Monday Emotions

Check this out! It's on Miramar Road for the next two months! Pray that God will use it to advance His name and reach people for Jesus! How cool is that?


* AMAZING SUNDAY!
* This Sunday we had the chance to talk openly and honestly about our need for Jesus. After the talk we gave people a chance to say yes to Jesus as their personal savior and 12 people did! How HUGE is that?
* It may have been just as big of a step for me to ask people to say yes to Jesus. My heart was pounding and I was praying that men and women would have the courage to say yes – and they did!!
* The band was great, I'm so proud of the way they are leading us! By the way, anyone play piano? I talked to one girl who does but we need some people to fill that role. Is that you?
* How are the care packages going? We need 2,000!
* I can't believe Easter is less than TWO WEEKS AWAY! Who you including?
* Did I mention 12 people said yes to fully submitting their life to Jesus on Sunday? How amazing!!!
* We had 8 moms and babies in the cry room! What? Keep on coming moms, we love you!
* Family Night this Saturday 6 PM at the church, can't wait!
* My life group is serving at Monarch School tonight, so cool! Are you MISSIONAL?



Existence, I'm SO proud of the work we are doing. God's name is being blessed and people's lives are changing! Don't ever forget that your life matters to God and to others! Use it wisely and with passion!


Love you guys!

Moving one inch can be tough, but worth it!

On my drive to work this morning I reflected on all the "work" our staff has been putting in over the last few months. We have implemented our vision of being an INCLUSIVE MISSIONAL COMMUNITY, we have added literally 50 new leaders to our infrastructure, we have restructured our staff to have Geoff Francian oversee our “inclusive” work and Josh Carter oversee our “missional” work and for all the rest of the things we've done come this Sunday for our QUARTER IN REVIEW VIDEO UPDATE!

Back to the point... I was driving in thinking about how hard we've been working while at the same time feeling like we've only moved about an inch. Ever felt that way? It seems like with all the hours, all the prayers and all the effort some things should just come a little easier or move a bit quicker. That thought entered in and out of my mind all day!

On my drive home I called my good buddy Jack Rowell. If you don't know Jack, get to know him! I was telling him about my day and of course being the belaboring man I am told him of my recurring thought of the day. He laughed with that raspy voice of his and said, "I don't know a lot about the Lord’s work, but I can tell you this: Over the last few months I have moved another inch closer to God as a result of the work the church has done in my life and I want to say thanks."

One inch closer to God. What a wonderful, beautiful step! The truth is, if we as a church have taken one more solid step toward falling in love with God and understanding the wonder of the sacrifice Jesus made for us, then I'm pumped!

Thanks Jack, love you! Thanks for reminding me how important one step is. So I, too, will remind you, take one step! Take a step in prayer, take a step in trust, take a step across the room and hand out your care package. Whatever you do, each day take a step!


Love you guys very much! Let’s keep stepping!

Monday Emotions

* Challenging Sunday. I always find spiritual empowerment when we talk about the personal work we still need to do on our character.
* I'm so excited about our care packages! I met a woman yesterday who came for the first time because a friend gave her a care package to fill. That's what true Christianity is all about!
* A ton of junior highers again! Guys we're gonna need more space! Don't forget to step up to the Chapter 2 challenge this week!
* I can't wait for our Family Night event on April 4th. This is a great time to be INCLUSIVE! For more info email Katie at kwexistence@gmail.com.

* It felt good telling the church that sometimes I'm a wimp when I need to share the gospel. I could tell I was not the only one! :)
* Man, I have been feeling such a strong pull from God to see our church reach disconnected people. As simple as it sounds, people really do need Jesus! Your friends need Jesus!
* Band did great, I dug the acoustic vibe!
* How about the video announcements? Jason Leppert did an awesome job!!!
* Have you given you care packages out yet? C'mon!
* I was SO tired last night! We had to set up bright and early, two services, a missions meeting and then I did a wedding. LONG DAY!

* Martin and Angela got married last night, AMAZING PEOPLE!

Love you guys! There is no church I would rather being advancing the name of Jesus with than YOU! Let’s keep fighting for the people we love and expressing Jesus in a real blue collar way!

Great email!

I just got this email from someone at church, this is getting it done! Lets all fight hard to INCLUDE those we know in the process of living like Jesus and then help lead them to Jesus!

Check it out!

