hdconnections/ winter 2006: issue 41

PREPARING EVERY GENERATION TO CHANGE THEIR WORLDS FOR CHRIST!

hdcONNECTIONSWINTER‘07ISSUE 41

THE CONTENTS

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4EMPTY NEST IS AN OXYMORONby Tom Mercer, Senior PastorEmpty nest is an oxymoron. If a nest is emp-ty, why have one? But that’s the thing. Just because the kids are gone doesn’t mean the nest is empty. In fact, when your kids leave home to take on the world, your nest will probably still have two people living there.

10THE SIBLING WARby Jack Hamilton, Executive PastorRivalry between brothers and sisters has been written about since the be-ginning of recorded history. From the earliest Biblical accounts to the make believe world of fairy tales.

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..

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by Tom Mercer, Senior Pastor

PAGE4WINTER‘07ISSUE 41

EMPTY NESTis an oxymoron

iwas pumping gas at Costco when a guy in an SUV pulled up to the pump next to mine. He looked at my Mustang and, with a slight tinge of envy, said, “Nice car.” I thanked him and returned the compliment, “You’ve got a nice ride yourself!” His countenance fell. “Couldn’t get anything fun. I have to have enough room for the kids.” I said, “Yeah, my wife and I put about 400,000 miles on a couple of vans during the years our kids were growing up.” My tank was full so, as I returned the nozzle to its cradle, I continued. “I gotta admit, I often wish my kids were still young and I was driving one of my old vans. They grow up so fast.” As I drove away, I glanced over to give the obligatory “have a nice day” wave, but he wasn’t looking my direction. He was staring into the back seat of that “zero to sixty in about a minute and a half” SUV. The expression on his face told me that he was reevaluating the implications of being free to drive “fun.”

The term empty nest is a reference to the change that occurs in a home when all the kids have flown the coop. Some of you dread that reality. Some can hardly wait. As that transformation began to threaten our own comfort zones, Sheryl and I leaned heavily toward the former. But we survived and, now on the other side, have some perspective that, quite frankly, was a surprise to us.

Empty nest is an oxymoron. If a nest is empty, why have one? But that’s the thing. Just because the kids are gone doesn’t mean the nest is empty. In fact, when your kids leave home to take on the world, your nest will probably still have two people living there or, in a single-parent home, perhaps only one. Either way, by definition, that doesn’t qualify as empty.

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WHATEvER THE NEXT PHASE OF YOUR LIFE BRINGS, IT WILL BE MORE FULFILLING IF YOU CAN CLOSE THE LAST ONE WITH A SENSE OF ACCOMPLISHMENT. PARENTING CHILDREN FORCES YOU TO RETHINk THE WORD “SACRIFICE.”


S Sheryl and I absolutely dreaded the day when, Drew, our youngest would leave home. We had been so involved in our kids’ lives, we weren’t 100% sure we could effectively deal with that level of emptiness. But, just like every time God’s children come to the end of a certain road, Jesus was waiting at the end of that one for us, waiting with a smile, a high-five and a backpack full of maps for the next phase of our journey.

Whatever the next phase of your life brings, it will be more fulfilling if you can close the last one with a sense of accomplishment. Parenting children forces you to rethink the word “sacrifice.” It puts a hold on most everything you can think of in the “I think I’ll do this just for me” category. But, if negotiated wisely, it cures the selfish part of you and annihilates the perfectionist in you. And if you can survive their teenage years, you don’t just deserve a medal, you deserve the Nobel Peace Prize. So when that phase of your life is in the books, so to speak, be thankful. God has given you success. It wasn’t easy and it certainly wasn’t textbook, but it worked.

If your efforts as a parent are effective, what happens to your children? They leave. If your kids grow up to be what you’ve always hoped they would grow up to be, they will follow your example, spread their wings and leave. If your kids grow up to be what you’ve always prayed they would grow up to be, they will serve God, be confident in their relation-ships, competent in their choice of vocation and, oh, yeah...leave. I think that was the most sobering thought Sheryl and I had in those

weeks following the exodus of the last of our children-- “Here we are, lamenting the fact that what we’ve been doing for the past twenty plus years has worked!”

Flight is what characterizes a bird’s primary uniqueness among God’s creatures. In fact, it isn’t until a bird takes flight that a bird can do what a bird is supposed to do. So parenting is really, at its core, “flight training.” It was interesting to me to read that fathers take the empty nest phenomenon harder than mothers. And, according to the experts, one of the primary reasons for that is regret.

Fathers spend so much time focusing on being the breadwinner, or in this case, the worm-winner, that they miss out on the blessing of training. Before they know it, class is over! Never, ever, ever let that happen, guys! Resourcing your family is only a small part of the formula. Building confidence and competence into those young lives takes time. The gradual transfer of power is exactly that, gradual. That fifteen minute talk in the driveway just before they leave for college won’t cut it.

If a bird doesn’t fly, it won’t be successful. So when your birds do, celebrate! But don’t celebrate too long because you’re not done! A life of serving God can be mapped out according to life phases. Included with those phases are sequential seasons of parenting. They are given different labels by dif-ferent sociologists, but they all essentially describe the same developmental ranges.

