Entry #6 | Monday December 12th 2022
Church on Christmas!
All the details your family needs to know…
Only once every 7 years are we afforded the glorious opportunity to worship and praise and hear the word of God preached at church… on a Sunday…FOR Christmas. That means the average person will only have this privilege approximately 10 times in their life. And for most of us, we already missed 2 to 4 of them, so it’s actually down to like 7 or 8 right? That's staggering!
Since our inception in 2019, I’ve attempted to address our American Christianity’s apathetic response to Christ in Christmas…EVERY year. So let's start off by going down memory lane.
Since our inception in 2019, I’ve attempted to address our American Christianity’s apathetic response to Christ in Christmas…EVERY year. So let's start off by going down memory lane.
|
For the Christmas of 2019, I preached a sermon titled: Five Cautions for the Christmas Season. And this sermon aimed to help disciples of Christ consider what things to avoid during the Christmas holidays and what things to pick up in a season that can become massively distracting to the real reason for the season.
|
|
For the Christmas of 2020, I preached a sermon titled: Christ In Bethlehem and Our Privileged Position For UnExpected Breakthrough. This sermon aimed to encourage disciples of Christ to create space for the reality that the holidays are a very difficult time for so many people. There was a call to remember the hope that is found in Jesus and that unexpected breakthroughs are always possible!
|
|
For the Christmas of 2021, our church was in transition, so I released a Christmas devotion centered on reasons to have joy and the power of engaging with your sorrows.
|
|
For this year's Christmas of 2022, Pastor Brandon will explore the “lesser-places” we often place our hope in and invite us towards an alternative that promises to unlocks the Christian freedom the Lord has set before us.
|
Now let’s get into the details of how we’re going to take full-advantage of this very special opportunity we have to glorify Christ on His day.
December 25th | Christmas Day | Read Carefully
Zoom Breakfast Meal @ 9:30am
Zoom Christmas Activity @ 10:10am
Zoom Christmas Sermon Played Live @ 11am
Zoom Christmas Family Discussions @ 1pm
Families will be released to engage with their personal Christmas traditions by 2 PM.
I don’t know about you, but that seems like a Christ-exalting, church-focused, redemptive...family orientated Christmas day indeed.
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Brandon.
Zoom Breakfast Meal @ 9:30am
- French Toast, eggs, hash browns, and bacon will be delivered to each family’s home between 8:15am and 9:00am.
- Please DO NOT eat until we have corporate breakfast together.
- Non bubbled family’s are strongly encouraged to open their home for other non-bubbled members.
- Over breakfast, entertainment will be provided.
Zoom Christmas Activity @ 10:10am
- Everything you will need for your Christmas activity will be delivered with your breakfast or a few days before. (We want everyone to participate)
Zoom Christmas Sermon Played Live @ 11am
- Our Christmas sermon will ONLY be available live and on Zoom so make sure you’re there! (This year’s sermon is 1 hour and 47 minutes long.
Zoom Christmas Family Discussions @ 1pm
- We will have a 45min church-family discussion based upon the sermon.
- Individuals will be encouraged to participate and to share their learnings and reflections with vulnerability.
Families will be released to engage with their personal Christmas traditions by 2 PM.
I don’t know about you, but that seems like a Christ-exalting, church-focused, redemptive...family orientated Christmas day indeed.
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Brandon.
Entry #5 | Monday October 31st 2022
Reflections From Pastor’s Appreciation
|
Thank you thank you thank you! That’s all I can really say. I’ve been a part of over 17 years of pastors' appreciation. And let me tell you, some have been quite extensive, elaborate, and beyond what you would imagine. But as I mentioned Sunday night via text, this year’s appreciation was by far my personal favorite ever. There was a simplicity and genuine “feel good” about the whole thing. For starters, having Matthew barbecue and serve all of us the way he did was one of my stand out highlights. And boy oh boy, those hamburgers were spooky-scrumptious right?! Then baby Theodore was in rare form handing me out dozens and dozens of smiles and noises and attention like the endless candy corn that fills the bottom of your paper bag. (See the Halloween theme going on here?) But seriously, I work hard for those smiles from our little guy folks!
