Sacramento Pastors Roundtable

"We're ALWAYS Better together" - See you at the MLK Celbration

2010-09-10T21:15:00.000-07:00

Mlk Celebration - (Sunday, January 16, 2011, 5:30 pm )

Once again it is the pleasure of the Church in Sacramento, California, to inform you that many church leaders city-wide have come together in an attempt to plan and prepare for the upcoming Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration to take place Sunday evening, January 16 at Capital Christian Center. On behalf of all of the pastors and church leaders that have taken part in the initial preparations, we would be honored to have you and your congregation attend this celebration at 5:30 pm. Thank you for your prayer covering for this event!

William Jessup University continues to generously provide the MLK Scholarship Committee scholarships for students in the Sacramento region. The hope is that between all of the churches in this region, we will raise $10,000 a year towards the scholarship for some of Sacramento’s brightest and most gifted young people in the region. We are asking all pastors to receive a second offering between now and January 16, 2011. This will insure our participation in the education for future generations. Please bring the offering with you on January 16 to the celebration.

In regards to the order of service, the Martin Luther King, Jr. celebration choirs always embraces the audience into the joyful presence of the LORD. The guest speaker always furthers that experience with a message from God's Word that blesses and unifies all the congregations in the Sacramento region. On the day of the event we are asking all pastors to meet at 5:00 pm in the Parlour for a time of fellowship and prayer. Refreshments will be served.

At our planning meetings we are finalizing all our promotional material, including radio spots and all local TV affiliates involved. Two weeks prior to the event we will blitz the airwaves. We look forward to your attendance church of the city. Please pray and join us at this event and invite your congregation to participate in this year’s celebration, not only to honor Dr. King, but to pray for America and the direction God is taking our country. If you have any comments, questions, or concerns, please call 856-5690 ext. 224.

On behalf of the MLK Committee:

Pastor Sherwood Carthen - 916-549-8748
Senior Pastor, Bayside of South Sacramento
Pastor Samuel Gordon - 916-856-5683
Community Resources,
Capital Christian Center
http://mlkjrday.net/

Community • Unity • Empowerment
“We’re ALWAYS Better Together!”

A Prayer Bowl that can Change California

2008-10-29T16:10:00.000-07:00

Please Pray The Call at S.D. Qualcomm Stadium

Published on 28 October 2008 in Prayer Mobilization
Source: CCNews Portal

CCNews asks, "Please pray the news

It is obvious to all that this election is probably the most important election in U.S. history. So much is riding on it. i.e., a Possible Constitutional crisis, economic instability and re-distribution of wealth, Abortion and Euphanasia taken to new levels and expanded, the U.S. Supreme Court appointments to be made in the next six months to a year, the expansion of homosexuality into a civil right, government intervention of parental rights, ie. uninformed abortion, subjugating primary school children to homosexual life styles, the Terrorist activities within and without our country, the growing threat of radical Islam demanding the full expression of Muslim culture, language, religion and law within our border and complete tolerance of Islam in every state in all levels of education and public life, the continual intimidation of Christian values and religious practices in the public arena. The list goes on and on ....

Friends, WE ARE in a crisis, the likes of which our nation has never seen before! BUT, there is an answer on what to do and the stadium below is one location where followers of the Lord Jesus Christ are going to humble themselves and pray, and seek His Face, confess their sin and turn from their wicked ways, so that God may hear, forgive and heal our people and land. There MUST BE a pouring out of a Spirit of Repentance on all who attend. There must a moving of God's Spirit on the people of our land to turn to Him in recognition of their sin, a cleansing of heart and soul, and a sincere complete and full surrender to the Lord Jesus Christ, the Creator, Savior, Risen Lord and Coming King before it's too late. God MUST pour out His mercy and grace or we are doomed!

Prophetically the last book of the Bible, specifically Revelation chapters 2 and 3 reveal where we are today. The world-wide Body of Christ can be seen in every description of the Church in those chapters. It is sad BUT true. Jesus is truly standing at the door of the Church, and He is knocking to come in. Oh, I pray He's knocking! I pray we're listening. I pray we'll be turning to Him who can make all things new ... again. If we don't, the alternative and the apocalyptic end will be at hand! God is not mocked! Prophesy WILL BE fulfilled. Read Revelation and pray for insight and understanding.

Please, pray for - The Call - this day, Saturday, November 1, at San Diego Qualcomm Stadium. It will truly be a day that will live on in God's great book of the events and happenings of all mankind!

Dr and Mrs James Dobson (Shirley) will be attending Saturday and speaking at the event. Pray for God's Spirit to prepare and fill their hearts with His message.

http://www.sandiego.gov/qualcomm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Qualcomm_Stadium

Before You Vote, Please Watch This.

2008-10-28T10:06:00.000-07:00

What are the key issues regarding the definition of marriage in the Nov 4th vote in California (Prop 8), Arizona (Prop 102) and Florida (Amendment 2)? (Although taped before a California audience, this program applies to all three states.) Using the alphabet, the key issues are identified in this program. Hear from Ake Green (Sweden), David & Tonia Parker (Massachusetts), Jonathan & Elaine Huguenin (New Mexico), Melissa Fryrear (Colorado), Scott Hoffman (New Jersey), Maggie Gallagher (New York) along with several attorneys and many others. Those for homosexual “marriage” do not want these stories told. The truth is damaging to their cause. Watch this video, then forward it to your friends and family. (Download takes time) This program, entitled “The A, B, C’s of Protecting Marriage,” originated from Skyline Church in the San Diego area and was downlinked to approximately 170 church auditoriums on Sunday night Oct 19, 2008. Please forward this to all your friends, so they will know to vote YES on Prop. 8 (CA), YES on Prop 102 (AZ) and YES on Amendment 2 (FL). Remember, for those of us who are for traditional, natural marriage, truth is our friend. So forward this now.

Sincerely,

Donald E. Wildmon,
Founder and Chairman
American Family Association

Pastor Warren Supports Prop 8 - Vote YES on 8!

2008-10-24T11:32:00.000-07:00

PROPOSITION 8: THE MARRIAGE PROTECTION AMENDMENT

For 5,000 years, EVERY culture and EVERY religion - not just Christianity - has defined marriage as a contract between men and women. There is no reason to change the universal, historical definition of marriage to appease 2% of our population. This is one issue that both Democrats and Republicans can agree on. Both Barack Obama and John McCain have publicly opposed the redefinition of marriage to include so-called "gay marriage." Even some gay leaders, like Al Rantel of KABC oppose watering down the definition of marriage. Of course, my long-time opposition is well known. This is not a political issue, it is a moral issue that God has spoken clearly about. There is no doubt where we should stand on this issue.

This will be a close contest, maybe even decided by a few thousand votes. I urge you to VOTE YES on Proposition 8 - to preserve the biblical definition of marriage. Don't forget to vote!

ALERT - California BAD BILL Prority Action

2008-09-17T14:24:00.000-07:00

September 17, 2008 Sacramento update

Now that Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has pledged to veto the "fake reform" state budget, please call California's Republican state legislators who have the power to BLOCK the budget and in the process DEFEAT hundreds of anti-family bills.

Defeat all anti-family bills? Yes, that's the prize. Schwarzenegger has pledged to veto all the bills that reach his desk if a final budget isn't passed by Sept. 30. All Republicans have to do is block the budget!

On Friday, when Schwarzenegger vetoes the "fake reform" budget, Republican lawmakers will need to only hold out 11 more days. It's up to you to motivate them to hold the line. Read CCF's letter PDF

Please call the Republican legislators, despite many having a self-serving "get out of town" mentality. As Senate Republican leader Dave Cogdill quipped Tuesday morning after the "fake reform" budget passed, "Hopefully, he's (Schwarzenegger's) in a flip-flopping mood and he'll sign this thing and we can move on." Move on? What about being a pro-family champion who will stand firm and kill off all the anti-family bills? The power is in the Republicans' hands...and in yours...when you call, call, call them.

In this extraordinary time, every concerned Californian must rise up and demand that the Republicans (who control the budget because of the two-thirds vote requirement) OPPOSE ANY AND ALL BUDGETS until the Sept. 30 bill-signing deadline has come and gone. Republicans must receive so many phone calls that they are convinced to stand on principle and delay passing any budget until October 1. When Republican legislators receive thousands of calls and do their pro-family duty to delay the budget, hundreds of bad bills will be vetoed, including these:

AB 2567 "Gay Day" May 22nd in public schools with "suitable commemorative exercises" for kindergarten on up- See red phone # below
AB 2747 Nurse-assisted suicide via total sedation, causing death by dehydration within 5 to 10 days
AB 3015 Forces foster parents to teach foster children about homosexual-bisexual-transsexual "rights"
SB 908 Requires children in public schools to be taught "global warming" as fact when it's a theory

SB 1322 Allows open communists who advocate government overthrow to be public school teachers
SB 1729 Requires nurses to be "trained" to support homosexuality, bisexuality, and transsexuality

ACT NOW: Please pick up the phone and call as many California Republican state legislators as you can. Urge them to "Vote NO on the budget. Don't pass any budget until October 1st. Defeat all the anti-family bills. I expect you to delay the budget so hundreds of bad bills will be vetoed."

Click here to contact all 32 Assembly Republicans | Click here to contact all 15 Senate Republicans

Especially call these 21 Republican lawmakers who voted for "fake reform" on Sept. 16, and apparently didn't care about stopping all the anti-family bills by delaying the budget

Assemblyman Anthony Adams (R-Hesperia) 916-319-2059	Assemblyman Greg Aghazarian (R-Stockton) 916-319-2026
Assemblyman John Benoit (R-Palm Desert) 916-319-2064	Assemblyman Sam Blakeslee (R-San Luis Obispo) 916-319-2033
Assemblyman Paul Cook (R-Yucaipa) 916-319-2065	Assemblyman Chuck DeVore (R-Irvine) 916-319-2070
Assemblywoman Bonnie Garcia (R-Cathedral City) 916-319-2080	Assemblyman Guy Houston (R-San Ramon) 916-319-2015
Assemblyman Bob Huff (R-Diamond Bar) 916-319-2060	Assemblyman Rick Keene (R-Chico) 916-319-2003
Assemblyman Roger Niello (R-Sacramento) 916-319-2005	Assemblywoman Sharon Runner (R-Lancaster) 916-319-2036
Assemblywoman Audra Strickland (R-Camarillo) 916-319-2037	Assemblyman Van Tran (R-Costa Mesa) 916-319-2068
Assemblyman Mike Villines (Republican leader) 916-319-2029	Senator Jim Battin 916-651-4037 (R-Riverside County)
Senator Dave Cogdill 916-651-4014 (Republican leader; represents San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Madera, Fresno, Mariposa, Tuolumne co's)	Senator Tom Harman 916-651-4035 (R-Huntington Beach; coastal half of Orange County)
Senator Bob Dutton 916-651-4031 (R-Rancho Cucamonga; southwest San Bernardino County and northwest Riverside County)	Senator Dave Cox 916-651-4001 (R-Sacramento; Alpine, Amador, Calaveras, El Dorado, Lassen, Modoc, Mono, Plumas and Sierra; and portions of Nevada, Placer and Sacramento co's)

State Assembly 2008 budget floor vote | State Senate 2008 budget floor vote

Make your position known regarding Harvey Milk Day....
1) Dial 1 916-445-2841 This gets you into the Gov. phone system
2)Press 1 for English
3)Press 2 This gets you into the queue to "vote" your opinion on AB 2567
4) Press the prompt for AB 2567
5) Press 2 to record a NO (veto) vote.
It takes less than 15 seconds. I got through a couple times two months ago but it has been BUSY the past two days.....persistance!!!

# # #

CAMPAIGN FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES (CCF) is a leading West Coast pro-family organization empowering citizens to live out their values. Sign up today for CCF's free email updates at www.savecalifornia.com. Your partnership empowers CCF's innovative work on behalf of children and families in culture, media and government. Please support CCF by making a secure online donation or by sending a tax-deductible gift of any size to:
Campaign for Children and Families
Randy Thomasson, President
P.O. Box 511, Sacramento, CA 95812
(916) 265-5650
www.savecalifornia.com
www.saveamerica.net

The Oasis Movement - Crescent Project

2008-09-16T12:30:00.000-07:00

A fantastic conference is coming to Sacramento in October. As you know, Islam is growing quickly in America and many Christians wonder how to respond, how to reach out, how not to hate. This conference, The Oasis Movement, is run by a wonderful group called Crescent Project http://www.crescentproject.org/ . Its goal is to help Christians share Christ with Muslims in our communities; we don’t have to go “to” them in other countries – they are coming to us.

The conference is Oct 23-25^th, at the First Covenant Church of Sacramento . Might you be interested to go? For more info email Joni at njb@swissmail.org.

CCNews.org also recommends this website: About Islam and Rules for Witnessing to Muslims.

We remember ...

2008-09-11T12:39:00.001-07:00

Sacramentans remember 9-11 .

2008-09-09T13:20:00.001-07:00

Northern California Clergy Briefing

Values Advocacy Council and VAC Action cordially invite you to participate in the

Clergy Policy Briefing

Preserving Biblical Marriage in California

With Special Guests

Tony Perkins
Family Research Council

Bishop Harry Jackson
High Impact Ministries

Congressman Louie Gohmert, (R) TX

Pastor Miles McPherson
The Rock Church , San Diego

Ron Prentice

California Family Council

Rick Green*
Wallbuilders

and other guest speakers

To be held at the Rotary Summit Center
88 South 4th Street, San Jose CA 95113 7th Floor
on Monday, September 29th
from 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM

Lunch is complimentary
and will be provided by VAC Action

To reserve your space, please RSVP No Later Than Monday, September 22nd, 2008
by calling 408-267-0800 or on line at RSVP here.

Space is limited and will be accepted on a first call basis.

*Invited, not yet confirmed.

Public Policy Events at WJU inform ...

2008-09-09T11:10:00.000-07:00

Pastors,

Here are a few events that our Public Policy Department, at William Jessup University is hosting that many in your church may have interest in attending.

If you have any questions or to rsvp for any of these events, please contact academics@jessup.edu or 916-577-2256.

September 14:

2:00-3:00 pm, Lecture Hall

Gabrielle Jackson, a junior in the Public Policy Degree Program, is holding a booksigning for her work Not Another Teen Rally. This book is a guide to equip her generation to make a Christian impact on their communities. Please support Gabrielle and celebrate her accomplishment at this special event.

3:00-6:00 pm , Lecture Hall

First Priority: Strategies for our Churches and Communities featuring Benny Proffitt. This is a community event organized by the Kingdom Builders Foundation and co-sponsored by the Public Policy Department. Join community members in discussing strategies to address our communities most pressing concerns.

September 17:

6:00-8:00 pm, Lecture Hall

4^th Annual Constitution Day Forum: Policy Implications of the Marriage Initiative. This year’s Constitution Day Forum will feature an expert panel that will discuss the constitutional and societal impact of Proposition 8. Panelists include Bill Clark of Bayside Church and Brad Dacus of the Pacific Justice Institute. Please join students, community members, and policy leaders in this significant Constitution Day Forum.

September 26:

9:00am-12:00pm, Lecture Hall

Economic Roundtable on Human Trafficking. The Public Policy Department is co-sponsoring this event with the Orange County Task Force on Human Trafficking, Agape International, the WJU Chapter of the International Justice Mission, and the WJU Business Department. The event features Laura Lederer who serves as the U.S. State Department’s senior official on the monitoring of human trafficking as well as a host of expert panelists from Northern and Southern California . The event will explore the issue and the impact in our communities. Please join policy and business leaders and advocates for this important policy event.

Jim Jessup,
Director of Church Relations & Alumni

WILLIAM JESSUP UNIVERSITY
333 Sunset Blvd.
Rocklin , CA 95765
Tel 916.577.1802
Fax 916.577.1813
jjessup@jessup.edu
www.jessup.edu

Vote FOR Proposition 8

2008-06-03T10:11:00.001-07:00

California Proposition 8 (2008) - VOTE - YES !

Proposition 8 is an initiative measure on the 2008 California General Election ballot that, if passed, would amend the California Constitution to provide that "only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California," thus constitutionally eliminating the right to same-sex marriage. The measure as submitted for the ballot by petitioners is called the "California Marriage Protection Act."^[1]^[2] The ballot title, as prepared by the Attorney General Jerry Brown, is "Eliminates Right of Same-sex Couples to Marry." READ MORE and MORE

CLICK HERE

Schrag: Why the Marriage Exclusion Act May be Defeated in November in California

Natural Marriage is Unconstitional ??

2008-05-24T08:19:00.000-07:00

Churches - Pastors - please speak out!

Published on 24 May 2008 in Marriage
Source: Protect Marriage .com

A Message from the ProtectMarriage.com Executive Committee

The Supreme Court Decision

The Signature Validation Process

Seeking the Court’s ‘Stay’

The Campaign Ahead

The Decision – On May 15^th, 2008, by a 4 to 3 vote, the California Supreme Court ruled that the protection of historic, natural marriage was “unconstitutional.” Four members of the Court overruled 4.6 million California voters who, a short eight years ago, reaffirmed in law the definition of marriage as only between a man and a woman. As one of the three dissenting justices said, the majority of the court is guilty of “seriously overstepping the judicial power,” resulting in a “cataclysmic transformation” of the institution of marriage “by judicial fiat.”

The Validation Process – Be encouraged! The people of California successfully acted to place a constitutional amendment on the November 2008 ballot! More than 1.1 million signatures have been submitted to the 58 counties for validation, and we expect to receive the formal notice of qualification by mid-June. Without the foresight and passion of the ProtectMarriage.com coalition, the sanctity of marriage in California would have been destroyed, and its effects would have been felt nationwide!

