Pastor's Blog Welcome to my Blog. These are just my opinions and thoughts. Check back often to read updates on our church, our ministry, and my life. Make sure you check out our ministries and times. e-mail me your comments on my entries or use our contact form.

Sunday, May 30, 2010

Do you have problems?
Do you sometimes feel that God is not helping, isn’t listening and doesn’t seem to care? Or maybe He seems to be taking his sweet time, which you have little of. In the Bible we read a story about a man named Joseph. He was the youngest of the 12 sons of Jacob. His brothers all hated him because dad liked him best. They sold him into slavery to get rid of him, but he rose to become the most powerful man in Egypt under Pharaoh. (Genesis 37) I am sure this is not the plan Joseph had for his life. God had a plan for Joseph, his brothers and his country. Joseph didn’t see it at first and it wasn’t until years later did God un-fold His plan. God’s plan doesn’t always look like our plans or come in our timing. “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11) In the end, things turned out better than Joseph could have ever dreamed - and Joseph was a big dreamer. Do you know that God loves you and has a plan for your life! Can you wait and stay faithful? He always shows up. Someone once said, God is never early or late, but shows up just in time. ”A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.” (Proverbs 16:9) If you are struggling with problems in your life and want to hear from the Lord which way to go, ask him and wait and listen. Learn to do it God’s way! Pastor Rick
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Wednesday, May 5, 2010

When it’s Sheer Nonsense, Ask “is it Godsense”
In 1390 B.C., Joshua was considered a Military genius with his aggressive campaigns. Imagine it; God’s strategy is to walk around the city walls several times, not using military force, but the voices of the people. He tells them; when you hear the long trumpet blast, shout using only their God given abilities. It appeared to be sheer nonsense. The people obey, down comes the wall – military victory and guess who gets the glory? – GOD because it makes Godsense. God’s ways are certainly not always our ways. He may be asking you to befriend your neighbor, whose dog barks all night, or that teenager in all black that never looks at you when walking by, to invite a co-worker to church that hasn’t been friendly. Why? Why would he ask us to step out in the “nonsense”? Because it is Godsense. Each thing He asks us to do is to further His kingdom. In the scheme of everyday life, this however, is the most important pursuit. The very purpose we are still taking breath is to tell everyone about His saving power and love. God wants to speak to each one of us. What is He saying today to you? If you can’t hear Him spend more time in His Word and alone with Him. Turn off the TV and Computer and listen. When you have your mission (assignment) don’t let anything get in your way and even when discouraged remember your mission. Sometimes life gets busy, we don’t feel like it and it seems like God is not listening or caring. I like what 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 says “ 16 Always be joyful. 17 Never stop praying. 18 Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus”. Something very helpful is to create a mission statement for your life. Successful companies create mission statements to keep everyone on the same page and focused. Begin today to create your very own mission statement. Just write one sentence that describes your life focus for God. Why are you still breathing? What is your passion and purpose? Post it and memorize it. Having a mission statement will help you keep at your mission, when so many things (even good things) get in the way. Years ago I chose “to know Him and to make Him known” as my mission statement. I didn’t make it up; just love the words and the challenge. My mission statement helps keep my life focused. It has two parts. I want to know God more each day, more than I knew Him the day before; and my greatest desire is to tell others about Jesus and His love, which is the second part of my mission statement. I hope you’ll choose a life mission statement and stay focused on the Godsense and not the Nonsense. Pastor Rick
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Saturday, February 27, 2010

