Crystal Cathedral Contemporary

2009-08-19T14:22:00.000-07:00

Dear C3,

We want to share some exciting news about the future of C3, City Church, and Kyle’s new calling in life. Through a series of God-directed events, it’s become very clear that Kyle is called by God to be a lead pastor and start City Church off-campus.

While there are many details to be hashed out, this is right in line with Sheila’s vision to sow seeds for the Kingdom of God. Together, all of us desire a healthy transition for each and every one of you to whom C3 has been a church home. With this transition, we will no longer be having “C3” services here on campus. So… THIS Sunday, August 23^rd, will be the last “C3” Service. We want EVERYONE who has been part of it to be there. JOIN US THIS Sunday August 23^rd @ 11AM as we celebrate our LAST C3 service together. Immediately following the service, we will have cake and refreshments.

Crystal Cathedral will allow the City Church team to meet at the Crystal Cathedral until they are ready to have preview services at Chain Reaction. The first preview service at CHAIN REACTION is tentatively scheduled for Sunday, September 13^th.

Miraculously, God has provided the City Church team with a venue FREE of charge! So, with the blessing of the Crystal Cathedral, the Schuller family, and the Reformed Church in America (our denomination), City Church will launch as an RCA sister church in Anaheim at a rock concert venue off-campus called “Chain Reaction.” The new service time will be 10:30 AM on Sunday mornings.

So… where does that leave you? Great question! For those that feel connected to the Crystal Cathedral Church and wish to stay here, we endorse that you make the switch now to attend either of the main Crystal Cathedral services at 9:30 AM or 11:00 AM. There will be an abundance of resources and opportunities at this ministry for you to continue to grow in your relationship with God at the Crystal Cathedral.

For those who feel called, Kyle & his team are going to need every conceivable resource and person in order to accomplish this exciting new dream for Anaheim. This is a fabulous opportunity for each of you to step out in faith. Together, we endorse anyone that wants to follow Kyle & his team to start City Church together. The Crystal Cathedral “sends” you all with blessing behind Kyle. Kyle’s new email address is kyle@lovehopecity.com.

Thanks to all of you who have joined us along the way. We have seen great things in the Name of God.

In Christ,

Sheila Schuller Coleman, Gretchen Schuller Penner, Kyle Steven Bonenberger, and Rick Mysse

Mark Driscoll @ C3

2009-06-12T15:20:00.000-07:00

C3,

This Sunday June 14th at 11AM, we have the honor of hosting one of my personal favorite speakers, Mark Driscoll speaking at C3. Mark is the pastor of Mars Hill Church in Seattle of over 6,000 members. It is currently one of the largest and fastest growing churches in the country. Mark posted a blog about his upcoming venture on his blog.

Share this information with someone... invite them to C3 on Sunday, this is going to be an unforgettable weekend. The message title is "Vintage Jesus."

In Christ,

Kyle

NASCAR C3 Memorial Day Celebration

2009-05-07T14:18:00.000-07:00

C3,

We are throwing a HUGE party for Memorial Day weekend; and we want all of you to come join us for service Sunday morning at 11AM on Memorial Day, then we'll all eat In-N-Out burgers together at a family friendly NASCAR/Patriotic themed celebration! Make sure to pre-purchase your burgers at the box office to guarantee your burger.

Living in Light of Eternity

2009-05-05T11:02:00.000-07:00

C3,

Today, I listened to a Podcast from Andy Stanley. If you don't know who he is, check out his twitter updates here. As Andy put it, we have "Defining Moments" in our lives when things begin to change, click, make sense, or perhaps even deteriorate. The first incontestable "defining moment" happens at the end of our lives when we die. No matter what belief system we have, one day, we're all going to die.

You are going to die. This might sound depressing; and perhaps this isn't the "encouraging devotional" you were hoping for, but it's a reality humanity faces together. The beautiful thing is that death provides the context for true life. Jesus says "I have come that they may have life and have it abundantly" in John 10:10. So how does death fit into the picture? Even though physical death is painful; and it leaves behind broken hearts, I believe death lays the framework for the only kind of life that really exists, ETERNAL LIFE.

