Pastor Rick's News & Views

News & Views 10/04/10

Sat, 04 Sep 2010 02:04:00 GMT

September 4, 2010 Dear Saddleback Family, THIS WEEKEND I begin a new 4 week series, "Preparing For Your Future." The first message is about overcoming past defeats, present discouragements, and the temptation (especially with the recession) to simply drift into the future. We cannot be "Waiting for the World to Change." We must move on with God's destiny for our lives, regardless of the economic situation. Based on the 3 instructions God gave Joshua to possess the Promised Land, this weekend's message is "Possessing Your Destiny." I guarantee that you'll be encouraged and inspired. PARKING FOR FAMILIES WITH STROLLERS OPENS THIS WEEKEND Beginning this weekend, September 4-5, the parking closest to our Children's Ministry Center will become our "STROLLER LOT". This lot will be reserved for families with young children in strollers. While the Stroller Lot is designated for young families on the weekend, it will be open for general parking during the week and for events. The handicap parking will still be available for those who need it. If you typically park in this lot on the weekend, we would ask that you park in the next closest lot, unless of course you have a child in a stroller. And for those of you with innovative and creative minds, it doesn't count if you merely own a stroller or even have one in your trunk......it's for those who currently have kids in a stroller. DECADE OF DESTINY LAUNCHES 10-10-10! I can say without hesitation that I'm more excited about the next ten years than the past thirty years combined. All that's happened in our past has prepared us for the greatest decade yet! So we're calling this year's Fall spiritual growth campaign Decade of Destiny. It's a plan I've been working on all year to help you succeed in 1) fulfilling your personal destiny, and 2) fulfilling our church family's destiny together. A BOOK & MOVIE STARRING YOU! We set a goal a number of years ago to follow Jesus' command to go to every nation in the world. There are 195 nations in the world and by the end of this year, we will have reached every single one! This has never been done before in Christian history and YOU did it. So in order to celebrate this accomplishment, we're preparing a historic book and documentary called "To Every Nation" which will include all the names of every person who has gone on a Mission or PEACE Trip. We're creating a large coffee table book and a film documentary of the stories and pictures of over 11,000 Saddleback members who've served on international P.E.A.C.E. trips and many more of you who've served here in America (i.e. Katrina Relief). We want include your name and photo of your group on a PEACE trip, the country you served, and date. There are 2 ways you can get us your photos and /or movies: Please bring them with you to the service you attend this weekend. We will collecting all the names, trip dates & locations, photos, and stories, so I need you to send them to us and loan us your photos. Respond to this e-mail RIGHT NOW with your full name, date of trip, country of mission/PEACE trip, e-mail address, home address, and phone number. Then, click here to upload your photos and tell us about the highlights of your trip. If you don't have a photo you can upload from your computer, place photographs in a large envelope with all of the information above and drop it off at our Ministry Office in Lake Forest (on the corner of Portola and Saddleback Parkways Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.). GET WELL CARDS FROM CHILDREN I've loved all the hand-made get-well cards that kids in our church sent me after I accidentally burned my eyes with a toxic poison from a plant I was pruning in my yard. Below, Chad & Niki Huggins sent their drawings of the story of my accident. It is a privilege to be your pastor. I love you! Saddleback Church Purpose Driven Network P.E.A.C.E. Coalition

News & Views 07/31/10

Sat, 31 Jul 2010 07:28:00 GMT

July 31, 2010 Dear Saddleback Family, �� This weekend I am teaching on "Trusting God in Life's Changes." �� This is such an important need for all of us since the pace of change, the scale of change, and the kinds of changes we are facing today are unprecedented! �� If you know someone who is out of work... has lost a loved one ... is facing marriage or personal stress (or got toxic poison in their eyes recently!) �BRING THEM WITH YOU THIS WEEKEND. �� Both the message and the testimonies will strengthen you and those you care about.� Please share this with others. Saddleback Church Purpose Driven Network P.E.A.C.E. Coalition

News & Views 07/22/10

Wed, 21 Jul 2010 17:00:00 GMT

July 22, 2010 Dear Saddleback Family, Monday morning (my day off) I was cutting back a huge African Fire Stick plant in my yard (a smaller version is pictured below.) Even though I was wearing gloves, I somehow later accidentally got some of the toxic sap on my hands and then in my eyes. The resin is quite corrosive and burned both of my eyes. In excruciating pain, Kay called 911 paramedics who rushed me to a hospital. For the next four hours, doctors irrigated my blistered eyes with 14 liters of saline solution to flush out the poison and ease the pain. I'd have to say, I had no idea that eye burns are so painful! I was kept overnight so I could be given shots of Dilaudid and Morphine, plus Percocet, numbing drops, and several eye meds. A doctor inserted protective contact lenses to aid in healing the scarred tissue. He told me he expects a full recovery of my vision and each day it has improved. I am NOT BLIND! - which should be obvious from me typing this note! (I asked for prayer on Twitter and all kinds of rumors started spreading) I'm now resting at home, with the pain being managed by oral meds and a regimen of eye meds to heal the damage. I expect to make a full recovery. I have already received many kind words and prayer support. Here's a note I received from an unbeliever on Twitter that encouraged me: @TJJohn12 Pulling for you, Mr. Warren. Although I'm quite secular, I respect your living of Christ's teachings. Good luck & get better. Euphorbia tirucalli (African Fire Sticks, Pencil Tree, Milk Bush) grows widely across Africa. It grows well in arid semi-tropical climates like southern California The milky sap of this plant is corrosive and extremely toxic. Contact with skin causes severe burning, blistering, and pain. Contact with the eyes may cause temporary blindness for up to 7 days. May be fatal if swallowed, with severe burning to mouth, lips, and tongue. Deaths have been recorded from ingesting the sap. Please pray that God will be glorified even in this accident. I love you all! Saddleback Church Purpose Driven Network P.E.A.C.E. Coalition

