Pastor Rick's News & Views

News & Views 4/13/13

Fri, 12 Apr 2013 17:00:00 GMT

Dear friends, please help us get this word to your pastor and the leaders of all churches that prayed for our family last week . . . in worship services, in groups or classes, and as individuals. We hope it can be read aloud on Sunday to express our deepest appreciation.

�

A WORD OF THANKS

TO CHURCHES WHO'VE PRAYED FOR US

From Rick and Kay Warren, their extended families,

and the Saddleback Church family

�

Sunday, April 14, 2013

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

�� Kay and I want you to know how much we depended on your faithful prayers for us this past week in the aftershock of the suicide of our precious 27-year-old son Matthew who struggled with mental illness since birth.

We felt your love and we received strength from your prayers during the most painful week of our 40 years of public ministry for Christ.

�� Because you prayed for us, we were overwhelmed with the Holy Spirit's comfort, were able to share the Gospel of Hope in Jesus with many unbelievers around the world, and God was glorified through our personal tragedy. So we cannot thank you enough!

Also, the members of Saddleback Church, your sister church in Southern California, asked that we send thanks to you, your pastor, and all your church family on their behalf. Together we have shared what St. Paul called� "the fellowship of suffering." �When one part of the body hurts, all the other parts hurt too, and you can count on the Saddleback family to pray for you too. We are God's family and we are in this together!

�� Finally, if you'd like to help us raise the awareness and lower the stigma of mental illness, we'd love to add your voice to our petition. Just visit Saddleback.com or Facebook.com/PastorRickWarren to add your name and your voice.

We end this note of thanks with the promise of Hebrews 6:10 "God will not forget the work you did, and the love you've showed for him by helping other Christians." ��May God bless your church family greatly!

News & Views 4/9/13

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 17:00:00 GMT

My Dear Saddleback Family,

Kay and I have been deeply touched by your outpouring of love after I shared the news about Matthew's tragic death. In case you missed it, here's the letter�I sent last week.

Since the Warren family is loved by so many, no building in Orange County is large enough to hold an open memorial service. We, as a family, decided it was best to have a small, private service for Matthew.

Of course, I will speak publicly to our church family about the tragedy when I return to preaching.

If you'd like to express your prayers, love, and support, here are two practical ways:

1. Your love and support sustains us. Please write us an encouraging note and/or if you have either a funny or serious story about Matthew, we'd love to hear that too.�Share your love here.

2. For those of you that want to give a gift, help fight mental illness�by giving an�online gift here�to�The Matthew Warren Fund�for mental health or�mail a check�to�The Matthew Warren Fund�at Saddleback Church, 1 Saddleback Parkway, Lake Forest, CA 92630.

Kay and I are overwhelmed by your love, prayers, and kind words. You are all encouraging our broken hearts.

I love you!

Pastor Rick �

News & Views 4/5/13

Thu, 04 Apr 2013 17:00:00 GMT

Our Dearest Saddleback Family,

Over the past 33 years we've been together through every kind of crisis. Kay and I've been privileged to hold your hands as you faced a crisis or loss, stand with you at gravesides, and prayed for you when ill. �Today, we need your prayer for us.

�� No words can express the anguished grief we feel right now. Our youngest son, Matthew, age 27, and a lifelong member of Saddleback, died today.

�� You who watched Matthew grow up knew he was an incredibly kind, gentle, and compassionate man. He had a brilliant intellect and a gift for sensing who was most in pain or most uncomfortable �in a room. He'd then make a bee-line to that person to engage and encourage them.�

�� But only those closest knew that he struggled from birth with mental illness, dark holes of depression, and even suicidal thoughts. In spite of America's best doctors, meds, counselors, and prayers for healing, the torture of mental illness never subsided. Today, after a fun evening together with Kay and me, in a momentary wave of despair at his home, he took his life.

�� Kay and I often marveled at his courage to keep moving in spite of relentless pain. I'll never forget how, many years ago, after another approach had failed to give relief, Matthew said " Dad, I know I'm going to heaven. Why can't I just die and end this pain?" but he kept going for another decade.

�� Thank you for your love and prayers. �We love you back.

News & Views 4/4/13

Wed, 03 Apr 2013 17:00:00 GMT

Dear Saddleback Family,

��

�� WHAT AN EASTER!

Because you cared enough to invite your friends to services.

Because thousands of you volunteered to make Easter special.

�

Nearly 3,000 people gave their lives to Christ at Easter! The stories of salvations and baptisms have been so deeply moving.

�

All eight of our Saddleback campuses had record attendance: �Corona, Anaheim, Irvine, Huntington Beach, Laguna Woods, San Clemente, Rancho Capistrano, and Lake Forest. Last weekend, three of our campuses had over 3,000 attenders, one had close to 2,000 attenders, and four of campuses had nearly 1,000 attenders! Saddleback is no longer a large church with many small campuses. Instead we are now a "megachurch of megachurches!"��

�

In addition, about twenty folks�around the world rented theaters to show our Saddleback Easter service for their friends.�Many were saved in a prison in the Philippines where the service was shown!

��

�� THIS WEEKEND: �We start a new series�called "SURIVIVING TOUGH TIMES."�I'll share a message from on "When You Feel Like You're Being Attacked" from 1 Chronicles 20. �

�

�� SMALL GROUP HOSTS PARTY WITH PASTOR RICK: I want meet with all our Small Group Hosts and Co-Hosts this Sunday afternoon at 1:30 pm on the Lake Forest campus. Much to share!�Plus, you can pick up your small group curriculum for�the month of April. I have revised and recorded a small group version of Class 201: Building the Habits for Spiritual Maturity. You can now complete Class 201 for credit in your small group! Let me know you're coming by RSVP'ing HERE.

