Middle Age

The average life span of an American male is 75.2 years. For my money that is long enough. I would rather have 75 good years than 83 with the last three years spent in a bib and a diaper. When you hit 45, like I did today, you may think about your life expectancy occasionally, but you don’t really think about it that often. Expiration is still too far away. There is still a sense of invincibility. I probably should think about it more often, because when you stop and think about being 45 you do realize that you are past middle aged. I hear people talk about middle age beginning like at 50 or something. If our life expectancy is 75.2 that means that middle age begins at 37.6. That was a long time ago now. Let’s be real. For an American male, whose dietary pyramid consists of bacon and eggs, In N Out Burger, Tito’s Tacos, and Cold Stone Creamery, 50 is near death. When you tack on being a fan of the Dallas Cowboys you can mark off a few more years. It is hard on the heart.

The weird thing is that I don’t feel 45. I certainly do not act 45 most days…more like 12! (I got Guitar Hero III for my birthday with the KISS faceplate.) I am enjoying life. When you think about the alternatives why would you be miserable? Life is too short. I plan to enjoy the rest of my “past middle aged” years with my “past middle aged” wife. (A woman’s life expectancy in America is 80.1!) She is a young 45. I can barely keep up with the pace that she is setting. God is good…especially at 45.

Take It All In

There are twelve shopping days left until Christmas. I hope that your shopping and preparations are going well. There are two more “Christmas” Sunday services to invite a loved one to. There is one more Christmas Eve service to invite a friend to. You might want to put that on your list. Whatever you do in the next two weeks…stop long enough to take it all in.

I say this all of the time and it just rings truer and truer. The older I get the less magical Christmas becomes. I don’t think that I am a Scrooge or anything I just think the older you get the less the hoopla impacts you. You know what I am talking about. When you are a kid you cannot wait for Christmas. It seems like it will never get here. I remember the Christmas in 1976 when I knew that I was going to get at least one G.I. Joe with lifelike hair, kung fu grip, and “eagle eye” vision. The anticipation was palpable. The excitement continued for me well into the 90’s and even 2000’s. It is exciting to see the kids open the Super Nintendo or the Sony Playstation 1 or 2. There is nothing like taking your nine year old to the woodshed in Madden! The only thing that will come close is if I can find my way to one of those Nintendo Wii systems this year. That would bring the excitement back. If I can get my hands on one I may think about starting my own bowling league!

Anyway…take it all in. Enjoy it.
And do this for me. In preparation for Sunday’s message I want you to think about your best Christmas ever. Remember it. Reminisce. Enjoy the memories and then come back and live in this moment.

Upcoming Events:
One Service @ 10:00 AM – Sunday 12/23 & 12/30.
Christmas Eve Service – Monday December 24th @ 6:00 PM.
Guest Speaker - Missionary Isaac Basilio – Sunday December 30th.

Peace On Earth

Christmas is the time when we celebrate the coming of Christ. There are many reasons that Jesus came. He came to show us how to live. First and foremost He came to pay for our sins. We talked last Sunday about the fact that Jesus came to give us rest. This Sunday we are going to focus on another benefit of knowing Christ. Peace. Peace is one of the reasons that Jesus came.

In today’s Touching Base I would like to ask you to do something that we do not do often. I want you to pour over the following passage in preparation for Sunday’s message. I want the God of peace to be with you this Christmas. Read this passage. Meditate on this passage. Pray over this passage between now and Sunday.

Philippians 4:8-9

And now, dear brothers and sisters, let me say one more thing as I close this letter. Fix your thoughts on what is true and honorable and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. [9] Keep putting into practice all you learned from me and heard from me and saw me doing, and the God of peace will be with you.

When you come on Sunday we will pray together as we pursue the peace that only God can give.
Have a wonderful week. I look forward to seeing you on Sunday.

Enjoy!

We are right in the middle of the holiday season now and let me encourage you to enjoy it. Make the most of it. Enjoy your family. Enjoy the giving. Enjoy the receiving. (I know you do!!) Enjoy the lights. Enjoy the parties. And…enjoy Your Savior. Perhaps at no other time are we more keenly aware that God has visited us…personally. Jesus came for you and for me. We are the only reason that He came. He came to save us from our sins. He came because we were helpless. He came because we needed Him more than we have ever needed anything else. The cool thing is that we have an entire month to bathe in that wonderful truth. God came and visited us for the express purpose of loving us and forgiving us and making atonement, payment for our sin.

Now, it may be very true that by the end of December we will be so over the shopping, cooking, eating, drinking, partying, giving, receiving and all, but what would it be like if we never got over the fact that God came to us? What would our lives be like, what would our walk with Christ be like if every morning when we woke up we acknowledged God’s wonderful and undeserved work in our lives? What if every morning, not just in December, but every morning we thanked God for the gift of His Son? What if we enjoyed our salvation every day? What if every day in 2008 started with a prayer of thanks for God’s visit to us realizing, all the while, that we have the opportunity to meet with Him and have community with Him that day?

I think that we ought to enjoy this Christmas. I want you to enjoy this Christmas. Enjoy your Savior this Christmas.

Let's Wrap It Up

This is an exciting time of year.
Thanksgiving is upon us.

We are wrapping up our 40 Days of Purpose campaign.
There is just one and ½ weeks remaining. Hang in there. Be diligent. Read the book. Memorize your memory verse. It is worth it. It will pay dividends. You will continue to grow to be the person that God has created you to be.

We will move closer to being the church that God has called us to be.


Upcoming Events:
Women’s Ministry – Saturday November 17th @ 9:00 AM.

Baptism – Sunday @ 10:40 AM.

Thanksgiving Testimonies – Sunday November 25th in both services.

Christmas Decorating – Sunday November 25th @ 2:00 PM.

Women’s Christmas Party – Saturday December 1st @ 6:00 PM.

Men’s Ministry – Saturday December 8th @ 10:00 AM.

Feeding the Homeless & Hurting – December 15th.

Christmas Eve Service – Monday December 24th @ 6:00 PM.

Your Story

We are well past the half-way point of 40 Days of Purpose and it is my prayer that you have been encouraged and renewed and revived in your walk with Christ. I trust that you are keeping up with your reading. I know that if you are...you are being challenged by Rick’s book. I want to encourage you to hang in there and stay with it all the way to the end. It will make a difference in your life and it will make a difference in our church and ultimately it will make a difference in our community as we share God’s purposes with our friends, loved ones, and acquaintances.