And just the overall thoughtfulness of having a meal that I could fully participate in was an incredibly inclusive feeling. The intentionality of the pictures draped and the overall sacrificial posture of the Davis family sharing their home within the same 24 hour period of their adoptive kids permanently transitioning…the whole thing just felt…you know…gospel-centered in nature💯🙏. And I’m sure there are a variety of measures that everyone contributed that I didn’t even see. So thank you as well. I can’t describe how grounded and energized I feel today as I head into this week. Physically I’m dealing with the same struggles as I wait on my therapist to return from Australia, but my countenance, my focus….all that is at a 100%. So thank you again RCC💙 |
|
Discipleship Schedule (Time-Sensitive)
Because of my slip on the stairs, combined with my medical team being in Australia, I missed several discipleship meetings😔. To those who I had to cancel on, thank you for being gracious. I’m happy I was able to get a hold of each of you today for rescheduling.
The Domino Effects: (Please Read Carefully)
I felt it was most honorable to provide my next available appointment to those who haven’t had any discipleship meetings yet due to my recent cancellations. Therefore, I need everyone to log onto the discipleship calendar to see the updated and current schedule as of today Monday, October 31. I removed several discipleship meetings off my calendar to make room for those who hadn’t yet had an opportunity. To my knowledge I removed:
This was done to provide Noah, Carl, and Lynette’s very first discipleship meeting opportunity that they missed due to my fall.
So if everyone could please go back to the calendar and reschedule yourselves accordingly with the updated calendar I would greatly appreciate it. As always, first come first serve. The discipleship calendar is open from now through the remainder of the year. Remember, you can only schedule one appointment at a time.
The Domino Effects: (Please Read Carefully)
I felt it was most honorable to provide my next available appointment to those who haven’t had any discipleship meetings yet due to my recent cancellations. Therefore, I need everyone to log onto the discipleship calendar to see the updated and current schedule as of today Monday, October 31. I removed several discipleship meetings off my calendar to make room for those who hadn’t yet had an opportunity. To my knowledge I removed:
- Ezekiel, Matthew, Jessie, and Jack’s second sessions to make that possible .
This was done to provide Noah, Carl, and Lynette’s very first discipleship meeting opportunity that they missed due to my fall.
So if everyone could please go back to the calendar and reschedule yourselves accordingly with the updated calendar I would greatly appreciate it. As always, first come first serve. The discipleship calendar is open from now through the remainder of the year. Remember, you can only schedule one appointment at a time.
Our Very First Advent Season!
From 12 Cautions for Christmas to Christ in Bethlehem, our church has always taken the Christmas season very seriously. But we haven’t done is an official march through an Advent season…until NOW! I’m so excited that our community will do that this year. Woo Hoo! Here’s the title of the mini-series and seasonal theme:
Advent 2022: Off-Ramping American Christmas
Understanding Truth That Will Radically Transform Your Life.
Combined with this series will be family-friendly projects, crafts, and fellowship opportunities. I will need help to get things in motion. Therefore, if you want to partner with me, please RSVP your desire via email or text directly to me. My desire is to have a zoom meeting very soon about it all.
Advent 2022: Off-Ramping American Christmas
Understanding Truth That Will Radically Transform Your Life.
Combined with this series will be family-friendly projects, crafts, and fellowship opportunities. I will need help to get things in motion. Therefore, if you want to partner with me, please RSVP your desire via email or text directly to me. My desire is to have a zoom meeting very soon about it all.
Church This Sunday
This week, I am aiming to lead us through our next sermon in The C.O.S Series. This week’s sermon is titled: Spiritual Numbness (Segment B) - Exploration and Evaluation.
This will be a deeper dive into Scripture where you will have the opportunity to then juxtapose the text to yourself and I can’t wait to do this alongside you. But I need your help ok? Here’s my two asks:
With your prayers, I believe I can arrive intact Sunday. Thank you in advance for praying.
Can’t wait to see you!
Pastor Brandon
This will be a deeper dive into Scripture where you will have the opportunity to then juxtapose the text to yourself and I can’t wait to do this alongside you. But I need your help ok? Here’s my two asks:
- Would you please pray for my body this week? Being without my therapy team means I will need even more grace to pull this off on a physical level.
- Would you please pray for me spiritually? I feel particularly under attack lately with a variety of things.
With your prayers, I believe I can arrive intact Sunday. Thank you in advance for praying.
Can’t wait to see you!
Pastor Brandon
ENGAGEMENT & OPPORTUNITY
Entry #4 | Sunday September 30th 2022
My Pineapple Sage Candle is a real delight!