News & Views 06/30/10

Tue, 29 Jun 2010 17:00:00 GMT

Dear Saddleback Family, LAST WEEKEND �� I'd love to get your feedback and feelings about last week's service with the renewal of wedding vows. Please share your thoughts about the service by writing me at pastorrick@saddleback.com. �Here's some feedback that has already come in: One couple at Saddleback Laguna Woods was so excited to renew their vow for the first time in their 60-year marriage that they decided to also be baptized together this month! Thanks for Webcasting the service online. I watched it LIVE on my iPhone while flying on a plane with wireless! I was so touched and crying so much; everyone was looking at me! �LOL! Both my wife and I were so moved by the words you and Kay shared. We were on the verge of divorce, but in that service we stood and recommitted ourselves to each other before God. Thanks for saving our marriage. When we got home from church, I told my wife, "As Adam said to Eve "Hubba, Hubba! You're the only woman on earth for me. We had a WONDERFUL afternoon." I love our church for many reasons, but mostly for the example set by Rick and Kay. It was a great weekend message. Today was a total "waterworks" service at church. I cried my eyes out. Sacrificial love is so beautiful to behold. THIS WEEKEND I will speaking this 4th of July weekend. Bring your friends this holiday weekend! Plan a neighborhood barbeque before or after services and invite them all to attend service with you. NEW TIME ON SUNDAY EVENING: 5:00 p.m. We're moving to ONE service on Sunday evenings starting this week. This is in preparation for a new Sunday evening service at Rancho Capistrano that we intend to start in addition to Lake Forest this Fall! I WANT TO STAY IN TOUCH WITH YOU! There's a lot of buzz surrounding social media as the way to stay connected. Take the poll above to let me know which social networks you're using so it can be even easier for us to connect. I encourage you to follow me on Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn for daily inspiration: See you this weekend!� Saddleback Church Purpose Driven Network P.E.A.C.E. Coalition

News & Views 06/26/10

Sun, 27 Jun 2010 17:00:00 GMT

June 26, 2010 Dear Saddleback Family, I could not count the times I've overhead people say "If you want a strong marriage, go to Saddleback." For 30 years, one of our main goals is to strengthen marriages - whether newlyweds, step-parents, hurting marriages, those separated, or great marriages wanting to keep getting better. I doubt there is another church that invests more time, energy, and money in supporting marriages and families. �We offer literally hundreds of specialized small groups, programs, audio series and books by our staff, pre-marriage counseling, and tens of thousands of hours of marriage coaching every year. THIS WEEKEND: YOU CAN RENEW YOUR WEDDING VOWS WITH YOUR SPOUSE! Everyone who participates will be given a beautiful certificate as a keepsake. ��Kay and I celebrated our 35th wedding anniversary this week, and we have written new vows that we intend to say publicly to each other in our services. � Then, I will invite all married couples who wish to renew their vows to each other to stand where they are and I will 'remarry" you! �Thousands of couples have told me how much this strengthened (and often saved) their marriage when they have participated in the past. Even if you are unmarried, you won't want to miss this inspiring weekend, along with my message "WHY MARRIAGE MATTERS." Please invite your friends and neighbors to this unique service, and forward this info to others by emailing them! ��I am committed to saving and strengthen your marriage! �� Saddleback Church Purpose Driven Network P.E.A.C.E. Coalition

News & Views 06/19/10

Sat, 19 Jun 2010 03:17:00 GMT

June 19, 2010 Dear Saddleback Family, THIS WEEKEND: FATHER'S DAY! Doug Fields is teaching a message entitled, An Uncommon Adventure Requires Uncommon Thinking! Bring your dad and the other special men in your life. At SADDLEBACK IRVINE, I'm commissioning Jake Rutenbar our new Pastor! Jake grew up at Saddleback and was formerly our Pastor of Students at Saddleback San Clemente. We are SO excited for our Irvine Campus! JOIN me at Irvine as we welcome Jake. You'll still get to hear Doug's great message. Kay and I are celebrating our 35th wedding anniversary. NEXT WEEKEND: RENEW YOUR WEDDING VOWS! I'll be speaking on HOW TO MAKE YOUR MARRIAGE LAST. If you've ever been married, want to marry, are currently married, or have a friend who is struggling in a marriage, don't miss this vital message. So many marriages are hurting today during this recession; you need to know these truths. Don't miss the opportunity to invite a friend today. At the end of service, I'm going to renew my vows to Kay and lead all married couples in renewing their vows too. It will be a tender moment for everyone and I can't wait for you to be a part of it! Saddleback Church Purpose Driven Network P.E.A.C.E. Coalition

News & Views 06/04/10

Thu, 03 Jun 2010 17:00:00 GMT

June 4, 2010 Dear Saddleback Family, In just a couple of hours, hundreds of families and individuals will learn the biblical principles for financial freedom. I am so eager to share these principles that have changed my life, strengthened our marriage, and positioned us for the blessing of God. Do not miss this! STARTING TONIGHT! Join us for a FREE two-day seminar in the Worship Center or Online! Pastor Rick's FINANCIAL FREEDOM SEMINAR Get out of debt! Get your finances in order for the glory of God! Stop living under financial stress! Prepare yourself for God's blessing! Friday, June 4 7:00 p.m. The 5 Foundations for Financial Freedom! - Pastor Rick 7:30 p.m. Live Your Life for Half the Price, Part 1 - Mary Hunt 7:50 p.m. Cash Flow Planning - Dave Ramsey 8:25 p.m. Creating a Spending Plan, Part 1 - Chris Goulard & Ron Blue Saturday, June 5 9:00 a.m. 9 Steps to Becoming Debt Free! - Pastor Rick 9:30 a.m. Creating a Spending Plan, Part 2 - Chris Goulard 10:00 a.m. Mind Your Own Mortgage - Rob Bernabe 10:50 a.m. Live Your Life for Half the Price, Part 2 - Mary Hunt 11:45 a.m. Purpose Driven Finance: Putting It All Together - Pastor Rick Saddleback Church Purpose Driven Network P.E.A.C.E. Coalition