The stories of life change are already pouring in. I received an email from a lady this week who visited Venice for the first time just two weeks before we began the campaign. She decided to return and experience the 40 days with us. She has been in the services and joined herself to a small group. She emailed me this week to tell me about a breakthrough that she has experienced in her life. This week’s lesson on Created to Be Like Christ really hit home and God’s Spirit has taught her that her problems have a purpose. Glory to God!

I know that there will be many other stories. You will have story. I would love for you to share your story with me. If God has taught you something during the campaign, if you have had a breakthrough, if you have taken a “next step” with God, even if it was a baby step, would you tell me about it? Send me an email and share your story with me. I would love to praise God with you for His marvelous work in your life.

Time Change

This week begins the busy push to the end of the year so let me encourage you to enjoy the holidays and all that goes with them and please, be safe.

The next few weeks are going to be quite busy here at Venice so let me encourage you to continue to make time for your church family. Come and enjoy our Sunday Worship Services. Enjoy your small group. Take satisfaction in serving in your ministry.

There are many opportunities over the next few weeks so let me give you some announcements.

Men’s Ministry – Saturday @ 10:00 AM.

Daylight Savings Time Ends – Saturday. Set your clocks back one hour on Saturday night.

Shockwave Student Ministry Parent’s Night – Sunday evening at 6:00.

Parents are invited to discover our new and improved teen ministry.

Recovery Ministry – Thursday November 8th @ 7:00 PM.

Feeding the Homeless – Saturday November 10th.

Women’s Ministry – Saturday November 17th.

Thanksgiving Testimonies – Sunday November 25th in both services.

We are still looking for two women and one other man to share their testimony of thanks to God. If I don’t get any volunteers I am going to start recruiting!! Please, let me hear from you.

Fire

The fires of this week have been startling and heart wrenching. So many people who are living the American dream and more specifically California dreamin’ were asked, then ordered, and then forced to leave their homes. Some of them return to find their world spared and virtually unscathed. Some, when they are allowed to return, will find that their home and their world is literally…gone.

It is impossible to watch this type of devastation without turning immediately to God. We may come at God with questions. God…why? Why this neighborhood? Why did this home burn and the neighbor’s did not? Why now? God…are you trying to get our attention? Is there something that You want us to learn?

Ultimately we are left with truth. God created this place. God is the Sustainer of this place. God is God and therefore may do whatever it is that pleases Him. We may not understand it all, but we can accept it. Accepting that God is in control does not mean that it does not hurt. Knowing that God has our best interest at heart may provide some perspective but it cannot erase the sense of loss. In the end God is good. He will provide.

Our job as Christ followers during a time like this is to pray. Pray for the people who have been most profoundly affected. Pray that God’s will is done and that He would be known and glorified. We can pray and then we can love and give when and where it is necessary. As the great preacher S.M. Lockridge would say, “Put some feet to our prayers.”

At the end of the day and at the end of a week like this there are two things that I know for sure.
God’s people will step and represent Jesus Christ well.
God will do His thing…because He is God.
This passage says it all.
Psalm 46:1-11
God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. [2] So we will not fear, even if earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea. [3] Let the oceans roar and foam. Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge!
[4] A river brings joy to the city of our God, the sacred home of the Most High. [5] God himself lives in that city; it cannot be destroyed. God will protect it at the break of day. [6] The nations are in an uproar, and kingdoms crumble! God thunders, and the earth melts! [7] The Lord Almighty is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress.
[8] Come, see the glorious works of the Lord: See how he brings destruction upon the world [9] and causes wars to end throughout the earth. He breaks the bow and snaps the spear in two; he burns the shields with fire. [10] "Be silent, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world." [11] The Lord Almighty is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress.

Service

Over the last couple of weeks, you have heard me say a bit about taking your next step and today I would like to be a bit more specific. Our desire is to have everybody attend a service on Sunday morning, participate in a small group during the week, and serve others through one of our ministries. These three elements make up the process that will produce a life that is lived for God’s purposes and His glory.

All three elements are very important in our development as Christ followers and as a church; however the missing element for many is the element of service. It just may be that the service element will put our church over the hump where growth is concerned.

So, if you are not serving in a ministry, let me encourage you to consider that next step. You may be wondering…where can I serve? What are my options? Where is there a need?

Here are some ideas. There is room for you to serve on Sunday mornings in our nursery. Contact Amy Henson for more information. You can serve in our Rockstars Childrens Ministry. Contact Jennifer Villaryo for more information. We need singers and musicians in our worship music ministry. We are looking for singers, guitar players, and drummers. Contact me if you would like to use your musical talent for God. (You can find our contact information at venicechurch.com)
You could serve in our coffee bar. Drop in and see Lynn for more information. We take food to the needy once a month. They can always use another set of hands. See Adam for more information about that ministry.

Those are just a few. There are many more opportunities. If you have any questions, please contact me.

Are You Ready?

Are you ready??
Are you ready to take your next step with God?
That is what we want you to do over the next 40 days. Just take your next step with God. For some that will mean to take Christ as their personal Savior and Lord. For some it will be to be baptized. For some the next step will be to get in a small group. For some it will be to begin serving in ministry. Over the next 40 days we want you to prepare yourself to take your next step.

In the days that follow the campaign we are going to give you an opportunity to get into action. We are going to roll out some new opportunities for you to live out God’s five purposes for your life. We have set a goal to see the attendance of Venice Church double in the next 12-15 months. It can happen with God’s help. It can happen as we get busy living out His purposes.

So…if you are ready…pray with me this week that God would do something great, even miraculous in our church and in our lives. He is worthy of our devotion, praise, and service. Are you ready? Let’s get ready. Right now!

Let's Do This!

I am excited about the coming days and weeks. I believe that God is going to do something great in our midst. In recent days and weeks I have talked with many of you and I sense your excitement and desire to be used of God for His Kingdom and glory.

God uses people. That is what this is all about. People. The church is about people. When God’s people in His church get excited about what God can do He begins to work among them. As God works in the lives of His people we see more people come to Christ and grow in Christ and serve Christ and others. And we see God’s people meet together in loving fellowship and most of all God is worshipped more fervently.

It has not been our best year here at Venice, yet I sense that the Holy Spirit is stirring among us. I believe that God is calling us to a greater vision, passion, enthusiasm, and determination in seeing His will done through this church. I believe that God wants Venice to be a church that is making a difference and Kingdom impact in this community. I believe that you want to be a part of it! Let’s do this. Let’s go with God.