Hi Friends –

Happy St. Patty’s Day! I am sending this email in hopes that you will be willing to help with a service project that will benefit the San Diego Rescue Mission and Monarch School. I know times are tough for all of us economically, but let’s face it; times are really tough for 100’s of families and displaced individuals all over San Diego. This is where your help comes in! My church has provided us with extra large Ziploc bags with some very simple instructions in them. We would like to fill 2000 bags, by April 12th, with the following contents:



2 pack of toothbrushes, 1 tube of toothpaste, 1 package of socks (male or female) and 1 box of Poptarts. The total cost for this bag could be as low as $8 or as much as $13 (depending on where you buy the items). If you are interested in helping me with this project, please let me know! I have the bags at my desk. If you don’t work with me, we can meet up and I can get the bag from you! If you would rather donate money for the items, I will be more than happy to pick them up, and put the bag together on your behalf.

1000 bags will be donated to the San Diego Rescue Mission and 1000 bags will be donated to Monarch School. Please click on the links and learn more about these incredible organizations and how you can help the men, women, and children of San Diego with these essential items!

Thank you for your consideration and let me know if you are interested in helping!

Monday Emotions

* Great Sunday!!!
* First service was QUIET! Second service was PACKED all the way to the back of the coffee house. We need some of you to start going to first service!!!
* Shawn did an awesome job teaching yesterday, I love his heart for our church.
* Band was awesome! Gerry is a wonderful leader, we are blessed to have him.
* We launched our CARE PACKAGE DRIVE on Sunday. We have 2000 bags to fill and we need 2000 of your friends to help. Be in INCLUSIVE, it's your spiritual job!
* Steve Cachero did an amazing job on our new stage art pieces. Thanks Steve! If you’re interested in helping with the Creative Arts Team, email Steve at steve@fortyonetwenty.com.
* We had a Life Group leaders’ meeting after church Sunday. We have the most amazing leaders! We have 24 Life Groups at church. If you're not in one, jump in!
* Easter is in 4 weeks!!! Who are YOU INCLUDING????
* We had some people really step up for Chapter 2. I was so encouraged by one family in the church who gave $2,000 towards preparing for our Children's Ministry needs. We need YOU to jump in!
* Met several new people on Sunday! Make sure if you see a face you don't know, to go introduce yourself and welcome them into our home! Remember, community is our vision and it MATTERS!
* Have a great week, love you guys!

Divine Encounters

I'm a firm believer that God works everything in conformity to his will (Ephesians 1:11). The crazy thing is, believe it or not Gods will is surrounding you, empowering you and calling you to a cause and a life  greater than you. 

So.... what happens when you start praying for Gods will in your life? Read these three stories I got this week from people who attend Existence to find out!

Story #1 - I've been asking God to use me in leading my coworkers into a relationship with Jesus. About 3 weeks ago I found out a guy from my work just went through a really rough divorce, my heart started to break for him. I began asking God to use me to impact his life, I wasn't prepared for what God had in mind!

My coworker came up to me and asked me if I was interested in running after work sometime, then he invited me to a poker night with some of our other coworkers. It was crazy! I always thought I would have to be the one to get out of my box but after asking God to use me I realized he was causing others to be INCLUSIVE with me! 

Truth is I still have a lot of work to do. I find myself wanting to dodge the situation so I don't have to get out of my comfort zone. Pray for me! God is going to use me in this guys life!

Story #2 - I am not a person with a naturally 'inclusive' (to use Existence lingo!) nature, but since this has been a continual focus at life group and church in recent weeks, I've been more aware of it. As a new mom, I should probably be eager to meet the other stroller-pushers in my neighborhood, but... I'm really not! The other day, however, I felt compelled to introduce myself to a mom I often see walking down my street. As it turns out, the nudge I felt to meet this woman was the Holy Spirit, as the young mom I met is also a Believer and is going through some very hard times. Our babies are close in age, and she and I have encountered similar trials in life, which makes me able to relate to her on a unique level. My new friend is clearly in need of someone who can come alongside her at this difficult time, to encourage her in her faith and meet her where she's at, and I feel as though God has led me to her with that purpose in mind. Through this encounter I've definitely realized that even small things - just saying hi! - can open huge doors. God can do a lot with a little, so pay attention to those nudges that you think are 'nothing' - in hindsight they may often be clear 'God appointments'!

Story #3 (mine!) - Being a Pastor can often lead you into a very exclusive life. By exclusive I mean 90% of your life is spent with people who believe in Jesus as Savior. As  I always tell our church, if you don't have non-christian friends make new friends! 

A few months ago I was at a wedding and met a guy who was not a believer in Jesus. We had a great time chatting about life, work and family. I walked away so convinced that God was after this guy and that eventually he would use me to reach him. 

Fast forward to last Friday at 5:30 am. I'm golfing at Torrey Pines and who do I run into, that same guy. I hit me like a ton of bricks that life is not coincidence, it's divine! We had a quick talk, nothing happened, yet! 

