Element Blog

Singing in the Bathtub

Wed, 05 Nov 2008 03:26:00 GMT

As a little girl I remember not wanting to take baths. I do not remember the reason for this. I can only assume that I had better things to do with my time. Maybe the thought of getting into the water was scary. Maybe I preferred to be dirty at that moment. Whatever it was, I just did not want to take a bath.I cannot remember what eventually got in me in the tub. It may have been my parents or maybe I just gave in. What I do remember most about my tub memories was how much fun I had once I was in the bath. I would sing and sing and sing. My fingers would get prunie, but I didn't mind. My parents minded that I was in the tub for 30 minutes and still dirty from the water line up, but I was just happy being where I was. Eventually, I was forced to actually wash up and get out. At that point I was sad that my tub time was over, but dreaded the next time it came around.So often I treat fellowship like I treated bath time as a child. I know I need fellowship, but I dread going into it. I have fears and doubts, just the prospect seems overwhelming and forced. But... when I am in the midst of it, true fellowship, I don't want it to end. Eventually it must. Then when it is over I can reflect on what a wonderful time I had, but still be dreading the next round.Why is that? What is it in me that cannot just let go and embrace those times? I do not think I am alone in this. It is hard to go into a new group. Sometimes it is hard to go into an old group. We are all at different points and stages of life. You may be going through something, but you don't have to go through it alone. What I do know is that in fellowship we can also find joy, meaning, and purpose. It is when I am obedient and step past the fear, past the dread, and past the temptation to flee, that I get the greatest blessings. "Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!" Ecclesiastes 4:9-10Let others into your life and let them into yours. Relationships are always worth it, even if we don't feel like it.

Saddleback Singles Retreat

Tue, 04 Nov 2008 07:35:00 GMT

Thanks to all who came and made this retreat so awesome!!

Don't Forget Daylight Savings Time

Thu, 30 Oct 2008 02:24:00 GMT

This weekend turn that clock back 1 hour on Saturday night before going to bed.In case you were interested: History of Daylight Time in the U.S.Although standard time in time zones was instituted in the U.S. and Canada by the railroads in 1883, it was not established in U.S. law until the Act of March 19, 1918, sometimes called the Standard Time Act. The act also established daylight saving time, a contentious idea then. Daylight saving time was repealed in 1919, but standard time in time zones remained in law. Daylight time became a local matter. It was re-established nationally early in World War II, and was continuously observed from 9 February 1942 to 30 September 1945. After the war its use varied among states and localities. The Uniform Time Act of 1966 provided standardization in the dates of beginning and end of daylight time in the U.S. but allowed for local exemptions from its observance. The act provided that daylight time begin on the last Sunday in April and end on the last Sunday in October, with the changeover to occur at 2 a.m. local time. During the "energy crisis" years, Congress enacted earlier starting dates for daylight time. In 1974, daylight time began on 6 January and in 1975 it began on 23 February. After those two years the starting date reverted back to the last Sunday in April. In 1986, a law was passed that shifted the starting date of daylight time to the first Sunday in April, beginning in 1987. The ending date of daylight time was not subject to such changes, and remained the last Sunday in October. The Energy Policy Act of 2005 changed both the starting and ending dates. Beginning in 2007, daylight time starts on the second Sunday in March and ends on the first Sunday in November.For a very readable account of the history of standard and daylight time in the U.S., seeIan R. Bartky and Elizabeth Harrison: "Standard and Daylight-saving Time", Scientific American, May 1979 (Vol. 240, No. 5), pp. 46-53.

Have you signed up yet?

Sun, 05 Oct 2008 17:00:00 GMT

Singles: Singles RetreatWho: Single Adults (around the ages of 30-59, who are legally single)What: Incredible Retreat WeekendWhen: October 31 - November 2Where: Rancho Capistrano (Off the 5 just after Crown Valley)Cost: $195 (includes entire weekend/ meals/ etc.) ($50 non-refundable deposit needed to reserve a spot. Payment plans available.)Theme: "Good Relationships Are No Accident"Come and bring your small group to a singles retreat October 31 - November 2 at Rancho Capistrano. We will be taking this time to build on the principles that were taught as part of the 40 Days of Love Campaign. The theme will be "Good Relationships Are No Accident". We will look at relationships through the eyes of women, men, and couples. Guest speakers will include Saddleback leaders Kenny Luck (Men's Pastor), Debbie Eaton (Minister to Women), Todd Olthoff (Couples Pastor), and Rick Zeiger (Singles Pastor).Currently you can register online. Below is a link to a flyer that you can fill out and bring to Elevation or to the church office. Space is limited, so sign up fast. Click here for a downloadable flyer5 Top Reasons for coming to the retreat...5. You will be challenged on how you view relationships.4. You can get to know other singles in Orange County.3. You can be encouraged in your walk with God.2. You can get away from that daily grind.1. You will have fun! (The laundry can wait!)Contact: Tina BrownEmail: element@saddleback.netNote: There will be free time on Saturday afternoon and the evenings, so bring board games, sports equipment and anything you think would be fun for group activities. They have a pool, please wear modest attire if planning on using the pool. Rooms are furnished with 2 queen beds and linens, as well as its own bathroom with towels and basic toiletries. It is two people per room. You can request a roommate, but they must fill out their own registration form.Check in time is from 4:30 - 6:30pm Friday. Dinner is at 7pm SHARP! We will leave around noon on Sunday.There is not an option of just coming for sessions. Sorry, space is limited, so there is only room for those who stay the weekend.

Your New Singles Pastor!

