What’s your family story? Everybody has one, good, bad or somewhere in between. There are no perfect families, because there are no perfect people. But all families can flourish and thrive with wisdom. Replay the worship service from Sunday, August 18, 2019 at 10:45 am at La Jolla Community Church through audio or video. Worship begins with a reading of Psalm 145:1-13 by Lynn Allen-Biros (LJCC member and former LJCC Trustee). Immediately following the reading, Craig Stephenson and Janna Mattia start worship through song by introducing the chorus for "Make Us One" (a song sung later in the service). Worship continues with songs, "No Longer Slaves" and "The Stand."

We have a brief time to greet those around us and then Nicole Pearson gives live announcements - equipping guests with the tools they need to stay connected or submit a prayer request. Nicole (also a former trustee) encourages women to attend the monthly gathering the first Tuesday of the month. She also explains an upcoming opportunity to be Jesus' hands and feet in the world by participating in a construction project alongside Habitat for Humanity. Lynn Allen-Biros gives the Prayers of the People following announcements. Pastor Steve Murray then continues the sermon series, "Wisdom in Bite-Size Pieces" with a message on "Wisdom in families."

Following the message of the morning we enter back into worship through song and a time of offering. The Offertory sung is "Make Us One" - a new song by Jesus Culture. Following that song we sing "The Lion And The Lamb." Pastor Steve Murray then gives the Benediction of the morning as people exit to a reprise of "The Lion And The Lamb".

Janna Mattia (Acoustic Guitar) leads worship with Craig Stephenson (Electric Guitar). Janna and Craig are joined by Dave Mattia on Bass, Rick Cristotomo on Drums, and Annabelle Terbetski on strings.

What’s your family story? Everybody has one, good, bad or somewhere in between. There are no perfect families, because there are no perfect people. But all families can flourish and thrive with wisdom. Replay the worship service from Sunday, August 18, 2019 at 10:45 am at La Jolla Community Church through audio or video. Worship begins with a reading of Psalm 145:1-13 by Lynn Allen-Biros (LJCC member and former LJCC Trustee). Immediately following the reading, Craig Stephenson and Janna Mattia start worship through song by introducing the chorus for "Make Us One" (a song sung later in the service). Worship continues with songs, "No Longer Slaves" and "The Stand."

We have a brief time to greet those around us and then Nicole Pearson gives live announcements - equipping guests with the tools they need to stay connected or submit a prayer request. Nicole (also a former trustee) encourages women to attend the monthly gathering the first Tuesday of the month. She also explains an upcoming opportunity to be Jesus' hands and feet in the world by participating in a construction project alongside Habitat for Humanity. Lynn Allen-Biros gives the Prayers of the People following announcements. Pastor Steve Murray then continues the sermon series, "Wisdom in Bite-Size Pieces" with a message on "Wisdom in families."

Following the message of the morning we enter back into worship through song and a time of offering. The Offertory sung is "Make Us One" - a new song by Jesus Culture. Following that song we sing "The Lion And The Lamb." Pastor Steve Murray then gives the Benediction of the morning as people exit to a reprise of "The Lion And The Lamb".

Janna Mattia (Acoustic Guitar) leads worship with Craig Stephenson (Electric Guitar). Janna and Craig are joined by Dave Mattia on Bass, Rick Cristotomo on Drums, and Annabelle Terbetski on strings.

What can you do more of to really bless your spouse? What can you do to really know your spouse? On Sunday, August 11, 2019, guest speaker Gerard Long continues the sermon series, “Wisdom in Bite-Size Pieces” with a sermon on “Wisdom in marriage.” The worship service kicks off with a reading of Psalm 117 by Janet Griffin, followed by worship through song led by Daneen Wilburn. Daneen leads with songs, “Lord I Need You” and “Amazing Grace.” After a two-song worship set, the congregation greets those around them, and we have morning announcements via video by Ryana Contreras. Following the announcements, Janet Griffin gives the Prayers of the People. Then Steve Murray gives an introduction to the guest speaker, Gerard Long (refer to Gerard's bio below). Gerard Long gives the message of the morning. Following the message Steve Murray prays for the Offering and the band leads us back into worship through song with "Ever Be" and "Revelation Song." Steve Murray invites Ryana Contreras up to the stage to pray over her as she embarks on a new journey to serve the Lord at a new position in Point Loma. Following the prayer Steve Murray gives the Benediction and the musicians in the band play a reprise of Revelation Song.

