Pastor Rick's News & Views

News & Views 02/09/12

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 16:00:00 GMT

Dear Saddleback Family,

Life is bittersweet.

It is bittersweet because nothing stays the same forever on earth. Anytime an experience or relationship is going great, we want it to never end. But even if we try, we cannot keep change from happening. Everything changes with time.

I'll never forget when I moved off to college, feeling the loss both my parents and I felt, yet knowing I couldn't live at home forever.�It was bittersweet.

I'll never forget officiating at my daughter Amy's wedding, knowing that her allegiance to me as "the man in her life" was now transferring to her husband. It was good thing, and the right thing to do, but it was bittersweet.

I'll never forget when Glen Kreun told me it was time for someone else to take his place of leadership after serving faithfully by my side for decades.�That was bittersweet, too.

While all of us want to grow, we don't like the 'letting go of the familiar' part of growth. But the truth is, there is no growth without change, there is no change without loss, and there is no loss without pain and grief. �That's what makes life bittersweet.

For the past three years, our Elders - the men who have served longest with me at Saddleback Church - have been prayerfully discussing, strategizing, and thinking through the long range plans for our church family. We've struggled with the goals for Decade of Destiny, what it means to make room for a new generation of Saddleback leaders, how we should hand over authority to new leaders, and what our church might look like after we've all passed from the scene.�We knew we needed to start planning the transition years in advance.

A verse that we've thought a lot about is� John 16:7 where Jesus told the young leaders he had trained, "I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you."�Jesus knew that, as long as he was present, the disciples would never take on the leadership he had been training them for.� Young leaders rarely step up until older leaders step aside.

My longest serving pastors - Glen Kreun, Rick Muchow, Doug Fields, Tom Holladay, Steve Rutenbar, and John Baker - have joked for years that we all intended to step aside for new, younger leaders on the same date.�Then we'd all travel the world together, training other churches.� But we eventually realized that if we all transitioned out of pastoring Saddleback at the same time, it would leave such a sudden leadership vacuum that our church�family might not recover from the shock. We knew the transition to the next generation had to be more measured.� So here was our plan:

First, I built a preaching team to share the preaching responsibility. For years, I was the only one who preached, and Rick Muchow was the only worship leader.� Those days are long gone. Last year, Pastors Tom, Buddy, Kurt, Kenny, Tommy, and Gerald all shared in preaching at Lake Forest, and our Campus Pastors spoke at our other campuses.�As the church grew, the number of preachers needed to grow.

Next, about three years ago, we moved seven of�my original pastors (including myself) off of our Pastor's Management Team in order to make room for our younger pastors to start leading the church. I also created a larger Leadership Team of women and men from our staff to coordinate the many programs of our church.�These risky organizational changes proved incredibly successful, giving us our three greatest years of health and development since then. My original eight pastors moved out of decision-making to become advisors and mentors to the younger pastors who replaced us in managing the church.� But, the Pastor of Worship role (held by Rick Muchow) on the Pastor's Management Team was left empty for three years.� We kept waiting for the right person to fill�Rick's role.

Next, Pastor Glen came to me and said, "I need to move off the scene as Executive Pastor in order for the younger guys to blossom." Well, when Glen left staff, we discovered that his job had grown so much that it took four people to replace him as we divided up his responsibilities. Saddleback had grown too large for one administrator, and the day of a single Executive Pastor was over.

A full year later, Pastor Doug Fields told me, "The guys I've trained are ready to take over in leading our Student Ministry, and I'm ready to let them lead."�So Doug retired from Saddleback staff�and began a new ministry to youth leaders worldwide.

Then, this past year, in 2011, Pastor Rick Muchow began raising up a new generation of Pastors of Worship who could take our church into the future.�With eight campuses, Saddleback now needed eight worship leaders, not just one. Thanks to Rick's mentoring, we now have a team of outstanding worship pastors that he has been rotating at the Lake Forest services.

But now, as we launch 12 more Saddlebacks in international cities, our team of worship pastors will need to grow to at least 20! The era of a single worship pastor, just like the era of a single preaching pastor, is over.

For the past year, we've been talking about what kind of new organization, and what kind of new leadership skills, will be needed in our worship team which will bear such a huge responsibility in planting our PEACE outpost churches.�We concluded that the reorganized and decentralized worship team would need a new team leader whose primary gifts are management and supervision rather than being gifted as a musician, artist, and songwriter.�What is needed now is not a single outstanding on-stage worship leader and musician but someone gifted at behind-the-scenes coordination of 20 young worship leaders rotating through Saddleback. I asked Rick Muchow if he wanted this new role and he declined.�Rick, as we all know, excels in leading services, funerals, and weddings. He's a true pastor, with a pastor's heart, but he would tell you he is not an administrator.�So the search began.