Fri, 12 Sep 2008 10:08:00 GMT

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Girls Night Out!

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 08:30:00 GMT

Announcement from Pastor Clayton

Mon, 11 Aug 2008 01:50:00 GMT

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Singles Weekend at Hume Lake

Fri, 08 Aug 2008 01:29:00 GMT

I just got information about a single's weekend at Hume Lake from September 12-14. This looks like an amazing opportunity for singles to just get away and enjoy nature and some great teaching. Here is the website if you are interested in going. http://www.humelake.org/content/af_singles.php

A Good Read

Wed, 06 Aug 2008 08:59:00 GMT

Click on the Image Here's a cool YouTube Video of ERIC BRYANT, author of "Peppermint-Filled Pinatas" doing Stand-Up Comedy. We could study this book as a part of the Small Groups curriculum. To know more about his book and also see more videos click here

Video - Transistions

Wed, 30 Jul 2008 17:00:00 GMT

Join Clayton as he shares about how to handle transitions in our lives.

Singles Pics of the Week - SPFM Bonfire

Mon, 28 Jul 2008 07:57:00 GMT

This Saturday Night: Singles Mixer!

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 06:51:00 GMT

Do you ever wish you had more time to meet single adults in this area at church? Now here is your chance. This month's singles Revolution will allow you to meet both men and women in a safe environment. The relationships mixer isn't as much about dating as it is honoring and valuing relationships. We will rotate getting to know one another every 5 minutes and the ice-breaker questions will be provided. It's going to be safe, It's going to be fun and before our time is over you will know new single men and women here at Saddleback. Saturday, July 19Tent 2After Elevation (around 8pm)

40s San Diego SEAL Trip

Tue, 15 Jul 2008 17:00:00 GMT

Here are some pictures from the trip this past weekend. Enjoy!! Sorry for the corny music. I had to put something we had rights to on there. Since I wrote and performed it... I knew it was copyright safe :) It will have different music when we play it before Elevation on Saturday.

Event-Packed Summer

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 03:34:00 GMT

I don't know if you have noticed, but we have a ton of events going on this summer for singles. You can find information about all of these on our website at www.saddleback.com/element under the events calendar. Click on the event name for more information about the events below (those that do not link are still waiting for more details). 7/13/08-40s: San Diego SEAL Tour Trip7/19/08-All Singles: Revolution7/19/08-30s: Getty Trip7/20/08-All Singles: Concert in the Park7/26/08-40s: Festival of the Arts in Laguna Beach7/27/08-50s: Picnic & Play (Sports Competition & BBQ) 8/16/08-All Singles: Barn Dance8/17/08-All Singles: Beach Party at Aliso Creek (3-8pm, more info soon) The 50s + group also has beach bonfires every Friday night throughout the summer that is open to anyone who would like to attend.

Awkward-free Dating Followup

Tue, 24 Jun 2008 03:29:00 GMT

Just wanted to post a couple of things as follow-up from the talk last Saturday night by Clayton. If you were not able to make it here is audio of the night:

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Clayton's definition of dating:Dating is quality time spent among two people of the same faith and opposite gender in a safe environment where they are able authentically practice the one another's of scripture. Clayton mentioned the One Another's in the Bible. Here is a listing of those, if you would like to read more on them: Love one another (John 13:34) Depend on one another (Romans 12:5) Be devoted to one another (Romans 12:10) Wash one another's feet (John 13:14) Rejoice with one another (Rom 12:15; 1 Cor 12:26) Weep with one another (Romans 12:15) Live in harmony with one another (Romans 12:16) Don't judge one another (Romans 14:13) Accept one another (Romans 15:7) Admonish one another (Colossians 3:16) Greet one another (Romans 16:16) Wait for one another (1 Corinthians 11:33) Care for one another (1 Corinthians 12:25) Serve one another (Galatians 5:13) Be kind to one another (Ephesians 4:32) Forgive one another (Ephesians 4:32) Be compassionate towards one another (Eph 4:32) Encourage one another (1 Thessalonians 5:11) Submit to one another (Ephesians 5:21) Bear with one another (Ephesians 4:2) Stimulate love in one another (Hebrews 10:24) Offer hospitality to one another (1 Peter 4:9) Minister gifts to one another (1 Peter 4:10) Be clothed in humility toward one another (1 Peter 5:5) Don't slander one another (James 4:11) Don't grumble against one another (James 5:9) Confess your sins to one another (James 5:16) Pray for one another (James 5:16) Fellowship with one another (1 John 1:7) Don't be puffed up against one another (1 Cor 4:6) Carry one another's burdens (Galatians 6:2) Honor one another (Romans 12:10) Instruct one another (Romans 15:14) Prefer one another (Romans 12:10) Comfort one another (2 Corinthians 1:4) For other Podcast of His Dating talks click here.

Great Video

Fri, 13 Jun 2008 09:28:00 GMT

Men's Study

Mon, 09 Jun 2008 08:03:00 GMT

FIGHT (Are You Willing to Pick a Fight with Evil?) Saturdays 7- 9:00am beginning 6/21/08 in Room 404 Men's Bible Study

Singles Summer Swing Dance THIS FRIDAY!!

Tue, 03 Jun 2008 08:18:00 GMT

Last Chance for Advanced Tickets!!! Click here for more information, directions, and to buy tickets!

Kaleidoscope! - A night of comedy

Wed, 28 May 2008 07:45:00 GMT

Singles Pics of the Week

Tue, 27 May 2008 04:32:00 GMT

Here are our pics of the week.