Seeking the Court’s ‘Stay’ –Unless the Supreme Court agrees to “stay” its order until the November election, same-sex marriages will be available in California within 30 days of the Court’s decision. Representing the Proposition 22 Legal Defense and Education Fund, attorneys with the Alliance Defense Fund have submitted a “Request for Rehearing” to the Supreme Court of California. To read the summary, click here.

Neither Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger nor Attorney General Jerry Brown have yet offered their support to the people of California by seeking a stay.

Two opportunities for action are also available via phone or petition. We encourage you to make your opinion regarding marriage known to the Governor by calling 916.445.2841 and following the automated prompts. To directly influence the Governor by presenting him with petition signatures, click here to participate in Family Research Council’s petition.

Should the elected leadership and Supreme Court of California disregard the will of the people (again) by refusing to issue a stay, same-sex marriages will be legal until the vote of the people in November’s general election.

The Campaign Ahead – Strategy, Money, Volunteers, and Media. The plan is taking shape, but success in November depends on continued coalition with organizations, churches and individuals. Already, pastors are contacting ProtectMarriage.com offering their help in time and influence. Volunteers will be needed in every part of the state for the distribution of ProtectMarriage.com resources and the hosting of events to broaden the reach of the message.

Funding is critically necessary. The qualification effort required million, and financial resources came from more than 10,000 individual gifts. The campaign phase will cost several times that amount, and ProtectMarriage.com will be pursuing funding within California and across the nation due to the potential impact of this issue.

To make a secure donation online now, click here.

And now, we move forward with anticipation and a workload like never before! We count our blessings for you and for the established coalition, and we ask for your continued financial help.

Ron Prentice ,

Chairman, ProtectMarriage.com

The Opponents View - CCNews: You need to know the opponents view and tactics, because we are loosing the War for the Traditional Family and - Biblical view of marriage. Conservatives and Christians, Pastors and Churches need to speak out and not be afraid. If you think you're going to loose your "tax status", hear this -- what's more important: speaking the truth in love, or "offending" others and being intimidated into silence? Please, local churches and pastors in California, "speak out" and teach what the scriptures say. Please -- Don't remain silent!

YOUR Voice Must be HEARED ...

2008-05-24T06:56:00.000-07:00

Tell Arnold let the people decide!

On May 15th four members of the California Supreme Court committed an outrage against the people of the Golden State and, potentially, all Americans. They struck down a law adopted by California voters in March 2000 and imposed homosexual marriage in the state. Under this ruling, the state's public school curricula, businesses, government agencies, and even certain religious entities will almost certainly be forced to recognize homosexual "weddings."

Even though Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) had vetoed two legislative attempts to create same-sex "marriage," he has now capitulated and said he will not support a measure likely to be on the November ballot that will make preserve man-woman marriage. Earlier this week, Schwarzenegger even joked that this abusive ruling will bring a tourist boom to California. He told reporters, "You know, I'm wishing everyone good luck with their marriages and I hope that California's economy is booming because everyone is going to come here and get married."

All joking aside, the Governor has put his finger on a big issue. Homosexual couples from across the nation will flock to sunny California this summer, obtain marriage "licenses," and return home to use them to batter every other state and its voters into submission. The real "booming" you will hear is the destruction of our nation's laws protecting the institution of marriage.

Please act now and sign our petition to Gov. Schwarzenegger. Urge him to speak out not only for man-woman marriage but for the right of the people, not the courts, to decide this question. When you have done so, forward this message to your friends and ask them to sign as well. There is no time to lose. Homosexual couples may be able to obtain marriage licenses in California as soon as next month.

Thank you for taking action now, and may God bless you.

Restore Man-Woman Marriage in California

Tony Perkins
President

2008-04-11T16:15:00.001-07:00

TheCall Jerusalem - May 11, 2008
www.thecall.com

Unions Control California Politics

2008-03-19T09:32:00.001-07:00

See who is holding California by the political throat. These strongholds require much prayer and fasting.

PK Conference - Fresno - June 27-28

2008-03-15T13:38:00.000-07:00

Register

	*
	*
* Includes 2008 worship CD!

Three Easy Ways to Register!

1) Online:	This option saves PK valuable dollars. Simply click on the appropriate button above.
2) Phone:	1-866-PROMISE (8:00am-8:00pm, M-F, MT) NOTE: A .50 administrative fee will be added to your registration if you choose to purchase your wristband over the phone.
3) Mail:	Download this form, fill it out and mail it to us.

Additional Resources

Pray for Your City/State Jeremiah 29:1-13

2008-03-13T19:31:00.001-07:00

Click on NDP Logo to Activate

ABOUT 7X7 - National Day of Prayer May 1, 2008

Are you willing to commit to pray for our country seven days a week? Are you able to set aside time in your car, during your coffee break, or before bedtime? We want to challenge you make this prayer commitment.

7x7 involves praying for seven centers of power seven days a week: Government, Military, Media, Business, Education, Church and Family. By remembering these specific prayer points, we can cover all Americans with God's power.

Together, we will see positive change!

REMEMNBER Also the Global Day of Prayer - May 17 - 26

GDoP - PRAYER GUIDE

12 Key Indicators of a Transformed City

2008-02-13T12:13:00.001-08:00

A GREAT Way to mobilize prayer for our City!

2007-12-06T12:31:00.000-08:00

Seek God for the City 2008

Helping Christians pray with biblical hope for their communities.

High hope, low hype, and centered on Christ's glory.

Get a look at the latest edition of Seek God for the City. The newly-crafted prayers and crisp look will help your people pray for friends and neighbors with vibrant prayers ablaze with biblical hope.

Lead your people to step into a forty-day adventure of praying the desires of God with vivid, relevant prayers from the promises of scripture. The 64-page booklet is a proven tool that unites and guides whole churches in persistent prayer for spiritual awakening throughout their communities.

It’s timed to guide prayer through the forty days leading to Palm Sunday, February 6 through April 16, 2008. A children's companion version and a Spanish translation will soon be available at no cost online.

We are offering a complimentary review copy to leaders in recognized positions of pastoral or prayer leadership. Call our office at 800-264-5214 to request a review copy.

It's affordable. For as little as $1.20 each, the significant quantity discounts make it possible to equip many in your church or community. ($3 single copy price.)

It is very convenient to view a sample page or place an order on line. For more information please visit us at www.waymakers.org

Take a look at your calendar. Seek God for the City comes earlier next year. It is not too soon to order copies now.

Steve Hawthorne, Director

WayMakers
P O Box 203131
Austin, TX 78720
512-419-7729
www.waymakers.org

Review: The Golden Compass - Embracing and glorifying child sacrifice

2007-12-01T19:42:00.000-08:00

Published on 2 December 2007 in Family / Marriage
Source: Doug Britton Books - Family & Marriage

Excellent Review by Doug Britton, author, teacher, speaker
http://www.dougbrittonbooks.com/

If you think it's a good idea to sacrifice (in other words,
to kill) a boy in an effort to destroy God, then you will
love the Golden Compass (the first in a series of three
popular books) that has recently been made into a movie.

I like science fiction, and I've read a lot of it. A few
years ago I read the Golden Compass. At first I was
impressed by the vivid writing and creative story line. As
I read, though, I began to sense that something was wrong
with the book.

However, I was completely unprepared for the ending in
which one of the major characters imprisoned and then
killed a boy as part of a plan to challenge and eventually
kill God.

It was the most horrifying example of child abuse I have
ever read in literature, yet the killer was portrayed as a
heroic person trying to destroy God. What at first seemed
to be a creative and compelling story line descended into
well-written evil in which child-murder is portrayed as a
way to gain spiritual power, and God is portrayed as a
horrible being.

The producers of the soon-to-be-released movie version of
the Golden Compass have removed some of the most evil parts
of the book. They say, however, that if enough people pay
to watch the movie they will make two followup movies that
are more "true" to the books.

Consider carefully the message you would be giving to the
producers by paying money to watch this movie. Consider too
whether or not this is the type of message to which you
want to expose yourself and your children.

Please feel free to forward this email.

Doug Britton
Sacramento, CA
doug@dougbrittonbooks.com
http://www.dougbrittonbooks.com/

Take Stand - Boycott "The Golden Compass"

2007-11-29T07:17:00.001-08:00

Church of Scotland Rejects 'Golden Compass' Boycott Calls
The Church of Scotland is going against the tide of opposition to the soon-to-be-released movie The Golden Compass by rejecting calls for its boycott and saying it is instead "looking forward to a major cinematic event this ...

Churches Can Make the Difference!

2007-11-08T16:51:00.001-08:00

Church Petition Drives
Yes, your church can participate!

Church Petition Drives

Churches are an integral part of our communities. They are a beacon of light that provide love, guidance and support. Churches also play a very important role in informing and educating their members. The Save Our Kids campaign is blessed to partner with many denominations throughout our state in dispersing petitions. Thank you to the courageous pastors and church volunteers who are working so hard on the referendum campaign!

If your church has not yet signed up to assist in the campaign, we have some wonderful resources help you get started.

First, Concerned Women for America of California has produced a special flyer on "How to Conduct a Petition Drive at your Church". This easy to follow guide describes specific steps your church can take to gather SB 777 referendum petition signatures.

Second, Concerned Women for America has also produced a brochure called "Political Guidelines for Churches and Pastors". This brochure is another resource that will inform and empower pastors. Churches have a great deal of liberty and this brochure will explain their rights and responsibilities.

Third, Pacific Justice Institute has prepared a letter to pastors that informs them of their rights to participate in the SB 777 referendum campaign.

We recommend printing these three resources and taking them to your pastor. If he has any questions, feel free to contact either the Save our Kids campaign or Pacific Justice Institute.

Keep in mind that if we get 777 churches to gather 1,000 signatures, we will certainly qualify the referendum for the ballot.

Please encourage your church to be one of those 777 churches that stands up for righteousness and truth in our state.

Church Resources

How to Conduct a Petition Drive at your Church

Political Guidelines for Churches and Pastors

Constitutional Protections for Pastors

Pacific Justice Institute Letter to Pastors

Just the Facts on SB 777

· There is legal protection for students without SB 777

· SB 777 changes the law on instruction and activities

· Protection for homosexual, bisexual, and transgender students has been law since 2000.

o The Student Safety and Violence Prevention Act of 2000 (AB 537) protects "all persons in public schools." It prohibits discrimination based on actual and perceived sexual orientation.

o It explicitly extends protection from the California Penal Code to schools. The Penal Code protects all people in the enjoyment of their rights, as secured in the federal Constitution, United States law, the state Constitution, and state laws.

o AB 394, passed in 2007, requires the State Department of Education to "monitor adherence" to AB 537. This may include state monitoring of student attitudes on sexual orientations.

o Bottom line: AB 537 establishes equal protection for every California public school student, which makes SB 777 unnecessary.

· SB 777 does not streamline existing California Educational Code. It adds to the law.

o AB 537 purposely excluded school instruction and activities from non-discrimination law.

o It reads: "Nothing in [AB 537] requires the inclusion of any curriculum, textbook, presentation, or other material in any program or activity ---"

o SB 777 purposely adds new mandates for school instruction and activities.

o It reads: "No teacher shall give instruction nor shall a school district sponsor any activity that promotes a discriminatory bias" against homosexuality, bisexuality, or transsexuality.

o Bottom line: SB 777 adds school instruction and activities to the things that cannot promote "bias," which elevates homosexuality, bisexuality, and transsexuality in public schools.

· SB 777 is a mandate for every school district, ending local control on sensitive issues.

o Under the equal protection of AB 537, each school district has discretion over how it addresses the sensitive issues of homosexuality, bisexuality, and transsexuality.

o SB 777 takes away parental and local control and discretion over how to address these issues.

o SB 777 specifically includes charter schools in these new mandates.

o Bottom line: SB 777 normalizes homosexuality, bisexuality, and transsexuality across the state, without room for local discretion on addressing these issues.

Printable Version of Just the Facts

Why Petitions are not Online

Here is a brief summary of why we cannot post the petitions on our web site:

The petitions are 11 x 17 and are 4 fold, like a booklet. Most citizens do not have printers that can print 11 x 17 paper.

Because this is a referendum (not an initiative), we must include the entire text of SB 777. The bill is over 30 pages long, thus making the referendum petition very long.

Many of the local county election offices, where referendum petitions are turned in, would reject petitions not in the specific print layout or stapled together. We cannot risk invalidating thousands of vital signatures because the petitions were not printed properly or printed on separate pages and stapled together.

We have consulted with both our attorneys and consultants and they are all in agreement that we must not put them online. These are the same very experienced consultants that conducted the Save Our License initiative and were very involved in the Davis recall effort.

Because most people cannot print the petitions and we cannot staple them (they must be in a booklet format), we are forced to print the petitions ourselves and then distribute them.

If you would like to contribute to effort, please consider a donation today.

Donate online today:
Please make your most generous donation TODAY!

Please send checks to:

Save Our Kids

c/o Capitol Resource Family Impact

660 J Street, Suite 250

Sacramento, CA 95814

Petition Instrutions

As soon as you receive your petitions in the mail, please carefully read the instructions. If the instructions are not followed exactly, the petition could be invalidated.

When gathering signatures, keep these important rules in mind:

One to ten voters may sign each petition.
Each voter must PRINT their NAME and ADDRESS where they are registered to vote and then SIGN in the space provided.
Every person who signs the petition must be in the SAME COUNTY. If people from more than one county wish to sign, start a new petition for each county.
The circulator does NOT have to be a voter in the county where they are gathering signatures and must sign the bottom part of the petition.
Only registered voters can circulate petitions.
You may circulate as many petitions as you want, but may sign only one petition.
A petition is valid with only one signature.
Each petition must have a circulator sign the bottom, even if the signer and circulator is the same person.

If you have any questions, please visit our FAQ atwww.SaveOurKids.net or e-mail signthepetition@gmail.com.

Thank you for your commitment to our cause-we could not do this without your support!

Bill Hybels REPENTS: "We made a mistake."

2007-11-02T22:26:00.000-07:00

Forwarded by CCNews.org and http://www.topic.us/

Dear Pastors and Elders of Sacramento,

Rarely I have been more proud of a church leader than when Bill Hybels recently repented for doing church the wrong way. I love Bill's honesty and respect him even more than I did before his repentance.

I also found his confession deeply affirming. I have been endeavoring to teach, write, model and call pastors and leaders and fellow believers to do simple church by focusing on the basics.

Excellent programming and systems was the Willow Creek claim to fame. What Bill Hybels did was issue a public statement repenting for some of their leadership practices. After an in-depth evaluation of the success of their programs they had concluded that much of their programming had not resulted in true spiritual growth. Their conclusion was that a church that builds a dependency on programs for discipleship will ultimately fail. Bill and the Willow Creek team concluded that Bible study, prayer, discipleship and missional community are all practices that must be instilled into people in a way that makes them depend on God for growth. It always just comes back to the basics. You can't program the basics, you have to instill them into people through one-on-one personal discipleship in a small community of outward focused people.

Reading about Bill's repentance confirmed to me that we are on the right track in emphasizing the following three "basics" as the only foundation for training and discipling leaders and workers in the kingdom:

1. Love for God by cultivating a lifestyle of prayer, fasting and reading the Word

2. Love for each other as members of the same community by intentionally investing and discipling in one another

3. Love for those who do not yet follow Jesus

I would like to quote the following article from another website about the Willow Creek Repentance to give you more background.

May god strengthen us all in our commitment to live a life of simple yet focused obedience,

Floyd McClung

Willow Creek Repents?

Click here for original article
Why the most influential church in America now says "We made a mistake."

Few would disagree that Willow Creek Community Church has been one of the most influential churches in America over the last thirty years. Willow, through its association, has promoted a vision of church that is big, programmatic, and comprehensive. This vision has been heavily influenced by the methods of secular business. James Twitchell, in his new book Shopping for God, reports that outside Bill Hybels’ office hangs a poster that says: “What is our business? Who is our customer? What does the customer consider value?” Directly or indirectly, this philosophy of ministry—church should be a big box with programs for people at every level of spiritual maturity to consume and engage—has impacted every evangelical church in the country.

So what happens when leaders of Willow Creek stand up and say, “We made a mistake”?

Not long ago Willow released its findings from a multiple year qualitative study of its ministry. Basically, they wanted to know what programs and activities of the church were actually helping people mature spiritually and which were not. The results were published in a book, Reveal: Where Are You?, co-authored by Greg Hawkins, executive pastor of Willow Creek. Hybels called the findings “earth shaking,” “ground breaking,” and “mind blowing.”

If you’d like to get a synopsis of the research you can watch a video with Greg Hawkins here. And Bill Hybels’ reactions, recorded at last summer’s Leadership Summit, can be seen here. Both videos are worth watching in their entirety, but below are few highlights.

In the Hawkins’ video he says, “Participation is a big deal. We believe the more people participating in these sets of activities, with higher levels of frequency, it will produce disciples of Christ.” This has been Willow’s philosophy of ministry in a nutshell. The church creates programs/activities. People participate in these activities. The outcome is spiritual maturity. In a moment of stinging honesty Hawkins says, “I know it might sound crazy but that’s how we do it in churches. We measure levels of participation.”Having put all of their eggs into the program-driven church basket you can understand their shock when the research revealed that “Increasing levels of participation in these sets of activities does NOT predict whether someone’s becoming more of a disciple of Christ. It does NOT predict whether they love God more or they love people more.&rdq uo;

Speaking at the Leadership Summit, Hybels summarized the findings this way:

Some of the stuff that we have put millions of dollars into thinking it would really help our people grow and develop spiritually, when the data actually came back it wasn’t helping people that much. Other things that we didn’t put that much money into and didn’t put much staff against is stuff our people are crying out for.

