hdconnections/ spring 2007: issue 42

PREPARING EVERY GENERATION TO CHANGE THEIR WORLDS FOR CHRIST!

hdcONNECTIONSSPRING‘07ISSUE 42

THE CONTENTS

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4WHAT KIND OF WORLD AWAITS YOU?by Tom Mercer, Senior PastorSomeday, God will stop providing us that “another” day. But until He does, we still have what eternity lacks. Time. Time to live in the world. Time to love in our world. What kind of world is it? A dying one. A needy one.

8BE THE CHURCHby Matt Coulombe, 7 Worship MinisterYes, Jesus has clearly called his church to live out a mission here on the earth. It’s a mission that goes beyond the walls of a building. It’s a mission that goes into the streets and into the culture. You can BE the church.

16ADULT MINISTRIESFind out more about our men and wom-en’s ministries.

21PF’s CORNERby Pastor Frank MercerWe are pleased to share PF’s insights from Paul’s letter to the Philippians, excerpts from PF’s devotional book, “Feasting on Philippians.”

25SPOTLIGHTDiscover what’s new at HDC..

4

8

by Tom Mercer, Senior Pastor

PAGE4SPRING‘07ISSUE 42

what kind

by now, you probably all know what an oikos is, but juuuuust in case...

The word itself is Greek and refers to an individual’s “household,” a group of anywhere from eight to fifteen people (on the average) whom God has stra-tegically placed in each of our relational worlds. His mission: get them. His method: use us!

Those eight to fifteen know you better than anyone else could. They are able to watch how you live, not just hear what you believe. They are subject to the most powerful testimony in the world, the testimony of your example. They know how you define the word “faithful.” In fact, as we have often said, if you could declare to the entire population of the planet that you were a follower of Jesus Christ, only eight to fifteen people would know if you were telling the truth. That’s your oikos. Here at HDC, we believe that you can look within that network of people and discover your life’s purpose.

That’s why we have framed our church’s ministry the way we have. When we consider all of the oikos networks that are represented in a church of 8,000 people, we recognize that the purpose of this church is to enhance our effi-ciency in communicating the love of God to anywhere from 64,000 to 120,000 people! HDC exists for that 64-120K group, the overwhelming majority of whom do not yet attend this or any other church.

of world awaitsYOU?

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SPRING‘07ISSUE 42

For centuries, the Christian church has debated the primary reason for it’s own ex-istence. It’s still a hot topic today! So hot, in fact, that every church has a clearly articulat-ed opinion about it (whether or not it shows up on a vision statement). And within a visit or two, you can usually figure out what that opinion is.

For some churches, the main thing is WORSHIP. They believe that the highest call of the church is to worship God. The only problem with that mindset is that we will worship God better the microsecond after we die than we will ever be able to do in this life, no matter what church we call home. Our carnality will simply not allow us to enjoy pure worship. We are distracted by too many things. Even when the worship leader is anointed by God’s Spirit in a unique way, our minds are all over the board. “The lights are too dim.” “The music is too loud.” “The song is too long.” “She looks like she slept in those clothes.” “Can you believe that comb-over?” “The game is going to start anytime.”

Isaiah 29:13, The Lord says: “These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship of me is made up only of rules taught by men.”

No, as important as worship is, if it was the main thing, then we would actually be better off dead!

Some churches are FELLOWSHIP church-es. They get together simply for the fellow-ship of other Christians. You can always tell which churches fall into that category. They are ecstatic when every seat in their small au-ditoriums are full. The biggest event on their calendars is the midweek pot-luck dinner or the next church picnic. Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m a big fellowship guy! I love get-ting together with other believers. But why would God give us a mission in the world to do something that we will do better when we leave it? Our fellowship, like our worship is polluted by our sinfulness.

I Corinthians 5:2, And you are proud! Shouldn’t you rather have been filled with grief

and have put out of your fellowship the man who did this?

No, as important as fellowship is, if it was the main thing then, once again, we would be better off dead.

And then you have the KNOWLEDGE churches, where the most important thing (if not the only thing) is growing in knowl-edge, learning the Bible inside and out. And the Bible is very clear, the disciplines that lend to our spiritual formation, including Bible study, will make us better disciples. But learning those disciplines can’t be the main thing we’re supposed to be pursuing. Even if you amassed academic degrees in every theological discipline imaginable, you will still know God better when you see Him face to face than you could ever hope to know Him before that unimaginable mo-ment. And, besides, our ability to assimilate spiritual knowledge is compromised by the same thing that negatively impacts our ability to worship and fellowship. Our sinfulness slows us down!

Hebrews 5:11, We have much to say about this, but it is hard to explain because you are slow to learn.

Then you have the OBEDIENCE churches. The main thing in those congrega-tions is to simply make sure their members follow all the rules. Who knows? Maybe we will become somehow more deserving of Heaven if our performance reflects that kind of merit? But, then again, why would God want us to puruse what He has clearly stated we cannot achieve, worthiness of Heaven through our earthly performance?

Ephesians 2:8-9, For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God- not by works, so that no-one can boast.

No, we are only qualified for Heaven because Jesus died for us and paid in full for all of our sins. So, when we die, the only credential we need is the faith that we placed in His performance.

WORSHIP, FELLOWSHIP, DISCIPLESHIP AND MINISTRY- ALL GREAT THINGS TO DO, BUT INDIvIDUALLY OR COLLECTIvELY, THEY DO NOT COMPRISE THE PURPOSE FOR THE CHURCH.

Worship, fellowship, discipleship and ministry- all great things to do, but individually or collectively, they do not comprise the purpose for the church. In fact, to accept any of those elements as the primary reason for the church’s existence is a death wish, to see no real reason for life before eternity. But when understood in the proper context, each one of them can help us more efficiently accomplish the real rea-son we are here. And, no matter how much you love to worship the Lord or fellowship with other believers or study God’s Word or obediently serve in ministry, the main thing in life is to keep the main thing the main thing!