1- CELEBRITY (PREGNANCY): The self-absorption of impending parenthood

2- SPONGE (BIRTH TO AGE 1): Surrendering your former identity to the essentials of car-ing for a baby

3- FAMILY MANAGER (AGES 1 TO 5): Organizing and juggling the business of life with tod-dlers and preschoolers

4- TRAvEL AGENT (AGES 6 TO 12): Stepping up your role of activities manager as your children go through school

5- vOLCANOLOGIST (AGES 13 TO 17): Predict-ing, preparing and prevailing during those explosive teen years

6- REMODELER (AGES 18 TO 24): Reevaluating life as a parent of new adults

7- REFLECTOR (AGES 25 TO 49): Reliving your life with your grandchildren

8- REBOUNDER (50 AND OLDER): Accepting and embracing the parent/child role reversal

(Continued on page 24)


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Years ago columnist Ann Landers asked her readers to answer this question. The question: “If you had known then what you know now, would you have children?” Over 10,000 people responded to her request. Among that number over 70 percent of the women said no! A sub-sequent survey by Good Housekeeping magazine posed the same question and 95 percent of the respondents answered yes. That is amazing. Don’t try to have me explain the contradictory results.

One unidentified woman wrote, “Would I have children again? A thousand times, NO! My children have completely destroyed my life, marriage and identity as a person. There are no joys. Prayers don’t help---nothing stops a screaming kid.”

Sadly this kind of response is more common than we want to admit especially in God’s Church.The myth that children automatically love each other is shattered daily by our experience. Sib-ling rivalry is natural. Why? Because all children are born sinners. Romans 3:23 tells us, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Whenever you assemble a bunch of sinners un-der one roof, eventually you are going to have conflict. Every one of us wants our own way.

by Jack Hamilton, Executive Pastor

WINTER‘07ISSUE 41

Rivalry between brothers and sisters has been written about since the beginning of recorded history. From the earliest Bib-lical accounts to the make believe world of modern day fairy tales. Think about Cain and Abel, Jacob and Esau, and Joseph and his brothers. What about Cinderella and her wicked step-sisters?

We must first see for ourselves what the scriptures say about this topic. Lets look back at the book of beginnings, Genesis. From the first book of the Bible we can see that sibling rivalry is not something new. We can see from these three accounts how devastating rivalry can be.

CAIN AND ABEL (GEN. 4:4-9)

But Abel brought fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock. The LORD looked with favor on Abel and his offering, but on Cain and his offering he did not look with favor. So Cain was very angry, and his face was downcast. Then the LORD said to Cain, “Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must master it.” Now Cain said to his brother Abel, “Let’s go out to the field.” And while they were in the field, Cain attacked his brother Abel and killed him. Then the LORD said to Cain, “Where is your brother Abel? “I don’t know,” he replied. “Am I my brother’s keeper?”

In this case, Abel’s sacrifice was acceptable. Cain’s sacrifice wasn’t and he became angry and dejected. If nurtured, jeal-ousy produces resentment and ultimately destruction.

JACOB AND ESAU (GEN. 25:22)

The babies jostled each other within her, and she said, “Why is this happening to me?” So she went to inquire of the LORD.

No sonogram could have told Rebekah what God revealed to her. She and her husband, Isaac, would be parents of twins who would be rivals. This pattern of rivalry would last through their lives. A problem in the family system arose when Isaac and Rebekah played favorites with their sons.

Jacob became the favorite of his mother Rebekah. Rebekah loved Jacob because he was quiet, meditative, well integrat-ed and a man dwelling in tents. This guy was a home body and a good cook.

Isaac favored Esau because he was a skillful hunter, he was a man of the field. His father loved Esau because he brought wild game home and gave his dad, an outdoorsmen, veni-son to eat. He loved to be outdoors. As one can see problems were on the horizon.

JOSEPH AND HIS BROTHERS (GEN. 37:3-4)

Now Israel (Jacob) loved Joseph more than any of his other sons, because he had been born to him in his old age; and he made a richly ornamented robe for him. When his brothers saw that their father loved him more than any of them, they hated him and could not speak a kind word to him.

Jacob was the father of twelve sons and several daughters. He was the first son of Jacob’s most beloved wife, Rachel. Yet he favored Joseph, placing him above the others and lavish-ing the boy with personal gifts. His brother’s hated Joseph because of their father’s partiality.

A large part of parents identify sibling rivalry as the most irritat-ing feature of parenting. Many parents become overwhelmed and are tempted to throw up their hands, but there is hope.

FOUR MYTHS TO OvERCOME

Myth Number 1: We think everyone else’s children get along so well.

It may appear this way from a distance, but it is far from the truth. We are so involved with our kids we tend to lose our sense of per-spective. When they hurt one another or get hurt we can feel as if it is happening to us. We often tend to exaggerate the fussing of our own kids and think that our friends kids get along better than ours. It is not necessarily true!

Myth Number 2: My children would stop fighting if I could treat them equally.

It makes no sense to treat them equally because they are all differ-ent. They are all different genders, ages, and are at different stages of emotional maturity and temperament. The most important fac-tor is that you are just and fair. What works for one child may not work for another.

FROM THE FIRST BOOk OF THE BIBLE WE CAN SEE THAT SIBLING RIvALRY IS NOT SOMETHING NEW.

Solomon wrote, “Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it” (Prov. 22:6).