Final Thought: God is moving people toward us! Be looking, be praying and be ready! The hope of the world does not rest on you, but the hope of someone does!

Praying for you!

Josh

Getting involved!

I received this email from a friend who has been out of town and like many of us bombarded by life. I wanted to share his email with you because I believe his heart speaks to the place God wants us to be and how he wants to use us for his Kingdom.

Enjoy!

How are you? We have missed a lot of church sessions lately with family visits, our sons injury (he's fine - fill you in later), etc. etc. However, it doesn't mean we don't still love you guys. It is important for us to stay as involved as possible. We've been working on incorporating God, Jesus, and Christianity into our family lives and have been working on personal growth as well (prayers/conversations with God, reading/studying, listening to your sermons online, etc.). We plan to be back this Sunday. Just wanted you to know our recent absence doesn't signal a change of heart or commitment.

That being said, I have been thinking of ways to give back to the Church in addition to participating in the community service projects. In today's tough markets, I feel like I can help our members in two ways:

1) I can give investment advice. I'm not sure if there are those in our Church that feel they need it, but it is something I used to do for a living and have received the education (in business school and industry related exams/charters) to do. Others in our church that do this for a living today may be more qualified, but I can offer free and honest basic advice to anyone that would be looking for it with their retirements (401ks, etc.) or other related questions/concerns.

2) I can help people who are looking for work on their resumes/cover letters/communication and job search efforts. Either those who are currently unemployed or those that are employed but looking to change careers. My experience is generally with professionals who have a college education. I did this through the career center while in business school at Cornell and continue to council first and second year business school students on these skills. I thought with the number of people who have been losing their jobs lately or are looking to make a switch, this might come in handy now or down the road.

Just wanted to put this out there for you, in case you ever get approached by members looking for help in either of these areas. If this comes up, feel free to have them e-mail me. I'll keep thinking about other ways that I can contribute as well.

Monday Emotions

* What an amazing Sunday! It was so cool to see 12 families dedicate their children to the Lord. In case you missed it, we had the parents and church body make spiritual commitments to our children . Sunday was what being the church is all about!
* The bathrooms overflowed! Ugh!!! We had the plumber out this morning, he said nothing is clogged but it will have to be jetted - thats all you want to know trust me!!
* Once again second service was beyond packed! Some of you need to get up early :)!
* Tons and Tons of new faces on Sunday, way to be INCLUSIVE! Keep it up, it really does matter!
* Get this.... 15 Junior High Students! Can you believe that? I think God is up to something! For more information email anthony.alcasid@gmail.com and get involved!!
* We had our INCLUSIVE leaders meeting after church, so cool! I love the way God is begining to use so many amazing people to build his kingdom!

* Band was great yesterday. Each Sunday we are making more strides as a church family to really understand what it means to worship our creator - I love that!

* Busy, busy week!!!

* 101 class tonight - Be there you will learn SO MUCH! 6:30- 8:30 p.m..  

* Hey, how about that extra hour of sun light? Loved it!

* I'm going to share some cool stories Thursday on "Divine God Encounters" - look for it!

* Final Thought: I love you guys and I'm praying for you! Each of your lives matter and are extremely important to God! I pray this week that you recognize God in every way. Remember His presence is searching you (Psalms 139)- be searchable!!! 

Monday Emotions....

Sunday was a great day and night!

The Morning:

Tons of energy!
I was so pumped to see our church get challenged and enjoy it, that's SO IMPORTANT!
I love being apart of a church that wants to fight for their spiritual lives - the stakes are HIGH!
Met several new people, way to go for those of you who are being INCLUSIVE!
Saw a Life Group making sandwiches for the homeless, way to go! I love being MISSIONAL!
We missed Gerry.... but awesome job worship team, you guys again LED us into worship!
Had some new greeters on Sunday - The Runyan's, you guys are great!
I love when there is high energy during the first worship set and shawn screams announcements - fires me up!
I met the newest member of Existence Church on Sunday. Rich and Kathy's 4 week old baby girl, gorgeous!
I love that are church has so many babies, KEEP IT UP!
I love using (!!!!!) to express myself :)

The Evening:

InvisibleChildren.com - UNREAL!
The movie was great. It's such a huge reminder that evil is real and we HAVE TO take our role as Christians seriously!
Pray for the organization and tell others about it!
More details to come, we are going to stay on board with these guys.
We had a Life Group prepare food for fundraising - way to be MISSIONAL!
Cool to see some of you brought friends who are disconnected!

OK - Off to another crazy week!! I want to let you guys know that we have some of the finest staff in the world working at our church. They get up early, stay late and never complain. They get it, you should be proud! If you get a chance say thanks for the work they put in here.

Love ya,

Josh