| July 22, 2010
Dear Saddleback Family,
Monday morning (my day off) I was cutting back a huge African Fire Stick plant in my yard (a smaller version is pictured below.) Even though I was wearing gloves, I somehow later accidentally got some of the toxic sap on my hands and then in my eyes. The resin is quite corrosive and burned both of my eyes. In excruciating pain, Kay called 911 paramedics who rushed me to a hospital. For the next four hours, doctors irrigated my blistered eyes with 14 liters of saline solution to flush out the poison and ease the pain. I’d have to say, I had no idea that eye burns are so painful! I was kept overnight so I could be given shots of Dilaudid and Morphine, plus Percocet, numbing drops, and several eye meds. A doctor inserted protective contact lenses to aid in healing the scarred tissue. He told me he expects a full recovery of my vision and each day it has improved.
I am NOT BLIND! — which should be obvious from me typing this note! (I asked for prayer on Twitter and all kinds of rumors started spreading) I’m now resting at home, with the pain being managed by oral meds and a regimen of eye meds to heal the damage. I expect to make a full recovery.
I have already received many kind words and prayer support. Here’s a note I received from an unbeliever on Twitter that encouraged me: @TJJohn12 Pulling for you, Mr. Warren. Although I'm quite secular, I respect your living of Christ's teachings. Good luck & get better.
 | Euphorbia tirucalli
(African Fire Sticks, Pencil Tree, Milk Bush) grows widely across Africa. It grows well in arid semi-tropical climates like southern California
The milky sap of this plant is corrosive and extremely toxic. Contact with skin causes severe burning, blistering, and pain. Contact with the eyes may cause temporary blindness for up to 7 days. May be fatal if swallowed, with severe burning to mouth, lips, and tongue. Deaths have been recorded from ingesting the sap. |
Please pray that God will be glorified even in this accident.
I love you all! |  Saddleback Church
Purpose Driven Network
P.E.A.C.E. Coalition
|
|
| Dear Saddleback Family,
LAST WEEKEND
I’d love to get your feedback and feelings about last week’s service with the renewal of wedding vows. Please share your thoughts about the service by writing me at pastorrick@saddleback.com. Here’s some feedback that has already come in: - One couple at Saddleback Laguna Woods was so excited to renew their vow for the first time in their 60-year marriage that they decided to also be baptized together this month!
- Thanks for Webcasting the service online. I watched it LIVE on my iPhone while flying on a plane with wireless! I was so touched and crying so much; everyone was looking at me! LOL!
- Both my wife and I were so moved by the words you and Kay shared. We were on the verge of divorce, but in that service we stood and recommitted ourselves to each other before God. Thanks for saving our marriage.
- When we got home from church, I told my wife, “As Adam said to Eve “Hubba, Hubba! You’re the only woman on earth for me. We had a WONDERFUL afternoon.”
- I love our church for many reasons, but mostly for the example set by Rick and Kay. It was a great weekend message.
- Today was a total “waterworks” service at church. I cried my eyes out. Sacrificial love is so beautiful to behold.
THIS WEEKEND
I will speaking this 4th of July weekend. Bring your friends this holiday weekend! Plan a neighborhood barbeque before or after services and invite them all to attend service with you.
NEW TIME ON SUNDAY EVENING: 5:00 p.m.
We’re moving to ONE service on Sunday evenings starting this week. This is in preparation for a new Sunday evening service at Rancho Capistrano that we intend to start in addition to Lake Forest this Fall! I WANT TO STAY IN TOUCH WITH YOU!
There’s a lot of buzz surrounding social media as the way to stay connected. Take the poll above to let me know which social networks you’re using so it can be even easier for us to connect. I encourage you to follow me on Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn for daily inspiration:
See you this weekend! |  Saddleback Church
Purpose Driven Network
P.E.A.C.E. Coalition
|
|
| | June 26, 2010
Dear Saddleback Family,
I could not count the times I’ve overhead people say “If you want a strong marriage, go to Saddleback.” For 30 years, one of our main goals is to strengthen marriages – whether newlyweds, step-parents, hurting marriages, those separated, or great marriages wanting to keep getting better.
I doubt there is another church that invests more time, energy, and money in supporting marriages and families. We offer literally hundreds of specialized small groups, programs, audio series and books by our staff, pre-marriage counseling, and tens of thousands of hours of marriage coaching every year. THIS WEEKEND: YOU CAN RENEW YOUR WEDDING VOWS WITH YOUR SPOUSE!
