MEET THE SULLIVAN'S

New Series!!

2012-01-11T09:45:00.001-08:00

Sundays at 10am!

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-23T18:06:00.001-08:00

Nollaig Shona Daoibh! Maligayamg Pasko! Kung His Hsin Nien Bing Chu Shen Tan! Melkin Yelidet Beaal!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from our Irish/Filipino/Chinese/Ethiopian (to be) - American family to yours!

Blessings

2011-11-23T14:41:00.001-08:00

What an amazing week at PRCC and in Tucson for the shoeboxes! Very proud of PRCC for working hard and raising 454 shoeboxes!! The grand total for all of Tucson was 10,604!!!!! God is awesome! Let's keep it going and pray for the 10,604+ kids who will receive this special Christmas gift and the Good News of Jesus. Have a great Thanksgiving everyone!

2011-11-14T18:02:00.001-08:00

PRCC SHOEBOX COLLECTION WEEK!

2011-11-13T17:47:00.000-08:00

Bring your Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes to PRCC!

We are a Relay Center for shoebox collections.

440 W. Calle Concordia

(West of Oracle on Calle Concordia)

Nov 14-21: Mon-Fri 10am-2pm • Sat 10am-4pm • Sun 12pm-4pm.

We are encouraged by the faith of so many at PRCC who have been raising shoeboxes over the past few weeks. Members have had support from their neighbors, workplaces, friends and even friends who live out of state! Workin' our way toward 1,000 shoeboxes!!

Let's Fill Shoeboxes!

2011-10-29T14:22:00.001-07:00

Shoebox Season!

2011-10-08T16:55:00.000-07:00

We are gearing up for Operation Christmas Child! The goal...

1,000 shoeboxes!

Click on our MISSIONS PAGE for more info and watch a compelling video below.

5 Worth Celebrating

2011-10-03T09:41:00.000-07:00

Our little guy turned 5 this past weekend. Where does the time go? Here's a photo of my little man and I. Greatest joy of my life!

SUPPORTING COURAGEOUS

2011-09-28T12:12:00.001-07:00

How about a movie? PRCC is supporting the movie "Courageous" on its opening weekend. Show your support in your own city and see this positive, life-challenging movie.

1. Movie starts at 4:14pm. Please be there by 3:30 to get tickets and a decent seat.

2. Price is $10 adults, & $7.50 2-12 yrs.

3. Movie is PG-13.

4. Theater is NOT reserved so please be there early enough to get tickets and seats. Churches all over Tucson are attending this weekends showtimes.

5. For info on actors, plot, etc please visit the movies website at:www.courageousthemovie.com

6. Don't forget your AMC Stubs card if you have one.

NEW SERIES - LEGACY

2011-08-21T20:40:00.000-07:00

A challenge to live the legacy given to us. Today's challenge: "Inward thinking by a church is when they are more concerned with "them", rather than Him. When was the last time you prayed for boldness in sharing God's message with others?" ....based on Acts 4:29. Listen to past messages here: LEGACY SERIES

DISASTER RELIEF BINGO FUNDRAISER - Sat Aug 6

2011-08-01T11:24:00.000-07:00

Click on the image below for a larger view.

God on Film series

2011-07-14T10:46:00.000-07:00

We are well into our God on Film summer series! If you missed a Sunday, you can listen to past messages here: PRCC MESSAGE SERIES.

This Sunday, "Zookeeper"....Finding purpose in the middle of chaos".

See you at 10am!

Summer Lovin'

2011-06-27T18:04:00.000-07:00

Time for a Siesta.

We have been debating whether to get an above ground pool. At first it looked like it was a "go". Then I wondered how much I would really use it and maybe I could just go to a local pool. THEN, the temps hit 115+ this week and I was REALLY wishing we had that pool! But it was a sweet relief to head to the YMCA with another mom and kids to cool off in their pool. The kids had a blast, I got a little tan and the water felt soooooo good.

Nate finished up Kinder Camp last week and absolutely loved it. I remember when he was 2 and hated any kind of social activity. He would throw a fit, refuse to participate and I was wondering if he would ever enjoy it. But after he started preschool, he totally opened up and now he wants to do everything! haha. This week I enrolled him in swim lessons and Tae Kwan Do/Karate. I know for sure he loves swimming but he doesn't show much interest in other sports. However, this summer and fall is a good time to expose him to various options and see if it sparks any interest. The YMCA has an Itty Bitty All Sports program that's perfect for that.

Lots of fun stuff going on....maybe I'll lay on the slip n slide for awhile to cool off. LOL.

Summer Series!

2011-06-15T16:15:00.000-07:00

Summer's here and we're kicking off our God on Film series! Summer Connection Groups will start up soon and we are looking forward to the two our family is leading, "Bod4God - 2" and "Fun in the Sun" (a fun activity/event group). Hope you're keeping cool and please visit our website for upcoming events in our Newsletter and listen to past sermon messages.

How are YOU keeping cool this summer?

He is Risen!

2011-04-24T21:58:00.001-07:00

Happy Easter everyone! What a great day at PRCC. A crowd of 250 in all, awesome worship, awesome testimony and the world celebrating Jesus resurrection. What more can you ask for? See you again next Sunday at 10am!

2011-04-09T15:24:00.001-07:00

It's a soggy Diaper Drive (pardon the pun) but we still braved the rainy weather and set up the truck. I feel like the last few weeks, Satan has been doing everything in his power to discourage us during our pre-Easter events and preparations. Things haven't all gone the way we've planned. BUT, we can't help but notice the GREAT things God has been doing. As we (when I say "we", I'm talking about people in church plugging away), keep the faith and are determined not to be discouraged, we are thrilled with what God is showing us.

We've seen many new faces at church, people stopped by to drop off boxes of diapers despite the bad weather.....including a person who received a door hanger and looked up our church to bring the diapers to us, donations have come in to help us promote all our pre-Easter events as well as the big day itself, we have a baptism tomorrow, leaders have come together for Christ's work....so much more! God is awesome!

There's still time to bring diapers to the church, tomorrow April 10. We'll still have the truck there and as of last count....nearly 4,000 diapers collected!!!!! Yay God!!

PRCC - Pusch Ridge Christian Church

440 W. Calle Concordia, Tucson, 85653

www.prcctucson.org

Diaper Drive!

2011-03-31T13:51:00.001-07:00

Our church is having a Diaper Drive to benefit Interfaith Community Services and families in need. April 3-9! If you'd like to help out, let us know! We have door hangers available at the church to get your neighbors involved.

Starting April 3, we're asking everyone to pray over their neighborhoods. To get our minds focused on God-stuff, we're also challenging everyone to give up something that takes a great deal of your focus throughout the week...food, facebook, t.v., coffee..etc. For one week, put aside that temptation and be in prayer for your neighbors.

God has already been doing awesome things for our Easter 350 campaign. Pick up a DVD Easter invite at our church to hand out or share our website: www.prcctucson.org

New Series!!

2011-03-03T21:08:00.001-08:00

Connection Groups

2011-02-11T21:18:00.001-08:00

Connection Groups start this week!

We're excited about ours...Bods4God...and spent the afternoon/evening getting our house in shape. Nate was just excited to use the vacuum cleaner on his room!

Visit our website: www.prcctucson.org to sign up and get more info on all the groups available.

CDO H.S. Invited to Prayer/Dialogue

2011-01-10T20:55:00.000-08:00

CDO H.S. Prayer/Dialogue

Tues & Wed, 3pm-4pm at PRCC. All CDO H.S. students can stop by for prayer, or just to talk about the tragedy in Tucson last Sat. with Pastor Don Sullivan.

440 W. Calle Concordia.

www.prcctucson.org

PRAYER VIGIL TONIGHT (Sat)

2011-01-08T14:09:00.000-08:00

PRCC is shocked and saddened by the senseless tragedy in our community Saturday morning. Our hearts go out to those whose families were affected and those who lost their lives. We want to encourage our community in this time by offering a

Prayer Vigil tonight at PRCC
7pm

We invite the community to join us for a special service tomorrow,
Sunday, Jan. 9 at 10am

NEW SERIES JAN-FEB 2011

2011-01-05T12:47:00.000-08:00

Kicking off the New Year with a new series: "The Christian Atheist". Sound controversial?

Stop by PRCC at 10am every Sunday and find out more!

Most people claim to be Christians, but their actions don’t back up their title?

Many believers struggle every day with opposing expressions of faith and living

in the “gray” areas of life; in turn, making them a Christian Atheist.