We have an opportunity to get revved up during our 40 Days of Purpose Campaign that begins on October 14th. Engage. Participate. Pray. Anticipate. Love. Serve. Worship. Fellowship. Grow. Share.

This is it! This why we are here. Let’s do this. Let’s do it together.


News of Note…

* Don’t forget about the small group meet and greet on Sunday between services in the breezeway. If you are not in a small group you will have an opportunity to meet the leaders and ask questions.

* If you haven’t noticed…we need a drummer. If you are interested in serving God in our music ministry and you can play drums or acoustic guitar we would love for you to audition. Please contact me if you are interested.

* And…this is big news…Alex & Christy Sears are the proud parents of Colton Alexander Sears!! He was born at 12:30 this morning by c-section. He is 8 pounds and 14 ounces and 20 ½ inches long. Mom and baby are doing well. Congratulations Alex & Christy!!

Update on Amy

Let me give you a quick update on Amy and then move on to other news.
Amy is doing very much better. She is still having some issues with her eyes and ear, but the doctors assure us that the hormones that she is taking will remedy these problems. She does not recommend viral meningitis. She said it was no fun!! We thank you so much for your prayers. I am sure that you will see her on Sunday. She is looking forward to seeing all of you.

Things are really getting ready to get cranked up around here. If you are not in a small group I really want to encourage you to find one. To help you find one we are going to offer a small group “meet and greet” on Sunday October 7th. This will be an opportunity for you to talk to small group leaders about the texture of their group and when and where they meet.

40 Days of Purpose begins on Sunday October 14th and I must tell you that you will enjoy the six weeks of study much more if you participate with a small group. We will kick off the campaign with Communion in both of our services and we will end the campaign with baptism in the worship center on November 18th between services. If you would like to be baptized on 11/18/07 just check the box on the back of your response card this Sunday.

I am starting a brand new small group just for men! It begins tonight. We are going to meet in the coffee bar at the church at 7:00 PM. If you are a guy who is looking for a group this is a fine opportunity for you. Just drop by and check it out.

Let me know if you have any questions or comments. I would love to hear from you.

Have a wonderful week as you enjoy the crisp fall air.

Exciting Stuff on the Horizon

It is another day and tomorrow will make 3 weeks and Amy is still not feeling well. She has an appointment with an ear, nose, & throat specialist tomorrow. She will also be seeing an ophthalmologist at some point. Please continue to pray for her. We thank you for your prayers.

There are some exciting events coming up in the next few weeks.
I encourage you to make plans and be a part of the excitement.

Some of the stuff coming up…

Message Series: Power, Money & Sex begins this Sunday. Be here Sunday at 9:00 or 10:45 and bring somebody with you.

Small Group Fair: Sunday October 7th between services. If you are not in a small group…this is an opportunity for you to explore your small group options. We have many outstanding groups and you can meet the leaders, find out when they meet, and ask questions about each group.

40 Days of Purpose: God has created each one of us for His five unique purposes. In this campaign we will discover God’s plan for our lives and how to live for His glory everyday. The campaign begins on Sunday October 14th. To enhance your campaign experience I recommend attending a small group and reading along with us in Rick Warren’s book The Purpose Driven Life.

Make your plans to be involved. I pray that God will bless your week. I look forward to seeing you on Sunday.

Ten Things I Think

1. I think that Amy is going to make it. She is doing better…little by little. Please continue to pray for her. Her headache is gone, but her fever tends to pop up in the afternoons.

2. I think that a great time was had by all at our Men’s Ministry Road Trip. Our speaker, Hatch, spoke on the topic of being “Beefy T-Men”. He encouraged us to be strong spiritual men. There were no catastrophes on the lake. We ate steak every night. It was truly a men’s trip. Thanks to Brad Jensen for planning and pulling off another great trip. Thanks to Daniel Nehrig for running our kitchen.


3. I think that if the Dallas Cowboys continue to play games this season like they played on Sunday night that I will not make it through the season. I will be like Fred Sanford. I will be having the big one (the big heart attack). “I’m coming to see you Elizabeth!”

4. I think that the series that we will begin on Sunday September 23rd (Power, Money, & Sex) will provide a great opportunity for you to invite somebody to church. Everybody is interested in those three topics.

5. I think that if you are not in a small group you should get in a small group. This is a great time to join.

6. I think that we will learn a lot from our 40 Days of Purpose Campaign. It begins on Sunday October 14th. We will observe communion that day. We will end the campaign on Sunday November 18th with baptism in the Worship Center.

7. I think that seeing a football player lie motionless on the ground is one of the scariest things that I have ever seen. Every football player knows that it can happen and that they may not get up, but yet, they still muster up the courage and/or stupidity to run into each other anyway. It looks like Kevin Everett of the Buffalo Bills will walk again, but we should pray for him and his family.

8. I think that in a matter of months our Youth Ministry will be healthier than it has been in years. They had 18 in attendance on Sunday night.

9. I think that there is a lot of excitement surrounding the pennant races and Major League Baseball, however I don’t know who it is that is excited.

10. I think my plan to work on my tan on the ski trip went very well. I rode in the boat a lot. I am an excellent flag man.

Hatch In the House

I am looking forward to Sunday. My friend Robert Hatch is going to be here to speak to us. We have been friends for 23 years. We went to Bible College together. He has been in ministry over 15 years. And…he is preacher’s kid just like me. I am sure that he will have a good message and you can be sure that he will have some seriously funny stuff to show and tell on me. You guys that are going on the road trip will really enjoy getting to know him better.

Right Time, Right Place

I am sure that many of us have found ourselves at the wrong place at the wrong time. Something went down or something happened and you just happened to be there and it was neither good nor pleasant. Well, on the other side of things have you ever felt like you were at just the right place at just the right time?

I feel like all of us, all of us that call Venice home, are in just the right place at just the right time. As Amy and I were reading the Bible together this week we ran across this passage in one of our devotional books.

Esther 4:14 (NLT)
If you keep quiet at a time like this, deliverance for the Jews will arise from some other place, but you and your relatives will die. What's more, who can say but that you have been elevated to the palace for just such a time as this?

The story of Esther is an amazing story and one that you might want to read this week. You will see that Esther was in just the right place at just the right time.