Having spent thirty years creating and promoting a multi-million dollar organization driven by programs and measuring participation, and convincing other church leaders to do the same, you can see why Hybels called this research “the wake up call” of his adult life.

Hybels confesses:

We made a mistake. What we should have done when people crossed the line of faith and become Christians, we should have started telling people and teaching people that they have to take responsibility to become ‘self feeders.’ We should have gotten people, taught people, how to read their bible between service, how to do the spiritual practices much more aggressively on their own.

In other words, spiritual growth doesn’t happen best by becoming dependent on elaborate church programs but through the age old spiritual practices of prayer, bible reading, and relationships. And, ironically, these basic disciplines do not require multi-million dollar facilities and hundreds of staff to manage.

Does this mark the end of Willow’s thirty years of influence over the American church? Not according to Hawkins:

Our dream is that we fundamentally change the way we do church. That we take out a clean sheet of paper and we rethink all of our old assumptions. Replace it with new insights. Insights that are informed by research and rooted in Scripture. Our dream is really to discover what God is doing and how he’s asking us to transform this planet.

Pray - Think - Pray - Act

2007-09-21T00:48:00.001-07:00

Awake America !

Published on 21 September 2007 in America WakeUp
Source: CCNews Portal & Blogs

What you are about to see is startling, factual, accurate and compelling. It is the hope of CCNews Portal that you will copy this page link from CCNews and send it to millions of Americans before it's too late. America and the Church in America must wake up! The key to deliverance is in the hands of the Church and followers of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Please -- CLICK HERE ! What are you going to do??

Please, "pray the news"

2 Chronicles 7:14

How Should the Pastoral Community Respond?

2007-09-12T00:13:00.000-07:00

California Legislature Defruads Electorate;
Violates Constitution With Same Sex Marriage Bill

The California legislature has once again passed legislation to destroy the definition of marriage by redefining marriage in the California code as a civil contract between two persons. The last time the legislature passed such a bill in 2005, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger vetoed it. This is a clear case where the immoral elected majority of the California state legislature is defrauding those who elected them by going against the clear will of the electorate and divine will as outlined in the California constitution and is placing the citizens of California at risk.

The preamble of the California constitution states, "We, the People of the State of California, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, in order to secure and perpetuate its blessings, do establish this Constitution." Section 4 of the California constitution grants: "The free exercise and enjoyment of religious profession and worship, without discrimination or preference, shall forever be allowed in this State; and no person shall be rendered incompetent to be a witness on account of his opinions on matters of religious belief; but the liberty of conscience, hereby secured, shall not be so construed as to acts of licentiousness, or justify practices inconsistent with the peace or safety of this State."

Here, the California constitution is very specific-it gives gratitude to Almighty God for freedom and establishes the constitution to perpetuate the benefits of God's blessings. In Section 4, the California constitution guarantees religious freedom, but says that religion cannot be used to justify licentiousness or practices inconsistent with the safety of the state. Licentiousness means "Lacking moral discipline or ignoring legal restraint, especially in sexual conduct." Same sex marriage violates both Biblical and religious morality because homosexuality is immoral and presents a public safety hazard because of AIDS and dozens of other sexually transmitted diseases associated with the homosexual lifestyle.

Throughout the Bible, homosexuality is condemned as immoral. Both Romans and 1st Corinthians in the New Testament condemn homosexuality. In the Old Testament Leviticus 18:22 says, "Thou shalt not lie with mankind as with womankind: it is abomination." So the California constitution already bans same sex marriage. In 2000, 61.4 percent of Californian's voted that "Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California." Yet immoral elected officials in California seek to force this unconstitutional "licentiousness" upon their citizens. This underscores the importance of electing moral people to office and how the immoral attempt to legitimize themselves by forcing their radical beliefs on others.

Bill Wilson

Word of Life Ministry

www.dailyjot.com

Bin Laden Video Urges Americans to Convert to Islam

2007-09-07T22:33:00.001-07:00

The God of the Holy Bible says:

"Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!" (Psalm 46:10)

- AP

Osama bin Laden appeared for the first time in three years in a videotape Friday released ahead of the 6th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks, telling Americans they should convert to Islam if they want the war in Iraq to end, according to a transcript obtained by FOX News. Bin Laden made no overt threats and did not directly call for attacks, according to the transcript. Instead, he addresses Americans, lecturing them on the failures of their leaders to stop the war in Iraq despite growing public opposition in the U.S.

· This tape is actually a very dangerous signal to all Americans, for before a Moslem attacks, he must invite his intended target to embrace the teachings of Islam. Continue to stand your watch against any and all incursions in the days immediately ahead. Cry out for mercy for our nation -- a mercy which we do not deserve, but which is the nature of our heavenly Father to bestow, even so. Stay alert and be prepared in all ways: spiritually, mentally, physically and emotionally.

· "Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked, for the LORD will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being snared." (Proverbs 3:25,26)

OUR PRAYER OF REPENTANCE

CCNews ~ "God and Father, You have heard to call of him who would call us to desert You the One True and Living God. Grant to us as a nation a spirit of repentance, where we recognize afresh and anew our historical founding and spiritual significance in modern history. The outward appearance is we have abandon our God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Grant to us, Oh God, a spirit of true humility to come upon us. Help us to want to pray to You the living God, the God of all Creation, the Maker of Heaven and Earth. May we have a growing desire to pray and talk with You as a friend to a Friend. Help us to seek Your Face as looking for one in a crowd in the circumstances of our life. Oh God help us to turn from all our harmful thoughts, words and ways that we treat others and turn on ourselves. Help us to be truly sorry for our wicked ways. We need for You to hear our heart, forgive our sin, and to heal all the land of our broken life. We come to You by way of the Cross of Jesus Christ, His shed blood for our sins and all mankind, and with the hope and promise of new life through Christ's resurrection. Amen." ~ Editor, CCNews

2007-09-04T11:25:00.001-07:00

Please PRAY FOR THE MUSLIM WORLD

Cityreaching at wiki ...

2007-09-04T10:52:00.000-07:00

About the CityReaching wiki...

NEW at CityReaching.org:

Ideas about collaborative Tagging?
Collaboratively using the wiki for Midwest Gospel Quartet Conference (live scheduling)
The CityReaching Movement just went live on 'Facebook' -- How Could THAT Help?]
Cityreaching-focused innovation course... "New Media for Urban Change".]

This wiki is for collaboratively growing the global cityreaching movement... together... city by city... neighborhood by neighborhood. In other words, it's the Great Commission... working together to ensure every man, woman and child in our communities get the opportunity to know & enjoy Jesus Christ as Lord. Loving our neighbors as ourselves includes inviting them to enjoy being part of His family/team. The family of God serves as 'salt & light' to our communities... collectively & concertedly being participating agents of His justice & mercy in the here & now. This wiki expedites connecting, discovering & sharing what each of our cityreaching movements look like (at their current status). We trust it will raise the big questions... and attempt to answer them... and press some of those answers into action.

Prayer Alert for San Francisco !

2007-09-01T13:23:00.001-07:00

Support Your Missions Outreach of Prayer

2007-08-28T10:29:00.000-07:00

Increase Your Missions news capacity for praying

After click the Continent, scroll down to the Regions of the World at ABYZ Newslinks and select the country where you have missions from your local church or denomination, click on a news link, read and pray what God impresses upon your heart.

New! California Clergy Connection

2007-08-28T09:33:00.000-07:00

Dear Pastor:

It is our joy to be able to communicate with you and to pray for you, your family and your ministry.

With this issue of our California Clergy Connection we recommend you download the latest version of Adobe Reader (it's free!) in order to access the live links in the attached pdf file (a copy of the text is provided below.) Just go to this link and follow the instructions: http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html

Serving our wonderful Lord together!

Trudy K. Thomas

California Family Council's

California Clergy Connection

Cell: 909.732.8361

TrudyT@CaliforniaFamily.org

2007-07-12T20:42:00.001-07:00

Protesters disrupt Senate's 1st Hindu prayer

Please, "pray the news"

USA Today has more to READ

WASHINGTON (AP) — A Hindu clergyman made history Thursday by offering the Senate's morning prayer, but only after police officers removed three shouting protesters from the visitors' gallery.

Rajan Zed, director of interfaith relations at a Hindu temple in Reno, gave the brief prayer that opens each day's Senate session. As he stood at the chamber's podium in a bright orange and burgundy robe, two women and a man began shouting "this is an abomination" and other complaints from the gallery. READ MORE

2007-07-04T15:35:00.000-07:00

Celebration of Liberty on 07/07/07

The Spirit and the Bride say “Come” join us for a

“CELEBRATION OF LIBERTY”

On Saturday, 07/07/07, at 10:00 A.M.

On the South Lawn of the Capitol in Sacramento

Heaven has released the vision of 120 Shofars surrounding the Capitol in Sacramento

2007-07-03T16:21:00.001-07:00

FCMI INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE

Fellowship Covenant Ministries International
FCMI INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ( Register )

Date:
JULY 10-13, 2007

Location:
Calvary Christian Center (North Campus)
2727 Del Paso Boulevard, Sacramento, CA 95815

CONFERENCE TOPICS or click here or click here

2007-07-02T10:38:00.000-07:00

Crosswalk Weekly Update
Welcome to the Crosswalk Weekly Update, a free newsletter from Crosswalk.com, the world's largest Christian website. We honor your privacy and time If this newsletter no longer meets your needs, please use the unsubscribe link at the bottom of this newsletter and you will be removed immediately.

FAITH

Should the Church and its Ministers be Controversial?
Bill Ellis
No matter what you say or write, there is no controversy until someone does not agree with you.
Read the full article here

New Book Debunks Megachurch Myths
Ginny McCabe
Beyond Megachurch Myths: What We Can Learn from America's Largest Churches takes a look at seven common myths about megachurches.
Read the full article here

NEWS

British Human Rights Organization Issues Call to Prayer for North Korea
Michael Ireland
Following the release of a major report on human rights abuses in North Korea, Christians and churches around the world are being asked to pray for North Korea.
Read the full article here

FAMILY

Submission: Insights from a Strong-Willed Wife
Debbie L. Cherry, Ph.D
As strong-willed women, we struggle to let go of control and really allow our husbands to take their God given role in our homes...
Read the full article here

Now and Not Yet: Helping Your Kids Embrace Purity in Their 20's
Mark Earley
Instead of teaching our kids, "You'll just need to practice this discipline for a few years," we need to instill in them habits of a long road of obedience, in this and all other aspects of life.
Read the full article here

You are Invited to participate in prayer ...

2007-06-20T23:53:00.001-07:00

For July 14, 2007

Dear Community Leaders:

An exciting day in our community is about to take place. It is a day to pray for our children and youth. This event is going to take place July 14, 2007 at the Samuel Pannell Community Center located 2450 Meadowview Road from 8:00am – 12:00 (noon). READ MORE

Prayer Needed: Loving Muslims to Jesus Christ

2007-06-17T17:12:00.000-07:00

Dear praying friends and supporters of America's freedoms,

the website below is about Walid Shoebat, a former PLO who lives in America and loves America. He is now a Christian and is boldly speaking to "whoever will listen" to what could and is taking place in America and around the globe about jihad.

We not only need TO PRAY but we need TO EVANGELIZE and share the Truths about the Bible and our Lord Jesus Christ. Please take time to watch some of his videos on his website and pass this information

God bless you and may the continuing divine protection and power of the Holy Spirit be with Walid and others like him sacrificing their lives to speak out for Truth.

http://www.shoebat.com/

blessings,
Candy

Read at CalNews.com how Islam is a Religion of Peace

2007-06-01T20:04:00.001-07:00

Religion of Peace?
Don't take their word for it, decide for yourself...

Sacramento Update || Washington D.C. Update || Columnists & Editorials || Initiative Update || Business News

Not One Republican Stood to Speak Against this Bill!

2007-05-26T22:15:00.000-07:00

NORCAL NAE ALERT!

DDBURCHETT@aol.com www.naenorcal.net

Pastor A. Dwight Burchett, President 916.797.1292

SB 777 is the bisexual-homosexual school sexual indoctrination bill passed the California State Senate on Thursday. Now, it goes to the Assembly where it will no doubt pass. We are saddened by this event. NOT ONE REPUBLICAN STOOD TO SPEAK AGAINST THIS BILL! It appears that those who have spoken against this for the past months have given up. This is what the pro-homosexual activists have wanted for many years. Please, be sure to contact the governor's office as instructed below. Thank you for giving this your very best effort.

Senator Sheila Kuehl spoke for the measure because she was the author:

"Last year, I had a bill that caused a bit of controversy because it also amended the section of the Education Code that required affirmative information about all communities in the anti-discrimination sections. That is not a part of the bill this year. This is only the anti-discrimination sections. And I ask for your aye vote."

After Kuehl stopped speaking, the President pro Tem (Don Perata of Oakland), at the podium, looked to see whether anyone was standing up to oppose SB 777.

"Discussion on the measure?" he asked. SILENCE. No Republicans were holding up their microphones, waiting to be recognized so there was no opposing view to he heard. Perata said, "Call the roll," and that was the end of it. The votes were cast one by one, and the Senate moved on to the next bill for consideration.

Phone the governor's office at 916-445-2841 Monday through Friday. Press 1 for English, then press 5 to speak to a staff member to register your desire for the governor to VETO SB 777.

Phone Governor Schwarzenegger's regional offices anytime to leave a message asking him to VETO SB 777.

Pastor Lee Toms Memorial Service

2007-05-07T23:03:00.000-07:00

Memorial service Sunday, May 20 at 4:00PM.

On May 2, 2007 our much loved Pastor, Lee Toms, went to be with our heavenly Father. He joined the Lord, his wife Lillian and many other saints that he has personally encouraged in a celebration of heavenly proportions.

It was clear through the life and teachings of Pastor Lee Toms that he had great anticipation for the day God would choose to take him home. This day has come and he is in a place of great celebration, comfort, and peace.

Please be in prayer for his family and all the people who called him Pastor and friend. We are forever grateful to the Lord for the opportunity to have known such a courageous and committed saint.

Focused on Him,

Pastor Jake Larson

The memorial service will be held at Arcade Church
Sunday May 20 at 4:00PM.

Ten Day of Prayer Before Pentecost

2007-05-07T12:15:00.000-07:00

On Ascension Day, May 17, millions of Christians will pray night and day throughout ten days leading to Pentecost, following the pattern of Christ's disciples before the first Pentecost. Then on Pentecost Sunday, May 27, designated the Global Day of Prayer, Christians in every country of the world will assemble to pray in one accord for the biblical hope of Christ's glory and the transformation of all nations. Anticipating the blessing of our cities and communities, the Global Day of Prayer becomes a catalytic movement to bring practical transforming blessings to our neighborhoods for the next ninety days.

Look for the ten-day prayer guidge that is now being distributed in anticipation of May 17th. Click here to order or view.

Ten Day of Prayer Before Pentecost

2007-05-07T11:00:00.000-07:00

On Ascension Day, May 17, millions of Christians will pray night and day throughout ten days leading to Pentecost, following the pattern of Christ's disciples before the first Pentecost. Then on Pentecost Sunday, May 27, designated the Global Day of Prayer, Christians in every country of the world will assemble to pray in one accord for the biblical hope of Christ's glory and the transformation of all nations. Anticipating the blessing of our cities and communities, the Global Day of Prayer becomes a catalytic movement to bring practical transforming blessings to our neighborhoods for the next ninety days.

Look for the ten-day prayer guidge that is now being distributed in anticipation of May 17th. Click here to order or view.

The California Pastors Briefing

2007-03-27T18:45:00.000-07:00

Open the Eyes of My Heart, Lord

Joe Pursch

Director of Church Relations

Good morning, fellow shepherds. Last week, the strong possibility emerged that South Carolina will become the first state to require that women considering an abortion view an ultrasound picture of their baby before they make their final decision. Both Houses of the legislature there appear favorable to the bill, and Governor Mark Sanford has said he would sign it. This is immensely impactful, because the studies I've seen indicate that up to 95% of women who are "abortion bound" change their minds and decide to keep their child after seeing an ultrasound image.

Pro-abortion critics of the South Carolina idea say that requiring women to see an ultrasound is intimidating and amounts to "emotional blackmail". It is a heavy handed and unwelcome pressure, they say, introduced into an already emotional situation. How should we respond to that contention as pastors? After all, we are called to protect people in difficult situations, are we not?

Let me just say this. As a pastor who has been involved with the reality of what goes on in Planned Parenthood clinics for many years, I agree that the women walking through those doors are indeed under stress and are in an emotionally tumultuous situation. They are rarely going through the process of ending their pregnancy in some cool, calm or detached manner. And I know from my counseling experience that the day they receive an abortion is a day they never forget.

So how can we refuse to give women every manner of information possible for them to make the best decisi0n in such a serious, emotional and life-marking moment? A woman in such extremis should have every image and fact and perspective possible available to her in making her decision. I tell adamant pro-abortion people that if they're really "pro-choice", they should welcome this idea. After all, if you really believe that ending a pregnancy is almost always the best choice for a young woman with an unwanted baby, then such a clear choice should be able to survive all the information available to the person making that choice, shouldn't it? The fact that up to 95% of the time abortion is decided against when all the facts are visibly presented is not my problem. (It is, shall we say, an "inconvenient truth" for the pro-abortion left.)

