1580 N Claremont Blvd, Claremont, CA 91711  ·   (909) 625-4455  ·         Give

Granite Creek Community Church
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ART OF FAITH by Pastor Josh Kapchinsky

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I have learned that there is an art to faith, it’s a bit of a creative dance with God. Recently I was in a prayer meeting with other local pastors. We gather and pray for each other's needs and churches; it's a great time to reflect on what God is doing in other churches besides Granite Creek.

We reflect on the state of our churches and society, navigating a global pandemic that has changed us. During the prayer meeting, another Claremont pastor made a statement that stuck with me and resonated with the whole group. It was a simple statement, but it felt as if her words had power, if not prophetic. She said, "Historically, there is a renaissance after the plague." What a statement, what a proclamation, what a declaration!

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I, too, am anticipating a renaissance. The definition of Renaissance is literally "Rebirth" in French...

"A period in European civilization immediately following the Middle Ages and conventionally held to have been characterized by a surge of interest in Classical Scholarship and values.The Renaissance also witnessed the discovery and exploration of new continents, the substitution of the Copernican for the Ptolemaic system of astronomy, the decline of the feudal system and the growth of commerce, and the invention or application of such potentially powerful innovations as paper, printing, the mariner's compass, and gunpowder. To the scholars and thinkers of the day, however, it was primarily a time of the revival of classical learning and wisdom after a long period of cultural decline and stagnation."

The Middle Ages, or The Dark Ages, were marked by fear, war, and plague. People turned to superstitions to explain the tough questions about why God allowed the Black Plague or the invasions of Barbarians and significant divisions in the church. Every sickness, every hardship, every problem had an evil spirit attached to it. A devil was hiding behind every bush, just waiting to jump out and get you! What an unnecessarily fearful state to live in.

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Turning to superstition is still happening today, and it feels as if we are in a bit of a "dark age." Everyone wants answers as to why our world seems to be falling apart or why bad things are happening to good people. Horoscopes, Tarot cards, and mediums are still used to "help" people figure out who they are and give them, although false, a little hope and control. Most Christians see these cult practices as inappropriate if not evil, as they should, yet have no qualms taking a personality test on what Star Wars characters they are most like. I'm not trying to be a joy kill on having some fun with your personality online, but it seems to be so prevalent that people are taking these assessments seriously or at least letting them consume their time.

Furthermore, when Christians look for black and white answers to why life is not in balance, they often develop unbalanced theologies that God never intended. For example, how do we as Christians process natural disasters that take innocent people's lives? Some would say that it's the wrath of God being poured out on sinful people, as some Christians made a case for Hurricane Katrina back in 2005, killing 1800 people and destroying New Orleans. Calling New Orleans a wicked city worthy of God's judgment would be a naive answer to explain that tragedy. The truth is that the French Quarter, the most Godless part of the city, was spared, so an act of God is not a good answer.

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How do we process the current war in Ukraine? Are Putin's actions attacking a sovereign nation God's will to bring about the End of Days? Some Christians think that but I doubt it; God is not the author of evil.

Global disasters and geopolitical crises are concerning and quickly become the center of our personal worlds. Yet, we cannot allow these significant issues to darken our minds and steal our "Kingdom." For we are in this World, but not of this World. Our World is Jesus, His message is the Kingdom of God, and when the Kingdom of God is our center and not the World, God says we will experience righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.

“For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. For whoever serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and approved by men. So then, let us pursue what leads to peace and mutual edification.” - Romans 14:17-19

Understanding what is going on in the World is one thing; understanding what's going on in our personal lives is another and maybe even harder to discern. If you are having problems in your marriage, an easy answer to your turmoil is to believe that your spouse is demon-possessed. They might be, but you and your spouse most likely just need to invest in your marriage and go to counseling. You might believe that you are under a spiritual attack because your kids are unruly or you are about to get fired from your job… maybe. But going to another power prayer meeting or warfare conference is not gonna solve those personal problems. We know biblically that God wants us to discipline our children and work our jobs with integrity, as if we were working for God himself. The word of God tells us what to do, and yet we often get stuck in religious dysfunction and use "God stuff" as an excuse to run from God's word. Peter Scazzero writes in his book Emotionally Healthy Spirituality that we are "Using God to run from God."

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I do not want to downplay the craziness of this current evil age or of your personal lives, and I, as your pastor, will be the first to say that I do not understand all of God's ways. His ways are not our ways. I cannot determine how He chooses to respond to His free, fallen creations. However, it is clear to me that not everything has to be clear, that we do not have to have all the answers or know the future. In fact, I don't think we were meant to see. I believe things are constantly changing and feel confusing for a reason. What I do know to be true is that we have been called to conduct ourselves in healthy ways when under stress. In dark times the Christian is called to have a bright mind.