�

�� "THE HOPE YOU NEED"�This Spring I'm writing a new book that we will use next January for 40 Days of HOPE. Please pray for me that I'll be led by God as I write my first major book since writing Purpose Driven Life 11 years ago.

�

�� "HOME RUN!" is a major motion picture about CELEBRATE RECOVERY and it opens in theaters nationally on April 19!�You can purchase advance tickets at each campus this weekend.

�

�SADDLEBACK IN THE NEWS: We rarely pass on news articles but here are few:

CHRISTIAN POST- Click HERE to read an article about�our EASTER services.
�
CHARISMA NEWS - Click HERE to read an article about our new DAILY HOPE radio program that launched this week.
�
CHRISTIANITY TODAY- Click HERE to read an interview about our PEACE PLAN to reach to the 3,400 remaining�people groups that have no Bible, no Believers, and no Body of Christ.
�
FORBES - Click HERE to read an article on what I believe about retirement.
�
WOMEN IN THE WORLD - Click HERE to read an article on "First Ladies of the Church" with a profile of my favorite person, Kay.

�

�� It is an honor and privilege to be your pastor. Thanks for your prayer and support as I preached all those Easter services last week. I love you and thank God for you.

News & Views 3/22/13

Thu, 21 Mar 2013 17:00:00 GMT

Dear Saddleback Family,

�

I am writing this from Canterbury, England where I have had the high honor of participating in the installation of the new Archbishop of Canterbury who is the spiritual leader of�80 million�Anglican Christians around the world.�Christian leaders from around the world gathered here in the historic 1,000�year old cathedral for this worship service.�It was a wonderful time of getting updates from leaders who have been touched by your PEACE Plan efforts around the world.�

I will be back home Saturday afternoon.

�

��EASTER WEEK�is always the greatest week of the year at Saddleback.�Our�lives, our faith, and our future all exist because of one fact: reality of the resurrection. Jesus lives!�If Jesus had not risen back to life to prove he was who he claimed to be, we would have no hope and no heaven.

�

�� Here are�FOUR WAYS�you can make the most of Holy Week . . . to grow in faith, in hope, and in love:

�

1.��Begin Holy Week�this weekend�with an amazing and inspirational Palm Sunday service.�If you've felt tired, discouraged, or run-down by life, you will be renewed, recharged, and renovated by this healing service.

��

2.��Invite a friend! Your neighbors and co-workers are more open to an invitation to church during Easter week than any other time of the year.�Don't waste this opportunity�to�bring one more for Jesus.�Over 4,000 of our friends were saved for eternity last Christmas because Saddleback members cared enough to invite them.�Did you invite anyone? Who are you planning to bring? Click HERE for Easter service times and locations.

��

3.��Please�attend one of our�Thursday, Friday or Saturday�Easter�services�if you are�not bringing a visitor! Sunday will be packed with visitors. One of the most Christlike things you can do at Easter is to�unselfishly give up your seat on Easter Sunday�in order that non-believers may find Christ.

�

I'll do my part by preaching 11 Easter services so that others may find Christ.�I need you to do your part�by attending one of the early services (Thursday through Saturday) so there are seats on Easter Sunday for those who have not met Christ yet.

��

4.��Help me take the Good News to all of Southern California and America through�our new DAILY HOPE RADIO�program�beginning the week after Easter.� After saying "no" to radio for 33 years,�I've felt led by God to begin sharing our Saddleback messages through a daily radio program.�To do this, our�EASTER OFFERING�this year will be used to launch�Daily Hope�radio in Southern California.� You can use the special offering envelope or give online by clicking HERE.

�

Please ask God how you could support this new outreach to your friends and family.�It will be a great tool you can use to get the Good News to those who might not come to church. Your financial gift at Easter will be used to reach many for Jesus.� May God bless you!

�

I LOVE YOU AND CAN'T WAIT TO SEE YOU!

News & Views 3/1/13

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 16:00:00 GMT

�

Dear Saddleback Family,

�

YOU can be a part of a HISTORIC WORLD PREMIERE

THIS SATURDAY MORNING AT 9:30 AM

�

Of all the places in America where the Award-Winning Hollywood Producers Mark Burnett & Roma Downey could premiere their blockbuster television mini-series, THE BIBLE... they chose Saddleback Church!

�

The Bible is the most anticipated and important mini-series since Roots premiered decades ago, and the nation-wide kick-off simulcast will happen TOMORROW MORNING on our Lake Forest campus!��

�

Over three years in the making, The Bible is a ten hour mini-series, shot on multiple locations (including the sets of Gladiator in Morocco), and has the feel of a 100 million dollar blockbuster.

�

Over the next few years, I'm sure this film will be seen by billions! Wouldn't you like to be able to say "I had the privilege of watching the very first screening of the highlights with the producers at the premiere opening!"

�

This is the perfect event to invite your friends who've never attended a church. Once they see this Saturday morning national premiere and meet Mark Burnett (creator of Survivor, The Apprentice, The Voice, and 7 other hit TV shows) and Roma Downey (the angel in Touched by An Angel) they'll want to attend services for the next 5 weeks!

�

Share this link with your friends to watch the preview, then bring them to the Lake Forest campus tomorrow morning to meet Mark and Roma. It's FREE but space is limited! RSVP now

�

THE NEXT FIVE WEEKENDS AT SADDLEBACK

1. Weekend Messages: �we'll study the same Bible characters portrayed in THE BIBLE mini-series, broadcast each Sunday evening on the History Channel. Our message series will be called History Makers: Living by Faith. By studying the lives of faithful men and women in the Bible, you will learn how to leave an extraordinary legacy despite ordinary circumstances.

�

2. Sunday night at the movies at Saddleback!

At 8pm, (after our 6pm Sunday Evening service) we will be broadcasting the weekly episodes of THE BIBLE on our giant High-Definition Screen at Lake Forest.�

�

CAUTION: The Bible is full of graphically violent stories and this movie portrays them accurately so THE BIBLE film is too intense for young children. It has not been watered down. I'd rate it PG-13 for violence. There will be NO childcare for these showings.