HOW ARE YOU STARTING YOUR MORNINGS?
Lately, I've been really hunkering down on my mornings “quiet time”. I say quiet time and not devotions…frankly because the word “devotions” is both tiresome and burdensome to me in today’s Christian culture.
For me, quiet time, signifies a free and flowing space between myself and God where I can think, speak, and listen. Both to God…but honestly to my own thoughts as well. (something I believe we all get to spend more time doing to stay healthy…namely ~ what messages or internal conversations are looping within our hearts?)
Today I had coffee with an old pastor who is really faithful with the Bible (if you’re more focused on who he is and what book I’m reading, you’re focused on the wrong thing😉) and listening to him talk about a very important and timely topic for me this season. It was helpful.
Now I’m going to spend some time considering where my next area of focus is going to be in the Bible for my personal study. It’s always SOO exciting to finish up an area of bible reading and then prayerfully considering where my next pilgrimage is going to be! Sometimes it can take a moment. Other times an entire week before I make a commitment to a book or passage of study.
Don’t worry, once I figure it out I’ll be sure to NOT let you know ha.
But before I begin that process and then head toward some administrative responsibilities today, I wanted to encourage you.
What would it look like to take up a morning “quiet time”? It doesn’t have to be Bible study all the time. It could be listening to worship music, a walk of quiet time or prayer. You can draw if you’re artistic. But what would that look like for you?
Concerned about roadblocks? What are they? Kids, work, health,…what would hinder that process?
Here’s my next question? Can you really not do anything about that?
My prayer today is that you would readily explore what it would take and how to accomplish having a quiet time… at least a few times per week in the morning. Trust me, the sacrifice will be worth it.
Lately, I've been really hunkering down on my mornings “quiet time”. I say quiet time and not devotions…frankly because the word “devotions” is both tiresome and burdensome to me in today’s Christian culture.
For me, quiet time, signifies a free and flowing space between myself and God where I can think, speak, and listen. Both to God…but honestly to my own thoughts as well. (something I believe we all get to spend more time doing to stay healthy…namely ~ what messages or internal conversations are looping within our hearts?)
Today I had coffee with an old pastor who is really faithful with the Bible (if you’re more focused on who he is and what book I’m reading, you’re focused on the wrong thing😉) and listening to him talk about a very important and timely topic for me this season. It was helpful.
Now I’m going to spend some time considering where my next area of focus is going to be in the Bible for my personal study. It’s always SOO exciting to finish up an area of bible reading and then prayerfully considering where my next pilgrimage is going to be! Sometimes it can take a moment. Other times an entire week before I make a commitment to a book or passage of study.
Don’t worry, once I figure it out I’ll be sure to NOT let you know ha.
But before I begin that process and then head toward some administrative responsibilities today, I wanted to encourage you.
What would it look like to take up a morning “quiet time”? It doesn’t have to be Bible study all the time. It could be listening to worship music, a walk of quiet time or prayer. You can draw if you’re artistic. But what would that look like for you?
Concerned about roadblocks? What are they? Kids, work, health,…what would hinder that process?
Here’s my next question? Can you really not do anything about that?
My prayer today is that you would readily explore what it would take and how to accomplish having a quiet time… at least a few times per week in the morning. Trust me, the sacrifice will be worth it.
Entry #3 | Sunday September 26th 2022
PREPARING FOR OUR DISCIPLESHIP MEETING!!
I am excited about this new season of discipleship and the intentionality, focus, and direction I hope to bring to our time. In order to make our 1.5 hour meetings as meaningful as possible, I want to set the stage for what to expect during these sessions. So here’s a quick FAQ guide to set us up for success.
Q. Who is leading the meeting?
A. YOU ARE! In order to be the greatest leader I can be, I want to come prepared to truly serve without an agenda. You can help me do that well by being prepared to lead our time with your sharing and questions.
Q. How do I lead the time?
A. By coming prepared with things on your heart to talk about. Write them down in advance, bring a note card, bring your journal. However works best for you, simply make the game plan and the itinerary, and I’ll do my best to come along side the dialogue.
Q. What should I focus on during our time?
A. Anything between life, leadership, God, and our part in it. Really there’s no category that isn’t appropriate for our pastoral discipleship meetings.