Inspired by Craig Groeschel’s book, “The Christian Atheist”, this message series will challenge you to walk the talk and live an authentic life for Christ .

Messages in this Series:

When you believe in God...But Don’t Think He’s Fair.

When you believe in God...But Don’t Think You Can Change

When you believe in God...But Won’t Forgive

When you believe in God...But Pursue Happiness at Any Cost

When you believe in God...But Not in His Church

When you believe in God...But Don’t Share Your Faith

When you believe in God...But Trust More in Money

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-20T08:15:00.001-08:00

This Christmas, think of something you can do for someone else. Every year, I make a special family bread recipe and give away several loaves to people. In the past, we've given the bread to family, friends and church family. This year, (having lived in our new home for a year now), we're giving away bread to our neighbors. Many people in our church participated in Adopt-A-Family and are helping 6 needy families have a special Christmas. The family we've adopted is a single mom with three grade school boys and our Connection Group is excited to help them.

Christmas is a reminder of the amazing gift that God gave us. The gift of his son, Jesus, and the unselfish gift of life that He gave us.

Have a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year, from our family to yours!

Pastor Don, Denise and Nate Sullivan

Shoeboxes....

2010-11-22T18:33:00.000-08:00

We have the best volunteers! Thanks to everyone who packed 1,462 shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child last week! And special thanks to volunteer, John Rhodes who organized and headed up the Relay Center at our church. We've had so many God-testimonies this week and you can hear many of them at PRCC this Sunday as I interview John. Check out the photos on our PRCC facebook page below:

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD PHOTOS LINK

VISIT TO THE HOLY LANDS

2010-11-16T12:12:00.000-08:00

Our group, in front of the original stones that fell from the wall of Jerusalem.

My wife and I have been touring the Holy Lands with a few people from our church over the last 2 weeks. It has been life-changing experience and one that I wish we had done earlier in our lives. We met up with other people from other states to form our touring group, from the youngest in their early 30's to the oldest at 79 years young!

Check out the links to our photos on our adoption blog: http://www.dondenise.blogspot.com/

NEW SERIES NOV-DEC 2010

2010-11-04T15:53:00.000-07:00

Why should I even consider following Jesus and his teachings? What does it mean to be a Christ-follower? I keep hearing the words, "Dying to self"......what exactly does that mean?

Check out our new series starting this Sunday, Nov. 7 at PRCC!

10am....Who are you bringing with you?

A Successful Build

2010-10-28T10:02:00.000-07:00

The team!

Welcome back to our Missions team who traveled to Rocky Point with One Mission to build a home for a family. We assisted Gold Canyon Community church and several locals to provide a much needed 22'x22' double-wide home for a family of 6.

Check out all the photos on the link below:

ONE MISSION HOUSE BUILD LINK

Delivering Meals to a Welcome a New Baby!

2010-10-18T11:30:00.001-07:00

We're organizing meals to bring to one of our PRCC families who just had a baby! Congrats to Leanne and Steven and their new baby girl, Hayley. The family lives in Catalina. If you would like to bring a meal this week or next, please comment or email ddsullivan2@msn.com with the day you will deliver and we'll get directions to you.

Thanks!

Finance Series still going

2010-10-14T10:54:00.000-07:00

Our Finance series is going strong! You can catch the latest audio messages on our website Click on the link below, then click on "List View" under the photos to see a list of recent sermons.

http://prcctucson.org/cgi-bin/notes_list.pl?churchid=church635

BEFORE YOU HAVE THAT GARAGE SALE.....

2010-10-11T16:37:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to throw this out there...

A friend is trying to round up items for a family who lost everything in a fire. And when I say, "everything", I mean EVERYTHING. They are in IMMEDIATE needs of many household items and also have a newborn + a 2 yr old (boys).

If you are willing to part with any items you have, please email: ddsullivan2@msn.com ASAP & I will make arrangements to pick up the items. Below is the list. Thanks everyone!!!!!

LIVING ROOM

sofa, chairs, side tables, lamps

DINING ROOM

kitchen table & chairs

KITCHEN

coffee maker, silverware, pots/pans, spatulas, coffee cups, towels, dish cloths, glasses

MASTER BED

queen or king bedding/sheets, side tables, lamps

BATHROOM

shower curtain, trash can, towels

LAUNDRY

washing maching, iron, ironing board, vacuum cleaner

FAMILY STUFF

diapers (NB & size 4), wipes, baby wash, clothing (3-6 mo & size 3T-4T).

EASY WAY TO SERVE TUCSON!

2010-09-02T10:34:00.001-07:00

Check this out! Meet us Saturday at PRCC for an easy & fun way to serve Tucson! Bring by a case of water. The more we can hand out, the BETTER!

Are You Sinking in Your Finances?

2010-08-30T14:30:00.000-07:00

We're gearing up for the fall launch with an 8 week series on Finances - Sept 12.

PRCC has some great things planned for this fall....you won't want to miss out!

3 Years Together

2010-08-05T11:33:00.001-07:00

Today our family celebrates the 3 year anniversary of our son's Gotcha Day! 3 years ago today, we were in China, nervously meeting our son for the first time. His name is Qian Li Wong (handsome warrior)....and his American name is Nathaniel (Gift of God). And what a gift he was. The best!!

Click on the words below to share our journey with us:

OUR JOURNEY TO NATE

LAST MONTH OF GOD ON FILM SERIES

2010-08-02T23:08:00.000-07:00

August already?? It's hard to believe my son will start preschool next week! We have one more month of the God on Film series and then we start an exciting series Sept 12. Mark your calendars....we'll have a FREE raffle on the big day!

Family Adventure Tuesday!

2010-07-12T21:52:00.000-07:00

Bring the kids for some great fun Tuesday, July 13!

10am: BOOKMAN'S BOOKSTORE at Ina & Thornydale (SE corner)

Decorate your own pet frame!

FREE!

11am: PETER PIPER PIZZA at Ina & Thornydale (NE corner)

$3.99 kids buffet - Rock Star activity!

****************

More fun this Thursday, July 15

10am

Brandi Fenton park Splash Pad (River & Alvernon)

FREE

July 4 Carnival

2010-07-05T21:12:00.000-07:00

UPDATE: Total funds raised were $1,558!!! Thanks everyone for a very successful fundraiser!

Thanks to everyone who participated in and volunteered to make our July 4 Carnival Fundraiser a HUGE SUCCESS!! Several of you have asked and the final fundraising amount will be revealed during this Sunday's service. I will tell you this much....God is GOOD! It was awesome to meet several new families who stopped by and we hope to see you again soon. Everyone had a great time and my family is enjoying (uh, I mean "enjoyed") the cake our son won at the cakewalk!

See you all Sunday for our next "God on Film" message!

CARNIVAL PHOTOS

Happy Birthday America!

2010-07-03T22:28:00.000-07:00

YOUR ATTENTION PLEASE!!!

2010-06-21T10:56:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,

Things are coming together for our July 4 carnival & missions fundraiser! Don't forget to invite your friends and neighbors! It will be a fun event for a great cause. There are still a few items we need...including people to run a few booths, so here's an update:

****NEED 8 VOLUNTEERS TO RUN BOOTHS!! Please email John Rhodes at jrhodesii@yahoo.com

1. NEED CANOPIES!! If you have any we can borrow, call PRCC at 797-4517 and drop them off in the teen room (south side of building).

2. Need bags of prizes (can get these at the party store)

3. Need toys for toy raffle & food (below)

• Hot dogs & buns

• Big cans nacho cheese

• Bags of tortilla chips

• Snack size bags of chips

• Canned soda

• Bottled water

4. Pass out door hangers to your neighbors!!!!

This is going to be an awesome event! The park near our church is holding a swim fun event from 12-3pm.....perfect timing since our event starts at 5:30pm. Support missions and have fun doing it! Thanks everyone!

FAMILY ADVENTURE DAY CALENDAR-June & July

2010-06-10T15:11:00.000-07:00

Hi Tucsonans!
We've put together a tentative calendar for PRCC's Family Adventure Days. Lots of fun stuff!!

