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$10

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PREPARING EVERY GENERATION TO CHANGE THEIR WORLDS FOR CHRIST!

hdcONNECTIONSOCTOBER 2006 : ISSUE 39

THE CONTENTS

4SUDDENLY HUMANby Tom Mercer, Senior PastorDon’t bother asking anyone else who you are. God has already told you. There’s a full life out there. It’s yours! There are un-believable opportunities out there. They’re yours. Not the pastor’s. Not the next guy’s. Yours!

10NEW TESTAMENT 101by George Beardsley, Managing Associate PastorThe New Testament is the continuing story of God’s love affair with His creation and contains the fulfillment of God’s promises from the Old Testament.

14ADULT MINISTRIESFind out more about our men and wom-en’s ministries.

17SPOTLIGHTFind out what’s new at HDC..

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.”

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The more I tried to convince him, the more confused he seemed to get.My non-believing uncle just couldn’t see that the missing piece to the puzzle of his life was Jesus. Finally, and with a tinge of frustration, I opened a Bible and laid it flat on the coffee table sitting in front of us.

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by Tom Mercer, Senior Pastor

I turned to the first chapter of the Gospel of Matthew and stuck my forefinger between the pages. Then I turned to the last chapter of the Gospel of John and stuck my thumb between those pages. Letting the rest of the Bible fall flat on either side, I held up all four Gospels, the entire four-version story of the life, death and resurrection of Christ. I pointed to the Old Testament, laying flat on the left and said, “This part of history is filled with chaos--vile stories, horrific wars and ugly relationships.” Pointing to the remainder of the New Testament, still laying flat on the right, I continued, “And this part is filled with peace, joy, love and purpose.” My question suddenly became an easy one. “And do you know what happened in between?” I could tell the light came on. “Jesus.”

Jesus was the prototype for a new line of humanity, a throwback to God’s original design. He was the first sinless human being since Adam and Eve. We talk all the time about how Jesus was unique in that He was fully divine. But He was also unique in that He was fully human, in fact, the first fully human person to ever pass through a mother’s womb.

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And by living a fully human life, He showed us how it’s done. In fact, His coming suddenly changed our op-tions. For the first time, we didn’t have to settle. He of-fered us the chance to live life to the full as well. But in order to pull it off, He would have to take our sin upon Himself. Even if only for a short time, He had to give away His fullness. If He hadn’t been willing to give His up, He would have never been able to give us ours!

“God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” II Corinthians 5:21

Somehow that exchange triggered a chain reaction on the other side of the Universe that resulted in an intergalactic death meltdown. For the past two thousand years, no theologian has quite been able to figure out what happened. But we are certain about what result-ed.

My first week as a seventh grader at Jefferson Junior High School opened up a whole new world for me. There was much to frighten a kid who had led a fairly sheltered life. And, for the most part, I didn’t have to be taught to keep my distance from those elements.

But some other things had to be explained to me. One of those things was racism.

Racial separation was something I had never experienced before, so when I showed up for the first day of school, there was no good reason, in my mind, not to make friends with the kid sitting right behind me in our classroom. Two things were pretty obvious about Joe, but neither was all that significant to me at the time--(1) Joe was an African Ameri-can and (2) Joe was about the biggest human being I had ever seen. And, within the first week, I would learn a third thing about Joe--basically, he owned the school. For all in-tents and purposes, JJHS didn’t stand for Jefferson Junior High School, it stood for Joe’s Junior High School!

Joe and I hit it off from the very beginning. Don’t ask me why. I had a pretty good tan during those years, but I was still very Caucasian. Likewise, I wasn’t very large. An acceler-ated elementary school academic program had determined that, from the third grade on, I would be almost two years younger than any other kid in my class. And since, in junior high, seventh graders are at the bottom of the food chain, I was two years younger than any other kid on the entire cam-pus! But knowing Joe made all of that rather irrelevant.

Within a month, I had become a legend. I became the only white kid who had the opportunity to hang around with virtually anyone on that campus! I could eat lunch with the white crowd (and we’re not talking bread here) or with my new black friends anytime I wanted. I could choose to sit on the bus with either my white buddies or the brothers. Dur-ing physical education, I could choose to play on the white team or the winning team. You see, I had access!

But that access was not possible because of who I was, but because of who I knew. In fact, as far as the JJHS stu-dent body was concerned, I’d pretty much lost my identity as Tom Mercer. I had a new identity. All that mattered was that I was Joe’s very good friend. In a New Testament sense, you could say, I was “in” Joe. When people saw me coming down the hall, they didn’t see me at all. They saw some-one bigger. And they responded accordingly. That’s what it means to be in Christ.

