8/15/11 update: By the time Pastor Greg Laurie began his interview of America’s “Unbroken” World War II Hero Louis Zamperina, ushers had essentially filled every section of Angel Stadium, a surprising first for a Saturday night Harvest event.
All three nights of the 2011 OC event are archived, with links below.
Next up for Laurie is a one night Crusade in Dodger Stadium in less than 4 weeks on Saturday, 9/10/11, a date we can all remember. The event starts at 6 p.m., which means the band probably starts at 5:45. I think I may just stop by Philippe’s for French Dip to go around 4, then head up to Dodger Stadium & try to grab a seat by 5 and beat the crowd.
- Click here to watch Sunday night’s Harvest event (8/14/2011), with the Lois Zamperini interview and a message from Greg Lauri,
- Click here for Friday night’s service, The Bethany Hamilton interview starts with a video about 37 minutes into the program, a video leading up to Greg Laurie’s message starts about 1 hour and 10 minutes into the program (click near the bottom & drag to fast forward).
- Click here for Saturday night’s service, with louder, more contemporary music, including Red & Lincoln Brewster, as well as a message from Pastor Greg on “Let God Change Your Life,” preceded by a brief biographic video one hour and 24 minutes into the service (click near the bottom & drag forward to skip the music).
Sunday’s musicians included Jars of Clay, Jeremy Camp, & Francesca Battistelli, plus special guest Louis Zamperini, the World War II hero who was the subject of the bestseller Unbroken, by Laura Hillenbrand. Sunday’s event begins at 6, I recommend shooting to arrive at Angel Stadium by 5 or earlier. Gates open to the Stadium itself at 4:30, the parking lot opens earlier.
(8/11/2011, Los Alamitos, CA) Riverside Pastor and long time O.C. resident Greg Laurie brings his Harvest Crusade to Orange County for the 22nd year in a row this Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights at Angel Stadium in Anaheim.
What exactly is a Harvest Crusade like? Church for those who don’t like church? A combination of outstanding music of several varieties and a jargon-free, relevant presentation of some basic truths of Christianity by a dynamic, humorous Riverside pastor with about 35,000 of your new best friends? A Billy Graham Crusade updated for the 21st century without the hymns, choir, suits, or southern accent?
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Years ago I went with a Catholic friend to one of “Pastor Greg’s” Monday night “Bible Studies at my church. I guess he’d never seen anything quite like that. About 2,000 people from teenagers to early middle aged packed out the building well before it began. A “worship band” led a protracted time of music and singing before Greg took the platform.
“Man,” my friend remarked, “I’ve never seen a pastor with a band like that opening for him!” My friend found the message stirring enought that he stayed behind to speak afterward to register a new commitment to his faith.
Greg Laurie
You may recall that several years ago Greg’s son Christopher, who was graphic art director for Greg’s church and his Crusades, died in a tragic car accident just weeks before the 19th annual Southern California Crusade. Since then, many detect a greater depth in Greg’s messages.
If you’re looking for something totally different this weekend, or looking to recharge your spiritual batteries, the good news is the Crusade events are free. And they do take an offering to help with expenses, so drop in a buck if you want & it’s still pretty close to free.
If you park at the stadium lot, the usual $12 fee applies, as well as the after the event traffic unless you park near an exit. I find the lots in businesses across State College or Katella save money and help me get out quicker.
Start times & Special Musicians:
Note: Plan on arriving at least 30 minutes before the start time (7 Fri. & Sat., 6 Sun to allow time to park and get into the stadium. Arrive earlier for a seat closer to the platform.
Links for More Info:
Website for Anaheiml 2011 Harvest Crusade
Website for Los Angeles 9/10/11 Harvest @ Dodger Stadium
Pastor Greg’s devotional for today
The following video is a 5 minute mini-bio of Louis Zamperini, for those wanting more info than the briefer video embedded at the top of this post. BTW, this may be the only time you see someone wearing a USC Cap on this blog. (You’re welcome, Troy!)
Zamperini will also be speaking at Parkcrest Christian Church 3936 Woodruff just south of Carson on Sunday afternoon, 9/11/2011, call church for ticket info, 562.421.9374.
Obviously, if religious events offend you, a Harvest Crusade may not be for you. Then again, it may be exactly what your really need!
If you’d like to taste a decidedly more contemporary expression of a 2,000 year old faith, may be seeking some answers to life’s timeless questions, or in need of comfort or stability in these crazy days, it might worth taking a drive down Katella or the 22 this weekend.
You sure can’t beat the price, and it might just change your life.
If you’ve attended a Crusade in the past, or just have some thoughts on the topic or something to add, your comments are welcome. As always, please try to be respectful and use family friendly language.
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