wild week. . .

It's been a busy week . . . .

• Graveside Service for one of the founding generation, Ralph Vanderberg, last Thursday, July 19. Awesome man who's motto was "saved to serve" and he did. I learned he lath and plastered our Sanctuary and laid most of the brick of the Annex. Pure joy and privilege to stand at his grave and offer words of encouragement.

• Preached last Sunday at Christ Community Church, formerly known as the Evangelical Free Church of Laguna Hills. Great to go back to the "incubator" after 4 1/2 years and see so many old friends. Much spiritual formation happened there for me. Got a chance to go to San Onofre for some dinner and surf last Sunday evening. First time I'd surfed since Haaken was born. (Don't tell anybody!) Watched Sage stand up on three waves. So fun.

• Memorial Service on Monday morning in San Pedro for dear Anne Schwab, friend, Grace congregant, and Lisa Lewis' mom. Had the chance to share with 100 or so educators from the LA Unified School District the foundation of faith which bore much fruit in Anne's life and in the lives of others. Funerals are wonderful and unique opportunities to proclaim the Gospel.

• Prepared and presented an Early Childhood Parenting seminar with Susie at our 3rd Grace Summer Night. What a great evening! The El Ninos were great. I've heard great stuff about all the seminars. CLICK HERE to listen to our seminar and also Pastor Steve's Seminar "How to Read the Bible for All It's Worth." Pics from GSN #3 are also now available HERE. Next week is the Potluck and Talent Show. Hope you're coming.

• Susie and the kids packed it up again today and headed down to Escondido to join a big family gathering happening there. But I'm here to try and find the top of my desk and get a few other things done. There's even talk of an afternoon of surf at the Ranch on Sunday. That's what I call a Lord's Day.

• This Sunday I get to preach Psalm 19 and share a pretty exciting announcement. Some of you may have heard about the special congregation meeting called for this Sunday. We're going to push it off until next Sunday. Plan on being there if you can.

Great busy summer. Little time for blogging. Hope you're enjoying it, too!