For almost two millennia, Satan has perverted the Chris-tian psyche into believing that the church is comprised of two groups, the haves and the have-nots. The stars and the rest of us groupies. The ones who are marching to glory and the rest of us who are crawling to glory. Those whom God is proud to have on board and the rest of us whom He reluctantly allows to tag along. The ones who deserve to be

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favored and the rest of us who, quite frankly, are lucky to just be alive. The saints and the rest of us ain’ts.

In the Roman Catholic Church a highly admired “servant of God” may eventually be declared a saint. Such persons are then canonized, or added to the “canon” or catalog of saints. Their names are invoked at the celebration of Mass. They are the heroes, the miracle workers. They are infallibly declared by the Pope to be the beautiful people of the church. And because of their great merit, they’re even allowed to intercede for the rest of us lowly, average, every day, “run of the mill” Christians, who try unsuccessfully on our own to gain an au-dience with God.

In the Charismatic movement, you have those who em-brace the “full gospel” and the rest of us who, evidently, only got half of it. The super-gifted and the rest of us not so gifted. The high-octane performers and the rest of us wanna-bees. Those who get the Holy Spirit and the rest of us who only get Jesus.

In your typical Evangelical church, you’ll find a similar de-lineation. Many of my evangelical brothers and sisters will sympathetically shake their heads for their disillusioned Ro-man Catholic friends while they piously shake their fingers in the faces of their “emotionally driven” Pentecostal brethren. And then they will turn around and give you their own lists of fundamental requirements for God’s favor, including the avoidance of such things as certain hair and clothing styles, entertainment choices and, “Lord, have mercy,” even utiliz-ing percussion instruments in worship. Priding themselves as God’s favored few while hoping the rest of us will, someday, repent and return to the fold.

(Continued on page 16...)

For almost two millennia, satan has perverted the Christian psyChe into believing that the ChurCh is Comprised oF two groups, the havesand the have-nots.

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The City of Victorville is ready to give us a grading permit and we are accepting grading bids at this time. After what seems like an eternity, we are very close. The hurdle we have at this point is the Department of Fish and Game. Although we have received a letter from them stating that our application is complete, Sacramento needs

to review it and give us their approval. Needless to say, this has been a frustrating and tedious process.

In the mean time, we are setting up the construction trailers and preparing to demo the old CE building which is currently in the footprint of Pointe Discovery. As I write this update, dust is in the air from the work. As I stated last time, bids on the southeast parking lot and Arlette Street improvements are being accepted and any questions should be directed to Skip Ely at (760) 245-2415. The designated giving toward Pointe Discovery continues to be on target and we continue to look for ways to inform people new to HDC about how they can be involved in this exciting process. Please keep praying for this process, we need it now more than ever.

Visit pointediscovery.com for more info. Questions regarding Pointe Discovery or the future build out of the HDC campus can be submitted to george@highdesertchurch.com or call (760) 245-2415 ext. 219.

Above: An aerial photograph of High Desert Church and future site of Pointe Discovery.

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Services at 5pm & 7pm

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A s the century from 500 BC to 400 BC drew to a close, so did God’s written revelation we now know as the Old Testament. The close of the Old Testament left Israel under Persian rule. Familiar characters like Xerxes and Artaxerxes rose and fell, and Nehemiah was in his second governorship in Israel. The plan of redemption promised in Genesis 3 and prophesied about throughout the Old Testament was unrealized. Biblical history fell silent.

In the approximately 400 silent years between the testaments, history marched on. Alexander the Great rose to power, and Greece ruled the known world. Israel, then under Greek rule, suffered under the leader-ship of those who took the name Antiochus. It was during this time that the Maccabaeans led their revolt and cleansed the temple. To this day, Jews continue to celebrate this historical event as Hanakkah.

Greek rule was replaced by Roman rule when Pompey conquered Palestine in 63 BC. In 27 BC Caesar Augustus became emperor of the Roman Empire and during his reign, Biblical history resumed.

The New Testament is a collection of twenty-seven books that were written during the first century AD. While the Old Testament covers thousands of years of history, the New Testament covers less than one hun-dred years. The New Testament is the continuing story of God’s love affair with His creation and contains the fulfillment of God’s promises from the Old Testament.

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by George Beardsley, Managing Associate Pastor

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The Gospels are the first four books of the New Testament. They record the his-tory of the birth, life, death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ and cover events that occurred during the first third of the first century.

A good question that is asked is, “Why are there four different accounts?” The best way to answer that is from our own experiences. Whenever our family experiences something special, we will ask each person to share what they liked best or what they thought of the experience. Shared family times become even richer when we hear about what they saw, or encountered, because we might not have seen the same thing or thought about it in the same way.