I ask you this simple question today. If you knew you were going to die today, would your life look differently? All of us talk about living in light of eternity; but it's time we start living for eternity. We all avoid the reality of our impending physical death; but if today is all you have left on this earth, what would you do differently? Would you buy a bigger house? Car? Skydive?

This takes us to the 2nd "defining moment" Andy said. One day, after you die, you will stand before God. You will have to account for your life before him. While houses, cars, and skydiving are great, it won't help you before God. Accepting Christ as your personal Savior for your sins (read 4 spiritual laws HERE for more info) and then LIVING for Him is the only thing that can make you right before God. And when you and I get to that 2nd "defining moment," I believe God is going to ask us 2 questions.

1. Do you love me? (God)
2. Who did you bring with you into eternity?

We can't take our cars, houses, boats, or skydiving experiences into eternity; but we can take souls. Today, if you don't know Jesus, read the 4 spiritual laws and make a commitment. Get involved in a local church where you can learn about God and the Bible. If you know Him already, make the commitment today to bring people with you into eternity at your 2nd, and most important "defining moment."

Sharing Christ lovingly with those around us never gets old. It is never culturally irrelevant; and we don't even have to pray about it. It's one of the clearest commandments that exists in Scripture. Share God's love today in a simple way with someone in your world.

Kyle, Brett, Sammy @ Catalyst Conference West

2009-04-24T17:27:00.000-07:00

Good Friday Service

2009-04-07T08:49:00.000-07:00

Join us for Good Friday this week April 10th.

Rooting for the other team...

2009-03-10T09:50:00.000-07:00

C3,

I think this is what Jesus would do if he were on earth.

In Christ,

Kyle

BIOLA Media Conference

2009-03-05T13:16:00.000-08:00

C3,

Are you interested in getting more involved in the media? Do you have a dream to be a producer/actor/director/or maybe you just want to know how Christians can better use the media as a missions field? Take a couple minutes and watch this video. It's about the BIOLA University annual media conference. This is one of the best media events out there for Christians seeking to take their influence to the next level. Let me know your thoughts. I'm hoping to be there.

In Christ,

Kyle

Biola Media Conference 2009 from BiolaMedia on Vimeo.

Nick Vujicic Speaks @ C3

2009-02-26T16:26:00.000-08:00

iPod Classic Eulogy.

2009-02-11T09:08:00.003-08:00

I can still remember the day that I opened the box of my very own... iPod! I was so excited. As far as I was concerned, this was the coolest technological advance of mankind. The "clickwheel" was responsive; and sometimes I would turn it on just to spin my fingers around the device just to hear the "clicking" sound I grew to love.

Well, today was a sad day. I turned on my iPod classic only to hear the "click of death" (the internal hard drive was dead). Today, I put to death many great memories shared with iPod. I remember in my early dating days with my wife, iPod classic was always there for me to provide the perfect playlist. I could set the tone of the date exactly how I wanted it.

I hear what you're about to say... Kyle, don't you have an iPhone now? Why do you still care about iPod classic? Yes, it's true that now I look at my iPhone the same way I looked at my iPod classic when I first purchased it. At this moment, I cannot conceive of a "cooler" technological device than the iPhone; but that's because I am not the one planning the future of technology. Apple plans it.

In the same way, as we look into our lives, we must celebrate, and reflect upon the passing of something we once loved; but we must embrace the new, unknown things that come from God's hand. Psalm 45:6 says "In the place of your fathers shall be your sons, you will make them princes in all the earth. I will cause your name to be remembered in all generations. Therefore nations will praise you forever and ever."

In the context of the passage, giving control of the land to the sons was both risky and difficult for the fathers. How could these new, inexperienced sons lead the nations into prosperity? To be honest, it's counter-intuitive. Our rational minds tell us to let the experienced, tried leaders rule. God takes joy in letting unlikely candidates lead because HE alone can get the glory for their success.

Take a minute right now, and reflect on the good things that have past in your life. Then, give them a eulogy because those memories/things will never return. THEN, ask God to take you into unknown, uncharted territory. He will give you everything you need to thrive. Trust me, none of us can fathom the dreams HE has for us.

In Christ,

Kyle

Francis Chan Speaks @ C3

2009-01-28T14:44:00.000-08:00

Kyle & Brett @ Christmas Eve Services

2008-12-24T18:23:00.000-08:00

Christmas... a season for sharing...

