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Too Many Books

The series for the fall season is finally coming together. We're going to spend some time with "Qoheleth" or as the book is known to us, Ecclesiastes. The Hebrew title refers to the opening words of the book, "The words of the Teacher, the son of David, king in Jersualem " (Ecclesiastes 1:1, NRSV). "Qoheleth" is traditionally rendered as Preacher. So in the coming months this preacher (me) will be doing his best to help us to hear the Preacher whose words are collected in Ecclesiastes. If you want a pdf of the series, click here.

I've read through to the end the book and these words seem timely,

"Of making of many books there is no end, and much study is a weariness to the flesh" (Ecclesiastes 12:12).

Some one recently donated nine boxes of books to get our church library started. You may be thinking, "I didn't know we have a church library." Actually, we don't. The only church library at Village is the one I keep in my office. I've been sorting through the boxes trying to divide the wheat from the chaff. That might sound harsh but few books stand the test of time.

So what's on your shelves gathering dust? If you could choose only FIVE books to put in your library, what would you choose? And if you're in the market for a box or two of books, be sure to give me a call!

Think Green

There are some new signs in our community pointing to a community-wide project called Think Green Ladera Ranch. I don't yet know the people who are behind the effort but I think it's an important project.

The Psalmist declares, "The earth is the Lord's and all that is in it; the world, and those who live in it." (24:1) So too we know from Genesis that the first task God gave to Adam was to till and keep the soil (2:15). Caring for creation can instill in us a deeper appreciation for our Creator and if "Think Green Ladera" puts us in touch with our neighbors, then let's get involved!

A Few Music Recommendations

I just received the latest album by Caedmon's Call in the mail today. It's titled Overdressed. Have listened to a few songs and I like it so far.

I also picked up an album by Jason Morant on iTunes today. It's called "Open." We're singing the song "I Will Run" on Sunday. I know you're going to like it and it's a great follow-up to the message last Sunday from Philippians 3:12-16.

End of Summer

We will soon be to the end of August and I'm glad about it. That might sound strange coming from someone who absolutely loves the summer months but in recent years I've come to appreciate the gift of change. After a few months I'm usually ready for a new season.

I love summer because I love beach days, warm weather, surfing in trunks only and having the kids home from school. I used to wonder what it would be like to experience an endless summer. I don't wonder about it anymore. The appeal just isn't there for me. "Back to School" sales now make me happy, I'm looking forward to colder water (and less crowds) and since I love to wear ragged sweatshirts, I'll be ready to pull one on soon. The beach in the winter can be as much fun as the beach in the summer (and it requires less sunscreen).

It seems like September also marks a season of renewed spiritual commitment. Kids go back to school and families make regular worship a bigger priority. I think that's a good sign. The summer months can get a bit crazy with everyone traveling here and there. I love it and I'm always glad to have some time away. Even so, I'm looking forward to all September has to offer: books, backpacks, a new schedule, football and a brand new season at Village Presbyterian Church. I know it's going to be a good year!

The Smell of Coffee

I got up early today to get my swim in early. I've been a flake for months and now it's time for me to get serious about fitness. Though I can usually fake through a few surf-sessions each week, I know that I've been in better shape in years past. So too, it seems like I get my best ideas when my mind roams freely in the pool. I feel much better knowing that I've started the day with at least one accomplishment.

After a quick trip to Home Depot, I'm doing a bit of reading and preparation at "It's a Grind" in Ladera Ranch. Good coffee and the a/c is flowing. Maybe I'll spend the day here. While I was enjoying my coffee I ran into a friend who made a great observation. He said he used to like Starbucks because the smell of coffee was strong in the stores. But now they've automated everything (notice that the baristas no longer tamp the grinds to create a shot of espresso) so Starbucks doesn't have a strong coffee smell anymore. There's plenty of flavor here at It's a Grind and not only do I appreciate the everpresent smell of coffee but I can hook up to the internet here.

All this make me wonder about the way organizations sometimes lose something in the quest to automatize everything. There are somethings in life that can and should take time. And the extra effort can create a pleasing aroma (2 Cor. 2:14).

Love Wins

The Ladera Ranch Grand Prix will be taking place on Sunday. I've been given much reassurance by Jeff Davis, owner of Ladera Cyclery, that they will not be crowding us out on Sunday but we'll have access to our regular parking (you'll need to travel south on Sienna...map can be found here). It should be a fun day. We'll open our doors and our hearts to welcome any who might wander by.