The right place and the right time are God’s place and God’s time. I believe that each one of us is at Venice Church at just the right time. I believe that this is God’s time and this is God’s place and He wants to do something wonderful in our neighborhood. I believe that He wants to bring more people into His family through a personal relationship with Christ. I believe that He wants them to learn to live like Christ. Here is where we come in. God has put us here to be along for the ride and to partner with Him in the work that He is doing. Right place. Right time. Let’s enjoy the ride and give God the glory as we go.

God Is Good

We had a great day at the beach on Sunday when four people were obedient to the Lord in baptism. We had a good lunch and a lot of great fellowship too!

We are quickly approaching the end of summer and I would like to encourage you in your giving to Venice Church. God has been so good to us. He always knows exactly what we need. He always provides for us. I have no doubt that God will continue to graciously provide for Venice Church.

My desire is for you to experience God’s blessings as well. God has given each one of us the honor and responsibility of supporting our church financially through our tithes and offerings. Many of us, most of us in fact, have made a commitment to pay off the debt that we incurred when we remodeled our building. We enjoy the new space each week. We must be faithful to our commitment to pay for it. Please, know and understand this. God blesses those who give to His church with joy. Be faithful and keep giving and God will surely bless you.

2 Corinthians 9:7-8
You must each make up your own mind as to how much you should give. Don't give reluctantly or in response to pressure. For God loves the person who gives cheerfully. [8] And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.

I look forward to seeing you on Sunday.

Baptism @ the Beach

One of my favorite Sundays of the year is fast approaching.

This Sunday is our Baptism @ the Beach.

It will be a great time. We will have one service at 10:00 AM and then we will head to the beach.

We will be set up near the Driftwood Lifeguard Tower just south of the Venice Pier at the end of Washington Blvd. We will have sandwiches and chips and drinks for everybody. There will be awnings set up that will provide plenty of shade. And…several folks will be baptized in the beautiful Pacific.

It is always a great time together as a church family. I look forward to seeing you then.

Vacation

Look for a new entry on August 15th.

Ten Things I Think

1. I think that it is very sad that the likes of Adam “Pacman” Jones and Lindsay Lohan do not have anybody in their life that loves them enough to help them stay out of trouble. Could we get an intervention or something?

2. I think that this humidity is a bit weird. I don’t think that we could deal over the long haul and 60% humidity is nothing compared to other places.


3. I think that this year’s men’s ski trip will be the best ever even though it begins on Sunday September 9th which is the first Sunday of the NFL season and the Cowboys play that night and I will miss the game because I will be driving to sleep on the ground by a lake. (I know…stop whining!) Seriously, the trip gets better every year and I would not miss it for the world!! Guys, you really should go with us.

4. I think that my friend Robert Hatch, who will be speaking to us on the trip, will really enjoy being with us. He lives with three women (his wife and two daughters) and he needs to be around some testosterone. He will enjoy getting to know you guys and I know that you will enjoy the “Hatch” Man.

5. I think that the New England Patriots will win Superbowl 42.

6. I think that the allegations brought against Michael Vick are some of the most hideous I have ever heard, but…isn’t it weird that we seem to be more creeped out by animal abuse than we are by human abuse.

7. I think that Richie and Becky Henson are going to enjoy their time in Springfield, Missouri. We thank you for your prayers on their behalf. By the way, they have made it to Springfield safely. Springfield is a big enough town to have everything that you want and need, but, in many ways, it will feel like a small town after LOS ANGELES.

8. I think that cleaning out closets is one of the most tedious yet rewarding chores in life. There is nothing like having your dress shirts and t-shirts hung up and organized by color. I know. I am a sick puppy. For further verification see #3 again.

9. I think that God’s faithfulness is amazing. Venice Church will celebrate its 80th birthday on August 19th. It is a wonderful testimony to the faithful servants who pioneered this church and came before us. You should be proud to carry on this biblical heritage here on the Venice/Mar Vista border.

10. I think that our church is on the cusp of something big. I have been praying that we would be used by God in a powerful way. I am praying for unity and strength as God calls us to be salt and light in this neighborhood. I am excited about what God will do in and through Venice Church during the rest of 2007 and into 2008. Please pray with me to that end.

News To Use

I am very excited about what has transpired this summer, what the remainder of summer holds, and what God will do among us in the fall.

Our Rockstars Children’s Ministry has just completed a very successful Vacation Bible School. Many children were encouraged and taught God’s Word all while having fun in the process. Many of the children were visitors who heard about Jesus for the very first time! It doesn’t get any better than that. Congratulations to Jen Villaryo and her team for a job well done.

Amy and I are looking forward to a week of vacation beginning August 6th. You will have the pleasure of hearing our missionary, Paul Newell from FamilyFellowshipChurch http://familyfellowshipchurch.com/ in Beaumont, speak to you on Sunday August 12th (one service @ 10:00 AM). I know that you will love Paul and he will love being on the Westside where it is cool.

Baptism @ the Beach Sunday is one of my favorite days of the year. It comes up on August 19th. We will have one service @ 10:00 AM and then head to the beach for lunch and baptism. If you want to be baptized, please sign up by responding to this email or on the back of your response card on Sunday.

The Men’s Ski Trip is September 9-11 and is always a blast. My friend Robert Hatch from Stonebrooke Church in Vista, California http://www.stonebrookechurch.com/index.html will be our speaker. I know that Hatch will be a blessing to you fellas.

And…one more thing. We will be experiencing 40 Days of Purpose together this fall. It is a great time to focus on God’s plan and purpose for our lives. We will be learning about God’s desire for us to live out the purposes of evangelism, discipleship, community, service, and worship on Sunday mornings and in our small groups.

Please pray with me about all that God is doing in and through Venice Church. There is nothing like the church when it is working right! It is a pleasure to serve along side of you.

What a Weekend!

Amy and I could never fully express our gratitude for all that you did to make Richie and Becky’s wedding a success. If I must say so myself, it turned out really well. Amy and I were extremely pleased. If I begin to name all those who had a part in making it so special I would surely leave somebody out and so I will not name names, but you know who you are!! Thanks for making 7.7.7 a special day. The entire weekend was spectacular and a blessing to our family.

I trust that your child is enjoying our VBS this week. All of the reports are that a good time is being had by all. If your child has not made it…bring them by tonight. They will enjoy it and you can have a couple of hours to walk around Costco or have a Starbucks and look into your mate’s eyes. It is a good deal if you can get it.