Daneen on lead vocals is joined by Craig Stephenson on electric guitar, Scott Davenport on bass, and Bob Sale on drums.

Gerard and his wife Jeannie are the founders of Awakening to God Ministries (ATG) that was birthed in 2015 out of the deepest suffering. After many years on the ‘mountain top,’ their hearts were shattered after the suicide of their precious son Alex (17) in 2005. Darkness engulfed Jeannie’s broken mother heart, her love for Gerard turned to hatred, and she lost her faith for a season. She was rescued and restored but then, unbelievably, their beautiful daughter Rebecca (32) drowned in a tragic accident. Knowing she couldn’t continue, Jeannie decided to take her own life, only to be rescued and transformed by a divine encounter!

Gerard and Jeannie are now sharing God’s love, faith and hope to bring good news to the poor, comfort to the brokenhearted, freedom to the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners. They have written several books and produced the Triumph of Marriage course.

Gerard has experience as a 30-year Int’l Banker, Pastor, Author and CEO of Alpha USA 2008-2014. They currently live in Malibu, CA. and their son Ben lives in London, UK.

What can you do more of to really bless your spouse? What can you do to really know your spouse? On Sunday, August 11, 2019, guest speaker Gerard Long continues the sermon series, “Wisdom in Bite-Size Pieces” with a sermon on “Wisdom in marriage.” The worship service kicks off with a reading of Psalm 117 by Janet Griffin, followed by worship through song led by Daneen Wilburn. Daneen leads with songs, “Lord I Need You” and “Amazing Grace.” After a two-song worship set, the congregation greets those around them, and we have morning announcements via video by Ryana Contreras. Following the announcements, Janet Griffin gives the Prayers of the People. Then Steve Murray gives an introduction to the guest speaker, Gerard Long (refer to Gerard's bio below). Gerard Long gives the message of the morning. Following the message Steve Murray prays for the Offering and the band leads us back into worship through song with "Ever Be" and "Revelation Song." Steve Murray invites Ryana Contreras up to the stage to pray over her as she embarks on a new journey to serve the Lord at a new position in Point Loma. Following the prayer Steve Murray gives the Benediction and the musicians in the band play a reprise of Revelation Song.

Daneen on lead vocals is joined by Craig Stephenson on electric guitar, Scott Davenport on bass, and Bob Sale on drums.

Gerard and his wife Jeannie are the founders of Awakening to God Ministries (ATG) that was birthed in 2015 out of the deepest suffering. After many years on the ‘mountain top,’ their hearts were shattered after the suicide of their precious son Alex (17) in 2005. Darkness engulfed Jeannie’s broken mother heart, her love for Gerard turned to hatred, and she lost her faith for a season. She was rescued and restored but then, unbelievably, their beautiful daughter Rebecca (32) drowned in a tragic accident. Knowing she couldn’t continue, Jeannie decided to take her own life, only to be rescued and transformed by a divine encounter!

Gerard and Jeannie are now sharing God’s love, faith and hope to bring good news to the poor, comfort to the brokenhearted, freedom to the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners. They have written several books and produced the Triumph of Marriage course.

Gerard has experience as a 30-year Int’l Banker, Pastor, Author and CEO of Alpha USA 2008-2014. They currently live in Malibu, CA. and their son Ben lives in London, UK.