Everyone who participates will be given a beautiful certificate as a keepsake. Kay and I celebrated our 35th wedding anniversary this week, and we have written new vows that we intend to say publicly to each other in our services.
Then, I will invite all married couples who wish to renew their vows to each other to stand where they are and I will ‘remarry” you! Thousands of couples have told me how much this strengthened (and often saved) their marriage when they have participated in the past.
Even if you are unmarried, you won’t want to miss this inspiring weekend, along with my message “WHY MARRIAGE MATTERS.”
Please invite your friends and neighbors to this unique service, and forward this info to others by emailing them! I am committed to saving and strengthen your marriage! | Saddleback Church
Purpose Driven Network
P.E.A.C.E. Coalition
| 
|
|
June 19, 2010
Dear Saddleback Family,
THIS WEEKEND: FATHER'S DAY!
- Doug Fields is teaching a message entitled, An Uncommon Adventure Requires Uncommon Thinking! Bring your dad and the other special men in your life.
- At SADDLEBACK IRVINE, I'm commissioning Jake Rutenbar our new Pastor! Jake grew up at Saddleback and was formerly our Pastor of Students at Saddleback San Clemente. We are SO excited for our Irvine Campus! JOIN me at Irvine as we welcome Jake. You'll still get to hear Doug's great message.
- Kay and I are celebrating our 35th wedding anniversary.
NEXT WEEKEND: RENEW YOUR WEDDING VOWS!
- I'll be speaking on HOW TO MAKE YOUR MARRIAGE LAST. If you've ever been married, want to marry, are currently married, or have a friend who is struggling in a marriage, don't miss this vital message. So many marriages are hurting today during this recession; you need to know these truths. Don't miss the opportunity to invite a friend today.
- At the end of service, I'm going to renew my vows to Kay and lead all married couples in renewing their vows too. It will be a tender moment for everyone and I can't wait for you to be a part of it!
|
Saddleback Church
Purpose Driven Network
P.E.A.C.E. Coalition
|
|
June 4, 2010
Dear Saddleback Family,
In just a couple of hours, hundreds of families and individuals will learn the biblical principles for financial freedom. I am so eager to share these principles that have changed my life, strengthened our marriage, and positioned us for the blessing of God. Do not miss this!
STARTING TONIGHT!
Join us for a FREE two-day seminar in the Worship Center or Online! Pastor Rick’s
FINANCIAL FREEDOM SEMINAR
Get out of debt!
Get your finances in order for the glory of God!
Stop living under financial stress!
Prepare yourself for God’s blessing! Friday, June 4
7:00 p.m. The 5 Foundations for Financial Freedom! – Pastor Rick 7:30 p.m. Live Your Life for Half the Price, Part 1 – Mary Hunt 7:50 p.m. Cash Flow Planning – Dave Ramsey 8:25 p.m. Creating a Spending Plan, Part 1 – Chris Goulard & Ron Blue Saturday, June 5
9:00 a.m. 9 Steps to Becoming Debt Free! – Pastor Rick 9:30 a.m. Creating a Spending Plan, Part 2 – Chris Goulard 10:00 a.m. Mind Your Own Mortgage – Rob Bernabe 10:50 a.m. Live Your Life for Half the Price, Part 2 – Mary Hunt 11:45 a.m. Purpose Driven Finance: Putting It All Together – Pastor Rick |
Saddleback Church
Purpose Driven Network
P.E.A.C.E. Coalition
|
|
May 10, 2010
Dear Saddleback Family,
I missed you yesterday due to a bad cold... but am so excited about
Tonight's CIVIL FORUM on Orphans, Foster kids, & Vulnerable children.
Why should I care?
1. It is commanded by God as a test of your love.
“What God our Father considers to be pure and genuine religion is this: you must take care of orphans and widows in their suffering and keep yourself from being corrupted by the world.” James 1:27 (TEV)
2. The need is so great! 143,000,000 kids are growing up without parents!
3. It is a signature issue of our PEACE Plan
What will I learn?
I've lined up a world-class panel of theleading experts to interview on orphans and vulnerable children. We'll look at the biblical, social, and personal implications.
7:00 p.m. TONIGHT. Lake Forest Worship Center
As many of you know, we have made orphan care a signature issue at our church, and tonight we want to educate the community on how urgent this issue really is. The orphan crisis impacts the lives of 143 million children every day, therefore, Saddleback Church is committed to help and enable our own community and the global community to care and act. The hope is that every person will both ask, and answer the question, “What can I do”?