News & Views 05/10/10

Sun, 09 May 2010 17:00:00 GMT

May 10, 2010 Dear Saddleback Family, I missed you yesterday due to a bad cold... but am so excited about Tonight's CIVIL FORUM on Orphans, Foster kids, & Vulnerable children. Why should I care? 1. It is commanded by God as a test of your love. "What God our Father considers to be pure and genuine religion is this: you must take care of orphans and widows in their suffering and keep yourself from being corrupted by the world." James 1:27 (TEV) 2. The need is so great! 143,000,000 kids are growing up without parents! 3. It is a signature issue of our PEACE Plan What will I learn? I've lined up a world-class panel of theleading experts to interview on orphans and vulnerable children. We'll look at the biblical, social, and personal implications. 7:00 p.m. TONIGHT. Lake Forest Worship Center As many of you know, we have made orphan care a signature issue at our church, and tonight we want to educate the community on how urgent this issue really is. The orphan crisis impacts the lives of 143 million children every day, therefore, Saddleback Church is committed to help and enable our own community and the global community to care and act. The hope is that every person will both ask, and answer the question, "What can I do"? LEARN simple and practical ways you can make a difference IN ONE LIFE: Community agencies, exhibitors, and agencies will be onsite for further networking and information. Bring your friends and family! Enjoy apasta dinner for $6.50 a plate, between 5:30 and 7:00 p.m. on the main patio, so come early! Family-friendly seating in the Plaza Room. IF you can't leave home... Watch and chat online here, & contribute $10 to Orphan Care by texting "sb" to 20222 or click here to give online. Can you tell I'm thrilled that we are doing this? See you tonight!

News & Views 05/01/10

Sat, 01 May 2010 10:30:00 GMT

Saturday, May 1, 2010 Dear Saddleback Family I am so concerned about how the recession is affecting you and all our Saddleback families, that I've rearranged our May schedule. I've moved a number of Decade of Destiny events (including the desserts) to September, so I can give my full-attention to offering you more spiritual and practical support NOW. As I've had conversations, listened, and read your emails, I know that many of you need 3 things: You need strong spiritual support - to keep moving forward in this recession. You need practical help in getting your financial house in order & reducing debt. You need some free fun to lighten your heart and lift your mood. So here's my Recession Relief plan for you in May: MY MAY MESSAGES This weekend "When You've Come Up Empty" - If you've been "fishing" for a job, a source of income, someone to marry, or some other lack in your life, DON'T MISS THIS MESSAGE based on a teaching miracle of Jesus. May 8-9: (Mother's Day) "When You Feel You're Sinking" - The profound principles of surviving turbulent times that God wants you to learn from Jesus' miracle of walking on water. May 15-16: Resetting Your Finances- Part 1 - Living more on less May 22-23: Resetting your Finances- Part 2 RESETTING YOUR FINANCES IN A RECESSION SEMINAR (Fri pm/Sat am - May 22-23) I've invited the top Christian money management expert/authors in America to help me teach this hands-on, practical seminar and budget workshop. Dave Ramsey, Ron Blue, Mary Hunt and others will join me to help you get your financial house in order and get out of debt DURING this recession. RESERVE THIS DATE NOW. MEMORIAL DAY ALL-CHURCH PICNIC FUN- DAY! (Monday afternoon - May 31) It doesn't cost a lot of money to have a lot of fun! I'll send you all the details. See you this weekend! Saddleback Church Purpose Driven Network P.E.A.C.E. Coalition

News & Views 04/16/10

Thu, 15 Apr 2010 17:00:00 GMT

April 16, 2010 Dear Saddleback Family, 1. Community Weekend This weekend is Honor our Community weekend! We'll recognize and honor all teachers, law enforcement, firefighters, safety, sanitation, postal workers, and local government leaders. Make sure you invite anyone you know in these fields that serve our community to attend one of our services this weekend. We want to show our appreciation for their hard work and dedication! 2. This Weekend We're in week three of our When You're Hoping for a Miracle: The Six Phases of Faith and I'll be speaking on "When You Can't See Where You Need to Go." Invite a friend! We're also having a Special Super C.L.A.S.S. Saturday! Classes 101-401 will be offered from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Come early for breakfast. Click here to register. If you missed last weekend's message "When You're Running Out of Everything," I urge you to do yourself a favor and listen to it online. 3. Easter Highlights Here's an incredible video summarizing Easter At Angel Stadium. Watch it! Share YOUR Easter pictures, experiences, and stories here! Saddleback Church Purpose Driven Network P.E.A.C.E. Coalition