Make a special note about our Annual Baptism @ the Beach. It is coming up on Sunday August 19th. We will have one service and then head to the beach. Lunch will be provided. If you would like to be baptized you can sign up by responding to this email or just write “baptism” on the back of your response card on Sunday.

I will see you Sunday for one of our two services (9:00 or 10:45 AM). We will start a new series called Reframing Your Worldview.

July 4th

This is about as a big as a week can get for us. Amy and I thank you for all of your prayers, support, and hard work that you have put in for Richie and Becky’s wedding. We are looking forward to the big day.

Before we get to the big wedding we have a big holiday on Wednesday. I always loved the 4th of July. I loved it for so many things like picnics, parties, watermelon, homemade ice cream, and of course fireworks. I don’t know if I have ever told you that my brother’s birthday is July 4th. When we were kids my brother thought the parades and fireworks were for his birthday. My parents let him believe it for a quite a few years.

Yea, so, on Wednesday my brother will be 46 years old and the good old U.S. of A. will be 231 years old. Our nation’s “birthday” is significant. We are a blessed nation. We are more blessed than most Americans realize. It is the simple freedoms that may escape us. The freedom to worship, to speak the truth, and the freedom to be safe in our own homes may be taken for granted. We live in the greatest country ever. It may not be as great as it once was, but it is still the best ever. Let’s pause and give thanks to God on Wednesday. Freedom is always based on God’s grace. He has been very good to us.

June Is Cranking

Welcome to one of the truly crazy weeks during the year.
School is getting out.
Graduations are happening.
A big water ski trip is cranking up.
People are getting married.
And people are heading out on vacations.
It is a busy time of year, but it is a time filled with many blessings and accomplishments.
I pray that you are enjoying the events that involve you and your family.


I would ask you to pray for all who are going on the ski trip. I know that
they will have a great time. Pray for safety. Pray for the leaders. Pray
that the hearts of our students would be touched by the teaching and
worship. The camp is going to be fantastic!

And...for those of us not camping this weekend...we will get back to our
series Your Work Matters to God at our One Service @ 10:00 AM on Sunday.

Ten Things I Think

What a great weekend we had. Don & Sheryl Rooks were a huge blessing to our church. Amy and I really enjoyed hanging out with them and getting to know them better.

We have more great guests this Sunday. Dave & Nan Walter, our missionaries to Bangladesh, will be with us in the service. They will tell us about the work that God is doing through them on that field. (Don't forget...one service @ 10:00 AM. The coffee bar opens at 9:15)

Here is s special announcement from Rockstars Childrens Ministry. Vacation Bible School will run from Monday July 9 - Friday July 13 every evening from 6:15 - 8:15. The theme is "Secret Agent: On a Mission For God". This is for kids ages 2 years through fifth grade. You will receive more information at Rockstars this weekend.

And now...Ten Things I Think...
1. I think that our Mayor is setting a very poor example for all Los Angelenos by allowing his marriage to disintegrate. Perhaps he should skip a Chuck E. Cheese Grand Opening from time to time in order to spend more time with his wife. To quote Sheryl Rooks, “HELLO!”

2. I think that Don & Sheryl Rooks really helped some of us this past weekend. Pray for them as they minister to others all across the country.

3. I think that reality TV gets worse and worse all of the time. It boggles the mind that good programming gets canceled and is replaced by another herd of people making fools of themselves on national television.

4. I think that Paris Hilton has shown us that our justice system is pretty messed up. Some people think that she is being treated preferentially because of money and celebrity. Some believe that she is being treated too harshly because of money and celebrity. It just goes to show how differently people in L.A. see things and how confused we are.

5. I think that it would be great if “June gloom” would last right into July and up through, let’s say July 7th. That way it will not be 100 degrees in the worship center for “the wedding”.

6. I think that this year’s Shockwave Student Ministry Ski Trip is going to be phenomenal. There will be a worship band, guest speakers, tons of fun on the lake, a bunch of fun games, and a lot of other teenagers to meet. If you have a teenager I think you ought to do everything that you can to see that they go. By the way, if your child is going into sixth grade they are eligible to go.

7. I think that the Dodgers, Padres, and Diamondbacks are going to go right down to the wire this year in the National League West. Let’s pray that the good guys (the Padres) prevail! By the way...did you know that Kevin Chalk’s little brother Brad, an All-American centerfielder for the Clemson University Tigers, was drafted in second round by the Padres last week. Go Little Chalkster!

8. I think that I have been blessed to have a great dad in my life. As he grows older and gets more quirky I just have to laugh, but God has been good to me. Don’t forget to honor your father on Sunday.

9. I think that one of my favorite things about Father’s Day is that it always hosts the final round of the U.S. Open Golf Tournament. There is nothing like major championship golf. Who knows Tiger Woods might make the cut this year and be around for Sunday.

10. I think that I have tap water bias. I don’t know how I got to this point. When I was a kid I was happy to drink out of a garden hose. I can’t stand the thought of drinking water out of the tap now. Amy thinks that I am a prima donna. She is probably right. Of course she is right. She is always right.

Ten Things I Think

1. I think that the church in America is really going to miss Jerry Falwell. He was a bit too political for my taste and I certainly have not always agreed with him or his approach, yet I know that He loved God and people. I know that he was often misunderstood. This side of heaven we will never know the impact that he made in God’s Kingdom. I know that his contribution is enormous.

2. I think that as our Rockstars Children’s Ministry and Shockwave Student Ministry continue to transition they will arrive at a place where our children and students are being ministered to in an accepting and wonderful environment where they can grow to love God and people and it will be a place that they would be happy to bring their friends.

3. I think that Jordin Sparks is going to win American Idol. I think that Melinda Doolittle is a better singer, but Jordin has more appeal.

4. I think that our immigration issues are much bigger than L.A., California, and even the United States. I believe that there are Kingdom ramifications. Please pray for our lawmakers. Please pray for God’s will to be done.

5. I think the San Antonio Spurs have turned into the Detroit Pistons of the late 80’s and early 90’s.

6. I think that you could hear weeping and wailing from my house last night as Gilmore Girls went off the air for good. Okay, it wasn’t that bad, but Amy is really upset about losing her show.

7. I think that, for a church our size, we have a ton of musical talent. Some of that talent is untapped. If you are interested in playing or singing in our church’s band…keep your eyes open for upcoming auditions. William Hung need not apply!