My first preference was to look for a new team leader inside our existing staff instead of bringing in a stranger from the outside. I quickly thought of John Cassetto, who had 14 years of experience in administering a worship team in a purpose driven church near Boston before joining our PEACE staff. So I asked Rick Muchow if he thought John could take his role as the new Pastor of Worship and Team Leader.�Rick told me "John is exactly the guy I would choose".

Based on that confirmation, last year we quietly began the process of preparing for another major transition in our church from one generation to the next - the transition from Rick Muchow to John Cassetto, much in the same way we did with the transitions of Glen and Doug Fields.�

I told Rick Muchow that I didn't want to do 40 Days in the Word without my trusted friend and coworker helping me, so I didn't want to make the leadership transition until after the campaign was completed. But now we are only three weeks away from the end of 40 Days in the Word. So, I'm writing to tell you that, as we've been planning since last year, Rick Muchow will be stepping down from his historic 24-year ministry at Saddleback, and John Cassetto will become the leader of a more decentralized, international, and more complex worship team that will support and administer all our worship leaders in 20 locations around the world.

Personally, this is the most bittersweet moment I've had in 32 years as your pastor.

I know it is the right thing to do, but it is at great personal grief to me. Rick Muchow is simply one of my closest and deepest friends. No one else has experienced with me as many Saddleback service high points. We have watched God do miracles before our eyes and the team of "Rick and Rick" has been inseparable for 24 years.�So understand me, this organizational change is not what's most comfortable for either Rick Muchow or me personally. but it is what our church needs next.

Saddleback owes an enormous debt to Rick Muchow. So for the next three weeks we will be preparing to celebrate "RICK MUCHOW WEEKEND" at Saddleback on February 25 and 26, just as we did with Pastor Glen's transition. On that weekend, the final weekend of 40 Days in the Word, we will honor our great friend Rick Muchow in many ways.�One of the ways will be to present to him a book of testimonies of how his music, his songs, and his worship leading have transformed your life.�I URGE you to go to this link and share your story.

I intend to write another full News & Views on the legacy of Rick Muchow, a giant in contemporary worship.�There is simply no one like him on this planet.�I will also introduce you to John Cassetto's new role as Saddleback's next generation Pastor of Worship.

The first question people always ask is, 'Is there more to the story? Was there a problem or conflict?'� Let me state the answer as clearly and emphatically�as I can:� NO!� No way! Absolutely not! This new organizational change has been under consideration for three years and is part of our Decade of Destiny renewal.

Rick will continue being our lifelong friend, just like Glen and Doug and so many others who've transitioned off staff to make way for younger leadership.�The second question we usually ask is 'What will Rick Muchow do now?'�The honest answer is whatever God wants him to do!�Rick belongs to God, not Saddleback. Rick is calling his next ministry phase "Act III" since Saddleback was his Act II ministry.�But the first thing I want my friend to do is to enjoy his success! In 24 years, Rick has never had an extended time off at all - so we are honoring him with the financial support so he and Laura can take their time to discern whatever God calls them to do next.�I guarantee you this: you haven't heard the last of him!!!

During these next three weeks, as we prepare for Rick Muchow Weekend, please take time to tell us your story and what this man of God means to your life. And, send him an email, or stop him in the grocery store, and tell him how much he has changed you and the world.

News & Views 02/03/12

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 16:00:00 GMT

February 3, 2012�

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Dear Saddleback Family,

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It's Super Weekend at Saddleback.

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First, I'm teaching on "How to see what you've never seen before"�for Week #3 of 40 Days in the Word. This is an extremely important and practical message that you'll use the rest of your life. The Bible will never be the same to you again. You'll learn how to let God show you what He wants to show you.

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�� Second, we're honoring all boys and men who have been Boy Scouts�to celebrate the 100^th Year of The Boy Scouts of America.�Scouts will participate in every service and present the colors.�

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Consider these facts:�

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Only one in four boys in America will become a Scout, BUT Boy Scouts account for.

64% of all Air Force Academy Graduates

68% of all West Point Graduates

70% of all Naval Academy Graduates

72% of all Rhodes Scholars

85% of�all FBI agents

181 Scouts have become NASA astronauts - more than 50% of all astronauts

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�� Out of every 100 Boys who Join THE SCOUTS:

�� 12 will receive their first exposure to faith in God through Scouting

�� 2 will become pastors

8 will choose a career based on merit badge work (Steven Spielberg, etc.)