June 16 (Wed) REID PARK ZOO
22nd St. & east of Country Club
Adults $7, Kids $5, Under 2-FREE
9am
www.reidparkzoo.com

June 19 (Sat) FATHER'S DAY FAMILY FISHING!
Silverbell Lake at Columbus Park in Marana
7am-Noon, FREE, No license required

June 22 (Tues) MOVIE DAY- Monsters Vs. Aliens
Tower Theaters, 9:30am
Kids FREE, Adults $1

June 23 (Wed) Storytime & Activity with Dr. Seuss
Barnes & Noble at Foothills Mall
10am, FREE

June 30 (Wed) BREAKERS WATER PARK!
10am - 6pm
Age 12+: $20, Kids 4-11: $14, 3 & Under: FREE
***$5 off coupons on their website****
www.breakerswaterpark.com

July 4 (Sun) FAMILY BLAST AT PRCC!
Carnival & Missions Fundraiser
5:30pm - 7:30pm
Car Bash, Food, Games, Toy Raffle, Silent Auction, Cake Walk, Prizes
Game & food tickets .25 ea. Raffle Tickets $1 ea.
440 W. Calle Concordia, Tucson, 85704 (Calle Concordia, west of Oracle & CDO H.S.)

July 5 (Mon) MOVIE DAY - The Princess Bride
Tower Theaters, 9:30am
Kids FREE, Adults $1

July 6 (Tues) Decorate Your Own Pet Frames
Bookmans, Ina & Thornydale
10am, FREE

July 13 (Tues) PIZZA DAY- I am a Rock Star!
Peter Piper Pizza, Oracle & Magee
$3.99 ages 3-12 - Lunch buffet w/drink & activities

July 15 (Thurs) SPLASH PAD
FREE, 10am
Brandi Fenton Memorial Park, East River Rd & North Alvernon Way
Bring a sack lunch

July 20 (Tues) Reptiles of the Desert
Bookmans, Ina & Oracle
10am, FREE

July 22 (Thurs) CAPTN KIDS SURFARI
Breakers Water Park
7:45am-9:45am
Adults $5.50, 1st child $5.50, add kids $4 ea.

July 27 (Tues) KIDZ ART
Bookmans, Ina & Oracle
10am, FREE

July 28 (Wed) MOVIE DAY The Tooth Fairy
Tower Theaters, Cortaro Rd & AZ Pavilions
Kids FREE, Adults $1
9:30am

July 31 (Sat) FIELD TRIP! Apple Annie's Peach Mania Wilcox-Apple Annie's orchard A celebration of Willcox peaches, featuring sweet & juicy tree-ripened peaches! The 12th annual Peach Mania starts with a delicious “All You Can Eat” pancake with peaches breakfast served from 7:00 AM- 10:30 AM each day. Take a free wagon ride and experience the beauty of our orchards! The Peach Pavilion features free samples of dozens of our tasty peach products. Sit in the shade of our peach orchard and enjoy a slice of homemade peach pie or a bowl of homemade peach ice cream. Apple-smoked burger lunches will be served daily from 11:30 AM – 4:00 PM. Enjoy hot roasted sweet corn at our farm location. A perfect way to spend a memorable day with family and friends! Country Craft Fair this weekend. http://www.appleannies.com/weekend-events/

www.prcctucson.org

Good Times!

2010-06-08T14:42:00.000-07:00

Hey guys! Good stuff going on.......

Tonight (Tues) is the Sullivan's new Connection Group at 7pm, Barnes & Noble at the Foothills Mall.
Various topics on life-stuff that most everyone deals with.

Tomorrow morning we're going to Tower Theaters to see Madagascar 2 (PG). Kids FREE, adults $1.
Meet us at 9:30...tickets sell out fast!

Sunday afternoon we're going to see The A-Team (PG-13) at the Foothills Mall.
Time TBD.

Hope you can meet us if you're in the Tucson area!!!

You Can Plug Into Our July 4th Event!

2010-06-07T22:09:00.000-07:00

Looking for a way you can help out for our July 4th, Family Blast? Here's a list of things the Mission Team needs:

• 12 volunteers to run carnival & ticket booths on July 4

• Need to borrow several canopies for the booths

• Pre-Build Crew volunteers on Sat. June 27 to paint sets, etc. (7am-coffee, donuts, water provided)

• Building Crew volunteers on Sat., July 3 to construct booths, etc. (7am-coffee, donuts, water provided)

• Volunteers to set up & tear down the carnival at 4pm, July 4.

• Food donations: hot dogs, buns, snack chip bags, big cans of nacho cheese, tortilla chips, canned soda, bottled water

• Toy donations for toy raffle

• Bags of small prizes

• Need to borrow a pedometer & stopwatch or timer

• Need to borrow a large blue tarp w/stakes

• Need several buckets

Contact John Rhodes at Email: jrhodesii@yahoo.com if you are able to assist in any of these areas....or if you need more information.

Thanks in advance for getting plugged in!

NEW SUMMER SERIES!!

2010-06-03T11:56:00.001-07:00

God on Film - Coffee Talk

2010-06-03T11:55:00.000-07:00

Dad was the president of the Rotary Club in Dallas. He and a group of Rotarians spent countless hours planning, organizing and implementing a Marathon that would raise money for an important need in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. These businessmen were actively making a difference and the club had a waiting list.

After getting into business myself, I have often wanted to join a local Rotary Club. However, things have changed. The first time I went to a Rotary meeting people were more interested in networking and talking about the good old days of being a Rotarian. They had forgotten their motto "Service above Self", and its secondary motto is "They profit most who serve best". Their membership began to take major hits.

This sounds like many organizations and even the church has had to re-think what they were doing. It’s so easy to think about the “good old days” and get comfortable in being social. But, without a commitment to a worthwhile vision, purpose and a mission, things die.

Being on God’s team we must always remember that God has a vision that transcends culture and time. It takes each one of us to be dedicated to God’s vision. Each one of us is to grow in love for God and other believers. You and I are to take God’s love everywhere with the hope of getting people to Christ, guiding them to grow in their faith, and empowering others to take up the cause. We are not saved by works but for good works.

Coffee Talk - Are You Prepared?

2010-05-27T21:30:00.000-07:00

George is a friend who spends nearly all of his time outside of work studying the end of times. He is estranged by his wife. He has very few friends. He makes predictions all the time. The other day he came into the coffee shop with a big smile on his face and told me that this week, God is going to “bring down his judgment.”

I have known him for a long time and I asked him. Are you ready? He told me “well sure, why do you ask?” I said, “You know I’ve heard you talk relentlessly about this subject. To be clear you have never talked once about the hope that we have in Christ. Everything is gloom and doom and it appears that you love telling people bad news”. I asked him if he goes to church, if he has ever helped anyone in need, or even knew how to share God’s love.

For the first time, he was silent, saddened, and a tear began to build in his eyes. I placed my hand on his shoulder and he explained he wasn’t ready. We all could be more prepared. Are you prepared?

This week sit down and write out what you think it means to be prepared for Jesus. (Whether it is his 2^nd coming or in being ready to die.) Make some plans that will help you be more prepared so when the end comes, God will say, “Good job!”

Previews of Coming Attractions

2010-05-19T11:06:00.000-07:00

Are you ready for the summer??

June 6 we're starting a fun, summer-long series called "God on Film" and coordinates with many of your favorite blockbuster movies!

Previews coming soon!

PRCC Small Ensemble

2010-05-09T16:57:00.001-07:00

PRCC Family Fun Day

2010-04-25T20:03:00.001-07:00

We had our first family fun day at the Pima County Fair. Tons of fun! Check out the photos on the PRCC facebook page or here: FAMILY EVENTS

BECOME OUR FAN!

2010-04-22T09:24:00.000-07:00

Yes, we have stepped up in cyberspace. We now have our own Facebook page where we will be even more visible to people seeking a church or posting upcoming events & fan photos. Check us out on facebook or if you're not on facebook, sign up at www.facebook.com for free and keep in touch with the latest PRCC happenings!

Easter Celebration

2010-04-09T09:41:00.000-07:00

We had a great Easter at PRCC. Over 200 people, a great buffet, kids running around hunting for eggs, and a few people desiring to give their life to Christ! It was an awesome day and the start of a new series, Relationship Rescue.

NEW!! 2-WEEK SERIES

2010-03-13T13:00:00.000-08:00

People keep asking me to do a series on the end of times. I have been hesitating to do that because my thought is, it's good to know about it but really, we need to be focused on the NOW and what God wants us to do with our lives.

However....I've decided to do a 2-week, 2-part series based on what God really wants us to know about heaven, hell, angels & demons. On March 14 & 21 we will talk about heaven & hell. Invite your friends and family. It's the type of thing that everyone wonders about & has opinions regarding.

Join us as we investigate another dimension!