What I want to emphasize is “in the way he should go.” Each of our children have an individ-ual path or bent and we need to discover what that is and capitalize on it.

Myth Number 3: Getting involved in their fight-ing only makes things worse.

When a parent steps in and handles the situa-tion well, it is teaching the children how to work things out. Somewhere we have gotten the idea that if I leave the children alone, they will settle things themselves. There could be nothing fur-ther from the truth. Children are not born with the ability to settle conflict. They need you and I to teach them about conflict resolution, forgive-ness and yielding their rights. Don’t ever feel guilty about intervening in their conflicts. We need to look at every situation as an opportunity to teach God’s way of doing things and that His way works best.

Myth Number 4: I can get my children to imi-tate one another’s good habits by pointing them out.

To say things like, “See how neat Ethan keeps his room,” is tempting but ultimately it will back-fire on you. There is plenty of natural competi-tion. You don’t need to add to it. Genuine praise gets a lot more accomplished.

SO, HOW CAN PARENTS COPE WITH SIBLING RIvAL-RY?

First don’t inflame the natural jealousy of chil-dren. The underlying source for conflict comes from the old fashioned jealousy competition, and comparison. Comparison is unfair because each child is so different. A lengthy study, over more than thirty years, on temperaments of twins has shown that babies not only differ significantly from birth, but throughout childhood.

Marguerite and Willard Beecher in their book

Parents on the Run wrote:

“It was once believed that if parents would explain to a child that he was having a little brother or sister, he would not resent it. He was told that his parents had enjoyed him so much that they wanted to increase their happiness. This was supposed to avoid jealous competition and rivalry. It did not work. Why should it?”

“Needless to say, if a man tells his wife he has loved her so much that he now plans to bring another wife into the home to ‘increase his happiness,’ she would not be immune to jealousy. On the contrary, the fight would just begin – in exactly the same fashion as it does with children.”

Comparison is a killer. Many parents indulge in this practice regularly. They strain and hammer trying to make the unfavorable one into what they can never be. Don’t do it. You may have a real jewel and never will know it if you crush them before they have ma-tured.

Jealousy is so common among children. Solomon was right when he said that jealousy is as cruel as the grave (Song of Solomon 8:6, KJV). If you let the seed of jealousy take root in your kids, it will destroy the harmony in your home. Don’t make it worse by using comparison. Avoid circumstances that compare kids with one another.

One lecturer has stated that the root of all feelings of inferiority is comparison. Children come in all shapes, sizes, giftedness, temperaments and interests.

Evaluate yourself—Do your words or actions fa-vor one or more of your children? If so, pray over the situation with God. Begin telling them how much you love them. Compliment them genuinely. Make a special effort to help and encourage them in areas of interest. Pray together about their problem areas.

Learn to spend time individually with each child on a regular basis. Eliminate “nobody cares” and “so and so always gets to” by giving each child a chance to pick a family activity. Rotate chores and always be teaching others to respect each other’s choices.

Kids don’t ask themselves, “how am I doing?” but “how am I doing compared to my sister or brother?” The issue is not “how are my grades?” but “how did I do in comparison to my brother or sister?” The issue is not “how fast can I run?” but “who crosses the fin-ish line first?” Every child measures himself against his peers and is sensitive to failure especially within his own family.

(Continued on page 24)


JANUARYcalendarWINTER‘07ISSUE 41

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CELEBRATEMARTIN LUTHER kING JR.

(OFFICE CLOSED)

OZONE CLASSES-8:15 AM

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

MEN’S BREAkFAST- 8 AM (Special Guest)HARBOR- 4:30 & 6:30 PM (children & youth programs available)

OZONE CLASSES- 4:30 PM

PARENT/ CHILD DEDICATIONCLASS- 6:30 PM

O-ZONE 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 available).

OZONE CLASSES- 8:15 AMBAPTISM CLASS 1- 10 AMHARBOR- 8:15, 10 & 11:45 AM (children & youth programs available) SEvEN- 5 & 7 PM(children’s program available).ESTATE PLANNING SEMINAR: 2:30 PM

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

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


ESTATE PLANNINGSEMINAR- 8:30 AM

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



OZONE CLASSES: 4:30 PM

TODAY’S LADIESBELIEvING & SERvING- 9:15 AM

JR. HIGH- 7 PM

FENETIk ENERGY- 7 PM

TLBS- 9:15 AM

JR. HIGH- 7 PM


TODAY’S LADIESBELIEvING & SERvING- 6:15 PM

TLBS- 6:15 PM

TLBS- 6:15 PM

TLBS- 9:15 AM

JR. HIGH- 7 PM


TLBS- 9:15 AM

JR. HIGH- 7 PM


THE JOURNEY (OIkOS BIBLE INSTITUTE,LIFEPATH, DISCOvERINGDISCIPLESHIP- 7 PM(children’s program available)




FU3L REUNION- 6 PM

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

SMILES- 9:30 AM


JR. HIGH SkATE NIGHT- 5 PM

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MEN’S PRAYERBREAkFAST- 6 AM

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1 2 3 4 5 6 7HAPPY NEWYEAR!