8. I think doctors need to make up their mind. Should we take vitamins or not?

9. I think that next year’s presidential election is going to be close and I can tell you that when I look at the Republican candidates…none of them knock my socks off! Boring!

10. I think that every man in Venice ought to do their best to go on the Road Trip this year. The trip gets bigger and better every year. You guys do not want to miss this.

Marriage Seminar

It is exactly one month until our marriage seminar with Don & Sheryl Rooks. I know that it will be a fun and informative time. We will learn a lot and be encouraged. I encourage all adults to attend. You do not have to be married!!

The seminar will run from 9:30 AM until about 3:00 PM. We will break for lunch at about noon.
Please sign up at the information center on Sunday. We will be providing lunch. We need to know how many to plan for.

There are many interesting calendar things coming up. I would encourage you to check your handout each Sunday and our website for updates.
venicechurch.com

Next week in Touching Base: Ten Things I Think!

Living the Legacy

I am very proud of our new “branding” as Venice Church. Our new printed material turned out amazing. From what I am able to gather, most if not all of you, are proud of it as well. It is a new era at Venice Church. We are making a concerted effort to be relevant in our community and in the 21st century, however we are still Venice Baptist Church. We are an independent, Bible believing Baptist Church. Our desire is to be a biblical church that leads people to faith in Jesus Christ and that teaches them to honor God with their lives by growing to be like Christ, serving others, and by sharing the good news with others.

This is who we have always been. Our church was started in August of 1927!! We are turning 80 this year. It is a tribute to God’s faithfulness that we are still here. God has blessed this church in amazing ways over the last 80 years. We give Him praise and honor for His wonderful blessings on Venice Church.

As we pay tribute to God we should also pay tribute to those who have come before us here at Venice. God has used faithful men and women to lead in this church and serve in this church over the years. There are no two people more worthy of notice than Pastor Omer and Alyene Norris. Pastor Norris led Venice for over 30 years. God called him home shortly after he retired from Venice. This past Sunday evening Mrs. Norris went home to be with the Lord. Everything that Venice is and all that is accomplished and has been accomplished here at Venice is the result and product of Pastor and Mrs. Norris love and dedication and faithfulness to this church.

I never had the privilege of meeting Pastor Norris, yet I have come to appreciate his love for Venice through many of you. I did have the privilege of meeting Mrs. Norris on a couple of occasions. She was a gracious, wise, and sweet woman who has instilled godliness and character in the lives of many of the women of Venice.

We have been left a legacy. It is a legacy of truth, love for God, and love for other people. We cannot discount the role that Pastor and Mrs. Norris played in making this a place that loves God and His Word. We are eternally indebted to them for their investment in Venice Church. I look forward to meeting up with them in heaven and getting to know them and rejoicing with them over all that God has done through Venice Church. My prayer for Venice is that as we carry on for God and His glory that we would have a lasting impact like that of the Norris family.

Play Something Country

I don’t know if you realize it or not, but country music is back on our FM dial. Go Country 105.1 re-launched country music in L.A. and I have to say that I have kind of missed it! Country music is not my first choice in music, that would be worship music, but it is often my second choice. I think that the reason that it is high on my list is because I pretty much grew up on country. I was raised listening to the likes of The Statler Brothers, Merle Haggard, Tanya Tucker, Conway Twitty, and Larry Gatlin.

Just a bit of trivia. Larry Gatlin married the organist of our church in Odessa, Texas. I knew Larry Gatlin when I was four years old. How is that for name dropping? I am sure that the remembers me!

When you step back and look at country music you have to ask yourself can you really go wrong with songs like Jesus, Take the Wheel, She Thinks My Tractor’s Sexy, and Hillbilly Deluxe? What a myriad of theological and practical enthusiasm just jam packed into those titles!! Yea, I know that country music can be a bit trashy, but a lot of it is good clean fun.

The thing about country music, I think for me, is the memories that spring to mind when I listen to it. I remember things like the fact that I am basically white trash. The proof is in the pudding. My parents and my brother and his family actually live in trailer parks. We are “born again” white trash, but we are still white trash. Is there any chance of not being white trash when your mom grew up in Borger, Texas and your dad grew up in Sweetwater, Texas?

Just a bit of trivia. The little town of Sweetwater, Texas has produced the likes of Hall of Fame quarterback Sammy Baugh, professional wrestler Black Jack Mulligan (the Wyndam Family), professional poker legend Doyle Brunson, and of course my dad, Bob Henson Baptist preacher. I guess that is the point. Country music reminds me of Texas like good hot dogs and good pizza remind me of Chicago. My parents always tell me that Texas is a good place to be from. That means that they ain’t going back, but it does hold a lot of memories.

When I am reminded of Texas I am reminded of a lot of great things like the type of food they eat down there. The BBQ is fabulous and of course there is the fried stuff. Country fried steak. Fried catfish. Fried okra. Oh, you betcha! And my grandmother used to make stuff like green enchiladas, pimento cheese sandwiches, Frito pie, and Jell-O in the shape of fruit and fish. We would go to Sweetwater for a couple of weeks in the summer and every day at lunch my grandmother would break out the leftovers from the preceding suppers (they eat supper down there not dinner) and it would be a smorgasbord of Texas treats. My grandfather would come home from work at the railroad for lunch and we would listen to Paul Harvey while we ate Texas style. Now you know the rest of the story.

I know. You are wondering what is the point? There ain't one. Just…Play Something Country. You might like it…then again…you might not.

Ten Things I Think

1. I think that it is unbelievable what happened at Virginia Tech. Pray for the families of the victims and the Virginia Tech family.

2. I think that it is ridiculous to second guess the response of the Blacksburg and Virginia Tech Police the day after the massacre. Should they evaluate the process at some point? Absolutely. Is it our media’s job to hold them accountable? Maybe, but the day after, I think not.

3. I think that I can be very proud of myself. After literally decades of biting my fingernails…I have broken that ugly habit. I am amazed how fast my fingernails grow now that I am clipping them!!

4. I think that we have more windy days now than I ever remember. Sometimes I think I have been transported back to Chicago.

5. I think that our Men’s Ministry is blossoming into a wonderful blessing and benefit for the men of our church. The backbone of a strong church is a core of strong men who love God and live for His purposes.

6. I think that it was awesome to hear Zach Johnson, a journeyman on the PGA Tour, give thanks to God after winning the Masters Golf Tournament on Easter Sunday. When asked how he was able to make his way around the treacherous August National Golf Club and out ahead of Tiger Woods, Zach replied, “I just knew that Jesus was with me every step of the way.”