�

2. Your small group can study THE BIBLE DVD and Small Group discussion resources available at all Saddleback Campuses. Pick up your materials at your campus bookstore.

�

I'll see you Saturday morning at 9:30am for a kick-off to an incredible, amazing month of March!

News & Views 2/25/13

Sun, 24 Feb 2013 16:00:00 GMT

Dear Saddleback Family,

�

As you finish the LIVE YOUR CALLING study in your small group this week, let's celebrate some of the accomplishments so far from this campaign.

. 2,400 new groups were formed. For many people, this is their first time leading a small group.

.�6,400 of you signed up to begin serving in a ministry at the Ministry Expo.

.�Hundreds of you signed up for your first Mission trip at the Global PEACE Expo.

�

When God calls you respond! I'M PROUD OF YOU!

�

This past weekend, we learned our sixth and final calling. CALLED TO BE SENT.

�

GOD'S PLAN FOR HISTORY: He's gathering a family that will LOVE & LIVE WITH HIM forever.

"'Anyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.' But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? And how will anyone go and tell them without being SENT? That is what the Scriptures mean when they say, 'How beautiful are the feet of those who bring Good News!'"

�� Rom.10:13-15 (NLT)

�

Your fifth calling is to BRING OTHERS INTO GOD'S FAMILY.

"Through Christ, God made peace between us and himself. Then God gave us the work of bringing others into peace with him."

�� 2 Cor. 5:18 (ICB)

�

THE PEACE PLAN: "Ordinary people - empowered by God

- making a difference together - wherever they are!"

�

3 DIMENSIONS OF THE PEACE PLAN

�� 1. PERSONAL - my personal mission to the people in my life.

�� 2. LOCAL�� - my small group's mission to others in our area.

�� 3. GLOBAL�� - our church's mission to the entire world!

�

P.E.A.C.E. IS JESUS' MODEL FOR MISSIONS

��

�� Plant churches/Preach reconciliation

�� Equip servant leaders��

�� Assist the poor ��

�� Care for the sick��

�� Educate the next generation��

�

PEACE deals with the 5 GLOBAL GIANTS

Spiritual emptiness

Self-centered leaders

Extreme poverty

Pandemic diseases

Illiteracy & education

�

Here are 3 ways you can respond:

�

PRAY THAT PEOPLE WILL SAY YES TO GOD!

"Jesus said, 'There are so many people to harvest but only a few workers to help harvest them. PRAY to the Lord, who owns the harvest, that he will send out more workers to gather his harvest.'" Matt. 9:37-38 (NCV)

�

GIVE TO HELP OTHERS GO!

"We must support believers who go on trips like this so that we
can work together with them in spreading the truth." 3 John 1:8 (GW)

�

LISTEN FOR HIS MESSAGE TO ME!

"Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, 'Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?' And I said, 'Here am I. Send me!'"

�� Isaiah 6:8 (NIV)

�

GO WHERE I CAN GO NOW!

"Work at bringing others to Christ."� 2 Tim. 4:5 (NLT)

�

1. If you missed the message, watch it HERE. Then share it with a friend.

�

2. �If you missed the LIFE MISSION EXPO, you can still be part of the PEACE PLAN. Click HERE to learn about how you can be part of PEACE around the world.

�

3. COMMIT TO PRAY FOR AN UNENGAGED PEOPLE GROUP: �There are 3,000+ people groups in the world with no Bible and no church. Be part of this "final frontier" by adopting a group and committing to pray for them. Click HERE to adopt a group�

�

4. �Get ready for our next series: HISTORY MAKERS. History Makers: Living By Faith is a new series based on the epic 10-part miniseries, The Bible, created by the History Channel, Mark Burnett, producer of TV's Survivor, and Roma Downey.

�

Click HERE to learn more about History Makers.�

News & Views 2/22/13

Thu, 21 Feb 2013 16:00:00 GMT

�

Dear Saddleback Family,

�

This weekend is our exciting conclusion to LIVE YOUR CALLING! It will be spectacular!

�

1. AT ALL SERVICES: WHAT YOU'RE SUPPOSED TO DO WITH THE REST OF YOUR LIFE! Don't miss this powerful concluding message on your 5^th Calling and Life Mission!

�

2. �AFTER EACH SERVICE: THE LIFE MISSION EXPO!

Explore all the ways our church family can support you in your Life Mission.�Last weekend, over 5,000 people found a new ministry at our MINISTRY EXPO. Now, this weekend, we help you discover your�5^th calling at the LIFE MISSION EXPO! Also,�Kay Warren will be signing her book, "SAY YES TO GOD" under the PD LIFE TREE on the Lake Forest patio at the Sunday morning services.

�

3. �SUNDAY AFTERNOON:�Pastor Rick's THANK YOU LUNCH FOR GROUP HOSTS!

Our 6,400 small groups will gather at either 1:30pm (Lake Forest small groups) or 4:00pm (Lake Forest and regional small groups) in the Lake Forest Worship Center for lunch with me.�We'll share stories, and I have a gift I want to give each host for your service during this campaign!�Hosts can register for the lunch at saddleback.com/hostlunch.�

�

4. SUNDAY EVENING: �Pastor Rick on OPRAH (Part 2) talking about "WHAT ON EARTH AM I HERE FOR?" Six weeks ago, we began our church's LIVE YOUR CALLING campaign with the broadcast of my session on Oprah's LifeClass show on "Winning With The Hand You're Dealt." I took Nick Vujicic as my guest.

�

This Sunday night, Oprah is helping us conclude our church's campaign, AND kick off the national Live Your Calling campaign with a second (new) broadcast of me teaching on "What On Earth Am I Here For?"� It is a powerful show that every unbeliever and believer should watch.

