thank you!

We want to thank the countless
volunteers and sponsors who made the
"I Love America" celebration possible.

We were blessed to be able to provide
several thousand people from our community
a place to celebrate the Fourth of July in a fun, clean
and family-friendly environment.

Those who came enjoyed great food,
uplifting music, entertainment for the kids and an amazing fireworks display.

On Sunday morning, many of those who attended the event on Saturday, came back to experience our church for the first time and many young people came to EPIC that night for the first time!

As a church, it is our heart to continuously reach out to the community. Thank you for continuing
to support our pursuit to show the love of Christ.

america's perfect hope week two

what's out in space?

this is the grand design whirlpool galaxy m51.
it is 23 million light years from the earth.
one light year = 6 trillion miles.
the grand design whirlpool galaxy has two arms wrapping around it.
this is the inside of this galaxy.

laminin is one of the body’s proteins.
laminins interact with our tissue and critically contribute to cell attachment, cell shape and movement, maintenance of tissue phenotype and promotion of tissue survival.
it’s the glue that holds every part of our body

from our membrane to our skin together.
without Laminins we would fall apart, go to pieces.
this is laminin in our body – actual photo.

will you answer?

Jesus we are so awed by your presence and by your message of hope to us.
you speak to us in times like this and you say to us “peace be still.”
just get still and know that you’re God. that’s what you say to us.
just take a deep breath when you read the headlines and you hear the news.
just take a deep breath and know that I’m in charge. just look at what’s going
on and know that i brought it to this place. know that I am God and there is
none besides me. there is none that can override the purpose and the plan
i have for you. know that i am in the midst of you. as you lift your hands and
raise your voices to praise me know that I abide in the midst of your praise,
that I am near. when your hearts are bowed before me and you hear my voice
you will know my peace. it’s your choice. you can listen to the voice of the world
or you can listen to the voice of my spirit. you can hear what I have to say. i have
good news for you: i am in charge, i am in control. i will move and work my will
and my way. i will bring about my purpose. i will exalt and i will bring down; i will
move in and I will move out; i will raise up and I will tear down. for it is the world
that I’ve created, it belongs to Me. you are mine. Put your hand in my hand, trust in
me, walk with me and you will know my peace. don’t look on the right side nor on the
left and don’t look behind but look up. look up for your redemption comes from on
high. i will lift you, raise you, speak to you, cover you, protect you. my provision is
yours, so receive it today. Walk in the light of the truth that i’ve given to you.
for I have planted My word inside of your spirit. you belong to me and i am
responsible for you. i will do great things in the midst of you, in the midst
of this moment. It is now a time for my people to rise and let the earth
see there is a God who lives, and cares and loves.
a God of provision who takes care of his own.
amen.

pastor tony
april 26, 2009

when life isn't fair

in the world it is called “The Morning After,” “The Day After”, and usually with a negative slant. 
in the church world it is called “The Week After” – after Easter, that is.
all the excitement, planning, preparation, engagement, involvement – then bang – it’s over.
i'm thankful to report our “week after” was phenomenal, out of this world. 
lots of new people, great worship, many lives changed by God’s presence. 

no let down – just a revving up. 

the new series – when life isn’t fair – proved to be very timely.  I peter 2:18-21 tells us how to handle life’s unfairness:
• endure the pain of injustice and you will receive God’s favor.
• patiently bear up under the pain of wrongs suffered and God will be pleased.
god is just, merciful and will avenge us of wrongs endured.  life is unfair but God is just. 

he will right the wrongs as we surrender to his Lordship.
many people were helped by this timely Word.  join us this week as the series continues. 
bring someone who has suffered from life’s unfairness. 
use twitter, text messaging, email – whatever – just get them here.

easter recap

it’s Saturday, April 11 at 2:45pm. Leaving my family at the restaurant,
i am hurrying to our Big 25,000 Easter Egg Drop via helicopter.
at 2:54pm I cross under the Airport Highway exit and traffic comes to a dead stop.
looks like it is backed up at least a mile. Five to Ten m.p.h. and I finally reach the exit for theChurch.
must be an accident – Highway Patrol, Sheriff’s Deputies, directing traffic.
hundreds of cars. Phone rings – people parking cars at thechurch are overwhelmed.
expecting 800-1,000 people for the Egg Drop – 5,000+ show up. Worst of all my four granddaughters are behind me.
suddenly I am elated at such a great turn out and dejected that my kids won’t get there in time.
suddenly I hear a helicopter – in a flash it’s over.
by far our most amazing event ever. Our first of 4 Easter services (in 19 hours) began at 5pm.
our auditorium was jammed and children’s ministry was overflowing.
our Fremont campus had a record attendance, we had a record attendance at thechurch
as more than 7,500 people visited our campuses.
many people received Christ as Lord and Savior in each of our services
and my grandchildren enjoyed the helicopter egg drop – even if they had to drive to Fremont.

engage 2009

As each New Year approaches, I find myself asking a simple but important question: “If I could have this New Year like I want it, how would it be?” As we head into 2009, I’d like to challenge you to ask yourself that same question – how would YOU like your LIFE to be THIS YEAR?History teaches us that every recession, every downturn in the economy, affords enormous opportunity for increase. I am certain that God has strategically positioned his people and his church to experience the greatest period of growth ever. Make a decision now to turn your back on the past and to live in the present and in the future. Your future lies in your future, not in your past.On Saturday, January 3, and Sunday, January 4, we will launch a powerful ministry initiative called “Engage 2009.”The word ”engage” means to be totally occupied with, involved in, and committed to the fulfillment of God’s vision for theChurch. “Engage 2009” seeks to enhance and accelerate every objective of theChurch ministry by engaging our people like never before.Each week, our focus for our weekend services and life groups will be the teachings of Jesus on life related issues with subjects such as: “Jesus on Marriage,”, “Jesus on Parenting,” “Jesus on Financial Security,” “Jesus on Religion,” and “Jesus on Sex.”. “Engage 2009” will produce great spiritual growth in each of our lives. To prepare for this growth, we will be joining together for 30 Days of Prayer and Fasting beginning January 2. Please choose a time to fast and pray and choose the type of fast you are willing to engage in. Get ready, prepare yourself, and let 2009 be the year you ENGAGE like never before!Engage 2009, Pastor Tony & ShirleyAnn