God has to be keeping us here to accom-plish something that we cannot accomplish in Heaven. And that’s a short list! When you think about it, there are only two things that fit that category- (1) sin and (2) share Christ with non-believers. Those are the only two things that we can do in this life alone. (There will be neither sin nor non-believers in Heaven.) Which begs the question. Which one of those two things do you think God has kept you here to do?

Duh! So, go ahead and check off the components that contribute to a church’s efficiency.

4 Worship 4 Fellowship 4 Discipleship 4 Ministry

They are all important. But they only exist to make us better at the main thing, to prop us up to fulfill the real purpose for the church. Why has God given you another day of life?

HDC exists, not only to remind you of the answer to that question, but to prepare you to strategically engage the implications that answer creates. Someday, God will stop providing us that “another” day. But until He does, we still have what eternity lacks. Time. Time to live in the world. Time to love in our world. What kind of world is it? A dying one. A needy one.

A waiting one.

BeTHE

CHURCHby Matt Coulombe, 7 Worship Minister


What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word “church”? For some of you, it immediately brings up unpleasant childhood memories. You prob-ably got up early, dressed in your Sunday best, sat on a cold uncomfortable pew, and listened to a guy with Lego hair talk about things that didn’t make sense. Others reverted back to memories of Christmas, Easter or Mother’s Day. For others, you transported back to a wedding or funeral you once attended. Whatever the case, many (if not most) probably picture the church as a place you go to...a building where religious things take place inside.

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Did you know that there is not one verse in the Bible that says people “went to church”? According to Scripture, it’s actually impossible to “go to church”. Perhaps you’re think-ing to yourself, “Uhhh...I totally go to church every weekend! How can it be impossible to do what I obviously do each week?” Believe it or not, if you woke up this morning and said, “I am going to church today,” you would actually be making an incorrect statement, biblically speaking.

Are we just playing with words here? In some ways, per-haps. But the simple point I’m trying to make is this: the church is not a building. It’s not a service or a meeting or a program. It’s not The Island at HDC. The church is people! Specifically, it is people who have been saved by Jesus and called to carry out His mission on the earth. Therefore, the reason we can’t go to church, is because we are the church.

WHAT DOES JESUS EXPECT OF HIS CHURCH?

After his death and resurrection, Jesus reappeared to his fol-lowers. For a period of forty days, he spoke to them about the kingdom of God (Acts 1:3). He also spoke to them about what it means to effectively live as citizens of that kingdom here on the earth. The Bible records two very specific statements given to those he would soon leave behind at his ascension. These statements are directed to his disciples...his church.

The first statement is recorded in Matthew 28:19-20:

“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. There-fore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teach-ing them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Essentially, Jesus is saying, “I’m God over this entire uni-verse, so listen up and take me seriously! I’m getting ready to leave, and I’m entrusting this job to you: go and spread the

word...tell others about me. May your words be proven by a transformed lifestyle so that others would eagerly desire what you have and want to follow and obey me. Do it! I will be there to back you up every step along the way.”

The second statement Jesus makes is recorded in Acts 1:8:

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

In other words, “Don’t worry, I won’t be leaving you to do this on your own. The Holy Spirit’s going to come down and make his home in your heart. He’s going to give you power. So let Him live through you! Put my love on display to the people around you. Tell them what I have done for you! May the word ripple out to very edges so that all may hear about my love.”

These statements did not land on deaf ears. They were taken to heart by those who first heard them and they have echoed throughout human history, serving as a life calling for God’s “church” – His ekklesia, as the Greeks called it – literally, “the called out ones”.

Yes, Jesus has clearly called his church to live out a mission here on the earth. It’s a mission that goes beyond the walls of a building. It’s a mission that rises up from its comfortable theater-seat-with-a-cup-holder and goes into the streets and into the culture. It’s a mission that proclaims good news, upholds justice, stands against evil and stands out in the world. It’s a mission that is carried out with love and sacrifice.

I’ll admit, this stuff is really easy to type out on a com-puter. Actually doing it is the difficult part!

Mike Erre, in his book The Jesus of Suburbia, writes:

“To me, this isn’t great news. I love that Jesus carried his cross, but I would rather not carry my own. The way of the cross is love, sacrifice, and suffering. The way of the church is often arrogance, superiority, and judgment. It is easier simply to condemn the world around us than try to redeem it. [But Jesus] died for those he loved, and we’re expected to do no less. That is revolution. That is what the church is to be.”

Erre also goes on to note more specifically what this can look like for us within our culture:

“When the culture declares that the gospel of Donald Trump is the real path of happiness, we announce (and show with our lives) that joy is found in generosity and simplicity. When the world advocates power and con-trol, we advocate (and live) service and sacrifice. It is not revenge, but forgiveness. It is not divorce, but reconcili-ation. It is not status, but humility. In all these ways, we

Be

stand against the world and its false gods, but we do so in great love.”

Is this the church we presently see around us? Is it the church that exists within our small groups? In our neigh-borhoods? Workplaces? Schools? Are we being this kind of church? Or do we find ourselves more often complain-ing and criticizing because the church is not all we think it should be for us?

The Bible tells us that Christ loves his church...so much so that “he gave himself up for her” (Eph. 5:25). Our call is to do the same, giving ourselves up for the name and sake of Christ, pouring ourselves out to love God by loving people and sacrificing for them. By doing so, we will truly be his church – his Body – by putting him on display in a tangible way to the watching world around us. May the church, the people of God carrying out his mission here on the earth, be all that Jesus intended it to be when he passed on that baton 2000 years ago.

Through the power of God’s Spirit, we can be this church.

Let’s be the church, people!