“For God did not give us a spirit of timidity or cowardice or fear, but He has given us a spirit of power and of love and of sound judgment and personal discipline abilities that result in a calm, well-balanced mind and self-control.” - 2 Timothy 1:7 AMP

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A Renaissance or rebirth of the heart and mind, of family and culture, takes place when we shed those superstitious, must know, fear-based religious attitudes. Replace the negative narrative with the positive qualities listed in 2 Timothy, such as power, love, sound judgment, personal discipline, calmness, balance, and self-control, given by God to us to combat fear.

Faith is an art form. Let’s look for a new Renaissance, a new and creative move of God after the darkness fades. If there is no renaissance on the horizon, we need to predict the end of days. Either way, there is an art to faith. Allow God to renew you, body, mind and spirit.


Leadership

Pastor Joshua Kapchinsky
Pastor Josh
9096254455 
Pastor Meko Kapchinsky
Teaching Pastor/Security Director

Pastor Joshua Kapchinsky

Lead Pastor
9096254455 |

I am a husband, father, minister, and antiques dealer. I grew up memorizing Bible verses as well as being able to discern if a piece of furniture was a reproduction or a true heirloom.

I love discovering cool, old stuff and sharing it with others. Nothing compares to inhaling the soothing, musty scent of an old leather club chair, or feeling the well-worn patina of a 16th century church candlestick. Unlike newer pieces that might cost the same and be had in trendy shops like Pottery Barn or Restoration Hardware, antiques possess true character and history. When purchasing antiques, one gains great pleasure not just from the actual act of possession, but from the process of acquiring as well.

My college education, as well as other life opportunities, helped cultivate my fondness for "cool, old stuff." Equipped with a B.A. in HIstory from Westmont College, I went on to curate the Karpeles Manuscript Museum in Santa Barbara, and later served as Director of the Karpeles Manuscript Museum in Charleston, South Carolina.

Inevitably, I opened my own antique business in 1998 in Pasadena, on Colorado Boulevard with items hand-picked from Belgium and France. Preston Roberts Antiques featured French, Italian, and Spanish antiques that usually were masculine in style or religious in theme. It was always a big rush when my containers would arrive and I called my favorite clients, allowing them a sneak-peek into my treasure trove of finds.

Today, my treasure seeking revolves less around material items and more around people. As the Lead Pastor at Granite Creek Community Church in Claremont, California, I gain great satisfaction in mining for spiritual treasure among the families and individuals we serve.

Joshua and his wife, Meko, have a passion to develop leaders, encourage the arts, and to continue to create a place where people find friends and inspiration to live their best life. Meko is the College and Young Adult Pastor.

Downplay societies influence on your soul and life. Instead, focus on the impactfullnes of a Christ centered Kingdom perspective.

— Joshua Kapchinsky (@JoshKapchinsky) January 2, 2021


Pastor Meko Kapchinsky

Teaching Pastor/Security Director

Coffee, not blood, courses through my veins.

I'm a closet Sci Fi nerd, but I draw the line at conventions and costumes;

LOVE my family, especially my daughter and my hubby; my sister and bro-in-law and nephews; my sis Alex; love my church family, especially people who work with youth. Totally into HARVEYS purses; love shoes; I'm a big theology nerd; I love my college and young adult kids like they're my own.

Azusa Pacific University
Class of 2010 MA in Religion

Westmont College
Class of 1994 BA in Philosophy and English

Our Mission & Vision

Our Mission is summed up in three words, "Relationship not Religion", it's what we do. We are mindful to be in healthy relationships with God and others as opposed to a system of rules and regulations.

Our Vision, what we are praying and asking God to do, is "To see Families and Culture Transformed by Heaven" We want to see Heaven save our world and we believe that that transformation starts in the home.