1 will use Scouting skills to save the life of another person

1 will use Scouting skills to save his own life

�� 17 will become Scout volunteers, giving back to their community

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50% who reach the rank of Eagle Scout say they value what they learned earning their badge more than their college degree!

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�� Third, this weekend, we begin a new tradition of recognizing "Baby's First Day at Church"�for any family who brings their baby to worship for the first time.�

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�� Fourth, we have super music planned for this weekend!� See you!� Love you all!

News & Views 01/27/12

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 16:00:00 GMT

Dear Saddleback Family,�

This weekend is going to be fun for a couple of reasons:

First, we'll look at "The Benefits of the Bible in Your Life"�for Week #2 of 40 Days in the Word.�

Second, we're going to celebrate all the babies born at Saddleback last year!�You'll get to see some of them on stage at each service. I think the total is over 100 new babies!�

CNN featured The Daniel Plan this week!

Saddleback church tackles obesity

(CNN) - The epiphany occurred at a baptism.

With more than 800 people waiting, Pastor Rick Warren took them one by one and immersed them in the church's baptism pool. During this spiritual rite at Saddleback Church, the pastors hold the people briefly underwater, and then pull them out.

"On that particular day, I was baptizing 858 people," Warren told his congregation last fall. "That took me literally four hours."

"As I'm baptizing 858 people, along around 500, I thought this ... 'We're all fat.' "

Warren turned his realization to himself.

"But I thought, I'm fat," he said. "I'm a terrible model of this. I can't expect our people to get in shape unless I do."

Warren, considered one of the most influential pastors in the country, delivered the inaugural prayer for President Obama in 2009 and wrote the best-selling book "The Purpose Driven Life." Now, he was embarking on a new mission: Curbing the obesity epidemic at church.

Warren seems like an unlikely man to lead an anti-obesity crusade. A ruddy man with plastic frame glasses, he has admitted to gaining 90 pounds over the last 30 years and failing at various yo-yo diets. He declined an interview for this story.

Based in Lake Forest, California, Saddleback is one of the largest churches in the United States and has eight locations throughout Orange County. Warren has a casual style in his ministry, usually preaching in jeans.

A slimmer Rick Warren addressed the congregation on January 14.

Since January 2011, Warren has been shrinking. He gave up carbonated drinks, dairy and fast food, he told the church. He works out twice a day, according to his trainer, Tom Wilson. Warren shed 60 pounds on a diet-lifestyle program devised at Saddleback Church called the Daniel Plan.

The program's name comes from the biblical story about Daniel. In the story, Daniel and his friends, who are Israelites living in Babylon, refuse to consume royal food and wine. By eating vegetables and water, "they looked healthier and better nourished than any of the young men who ate the royal food," according to Daniel 1:15 in the Bible's New International Version.

The Daniel Program, which started at Saddleback Church last January, advises how to eat healthier foods, encourages workout routines, and urges participants to join small groups. The program was free.

Warren recruited three doctors to develop the plan: Daniel Amen, a psychiatrist; Mark Hyman, a family doctor; and Mehmet Oz, a TV host and cardiac surgeon.

"The secret sauce of Saddleback is we do this as a community," said Amen, one of the medical contributors. "It's very different than most health plans where you do it with yourself or your wife. You get to do this with a whole community."

Studies indicate that people who try to lose weight or adopt healthier habits in groups are more likely to be successful than individuals working independently.

The small groups have health and spiritual curricula, and provide a support network. Saddleback was the ideal place, because small groups already existed at the church and Warren had "instantaneous capacity to make this happen," said Hyman, another contributor to the Daniel Plan.

"The church was the perfect incubator," he said. "This was a way of leapfrogging and getting a social experiment done."

Chiquita Seals said she lost 125 pounds with the emotional support offered by her small group.

Chiquita Seals, a member of Saddleback, said that having a small group was instrumental to her 125-pound weight loss. Her group met twice a month to discuss their health, and they also hiked together. Each small group has a health champion, whom Seals credits with "helping me emotionally, physically."

"The health champion guides the group -- 'This is what we're cooking, this is what we're doing' -- and cheers you on and helps you out. It's not just the food you're eating, it's also mental gain," she said.

The church held a race, cooking demonstrations and various workout classes led by Tae Bo founder Billy Blanks. It overhauled the menus and vending machine products sold at church and placed symbols to indicate which choices were healthy. Doughnuts often given to the congregation were replaced with trail mix. The church developed a website with recipes, advice on physical activity and health information.