DID YOU KNOW THAT THERE IS NOT ONE vERSE IN THE BIBLE THAT SAYS PEOPLE “WENT TO CHURCH”?

church

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MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN

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OZONE CLASSES-8:15 AM & 5 PMSPIRITUAL FORMATION CLASSES- 8:15 AM & 5 PM HARBOR- 8:15, 10 & 11:45 AM (children & youth programs available) SEvEN- 5 & 7 PM(children’s program available).

O-ZONE CLASSES- 8:15 AM & 5 PMSPIRITUAL FORMATION CLASSES- 8:15 AM BOARD MEETING- 2 PMWORSHIP SERvICES:HARBOR- 8:15, 10 & 11:45 AM (children & youth programs available) SEvEN- 5 & 7 PM(children’s program)

OZONE CLASSES- 8:15 AM & 5 PMSPIRITUAL FORMATION CLASSES- 8:15 AM & 5 PMBAPTISM CLASS 1- 10 AMHARBOR- 8:15, 10 & 11:45 AM (children & youth programs available) SEvEN- 5 & 7 PM(children’s program available).

OZONE CLASSES- 8:15 AM & 5 PMSPIRITUAL FORMATION CLASSES- 8:15 AM & 5 PMBAPTISM CLASS 2- 10 AMHARBOR- 8:15, 10 & 11:45 AM (children & youth programs available) SEvEN- 5 & 7 PM(children’s program available)

HARBOR- 4:30 & 6:30 PM (children & youth programs available)

TODAY’S LADIESBELIEvING & SERvING- 6:15 PM

SURRENDER- 7 PM

TLBS- 6:15 PM

SURRENDER- 7 PM

TLBS- 6:15 PM

SURRENDER- 7 PM

TLBS- 9:15 AM

JR. HIGH- 7 PM

TLBS- 9:15 AM

JR. HIGH- 7 PM

OBI- 6:30 PM

THE JOURNEY (LIFEPATH, DISCOvERINGDISCIPLESHIP, JOURNEY KIDS)- 7 PM

STATISFIED MOM’SIN LIFE’S EvERYSITUATIONS- 9:30 AM

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5 6 7 8 9 10 11

HDC

vISIT OUR WEBSITE AT WWW.HIGHDESERTCHURCH.COM OR CALL THE CHURCH OFFICE AT 760. 245.2415 FOR EvENT LOCATION AND DETAILS.

OIKOS BIBLE INSTITUTE-6:30 PM

THE JOURNEY (LIFEPATH, DISCOvERINGDISCIPLESHIP, JOURNEYKIDS)- 7 PM

OBI- 6:30 PM

THE JOURNEY(LIFEPATH, DISCOvERINGDISCIPLESHIP, JOURNEYKIDS)- 7 PM

HARBOR- 4:30 & 6:30 PM (children &youth programs available)

PARENT/ CHILD DEDICATION CLASS- 6:30PM

SMILES- 9:30 AM HARBOR- 4:30 & 6:30 PM (children & youth programs available)

1 2 3 4 STATISFIED MOM’SIN LIFE’S EvERYSITUATIONS- 9:30 AM


TLBS- 9:15 AM

JR. HIGH- 7 PM

SMILES- 9:30 AM MEN’S BREAKFAST-8 AMHARBOR- 4:30 & 6:30 PM (children & youth programs available)

TLBS- 6:15 PM

SURRENDER- 7 PM

TLBS- 9:15 AM

JR. HIGH- 7 PM

SMILES- 9:30 AM

26 27 28 29 30 31OBI- 6:30 PM

FU3L REUNION- 6 PM

BLOCK PARTY- 7 PM

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BOARD MEETING- 2 PMWORSHIP SERvICES:HARBOR- 8:15, 10 & 11:45 AM (children & youth programs available) SEvEN- 5 & 7 PM(children’s program available).

OZONE CLASSES- 5 PMHARBOR- 8:15, 10 & 11:45 AM (children & youth programs available) SEvEN- 5 & 7 PM(children’s program available).SPIRITUAL FORMATION CLASSES- 5 PM

OZONE CLASSES- 5 PMSPIRITUAL FORMATION CLASSES- 5 PMBAPTISM CLASS 1- 10 AMHARBOR- 8:15, 10 & 11:45 AM (children & youth programs available) SEvEN- 5 & 7 PM(children’s program available)


OZONE CLASSES- 4:30 PMSPIRITUAL FORMATION CLASSES- 6:30 PM

PARENT/ CHILD DEDICATION CLASS- 6:30PM

JR. HIGH- 7 PM

JR. HIGH- 7 PM


SURRENDER- 7 PM

TLBS- 6:15 PM

SURRENDER- 7 PM

TLBS- 6:15 PM

SURRENDER- 7 PM

TLBS- 9:15 AM

JR. HIGH- 7 PM

TLBS- 9:15 AM

JR. HIGH- 7 PM

OBI- 6:30 PM

THE JOURNEY (LIFEPATH, DISCOvERINGDISCIPLESHIP, JOURNEY KIDS)- 7 PM


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HDC

vISIT OUR WEBSITE AT WWW.HIGHDESERTCHURCH.COM OR CALL THE CHURCH OFFICE AT 760. 245.2415 FOR EvENT LOCATION AND DETAILS.

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SURRENDER- 7 PM

OBI- 6:30 PM


MEN’S BREAKFAST-8 AMHARBOR- 4:30 & 6:30 PM (children & youth programs available)OZONE CLASSES- 4:30 PMSPIRITUAL FORMATION CLASSES- 6:30 PM

INvISIBLE CHILDREN-WORLD TOUR- 4:30 PM

SMILES- 9:30 AM KIDS MATTER-CHILDREN’S SAFETY FAIR- 9:30 AM

HARBOR- 4:30 & 6:30 PM (children & youth programs available)OZONE CLASSES- 4:30 PMSPIRITUAL FORMATION CLASSES- 6:30 PM

OZONE CLASSES- 5 PMSPIRITUAL FORMATION CLASSES- 5 PMBAPTISM CLASS 2- 10 AMHARBOR- 8:15, 10 & 11:45 AM (children & youth programs available) SEvEN- 5 & 7 PM(children’s program available)

TLBS- 6:15 PM

SURRENDER- 7 PM

HARBOR- 8:15, 10 & 11:45 AM (children & youth programs available) SEvEN- 5 & 7 PM(children’s program available).