Why are friends such an essential part of the Body of Christ? In what ways are you following Jesus lead in creating or deepening your friendships? On Sunday, August 4, 2019, guest speaker Steve Haas continues the sermon series, “Wisdom in Bite-Size Pieces” with a sermon on “Wisdom in friendship.” The worship service kicks off with worship through song led by Kalina Wilson and Bill Pomeroy, leading us in “Draw Me Close” and “What A Friend We Have in Jesus.” After a two-song worship set, the congregation greets those around them, and then Tantiani Budiman (Director of Eastgate Christian School) gives the morning announcements. Following the announcements, Steve Murray and Tantiani provide an update on ECS - the preschool that operates on-site Monday-Friday on campus. Steve Murray then prays for the offering and gives an introduction to the guest speaker. As the ushers pass around the baskets for the offering, the worship band sings, “In Christ Alone.” Steve Haas then comes up to the stage to give the message of the morning. The sermon is followed by Holy Communion. The worship band sings "It Is Well With My Soul" during Communion. After Communion we pray for the Agarwal family who is moving away. "This I Believe (The Creed)" is performed by the worship band as people leave the service. Kalina and Bill are joined by Lincoln Ballard on electric guitar, Bob Sale on drums, and Tim Rayner on bass guitar.

Steve Haas is a longtime friend of LJCC, having spoken many times to our church family. A gifted and dynamic spokesperson for World’ Vision’s worldwide humanitarian work, under the title “Catalyst,” Steve can be found engaging faith leaders, strategizing on World’ Vision’ s major initiatives or communicating about global issues that affect the poor. ‘Steve’s background has entailed serving on the staff of ‘Illinois’ Willow Creek Community Church to facilitating Socratic forums for Fortune 500 executives to refugee relief work on Cambodia/Vietnam border. He joined World Vision in 2001.

Why are friends such an essential part of the Body of Christ? In what ways are you following Jesus lead in creating or deepening your friendships? On Sunday, August 4, 2019, guest speaker Steve Haas continues the sermon series, “Wisdom in Bite-Size Pieces” with a sermon on “Wisdom in friendship.” The worship service kicks off with worship through song led by Kalina Wilson and Bill Pomeroy, leading us in “Draw Me Close” and “What A Friend We Have in Jesus.” After a two-song worship set, the congregation greets those around them, and then Tantiani Budiman (Director of Eastgate Christian School) gives the morning announcements. Following the announcements, Steve Murray and Tantiani provide an update on ECS - the preschool that operates on-site Monday-Friday on campus. Steve Murray then prays for the offering and gives an introduction to the guest speaker. As the ushers pass around the baskets for the offering, the worship band sings, “In Christ Alone.” Steve Haas then comes up to the stage to give the message of the morning. The sermon is followed by Holy Communion. The worship band sings "It Is Well With My Soul" during Communion. After Communion we pray for the Agarwal family who is moving away. "This I Believe (The Creed)" is performed by the worship band as people leave the service. Kalina and Bill are joined by Lincoln Ballard on electric guitar, Bob Sale on drums, and Tim Rayner on bass guitar.

Steve Haas is a longtime friend of LJCC, having spoken many times to our church family. A gifted and dynamic spokesperson for World’ Vision’s worldwide humanitarian work, under the title “Catalyst,” Steve can be found engaging faith leaders, strategizing on World’ Vision’ s major initiatives or communicating about global issues that affect the poor. ‘Steve’s background has entailed serving on the staff of ‘Illinois’ Willow Creek Community Church to facilitating Socratic forums for Fortune 500 executives to refugee relief work on Cambodia/Vietnam border. He joined World Vision in 2001.

Wisdom helps us discern right from wrong, good from bad, and better from best. The sermon series on "Wisdom in Bite-Size Pieces" continues with Pastor Steve Murray's sermon on "Behaviors that build you and behaviors that burden you." The worship service kicks off with a reading of Psalm 134:1-14 by Carolyn Rico (all in attendance were encouraged to read along). Kelly Colvard (LJCC member) along with Chris Spurdock (guest musician and vocalist) lead us into worship with "Build My Life" and "Living Hope." After the two-song worship set guests greet one another. Kelly then invites guests to turn their attention to the screens for video announcements. After the video Carolyn Rico (LJCC member) gives the Prayers of the People. Pastor Steve Murray then comes up to give the message of the morning, followed by the Prayer for the Offering. During the Offertory the LJCC Worship band sings, "Christ Is Enough," followed by "Scandal of Grace." As we close out the service, Pastor Steve Murray gives the Benediction.