Q. Do I need to ask you questions?
A. That’s totally up to you! You can ask me several questions, or you can use the time simply as a opportunity to share with me updates that are going on in your life. Again, no rules!
Q. What if you have things on your heart to share with me?
A. Good question. As your pastor, I will find my spots to come into relationship with you if I really feel something pressing on my heart to share or discuss. I will largely do that outside of these discipleship meetings that you request if I need to. However, in this season, it about more about leadership from you and me being available and responsive.
Q. What if I don’t have anything on my heart to talk about when I come?
A. No worries. Of course I’ll be there to help guide you and even prompt you with some starter questions if needed. However, I’m confident each person can take a real role in leading themselves with a bit of encouragement and direction.
Alright hopefully this helps. See you in our sessions!
Pastor Brandon
I am excited about this new season of discipleship and the intentionality, focus, and direction I hope to bring to our time. In order to make our 1.5 hour meetings as meaningful as possible, I want to set the stage for what to expect during these sessions. So here’s a quick FAQ guide to set us up for success.
Q. Who is leading the meeting?
A. YOU ARE! In order to be the greatest leader I can be, I want to come prepared to truly serve without an agenda. You can help me do that well by being prepared to lead our time with your sharing and questions.
Q. How do I lead the time?
A. By coming prepared with things on your heart to talk about. Write them down in advance, bring a note card, bring your journal. However works best for you, simply make the game plan and the itinerary, and I’ll do my best to come along side the dialogue.
Q. What should I focus on during our time?
A. Anything between life, leadership, God, and our part in it. Really there’s no category that isn’t appropriate for our pastoral discipleship meetings.
Q. Do I need to ask you questions?
A. That’s totally up to you! You can ask me several questions, or you can use the time simply as a opportunity to share with me updates that are going on in your life. Again, no rules!
Q. What if you have things on your heart to share with me?
A. Good question. As your pastor, I will find my spots to come into relationship with you if I really feel something pressing on my heart to share or discuss. I will largely do that outside of these discipleship meetings that you request if I need to. However, in this season, it about more about leadership from you and me being available and responsive.
Q. What if I don’t have anything on my heart to talk about when I come?
A. No worries. Of course I’ll be there to help guide you and even prompt you with some starter questions if needed. However, I’m confident each person can take a real role in leading themselves with a bit of encouragement and direction.
Alright hopefully this helps. See you in our sessions!
Pastor Brandon
Entry #2 | Sunday September 25th 2022
TODAY FELT KINDA GREAT!!
Hi Guys!
Man, today was SUPER fun! Loved being back with you guys and eating good food, sharing the Word and hopefully readying our hearts to dig deep this season across the Bible. Again, my two personal desires this season:
Who wants to join me in making this your rally cry? (Praying many symbolic hands of agreement and easing in the air fo’ sho right now!)
This Week
See you next Sunday!
Pastor Brandon
Hi Guys!
Man, today was SUPER fun! Loved being back with you guys and eating good food, sharing the Word and hopefully readying our hearts to dig deep this season across the Bible. Again, my two personal desires this season:
- I want to live for God.
- I want to be effective in my life (career and everything in between) and relationships (family, friends, and beyond).
Who wants to join me in making this your rally cry? (Praying many symbolic hands of agreement and easing in the air fo’ sho right now!)
This Week
- Discipleship | I’m fully booked with the two discipleship meetings in both my slots! GREAT! Looking forward to connecting about anything and everything…and of course placing God in the center. (If you haven’t signed up yet, please do tonight! This is for everyone and I’d love to have that time with you!)
- Next Sunday | We will keep working through Part 1 of Cultivating Our Soil and Preparing For The Harvest as we look at shame, pain, and coveting gain as our roadblocks.
- After that, we will push the conversation forward and at least introduce Part 2.
- Proverbs | don’t worry! I haven’t forgotten about our mini-training on the Proverbian Method of Communication. We’ll definitely have time to fit that in the month of October as well. You have my word!
See you next Sunday!
Pastor Brandon
Entry #1 | Friday September 23rd 2022
I'M BACK AND READY TO ROLL!
Hey RCC Community!
Welcome to our new portal. I hope to use it more productively than we have had a track record of using portals in the past... (I'm' sighing). If you follow me on social media then perhaps this is old information, but for those who don’t, I want you to know that I did the WHOLE THING!