The services for Kurt Regitz took place on Tuesday. The graveside service was a "small" gathering of close friends and family. There must have been more than a hundred of us. Graveside services are always hard because they force us to face the finality of death. And yet it's in a place like Loma Vista Memorial Park that our faith in Christ takes on new meaning. I am grieving the loss of a great friend but, because of our common faith in Christ, I also anticipate a reunion that is yet in the future. Death doesn't win. Love wins! We gathered for worship later that morning at First Presbyterian Church and we gathered to celebrate the life of Kurt Regitz. The remembrances of friends and family made us all laugh and cry. I know Kurt would appreciate the laughter even more than the tears but the tears just can't be helped. Even so, I most appreciated the words of Nancy, Kurt's wife. She was the first family member to speak and she spoke of the peace God has given to her throughout this ordeal. These are a few of her words:

"I want you all to know that I have peace. I have the peace that comes from my faith in God and his Son Jesus Christ. Kurt believed in God, he loved God and he followed God and because of that, he is with God in heaven right now. Jack and Bailey and I feel that Daddy is with us in our hearts and that he is actively praying for us. We know that we will all be together again in heaven. We are going to get through this difficult time because of Kurt’s example of how to live life."

Nancy's faith and courage are an example for all even as Kurt's life was the same. Friendship, kindness, laughter and love. These are the qualities that are always evident in the Regitz household.

I was thinking about Kurt's business and it's amazing to me the many ways he used it to the benefit of his friends. We have dozens of shirts that were made by the Right Connection. It was because of Kurt that we initated "summer t-shirts" at Village Presbyterian Church. On Tuesday I saw many other one-of-a-kind shirts that will long remind us of the love of our friend. Thanks Kurt. We miss you very much but when we're together again, oh the stories we will tell.

[posted from It's a Grind in Ladera Ranch...cool place, check it out]

Finding Peace

The news of Kurt's death came to me on Tuesday afternoon. I was studying in the library with my phone set on silent when I noticed my voicemail box was filling up. I walked outside only to hear one call after another, "call me back right away." I called Joy first and said, "just tell me what happened." When I heard the terrible news about my good friend, I could feel the world spin slightly.

The whole of this week has been spent trying to process things. We spent the day with Nancy and many other friends on Thursday. Oddly enough, it was a wonderful and difficult day at the same time. We told many Kurt stories. We laughed and cried in almost equal amounts. Yesterday was Matthew's party at Doheny State Beach. I did my best to pull it together in order to celebrate my son. Thankfully, we were surrounded by many good friends and that really helped. The party was a blast, especially when we all gathered on the shore to watch Matthew catch a handful of waves. Big smiles all around!

I've been spending the morning getting ready for tomorrow. With all that has happened in my world, I need to vary my preaching plan and so the sermon tomorrow is titled, "The Gift of One" from Philippians 2:1-11. I have to say it has done me much good to find strength in the Scriptures. My weariness is giving way to a renewed perspective of who I am in Christ. Troubles in life? Yes, they are common. I'd rather avoid them but when they do come my strength and peace come from my ongoing relationship with Jesus Christ. In the midst of my personal desperation, I know God is faithful. The Father was faithful to his Son, Jesus and so God is and always will be faithful to me. And so I'm finding strength in the midst of hardship and peace even in the presence of tears.

Happy Birthday Matthew!

Today is a mixture of celebration and sadness. The celebration revolves around my son Matthew's 14th birthday. I am proud of the many ways Matthew is growing in life. He's creative, caring and fun to be around. I love to spend time with him, especially on our Wednesday morning surf outings. We'll be celebrating with a party for his friends on Friday at Doheny State Beach and with family tonight.

So too, the sadness of this day is intense. One of my best friends died yesterday. Kurt Regitz was an incredible friend. I can hardly comprehend the news. He was on vacation with his family and several other families in Lake Tahoe. We are all in shock because Kurt was so generous, loving and fun. The picture above is from a trip we took together with the Regitz and Monson families several summers ago. I miss my friend today and I know I am going to miss him even more in the years ahead. Please keep his family in your prayers today. (more information can be found here)

Off to Catalina

Tomorrow we're taking a trip to Catalina with good friends on their new boat. It's going to be a great trip. We'll be back in time for worship on Sunday morning at 10. Hope to see you on Sunday!