COFFEE TALK - FISHING

2010-03-11T13:26:00.000-08:00

Coffee Talk

Growing up in Oklahoma, I learned a lot about fishing. At an early age I could out fish my Dad, an accomplishment that I was very proud of considering that he taught me. At age 12, I caught so many fish that my parents told me not to bring any more home. The older I got I started to realize that certain seasons were better to fish in than others and if you paid close attention to the critters around the lake or pond (tank) you could catch a fish about any time. Yes, I still to this day pray, when I fish (that is a Godfather reference). Today, I couldn’t catch a fish in the off season to save my life. The reason is I have lost the touch with thinking like a fish. That’s right, in order to catch fish you have to think like a fish and you have accept the fact that you have to smell. If you want to get really good you have to think like the fish that you enjoy catching the most. When I was younger I never got tired of fishing. I could fish for 8-14 hours and not even think about it. I think the reason why is that I was always hopeful for that one fish that made all other fish pale in comparison. Maybe that is why Jesus said to Peter & Andrew, “Come follow me and I will make you a fisher of men.”

Easter is the best season to invite people to church. You know best how to think like the people around you. God has already been working in the hearts of people. All you have to do is hone your skills by caring enough to invite people to church this Easter.

You have been praying for these people. I know that because our Connection Group ended with many prayers concerning people we care about and prayed that God would change their hearts. This week’s challenge is to spend more time talking with these people who God has placed on your heart. Get to know them a little better & find out where they are coming from. Next week’s tip will be about how to ask someone to come to church.

Keep up the great work, I’ll be praying for you.

Bold in Belief Part 2

2010-02-20T17:56:00.000-08:00

One of the biggest reasosn people don’t want to believe in Christ is that they do not want to give him control over their lives. Everywhere I go I hear people say that I believe and am saved but their lives do not reflect any change whatsoever. People constantly call me up to baptize their children or want a “religious wedding” or have me do a funeral. Often, they will tell me to leave out anything dealing with Christ or the Christian faith. When I first started hearing people make this request I thought it odd, then I thought, why do you want me to do this at all?

People love the idea of sacred things. They love the concept of God. They love to know that He loves them for who they are. Many, for the most part, have come to terms with the idea of accepting Jesus as their Savior as their way of being brought into a relationship with God. However, they will not come to terms of allowing God to direct their lives. Sin is still in charge of them. They believe but they are not changed. God has called all of those who are being saved out of sin and into right living. We are to live the way that Christ lived. In other words true salvation comes from turning from living the way you see fit and turning to the way that Christ sees fit. It’s not only about believing these things, it’s about living these things.

When people see you do they see that you gear your life toward pleasing God? Are you striving to live the righteous life that is found in Christ? If so you are living boldly. If not search the scriptures yourself and make a list of all the things God wants you to have in your life and then do them.

^“And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to live in obedience to him. ⁷Let your roots grow down into him and draw up nourishment from him, so you will grow in faith, strong and vigorous in the truth you were taught. Let your lives overflow with thanksgiving for all he has done.” Colossians 2:6-7(NLT)

Bold in Belief

2010-02-09T21:32:00.000-08:00

What do you believe? I believe in a lot of things and it is my beliefs that shape me into the person I am. As my beliefs change, so do I. I guess that is why Paul said when he was a child he thought like a child but now that he was a man he put away childish things. I don’t know about you, but I have a tendency to pick who I share my beliefs with these days. It is much easier to talk to a group of people who come to church than it is to share my beliefs with those who don’t. As much as I love those who don’t go to church, I dread it & get incredibly nervous when someone challenges my beliefs. Sometimes unchurched people ask how I can believe in the Bible? You can’t believe in the account of Genesis, can you? Then they point out all the things they believe to be superstitious or unsupported by modern day science and technological advances. I find myself most of the time ill prepared to debate and even if I was I find it to be a complete waste of time that causes me not only to exhaust my energy in the conversation but, I’ll dwell on it days later, wishing I had said this or that.

I have learned two things about my belief in scriptures: 1. It has radically changed my life and the lives of many others I love, for the better. 2. It truly contains the words of God that remains reliable and consistent from generation to generation. In other words it is more reliable than the conventional wisdom that many people base their lives on. It is these beliefs about the Bible that make it impossible for anyone to convince me otherwise. I have too many life experiences that confirm in my mind it is better to believe than not believe in the truth that comes from God’s word for in them there is truth, salvation, peace, answer to right living, and it continually builds my faith in God. I have never found a debater that has been able to convince me that what they believe offers them the same thing. Be bold in living out the scriptures in your life by reading, studying, meditating over, discussing with people the things that you learned and write down what you have learned in the scriptures and see how God’s answers for your life actually would have been more beneficial to you than anything else.

Hebrews 4:12-13 (NLT)
¹²For the word of God is full of living power. It is sharper than the sharpest knife, cutting deep into our innermost thoughts and desires. It exposes us for what we really are. ¹³Nothing in all creation can hide from him. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes. This is the God to whom we must explain all that we have done.
“Nobody ever outgrows Scripture; the book widens and deepens with our years. “

BE BOLD

2010-01-27T12:20:00.000-08:00

I spent a week at the end of '09 planning a sermon outline for the year. During that week, the same thought kept nagging at me....this is the year to "be bold"

....bold in our beliefs, bold in our morals, ethics...bold in our marriages, bold for Christ.

I believe it's also time to get back to men being men...strong spiritually, solid in their beliefs, leaders in their marriages & family....loving husbands & fathers...

....the kind of men that Christ wanted them to be. It's not easy, it's a challenge. So let me ask you....are you up for it? BE BOLD.

Coffee Talk
There are 3 guys that I used to meet with every week that have had multiple divorces (3 or more). The first time I discovered this about my friends, was when a new guy joined us and he had mentioned that he was going through his 4th marriage. At that point my 3 friends put out their fists across the table & all four men bumped their fists as one of them said, “Welcome to the club.” It wasn’t a celebration of having multiple marriages but a ritual that said “I know where you are coming from and now you know where we are coming from.” Of, course, I am the odd man out at this point. To cover the obvious failure of keeping a relationship they did some joking about the women in their past. One of the friends that let me in to his top five list was messing around with a woman while he was married. Eventually, he left his family for that woman.

There had been many conversations about this “boys club” and how the women in their life were not the only problem and in some cases not any of the problem. I remember making the statement to one of them, “I hope you know by now that they are not the problem”, (implying that he was). He nodded his head. We talked about the love God wants in a marriage and in relationship. Physical love and seeking out the fulfillment of their passions was hurting them. They needed God, to grow up and be men rather than boys operating off of their impulses. (I would never recommend this conversation unless you are good friends or a counselor.) I really cared about them and I saw men who worked hard and believed in the ideal of America. They had nothing to show for life, mainly because all they had was going toward alimony and spousal support, and their character was dwindling away year by year. This is not the life that God wants for men or women. God wants strong relationships. He knows that in order to have this all of us needs to love the way Christ does; in a self-sacrificing way. To care more about the other person than you do yourself. To coexist with people who work hard at growing in their love and appreciation of others. To see other’s weakness and love them anyway…to see their strengths and be appreciative. I believe that it is the unconditional love, learned by what God tells us in the scriptures, that will change the way the world views love, marriage and will help people build a stronger base for solid families. We need to be bolder in our commitment to love our mates. Maybe those who are close to us will be encouraged to have the relationships that really do work.

Happy New Year!!

2010-01-03T11:58:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year to our PRCC family & guests!!

Downtown Atlanta at the Peach Drop- New Year's Eve

CHRISTMAS SERVICE!!

2009-12-06T21:58:00.000-08:00

NEW SERVICE TIME

2009-11-25T14:51:00.000-08:00

This Sunday is the start of Celebrate Sunday services. All services from this point on will be from 10am - 11:15am, so mark your calendars! We are excited at the prospect of growth, reaching out to families and diving in to our new vision. To promote this launch, we are excited to unveil our new PRCC logo!! The new logo emphasizes our vision statement of "connection", and depicts a family unit (which is the target group we are trying to reach). The rugged mountain outline and modern southwest colors blend old & new. Special thanks to the creative team: Ron, Karen, Elizabeth, Cathy & Denise for their hard work and many hours in putting this together!

Vision Statement
PRCC: Where everyone is committed to reaching out and helping people connect with God and each other

Purpose Statement
Our
Purpose is to
Revitalize people to be fully
Committed followers of
Christ

AWESOME!!

2009-11-24T17:54:00.000-08:00

We are pumped!! Thank you PRCC, your friends, neighbors, co-workers and kind hearted people......we exceeded our goal and collected over 283 BAGS OF GROCERIES!!! It was awesome to see people carrying in all the bags & putting them on the stage. So many families will be blessed this holiday season. Great work everyone!!!!!!!!!!!!