"It's not a diet, not a healthy quick scheme, it's designed to be a way to create health," Hyman said.

At the end of the first year, about 15,000 people had registered for the program and 250,000 pounds were lost, according to Saddleback Church. The Daniel Plan is a program the founders intended to spread to different faith communities across the globe, Hyman said.

But many at Saddleback wondered why the church would get involved in health and weight loss.

Julie McGough said her family has become healthier by going on the Daniel Plan.

"I wondered whether this was something church should be doing," said Julie McGough, a member of Saddleback Church for 18 years.

McGough and her husband decided to try the plan, because they had gained weight during his illness with multiple sclerosis. Between his doctor's visits, hospital appointments and busy schedule, the family came to rely on fast food as their staple.

The couple and their two kids, ages 10 and 16, cleaned out their pantry, gave up the In-N-Out burgers and started cooking as a family activity. They started eating chicken, broccoli, squash and a variety of vegetables, and in smaller portions. They bought a trampoline for the kids and also started hiking.

One year later, McGough has lost 28 pounds. Her husband has lost 55 pounds and stopped taking as many medications.

"This is what we should be doing," McGough said about the church's involvement in the health plan. "I am far more able to serve God because I'm healthy."

Warren said in several speeches to the congregation that he never paid much attention to the perils of obesity such as diabetes and heart disease. But when he heard that obesity could affect a person's brain power, it snapped him into action. Growing evidence indicates that obesity is associated with impaired cognitive function, such as attention and memory problems.

Warren often repeats the same phrases when discussing the Daniel Plan.
"The Father made your body, Jesus paid for your body, the Spirit lives in your body. You better take care of it."

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The New Year is a great time to sign up for The Daniel Plan and get ��healthy!

Click here to read an article on the health danger of sitting too much!�

You can sign up for the Daniel Plan by clicking here.

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A cool picture of 40 Days in the Word workbooks being mailed to churches just today! �The cross is the reason we help other churches.

News & Views 01/24/12

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 16:00:00 GMT

January 17, 2012

Dear Saddleback Family,

Welcome to Day 2 of 40 Days in the Word!

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1. To watch Today's Video Devotional, click here.

�� You'll be able to sign up (or sign in) and get all 40 campaign videos for free!

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2. To Find a Small Group near you, click here.

�� It's not too late to start a new group either!

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�3. To watch "7 Reasons We Can Trust the Bible", click here.

�� I urge you to share this message with others!

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4. To watch "How to Build Your Life on the Bible", click here.

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THIS WEEKEND

We are recognizing and honoring, on stage, all the babies born in our church in 2011! Click here for more info.

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Our PEACE 3.0: Twelve-City Rally is this Saturday from 6:30 - 9:00 p.m. on the Lake Forest campus.�Learn the specifics of how you can be a part of�helping start 12 new Saddlebacks around the world in 2012. Click here for more info.

News & Views 01/17/12

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 16:00:00 GMT

January 17, 2012

Dear Saddleback Leader,

�� Once a year,�I�plan a week of "Vision Nights"�to meet with the core leadership of our church family.�These inspiring nights let me report to you all the ways we intend to enrich your life and help you grow to your greatest God-given potential in the new year.

�� Our theme for 2012, Year #2 of Decade of Destiny,�is . . .

Change your�Life!� Change the World!

�� In spite of the recession, I'm expecting,�praying, and planning for this Decade of Destiny�to be the most successful, fulfilling, and purposefulyears in all seven key areas of your life.�

�� So, I'm eager to meet with you this week . . . either Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday night.� I want to let you in on all the things we've been preparing for you for 2012. Our staff has worked tirelessly on these ideas�during the last year, and now you get to hear it all!�

Join me at one of our 2012 VISION NIGHTS this week.�

�� Choose the night that's best for you and your small group - Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday of this week. Make sure to bring your small group with you! The meetings start at 7:00 p.m. in the Worship Center on the Lake Forest campus. By the way, we will be baptizing each night.�

�� Also 40 Days in the Word begins this weekend!� The next six weeks are going to revolutionize your life.� If you missed my Intro message last weekend ("How to Build Your Life on the Bible") here's the link to watch it, so you won't be behind everyone else.�

�� I am so excited to see you, both at Vision Night and this weekend, as we begin 40 Days in the Word.

News & Views 01/07/12

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 16:00:00 GMT

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2012!

Dear Saddleback Family,

1. A NEW YEAR ENCOURAGEMENT: "HOW TO GET THROUGH WHAT YOU'RE GOING THROUGH"

�� I am so eager to share this hope-filled message with you this weekend. I've been praying and studying all week for a message to help you begin this New Year with a new boost of energy. I guarantee you'll need and use what you learn this weekend.