7. I think that Jack Wilson http://pittsburgh.pirates.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=333292 has gone way beyond the call of duty. For him to, not only be willing to speak to our men, but to host us at his home is amazing. Even you Dodger fans will be rooting for Jack on Saturday night! ;>)

8. I think that I hate it when I feel the need to make a “smiley” face on an email. I hate using emoticons as well, but sometimes you have to let the reader know that it was said in jest.

9. I think that the view that Amy and I had from the top of the Marriott in the Marina on Saturday evening is one of the best I have ever seen. We were not just hanging out up there. We were at a wedding.

10. I think that it is only 141 days until the National Football League 2007 Season begins. I think that you think that I am crazy because I know that. I think that you are right.

Courage

It takes courage to do this. To follow Christ, to be obedient, to honor God with our lives requires courage. To live a life where we are growing, serving, worshipping, engaged in true fellowship where there is encouragement and accountability, and sharing our faith requires courage.

There is nothing new here. When God called Moses out of the desert to deliver His people from Egypt it was a given that courage would be required. As they leave Egypt…courage. Joshua succeeds Moses…courage. The Children of Israel go into the Promised Land to possess it…courage. The Judges…courage. King David…courage. The kings that follow…courage. The prophets…courage. Jesus epitomizes courage. The Apostles that lead the early church…courage.

Here is the Apostle Paul’s encouragement to the church at Corinth.
1 Corinthians 16:13
Be on guard. Stand true to what you believe.

Be courageous. Be strong.
Bam! There it is.
We will not be any different. So, my prayer for me and for you is that we would be on guard, stand true, be courageous, and be strong. God will be pleased. We will reach our true potential in Christ and as a church. That is what a life of worship is all about.

Easter Week

Welcome to Easter week 2007. There is little doubt that many of you are traveling and enjoying some time away from the daily grind that is life on the west side. I hope that you are enjoying yourselves. If you are stuck here in town…somebody has to work! I love this time of year. I love this week in particular. The weather is spectacular. It is Master’s week. The Masters Golf Tournament is without a doubt the best golf tournament on the PGA Tour schedule. Even when you see it on television you can almost smell the azaleas blooming. And…of course…this Sunday is Easter.
This weekend is the time that we celebrate the essence of our faith. On Friday we will remember Christ’s death. On Sunday we will celebrate His resurrection. Without Christ dying in our place on that cross, and without His resurrection we have nothing. It is that gospel, that good news that makes our faith alive and vibrant. So I encourage you to reflect and celebrate and enjoy your Easter week. Easter is what following Christ is all about.

Romans 4:23-5:2 (NLT)
Now this wonderful truth—that God declared him to be righteous—wasn't just for Abraham's benefit. [24] It was for us, too, assuring us that God will also declare us to be righteous if we believe in God, who brought Jesus our Lord back from the dead. [25] He was handed over to die because of our sins, and he was raised from the dead to make us right with God.
[5:1] Therefore, since we have been made right in God's sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. [2] Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of highest privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God's glory.

Never?

Here it is. It is prime Just Walk Across the Room time. The Easter season is upon us. It is a great time to extend an invitation. I pray that you will.

One of the things that impacted me the most in these lessons was what Bill said in our video excerpt last Sunday. “Never just means no for now.” For me that means that I must pray and be patient and pray and be creative and pray and love and pray and extend a hand and pray. Did I mention I must pray for lost people more? It may take some time. It may take 8 years! It may take one invite to a service or one Bridge Illustration. It could be that the seed was planted long ago and it has been watered and fertilized and you are the one who God allows to be present when the soul is harvested.

Be diligent. Love. Serve. Share. Take a walk. Share your story. Share God’s story. We are never more like Christ than when we are extending His Good News to another.

We Are Better Together

I was reading Numbers chapter 32 this morning where there is a fascinating account. The Children of Israel have wandered in the wilderness for 40 years and now they are preparing to cross the Jordan River and go into the Promised Land. They know that when they cross that river that it will be a war. God’s command is for them to cross over and then begin driving out and or eliminating the people that inhabit the land.

The tribes of Reuben and Gad want to settle in the land east of the Jordan River. They are ranchers. The land is prime grazing land. The leaders of their tribe go to Moses and say, “We want this land on this side of the Jordan.” The inference is that the other tribes will not want this land…so we will take it.

Moses reaction is very interesting. His first impression is that they want to settle the land right now and never cross the river and never join the fight. Moses tells them that they may have the land if the men of their tribes will cross over and fight with the other ten tribes. They agree to go into the land and fight and then they will come back to their wives and children that they have left on the other side of the river.

For me there are several principles here that form a parallel for us in our church.
1. We are all in this together. The Scripture is clear that we are in a spiritual battle. The good news is that we have each other. We are in this together.
2. Unity is required. For us to accomplish all that God has called us to, we must strive together in unity. Moses makes it clear that disunity is sin. He reminds them that the reason that they had circled the desert for 40 years is because they were not unified in their purpose the first time around.
3. We all have a part to play and a job to do. For the Children of Israel to be successful and to maintain unity, everybody had to do their part. The same will be true in the church. Again, Moses is very clear. For the tribes of Reuben and Gad to be remiss in doing their part would be sin.

God has blessed Venice Church with wonderful people and a wonderful spirit. I appreciate your love for this church your desire to fulfill the mission that God has given to us. We are better together! Thanks for doing your part. I am honored to serve along side of each one of you.

Cool Stuff

Los Angeles is having a summer prequel here in March! I love this weather, but I pray that we can make it through this year without our state burning up.

If you are with us at Venice Church, I trust that you are enjoying Just Walk Across the Room. I have found it to be inspiring, encouraging and convicting to this point. Please let me remind you that what we are looking for here is a change in our lifestyle and our approach to sharing our faith. We are not looking to take “walks” just this month. We want to become “walk-across-the-room” types of people for the rest of our days. As you have seen or will see in this week’s lesson, sometimes it takes a long time to see our friend or loved one come to Christ. Hang in there and enjoy the rest of the Just Walk experience.

I know by now that you have seen the new logo and hopefully you have checked out the new website. There is more exciting stuff coming your way. Beginning on Sunday April 1st we will unveil a brand new line of printed material. You will see a new layout to our weekly handout, there will be a sweet bag of goodies for your friends who visit for the first time, and there will even be new offering envelopes and response cards. God has been very good to us and I believe that you will be proud of our new look.