IF WE ARE THE BODY ----- WHY??
3 weeks ago a lady and a man joined our service for the first time. The last 3 weeks has been a discovery of a story of a great friendship. A story of an injured police officer (Chris) whose friends (Steve & Mary) loved and cared for him so much, they brought him into their home as he recovered. Chris, a Rialto Police officer was at the station when his Gal batter exploded. Rushed to the hospital his organs were shutting down, but because of this the doctors discovered a torn heart valve. He was put into a medically induced coma for 3 months as doctors raced to repair his body through surgeries. He has spent the last year in recovery. He had been home only a short time, when he had visited Legacy. That next week he returned to the hospital with heart complications. He is currently awaiting approval for another surgery to repair his heart valve. His friends are by his side, managing his household, caring for his animals and ministering to their friend. Now wouldn’t you like to have friends like that? The Bible tells us we are the Body of Christ and the Casting Crowns’ song says it perfectly: If we are the body, Why aren’t his feet going? Why is His love not showing - them there is a way? THERE IS A WAY!! Why aren’t his arms reaching? Why aren’t his hands healing? Why aren’t his words teaching? …if we are the Body of Christ. This life has to be about serving others (like Chris’ friends) and most importantly telling them that Jesus loves them. We are called to tell everyone of Jesus’ love and teach them that God has a plan for their life. Legacy Church, I am so proud of you as you have demonstrated reaching arms, healing hands and teaching words. Continue to reach out like Chris’ friends. Let's make it our goal to tell someone daily JESUS IS THE WAY. Your Pastor - Asking you to continue to pray healing for Chris. Pastor Rick
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Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Spreading or Fretting?
Nita and I had major lows this month. And why shouldn’t we. A few Sundays ago my message was on Spiritual Warfare; the unseen battle that is constantly ragging in the spiritual realm against all believers. A fight that is taking place daily to discourage and drag us out of serving God and His people. The book of Ephesians warns us that it will happen, so why am I ever surprised or bewildered? The key, I am learning, is to I.D. the battle right away. My desire is to learn fast not to take every issue with the church personally and to remember it is not all about me. No matter what comes our way we must keep serving the Lord in the place He has us. Some choose to run when the going gets tough. As a kid about 10 years old, I wanted to quit the Little League team because coach wasn’t playing me as much as I thought I should. I remember my Dad and Mom saying; “we aren’t quitters.” I didn’t quit the team. The following season I was selected to the All Star team. I encourage you. Remember the battle raging around is an invisible “Spiritual Battle”. Move closer to the only one that can win that battle for you. Meditate on His Words, talk to Him and keep doing the very service He called you to. Don’t forget the results are not up to us. We are simply told to spread His message of love, hope and redemption. So how are you doing today? Are you spreading or fretting? Let God war on your behalf and just keep serving faithfully. Serving with you, Pastor Rick 10 A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. 12 For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Ephesians 6:10-13 1 Samuel 17:47 And everyone assembled here will know that the LORD rescues his people, but not with sword and spear. This is the LORD’s battle…….
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Monday, December 7, 2009

How Far Will You Go?
My wife, Nita and I love to go to great eateries. When we see a restaurant featured on TV or a friend tells us of a good place, we make a road-trip. I really like the TV show Diners, Drive-ins and Dives on the Food Network. Today we traveled to Chino to eat at what used to be an Italian restaurant that rarely had 3-4 cars in the parking lot. Now it is a Home-style Café, with pancakes bigger than a small tire, and the place was packed. A few months ago our road-trip took us to San Diego County to experience country fried steaks of a TV featured restaurant. We will travel a great distance for a good meal. It’s a fun and a terrific hobby, don’t you think? We all have our favorite places to eat and are willing to go some distance to eat there. What is it about food that makes us feel good? Over 2,000 years ago road-trips were a sacrifice. People made road-trips from all over to see a 30 something Person that was healing people and teaching great truths beyond His age. Some brought a friend that had been sick for years, got on top of a house, opened up the roof and lowered their friend right in front of the Speaker, believing the Speaker would heal their friend, and He did. These Road-trips were for a greater purpose than good food. The Bible records one time over 5,000 came to hear this great Speaker and right in front of them He created meals for everyone from a little boys sack lunch of 2 fish and 5 loaves of bread. Even this miracle had something to do with food. Years after, this Messiah sacrificed His life for us, the writer of Romans writes; “if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved” Romans 10:9. How far are you willing to go to receive the Bread of Life? What if it were that easy? Join us at Legacy Church. Change your world ---- leave a Legacy! Gratefully Serving as your Pastor, Rick Morris
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Friday, October 16, 2009

Humble Beginnings
Don't you love Fall? The smell of football in the air. USC won last week, so all is right with the world. Yes, Nita and I are officially 100% USC fans and that is probably one of the reasons Fall is our favorite season. A year ago, Fall 2008, Sunday, 10/26/08 a small group of people met in a front room for prayer and worship to discover God's plan for a new church. That's another reason we love Fall. Nita and I had felt God calling us to start a church for over 8 years and in 2008 the timing was just right. Since then we have baptized 8 people, moved locations 3 times (4 if you count the move from the front room to the garage), started 2 adult bible studies, a preschool and grade school ministry and increased in number weekly. Fall will always remind me of our humble beginnings. We officially became Legacy Church the first week of January 2009. A lot of ministry is taking place at Legacy. We have given hurting and less fortunate, cleaned a local school and helped teachers prepare for incoming students. We've canvassed and invited 100's of our neighbors to Legacy, passed out free water and hosted 2 free household give aways! Our Sponsor Church MABC, our association (IESBA) and State office have graciously supported the vision of a new church; and through our giving efforts we are supporting over 10,000 missionaries through what we call the Cooperative Program. This month (10/31) we host a Block Party in our front yard and next month we join the efforts of the PTA to raise money for VanderMolen school. We have been deliberate in serving the community as we believe Jesus did as He set a great example for all. Our motto is "Change Your World.... Leave a Legacy!! You have a Legacy ---- what will your Legacy be? If you are reading this blog - we invite you to join us as we Leave our Legacy on this community to honor Jesus. After all it is all about HIM!!
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Friday, August 28, 2009

