Fall is in the air. For those of us in the desert, that just means the high won’t get over 90 today. The leaves starting changing colors last week, but that’s because they burst into flames in the 100+ heat. HA.

With Fall comes our new church-wide series…LIFE ON MISSION.

I’m really excited for this series. The bonus for all of us at Community will be to have Tim Harlow, the author of Life On Mission, come and bring the final message of the series!

This is the kind of series you don’t want to miss, but you’ll also want to get everyone you know here. It’s going to be truly transformative!!

This year’s marriage retreat is shaping up to be extraordinary! We already have over 70 couples signed up. There is only room for 100 couples, so you’ve got to jump on this.

Bill and Pam Farrel wrote the book, Men are like Waffles, Women are like Spaghetti. These two do a great job and know how to help you and your marriage get even better.

DATE: Saturday, October 3rd

LOCATION: The Pathfinders Ranch in Idyllwild.

TIME: 8:00 am—8:30 pm

COST: Only $75 per couple

CONTACT: rick@community.cc

Come hear relationship experts, international speakers and authors of over 30 books. Their practical wisdom, personal style and humorous presentation will encourage you and enrich your marriage as you make the differences work FOR you!

I personally have friends who were recently at a retreat led by the Farrels. They said it was the best Marriage Retreat they had ever been to.

Space is limited, so sign up this weekend or contact rick@community.cc.

One week ago I was able to get with a bunch of newbies here at Community for our First Step Dinner. It was a great time.

Here’s a few things I love about this gathering:

The variety of backgrounds. It’s always interesting to see the different paths people have been on before they find us at Community. I always ask the primary church background people have had growing up, if any. This time “Catholic” was the most common answer with “none” coming in second, with just about everything else following.

The hunger for connection. So often the stories told by those attending First Step are stories of broken connection with any church. They are thrilled to find a church that accepts and loves them just as they are. They are excited to find a family that will help them grow. They’ve already learned…they can’t do it on their own.

The excitement to be a part of something special. We all want to be on a winning team. We long to make a difference. There seems to be a clear anticipation, as I talk to people, that they believe Community is the kind of place where they can be a part of a Difference Maker in our Valley.

I do love this First Step Dinner. And I can’t wait for the next one!

Our next First Step will be in a few months. We’ll let you know as it gets closer.