NorCalUrban

Another homicide in EPA this weekend. Another young life cut short. This one was closer to home, since it was the son of one of the other tenants in our building. I'm tired of the violence. You can read the news report here. Pastor Bains knew this young man well. I found strength in the U2 song 'Drowning Man' this morning. I'll take it as words from God and a prayer for the family. Take my hand You know I'll be there If you can I'll cross the sky for your love For I have promised Oh, to be with you tonight And for the time that will come Take my hand You know I'll be there If you can I'll cross the sky for your love And I understand These winds and tides This change of times Won't drag you away Hold on, and hold on tightly Hold on, and don't let go Of my love The storms will pass...the storm will pass... It won't be long now...it won't be long now... His love will last His love will last...forever Take my hand You know I'll be there...

Thanks to Silicon Valley Community Foundation  for a great article in their new magazine "One". Pastor Bains and I are on the cover - check us out! We really appreciate the exposure! Link to it here and see the whole article.

News article on the Pastor Bains' "Lord's Gym" project: EAST PALO ALTO — Pingpong balls whizzed by Pastor Paul Bains' head as he played his own game, paddle in hand. He stared at his opponent across the table and prepared to strike. Whack! The ball smacked the net. Bains placed the paddle on the table and went about his business — creating positive peer pressure. Around him, at-risk teens played inside Lord's Gym Community Center on their lunch break last week. "You have to touch their hearts so you can help them change their minds," Bains said. "We talk to them about staying in school and going to college. These kids have potential. They have energy." For the last few weeks, the center has been a haven for the community's youth. To them, Bains is known as "Preach," "Uncle Paul" or "Pastor Paul." The 46-year-old is the pastor at St. Samuel Church of God in Christ on East Bayshore Road and a senior chaplain...

Played golf with my normal crew this morning at Palo Alto Muni. My Friday morning partners are a bunch of retired guys and a couple of pastors who have welcomed me into their normal group. It's good to be the youngest! They really are a great group of men. I feel honored to be with them One man is 82 years old and is still walking 18 holes! I can't complain about my sore feet when I'm with them. I shot a horrible 53 on the front nine then parred 4 holes in a row to shoot 43 on the back ending with a score of 96. Not great, but getting better! My handicap is now 24.3, down from around plus 30 6 months ago. The Yankees are in town this weekend playing the Giants. I like both teams, but I'm a Yankee fan at heart. The Giants are my National League team. It's the first time the Yankees have played in San Francisco. I couldn't get tickets - but I'm watching it on TV. This week is our yearly Church of God in Christ California Northwest Holy Convocation. This year...