Text: 2 Corinthians 1:3-11

Topic: The six things God wants you to do when you feel overwhelmed

Testimony: Nobel PEACE Prize nominee Chai Ling!!! �This courageous Chinese woman�led the Tiananmen Square Freedom Revolution against communism in Beijing, China.�Author of the bestselling "A HEART FOR FREEDOM", Chai Ling committed her life to Christ in 2010 after reading The Purpose Driven Life! Bring a friend to hear her!

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2. �A NEW YEAR RESOLUTION:

�� 1710.� It's a number that has eternal significance. It's a number that shows who really cares (and who doesn't care) about their lost friends. It's a number that caused a party in heaven, and will be celebrated forever!�1710 is the number of people who opened their lives to Christ and became saved forever at one of our Christmas services.

Now let me ask you five hard questions:

Were any of your friends, neighbors, or coworkers included in that great number?
If not, why not?
Would your friend be one of the 1710 now assured of heaven if you had invited him or her to Christmas? �It's likely.
Do you intend to let your neighbors live and die without Christ or hope?
Who is on your prayer list and what is your plan to invite them in 2012?��

� �We have the GREATEST message in the world. It is a message of Good News that everyone needs to hear. Jesus died for your friends. Now he waits for you to invite them to come to him.

� �Let me suggest the most important New Year's resolution you could possibly make.� It will have eternal impact:

"I resolve to bring a lost friend to church before January is over." Will you make that resolution? If you are available, God will certainly use you to change someone's eternal destiny. Make the invitation, for love's sake.

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3. �NEW YEAR OPPORTUNITIES:

�� Your staff works tirelessly to serve you with opportunities to deepen your growth, strengthen your fellowship with others, and help you fulfill the life mission and ministry God has called you to.�Here are the January opportunities for you to bring a lost friend to Jesus:

If you know someone who doesn't know Jesus yet and is going through a tough time, invite them this weekend, January 7-8, to hear Chai Ling's story and my message "How to Get Through What You're Going Through".

If you know someone who doesn't know Jesus yet and is interested is health, fitness, or weight loss, invite them to our Daniel Plan Rally, Saturday morning,�January 14, at the Lake Forest campus, from 9 a.m. to noon.

If you know someone who doesn't know Jesus yet, invite them to attend a kick-off service of 40 Days in the Word, January 14-15, when I will explain all the wonderful benefits God promises to us if we follow the Bible.

4. �NEW YEAR VISION RALLIES: "Change Your Life! Change The World!"

�� Our church theme for 2012, (Year #2 of Decade of Destiny) is "Change Your Life! Change The World!"� You'll hear all the exciting details by attending one of three evening Vision Rallies, Wednesday, January 18, Thursday, January 19, and Friday, January 20. I always look forward to these events when I get to share "inside information" with you that I can't share on weekends. Where God is leading me to help you in 2012 will blow your mind. Choose one night to attend and bring your small group with you!

A personal note: �I loved all the Christmas cards you sent me, especially the ones with family photos so I could pray for you.�They made me smile. I'm sure you understand that I get hundreds of letters every month and thousands of emails every day. �While it is physically impossible for me to personally answer every note I receive, my team prays for each note.

I love you.

News & Views 12/23/11

Fri, 23 Dec 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Dear Saddleback Family,

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Here are four things to know about Christmas at Saddleback:

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�� 1. �My Christmas week message is "Lost & Found: God's Rescue Mission at Christmas". ON CHRISTMAS DAY (we'll have one service at 11 a.m.) my message will be "What Time Is Christmas?"

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�� 2. You, or a friend or relative, can be baptized after any Christmas service!

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�� 3.� In our first three Christmas services this week, 190 new people committed their lives to Jesus!

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�� 4. The GREATEST GIFT YOU CAN GIVE JESUS for his birthday is to bring someone to him! Who are�you inviting?�Don't waste this opportunity!

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�I've never been more amazed by you and how you have "loved your neighbor as yourself" the past three weeks:

On Global Neighbor Weekend over 4,000 of you instantly volunteered to be a part of PEACE 3.0 as we start 12 new Saddlebacks in 2012 in gateway cities around the world!

On Good Neighbor Weekend 30,000 of you served your neighbors in thousands of creative ways!�

We opened The PEACE Center in temporary facilities on Tuesday, December 20 thanks to your giving of $600,000 at Thanksgiving! The PEACE Center is our Christmas Gift to Southern California.� Read the OC Register article here.

