the knowledge that I belong to God. It is this truth that will effect how I live my life. Make some time to talk with God about what it means to belong to him. He has some thoughts on living life as one that belongs to God. It's life changing. We are not meant to belong to the world. We were not created to live on this earth and with it's "things" forever. We are only here for a limited engagement. I like that. We need to live like that.

Coming up for Young Adults at PCC

January
5-7 Friday-Sunday: Winter Retreat, Snowboarding
13 Saturday: The Deep at the Gapastione Home
14 Sunday: Street Church Lunch and Young Adults Visioning and Prayer

February
1 Thursday: Shana & Shane Concert in Berkeley
17 Saturday: The Deep

Goodbye 2006, Hello 2007

Christmas has passed and now we are hours away from finishing our year! I am grateful for an amazing Christmas celebration and VACATION time I was able to share with my wife and family. I had some great time to rest, too. I am also grateful for all that God has done this year and grateful simply for being able to see another year of God's Grace.

I have been in 1 Corinthians 9 recently where Paul talks about running the race as one who is determined to win the prize. I sense this passage will take me through January and in preparation for the next season of life God has for me and our family. For all the Young Adults reading this blog, next week is our Winter Retreat, and we will talk through what it means to live our lives in God's ways. This includes knowing your passions, gifts, and abilities. I am currently reading a new book called "Living a Life on Loan. According to the authors, it is important to live your life and they made an acronym.
Loves-Live your passions and dreams.
Intersections-Be aware of where your life intersects with others.
Fortune-Steward your resources for God.
Eternity-Remember you are made to live beyond earth. Store up your treasures in Heaven.
I plan to share some of these concepts at our Retreat. If you plan on going and have not yet registered please call 650-364-6304 asap or email kirstend@peninsulacovenant.com

We have three more months of waiting for Baby Gap and it has been an amazing time of preparation. Today, we even were able to buy our crib and baby dresser/changing table with the generous gifts of our family. God is providing.



Mark your calendar for THE DEEP January 12, happening at our home.

Celebrating Christmas on the Street

We had an awesome night Tuesday December 19th.

(Video Below)
We had prepared specific gifts for all our friends on the street with the generous donations of Project Christmas Tree and the faithful giving of our Street Church teams. A group gathered to bake cookies and wrap presents at PCC, and Andrea and Jodi shopped all day long to complete our needs. With a larger team than normal we showed up at on the street at 9pm and served dinner. We had a meaningful time of Christmas caroling, praying, and reading from the Bible and then presented everyone with a personalized gift just for them. The best part of our time was our Bible Study and prayer. In Luke 2:8-20, the Angel gave the good news of Jesus' birth to the shepherds, who just like our friends on the street, were outside in the cold at night. The shepherds were not highly esteemed or rich by any means. Many in society at that time would have looked down on these meek laborers who hung around with smelly sheep. Because of this you might think that they would be the last to hear the news of God's son being born, but God chose them to be the first to hear. God's choice says something. The news didn't come to kings in fancy palaces or the the priests in the temples. God went to the humble and simple out in the fields. That's why we go out to the streets because God cares for the poor and loves them. Watch the video and see God's work (below)!

Choosing to be at his feet

I got home from the gym and it was 7:30pm. Usually Monday nights Wendy and I both work out, have dinner, and relax the night away. Wendy was already in bed because she was feeling sick and wanted to get her rest so I unexpectedly had the night to myself. I immediately conjured up my to do list. I wanted to shower, eat, finish laundry, start packing for our Christmas trip, organize my bills, watch some of my TIVO shows that I haven't watched in weeks, email some friends, empty the dishwasher, and write this blog. I decided to shower first because I was sweaty and it would give me more time to think through my agenda a little more. It was almost within minutes that the course of my night changed. I turned the water on and it was as if these words were spoken. "Mary has chosen what is best." I had my eyes closed as the hot water was beating down on my head. It felt so refreshing and then again, "Mary has chosen what is best (Luke 10:38-42)." That's it. Those words in just that one line fluttered through my mind. I stood there thinking. How did that get in my mind. Did I just think it or did something trigger that? It was a simple sentence actually spoken from the mouth of Jesus to his friend Martha about her sister Mary. Just as quick as the words came, an image came to my mind. The picture was Martha standing in front of Jesus with her agenda in hand. In my mind I could see her holding a to do list in one hand and a kitchen pot in the other.


She stood there realizing her well thought out busy plan really wasn't the best for her at that moment. I only saw the picture in my mind... but I knew how she felt. She felt a little awkward, singled out, and a little ashamed that she elevated house hold chores above time spent worshiping Jesus. That was exactly how I felt. And why shouldn't I? I had been truly longing today for some time to just read and journal. I had made my plans, but God ordered my steps. I actually felt relieved, even though I felt humbled. How could I have missed what was best? I finished my shower, warmed up some leftovers, and made myself comfortable with my journal and Bible. It was such a sweet time of reading, praying, and reaffirming my trust in God in this day and this moment.It was the best use of my time. (And the great thing was that I ended up being able to complete everything else I wanted/needed to do, as well (Hence, this Blog is written). See Proverbs 16:9. And I had more awesome revelation through Psalm 127, that I'll blog about later.