So providing, yes, even requiring, an ultrasound viewing in an abortion clinic is not an intimidating action, but a compassionate one. It makes sense not from a religious point of view, but from a logical and compassionate point of view. It allows a choice that will be life-marking to be what such a choice needs to be: a fully informed choice.

Up to 95% of the women who have seen ultrasounds agree. And so do 100% of their babies.

Keeping the Faith with You,

Joe Pursch

California Supreme Court Supports Religious Freedom

Earlier this month California's highest court ruled 4-3 that government agencies may issue tax-exempt bonds to religious schools for building improvements.

The lawsuit arose after three Christian schools-Oaks Christian School in Westlake Village, California Baptist University in Riverside, and Azusa Pacific University in Azusa-sought to construct buildings on their campuses using government issues tax-free bonds. The ACLU argued that issuing the bonds was a violation of the separation of church and state.

The court had ruled in 1974 that proceeds from bonds were a form of "indirect assistance" that could be used for facilities at "religiously affiliated colleges" but did not state whether bonds could be issues to schools that devote "a substantial portion of its functions to its religious missions." In its latest decision the court ruled that the bonds may be used to fund facilities at a religious school but only if the schools "offer a broad curriculum in secular subjects" and their "secular classes consist of information that is neutral with respect to religion."

For now, anti-religious activists have been kept at bay and Christian schools will be treated the same as secular schools when it comes to issuing the tax-free bonds.

"Corpus Christi" Production Blasphemes Christ

The California Gay-Straight Alliance is promoting a theater production, to be performed next month in San Francisco, that is "retelling of the Jesus story, with Jesus as a gay man living in 1950s Corpus Christi, Texas."

"The play was meant to enlarge people's understanding of the divinity in each of us and at the same time, to include gay men and women in the story of Christ's life and encourage a return to spirituality. It is pretty easy for gay people to feel alienated from any and all religions. The play is my attempt to lessen that feeling of alienation where gay men and women are spiritual 'heroes' as well," said Terrence McNally, writer of the Corpus Christi production.

The Corpus Christi production is further evidence of twisting scripture and religion to conform to the homosexual worldview. We are saddened at this production which transcends artistic license and is blatant blasphemy of Christianity and the Son of God Himself.

School Warns 14-Year-Olds to Keep Homosexual Lectures Secret from Parents

Freshmen students at Chicago's Deerfield High School were recently required to attend lectures on homosexuality and then sign a contract forbidding them to talk about it with anyone, including their parents. Students who were reluctant to sign the contract were threatened with having to report to the dean.

"This is unbelievable," said Matt Barber, policy director for cultural issues for Concerned Women for America. "It's not enough that students at Deerfield High are being exposed to improper and offensive material relative to unhealthy and high-risk homosexual behavior, but they've essentially been told by teachers to lie to their parents about it."

"This goes to the heart of the homosexual agenda," Barber said. "The professional propagandists in the 'gay-rights' lobby know the method all too well. If you can maintain control of undeveloped and impressionable youth and spoon-feed them misinformation, lies and half-truths about dangerous, disordered and extremely risky behaviors, then you can control the future and ensure that those behaviors are not only fully accepted, but celebrated."

Here in California, a dangerous homosexual indoctrination bill has been introduced-SB 777-that would ban textbooks and teachers from any instruction that "reflects adversely" upon homosexuality, transgenders, bisexuals or those with perceived gender issues.

SB 777 not only affects textbooks and instructional materials for kindergarten and grades 1-12, it also affects all school-sponsored activities, including sports activities, the prom, etc. SB 777 attacks religious and moral beliefs and is designed to transform our public schools into institutions that disregard all notions of the traditional family unit.

Key Links:

http://www.capitolresource.org/web/
http://www.capitolresource.org/web/Church-Resources.html/
http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2007/marchweb-only/109-53.0.html/

Testimony: "Drug are NOT the Answer ..."

2007-02-24T00:41:00.000-08:00

New Online Tool for Church Websites

2007-02-21T11:33:00.000-08:00

Summary

New online self-assessment tool from the Internet Evangelism Day team
enables churches to develop and improve their websites. And this year's web
evangelism focus day is set for 29 April 2007.

"Does your church's website communicate to outsiders as well as to the
members?" asks a new web resource. A church site is the congregation's
'shop window' to its community. To fulfill this function well, it must be
enticing, people-centered and easily understood by outsiders.
Unfortunately, many churches are unsure how to achieve this vital mix.

So the Internet Evangelism Day team has produced an online self-assessment
tool. It leads a church through a series of questions, to highlight areas
of their website which may need development:
http://ied.gospelcom.net/church-site-design.php

This questionnaire can also be easily added to other webpages using an insertion code.

A church site which has been prioritized for non-Christian visitors can be
remarkably effective in reaching the community. "Week in, week out, more
visitors turn up at our church on a Sunday because of the website, than
anything else," writes one growing church in London.

The Internet Evangelism Day ('IE Day') site also explains other types of
online evangelism, such as outreach websites, video clips, blogging and
podcasts. There is even a free 'conversation starter' screen-saver to
download.

Holding a focus day The IE Day team also encourages churches and other
groups to hold their own 'web awareness' focus day on (or near) 29 April
2007. The IE Day site provides downloadable video clips, drama sketches,
posters, handouts and a PowerPoint presentation, making it easy for any
church to create its own IE Day program. This can as brief as a 2-minute
spot within a worship time, or an entire themed church service, seminar, or
midweek meeting.

Churches that have already held their own focus day are enthusiastic. "It
was a real eye-opener for many," writes one in Muncie, Indiana. "We held a
midweek evening presentation of 90 minutes, for other local churches," says
another from Dawlish UK.

A Canadian church leader comments, "I used a 10-minute presentation that
focused on how anyone can get involved in reaching out to the Internet
community. I also added a section on using our church website as an
evangelism tool, as some of our members have already had great success with
it."

"I am glad to commend Internet Evangelism Day," says John Stott.

Internet Evangelism Day is an initiative of the Internet Evangelism
Coalition, an umbrella group of major interdenominational Christian groups
involved in Web ministry:
InternetEvangelismDay.com

Interviews available: InternetEvangelismDay.com/publicity
Photos available: InternetEvangelismDay.com/photos
Recommended photo for this item: InternetEvangelismDay.com/churchphoto
Additional articles - ready-made material and MP3s:
InternetEvangelismDay.com/articles
Leaders supporting IE Day: InternetEvangelismDay.com/supporting
Online RTF formatted version of this release:
InternetEvangelismDay.com/latestnews

Evangelicals urged not to shun Romney over his Mormonism

2007-02-18T07:29:00.000-08:00

A law professor and conservative talk-show host says Republican presidential candidate "Mitt Romney has a Mormon problem -- and so does the rest of the country." He cautions Christians against criticizing the candidate's Mormon beliefs during the campaign, saying such an approach will inevitably backfire.

Hugh Hewitt is a professor of law at Chapman University Law School and has spent the last year writing the forthcoming book A Mormon in the White House?: 10 Things Every Conservative Should Know About Mitt Romney. The book discusses whether Romney's Mormon beliefs will help or hinder his campaign.

Hewitt, who has been covering the Church of Latter-day Saints since the mid-1990s for the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS), says the fact that Romney is a devout Mormon may deter Christians from voting for him -- but it should not. Still, he says a "startling" number of Americans say they could never vote for a Mormon.

"Now that is deeply antagonistic to the American civic religion, but it's also 'there,'" he acknowledges. "It's like arguing in 1960 that Kennedy's Catholicism wouldn't be an issue. Of course it was, [and consequently Romney's Mormonism] has to be dealt with," Hewitt continues. "It has to be a conversation with the American public -- and it's a very difficult one to have and a very delicate one to have."

The educator and author explains why he believes it must be a "delicate" conversation. He cautions individuals -- "especially Christians" -- to be "very, very careful" about the conversation "because secular enemies of God in the public square will delight if orthodox Christians use this moment to attack the unorthodox aspects of Mormonism."

Such an attack, says Hewitt, would likely "open the door to a renewal of anti-Christian bigotry in this country the likes of which we haven't seen in a long time," he emphasizes. And if it resulted in Romney losing his White House bid because he is a Mormon, it would be a "truly ruinous moment for Christians in the public square," the author adds.

Hewitt contends that Romney's perceived flip-flopping on issues such as abortion and homosexuality is the "creation of mainstream media and Romney opponents." According to Hewitt, Romney has been staunchly pro-life for several years and is "the most effective American-elected official in the effort to preserve traditional marriage." READ MORE & CCNews - please "pray the news"

Disclaimer: Sacramento Pastors Roundtable is not endorsing any specific candidate for office. But, it does want to encourage you to think through the issues for the sake of the future of our country. And then vote -- for whatever political party or person you sense God would have you vote for. Please do not neglect to vote.

National Pastors Prayer Summit - Portland - July 24-26

2007-02-16T15:42:00.000-08:00

Dear Pastors,

I praise God for each one of you! You have a calling in truly one of the most challenging vocations in the world - that of a pastor! And if God hadn't called you to it, you wouldn't be doing it -- I know! He loves you and thanks you for what you are doing for His Kingdom!!

May I ask you to begin praying specifically for the National Pastors Prayer Summit which will take place in Portland July 24-26? This is a very unique opportunity for Sr. Pastors and those they invite to experience God’s presence while being equipped to facilitate “Spirit-led, worship-fed, corporate prayer.” If you are a pastor, please pray specifically about being part of this time.

Would you pray about attending the National Pastors Prayer Summit with others from Sacramento? This North American Prayer Summit will be life changing! It was for me and Pastor Daniel Henderson in July of 1993! Most of you know that already.

I am praying for 20 pastors to attend from Sacramento. I hope you'll be one of them. We can rent a couple of Vans and go up together. Let me know of your interest soon . . . it'll be summer before you know it!

God bless you richly!

Joe Walsh
Capitol Fellowship Foundation
Sacramento Pastors Roundtable

Hate Bloggers, Death Threats and Apologies Abound

2007-02-16T14:01:00.001-08:00

2/13/2007
By J. Matt Barber

Media outlets have given the story fairly wide coverage. Presidential candidate and former Senator John Edwards (D- North Carolina) recently named two leftist, anti-Christian bloggers to high profile positions within his campaign. In the past, Amanda Marcotte and Melissa McEwan have spewed anti-Christian venom containing language that might even make Howard Stern blush. Despite a chorus of disapproval, Edwards said he’d keep the ladies – if you can call them that – on his campaign payroll. But the two women apparently decided they’d rather devote their full attention to anti-Christian hatemongering and quickly resigned.

But another story, with perhaps more serious implications, has gone largely unreported by the mainstream media.

Last week, Concerned Women for America (CWA) broke the news about an apparent threat to the life of pro-family advocate Peter LaBarbera made by a commenter on lesbian activist Pam Spaulding's anti-Christian site Pam's House Blend.

Spaulding is an information technology manager with Duke University Press, and her employer appears quite proud of its blustering left-wing blogger. Duke Press has even publicly praised and promoted her blog activities, calling them a "mixture of snappy prose, funny postings and serious commentary."

So, just for fun, let's see if we can't yuck it up a bit with Duke University. Let's take a look at some of Spaulding's "snappy" and "funny" musings: READ MORE & CCNews says: "pray the news"

Physician-Assisted Suicide . . . ??

2007-02-14T14:56:00.000-08:00

Nuñez to assist new suicide bill
By STEVE GEISSINGER, Los Angeles Daily News
Assembly Speaker Fabian Nuñez said Tuesday that he will join Van Nuys Democrat Lloyd Levine in leading a legislative move this year to establish an Oregon-style, physician-assisted suicide law in California. A Senate committee narrowly rejected a similar bill by Levine and Assemblywoman Patty Berg, D-Santa Rosa, last year. But Levine and Berg said odds of passage have risen now that they have the support of Nuñez, a Los Angeles Democrat. The legislation, modeled after the nine-year-old Oregon Death With Dignity Act, would allow adults diagnosed with less than six months to live to receive life-ending drugs from a doctor and take them by themselves.

Lawmakers push for physician-assisted suicide
By Steve Geissinger, Contra Costa Times

Bill would provide terminally ill patients option to end pain, suffering
By Steve Geissinger, Oakland Tribune

Suicide bill backed: Assembly chief Nunez to push for doctor-assisted suicide measure
By Steve Geissinger, Long Beach Press-Telegram
Is this what we want??? . . . pastors in California? Watch it! If it passes in California, it'll be coming to a State near!

Physician-Assisted suicide . . . ?

2007-02-14T14:39:00.000-08:00

Lawmakers push for physician-assisted suicide
By Steve Geissinger, Contra Costa Times

Bill would provide terminally ill patients option to end pain, suffering
By Steve Geissinger, Oakland Tribune

Suicide bill backed: Assembly chief Nunez to push for doctor-assisted suicide measure
By Steve Geissinger, Long Beach Press-Telegram
Is this what we want??? . . . pastors?

The Whole Church reaching the whole city

2007-02-13T11:46:00.000-08:00

[Click for SeeCity slideshow]
1 Kingdom Collaboration - A Way Of Seeing Your City

2 (1) See your city as an organic whole with at least

Four Dimensions Geographic segments
(where are the people -- natural groupings)

Demographic groups
(age, gender, socio/political/economic, employment sectors, etc.)

Ethnic/language
(who do they identify with, what language binds them together)

Function
(media, labor, youth, education, churches, political structures, etc.)

3 Partnership or Network ? No single partnership can ever hope to serve these widely varying special needs and interests.

This suggests that any effort at a city wide initiative will probably be best structured as a network -- not a partnership. Networks exist to help individual ministries with a common vision do their own individual work better. (They often have smaller partnerships inside them to do specific joint projects.)

Partnerships are where all agencies/ministries are focused on a single outcome -- with each partner playing a role in that commonly agreed goal. If you're doing something with a highly specific focus and very specific outcomes, a partnership may be fine.

4 (2) See your city through the perspective of the Scriptural Model of - Evangelism/ Transformation

5 (3) See your city through the perspective of - How Decisions Are Made For Significant Change

6 (4) See your city through the perspective of its - Many Communications Channels

7 (5) See your city through the perspective of its many - Collaborative Possibilities

Dec.'06: City Reaching notes - Portland, OR

2007-01-30T21:47:00.001-08:00

April 19-21,2007, National City-Impact Roundtable, El Paso, TX
Go or send someone to the City-Impact Roundtable in El Paso, TX

Talk to Joe Walsh (916) 870-8695

NOTES FROM NORTHWEST CITY REACHING ROUNDTABLE

December 4 and 5, 2006 - Portland, OR - Tom White

TRANSFORMATION:

1. EACH COMMUNITY MUST ASK THE LORD SPECIFICALLY FOR A WORD OF CONSENSUS REGARDING STRATEGIES FOR CITY REACHING.

2. HOW DO WE SPELL TRANFORMATION? A city is being transformed if these things are taking place:

o An increase in Holy living
o Spontaneous conversions and growth in churches
o Decrease of crime
o An increase of social justice
o Unity in the Body of Christ and Healing of breaches
o Sustainable
o Increased generosity
o Engaged brothers and sisters serving the Lord together
o Passion
o Redeeming of the arts

3. In Transformation change must be evident, but must extend to the fabric of society’s institutions. It must be measurable and sustainable change in society. There must be growing numbers of converted, functioning mature disciples affecting the social, economic, and political fabric of society.

4. The Marks of an Effective Urban Ministry:
* Power Systems Confrontation with offered potential for change
* The poor and the exploited are being cared for
* There is ministry to the middle class as well as the poor
* There is spiritual transformation among the poor and the powerful and all groups are being changed.

5. The goal of the Church is not to make a new heaven and a new earth, but rather to create “salty spots” for the earth that will stimulate thirst for God.

6. Compelling Reasons for building the City-Wide Body of Christ:

o It’s Biblical. The Bible describes it as unity amidst diversity. (Many parts—One Body)
o There is an inherent value of a collegial relationship-knowing and caring for one another.
o The witness of our oneness has apostolic power. (John 17:23)
o United prayer brings an outpouring of the Holy Spirit with signs and wonders. (Acts 4:23-35)
o United prayer for city and government leaders enables us to live godly, quiet and peaceful lives and to reach leaders with the Gospel message.
o The Church is better able to coordinate and strengthen serving ministries (good stewardship) to enable them to help the Church.
o We are able to share corporate responsibility to win and disciple converts.
o It minimizes the impact of training and equipping the saints for the local church-we share this responsibility.
o There is a release of the synergy of combined gifts and callings empowered by the Holy Spirit in each locale.

7. Obstacles to Transformation of communities in Idaho, Washington, and Oregon:

o An independent pioneer spirit. Our forefathers were reacting and rebelling against East coast establishment
o A humanistic mindset.
o Idolatry (nature worship). There is a mixture in this region of worship of the creation and a history of animism and pantheism.

8. We overcome these obstacles by “turning on the light” through our obedience, walking in love and living for the Kingdom and not for ourselves.

9. We need to take a global approach to our cities. We need to ask, “How do we serve in such a way as to impact our city?” “What is the one thing Jesus will give us to move us forward i.e. a “fire starter”? For Vancouver, Washington a fire starter has been Thriving Families of Clark County, a community marriage and family relationship ministry.

10. Community transformation plans will involve:

o Corporate unified prayer
o Asset Building-finding those churches, businesses, individuals and serving ministries who are invested in the plan and will work with one another.
o Mapping. Mapping tells us what gifts and resources God has given each church, group, or serving ministry to bring to the table. It also shows us our common ground.
o A unified event may be the beginning, but must be followed up with small groups. Relationships make the difference.