NOW, you are bringing friends to our�39 different Christmas services!�You genuinely care about your friends who don't yet know Jesus.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR CHRISTMAS CARDS!

Kay and I especially enjoy the ones with pictures of you!

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MERRY CHRISTMAS!

News & Views 12/06/11

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 16:00:00 GMT

Get Flash to see this player.

Dear Saddleback Family,

I want to hear from you! Watch this video to learn about what's going on at Saddleback this week, as well as a special request I have for you.

Email me at pastorrick@saddleback.com with your feedback.
To view Good Neighbor Weekend serving opportunities, click here.
To find Christmas service times and locations at your local campus, click here.
To watch my message on the next phase of The PEACE Plan, click here.
To view the PEACE catalog online, click here, or email me at pastorrick@saddleback.com to request a copy via mail. �

Merry Christmas!

News & Views 11/30/11

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 16:00:00 GMT

November 30, 2011

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Dear Saddleback Family,

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Here are five items I want you to know about this week:

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If you missed any of the five messages from last weekend, you can watch them online!

Click on the links below to watch each message:

Why Historians Take the Gospel Seriously� - Dr. John Dickson
The Reliability of the New Testament - Dr. Sean McDowell
Ten Reasons We Know the New Testament is True - Dr. Frank Turek
The Truth in the First Three Chapters of Genesis - Dr. Paige Patterson
A Biblical Philosophy of Truth - Dr. Doug Groothuis

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�You can learn the truth about HIV/AIDS, and how to help families struggling with AIDS, at three services on Thursday, December 1 as we observe World AIDS Day at Saddleback. Join us in the Refinery on the Lake Forest campus for: �

"AIDS: A Fearful Reality" 6:30 - 7:15 a.m.

"From Fearful to Fearless" 12:15 - 1:00 p.m. �

"Fearless in the Father" 7:15 - 8:30 p.m. (with Crave)

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I'm speaking this weekend, AND Sunday afternoon will be our last membership Class 101 of the year! If you haven't attended Class 101, know that we love you, we appreciate you, and we want you to join us this week!� Register for Class 101 here.

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If you'd like to give any of my books as Christmas gifts to your family or friends, I'd be happy to sign them for you. Just drop off the books at our church office. The receptionist will give you a card to fill out and leave with your books. You can also purchase books and pick up additional cards from the church bookstore which is open on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. I'll sign the books and you can pick them up next week from the church bookstore.

�HELP US NOT REPEAT WHAT HAPPENED TWO YEARS AGO!

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Do you remember the crisis that hit all American churches during Christmas two years ago? Christmas fell on a Saturday, so millions missed their regular weekend worship services.�That low attendance weekend meant low tithes, which created a big deficit for most churches.� Gratefully, at Saddleback our deficit was made up in 48 hours because you mailed in your offering, gave online, or brought it to the church office.� Your generosity made national news, and made me so proud of your maturity!

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�� Now, this year the problem is DOUBLED!

1. �We're cancelling our December 10 - 11 services so we can serve our neighbors!

2.� Christmas Day is on Sunday this year, which means many of you will miss two services this month.

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So here's my request: �Please bring TWO WEEKS of your regular offering THIS WEEKEND�to cover the two weekends you'll miss!� In the middle of a recession we're trying to open our new�PEACE CENTER which will help the poor, sick, and unemployed.�Your gift matters more than ever right now! �So give this weekend, or better yet, you can give online here.

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I AM SO GRATEFUL FOR YOU! MERRY CHRISTMAS!

News & Views 11/23/11

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 16:00:00 GMT

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Dear Saddleback Family,

Let me brag about YOU. �I'm so thankful for.

. how you show love, grace, and mercy to everyone. It's made our church famous as a place where people can get a second chance, a fresh start, and an opportunity to begin again.
. how you welcome all races, cultures, age groups, and economic status. No bigots here! We've become an all-nation congregation that speaks 67 languages and looks the way heaven will look.
. how you actually practice the Bible, and don't just study it. You have an amazing desire to keep growing spiritually . . . and that keeps me growing as your pastor!
. all the ways you serve each other in small groups, in our community, and even in other nations. When God says 'Love your neighbor as yourself,' you really do it!
. your bold faith and willingness to take risks as a church.� Time after time I've challenged you to stretch and dream big, and each time you've risen to the challenge.�No other church has accomplished, or even attempted, the daunting global goals that you have reached. It is fun being your pastor.
.your outrageous generosity. You consistently give sacrificially in faith, even in this on-going recession, so we're able to help more hurting people than ever.
. your commitment to growing strong kids and families. Saddleback's next generation is exceptionally strong because of our brilliant children's and student's ministries.�

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TWO THINGS TO REMEMBER ABOUT THIS WEEKEND

FIVE WORLD-CLASS BIBLE TEACHERS will teach on "How We Know We Can Trust the Bible" at our 3^rd annual apologetics weekend. Click here to read the each speaker's bio.
Our THANKSGIVING OFFERING will be used to build our PEACE CENTER which will eventually house (when completed) our food bank, employment office, legal aid, immigration assistance, HIV testing, free medical clinic, clothing exchange, personal, family & financial counseling, and all the other compassion & Good Samaritan ministries that we offer, and will offer, free to everyone.

This is a very important offering that counts toward your Decade of Destiny commitment.

Kay & I are leading with our gift of $20,000. Give in faith and watch God keep his promise: "When you give to the poor, it is like lending to the Lord, and the Lord will pay you back." (Prov. 19:17)

You can give online here, bring it by the church office, or give this weekend when you worship.�

I love you, and I'm SO thankful for the privilege of being your pastor. Happy Thanksgiving!

News & Views 11/18/11

Tue, 01 Nov 2011 17:00:00 GMT

Hello Saddleback!

Are you ready for a great weekend at Saddleback? There are some exciting things taking place at Saddleback, so watch this video to hear more about what's going on.

Get Flash to see this player.

To read the New York Times articles on how small groups are making The Daniel Plan a great success, click here.
To read the New York Times article on how The Daniel Plan utilizes teamwork and trust, click here.�
Don't forget to give online giving a try - you can learn more at our online giving page.

Come see us at the 9:00 and 11:15 a.m. services if you want to have your copy of the Lord's Prayer signed.

News & Views 11/01/11

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 17:00:00 GMT

Dear Saddleback Family,

I've got a few updates for you as we move in to November and gear up for a great fall season here at Saddleback.

Watch this video to hear what's going on at this week.

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To pick up the Just Walk Across the Room small group curriculum, visit the patio or Pavilion after the weekend services. To register for Uprising, click here.

News & Views 10/28/11

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 17:00:00 GMT

Dear Saddleback Family,

We have had an incredible week here at Saddleback! From our third Daniel Plan rally to Bill Hybels' great message, Just Walk Across the Room, we've been growing, getting healthier, and learning how to reach our community for Christ like never before.

Watch this video to learn more about what's going on at Saddleback this fall.

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To watch the Daniel Plan rally, click here.
To watch Bill Hybels' Just Walk Across the Room message, click here.

Don't forget to pray for Commissioned, our first church-planting seminar and Uprising, our greatest men's conference ever.

We'll see you this weekend!

News & Views 10/14/11

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 17:00:00 GMT

Dear Saddleback Family,

I want to tell you about a life-changing event taking place at Saddleback Church next week. On October 22, our church will host an historic Daniel Plan rally where we will be joined live, in person, by all three of our Daniel Plan doctors - Dr. Mehmet Oz, Dr. Daniel Amen and Dr. Mark Hyman.

The Daniel Plan has literally changed the lives of thousands of people. On Saturday, we will hear some of their success stories and also learn new tips and tools for starting, or continuing on in, the journey to become healthier.

Watch this video to learn more about what's in store for the Daniel Plan rally:

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This is a great event, not only for Saddleback Church, but for our community as well. So, here are two things I want you to do:

INVITE A FRIEND! The Daniel Plan is too important not to share it with someone you love. So bring a friend. And, if you come to the rally with a guest, you'll be able to get preferred seating! We are holding seats for first-time visitors to Saddleback.

DON'T COME ALONE! Grab your small group, spouse, kids, neighbors and workout buddy and bring them with you. Carpool to the rally and enjoy this great event together. Fitness is always more fun when we do it together.

Are you ready to eat healthier, think healthier, and live healthier? Then bring your friends and join me at the Daniel Plan rally!

For more information about this event, visit www.danielplan.com.

News & Views 10/12/11

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 17:00:00 GMT

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Dear Saddleback Family,

We are in the midst of one of the most challenging and unusual economic climates we have ever experienced. That's why I started a series two weeks ago on the biblical laws of money management.

I am concerned about your family's financial fitness. If you're upside down on your mortgage, deeply in debt, struggling to make ends meet, or just concerned with managing your money well, this is a series you won't want to miss.

Watch this video to hear more about this series and why it's so important for not only you, but your friends and family as well.

We'll see you this weekend!