(OFFICE CLOSED)

HDC

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

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WINTER CAMP- HSSPIRITUAL FORMATION CLASSES:8:15 AMOZONE CLASSES- 8:15 AM WORSHIP SERvICES:HARBOR- 8:15, 10 & 11:45 AM (children & youth programs available)SEvEN- 7 PM ONLY(children’s program available)

SPIRITUAL FORMATION CLASSES-8:15 AMOZONE CLASSES- 8:15 AM BOARD MEETING- 2 PMHARBOR- 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 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)

WINTER CAMP- HSWORSHIP SERvICES:HARBOR- 4:30 & 6:30 PM (children & youth programs available)SPIRITUAL FORMATION CLASSES- 6:30 PMOZONE CLASSES- 4:30 PM

MEN’S BREAkFAST- 8 AMHARBOR- 4:30 & 6:30 PM (children & youth programs available)SPIRITUAL FORMATION CLASSES- 6:30 PMOZONE CLASSES- 4:30 PMPARENT/ CHILD DEDICATIONCLASS- 6:30 PM


SPIRITUAL FORMATION CLASSES- 6:30 PM



SPIRITUAL FORMATION CLASSES- 6:30 PM


PARENTING CONFERENCE- 8:30 AM

COUPLES NIGHT OUT- 6:30 PM

TODAY’S LADIESBELIEvING & SERvING- 9:15 AM

JR. HIGH- 7 PM


TODAY’S LADIESBELIEvING & SERvING- 6:15 PM

THE GATHERING-7 PM

SURRENDER- 7 PM

OIkOS BIBLE INSTITUTE-6:30 PM

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

SMILES- 9:30 AM


WINTER CAMP-HIGH SCHOOL

PARENTING CONFERENCE-6:30 PM

SMILES- 9:30 AM

SMILES- 9:30 AM

OBI- 6:30 PM

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

FU3L REUNION- 6 PM

OBI- 6:30 PM


TLBS- 9:15 AM

JR. HIGH- 7 PM


TLBS- 9:15 AM

JR. HIGH- 7 PM


TLBS- 9:15 AM

JR. HIGH- 7 PM


TLBS- 6:15 PM

THE GATHERING-7 PM

SURRENDER- 7 PM

TLBS- 6:15 PM

THE GATHERING-7 PM

SURRENDER- 7 PM

TLBS- 6:15 PM

THE GATHERING-7 PM

SURRENDER- 7 PM

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

OBI- 6:30 PM


Nancy attends TLBS

Just three months before TLBS began this year, my husband of 22 years went to be with the Lord. It was perfect timing for God to take me through 1 Peter - a study of how to suffer God’s way. That’s exactly what I wanted to do. I wanted to be about His purposes, bring Him glory in this season, and be emotionally “there” for my oikos, especially the six that call me mom. Though I’m not being persecuted like Peter’s original audience, I have found a lot of application for suffering victoriously. The struggle I am going through is a battle for my mind. It’s a constant choice--whether I will focus on me and my hurting heart or on Jesus and His purposes. I have learned I must consider God’s love for me and what a blessing it is to be chosen by Him (1 Peter 1:1-2). I must never forget all that I have in Him and the hope my eternal inheritance brings (1 Peter 1:3-4). As I consider this grace I know I can trust Him (1 Peter 4:19). Therefore I want to respond to Him in whatever He calls me to do (1Peter 1:13-17). This calling and the glory it brings far outweighs my loss (1 Peter 4:13 , 2 Corinthians 4:17). He has called me 1) to be humble, He’s God, I’m not (1 Peter 5:6), 2) to control my thoughts and emotions (1Peter 4:7, 5:8), 3) not to allow bitterness to enter in, but to focus on Jesus, on others, and on His Word (1 Peter 5:7), 4) give my hurts to God, because He knows all about suffering (1 Peter 2:21-24) and because He cares for me (1 Peter 4:7), 5) allow others to minister God’s love and encouragement to me, 6) take this love and encouragement and share it with others in need of it (1 Peter 2:5 ), 7) to be thankful and rejoice because of all He is doing. Through suffering He will reveal His glory (1 Peter 4:13). He will change my heart (1 Peter 5:10). He will teach me to trust Him with a gentle and quiet spirit (1 Peter 3:3, 4:19). He will help me be more eternally minded (1 Peter 4:1-2, 2:11) and 8) He will make Himself more obvious to my oikos.

At TLBS, God has put some Jesus-filled ladies in my life; many that minister love and encouragement to me. Having this love flow through me keeps my faith fresh. Additionally, the worship team is so gifted at helping me focus on God’s attributes. This gives me the right perspective. This helps me remember my suffering is minimal compared to His glory (2 Corinthians 4:17). Then during the speaker and group time, as we “chew” on God’s word, I become armed and dangerous to win this battle I’ve been called to fight. It has been so “cool” to study God’s word and to see it at work. Thank you TLBS.

SMILES’ upcoming Winter/Spring Session starts January 18th. Come join us for Beth Moore’s latest in-depth study titled, “Daniel: Lives of Integrity, Words of Prophecy”. Early registration cost is $40. After January 3rd, the 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 OFNANCY FELTON


GROUPS

Monday from 7:00- 9:00pmCost is $30. (New season begins February 5th)

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 next session will take us on a journey with Beth Moore as we study “Beloved Disciple”. In this study, we 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 Winter!


