Glendora Friends Church

Sign Saying

2012-02-02T21:22:00.001-08:00

Thank You, Happy People Pictures!

2012-02-01T15:26:00.000-08:00

Thank you to Stephanie S for taking some staff photos. To see more of Stephanie's work, visit www.happypeoplepictures.com or see her page on Facebook.

Sign Saying

2012-01-27T08:46:00.001-08:00

THE WITH-GOD LIFE: Jesus’ Amazing Authority

2012-01-25T11:23:00.000-08:00

From Pastor Judy

We live in a rebellious age, an age where everyone sits in judgment of everyone else. We are especially critical of authority and power. We are critical, and indeed, criticism is expected. Neil Anderson says,

“We go to church and critique the choir or the music instead of entering into the experience of worshiping God. We sit in judgment of the sermon instead of letting the sermon sit in judgment of us. How many times have you heard people coming out of church criticizing the music or the message? We bad-mouth our president, our governors, our pastors, our teachers, our spouses and our parents” (Anderson, 191).

In the first chapter of Mark we immediately get a picture of Jesus waging war on the powers of darkness. Jesus is tempted by Satan in the wilderness (1:13). Then, in Capernaum on the Sabbath in the synagogue, Jesus is confronted by an evil spirit (1:21-28). Right away the battle between good and evil begins, both privately and publicly. Jesus is the clear winner in both of these early battles. The people are amazed at Jesus’ authority as he teaches, and then further amazed by his authority over evil spirits. That the Messiah would come and set Israel free from Roman rule was the expectation. That the freedom they needed would begin on the Sabbath and in a synagogue was unexpected. This has left me very humbly pondering.

For us, if everything is submitted through the lens of our personal criticism, are we at risk of missing submission in obedience to Jesus’ authority? Doesn’t my recognition and submission to Jesus’ authority begin in the depths of my own heart? Sometimes I wonder if we place our rationality as ultimately authoritative rather than Christ. The Gospel of Mark clearly demonstrates Christ’s authority. He is obviously in control in the first chapter and ultimately triumphs over evil on the cross. It is not our human ingenuity and rationalism that will ultimately prevail. Christ will prevail. We must ever trust Jesus’ authority and power in our broken world.

Sign Saying

2012-01-24T07:01:00.000-08:00

THE WITH-GOD LIFE: Follow Jesus

2012-01-14T10:56:00.000-08:00

From Pastor Bruce:

My first job was throwing newspapers. I was twelve years old. There wasn't much of an application; I just had to sit down with a man from the Enid Morning News and Daily Eagle and assure him I would do the job, even on cold winter mornings.

I've applied for a lot of other jobs since then: yard maintenance, restaurants, churches. On rare occasions job have come looking for me. It's fun to be sought-after.

I wonder what Simon, Andrew, James and John thought when the job of a lifetime came looking for them. The two sets of brothers were working their fishing businesses on the Sea of Galilee. Were they satisfied with what they were doing? Or was there a quiet desperation for something more.

The God of the Universe in human form, Jesus Christ, came calling. "Follow Me," He told the men who fished for a living, "and I will make you fishers of men." They knew in a nanosecond that this was what they had been looking for all their lives, for they immediately left their businesses behind and followed Jesus. It was a mighty act of faith--a faithful act--to leave all they knew to follow Jesus. But they knew it was right.

Jesus was putting them in right relationship with Himself (and they were willing). Jesus was inviting them to go on mission with Himself (and they were willing). Jesus would teach them how to do it (and they were willing).

How willing are you to leave all to follow Jesus where He wants to take you?

THE WITH-GOD LIFE: Repent & Believe the Good News

2012-01-05T14:59:00.001-08:00

From Pastor Judy

We are beginning a new adventure in 2012 as a congregation, an adventure discovering more of what “God with us” means. We’ll do this submitting ourselves to the “with-God life,” following Jesus through the gospel of Mark, learning better how to follow Jesus.

Mark is thought to be the earliest of the four gospels in the New Testament. Very likely Luke and Matthew had Mark’s gospel when they wrote their gospels. Both Luke and Matthew repeat much of what we find in Mark, often adding additional details. So while Mark is short, it has a terse and intense style that gives it an urgency that we will want to pay close attention to.

Mark 1:1-15, the opening verses of the gospel, give us a summary. At Jesus’ baptism in the Jordan River by John the Baptist, the curtain in heaven is torn back. The Spirit descends on Jesus like a dove, and a voice from heaven says, “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased” (Mark 1:11).

God makes a powerful, affirming statement about Jesus. And God makes that same powerful, affirming statement to each of us as we come to him. God loves us and has gone out of his way to lavish us with his grace. It is God’s pleasure to adopt us as his sons. And when we come to him, his Spirit descends on us; he comes to live in us. This is reality for the Christian.

The with-God life involves believing reality is as Jesus’ experiences it at his baptism, when heaven is torn open and heaven is exposed to earth. What is real is the glorious love of the Father for his children. May you live deeply rooted and anchored in this love, the reality that you are profoundly and dearly loved, that God is pleased with you. May that reality encourage you in whatever your situation. Repent and believe the good news.

Jesus, Our God is With Us!

2011-12-27T12:16:00.000-08:00

by Pastor Judy with Pastor Bruce

Growing up, our family did not have a Christmas crèche (nativity scene). My freshman year in college I got the idea that my parents needed one for Christmas. So I bought them one, a good one, an expensive one that I paid a bit each month for four months before I finally paid it off and could bring it home. I think my parents were pleased. When my mom died, I inherited the crèche, complete with snow-covered barn. I used it to teach my sons about the birth of Jesus. This year it sits on the bottom shelf of our bookcase so that our grandson can begin to learn the story of Jesus.

At our annual GFC Christmas Party, we had a wonderful time with the Christmas story. We dressed up a variety of willing participants to play the necessary roles, and as Pastor Bruce and I read the nativity story, it came to life as our willing band of actors acted out the parts. It was a wonderful time of celebration and worship. Scenes like this play out all over the world as Christians celebrate the birth of Christ.

We love this celebration, but I wonder if in the midst of our retelling the story we often miss the horrific dangers encountered by “the Word becoming flesh.” We observe a simple, calm holiday without a hint of shame. Consider that Mary was troubled and afraid at the news: the angel told her she would be with child by the Holy Spirit. Out of wedlock pregnancy was scandalous and deserving of stoning to death as punishment. Often today, we don’t see this as a problem. For Mary it was dangerous and for Joseph it was humiliating. I wonder if Mary went with Joseph to be counted for the Roman census because Joseph was worried about what might happen to her if he left her with his family?

The political situation in Judea at the time of Jesus’ birth was anything but stable. King Herod was not a nice guy. When he found out that the Messiah was thought to be born in his territory, remember, he played nice to the magi, and when they didn’t return to him with news of where Jesus had been born, he ordered all of the baby boys under two to be slaughtered. Mary and Joseph with their baby fled as refugees to Egypt. Philip Yancy likens the political environment surrounding Jesus’ birth to that of Russia in the 1930s under Stalin.

Jesus is born without authority, privilege, riches or justice. What can we learn about “God with us” from the circumstances of his birth? Philip Yancy, in his book, The Jesus I Never Knew, carefully suggests four things. (1) We learn God is humble. He allows himself to be stripped down to the size of a human embryo and enter time in the form of a helpless baby. (2) God is approachable. He becomes one of us! He does life in a family and community where he moves and interacts readily with people, ordinary people. (3) Jesus demonstrates deep care and compassion for the underdog. He is available to everyone, but pays particular attention to those on the fringes, giving them hope and a future. (4) And finally he is courageous. Enemies of the Kingdom of God abound in his earthly existence, culminating ultimately in his public crucifixion, and still he came into the midst of humanity.

God is with you. Where is he in the midst of your life’s situation? How is he speaking to you in your circumstances? While God is with you, do you find yourself with God? Or are you holding him at a distance? Allow Jesus to come into your circumstances, to speak to you about the man or woman he has created you to be. Let Jesus dwell deeply with you. May you know Christ better and better in the year to come and learn to follow him where he leads.

