The Impact Campaign

Come Get FIT!

2009-12-17T15:29:00.003-07:00

Please join us for fellowship, information, and team building at our next Family Life Ministries Volunteer Meeting. Thursday, January 21, 2010 at 6:15 pm in The Garage. Dinner and childcare will be provided. Mark your calendars!

2009-11-25T13:40:00.002-07:00

Hey Team!

Our volunteer site is currently under construction! We hope to have it updated soon to stay tuned!

Family Life Ministries

Exciting Changes

2009-11-06T16:54:00.001-07:00

Hello HD Volunteers!

Lots of exciting changes happened on staff at Radiant this week – you’ll hear about all of them this weekend in the message! Make sure you’re here!

But as volunteers in Radiant’s Children’s Ministry, you get to hear some of the news ahead of time! We so appreciate each and every one of you, and the time you pour into kids of all ages each weekend. Every minute you spend here is time invested into God’s Kingdom – don’t let anyone convince you that what you do here is anything less than world-changing.

I know you all have enjoyed the opportunity to work directly with Carissa, and she has enjoyed her time in HD. But during these past few months, Pastor Lee and Carissa both realized that her “home” at Radiant is on the main stage, leading worship! She will be returning to the Music Department this coming week.

This weekend, as you see her in the Children’s Areas, be sure to give her a hug and thank her for the time she spent investing in our Children’s Ministry! We’ll miss her!

But don’t worry – Family Life has a lot of exciting changes coming our way – including adding a new age group AND the return of some familiar faces you all have missed! I can’t tell you all the details (Pastor Lee asked me to wait so he can announce it from the platform this weekend!).

Thanks again for all you do for our kids – I am so proud to be a part of Radiant’s Children’s Ministry.

See you this weekend,

Pastor Mikki

Word.

2009-10-15T14:36:00.004-07:00

Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. The tempter came to him and said, "If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread." Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.' Matthew 4:1-4

This scripture is simple right? Obviously, if we meditate on God’s word, God will satisfy our hunger. It’s a metaphor, right? Because it’s a metaphor we can’t take it literally. I mean we still have bills to pay, children to feed, mortgages to pay all while trying to maintain relationships, go to church, and actively participate in our ministry to the kids. We don’t have time to sift through the philosophy and the allegory in the Bible. Why can’t the Bible just give us the straight truth? Before we dismiss this passage as a metaphor, let’s break it down.

So Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted. This is before Jesus starts His ministry. This is after His baptism, but before choosing the 12 disciples. Jesus’ ministry could be derailed before it begins. Then he fasted for 40 days and nights. Which made Him hungry (duh?). So far, the Bible is very literal and very factual…no metaphors yet.

Then Satan came to Jesus and tempted him with what His body craved: food. Satan challenges His status as the Son of God (which was confirmed in His baptism “This is my Son…Matthew 3:17), challenged His power over the earth, and tempted Him.

Then Jesus responds with a metaphor…right? Wrong. This portion is literal as well. Jesus is quoting a verse from the Old Testament in the book of Deuteronomy chapter 8 verse 3. The Israelites are about to enter the Promised Land and God is reminding of His commands that He done for them.

Remember how the LORD your God led you all the way in the desert these forty years, to humble you and to test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands. He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your fathers had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD. Your clothes did not wear out and your feet did not swell during these forty years. Deuteronomy 8:2-4

God provided manna when the Israelites needed food. Manna literally means, “What is it?” Manna was provided every morning. They were told not to store it or it would spoil and maggots would consume it. Before the Sabbath though, manna would change its consistency and would last for 2 days. God provided food even when there was no food available.

That’s what Jesus is saying. He’s not saying that if we fill our spiritual hunger we will forget about our physical hunger. His message is simple, if we rely on God, He will take care of our needs. Our God is so powerful, that with a word from His mouth, our hunger can be satisfied. Even in our own personal deserts, when we don’t see a solution around, He can fill our needs.

The difference between the Bible and any other book is that it is willing to be put to the test. Challenge it. Read through it. Take it serious! This is the word of God to humanity. It’s a story of His love for us. It’s the same love that you show to the kids you minister to every week. Words cannot express how fortunate we feel that we get to share life experiences with you. We are blessed to have you and look forward to all the experiences that are to come in the ministry God has entrusted us all with. Thank you for all that you do.

Announcements

Be sure to check your emails for an evite for our Team Time Out and please remember to RSVP. We're hosting a Pie & Cider Night at Surprise Park on November 15, you don't want to miss out!