�

Please email this message to your friends and family:

Hi! I just wanted to let you know that this Sunday night, my pastor Rick Warren is teaching a fascinating session on Oprah's LifeClass on the meaning and purpose of life. It's called "WHAT ON EARTH AM I HERE FOR?" I've been reading his book��-the #1 New York Times bestseller by the same title-so I know it would be worth your time. I hope you can watch it on OWN (Oprah Winfrey Network) at 9 p.m. this Sunday night.

�

5. THIS IS A GREAT TIME to cash in your stocks to fulfill your Decade of Destiny promise!

Two years ago, in the middle of a terrible recession, many of us made a three-year Faith-Promise Giving Commitment for our DECADE OF DESTINY projects. Then . . . the bottom fell out of the economy! Many families have been waiting for the turn-around in order to fulfill our faith-promises.

�

Well, THIS WEEK, the stock market and mutual funds hit their HIGHEST LEVEL SINCE 2007! Few economists expect that high to last.

�

So rather than gamble that it might go higher, Kay and I cashed out stocks this week in order to give a full-year of our Decade of Destiny giving commitment while the assets were worth more than they've been worth in six years. That's wise stewardship!�

�

I urge you to prayerfully consider if this might be a wise time for you to do the same. You can help reach and serve more people right now than at any other time in recent memory. But the door of opportunity is unlikely to stay open.�If you need help with this, you can contact us at (949) 609-8057 or jefft@saddleback.com.

You can also give online here: saddleback.com/giving.

�

See you this weekend for our Grand Finale!

News & Views 2/18/13

Sun, 17 Feb 2013 16:00:00 GMT

Dear Saddleback Family,

I am so proud you! This past weekend over 2,600 of you signed up to start serving in a ministry . . . many of you will be serving for the first time! It's the sacrificial giving of your time that makes Saddleback a great church. Time is our most precious commodity and the greatest gift we can give each other.�

Your fourth purpose, GOD SHAPED YOU TO SERVE HIM, teaches you that:

Your life calling is to be a BI-VOCATIONAL MINISTER OF JESUS.

"God in his grace chose me even before I was born, and called me to serve him." �� Gal. 1:15 (TEV)

�

Four things happen when you use your life to serve and bless others:

�1. YOU LEARN THE SECRETS OF JOY.

��� - YOU GET THE FOCUS OFF OF YOURSELF.

"My life is being poured out as a part of the sacrifice and service I offer to God for your faith. Yet, I am filled with joy, and I share that joy with all of you."�� Phil. 2:17 (GW)

�

- YOU USE YOUR GIFTS TO HELP OTHERS.

�� "God has given each of you some special abilities; be sure to

�use them to help each other, passing on to others God's many kinds of blessings."�� 1 Peter 4:10 (LB)

�

2.YOUR RELATIONSHIPS WILL BE IMPROVED.

"Your attitude must be like my own, for I did not come to be served but to serve..."�� Matt. 20:28 (LB)

�

"The one who blesses others is abundantly blessed; those who help others are helped."�� Prov. 11:25 (Mes)

�

�3. YOUR LIFE WILL BE FULL OF MEANING.

"If you try to keep your life for yourself, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake and for the sake of the Good News, you will find true life."� �� Mark 8:35 (NLT)

�

� ��

4. YOU'LL LEAVE A LEGACY.

"Good people will be remembered as a blessing."

�� Prov. 10:7 (NCV)

�

"If you want to be great, you must be the servant of all the others."�� Matt. 20:26 (CEV)

�

"God is fair; he will not forget the work you did and the love you showed for him by helping his people. And he will remember that you are still helping them." �� Heb. 6:10 (NCV)

�

GET THE MOST OUT OF THIS SERIES:

1. Share last week's message with a friend. Watch it here.�

2. If you missed the Ministry Expo, click here to explore ministry opportunities.

3. Don't miss the small group party this Sunday, February 24 at 1:30 or 4:00 p.m. I can't wait to hear your stories and share some insider information with you. I HAVE A GIFT FOR EVERY HOST. Click here to RSVP.

4. ATTEND THE MISSIONS FAIR THIS WEEKEND! See how you can participate in mission trips around the world!

See you this Weekend!

News & Views 2/11/13

Sun, 10 Feb 2013 16:00:00 GMT

Dear Saddleback Family,

If you missed last weekend, you are going to want to watch it now, Watch it here. Michelle's story is not only inspirational, but reminds us how important the friends in our groups are to personal growth.

This past weekend we discussed your third purpose: YOU ARE CALLED TO BECOME LIKE CHRIST.

�

Here are the 8 ways you become what GOD CALLS YOU TO BE:

1. SIMPLIFY your life.

�"Let us strip off anything that slows us down or holds us back, and especially those sins that wrap themselves so tightly around our feet and trip us up; and let us run with patience the particular race that God has set before us."� �� Heb. 12:1 (LB)

�

2.Don't get IMPATIENT OR IN A HURRY.

"...let us run with patience the particular race that God has set before us." �Heb. 12:1b (LB)

�3. Spend time FOCUSING ON JESUS EVERY DAY.

"We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from start to finish."�� Heb. 12:2 a (NLT)

�

"All of us have had that veil removed so that we can be mirrors that brightly reflect the glory of the Lord. And as the Spirit of the Lord works within us, we become more and more like him and reflect his glory even more."�� 2 Cor. 3:18 (NLT)

�

4. When it gets hard REMEMBER THE REWARD.

"Jesus did not give up because of the cross! On the contrary, because of the joy that was waiting for him, he thought nothing of the disgrace of dying on the cross, and he is now seated at the right side of God's throne. Think of what he went through; how he put up with so much hatred from sinners! So do not let yourselves become discouraged and give up."�� Heb. 12:2-3 (TEV)

�

"After you suffer for a short time, God, who gives all grace, will make everything right. He will make you strong and support you and keep you from falling. He called you to share in his glory in Christ, a glory that will continue forever."�� 1 Peter 5:10 (NCV)

�

�5. GATHER A TEAM to run with me.

