Heartbroken! When Tragedy Hits.

HEARTBROKEN!  Went from an amazing Sunday of multiple services filled with faith, laughter, celebration, inspiration & many decisions -

to just moments before dismissal from New Venture Christian Fellowship, I’m handed a phone with the horrific details of the Texas church massacre of Nov 5,2017.

Shared & prayed with our church family, for an anguished &  grieving church family 1,312 miles away.

Heartbroken by the  tragedy, the enormity of loss to the families of the victims, & the fact that this dear church family in Sutherland Springs, Texas lost half its congregation today, with  27 souls (ages 5 to 72 yrs) that went to church this morning fully expecting  to worship God, and now, celebrate eternity with Him, in His Presence. Though comforted by this – I, like you, am deeply saddened by  the circumstances surrounding it.

In times of Tragedy,  like today’s –real  strength and comfort can be found in these Bible verses:

 Ps 23:4,6;  2 Cor. 5: 6-8;  1 Thess. 4:16-18;  Rev 21:4

God’s Heart was broken today. It always is when life needlessly is taken (Ez. 18:32). And yes, He has told us in advance – “Bad things sometimes happen to Good People… and Bad things sometimes happen to God’s People.” That was today.

Please join us, and  millions of others in prayer for  comfort, for the good… yet hurting people of The First Baptist Church in Sutherland, Texas.

New Venture's 29th Annual Thanksgiving Sunday Supper 2017... in 19 days!

This past Sunday, New Venture held our Autumn Open House.  It was a huge success for everyone: Immediately following our 10:30 am Celebration Service, the flood gates of fun opened!  There was a petting zoo, all kinds of different foods, a Trunk or Treat, carnival style games, bounce houses, a classic car show, a cupcake walk, and an incredibly talented juggler!  Everyone there had a smile on their face- especially the kids!  I really got a kick out of the kids costume contest, especially.  We had young people at New Venture for the first time who approached our youth pastors, giving their hearts to the Lord, and asking for further direction.  That's exactly what life is all about!

With that being said, I want to take the time to talk about the Holidays- in particular, the Thanksgiving Sunday Supper that New Venture Hosts.  This year will be the 29th year that New Venture feeds 2,000 people: homeless, seniors, and military families.  We serve a wonderful Thanksgiving meal, have live music, and provide hygiene items, haircuts, and toys for the children. 

It will be a great time, indeed.  There is nothing more rewarding than feeding others who are less fortunate which in turn, feeds our souls.

I encourage each and every one of you to reach out to us if you feel that the Lord is calling you to help us out with this event. 

May you have a Blessed weekend and the Holidays ahead.

Day… by day… by day… by day!

There are very few things in life as both awesome… and tender as sensing God’s overwhelming love in our lives.  Seeing it in the smile of a husband in the love of one’s wife; or a mother and fathers glowing love of their children - so too is the acute awareness of God’s love for us. The more that we draw near to Him (1 Jn. 4:8) – it becomes a tangible thing.

Back in the day (Baby Boomers will know what I’m talking about), there was a classic Broadway play and motion picture in the late ‘70’s called “GODSPELL”. The lyrics of one of its iconic songs were “Day by Day,,, to SEE thee more CLEARLY….to LOVE thee more DEARLY… to FOLLOW thee more NEARLY… Day… by day… by day… by day”!

You wouldn’t want to hear me sing it (I’d really mess it up!), but guaranteed… once you’ve heard it – you’ll never forget it. It’s not the melody… it’s the message!  I think that I’m going to enjoy Him a little bit more today. How about you?     Day by day… by day… by day…

The Fruit of the Spirit!

Let's get right down to business.  What ARE the fruits of the Spirit that we are to live by?  

LOVE
JOY
PEACE
PATIENCE
KINDNESS
GOODNESS
FAITHFULNESS
GENTLENESS
SELF-CONTROL

I would love to just take the time to encourage everyone to think about these 9 acts that we should be living by.  

Often times this topic is discussed with Sunday School classes and children.  There are catchy songs, bright colors, and seemingly child-like activities centered around this verse.