FILL IN THE BLANKS
God will give _______(your name) all he/she needs; if _____(your name)lives for GOD and makes GOD'S Kingdom his/her primary concern. Matthew 6:33 GOD'S gracious favor is all _____(your name) needs. GOD'S power works best in your weakness. 1 Cor. 12:9 Pastor's paraphrase, but true. If you've experienced the life changing JESUS, these verses are alive in you. If you have not given your life to Jesus, I challenge you to begin that journey. We are here to help you; email, call us or come by the church on any Sunday. We have concluded our first month at our new location, VanderMolen School. This has been a good move. A local diary allows us to hang our banners and many have stopped by. MONTHLY SERVICE PROJECTS CONTINUE 30 volunteers cleaned, washed windows and helped the teachers prepare rooms at this newest school in the area. A team spent the day passing out water with a card that simply says "God loves you" and our web site. A family visited on Sunday because of that simple act. WE'RE THE NEWEST CHURCH IN THE AREA Legacy is the newest local church plant; and God confirms daily the call to start this church. We believe so strongly in new church plants we have a line item in our budget to help start another church in God's timing. WE ONLY COUNT - CAUSE PEOPLE COUNT People count to God and we are here to serve. Sunday, August 23 was a high attendance of 40. Although we have only been a church for 8 months we have baptized 7 and lives are being changed. May God get all the glory. What a blessing to serve alongside the most faithful servants on earth. Pastor Rick
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Sunday, June 7, 2009

Djembe?
What is a DJembe? Worship leader, Ron Storm just added the Djembe drum (played by Eric Morris). It is a goblet shaped hand drum with authentic goat skin playing surface. It sounds great! Featured singer, Julie Kilpatrick has returned from her Mission trip and joins the worship team on Sunday, June 14th. Ron served double duty this week as he lead worship and brought the message. He is a great teacher as well as worship leader. Media Shout Thanks to our Sponsor Church, MABC (Magnolia Avenue Baptist Church) we are using a new software program run by Shawn Criss called Media Shout. It classes up the service with scripture, song lyrics and graphics. Kidz Jungle Craig, Chenoa and Celeste have put together a “Exciting” grade school program. The KIDZ show their excitement by learning Bible Verses and books of the Bible. Our Preschool department is having fun on the indoor slide, doing crafts and hearing Bible stories led by Stacey, Sue and Janay (who is getting baptized this month). Even our smallest learns about Jesus’ love. One of our older preschoolers also helps unload and load the trailer each week. What a joy it is to see him week after week helping load whatever he can carry; and he’s learned real quick where things are placed – proof that it is never too early to serve the Lord. Teens Plans are underway for a Teens program. Pray with us as we develop a team to lead. Watch for details. Missionaries coming to help The “Parachute Project”, led by Kevin Nguyen will bring college students to help this new church plant. Chris Vitola at Print Connection, has donated thousands of flyers to pass out to our community and the college students will help us with the distribution. MABC Going Public (youth group) and Pastor Mike Lavato is coming this summer to help us launch in our new location (VanderMolen School, August 2nd). MGP (meet and greet the pastor) is a time to hear the vision for the church. Today, 21 people attended. It is great to get to know each other and God’s plan for our lives. Parent Child Dedication We are planning a Parent Child dedication. If you are interested give me or Nita a call. I am so grateful to share God’s Word with you each week and I’m looking forward to seeing you Sunday as we continue our study in Daniel. Your grateful servant, Pastor Rick Morris
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Monday, May 4, 2009