Sowing Seeds for Life in San Gabriel Valley Tribune

2011-12-23T09:09:00.000-08:00

Enjoy!

http://www.sgvtribune.com/news/ci_19604286

Some Advent Art

2011-12-19T09:11:00.000-08:00

This is a view of the north windows of our church's Fellowship Hall. Our Children's Ministry Team put up this artwork. It's been fun to see it progress through the weeks of Advent. We have seen Mary on donkey and Joseph travel across the hills under starry skies. Shepherds joined them followed by the Wise Guys. Finally, Mary and Joseph made it to Bethlehem where a STAR appeared in a very starry sky. The final panels are below, for your viewing pleasure and some soul reflection. (We think the stained glass of the great European cathedrals have nothing on our Fellowship Hall artwork.)

Sign Saying

2011-12-19T09:02:00.000-08:00

Jesus, our Savior is with us!

2011-12-14T14:23:00.000-08:00

From Pastor Judy

Where is God? As a kid I was convinced God lived in the sanctuary of the church I attended each Sunday with my parents. Our oldest son, Andrew, was convinced at the age of four that Jesus lived in his pumping, beating organ, his heart.

The prophet Haggai had a word from the LORD for the Israelite exiles who returned to Jerusalem from Babylon. The exiles felt hopeless and helpless, forgotten by God. Haggai encouraged them with the reassurance that God was with them (Haggai 1:13, 2:4). He encouraged them to build the LORD’s house, to take their focus off of themselves and turn their attention onto Him. The words of Haggai from the LORD were heard and acted upon. They began to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem. They received further encouragement to be strong, to not fear, that the LORD Almighty was at work and he would send the Desired of All Nations to come and fill the temple with His glory (Haggai 2:7-9).

The people obediently continued forward. When you think about it, they did it quite well. They survived the next 400 years in silence from hearing the word of the LORD. They hunkered down with the rituals, laws, stories and ways the LORD had spoken to them in the past. They held on to what they knew and waited for the Messiah.

In the Gospel of John, chapter 11, Jesus hears the news his beloved friend, Lazarus, is ill. Instead of rushing to his bedside, Jesus remains where he is two more days before going to help. When he arrives, Jesus learns Lazarus has been dead four days. Mary and Martha, Lazarus’ sisters, accuse Jesus, “If you would have been here, [our] brother would not have died” (John 11:21, 32). Their perception was that Jesus was not with them.

As we carefully read the story, we become very aware that Jesus has somehow been there even in his perceived absence. He knows exactly what is going on and what he is doing. Jesus tells Martha, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die” (John 11:25-26). Jesus is reassuring her that for those who believe in him, he is fully and powerfully present in life as well as death. Jesus then proceeds to call Lazarus from the grave. Lazarus stumbles out of the tomb, alive!

God takes initiative with us. He reveals his glory and power in our helplessness. He pursues us in our deadness, in our sin. He calls us forth to life, life that extends beyond the grave. Do you believe this? Come and believe. God is with us!

Caution: Men at Work

2011-12-12T14:10:00.000-08:00

We are prereparing Pomona's Ganesha Park for the Sowing Seeds for Life Christmas Outreach.

Mark Your Calendar!

2011-12-08T19:48:00.000-08:00

Sign Saying

2011-12-06T18:42:00.000-08:00

Jesus, Our Sustainer, Is With Us!

2011-12-06T06:35:00.000-08:00

From Pastor Bruce:

Only with hindsight are we able to see that even in our darkest days the Lord was laying Sovereign foundations of His own building in our lives. Recognizing this past reality enables us to see much more clearly how God is at work in the darkness of our present living.

When retirement dreams go sideways, as they often do, when our children are in psychic pain, when our mid-life realities underwhelm us, when "normal" takes the place of hoped-for extraordinary living, when we experience exile from our dreams and expectations and visions of a preferred future then feelings of loss, perplexity, abandonment, loneliness and neediness can settle in. In our exile we can easily cry out "Who will help me?" and "Who is there for me?" and "God is not with me." We wonder if morning will ever dawn and if our hearts can ever be fully bent toward His as we muddle through our personal exile.

Several thousand of God's people camped near a river in Babylon, captives taken from Jerusalem, being taught hard lessons in international relations and faith in God. While their countrymen in Jerusalem partied, they pined away for home. The prophets Jeremiah and Ezekiel ministered to their condition, speaking God's word to them that they would one day be restored to Zion. Until then, God had a message for their hearts and minds: I am with you. "This is what the Sovereign Lord says: Although I sent them far away among the nations and scattered them among the countries, yet for a little while I have been a sanctuary for them in the countries where they have gone." (Ezekiel 11:16)

The exiles weren't lost at all--they were found! They were secure, embraced, fulfilled, loved! God's very Presence was with them in a foreign land. He is the God of all the earth, not just Jerusalem, and His presence is with His people. He was sustaining them even in the midst of exile.

God was laying Sovereign foundations in their lives to develop a people for Himself who would be righteous and true and faithful, a new generation to start again after the final devastating destruction of Jerusalem.

Jesus, too, laid Sovereign foundations in the lives of his disciples when, after being hounded for another meal by the self-exiled hungry-for-food-alone masses then being deserted after being denied, confronted his disciples by a startling question: "Do you want to leave too?" He asks us, "Do you want to remain in exile too? Always hungry but never being satisfied? Always thirsty but never quenched? Feeling perplexed, abandoned, lonely and needy while wondering about me, 'Where are you?'" Or do you want Me in you? "Only insofar as you eat and drink flesh and blood, the flesh and blood of the Son of Man, do you have life within you... Whoever eats this Bread will live always." (John 6:53, 58 MSG)

Like the exiles in Babylon, and the hungry crowds seeking Jesus out for one more meal, God is laying Sovereign foundations in your life in the midst of your times of dark exile, building you into a person He can use. God is Present for you, so keep doing the faithful things that you know to do.

Light is dawning, friends. Our hearts are bending His way. God in Christ is Everything!

House of Ruth Benefit Dinner

2011-12-05T18:18:00.000-08:00

Stepping Stones for Life Christmas Outreach at Ganesha Park in Pomona

2011-12-03T18:30:00.000-08:00

The Great Los Angeles Wind Storm of 2011

2011-12-02T21:11:00.000-08:00

Sign Saying

2011-12-02T21:09:00.001-08:00

Jesus, Our Sufficiency, Is With Us!

2011-11-30T17:59:00.000-08:00

From Pastor Judy -

Having struggled with loneliness off and on my whole life, the truth that God is with us stretches my imagination and soothes my weary heart. In Isaiah 8, Isaiah has been trying to tell Judah that God is with them (8:8, 13) despite the hopelessness and helplessness they see and feel, with Assyria marching toward them and Israel and Judah desiring to align with them. It does not appear that God is present, but the truth is, he is present. Isaiah is directed by the LORD to go a different direction, to fear the LORD Almighty and not the political terror all around him (8:13), to wait and trust in the LORD (8:17), to be a sign and a symbol to the crazy folks around him of the LORD’s presence and power (8:18).

In sharp contrast, John 8 demonstrates the people’s blindness to God even when he is visibly present. Prior to John 8, Jesus has turned water into wine (2), healed an official’s son from a distance (4), healed an invalid at the pool of Bethesda (5), fed 5,000 hungry people with a bit of bread and a few fish (6), and walked on water (6). It is clear who Jesus is. God is with them; yet they do not perceive him. Jesus tells them he is the light of the world (8:12), and those who ought to recognize him think he is suicidal (8:22), their enemy and demon possessed (8:48). God is with them: concrete, tangible, visible. Yet they cannot see him.

Isaiah 8 and John 8 offer two distinct situations where God is present but not perceived. God was deeply at work, but people did not recognize his marvelous movement and momentum in the midst of their circumstances. What about us today? God is with us, today, right now. He is not far off. He knows our need. He knows what we can handle. He is, like in Isaiah’s time and in John’s gospel, trying to get our attention in the midst of our rebellion and heard hearts. He is present amongst us by his Spirit. He is speaking through the Bible, through circumstances, through prayer, through the Church. He has not left us alone. Christmas reminds us to participate and celebrate the intimate and tangible ways God is with us. Does he have your attention? Can you see him and hear him speaking into your circumstances? Are you aligning yourself toward his plans and purposes? God is, indeed, with us.

Operation Christmas Child Report

2011-11-28T18:19:00.001-08:00

Thank You All for a Fabulous Work Day!

2011-11-25T16:36:00.000-08:00

Thank you so much Bob, Anne, Jim, Dennis, Curt, Dave, Christin, Dustin, Amy, Steve, Warren, and Rebecca. It's looking mighty nice around here!