 But why can we not apply these awesome Fruits to our own lives?!  We absolutely can!  

Ask yourself this: How can I bring more joy into this world? In what ways can I have peace within and bring it to the outside?  Can I be more patient with others? What acts of kindness can I do for others?  Am I behaving in a way that provides goodness to others?  You get the idea.  These 9 Fruits are so simple on paper, but can be very complicated to execute on a day to day basis.  

I ask you to write down those 9 Fruits, stick it in your wallet, and look at them often. 
 Sometimes it just takes a simple reminder!  

September 11, 2001: Sixteen years after

September 11, 2001: It was early morning when every television channel was taken over by horrific news... a commercial jet had struck the twin towers in New York City, then a second plane.  Then there was a third plane that hit the Pentagon, and the fourth plane crashed into a field in Pennsylvania.  Most of us remember every detail from that scary morning: what we were doing at the time we heard the news, how scared and confused we felt, and what our plan of action was going to be.  

Almost 3,000 people were killed during the 9/11 terrorist attacks, and it was the deadliest day in history for New York City firefighters: 343 were killed.

Sixteen years later, our country is still at war with Islamic extremist groups and countries.  The aftermath of 9/11 bleeds into the present state and future of America.  

Genesis 9:11 (the irony!) says, "...And I will establish my covenant with you, neither shall all flesh be cut off any more by the waters of a flood; neither shall there any more be a flood to destroy the earth."  

With everything going on in this world today- Floods, nuclear arms race, deadly fires, terrorist acts, division of country- we can find peace in knowing that our God knows all things, loves all of His people, and will protect them.  Let us take some time to contemplate today, and over the weekend, to think of all the different ways that our Lord lifts us up during our trials and tribulations.  Let us thank Him, trust him, and use his love and wisdom to help others who may not know Him. "He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds,". (Psalms 147:3)

God Bless, and see you at Celebration Services this weekend!

Can ‘Church’ really be the Highlight of the Week? ABSOLUTELY!!

At New Venture - we call them Celebration Services… for a reason. Can’t get off the phone or Facebook today, on an otherwise quiet Monday morning with Partners (that’s what we call ‘volunteers’ @ New Venture. Without our Ministry Partners… we don’t have healthy, prevailing ministry!) calling in expressing their excitement love & appreciation for their church, our Lord and all that He is doing through New Venture & its ministries.

Just a few… we get them weekly:

·      *  New Venture City Church had record numbers this week (5^th week in a row)!!! SO blessed to be a part of this family. God is AMAZING!!

·     * I LOVE my church!!

·       * We get fed so good here (Pastors are always encouraged by that one).

·     *   I’ve never been at a church so warm & loving… etc.

Conducted Town Hall after-service meeting all weekend. Loved the fact that it gave me a chance to listen to thoughts and feelings of our Church Family members  I loved it because I’m usually one doing all the preaching & talking. I finally got the chance to hear and listen. ).

Their excitement and love for the church was so over-the-top!

Every weekend should be a Super bowl or an Easter Sunday. Weekend’s at New Venture.. we PRAY, PLAN & PRESENT to make it the HIGHLIGHT of each person’s week. Each one deserves that.

CHURCH WAS NEVER MEANT TO BE BORING!!

See You at the Movies!

Imagine a church a block and a half from God’s vast ocean, where you are greeted by smiling faces and warm greetings, every Sunday you arrive. 

You pick up a complimentary beverage and pastry before heading to your theater seat to experience God- with a live, kickin’ band, laser lights, shining and synchronized with the beat of the music, and a half hour message from God’s Word-the Bible, presented to inform & inspire.  Presented on a huge Regal Cinema screen, in an upbeat and encouraging fashion.  The same screen where hundreds of movies are shown regularly, without the life- changing message and values found within the pages of scripture.

The hour-long service in a downtown Oceanside theater-plex moves along quickly.