That's right! From Beaverton Oregon to Chino Hills CA and back. 20+ days of traveling and AIRBNB’s and over 1,000 of driving all on my own with a truck and a cargo trailer! This was simply not a possibility a few years ago. As usual, The trip wasn’t perfect or normal but it was incredibly redemptive and such a blessing in a variety of ways for me and my family. I’m home, spiritually focused and ready to do what’s “next”.💪 So let’s talk about that!
Sunday Mornings:
Our community will gather on Sundays now through the end of October at 9:30am at The Davis’ home. Please be mindful to bring $2 dollars cash per person who’s eating a plate of breakfast…and please do eat with us; it’s part of doing life together!
What You Will Need This Sunday and Beyond!
A NLT Bible! Please do your very very best to get one before this Sunday. It doesn’t have to be new and expensive, but it needs to be present and physically there with you as you will need it this Sunday. Please also bring your ESV Bible as well. RCC has three to sell (first come first serve at $7 per Bible). Please know that this is an expensive version of the Bible with small print, but it gets the job done in case you’re not able to have one by Sunday. Please reach out to get one of these 3 limited ones we have on hand.
Discipleship Meetings With Me:
I want to connect and help you grow more. Rather that is as individuals or as couples, I want us to lean into the season. So for those who I’ve been previously doing one on one discipleship with, and those who have been waiting, here’s how it all works now:
So, are you ready for church this weekend? I am.
So to celebrate being back with all of you, let’s do breakfast together and sweeten the pot a bit. We’ll do the same eggs and bacon, but we will add some bananas, orange juice, and delicious donuts on top of that…yum! (But don’t worry, I’ll cover the cost for the additions personally with my allowance. So it’s on me. Therefore, the same… “new”… $2 per person!)
CAN’T WAIT to open my Bible with you on Sunday!
Your Friend & Leader,
Pastor Brandon
Hey RCC Community!
Welcome to our new portal. I hope to use it more productively than we have had a track record of using portals in the past... (I'm' sighing). If you follow me on social media then perhaps this is old information, but for those who don’t, I want you to know that I did the WHOLE THING!
That's right! From Beaverton Oregon to Chino Hills CA and back. 20+ days of traveling and AIRBNB’s and over 1,000 of driving all on my own with a truck and a cargo trailer! This was simply not a possibility a few years ago. As usual, The trip wasn’t perfect or normal but it was incredibly redemptive and such a blessing in a variety of ways for me and my family. I’m home, spiritually focused and ready to do what’s “next”.💪 So let’s talk about that!
Sunday Mornings:
Our community will gather on Sundays now through the end of October at 9:30am at The Davis’ home. Please be mindful to bring $2 dollars cash per person who’s eating a plate of breakfast…and please do eat with us; it’s part of doing life together!
What You Will Need This Sunday and Beyond!
A NLT Bible! Please do your very very best to get one before this Sunday. It doesn’t have to be new and expensive, but it needs to be present and physically there with you as you will need it this Sunday. Please also bring your ESV Bible as well. RCC has three to sell (first come first serve at $7 per Bible). Please know that this is an expensive version of the Bible with small print, but it gets the job done in case you’re not able to have one by Sunday. Please reach out to get one of these 3 limited ones we have on hand.
Discipleship Meetings With Me:
I want to connect and help you grow more. Rather that is as individuals or as couples, I want us to lean into the season. So for those who I’ve been previously doing one on one discipleship with, and those who have been waiting, here’s how it all works now:
- What you will see is that basically every Tuesday and Wednesday I have time available. There’s an afternoon slot and an evening slot to fit everyone’s specific lifestyle needs.
- The goal is that each and everyone of you will take advantage of this opportunity. It is a first come first serve situation, so sign up now! Simply click on the link and pick which date best works for you and “presto” our meeting will happen! More details will be found there.
So, are you ready for church this weekend? I am.
So to celebrate being back with all of you, let’s do breakfast together and sweeten the pot a bit. We’ll do the same eggs and bacon, but we will add some bananas, orange juice, and delicious donuts on top of that…yum! (But don’t worry, I’ll cover the cost for the additions personally with my allowance. So it’s on me. Therefore, the same… “new”… $2 per person!)
CAN’T WAIT to open my Bible with you on Sunday!
Your Friend & Leader,
Pastor Brandon
