[4고급] The steps of R.E.C.O.V.E.R.Y.  

Wednesday, March 3, 2021
"God blesses those who recognize they are spiritually helpless."
Matthew 5:3 (GW)
 
 
Dear Saddleback Family,
 
One day I got a letter from a member of Saddleback Church. It was a 13-page letter from John Baker with a suggestion for a new ministry.
 
He said, "Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) had been very helpful to me," but he said it didn't talk about Jesus. And John said, "I was wondering if maybe we could start a Christ-centered recovery program at Saddleback Church." And my response to John was this, "Let me study it."
 
It just so happened that at the same time I was studying those steps of recovery for John, I was also studying the Beatitudes of Jesus. And as I began to study the 12 steps of AA and studying the beatitudes of Jesus, I noticed a remarkable similarity. I told John, "I found the biblical basis for the steps of recovery." Here are the first four:
 
1. Recognize I need help. (Matthew 5:4)
2. Earnestly believe that God exists, that I matter to him, and that he has the power to help me recover. (Matthew 5:5)
3. Consciously choose to commit all my life and will to Christ's care and control. (Matthew 5:8)
4. Openly examine and confess my faults to myself, to God, and to someone I trust. (Matthew 5:6)
 
They have now helped millions of people around the world. These steps are available to you. I would encourage you, if you've got a habit or a hurt or a hang-up, to check out Celebrate Recovery® on Friday nights.
 
I love you and I'm praying for you,
 
 
Saddleback at Home
 
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Worship Where You Are
 
Have you ever felt a twinge of jealousy or bitterness scrolling through your social media feed? Join Sam Yoon, the Campus Pastor at the South Bay campus, as he talks about being happy for others when they succeed.
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Heaven Invade
 
Take a moment and watch the song "Heaven Invade" from this past weekend's online worship experience. We hope it encourages and uplifts you in the midst of your week!
 
Can't stay silent, can't stay still
When You show up in power, glory revealed
Can't stay silent, can't stay still
When I feel the fire, feel the ground shake
Heaven invade
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Worship Where You Are
 
Hope for Mental Health
Hope for Mental Health

This month, our Hope for Mental Health Community welcomed Dr. Aaron Kheriaty, Professor of Psychiatry at University of California, Irvine (UCI) School of Medicine. He offers practical insight into recognizing depression in yourself or others and offers strong support for those with a loved one with major depression.
 
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CLASS
Take CLASS Online

A church should feel like a family. It shouldn't feel like an event to attend, but a place to belong - even when we can't gather in person. Our next online classes are happening soon, so register today!
 
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Marriage Tuneup
A Marriage Tuneup
Keeping Your Marriage Healthy During Stressful Times

Having a healthy marriage is possible, even during a pandemic! Whether you've been married for six months or six decades, you know that having a healthy marriage takes intentional effort. Join us for a special online Marriage Tuneup with Pastor Rick and Kay Warren on Tuesday, March 9.
 
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Church News
Small Group Members Step Up to Support Virus-Stricken Leaders
 
Despite the pandemic limiting in-person meetings for nearly a year, many Saddleback Small Group members have continued to support each other while navigating social distancing guidelines and stay-at-home orders. One group recently displayed their devotion to one another as their two leaders battled the COVID-19 virus.
 
Saddleback member Mary and her husband have led the same small group for nearly a decade, and that did not stop when the pandemic struck. The group of 25 people continued to meet online every Friday and have grown exceptionally close in these challenging times.
 
Then, early last month, the circumstances became even more challenging - Mary and her husband tested positive for COVID-19. However, the group came together for their leaders and helped them in their time of need.
 
"Small group is a support group," said Mary, "So when you and your family are going through a lot, you're not alone."
 
The small group members took turns bringing over groceries, cooking meals, and buying various household items and health supplies for their leaders while they were sick and isolated. Multiple people from the group would call, text, and check in with them daily to make sure they were being cared for and feeling reasonably comfortable despite being ill.
 
Mary and her husband were more than grateful for their small group during this time. They said the support they received meant the world to them.
 
Facing the virus was not just physically taxing; it weighed on them emotionally and spiritually. They said having more than two dozen people praying for them and meeting their needs helped them make it through the ordeal.
 
"We are family," said Mary. "If one is hurting, everyone is hurting. When one is rejoicing, everyone is rejoicing. Everybody at one time in their life will go through difficult times, and you can always count on your spiritual family."
 
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Laugh of the Day
 
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Do you want to serve? There are ways you can volunteer, donate, give, or pray during this time. Do you need help? There are ways you can get food, supplies, and prayer.
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While many are still struggling through this pandemic, Saddeback is still working hard to meet the needs of the community. Will you help us? Any gift you give to Saddleback Grocery Distributions before Easter will be doubled up to $245,000. Please consider making a gift to the Saddleback Food Pantries to help us continue these efforts in 2021.
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