   

Afterwards, there is laughter, hugs, and well wishes as the growing church’s members leave for walks on the beach or to return to their place of lodging.  Inspired and amazed that they had just 'done' church in the most enjoyable of environments, and left encouraged and ready to take on their world, along with their God, until they gather again - the next weekend. 

Now this is doing CHURCH! You can find God and great people in movie theaters these days. Come check it out!

See you at the Movies.

Passion

Passion is a big deal to God. 

We’re called to love the Lord-with all our passion (Matt.22:37).  We’re also instructed to serve with Passion.  One big area of passion we have at NV is for the 1,000’s of young women caught in the world of Sex Trafficking.  Unfortunately, it’s far more prevalent than most would think. Research shows:

          * Every 30 seconds, another individual becomes a victim of human trafficking

          * The average age of children who are forced into the trafficking world are between 12-14 years old

          * There is a mortality rate that is 200 times greater than those of same demographics and age

4      * Children are recruited primarily through SIMPLE SOCIAL MEDIA TACTICS- like Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, Craigslist, Backpage, etc. 

NV is planning and preparing to open our first NV House of Hope in 2018 which will be our first live-in safe-house for these innocent women caught in San Diego’s #2 crime (drug trafficking being number one). 

Over 300,000 young people are caught into trafficking on an annual basis in our Country.  Each one of those dear people has a face, a name, and an eternal soul that Jesus came for.  We need to do our part and we’re here to do it with passion.  Be praying along with us, and get involved.  It’s going to happen.  2018-right around the corner.  

Debbie Reynolds, God & the ‘Broken Heart Syndrome’

As we begin 2017 with a fresh slate, what new hope and lessons learned can we take from how we closed out the past year? The top story ending 2016, was the shocking national news that Debbie Reynolds died exactly one day after her next door neighbor and deeply loved only daughter, Carrie Fisher - from Princess Leia, Star War’s Fame - passed away from a heart attack. Her mother, Debbie didn’t pass from a heart attack, but rather, a broken heart.

Debbie Reynolds son recalled that when the movie legend first heard that her daughter had passed away, she said: “I want to be with Carrie.” A few hours later, she, too, was gone.

As believers and followers of God’s Word, the Bible, we are instructed to be led by His Spirit & not any other outside influence, including our emotions (Ephesians 5:18). However, our lives are wrought with emotion-filled experiences that can deeply move us. None greater than the departure of those we love.

Is it possible for the emotions to literally cause one’s death? We’ve all heard of the touching stories of elderly couples who, after lifetimes of marriage, die literally days, weeks, or sometimes even hours apart. They are the most touching of stories. In fact, there is science that confirms this. Upon research, I discovered it’s called ‘Broken Heart Syndrome.’ The American Heart Association says that Broken Heart Syndrome is real. It can be caused by an extreme, emotionally stressful event’, causing a surge in hormones as a result that puts stress on the heart.

Reynolds, who died on December 28, 2016, commented while planning her daughter’s funeral with her son Todd that morning, that “she missed Carrie” and “wanted to be with her again.” She also remarked of having some trouble breathing. He stated by TV interview that, “In those exact words and within 15 minutes from that conversation she faded out, and within 30 minutes she was gone.” Her death appears to be due to stroke. But for many others, the reason for passing is far more obvious - it was a broken heart.

The Bible is clear – God doesn’t desire us taking life’s last journey alone. His heart aches for us to know Him here, now – and one day have the assurance of spending eternity with our heavenly Father, His Son, Jesus – and loved ones in Christ who have gone on before us.

We don’t know when our particular journey is; but I do know where I’m going… and who I’ll be with. How about you? If you don't know the answer, start the new year by asking the question. And if you do, let's start 2017 with gratitude and praise for the only thing that matters in the end -- this year or any year. 

God bless and Happy 2017. 

What If....

This week between Christmas and New Year’s is the most reflective week of the year for many, and for us at New Venture, even more so as we prepare to serve North County in 2017. Looking backwards on a year of incredible ministry and great blessings, we’re gearing up for a year of “New Ventures” beyond anything God has taken our church through in the last 27 years.