News & Views 04/09/10

Thu, 08 Apr 2010 17:00:00 GMT

My next step of hope Friday, April 9, 2010 POST - EASTER WRAP-UP Dear Saddleback Family, THIS WEEKEND If you're struggling financially from the recession, don't miss Pastor Rick's message this weekend "The Miracle of Provision" (1 Kings 17) which explains how God tests our faith and builds our character through times of financial shortages. It's Part 2 of the series When You're Hoping for a Miracle. We're expecting many first-time visitors at Lake Forest this Sunday morning, so we urge you to go check out the Sunday morning services at Saddleback Irvine, Corona, San Clemente, or Laguna Woods, OR attend the evening services at Lake Forest this weekend. Pastor Rick will be teaching live at all evening services. If you invited friends and family to Angel Stadium this Easter, INVITE them back to one of our Lake Forest services this weekend. Also, contemporary gospel singer, two-time Grammy Award winner, and worship leader, Israel Houghton, will be leading worship with Pastor Rick Muchow at all services this weekend! IT'S NOT TOO LATE! (The title of my Easter message) If you didn't get a bulletin, click here to let us know your commitment and next spiritual step; whether to trust in Christ, be baptized, join our church family, or join/start a small group. BAPTISM TONIGHT WITH PASTOR RICK Friday April 9, at 6:00 p.m., right outside the Worship Center - Just show up! If you weren't able to be baptized at Easter,Pastor Rick is offering a special baptism service tonight. Other pastors will baptize after each service this weekend too. It's not too late to pick up the When You're Hoping for a Miracle: Understanding the Six Phrases of Faith small-group curriculum, or bring groceries this weekend. Both opportunities will be available on the patio after every service. EASTER SUMMARY: WHAT A WAY TO BEGIN OURDECADE OF DESTINY! Attendance: This zoom photo of our second service says it all! http://gigapan.org/gigapans/46337/ (The controls on the left will allow you to zoom in on your face up close! This photo was taken by our own Saddleback Pics Ministry.) You brought literally tens of thousands of first-time unchurched guests to Easter! 20% attending Easter were first-time guests! 19% of the decision cards at Easter were first-time commitments to repent and trust their lives to Christ for salvation, representing up to 6,500 people possibly being saved at Easter! That's unheard of! Unbelievers listening on XM and Sirius radio texted in their salvation commitments! Over 500 people were baptized to publicly express their faith in Christ! Over 1,600 attended this month's Membership Class 101 on Saturday before Easter! You gave 66,000 pounds of groceries for families in need! Nearly 1,000 NEW small groups were formed that will be studying the "Six Phases of Faith" with 4,000 existing groups! AND ON THE INTERNET THIS EASTER... 282,000 new people came to our homepage, Saddleback.com On Google "Saddleback" was the 3rd most searched word in the world 5,100 people downloaded our Saddleback iPhone App to watch Easter on their phone On iTunes, Saddleback downloads were #96 for the weekend Over 18,000 homes watched our Easter service online and you can still watch it! Get your friends together to watch it again, or send it to someone who has never seen it. We're still waiting to receive the data from the Saddleback channels on XM and Sirius radio Project City Hope SADDLEBACK Kids Small Groups (KSG) visited Senior Adults all week, hugging them, praying with them, and giving out Project City HOPE Care Boxes. Our Adopt a Senior program is just one of many Project City Hope initiatives being launched with Decade of Destiny. The boxes are filled with blankets they made, personal notes, photos of their small group, and a copy of What on Earth Am I Here For? What an amazing way to show people hope and love! We'll have Care Boxes available this weekend on the patio, so make sure you get one and use this opportunity to continue to spread hope! See you this weekend! Saddleback Church Purpose Driven Network P.E.A.C.E. Coalition

News & Views 04/02/10

Thu, 01 Apr 2010 17:00:00 GMT

SPECIAL EASTER WEEKEND EDITION 2010 All you need to know at the last minute! 1. TICKETS 2,000 SUNDAY tickets are now available! These were graciously returned by unselfish members who want to give unchurched seekers the opportunity to attend on Sunday! What an amazing testimony of love and spiritual maturity - thinking of others. 9,000 SATURDAY tickets are still available! These tickets will be distributed at Saturday's Class 101 (Joining Our Saddleback Family) If any tickets are left over, they will be distributed on a first-come, first served basis at the MAIN Gate of Angel Stadium." 2. CLASS 101- SAT AM: LAST CHANCE TO BECOME A LEGACY MEMBER! Taught by Pastor Rick & Kay Warren (1st time together!) Pastor Tom, and Pastor Tommy. 8:15am in the Worship Center. Over 1,000 people have already signed up. Register 3. WHAT TO BRING TO EASTER Bring Your Bible. Bring a bag of groceries. Bring your guest. Bring a change of clothes to be baptized. Rick is baptizing only after Sunday service. 4. TELL OTHERS TO LISTEN OR WATCH LIVE! XM Radio Channel 245 - 10am PST Sirius Radio Channel 90 - 10am PST KFSH 95.9 FM Radio - 10am PST Saddleback Online: http://www.easteratsaddleback.com/ 5. BEGINNING OUR DECADE OF DESTINY! Below is an open letter to Orange County carried in the Friday Orange County Register For three decades the people of Orange County have shown us far more grace and love than we could have ever imagined. Since we announced the beginning of Saddleback Church 30 years ago this week with a open letter, we wanted to write another open letter to express our deep gratitude to all of you. There is no other place on the planet quite like Orange County. Yes, we have amazing weather and unlimited opportunities to enjoy it, but the real treasure of our county is the people. You make Orange County special. We know this firsthand, from hundreds of thousands of one-on-one conversations with you over the years, sharing your good times and bad times, the births and deaths, the celebrations, and all the seasons and stages of life. We have seen the personal side of Orange County up close, and it is impressive. But we also want to thank those of you that we haven't met yet - you who make living in Orange County great because of your hard work, your community service, and your friendship as neighbors. We'd like to thank the Saddleback and Capo school districts for renting the church space for the 13 years we had no permanent building. We'd like to thank the Sheriff's departments and all the Fire departments we've partnered with during fires, floods, mud slides, earthquakes, and other disasters. It is a privilege to serve our county with such competent people. We'd like to thank all the other wonderful Orange County churches, and especially their pastors, who we've had the privilege of serving alongside. We have different labels and worship styles but we all serve the same risen Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. You are dear friends to us. I could die a fulfilled, happy man today, but I am more excited about the next 10 years, than the previous 30. During our Decade of Destiny, (2010-2019) we intend to mobilize our 4,000 small groups already meeting weekly across Southern California to launch a Saddleback church campus in every Orange County city. If you don't have a spiritual home, stop by a Saddleback congregation near you. We believe in Orange County and we believe in you. May God bless you greatly. Happy Easter! He is Risen! Rick & Kay Warren Rick and Kay Warren, age 25, moved to Orange County from Texas in January 1980 to begin a new church. Arriving with a 4 month old baby late one Friday afternoon in a U-hall truck, they stopped at the first real estate office they found. Warren introduced himself to the only realtor in the office: "My name is Rick, I'm here to start a church, and I need a place to live . but I don't have any money!" Realtor Don Dale laughed and said, "Well, let's see what we can do." Within two hours, the Warrens had rented a condo with nothing down and getting the first month's rent free. Warren asked Dale if he attended any church He said "No," so Warren replied, "Great! You're my first member!" The two families began Saddleback church meeting in that condo. The small group quickly grew to 15 people. To announce the first public service on Easter, 1980, Warren wrote an open letter to the community. The letter announced, "A new church for people who've given up on church." The small group of fifteen hand addressed and hand stamped 15,000 invitations to Easter. Ten days later, 205 strangers showed up at the first service at Laguna Hills High School. A church was born. At the first service, Warren announced his 40 year commitment to leading the new congregation and laid out a vision for the future. it is the dream of a place where the hurting, the depressed, the frustrated and the confused can find love, acceptance, help, hope, forgiveness, guidance and encouragement. It is the dream of sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ with hundreds of thousands of residents in South Orange County. It is the dream of welcoming 20,000 members into the fellowship of God's family- loving, laughing, learning and living in harmony together. It is the dream of developing people to spiritual maturity through Bible studies, seminars, retreats, small groups, and a Bible school for our members. It is the dream of equipping every believer for a significant ministry by helping them discover the gifts and talents God gave them. It is the dream of sending out hundreds of career missionaries and church leaders all around the world, and empowering every member for their personal life mission in the world. It is the dream of sending out our members by the thousands on short-term mission projects to every continent. It is the dream of starting at least one new daughter church a year. I stand before you today and state in confident assurance that these dreams will become reality! Why? Because they are inspired by God. Over the next 15 years, the church kept outgrowing rented facilities, requiring that they use 67 different locations to accommodate the growth! Members joked, "This is the church you get to attend IF you can figure out where we are meeting this week!" The churched used four different high schools, numerous elementary schools, theaters, restaurants office buildings, recreation and community centers, parks, and stadiums, eventually holding four weekend services in a 2,300 seat high-tech tent. Saddleback is the only American church to grow to over 10,000 in attendance without owning a building. "We wanted to make the point that a church is people, not a building," explained Warren, "so we put off building until we had no other choice." Today, as Saddleback Church begins its Decade of Destiny, Saddleback holds weekend services in many cities, and over 4,000 small groups meet weekly in every city of Southern California. Try one this week! Saddleback Church Purpose Driven Network P.E.A.C.E. Coalition

