Today we witnessed a miracle of God. We witnessed the birth of a brand new fellowship of believers in San Clemente called Worship Life Calvary Chapel. A God breathed… Spirit filled community of faith, hope and love under the Lordship of Jesus Christ who desire to know God through His WORD, love God through our WORSHIP and reflect God through our WITNESS.

Why call it a miracle? Because it’s true. Every church you see represents a work of God that at it’s moment of inception was a true miracle with unique stories of God’s faithfulness. Like a baby that’s born into this world, all churches begin with the childlike sense of wonder and awe. My prayer is that Worship Life will maintain that childlike sense of wonder and awe at the love and grace of God that would bring such life into the world.

When I think of the story of Worship Life… it is truly a miraculous work of God. Going back to prophecies that were spoken over Roxie and I over 25 years ago… during our first year of marriage. Words that were long behind us and forgotten until this year when the cassette tape (yes… it was hard getting it to a digital format!!!) suddenly appeared again. When we add to those words that were spoken so long ago the recent prophecies that God spoke to us in the most bizarre places and through the most bizarre people. We knew that the end of 2009 would mark the end of an era of ministry and set us on a new season of life.

I think about all the gifts we’ve received from churches all over South Orange County. We are deeply greatful to Crossline Church… to Heritage Christian Fellowship… to all the churches involved in the South Orange County Association of Pastors… to Harvest Christian Fellowship… to Calvary Chapel Moreno Valley… South Coast Church… Calvary Chapel Rancho Santa Margarita… so many who have been such a blessing to Roxie and I in prayer, encouragement and support and generous gifts to help the ministry launch.

I think of my mentors in the faith… Pastor Chuck Smith, Don Williams, John Milhouse, Greg Fadness, Greg Laurie, Skip Heitzig, John Lai, Ken Blue, Tony Logan and Carl Westerlund. Men of God who I have had the privilege of serving alongside and who have inspired me and challenged me to grow and take huge steps of faith. Men who have set an example of quality in ministry that I look up to and respect and glean from. Even the prayer that Bob Botsford prayed over me at the 2009 Pastor’s Conference at Ricky Ryan’s church when he prayed – God give Holland one option. That prayer was answered.

I think of the families that have partnered with us in ministry… the Warejkos, the Englers, the Ormonde’s, the Balmasedas, the Horsagers, the Schuetz’s, the Levchak’s, Lynn Jenks, the Arce’s, Finley’s, the Barcellona’s, the Stoner’s, the Adent’s, the Fuchser’s and so many others. I even remember the early days at Chris and Careen Lewis’ house. We didn’t know God was building a church… we were just excited to meet togethr, study the word and worship. Roxie and I are grateful that they are part of the story.

I think of Lighthouse Christian Fellowship – who brought their entire worship team to Worship Life… who were praying for us during our service today… thank you Greg and Pam Fadness!!! I will never forget your generosity. My friends Rick and Debra Evans… who came all the way from Nasvhille to bless our church on it’s birth day!!! Wow!!! Unbelievable. It’s so humbling. Hunt Adent who video taped our first service… wow!!! what a gift… just too much to mention.

It is all a reminder that the birth of a church is not the work of a man – but it’s a work of God. There were too many “conincidences” to deny God’s hand. What it tells me is that God really loves the people in San Clemente and He really wants to reach them with the gospel. Today we have over 190 at our first service. 12 re-dedications and 1 profession of faith. God… loving His people. Amazing to watch. We’re just looking forward to seeing what the Lord will do as He builds His Church in San Clemente called Worship Life Calvary Chapel.

This was our order of service:

Welcome – Holland Davis

Opening Prayer – Chris Smith (South Coast Church)

Prepare For The Word / Worship: Greg and Pam Fadness
Did You Feel The Mountains Tremble
Hosanna
Unafraid

Responsive Scripture Reading – Psalm 27
Offering

Guest Artist: Rick Evans

Meet and Greet

Message – Intro: The New Community
Stand For The Reading of God’s Word: 1 John 1:1-4

Respond To The Word / Worship: Greg and Pam Fadness
Emmanuel
God Of This City
Revelation Song

Closing Prayer

Announcements

Benediction