11. Concrete Steps to City Transformation:

o A seminar or event annually with a number of churches sponsoring.
o Establishment of a resource hub
o Mapping of the churches-find the common ground
o Mapping of the city-find the societal needs, redemptive gifts, and actions of the enemy
o Establish the role of the Church as meeting the needs in society and become a resource for governments who seek faith-based ministries to do those things governments cannot do. The Church must be the delivery system for the wisdom of God (Ephesians 3:10) to change our communities. Ask: How does God want us to serve our community?

George Otis Jr. Session #1

* Revival is the only answer for our world. There is a prophetic urgency now—the world has been changed forever by the spirit of death coming from Islamic fundamentalism.
* We cannot continue business as usual. There must be radical changes in the way we are doing things as the Church.
* God can intervene in the darkest of circumstances. We must remain expectant and intentional as we prepare the way of the Lord.

* HISTORY OF TRANSFORMATION: Outside the western hemisphere, transformations are happening fast in cities, small towns, and villages. “Because transformation was not taking place worldwide, I asked the Lord in the 1990’s, “Why does spiritual darkness linger where it does?” For seven years I tried to find explanations. By 1997 I began to see an escalation of the moving of God’s Spirit in some places indicating we were approaching end times when God promised He would pour our His Spirit. In June 1999 the first Transformation video was released as an encouragement to intercessors. Within six months over 1000 cities has corresponded with me to ask for help in transformation. I told them, ‘Go ask the Lord what He wants you to do.’ There were increasing reports of transformation in cities after 2000. I began to see patterns leading to transformation and also began to realize there is a quantum leap difference between church growth and city transformation. Church growth is possible without God. City transformation involves “heavy-lifting” we must have a divine partner.”

* DEFINITION OF TRANSFORMATION: The definition of transformation is hard to pin down because we can’t even imagine what God has planned in transformation. If it is a plan based only on an inventory of our assets it can’t be a God thing.

* GOD’S PATTERNS IN TRANSFORMATION: God’s patterns in transformation do not change. Things unique to each community change, but principles can be applied everywhere.

1. Pattern #1: Time with God. Transformation takes place in communities that are following God, not leading Him. In order to follow God there must be time alone with God to hear Him. God is left out of the equation when we are so busy we don’t have time with Him. This problem is systemic in our society. We have no waiting time for God.

2. Pattern #2: Hunger for God. We don’t have an ignorance problem, we have an appetite problem. We all have our life hungers list: food, sleep, security, control, reputation. On this list where is our hunger for the presence of God? When our hunger for God moves to the top of the list, transformation will occur.

3. Pattern #3: Unity in the Body of Christ. In 2004, the International Fellowship of Transformation Partners asked the question. “What gives us an identity together?’ They decided to just watch God at work instead of trying to figure out the answer. They saw these things as helps to building unity:

o A common definition of what transformation looks like in my community
o A set of commonly held principles
o A set of core values to govern the movement
o Prayer
o Accountability
o Trust

4. Pattern #4: Humility and Hiddenness of the Catalysts. Humility is directly related to the degree of divine outpouring. Empire building and personal agendas must be laid aside for the goal of seeing God transform the city. The story of Gideon is an example of God using the smallest, most broken, most contrite, most hidden, and most humble to bring about a great breakthrough. In transformation God often chooses no names that have nothing to lead the greatest breakthroughs.

5. Pattern #5: Holiness: When we get rid of all the sin in the camp, God will come. Our hearts must be right, purified of sin and our own agendas. We must be abandoned to God with expectation of His coming in transforming revival. We need to make sure our hearts are right so that our desire is to see the Kingdom of God manifest on the earth.

George Otis, Jr- Session #2:

* In city transformation there must also be ecological transformation- redemption for more than just people. Unhealthy things cannot stay when Jesus is there.

* In transformation, there is a return to “normal”. Believers get back in touch with their faith and begin to live “normal” Christianity. God has not called us to accept normalcy, but to move on to extraordinary Christianity.

* In true transformation, it takes thirty days to achieve normalcy. Often our experience is that it takes 30 years because people are content with the status quo. We need to know the difference between the habit of losing and rebuilding.

* We need a supernatural invasive intervention for transformation to take place. We need to help people prepare for that kind of intervention. The example of Joseph shows us how we need to prepare the people so they come to us when things get rough. The Church needs to take over the social welfare system. God wants to move us to another level. This is preparation. We need to keep pressing in. We also need to change our mindset to win.

* The core of success in city transformation is a formula of abandonment with expectation. This is contagious and the end result is God comes. To test transformation walk though the business district and see if you sense the presence of the Lord. Call a holiday and call all the pastors to come together to cry out to God for the city. Transformation comes to desperate people with expectation of the greatness of God (Psalms 145).

* The greatest problem in City Transformation is a Church whose God is its Belly. “This is illustrated by many who walk into the sanctuary with a cappuccino.” That church is fixated on itself. The church needs to break these self-centered patterns, not encourage them. We need to hold out for the supernatural—we need it and our communities need it.

* In order to counter radical Islam we have to bring the supernatural to the table. In Acts 2 all the church leaders were there together waiting for the supernatural to come. They were filled with the supernatural Holy Spirit and became the “proof” of Christ to a dying world. We also must be filled with something “otherness”. If Jesus is lifted up He will draw all men, but it must be the Church that lifts Him up.

* There is a remnant remaining in the U.S. and a stirring is happening which needs to roll out in fullness. The American Church needs to have a re- identification of community –Immanuel—the Lord is With Us.

Lisa Otis: Interceding for a City Movement:

* City-wide prayer must have a redirection to pray in desperation for the American Church to become a Church that will act like Jesus and love like Jesus across ethnic, cultural, and denominational lines.

* Sin and convenience are the two big issues in the Church and they prevent us gathering together to pray. Jesus would say to us, “If I could just get you to pray, you cannot imagine what I can do”.

* Jesus is our model as the Great Intercessor. He is interceding for us right now and He has been interceding from the beginning. He is called the Word, the voice of intercession. He said, “I only say what I hear the Father say and I only do what I see the Father doing”. This is the place in intercession where everything happens.

* You cannot be sinful presumptuous intercessors and do the things the Father does. Jesus came to be a sinless obedient intercessor (Hebrews 1:3, John 12:4, John 17:8, Isaiah 11:4, Revelation 19:15, Revelation 19:13.

* Speaking the Word of God releases the power of God as a weapon of warfare against the devil. (Ephesians 6:17). We spend a lot of time in prayer saying things the Father hasn’t said. If we don’t hear from the Father what He wants to say, we shouldn’t say anything. God has many ideas we would never think of and we need to hear from Him and pray His Word.

* Isaiah 55:8 God’s thoughts are higher than ours. We should approach praying for our cities acknowledging we are at the beginning. We cannot presume to know how God will move in our city unless He tells us. Jesus said all His ways were the Father’s ways. He was completely obedient. He tells us to follow Him as the Great Intercessor and be completely obedient to what God says.

* The Kingdom of God exists wherever God is because He is King. If you are just, justice increases in your city. As intercessors we must deny ourselves disobedience, presumption, convenience, and comfort if we are going to follow Jesus’ example in intercession.

* Intercession is God’s brilliant strategy for us to rule with Him in power. He asks us, “Will you join me in the place of intercession?”

Lisa Otis: The Best Practices of City Intercession:

* The key to a breakthrough in our cities is the Church. The Church needs to be moving in all the fullness of Christ or the world suffers. When the Church is right, the world will know and be changed.

* The process begins with the individual. We must be transformed or we can’t pray effectively for the Church to be changed.

* The Church must learn to pray on the offensive and practice how to love each other. Jesus gave us two commands: Love God, Love each other. Our objective as the Church must be to first become lovers of Jesus and then lovers of each other. We will be unable to love those who come in because of transformation in our cities, if we don’t love each other.

* We face difficulties in growing:
1. Humility: we must learn to be honest about where the Church is and about the harvest we are inviting into the Church. If we are honest we will admit we are not ready, but the good news is we will be. The city’s destiny is tied to the Church coming into her destiny. We need to ask the Lord to show us how to love Him and each other and how to come to a place of humility rather than judgment. (2Chronicles 7:14) Our true state is we have nothing and we are nothing except in Christ. We want to become humble like Jesus. Nothing happens until the Church is humble. The humble Church brings lif.

2. Praying the problems. We often pray about the problems more than we pray about the destiny the Church or our city.

3. The Loveless Church: (Revelation 2) If we have become like this church we need to repent. Our love for God leads us to repentance of everything else.

* Guidelines for City Intercession:
1. Love God and Each Other
2. Come in Humility
3. Speak the Word in prayer
4. Do the actions of intercession: Ask the Lord to give you something to do. When He does it will be costly, and inconvenient, but will be an act of love which is an act of intercession sown into your city.
5. Learn about prayer form non-western nations. They have a different way of life. They always find the time to pray.
6. Become offensive in prayer as people of faith.
7. Become separated from lifestyles of division and hatred.

George Otis Jr. Session #3:

* According to George Barna, at least 20,000 Evangelicals won’t attend an organized church, but are meeting in homes. “This is a dangerous trend as these groups can become isolationist and cult-like.” This trend shows the organized Church that we must become more than creeds, dogmas, and programs. We must also have the presence of God and intimacy with Him as part of the package.

* The American Church must have abandonment with expectation. For the past 15 years there has been incremental fruit—good but not enough. The question is, “How do we get to fullness-full success?”

* A problem has been that we have lowered the bar of our expectations. We hail small steps as great breakthroughs.

* Abandonment is the big issues. Before we can get to abandonment we must get to commitment. Many in the American Church are hiding from commitment. Abandonment is described in Jesus’ Parable of the Pearl of Great Price. The treasure is in a field and is discovered by a man who sells everything and buys the field. We know God wants us to be faithful and persevere, but we get nervous about the kind of behavior described in this parable. The Kingdom of God is the Pearl of Great Price and the treasure. This is a picture of abandonment for the sake of the Kingdom. God desires a higher degree of intimacy with His people. (Hosea 6:6) The Church needs to come to the place where everything familiar is gone and only God is left. Moses went into thick darkness where God was—that was the true sanctuary hidden from all life’s essentials.

* We pray, “God come” and He asks, “Why? Do you need a handyman or a lover?” God wants us to want Him as a lover. He is interested in our communities but not as a handyman, but because we cannot exist another day without His presence.

* In the Old Testament, God’s presence was often seen as a mist or smoke which shielded from non-essentials. What we need is relationship-God with us and this is what people want today.

* Hard questions for the Church:

1. Is God here?
2. Do we want to see our community fully transformed?
3. Do we believe God can do this?
4. Are we prepared to do what is required to go there?
5. Will we abandon our compartments and boundaries we have placed on God and let Him be God? God has the right to tread upon any part of your Real Estate.

6. Will we lay down our watches and calendars and our comfort-oriented way of life? This will bring about a collision with our culture. No appointment or time period is more important that a full welcoming presence of God. A lot of our “have tos” involve our kids and their schedules. We have given in to the ways of the world remaining in control of our time, doing what we want first rather than letting God run our lives.

o Commitment or abandonment is different because it will be inconvenient. Anything keeping us from God must go. We are to seek first His Kingdom and He will provide everything else.
o We often come to the point of abandonment and aren’t willing. We have to break stride and prioritize your responsibilities –first to God and His Kingdom

7. Will we pray? It only takes a dozen or fewer intercessors to start the process of transformation. Prayer in faith, humility, unity, and compassion with worship draws the presence of God. We need to pray “God stimulate in me an increased appetite for those things that attract your presence—abandonment with expectation. Fast until God answers. Go on a digital fast-no digital equipment, cell phones, and email.

o The Three Stages of Revival:

1. Invitation: A hungry group of believers summons the presence of God. There is repentance, reconciliation, humbling, prayer and fasting with expectation.

2. Visitation: The Holy Spirit comes in a remarkable way to change people. There is widespread church growth and truth becomes “sticky”. This is not about us but about God. The value system shifts and healing power is released.

3. Transformation: The new values born in the visitation phase are rubbed into the skin of society. The marketplace and the political arena changed. Education is reformed. Society is transformed. There becomes a line of reformation in which the Church must steward what God has done. He says, “I have fixed it, you keep it.” Christianity is restored to normalcy in the Church and the Community.

The Church needs to move forward to ask God to restore us as Salt and Light. We need to pray for the miraculous presence of God. We need the supernatural. God can fix something out of nothing.

(A special Thank You for notes taken by Kathy Pipal, prayer coordinator of Treasure Valley, Idaho, intercessors and forwarded by Ann Doupont.)

Amazing Grace Sunday, February 18, 2007

2007-01-16T00:28:00.000-08:00

Movie: Amazing Grace to be released - February 18, 2007

On Sunday, February 18, I invite you to join churches around the globe in singing the treasured hymn, Amazing Grace. The significance of this occasion is to commemorate the work of William Wilberforce, a courageous evangelical who two-hundred years ago faced down the powerful men of his day to facilitate the abolition of the slave trade in the British Empire. His mentor was John Newton, the slave-trader-turned-song-writer, whose words influenced Wilberforce, and continue to resonate today in the lyrics of Amazing Grace.

Today the fight to end slavery continues. It's estimated that 27 million people are currently in slavery around the world. From forced child labor to bonded labor and sexual servitude, millions are suffering and need evangelicals to speak out on their behalf. On February 18, Amazing Grace Sunday is a wonderful opportunity for the church to make our voice heard.

We ask that you set aside a few moments of your worship service on February 18 to sing Amazing Grace and to commit yourselves once again to speak for the oppressed. The Amazing Grace Sunday website (www.amazinggracesunday.com) offers several valuable resources including an opportunity to register your participation, lyrics to a new arrangement of the hymn by Christian artist Chris Tomlin and bulletin inserts about the hymn, which you are free to download and print for your congregation.

In addition, a major motion picture, with the same title as the hymn Amazing Grace, (www.amazinggracemovie.com) about the work of William Wilberforce will open in theaters across the country on February 23. You can also learn more about the fight to end modern day slavery at the partner campaign, Amazing Change (www.theamazingchange.com). The World Evangelical Alliance has also provided resources for churches. We encourage you to make use of these wonderful resources.

We look forward to your participation and show of solidarity on February 18 and in the days of work ahead. The NAE has been recognized by the “abolition movement” of today as one organization, through our Office of Governmental Affairs, that has been a premier leader in passing anti-trafficking legislation. We believe your involvement in this effort is a signal of NAE’s continuing commitment to the fight to end modern-day slavery

Sincerely,

Leith

Leith Anderson
President
National Association of Evangelicals
202-789-1011

CHURCHES JOIN TOGETHER TO BLESS THEIR CITY

2007-01-03T00:40:00.000-08:00

For over 8 weeks I was the Volunteers Coordinator for an amazing project in our city that I want to share with you to encourage others to ask God for ways to bless their own cities and towns.

Last September was Schoolyard Blitz day at Invermay Primary School. It was the weekend in the middle of a two week school holiday break, during which 550 volunteers did a total make over of the school. When the children returned from holidays they came back to a very different school that they had left a fortnight before.

The idea was borrowed from a school makeover in Adelaide a year or so previously. A group of pastors in Launceston wanted to give a love gift from the churches of Launceston to the city, for Launceston's 200th year celebrations. Contact was made with Tasmania's State Education department and Invermay Primary School was chosen for the project .At 117 years old, it is the second oldest school in Launceston and was badly in need of some drastic repair.

The school was asked to provide a "wish list" of what would you like to see happen in their school if money were no object. Due to the enthusiasm of the cities Churches, the expert management of a local company, and the generosity of up to 70 local businesses, the wish list actually grew and grew well beyond what was originally given. By the time the work was completed, an estimated $500,000 worth of improvements were undertaken at the school. This was made possible by the over 550 volunteers who were involved, 80% of whom came from local churches.

The Rotary and a Lions Clubs, a motorcycle club; delegates (including some from overseas) from a local Christian mission college; staff, parents and ex-students of the school, also assisted and a local electrical business donated four tradesmen for the whole week!.

The Kindergarten was totally madeover inside and out: painting, flooring, furniture; lighting; new kitchen; new basins and toilets; new play equipment; extended computer network. The outside has a brand new sandpit and some modern brightly coloured play equipment, and a paved chessboard that will have large checkers to go with it. The staffroom was also madeover, since teachers are often overlooked when governments give money. Painting was done around inside and outside of the school, including two giant murals, one of which depicts the school's history. The grounds have been extensively revamped, both landscaping and sporting areas, and an amazing piece of new equipment, called a Spida, that can take up to 30 climbing all over it was erected. New signage completed the makeover.

The teachers, children and parents were all very excited. The Principal Paul Mulcahy was quoted in local newspapers as saying that he had "never seen such generosity"in his whole career in education, and also commented that everyone participating in the makeover had a smile on their face.

Editors note: With the National Day of Thanksgiving coming up in just under 5 months time now is the time for budding entrepreneurs to inspire their Pastors and congregations to do something similar for their community. Who will accept the challenge?

Source: Judy Mackenzie Volunteers Coordinator

A Very MERRY CHRISTMAS !

2006-12-22T23:21:00.000-08:00

May God's richest blessing be yours in 2007. May the joys of Christmas fill your heart with the reality of Jesus Christ in your life and that of your family throughout the New Year of 2007!