News & Views 3/19/10

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 17:00:00 GMT

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March 19 2010 Dear Saddleback Family, WE CAN'T DO EASTER WITHOUT YOU! The truth is, we can't make Easter happen without you, so I want you to know how you can help. In fact, I want you to help me teach the message. You know the most powerful message is one that is seen, not just heard. And there is enormous power in corporate witness; in group witness. So, I'm asking you to worship with all your heart this Easter. MY EASTER MESSAGE I'm going to use the baseball diamonds for the four points of my message. I'm going to talk about getting into the game as salvation and knowing Christ; first base as belonging to his family; second base as growing in Christ; third base as serving the needs of others; and home plate as fulfilling your mission in the world. At each base, we'll sing a song. And the way you sing the message of each of those four songs, will have as much impact on the unbelievers in that stadium as my own words in the sermon. So... I'm asking you to sing with all your energy, passion, and heart! With 50,000+ people singing with all their heart, those who don't know the Lord yet are going to look around and hopefully think, "Something is going on here." That witness will be powerful! VOLUNTEERS STILL NEEDED! With over 50,000 people expected to attend Easter at Angel Stadium, this special weekend will happen because YOU said YES to getting involved! We're still looking for ushers and greeters to provide that "Saddleback warm welcome," so don't miss out! To sign up just go to www.EasterAtSaddleback.com/volunteers I love you guys and I can't wait to share this celebration with you! EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT OUR THREE EASTER SERVICES WHEN & WHERE? APRIL 3- 4 6 pm Saturday, Angel Stadium (with surprise guest) 10 am Sunday, Angel Stadium (with Jonas Brothers) 11:15 am Sunday, At Saddleback Lake Forest Campus Watch the service broadcast from Angel Stadium HOW DO I GET A FREE TICKET? This weekend in all services you'll be given a ticket reservation form in your program. After the service, you can pick up free tickets in multiple locations at all our church campuses. IMPORTANT: 1. Saturday night is OPEN seating. 2. Sunday morning is ASSIGNED seated (required by the stadium to insure your seat) 3 Tickets will be distributed on a first-come first-served basis at all our campuses this weekend, 4. You WILL be able to sit in the section you want on Saturday (just come early) to but you WON'T be able to choose your seating at the Sunday service. 5. There will be NO tickets given out at Angel Stadium that day. (They will all be taken!) WHEN DO THE GATES OPEN? Saturday: Parking opens at 4 pm. Gates open at 5 pm. Sunday: Parking opens at 6 am . Gates open at 8 am CAN WE TAILGATE IN THE PARKING LOT? Yes. Under the Big A near the 57 freeway, both Saturday & Sunday. Please do not bring an RV. CAN I SPEND THE NIGHT AT THE STADIUM? No. Angel stadium does not allow it. DOES ANGEL STADIUM HAVE CHILDCARE? No. There will be a "bring your toddler" service at 11:15 am Sunday morning, at Lake Forest. WILL THERE BE THINGS FOR MY CHILDREN TO DO? All children, 4-10 years old will be given an Easter Kid's Bag, including an activity booklet, crayons, animal crackers, and bottle of water. Section leaders will lead fun activities and games prior to the start of our Easter service. It will be fun! WHAT SHOULD I BRING? Buy a HOPE ball cap this weekend and bring some sun screen. It might be sunny! Our theme for 2010 is "The Year of Indestructible Hope" and on Easter I begin a 6 week series "When You're Hoping For A Miracle" The stadium will allow you to bring bottles of water and a small snack for your family. The concessions will NOT be open. The less you bring, the better since all bags must be checked by stadium security before entry. HEARING IMPAIRED? There will be a designated section within the stadium tickets for this section only can be made through jimb@saddleback.com WILL THE SERVICE BE ONLINE? Yes. Let me repeat: Tickets are free, but available ONLY at one of our Saddleback campuses. They If you miss this weekend, check www.EasterAtSaddleback.com for updates.

