If I had a million dollars, I could think of quite a few things that I would like to buy.I want a MacBook Pro. And I would love an iPad to go with it. A Blu-Ray Player might be nice. And I really love being out on the water, so I want a boat. Or maybe some jet skis. My TV is not quite big enough, so I want a new flat screen for my bedroom too. I could list a whole lot of things that I want and don’t really need. Can’t we all? It’s easy to get caught up in how much we think we don’t have, but in reality, we have so much!

Recently I had a bit of a perspective check on all of this.

Every month I work with a group of people on a project called Laundry Love. We develop relationships with the homeless and financially struggling community of Santa Ana by providing them with free laundry. We basically take over a local Laundromat, hang out, talk, have fun, and do laundry. Last month I was helping run the dryers at a Laundry Love event. I would help move the clothes over from the washer, make sure it’s on the highest heat setting, and offer to throw in a dryer sheet. And the thing that struck me the most was the response to being offered a dryer sheet. They were so thankful for something so small.

I take doing my laundry for granted. I have a washer and dryer in my home, and sometimes my mom even does my laundry for me (Yes, I’m 24, and yes, my mom still offers…). Dryer sheets just always seem to be there at my house and I never think twice about it. But for the people we are serving, it is a huge blessing. A little extra softness for the clean sleeping bag they will be pulling around their shoulders as they sleep in the park that night.

In the midst of everything I want, I was humbled and know I am so blessed with everything I have.

(Learn more about Laundry Love at www.laundrylovesantaana.com)

There are Good Friday & Easter services at Chain Reaction? YES. Read on.
Have you ever searched for God and felt like you couldn't find Him?
Have you ever walked into a church and felt judged by people the moment you entered?

If so... we ARE SORRY. That's not what God is about.

God is about finding, accepting, and loving people exactly where they are.

Come celebrate the greatest event in history in an environment where you are welcomed by God and people as just you are.

Give God another shot this Good Friday & Easter.
Give church a shot.

We are City Church (LoveHopeCity.com). We meet at Chain Reaction because we think it's exactly where Jesus would have been.

Join us for Good Friday & Easter Sunday 2010.
***Children's Ministry Provided for BOTH Services***

Service Times (@Chain Reaction)

Good Friday April 2nd @ 7:30pm - RSVP on facebook HERE.
If you have a broken iPod or other media device that does not work, bring it to the Good Friday service. We are making a piece of art out of broken electronic devices.

Easter Sunday April 4th @ 10:30am - RSVP on facebook HERE.

What is Baptism?

Getting baptized is one of the most exciting moments of a person's life.  It is an outward expression of an inward reality.  It is the fulfillment of the "Great Commission" in Matthew 28:19-20.

As the person goes under the water, they are symbolically dying to themselves and aligning with the death of Christ.  As they come out of the water, they are associating their new life with the resurrection power of Jesus Christ.

When is it?

Sunday, March 21st, 2009
Immediately after City Church service

Can anyone come to this service?

YES! Baptism is a public event. We would like as many of you to attend as possible.  Simply come to church beforehand and we'll provide directions then.

Because it is located at one of our congregation member's homes, we will not be posting the address online, but email lisa@lovehopecity.com if you are interested in coming.  It is a "pot-luck," so sign up to bring some food and we'll see you there!

Hi CITY Friends,

So, I'm not going to lie, we have a cool venue. Chain Reaction has awesome toys like fog machines, a kickin' sound system, and an all-around SICK vibe. I praise God for that venue every single day. 

BUT here's the deal... HANDS down... the best part of CITY CHURCH is...

THE PEOPLE.
Post a comment of an interaction you had today that was meaningful at City Church.

In Christ,

Kyle

NEWS FLASH:  The world does not revolve around you.
It doesn’t revolve around me either.  Sometimes I think that it does, but it doesn’t.  Bummer.

Our current culture of blogging, Facebook, and Twitter has a lot of us believing that this life is “all about me.” We have become self-centered.  We think we can get by on our own and accomplish great things.  We tweet and update our blogs because we think that people care what we have to say.  But read this: In John 15:5 Jesus says, “If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”

Did you catch that last part?  “Apart from me you can do nothing.”  That means this life is not all about you.  It’s about you AND God.  Together.  This life is all about God and what you can accomplish WITH Him, not on your own.

Here’s the really cool part:  “If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit.”  If you stay connected to God, you can and will do great things!  You will bear much fruit.

So how does Facebook and Twitter and all of our other forms of communication play into this?   These social media devices aren’t a bad thing.  But the way we use them is important.  The reality is that you are given a platform to say something, and some people are watching (or… reading…).  So what message are you sending?  You can make your tweets and status updates matter.  While you’re “connecting” with people online, be uplifting.  Share what God is doing in your life. Send a positive message.  (I admit, I am guilty of my fair share of tweets about what I ate for dinner and what’s on TV, but at least I don’t tweet from the bathroom like some other people I know) =)

And once in a while, disconnect from all of that.  Those things aren’t that important, but your connection to God is.  Take time to truly connect with Him, for He is the ultimate source of life.  He really cares what you have to say, so talk to Him.  Remain in Him and bear much fruit.