Before Christmas, the rush was on here on campus and outreaches throughout our community: Hundreds of toys collected and distributed to children REACHED by our church family, Voices of Praise REACHING crowds of shoppers and moviegoers at the Vista Village Christmas Outreach, the annual Trees for Troops project which REACHES military families in thanks for their service and sacrifice, and a Season of Celebration Services and Giving designed to REACH “each home in our region” for Christ.

This past weekend, as we celebrated with family and visitors from around the world, we asked the question, “What if Christmas Never Happened?” But beyond Christmas, it’s a question that applies to anything we do as a church – or as Christians. What if…each of our outreaches never happened? What if we didn’t invite that neighbor or friend to service, or the Open House last fall? What if we hadn’t Partnered in Kid’s World or the Guest Center and made a connection with that child or visiting family that made all difference?

In this week of reflection, what if the question wasn’t about what God has done for us – but about how much more we could be doing for HIM? “What if we DID happen…?” in greater and more impacting ways, as individuals, as a church, as Christians? What if we made the most of the opportunities God has given in our neighborhoods and cities? What if we broke out of our comfort zones and tried something new? What if…we started a whole New Venture?

As 2016 draws to a close and we prepare to scale new heights in the New Year, we’re ready as a church to ask ourselves what we’re not doing enough of…and how would San Diego County look different if we lived out our belief in bigger, bolder ways that “with God, all things are possible”?

We challenge you to ask this question with us this Christmas and New Year’s season as we ask God together what He’s calling all of us to be a part of in the New Year. What is your personal “what if”? What could He do through you at New Venture? What if the impossible happened for you andyou’re your church home this year?

At NVCF, we’re going for it in 2017 and invite you to be a part of what God has planned when we take leaps of faith in His name. “What if…” we did it all for Him?

 “Jesus did many other things as well. Even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written.” – John 21: 25

Bah Humbug...or Not.

BRINGING HOPE & HELP THIS CHRISTMAS

This weekend we’re looking forward to sharing Christ’s love and giving out over 800 toys to needy children and families in the area.

In addition, another 42 high-need families were ‘adopted’ to receive gifts and help by families @ New Venture.

Thanks, New Venture Family, for sharing God’s love and generosity in providing joy to many others this Christmas!

WHAT IF CHRISTMAS HAD NEVER HAPPENED?

If you haven’t met Pastor Robert McFaden (2nd from the right) and his wonderful family, you’re in for a treat! They’re awesome people – and need I say… Star War geeks!

Pastor Robert is New Venture’s Pastor of Partnership and Ministry, and is a tremendous blessing to all of us around New Venture.

You can hear him preach this weekend – as he and I are ‘Team-teaching’ a message entitled: WHAT IF CHRISTMAS HAD NEVER HAPPENED?

Join us this weekend (Dec.17,18) for a great time @ all Celebration Services.
Below is several other happenings going on around the church. Be sure to check them out.
Until then, have a great end to your week… and we look forward to seeing you this weekend.

A Blessed & Very Merry Christmas to You and Yours!

Good News Always Welcome

The Bad News: a bomb hidden in a soda can was smuggled onto a jet in Russia by ISIS and detonated, killing all 224 passengers aboard.

The Good News: This weekend New Venture will be feeding, giving haircuts, toys and God's love to near 2,000 homeless, seniors and military personnel @ our 26th annual Thanksgiving Sunday Supper.

What's so good? Rom. 5:8 - Wherever sin exists, God's grace is poured out in far greater, surpassing quantity. All of the news in our world today, isn't bad!

The Bad News: Last week, 129 innocent Parisians were killed in a planned massacre throughout France.

The Good News: Jesus told us that his house would be a place of encouragement, inspiration, joy and PRAYER as hundreds gathered during last weekend's Celebration Services to pray for God's care and blessings on the people of France (see below).

What's so good? Matt 18:19 If two of you agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by God the Father. Multiply that by hundreds praying for the peace & comfort of the many hurting in France this week – and that's some kind of powerful answered prayer!