LEARN simple and practical ways you can make a difference IN ONE LIFE:
Community agencies, exhibitors, and agencies will be onsite for further networking and information.
Bring your friends and family!
Enjoy apasta dinner for $6.50 a plate, between 5:30 and 7:00 p.m. on the main patio, so come early!
Family-friendly seating in the Plaza Room.
IF you can't leave home...
Watch and chat online here, & contribute $10 to Orphan Care by texting “sb” to 20222 or click here to give online.
Can you tell I'm thrilled that we are doing this? See you tonight!
|
|
|
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Dear Saddleback Family
I am so concerned about how the recession is affecting you and all our Saddleback families, that I've rearranged our May schedule. I've moved a number of Decade of Destiny events (including the desserts) to September, so I can give my full-attention to offering you more spiritual and practical support NOW.
As I‘ve had conversations, listened, and read your emails, I know that many of you need 3 things:
- You need strong spiritual support - to keep moving forward in this recession.
- You need practical help in getting your financial house in order & reducing debt.
- You need some free fun to lighten your heart and lift your mood.
So here's my Recession Relief plan for you in May:
MY MAY MESSAGES
This weekend "When You've Come Up Empty" - If you've been "fishing" for a job, a source of income, someone to marry, or some other lack in your life, DON'T MISS THIS MESSAGE based on a teaching miracle of Jesus.
May 8-9: (Mother's Day) "When You Feel You're Sinking" - The profound principles of surviving turbulent times that God wants you to learn from Jesus' miracle of walking on water.
May 15-16: Resetting Your Finances- Part 1 - Living more on less
May 22-23: Resetting your Finances- Part 2
RESETTING YOUR FINANCES IN A RECESSION SEMINAR (Fri pm/Sat am - May 22-23)
I've invited the top Christian money management expert/authors in America to help me teach this hands-on, practical seminar and budget workshop. Dave Ramsey, Ron Blue, Mary Hunt and others will join me to help you get your financial house in order and get out of debt DURING this recession. RESERVE THIS DATE NOW.
MEMORIAL DAY ALL-CHURCH PICNIC FUN- DAY! (Monday afternoon - May 31)
It doesn't cost a lot of money to have a lot of fun! I'll send you all the details.
See you this weekend!
|
Saddleback Church
Purpose Driven Network
P.E.A.C.E. Coalition
|
|
|
April 16, 2010
Dear Saddleback Family,
1. Community Weekend
This weekend is Honor our Community weekend! We'll recognize and honor all teachers, law enforcement, firefighters, safety, sanitation, postal workers, and local government leaders. Make sure you invite anyone you know in these fields that serve our community to attend one of our services this weekend. We want to show our appreciation for their hard work and dedication!
2. This Weekend
We're in week three of our When You're Hoping for a Miracle: The Six Phases of Faith and I'll be speaking on "When You Can't See Where You Need to Go." Invite a friend!
We're also having a Special Super C.L.A.S.S. Saturday! Classes 101-401 will be offered from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Come early for breakfast. Click here to register.
If you missed last weekend's message "When You're Running Out of Everything," I urge you to do yourself a favor and listen to it online.
3. Easter Highlights
- Here's an incredible video summarizing Easter At Angel Stadium. Watch it!
- Share YOUR Easter pictures, experiences, and stories here!
|
Saddleback Church
Purpose Driven Network
P.E.A.C.E. Coalition
|
|
| My next step of hope Friday, April 9, 2010
POST - EASTER WRAP-UP
Dear Saddleback Family,
THIS WEEKEND
If you're struggling financially from the recession, don't miss Pastor Rick's message this weekend " The Miracle of Provision" (1 Kings 17) which explains how God tests our faith and builds our character through times of financial shortages. It's Part 2 of the series When You're Hoping for a Miracle. We're expecting many first-time visitors at Lake Forest this Sunday morning, so we urge you to go check out the Sunday morning services at Saddleback Irvine, Corona, San Clemente, or Laguna Woods, OR attend the evening services at Lake Forest this weekend. Pastor Rick will be teaching live at all evening services. If you invited friends and family to Angel Stadium this Easter, INVITE them back to one of our Lake Forest services this weekend. Also, contemporary gospel singer, two-time Grammy Award winner, and worship leader, Israel Houghton, will be leading worship with Pastor Rick Muchow at all services this weekend! IT'S NOT TOO LATE! (The title of my Easter message) If you didn't get a bulletin, click here to let us know your commitment and next spiritual step; whether to trust in Christ, be baptized, join our church family, or join/start a small group. BAPTISM TONIGHT WITH PASTOR RICK
Friday April 9, at 6:00 p.m., right outside the Worship Center - Just show up!