As the Holy Spirit moved through the Gospel writers, they brought their own perspectives as they wrote about their encounters with Jesus Christ. Matthew was a Jewish tax collector who, although despised by his own people, found grace and acceptance from Jesus. Matthew rev-els in the fact that the promised Messiah has come. Matthew includes about fifty Old Testament quotes and alludes to many more Old Testament events. He is obvi-ously passionate that his people, the Jews, would recognize their Messiah. As a for-mer tax collector, Matthew was intrigued by Jesus’ teachings on money and records more references to money than any of the other Gospel writers. Matthew even uses

three monetary terms that can’t be found anywhere else in the New Testament. Although Matthew seems to be targeting a Jewish audience when he writes, it is important to note the role of Gentiles and women in his Gospel. Matthew records four women in the gene-alogy of Jesus, three of which were Gentiles. Matthew also records the story of the Magi who came from the East to bring gifts to the newborn king. Matthew’s audience did not like Gentiles, they did not value women and they scorned the tax collectors. Meeting Jesus rocked his world and that encounter colored Matthew’s Gospel.

When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and ‘sinners’?” On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sin-ners.” -Matthew 9:11-13

Early evidence supports the fact that Mark was a companion of Peter and traveled with Peter as he preached. The author of this Gospel seems vividly familiar with the events known only to the inner three disciples, Peter, James and John, suggesting his presence at those times. It is the shortest Gospel and seems to be focused on Jesus’ path to the cross.

He took Peter, James and John along with him, and he began to be deeply distressed and troubled. “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death,” he said to them. “Stay here and keep watch.” Going a little farther, he fell to the ground and prayed that if possible the hour might pass from him. “Abba, Father,” he said, “everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.” Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. “Simon,” he said to Peter, “are you asleep? Could you not keep watch for one hour? -Mark 14:33-37

Luke was probably a Gentile and wrote to that audience. While Matthew traces Jesus’ genealogy back to Abraham, Luke takes it back to Adam, the father of all mankind. Luke claims to have “carefully inves-tigated everything from the beginning” to present an accurate historical account of the life of Jesus. In his Gospel, Luke uses Greek terminology that would not be that familiar to a Jewish audience and seems to focus on the universal message of the Gospel. Luke’s Gospel is full of details which suggest careful research and dialogue with eyewitnesses to the events.

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Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word. Therefore, since I myself have care-fully investigated everything from the beginning, it seemed good also to me to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught. -Luke 1:1-4

John’s Gospel is very different. John does not record Jesus’ birth or early life. He begins with the proclamation that the “Word” that existed from the beginning, that is God, has made himself flesh. John tells us that his purpose is to record the miraculous signs that he saw, so that we would believe that Jesus is the Son of God and have life in his name. John is amazed by Jesus’ power and humbled by the fact that Jesus loved him. John refers to himself in his writing as the “disciple whom Jesus loved.”

Jesus did many other miraculous signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name. -John 20:30-31

The four Gospels take us to the point in his-tory where Jesus ascends to heaven and the disciples are left to wait for the promised Holy Spirit. The book of Acts resumes the story and is the history of the first century church. Luke probably records this historical account, as well as the Gospel which bears his name. The book of Acts opens with Jesus’ followers meeting together. This rag-tag group was not expected to amount to anything. The religious leaders who had put Jesus to death probably thought they had put an end to the whole Jesus affair. But, God descended on that little group. As Jesus had promised, the Holy Spirit came upon them in a vis-ible, powerful way. Three thousand believers were added to the new church that day!

Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. -Acts 2:38

(Continued on page 16...)

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Julie attends SMILES My name is Julie Bunker. I have been married for 20 years to my wonderful husband, Tony. We are blessed with a beautiful 11 year-old daughter, Pacience.

Let me tell you a bit of my journey in Christ. I had a very close relationship with Christ through college, but found myself estranged from Him soon after. I still believed in God, but didn’t have that close walk. After being married for almost 10 years, Tony and I were given the true blessing of a child. I had to quit work due to complications during and after the pregnancy. I suddenly found myself to be a stay at home mom without friends who also had small children, let alone any who were stay at home moms. My daughter was two years old when a long time friend started attending HDC and saw a women’s group for moms mentioned in the church bulletin. My friend knew instantly that this group was what I needed. I had communicated with her how alone I felt, and how both my husband and I wanted to raise our daughter with a knowledge and love of Christ. I had tried several churches, but hadn’t yet found one where I felt at home. Well, my friend never gave up on me, and for a year kept mentioning this women’s group. Finally, I got up the nerve and went to SMILES. That first Thursday I was assigned my table and there I met women who made me feel so special. I could feel God’s love pouring out from these women; not only for me, but also for God Himself. I knew I had found my home!