This Tuesday 12/19 we will meet at PCC's Fireside room to wrap gifts for the homeless, bake some goods, and go out to Christmas carol on the street.

Choosing Humility and Simplicity

(In theatres now THE NATIVITY! See it with your whole family, invite others and discuss.)

I wore my red, cashmere, Gap socks this week. (The socks I won from our Christmas party last weekend). I really like them. If you weren’t there have someone tell you about the “White Elephant” game we played. There was quite a bunch of socks to choose from and steal. I “coveted” the socks of others. Yes, it’s true, I must admit I had a little camouflage and argyle envy from Drew, Steve, and Ben. But I also experienced some interesting thoughts and conviction during this game, too. This season of going through the book of James at PCC and my own devotional reading in Luke 1 & 2 has caused me a lot of reflection. I have been spiritually stirred these two ways: #1 with my own lack of humility and #2 with my abundance of things. First, as I am reading about the birth of Jesus in Luke and reflecting on God’s humble beginnings I am amazed. With our own little baby on the way I am even more sensitive to the God’s choices to become a baby. I have been feeling the movements of our little one over the past weeks and marveling at how that must have felt for Mary to feel God move in her womb. And how about the other elements of this radical story? You know like the peasant girl factor (Mary, who needed savior herself read Luke 1:47), the donkey, the musty manger, the announcement to not so highly esteemed shepherds, etc. Just think about the fact that God chose to come at a time in the world when medical technology was at a bare minimum. He could have come and been born in a hospital in the year 2006, with the comforts and luxury of America, but no! He was born in third world circumstances in Israel. He was God, just think about the choices he made. Amazing. Then think about his life: what he owned and where he lived. How much money did Jesus store up in the bank? Nothing. And did he worry and fear God wouldn’t provide food and clothes for him? No. He lived simply day-by-day and trusted God. So, just looking at all those socks piled up on the table the other night reminded me at how much I/we truly have in this country. We have access to anything and everything we want and in most cases we get (or buy) all of our needs (and almost all of our wants) met. So what should my/our response be if we truly want to be like Jesus Christ? I leave that question with you and pray that your Christmas season involves some time to reflect on this topic. It’s a messy journey that requires humility and simplicity. I am right there with you.

Tony


12/17 This Sunday: After Sunday at 6 in the Fireside room is CHRISTMAS CAROLING, APPETIZERS AND DESSERTS WITH THE 50PLUS MINISTRY! Come join us for an intergenerational night of celebration.

12/19 Tuesday 7pm
Meet at PCC to make Christmas cookies and gifts for our homeless friends. Then come down to Menlo Park for Christmas Caroling. Fireside room 7pm. Email jodi210@hotmail.com

12/22 Friday Night GINGERBREAD HOUSE MAKING at Frankie Markovich's House email frankiemarkovich@yahoo.com to RSVP. Bring $5 for stuff.

12/29 Friday MEN'S NIGHT OUT 8pm Pizza @ BJ's in Foster City and Broomball 9:30-11:30pm
more info tba.

12/31 NEW YEAR'S EVE EVENT AFTER SUNDAY AT 6. Karaoke, comedy, food, etc.

January 5-7
Winter Retreat in Twain Harte. Brochures will be available this week. See the literature rack in PCC’s worship center. Sign up now for $65 before the price goes up.

Young Adults Christmas Party recap

Thanks to all who came, served, hosted, and participated in our Young Adults' Christmas Party! It was this last Saturday night December 9th. The rain didn't stop our travels since it was a "progressive dinner event." For more pictures scroll all they way down to the end of the blog or see the slide show on www.myspace.com/yapcc

We started at Christina's House (pictured here with her cousins below).

We had appetizers, mingled around, and had the fun activity of creating Christmas card pictures with a box full of Christmas costumes.

The Wong Family jumped in the fun, too, with Prince Owen Alibaba.






After a time of ice skating in Foster City and eating BJ's Pizza we ended up the Jen and Glenn's House for Dessert and Hot Cider. The Christmas gift exchange game took on a new twist with socks and secret hiding elves with upgraded prizes. Everyone brought and wrapped up socks that we traded White Elephant style.



My shirt says: Re gift Responsibly.