We Belong to God

2009-10-08T10:29:00.005-07:00

It never fails. Whenever I’m having a bad day, things always seem to go from bad to worse. It seems that I struggle with my own mortality and my own frailty at the same time that I struggle with my spirituality. My problem is not my faith in God; my problem seems to fall into my own realization that I am a horrible mess. This realization never comes on my own; it always comes from the constant reminder of what a horrible man that I am.

Paul struggled with this and wrote about it in Romans 7. If you read through the first 7 chapters of Romans, Paul addresses God’s wrath against wickedness, judgment, Jewish law, God’s faithfulness in spite of our lack of righteousness, our death through sin, and how we struggle with sin ending with the phrase, “What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death?” Whenever I fall and fail I always feel like Paul in Romans 7:21-24.

“So I find this law at work: When I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God’s law; but I see another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members.”

Paul is a very divided man and illustrates how divided we are fighting between our sinful nature and our constant drive to become more like Jesus. If this were the end of Paul’s rant, we would be left pessimistic and empty. He would affirm our feelings without giving us any hope for the future.

Sometimes when we read the Bible, we follow a paragraph or a chapter and then we set the Bible down. When the Bible was written it was formed as a narrative that was not divided. Ideas were not broken into chapters. The Bible continues on into itself. It is not simply a narrative about God; it is a narrative from God about us. About our humanity, our relationship to him, our past, our present, and our future. We must read the Bible in context. When we continue reading, we will fall into the message that God has for us. Let’s continue on in the passage. (Romans 7:24-8:2)

“What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God-through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself in my mind am a slave to God’s law, but in the sinful nature a slave to the law of sin

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death.“

When we are feeling down and beat up and attacked because of our past mistakes that haunt our present day reality, we can thrive under the passage of Romans 8:1, “Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”

There is a phrase that says, “When the devil reminds you of your past, remind him of his future.” While its cute, I think it should be rephrased. “When the devil reminds you of your past, remind him of your future”. You are a child of God and nothing will separate you from Him. “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord” Romans 8:38-39. Thank you for all that you do. We appreciate your ministry and remember that it is noticed by God, and is life-changing for the kids whose lives you are impacting.

Announcements

Be sure to check your emails for an evite for our Team Time Out and please remember to RSVP. We're hosting a Pie & Cider Night at Surprise Park on November 15, you don't want to miss out!

Modern Day Disciple

2009-10-01T11:22:00.007-07:00

During our echo weekends we are reminded of the commission that Jesus gave to us. Our job as Christians is to go into the entire world and preach the gospel. We are meant to be missionaries. As a missionary, we can share Jesus with people in our neighborhoods, workplaces, and social situations. Knowing this, I think we should take a look at the disciples (the first missionaries) shortly after we left them in our last series.

Peter, who was once filled with fear, suddenly preaches to 3,000 people and testifies about what Jesus had done for him. After that, Peter and John are walking to the temple and see a man who could not walk. The man asked for change and Peter and John obliged him through the power of God. The man began walking and leaping and praising God. Peter and John began to preach and then were thrown into prison. Then, they are brought before the same guys that just put Jesus to death!

Peter, who denied Jesus stands up for his faith even against certain death. Listen to what Peter said to them in Acts 4:8-13. “Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit said to them: ‘Rulers and elders of the people! If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a cripple and are asked how he was healed, then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. He is ‘the stone that the builders rejected, which has become the capstone.’ Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.”

When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.”

So the council meets and they decide that they can’t put the disciples to death, everyone saw them heal the man. The man who is healed is also standing next to Peter and John, so they decide to try to stop Peter and John. Here’s what they said in Acts 4:17-20

“'But to stop this thing from spreading any further among the people, we must
warn these men to speak no longer to anyone in this name.’ Then they called them
in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus.
But Peter and John replied, ‘Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s
sight to obey you rather than God. For we cannot help speaking about what we
have seen and heard.'"

We don’t have all the answers about our faith. There are atheists out there that make a living exploiting the fact that our belief system is based on a man who rose from the dead. We have to take that in faith. However, even the most educated atheist in the world cannot compete with what you have seen, what you have heard, and what you have experienced.

When you become a missionary in your workplace, your community, and among your friends, you are not telling them all the answers. You are simply telling them what you have experienced and what God has done in your life. When the elders saw that Peter and John were unschooled, but they spoke with such authority, they realized they had been with Jesus. When you spend time with Jesus it is noticeable. This week, spend some time talking with the God who loves you and made you. Your time with Him will influence everyone around you. It will make an impact, especially to the kids that we have the privilege of ministering to every weekend. Thank you for all that you do.