EASTER WEEKEND


OZONE CLASSES- 4:30 PM

SPIRITUAL FORMATION CLASSES- 6:30 PM

EASTER WEEKEND

2 3 4 5 6 7 8 HOLY WEEK

23 24 25 26 27 28 29OBI- 6:30 PM

FU3L REUNION-6 PM

BLOCK PARTY-7 PM

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OZONE CLASSES- 8:15 AM SPIRITUAL FORMATION CLASSES-8:15 AMHARBOR- 8:15, 10 & 11: 45 AM (children & youth programs available) SEvEN- 5 & 7 PM (children’s program available)MOTHER’S DAY

SPIRITUAL FORMATION CLASSES-8:15 AMOZONE CLASSES- 8:15 AM BAPTISM CLASS 1- 10 AMHARBOR- 8:15, 10 & 11: 45 AM (children & youth programs available) SEvEN- 5 & 7 PM (children’s program available)

SPIRITUAL FORMATION CLASSES-8:15 AMOZONE CLASSES- 8:15 AM BAPTISM CLASS 2- 10 AMHARBOR- 8:15, 10 & 11: 45 AM (children & youth programs available) SEvEN- 5 & 7 PM (children’s program available)

MOTHER/ DAUGHTER TEA- 8 AMMEN’S BREAKFAST- 8 AMHARBOR- 4:30 & 6:30 PM (children & youth programs available)OZONE CLASSES- 4:30 PMSPIRITUAL FORMATION CLASSES- 6:30 PM

NEXT LEvEL CONFERENCE- 8 AMHARBOR- 4:30 & 6:30 PM (children & youth programs available)OZONE CLASSES- 4:30 PMSPIRITUAL FORMATION CLASSES- 6:30 PMPARENT/ CHILD DEDICATIONCLASS- 6:30 PM


OZONE CLASSES- 4:30 PM

SPIRITUAL FORMATION CLASSES- 6:30 PM

TODAY’S LADIESBELIEvING & SERvING- 9:15 AM

JR. HIGH- 7 PM


SURRENDER- 7 PM



SMILES- 9:30 AM

SMILES- 9:30 AM

OBI- 6:30 PM


OBI- 6:30 PM


JR. HIGH- 7 PM

JR. HIGH- 7 PM

JR. HIGH- 7 PM

SURRENDER- 7 PM

MEMORIALDAY

HDCvISIT OUR WEBSITE AT WWW.HIGHDESERTCHURCH.COM OR CALL THE CHURCH OFFICE AT 760. 245.2415 FOR EvENT LOCATION AND DETAILS.

OZONE CLASSES- 4:30 PMSPIRITUAL FORMATION CLASSES: 6:30 PM

WORSHIP SERvICES:HARBOR- 4:30 & 6:30 PM (children & youth programs available)

CINCO DE MAYO!

OZONE CLASSES- 8:15 AM SPIRITUAL FORMATION CLASSES-8:15 AMBOARD MEETING- 2 PMHARBOR- 8:15, 10 & 11: 45 AM (children & youth programs available) SEvEN- 5 & 7 PM (children’s program available)

NEXT LEvEL CONFERENCE- 6 PM

SMILES- 9:30 AMOBI-6:30 PM


TLBS- 9:15 AM

JR. HIGH- 7 PM

SMILES- 9:30 AM


21 22 23 24 25 26 27OBI- 6:30 PM

FU3L REUNION- 6 PM

BLOCK PARTY- 7 PM

Merri attends SMILES

My name is Merri MacDonald. Since 1997, I have been involved with SMILES. The Bible studies I have gone through and the godly women I have met, have taught me and caused me to grow in my walk with the Lord. Nevertheless, I believe that in the last several years, the Lord has been trying to teach me of His sovereignty. I’ve learned that if I trust Him or not, it does not change the fact that He is in control of all things, including my life.

Since the beginning, God has wanted me to wait for His timing on so many situations. I wasn’t actually married until I was twenty-nine. My husband and I started to try and get pregnant right away. However, again God wanted me to wait. My husband and I endured about six and a half years of infertility. This was a very dark time in my life. I started fighting with God in my spirit and I became desperate in my soul for children.

In January of 1997, God chose to bless Rory and I with a beautiful boy through adoption. His name is Caleb. I am overwhelmed when I think of how great God’s love is for me. He would choose to bless me even when deep down my heart was against Him. When Caleb was just over a year old, I became pregnant with our second child. We named him Zachary, which means “Jehovah remembers”.

When my kids were one and three years old, God used SMILES and the Divine Surrender study to confront me with the fact that I was not fully surrendered to Him. My life was filled with the sin of fear over things that I could not control. I was brought to my knees and I confessed my sin to the Lord. He flooded me with His peace and I knew that my heart had changed. Shortly after this, I found out that I had breast cancer. Although this was a devastating blow, God completely covered me during this time with His presence and His indescribable peace. This year I celebrate my 7th anniversary of being cancer free!

In some ways, the cancer was easier to go through than the infertility, because I wasn’t fighting with God during that time. God has now poured out His blessings on me. He has allowed me to live. He has allowed me to be a wife to my husband and a mom to two beautiful boys. Any control we think we have is only an illusion. The truth is that God gives us peace when we submit our lives to Him.

SMILES’ upcoming Spring Session is now in progress. Come join us for Beth Moore’s latest in-depth study titled, “Daniel: Lives of Integrity, Words of Prophecy”. Registration cost is $50.