News & Views 3/5/10

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:00:00 GMT

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March 5, 2010 Dear Saddleback Family, This Weekend We're going to continue the series on When Love Speaks: The 7 Last Words of Jesus. I'll be talking about the significance of Jesus' word of "substitution," where Jesus Christ takes our place on the cross and he cries out "My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?" It will be a very powerful message and time of worship, which will include communion this weekend. I'm looking forward to seeing you! Decade of Destiny Campaign During the campaign, we're going to have both a small group tract and a weekend tract of sermons both with the same title "When You're Hoping For A Miracle." Small Group Study During our small groups, we're going to be studying the 6 Phases of Faith and how God takes us from: dream, decision, delay, difficulty, dead end, and deliverance. If you're interested in hosting a small group for this special series, CLICK HERE to sign up today! Weekend Services What does it take to make a miracle happen in your life? I'm going to be unpacking this question on the weekend during this six-week campaign. This series will kick off March 27-28 with Vision Weekend, where I'm going to share about the Miracle of Expansion and how Saddleback intends to literally explode not only all over Southern California, but around the world with the expansion of church property and new campuses over the next ten years. Easter Celebration Easter starts at 10:00 a.m. on April 4 and you're going to need to get there early! The gates will open at 8:30 a.m. I'm sure many of you have heard that the Jonas Brothers will be there, so you have to make sure you come early and get a seat. Special Mosaic Our church would not be a church without YOU, the body. For our Easter celebration, we're making a giant mosaic of Jesus, comprised of the photos of every Saddleback member. So, we need your photo as soon as possible! Upload your pictures at www.saddleback.com/mosaic or bring them by the Church Office (your photo will not be returned if sent to the Church Office). If you need to get your picture taken, or are unable to upload a photo on the Website, we'll have PICS photographers available on the patio after every service this weekend. Prayer Needed Would you pray for: Our PEACE Teams who are in Haiti, Rwanda, Jamaica, and Kenya. We're also doing a massive food drive, where we're hoping to fill 50,000 bags of groceries for families in need in our community, so be praying for how you can be involved. Finally, I have a personal request: we just found out that Pastor Gerald Sharon's wife, Tammy has colon cancer that has spread to her liver and abdominal wall. Pray for a miracle of healing and strength for the entire Sharon family. Thank you for your prayers. God bless and we'll see you this weekend! Saddleback Church Purpose Driven Network P.E.A.C.E. Coalition P.S. Here are two new ways to stay connected to what's going on at Saddleback Church: Download our iPhone app and join us on Facebook.

News & Views 2/23/10

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 16:00:00 GMT

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February 23, 2010 Dear Saddleback Family, We're only a few weeks away from our Decade of Destiny Campaign, a month long celebration that will include some extremely important events: First, we'll be celebrating our 30th anniversary and Easter at Angel Stadium on April 4. Second, we'll be looking at the next 10 years of where we're going as a church family. Finally, our Easter offering will go to help Haiti. Decade of Destiny Campaign: Six-week campaign March 27-28: Vision launch of Saddleback's future. April 4: Our Easter Celebration starts at 10:00 a.m. It's the 30th anniversary of Saddleback Church and we're going to take about 50,000 of our people to Angel Stadium. You'll want to get there early to tailgate with your family, friends, and small group. We'll be baptizing in four locations after the service, so if you know somebody who'd like to be baptized, this is an exciting time to do it! Tell others about Easter! April 10-11: Homecoming Week - We're inviting everybody who's been a member, attendee, or staff member of Saddleback Church over the last 30 years to come to church this weekend to celebrate together! April 17-18: Community Weekend - We're honoring firemen, policemen, teachers, nurses, doctors, city officials, and other men and women who have sacrificially served our community over the last 30 years. April 24-25: Anniversary Week - We're going to spend the week celebrating the year you joined Saddleback! May 1-2: This weekend will be a celebration and a commitment to the future and the role you'll play in it! What I Need From You! First, download and print an Easter Poster and put it on your business window, post it in your office - wherever you think people will see it. Second, send me two pictures: a current picture of yourself and then another picture from the year you started attending Saddleback. In the coming weeks, we'll hand out 50,000 grocery bags for you to fill for families in need in our community. Make sure you pick one up and bring it filled with food on Easter Sunday! Finally, I want your feedback! Please answer this quick, one question survey. Click Here This Weekend There's a whole lot more I'm going to be telling you week-to-week about the Decade of Destiny... but start getting ready for it now! This weekend I'll be in Part Three of the series on When Love Speaks, so bring a friend to church with you this weekend! God Bless You! Saddleback Church Purpose Driven Network P.E.A.C.E. Coalition