Sign Saying

2011-11-25T16:27:00.000-08:00

Thanks To Our Operation Christmas Child Volunteers and Donors

2011-11-22T07:18:00.000-08:00

Our congregation donated nearly 160 boxes.

Glendora Friends Church acted as an Operation Christmas Child Relay Center, accepting thousands of other boxes before relaying them to another center.

Operation Christmas Child Shoe Box Drop Off

2011-11-14T10:34:00.000-08:00

Some of Today's Groups

2011-11-13T22:51:00.000-08:00

Glendora Friends Church Will Definitely Be Open on Christmas Sunday 2011

2011-11-06T06:21:00.000-08:00

From Pastor Bruce:

A pastor friend of mine posted this on Twitter:

Irony of churches closing for Christmas: Christians would rather stay home than gather to worship the One who left His home to be with us.

Glendora Friends Church will definitely be open for business on Christmas Sunday, December 25, 2011, 10:00am. And I'll be wearing my finest for my King, old school-style.

Cool: Great Strides in Robotics and Human Mobility

2011-11-02T06:47:00.000-07:00

From Pastor Bruce:

ABC News reports on the advances being made in robotics which are helping those with paralysis and reduced mobility issues. This is particularly interesting to me as I see the effects of such issues in my weekly role as a hospice chaplain.

Toyota Shows Machines To Help Elderly, Sick Move

Our Church Office Had A Visit From Mary Poppins!

2011-10-31T16:17:00.001-07:00

Sign Saying

2011-10-31T16:15:00.000-07:00

Sign Saying

2011-10-31T16:13:00.001-07:00

Concern For Men

2011-10-24T15:05:00.000-07:00

From Pastor Judy and Pastor Bruce:

As pastors we have had many discussions in recent years about the shrinking value of men in our society. William Bennett penned a remarkable opinion piece recently that we think deserves some review:

Fashioning men has never been easy, but today it seems particularly tough. Boys need heroes to embody the everlasting qualities of manhood: honor, duty, valor, and integrity. Without such role models, boys will naturally choose perpetual childhood over the rigors of becoming a man—as many women, teachers, coaches, employers, and adults in authority can quickly attest to today.
Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2011/10/14/have-forgotten-how-to-raise-boys-into-men/#ixzz1bju8vwe9

Empowering Mission: Sowing Seeds for Life

2011-10-24T09:58:00.000-07:00

Sowing Seeds for Life is a Food Pantry located at DPI Labs in La Verne, serving 6,000 people per month. It's a big operation that needs lots of dedicated volunteers.

From the Sowing Seeds for Life website...

Volunteers are currently needed for the following positions:

Food Pantry Setup: Every 1st and 3rd Weds of every month need volunteers to help setup for food pantry. Start time 1:00 PM.

Food Pantry Line: Every 1st and 3rd Weds of every month need volunteers to help distribute food for food pantry. Time 2:30 PM to 5:00PM.

- Interviewing
- Distribution
- Children’s Activities
- Event Coordination
- Nutrition & Meal Classes
- Sign-Making
- Sorting & Packaging

Without volunteers, the Sowing Seeds For Life would not be able to provide food for hundreds of hungry people every week. Get together with a social, church or work group and spend a day with us.

Minimum age for volunteering for food pantry is 14 years old
Volunteers must wear closed toe shoes.
14 years and below may volunteer for kids crafts table

To learn more about becoming a Foodbank volunteer, contact our volunteer coordinator at (909) 392-5777, extension 271

Empowering Mission: Pico Rivera Serve Days

2011-10-24T09:24:00.000-07:00

Pico Rivera Friends Church is remodeling the exterior of their sanctuary. While not exactly a mission in the classic sense, we want to help provide workers in an effort to get outside ourselves for the sake of Christ and His Kingdom.

The BIG PUSH date is Saturday, November 5, when they will be putting up siding and prepping the rest of the exterior walls.

Bring power saws, sanders and nail guns and hammers if you have them.

Learn more by clicking here.

Saturday, Nov 5, 8am-4pm.

Breakfast and lunch provided.

Worship God

2011-10-20T16:38:00.000-07:00

From Pastor Bruce:

As we travel through Exodus, we see over and over that God's chief desire in rescuing His people from bondage in Egypt is that they may see and know Him and worship Him as their One and Only Present God, in order to get Egypt out of their system.

It reminds me very much of Jesus's concern for His people in The Revelation: He wanted the first Christians to see and know Jesus Christ crucified and resurrected as their One and Only Present God, the unadulterated worship of His early church, in order to get Rome out of their system.

Eugene Peterson in Reversed Thunder: The Revelation of John and the Praying Imagination writes in his final chapter on John's Revelation about the clarifying effects of our worship of God which rids us of the blurry effects of sin upon our view of life:

"The clarity of creation blurred and the created world became merely things to be bought and sold, used and discarded. And the sanctity of persons blurred, so that individuals became simply people we liked or didn't like, who made our lives better or worse, whom we wanted to get close to or get away from. Was there any way to recover the focus? Restore to obvious visibility the creating and redeeming Christ? There was: there was worship [emphasis mine]. The imperative was clarion: worship God. Obedience was widespread: believers did it in faithful regularity. First-day worship shaped their week and their lives. They retold the story of Jesus; they reenacted those focused hours of clarity and sanctity in the eucharistic bread and wine; they recovered a focused attention on the creation that was under all that they looked upon, the salvation interior to all whom they met... The work of worship gathers everything in our common lives that has been dispersed by sin and brings it to attention before God... faithfully repeated, week after week, year after year, there is an accumulation to wholeness." (pp. 188-189).

Sign Saying

2011-10-20T16:21:00.002-07:00

Sign Saying

2011-10-20T16:21:00.000-07:00

Preparing for Sunday and the Burning Bush

2011-10-05T12:17:00.000-07:00

From Pastor Judy

On this rainy Wednesday, I am hunkered down in my office, enjoying the gentle sound of the rain, and studying for our sermon on Sunday. This Sunday we will be looking at Exodus 3-4, Moses’ experience of God at the burning bush, a bush that is burning and yet not consumed. Very curious. Fire is an interesting image associated with the presence of God.

If you think about it, all physical life depends on fire. The sun is essentially a fireball! Likewise our spiritual life depends entirely on God to enliven us. Fire is used to both purify and destroy. God purifies the righteous and destroys the wicked. So it is significant that at this fire, the burning bush in Exodus 3, the LORD uniquely limits the fire for his disclosure to Moses. Fire is used to light up darkness as God overcomes the dark powers of evil, the darkness within us. Fire is strange and dangerous, especially when uncontained. God is unfathomable, powerful and mysterious. He is wholly other from us, his creatures. And just as fire is flickering, changing and difficult to examine, God is indefinable and beyond our grasp and comprehension.

I’m praying for you all as we prepare to meet God together in worship next Sunday.

The Clarion Call to Watered Down Evangelicalism

2011-09-29T15:57:00.000-07:00

Pastor Judy here.

I am challenged this week by one of my favorite bloggers, Ben Witherington. Ben posted the September Convocation at Asbury Seminary given by Asbury president, Timothy C. Tennent, entitled, “The Clarion Call to Watered Down Evangelicalism.” Tennent challenged Asbury seminarians with the important call of the church to theologically educate. In explaining how theologically “light” evangelicalism has become in recent years, he points to the casualness, the informality, with which we often treat worship and the church. We’ve become critics of the “style” of worship, where we consume a product to give us an emotional experience and meet our felt needs. We are overly familiar with God, treating him as our buddy or pal rather than with awful, humble reverence. We are too easily satisfied with bumper-sticker Christianity instead of rich, transformed and empowered lives.

Tennent challenged Asbury seminarians to think about church in terms of “living communities of men and women who have been transformed by the gospel.” He urged them to reject thinness in favor of deep church, describing,

A deep church is one which takes the encounter with a holy God seriously and is shaped by spiritual disciplines, holiness and catechesis. A deep church is the opposite of a shallow one. We are to exhibit a deep understanding of the holiness and weightiness of God. In Hebrew the word for honor and glory is kbd (kabod), meaning “heavy.” God has become far too lightweight in contemporary evangelicalism. The great sense of God’s transcendence and holiness must, once again, overtake post-modernity’s sense of over familiarity and casualness in God’s presence.

I'm thinking we need to take this challenge as well. Good words for self-examination and reflection, this article is well worth reading. Check out the article here.