COUPLES WEEkENDMARCH 23RD-25TH / COSTA MESAThis year we are hosting our annual Couples Weekend at the Ayres Hotel & Suites in Costa Mesa. We’re excited to have Tim Meaney lead our worship music. Dr. Darryl Delhousaye, former Senior Pastor of Scottsdale Bible Church and new President of Phoenix Seminary, will be speaking on the topic of marriage.

The cost for the weekend is $400 per couple (Includes your de-lux suite, sessions with Tim & Darryl and your meals. Does not include dinner on Friday night and lunch on Saturday). Register online today at www.highdesertchurch.com, or stop by the church office during regular office hours. Contact Patti at (760) 245-2415 x 261 for more details.

Name: Kristina Tamanaha

Occupation: College Student

Ministry Role: ABS Leader

Favorite Ministry Moment: I love seeing teens on fire for the Lord. Their passion for Jesus just blows my mind. Every day spent with these students is a blast.

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

The holiday season usually brings ups and downs for any family. The pressures of finances, travel, and personal expectations can take their toll on even the jolliest of souls. Add into the mix a teenager who feels like they’ve “been there, done that” and things can get a little tense. Here are some ideas to relieve pressure or simply, methods to start new traditions.

ASk Your teen might feel like doing the things they did when they were a little kid are, well... for kids. Talk through your traditions, tell them why you do them, and talk about new ways to accomplish the same goals. Go into the con-versation with a couple of suggestions because your child might be caught off guard. Also, get them to start thinking about the holiday season like an adult does. Ask them questions like, “What can we do as a family to help others in the new year? Seeing the world through the lens of responsibility is something they want, and can handle.

LISTEN Understand that any grumbling about going

Name: Troy Minnick

Occupation: Sanitation Technologist

Ministry Experience: Five Years

Ministry Role: Jr. High Tribe Elder

Ministry Encouragement:Our group has a “never say die” attitude. They really feel like they can accom-plish all things through Christ.”

Odd Hobby: Driving an ATV across miles of open desert.

vOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT

vOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT

YOUTH MINISTRY

YOUR TEEN MIGHT SIMPLY BE BOREDby Tim Kuhl, Assistant Pastor to Jr. High

to family dinners, or posing for Christmas cards could be borne out of a desire for independence. There are few times during the year when teens feel more like children other than holidays. Separate tables at meals, secret conversations, and rituals they have done for years all remind them how far down the food chain they are. So as they talk about how Aunt Myrtle’s house gives them the heebies, keep listening (through your own exasperation about Aunt Myrtle’s house) to how they are growing up. Spin things back on them and find out how they will do things when they are grown up.

FUN Maybe this year put them in charge of something, have them organize a dinner or a breakfast or an outing. Change things up and have fun with it. Maybe have a nice pizza dinner on New Years’ Eve, and catch them

Jr. High

JANUARY

FuLL HOuSE- (An open look at closed doors left behind)

We will walk through some typical problems early teens deal with at home, and what God calls us to in each situation.

FEBRUARY-

CRySTAL CLEAR:- (Living a pure life)

This month focuses on how we can live purely in a world that is filled with pol-lution. God calls us to purity, and God can give it to us.

High School/ FUEL

JANUARY/ FEBRUARY

TBA

Junior HighJanuary 12th- Special Vol. Training & Dinner January 19th- Student Skate Night ($5)January 30th- Tribal Council

February 2nd-4th- Winter CampFebruary 27th- Tribal Council

High SchoolJanuary 27th- Turn Your Campus EventJanuary 28th- Super Sunday

January 31st- Reunion

February 2nd-4th-Winter CampFebruary 25th- Super SundayFebruary 28th- Reunion

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

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


UPCOMING MESSAGESERIES

THIS WINTER (CALENDAR)

off guard. If they see you being loose, they will loosen up too.

With all the pressures that the holidays bring, this year relieve some of it. You can decide to change things up enough so that this season does bring joy and peace. May God bless your home in the year to come.

by Pastor Frank Mercer

and problems. You can count on it! Very often, in life’s unpleasant circumstances, the devil tries to convince us that “God doesn’t care what happens to me,” or that “I don’t deserve having God do that for me,” or that “God isn’t looking after my property.” At this stage it is important that we do not push the panic button and raise the anxiety level – don’t believe the devil! God is in control, He knows what He is doing. Trust Him and let His peace fill your life with joy!

3) PEACE IN LIFE Children of God must learn that a life filled with God’s peace comes as a result of faith in the Word of God. “He has given us his very great and precious promises” (II Peter 1:4). We must believe them and rest in them! Let me list four steps to enjoying God’s peace in our lives:

-Accept what you cannot change! (from the past or present)

-Leave with God what you do not understand! Stop asking “Why?!” God is not obligated to answer your “why’s” only to provide His grace and strength!

-Circle Romans 8:28! Actually believe God when He says, “all things!” Some things may seem impossible, but only to us; nothing is impossible for God. Nothing!

-Say to God, “You can choose for me, I want your will in my life.”

Peace is available! Count on it and cast all your cares on Him.. your guilt trips too!

STUDY QUESTIONS:

1.What does John tell us to do in order to rid ourselves of a troubled heart?

2.State the facts you learned in John 14:27.