�"Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another��-as you see the Day approaching."�� Heb. 10:24-25 (NIV)

�

��

�

SEND ME YOUR GROUP PHOTO

Take a picture with your group and send it to me at PastorRick@saddleback.com with the names of your group members so I can pray for you. I might feature you on Twitter or on the Weekends, so make it good. and hold up your books!�

�

GET THE MOST OUT OF THIS SERIES:

�1. Share the message on Facebook and Twitter: Watch it here.

2. Attend the Small Group Host Party. We've rescheduled my party for all Small Group Hosts for Sunday, February 24. I can't wait to hear your stories and share some insider information.

3. Serve as a group!Pick one Good Neighbor Project or create one yourself and serve as a group.

4. Don't miss the Ministry Expo this weekend at all campuses!

News & Views 2/4/13

Sun, 03 Feb 2013 16:00:00 GMT

Dear �Saddleback Family,� � � � �

��

Another �amazing weekend! We now have more than 6,400 �small groups and averaging record attendance on the weekends. That means �you are excited about learning how to Live Your Calling and you're sharing �it with friends and family.� � � � �

��

This �past weekend we discussed your second purpose: YOU �ARE CALLED TO BELONG.� � � � �

��

You �learned:� � � � �

��

God formed you for HIS FAMILY.� � � � �

Eph. �1:5 (NLT)

� � � � �

��

You are CALLED TO BELONG to His church� � � � �

Eph. 2:19 (ICB)� � � � �

��

There �are 5 benefits of BELONGING:� � � � �

��

1. In God's family you �learn YOUR TRUE IDENTITY.� � � � �

��

"You are members of God's very own family... and you belong� � � � �

in God's household with every other Christian."� Eph. 2:19 (LB)

� � � � �

2. In God's temple you �are SUPPORTED BY OTHERS.� � � � �

�

� � � � �� �"I want us to help each other with the faith we have. Your faith �will� � � � �

� �help me, and my faith will help you." � � � � � � Rom. 1:12 (NCV)� � � � �

��

3. In Christ's body �you DISCOVER YOUR UNIQUE VALUE.� � � � �

��

� �"Just as there are many �parts to our bodies, so it is with Christ's� � � � �

� �Body. �We are all parts of it, and it takes every �one of us to make it� � � � �

� �complete, for we �each have different work to do. So we belong to� � � � �

� �each other, �and each of us needs all the others." Rom. 12:4-5 (LB)� � � � �

�

� � � � �

4. In God's flock you RECEIVE �PROTECTION.� � � � ��

� �"Take care of �God's flock, his people, that you are responsible� � � � �

� �for. Watch �over them because you want to, not because you are� � � � �

� �forced to do �it." � 1 Peter. 5:2 (ICB)� � � � �

��

5. In God's garden you �BECOME PRODUCTIVE.� � � � �

��

� � � � � � � � � �"A branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed �from the vine, and� � � � �

� � � � � � � � � �you cannot be fruitful apart from me. �I am the �vine and you are the� � � � �

� � � � � � � � � �branches. �Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce� � � � �

� � � � � � � � � �much fruit. �But apart from me you can do nothing."� � � � �

� � � � � � � � � �John 15:4-5 (NLT)

� � � � ��

� � � � �

BE A PART OF THE FAMILY!� � � � �

Some �of you are in Saddleback family, but you don't belong to Saddleback family. If �you haven't taken the step to become a member of the family, join me March 9 for Class 101: BETTER TOGETHER at the Lake �Forest Campus. Don't just attend. belong!� � � � �

��

� � � � �

��

SEND ME YOUR PHOTO� � � � �

Take �a picture with your group and send it to me at PastorRick@saddleback.com with �the names of your group members in the picture so I can pray for you. ��

��

GET THE MOST OUT OF THIS SERIES:� � � � �

��

1. �Share last week's message with a friend. Watch �it here. ��

��

2. Listen �to the Saddleback Worship playlist on Spotify� at saddleback.com/playlist.� � � � �

��

3. �Start or Join a group: Go to saddleback.com/mycalling and click Host or Join a �Group� � � � �

��

4. If �you're a small group host, make sure to listen to the weekly Host Help video at �saddleback.com/hosthelp.� � � � �

��

5. �Attend every week!

� � � � �

See �you this Weekend!

�

News & Views 1/28/13

Sun, 27 Jan 2013 16:00:00 GMT

Dear Saddleback Family,

�

For the second week in a row, you showed up in record numbers to learn how living your calling can change your life and hundreds of lives around you. ��

�

This past weekend we discussed:

�

Your first purpose is to BE LOVED BY GOD. �

Jude 1:1 (NLT)

�

Your first calling is to ENJOY A RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD.

Romans 1:7 (NLT)

�

That relationship is to BE HIS SON/DAUGHTER.

1 John 3:1 (Amp)

�

God's love for you is.

�

�� WIDE ENOUGH� TO BE EVERYWHERE

�

�� LONG ENOUGH TO LAST FOREVER

�

�� DEEP ENOUGH TO HANDLE ANYTHING

�

�� HIGH ENOUGH TO OVERLOOK MISTAKES

�

If You Stay Aware of God's Unconditional Love for You:

�

1. YOU FEEL ACCEPTED RATHER THAN ASHAMED.

Roman 5:1 (CEV)

�

2. YOU ARE BOLD IN BRINGING YOUR NEEDS TO GOD.

Hebrews 4:16 (NIV)

�

3. YOU HAVE PEACE IN PAIN THAT YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND

Romans 8:28 (NIV)

�� 4. YOU GAIN THE COURAGE TO TAKE RISKS.