2008-12-18T16:26:00.000-08:00

Christmas is the greatest season to share Jesus' love. This Sunday @ C3 come join us for a special Christmas service with many of the "favorite" Christmas songs as well as a a great message from Mark Mittelberg.

Guaranteed Employment. Great benefits. Read for details...

2008-12-16T10:34:00.000-08:00

C3,

The world is facing gripping financial uncertainty; and no one is exempt. I meet people every single day that are struggling just to put food on the table. Many of them work here at the Crystal Cathedral, others attend services here, others are my neighbors. The common denominator is the search for work that produces guaranteed yield. Well, I'm about to be bold; but I have the answer. They are not my words, they are the words of Christ Himself.

Jesus tells us in Luke 10:2-3 "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send laborers into his harvest." In other words, there's LOTS of work out there! Just what kind of harvest is Jesus talking about? He is talking about the spiritual harvest of sharing the gospel with everyone around us. Psalm 111:5 says "He provides food for those who fear Him." In a time when jobs are insecure, and money is sparse; God promises food for those who love Him and share His message with other people. That sounds as certain as it gets!

God does not promise a nice new car, or a fancy house up the road in the "nice part of town;" but He promises that we will have everything we need if we follow His ways. He tells us to give sacrificially (10% is a good starting point); and to live our lives for His gospel. This means inviting coworkers, neighbors, and non-believing friends to church all the time. If someone you knew was dying, and you had the cure to their disease; would you keep it from them?

The world is dying because of sin; and we have the cure. The only remedy for this illness is the love of God in Jesus Christ, the gospel. It is time to change our job descriptions, to reinvent ourselves, to redefine the nature of our work. We are not bankers, lawyers, doctors, etc. We are servants of the King called to spread His gospel to the ends of the earth. Our "day jobs" are our mission fields.

In all of history, there has never been a more important time than now to invite that neighbor, coworker, or friend of yours to church to hear the love of God. If you need help updating your resume to reflect your new job title, we can help. Take that step today. Share Christ's love with someone and bring them to C3 with you on Sunday! Here's a funny video of how NOT to share Christ with someone! And in case anyone is wondering, this is not an ad for a job opening at the Crystal Cathedral; it is a chance for you and I to rethink the nature of how we view work and calling.

In Christ,

Kyle

The cell that PROVES God is real...

2008-11-19T10:44:00.000-08:00

C3,

I you ever doubt that God is in control of the universe, and your life or maybe you just need some encouragement... watch this video. It will revolutionize how you think about God's power.

In Christ,

Kyle

What's new @ C3?

2008-11-18T16:37:00.000-08:00

C3,

First and foremost, a HUGE thanks to everyone who attended outcry. It was a great time of worship and praising God together.

Secondly, we have some really exciting things coming up at C3 in the next couple months including some great speakers like Bill Hybels, Luis Palau, Francis Chan, and we have a great Christmas season in the works as well. I won’t spill all the beans but you won’t want to miss out! We really need a strong turnout to close the year well so be sure to be at C3 every single Sunday.

Third, we want to get involved in each others’ lives! Post on our blog, join our facebook group, email us, invite someone to go out to lunch after C3 that you have never met, make lifelong friends in community at C3. God is bringing a lot of new people to our service and they are desperately searching for connection. Will you be that connection this Sunday?

In any area of our lives that we want to grow, the first step is always the hardest; but if we never take it, we will always miss out on the blessing God has for us. What is that first step God wants you to take today? Is it bringing someone to C3 this weekend? Is it saying “hello” to someone you have never met? Is it inviting someone to join you for a meal after service? My experience is that God blesses the most when we listen to his nudge. Take the step, listen to his nudge. YOU will reap the blessing.

C U @ C3 Sunday.

In Christ,

Kyle

Praying for the fires...

2008-11-15T14:30:00.000-08:00

C3,

There is fire in the Orange County sky today. Pray for your neighbors
and lend a helping hand if needed. I am praying for God's provision &
protection today.

Ready to Run?

2008-11-07T09:47:00.000-08:00

C3,

I'm so excited to share our guest pastor with you this Sunday. John Maxwell is a best-selling author and one of my personal favorite speakers. Look forward to seeing you at C3 this Sunday. If you would feel inclined to pass along this flier to someone who might want to hear John speak @ C3, click on the flier and it will go directly to the link.