Here are more dates to set aside on your calendar:

This Sunday – Rockstars go to Chuck E. Cheese. Yea!!
April 6th – Good Friday Service @ 7:00
April 8th – Easter Sunday – Two Services at 9:00 & 10:45 AM.

June 9th – Marriage Seminar with Don & Sheryl Rooks of Connecting Point Ministries.

You can find other ministry information and dates on our website at venicechurch.com.

Let Them Know

Every one of us who is a Christ follower have somebody in our life that played a significant role in pointing us to Christ. One of our assignments this week in our series Just Walk Across the Room is to let them know. We have been challenged to send a card or an email to the person or, in my case, the people that helped us across the line of faith.

I have sent three emails this week and the experience has been rewarding for me and for the folks who lovingly and courageously and persistently pointed me to Jesus Christ. I sent an email to my mom and dad thanking them for never allowing me to live one day without hearing the name of Jesus. I thanked Jerry Thorpe. Jerry is a great preacher and, like me, a preacher's kid. For the better part of my life I have been privileged to hear Jerry preach and most importantly for me, tell his story. You see, Jerry reached his teen years without giving his life to Christ and he literally lived in torment believing that Christ would return without him ever taking Him as Savior. I experienced the same thing. And Amy. It took a tremendous amount of courage on Amy's part to put me over. She stepped up and took Christ as Savior when everybody in our church thought she was already saved. She was a leader in our Youth Group for goodness sake! Her decision to come forward and say, "I have never really given my life to Christ" gave me the courage to do the same. It is not easy for the preacher's kid, who sings in the choir and does "all the right things" to admit that he is not even saved, but I did and it was Amy's courage that put me over.
So I thank them all.

If somebody has played a significant role in your life...let them know.
I pray that somebody will let you know that you helped them across the line as well.
It doesn't get any better than that.

It Is Time

It is time.
Just Walk Across the Room is upon us.
I am looking forward to what God will do through us.
We have a wonderful opportunity to help people far from God come to know who Jesus is.
Please, pray that many will take Him as Savior.

Tell Your Story

I received a great deal of positive feedback from the message a couple of weeks ago about telling your story. God has used that message and subsequent encounters to really get some of you thinking about your story.

As a follow up I would like to share this with you. God is using this idea in my life as well. As I mentioned earlier, Amy and I are reading through the Bible together this year. Right now our prescribed reading is in the book of Acts. We have been reading the last few days about the Apostle Paul. Paul was a missionary and church planter and preacher and theologian; however what has really hit home with me is how many times he just told his story! Over and over again in Acts he simply retells his story. “I was on the way to Damascus to round up Christians so that they could be punished for following Christ…and…I came face to face with the Master.” Another time he will say, “You know…I am a Jew as well, but I have come to faith in Christ.” Then another time he will say, “You cannot hold me without a trial because I was born a Roman citizen…and…the reason that the Jews wanted me arrested is because I was preaching about Jesus.”

Throughout his life and specifically toward the end of his life, God just keeps giving Paul opportunities to share his story. I have no doubt that God will do the same for us. As we study Just Walk Across the Room next month I pray that we will find the encouragement and the tools to tell our story effectively for God’s glory and for the sake of those whose lives need to be changed by the power of Jesus Christ.

Sin Crouches At Our Door

So many times we can get to a point where we think that following Christ will go on auto-pilot. The truth is that sin will keep knocking on our door. We will always wrestle with our sinful nature. Sometimes we will be tempted to give in and decide, “Well, I just can’t help it. This is the way that I am.”

Henry Blackaby, in his book Experiencing the Cross, points out that if we function with that attitude we are canceling the practical effect of God’s promises. To avoid this trap we must learn to recognize all that God has done for us and take full advantage of it. We must accept His complete provision.

The Apostle Paul said it this way…
Philippians 3:13-14 (NLT)
No, dear brothers and sisters, I am still not all I should be, but I am focusing all my energies on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, [14] I strain to reach the end of the race and receive the prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us up to heaven.

Perhaps, as you pray today, you can incorporate this in your prayer.
“Father, I know Your promises. I know that You have made all that I need for living a godly life available to me. Help me to hang on Your promises and implement these blessings.”

Ten Things I Think I Think

1. I think that of the 44 years that I have been alive, I have been on a diet for 43 of them.
2. I think that you will enjoy and be inspired by Just Walk Across the Room.
3. I think that this is the weirdest winter weather that I ever remember in Southern California.
4. I think that it is awesome that the ladies in the coffee bar have my tea all ready for me every Sunday!
5. I think that I do not look forward to Major League Baseball Spring Training nearly as much as I used to.
6. I think that Hillary Clinton flip flops more than Bill Clinton.
7. I think that rehab used to be a PR nightmare for celebrities, but now it is the PR answer to everything for them.
8. I think that Because I Said So is easily one of the top three worst movies I have ever seen.
9. I think that the National Football League was very wise to back off on their threats against churches having Superbowl parties.
10. I think that all of the men of Venice would be wise to remember that next Wednesday is Valentine’s Day.

A Place to Unload

Amy ran across this in a devotional by Chuck Swindoll.
I thought that it was really good.

I will just give you the gist of it and attempt to put in the context of life at Venice Church.

Life is a long journey. For some of us it seems like an endless trip filled with thankless responsibilities, relentless tasks, disappointments, deadlines, and daily demands.
The fact that we are imperfect people does not help. Every once in a while we make poor decisions. We say things that we wish we could get back. We tend to look out for ourselves and then end up regretting it. We are impulsive and foolish and prideful. We hurt others. All of this stuff caves in on us and we begin to wonder if anybody could love us...even God.
So...we need a place to unload! At Venice our place to unload is called a small group. It is the place where best attempt to live out the "one anothers" that are found in the Scripture. Love one another. Serve one another. Build up one another. Live in peace with one another. Confess your sins to one another. Speak to, admonish, comfort, and pray for one another.
And this one.

Galatians 6:2 (NASB) Bear one another's burdens, and thus fulfill the law of Christ.

We need a place to unload. We need a place where we can sit and talk and experience person-to-person caring and sharing. It must be a place with no judgment, no shame and no embarrassment.
Small groups are not miniature church services. They are pockets of people who love Christ and believe in helping one another. The don't point fingers, preach or compare. They are brothers and sisters in Christ.