3.What causes you to be robbed of the peace that God gives to 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 11 OF A SERIESFocus passage: Philippians 1:2 Scripture reading: John 14:1-6 & 23-27

Paul sends greetings of “grace and peace.” Did you know that every Christian has peace with God the moment they are saved? Romans 5:1 tells us, “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

1) PEACE OF MIND Peace of mind is one of the happy spiritual birthrights of every Christian! “You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you” (Isaiah 26:3). Christians must learn to “take a hitch in their mental belt”. We must not allow our minds to be filled with negative thoughts or be filled with things that are untrue... Another reason that many Christians do not have peace of mind is because they allow their minds to be filled with thoughts unworthy of being a child of God! Your mind can not be filled with anxiety and thoughts of God at the same time. God requires us to focus our minds on Him – “set your minds on things above” (Colossians 3:2). A God-focused mind will be filled with His peace!

2) PEACE OF HEART Peace of heart is the glorious privilege of every believer. “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me” (John 14:1). “In Me,” Jesus said, “you may have peace” (John 16:33). True, in the world there will be problems, frustrations, disappointments and situations that are out of control... But remember, take heart, for Jesus has already overcome the world! This peace is the super-natural inner calmness (your inner-calm system) which is provided by God, to keep us from going all to pieces when things seem to go wrong. And they will. We all get our turn. Have you noticed that for many Christians the peace of heart which Jesus gives has leaked out? Shame on us! God is great at providing His peace in life’s trials

DEvOTIONAL: PF’S CORNER


WINTER‘07ISSUE 41

SEvEN COMMUNITY

I am unique. I am a daughter of two di-vorced people. I made way too many mistakes in college. My favorite coffee is white choco-late mocha with raspberry and whip cream. I love music so much that I have to be sure it doesn’t become an idol. I have a friend who died at the age of 6. I have a friend who spent nine months in Europe so we talk about the times I went to England and China and when she went to Portugal.

Do you feel like you know me now?

I can tell what I have learned from having

a father who went from being a Christian pastor to studying Zen Buddhism. I can tell you what Korea looks like at night. I can tell you story after story of broken marriages and triumphant spiritual victories. I can tell you about the drug addicts that live in the sewer in Mexico. I can tell you what it feels like to grow up in a town that is so small that it feels as though it close down your hopes of escap-ing.

My worldview has been shaped by many things. I can tell you my experiences, and I hope my stories will benefit the world.

However, if I don’t tell you what my Savior says, what would have I done that would re-ally change your worldview? Community is a context for Christianity. Agree? James tells us to confess our trespasses to each other and pray for one another to be healed. Share your real, honest story with someone.

As a Church we must do this, but what hap-pens when we stop here? If I tell someone my story and don’t introduce that person in some way to the ONE who can fix his or her story, then what is accomplished? Sometimes I’m so wrapped up in my story, I forget to tell His story.

Part of the journey of life is about relation-ships, but it is also about being a witness of someone. We are constantly witnesses—whether we are speaking words or not. I don’t want to go to another Christian meet-ing and be real about struggles and then come back next time and talk about the exact same things. Yes, we can be healed. What happens after that? Am I content to gather information in the corners of my brain and keep forming my theology while my neighbor who doesn’t know Christ is suffering without salvation?

It is my solemn fear that in a culture of in-dividualism we have become so wrapped up with what we think, need or believe that we forget that our lives are a testimony to the One who created us. Clearly, we need each other.

THOUGHTS ON INDIvIDUAL-ISMby Stephanie Grant, Contributing Writer for relevantmagazine.com

UPCOMING EVENTS/

MESSAGE SERIES:

BETTER VERSION

OF ME:MESSAGE

SERIES-Jan. 7th

THE GATHERING-

Feb. 5th

SEVENDEADLY

SINS: MESSAGE

SERIESFeb. 18th

FOCUS:SINGLES

EVENT-TBA

Details at hdcseven.com

After all we will be known by our love. My question is our love of what? Ourselves? Our intellectual-ism? Our selfish profit? Our opin-ion?

Perhaps one reason that much of the Church has lost its power is be-cause many churches are no longer about God, but about our individu-al selves.

“Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; or about your body, what you wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?” (Matthew 6: 25, TNIV).

“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33, TNIV).

I want to lose my life so I can gain it. In 15 years you may not re-member what kind of coffee I like, but you will remember (even if it is vague) if I introduce you to Jesus. I don’t need another CD. I don’t need another way satisfy my self-indul-gence. I don’t need more of my de-mands satisfied by God. What I re-ally need is to give away something from my spiritual wellspring. I’m pretty blessed whether I feel like it or not. Someone is going through something tougher than I am.

Why have I given so much time to forming my opinion or my way of thinking? In the end, will people re-member my worldview, or will they remember my Jesus? I’m so tired settling for being happy, full and blessed. I am even tired of focusing on myself when I am discontented, grieving or angry. There is more out there. Someone will commit suicide today. I wonder where I will be.

God, forgive me if all I have im-parted is an idea of how to struggle through faith. Why didn’t I just in-troduce people to You?