News & Views 2/8/10

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 12:25:00 GMT

February 8, 2010 Dear Saddleback Family, ON HAITI Since the disaster in Haiti, we have been so busy I haven't had time to write you. From the moment the earthquake hit, Saddleback has been coordinating relief efforts, not just from our church, but also for those many churches in our network that look to us for direction. I'll give you a full report later, but just know that the situation in Haiti is far worse than you can imagine. The loss of lives and homes is unlike anything I've known. Churches on the ground are doing the best they can but we lost 70 pastors who were in a meeting when the roof caved in on them. Saddleback has coordinated relief in dozens of disasters, our experience shows us there are 3 stages to every disaster. First is the RESCUE stage, which is the shortest stage (usually hours or a few days) saving those who are still alive. Second is the RESUMING stage, where the goal is to get the power, water, communications, and roads working again. This can take several weeks, but in Haiti, many didn't have these services before the earthquake. The third phase, the REBUILDING stage, takes the longest. For example, we're still sending trained relief workers for Katrina rebuilding - almost 4 years later! We've given millions to disasters and have over 1,800 who've served in the rebuilding process after Katrina. Long after the Hollywood types forget about Haiti, we will still be helping rebuild because we are in this for the long haul. This Easter, our entire Easter offering (at Angel Stadium) will be used for Haiti Relief through the PEACE plan. ON RADICALIS From Tuesday through Friday this week, young pastors from all around the world (about 35 countries) will be at Saddleback for training through our new Radicalis conference. Please pray for them! NEW SERIES BEGINNING THIS WEEKEND The spiritual season of "Lent", which begins 40 days before Easter each year, is not a practice found in the Bible but is simply a 2000 year old tradition from Church history. The word Lent comes from the Anglo-Saxon word "lencten" which means "Spring." This year Lent begins next week on Feb.17th. The 40 days prior to Easter is a time to consider and remember all that Jesus has done for us. Through prayer, reading the Bible, worship, giving, fasting, and private acts of self-denial, we remind ourselves of all that Jesus gave up in order to save us. "Jesus set aside the privileges of deity and took on the status of a slave, became human! Having become human, he stayed human. It was an incredibly humbling process. He didn't claim special privileges. Instead, he lived a selfless, obedient life and then died a selfless, obedient death-and the worst kind of death at that: a crucifixion." Philippians 2:7-8 (Message) To help you focus on what Jesus did for you, and all of the amazing benefits that he paid for you, I'm going to teach a series on the seven last words of Jesus from the Cross during the next 40 Days. During his hours on the Cross, Jesus made seven statements. Although you have read them many times, you probably don't understand the incredible benefits to you that each statement represents. Jesusnever said anything without a purpose, and his dying words on the Cross are extremely important and valuable to your life. I am eager to unlock their full meaning for you beginning this weekend. Once you know the meaning of Jesus' last words you'll realize that it's more appropriate to call them Jesus' living words - because they contain the truths you need for life. Here's my teaching schedule up to Easter: FEB. 13-14 HE SPOKE THE WORD OF ABSOLUTION: "Father forgive them" so we know we are forgiven! FEB 20-21 HE SPOKE THE WORD OF CONFIRMATION: "Today, you'll be with me in paradise" so we know we are heaven bound! Feb. 27-28 HE SPOKE THE WORD OF PROVISION: "Behold your Son. Behold Your Mother" so we know he will take care of all our needs! MAR 6-7 HE SPOKE THE WORD OF CONFUSION: "Why have you forsaken me?" so we know he paid our debt to God! MAR 13-14 HE SPOKE THE WORD OF DEPRIVATION: "I thirst" so we know he understands all of our human needs, desires, and hungers! MAR 20-21 HE SPOKE THE WORD OF SALVATION: "It is finished" so we know our salvation is completed and secured! MAR 27-28 DECADE OF DESTINY VISION. I'll share the vision that God has given me for where we're going next as a church family. APR 3 Saturday night ONLY pre-Easter worship service HE SPOKE THE WORD OF LIBERATION: "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit." so we don't have to fear death! APR 4 EASTER AT ANGEL STADIUM! 10 am sharp! Who are you bringing? See you this weekend! Rick Warren Saddleback Church Purpose Driven Network P.E.A.C.E. Coalition TWITTER @RickWarren

News & Views 1/9/10

Fri, 08 Jan 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Dear Saddleback Family, All week, amazing stories have continued to pour in about your part in last week's Miracle of Radical Generosity. I'll share the full story - and the lessons we all learned - in my next News & Views. In the meantime, let me say how proud I am of your spiritual maturity. There simply is no other church that does what you do! The world was watching - and they were astounded. This weekend, I begin our first series of the new decade: "WHAT IT MEANS TO FOLLOW JESUS". Also this weekend, on Sunday afternoon, you can enjoy one of four Saddleback Life Development Classes. If you haven't completed these basics - take your next step to spiritual maturing and sign up by clicking on Class 101 or the next class you need to take. Class 101: http://bit.ly/6ZYNwT Class 201: http://bit.ly/7TdWzh Class 301: http://bit.ly/4Mzfkr Class 401: http://bit.ly/7iHrND If you missed last weekend's historic message on Radical Generosity: THE MIRACLE! you can watch it here: http://bit.ly/3vwBvk See you this weekend. Rick Warren Saddleback Church Purpose Driven Network P.E.A.C.E. Coalition TWITTER @RickWarren

News & Views 1/1/10

Fri, 01 Jan 2010 13:39:00 GMT

WELCOME TO 2010! Dear Saddleback Family, You won't want to miss this weekend at Saddleback! It will be history-making and also the first service of our Decade of Destiny. I can't wait to share with you what happened this week. It speaks volumes about YOU, the depth of commitment in this fellowship, and where God is taking us in 2010 - our 30th Anniversary year. I'm simply calling this week's message "The Miracle". In spite of a media culture that thrives on bad news and is typically clueless about how churches actually work, and in spite of hatefulness and insults by some who immediately jumped to wrong conclusion - the church of God marches on, and once again God surprises all of us! I am humbled to have been your pastor for 30 years. See you this weekend. Rick Warren Saddleback Church Purpose Driven Network P.E.A.C.E. Coalition TWITTER @RickWarren

News & Views 12/31/09

Thu, 31 Dec 2009 00:46:00 GMT

Wednesday Evening Update: Dear Saddleback Family, It has been both inspiring and humbling to hear the reports of your instant and overwhelming response to this week's News & Views. Thanks so much for all your encouraging notes and emails! Here's just one: Sent: Wed. Dec.30, 2009 5:07 PM To: Rick Warren I was just standing above the Ministry Center entrance with tears in my eyes watching people walk up and drop giving envelopes in the door box. I received your email at home at 2:50 pm and it's just amazing watching people come up and drop off giving envelopes so soon after. We have such amazing members in our church! I am so blessed to be a member of Saddleback, and even more privileged and blessed to serve on the staff of such a church as this. I'll give you a full report this weekend but want to mention two things now: BACKGROUND: The cause of our financial shortfall was NOT a management issue but simply by the way Christmas occurred in this year's calendar. After 10 packed Christmas services, and with Christmas Day on Friday, many people were out of town or too tired to come back for weekend services, so the unusually low attendance created an unusually low offering. That is understandable. MEDIA: Because our church attracts a lot of attention, the media will undoubtedly report my letter- but only partially, not telling the whole story. It is likely that none of the positive end-of-the-year reports of your service to the community and none of your amazing accomplishments as a church family in 2009 will be reported. They may get some facts wrong or even misjudge our motivations. I know this is frustrating, but don't let it bother you. See you this weekend! Rick Warren Saddleback Church Purpose Driven Network P.E.A.C.E. Coalition TWITTER @RickWarren