HOLIDAY MEALS FOR FAMILIES

2009-11-17T09:02:00.000-08:00

I love Thanksgiving...turkey, family, football. This has been a tough year for many people. Turkey, family & tv may be a luxury they can't afford. This year, our church is teaming up with Interfaith Community Services Food Bank to collect 200 BAGS OF HOLIDAY FOOD! Whew! That may not sound like a lot but frankly, I'm looking at a God-sized opportunity to go above & beyond. Wouldn't that be awesome??!! So here's the deal....

Your family's bags are a start. Neighbors, friends, family, co-workers....that's God-sized.

Stop by PRCC's office at 440 W. Calle Concordia to pick up door hangers for your neighbors & bags for your canned/boxed items, or call 797-4517 for more info.

Drop off the bags at our church by this Sunday, November 22! And most of, pray for God to do great things in your community.

Thanks Ms. Fit club members for the food you've collected!!

***********list of needed food**********

pie fillings (pumpkin or fruit)

cranberry sauce

canned yams

canned veggies

canned milk

coffee

dry stuffing

mashed potatoes

turkey gravy

jello or similar dessert

cake mix

canned fruit

CONNECTION GROUPS

2009-10-29T22:45:00.001-07:00

PRCC's Connecton Groups are diving into our current series, "Life's Healing Choices - How do Deal with Your Hurts, Hangups & Habits". Whatever better way to connect with people than in front of a crackling fireplace with hot cocoa? Nice!!

LOOKING AHEAD AT PRCC

2009-09-12T21:59:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow we roll out the new vision & direction for PRCC and it will be an exciting time to be a part of the church. For the next three weeks, we are breaking through the barriers and re-connecting with God and each other. Many people have been instrumental in working toward this goal and we are well underway.

Don't miss out on the these next 3 weeks. I can't wait to see what God has in store!!

2009-09-03T12:12:00.000-07:00

Coffee Shop Talk

This past Wednesday I was talking with a man who always asks me, “What’s your message about this week, Padre?” As I tell him, he constantly expresses his belief that it isn’t important to go to Church. It makes me wonder “What experience did you have that turned you off to Christians?” or “Why do you refuse to allow God to speak to you through the scriptures?” I am not thinking in harsh tones, but over the years, I have developed a curiosity of these things. Why does anyone refuse to believe the instructions found in the Bible especially when it comes to the acceptance of Jesus Christ? I believe it is because we are reluctant to give God control. I am confident that we all can overcome our control issues if we understand and follow the teachings of Jesus. If you do this, God promises that you will experience His presence in your life. When you know God you will find that your disbelief starts to disappear and you begin to trust and believe that God only wants the best for your life. Search for out God’s instructions, apply them and see how you will begin experiencing God’s presence.

COFFEE SHOP TALK - Tuesday morn

2009-08-12T16:25:00.000-07:00

I was at the coffee shop working on my sermon, when a couple of baristas struck up a conversation with me about pastors & church in general.

Barista #1: You know, I like how you make things so clear. I used to go to a church where the pastor would always leave us with something to work on that week. Then we got a new pastor who didn’t seem to care & just went round & round about scripture.

*Then she asked me the question of the day…*

Barista #1: Are you that kind of pastor? The one who gives you something to take home?

*Was I? I try to be because God wants us to DO his message, not just HEAR it.*

Barista #2: Oh yeah, he is! You ought to go listen to one of his messages.

*So now I’m thinking, “Why has God brought this conversation to me & what can I do about it?”.*

Me: Well, we have a new series coming up and we have Connection Groups starting in the fall. Want to join us?

And it was as simple as that. Do you live each day for God? When opportunity comes, do you take the focus off yourself and allow others to see a need for God? I challenge you to pray about that and be aware of God-opportunities this week!

PRCC ON FIRE FOR CHRIST

2009-07-22T10:28:00.000-07:00

After an awesome weekend with the PRCC Elders and ministry leaders, we are on fire and excited for PRCC's big October launch. We had some great discussion about PRCC's vision, purpose and how to implement what God wants to see from PRCC in the fall. Thank you to all the leaders, Elders and their families who sacrificed their time to devote their weekend to God-planning! Also thanks to Dr. Mike Beals for covering for me on Sunday and taking a leap of faith to deliver a great message. Thanks to all the volunteers who stepped up and out of their comfort zones to keep the service going through great praise and worship and communion.

This Sunday, we have a special focus on communion and are excited to celebrate this together as one body for Christ.

Lots of new things coming up! Can't wait to share them with you all.

IN TOUCH WITH GOD...

2009-07-18T21:09:00.000-07:00

This is where the Elders, various ministry leaders and I will spend the next few days focusing solely on God and His purpose for our church. Very excited to hear the great discussions we will have!

"I am the vine, you are the branches..."

"But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it."

Matthew 7:14

EAT MOR CHIKIN....

2009-06-17T12:10:00.000-07:00

Hi! It's Denise. I was at the mall yesterday letting Nate run out some energy at the play area and decided to eat at Chick-Fil-A. Normally I detest fast food but I absolutely LOVE Chick-Fil-A's chicken. Plus they have good salads & kids meals so that's a plus in my book.

Speaking of books....I spied a 3-volume book at the register: "Eat Mor Chikin, Inspire More People: Doing business the Chick-Fil-A Way". It's the story of Truett Cathy & how he built his business. I was intrigued because on the back cover was this quote:

"I see no conflict between Biblical principles and good business practice"

~S. Truett Cathy

I knew the founder of Chick-Fil-A was a believer in Christ and that their restaurants were always closed on Sundays. But I wanted to find out more about how he ran an incredibly successful enterprise and kept his focus on God.

The book was awesome and I highly recommend it to anyone for any business or aspect of their lives. It is helping me gain perspective on my art business and for my husband as he pastors our church. It was inspiring to know that a person can be blessed and very successful while holding on to their Christian principles, moral integrity and standards. That's not to say he didn't encounter hardship...but the difference is that he made the most of every opportunity, even the bad ones. The most encouraging part is that many of Chick-Fil-A's franchise operators are around 30 yrs old. and they hire many teens. Here's a guy who lived through the Great Depression, several wars and economic challenges and yet his practices and beliefs are inspiring our current generation. On top of that, he also has a heart for foster kids and currently has more than 120 foster children, not to mention so many more that his company has helped in other organizations.

There's a great deal to learn from him and others who share these same beliefs and attitudes and I'm ready to re-read his books.

KEVIN & IRIS

2009-05-10T19:55:00.000-07:00

This week, I had the privilege of performing the wedding for a good friend, Kevin & his bride, Iris. Kevin walked into our church a few years ago, stood in the back and shot out as soon as the service was over. We'd see him every so often and finally, one day, I raced to the back before service was out and was able to stop and talk to him. Kevin had a rough past that he was struggling to overcome and felt that something was missing in his life. Over the next few months, we saw Kevin become more interested in Christ and eventually accept Christ as his Savior and be baptized! During this time, we developed a friendship and spent time playing basketball together, watching him play in his band and then transition to our praise band as electric guitarist. Kevin began to feel that God wanted him in Oregon and although we were sad to see him leave, he found the love of his life there, Iris. Iris is absolutely perfect for him. In fact, they went fishing on their first date and just a few months ago, Iris was also baptized and accepted Christ. It's awesome to see how much Kevin has grown and how God has worked through his life to influence others for Christ. What an awesome week!

KICK OFF!!

2009-04-10T16:07:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow morning it begins......the kick off pancake breakfast to our 40 Days of Purpose campaign and what an amazing start! I heard we have approximately 60 people planning to attend. 60 PEOPLE!! Considering our average Sunday attendance is around 170-180, I would say that's a God-size percentage!!

These people are committed to explore the 40 Days through Lifestyle Groups, personal growth and taking a leap of faith to let God use them for his purpose.

I am so excited to start this journey of discovery with our church and with people who God places in our path. Let's go!!

GEARING UP!

2009-04-08T11:37:00.000-07:00

Wow! What an incredibly busy but exciting month. Our church is gearing up for Easter and the 40 Days of Purpose....a 6-week campaign where we discover God's purpose for our life. Talk about a faith-challenging experience. Every corner we turn, it seems that Satan is determined to discourage us. And why not? He doesn't want God-size results from this. It was like pulling teeth to get banner permits, organizing stuff and basically getting bogged down in details. I've realized that it's easy to forget the most important part of this whole thing......God. I can't produce results from this....only God can.

