I’ve really been challenged by this idea of habits and the realization that small steps can lead to big change. I know there have been times when I would want something that would require a change in my habits, but getting there looked too big for me. You can fill in the blanks for yourself. It could have been weight loss, or physical health, or relational repair. What held me back was a version of “scarcity” mentality. It’s hard to do something way beyond anything you’ve ever done if you think you have to begin with the goal or end as your measurement of success.

This is especially true in our walk with God as we seek to become more and more like Jesus. This is why I’m thrilled to begin preparing a new messages series that will begin on February 6. It’s called Moving Forward. This is a vision series and will outline our plan for helping people in their transformation to become more like Jesus. The series will highlight the four foundational pillars of spiritual growth and development that Pastor Mark outlines our website's Spiritual Growth section.

I don’t know if I’ve ever been more excited about a new series. This is the culmination of hours of prayer and work over the years, asking God to help us fine-tune what we do as a church. We desire to simplify what it means to Follow Jesus and Practice His Ways. I ask you to consider the four Sundays of February to be vitally important and carve out space to be at church or watch online as we learn more of what God has in store for our church.

Your response to Pastor John’s message on Extravagant Generosity really touched me. I was just at the hospital to get some blood work drawn, and the nurse told me about the stress of not having enough employees who are willing or able to work. She said, “People are just pulling back.” At times like this folks, it might feel like the best thing to do is to pull back, gather all our little chicks, and take care of ourselves. But I feel that if there ever was a time for us to have an impact in this world, it’s in these difficult and dark days. Instead of pulling back. Instead of hoarding. Instead of ignoring the plight of others, what if we became even more generous with the three T’s – talents, time, and treasures? If you missed Sunday, I hope you will watch John’s message and let God speak to your heart about becoming even more extravagant in your giving.

CANCER TREATMENT UPDATE. In November, when I had surgery, the surgical team discovered that I still had living cancer cells in my tumor – even after chemo/radiation. They were able to cut them out and give me a positive thumbs up that they had gotten all of it. The problem is that Esophageal cancer has a strong propensity to recur, and when it does, it’s usually not curable. I had an appointment in early January with a UCSF oncologist who told me that I fit the parameters for an immunotherapy treatment that was successful in fighting cancer and had just been approved for my cancer in August 2021. He said, “It’s my recommendation that you begin this as soon as possible.” The goal is to get my immune system to recognize the cancer cells as an enemy and attack them naturally. 

I had my first treatment on January 19. Now we’re on for another 12 months of injections. I was feeling pretty low about this new development. Honestly, I’m tired and would like a break. At the same time, getting to do this new immunotherapy is a gift. In fact, God pulled some strings for me at the hospital. I was allowed to begin treatment before my insurance company authorized approval. I was told that I have friends in “high places.” 

It was surreal to go back to the ATC Center at the hospital for my infusion and be greeted by some of the same nurses and staff who had been there for my chemo treatments. I even ran into one of the radiation technicians in the hallway. I feel such warmth and care from these dedicated nurses and staff. 

Will you please pray for God to use this to show me His favor and bless me with His promise that I will “see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living”? Kimberly and I thank you for your prayers and support during this extended treatment time. We love you more than words can convey. 

Here are some upcoming opportunities to SHARE LIFE and SPREAD HOPE to our family and community. 

FAMILIES get ready for a fun artistic experience on Friday, February 11 when we bring back the Artist Workshop. Registrations are a must, and there is a cost to pay for the supplies and canvas you’ll use. The last time we offered this, it was fun as well are inspiring. 

GROW UNIVERSITY registrations are now open for our Spring semester of classes. Go to our website and look at the specialized offerings designed to help you grow in your faith as you live for God’s purposes in our world. You can take Financial Peace University, Marriage Works, Life After Death, Resolving Everyday Conflict, and GriefShare. 

LIFE GROUPS are open NOW for the winter/spring semester. 2021 was a time for us to sharpen our focus as a church to be more intentional in our approach to discipleship and spiritual formation. Our goal is to be clear in our vision to engage together to lead as many people as possible into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ. We have four pillars to build on – Share Life, Strengthen Faith, Serve Others, and Spread Hope. The Share Life pillar includes our relationship with Jesus and how He calls us to Share Life with Him and each other. The natural outflow of that is that we want our Life Groups to intentionally share life with each other as they follow Jesus together. If you are ready to check out a LIFE GROUP or want more information, please contact Mark or stop by the SHARE LIFE table in the lobby this Sunday, and we will help you get connected. Our goal is that we will all find a place where we can know and be known, love and be loved, serve and be served, and celebrate and be celebrated as we grow to become more like Jesus.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES. We have several part-time jobs open right now for the right person who not only wants to work but wants that work to make a difference in the lives of others. Here is the link to see the current job openings. If you’re interested in any of these positions, don't hesitate to get in touch with the person listed. We look forward to having you join our team of motivated servant leaders.

THIS SUNDAY, we wrap up our series HABITS: Small steps, big change. We’re going to cover another Keystone Habit that can hugely change your life. It’s Passionate Worship. God made us to be worshippers, and because of that we will worship something. We will consider how worshipping God above all will fulfill our hearts and lead us to a life of peace and joy. I’m excited to see how God uses Sunday in your life and mine. 

Here are the links you’ll need to prepare for Sunday’s Service: 

• Message Notes and Study Guide
• Weekly Spotify Playlist
• Children's Ministry
• Student Ministry 

Joyfully living everyday life on mission in intimacy with Jesus and others,

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