They Like Jesus, But Not The Church

2011-09-21T06:23:00.000-07:00

From Pastor Bruce...

That's the title of one of our fall Discipleship Groups, meeting on Tuesdays, 7pm, in The House. Based on Dan Kimball's book of the same name, it explores why it is that so many seem so dissatisfied with the church.

Scot McKnight's Jesus Creed blog today posted on a similar theme.

David Kinnaman has written what I suspect will be a much-discussed, perhaps much-debated, book about why it is that young adults are walking out the doors of the church. His book is called You Lost Me: Why Young Christians Are Leaving Church…and Rethinking Faith. David’s previous book, called unChristian: What a New Generation Really Thinks about Christianity… and Why It Matters, focused on outsiders. This one focuses on insiders — those reared in the church. It offers description of various types of young adults who are walking away from the church.

David discusses three kinds of “dropouts”:

Nomads: those who walk away but still consider themselves Christians. Prodigals: those who no longer consider themselves Christians. Exiles: those who still invested in the Christian faith “but feel stuck (or lost) between culture and the church” (25).

One of his findings is that more are struggling with their experience of the church than their Christian faith. But about 40% of 20somethings are deeply concerned about friends who are abandoning the church.

Kinnaman finds three characteristics of this generation as it dwells in a new technological, social and spiritual reality and these are to be seen as pervasive realities and general realities:

What do you think of his three categories? Do they describe “types” in your experience or church?

Read more here, including reader comments.

Fall Discipleship Groups Kick Off

2011-09-19T09:51:00.000-07:00

This is our Exodus Discipleship Group, led by Bob R, one of seven groups we are offering this fall. This group is reading through the book of Exodus, working to develop our ability to pay close and careful attention to the biblical story. Wednesdays, 7pm, Sep 14-Nov 16, Church Fellowship Hall

OTHER GROUPS:

Celebration of Discipline Discipleship Group
Led by Pastor Judy, this group will be reading Richard Foster's Celebration of Discipline, a Christian classic. In our group gatherings we will enjoy a meal and share our learning and weekly practice of each discipline. (Buy your own book) Mondays, 6pm, Sep 12-Nov 14, Pastor Judy's Home

Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University
Led by Jim O and Dennis T, FPU is a 13-week, video-based small group study that teaches families how to beat debt, build wealth and give like never before. Cost is $100 per family. If you have already taken the course, bring your workbook and come for free! Tuesdays, 7pm, Sep 13-Dec 6, Church Sanctuary

They Like Jesus But Not The Church Discipleship Group
Led by Molly M and Nick C, this group will cover a variety of topics concerning the emerging generation and their interaction with today's church based on Dan Kimball's book, They Like Jesus but Not the Church. (Buy your own book) Tuesdays, 7pm, Sep 13-Nov 15, Church Dining Room

Ladies' Bible Study Discipleship Group
Led by Rena O, this group is on-going; a new Bible study will begin on the book of Colossians. (Study books will be available for a small charge) Wednesdays, 7pm, Sep 14-Nov 16, Church Dining Room

Men's Bible Study Discipleship Group
Led by Pastor Bruce, this devotional Bible study will be based on meditating the Psalms. A simple breakfast will be included. Thursdays, 6:30am, Sep 15-Nov 17, Church Garage

"Table Talk" Discipleship Group
Led by Greg R, this is an exploration and open discussion of the core beliefs of the Christian faith using Scriptures as our guide. Will meet ten Saturdays at Clayton Brewing Co., 661 W. Arrow Hwy, San Dimas. Bring your Bible. Saturdays, 10:30-11:30am, Sep 17-Nov 19, Clayton Brewing Co. San Dimas

The Choices We Make Say A Lot About Us

2011-09-12T06:23:00.000-07:00

These guys chose to be with one another last Saturday at Men's Breakfast. Dennis T spoke about the choices we make and how they impact us and others and Christ's church.

Consumer Christian Worship

2011-09-12T06:20:00.000-07:00

Seven New Discipleship Groups Start Next Week!

2011-09-08T09:44:00.001-07:00

From Pastor Judy

This summer we have been talking a lot about what hinders us and what helps us develop trust in God. We've been talking about what it looks like to have "ruthless trust," trust without pity or thought of self. As you've undoubtedly noted, ruthless trust is not for sissies! Yet ruthless trust puts us in a position and posture to experience intimacy with God, relationship with God, that is what we long for; indeed, it is what we are made for. Do you have this kind of faith? Do you want to grow in your faith?

Jesus calls us to believe in him for salvation and to follow him as disciples. Disciples of Jesus seek to become like Jesus who had ruthless confidence in his Father. Becoming like Jesus does not just happen. It requires intentional effort, learning and relearning, as well as action. Please take some time and prayerfully consider attending one of our seven discipleship groups offered this fall. Bring a friend! It is a fun way to grow in your faith and develop relationships that will encourage you in your faith journey.

Celebration of Discipline Discipleship Group is being led by me. We will be reading Richard Foster's Celebration of Discipline, a Christian classic that encourages us as Jesus' disciples to engage in the spiritual disciplines that Jesus himself engaged in and that were practiced by his first disciples and the early church. Indeed, they have been embraced by Christ's disciples for centuries. In our group gatherings we will enjoy a meal and share our learning and weekly practice of the disciplines. Please purchase your own copy of the book. This group meets Mondays, 6:00 pm, at my home, Sept. 12 - Nov. 14.

Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University Group is being led by Jim O'Brien and Dennis Trzeciak. FPU is a 13-week, video-based small group study that teaches families how to beat debt, build wealth and give like never before - discipleship of money, if you will. If you have already taken this course once, simply bring your workbook and come for free. If you have not yet registered for materials, see me ASAP so I can set you up! This group meets Tuesdays, 7:00 pm in the Sanctuary, Sept. 13 - Dec. 6.

They Like Jesus but Not the Church Discipleship Group is led by Molly Morton and Nick Croce. This group will cover a variety of contemporary topics concerning the emerging generation and their interaction with today's church based on Dan Kimball's book, They Like Jesus but Not the Church. Please purchase your own copy of the book. This group also meets Tuesdays, 7:00 pm in the Dining Room, Sept. 13 - Nov. 15.

Ladies' Bible Study Discipleship Group is led by Rena O'Brien. This fall they will be studying the book of Colossians. Study books can be purchased for a small charge. See Rena for the book. This group meets Wednesdays, 7:00 pm, in the Dining Room, Sept. 14 - Nov. 16.

Exodus Discipleship Group is led by Bob Ramsey. This group will read through the book of Exodus, working to develop our ability to pay close and careful attention to the biblical story. This group meets Wednesday, 7:00 pm, in the Fellowship Hall, Sept. 14 - Nov. 16.

Men's Bible Study Discipleship Group is being led by Pastor Bruce. This group will be meditating on the Psalms. A simple breakfast will be included. This group meets Thursdays, 6:30 am, in the Garage, Sept. 15 - Nov. 17.

"Table Talk" Discipleship Group is being led by Greg Rand. This will explore and discuss the core beliefs of the Christian faith using Scripture as our guide. This group meets Saturdays, 10:30 am at Clayton Brewing Co., 661 W. Arrow Hwy., San Dimas, Sept. 17 - Nov. 19.

Enjoy!

Sign Saying

2011-09-05T08:05:00.000-07:00

Some Bikers and a Hiker

2011-08-29T08:00:00.000-07:00

Sons and Daughters of ~~Anarchy~~ The King at Bonelli Park.

Children's Church

2011-08-26T21:14:00.000-07:00

Looks like a good sermon: Washed clean of dirty sin.

You Can Help Sword Productions Make an Evangelistic Film for Nepal

2011-08-23T19:07:00.000-07:00

Steve and Mayen Cadd are missionaries through Sword Productions. Our own Warren K is on their board. Their ministry focuses on film and video media in southeast Asia. They teach locals in countries like Nepal not only how to film (and give away production and editing equipment to boot) but also how to write scripts and act. Three years ago they were in town and told about their then current project in Mongolia.

Now they are trying to raise the final $65,000 of the $120,000 budget for an evangelistic movie in Nepal. Last night they showed a promotional video for the movie, which has already garnered the support of nearly 4,000 churches in Nepal.

Check out their promo here and ask the Lord Jesus to use you to make this film a reality.

Introducing Child S.H.A.R.E.