Since finding my way back home to God through SMILES, I have been through some difficult health problems: kidney failure, dialysis, several surgeries, and medicines with severe side affects. Yet, with all these difficulties, God has shown me through this ministry that I am loved and cherished by HIM, that I am made just the way He wants me to be, and that I can be used for His glory. I may not be able to be that fairytale wife and mother that you see on the 50’s TV shows, but if I am focused on having my priorities right (God, family, and ministry). I am just the way God wants me to be.

I have been privileged to be a SMILES leader for seven years now. What a true blessing it is to be able to see a woman go from being a non-believer to a woman whose heart is overflowing with love for Christ, and to see how God can use that woman to bring her husband and children to Christ as well. I am proof that God can use anyone to show others the love of Christ. SMILES can help you get there.

Childcare provided for children of all ages on a first-come-first-serve basis. To obtain our program letter and registration form, contact Director, Nancy Franklin, or Assistant, Sharon Page, at (760) 245-2415 ext. 530 or at smiles@highdesertchurch.com.

Purpose Statement:“Moms Preparing Moms to Change Their Worlds For Christ.”

Our program runs concurrent with the school schedule. Every September through May we offer:

The Enjoyable – a wonderful hospitable environment, special events such as our Christmas Tea, the Valentine Friendship Tea, and Year End Luncheon. The Truthful – worship, Bible studies, classes on marriage and family using materials from Christian authors, and a newsletter.

The Helpful – meeting weekly in Friendship Circles made up of 8–10 women for accountability and prayer, an oikos event to reach out to friends, lending a hand to other ministries in the community and abroad, a notebook for all the years events and studies, and leadership training.

GROUPS

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

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Monday from 7:00- 9:00pmCost is $30. (New season begins in 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 todd@highdesertchurch.com.

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.

TODAY’S LADIES BELIEVING & SERVING

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

We welcome all ladies ages 18 and over. Don’t forget to email tlbs@highdesertchurch.com, or call Patti in the church office at (760) 245-2415, ext. 261 for more info. TLBS is now in session.

It is now Fall and summer is over. For some of us, that causes us some sadness. Fall can make us feel melancholy. The days are shorter and we know that soon the leaves will begin to fall and out comes our sweaters and jackets. Fall is a time of change. Some people absolutely love change. I, for one, hate change. Maybe that is why fall makes me feel melancholy. But not all change is bad. God never changes, but He loves us too much to let us stay like we are. This is good change. Fall is also the time of year that ushers in the many bible studies and care groups around HDC. That is also true for TLBS, and although our look and name have changed, we are still good’ole TLBS. Now, instead of Training Ladies for Biblical Success, we are Today’s Ladies Believing and Serving.

This Fall we will be studying 1st Peter and how to count on God’s grace and peace, respond responsibly and to respect and submit to our authorities. Now wait just a minute! Who wrote this book? Peter? The same impulsive Peter who refused to allow Jesus to wash his feet, then insist that Jesus wash his whole body? Is this the same Peter that in Jesus’ most trying hour, denied that he knew him 3 times? Peter was a flake and a failure. This must be where good change comes in. Jesus saw Peter’s heart, future and purpose. He even gave him a new name to fit that purpose. The Rock! Now, Peter didn’t always act like the Rock, but Jesus knew what was coming. From the time Jesus came into Peter’s life, He began the work of change. He took a plain fisherman and transformed him. With that in mind, change doesn’t sound so bad, does it? Our Lord wants the best for us and we can trust His plan!

Remember that we are just pilgrims traveling through this world. We can trust in our Lord’s plan and persevere through all the changes in this place that often feels like a danger zone. Come, we’re saving a place for you this Fall! -Written by Sandy Runnels

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Expert: An ordinary person who is away from home.

Here’s one they missed:

Human: You. Fully. Suddenly. Finally.

(New Testament...continued on page 13)

Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day. They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellow-ship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. -Acts 2:41-42

The first part of the book of Acts contains the growing pains of the early church in Jerusalem. As with any living organism, change needed to oc-cur for survival and church structure emerged to correct problems and meet practical needs in the fellowship. At this point, the church was mainly in Jerusalem, but persecution scattered the church throughout Judea and Samaria. As the new church expanded, God called up for His purpose Saul, who became Paul, to take the Gospel message to the Gentiles and to the world beyond Judea and Samaria.

On that day a great persecution broke out against the church at Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. -Acts 8:1b

The remainder of the book of Acts follows Paul’s three missionary journeys as the church expanded throughout the world. Acts concludes with Paul’s capture in Jerusalem, which leads to his imprison-ment in Rome.

“Therefore I want you to know that God’s salvation has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will listen!” For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him. Boldly and without hindrance he preached the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ. -Acts 28:28-31

The following books in the New Testament are letters to the new churches encouraging them, cor-recting behavior and false doctrine, and instructing them in all matters of faith and church life.