News & Views 9/17/11

Fri, 16 Sep 2011 17:00:00 GMT

Dear Saddleback,

�� Your church family will be a key support and encouragement TO YOU this fall season. We've planned it all to help you get through these tough times.

To help you manage your finances...

This weekend, we begin�a new series on your FINANCIAL HEALTH. This is module #2 of the Seven Key Areas of Life that we are improving during the Decade of Destiny. Just as I brought in three nationally-known expert doctors for�module #1 (improving your physical health through The Daniel Plan), I've lined up the best to help you out in this area too, including Dave Ramsey, Dr. Robert Morris, and others.�

Don't miss my new weekend series on the biblical principles for money management that God blesses. It�starts this weekend!�

Watch this video to hear me explain the series.

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To help you start each day with spiritual energy...��

�� Our fall series of Drive Time Devotions�with Pastor Tom will focus on the life-changing truths from the Book of Exodus, a book literally jammed with truths you need for getting through tough times. You can get this free daily encouragement at www.drivetimedevotions.com.

�� In the next News & Views I'll tell you about even more exciting ways in which we intend to help you in the coming months.

I love you!

News & Views 9/16/11

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 17:00:00 GMT

Dear Saddleback Family,

I have animportant message for you about Saddleback's next teaching series, God's Word on Spending, Saving, and Stress, whichbegins this weekend. It's an important series because of the tough economicclimate in which we find ourselves right now.

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I hope you'll join me this weekend as we study God's Word on Spending, Saving, and Stress. Be sure to invite a friend!

News & Views 9/8/11

Wed, 07 Sep 2011 17:00:00 GMT

�

Dear Saddleback Family,Ten years ago, our country was forever changed. Because of the terrorist attacks on our own soil, life in America will never be the same. Join us this weekend for special services in which we will remember those who died and those who fought as a result of the attacks on 9/11.

We'll come together for a remembrance and celebration.
We will honor those who lost their lives on 9/11, the first responders, and the servicemen and women who fought to defend our freedom in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The service will include music, testimonies, a message from Pastor Rick, and some very special guests.

Everyone is welcome, so pass this message on to your family, friends, and neighbors. Ask them to join us as we gather together to remember the hope we have in Christ despite the violence that was brought upon our country.

�

News & Views 9/3/11

Fri, 02 Sep 2011 17:00:00 GMT

Dear Saddleback Family,

�

��

This Labor Day weekend, we kick off our�most helpful�Fall for you:

�

�Tonight & Sunday

�

��

Honestly, you can't afford to miss what I've prepared to share this weekend.� I'll explain how we intend to help you�not just survive, but�THRIVE, in the difficult days ahead.

�

��

�Spend Monday Morning with Our Church Family!

Join me at our Lake Forest campus for a morning of fun as we work together and enjoy a lunch BBQ.� Wear old clothes and bring your paint brush, rake, loppers, broom, and other clean up tools. There will be projects for every age group and family member!

�

We will clean up the campus together, and then I will barbecue burgers for your lunch.

�

� �Next weekend: Orange County's 9/11 Memorial Services

��

At our weekend services on September 10^th�and 11^th�we will honor and remember:

- All who lost family and friends in the 9/11 attacks

�

- All who have served in Afghanistan or Iraq since the war on terror began

�

- All air marshals who have kept our flights safe for ten years

�

If you have friends or family who should be honored, let us know.

�

We will be linking up with our daughter Saddleback Church in New York City which meets on Warren Street (!) two blocks from Ground Zero.

�

Start praying for and inviting your unchurched friends to attend a service with you as your guest. This is an unequalled opportunity to bring someone to Saddleback.

News & Views 8/27/11

Sat, 27 Aug 2011 07:28:00 GMT

August 27, 2011

�

Dear Saddleback Family,

�

THIS WEEKEND!

"NEVER FIGHT YOUR BATTLES UNDRESSED!"

�

In my dramatic conclusion to our summer series on "The Invisible War," you'll see a live demonstration of the six actual pieces of a Roman soldier's armor. I will teach the spiritual parallels to winning the battles in YOUR life from Ephesians 6:10-18. Bring a friend!

ECHOING ANGELS!�
Don't miss this hot new band!
FREE LUNCH with the NEW PASTOR of our local HIV/AIDS ministry. Meet Bill & Rose Mugford from 1:00 - 2:30 p.m. in the Ministry Office 1 (MO1) on the Lake Forest campus.
Learn how we show compassion here in southern California.

I WILL BE BAPTIZING after every service at Lake Forest!�If you haven't been baptized yet, this is your weekend!
For daily inspiration, connect with me on ,& .