News & Views 12/30/09

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 16:00:00 GMT

Wednesday, December 30, 2009 Dear Saddleback Family, THIS IS AN URGENT LETTER unlike any I've written in 30 years. Please read all of it and get back to me in the next 48 hours. I have thrilling news to share with you below but first some seriously bad news: With 10% of our church family out of work due to the recession, our expenses in caring for our community in 2009 rose dramatically while our income stagnated. Still, with wise management, we've stayed close to our budget all year. Then... this last weekend the bottom dropped out. On the last weekend of 2009, our total offerings were less than half of what we normally receive - leaving us $900,000 in the red for the year, unless you help make up the difference today and tomorrow. Please read this end-of-the-year review and then take one of the 3 actions below. 2009: A BANNER YEAR OF MINISTRY IN SPITE OF THE RECESSION There's so much to share - I can only hit the highlights (maybe 5%) of how your church has served our community this year: YOUR GIFTS HELP THE POOR & THOSE HURT MOST BY THE RECESSION: Saddleback Food Pantry- Your gifts are feeding 400 hurting families in our community each month. Over 2,000 different families received food assistance in 2009, thanks to your generosity and the help of over 250 volunteers. Breakfast Together & Homeless Ministry- Thousands of Saddleback volunteers are serving in the 6 locations hardest hit by poverty here south OC. Financial Coaching- With 10% of our congregation out of work due to the recession, this ministry exploded with growth in 2009. Cars Ministry- Received over 150 donated vehicles. Some were sold to pay for parts to refurbish the rest of the cars which were given to members struggling without transportation. All our mechanics volunteer their time. YOU ARE HELPING THOSE WITH PERSONAL & RELATIONAL PAIN Counseling- Your 230 certified Saddleback counselors provided over 20,000 free counseling sessions to our community this year! Training for new counselors start in January. The need is so great. Support Groups- 193 volunteers lead these specialized small groups that focus on acute needs. We support everything from Alzheimer's and AIDS to Young Adults with Aspergers. Recovery- During the recession, attendance at Celebrate Recovery has grown 35% after 27,000 participated in our 8 week Life's Healing Choices Campaign Experience. A new program for elementary kids, Celebrate Station, was launched. Over 12,000 other churches nationwide now use our Celebrate Recovery program. Prayer Garden- 6,720 people in crisis received warm, face-to-face attention and prayer through our Prayer Garden and Restoration Service. This does not include our counseling ministry. YOU ARE HELPING CHANGE LIVES FOR CHRIST! Baptisms - 2803 people demonstrated their new life in Christ through baptism- the most in 30 years! Joining our Family - 4,026 attended Class 101 in 2009 - another 30 year record. Prison Ministry - CR Inside grew by 20 state representatives who are directing our work in jails, prisons & rehab facilities nationally. Every state will be covered by the end of 2010. YOU ARE HELPING PEOPLE FIND GOD IN WORSHIP There is so much going on with our worship ministries it would require 3 pages. Here are just a few activities you probably don't know about: A 5th Saddleback campus opened in Laguna Woods - Adding to our available services in San Clemente, Irvine, Corona, and Lake Forest. Our Lake Forest worship venues (Overdrive, Praise, Traditions, and others) continue to minister to tens of thousands of spiritually hungry people. 20 worship leaders have been mentored. Saddleback's School of Music & Arts - 472 students took weekly lessons with our ten instructors. Our children's choirs, involving hundreds of kids, did 20 outreach events in our community. Guitarists in God (GIG) Ministry - Over 50 guitarists volunteer to play at nursing homes, our motel ministry to the homeless, urban outreaches, and Bible studies on our campus and in homes. A new credentialing program will launch in 2010. Purpose Driven Radio - Began in 2009 on the Internet, offering 24 hour a day music, daily devotionals, children's programming, and more. You can hear it HERE. Our Ohana Band & Hula Team - (Island music) serve the community as Saddleback ambassadors. YOU ARE HELPING PEOPLE GROW SPIRITUALLY Small Groups - The heart and soul of our church family grew to over 4,000 adult groups, meeting in almost every city in Southern California. We're testing 26 online groups. Talk It Over, our small group studies based on the weekend messages were downloaded 53,893 times for use by groups. Our groups speak over 20 languages. Our online Spiritual Growth Center - was used 44,716 times. All our Bible studies set records for growth. Married Life Pathway - 2,704 people took advantage of our programs for couples to strengthen their marriages in 2009. Our Children's, Jr. High, Senior High & College Ministries - We are shaping thousands of young lives and exploding with record growth. High school ministry doubled in the last year after we opened the Refinery. YOU ARE MAKING A HUGE INTERNATIONAL IMPACT! PEACE Plan & Purpose Driven Leadership Training Worldwide - It would require a book to tell you all your church is doing to Promote reconciliation, Equip leaders, Assist the poor, Care for the sick, and Educate the next generation. No other local church on earth has the international reach that Saddleback does. Over 8,000 Saddleback members have served in 139 countries. PEACE Teams are already planned to serve in the remaining 58 nations of the world in 2010. READING JUST THIS SHORT LIST It's obvious that your giving through your church family is providing more "bang for the buck" than anything else you could support. It is no wonder that our ministry was named the top religious newsmaker of 2009 as reported by Associated Press. YOU CAN HELP SAVE THE DAY 3 WAYS BEFORE JAN 1 Click HERE right now to and give as large an end-of-the-year gift as you can to help avert this crisis. If we all do what God leads us to do, we'll all be a part of a miracle. Mail in your gift today. Gifts must be postmarked in 2009 to be posted as 2009 gifts for tax purposes. Mail to: 1 Saddleback Parkway, Lake Forest, CA 92630. Drop your gift in the box at the front door of the Ministry Center at 1 Saddleback Parkway so you know for certain we get it TODAY or Thursday. Saddleback is the most generous church family I know. You have always come through when asked. Now, you can make a difference, and help us continue serving so many. If we all do our part, we'll end this year in the black and start the new decade with high hopes! I love you so much. It is a deep privilege to be your pastor. I will be teaching again this weekend and writing to you about the lessons I've learned in 2009. If you missed Radical Hope this last weekend, I urge you to watch it on line. I'll see you this weekend! Rick Warren Saddleback Church Purpose Driven Network P.E.A.C.E. Coalition TWITTER @RickWarren