Catching you up!
God continues to bless as we ask Him to show us ways to serve the community. MOVIE (April) We offered the movie FireProof, it was well received and helped strengthen our marriages. EASTVALE HELPING EASTVALE (May) It was a FREE yard sale for our community. Our goal was to care for the community. Some gave cash donations that we donated to help Clara Barton School, where we meet. We made some great contacts. The local Albertsons and Red Brick Pizza helped sponsor this free give away. What was left over we gave to the Salvation Army. We are searching for more ideas of ways to help the community. Coming up we plan to do a free car wash and fluids check. BAPTISM (May) So far we've baptized 3 and 3 more are ready for May 17th. GMP (Greet and Meet the Pastor)(May) 15 people came to our home to learn how the church started and why we exist. We'll offer this once a month to get to know our people. LOCAL DAIRY FARMERS - On going friendship I meet regularly with local retired farmers that still live in the community, and used to work their dairies here in the valley. It is inspiring to be part of their lives and I sure enjoy visiting with each of them. EASTVALE CHURCHES When we first moved to Eastvale a local pastor called to welcome and help us. With a church of 400, he has been a great encouragement. Another local pastor that pastors a huge church in Corona, has sent his staff to assist in anyway possible. The spirit in this place is tremendous. JAMES COMPLETED God has taught us a lot as we went through the book of James these past few months. Our good friend Ron Storm is doing a great job of leading us in worship each Sunday. Julie Kilpatrick's solo was outstand and we look forward to experiencing more through her music ministry. She's on mission with the CBU choir and will return in a few weeks. Please pray for her and Chris as they plan their wedding. SPONSOR CHURCH Magnolia Avenue Baptist Church, Riverside is our Sponsor church and we are so very grateful for all they are doing for kingdom business. Please pray for Dr. Montia Setzler and his team. LEAVING A LEGACY Thank you all for your wonderful Christ like spirits as each week you unload the trailer and then set up and load it back. God will richly bless each of you for your dedication to this mission. Honored to work with you, Pastor Rick
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Saturday, March 14, 2009

5TH MONTH
This week we celebrate five months as a church. A lot has happened and we are excitedly awaiting more of God's touch. God has brought us through several "Crisis of Belief" and I am sure it's not over. Praises are sent weekly as we see more and more changed lives in the Inland Empire. God is blessing, with a great core team that love to serve. I see them serving the community and each other weekly. He has provided a traveling trailer for storage, preschool and children's workers, sound/audio technicians, praise and worship team and many behind the scenes that serve weekly without seeking glory. We celebrated with 3 new believers in their baptism. 38 has been our all time high in attendance and we are continuing to grow. With a movie presentation, April 5th we hope to help local families strengthen marriages. Please begin to pray as to who you'll invite to this outreach. Each week is an exciting experience with the Lord. Gratefully your pastor, Rick
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Thursday, January 22, 2009

MOST IMPORTANT DECISION OF YOUR LIFE
Three adults said "yes" to God's call this past weekend. Sue, Eric & Nikki received God's free gift of eternal life and gave their lives to the Lord. What a great weekend it was and here is more good news; 700 Eastvale residents received our invitation to attend Legacy. Thanks to a friend of the church, who owns a local printing company we had great looking flyers to hand to our neighbors. Sunday we also hosted 3 first time guests. GOD IS AT WORK!! Each Sunday it is wonderful to see everyone pitch-in to set up and tear down. The school Janitor is terrific and sets up 1/2 room before we get there. We are blessed with a lot of servant hearts. If you haven't checked out Legacy Church, put on your casual clothes (Levi's are fine) and join the celebrations every Sunday at 10:30 a.m. Your children will enjoy age appropriate crafts, Bible stories and games in KIDZ JUNGLE. I'll be speaking on James this Sunday. I can't wait to see what else God has in mind. Blessings, Pastor Rick
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Thursday, January 15, 2009

PRAYER ESSENTIAL
It has been said, prayer is like breathing to a Christian; and prayer is essential to the growth and maturity of Legacy Church. This week the message will focus on this essential privilege. As we prepare for Sunday I ask one thing: PRAY!! Pray for the people of Eastvale that do not have a church. We aren't interested in taking people from other churches, we are reaching out to those that don't have a church family and would like to be a part of making a Legacy in Eastvale. Especially in these economic hard times we must "ramp" up our prayer life and offer this exercise to our neighbors in Eastvale. PRAISE REPORT: Through prayer we are seeing 22 people the last two weeks in attendance. As we pray, don't forget to praise; and may I suggest we learn the majority of our speaking to God should be praising. Just a thought! Daily praying for you, Pastor Rick
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Wednesday, January 7, 2009

WOW - OUR 1ST SERVICE / MULTI-PURPOSE ROOM
Like I said last blog, I have been so excited for the first service in the School. We are all praising God for His wonderful blessings. The Sunday before, Luke was solo as our Praise Team, this week we had a full praise team. If you were there you heard a "top notch" praise team. Luke did a great job leading and putting together a band that led the worship. Everyone did a great job. We had a hospitality team, ushers, greeters and childcare and everyone really stepped up. Thank you!! We praise God for bringing 9 first time guests. Here is some more GREAT news: By Sunday we will have a cargo trailer that will transport our church equipment weekly. January 17 - Mark your calendars. A local printer is donating door hangers to invite our neighbors to church. We'll go door to door then have lunch provided in the park. Keep inviting your neighbors and friends. Love you all, Pastor Rick
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Wednesday, December 31, 2008