We talked about this in our Lifestyle Group last night...about how God uses each of us, sometimes for something as simple as “Hi, how are you?” But we have to be willing to make ourself available for Him to work through us. And that requires a step of faith for us....opening the door outside our comfort zone...becoming a fully-committed Christian instead of a partially-committed one.

So now that I have a moment, I have to remember to stop and pray, but most of all, believe that God can and will expand our hearts and minds, challenge our faith, open the doors to Christ for people and do something BIG!

Are you with me???

TIP OF THE WEEK -1 Month To Live

2009-03-03T12:15:00.000-08:00

One Month To Live • How Will You Make The Most of It?

March 1, 2009

“The Bucket List” is a movie where two guys were declared to be terminal. They made a list of all the things that they would like to do before they “Kicked the Bucket.” Then they went and did everything on the list.

What would be on your list?

This week we started a new series that I hope will open up God’s way for us to live full lives. If God is truly at work in our lives, we should see a transforming power that is assisting us to bring about a change of heart, mind, and actions. No matter how hard we try to ignore the fact that life is brief, it is still a reality. Most of us would live differently if we knew we only had one month to live. The question for us is:

“Why then do we not live that way right now?”

Throughout this series we will talk about the fullness of life and that this fullness doesn’t only have its effect on me, it also affects all of my relationships (spouse, friends, church, and neighbors). Below, Paul expresses that when we have God working in us we will obtain the, “Fullness of Life.”

Ephesians 3:14-19 (NLT)
14 When I think of the wisdom and scope of God's plan, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, 15 the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth. 16 I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will give you mighty inner strength through his Holy Spirit. 17 And I pray that Christ will be more and more at home in your hearts as you trust in him. May your roots go down deep into the soil of God's marvelous love. 18 And may you have the power to understand, as all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love really is. 19 May you experience the love of Christ, though it is so great you will never fully understand it. Then you will be filled with the fullness of life and power that comes from God.

1. What does it mean to live a full life?
2. How you would like your life to be different when it comes to your relationships?

NEW SERIES!

2009-03-03T12:13:00.000-08:00

TIP OF THE WEEK - SPENDING

2009-02-17T21:39:00.000-08:00

Life is not about what we own, or about power, or money. Life is about living out God’s purpose for your life. However, it is easy for us to get caught up in the pressures of life (debts, security, retirement, health…etc.) and/or to think that life is about our happiness. It is this kind of thinking that one says, “I’ve worked hard, therefore I deserve…” It is the same kind of thinking that the prodigal son had when he wasted all of his inheritance. So, the question that we need to ask is “How does God want us to spend His money?”

1 Timothy 6:6-10 (NLT)
6 Yet true religion with contentment is great wealth. 7 After all, we didn't bring anything with us when we came into the world, and we certainly cannot carry anything with us when we die. 8 So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content. 9 But people who long to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is at the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.

1. What are we to be content with?
2. How is the love of money destructive?

Philippians 4:11-13 (NLT96)
11 Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to get along happily whether I have much or little. 12 I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. 13 For I can do everything with the help of Christ who gives me the strength I need.

3. Why should we learn to be content with very little or with having everything?
4. How does responsible spending of money help us increase our faith?
5.What kind of spender are you? (Impulsive, save and buy, hoarder, strategic spender (spend on fulfilling a life mission).
6. Why do we spend the way that we do?
7. Other than tithes and offerings, how strategic are you in spending money in accomplishing God’s mission in your life? (Spending money to help the poor, widows, foreigners, spreading the good news about Christ...etc )
8. In America, people give very little to God’s purposes, including Christians. How does a person have a change of heart when it comes to spending money for God?
9. How will you start to be a better steward of your spending for God?

TIP OF THE WEEK - SAVING

2009-02-09T19:53:00.000-08:00

Each week, I am going to try and post the Tip of the Week. These are what our Lifestyle Groups (small groups) are discussing and I thought it would be interesting for you blogger browsers to see.

God’s Bailout • Saving

Larry Burkett said, “Regardless of how it seems today debt is not normal in any economy. It should not be normal for God’s people. We live in a debt ridden society that is virtually dependent on a constant expansion of credit to keep the economy going. This is a system that shows that our culture no longer follows God’s plan.”

Most people live in the moment and this keeps many people from being able to live well. More importantly this kind of living is more concerned about instant gratification (selfishness) than it is about fulfilling God’s desires for us to help others and to further God’s kingdom in our time and in the future. The Bible does not tell us not to go into debt but it does give warning.

“Just as the rich rule the poor, so the borrower is servant to the lender.” Proverbs 22:7 (NLT96)

“The wicked borrow and never repay, but the godly are generous givers.” Psalms 37:21 (NLT96)

The way not to go into debt is to learn to be content with the things that we have. When we pay for the things that we need (food, shelter, clothes…etc.) and we honor God by giving generously to His church, we take the excess and save it and invest so as to build wealth. The temptation is that we save for our security or retirement but we rule out searching for ways that God wants us to take our accumulated wealth and give it toward His desires. A lady at our church put us in her will when she died. This amount has helped and continues to help our church to accomplish God’s goals for us. Her one time gift to God has multiplied over and over. It’s this kind of accumulation of wealth and attitude toward money that God desires.

The parable of the talents in Matthew shows us that God gives us what we have and that he expects us to show a profit for God’s purposes.

Matthew 25:14-30 (NLT96)
24 "Then the servant with the one bag of gold came and said, `Sir, I know you are a hard man, harvesting crops you didn't plant and gathering crops you didn't cultivate. 25 I was afraid I would lose your money, so I hid it in the earth and here it is.' 26 "But the master replied, `You wicked and lazy servant! You think I'm a hard man, do you, harvesting crops I didn't plant and gathering crops I didn't cultivate? 27 Well, you should at least have put my money into the bank so I could have some interest. 28 Take the money from this servant and give it to the one with the ten bags of gold. 29 To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given, and they will have an abundance. But from those who are unfaithful, even what little they have will be taken away. 30 Now throw this useless servant into outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.'”

1. Who’s money did he say it was?

2. Why would he say, that the slave was lazy and wicked?

3. In verse 29 what does God expect when it comes to the things that he gives us (whether that is money, our abilities, skills…etc.)?

4. How does being debt free and having savings help us get through tough times?

5. Describe a time that you made a poor financial decision (how did it affect you, others, and your relationship with God)?

6. How did you overcome it?

7. We have been talking about saving for God’s purpose. What do you think that means and how do you go about investing your resources for God?

Application:
Please ask yourself this…
This week I can begin saving by… (Ideas: Giving up something and taking the money I would have spent and put it in a bank. I will find a way to invest. I will open a saving account/ put money in a jar. I will encourage someone to begin saving.)

A LITTLE TRADITION

2009-01-31T15:04:00.000-08:00

Each year, we embrace our son's chinese heritage and celebrate Chinese New Year. Our local chinese cultural center had festivities today so we braved the crowds and had fun.

PHOTO ATTEMPT

2009-01-29T13:16:00.000-08:00

My hubby wanted to get a family photo....so we tried....several times...but it was worth it in the end!

"Did the camera already go off??"

"Oops....where's dad?"

Finally!

A LITTLE "R&R"

2009-01-27T10:22:00.000-08:00

We took a quick road trip up to northern AZ to refresh and refocus. This morning I left early to go fishing...in 10 degree weather....and was lucky to catch a rare sight............

Nelson Reservoir in Alpine, AZ

Brrrrrr!!!!!

NEW SERIES!

2008-12-31T13:47:00.000-08:00

I am reminded of this scripture in Jeremiah 29:11
"For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope".

What is a church and what is it's purpose? Why do people feel the importance of getting together at least once a week to talk about God and Jesus? God has a specific purpose or intent for those who believe in Him, who choose to follow Christ and those who are seeking something greater than what this life has to offer.

Stop by PRCC this Sunday to find out what God's purpose is for His church and how it involves you!

CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE!

2008-12-21T21:26:00.000-08:00

Stop by PRCC this Wednesday night, for a casual, fun Christmas Eve service. See you there!

ME AND MY SON

2008-12-15T18:03:00.001-08:00

JESUS FREAK SPIRIT FINALE!

2008-11-30T18:48:00.001-08:00

I never thought I'd be doing THIS as a pastor's wife!