Sermons

  • Nov 26 | Pastor Mandy VanHolsbeck
    Courage to Walk in Your Calling
  • Nov 19 | Pastor Joshua Kapchinsky
    What Are You Into?
  • Nov 12 | Pastor Meko Kapchinsky
    Courage to Walk in Unity
  • Nov 5 | Pastor Michael Jones
    Courage to Walk with God Behind You
  • Oct 29 | Pastor Joshua Kapchinsky
    Longevity: The Blessing of Faithfulness

Upcoming at Granite Creek

Wednesday, 11/29 at 6:30 PM
Living Nativity Rehearsal
Saturday, 12/2 at 8:00 AM
Toy Drive
Saturday, 12/2 at 9:00 AM
WORK DAY for Nativity 9 am - 12 pm & lunch
Saturday, 12/2 at 10:00 AM
WOMEN'S CHRISTMAS BRUNCH
Sunday, 12/3 at 10:00 AM
SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP SERVICE
Sunday, 12/3 at 12:45 PM
Living Nativity Rehearsal
Tuesday, 12/5 at 6:30 AM
Tuesday Morning Prayer
Tuesday, 12/5 at 6:30 PM
ENTRUSTED - Women's Tuesday Night Bible Study

Living Nativity Rehearsal

Wednesday, November 29, 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM

Meet in the Sanctuary

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Toy Drive

Saturday, December 2, 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Click here to view on Google Calendar.

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WORK DAY for Nativity 9 am - 12 pm & lunch

Saturday, December 2, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Work Day also on Dec 9, 9 am -12 pm.

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WOMEN'S CHRISTMAS BRUNCH

Saturday, December 2, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Oh Come Let Us Adore Him! Cost is $15 each guest Beautiful Breakfast Brunch Shop With a Mission store will be there for Christmas shopping that gives back!

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SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP SERVICE

Sunday, December 3, 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

Includes Kids Ministry (K-5th Grade upstairs) and Preschool/Nursery Classes (downstairs). No registration needed for Sunday Service! Go to www.granitecreek.org or Facebook for online live feed.

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Living Nativity Rehearsal

Sunday, December 3, 12:45 PM - 2:15 PM

Meet in Sanctuary

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Tuesday Morning Prayer

Tuesday, December 5, 6:30 AM - 7:00 AM

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ENTRUSTED - Women's Tuesday Night Bible Study

Tuesday, December 5, 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM

A 6-Session Study of 2 Timothy by Beth Moore

Learn To Guard What God Has Entrusted To You

We were never meant to take this journey of faith alone or in secret. God has entrusted us with the great and mighty gift of the gospel, something too precious and life-giving to keep to ourselves.

In this 6-session Bible study, Beth will encourage you to guard what God has entrusted to you, further His kingdom by sharing Christ with others, and pour into future generations just as Paul once mentored Timothy. Because in this journey of joy and hardship, we need each other to stay the course and live lives of faithfulness.

 

Book available through Lifeway or Amazon. REGISTER ONLINE!



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Granite Creek Community Church | 1580 N Claremont Blvd Claremont, CA 91711 | (909) 625-4455

SUNDAYS - 10:00 AM


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Service Times

Sundays

  • 10:00 AM - Indoor Safe Seating, Kids Church, and also ONLINE

Location

Granite Creek Community Church
1580 N Claremont Blvd
Claremont, CA 91711

Contact Us
(909) 625-4455

Newsletter Signup

Welcome Children Youth College Family / Adult

Granite Creek Community Church (GCCC) is a Spirit-filled church in the college town of Claremont, CA where it's all about relationship, not religion. Come celebrate with us Sunday mornings at 9:00 am & 11:00 am and at Sunday Night 6:30 - 7:30 pm.

In addition to three Sunday Services, we offer classes, small groups, training, youth opportunities, college groups, and various seasonal events throughout the year.

Get to Know Us

At Granite Creek, kids are a priority. One of our values is to see kids grow up to become everything God created them to be as they develop a personal faith and relationship with Christ in a safe and loving environment. We partner with parents to provide experiences that will meet their child's mental, emotional and spiritual needs, so that their children will become fully devoted followers of Christ.

More About Children's Programs

GCY is a ministry designed for 7th through 12th graders, to help students engage in a dynamic relationship with Jesus Christ, to experience God in a true and relevant way, while in a relational, safe, and relaxed environment. To show every student that God loves them and has an amazing plan for their lives. We know youth have real struggles, and it is our desire that each student know our team is genuinely there to listen, pray and care for them.

Granite Creek Youth

FIDELIS is the college and young adult group at Granite Creek Community Church! We're excited to encourage leadership for the next generation! Statistics show that we are losing a generation in the church (18-30 year olds) and at FIDELIS we aim to strengthen and support this generation as they define their faith walk and work through issues unique to them.

We are people-driven church, not program driven. Ministries exist to meet the spiritual, emotional, physical, and psychological needs of people. But, they also provide opportunities for members to grow in maturity in Christ through giving to others. GCCC ministries provide opportunities for you to serve others and actively pursue fulfilling God's purposes for your life.

Thank you for joining us in what God is doing at Granite Creek Community Church!

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