In the midst of life's Bad News keep looking to the One who sent us His Son with Good News for all of humankind. Remembering – "What the Enemy meant for evil, God intends for good..." Gen 50:20

When You Kneel Before God - You Can Stand Up to Anything!

Much love in Christ to you today.

Pastor Shawn

Shawn Mitchell
Pastor, New Venture Christian Fellowship

Voices of Faith

Who are the voices that America listens to today? There are all kinds of them. Unfortunately, as we discussed @ last weekend's New Venture Celebration Services, the problem is some of the voices we are hearing from today have an anti-Biblical and/or anti-God view.

The good news is millions of others embrace faith and are proudly living it out! Many are on-fire in their faith or have recently been impacted by a believer who either shared their faith or showed it by attitude and/or behavior. Do you know which ones in this list fit that category?

The words that matter don't come from Celebrities- but rather, from the Word of God- the Bible. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. Those are words you can bank on and trust your life with!

Many Blessings on you today.



Pastor Shawn

Happy Marriage… and Life Guys!

Before I start this, let me wipe the tears off the page. (Just joking. Not!) I’m still smiling. Today, I married off my son. Shawn Joel Mitchell Jr. got married today (Sept 19, 2015).

There are very few moments in life, where - in the moment - you know you are experiencing one of your life’s most memorable & amazing personal experiences. That was today!

My son of 23 years – only child and namesake – absolutely blessed me and had me so proud. He married a nice, wonderful and Godly young woman named Eva, and Shawn’s mother Laurie and I couldn’t be happier. Whenever I am around Eva, I think to myself, “I’m looking at a miracle!” Laurie prayed for her son’s eventual wife since he was a little boy. And God sure delivered. We pray for long lives, happiness and God being the center of their lives (and, Lord wiling, their future children’s lives together).

Now… for us. What are Laurie and I going to do around the house?! No more noise, typhoon-blown bedroom, sudden depletion of refrigerator food. Sheesh… I’ve got to get used to this “Empty-nester” thing. But hey, I was told that Barnes & Noble has got some great books on getting through the empty-nest change. That’s good to know! Couldn’t be happier for them… but got to admit… a slight twinge of  melancholy… and a little sadness. You see, Shawn Jr. was more than a son – he was and is – my friend. And one of the finest and truly nicest human beings I’ve ever known. Thank you Lord, for allowing Laurie and I to have him on “borrow” for 20+ years.

The Bible says that a longing fulfilled is sweet to the soul. [Proverbs 13:9] A parent always envisions and prays for their child(ren)’s happiness. Today that vision was fulfilled. Whether it is for a loved one’s happiness, some prayed over answered prayer or a dream God has given you that you see coming to fruition, the sweetness that comes through fulfilled vision makes the journey worth it. Whatever may have brought you happiness today -- that’s come from Him -- let’s be sure to thank Him.

Well, pretty soon – I’ll go fire up the grill… and get Laurie to join me and start praying for grandkids. Wow – this “life” thing sure has its moments. Today… was one of the absolute BEST!! 

Happy marriage and life guys. We love you!

Football, Family & Faith: The Fall Season is Here

There’s something special about the Fall. For me it’s the best time of year.  I could say it’s the slight chill in the air, and the beginning of the changing of leaves- but that wouldn’t be accurate. Being a native-born San Diegan, I’ve hardly seen any seasonal color changes in leaves in my entire life. But what I can tell you makes the fall my unquestioned favorite season of the year is football, family (the holidays) and the Lord (not that He’s seasonal). It’s just easy to identify Him in breezes through trees, cumulous clouds and clear night skies!

I’m also thrilled about all of the plans New Venture Christian Fellowship has for the coming season.  Programs, activities & events geared for individuals and families. I am convinced God is going to use them to touch thousands in our church and surrounding community. I hear it everywhere- there’s a buzz around New Venture right now.  I just love being around our church family!