3 MORE LIVES CHANGED

2008-11-10T10:36:00.001-08:00

WOW! What an awesome day! Sunday afternoon, I had the privilege of witnessing 3 more lives make a decision to be Christ-followers....two of our teens and Gabe, a guy I met in a local coffee shop. K. asked Ryan, our youth leader, to baptize her and what an honor for him. Ryan and his wife Jamie, volunteered about a year ago to devote their spare time in leading our youth. Through God working in their lives, these two teens spent a week at CIY (Christ in Youth) and C. volunteers his time learning how to operate the sound booth and media. He also fills in wherever he's needed, lends an extra hand and is always glad to do it. Gabe would always catch me after church to discuss various questions he had about Christ, scriptures and how it related to life in general. We were usually the last ones to leave on Sundays but so worth it to see how God used all of us to encourage these three, be examples, and just be there as they came to know Christ. Please continue to pray and encourage these new believers as they develop a relationship with Jesus and strengthen their faith.

NT CHALLENGE - HALFTIME

2008-11-02T15:19:00.000-08:00

Note from Denise: Time to keep the momentum going with a "perfect cheer"!

Sundays always are always exhausting for Nate. Especially when you're helping the guys put all the tables and stuff away!

MADE A DIFFERENCE

2008-11-01T20:52:00.000-07:00

We had a great turnout for Make a Difference Day last weekend. Thanks to Brent and Teri who organized a crew to come out and spruce up some homes in their neighborhood! Here's a letter from Teri that states it best:

Hi Everyone,
I just wanted to send out a huge THANK YOU, to those of you who joined us on Make a Difference Day.

We had our Neighbors Helping Neighbors Team along with Pusch Ridge Christian Church. The day was a huge success. We had 25 ½ volunteers there. (1/2 = 2 year old Nate) And we did 5 different homes. They all turned out awesome. The neighbors that I did talk to were so very grateful and appreciated everything we did for them. Mrs. Brooks said that we went above and beyond what she ever expected us to do with her yard. She couldn’t believe the transformation to that side yard of hers. I have to admit….that was something else the way you all transformed that yard. I wish I had taken a before and after picture. (Note for next time).

The dumpster was a hit as well. On Saturday we made several truck load trips to the dumpster and every time we saw people coming and going making good use of it. Even though Brent didn’t make the big day because he had to work he put in his time on Monday when Waste Management called and said they would not pick up the dumpster because it was over loaded. Brent spent about 2 ½ hours cutting, chopping, shoving and pushing to get it to fit below the fill line. He finished and they came back and got it. A huge Thanks to Waste Management as well for donating the dumpster for the day.

Thanks to Rudy and Jean for making such a great spread of food for us to enjoy. They put a lot of work into all that they made for us. And it was very yummy.

Thank you to Steve and Valerie for the 2 cases of water they donated.

Thank you everyone….sooooooo very much!

Make a Difference Day was a huge success. Because of each of you and your contribution….the day turned out Perfect!
I personally had a ton of fun on Saturday and I am looking forward to next years National Day of Helping Others.
In the mean time…..….stay tuned……...we will continue to make a difference to those in our community.

p.s…we missed those of you who could not make it. We hope to see you the next time!
Teri

NT CHALLENGE WEEK 2

2008-10-23T19:02:00.000-07:00

We're into our second week of the New Testament Challenge and I am overwhelmed with how God is working through me and others. Last week I asked people to write down a short comment of what you've learned during the New Testament Challenge and how it's changed you. Take a look at just a few of the awesome comments we've received:

"I want to be a Barnabas!"

"Reading Matt. 5:22 made me realize I shouldn't hold grudges and I apologized to everyone I had fights with."

"A new understanding of how Christ took AWAY my sin and I don't have to "go back" and do it over and over."

"What Christ says is too clear - WOW! No excuses."

"God can do ANYTHING! NOTHING is impossible to Him."

"Parable of the sower reminds me of the existence of all the soils in my own heart and that only I can use the seeds God gives me to make more of God's seeds. Am I changing my heart (soil) so it can produce fruit?"

"I have learned how much I am missing by not reading my Bible daily. I love this new challenge and I feel it's changing my life."

How awesome is that?! God is changing people's hearts, opening their eyes to His wisdom and words and we're all discovering what God wants from us as Christians.

Let's keep it going with this week's reading: Matt 15-28, Acts 22-28, Romans 1-12.

A MOMENT TO PRAY

2008-10-14T22:03:00.000-07:00

Please take just a moment to pray for the families affected by the Porter Ranch fire in California. The church we attended, Shepherd of the Hills, is in Porter Ranch and has been set up as a Red Cross Evacuation center. The above photos are from pastor Dudley Rutherford's backyard and the inside of Shepherd's church. Shepherd's "daughter" church (that we assisted in their start-up), in Simi Valley, is now where the fires are heading. We have several friends in those areas who we are concerned for. The good news, is that our pastor friends and so many volunteers at those churches are using every opportunity to be consistent, intentional and available by serving Jesus, through serving others Check out pastors DUDLEY and TODD'S blogs for more info.

GEARING UP FOR THE CHALLENGE

2008-10-11T21:11:00.000-07:00

Are you ready? This week we are tackling the challenge of reading the entire New Testament in 10 weeks! Last Sunday we handed out Bibles to everyone..adults and kids along with a bookmark guide to help everyone accomplish the task.

Why are we doing this? Here's how to get the most out of the NT Challenge:

1. Commit the challenge to God.
"Commit your actions to the Lord and your plans will succeed." Proverbs 16:3

2. Complete the reading each day
"For the word of God is alive and powerful..." Hebrews 4:12

3. Contribute fully to my lifestyle group (small group)
"We are many parts of one body and we all belong to each other." Hebrews 10:25

4. Continue attending the Sunday services each week
"They met daily in the Temple courts and from house to house." Acts 5:42
"Let us not neglect our meeting together as some people do but encourage each other." Hebrews 10:25

During this challenge, my wife and I are going to post our thoughts, discoveries and comments about the things we are reading in the New Testament. This week's challenge is Matthew 1-14, Acts 1-21. Even if you don't go to our church, join the challenge on our blog. We want to hear your comments and discoveries too!

NEW SERIES!

2008-10-02T23:48:00.001-07:00

WHAT IF....?

2008-09-20T22:16:00.000-07:00

Those words could represent past regrets...

What if...I done this instead of that?
What if.....I had arrived 5 minutes earlier?
What if....?

Or...they could represent a potential and powerful life-changing future.

What if....God wants me to join Him in making a difference in this world?
What if...God expects me to give all I have for Him?
What if.....?

We start the beginning of a new series today and are gearing up as a church to totally make ourselves available to do Christ's work. We're excited to start this series and the next one, "NT Challenge" and I hope you'll join us as we increase our faith and put it into action.

Are you ready to "Dive IN"? I am!

GETTING OUR HANDS DIRTY

2008-09-06T11:49:00.000-07:00

Today was an awesome day. A couple attended their HOA meeting in their neighborhood and thought, "What can we do to help the people around us who can't meet the HOA regulations in our neighborhood?" So they put out flyers and received a ton of requests from people who were disabled or elderly and couldn't do regular maintenance on their homes. They told us and the church about the requests and today, a whole crew of volunteers went out and got our hands dirty. We painted, shoveled gravel, pulled weeds...on a total of 5 homes...all before 10am! It was awesome! Even our 2-yr old son Nate and a few of his friends joined in. Way to go everyone! It was great working with you to help make a difference in a few people's lives.

IT ONLY TAKES ONE...

2008-08-26T12:31:00.000-07:00

THE LOSSOU FAMILY

Our church had a great opportunity to make a difference for a family. This family were refugees in Togo and when the camp dissolved, were sent to different areas around the world. This family came to Tucson and literally have nothing...don't even speak English. I can imagine how scary that would be...different culture, different language, no one that you know. A friend at our church found out about the family from a co-worker. They received assistance when they first got here but the organization helping them "forgot' about them after awhile. PRCC had the awesome opportunity to help the kids get school clothes and supplies. The couple who organized the whole thing took the family shopping (an interesting experience in itself due to the communication barrier) and told us that the family was overwhelmed with thankfulness. They had extra money and asked the parents what they wanted.

Guess what their response was?

A pot to boil water in and a frying pan to cook with.

How humbling is that?? We have so much and it doesn't take much to change someone else's life. Thanks to everyone who let their God-light shine for this family. Below is a thank you note from them........