Announcements:

12 Disciples courtyard event is will be this weekend in celebrating our Unusual Suspects and Just Like Me series. Bring your cameras to snap some pics :)
12 STAMPS - We will be giving 1 stamp on stamp books for every Disciple that the children can remember, for a possible total of 12, in addition to their weekly stamps.
CHRISTMAS PLAY : Practice is this Saturday night during the Fusion/Jelevate service at 5:30. This will be the last weekend that kids can sign up to be part of the choir, so hurry to sign your children up!

We Are One

2009-09-23T12:28:00.021-07:00

This week, HD is finishing up our series on the 12 Disciples with the Holy Spirit. When I think of the Holy Spirit, I think 1 Corinthians 12.

"Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines...

Now the body is not made up of one part but of many. If the foot should say, "Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body," it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. And if the ear should say, "Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body," it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. If they were all one part, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, but one body.

The eye cannot say to the hand, "I don't need you!" And the head cannot say to the feet, "I don't need you!" On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has combined the members of the body and has given greater honor to the parts that lacked it, so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other." (7-11, 14-25 NIV)

God has given each of us special gifts and talents. As an HD team, we are all able to use the talents God has given us to reach children for Jesus in different ways.

There can be times in our lives when we may feel the responsibilities given to us are of lesser value than another's. I don't think any of us could describe how much we appreciate everything our HD volunteers do for us more than this passage does. It is so true that, even as a Children's Team, we all bring the talents and gifts we have to serve our students effectively. You are all amazing at what you do and couldn't do it without any of you :)

Announcements:

12 Disciples courtyard event will be next weekend in celebrating our Unusual Suspects and Just Like Me series. Bring your cameras to snap some pics :)
12 STAMPS - We will be giving 1 stamp on stamp books for every Disciple that the children can remember, for a possible total of 12, in addition to their weekly stamps.
Got any plans Friday night? We hope your only plans are to be here! This Friday night is Radiant's Got Talent at 7pm. We can't wait to see you there!
http://www.radiantchurch.com/talent/default.asp

CHRISTMAS PLAY : Practice is this Saturday night during the Fusion/Jelevate service at 5:30. There will also be a Wednesday night practice on Sept 30th from 6:30-7:30.

Check out Family Life's devotional called IMPRINT. If you are on Facebook, check out the new Radiant Family Life Fanpage!
http://www.facebook.com/pages/IMPRINT-Radiant-Church-Family-Life-Devotionals/142851625338?ref=ts

Info

2009-09-15T14:47:00.006-07:00

Hey Gang,

We have a few reminders for ya:

Family Life Ministries is so excited to present Radiant’s Got Talent on Friday, September 25th. It will be an opportunity for fun with families to watch our Radiant bands battle it out along with watching our TOP TEN talented Radiant performers. Make sure to get your tickets for the show. ONLY $5.00 for 5 people!
Also, make sure to place your vote for who you want to see perform. You vote and watch the videos here: http://www.radiantchurch.com/talent/vote.asp
You can vote once a day. Voting will end next Monday at noon. Spread the word – if you have facebook or twitter share the link.
It is going to be a great night!

SAFETY : Please remember that an adult volunteer (wearing a blue or orange badge) must be taking tags from child and parent when exiting the rooms. The first and last name, AND numbers must match before they are allowed to leave. If either the parent or child lost their tag, a red Child Release from must be fill out completely by a staff member and signed by parent, with matching sticker on the back. We want keep the children of Radiant safe at all times :)

CONTACT? : If you need to contact a staff member about placements, conflicts, questions, or any comments, the email address is children@radiantchurch.com

CHRISTMAS PLAY : Meet Me at the Manger rehearsals start this Saturday during the Fusion/Jelevate service.

Check out Family Life's new devotional called IMPRINT. If you are on Facebook, check out the new Radiant Family Life Fanpage!
1. Login into you facebook page and become a fan. You can just copy and paste “IMPRINT: Radiant Church Family Devotionals” into the search spot and then click “become a fan”
2. After you have become a fan then post the link on your wall encouraging others to become a fan!
If you have a Twitter account you can also post the link to the fan page there. http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/pages/IMPRINT-Radiant-Church-Family-Life-Devotionals/142851625338?ref=share

I'm Not! They Weren't Either...Are You?

2009-09-03T10:02:00.007-07:00

I'm talking about being perfect... and I'm talking about the twelve followers of Jesus.

Obviously, none of us are perfect. We all make mistakes, we all have some room to grow. And these men were not exception! They didn't even spend their time studying scripture, didn't have degrees, smelled like fish and didn't always have their act together. So why on earth would Jesus choose them to follow him?