2011-08-18T13:56:00.000-07:00

From Pastor Judy

This morning Pastor Bruce and I met with Jenna Harding from a para-church ministry called Child S.H.A.R.E. Child S.H.A.R.E. works with local churches to place foster kids in Christian homes. Having been a foster parent myself, I know the difference a loving family can make in the life of a kid, so this organization has my attention.

Did you know that 12% of children in the U.S. foster care system are located in Southern California? Each year, more than 20,000 children exit the foster care system having never found a permanent home or family. When they reach 18 years of age, with little money in their pockets and no support system, these children are turned out to the streets by the government. 30% of the homeless in America and 25% of those in prison were once in foster care. The need for permanent and loving families has never been greater. Every child ought to experience God's love through a loving and supportive home.

Child S.H.A.R.E supports and encourages families and individuals as they provide foster care. They act as a liaison between families, faith communities and government agencies to place children in loving Christian families. Child S.H.A.R.E. collaborates with local faith communities to take responsibility for helping abused and neglected children by supporting and honoring those who respond to the call to care for these children

Have you ever wanted to make a significant difference in the life of a child and for the sake of the Kingdom? Perhaps the Lord is calling you to consider being a foster parent. For more information, check out their website. If one family in every church took in a child from the foster care system in Southern California, we could make a tremendous impact on the problem of abused and neglected children in our area.

For more information, check out their website.

The Blessings of Separated Community

2011-08-17T17:11:00.000-07:00

From Pastor Bruce...

I love and enjoy the blessings of the gathered community as we are together with one another. These include our shared presence with one another, our growing relationships, the immediate support we offer each other, face to face community and intentional life in Christ done together.

But as pastor of a congregation which has raised up and sent off a fair share of our own young leaders to ministry spots both local and global, I know that there are also blessings in what we can call separated community. This is the community of believers who are not face to face all the time, not immediate in our presence and support. Yes, it's still community, but it's work to maintain it.

What causes separated community? Missions does. The call of God on individual lives separates us. Moves out of the area contribute to it. So does persecution and imprisonment, and even martyrdom.

Early Friends were well acquainted with separated community as George Fox led valiant believers to various parts of the globe to preach the gospel. Some time ago I shared about a Quaker pastor and traveling evangelist named Anna J. Winslow, who sometimes would be months from her home and church community as she ministered among the wider world of Friends. Prison and persecution often separated early Friends from their face to face community with one another.

It's not just our church today or early Friends which must learn to deal with the reality of separated community. Think about this: much of the New Testament was written because of separated community. Romans was written by Paul while he was in Corinth; 2 Timothy while Paul was in prison in Rome; Corinthians from Ephesus; Philippians from prison; Colossians from prison; Thessalonians from Corinth; Titus was written back to Crete while Paul was on the mainland; Philemon from prison; James was written to the "twelve tribes among the nations;" Peter to Christians scattered in Asia; John's epistles were about traveling evangelists.

The Revelation was written by John to his congregations on the mainland of Asia while he was on the prison island of Patmos. Now that's separated community. But instead of seeing the separation as an insurmountable obstacle, John worked through the separated community to enrich his flocks, with the end result being a wonderful word from God for us. The first chapter alone reminds us that their separated community resulted in the blessings of God's word being shared, witness being pushed forward, encouragement being offered in spades, prayers going up, support being given, dependence on Christ and His Body recognized, and the Presence of Christ Himself among His people magnified. These are indeed blessings, and they come through separated community.

How do we today reach for the blessings of the separated community?

We commit ourselves to the work of maintaining community despite the separations we endure.
We utilize the resources available to us, just as the New Testament writers did. Today we have social networking media such as Twitter and Facebook, iChat and Skype, email and text, snail mail and websites that help us enjoy one another's presence like never before across vast miles and time.
Remain elastic in your willingness to adopt new technologies which can enhance the blessings of separated community.
Faithfully endure and be patient with separation, just as John's flock did in The Revelation, because Christ's Presence is with us across miles as surely as He is with us face to face.

In a way the Lord Himself foists separated community upon His people. Really? How? It's He who tells His people, "Go! I am sending you." Christianity is a mobile, moving, growing endeavor fueled by Christ's Spirit. So whether we go to other peoples across oceans or the people across the street, we must needs go through Samaria, er, through the trying times of separated community, in order to fulfill the Great Commission of Jesus Christ to "Go and make disciples of all nations..."

Will I be available to answer God's call? Will I be willing to go where He commands?

Sign Saying

2011-08-16T21:34:00.000-07:00

Softball and the Fan Experience

2011-08-15T08:19:00.000-07:00

Sign Saying

2011-08-11T09:55:00.000-07:00

The Boys of Summer

2011-08-11T09:54:00.001-07:00

Pastor Bruce, Steve O, Jim O and Steve K at a recent Angels game.

Mission, What Is It?

2011-08-08T07:16:00.000-07:00

Scot McKnight asks this question on his Jesus Creed blog, referencing the late John Stott's classic book Christian Mission in the Modern World. It addresses the rub between evangelism and social action.

http://www.patheos.com/community/jesuscreed/2011/08/08/mission-what-is-it/#more-19132

"But Stott proposes three ways of understanding the relation of social justice and evangelism: for some social action is a means to evangelism. In other words, it is little more than a front, and sometimes a facade. For a second group, and this group wants to tie these two things together tightly, social action is a manifestation of evangelism. That is, social action is an apologetic of evidential or concrete form of evangelism. But John Stott gave a third option, and said social work is a partner to evangelism. The key is that they are two distinct actions.

Need and compassion combine to generate both evangelism and social action. The one who has neighbor-love tells that person about Jesus and cares for that person. The Great Commission and the Great Commandments, or the Jesus Creed, belong together — not as two steps or two distinct actions. We love. We go. We serve."

August All-Church Hot Summer Events

2011-08-05T11:37:00.000-07:00

For all the following events, our Fellowship Team encourages you to invite friends and neighbors who need to experience the love of Christ in our community!

SUNDAY, AUGUST 7, 3PM
Huntington Beach Trip
Bring your own Picnic Supper, Chairs, Blanket and Beach Gear
Meet at Lifeguard Tower #11 just south of the pier

SUNDAY, AUGUST 14, 1PM
Potluck and Games and Chili Cook-Off at San Dimas Canyon Park
Sign up your chili entry and foods to bring with Fellowship

SUNDAY, AUGUST 21, 6PM
Big Band/Swing Concert at Finkbiner park
Bring your own picnic, blanket and something extra for Kindness Outreach sharing

SUNDAY, AUGUST 28, 5PM
Bike and Hike at Puddingstone/Bonelli Park
Bring your own Picnic Supper
Meet at Via Verde Park-N-Ride by 5pm

What Do We Do When God Does Not Speak?

2011-08-05T07:40:00.000-07:00

Mark D. Roberts has been exploring the means God uses to speak to His people. But one final question needs to be addressed: What do we do when God doesn't speak to us?

Roberts' answer? Wait. I'll add: stay right where you were until He tells you something different.

Sign Saying

2011-08-01T07:54:00.000-07:00

John R. W. Stott Remembered

2011-07-31T05:50:00.001-07:00

http://www.johnstottmemorial.org/

Mark D. Roberts posts about a recent NYT article on Stott, written from the point of view of a not-too-religious commentator who appreciates Stott for NOT being an "evangelical blowhard." Robert's makes some good points in response.

http://www.patheos.com/community/markdroberts/

In this post, Scot McKnight remembers Stott's elegance:

http://www.patheos.com/community/jesuscreed/2011/07/31/elegance-of-evangelicalism/#more-19233

The Jar Is Not The Star

2011-07-31T05:48:00.000-07:00

From Pastor Bruce: The jar merely reflects the glory of its contents. My sermon in a picture.

Sign Saying

2011-07-27T15:00:00.001-07:00

How Does God Guide Us?

2011-07-27T06:04:00.000-07:00

From Pastor Bruce: Mark D. Roberts finishes a series of posts about how to understand the Lord's personal guidance for us. Click here to read the final post.

The money quote:

Let me emphasize again that spiritual guidance must be evaluated for its consistency with Scripture. Moreover, we all need to be in close fellowship with other Christians who can help us to discern God’s directions for our lives. If you want to be guided by the Spirit and not simply to claim divine status for your own inclinations, commit yourself to Bible study and to active involvement in Christian community.