Pastors' Portal of Watchmen On The Wall

2006-11-21T12:55:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the Pastor's Portal! Tony Perkins came to the Family Research Council as President with a vision for encouraging pastors to pray for revival in our land (2 Chronicles 7:14) and equipping ministers to lead their churches in becoming spiritual change agents for the transformation of our culture (Matthew 5:13-16).

Local Church "prayer blogs" Mobilize Congregations to Pray!

2006-11-13T09:57:00.000-08:00

God is moving with a new Spirit of prayer in our congegations and across our cities. To help congegations grow in prayer local church "prayer sites" are beginning to catch on. This is a few samples of some recent and older ones: http://arcadeprayerbowl.com/, http://vbfprayerministries.blogspot.com/, http://calvarybibleprayergv.blogspot.com/, http://mlkjrday.blogspot.com/, http://theviewonline.blogspot.com/

How to go About . . .

2006-10-30T21:08:00.000-08:00

Mobilizing Your Church to Pray

“As God’s house is a house of prayer, prayer should enter into and underlie everything that is done there. Prayer belongs to every sort of work relating to the church. As God’s house is a house where the business of praying is carried on, so is it a place where the business of making praying people out of prayerless people is done. The house of prayer is a divine workshop, and there the work of prayer goes on. Or the house of God is a divine schoolhouse, in which the lesson of prayer is taught, where men and women learn to pray, and where they graduate from the school of prayer.” E. M. Bounds

Dear Intercessors,

Mobilizing your church to pray does not happen instantly - It’s a process that you must keep cultivating. Never grow tired in this great endeavor, because you shall reap if you do not grow weary. The greatest things that God does in the church usually take much time and perseverance on our part. Cultivate prayer again and again, and never give up. God wants prayer to be at home in your church. Having a prayer mindset is key.

“Prayer is perfectly at home in the house of God. It is no stranger, no mere guest; it belongs there. It has a peculiar affinity for the place. It has a divine appointment to be there.” E. M. Bounds

There are so many wonderful testimonies of what God can do when a church has a prayer mindset. I will give you one example - Mt. Zion was an old church founded in 1873 that was facing major problems, was falling apart and dwindled down to 15 church members! The church was ready to close its doors for good, but the small group of church members decided to pray boldly that God would use their small country church in a great way in their community! As they prayed, God began to breathe new life into their old church. New enthusiasm is catching fire, and God is giving them a vision to reach their community. Attendance is growing and their outreach is expanding - a tent revival, community BBQ’s and hayrides are ways they are reaching out to the lost. “This little country church is ‘on fire with the Holy Spirit’ and people are continuing in prayer for God’s guidance, the needs of others, and renewal in each of their lives. And prayers are being answered.” This can happen when we mobilize our churches to pray.

“This little church is a lighthouse, spreading the light of God to the people next door and to surrounding communities. The people of this church have become a praying community, and Mt. Zion is living proof that God answers prayer.” William Sherry

How to Mobilize Your Church in This Process

“For prayer to become the center of church activity, the congregation must have a mindset that makes it so, and that mindset must be nurtured and fed.” (Ideas taken from Dutch Sheets)

Prayer for prayer - Pray for a spirit of prayer to come upon your church. Keep on persevering and know that the enemy will try to hinder prayer in your church.

Get support from your church leadership - Get support from your pastor and other leaders in your church. Start a prayer task force and choose 4-5 respected members of your church to be part of the group. This group will be responsible for promoting and planning prayer in your church.

Evaluate the present prayer ministry - Look at the prayer meetings that exist in your church. Look at where organized prayer could be implemented. Are their finances available for the prayer ministries in your church?

Teach about prayer - Provide teaching where you can give your church God’s perspective on prayer. Individuals will get God’s mindset about prayer as they learn more and more about the prayer ministry.

Offer prayer opportunities - Provide variety so that everyone can get involved. This includes traditional prayer, authoritative prayer, structured prayer, visionary prayer, contemplative prayer, relational prayer, spontaneous prayer, and harp and bowl prayer.

Train people to lead these prayer meetings - Provide materials for learning and practice team praying. This will make it easier for other church members to commit to praying with a particular prayer group.

Maintain, report and give feedback - Report answers to prayer and give feedback about what is happening with the prayer ministries in your church. This should be done to the whole church. Short 2-3 minute testimonies about answered prayer is highly motivational.

“As God’s house is a house of prayer, the divine intention is that people should leave their homes and go to meet Him in His own house. The building is set apart for prayer. God has made a special promise to meet His people there. It is their duty to go there for that specific end. Prayer should be the chief attraction for all spiritually-minded churchgoers.” E. M. Bounds

Prayer Requests

Campo247 House of Prayer - We leave on October 26 for the November Spain/North African 24-7 House of Prayer. We will be gone for 6 weeks and will have many joining us in prayer at various times. We desperately need your prayers. This is an area of the world that needs much prayer. For updated prayer requests, see www.campo247.com or our new blogsite: http://campo247.blogspot.com/.

America - Pray for safety, our troops, the president and the upcoming elections in November. They will set the stage for the 2008 elections. We must realize the seriousness of this, and be informed and vote. http://sagebrushpatriot.com/america.htm/

Israel and the Middle East - Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem and that the Gospel of Christ will take hold and spread through the Middle East.

The development and training of intercessors - Please pray for the development of the International School of Prayer, the Intercessors Arise International website for intercessors and the publishing of four books. See our new blogsites:
http://intercessorsarise.blogspot.com/, http://24-7prayerarise.blogspot.com/, http://intercesoresarriba.blogspot.com/, http://elijahmentor.blogspot.com/, http://oracion24-7.blogspot.com/, If you would like to become one of my personal intercessors, write me at deb@intercessorsarise.org, and I will send you monthly personal prayer updates and requests.

Call to the Wall National Summit - November 10-12, 2006 - International House of Prayer, Kansas City, MO. Speakers include: Mike Bickle, Rick Joyner, Bob Fraser, Bob Hartley and Allen Hood. Join with hundreds of leaders from across the Body of Christ as they cry out corporately as watchmen for the city of God to come forth and for His kingdom to be established in every area of life. For information go to: www.IHOP.org.

“God rules the world and His church through the prayers of His people. That God should have made the expansion of His kingdom to such a large extent dependent on the faithfulness of His people in prayer is a stupendous mystery and yet an absolute certainty.” Andrew Murray

Together in the Harvest,

Debbie Przybylski

Intercessors Arise

deb@intercessorsarise.org

www.intercessorsarise.org

Welcome to the Conservative California Election Website!

2006-10-20T23:26:00.001-07:00

Welcome to Robyn Nordell's Conservative California Election Website

For the November 7, 2006 General Election

Remember - You do not need to fill in every office or proposition
on your ballot in order for the ballot to be valid.

Our Governor, Legislators, Local Officials, and Judges
Are going to be making decisions that affect these important issues:

War on Terrorism... Illegal Immigration... Eminent Domain Abuse...
Education... Out of Control Spending... Massive Bond Debt...

The "LGBT" agenda in our public schools and communities
(Lesbian, Gay, Bi-Sexual, Transsexual)...
Euthanasia... Cloning...Embryonic Stem-Cell Research...

Every Election is Incredibly Important!

If you find this information helpful,
Please tell others about our site!

Mission America Coalition Speakers

2006-10-14T02:01:00.000-07:00

Recently the Mission America Coalition had their annual Conference in St. Louis, MO. The plenary speakers had some outstanding talks on Youth in America, our culture, the Church in America and many other.
NAE President Identifies Youth Ministry As Most Important

TRANSFORMING THE CULTURE FROM WITHIN

Nationwide Church Attendance Less than Half of Previous Estimates

For more information about Mission America Coalition
or the "Loving Our Communities to Christ"

Working Together Is God's Idea ...

2006-10-08T18:07:00.001-07:00

Working Together is God's Idea ... 16 - Effective Key Principles

"Working together is God's idea. He lives in community, in relationship, outside of time, in eternity. Our indiviudal potential is only realized, our wholeness only experienced, in relationship with others. God created us to trust and to work with others. Believers throughout history have sought to respond to God's call to unity -- with him and with each other. The Bible is full of stories of God's people working in partnership, in some cases, must in twos and threes. In other cases, hundreds joined hands to do what indiviudals could never have done along."

"But Satan's strategy is to destroy God's design. Satan's success, at least at some level, means that darkenss is always present."

"Over the last 200-300 years, the intense individualism of Western societies has made the journey toward wholeness, relationship, and cooperation much harder."

"That individualism has inflected our lives, our theology, our churches, our educational paradigms, and the fruits of the missionary movement." Phil Bulter's new book, Well Connected, identifies some of the key issues and principles as we journey back to what God designed us to be and do. May these discovered and tested principles provide you the tools for strategic evangelism partnerships. Please READ MORE 16 Principles of Working Together.

How to Look at Life ...

2006-09-21T22:33:00.000-07:00

Pastor Rick Warren with wife Kay

You may have heard of Rick Warren, the author of "A Purpose Driven Life". Here's a wonderful peek into the way a Godly man thinks when he is blessed and/or in times of trouble.

People ask me, "What is the purpose of life?" And I respond: "In a nutshell, life is preparation for eternity. We were made to last forever, and God wants us to be with Him in Heaven.

One day my heart is going to stop, and that will be the end of my body-- but not the end of me. I may live 60 to 100 years on earth, but I am going to spend trillions of years in eternity. This is the warm-up act - the dress rehearsal.

God wants us to practice on earth what we will do forever in eternity. We were made by God and for God, and until you figure that out, life isn't going to make sense.

Life is a series of problems: Either you are in one now, you're just coming out of one, or you're getting ready to go into another one.

The reason for this is that God is more interested in your character than your comfort. God is more interested in making your life holy than He is in making your life happy.

We can be reasonably happy here on earth, but that's not the goal of life. The goal is to grow in character, in Christ likeness.

This past year has been the greatest year of my life but also the toughest, with my wife, Kay, getting cancer.

I used to think that life was hills and valleys - you go through a dark time, then you go to the mountaintop, back and forth. I don't believe that anymore. Rather than life being hills and valleys, I believe that it's kind of like two rails on a railroad track, and at all times you have something good and something bad in your life.

No matter how good things are in your life, there is always something bad that needs to be worked on. And no matter how bad things are in your life,there is always something good you can thank God for.

You can focus on your purposes, or you can focus on your problems. If you focus on your problems, you're going into self-centeredness, which is "My problem, my issues, my pain."

But one of the easiest ways to get rid of pain is to get your focus off yourself and onto God and others.

We discovered quickly that in spite of the prayers of hundreds of thousands of people, God was not going to heal Kay or make it easy for her. It has been very difficult for her, and yet God has strengthened her character, given her a ministry of helping other people, given her a testimony, drawn her closer to Him and to people.

You have to learn to deal with both the good and the bad of life. Actually, sometimes learning to deal with the good is harder. For instance, this past year, all of a sudden, when the book sold 15 million copies, it made me instantly very wealthy. It also brought a lot of notoriety that I had never had to deal with before. I don't think God gives you money or notoriety for your own ego or for you to live a life of ease.

So I began to ask God what He wanted me to do with this money, notoriety and influence. He gave me two different passages that helped me decide what to do, II Corinthians 9 and Psalm 72.

First, in spite of all the money coming in, we would not change our lifestyle one bit. We made no major purchases.

Second, about midway through last year, I stopped taking a salary from the church.

Third, we set up foundations to fund an initiative we call The Peace Plan to plant churches, equip leaders, assist the poor, care for the sick, and educate the next generation.

Fourth, I added up all that the church had paid me in the 24 years since I started the church, and I gave it all back. It was liberating to be able to serve God for free.

We need to ask ourselves: Am I going to live for possessions? Popularity? Am I going to be driven by pressures? Guilt? Bitterness? Materialism? Or am I going to be driven by God's purposes (for my life)?

When I get up in the morning, I sit on the side of my bed and say, "God, if I don't get anything else done today, I want to know You more and love You better." God didn't put me on earth just to fulfill a to-do list. He's more interested in what I am than what I do. That's why we're called human beings, not human doings.

THINK ABOUT THIS:
Happy moments, PRAISE GOD.
Difficult moments, SEEK GOD.
Quiet moments, WORSHIP GOD.
Painful moments, TRUST GOD.
Every moment, THANK GOD.

"A Night to Honor Israel" Makes Debut in Sacramento, California

2006-09-19T22:03:00.000-07:00

Randy Neal, one of the two co-directors for Christians United for Israel - California, didn't know what to expect. They had rented the classic old-time Crest Theather in Downtown Sacramento. After he initially signed the contact, he had "buyers remorse". Where was the money going to come from to afford this Theather for "A Night to Honor Israel". Genesis 12:3 says, he who honors, blesses Israel, God will bless him...".

When word got out about the event, before they were even able to send out the publicity brochures and flyers . . . it was sold out!! Randy was shocked! And God's Word is proven true! Click here to learn more . . .

Sacramento County Discriminates Against Local Church

2006-09-15T18:43:00.000-07:00

by: Rev. Rich Oliver

I am writing you as a long time resident of the Sacramento area and Senior Pastor of Family Christian Center for over 15 years. One of my key staff members, my youth pastor, Rev. Matthew Oliver, has informed me that the Sacramento County Code Enforcement Division has informed us that our Youth/ Young Adult outreach program, EXEMPTION INFORMATION letter of 1997 which clarifies Legislation and states, Church Activity includes, but is not limited to weddings and receptions, potluck gatherings, infrequent fund-raising activities for the church, missionary activities, Bible study, and church member group meetings.

CLUB RETRO would be considered a missionary activity to the youth of our community and well as a church member group meeting.

This Church for years has provided vital services and resources to the residents of the Sacramento County area including:

- Religious services and education
- A quality pre-school/day care program
- A Christian elementary, jr. high and high school
- Free substance abuse recovery programs and teaching
- Free marriage counseling and marriage enrichment programs
- Children programs throughout the week
- Childrens Summer camps
- Youth camps throughout the year
- Softball leagues
- Adult education programs of all types
Youth programs
- Use of facilities for Voting

And much, much more. READ MORE & "pray the news"

In Invitation to the PJI Pastors Luncheon - October 18

2006-09-12T21:47:00.000-07:00

Co-sponsored by William Jessup University and

Joe Walsh of the Capitol Fellowship Foundation

presents

LEGAL CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR CHURCHES

2006/2007 UPDATE

Wednesday, October 18, 2006 ● 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
North Ridge Country Club Ballroom
Map
Madison Ave and Mariposa Ave
Fair Oaks, CA 95628

Featuring Lunch with the Country Club’s BEST Filet Mignon

AGENDA

EXPANDING CHURCH FACILITIES

Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA)

HOMOSEXUAL / MORAL ISSUES WITH RESPECT TO STAFF, EMPLOYEES, VOLUNTEERS AND ATTENDEES

NEW LAWS IMPACTING CHURCHES

EVANGELIZING IN THE WORKPLACE

EXPANDING YOUTH MINISTRIES

LEGAL FINANCIAL EXPANSION

Please contact Miriam Archer at 916-857-6900 or miriamarcher@pacificjustice.org
to reserve your seat !

Freedom Fades in California

2006-09-05T12:44:00.000-07:00

Freedom Fades in California -

By Assemblyman Ray Haynes
September 5, 2006

Freedom is a fragile thing. A candlelight in a windstorm, if you will, requiring constant vigilance to preserve. It is never safe, as the old saying goes, as long as the Legislature (or Congress) is in session.

That is because the ruling class, that is, elected officials, bureaucrats, and their allies in the private sector, get money, power and prestige from bigger government, and bigger government is an anathema to freedom. Therefore, those who are in charge of protecting our freedom, (i.e. government officials) have a vested interest in taking it away. Human nature being what it is, everyone, including those in government, act to enhance their money, power and prestige. The less freedom you have, the more power the ruling class has. READ MORE & "pray the news"

Pastoral and Local Church Rules of Engagement

"When the Church Leaves the Building"

2006-09-02T20:45:00.000-07:00

It's a joy to recommend to the pastors of Sacramento a new book by a local professor and writer: Dave Frederickson of Western Seminary. He reveals in practical terms who the Church looks like, or should look like, when it leaves the building. Enjoy!

- Joe Walsh, Capitol Fellowship Foundation and the Christian Community Communications.

From the Author: Dave Fredrickson

"I wanted to let you know that the book I've been writing for a few years is finally published!

When the Church Leaves the Building chronicles the spiritual journey of a group of believers who longed for more than "church as usual" and set out on a risky path toward an unknown destination.

"If you are interested in finding out more about the book or would like to order one, just visit our website at www.familyroommedia.com and click on the products tab. You might want to check out the first part of our new DVD series, Church Outside the Box, as well. You can preview that on the website.

"If nothing else, just drop me a line and let me know how you're doing."

Blessings,

David Fredrickson

Academic Coordinator
Western Seminary

Sacramento Campus
3927 Marconi Ave.
Sacramento, CA 95821
(916) 488-3720 or (800) 250-7030
Email: Sacramento@westernseminary.edu
Link to Yahoo map

FREE Tax Seminar for Nonprofits - Thursday, August 31, 9:00 a.m.

2006-08-26T23:10:00.000-07:00

The Honorable

BILL LEONARD - Member, State Board of Equalization

And The Honorable

TIM LESLIE - Asemblyman, 4^th Assembly District

INVITE YOU to attend a

FREE Tax Seminar for Nonprofit and Exempt Organizations

Thursday, August 31, 2006

9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. ( Check-in at 8:30 a.m.)

