Latest news with #BaptizeAmerica
Los Angeles Times
30-05-2025
- General
- Los Angeles Times
Around Town: Balboa Island Parade steps off this Sunday
Sunday will kick off the summer season on Balboa Island with the annual Balboa Island Parade. The theme this year is 'Celebrating 30 years on Balboa Island — A Tribute to Our First Responders,' a nod not only to the number of years the parade has taken place, but also to the opening 30 years ago of Newport Beach fire station No. 4 in a then-new facility. The Grand Marshal this year is Newport Beach Fire Chief Jeff Boyles. 'Even though I'm selected to serve as Grand Marshal, it's not lost on me that I am the representative of our entire first responder community and for that I'm extremely honored,' Boyles said. Along with two hours of fun-filled entertainment, the parade provides an opportunity to come out and thank the firefighters, police, paramedics, harbor patrol personnel and lifeguards who keep everyone safe on Balboa Island. 'We start planning in January and with 78 volunteers, a lot goes on behind the scenes,' said co-chair, Gail Vasterling of the Balboa Island Improvement Assn. 'It takes an army.' Among the 99 entries, paradegoers Sunday can expect to see horses, floats, decorated cars, Keystone Kops, U.S. Marines, the USC Marching Band, high school bands and drill teams. There will also be six dog groups, local dignitaries and a surprise four-legged guest this year. The parade begins on the Balboa Island Bridge at 11 a.m. and continues down Marine Avenue. It's followed by the afterparty concert featuring M Street band at the fire station. The bridge closes to traffic at 10:45 a.m. As part of a nationwide movement known as Baptize America, Oceans Church will join dozens of churches across California in hosting a mass baptism at Pirates Cove in Corona del Mar at 3 p.m. Sunday, June 8. The late Pastor Chuck Smith baptized thousands at the same cove during the 1970s Jesus Movement, when served the congregation at Calvary Chapel in Costa Mesa. The cove was also the launch site of Baptize SoCal in 2023, when more than 4,000 people were baptized in a single day. The Costa Mesa City Council will hold a regular meeting at 6 p.m. Tuesday in Council Chambers at City Hall, 77 Fair Drive. Among the agenda items are consideration for approval of the proposed operating and capital improvement program and housing authority budget for 2025-26. The panel will also take a look at a proposed agreement for the UCLA football team to use part of the Jack Hammet Sports Complex for training camp this summer. Orange County Museum of Art on June 21 will open 'California Biennial 2025: Desperate, Scared, But Social,' a new exhibit featuring artworks that span generations, from early works from established California artists to contemporary collaborations between artists and their children. They will be on view through Jan. 4, 2026. The exhibit took its title from the 1995 album by Orange County riot grrrl band Emily's Sassy Lime, who are featured artists. A celebratory opening day block party and public programs is planned for 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. June 21. 'The biennial arrives at a moment when both the present and future can feel uncertain, especially in the wake of devastating Los Angeles wildfires that have touched the lives of many participating artists, said Heidi Zuckerman, OCMA chief executive and director, in a news release. 'In response, the exhibition looks toward the generative power of youth, offering a vision of hope, perseverance, and possibility.' OCMA is located at 3333 Avenue of the Arts, Costa Mesa. Hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. Admission is free.
Int'l Business Times
19-05-2025
- Business
- Int'l Business Times
Turning Closed Doors into New Opportunities with the Association of Related Churches
Launching something new—whether it's a business, nonprofit, or, in the case of Mark and Rachelle Francey, a church—often involves navigating unexpected setbacks and closed doors. But with guidance from informed organizations such as the Association of Related Churches (ARC), leaders like Mark and Rachelle have learned how to use these challenges as opportunities for growth. Embracing Challenges: How Setbacks Fuel Growth Mark Francey, co-founder of Oceans Church in Orange County, California, knows that the path to starting something new can be uncertain. Before planting Oceans Church, Mark and Rachelle built their lives in Idaho for nearly two decades, initially hesitant to leave the familiarity of their established community. Their eventual move was not immediate or simple. Instead, they opted for a patient approach, influenced by mentors, including those from the Association of Related Churches, who encouraged them to wait for clarity rather than rush into decisions. This patience ultimately allowed them to seize the right opportunities at the right time. Building Momentum through Patience and Positive Relationships Mark emphasizes the importance of transitioning gracefully from one phase to the next. Leaving Idaho with positive relationships intact allowed Mark and Rachelle to start fresh in California. This smooth transition helped set the tone for their new venture. But even with careful planning, challenges inevitably arose. Early logistical problems, like losing access to their meeting location, could have halted their progress. Instead, they chose to see these setbacks as opportunities to innovate and adapt, fostering creativity and resilience in their team. Transforming Obstacles into Innovative Solutions This approach aligns closely with principles taught by the Association of Related Churches, which emphasize adaptability and resilience as key attributes for anyone starting new ventures. Rather than viewing obstacles as purely negative, the Franceys recognized these moments as opportunities to grow stronger and more resourceful. Creating Community Impact with Initiatives like Baptize America Mark and his team also initiated a community-driven event called Baptize America, first piloted in Southern California. What started as a regional gathering quickly gained attention, spreading across various states. The initiative effectively created a sense of unity and shared purpose, highlighting how powerful a community-oriented project can become when it genuinely resonates with people. Discovering Your Unique Path to Leadership and Success For those considering launching their own projects, Mark encourages authenticity and self-awareness. Rather than copying someone else's blueprint, Mark recommends embracing the unique skills and experiences each person naturally possesses. "Success comes from authentically leaning into your personal strengths," he says. The Association of Related Churches: Equipping Leaders for Lasting Influence Mark's experiences illustrate a universal truth about leadership and growth: Facing setbacks with patience, humility, and adaptability can open doors to new opportunities. Organizations like the Association of Related Churches support leaders as they navigate these transitions, emphasizing the value of viewing closed doors not as failures, but as opportunities to discover better paths forward. About the Association of Related Churches (ARC): The Association of Related Churches (ARC) represents a collaborative network comprising independent congregations from various denominations, networks, and backgrounds. Its primary mission is to provide essential support and resources to church planters and pastors, enabling them to effectively share the teachings of Jesus Christ. ARC's operational approach revolves around empowering and equipping church leaders, thus helping them foster the widespread dissemination of Christ's life-changing message. Established in 2000, the Association of Related Churches has evolved into a worldwide entity and has played a pivotal role in facilitating the establishment of over 1,100 new churches globally.