Romans was written to the church in Rome. This letter is unique in the fact that Paul had not yet vis-ited the church in Rome. Romans talks about Paul’s plans to visit Rome and his desire to fellowship with the believers there. Romans is one of the most doctrinally packed letters in the New Testament. This could be due to the fact that Paul had not yet

(Suddenly...continued from page 7)We’ve met the enemy, and they are us! All of us. We have fallen prey to the deception of the evil one. Hav-ing split Christ’s body into the few, who have “arrived,” from the masses, who simply try to survive, the deceiver has reduced the self-esteem of the average believer to the point where he or she wonders if there is any hope of ever capturing the elusive butterflies of victory, suc-cess, and joy. We long for sainthood, but are convinced it is out of reach. We might as well get used to it. We will always be playing catch-up. The little engines that can’t! Right?

For the record, in the New Testament, God calls a Christian a “saint” sixty-two times. The pattern is un-mistakable. All Christians are the hagioi, the “set apart ones,” or the “righteous ones.” Every believer, not just a select few, is a set apart, positionally righteous, fully equipped, high-powered spiritual machine! That’s not just who they are. That is who you are! While still standing at the foot of the cross, you said, “Yes,” to Jesus Christ and immediately received access to your full humanity. It happened so suddenly, that many Christians don’t under-stand what happened. But, there is no spiritual superstar on any network, at any church, in any pulpit anywhere who has any more spiritual potential than you do right now. We’re all the haves! In Christ, there are no have-nots. We’re all the saints! In Christ, there are no ain’ts. Today, toward the end of a long and distinguished career, Milton Berle gives much of his time to perform for senior citizens at rest homes and retirement com-munities. One day, a dear elderly lady sat through his presentation somewhat aloof. Afterward, he approached her and said, “Excuse me, but do you know who I am?” She responded gently, “No, but if you go up to that desk over there and ask them, they will tell you.”

Don’t bother asking anyone else who you are. God has already told you. There’s a full life out there. It’s yours! There are unbelievable opportunities out there. They’re yours. Not the pastor’s. Not the next guy’s. Yours! Per-haps you saw the same article I did. It included a list of definitions:

Tourist: One who travels to see things that are different and then complains when they aren’t the same.

Journalist: A person with nothing on his mind and the power to express it.

Football Fan: A guy who yells at the quarterback for miss-ing a receiver 46 yards downfield and then can’t find his own car in the parking lot after the game.

preached in Rome, so he wanted to convey as much as he could to this young church.

I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong - that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith. -Romans 1:11-12

1st and 2nd Corinthians are letters written to the church at Corinth. In contrast to the let-ter to the Romans, Paul had been to Corinth on his second missionary journey. These let-ters specifically address problems in the local church. There was division, sin, marriage is-sues, legalism, propriety in worship services, and doctrinal misunderstandings that had penetrated the Corinthian church. Paul is writ-ing to clean up the situation and to encourage them to grow up in Christ.

Brothers, I could not address you as spiritual but as worldly — mere infants in Christ. I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready. -1 Corinthians 3:1-2

Paul’s letter to the Galatians was written to challenge people who were questioning Paul’s authority and to reaffirm salvation through faith in Jesus apart from the law and legalism. As the young church started to add require-ments to salvation, Paul’s passion for grace becomes evident.

I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for noth-ing!” -Galatians 2:21

Paul’s letter to the Ephesians was written to remind them of their position in Christ, to exhort them to holy living, to encourage good deeds, and to challenge them to be prepared for attacks from the enemy.

For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Je-sus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. -Ephesians 2:10

Philippians was written to the church at Philippi in response to their care for him while he was imprisoned in Rome. As you read the letter, you sense Paul’s gratitude and love for this church. Paul praises them for their help to him and encourages them to be unified in spirit and purpose.

(Continued on page 20...)

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NEW SUPPORT GROUP FORGRANDPARENTSA group for grandparents who are raising their grandchildren. For more details please call Allen and Beth Dillon at (760) 240-3246.

HDC MEN’S CONFERENCE(AGAINST THE GRAIN)Men! Mark your calendars for November 17th-19th for another weekend at Pinecrest Christian Conference Center (near Lake Arrowhead). Lodge accommodations are still available for $120. Register at the Island today.

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) Saturday at 4:30pm & 6:30pm 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

ISRAEL & JORDAN STUDY TOUR Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity to step back into the Biblical world. Pastor Kurt Thielen will be leading this tour that will explore the lands of Israel and Jordan in May of 2007. If you are interested in learning more about this experience, call (760) 245-2415 ext. 240.