Christmas Choices continued

This week at PCC Gary Gaddini, our lead pastor, challenged us in such a perfect way.
How will you spend your time and will you dedicate it to God? Do you have a Godly perspective with your faith and how you live it out?
If you weren't able to hear the message check it out! REAL FAITH HAS PERSPECTIVE 12/3

So taking this challenge, and trying to dedicate our time to God, Wendy and I had a family meeting. I live for things like this. I am not fully sure why, but I love planners, palm pilots, calendars, etc. I love knowing what is going on today and what to expect (as much as I can) for tomorrow. Honestly, this can be bad, because I love having stuff to do all the time, so planning in such a way helps me see where I need to back down and relax. So we both plotted out the remaining days of December (less than three weeks until Christmas. We made sure we knew what parties (we have four) and other events we're going to this month and made sure to carve out together time, rest time, work out time, and Christmas shopping time. It was such a welcomed and refreshing decision to make choices regarding our time for communication purposes, but also so that we can enjoy the season and not feel overwhelmed. We have one friday where we made sure to do nothing. We both but a big NOTHING over that date! We want to be home to rest and pack for our Christmas travels.

When you can spend some time receiving the gift of God's peace. Make sure above all else, that you make time for that. Even as I type I am convicted of how easily I don't allow God to lead me beside quiet waters! Psalm 23 has been such an encouragement and gift to my soul! I hope you know how much God loves you!

I hope you who read this are able to enjoy this season because even in this blog I am going to list a BUNCH of options of things going on this month. I hope you can be a great manager of your time and not feel pressure to do it all! Three important things for this weekend.

12/9 Main Street Cafe 10:30am 150 Elm St. come for breakfast! and
CHRISTMAS PARTY Saturday 5:30PM (RSVP on Evite)Starts at Christina Stenstrom's and ends at Glenn and Jenn Wong's house.
12/10 Sunday at 6 in the Fellowship Hall and
PCC CHRISTMAS CONCERT SUNDAY 7:30PM After Sunday at 6 (NO young adult dinner).
12/17 CHRISTMAS CAROLING WITH 50 PLUS MINISTRY Fireside Room 8pm.
12/19 TUESDAY NIGHT CHRISTMAS CAROLING AND GIFT MAKING FOR THE HOMELESS: Email Jodi210@hotmail.com to get involved. Starts 7pm PCC.
12/22 Friday Night GINGERBREAD HOUSE MAKING at Frankie Markovich's House email frankiemarkovich@yahoo.com to RSVP. Bring $5 for stuff.
12/29 MEN'S NIGHT OUT 8pm Pizza @ BJ's in Foster City and Broomball 9:30-11:30pm
more info tba.
12/31 NEW YEAR'S EVE EVENT AFTER SUNDAY AT 6.
1/5-7 Winter Retreat and Snowboarding Twain Harte/Dodge Ridge

Young Adults Christmas Party

Host: PCC YOUNG ADULTS
Location: Christina's House
When: Saturday, December 9, 5:30pm
Phone: 650-364-6304 X252
PCC'S YOUNG ADULTS' CHRISTMAS PARTY!
SATURDAY DECEMBER 9TH!

FUNKY SOCKS REQUIRED!

As a Christmas theme we are asking two things:

#1-WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO WEAR COLORFUL AND FESTIVE CHRISTMAS SOCKS TO THE EVENT SO YOU CAN SHOW OFF TO EVERYONE AND #2-EVERYONE MUST BRING 2 PAIRS OF BRAND NEW WEARABLE SOCKS WRAPPED UP FOR OUR GRAB BAG GAME! (ONE PAIR OF MEN'S SOCKS & ONE PAIR OF WOMEN'S SOCKS WRAPPED UP TOGETHER--MORE DETAILS AT THE PARTY)

This party ALSO requires that you do a little moving. We will be going to at least 2 locations BUT WE MAY HAVE A THIRD LOCATION STILL TBA. WE want everyone to carpool so we can bond in the cars and take up less space for parking at our locations.

5:30pm Meet at Christina Stenstrom's House
(Appetizers will be served)

7:15pm-Foster City Location TBA Bring $20 for possible activity and to donate for food at the end of the night

8:30pm Meet at Jenn & Glenn Wong's House
(Dessert & Drinks will be served)

Christmas Events for Young Adults

THIS WEEK and BEYOND
12/1 THE DEEP TONIGHT FRIDAY 8PM Basement of PCC
12/9 CHRISTMAS PARTY Saturday 5:30PM (Evite available now)Starts at Christina Stenstrom's and ends at Glenn and Jenn Wong's house.
12/10 PCC CHRISTMAS CONCERT SUNDAY 7:30PM After Sunday at 6 (NO young adult dinner)
12/17 CHRISTMAS CAROLING WITH 50 PLUS MINISTRY Fireside Room 8pm
12/19 TUESDAY NIGHT CHRISTMAS CAROLING AND GIFT MAKING FOR THE HOMELESS: Email Jodi210@hotmail.com to get involved. Starts 7pm PCC
12/22 Friday Night GINGERBREAD HOUSE MAKING at Frankie Markovich's House email frankiemarkovich@yahoo.com
12/31 NEW YEAR'S EVE EVENT AFTER SUNDAY AT 6

1/5-7 Winter Retreat and Snowboarding Twain Harte/Dodge Ridge

Remember to check out our myspace.com/yapcc