1 John 4:18 (NIV)

�

5. YOU WORSHIP INSTEAD OF WORRY.

Matthew 6:33-34 (NLT)

�

If you missed the message this weekend you need to watch it now. it could radically change your life if you understand that you are CALLED TO BE LOVED.

�

HOW�TO�GET THE MOST OUT OF�THIS SERIES:

�

1. Share last week's message with a friend�

Click here to see the message, then share the link with a friend, family member, or co-worker that needs to hear it.

�

2. Listen to the Saddleback Worship playlist on Spotify^�

Go to saddleback.com/playlist to start listening to Saddleback's weekend music playlist. IT'S FREE

�

3. Download the Saddleback Notes App

Start taking your notes directly on your iPad or iPhone, so you can access and share your notes, literally, anywhere. Search "Saddleback Notes" in the App Store to download the free app.

�

4. Pick Up a What On Earth Am I Here For? T-Shirt

�

Our Saddleback Bookstore team has created a new way for you to share What On Earth Am I Here For? Like usual, ALL proceeds of the bookstore go towards our Benevolence Ministry.

�

5. Send Me Your Photo

Take a picture with your small group this week and send it to me at PastorRick@saddleback.com with the names of your group members in the picture so I can pray for you. �

�

If you're not in a group, IT'S NOT TOO LATE. Go to saddleback.com/mycalling and click Host or Join a Group.

�

If you're a small group host, make sure to listen to the weekly Host Help video at saddleback.com/hosthelp.

�

MAKE THE MOST OF SUPER SUNDAY

If you are planning a Super Bowl Party for your friends and neighbors this Sunday afternoon, why not invite them to services on Saturday evening or Sunday morning?

�

See you this Weekend!

News & Views 1/25/13

Thu, 24 Jan 2013 16:00:00 GMT

Dear Friend,

�

Please consider how you might answer this question:�

�

How would your life change IF you felt completely and unconditionally loved by God every single moment of your life?�I'll share the incredible benefits this weekend.

�

In our six-week series LIVE YOUR CALLING: What On Earth Am I Here For? we're looking at the five "LIFE CALLINGS" or reasons that God created you. This Saturday and Sunday we'll look at the most important one:

�

THIS WEEKEND: YOU ARE CALLED TO BE LOVED BY GOD!

I'll share your first and primary calling (assignment, purpose) in life. It's more important than anything you'll do or achieve or learn or experience in life.

��

God says your first calling, or purpose, in life is this: to let God love you!�Everything else you do is to be a response to His love. So if you don't understand how deeply God loves you, it is impossible to fulfill the purpose God created you to fulfill.

�

God made you to love you.�So... more important than trusting, obeying, or serving God... is for you to first experience and feel God's love for you!

�

If you truly "get" this transformational truth - that your first priority is not to do something for God, but rather to enjoy how much God loves you - it will liberate and release you from all kinds of pressures, problems, and expectations.

�

I believe this vital message may be a turning point for your life, especially if you've been a Christian for a long time.

�

Your problem is not that you don't love God enough. The root of your problems is that you don't fully understand how much he loves you!

��

My message this weekend is also the most important good news your friend or neighbor could hear.�EVERYBODY needs to know HOW MUCH God truly loves them, and what difference that truth�can make on a daily basis. So forward this email on to them and invite them to attend with you.

�

You make a living with your career. but you make a life with your calling.

�

I'll see you this weekend!

�

News & Views 1/21/13

Sun, 20 Jan 2013 16:00:00 GMT

Dear Saddleback Family,

�

What a weekend! We launched the most significant Spiritual Growth Campaign in Saddleback's history: Live Your Calling: What On Earth Am I Here For? with over 2,200 NEW small groups. We now have over 6,000 groups in 49 states and 40 countries . . . now you have no excuse not to participate!

�

You have a God-given calling on your life and only YOU can answer that call! In Part one, The Call Is For You, we discussed what you need to know about your calling and how to respond to it.

�

I have already received feedback from several of you about how the message changed how you look at your life's calling and thousands of you committed to answer God's call . . . and that was just week one!

�

If you missed the message, Watch It Now!

�

Here's what I want you to do this week to get the most of out this series:

�

Join or Start a Group!

70% of all we do will be done in and through a small group for the next six weeks.

It's not too late to Join or Start a group! It's easy to be a H.O.S.T.: Have a heart for people, Open your home, Serve a snack, and Turn on the DVD. Just find a friend to join you, and ask that friend to find one more person, and you've got a small group!

Go to saddleback.com/mycalling and click "Host" to start or join a small group right now.

�

Pick Up Your Group Materials

If you haven't picked up your group kit after service or if you need additional material, email smallgroups@saddleback.com or call (949) 609.8701. Each host kit includes a free What On Earth Am I Here For? book and workbook for each member, as well as memory verse key chains and bookmarks and the series DVD.

�

Memorize This Week's Verse

�

"I am your Creator. You were in my care even before you were born." Isaiah 44:2

�

Give It Away!

You grow best when you share what you know with others. Make a commitment this week to ask someone to start a group with you or attend a service with you. It could be the most important message they ever hear, and your invitation can be the catalyst to them spending eternity in heaven.

�

I'm praying for you and your small group this week! Visit saddleback.com/mycalling for additional resources, host tips and suggestions.

News & Views 1/19/13

Fri, 18 Jan 2013 16:00:00 GMT

Dear Saddleback Family,

�

It all starts this weekend!

�

We've been hard at work for nearly a year. preparing this moment for you

�� . and I'm so excited about how it's going to �genuinely help you.