If you weren't able to be baptized at Easter,Pastor Rick is offering a special baptism service tonight. Other pastors will baptize after each service this weekend too. It's not too late to pick up the When You're Hoping for a Miracle: Understanding the Six Phrases of Faith small-group curriculum, or bring groceries this weekend. Both opportunities will be available on the patio after every service. EASTER SUMMARY: WHAT A WAY TO BEGIN OURDECADE OF DESTINY! - Attendance: This zoom photo of our second service says it all! http://gigapan.org/gigapans/46337/ (The controls on the left will allow you to zoom in on your face up close! This photo was taken by our own Saddleback Pics Ministry.)
- You brought literally tens of thousands of first-time unchurched guests to Easter! 20% attending Easter were first-time guests!
- 19% of the decision cards at Easter were first-time commitments to repent and trust their lives to Christ for salvation, representing up to 6,500 people possibly being saved at Easter! That's unheard of!
- Unbelievers listening on XM and Sirius radio texted in their salvation commitments!
- Over 500 people were baptized to publicly express their faith in Christ!
- Over 1,600 attended this month's Membership Class 101 on Saturday before Easter!
- You gave 66,000 pounds of groceries for families in need!
- Nearly 1,000 NEW small groups were formed that will be studying the "Six Phases of Faith" with 4,000 existing groups!
AND ON THE INTERNET THIS EASTER... - 282,000 new people came to our homepage, Saddleback.com
- On Google "Saddleback" was the 3rd most searched word in the world
- 5,100 people downloaded our Saddleback iPhone App to watch Easter on their phone
- On iTunes, Saddleback downloads were #96 for the weekend
- Over 18,000 homes watched our Easter service online and you can still watch it! Get your friends together to watch it again, or send it to someone who has never seen it.
- We're still waiting to receive the data from the Saddleback channels on XM and Sirius radio
Project City Hope
SADDLEBACK Kids Small Groups (KSG) visited Senior Adults all week, hugging them, praying with them, and giving out Project City HOPE Care Boxes. Our Adopt a Senior program is just one of many Project City Hope initiatives being launched with Decade of Destiny. The boxes are filled with blankets they made, personal notes, photos of their small group, and a copy of What on Earth Am I Here For? What an amazing way to show people hope and love!
We'll have Care Boxes available this weekend on the patio, so make sure you get one and use this opportunity to continue to spread hope! | 
| Saddleback Church
Purpose Driven Network
P.E.A.C.E. Coalition
|
|
|
SPECIAL EASTER WEEKEND EDITION 2010
All you need to know at the last minute!
1. TICKETS
2,000 SUNDAY tickets are now available! These were graciously returned by unselfish members who want to give unchurched seekers the opportunity to attend on Sunday! What an amazing testimony of love and spiritual maturity – thinking of others.
9,000 SATURDAY tickets are still available!
These tickets will be distributed at Saturday’s Class 101 (Joining Our Saddleback Family) If any tickets are left over, they will be distributed on a first-come, first served basis at the MAIN Gate of Angel Stadium."
2. CLASS 101- SAT AM: LAST CHANCE TO BECOME A LEGACY MEMBER!
Taught by Pastor Rick & Kay Warren (1st time together!) Pastor Tom, and Pastor Tommy. 8:15am in the Worship Center. Over 1,000 people have already signed up. Register
3. WHAT TO BRING TO EASTER
Bring Your Bible.
Bring a bag of groceries.
Bring your guest.
Bring a change of clothes to be baptized. Rick is baptizing only after Sunday service.
4. TELL OTHERS TO LISTEN OR WATCH LIVE!
XM Radio Channel 245 - 10am PST
Sirius Radio Channel 90 - 10am PST
KFSH 95.9 FM Radio - 10am PST
Saddleback Online: http://www.easteratsaddleback.com/
5. BEGINNING OUR DECADE OF DESTINY!
Below is an open letter to Orange County carried in the Friday Orange County Register
|
 |
For three decades the people of Orange County have shown us far more grace and love than we could have ever imagined. Since we announced the beginning of Saddleback Church 30 years ago this week with a open letter, we wanted to write another open letter to express our deep gratitude to all of you.