SMILES’ purpose is to prepare moms of all generations to change their worlds for Christ. We use God’s word to train a mom to focus on the priorities in her life such as her relationship with God, her family life, and her ministry. Whether you are a new mom for the first time, have teenagers, or you care for your grandchildren, SMILES is creating a place for moms who are hungry for some encouragement, adult conversation, and insight into God’s Word—the Bible.

Each year we grow together through worship, Bible studies, book studies, classes on marriage and family topics, speakers, time with friendship circles of 8 – 10 other moms, support, and prayer.

SMILES draws inspiration from Titus 2:4-5 which states, “Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.”

Childcare is provided for children birth through pre-school. Placement in the nursery or children’s program is by reservation only. Both programs fill extremely fast! To obtain program information or a registration packet please contact our registration director, Julia Burke at (760) 245-2415 ext. 530 or email at [email protected].

SERVING AS ONE(Bible study for singles 35 and older who have never been married or have lost a loved one through death or divorce)

Meets every Friday at HDC at 6:30pm. No childcare available. Call Brenda for more details at (760) 241-3704.

SMILES (Statisfied Moms In Life’s Every Situation) Bible Study Thursday from 9:30-11:45amSeptember through May

ADULT MINISTRIES

THE TRUE STORY OFMERRI MACDONALD


GROUPS

Monday from 7:00- 9:00pmCost is $30. (New season now in progress)

God stands ready to free you from your burdens, distress, and anxiety. He wants you free to enjoy a joyous, lifelong, and eternal relationship with His Son, Jesus Christ. Will you allow Jesus Christ our Savior to be the owner and master of your life? Saying yes is a God-called step to “Surrender.”

Surrender is a 13-week class for the individual who desires to yield to God so that He can change his or her life. Come and learn steps that will allow God to take away those obstacles that impede a rich and rewarding relationship with His Son, Jesus Christ.

Call the church office at (760) 245-2415 for more info.

OUTBACK FAMILIESThroughout the week. Call Todd Arnett in the church office at 245-2415 for more info or email [email protected].

TODAY’S LADIES BELIEVING & SERVING

Childcare available on Tuesdays only. Space is limited.TLBS: Monday at 6:15-8:45 PM in the chapelTLBS: Tuesday at 9:15-11:45 AM in the gym

We welcome all ladies ages 18 and over. Don’t forget to email [email protected], or call Patti in the church office at (760) 245-2415, ext. 261 for more info.

Our current session will take you on a journey with Beth Moore as we study “Beloved Disciple”. In this study, you will get to know John’s heart and examine the depths of Christ’s unconditional love. As we travel this journey with the beloved disciple, we will grow, as John did, in our desire to follow our Master and to love Him with all our being.

Registration cost $40.00 (scholarships available). Limited childcare available on Tuesdays. Register today! Remember that we are just pilgrims traveling through this world. Come, we’re saving a place for you this Spring!


MEN’S CORNER1) MEN’S BREAKFAST IN HDC GYM--Saturday, May 5th at 8 AM. Come for a delicious catered breakfast and guest speaker. Get your tickets at the church office or the Island.

2) MEN’S 3RD ANNUAL BBQ OUTREACH DINNER—Friday, July 13th at 6:30 PM in the HDC Gym. We will serve mouth-water-ing BBQ chicken and ribs, have door prizes, music, and a guest speaker. This is a great oikos opportunity!

3) HDC MEN’S CONFERENCE--November 9th-11th at Pinecrest Conference Center, Twin Peaks. The format for the conference this year will be different from previous years. New seminars and tour-naments will be implemented. Stay tuned for more info. Mark your calendars as this will be different than all previous years.

Name: Janie Craft

Occupation: BusinessOwner

Ministry Role: ABS Leader

Why did you get involve? I love seeing how much the girls desire to want to walk with God.

We Want You! If you are interested in investing in the lives of students, please contact us at (760) 245-2415 ext. 261/262

For many children, church and God have become something that they are expected to simply accept. If you go to church, your child follows too. As your child grows into a teenager, it is vital for them to realize that the faith that they have grown up with does not just have to belong to mom and dad, but it can belong to them as well.

All children grow up to be teenagers and the challenges of developing them into the follow-ers of Christ often hits a snag. So how do you help your teen take ownership of his or her faith? Well, our student ministry department has a few ideas to help your teenager firmly grab onto their own faith.

SMALL GROUPS OFFER BIG HELP Having your teenager involved in a small group will help them make their own connec-tions. Not only will they make a connection to many other teens, but also to great adult leaders who are waiting and willing to speak hope and truth into their life. More importantly, there is a chance fro them to make their own connection to Christ. Through lessons and activities that

Name: Heather Garibay

Occupation: Student

What did you get involve? The girls are amazing!

Ministry Role: Jr. High Tribe Elder

What healthy things do you see in the kids, the volunteers, the program as a whole? The program is so well structured. There are so many options on how to run a group.

Odd Hobby: I like to eat carrots and ranch burritos on my roof with my buddy Bridgette.

vOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT

vOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT

YOUTH MINISTRY

HELPING YOUR TEEN TAKE OWNERSHIP OF HIS/HER FAITHby Doug Story, Senior High Director

are crafted for teenagers, they will understand Biblical truth in their world and how it applies specifically to them. Small groups for Junior High (Tribes) meet Tuesday nights at 7 PM. Your teenager can sign up for the groups at the monthly Tribal Councils. Small groups for High School (Area Bible Study) meet on Wednesday nights in various homes across the desert. Maps and direc-tions can be picked up in the church office or during the youth services on the weekend.

HELPING OTHERS HELPS THEM There is no better way for a teen-ager to grow in his or her faith than to challenge them to put action to their faith. We try to give students as many opportunities as possible to serve others. From joining the Stu-dent Leaders Team to Community Service Projects, there are count-less ways in Student Ministries to serve others. When we teach your

JR. HIGH

TRIBES meet Tuesday nights at HDC from 7pm-8:15pm.

HIGH SCHOOL/ FU3L

ABS groups meet Wednesday nights in homes from 7pm-9pm.