�

LIVING YOUR CALLING:

What On Earth Am I Here For?�

Our Six-Week Personal Growth Campaign for 2013

�

As I told you last weekend, you L.E.A.R.N. to LIVE MORE WISELY

�� using 6 different features. 6 different learning styles . for 6 weeks

�

THE BENEFITS OF LEARNING TO LIVE WISELY

�

"Wisdom is good for the soul. Get wisdom and you'll have a bright future." Prov. 24:14 (TEV)

�

"Those who get wisdom do themselves a favor, and those who love learning will succeed." Prov. 19:8� (NCV)

�

"Treasure wisdom, and it will make you great; hold on to it, and it will bring you honor." �Prov. 4:8� (NCV)

�

"Wisdom will multiply your days and add years to your life." Prov. 9:11� (NLT)

�

"Wise people have great power." Prov. 24:5� (NCV)

�

"Wise people will gain an honorable reputation." Prov. 3:35 (TEV)

�

"Wise people's lives get better and better."� Prov. 15:24 (NCV)

�

"Wisdom offers you long life, as well as wealth and honor. It can make your life pleasant and lead you safely through it. Those who become wise are happy; wisdom will give them life." �Prov. 3:16-18 �(TEV)

�

"Nothing will stand in your way if you walk wisely, and you will not stumble when you run." Prov. 4:12� (TEV)

�

"Learnto be wise, and develop good judgment." Pr. 4:5 (NLT)

�

HOW DO I L.E.A.R.N. TO LIVE WISELY?

�

LISTEN TO GOD'S WORD EVERY DAY

�� "Start with God. The first step in learning is bowing down to God." Prov. 1:7 (Mes)

��

"It is the Lord who gives wisdom; from him come knowledge and understanding"� Prov. 2:6 (TEV)

�� 

��"A wise person is hungry for truth, while the fool feeds on trash." Prov. 15:14 (NLT)

�

ENLIST FRIENDS WHO CHALLENGE ME

�� "Spend time with the wise and you will become wise, but the friends of fools will suffer."�� Prov. 13:20 (NCV)

�

ASK QUESTIONS &�ACCEPT CORRECTION

�� "Intelligent people are always open to new ideas. In fact, they look for them." �Prov.18:15 (NLT)

�

�� "If you stop learning, you will forget what you already know." Prov. 19:27 (CEV)

�

REMEMBER & REINFORCE WHAT I LEARN

"Listen, and I'll teach you what the wise have said. Study their teachings, and you will be glad if you remember them and can quote them"��Prov. 22:17-18 (TEV)

�

"Don't lose sight of my words. Let them penetrate deep within your heart, for they bring life and radiant health to anyone who discovers their meaning" Prov. 4:21-22 (NLT)

�

NOW DO IT!

"Don't deceive yourselves by just listening to the Word; instead, put it into practice. If you listen to the word, but don't put it into practice you are like people who look in a mirror and see themselves ...but once they walk away, they forget what they look like. But if you look closely into the perfect law that sets people free, and keep on paying attention to it and you don't forget it, but you put it into practice-you will be blessed by God in what you do!"� James 1:22-25 (TEV)

�

YOU CAN'T AFFORD TO MISS THIS WEEKEND. or any of the next six!�

Bring a friend!

News & Views 1/12/13

Fri, 11 Jan 2013 16:00:00 GMT

January 12, 2013

�

Dear Saddleback Family,

�

GOD PROMISES to bless your life in over 20 different ways...

IF you build your life around HIS wisdom.

�

The Bible says that learning the wisdom of God is the key to every blessing God wants to give you in your future.�� So this weekend, I'm teaching The Way to a Wise Life: What it Takes.� It's the final prep message for our 2013� Personal Growth Campaign which begins next weekend.

�

Buckle up! You've never been where I'm about to take you!

�

Don't be fooled by this year's campaign title. Because "WHAT ON EARTH AM I HER FOR? is the subtitle of The Purpose Driven Life you may think you already know what we'll cover. YOU DON'T!� It's a whole new look at God's calling and intention for the rest of your life.

�

If you heard my Christmas message and last week's New Year's message, you know this campaign is going to be transformative and life-changing. We'll go deeper than you've ever gone. If you didn't get to see it, watch it here.

�

HERE'S WHAT YOU NEED TO DO

�

.�WATCH�OPRAH'S LIFECLASS THIS SUNDAY NIGHT WITH FRIENDS!�YOU WANT TO INVITE TO THE CAMPAIGN!�My message on Oprah's show, "Dealing With the Hand Your Dealt"will explain how our choices shape our lives-- which is the foundation of this new spiritual growth campaign.

�

I accepted Oprah's invitation SO YOU WOULD HAVE AN EASY OPPORTUNITY to invite neighbors over to watch the show and then invite them to join you in our study of What On Earth Am I Here For? Don't miss this opportunity to share the Good News with friends. �Click here for times and channels in your area.

�

.�IF YOU HAVEN'T YET EXPERIENCED "BETTER TOGETHER: CLASS 101�I urge you to take the class THIS SUNDAY AFTERNOON at 3p.m. It is foundational to all I'll teach you in the next 6 weeks. At our Lake Forest campus. Click here to sign up!

�

I love you and I'm praying that the next six weeks will empower you for a successful rest of your life!

News & Views 01/04/13

Thu, 03 Jan 2013 16:00:00 GMT

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

�

Dear Saddleback Family,

�

HERE ARE 5 WAYS TO START YOUR NEW YEAR RIGHT:

�

�� 1.� DON'T MISS: "GETTING READY FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE" THIS WEEKEND!�Your life is too important to waste. But if you aren't being intentionally directional, you are simply driftingthrough life!

This will be the first of two messages to prepare you for our "What On Earth Am I Here For?" six week study.�YOU NEED THIS MESSAGE AT THE START OF 2013. �

�

�� 2. THE NEW SADDLEBACK NOTES APP lets you take message notes on your iPad or iPhone, and so much more!�It's so cool. You can download it for free right now by visiting the App Store from your iPad or iPhone and searching for "Saddleback Notes."