ADVENTURE CHRISTIAN CHURCH - Auditorium

6401 Stanford Ranch Road, Roseville, CA 95678

REGISTER ONLINE:

www.boe.ca.gov/sutax/nonprofitsched.htm See content of seminar at website. Very important! Please Come!!

or call 916-341-7389

** Location is accessible to the disabled. For special assistance call 916-341-7389.

Bill Affects Negatively the Educational System in California

2006-08-22T13:02:00.000-07:00

NORCAL NAE ALERT!

www.naenorcal.net DDBURCHETT@aol.com

Pastor A. Dwight Burchett, president

SB 1437 has now passed the Assembly. It was on a party basis. Democrats were for the bill and Republicans voted 'no' on this bill.

The bill affects negatively the educational system in California. Tender aged children will be left to the teacher and his/her interpretation as to the history of California and the homosexual and lesbian influence on our state. This state was built regardless of a person's sexual orientation.

We now must go to the governor with our letters and phone calls. We request that you contact the governor. Hand letters are best. The Governor, State Capitol, Sacramento, California 95814. Just write 4-5 sentences asking the governor to 'VETO' SB 1437.

Thank you for your service to your state and to all Christians.

May We Encourage our Marketplace members to be Involved!

2006-08-14T16:34:00.000-07:00

The Sacramento county shows a number of vacancies on county boards and commissions. Sacramento Outlook wants to encourage Christians and those in the Marketplace to pray as ask God where He might want to use you to be a blessing to our city and county. God is calling forth His love and witness of His life through those who worship and serve only Him in their walk of life. Click here !

REMEMBER AMALEK

2006-08-13T21:27:00.000-07:00

What the Bible says about fighting terrorism.
by Rabbi Marc Gellman (from Newsweek. July 19, ,2006)

The Bible is the greatest collection of books, and I believe it to be the complex but discernable word of God. However, the Bible can also be a dangerous book when it is used as a blueprint for any particular political or military stance seeking sanction and support through a few carefully selected and often misleading segments.

On both sides of any war debate, both pacifists and provocateurs can use the Bible's authority. The same is true for the Qur'an and for the Vedas. God's will and God's ways, we must always remember if we are to be true to the message of faith, are not our own. Read MORE & pray for wisdom and discernment

ROLE REVERSAL - Christian Slavic Community Persecuted !

2006-08-08T23:52:00.000-07:00

Sacramento’s Slavic Christians fled persecution back home, but some are befuddled by their new country’s tolerance of gays

By Rachel Gregg

Over the last few months, the loudest voice against gay rights in Sacramento has been that of Sacramento’s Slavic Christian community. Outside of area high schools and on the steps of the Capitol, hundreds of Slavic families, many recent immigrants, have been gathering to protest what is considered a shameful secret in their home countries.

The irony is that they fled those countries after being persecuted for their own religious beliefs.

Eighteen-year-old Nadia Chorney is a Ukrainian native and evangelical Christian. She’s already a veteran activist, fighting against “promoting homosexuality in our schools.”

As a youth leader in her Marysville church, she participated in a number of political actions this spring. She stood in front of the Capitol to protest the passage of Senate Bill 1437, the bill that would have required California textbooks to acknowledge the historical contributions of gay people.

But most of her political activity has been centered around protesting the “Day of Silence” instituted by the Sacramento City Unified School District Board to combat harassment of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender students in public schools.

Chorney, who believes that “homosexuality is a sin,” was among the many area high-school students who wore anti-gay T-shirts to school on April 26, the Day of Silence. According to Chorney, school administrators demanded that she and other students turn their “homosexuality is a sin, Jesus will set you free” T-shirts inside out. School officials also confiscated anti-gay leaflets from Chorney and other students.

Frustrated by what she felt was an infringement of her First Amendment rights, Chorney gathered with other students and parents for three days in front of Mira Loma High School to protest. READ FULL STORY - warning - link is for mature readers only!

ALSO read Pacific Justice Institutes defense: CLICK HERE ***
"Slavic Christians Demeaned for Free Speech Activities, Urged to Leave U.S."

~ CCNews ... please pray for the Slavic community - protection, diection and favor. Pray the whole Church of the Sacramento community will stand with them and encourage them. This is not a time run and hide, but to stand and having done all to stand in the LORD and His strength.

NORCAL NAE ALERT!

2006-08-08T19:16:00.000-07:00

WWW.NAENORCAL.NET DDBURCHETT@aol.com

A. Dwight Burchett, President

AB 1437 (Educational books to include homosexuals and lesbians as significant historical figures developing California) is a bill we have been writing about for several months. It has been "scaled down" in the past two days by author Shelia Kuehl who is one of the admitted lesbians in this legislature.

There are some technical matters involved, but this bill still takes away parental rights and authority and has no 'opt-out' provisions for your students. Evangelicals do not want their children to be 'eased' into accepting the lifestyle of lesbians and homosexuals.

Therefore, we ask that you contact your legislator to vote 'NO' on this bill. It will be voted on this week. Legislators are listed in your phone book.

Remember, the morality rally tomorrow at the State Capitol beginning at 10 AM. Wednesday, August 9, 2006.

"R & D" Groups postponed to October 4th

2006-07-18T17:04:00.000-07:00

The "R & D" groups are Reading and Dialogue groups that will be meeting bi-weekly to dialogue over a book of interest for the coming school year. To start this year Phill Butler's new book entitled: "Well Connected" is a practical guide to inspire and inform those who want to help God's people work together - in their neighborhoods or around the world. Click here to learn more and mark your calendars. There will be a pastor and non-pastor "R & D" group. Read more.

"R & D" Groups will Start Wednesday, October 4th: one group for pastors, led by a pastor. Place TBA, 12:00 noon to 1:30 - drinks only. And another group for non-pastors (Sep. 6), led by a non-pastor. Place TBA, 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm - drinks only. These groups will meet every two weeks - only six meeting sessions. (October 4, 18, November 1, 15, 28, Dec. 6). ~ Joe Walsh, http://capitolfellowship.org

Check out http://kingdom-connections.blogspot.com/ for more info on Kingdom Connections

RESOURCE: Look Through African Lenses

2006-07-12T11:35:00.000-07:00

"Reading the Bible through African lenses may help to inspire others with the dynamism and excitement that is common in African churches."
Tokunboh Adeyemo, Africa Bible Commentary

* Try these keywords in the Search This Blog box above: City Impact, Strategic Prayer, Collaborative Evangelsim, Global Network, Pastors' Prayer Groups

*Receive periodic Email updates on new postings: http://www.nppn.org/subscribe.htm

Do I need to go to church since I can find fellowship online?

2006-07-12T10:50:00.000-07:00

Virtual Community
Do I need to go to church since I can find fellowship online?
By Nancy Ortberg

What a great question! I've often wondered what the apostle Paul would think of our internet-driven world populated by blogs, chat rooms, and instant messaging. Imagine his letters to the various New Testament churches. Instead of the "letter to the church at Ephesus," he might have written "the multiple e-mails to the church at Ephesus." And rather than wait to address a problem when he was able to visit, Paul could have sent an instant message.

| Finish this article |

Please Pray for the Defeat of SB 1437

2006-07-05T18:43:00.000-07:00

If you are unfamiliar with this bill:

Go to Google and put in SB 1437 and read, if it passes, what will be mandated by each school district and textbook publisher at EVERY grade level from K-12 in teaching about the homosexual/lesibian lifestyle and their positive influence in our history.

I called and it took less than 1 minute to call and give our opinion of this horrendous bill that has passed the legislature.

Urge the governor to veto this bill!! Please call the governor's switchboard: the correct number for the governor's office is: 916-445-2841

Phone recording will ask if you want this message in English:
Yes, press 1

Is this in regards to a legislation bill? Yes, press 2

Is the bill SB 1437 ? Yes, press 1

Are you in favor of this legislation? No, press 2

That's all you have to do. Email this to as many people as you know to do the same. Even if you home school your own children, this would be a devastating blow to our community if it passes.

California Pastors only ...

2006-07-05T17:05:00.000-07:00

You are invited to a full day conference of California pastors on Saturday, September 9, 2006 in the Los Angeles area (Coast Christian Fellowship, 4000 Pacific Coast Highway, Torrance, CA 90505). This gathering of shepherds will launch the California Sound the Alarm (CASA) based on Joel 2:17…

The purpose of CASA is to promote pastors to call pastors to:

1. Grow deeper in their personal commitment to seek the Lord in prayer, repentance, spiritual renewal and battle for the soul of our nation.

2. Call their congregations to corporate and individual prayer for spiritual awakening in the Church of California.

3. Join the Sound the Alarm network for regular calls to prayer and united action to expand God’s Kingdom throughout California.

Sound the Alarm was first launched in Washington State in 2004. Today, hundreds of pastors and congregations are committed to national revival. Please go to www.soundthealarm.com for details & video.

For more details and regular updates, please go to http://californiasoundsalarm.com

For questions and comments please call 310-753-7918 or E-mail casa090906@yahoo.com.
Click here for more details

NEW "Reading & Dialogue" (R&D) Groups launch September 6th

2006-07-01T23:33:00.000-07:00

FEMA Plan To Use Pastors as Pacifiers in Preparation For Martial Law

2006-06-05T20:19:00.000-07:00

Nationwide initiative trains volunteers to teach congregations to "obey the government" during seizure of guns, property, forced inoculations and forced relocation

Paul Joseph Watson/Prison Planet.com | May 24 2006

> A Pastor has come forward to blow the whistle on a nationwide FEMA program which is training Pastors and other religious representatives to become secret police enforcers who teach their congregations to "obey the government" in preparation for a declaration of martial law, property and firearm seizures, and forced relocation.

In March of this year the Pastor, who we shall refer to as Pastor Revere, was invited to attend a meeting of his local FEMA chapter which circulated around preparedness for a potential bio-terrorist attack, any natural disaster or a nationally declared emergency. READ the Whole Story

Take a look at Tom White's Leadership Roundtable Matrix for the Emerging City Church

2006-05-26T14:34:00.000-07:00

Take a look at Tom White's Leadership Roundtable Matrix for the Emerging City Church. Click here !---} Become part of the Mission America Coaliton ~ Visit: http://www.missionamerica.org
Please make comments below. What are your impressions??

An Invitation: To the Pastors of California

2006-05-12T21:49:00.000-07:00

THE INVITATION

The purpose of this letter is to inform you on how I believe the Lord will bring about His holy revival to the state of California as well as to the rest of our nation. A meeting of pastors is currently being planned for Saturday, September 9, 2006 in the Los Angeles area to unite our hearts as ONE and humbly ask the Lord to transform the church and the lost world. Such a move has already begun in the state of Washington with hundreds of pastors and congregations seeking God’s healing for their state and all across America. Please go to www.soundthealarm.com for details.

I hope you will prayerfully read the rest of the letter, share it with other pastors of our state, and E-mail/call me with a response. Below is my contact information:

Dai Sup Han
thehans@aol.com
310-753-7918

Please ... read the rest of the Invitation
OR at the CCNews Portal

Greater Sacramento Global Day of Prayer - Sunday - June 4 - @ Adventure Christian Church, Roseville

2006-05-11T19:51:00.000-07:00

Global Day of Prayer and God is calling us to Himself for the blessing of the nations . . . our country, state and city! Let's join together and be a part of this very special Day! This is an All-City-Region event! It is for ALL who call upon the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ in Spirit and in Truth.

In the Spirit of our Unity in Christ, a core group of pastors from our region have decided together that this year the event will be hosted at Adventure Christian Church! The entire facility of worship center (3000+), Chapel (500+), Classrooms (500+), and the outdoor Amphitheater (1-2 thousand) will hopefully be sufficient for the simulcast. The gathering is FREE! No charge for parking! The doors open at 5:00 pm, with worship starting about 5:45 pm, and the program starting at 6:30 pm. The evening program is slated to go until about 8:00 pm, but the time is flexible to go as long as the Lord wants!

Everyone senses the Lord is calling us together to experience His presence and love in an intimate corporate way as hundreds of millions of people from around the world pass this day in worshipping Him in Spirit and Truth! The Sacramento region will be one of the last time zones on earth to heap praises upon the Lord, the Creator, the Almighty, the God and Father of us all! Come and enter in to this most unique and glorious time ever in our region!

Latest Newsletter Update
10-Day Prayer Guide
Pray! Magazine features GDOP
GDOP Prayer Calls

Global and Local Strategy

1. 10 Days of day-and-night prayer from Ascension Day till the Saturday before Pentecost Sunday. May 25 - June 3. - 5 local churches selected
2. 1 Day Event - A global day worship-repentance & prayer on Pentecost Sunday. June 4. - Adventure Church
3. 90 Days of "community blessing", June 5 - September 4. - 4 projects selected, + plus other local church projects.

Barna Survey Reveals Significant Growth in Born Again Population

2006-03-29T20:16:00.000-08:00

The Barna Group’s annual tracking survey of the religious behavior and beliefs among adults shows a significant increase in the percentage of adults who are trusting Christ for their eternal salvation. Looking at data over the past 15 years, there has been a dramatic upsurge in the proportion of “born again” adults in the past few years.
http://barna.org/

35 Ideas for Being a Good Shepherd - to inspire you!

2006-03-25T22:52:00.000-08:00

From: DAVIDJWILSON55@cs.com - Thanks David!

CD Leaders' Meeting 3/20/06

Be in the Word more to get authority
Hear Lord's voice and speak it to each person
Know the Lord's heart toward the sheep
Allow God to have first place
Clean out the junk so the Holy Spirit can flow through me
Seek God first and stay humble
Be intentionally observant and seeking the Lord for each situation
Be willing to confront a person and do it in love
Confront in prayer before responding in the flesh
Lead in a manner so the person can internalize the Word of God and recognize the truth for themselves
Do not be judgmental and be more compassionate
Give testimonies of good goodness as encouragement

Speak the truth in love
Close and being intimate
Bringing correction or of caring for them
Stay humble
Lead by example in humility
Stay connected to the Lord and each other
Respond to their needs
See the potential of the sheep
How to cultivate the gifts and skills of the sheep
Live a balanced life
Staying focused on prayer and intimacy with the Lord
Pray in the Spirit, pray again, and when you're done, pray in the Spirit again
Study the Word like a scholar

Having God's heart more in every situation
Having his precision - know where to go and where I need to be more familiar with His voice
Know God better & His voice like never before; know them so well that there will never be deception by the enemy; so familiar with the authentic that it will automatically discern what's not of Him
Equipping the saints - discipleship
Lead by example
Discerning needs
Strategy - leaving the 99 for the 1 lost
Trustworthines

The Notes for Todays Pastors Roundtable lunch are posted

2006-03-20T11:37:00.000-08:00

Look to the right sidebar and click on Roundtable Notes and Study Tools, then click on Comments.

There are some new blogs in Town.

2006-03-15T20:11:00.000-08:00

"Down 2 Zero" is a blog supporting the efforts of prayer mobilization against Youth On Youth Violence and seeing it come "Down 2 Zero". Active Prayer is the key. And Active Participation is the goal.

Another blog giving focus to helping a Junior High School in the Del Paso Heights area is The Lighthouse . The Lighthouse online is a blog for the initial communication of this community sponsored non-profit corporation for saving our children and not leaving one behind. Right now pray for it's formulation, fund raising and guidance for it's work of "extreme makeover", tutoring and mentoring, sports and arts training, car care for single mother families on welfare, Food and Clothes lockers and adult classes on single parenting.

Local Church focused Emergency Disaster Preparedness Workshop

2006-03-14T10:26:00.000-08:00

REMINDER: Thursday- 16 March - Emergency Disaster Preparedness workshop for local churches - FREE

March 14, 2006

Dear Pastors and Ministry Lay Leaders:

In light of recent disasters in New Orleans, Florida and Pakistan, a number of pastors and ministry leaders have been meeting together to pray and plan concerning the likelihood of a similar disaster in the Sacramento area and Bay area. Since geologists agree that it’s not a matter of “if” but “when”, it is only a matter of basic stewardship in Christ to be prepared to care for the people of our congregations and for the cities as a whole.

One of the wonderful outcomes of hurricane Katrina was the way the church rallied to meet the need even when the federal and local governments dropped the ball or were unable to meet the demands.

On behalf of some local pastors, Joe Walsh of CFFGroup and I, Linda Buckingham, Director of Church~Aglow, California have been asked to serve as the liaisons between the churches and Don Hargis, Emergency Disaster Relief Professional from Fresno, California. To make it more advantageous to you, we are offering two duplicate sessions for those who can’t come on a weekday morning but can attend an evening session. Both sessions are FREE.

THURSDAY, MARCH 16, 2006

9:00 – 12:00 noon OR 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm
Host church: 14^th Avenue Baptist Church
Pastor Dennis Fredricks
6240 14^th Ave. at 63^rd St.
Sacramento, CA
(916) 730-7210 - fredricksd@aol.com

Come and listen, learn, and hear what the Spirit of God is saying to you personally for your family and to His church! He is taking His Body to the FRONT LINES, behind the yellow-tape, to where the “harvest” will need a helping hand. Let’s be His hands extended to victims and emergency workers! God is calling His church to rise up in strength; to serve rather than be served! Watchmen who are ready!

NOTE: If you cannot come personally, we encourage you to please appoint a representative to attend in your place and help make preparedness a Church-wide priority.

Please PHONE Linda Buckingham or REPLY to this email

Linda Buckingham – lindabuck@softcom.net ; (916) 338-1601

We look forward to seeing you there.

