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

Granite Creek Community Church
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​The Bio of Tolkien

Out of the Frying Pan, Into the Fire

In the past few years, we have gone from one life-altering experience to another. We have been in a constant state of stress since the Pandemic. We have not only survived a pandemic that polarized the world, our nation, families, and friends, but we have also had to navigate racial tensions, political divides, a war on sexual identity, wildfires, and scandals in entertainment, politics, and religion. I feel like we haven't had time to catch our breath. Common quotes among church leaders and from society in general state, “When we get back to life as normal.” or “I can’t wait for all this to be over.” Now there is even more fear and division with the Supreme Court ruling overturning Roe V Wade (which I was pleasantly shocked about, being a pro-life pastor) and the reality of a legitimate drought and a genuine feeling of financial recession. A few months ago, while pondering the latest heap of bad news, I caught myself saying, “We are just going from the frying pan into the fire.” That famous quote I learned from The Hobbit by English author JRR Tolkien. My favorite author. And this was my muse to teach a series on the Biography of Tolkien.

The heroes of The Hobbit story left the peaceful quaint Shire, only to face peril and danger in the darkest of places. They were being chased through caverns under a misty mountain by monsters and malevolent forces bent on their destruction. They finally ascended and escaped to freedom to the above-ground world, only to find more monsters; this time, it was wolves chasing them through the woods. They were forced to climb trees in order not to be eaten. In “From the Frying Pan Into the Fire,” the heroes realize that “they are not going to get back to life as they knew it” and that this constant state of stress is now “the new normal.” And this is where the Church is now in relation to the World and the End of Days, the days of living in the “Shire” as a passive Christian are gone.

So, why do a series on “The Biography on JRR Tolkien,” you may ask? Why study an author who writes fairy tales about wizards, dragons, and elves? Well, for two reasons:

  1. I have a good argument that Tolkien is the most influential Christian of the 20th & 21st centuries. Tolkien was more influential in leading others to Christ than evangelists Dr. Billy Graham or Reinhard Bonnke. You will have to give me time and an open mind to flesh out that thread.
  2. Tolkien's personal life and times are very similar to our times. During Tolkien's time after World War I, society was a lot like ours, with political divisions, financial fears, and corruption that affected many. We can learn some parallels and lessons from Tolkien to apply to our lives to help us navigate dangerous times.

Tolkien is important to the Christian not because he wrote some of the best-selling, most beloved books of all time. He is essential to the modern Christian because he had a very powerful message to communicate, a message of warning against the pride and arrogance of this present evil age, a message of courage when faced with impossible circumstances, and a message of beauty and love and unwavering hope in God when all seems lost.

By Pastor Joshua Kapchinsky


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

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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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