ELEvATE ‘07Elevate is a unique night that gives 6th graders a chance to graduate into the junior high, and 8th graders into the high school. Make this a priority for your student as they transition into a new group.Dates: June 1st-2ndTimes: Friday at 5 PM– Saturday at 8 AM Cost: $40

Junior HighMarch 17th & 18th- Summer Camp packets available. March 27th- Tribal Council

April 2nd-5th- UpkeepersApril 20th-22nd- Milestones (Boys)April 24th- Tribal Council

May 4th-6th- Milestones (Girls)May 22nd- Grad NightMay 29th- Talent Show

High SchoolMarch 17th & 18th- Summer Camp packets availableMarch 28th- Reunion

April 25th- Reunion

May 23rd- Reunion


UPCOMING YOUTHGATHERINGS

THIS SPRING (CALENDAR)

teenager that the Bible says to love others and serve them, we don’t just stop there. We give them ways to act it out. In fact, this summer both ministries are taking a week out of the summer to serve others. Junior High will be spending a week in Mexico to care for the poor and the High School ministry will be taking a team to Biloxi, MS to help restore the Gulf Coast.

OIKOS Ahhh that lovely word. Well, believe it or not God has not only supernaturally and strategically placed 8-15 people in your sphere of influence, he has placed your teenager into one as well. Many of us understand that it is no accident that we have the coworkers and friends that we do. God knows what He is doing and he placed you there for a reason. Well, the same is true for your teen. Your son’s baseball team...yup, God’s plan. Your daughter’s dance class...yup, God’s plan. Be mindful and remind your kids that they have an oikos. Ask them how they are showing God’s love to the people in their oikos. Ask them what type of example are they being to their oikos. Your teenager will see that God has an oikos that is specific to them and He has so much more in store for them as well. So as you see your teenager grow up and as they are desperately try to take ownership of your car, remember to do all you can to help them take ownership of their faith and their personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

by Pastor Frank Mercer

Christ, and has a God who takes care of every need. Do you need love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, goodness, meekness, or self-control in handling your situation today? How much of each will you need? God says, “You’ve got it!” All you need to do is believe and ask!

3) ”GOD OUR FATHER” STRENGTHENS US Paul also instructs us to say something good about God, for He is the “God of all comfort” (II Corinthians 1:3). Christians are not exempt from emergencies. Our turn will come for sickness, doctors, and problems beyond our control. In the midst of every situation we have God’s presence providing us with the love, mercy, power, and the comfort of God. His grace gives us strength to see us through every situation. God has made those who believe in Christ to be very special. He created each of us in His image, redeemed us by the precious blood of Christ, He has made our bodies the temple of His Holy Spirit and then provides all of the care and comfort we will need throughout our lives. Hallelujah, what A Savior!

Remember, prayer is God’s idea. “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need” (Hebrews 4:16).

STUDY QUESTIONS:

1. List the facts taught in the “Model Prayer,” then take time to pray!

2. State why you personally should brag about God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

3. Why should the expression, “God Our Father” bring a sense of security for us?

Dr. Frank Mercer, known through the years as “Pastor Frank” or simply “PF,” continues to be a faithful ambassador of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. His clear and practical messages from God’s Word have encouraged people in their walk with Christ for seven decades. PF and his wife, MaryAnn, who now live in Oelwein, Iowa, pray every day for HDC, our staff and our mission. Connections is pleased to share PF’s insights from Paul’s letter to the Philippians, excerpts from PF’s devotional book, “Feasting on Philippians.”

FEASTING ON PHILIPPIANSPART 12 OF A SERIESFocus passage: Philippians 1:2 Scripture reading: Matthew 6:5-13

The “Model Prayer” found in Matthew 6:9-13 teaches us that we are not to live our lives independently of God. We need Him! Right up front Jesus tells us to say, “Our Father in heaven.” Satan’s ultimate lie tells us that we are capable of being “master of our own fate”. His desire is that we would leave God out of our lives. We need a Father/Son perspective of our relationship with Him. We must act like He is our Father. Don’t miss this important truth: God did create all things, including people, but only those adopted into His family through a miracle of a spiritual new birth. Those born again can know Him as their own “Father” ...and enjoy the Father’s care.

1) ”GOD OUR FATHER” SAVES US Peter instructs us (I Peter 1:3) to say something good about God the Father, because He has caused us to be born again to a living hope through our Lord Jesus Christ. Only the child of God has a hope beyond the grave! Death isn’t a “leap into the dark,” but a friend that will usher us into the presence of our God for all eternity. Jesus taught His disciples: do not rejoice in the privilege of serving God, but in the fact that their name was written in heaven’s book of life (Luke 10:20). There will never be a time when we do not have Him! Are you a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, “brag on God.” Tell someone!

2) ”GOD OUR FATHER” SUSTAINS US Paul instructs us to say something good about God the Father, because He has already blessed us “with every spiritual blessing in heavenly places” (Ephesians 1:3). Everything we will ever need to live the Christian life, God has provided and made available to us already (II Peter 1:3-4). We can say “thank you” Father for the exceedingly great and precious promises. A Christian has been baptized into the body of Christ, sealed forever in the family of

DEvOTIONAL: PF’S CORNER


SPRING‘07ISSUE 42

SEvEN COMMUNITY

The top ten things I look for in my perfect church:

10. A church that isn’t too far away from my home, preferably a 10 to 15 minute drive.

9. A church that is actively involved in local and international social justice issues.

8. A church that offers a wealth of exciting, infor-mative and life-changing Adult Education options, available at a variety of days and times throughout the week.

7. A church that is thoroughly intergeneration-al—all students in high school and younger would be paired with an older adult mentor.

6. An engaging, exciting, relevant, progressive-ly-oriented, open and inviting twenty-something group that is co-pastored by a young couple just out of seminary, and staffed with engaging, excit-ing, relevant and progressively-oriented volunteers and parents from the congregation.

