Can't make it to Catalyst West Coast?  No problem. 

Carlos Whittaker, Anne Jackson, & Brian Wurzell will be hosting Catalyst West Coast Backstage featuring behind the scenes coverage of all things Catalyst West Coast.  Don't miss exclusive interviews with speakers, artists, staff, & anyone else that might wander through the green room...

Join us this Thursday, April 22 & Friday, April 23 at www.catalystbackstage.com.  We'll go live Thursday morning at 8AM PST...

This is going to be a great week...

Catalyst West 2010: Top 10 Things You Need to Know

1. Sync Up: Twitter & Mobile Info site
:: Twitter: Stay connected to all things Catalyst through our twitter feed. Sign up now if you don't have an account. Use #catwest as the hash tag before, during, and after the event.

:: Mobile site: Access the conference site from your phone. Go to catalystwestcoast.com from your smart phone for updates, directions, restaurants, and more!

2. Tickets
CATALYST IS SOLD OUT. There will be no walk-up tickets available. If you haven't received your tickets in the mail yet, don't panic. We will have them waiting for you at will-call if you registered after April 1st. Registration kicks-off at 7:30 a.m. and the first session begins at 8:30 a.m. If you DO have your ticket, you can shorten your registration experience by filling-out the information on the bottom of your ticket in advance. If you have your ticket, proceed to the banner labeled "I HAVE A TICKET." If you are picking up tickets at will-call, proceed to the banner labeled "I DON'T HAVE A TICKET."

3. Labs
There is still time to sign-up for Labs! We have an incredible day of Lab sessions planned for Wednesday, April 21st. The opening worship session led by Aaron Keyes begins at 10:30 am, followed by a day of several impactful tracks to choose from. We will conclude the day together with a special closing session featuring John Ortberg. Walk-ups welcome on Wednesday morning.

4. Directions
Mariners Church address:
5001 Newport Coast Drive
Irvine, CA 92603
map it

5. WE NEED YOUR HELP
Catalyst wants to serve those less fortunate in the community through the Orange County Rescue Mission. We need every person coming (attendee, volunteer, group leader) to bring at least one or two items from the list below. Let's communicate the very heart of Christ when 3,500 leaders come together, and serve those in need by creating a better tomorrow for Orange County.

Donated items & gift cards will be collected in bins just outside the entrance. All Catalyst attendees are asked to bring the following items for donation (new and unopened):

• Diapers (sizes 5 & 6) - MOST NEEDED ITEM
• Laundry detergent - MOST NEEDED ITEM
• Towels & Wash Cloths
• Toiletries
• Canned Soup
• Gift Cards: Wal-Mart, Grocery, Fast Food
• Hygiene products: toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo, soap

6. Arrive Early
The Catalyst Pre-Show begins at 7:30 a.m. & doors open at 8:00 a.m. Start your day Catalyst style and get the best seats in the house. We can't stress enough - COME EARLY!

7. Thursday BBQ & Evening Session
Make plans to stay with us for Thursday's evening session with Louie Giglio and worship led by Chris Tomlin (starting at 7:30 p.m.). To avoid having to leave campus for dinner beforehand, Catalyst will have a BBQ out on the Main Lawn at Mariners. For only $5 you get your choice of a hamburger or hot dog, chips and a drink. Bring $5 (CASH ONLY) and be sure to purchase your BBQ ticket early on Thursday from Catalyst since quantities are limited! To add to your BBQ experience, Catalyst will be providing live entertainment and lawn games. Get ready, it's going to be quite a night!

8. Lunch on the Lawn (CASH ONLY)
We will provide lunch options during the event. Make sure to bring CASH if you plan on eating on-site.

9. Catalyst Backstage
LIVE feed from backstage throughout the event. Tell those who can't make it to tune-in for access to behind-the-scenes footage, exclusive interviews, and sneak peeks of the event. Spread the word! www.catalystbackstage.com

10. Special Thanks
We are grateful to our Presenting Sponsors for helping make Catalyst West a great experience. Check them out and be sure to stop by and visit their booths at the event!

• Clover Sites, Inc.
• Compassion International
• David C. Cook
• Integrity Music
• Indiana Wesleyan University

Bonus: [Response] located in the Chapel
Catalyst is filled with content, ideas, collaboration, and experiences, and while that is exactly why you come to Catalyst, there will be times when you need a quiet place to disconnect from the noise, take time to reflect, and listen for God's voice. [Response] is a reflective journey giving Catalyst attendees space to contemplate the wonder of God and hear His revelation for your life. Make sure to visit the chapel space when you need to unplug.

Double Bonus: Last chance to purchase Catalyst West 2009 CD & DVDs
This is your last opportunity to get this incredible content. Once the 2010 event begins we will not be able to make this content available. Visit the online Catalyst Store. ($50 off while supplies last).

We are counting down the minutes to your arrival!

Safe travels,

The Catalyst team

This is a guest blog post from Craig Groeschel, Pastor of LifeChurch.tv

If you’re trying to decide whether your church should take part in One Prayer, I wanted to share some potential benefits:

• People who don’t go to church take notice when churches bicker and tear each other down. You can show them something different with One Prayer. Instead of just talking about Jesus, we display His love through a unified and global biblical community.
• It’s a great way to bring energy to your church during what typically might be a slow season.
• One Prayer can help your people shift their focus outward through community service and outreach projects, as well as an offering to inspire generosity beyond the four walls of your church building.
• It’s the perfect opportunity for corporate prayer and fasting.
• If you’ve been wondering whether video teaching would work at your church, One Prayer is a low-risk way to try it out.
• You can build new relationships with churches in your community. Team up with them on a service project or simply use it as the reason to reach out and make a connection with other pastors. You never know what might result from those relationships!
• One Prayer is a chance for your church to experience something global. So far, churches from South Africa, Guatemala, Great Britain, India, Nigeria, Honduras, Australia, Bolivia, and more are participating.
• It gives pastors 3-4 weeks off from teaching, while other great spiritual leaders bring new perspectives to your church.

Now is the ideal time to register your church for One Prayer 2010.

If you’re already signed up, we’re glad to have you on board! We’d love it if you tell other pastors about One Prayer.  We don’t want to leave anyone out that wants to participate.  Don’t assume that everyone knows…they don’t.  Please take the time to invite your networks of relationships to join with us all. We’ve prepared some resources to make it easy for you to spread the word.

I’m really excited to see what God does in and through our churches during the third year of One Prayer!