Let’s face it. While sociologists are praising our generation for being more compassionate than any other in history, many psychologists will tell you that we have become awfully narcissistic. We have foolishly bought into the idea that serving ourselves comes first. We have glorified ourselves at the expense of losing that which makes us human... Yikes! Could it be that we’ve lost heart? Media is telling us to broadcast ourselves on youTube, post our images on MySpace, load songs on our iPods and join television communities such as MyFoxLA.com. It seems like the only way to market anything nowadays is if it’s associated with me, myself, and I. Beware of becoming a narcissist folks. A narcissist is an ugly person. He or she only thinks about one person—HIM OR HERSELF. They practice a pattern of behaviors which involve infatuation and obsession with one’s self to the exclu-sion of others. They will build you up only for the sake of personal gain. Look in the mirror. Who do you see? Do you see someone that takes pleasure in making people feel unworthy or do you see someone that seeks to make others impor-tant? Have you been using the tools of today to glorify yourself or your Creator? Psalm 115: 1 reminds us that all the glory needs to be directed to God, not us. Do me a favor this week. Dwell in Christ, not yourselves. Use today’s tools to help and encourage someone. Write an old fashion thank you letter or note to someone you love. Call a friend and tell them you appreciate them. Send money to the local soup kitchen. Pay for a strangers dinner. Comment on someone’s MySpace profile and mention a good past time. Text message a coworker and invite them over for a game night. Instant message your brother or sister and wish them good night. Email a client and tell them you can’t wait to work with them again. Don’t hesitate, this could be your last chance. C’mon, you have the tools. The Apostle Paul once said to the church of Corinth, “And God will gener-ously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others” (2 Corinthians 9:8). (Visit rcomparan.blogspot.com or blog.myspace.com/rcomparan for more...)

ME, MYSPACE, & I by Roberto Comparan, Communications Director

The more I’m in ministry the more I realize WE’RE ALL DIFFERENT. Have you realized that God has a wonderful plan for your life. I believe God has a wonderful plan for the ministry He wants me to lead. He has also equipped me with great people to make that plan enjoyable. I work with a great team. I love teamwork and collaboration...love it. So, I’m blessed, but sometimes the emails, calls and conversations I have with people about “doing it the old way,” or “what about ME and MY preferences” makes me ill. OK, no one really says exactly...”what about me and my preferences,” but they do say it in subtle ways. Seriously, when was it that Jesus said, “Be all about yourself?” Of course He didn’t, He said,”I have come not to be served, but to serve...”

I’m glad for people that disagree with me, it helps me to grow. I’m glad for the people that agree with me, it encourages me to keep on. Someone once said, “Criticism is like bubble gum, you chew on it for a while then spit it out.” The reality is you can’t please everybody... Jesus couldn’t do that and didn’t even try. When we try to please everybody we please nobody and we’re miserable. We have to remember, we’re all different. There are thousands of churches doing church thousands of different ways. It takes all kinds of churches to reach all kinds of people. We’re all different, BUT we all need to be on the same team.(Visit jeremymcgarity.blogspot.com for more...)

WE’RE ALL DIFFERENT by Jeremy McGarity, 7 Lead Pastor

STAFF BLOGS (vISIT HDCSEvEN.COM FOR MORE)

When talking about our kids brain power we need to handle it with care. It is not un-common for me to hear comments about one brother being smarter than the other brother in front of the two boys. Adults forget how powerful that kind of comment can be in a child’s mind. As parents we need to talk about the importance of wisdom and not just intelligence.

Thirdly, children (especially boys) are ex-tremely competitive with regard to athletic ability (Brawn). Those who are more frail, less coordinated, and can’t jump as high as others and are rarely able to accept second best with humility and dignity. Parental fa-voritism has a damaging effect on the whole family. By showing preferences parents do no favors for any of their children.

Linda & I are offer these ten suggestions for a workable system of justice:

1. No child is ever allowed to make fun of another in a destructive way. Period! This is an inflexible rule without exceptions.

2. Each child’s room is his territory (with some understandings and boundaries).

3. The older children are not allowed to tease the younger kids.

4. The younger child is forbidden to harass the older child.

It is the tendency of some parents to re-quire more and be tougher on older children and less on younger children. This can cause ill feelings toward younger siblings. Stud-ies have shown diminished disciplining in younger children in comparison to older children.

5. The children are not required to play with others when they prefer to play alone.

6. Any conflict is mediated as quickly as pos-sible. 7. Correct privately

For some reason human nature gloats when another is finally “getting his”. Brothers and sisters are no exception. As much as possible, discipline one on one behind closed doors.

8. Teach honor and respect

Children must get permission before us-ing each others possessions. Be proactive with the Golden Rule. “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you”. When

(Empty Nest...continued from page 7)Each of these phases presents us with unique challenges, but also with unique opportunities to serve God. Sheryl and I have gone through num-bers one through six and are now enjoying num-ber seven. And, with each phase, we have been challenged to discover new opportunities. With our nest occupancy reduced to two, we have more time to pursue ministry endeavors that would never have been possible with children at home. We can minister more freely outside of the high desert without needing to take care of car-pooling arrangements, making meal provisions or returning for special school events. We loved all of those elements of parenting, but without the responsibilities they bring, we can now spend days at a time with other ministry couples and encourage them in their love for Christ’s church. We can even go to Disneyland twenty times a year and conduct our own personal Buzz Light-year’s Astro Blasters tournament. We can go to the beach and, should the moon be right, stay until...well, you know what I’m getting at! We may have a few more empty rooms than we used to have, but we’re still having a blast.