Remember that spiritual guidance often comes, not primarily for our sake, but for the sake of others. As you seek God’s will, ask him to show you how to serve those around you. Make yourself available to do God’s will, to participate in his work in the world. Submission to the Lord is a crucial ingredient of your readiness to hear his voice.

Finally, the practice of spiritual disciplines helps to tune our ears to the voice of the Spirit. As you spend time reading and meditating upon the Scripture, praying, journaling, taking time to be alone with God, being silent for extended times, worshiping publicly and privately, and fasting, your heart will be prepared for hearing God’s voice.

Pastor Judy's Sermon in a Picture

2011-07-18T22:17:00.000-07:00

Our congregation wrote the application, in notes of thanks to the Lord. Pastor Judy and Pastor Bruce's thanks to Christin T, Amy C and Dee T for their banner artwork.

Defining Worship As Sacrifice

2011-07-18T07:37:00.000-07:00

From Pastor Bruce: Dan Kimball of Vintage Faith Church in Santa Cruz (Dan wrote the influential book They Like Jesus But Not The Church) posts recently on the meaning, or lack thereof, of "worship." He suggests we explore why we refer to singing as worship, but not necessarily, say, the offering.

Click here to read the entire post.

The money quote:

I try to pay attention to reasons why we define worship mainly as music these days. And it is not too difficult to discover. What do we call the person in a church who leads the band or singing? It is normally the "worship pastor" or "worship leader". When our music leaders say, "Let's now worship," that is when the singing begins. When a sermon begins or when the offering is received we often don't say ""Let's now worship" like we do when the singing starts. When we think of Sunday gatherings of the church and when does worship happen, we generally think of the singing - not the teaching or the sacrifice of people who are worshiping by volunteering time in the children's ministry or other things happening. You look the Christian albums and as we call them "Best of Worship" or "Worship Greatest Hits" that reinforce the idea that music is the primary—or even only—form of worship. I just read on a Facebook post how a group was bringing in a guest person to "lead worship" and of course this guest person was a musician.We constantly, constantly reinforce by how we use that word casually all the time that it primarily means music and singing.

I recently attended a college-age gathering, and after the time of musical worship ended (I personally try to always say "musical worship" ), the person up front who announced that the offering would be taken referred to it as a time of sacrifice as we give our finances as an act of worship. The word sacrifice really stood out to me as being defined with worship.

I also fully am aware that there are times when "worship" occurred without any actual physical sacrifice. but when you study the whole of the Bible, you will see that worship so often involved the sacrifice of something. Romans 12:1-2, after the first 11 chapters teach on the act of Jesus and His sacrifice for us, tells us to "offer our bodies as living sacrifices."

How Do You Win But Still Get Beat?

2011-07-16T20:26:00.000-07:00

From Pastor Bruce: You can win but still get beat when you play the other team even after they forfeit because they have too few players and they STILL whallop you. But we also won by fellowshipping together, competing together in Christian love against other Friends churches (today it was Friends Community Brea), having fun together, making new friends (we welcome Greg and Mike to this year's team) and eating a meal together.

More Archaeological Confirmation

2011-07-16T06:36:00.000-07:00

From Pastor Bruce: No, not the picture above, which used to grace my office as comic relief, but this...

The money quote:

One intriguing find at Gath is the remains of a large structure, possibly a temple, with two pillars. Maeir has suggested that this might have been a known design element in Philistine temple architecture when it was written into the Samson story.

Diggers at Gath have also found shards preserving names similar to Goliath — an Indo-European name, not a Semitic one of the kind that would have been used by the local Canaanites or Israelites. These finds show the Philistines indeed used such names and suggest that this detail, too, might be drawn from an accurate picture of their society.

The findings at the site support the idea that the Goliath story faithfully reflects something of the geopolitical reality of the period, Maeir said — the often violent interaction of the powerful Philistines of Gath with the kings of Jerusalem in the frontier zone between them.

"It doesn't mean that we're one day going to find a skull with a hole in its head from the stone that David slung at him, but it nevertheless tells that this reflects a cultural milieu that was actually there at the time," Maeir said.

The Getty Villa

2011-07-16T06:27:00.000-07:00

From Pastor Bruce: In June our church staff pictured above (that's me with Pastor Judy and Secretary Lizz) visited the Getty Villa in Malibu. Lo and behold, what a treat to see that Dr. Ben Witherington is posting on this work of art. Click here to begin your journey. Better yet, visit it yourself. It's free plus $15 for parking.

2010-2011 Fiscal Year End Financial Report

2011-07-13T05:11:00.000-07:00

General Giving 120,276

Rent Income 25,895

TOTAL GENERAL INCOME 146,171

Total General Expenses 142,220

Difference 3,951

Faith Promise Missions Giving 15,694

Designated Funds Balance 16,634

Total Cash Balances 11,774

Bulgaria Missions Trip Report

2011-07-09T10:01:00.000-07:00

Spencer C shares at Men's Breakfast about his recent missions trip to Bulgaria.

I Can't Wait for Pastor Judy's Sermon Tomorrow

2011-07-09T06:53:00.000-07:00

From Pastor Bruce: Not our sign, but a good message nonetheless. You can trust in God's love.

Family Camp 2011

2011-07-07T21:20:00.000-07:00

Montebello Friends Church--Then and Now

2011-06-16T18:32:00.000-07:00

Here we are as guests of Ken and Elsie B at what was once their home church, Montebello Friends Church. In attendance with Ken and Elsie during our field trip were Russ B, Steve B, Bruce B, Judy S, John U. Judy and Bruce had heard stories of Ken and Elsie growing up in Montebello. We saw the home of the drunk who heard the beautiful church music on Sunday mornings, and another who lived across the street who was saved one day when the pastor visited.

This is a photo from the early 1950s. Ken and Elsie are in the rear in front of the main entrance. Built in 1938, the church design is the same as the chapel at Quaker Meadow Camp.

The sanctuary is currently being remodeled by the new owners, Montebello Foursquare Church. They are taking tender loving care of the property and preserving much of the historical character.

Pictured here is the Rev. Mireya A. Alvarez, who is telling of God's new work among them. This dear pastor gifted us with two beautiful hanging plants, as a reminder of our visit with them.

This is the Fellowship Hall and Christian Education building in the rear of the property. Thanks, Ken and Elsie, for a wonderful time.

Fresh Call to Co-Pastor

2011-06-13T18:56:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, at our regularly scheduled quarterly Congregational Business Meeting, we (Bruce and Judy) were called to be co-pastors for the next year. Our gratitude to the Lord and His people is endless. We feel unleashed to pastor with a fresh call from Christ's Spirit even as we build on 14 years of established, trusted ministry among the people of Glendora Friends Church.

While many of the details of the co-pastor arrangement are yet to be worked through, we are responding to God's providential movements in recent months by moving ahead with fresh winds of God's Spirit providing lift. Our call is stronger than ever.

Our partnered pastoring will be done on a team basis. We will share in vision-casting as well as preaching and teaching. While there will be no hierarchical expectations, Judy will shoulder a greater load for the public ministry and preaching as Bruce carefully ramps up to be fully engaged in the ministry.

We believe partnered pastoring will help us be more holistic in our ministry approach as we utilize our individual testimonies, callings, gifts, skills, experiences and personalities to model healthy relationships and reach a broader audience. Together as co-pastors we can address critical situations much more adequately. A team approach to ministry will also be modeled on a weekly basis which we believe will open up the overall ministry to more team possibilities that will propel more people into ministry.

We will both have our best to give to our fresh call, even as we minister through our recent tender experiences. Floodgates of creativity, imagination and vigor are opening.

We thank our Elders for their leadership and guidance during this critical time. They have been outstanding in their devotion and hard work. We are also grateful for the entire Glendora Friends Church congregation, their support, nurture, love and patience. Bruce is deeply grateful for the 90 day sabbatical, which has allowed him time and space to address his most critical needs.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve you!

UpStart! A Ministry of Glendora Friends Church

2011-06-01T17:36:00.000-07:00

Pastor Judy welcomes the family and friends of our UpStart! kids performing arts ministry to last Sunday's worship service. UpStart! provided our worship music.

Michelle C, sitting at right, directs the kids in singing, dance and acting.

UpStart! is a gospel ministry of Glendora Friends Church.