In Christ,

Kyle

An atheist proved wrong!

2008-10-31T13:50:00.000-07:00

OUTCRY - Friday November 14th 7 PM Freed Theater

2008-10-23T14:41:00.000-07:00

Dear C3,

In response to the overwhelming response from DOWNPOUR, we're SO excited to share that we'll be having another church-wide night of Praise and Worship called OUTCRY.

Like its predecessor DOWNPOUR, OUTCRY will be a night to cry out to the Lord in praise for what God is doing in your life, the church, and seek His heart in unity.

It is our goal that as many people as possible attend, bring friends, and experience the blessing of crying out to the Lord as ONE body of Christ.

Will YOU be there?

In Christ,

Kyle

Where are YOU investing?

2008-10-10T09:42:00.000-07:00

C3,

In this time of economic turmoil, do you want an investment that is 100% certain? I'm not just talking about a 5% "safe" bond yield. I'm talking about the greatest wealth earth has never seen.

The world is watching the collapse of the most trusted banks and financial institutions; but today I can guarantee you with 100 % certainty that investing your life in "The Bank of Following Jesus" is the only safe investment that exists. The dividends include the greatest mansions saved up for those who accept Jesus Christ as the Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:1-14), treasure that can't be stolen (Luke 12:33), and the greatest inheritance of the Father stored up especially for you (1 Peter 1:4).

Maybe this economic crisis has caused you to lose your whole retirement, your college savings for your kids, or perhaps you have lost everything and all you have to your name is debt that can't be repayed. Well, if that's the case, I have great news for you. Jesus is in the eternal debt re-paying business.

All you have to do is choose Jesus right now as your Lord and Savior and begin investing in His Kingdom where there are no peasants or paupers. In God's sight you are a wealthy King or Queen with a divine task to do once you make the choice to follow Jesus.

I look forward to seeing all my fellow wealthy kings and queens at C3 Sunday.

In Christ,

Kyle

Do you remember when?

2008-10-02T14:03:00.000-07:00

C3,

Do you remember when you graduated high school? Here's a few photos of when Brett, Gretchen and I graduated high school...

OK... these totally are not real pictures of us but they illustrate a point. All of us go through seasons with Jesus where we look different, feel different, maybe even act different. We all have moments that carry tremendous spiritual significance that God gives us as little "nuggets" to remember during the different seasons of life such as graduations, weddings, parties, and yes, even deaths.

My question to you is this: what season of life are you in right now? Are you in a fall season where things are dying; and you're preparing for a cold winter? Are you in a winter season where nothing seems alive at all? Are you in a spring season of life where you are beginning to see new hope and new life? Or are you in a summer season still where everything is going well?

Sometimes we even get hints of all the seasons at once, but God is faithful no matter what "season" of life you face. Take comfort and rest in the season God has for you right now. No matter how much we might kick and scream, we can't rush into the next phase until God ushers it in.

While you watch the leaves change colors this Fall, rejoice in knowing God ordains the seasons of your life. All God asks of us is to recognize how He is already moving around us, and praise Him in every season.

See you at C3 Sunday.

In Christ,

Kyle

Calling out to anyone that attended DOWNPOUR!

2008-09-27T12:18:00.001-07:00

C3,

DOWNPOUR was an absolute blessing last night. I am hoping anyone that took photos can email them to us at c3@crystalcathedral.org. We really want some memories of the beginning of what I believe was a spark of revival in our community.

Love,

Kyle

Amazing Night!

2008-09-27T08:45:00.000-07:00

For all of you who missed last night's Downpour and prayer vigil, what an amazing night! Freed Theatre was full of a united body of Christ worshiping and praising the Lord, and the Chapel in the Sky was standing room only as we lifted this ministry and other requests up to our Heavenly Father! The Holy Spirit was and is alive and well in this place! Praise the Lord.

I have only one question...Kyle, when are we doing this again!?!

Gretchen

Where's Kyle?

2008-09-24T12:38:00.000-07:00

Can you find Kyle in this video? Look carefully and watch the whole thing...

It is our job to worship the Lord! I hope to see you all Friday Night at Downpour and the answer to "Where's Kyle" will be revealed.
Gretchen