Over the past few months, Pastor Rick has laid out how God graciously and securely placed Rancho Capistrano into Saddleback Church’s stewardship. Since then, God has touched people’s hearts, and more than 1,200 volunteers signed up to assist with repair and landscaping to beautify this gift.
Ranch Capistrano is now bustling with volunteers. The first week of June, 49 volunteers painted, made minor repairs, and replanted shrubs. The next weekend, 43 more Saddleback volunteers joyfully labored for an entire Saturday morning to prepare the soil for planting. Members have provided donations in equally amazing ways, providing 80 shower heads of exactly the right type, 89 headboards—enough for each guest room, 93 armoires, money at just the right time, and thousands of plants.
Maudi Kolster orchestrates the volunteer effort. “I am very excited to see the way that Saddleback volunteers have stepped forward to make the needed improvements in the property,” she noted.
Rancho Capistrano, located at 29251 Camino Capistrano in San Juan Capistrano, is fondly referred to as “The Ranch.” The 170-acre property includes a Retreat Center located on a landscape of rolling hills, towering mature trees, chattering birds, lakeside conference rooms, and a peaceful dining room. Geese and their fluffy goslings paddle on a lake that ripples in each breath of wind. Guest rooms surround a sprawling courtyard; offices, classrooms and quiet places to reflect share the grounds with a church, soccer fields and a wedding chapel.
A piece of the history of San Juan Capistrano, the hacienda nestles under the trees and amid lush landscape. A blend of breathtaking Spanish architecture and tile, its beams are etched with design, the floor is restored pecan plank, the verandas are deep, the lawns groomed to perfection.
Future plans for this beautiful property include a variety of ways Saddleback Church will be able to serve the community and reach the world with God’s love, such as overnight retreats, weddings, expanded pastoral training, church planting and supporting the PEACE initiatives.
“Rancho Capistrano will allow Saddleback Church to fulfill our vision to establish an overnight retreat center for personal renewal, group fellowship, life planning, and living for the glory of God,” Pastor Rick said. “It will also provide a spectacular venue for our church and the San Juan Capistrano community.”
Contact maudik@saddleback.com to learn more or to volunteer.