On September 26 & 27 we will have a special guest joining us at New Venture- national speaker and Faith & Fitness expert Kim Leto. I heard her testimony and knew that she would be a blessing to the New Venture Family.  (Click here  to see a brief interview).  She will speak to us on Spiritual Fitness and bless us with her passion for Faith Inspired Transformation. Don’t miss it.

Ecclesiastes 2:25 says, “For without him, who could eat and find enjoyment?” at New Venture we find our in enjoyment in Him, His blessings and gathering together. Today in prayer, spend some time thinking about the joy found in the Lord.

Yep, the fall season, there’s nothing like it-a time to harvest, a time to gather together and a time to reflect on the goodness of the Lord.

May God bless you and yours, 

Pastor Shawn

Real Men...Pray?

Academy Award winning actor Denzel Washington believes that a good way to make sure you pray every morning is to place your shoes “way under the bed at night.” Doing that, he says, ensures that you “gotta get on your knees in the morning.”

In an inspirational speech to a group of young actors, Denzel encouraged the group of student actors to use their talent for good and never forget to pray.

“I pray that you all put your shoes way under the bed at night so that you gotta get on your knees in the morning to find them. And while you’re down there thank God for grace, mercy and understanding. If you just start thinking of all the things you’ve got to say thank you for, that’s a day. That’s easily a full day!” he said.

Give thanks to Jesus, for He is good. Today in prayer, spend some extra time “looking for your shoes under the bed” and thank the Lord for all His many blessings.

Sometimes we focus so much on what we don’t have that we fail to see, appreciate, and use what we do have!

Enjoy these amazing photos from last weekend’s incredible Thanksgiving Sunday Supper (click here) which turned out to be one of the largest, biggest and best that New Venture has sponsored. With hundreds upon hundreds of meals served to the homeless, seniors and military, with haircuts, free clothing, & a terrific time experienced by all. Thank you New Venture for making a lasting difference in the lives of so many!

May God Bless you and yours, with a very HAPPY THANKSGIVING!


Pastor Shawn

What's Your Spiritual Fitness Plan?

I can't adequately express my excitement, as we dive into God's Word this weekend @NVCF and begin a brand new series, entitled "24 HOUR WITNESS". Sounds familiar, doesn't it? However, our focus will be about developing our faith and growing in spiritual fitness!! Through the years, I have met many who have been burdened by having a desire to see family members and friends experience the love, hope and assurance found in a vital relationship with God through his son Jesus Christ. If that is you, and you'd like to learn Biblical, practical and effective tools to share Christ both through "your walk and your talk"; you'll want to join us beginning this weekend, for a verse by verse study through the Old Testament book of Haggai. I'm convinced – you're gonna love it. It's the perfect book and series to dig into right before the holidays. New Venture Welcomes Peter Kennedy Pastor Peter Kennedy joins the New Venture team, specializing in  Small Groups It's thrilling to have so many hundreds of you involved in NV's Small Group Network. So many are involved, that the Lord has also provided a full-time Pastor to oversee this vital ministry. Peter Kennedy comes from an amazing background of ministry and secular employment. He has desired to be a part of the NV Team for years now and as he retires from over 20 years of Military and Civil Service, he joins us full-time, starting this weekend. We'll be briefly introducing him this weekend as well. No doubt, you're definitely going to find him a NV 'fit'. I write this out of gratefulness for you and our church family. Looking forward to gathering together on campus where there's always a place for you.  Pastor Shawn

25 YEARS – HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!

Happy Anniversary!!

It’s taken forever... yet it feels like it’s happened overnight! That’s how it feels watching and working with God, as He took a handful of people (7), on Oct. 1st, 1989 on a "new venture" in starting a church for Him - with no members, money, in a city new to all of us - Oceanside – with no place to call "Home" to "do" church.

From that day - to 10’s of 1000’s of lives, unimaginable blessings, surprises and miracles later.HAPPY ANNIVERSARY NEW VENTURE!! Today – October 1st, 2014, we’re 25 years old as a church and ministry.