Wisdom helps us discern right from wrong, good from bad, and better from best. The sermon series on "Wisdom in Bite-Size Pieces" continues with Pastor Steve Murray's sermon on "Behaviors that build you and behaviors that burden you." The worship service kicks off with a reading of Psalm 134:1-14 by Carolyn Rico (all in attendance were encouraged to read along). Kelly Colvard (LJCC member) along with Chris Spurdock (guest musician and vocalist) lead us into worship with "Build My Life" and "Living Hope." After the two-song worship set guests greet one another. Kelly then invites guests to turn their attention to the screens for video announcements. After the video Carolyn Rico (LJCC member) gives the Prayers of the People. Pastor Steve Murray then comes up to give the message of the morning, followed by the Prayer for the Offering. During the Offertory the LJCC Worship band sings, "Christ Is Enough," followed by "Scandal of Grace." As we close out the service, Pastor Steve Murray gives the Benediction.

Wisdom makes it possible to make progress in getting better at being you. That’s bite-size wisdom; it’s daily digesting the miraculous gift of life so that we are nourished by it. The 2019 Summer Sermon series continues as Ben Patterson (guest preacher) continues the summer sermon series, "Wisdom in Bite-Size Pieces" with a sermon on "Who determines right from wrong?" The worship service kicks off with a reading of Psalm 25:1-10 by Nicole Pearson. Then the worship band leads us into worship through song with a two-song worship set. Craig Stephenson and Janna Mattia lead worship through music with "Here I Am To Worship" and "What a Beautiful Name." Following worship guests are invited to stand and greet one another. Then Nicole Pearson (formerly of the LJCC Board of Trustees) gives the morning announcements. Hung-Wei Tsung then gives the Prayers of the People. Pastor Steve Murray gives an introduction to Ben Patterson and then Ben gives the sermon. The morning offering is taken and the band leads us back into worship through song with a new song - "All Who Are Thirsty," followed by "Tremble." Before guests leave Pastor Steve Murray gives the Benediction.

Ben Patterson retired last year as a Campus Pastor at Westmont College in Santa Barbara, California. Previously he served in the New Providence Presbyterian Church of New Jersey and as the Founding Pastor of the Irvine Presbyterian Church in California. He has written several books, including "Serving God: The Grand Essentials of Work & Worship," "Waiting: Finding Hope When God Seems Silent," and "God’s Prayer Book: The Power and Pleasure of Praying the Psalms." He is also a contributing editor to Christianity Today and Leadership Journal. Ben earned his M.Div. from the American Baptist Seminary of the West. He and his wife, Lauretta, have four grown children.

Wisdom makes it possible to make progress in getting better at being you. That’s bite-size wisdom; it’s daily digesting the miraculous gift of life so that we are nourished by it. The 2019 Summer Sermon series continues as Ben Patterson (guest preacher) continues the summer sermon series, "Wisdom in Bite-Size Pieces" with a sermon on "Who determines right from wrong?" The worship service kicks off with a reading of Psalm 25:1-10 by Nicole Pearson. Then the worship band leads us into worship through song with a two-song worship set. Craig Stephenson and Janna Mattia lead worship through music with "Here I Am To Worship" and "What a Beautiful Name." Following worship guests are invited to stand and greet one another. Then Nicole Pearson (formerly of the LJCC Board of Trustees) gives the morning announcements. Hung-Wei Tsung then gives the Prayers of the People. Pastor Steve Murray gives an introduction to Ben Patterson and then Ben gives the sermon. The morning offering is taken and the band leads us back into worship through song with a new song - "All Who Are Thirsty," followed by "Tremble." Before guests leave Pastor Steve Murray gives the Benediction.

Ben Patterson retired last year as a Campus Pastor at Westmont College in Santa Barbara, California. Previously he served in the New Providence Presbyterian Church of New Jersey and as the Founding Pastor of the Irvine Presbyterian Church in California. He has written several books, including "Serving God: The Grand Essentials of Work & Worship," "Waiting: Finding Hope When God Seems Silent," and "God’s Prayer Book: The Power and Pleasure of Praying the Psalms." He is also a contributing editor to Christianity Today and Leadership Journal. Ben earned his M.Div. from the American Baptist Seminary of the West. He and his wife, Lauretta, have four grown children.