THANK YOU!
A gracious thank you for the Lossou family (from Togo). Pusch Ridge church made it possible for each child to have 3 new outfits for school, two pairs of shoes and school supplies. In addition, we were able to get 3 outfits for baby Dorcas, a pair of shoes for mom, pots and pans and toiletries for the whole family! Shopping with 6 of them and 3 of us with little ability to communicate was an interesting adventure indeed. Perhaps a bit overwhelming for all of us. Thank you to all who gave and a special thank you to the King's Ladies and Ann Henley for their generous contributions.

IN GOD WE TRUST

2008-08-16T13:11:00.000-07:00

Here's your chance to let the media know where the people stand on our faith in God, as a nation. NBC
is taking a poll on "In God We Trust" to stay on our American currency. Please send this to every Christian you know so they can vote on this important subject. Please do it right away, before NBC takes this off the web page. Poll is still open so you can vote.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/10103521/

CONSISTENT, INTENTIONAL, AVAILABLE

2008-08-09T14:06:00.000-07:00

Note from Denise:

Take a look at our friend, David Creek's, blog: www.xanga.com/drcreek

We have been talking about being CIS in our church (consistent, intentional, available) and then today, we received this blog post from David. David and his brother Adam were kids in our youth group 10 years ago. Now they are both married and David has a desire to be a missionary. They were in Ambato last month doing mission work when God stepped in, took them where they were at this moment in time and made use of their availability to help 3 children.

Click on his blogsite above and check out his story. It's very moving and a reminder that God can always use us where we are, even when we feel that we have very little to offer.

OLYMPICS!

2008-08-08T18:31:00.000-07:00

When we were in Beijing last August, there were many advertisements that had the countdown to the Olympics. We took this photo across from the Forbidden City. So strange to think that we would be in China right now if we had adopted Nate this year. Who are you rooting for in the Olympics? Looking forward to seeing them!

AT THE COFFEE SHOP....

2008-08-03T22:28:00.000-07:00

....my favorite place to work and meet people!

A LIFE CHANGED

2008-07-23T11:02:00.001-07:00

Last week our teens went to CIY (Christ in Youth) in Southern Cal. Nothing but inspiring worship and messages for an entire week with 1200 other teens! They had an absolutely incredible life-changing experience and are already planning next year's trip. The event made a huge impact on one of the teens who went. This young man (who was invited by one of our teens) has made a decision to follow Christ and wants to be baptized THIS SUNDAY!! PRAISES TO GOD!!!

What an exciting Sunday to celebrate a new life in Christ and hear from missionary friends, Tim and Ashley as they have goals to take the gospel to children in Zambia, Africa.

So Jesus told them this story: “If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them gets lost, what will he do? Won’t he leave the ninety-nine others in the wilderness and go to search for the one that is lost until he finds it? And when he has found it, he will joyfully carry it home on his shoulders. When he arrives, he will call together his friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep.’ In the same way, there is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven’t strayed away!" Luke 15: 3-7 NLT

But Jesus intervened: "Let the children alone, don't prevent them from coming to me. God's kingdom is made up of people like these." Matthew 19:14 ~The Message Bible

LET FREEDOM RING

2008-07-04T14:54:00.000-07:00

Who can forget this life impacting speech by Patrick Henry to the Virginia House of Burgesses on March 23, 1775?

".....There is a just God who presides over the destinies of nations, and who will raise up friends to fight our battles for us. The battle, sir, is not to the strong alone; it is to the vigilant, the active, the brave....What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, GIVE ME LIBERTY OR GIVE ME DEATH!"

After spending a short time in a communist country, we are very thankful for the freedom we have here in America...

Free to worship God and not have to go into hiding to do it

Free to voice our thoughts, whether we agree or disagree

Thank you to our troops past and present who have fought to give this right to all of us and to those who have made a difference in America. We often forget how blessed we really are.

The greatest freedom, no matter what country we live in, is freedom through Jesus. Freedom from what? From sin, from death, from everything that Satan and sin tried to bind us to. We are starting a new song in worship this Sunday called "I'm Set Free".

"I'm Set Free" by Rick Muchow
Now I'm available to mercy, available to grace
Available to you, Lord, make me what you want me to be
To be available to serve you, available to go
Available to you, Lord, make me what you want me to be
I'm set free, I'm set free

2 Corinthians 3:17
Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.

Are you willing to fight in this spiritual battle, for the freedom found in Christ Jesus? My friends, it is worth it!

PUT ON THE SPURS

2008-06-20T21:46:00.000-07:00

A note from Denise:

ME AND MY BASS... CIRCA 1980

I love playing bass on our praise team. When I was 11 and going into 7th grade, we had a new Jazz Band starting up at school called "The Dynamics". I wanted to be in that band SOOO bad but I only played the violin. I remember my dad going up to the band teacher trying to persuade him to help me get into that band. The band teacher said that they needed a bass player and if I could learn it, I could audition. I've never been more determined to do something and so there I was in the music room, standing on a chair to play this HUGE stand up bass and using 3 of my fingers to play each note! Well, I auditioned, made the band and had the best time of my life playing jazz in Jr. High. Eventually they got rid of the stand up and got me an electric bass. Now I have the privilege of playing contemporary Christian music almost every week.

Our worship leader, Danny, recently challenged our praise team with this scripture:

Hebrews 10:24-25 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another-and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

I think of how a rider spurs a horse..the object, to get him to DO something. Not just encourage but actually motivate the horse to take an action. In the same way, we need to motivate each other to show love and do good deeds. What are some ways that people have motivated you? What did they say or how did they lead by example? What types of "good deeds" have you had the privilege of doing because of how someone "spurred" you?

GET TO KNOW YOUR PASTOR'S FAMILY

2008-06-17T21:12:00.000-07:00

Fun things I bet you didn't know about us....

Five Snacks I Enjoy:
DON
Potato Chips • Rocky Road Ice Cream • M&M's • Popcorn • Walnuts & chocolate chips
DENISE
Popcorn • Cafe Mochas • Famous Amos cookies • Chips & Salsa • Chocolate chip granola bars
NATE
Cheerios • Goldfish crackers • Edamame • Raisins • That's about all they let me have!

Five Things On My To-Do List Today:
DON
Go fishing • Visit 3 coffee shops • Read Bible • Visit the Quilters group • Work out
DENISE
Figure out things to do for Nate • Work on my art • Pray • Take a walk or hike • Clean up something in the house
NATE
Play • Bug Harvard • Run errands with Mom • See how much I can get away with • Learn new signs (sign language)

Five Things I Would Do If I Were A Billionaire:
DON
Travel around the world • . Set up churches • Open a bait shop on a marina • Pay off my bills (haha) • Develop the current church property
DENISE
Travel with Don • Support orphaned children • Get lifetime tickets to Disneyland • Support missions trips • Get a place in Hawaii
NATE
Have my own playground • What else is there besides that??

Five Jobs I Have Had:
DON
Baker • Assisted Living Administrator • Expeditor for the Phoenician resort in Phoenix • Sanitation Engineer for high school • Burger King manager
DENISE
Golden Corral • Hallmark store • Art Director for the Phoenix city mags • Thirstystone coasters-graphic designer • Fine artist
NATE
What's a job?

Five of My Bad Habits:
DON
Not very organized • Highly competitive at stoplights • Leaving empty glasses in the living room • Biting my nails
• Talking too long
DENISE
Procrastinator • Speak before I think • Fidgity • Sucker for souvenirs or knick knack • Throw my clothes on the floor
NATE
Whine • Bite my nails • Grind my teeth

Five Places I’ve Lived:
DON
Phoenix • Dallas • Wichita • Oklahoma City • Grand Forks, ND
DENISE
Florida • Phoenix • Abilene, TX • Ontario, Calif. • Oklahoma City
NATE
Arizona • Chongqing, China

GREAT FUNDRAISER CONCERT!!

2008-06-12T14:41:00.000-07:00

Who doesn't love a free concert...especially when it's for a great cause?

FESTIVAL OF HOPE CONCERT AND FUNDRAISER
To raise awareness and support in the fight against AIDS/HIV

FREE!
When: Sunday, June 15
Where: 3700 S. La Cholla, Tucson, AZ (south of Mission and Ajo)
Time: 4pm - 9pm

Bring your lawn chairs, blankets and picnic goodies and jam to live Christian music featuring a variety of bands: Gospel, country, rock, rap, latino. There will be a BBQ vendor and a Photo vendor as well.

There will be a raffle for prizes and donations are accepted. Volunteers are also welcome!

Contact Carlie Lancaster at 520-982-2032 or CICOT: 294-8065 for more information.

Hope to see you there!

PRIORITIES

2008-06-11T09:26:00.000-07:00

Need I say more?