5. A church where everyone loves the young people in the church and encourages them to bring their unchurched friends to church (no matter what they look like) and has no problem letting the youth group band lead in worship.

4. A church that has a traditional service, a con-temporary service, a modern worship service, a perfectly-blended worship service and an alt.wor-ship gathering.

3. A service that is not too short, but not too long either – preferably an hour and ten minutes.

2. A pastor who is theologically trained (but doesn’t flaunt it), has an appropriate sense of hu-mor and a wealth of life experience that makes for applicable and gripping stories that bring the scrip-tures to life.

1. A church where those who hold radically di-verse theological beliefs sit next to one another, worship together and love and respect one another and their differences.

Church shopping—you’ve done it. We all have.

When I first started college, I was overwhelmed

THE CHURCH THAT DOESN’T EXISTby Adam Cleaveland, Contributing Writer for relevantmagazine.com

UPCOMING MESSAGE

SERIES:

SEVENDEADLY

SINS: Current

THE SECRETTO A SATISFY-

ING LIFE: Begins 4/15

Details at www.highde-

sertchurch.com

with the amount of freedom I felt. At last, I could choose where I wanted to go to church, and even if I wanted to go to church. I remember going to a large, evangelical “bible-church” my first Sunday at college. I went and didn’t re-ally like it. It wasn’t a big deal; I’d just try a different church next week. The next week came-along with the next church and the music was better, but the preaching was pretty boring. Again, no problem: there was always another week, another Sunday and another church. If you were lucky, you’d find a church within the first few Sundays, but sometimes it would take months, per-haps even years.

It’s pretty safe to say I spent my four years of undergraduate education church shopping. There were a few churches where I connected for a few months, one for a whole academic year, but eventually something would start bothering me—or the worship team would have an off week, and it was time to move on. This phenomenon, known as church shopping, effectively allowed me to live in a city for four years, and never once experience the true joys of fellowship and community while be-longing to a local church body.

How does this happen? Why would I allow myself to go four years with-out finding a place to call my “church home?” Why did I miss out on the op-portunity to form relationships with both peers and members of a local con-gregation? In many ways, it is because I was socialized to be an individualistic and materialistic consumer who needed to look for ways I could take care of my-self. Growing up in certain Christian circles taught me that Christianity was about one thing: me and my personal relationship with Jesus. Having other people around was almost like a bonus, because you really only needed Jesus.

If I went to a church and it didn’t seem to be feeding my personal relationship with Jesus, then it wasn’t the church for me. I could have gone to the most socially-active, community-focused, mission-minded church and been com-pletely unsatisfied; what was it doing for me and Jesus? Nothing, and since that is all the Christian faith was about, that church was just missing the boat. Granted, this may be an oversimplifica-

tion of why church shopping seems to be such a phenomenon among young postmoderns. However, I think moder-nity’s individualistic thrust, and the privatization of Christianity, have been the two largest contributing factors to this trend.

A good friend of mine used to describe how he found a church to attend after moving somewhere new: “Well, I just go find the closest Presbyterian Church in the neighborhood. That’s it.” I’m aware that this type of attitude is unusual among emerging generations. Denomi-nationalism is on the decline; people aren’t as concerned whether they’re Presbyterian, Baptist or Lutheran. How-ever, while I used to think this idea of my friend’s was silly, what would hap-pen if we all simply decided to pick a church and stay there? If Christianity is not solely about a private, individual re-lationship with Christ, and the church’s mission in the world is not solely to help nurture that private, individual re-lationship, what does it matter if a cer-tain church isn’t “meeting your needs” or if you’re not feeling “spiritually fed” there? It’s not about you. It’s about the body, the greater community. The trend of church shopping is a clever illusion, while we think it will help us find the “perfect church”—it actually works against us and inhibits any possibility of experiencing true community.

Will we ever find the perfect church? No, it doesn’t exist. We need to stop looking for it. Instead, we need to choose a church and commit to it. Just like you commit to love your partner, with all their flaws, annoying habits and bad taste in music–you commit to the church, the church body, the body of Christ. When we begin to look past those flaws, we will see God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit, and we will see a faint shadow of the perfect community that exists in the fellowship in the One Tri-une God. Only then, will we have the opportunity to experience true commu-nity.

UPCOMING EvENTS

ECOUNTER LEADERLUNCH DATES

M547 (WELCOME TEAM)TRAINING

ECOUNTER GROUPPOTLUCK CELEBRATION

Don’t forget our next lunch date is scheduled for March 18th at Noon. Our April lunch has been cancelled, but we will be meeting again on May 6th. Mark your calendars!

Dave and Busters, Keynote lessons from Starbucks management, and exemplary train-ing... who could ask for more? Join us on Saturday, March 17th from 11:30 AM-5 PM for our annual training event at Dave and Bust-ers in Ontario. Check-in begins at 11 AM.

Attention all Seven Encounter Groups. Our winter quarter is ending and so we want to celebrate. Let’s get together, eat, and share stories of what God has done on March 30th. Check with your leader for details.

WOMEN’S RETREAT: APRIL 27th-29th IN BIG BEAR“Poured Out for Him”We will be returning to Pine Summit in Big Bear. Come and find refreshment in the midst of God’s magnificent, majestic creation! Enjoy the quiet beauty and peaceful serenity that will embrace your spirit and soothe your soul.

During your free time you may choose to attend workshops, participate in the ropes courses, take a time out or meditate in the

CHILDREN’S PROGRAMSCreation Station (infant through 2 years old), north side of auditorium.

Noah’s Ark Park (3 years through kindergarten), south side of auditorium.

Power Surge (1st-4th grade), in the gym.

MERGE(5 & 6th grade) Now at all Harbor services. Go to the gym to check-in area.

JR. HIGHJr. High, Saturday at 4:30 PM & 6:30 PM in T-1 and T-2 & Sunday at 11:45 AM.

