Epic Week 7

What a rad thing to see Dr. J raw, up close and personal. We got to ask him questions and learn about his life. He was open and vulnerable and willing to share some life lessons that he's learned over his 50+ years of walking with the Lord. He also got to share some ministry experiences and lessons.

What stood out to me was the fact that he has struggles that he deals with too. He shared about his cancer experience and how he thought he wouldn't make it. At the same time he saw God's faithfulness through the Word, pick him up during his darkest moments.

Another thing that stood out was the fact that church ministry isn't perfect. He's had battles with people and criticisms and haters, (if I can put it that way). God has shown him that it's always best to take the high road.

He also shared how he keeps his walk strong and fresh through journaling and alone time with God.

I just touched the surface of all he shared but nonetheless it was an awesome night!

Maybe you can share what impacted you about this night.

EPIC WEEK 5

To sum this week up, all I can say is intense but awesome. Diane Szuch was our speaker. She was real and transparent as she shared her story of abuse, neglect, rejection, divorce, and other hurtful things. It touched us all because we all have hurts and burdens. She challenged people to begin the healing and recovery process by being real and revealing the junk, and not hiding it anymore. Many people responded and began that difficult but hopeful journey of healing. The scene at the end of the night was people praying together, others tacking their burdens and prayers on canvases up front, still others singing to the Lord.

The most amazing thing however, was people dropping their masks and making themselves vulnerable to each other. I admire the people I talked to and respect them so much because they shared with me and were willing to admit that they have crap in their lives just like I have crap and everyone else too. They were real and came as they were. In the process they realized that no matter what, they were loved and accepted. I can picture Jesus saying to each and every one of them what he said to the woman caught in adultery...

"who condemns you?" to which the woman answered, "no one Lord" and Jesus handing his hand and helping her up says to her, "neither do I condemn you..."

What a beautiful picture of what were going for here at Epic. Remember, no perfect people allowed!

EPIC WEEK 4

Week four was awesome as we continued the breakout sessions. The topics were helpful and practical. Dr. Nichols spoke on how we can know the will of God. Dr. Ron Barnes spoke about how to live now in light of tomorrow. And Fred Blackburn spoke on the subject of Buddhism from the perspective of a Buddhist.

to finish the evening we had an amazing art show. People from Epic brought their artwork and many people came early and stayed late to enjoy it. Thanks to all who were a part of it and thanks to Steve Lucero who put it all together!

What did you think of week 4? What did you get out of the breakouts? Talk about something you learned, agreed with, disagreed with, whatever...this is your forum.

EPIC WEEK 3

This last week was amazing. As yall know, we are taking these first few weeks of Epic to test out different things. We don't just want another stuffy, cookie-cutter service to go to. So we tried something new; breakout communities. We had worship in the main building together and then for the message we broke up into three different rooms. Each room had a different speaker and a different lesson going on.

-In Room A we had a very lively discussion about the existence of God with Philosophy Professor Fred Blackburn.
-In Room C we had a conversation about Demons, Angels, and Exorcism titled, Emily Rose fact or Fiction? with Pastor and College Prof. Steve Whitten.
-Then in the Choir Room we had a very funny yet frank discussion with Dr. Ken Nichols revolving on the topic of what do I do when my world falls apart?

The three sessions were received well and people mentioned that they would like to see these become a regular part of what we do at Epic. The consensus leaned most heavily on doing it once per month. Thanks to all for your great feedback.

TO end the night many of us made our way to the solid rock cafe for the Open Mic Night.

This was uh-maz-ing!!! During the pinnacle of the night there were probably around 120 people hanging out, lots of energy and the craziest duo hosts, Gerdy and Nick Hooge. We had a total of 12 performers ranging from original songs on guitar, to original poetry, stand up comedy, classical guitar performances and various covers of popular songs from the Jackson 5 and the new Disney movie Enchanted. We gave away a free ipod shuffle to the winner which was ultimately decided by the loudest applause which was measured by a guy who just happened to have a decibel reader on his cell phone...random but so cool. Anyway if you weren't there check out the pics on the website. http://www.epicsandiego.org/

It was an awesome night. Hope to see ya at Epic this week!