�

3. SIGN UP FOR A SIX WEEK DISCOVER #MYPURPOSE SMALL GROUP and I'll give you a free copy of the new, updated and expanded 10^th anniversary edition of The Purpose Driven Life, re-titled What On Earth Am I Here For?

�

��

4. SHARE YOUR CHRISTMAS SERVICE STORY WITH ME. I'd love to hear your story about the people you invited to a Christmas service and their response.�Over 3,900 of our friends and neighbors gave their lives to Christ at�Christmas! I'd like to use your story to encourage others, so click HERE to send me your story.

�

5.�RE-SIGN UP FOR THE DANIEL PLAN!�The beginning of the year is a great time to get in shape and shed those holiday pounds we all gained!�Click HERE to get started with the Daniel Plan.

��

�See you this weekend for great kickoff to a new year! It's WORSHIP TOGETHER weekend, so all our teenagers will be worshiping with us.

News & Views 12/29/12

Fri, 28 Dec 2012 16:00:00 GMT

Dear Saddleback �attender,� � � ��

� � � � �

�� Want to begin the new year with a fresh start?� �

� � � � �

� � � � � � �Join me this weekend as I baptize at each service.� � � � �

� � � � �

�� Don't let another year end with procrastination. Start the new year by honoring God and publicly identifying your faith in the Savior who came at Christmas!� � � � �

� � � ��

�� YOU DON'T NEED TO PREPARE! If you have committed your life to Jesus, JUST SHOW UP! I will have everything you need prepared for you, including clothes and a towel.� � � ��

� � � � �

��  �""This is what happens in baptism. When we go under the water, we leave the old country of sin behind; when we come up out of the water, we enter into the new country of grace-A NEW LIFE in a NEW LAND! That's what baptism into the life of Jesus means." �Romans 6:3 (Message)� � � � �

� � � � �

�� I'll see you at the baptism pool outside the Lake Forest Worship Center! �It will be my privilege to baptize you!

�

News & Views 12/23/12

Sat, 22 Dec 2012 16:00:00 GMT

Dear Saddleback Family,

�

I am so thrilled to report that, in the first 3 of our Christmas services, 643 people have committed their lives to Christ for the first time!

�

This means two things: 1) The service is deeply touching hearts, and 2) Some members deeply care about the eternal destiny of their neighbors and co-workers, and they are bringing them to the Christmas services. There is a spiritual wave here that I don't want you to miss.

�

�� Romans 10:14 explains why you need to BRING friends to Christmas services: "They can't be saved until they believe. But how can they believe in him if they haven't heard the message of Good News? And they can't hear the message until someone tells them!"

�

�� 1.� Over the next 3 days (Sunday, Monday, Tuesday) you have 34 opportunities to bring friends to Christmas at one of our 8 campuses.

�

�� 2.� For family and friends beyond Southern California,�they have 84 opportunities to watch the service online.�Call them now!

�

�� FOR HEAVEN'S SAKE . . .bring someone to Jesus this Christmas!*

�

�� Your Savior who came at Christmas to die for you . . . and your friends . . . does not want you to miss this opportunity for your friends to be saved. They will be eternally grateful.

�

��* Many members are coming to multiple services to bring multiple friends

�

��Click HERE for details and directions.

News & Views 12/19/12

Tue, 18 Dec 2012 16:00:00 GMT

Merry Christmas Everyone!

�

� � � � � � Kay and I have loved getting your Christmas cards, especially the ones with photos of you, which makes it easier for me to pray for you.

�

3 WAYS TO GET THE MOST OUT OF THIS CHRISTMAS

The spirit of Christmas is generosity, so.

�

1. Give the gift of Good News to a friend.

With the recent tragedies of Sandy Hook school and Sandy Hurricane, your friends need the hope of Christmas more than ever. �I hope you're inviting neighbors and coworkers to one of our 33 Christmas services over 5 days in 8 locations. Here are the details for the service nearest you: (christmasatsaddleback.com)

�

For your family and friends who live out of the area, encourage them to watch one of our 84 online Christmas services! (saddleback.com/internetcampus/live) �

�

2. Give a birthday gift to Jesus.

Why do we give gifts to everyone except Jesus at Christmas? It's HIS birthday? How will you express your gratitude to God for all the ways he helped you this past year? �Kay and I will be doing what David did: "Lord, I will give you an offering to show my deep thanks to you." (Psalm 116:17) Bring your Christmas Offering to a service or give online here: (http://saddleback.com/giving/opportunities/christmas/)

� � � �

�

3. Give yourself the gift of quietness.

To fully experience the wonder of Christ's birth, you need to get alone and be quiet. Too often in the busyness of preparations and activities we have no time to think. Make some space in your schedule to quietly read Luke chapter 2 and thank God for all that Jesus came to do for you!

�

NEWS

�

Pastor Rick on TV �Because of Christmas, and the tragedy in Connecticut, I've accepted several interviews you might watch:

Today � �FOX: Neil Cavuto

Dec 20 � PBS Real Orange,5pm

Dec.20 � NBC The Rock with Brian Williams, 10pm�

(Interviewed by Chelsea Clinton in our Refinery)

Dec.23 � Fox Sunday With Chris Wallace

Christmas Day: CNN Piers Morgan �

�

Brian Houston at Saddleback: Dec.29-30
I'm so excited to announce that Pastor Brian Houston of the world-famous HILLSONG Church in Sydney, Australia will be speaking at Saddleback! �Brian is flying over from Australia just to speak that weekend! Many of your favorite worship songs, like Shout To The Lord, came out of HILLSONG church. I'll see you at this incredible end-of-the-year service!

�

JANUARY: DISCOVER YOUR CALLING: What On Earth Am I Here For? �In January, we begin our long-awaited, new spiritual growth campaign. I've been working on this all year, and I can't wait to share the book, small group studies, and messages with you