Left: Guest Comedian- Michael Jr. Right: Guest Speaker- Myles Gentzkow

Do you have crafts that you have made? What about home-made goodies? Why not sell them at this year’s 9th annual craft faire. This event is designed so that members or regular attenders of HDC may sell their “homemade items” to the church family and community. It is also a perfect time to purchase Christmas gifts. Call the church office at (760) 245-2415 if you would like to reserve a sales table. Ask for Mary or Donna.

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Names: Jed & Peggy Snell

Position: High School Leaders

Why have you chosen to work with high school? We have always had a heart for families and children. As our own children have grown older, our passion for raising Godly kids has grown stronger. Our children have been richly blessed through the high school ministry; therefore, it’s truly a blessing for us to be serving in this vital ministry of HDC.

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

by Jim Burns, Ph.D.

Our student ministry department is always reading books and articles to keep fresh. Here’s an article we read that we wanted to pass along to you. It’s written by a “guru” of student ministry, and an experienced dad to teenagers. We hope you will enjoy it as much as we did!

Communication Tips For Building Responsible Teenagers

No one likes to be nagged. Yet, many parents resort to nagging as a primary–though negative ways--to communicate their feelings and desires with their children. In the short-run, negative communication may produce some results, but at the cost of damaging relationships with their kids. Parents with an eye to effective parenting over the long-haul will wisely choose positive com-munication techniques. Positive communication is vital for building responsible teenagers. Good communication does take work, but if you employ some of the following tips, you’ll be on the road to helping your kids become responsible teenagers.

• ACTIVELY LISTEN. Listening is the language of love. Listening communicates value, signifi-cance and worth. Good listening skills include: • giving a person your undivided attention • looking past the content of the words, taking notice of tone and body language • maintaining an accepting and open attitude • reflective and respectful questioning to help clarify your understanding • appropriate verbal responses to what is being communicated (i.e., not giving a blank stare, but replying – even if it is something like “I’m not sure what I think about that.”)

• PROVIDE CLEAR VERBAL RECOGNITION OF BEHAVIOR – BOTH ACCEPTABLE AND UNACCEPTABLE. Both genuine praise for good behaviors and responsible actions, and fair criticisms of poor behavior and irresponsible actions help to reinforce the importance you place on your kids maturing into responsible adults.

• BE AWARE OF YOUR TONE AND BODY LANGUAGE WHEN YOU SPEAK. Do your best to make sure the message you send is the message you intend.

• AVOID THE “SILENT TREATMENT.” Silence can wreak havoc on communication and rela-tionships. The use of silence to stifle a conversation or as a weapon to frustrate or hurt your kids is never helpful. Sometimes, however, silence is appropriate to provide time to gather your thoughts. Yet, always communicate the purpose of your silence. For example, a parent might say, “I need

STAYING SHARPpositive communication is vital for building responsible teenagers

Names: Brian & Glenna Oliver (Glenna not pictured)

Position: Jr. High Tribe Elders

Student trips were a catalyst for the Oliver’s. Brian was a part of a spring event called Upkeepers and immediately got hooked. Glenna was a part of our summer camp and served as a counselor, and wanted to keep going. Both now serve on the jr. high team.

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FUEL/ High School(Questions)

Some things in life aren’t easy to answer. Walk with us through a few of the tough ques-tions and get real answers.

Jr. High (Oikos)

Who are we to pick and choose who goes to heaven? Doyou care enough about your world to tell them about Christ?

some time to consider how to respond. Let’s talk about this at dinner.”

• BE AWARE WHEN EMOTIONS ARE RUNNING HIGH. Sometimes a cooling--off period is required in order for good communication to occur.

• EXPRESS HOW YOU FEEL. Sharing your feelings is important in effective communication.

• USE “I” STATEMENTS INSTEAD OF “YOU” STATEMENTS. It’s better to say, “I feel hurt when you don’t follow through on your commitments,” than “You hurt me when you don’t do what you said you’d do.” “I” statements allow you to share your feelings with your kids without blaming them.

• AVOID DISCUSSION KILLERS: • put-downs • identifying comments or questions as dumb • yelling, interrupting or talking-over another person • forced talk

• DOWNPLAY YOUR ROLE AS PARENTAL AUTHORITY WHENEVER POSSIBLE. When it comes to learning responsibility, helping your kids think through issues and learn from their own mistakes is important. Rather than lectur-ing as the parental authority, try to be a facilitator, helping your kids discover and learn lessons on their own whenever possible. In differences of opinion, help kids think through what they believe and why the believe it. Defend your position without becoming authoritarian or over-emotional, if possible.

• IN COMMUNICATING, PROVIDE AFFIRMATION WHENEVER POS-SIBLE. Everyone needs affirmation! Regular use of statements like, “Great idea,” “That’s so clever,” “I would have never figured that out,” “Way to go,” “Good job,” etc., will cause your kids to grow and thrive.