Our Missionaries Shine Like Stars in the Universe

2011-06-01T17:33:00.000-07:00

This is our new Missions Display, in The House. Thank you, Lizz and Dan E, for your creative craftsmanship. The two sides of the globe are flanked by magnetized photos of all our missionaries. The background is a beautiful night time sky, highlighting Philippians 2:15-16, "Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky, as you hold firmly to the word of life."

Lost People Matter to God

2011-05-18T15:57:00.000-07:00

This past Sunday Pastor Chris Steiger, associate pastor from Rose Drive Friends Church, challenged us with three of Jesus' parables in Luke 15. In the first parable, a shepherd leaves his herd of sheep in search of one sheep that is missing. In the second parable, a woman with ten silver coins discovers one is missing, so she searches her whole house systematically and carefully until she finds it. The third parable describes a father, waiting for his wandering and wayward son to return home. When he sees his son returning, he is filled with compassion, runs to his son, throws his arms around him and kisses him.

In each parable something of value is missing: a sheep, a coin, a son. The items missing matter; they matter a lot. They matter so much everything else of consequence is dropped to attend to the search! God has a deep love for people. He has made an all-out search for us and for others. He longs for all of humanity to come to him. He even emptied himself of his deity and became a man, the Son of God, Jesus, to show us the full extent of his love for us. The Bible is the story of God's all-out search for us.

All three parables conclude with wonderful pictures of celebration. The parable of the lost sheep and the parable of the lost coin continue with the celebration idea, extending it to describe rich, glorious and exuberant celebration in heaven over sinners who repent. Nothing matters to God more than finding the lost.

How about us? Do we have the same tenacity for being with and guiding others to Christ? We should be about that task the in the same way and with the same fervor as we'd be in locating a lost, valuable item. Pastor Chris had us chanting, "Pray, send and go so everyone can know!"

People matter to God. People matter to us. Father, give us your eyes and your love for people, that we would pray, send and go so everyone will know.

Thank you, Pastor Chris, for your wonderful words to us.

Pastor Judy

UpStart Concert - May 6th!

2011-05-09T16:55:00.000-07:00

UpStart is Glendora Friends Church children's performing group that is currently traveling around Southern California spreading the Gospel! Last Friday night they gave a wonderful concert for family, friends and guests. Amazing. They will participate in GFC's worship on Sunday, May 29th, 10:00 am. Michelle C. is providing incredible leadership. The kids are wonderful and the Gospel is timeless.

Checking for Cracks

2011-05-04T11:05:00.000-07:00

2 Corinthians 4:6-12
For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.
   But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that his life may be revealed in our mortal body. So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you.

This past Sunday Greg Anderson, our guest preacher, challenged us to be broken vessels used by God. This past month has made it all to clear to me how fragile and broken we all are in this sinful world. However, my imagery was a bit more messy and a lot less manageable.
   The other day I was getting out of the car juggling my favorite, and only, glass serving tray. I was bringing home my empty tray after our GFC Easter brunch. As I stepped out of the car, with my arms way too overloaded with other "stuff," the glass tray slipped out of my grasp and shattered into a million pieces all over the driveway. In an instant, my once wonderful vessel became something unrecognizable. Without batting an eye, I carried the rest of my "stuff" into the house, set it down and headed to the closet for a trash can, broom and dust pan. Then I went back out the front door and began to sweep up the totally destroyed vessel strewn all over the driveway.
   Curt, my husband, and Michael, our son, showed up in the driveway within a few moments. They'd wondered why I came in and went out again. Our routine of greeting each other had been disrupted by my departure with the trash can, broom and dustpan. They both looked at my mess and said, almost in unison, "What was that!?"
   "It was my glass dish that held the Easter bars for the brunch at church," I responded, unemotionally and resolved. They both quickly began helping me sweep up the pieces. Curt even disappearing into the garage for his big-bertha broom. We quietly swept up the mess. And except for still finding the occasional nasty bits of broken glass stuck in cracks in our driveway, all traces of my glass dish are gone.
   Total destruction is not what Paul or Greg had in mind when he challenged us to see ourselves as broken vessels. Yet, total destruction is sometimes what it feels like to be badly broken. Crushed, despairing, abandoned and destroyed are the words Paul says we are not. Paul says we are hard pressed, perplexed persecuted and struck down - definitely in a difficult spot, but not hopeless.
   Our Lord is in the process of recreating us into the image of Christ, to present us perfect in Christ. So it makes sense in order for recreating there may be a need for a bit of de-creating. And indeed, as the days and weeks progress, what I at first perceived as total destruction is not quite exactly that. There is definite brokenness, but I do see the treasure of Christ shining through. I see people coming along side to help clean up and untangle the broken pieces. I'm sensing healing beginning to take shape, new life waiting to burst forth all in good time.
   I am so thankful for you all, Glendora Friends Church, for your love, care, compassion, encouragement, your willingness to get out a broom and a dust pan. Together we will carry around the death of Jesus and celebrate the life of Jesus revealed among us. Our momentary troubles will achieve for us an eternal glory that will far outweigh them all.

Blessed,
Pastor Judy

Easter Celebration 2011

2011-04-25T14:58:00.000-07:00

Sign Saying

2011-04-18T12:01:00.000-07:00

What Is a Congregation Worth?

2011-04-01T16:11:00.001-07:00

From Scot McKnight's Jesus Creed blog.

Show this study at the next city council meeting in Wherever, USA, who tries to deny a church a building permit.

Tsunami Disaster Relief

2011-03-31T20:36:00.001-07:00

Evangelical Friends Church Southwest is partnering with Samaritan's Purse to support those devastated in the recent earthquake and tsunami in northern Japan. Click here to learn more.

Love Wins

2011-03-31T08:16:00.001-07:00

Click here: Dr. Ben Witherington reviews Rob Bell's newest book, Love Wins. Accused in some quarters of pushing a universalism agenda, Bell's book is the talk of the Christian town.

Witherington, who likes Bell's minsitry, raises some red flags about Love Wins. At the heart of the controversy lies humanity's confession of Jesus Christ as Savior. Witherington, a free-will Arminian, pulls no punches about humanity's need to confess Jesus Christ as Savior in this story:

Adoniram Judson was a missionary to Burma. He spent nearly twenty years out there with no converts. There came a day when one of the tribal chieftains decided he had heard enough about conversion to Jesus, and was going to burn Judson at the stake. Tied up, and about to be lighted up, Judson was asked by the chief, ‘What do you think of your god now?’ His memorable reply was ‘the future is as bright as the promises of God’. At this point, it was the chief who blinked, and said he would hear more of this Jesus. That was the day Christianity first broke through the darkness of Burma. I tell this story to remind us all that the world is lost outside of Christ. And Christ’s people have an obligation to make him known. Were the implications of this chapter true, Adoniram Judson could have been spared twenty years of frustration and hard labor for Christ. He wouldn’t have had to insist that the Burmese people needed to name the name that is above all names, here in this lifetime. Thank goodness, Judson hadn’t drunk the water from some rock other than the Biblical one.

Here Bell responds a bit to the controversy in a recent sermon.

Consider the Poppies of the Field

2011-03-30T19:16:00.000-07:00

Consider the "poppies" of the field,

how they grow;

they toil not,

neither do they spin;

and yet I say unto you,

That even Solomon in all his glory

was not arrayed like one of these.

Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field,

which today is,

and tomorrow is thrown into the oven,

shall he not much more clothe you,

O ye of little faith?

Matthew 6:28-30

Photo taken today, Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve

He Is Coming Soon!

2011-03-30T19:13:00.000-07:00

I saw this billboard as I drove through Covina. Since we are studying our way through Revelation, I snapped the photo and present it for your evaluation.

NEW Bible Study Begins Sunday Evening

2011-03-25T09:53:00.000-07:00

NEW! Bible Study & Potluck

Favorite Old Testament Stories

Thomas and Jamie P's Home

Sundays, 5-7pm, Beginning March 27

Everyone is Invited

Dr. Warren K Presents at Azusa Pacific University

2011-03-24T16:14:00.000-07:00

Our own Warren K, Associate Professor in the film department, presented his sabbatical project today at APU. Present to enjoy his lecture and 30 minute film on Christian contextualization in Native American cultures were Men's Sunday School members Jim O, Dennis T, John U and myself. I hope we can screen Warren's finished product in church someday.

