Epic Church: Advent Season kicks off

Andrew shares about El Sauzal Orphanage gift drive


First advent candle is lit by James and Diane Harrison

Pastor Kevin continue in Advent sermon series


the Jesus relationship


Discussion question

Scripture reading from Luke 15:1 -7


Selected reading about Philip and Peter (life in high school).

2nd discussion question

Communion meal

Closing worship

Closing prayer

Current Series: FLESH: 8 Implications of Christmas
Message: Dignity
Speaker: Kevin
Synopsis: Because of the doctrine of the 'depravity of man', there is a common sentiment in Christian circles that our humanity is something to disdain, to cast off, not worthy of our attention. The thinking goes that if the goal is to "be more like Jesus", then it follows that whatever that is, it's 'otherworldly', 'spiritual' and 'out there,' but not something having to do with our humanity. But Christmas makes us rethink all that. On Christmas, the Holy One inhabits a human body. Somehow, holiness is able to co-exist with fleshly humanity. The implication is that in Jesus Christ, there is dignity in being human. In fact, to be more godly looks like being more human, not less.


Bonus pictures: "What really happens to the communion loaf after church?"

More Bonus photos

"putting away the kids"

"psss, I have a secret"

DB's Thanksgiving

Had dinner at relatives (nope, our turkey wasn't this nice ... this is just an image off the Internet).


got re-acquainted with my nephew Trevor (age 5).


BAM! Can he kick it or what?!


Played Jenga with my cousins boys, Sean and Seth, age 2 years and 11 months (when they weren't tossing the Jenga blocks at me!).

Yup, I managed to work off the Turkey Day Calories with da kids!

Hope y'all had a nice holiday so far!

-DB-

Epic Church - 8 Implications of Christmas: Religion

Early morning set up ...


rehearsal / worship practice


On Soundboard today with Kat


Andrew sharing about El Salzar Orphanage for Christmas


Personal Sharing: Jill


Sermon on "bad religion" from Pastor Erin


Closing worship and communion

Current Series: FLESH: 8 Implications of Christmas

Message: Religion

Speaker: Erin

Synopsis: Moving forward this week, we will examine how Christmas is God's definitve judgement on all religion. Again we will ask the question, "What does the solution tell us about our problem?" Despite all our efforts to make ourselves good, to justify our selves and hideour inadequacies, Christmas renders them all a moot point. On Christmas, God declared with finality his love for all of us, even the parts we can't accept.

Epic Church - Eight Implications of Christmas

last minutes tweaking on the soundboard


David (and Jess) manning sound today


Erin goes over media presentation with Tex


Bagels and other refreshments await the congregation


Smiling greeters


Announcements


Opening worship


Jessica - personal sharing


Pastor Erin praying over Jessica


Erin begins new Advent series "Flesh: 8 Implications of Christmas"


Overhead view of today's worship celebration


Pastor Erin's discussion question


Worship and communion


Communion service


Pastor Erin closing


more to come in our new Advent series ...

Bonus photos:


Worship leaders Becky and Harry


Sammi tries her hand at the drums ...


opening the door for younger worship leaders.

New Series: FLESH: 8 Implications of Christmas
Message: Speaker: Erin
Synopsis: As an introduction to our series examining the Birth of Christ, we will consider how Jesus is the answer to our problem, notabstractly, but concretely. What does that tell us about ourselves? (We need people) About our problems? (they're real!) and about God? (He gets it), about our faith (it isn't all in your head) and about how we should respond? (get concrete!).

Bonus Video: Harry rehearsing

Epic Church - "It takes two"

Worship team practice


Daniel (and Jonathan) adjusting sound levels


Jonathan adjusting the lighting


Frank setting up the mult-media


Melanie ready to greet visitors and regular attendees


Kat and Kristen arriving for service


worship team going thru final rehearsal as Winston prepares the communion elements.


Ed ready to lead worship


Daniel pulling double duty for announcements and sound.


worship team follows mediation presentation.


Melanie (pulling double duty also) with Jasmine share about their summer mission.


Melanie sharing as Jasmine looks on.


Jasmine shares.


Mabel sharing about her summer in China.


Pastor Kevin introduce a fun activity for the congregation, and begins his sermon. Kevin also led the church in prayer for a family crisis for a beloved church member, prepared the communion element and gave the benediction for today's service.

Current Series: CAN YOU RELATE? A Look at Who God Is and How to Relate to Him
Message: It Takes Two
Speaker: Kevin
Synopsis: Like any relationship, it takes two to tango. The point is not only to know God, but also to be known. In many respects, there is no knowing God without allowing God to know us. This of course assumes growing in self-awareness and bringing our whole selves into relationship with him. This is the way to authenticity, this is the way to transformation.