Printed by permission of HomeWord. For additional information on HomeWord, visit www.homeword.com or call 800-397-9725.

High SchoolOctober 13th-15th- Student Leader RetreatOctober 25th- Reunion October 29th- Super Sunday

November 10th-12th- LA Service ProjectNovember 19th- Super SundayNovember 29th- Reunion

Junior HighOctober 31st- Tribal Council

November 28th- Tribal Council

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

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

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If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. -Philippians 2:1-2

Paul writes the church at Colosse to challenge heresy that had crept into the church and to remind them of the supremacy of Christ. Paul tells the church, as God’s chosen people, to put to death whatever belongs to the earthly nature and to clothe themselves with Godly virtues.

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all cre-ation. For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the heAD of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. -Colossians 1:15-18

1st and 2nd Thessalonians were written to strength-en the Thessalonians in time of persecution and to calm their fears concerning the resurrection and future events. Paul praises the Thessalonians for receiving the Word and accepting it as coming from God and not from men.

You became imitators of us and of the Lord; in spite of severe suffering, you welcomed the message with the joy given by the Holy Spirit. -1 Thessalonians 1:6

1st and 2nd Timothy are the beginning letters writ-ten to individuals. Timothy was Paul’s son in the Lord, and Paul had a mentoring relationship with this young pastor. Paul warns Timothy about false teachers and gives him instructions in church life and practice. Paul exhorts Timothy to fulfill his call as a pastor, to endure hardship, and prove faithful.

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a work-man who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. -2 Timothy 2:15

Titus was a pastor to the churches in Crete and an-other one of Paul’s protégés. Paul’s letter to Titus en-courages him in church conduct, Godly behavior, and sound doctrine.

You must teach what is in accord with sound doctrine. -Titus 2:1

Philemon lived in Colosse and was probably a wealthy, influential leader in the church. When Paul meets Onesimus, Philemon’s runaway slave, Paul sends Onesimus back to Philemon with this letter to encour-age Philemon to accept Onesimus as a brother in the Lord, regardless of his social status.

Perhaps the reason he was separated from you for a little while was that you might have him back for good — no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother. He is very dear to

me but even dearer to you, both as a man and as a brother in the Lord. -Philemon 15-16

The letter to the Hebrews contains rich doc-trine relating to the person and work of Jesus Christ. This letter elevates Jesus and his work on our behalf and then gives examples of lives that were lived by faith. Hebrews concludes with what the church’s response should be as we carry on the rich tradition of people of faith.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with per-severance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. -Hebrews 12:1-2

James is written to the Jewish church scat-tered among the nations. James encourages them to persevere in trials and to persevere in good deeds. James is concerned with good deeds. James stresses that people who say they are fol-lowers of Christ ought to look like followers of Christ.

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. -James 1:2-3

1st and 2nd Peter are letters Peter also wrote to believers that were scattered about the Roman Empire. Peter uses their alienated status to re-mind them of their heavenly citizenship. Peter challenges these believers to behavior that would reflect a citizenship in heaven and ultimately at-tract people to that kingdom.

Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul. Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us. -1 Peter 2:11-12

1st, 2nd, and 3rd John are letters written to combat false teaching concerning Jesus. John confronts Gnosticism head on and exalts Jesus as God’s only atoning sacrifice. John wanted his readers to be confident in the promise of eternal life.

I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life. -1 John 5:13

The letter of Jude is also a general letter writ-ten “to those who have been called.” It seems that false teachers had slipped into the fellow-ship, and in this short letter, Jude has nothing kind to say about them as he warns the church.

Yet these men speak abusively against whatever they do not understand; and what things they do understand by instinct, like unreasoning animals — these are the very things that destroy them. -Jude 10

Revelation mainly deals with the conclusion of the history of this planet. In the first three chapters, John addresses specific churches, commends their good deeds, and warns them about their bad behaviors.

“To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true wit-ness, the ruler of God’s creation. I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were ei-ther one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm — neither hot nor cold — I am about to spit you out of my mouth.” -Revelation 3:14-16

The rest of the letter is about John’s vision of the future, where he is given a glimpse of heaven and the wrath of God that is poured out on those who have rejected his son. The judgment against the earth is followed by Sa-tan’s ultimate defeat. Satan, the false prophet, and all those whose names are not found in the book of life are separated from God for all of eternity. Revelation ends with the prom-ise of a new heaven, a new earth, and a new Jerusalem for God and his people to dwell in forever.