By the way, have you seen pictures of our grand-children? I think we might have a few.

(Siblings...continued from page 12)

We have to avoid comparative kinds of state-ments that favor one child over another. This comparison is particularly true in three areas. We might call these the three gold coins of measuring ones worth in our society.

First is the whole arena of physical features (Beauty). It is especially troubling to children when one is commended at the expense of the other. Suppose two sisters were standing together at church and an adult comes up and comments on how one of the girls is cute. The other sister might naturally conclude she is the “ugly one”. This leads to jealousy and possibly even resent-ment between the two girls. We need to make sure this type of thing never happens within our families.

Beauty is the most significant factor for self worth in Western Society. Anything you say within hearing distance of one of your kids needs to be screened carefully. Comparison statements have the power to cause brother to turn against brother. We saw that in the story of Joseph and his brothers earlier.

But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart” (Sam. 16:7).

Secondly, the focus on intelligence (Brains).

children hear constant criticism, nag-ging, and negative comments from their parents they will mimic and follow their example.

Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor (Rom. 13:7).

9. Develop a team spirit

Jacob would have been wiser to en-courage his family to work together as a family. We need to develop a family identity and work and pull together as a team. We told our kids that they will always be part of the Hamilton Family so lets act like it.

10. Find each child’s gift

We shouldn’t measure our children against each other. God has made all of us unique.

As with any system of justice these only work when:

1. Their is respect for the leadership of the parent.

2. There is a willingness by the parent to get involved.

There is enforcement and punishment (surprisingly, children are happiest when their parents enforce reasonable limits with love and dignity).

3. You need to realize that the hidden target is you.

Why would I say the target is you? It would be naïve to miss the true mean-ing of sibling rivalry---it often repre-sents a form of parental manipulation. Often kids are crying out for “parent time”. They want and need your at-tention. Sometimes the only way they can capture “parent time” is by fussing with their siblings. Someone once said, “some children would rather be want-ed for murder than not wanted at all”. Some children doubt their parents affec-tion and love for them.

When these principles are applied with love, the emotional tone of the home can be changed from one of hatred to at least tolerance.

COUPLES NIGHT OUTPresented by HDC Men’s Ministry:Join us Friday, February 9th at 7:00 PM in the gym. Enjoy a catered candlelight Italian dinner, special music, and an array of door prizes. Our guest speaker will be John Erwin. Erwin is the Pastor to Families at Yorba Linda Friends Church, founder of the National Association of Family Ministries and a frequent retreat and conference speaker. Don’t delay—this event sold out last year!

$32 Per Couple (tickets available at the Island, or the church office)

Dress: Semi-Formal Attire

MEN’S OUTREACH BREAkFASTMark your calendars men for Saturday,

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

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

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

MERGE(5 & 6th grade) Now at all Harbor services in room T-3 & T-4.

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

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

ADULTSSEVEN COMMUNITY, Sunday at 5pm & 7pm in the auditorium.(1st-6th grade program now available in the gymduring the 5pm 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 8am in the chapel.

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

SPOTLIGHTTHEWEEkEND


January 13th at 8:00 AM. Our guest speaker is Keith Erickson. Erickson played college basketball at UCLA, where he was a starter on two NCAA Men’s Division I Basketball Championship teams (1964 and 1965). In 1965 he was selected by the San Francisco Warriors in the third round of the NBA draft, and he embarked upon a 12-season NBA career as a member of the Warriors, Chicago Bulls, Los Angeles Lakers, and Phoenix Suns. You will enjoy hearing how he came to Christ. This is a great opportunity to reach out to your oikos! Get your tickets for this event at the Island, or at the church office during the week.

REASONS TO JOIN A GROUPHere are some great reasons to join a small 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 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.

FORGIVEN & SET FREE This is an eight week Bible study and support group for women who have had an abortion and are struggling to overcome feelings of shame, regret, anxiety, and depression. The group will meet off-campus and confidentiality will be maintained. Call Ginger Stolp at (760) 242-7343 or (760) 559-4887 for more info.

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 RETURNS (SPIRITUAL FORMATION) Wednesday nights at 7pm. Encompassing an array of discipleship events for kids and adults, this Journey will intentionally en-courage a greater understanding of God. See our ad on page 20.THE GATHERING (SMALL GROUP ASSIMILATION FOR OUR SEVEN COMMUNITY)Monday nights at 7pm (Feb. 5th-26th).This four-week session will introduce you to your small group. Visit hdcseven.com for more.

BAPTISM:

UPCOMING CLASS DATES- January 21st & 28th February 18th & 25th

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].

Where do you stand? Are your estate and financial plans in order? Be prepared. Begin today to plan for tomorrow... Attend our free estate planning seminar conducted by Copenbarger & Copenbarger Law Firm at High Desert Church on Saturday, January 20th at 8:30 AM and Sunday, January 21st at 2:30 PM. Register online or call the church office today. Visit us at www.highdesertchurch.com for more information.

GENERAL INFO

ESTATE PLANNING


hdconnections/ winter 2006: issue 41

Documents

contents214empty nest

senior pastorempty nest

singleparent home

pfs insights

nice day wave

nice ride

nice car

oxymoronby tom mercer