by Bret Capranica | May 2, 2010 | Ordinary Pastor, Personal
Just a few minutes ago I read the following to our congregation: After many months of discussion and prayer, the Pastors”™ Council has recognized that our present leadership make-up has reached an impasse in how we function as a team. When considering what would be best for the long-term benefit for the majority of the congregation, I have concurred with my other two team members, that I should step down from my position as Co-Senior Pastor of FBCSJ. Therefore, today I am accepting a severance offered by the Pastors”™ Council and will resign my ministry here effective June 1, 2010. We, as a team, have not reached this conclusion hastily. We have been discussing it for many months. My leaving is not due to any issue of sin (either within myself or anyone on the team) and there is no fundamental doctrinal or seminal philosophy of ministry division. We have, however, recognized that it would serve this church and the kingdom of God best if we separate. I do affirm my love, support, friendship, and loyalty to both Marvin and Stacy. Our parting is very much mutual and will in no way dissolve our personal relationships. We on the Pastors”™ Council affirm the strategic and God-wrought blessings of the past eight years in our team approach to ministry. None of us regrets our approach and we believe what we have accomplished together has been from the Lord. We do, however, recognize that our leadership structure has changed and needs further change to be most healthy for the long-term benefit of the church. We believe God was the author of...
by Bret Capranica | Mar 6, 2010 | Personal
That’s the moral of the story. Last weekend my cousin won the Texas State Wrestling championship (148 lbs.), dominating 13-4. Wow. Impressive season – impressive career. Congratulations Julie! Wrestling Videos on...
by Bret Capranica | Dec 22, 2009 | Featured Articles, Personal
While in the process of making our annual family DVD to give to family & close friends, I put together this little pictorial review of all the goings on in our family. It has been quite an emotional year as a family. Major high points and some deep moments of trial. When 2009 began, we could never have imagined what the Lord had in store. We end 2009 with unbelievably grateful hearts. [YouTube Video] The professional photos were done by the incomparable...
by Bret Capranica | Nov 20, 2009 | Adoption, Featured Articles, Marriage and Family, Personal
Today was a great day, celebrating God’s providential goodness in brining Emilia Ann Capranica into our home. It’s official, she’s a Capranica. When Emi came to us, it was just after losing Lizzy. We took her in, being told that it was highly likely she would only be with us a short time. She’s now family. What a joy. Once again, we packed out Commissioner Bradley Snell’s courtroom in Temecula and heard him tell us that under the law she is viewed as our natural born daughter with all the rights, duties, and responsibilities as parent and child. Here’s the video (the volume is bad, you’ll need to turn it up): Many family and friends could not come today – we missed you more than you can know. We’re so thrilled with those who could. Perhaps the video will give you a taste of our joyful day. Thanks to all who made it to the court, to all who have prayed and encouraged, and to all who stopped by to celebrate afterward. Here’s all of us singing “Happy B-day” to Emi (her birthday is next week – 2 years). Brie was just as excited as...
by Bret Capranica | Sep 25, 2009 | Adoption, Featured Articles, Marriage and Family, Personal
[YouTube Video] On Tuesday of this week we received a phone call regarding fostering a 2 day old little boy who happens to be Brie’s half brother. Gladly we picked up little David Andrew from the hospital and brought him home. Oh yeah, and it happened to be my 40th birthday. Pretty great gift. So, we begin the process again of fostering a little one who may actually become a part of the family. The Lord’s will be done for his glory. Until we know, we’re enjoying every...
by Bret Capranica | Aug 8, 2009 | Personal, Technology
UPDATE: Check out THIS article that says what I liked about the store is really not all that good. Hmm. Apple is an awesome experience in my book. Since recently converting to exclusively using Macs in my work and personal worlds, I have continually been amazed at the ease, simplicity – well, the enjoyment of working with them. I haven’ had a downside yet (I would like a little more RAM in my iMac – but that will be soon, and I’ll write about the experience). One experience, yesterday, had me wowed with Apple. It was a first for me and I left enjoying the Apple experience all over again. It is simple, not particularly important; but it did leave an impression on me. While waiting for my wife and kids to arrive from a train ride, I was contemplating how to use the extra time. Find an Apple store, of course. So, while driving, I opened up Google search on my iPhone and said (I love the voice capability of that app) “Apple Store Oceanside, California.” It found it “presto,” and with one click I had it pull up a map to the store from my current location. Great, 8 miles from where I would meet up with the family. When I walked into the store I was immediately greeted by one of the “blue shirted” dudes who welcomed me to “Apple.” I really wasn’t looking for anything in particular, just wanted to look around, which they encouraged me to do. As I was considering the plethora of car kits and carrying cases for my iPhone, I came across exactly...