25 Down... and 25 More To Go

I’m halfway there!! I told the Lord – if He allows my health to hold up – I’d love to give Him 25 more. Imagine what He has in store, and where He could take all of us in the next 25!!! I think about in 2039 I'll be ready to retire.. but not a day sooner!

People – not Buildings, is What Makes Church... "Home"

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY – and a special thanks to you and EVERYONE who has had anything to do with what the Lord has accomplished through the years. Whether you are attending now, or have been a part of the ministry at anytime in the past – without your prayers, giving, service and sacrifice... His Church wouldn’t be what it has become today. Without you... we wouldn’t be us. A special, heartfelt thanks to all of you, for all you have done, whenever you have done it... to make us - "US."

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY NEW VENTURE. It’s Day One again. We’re moving on. Day One...
let’s GO!!

A Prayer for Our Next 25

"Lord, right now I pray for your immeasurable blessings, protection, spirit, and a rushing wind across the land to the sea, that brings people Home. An awesome and amazing God you are! We love you... thank You!"

What’s Next @ NV

Be sure to read below of some of the many opportunities to help make this one of the finest Fall Seasons with God and others - that you’ve ever experienced.

This weekend it’s our Communion Sunday, with heartfelt, powerful Worship and an intriguing message on RELATIONSHIPS through the Book of Ephesians. Read Ephe. 5:22-33 on theDifferences between the Sexes, entitled: The Difference Between You and Me.

One requirement: Don’t come alone. Pray someone in and invite them out. They’ll come because you are.

Marching into the next 25 with Him... and you.

See you this weekend!

Rose of Sharon: Here today, Gone tomorrow...but it matters to God.

As summer draws to a close, I can’t help but be excited on many levels. Oxford Preparatory Academy is piling in with moving boxes ready for 300+ students descending on the campus next month. The staff’s in a buzz ready to welcome them – some of which are getting their own kids ready for the first day of school, so I can't decide who's most excited about this “new venture"... parents, kids or me, simply for what God has done to provide greater education to more families on this campus. Get ready for all that this season is about to bring...

What else does the summer wind-down mean? We’re getting back into Relationships Sept 7th. Just as you settle back into your regular post-summer routines at home, we get back to biz here looking at what Ephesians has for us next that we can carry into our homes, workplaces and neighborhoods.

But before we get into “what’s next” I want to take a second with “what was” because of the incredible summer of ministry and growth God blessed us with. We always say “church was never meant to be boring,” and the past few months at New Venture were anything but!

We've added new ministries that are strong and growing going into the fall. Venture Riders came back from their debut ride with pictures that confirm two things: 1). I won’t be joining them on the highways any time soon. 2). Hhow important and fulfilling it is to find and build healthy RELATIONSHIPS with shared interests, even if your interests runs at 75MPH on two wheels. Helping Hands’ Bread of Life and Sock It To Me ministries have been unstoppable these past few months with monthly outings locally, and sending Outreachers across the border to the Rosarito Mexico Orphanage to dig wells, make repairs, play games with the kids and #LoveLikeJesus.

Combine the excitement of all the above, and you have this summer’s All Church Beach Baptism where dozens took a dive for Jesus in perfect weather despite forecast of rain. Not a drop fell, but Christ’s love poured all day. There was incredible joy in the waves; a testimony in action for all those watching from boogie boards and jet skis; friendships formed over a smoking BBQ, volleyball, tugofwar... It was an incredible day, and it was family.

"The harvest is past, the summer has ended, and we are not saved."
-- Jeremiah 8:20

Though summer may feel like it’s coming to an end, these things and more lay a foundation for an "All In, All the Time" Autumn: How are you doing with your journaling? With ITEL commitments? With 24/7 living through “Asah Shamah” (“by doing God’s Word, we grow in understanding” Exodus 24:7)? If you’re experiencing a whole new season of our Lord, that’s great. That’s the plan and it’s also His promise when we seek after more of Him. But even if, to quote Charles Barkley, you’re doing “turrible," it is NEVER too late to kick into 24/7, and it’s always the right time to take an extra step toward living the life He planned for you. Stop by the 24/7 page on the New Venture website for a refresher course on what ITEL is all about, plus, you can find your year-long Bible reading plan there. Whenever you’re reading this, TODAY would be a great day to start fresh.