After this I looked, and there before me was a door standing open in heaven. And the voice I had first heard speaking to me like a trumpet said, “Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this.” -Revelation 4:1

The New Testament is a love letter from a passionate God to the people he loves. It begins with his provision to restore the rela-tionship broken by sin. It continues with the instruction on how his children should live and the mandate they have to share God’s provision with their Oikos. The letter ends with God’s promise of a new order of things, where there is no death, no mourning, and no pain. After seeing this glimpse of the future, John says, “Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.”

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Pastor Frank Mercer

3) The Deacons – The Serving Ones. These are “saints” who have been selected by the church family to serve, to minister to the temporal and social needs of all who attend... making sure everyone is treated equal (Acts 6:1-7). The meaning of the word “deacon” is servant... indicating the very heart of their responsibilities. Jesus was a servant, and taught His disciples that they must serve if they wish to become leaders–that is still true for spiritual leaders today, we serve! God’s Word teaches more about the qualifications, of deacons than it teaches about their duties – the position of deacon requires of them a “servant heart”! Men should not seek the position from a desire for “power” to run the church.

A church family is greatly blessed if it has a group of people, saints, elders and deacons, who fellowship together and work in a spirit of harmony – unity! I am able to praise God for the unity in our church family and I rejoice knowing there are a number of “servant hearts” in our midst. Remember, God never sends thirsty souls to empty wells to drink! We are ready Lord, to serve!

1) Make a list of qualifications for church leaders from today’s reading.

2) Which leadership trait do you appreciate the most in a church leader?

3) What is the real secret in selecting leaders for a church family?

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 9 of a SERIESFocus passage: Philippians 1:1 Scripture reading: 1 Timothy 3:1-16

The introduction to the book does more than say “hello,” it sets forth for us the organizational structure of the church family. No influence is greater in a community than a spiritually powerful church. However, that takes leaders! And there is no need today, as great as the need for spiritual leadership in the family of God. The world must not be allowed to determine our purpose for existing, nor dictate how we function. We dare not allow expedience to determine our behavior or our doctrinal convictions... the Bible must instruct us, providing guidance for the life of our church.

1) The Saints – The Born Again Ones. As we have seen, a New Testament “saint” is a person who has become a child of God through faith in Jesus Christ. God has made provision for the care and growth of His children, through His church! “It was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith” (Ephesians 4:11-13). God’s gift to His church are spiritual leaders! “God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.” (Hebrews 6:10). God brags on those Christians who have learned to care for one another. Don’t miss this: the work of ministering to the saints is done on earth! You can’t minister to the saints in heaven, they do not need your help – but we need each other in the family of God!

2) The Bishops – The Overseeing Ones. These are “saints” who have been entrusted with the spiritual leadership of the church, overseeing its ministry. The word “bishop,” “elder,” and “pastor,” are used interchangeably in the New Testament. Peter was an elder, and exhorted his fellow elders: “Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, serving as overseers... being examples to the flock” (I Peter 5:1-4). God will honor all who serve faithfully as an “overseer.” Paul, speaking to a group of elders from the city of Ephesus said, “Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock, of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, be shepherds of the church of God, which He bought with His own blood.” Wow, what an awesome responsibility! Check it out in Acts 20:28.

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REASONS TO JOIN A GROUP THIS FALLHere 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.

LIVING COURAGEOUSLY (Resumes in January)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.

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 in T-3 & 4. Just show up. 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. OVERCOMERS OUTREACHA Christ centered substance recovery group for men & women. Meets on Fridays at 7pm in T-2.

THE JOURNEY- SPIRITUAL FORMATIONOn Wednesday evenings, HDC is hosting a new growth event called Journey. Encompassing an array of discipleship events for kids and adults, this Journey will intentionally encourage a greater understanding of God. See our ad on the inside cover.

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BAPTISM / NOVEMBERAre you interested in being baptized at HDC? We have two baptism classes that you need to attend. The first class will give you info about the baptism and how to develop a personal testimony. The second is spent video taping your testimony. The first baptism class will be on Oct. 22nd at 10am in the chapel and the second class will be on Oct. 29th at 10am in the chapel. The classes are in preparation for the Nov. 11th & 12th baptisms. 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 prayer@highdesertchurch.com.

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 San-chez 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 Tim@highdesertchurch.com, 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 mholbrook@highdesertchurch.com.The Harbor Worship Arts team

will be staging an orchestra for the upcoming Christmas season. This will be the first time such a performance has been done at HDC. In other words, we need you! Auditions will be held soon for all instruments, including woodwinds, strings, brass and percussion. Ages 12 and up are welcome, but material will be geared toward an intermediate skill level, so beginners are not recommended. If you’re interested, call Melanie at ext. 204, email mholbrook@highdesertchurch.com or visit our website and click on Ministries.

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NON-PROFITORGANIZATIONU.S. Postage PAID

San Dimas, CAPermit No. 410

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