COME ON IN 2009
I am excited and can't hardly sleep at night getting ready for our move to Clara Barton Elementary, this Sunday as we usher in the new year. Great things are in store for Legacy Church. Our new praise team is practicing (thanks to Luke Womack/Worship Leader for recruiting the best). Three new families joined this week (10 people). They already want to serve in hospitality, praise/audio team and children's ministry. Last week I challenged our people not to just sit in the service, but to serve and start by each inviting 5 people to Legacy - latest report is over 25 people have been invited to our first service of the new year. Are you building your Legacy? Let's praise God for His kindness to us this past year; and boldly ask Him to allow us to impact Eastvale with a Legacy of Love through Jesus. I Love you, Pastor Rick
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Monday, December 15, 2008

OUTREACH EFFORTS
I am so proud to work alongside such dedicated servants at Legacy Church. Even though we are only 8 weeks old as a church, our people are reaching out to our community. Thanksgiving we provided a basket of food for a single mom. Sunday we went door to door inviting our neighbors to church. Hundreds of dollars have been donated to buy a local family gifts and food. Turns out this family is three families living in one home, with 10 kids. We are so blessed to be able to serve in this way, but it is due to the generosity of the Legacy attenders. This is a wonderful season to share ourselves with our neighbors and friends. Thank you for your continued service. Please know Nita and I continue to pray for you all daily. Blessings, Pastor Rick
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Saturday, December 6, 2008

NEW WORSHIP LEADER / EAST VALE MOVE IN DATE
We are praising God for many blessings. Someone commented, "things are moving fast," and why not. God is Organized and His timing isn't our timing. Let me share some of the blessings of this week. Luke Womack, will begin as our Worship Leader tomorrow, 12.07.08. We are extremely blessed to serve alongside this young man. Luke is a Sophomore at California Baptist University, where he has served as FOCUS Leader, providing leadership for incoming Freshman. He has been leading worship since Junior High. He loves the Lord and desires to become a impact player at Legacy Church. Welcome Luke, we are blessed to serve with you. NEW LOCATION The target date for move in to Clara Barton School is 01.04.09 - we'll know more next week about the details. We have been praying for a worship leader and a site - we shouldn't be surprised to see God at work. Last week we asked you to begin to pray for dividers for the new worship room (so we can grow with the room). Deryl Lackey, our DOM has dividers - we'll pick up next week. As you prepare for worship on Sunday, think of a friend you can invite and come join us. Praying for you daily, Pastor Rick
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Thursday, November 27, 2008

New Location
Well, the Tuesday meeting at a possible new site got postponed to Wednesday. I met today with the administration and shared our vision. They were very accommodating and YES! They said, YES! OUR NEW LOCATION WILL BE CLARA BARTON SCHOOL, EASTVALE, CORONA (not sure yet of the move in date). Nita and I are praising the Lord at the same time comes a "crisis of belief." Where the next thing you do proves what you believe about God. We believe He will provide the rent money. Our Legacy team is stepping out in faith and we are excited to begin to serve the Eastvale community. Last Sunday, several of us prayer walked the entire block and I know God heard those prayer. There are thousands of people in this new mission field. We are trying to not get ahead of God, but naturally our minds start planning block parties, bible studies, events in the park that is right next to the school to show the community God cares for them. One step at a time and only stepping with Jesus has to remain our goal. I am truly thankful this Thanksgiving for many things, for especially my Lord and savior and for the faithful Legacy Team. I am thankful for the hundreds of prayer partners around the world. God Bless you, Pastor Rick
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Monday, November 24, 2008

Highest attendance ever
WOW! Sunday was exciting. Thanks to the Banuelos we had power point up and running. People just kept coming and we filled the garage. Luke Womack, from CBU did and outstanding job of leading our music and the speaker, Moses Caesar touched every heart with his message of hope. We had 4 children in KIDZ JUNGLE and 3 leaders (pretty good ratio). They heard about God's creation. We've had a free ride so far. We have met without paying rent. Tuesday, 11/25 at 2:30 we meet with a school in Eastvale to discover the possibilities of using their facility. Preliminary meetings have taken place and the prospects look good. Please Pray for the facility and for the rent money! Have a great week. Stay in the Word and focused on God. It is only through Him we leave a Legacy. Humbled to be your Pastor, Rick
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