A great example of this, is the tree you see in the photo above: It only has a few flowers left because it only blooms in summer...and each one lasts only ONE DAY. This Rose of Sharon is planted behind the church where I see it every weekend coming to service, reminding me that "God's going to do a new thing today." In the Bible, Christ is (vaguely) referred to as the “Rose of Sharon,” which you'll find in many hymns and song lyrics. The original Biblical reference was for a different flower, more of a crocus or "lowly field flower," and "Sharon" is the Mediterranean coastal plain between Joppa and Caesarea. But on this shrub, the one-day-only buds of summer have been so illustrative to me of the always new and perfect works that God is doing EVERY DAY in the hearts and lives of the people in our community -- perfect in its purpose for that day, but immediately ready for the next day’s plan…and the next, and the next…

While this tree is done at the end of summer, God is just getting warmed up in what He has for you and His church. He never rests. His love “never ceases” and His mercies “never come to an end.” (Lamentations 3:22-23) Like the Rose of Sharon, they’re “new every morning,” which means it’s in our court to “decide today who you will serve.” (Joshua 24:15)

Together, let's make this an All-In Autumn.
Until the whole world knows,
Pastor Shawn

And Grace Will Lead [You] Home: What We Can Learn from Leaders Like Tony Gwynn

This evening I watched the entire Tony Gwynn memorial as it was broadcast on network television here in San Diego. I’m not writing about it from a sports perspective, though as sports headlines go, this was arguably one of the most inspiring careers and post-career legacies to watch. I’m specifically writing tonight because of how God got the Glory once again.
                This memorial never made it 5 minutes without a testimony of some sort – whether outright praise, prayer or thanksgiving to God and to a Christian man for his example, or simply the “positive" influence of a guy who did his best to live his live for Christ with the gifts he’d been given.
                At New Venture, we’re going through a 2-year commitment of focusing even more on  living out what we believe “24/7,” and one of the four main areas is learning to more successfully #LoveLikeJesus. Even if you’re no sports fan and don’t know the difference between a decent fast pitch or these famous flops (http://tinyurl.com/worstfirsts), we can learn a lot about the #LoveLikeJesus principle from “Number 19.”
                Most know Gwynn as “Mr. Padre”or even “Mr. San Diego,” but those who knew him best might say it was more like “Mr. Jesus” because he made no secret of his faith. Instead, he made Christ known as the foundation for everything he did. Named one of the “top 100 Black Christian athletes of all time” Gwynn knew that no matter what his stats, in the end, “only what’s done for Christ will last” (Mttw 19-21 paraphrase).  Before the term “Jesus Freak” was turned around in the early 80s and “reclaimed” by Christians as a badge of honor, it was originally intended as an insult. A slur. Tony never saw being associated with the God of the Bible as something to hide or play down. He wore it more proudly than the Padres uniform he never traded in.  
                Now that final scores have all been tallied, we see what a legacy like this can leave behind. More than 23 thousand packed Petco Park to celebrate not just a Hall of Famer, but a personal inspiration. Not just “one of baseball’s most accomplished hitters” but a guy who hit it out of the park with nearly everyone he came into contact with. At the close of the service, every light in the park was turned out except for a glowing #19. The symbolism was intentional: here was a guy who had let his light “so shine” that you couldn’t miss it if you tried. And in the dark, with only voices, 23 thousand sang Amazing Grace and the story was complete. Career long over, impact ongoing serving the community every day, but most of all, it was the Amazing Grace at work in Tony Gwynn that made the only lasting difference. At the very end, saying a final goodbye, they repeated only one line: “And Grace will lead me home.” …It did indeed.
                May we all be a lasting light shining in the darkness, in whatever our own personal ballpark, and may God’s Amazing Grace lead you too, home to Him.
(http://tinyurl.com/AmazingGraceGwynn)