HIGH SCHOOL FUEL, Saturday at 4:30 PM & 6:30 PM & Sunday at 11:45 AM in the chapel.

YOUNG ADULTSSEVEN COMMUNITY, Sunday at 5 PM & 7 PM in the auditorium.(1st-6th grade program now available in the gymduring the 5 PM service)

ADULTS HARBOR COMMUNITY,Saturday at 4:30 & 6:30pm, andSunday at 8:15, 10 & 11:45am

SENIORS FRIENDSHIP CLASS,Sunday school for retirement age at 8 AM in the chapel.

For more info on these ministries call the church office at (760) 245-2415 or visit highdesertchurch.com

SPOTLIGHTTHEWEEKEND


chapel or outdoors. Registration is now taking place. Pick up a brochure from the Island or visit our website for more information.

MOTHER/ DAUGHTER TEA:MAY 12th AT HDC Women of all ages are welcomed. Come listen to a message and enjoy good fellowship. Tea time begins at 8:45 AM.

Tickets on sale March 31st.

REASONS TO JOIN OR LEAD A GROUP:

• Grow in your knowledge and application of Scripture• Deepen your relationship with fellow believers• Experience encouragement and support in life’s difficulties• Learn how to pray for and reach out to your oikos• Experience the joy of serving and helping others

If you are interested in joining or leading a group, call the church office at 245-2415, ext. 240 and speak with Tim Wheeler, Pastor to Adults.

OVERCOMERS OUTREACHA Christ centered substance recovery group for men & women. Meets on Fridays at 7pm in T-2.

BEFORE YOU DIVORCEDon’t let the emotional intensity of a marriage crisis drive your decision. Before deciding whether to divorce or stay together, get help. Contact David at (760) 245-2415 to find out more informa-tion about this group.

PURE L.I.F.E. FOR MEN This group for men incorporates the use of restoration materials, spiritual disciplines, small group accountability, and prayer as a means to help men renew from a life of inappropriate sexual behavior. This program is committed to strict confidentiality. This group meets Tuesday evenings at 7pm off campus. Spouses meet in T-3 & T-4. Call Steve at (760) 265-4317 for more info.

GRIEFSHARE If you’ve lost a family member or close friend, you’ve found there are not many who understand the pain you feel. We understand what you are experiencing and want to offer you comfort and encourage-ment during this difficult time. Through videos, small groups, and your own personal reflection, God will lead you on your personal journey from mourning to joy. Call Kay at (760) 949-7226 or Stephanie at (760) 559-9600 for more info.

DIVORCECARE Let us help you in the journey after divorce. Meets on Tuesdays in T-1 & 2 at 6:30pm. Call Marcia at (760) 596-0295 for more info. LIVING COURAGEOUSLY We provide support for those who are chronically ill. We meet the 2nd & 4th Tuesday of each month in the chapel at 6:30pm. Call the church office at (760) 245-2415 for more info. Childcare is provided through 6th grade at no charge.


SMALL GROUPS

RESTORATION GROUPS

THE JOURNEY (SPIRITUAL FORMATION) Encompassing an array of discipleship events for kids and adults, this Journey will intentionally en-courage a greater understanding of God. Join us Wednesday nights at 7pm. See our ad on page 24 for more details.

BAPTISM:

UPCOMING CLASS DATES- March 18th & 25th April 22nd & 29th May 20th & 27th

Are you interested in being baptized at HDC? We have two baptism classes that you need to attend. The first class will inform you about baptism and how to develop a personal testimony. The second is spent video taping your testimony. Both classes are required. If you have any questions call the church office at 245-2415.

PRAYER CHAINIf you are interested in being a part of the prayer chain, or if you have a prayer request, call Karen Sanchez at (760) 242-0273 or email it to [email protected].

HOMESCHOOLERSHome teachers meet the first Monday of every month at 6:30pm in room 109 (no children please). For more info on activity days and field trips, contact Karen Sanchez at (760) 242-0273.

WELCOME MINISTRY Join others in the joy of welcoming people to our campus and services on the weekends. If you are interested in contributing a few hours a few times a month as a greeter or usher, please consider being a part of Harbor’s Welcome Ministry. For more info about being a greeter, please call Christine Potts at (760) 955-6158, or if you are interested in being an usher, please call Ann Lind at (760) 964-9441.

EMAIL FOR MENIf you’re interested in receiving email from Band of Brothers (men’s ministry of HDC) and other great stuff (not junk mail), email [email protected], and put subscribe and your name in the subject line.

HORN PLAYERS NEEDEDThe Harbor Worship Arts team is looking for trombone and trumpet players. Requirements: at least 17 years of age, available each Thursday night for rehearsal and one weekend a month. An audition is required to determine skill level. If you’re interested, call Melanie at (760) 245-2415 ext. 204 or email [email protected].

Is HDC the right place for you? Attend our Ozone classes this season.

March 4th, 11th, 18th, & 25th (Held on Sunday at 8:15 AM and 5 PM)

April 7th, 14th & 15th, 21st & 22nd, 28th & 29th (Held on Saturday at 4:30 PM and Sunday at 5 PM)

May 5th & 6th, 12th & 13th, 19th & 20th, 26th & 27th (Held on Saturday at 4:30 PM and Sunday at 8:15 AM)

GENERAL INFO

SCHEDULE


Do you want to grow spiritually? Attend our Formation classes this season.

March 4th, 11th, 18th, & 25th (Held on Sunday at 8:15 AM and 5 PM)

April 7th, 14th & 15th, 17th & 18th, 24th & 25th (Held on Saturday at 6:30 PM and Sunday at 5 PM)

May 5th & 6th, 12th & 13th, 19th & 20th, 26th & 27th (Held on Saturday at 6:30 PM and Sunday at 8:15 AM)

SCHEDULE

April 7th & 8th

hdconnections/ spring 2007: issue 42

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