In His Service,

Linda Buckingham
Director, Church~Aglow, Ca & HI
(916) 338-1601
lindabuck@softcom.net

REMINDER: Pastors Roundtable lunch - March 20

2006-03-06T09:18:00.000-08:00

This is a REMINDER of the invitation I have extended to pastors to be my guest for lunch on Monday, March 20th, 11:45 am, at the Hilton Hotol, Penthouse over looking the city (Bus 80 and Arden Way). Please RSVP to meeting planner Joe Walsh at (916) 870-8695 OR email Joe at walshusa@pacbell.net. Thank you.

Pastor Sherwood Carthen
Bayside South Church

Rules of Engagement for Pastors and the US Election Process

2006-03-06T08:56:00.000-08:00

It can seem very adversarial for churches to get involved in the election process at any level--local, state or federal. Here are some handy guidelines from an expert, Alice Patterson, President of Justice at the Gate
(http://www.justiceatthegate.org/)

"How can pastors educate and mobilize their congregations and still protect their tax-exempt status with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS)?
To read the entire article with guidelines on Political and Lobbying Activities allowed for churches and nonprofit organizations, go to:
http://www.irs.gov/charities/charitable/
article/0,,id=120703,00.html
Also visit our website and download a copy of CIVIC GUIDELINES FOR PASTORS AND CHURCHES AT http://justiceatthegate.org/civic02d.asp
It's also available in Spanish by requesting it by email or phone at 210-677-8214.

Here are some things churches may do:

Educate about issues and elections
Distribute nonpartisan Voter Guides
Get Out The Vote in a nonpartisan way
Register voters
Invite candidates to speak as a candidate if all candidates have an equal invitation
Hold candidate forums if a broad range of questions are asked
Educate on specific legislation and encourage their constituents to call or write about specific legislation if the activities do not constitute a substantial amount of time or resources of the organization
Candidates for office may be given the pulpit to share their testimony, teach or speak about an issue and not as a candidate. In that case you don't have to invite other candidates. However, in that instance, there must be no mention of the candidacy and no campaign activity may take place.
You may invite all candidates for political office to come to your church to be introduced and prayed over. If only one shows up, he can speak, just as you would have allowed the others to speak. You can't control who comes. You can only control who is invited. Invite all, and you're safe.
Pastors may preach about elections and about issues and values. Pastors have always been a plumbline for what is right and what is wrong in a society.

Can pastors endorse candidates? Yes.

Pastors may endorse candidates as an individual citizen, but not as an official representative of the church or nonprofit organization. You may have seen "titles for Identificational purposes only" after the name of a pastor or leader endorsing a political candidate. That phrase clarifies the fact that the person is a pastor but is not speaking on behalf of his congregation pastor but as a private citizen.
Pastors may volunteer for candidates.
Pastors may donate to candidates from their personal resources.

Prayer Time For Sacramento Region

2006-02-28T21:15:00.000-08:00

As many of you know I have pastored in our city of Sacramento for more than twenty years. Each year that goes by God gives me grace to love our city more. Have you noticed how God is moving in our city recently? He's brought William Jessup University into your region. He's brought new pastors, new life, new employment, new schools, new opportunties and new hope. God is wanting to make our city truly as city of the Sacrament . . . where brothers and sisters live, work and worship together and live out the Kingdom of God and the love of Jesus Christ for all people . . all 130 language groups in our cities.

All of this brings me to my knees in total dependence upon God to move upon my life and yours, us together. God is waiting for us to come together to walk out our Unity in the Spirit in the Bond of peace which He purchased with His blood. I want to do this with you! I need you. We need each other. And Jesus wants us both! . . . Imagine that! Is there an "Amen" in the house? I know you do too! In fact, that's the key to our city-region , IT'S US . . . for us us as pastors to come together in Jesus Name and pray, care and share with one another. But it all begins with prayer!

That's why I am inviting you to join me and others to talk about it and pray! And then have lunch together - my treat! - at the Hilton Hotel , at Bus-80 and Arden Way, at 12 noon, on Monday March 20th? Please RSVP to Joe Walsh, a dear brother who functions as a city pastor, steeped in "prayer mobilization",for our region. He will be acting as our own meeting planner for this gathering. Please contact him at: walshusa@pacbell.net or (916) 870-8695 with your reservation. We need a head count by no later than Friday, March 17th pm. And remember, this is my gift to you! Thank you!

Please join me now. And mark your calendar - March 20th. Let's seek the LORD together. Thank you so much for your faithfulness and love to our Lord Jesus Christ, one another, and for this city-region!

Your brother in Christ,

Sherwood Carthen
Pastor, Bayside - South
SherwoodC@baysideonline.com
(916) 549-8748

Anti-Religious Hysteria

2006-01-25T13:12:00.000-08:00

Story Source

Check out this challenging essay on Spiked by Frank Furedi, “The curious rise of anti-religious hysteria.” His main point is that while religious belief is misplaced, it shouldn’t be replaced with another sort of secular fundamentalism.

It turns out Furedi himself is just a believer in rationalism: “Superstition and prejudice should continually be countered by rational argument. But the vitriolic invective hurled at Christian believers today is symptomatic of the passions normally associated with a fanatical Inquisitor.” Of course “superstition” happens to be anything that is believed not on the basis of some sort of rational foundationalism.

On secular reactions to The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe and The Passion of the Christ: “As a secular humanist who is instinctively uncomfortable with zealot-like moralism, I am suspicious of the motives behind these doctrinaire denunciations of films with a religious message.”

On expressions of faith: “Until recently, cultural expressions of religious faith were simply considered old-fashioned and gauche. But over the past decade, scorn has turned into bigotry and hatred.”

On Intelligent Design: “Many see only the danger of superstition in Intelligent Design, describing it as a new form of Creationism on the march. They overlook the remarkable concession that Intelligent Design makes to the authority of science.”

On Jim Wallis: “When it comes to banality, Jim Wallis’ God’s Politics: Why the Right Gets it Wrong and the Left Doesn’t Get It beats his competitors to the post.”

MLK jr Sunday Celebration !

2006-01-17T19:41:00.000-08:00

Sacramento - MLK jr Sunday Celebration Blog !

I was at a great party last night! Yes! That's what it turned out to be . . . a celebration! It was by far the best MLK, Jr., Sunday "celebration" I've been to. And I have been to most of them. I turned to a pastor that had walked in with me from the pastors area. Later as we sat there in the front row reserved for pastors, I turned to him and said: "If we could do this more often it would change our city in a God honoring way!! He agreed! And I really believe it!

Bishop Sherwood Carthen gave the BEST presentation of repentance and reconciliation I have ever heard. It was biblical, basic, blunt and beautiful! His humorous and honest presentation mysmerized and moved the audience to tears, laughter, applauding, standing ovations, dancing in the isle and lastly to personal commitment . . ."to change". It was amazing! Bishop Carthen's theme was "It's Time for a Change." He challenged us all with the thought that the MLK, Jr. holiday was not to be see as a holiday only for the "Black Community." If we think of it that way, he said, we will lose the significance of reconciliation that Dr. King died for. Bishop Carthen said, we must change our thinking and think like God. The core of Bishop Carthen's MLK message was repentance, reconciliation, loving God, loving one another, and making disciples who will live the same way with a "one-family-mentality". "Don't be afraid!" "Don't turn back!" "Endure to the end!" The Bishop said. The service was recorded and can be purchased from Capital Christian Center, Sacramento, CA. I've got to get a copy of the DVD!

I later suggested to Pastor Samuel Gordon, the site logistics pastor for the event, that somehow we need to do this several times during the year. Something like a Sacramento Worship on the fifth Sunday (maybe April 30 - NDP Sunday; July 30th and Dec 31).

This kind of extravagant worship and inspiration I believe could move us all forward toward what the interviewed guest, Raleigh Washington, said about "Walls have to come down\!" Pastor Ray Johnson, Bayside Church, interviewed Raleigh from the platform. Raleigh gave his personal journey to Jesus Christ and overcoming bitterness and anger from having been greatly wronged before being forced to separate from the military ... one day before his 20 years of retirement; and as a result of this extreme discrimination of racism, he lost at that time, his retirement and all benefits. But, nine years later, through the help of an attorney (Caucasian), in court it was overruled, given a Marching Band retirement parade, and reinstated from that day backwards and compensated accordingly! PTL!

After the military, Raleigh went to Trinity Seminary in Deerfield, IL. He graduated and later became a co-pastor with a friend (Caucasian) in the inner city of Chicago, where for nearly 15 years God greatly blessed the ministry. While in ministry at this church Promise Keepers extended a call for Raleigh to come and work for Promise Keepers. What a blessing to hear the grace of God in Raleigh's life!

Pastor G. Henry Wells, Fair Oaks Presbyterian Church, gracious helped us to be willing to depart with some of our money. That's right,! A Presbyterian pastor being used of God in a MLK, Jr. service, urging us to be generous with our giving as the offering plate came by. Pastor Wells showed his own generosity by donating significantly.

Azizza Davis Goines, of the Northern California HIV/AIDS Healthcare Center, was honored by the MLK Committee, and presented by Cathy Cole, First Lady of Capital Christian Center. This was the first Annual Rosa Parks Award. Azizza is a lady, in the Sacramento area, who ministered to and lost her sister to the fight of aids in the early 80's before it was fashionable to talk about aids publicly or in churches. She's been a pioneer of AIDS awareness in northern California for many years. She seeks to speak in churches to give awareness talks throughout northern California. Whenever we can, we need to open doors for her to speak in churches in the Sacramento region.

This year is the beginning of the MLK Scholarship ($20,000), to be awarded to a graduating Sacramento Senior High School student to attend William Jessup University. Dr. Bryce Jessup, President of William Jessup University, made the announcement, and Dr. Anthony Wallace, President of the United Pastors of Sacramento, urged churches to encourage students to apply and compete for the generous scholarship.

The Martin Luther King, Jr. Mass Choir, as it was called, did an outstanding job of energetically lifting the audience into the presence of God! It was a joy to see the unashamed display of worship and affection for our Lord Jesus Christ. I never did get the name of the lady who lead the Mass Choir, but she did an outstanding job of it! All in the choir obviously enjoyed being there and it made us all feel the same way!

Whether it was the call to worship by Pastor K.D. Weldon, Harmon Church, or the benediction by Pastor Samuel Gordon, Capital Christian Center, the whole evening produced a "God-results" of what the speaker Bishop Sherwood Carthen spoke of . . . love to God, and love to one another, as Christ loved us. Now . . . let's live it out! The focus of MLK 365 (http://mlk365.org/) speaks to that. Check it out.

Coming together for worship and inspiration throughout the year, and walking and working together in between will show evidence that God truly is present in the city of the Sacrament!

~ Joe Walsh, MLKjr Committee member

Nor Cal - Pastors' Prayer Summit 2006 - Jan 23-25 / Mon -pm to Wed -noon

2006-01-09T23:43:00.000-08:00

Nor Cal - Pastors' Prayer Summit 2006 - Jan 23-25 / Mon -pm to Wed -noon
YWAM at Richardson Springs, outside Chico.

Hi Pastors! Here is your invitation to this years - 2006 - Pastors Prayer Summit for northern California. And I know, if you're like me, you need a brief time of spiritual refreshment.
Come to Chico and be with a group a loving and caring pastors from northern California. Your life will be blest and refreshed! Please register soon. You can download the attached PDF file - OR - Call Carol at 530-343-6006 for questions and to make your reservation.

Sign-in for registration begins Monday, Jan 23, 4:00 pm
at Richardson Springs.

See you there!

Larry Lane
(serving the Prayer Summit committee)
Senior Pastor
Neighborhood Church, Chico,
CA YWAM Chico Website:
http://www.ywamchico.com/
YWAM Chico Profile Location:
http://ywam.org/searches/bprofile.asp?bid=208
All YWAM Offices :
http://ywam.org/WebEmailLinks.asp?letter=U&bhcp=1

Come! There's a place for you . . .

2005-12-15T17:27:00.000-08:00

Sacramento Pastors Roundtable

One Month til MLK, Jr., Celebration

2005-12-15T17:20:00.000-08:00

Martin Luther King, Jr. Sunday Celebration
“Everybody can be great, because everybody can serve.” – Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Capital Christian Center, Sunday, January 15, 2006, 6:00 pm. Read MORE

Comment below what your city or church is doing. Or Join us in Sacramento!

GLOBAL DAY OF PRAYER: January Summit - Las Vegas, Jan 27-28, 2006

2005-11-28T10:45:00.000-08:00

LOCATION: Canyon Ridge Christian Church, 6200 W. Lone Mountain Rd., Las Vegas, NV 89130 (www.canyonridge.org) HOTEL: Santa Fe Station Hotel Casino: 4949 North Rancho Drive, Las Vegas, NV 89130 (866) 767-7771 (toll-free). $54 Thursday, $139 for Friday night (yes, you read correctly. Its Las Vegas). Ask for The National Prayer Committee / GDOP block. You must call the hotel directly to make your reservations.

REGISTRATION: $50 / SCHEDULE & CONTENT: 9 AM Friday to 12 Noon on Saturday. 28 hours of new relationships, mission & vision, stories from around the globe, new promo materials, new prayer guide, CDs, DVDs, review strategies, testimonies, break out sessions, lessons learned, how to mobilize your community, funding, broadcasting strategies (TV, radio, Internet), the P.E.A.C.E. Plan, the Azusa Street Centenniel, Blogs, etc.

Visit Our Website Registration form. Forward this to others.

My trip this fall to Cairo put on display the amazing work that God is doing throughout the Arab world. On the GDOP, the Cave Church held 18,000 from all the Egptian denomintions. It was televised and is being rebroadcast EVERDAY somewhere in the Arab world. Regarding Latin America, major breakthroughs are imminent. I met with Marcos Witt (Lakewood Church, Houston) and Alberto Salcedo (Ekklesia, La Paz, Bolivia [20,000+]). A strategy for face to face meetings with Latin American leaders is being developed along with a broadcasting strategy that will unite with ours in North America.

Make plans to buy the March issue of "Pray Magazine" (www.navpress.com/Magazines/Pray!) in bulk. The whole of the issue is devoted to the Global Day of Prayer. The GDOP is the sponsor and host of Sunday morning plenary session at the National Religious Broadcasters Convention (NRB.org), Feb. 12. Also, the Azusa Street Centenniel (www.azusastreet100.com) is expecting 80,000 from all over the world and a national television audience to celebrate 100 years since the birth of the Charismatic/Pentecostal movements. The Centenniel has adopted the Global Day of Prayer as their next step after April 29th. Wow.

Send a gift. Help us summon the earth!

WHO SHOULD ATTEND THE GDOP SUMMIT? Join with the leaders of the National Prayer Committee ... Pastors who pray globally & act locally, local pastor prayer groups, marketplace leaders, leaders of networks, leaders of intercessors, city reachers, and all those whose hearts are stirred with a vision of the cities of the earth aflame with the glory of Christ. Come as a team from your town or city. Every indication points to the most remarkbale movement in the history of the Church. Perhaps it is the beginning of the last great move of God before the return of Christ.

Under Mercy,

Bob Bakke

Sacramento Reveal Flood Plan - "pray the news"

2005-11-28T09:48:00.000-08:00

Flood maps help plan for peril

Levee by levee, road by road, the city and county of Sacramento have pieced together plans for something they hope they never have to...(more) ~ Sacramento Bee

~ Sacramento Bee
Jim and Larkin Penrose look at a Sacramento-area flood map in their Pocket home, which would likely be under 15 feet of water if a levee breaks. They already know where they're headed if that catastrophe occurs: the home of a relative in Gold River. ("pray the news")

National and Global Days of Prayer are May 5, 15 . . . Prepare!

2005-05-02T01:42:00.000-07:00

Visit Global Day of Prayer and learn more.

Sacramento Pastors Roundtable early June at KFIA

2005-04-25T13:54:00.000-07:00

KFIA and Joe Pursch have been the "flag ship" of service to the pastors and ministries of Sacramento for some time. They are very much appreciated for the way God is using KFIA to host the Sacramento Pastors Roundtable. Joe Pursch and KFIA have welcomed us to use their Conference Room and to service the coming together of pastors for Fellowship and Prayer for Sacramento. Come back in the next to this blog in the next week or two for the exact date and time. Pray for Joe and KFIA as they seek to glorify Christ in the greater Sacramento region and support the churches and pastors of our city.

Strategic Prayer Happenings Around Sacramento

2005-04-25T13:51:00.000-07:00

The next three weeks will be a very strategic prayer focus in the life of the Church in the Sacramento region. This Wednesday at Adventure Christian Church in Roseville, a group of pastors for the Sacramento area are meeting to talk about the Global Day of Prayer and how to have a regional witness and worship on Sunday, May 15th, Pentecost Sunday. Africa is inviting the World to a special time of worship and praise, and strategic intercession on behalf of the nations of the earth. Global Day of Prayer USA has an excellent website to encourage us all. And there's a States blogsite to list your activities of that day.

National Day of Prayer - Sunday - May 1st, has the potential to be an over 40 million attendee prayer focus for the USA on that Sunday. Just in Sacramento there could potentially be over 100,000 people participating in morning worship. NDP Sunday, May 1st focused on "Take 5". That's where pastors and congregations take 5 minutes to pray together in guided prayer by the pastor to prayer for our country and the upcoming National Day of Prayer Week and the many activities and witness focus that the week will bring.

National Day of Prayer in churches and at the Capitol. Come and join in the National Day of Prayer focus at the Capitol on the south steps, 11th and N Streets, 11 am - 12 noon youth worship and prayer; 12 noon - 1 pm to main focus of prayer and intercession. We look forward to seeing you there or you having an event elsewhere - especially with the members of your congregation. "Bring God to the People and the People to God."