I’m out here in Orlando, Florida, attending the Exponential Conference. If you’re at all interested in keeping up with what I’m learning, head on over to my blog at curtisbronzan.com. Look for the image seen to the left.

It’s rather hard for me to be away from y’all (and I’m not much of “conference guy”), so I would ask for your prayers that I would be able to focus on the great information I’m able to glean here, taking good notes so I’m able to bring ‘em back and share them with our gathering of those trying to be the church in Los Alamitos.

I hope this finds you well. See you soon!

If you’re at all interested in what it was like Thursday night at the Presbytery meeting, our friend Tim Gilmore recorded my “examination.”

Oh yeah, don’t forget… Sunday, March 21st will be the ordination party in Zirbel Hall. We’ll be celebrating with the gifts of food, music, film and friends. I’d be honored if you were able to be there to celebrate God’s call on our lives to be a part of His mission.

Curtis

Hi friends,

It’s Curtis here. How’s things? I hope and pray this finds you well. Thanks again for your flexibility this morning as we piped in the sermon. It was lame, I know, but made things a lot smoother for me. I really appreciate your understanding.

So, following this morning’s congregational vote, I’ve been approved to go before the “floor” of Presbytery this Thursday night. Basically, it’s a time wherein any of the pastors or delegated elders from the area will be able to examine my beliefs – and then vote on whether I’m fit to serve as a pastor.

God’s in charge, so I’m trying to leave it all in His hands.

At the same time, I would be honored to see your friendly faces out in the crowd, if you’re able to make it. If not, no worries! Seriously.

After I make it through (assuming I don’t mess up!), they’ll invite family and friends up to pray together, and, well, you’re my people. I wouldn’t be able to be there if it weren’t for your continued patience, love, and support.

So, if you’re down, the meeting is at Trinity United Presbyterian Church in Santa Ana at 6:30pm. I won’t go on until around 7:30, though. So, if you want to sneak in a little before that, it shouldn’t be a problem. Click here for a map.

Again, if you can’t make it, no sweat. Really. We’ll have an ordination service in a few weeks – and you’ll really not want to miss that. It’s going to be off the hook!

Your brother from another mother,
Curtis

This Sunday, January 3rd at [theBridge] we will begin journeying through the Gospel of Mark – a study that will take us through 2010, at least!

As I’ve mentioned before, I’m super excited to examine this account of the mission of Jesus with y’all, because in its pages, Mark relays stories about things that continue to concern us today, including the spiritual realm, the end times, and how regular folks like us can be disciples of (and apostles for!) the revolutionary rabbi from Nazareth.

So, after you celebrate the New Year, get plenty of rest Saturday morning so on Sunday you don’t sleep through the beginning (of the beginning).

As always, I hope this finds you well.

Your brother from another mother,

Curtis

For those who were unable to be there in person, we were able to record the meeting on CD. These are available by contacting Curtis (e-mail him at curtis@gspc.org or call 562/493.2553 x115).

We were able to discuss a number of important elements regarding not only [theBridge] worship service, but also the future of Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church, including the other two worship services, Children’s Ministry, as well as our open staff positions.

Andy Biochino, a representative of GSPC’s worship team, took copious notes of the questions and comments made at the meeting:

• How do we connect the evening congregation with the morning congregations?
• How do we connect with other church activities that often occur in the morning?
• What about children’s ministry for kids at the Bridge?
• How do we know if more people are interested in attending in the evening?
• Could the Bridge grow more at the current time by personal invitation rather than changing the time to evening?
• The morning Bridge meets a need, and evening services have failed in the past. How about creating an evening service in addition to the existing morning Bridge service?
• Would the children’s sermon be reinstated at 10:30 if kids return to that service when the Bridge is moved to a different time?
• The Bridge isn’t broken — why are we trying to fix it?
• Will the church have a staff person to market and reach out to the emerging generations?
• The 10:30 service isn’t kid friendly.
• Will a Sunday evening service be coordinated not to conflict with youth groups?
• Curtis said: The Bridge isn’t attracting youth or reaching out to the community. The Bridge should be a place for people discouraged by “church”.
• The Bridge has been effective at bringing a variety of people and new members together, thanks largely to the efforts of Curtis and the Pastors.
• Will the evening sermon/message be the same as the morning services?
• Is Saturday evening a consideration?
• Would people walk away from church if the morning Bridge service wasn’t available?
• Sunday evening would be an opportunity for people to worship when they get back in town from being away for the weekend.
• Who will be the primary speaker at an evening service?
• Pastor Paul said: As followers of Christ, worship shouldn’t be all about us. Reaching out to new people may require some sacrifices.
• There’s a fear of losing connection with the church family as a whole (among all the services on Sunday morning) if the Bridge is moved.
• Curtis said: Adding a fourth service won’t allow it the critical mass it needs. It’s difficult for our church to host two services at the same time.
• We need to support the current Bridge people we’ve already reached.
• Some of us have family members that will not attend a service any time other than Sunday morning.
• Could 8:00 and 9:30 services with the Bridge at 11AM work?
• A Saturday service at 5PM would still give people time to do other things afterwards that night.
• Older people attending the other Sunday morning services will lose a connection with the younger generation.

Everyone – and yes, we mean everyone - is invited to stick around and participate in the discussion. Pastors Jim Wilson and Paul White, as well as Curtis Bronzan, the Director of Student Ministries, will be discussing their vision for moving the gathering time and then opening up the floor for all – yes, we mean all – to share their thoughts and concerns regarding this change.

So, please (can you hear the desperation in my voice?), grab a cup of coffee and stick around in Zirbel Hall for this important discussion.