Projects Underway

2011-03-24T16:09:00.001-07:00

Lizz E and I are working on a long-planned Missions and Church Planting display, located in the entrance hallway of The House. As of this writing, I have measured out the dimensions and Lizz is beginning the background paint (which is really neat!).
Big thanks to Dennis T for rehabilitating our hillside, a big, BIG project. Eventually a combination of low-maintenance creeping red fescue and other plants (all drought tolerant) will fill the hillside

Sign Saying

2011-03-24T16:08:00.000-07:00

February 2011 Financial Report

2011-03-23T17:34:00.000-07:00

General Giving, February $9,902

Rent Income, February 3,791

Total Income, February 12,250

Total Expense, February 11,263

Difference, February 2,430

General Giving, Year to Date 79,101

Rent Income, Year to Date 17,353

Total Income, Year to Date 96,454

Total Expense, Year to Date 92,029

Difference 4,430

Faith Promise Missions Giving, February 1,044

Faith Promise Missions Giving, Year to Date 10,619

Total Designated Funds 14,428

Total Cash Balances Available 12,242

Family Reunion in Texas

2011-03-19T17:59:00.001-07:00

Life in Lometa, TX can be a little slow. Best get yer rocker on and pass the time. Here are my brother-in-law Chris, sister Vanessa and brother Brice.
Here we are walking down Main St., on which my mother's home is located, toward the main highway. We're heading for breakfast at Dottie's Cafe, passing First Baptist Church's Family Life Center on the left. Pictured in the background is the United Methodist Church on the left and the Church of Christ on the right. Mom's house is right next door to the Church of Christ, but not pictured.
Here's a shadowy view of Randy's hot dog cart. He built it himself and plans to sell it. It can be yours for about $1,600. It comes complete with hot water, waste water storage, sink, two burner stove, cold storage, chafing dishes and umbrella. You can even use it to cook funnel cakes!
Here's my nephew Owen helping out with the hot dogs. This was one of our meals, followed by funnel cakes.
Food was the center of our activity. Let's see: we had Mom's own chicken, broccoli and rice one dish meal, roast trip tip sandwiches, hot dogs, meat loaf and fried potatoes, pizza from the local market, French toast, pancakes, bacon and sausage. I also got to eat at the famous Blue Bonnet Cafe in Marble Falls, TX.
About 20 miles from nowhere is the Regency Suspension Bridge over the Colorado River. It was fun and scary to cross, and we crossed on both foot and car. Originally built in 1939 and rebuilt (sort of) in 1999, it crosses the river between two dirt roads. Click here to read more about it.

Here's another view of the Regency bridge.

My nephew Jake loved to swat at Grandpa Randy's whirlygigs, made from aluminum cans. Randy sells these for about $20 and folks love them.
Here Chris is making funnel cakes on Randy's hot dog cart. My mother is offering some helpful advice.
Mom's church hosts the monthly food bank, which rolls through Lometa and serves 100+ families.
Mom and Randy's church friend, Charlie, has 30 acres outside town on which he keeps a bunch of goats, two Llamas, a donkey and a horse.

Jake and Grandpa Randy talk things over.

I love you, Mom and Randy. Thanks for your hospitality.

Off to Texas

2011-03-13T08:30:00.000-07:00

Yes, this week I'll be in Texas visiting with my sister, Vanessa, and her husband, Chris as well as my brother, Brice, his wife, Susan, and their kids, Owen and Jake. We're gathering at my mother's home in Lometa, a little spot in central Texas.

Until I return on Thursday night, why don't you ponder this verse from Revelation 14:

Then I heard a voice from heaven say, "Write: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on."

"Yes," says the Spirit, "they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them."

Ash Wednesday with the Kuffels

2011-03-10T10:57:00.001-08:00

Last night our Missions Committee organized a get together with Matt and Lois Kuffel (Matt is pictured sitting in a dark shirt and Lois is pictured standing), who are returning from eight fruitful years on Evangelical Friends Church Southwest's Cambodian mission field. They'll make their home in the United States and pursue pastoral ministry in the local church.

They began with Acts 10:34-35: "Then Peter began to speak: 'I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts men from every nation who fear him and do what is right.'" They shared about Peter overcoming his God-sized problem of a narrow worldview that held that the gospel was only for Jews.

The Kuffels' ministry of starting churches, building relationships and hygiene education in Cambodia was directed at helping the Khmer overcome their own God-sized problems. These big problems that only God can help them overcome are:

Poverty. This is where their hygiene education comes in handy as they help Cambodia's poorest live healthier, more productive lives amid the everyday filth, demonstrating the gospel's social uplift.
PTSD. The Khmer Rouge's satanic activities in the 1970s continue to cast a dark pall over the Khmer people. In the Khmer language, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is translated "broken courage", which demonstrates itself not only in anxiety disorders but also in fear-produced avoidance of speaking out against injustice.
Isolationism. The Khmer people exist in stifling ignorance of the wider world around them, which builds a narrow viewpoint on life eagerly reinforced by their village elders, religious monks and witch doctors.
Animism. The Khmer, who are mostly Buddhist, are often functional Animists who believe in a world of spirits and ghosts, which have control and power over individuals and society. Fear of spirits and ghosts lead people to appease them through offerings and rituals at house shrines, village shrines and with fortune tellers. While Christianity calls the Khmer to an exclusive relationship with Jesus Christ, Buddhism allows the Khmer to mix their official religion with Animism or Hinduism or even Christianity.

Sign Saying

2011-03-10T10:56:00.001-08:00

My Sermon in Stained Glass: Revelation 13:1-14:5

2011-03-04T08:22:00.000-08:00

York Minster cathedral boasts beautiful stained glass of the Apocalypse. Below are four panels depicting this Sunday's text. Spend some time viewing the medieval artists' depictions of what they understood about the unholy trinity of dragon, beast and little beast.

The dragon gives authority to the beast.

Many people worship the dragon and the beast.

The little beast, who mimics the lamb, calls down fire "from heaven" to deceive people.

The true Lamb on Mount Zion with his army of martyrs.

Pastors Announce Resignations

2011-03-03T15:07:00.000-08:00

Dear Glendora Friends Church Family,

Under the leadership of Pastor Bruce and Pastor Judy, God has led Glendora Friends Church to a place of renewed strength and wholeness. It has been a season of lively outreach to the community and the world, and a season of growing deeper in our love and commitment to Christ and to one another. Indeed, it has been glorious! Thus it is with holy obedience and deep sadness that we accept the resignation of our pastors and begin together a journey with Christ into new and unexpected places.

In the midst of all our conflicting emotions about these changes, this we know for sure:

There is no way to get around the truth that the days and months ahead will be difficult. Our love for Bruce and Judy and their love for us is a work of the Holy Spirit in our midst and a good and delightful gift that we all share. However, the profound goodness of this gift means that as we say goodbye, we must walk together through a necessary season of grief. It is a grief that will be painful, but a grief that is good because we share true Christian community.

God has been at work preparing us for these unexpected changes. It was a year ago that our committee became aware of an underlying hunger and longing for more of Christ and a wondering about what new work for the Kingdom God might be calling forth from among us. Out of this wondering came a clear call to enter into a season of discernment and ask, "What is next for Glendora Friends Church?" You may recall that we invited Chuck Mylander to join us in the process, and we have been working in earnest for the past six months. It was never our thought that "what is next?" would not include Bruce and Judy. But as we all listened together for the voice of Christ, they both began to sense that God had new directions for their lives. While we do not want Bruce and Judy to leave, we have peace that this is God's leading for us all.

As we look back over the past year, we are comforted by the clear evidence of God's tender care and provisions for our congregation. This truth gives us hope for the days ahead as we invite you to listen with us for God's new direction for Glendora Friends. Christ's very real, strong, powerful presence is here in our midst – and will be in all that lies ahead. Indeed, now more than ever our commitment is to Know Jesus Christ and to Make Him Known!

Your Ministry and Counsel with love to our dear friends in Christ,

Laurie C, Warren K, Rena O and Cathi T, Clerk

Sign Saying

2011-03-03T14:57:00.000-08:00

Sign Saying

2011-02-24T13:47:00.001-08:00

The Cross

2011-02-23T20:07:00.000-08:00

Friends, the cross is the power of God. When you flee the cross, you lose the power...though the Cross seems foolish, stand in it...though it be a stumbling block to the wise, stand in it. And this is not to be exercised in only for a time, as at your first convincement; but daily, even to the death.

Priscilla Cotton, a Friends minister, 1664