There is no other place on the planet quite like Orange County. Yes, we have amazing weather and unlimited opportunities to enjoy it, but the real treasure of our county is the people. You make
Orange County special.
We know this firsthand, from hundreds of thousands of one-on-one conversations with you over the years, sharing your good times and bad times, the births and deaths, the celebrations, and all the seasons and stages of life. We have seen the personal side of Orange County up close, and it is impressive.
But we also want to thank those of you that we haven't met yet - you who make living in Orange County great because of your hard work, your community service, and your friendship as neighbors.
We'd like to thank the Saddleback and Capo school districts for renting the church space for the 13 years we had no permanent building.
We'd like to thank the Sheriff's departments and all the Fire departments we've partnered with during fires, floods, mud slides, earthquakes, and other disasters. It is a privilege to serve our county with such competent people.
We'd like to thank all the other wonderful Orange County churches, and especially their pastors, who we've had the privilege of serving alongside. We have different labels and worship styles but we all serve the same risen Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. You are dear friends to us.
I could die a fulfilled, happy man today, but I am more excited about the next 10 years, than the previous 30. During our Decade of Destiny, (2010-2019) we intend to mobilize our 4,000 small groups already meeting weekly across Southern California to launch a Saddleback church campus in every Orange County city.
If you don't have a spiritual home, stop by a Saddleback congregation near you.
We believe in Orange County and we believe in you. May God bless you greatly.
Happy Easter! He is Risen!
Rick & Kay Warren
|
|
 |
Rick and Kay Warren, age 25, moved to Orange County from Texas in January 1980 to begin a new church. Arriving with a 4 month old baby late one Friday afternoon in a U-hall truck, they stopped at the first real estate office they found. Warren introduced himself to the only realtor in the office: "My name is Rick, I'm here to start a church, and I need a place to live … but I don't have any money!" Realtor Don Dale laughed and said, "Well, let's see what we can do." Within two hours, the Warrens had rented a condo with nothing down and getting the first month's rent free. Warren asked Dale if he attended any church He said "No," so Warren replied, "Great! You're my first member!" The two families began Saddleback church meeting in that condo. The small group quickly grew to 15 people.
To announce the first public service on Easter, 1980, Warren wrote an open letter to the community. The letter announced, "A new church for people who've given up on church." The small group of fifteen hand addressed and hand stamped 15,000 invitations to Easter. Ten days later, 205 strangers showed up at the first service at Laguna Hills High School. A church was born.
At the first service, Warren announced his 40 year commitment to leading the new congregation and laid out a vision for the future.
it is the dream of a place where the hurting, the depressed, the frustrated and the confused can find love, acceptance, help, hope, forgiveness, guidance and encouragement.
It is the dream of sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ with hundreds of thousands of residents in South Orange County.
It is the dream of welcoming 20,000 members into the fellowship of God's family— loving, laughing, learning and living in harmony together.
It is the dream of developing people to spiritual maturity through Bible studies, seminars, retreats, small groups, and a Bible school for our members.
It is the dream of equipping every believer for a significant ministry by helping them discover the gifts and talents God gave them.
It is the dream of sending out hundreds of career missionaries and church leaders all around the world, and empowering every member for their personal life mission in the world. It is the dream of sending out our members by the thousands on short-term mission projects to every continent. It is the dream of starting at least one new daughter church a year.
I stand before you today and state in confident assurance that these dreams will become reality! Why? Because they are inspired by God.
Over the next 15 years, the church kept outgrowing rented facilities, requiring that they use 67 different locations to accommodate the growth! Members joked, "This is the church you get to attend IF you can figure out where we are meeting this week!" The churched used four different high schools, numerous elementary schools, theaters, restaurants office buildings, recreation and community centers, parks, and stadiums, eventually holding four weekend services in a 2,300 seat high-tech tent. Saddleback is the only American church to grow to over 10,000 in attendance without owning a building. "We wanted to make the point that a church is people, not a building," explained Warren, "so we put off building until we had no other choice."
Today, as Saddleback Church begins its Decade of Destiny, Saddleback holds weekend services in many cities, and over 4,000 small groups meet weekly in every city of Southern California. Try one this week!
 
|
|
Saddleback Church
Purpose Driven Network
P.E.A.C.E. Coalition
|
|