Jesus' disciples were his very best friends while he was here on earth. He chose men that were, well, human! He said to them, "Come and follow me. I will make you fishermen for me." He opens that invitation to us as well. The 12 had an important job of telling everyone they knew about Jesus and about all that he had done while he was around. It didn't matter that they couldn't hold it together all day, everyday. It didn't matter that they weren't Bible scholars.

But the Lord said to me, “My grace is enough for you. When you are weak, then my power is made perfect in you.” So I am very happy to brag about my weaknesses. Then Christ’s power can live in me.” 1 Corinthians 12:9 (ICB)

All that mattered was that they were ready to leave everything behind and follow Him, are you?

Announcements

•Meet Me at the Manger! HD is getting ready for our 2009 Christmas play. If your children 1st - 6th grade are interested in trying out for an acting role, vocal solo, or group choreography, sign up in the lobby this weekend! Tryouts will be Next Wednesday, Sept 9th.

•Check out Family Life's new devotional called IMPRINT. If you are on Facebook, check out the new Radiant Family Life Fanpage!
1. Login into you facebook page and become a fan. You can just copy and paste “IMPRINT: Radiant Church Family Devotionals” into the search spot and then click “become a fan”
2. After you have become a fan then post the link on your wall encouraging others to become a fan!
If you have a Twitter account you can also post the link to the fan page there. http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/pages/IMPRINT-Radiant-Church-Family-Life-Devotionals/142851625338?ref=share

See you all this weekend :)

Catch Up

2009-08-28T11:52:00.004-07:00

In case you guys missed out on our volunteer meeting last Thursday, here is a nugget that Miss Rissa shared with us on how to make an impact! Check it out below:

TO MAKE A CRATER SIZED IMPACT I SHOULD…

1 LOVE GOD & LOVE PEOPLE – THE BIG ENCHILADA

Romans, chapter 12, verse 9,
“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.”

The Kingdom of God is built by building right relationships.

2 SERVE WHEN I WANT TO RESERVE

Verse 11,
“Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”

Serving the LORD is the antidote to a dwindling passion.

3 MAJOR ON THE MINORS

Verse 13,
“Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality.”

The little things done to the littlest among us can have the biggest eternal IMPACT.

Matthew 10:42,
“And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward.”

4 SPEAK KINDLY WHEN I WANT TO CUSS

Verse 14,
“Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.”

UNITY doesn’t play favorites.

5 BE A HIPPY: MAKE PEACE

Verse 17,
“Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone… Verse 21, “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”

Doing good is a surprisingly effective offensive tactic.

Announcements

It's not too late to bring boxes of crayons in for our Echo Mission Project in partnership with Project Shoestring! These boxes of crayons will go to children in Mexico, India, and South America who can't afford school supplies. Just bring crayons in to either Jungle Heights or Elevate this weekend.
Meet Me at the Manger! HD is getting ready for our 2009 Christmas play. If your children 1st - 6th grade are interested in trying out, an informational meeting will be held Sept 2nd at 6:30pm. Visit our kiosk in the lobby this weekend if you have any questions.
We have so many Bibles, jackets, bags, and other items in our HD Lost & Found, that we’re needing to clean them out! If you think you’ve lost a belonging while at HD, be sure to check the Lost & Found in Jungle Heights by August 30. All unclaimed items after August 30 will be donated.
Check out Family Life's new devotional called IMPRINT. If you are on Facebook, check out the new Radiant Family Life Fanpage!

1. Login into you facebook page and become a fan. You can just copy and paste “IMPRINT: Radiant Church Family Devotionals” into the search spot and then click “become a fan”
2. After you have become a fan then post the link on your wall encouraging others to become a fan!

If you have a Twitter account you can also post the link to the fan page there. http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/pages/IMPRINT-Radiant-Church-Family-Life-Devotionals/142851625338?ref=share

See you all this weekend :)

Not Mine, but Yours

2009-08-19T15:10:00.006-07:00

Think back to when you were a young child. What did you dream of your future being like? Where did you imagine living? What career did you imagine having? What did you imagine happening?

I don't know about you, but when I was about three and a half years old I was certain that by the time I turned 16 (because as we all know that's so old to a small child) I would be married to a famous country singer, living in a gigantic castle on a Hawaiian beach with my five children, pet giraffe, and 2 dogs. As for my profession, I was forever going to be Belle from Beauty and the Beast and have talking furniture as friends.

As I get older, I find myself thinking about life in a different way! It is so easy for me to get caught up in planning the direction that I want for my life and dream of it all working out perfectly, leaning on what our society defines perfection as: being thin and fit, having a six figure salary, two perfect children that never disobey, driving the most luxurious car... and the list goes on. Unfortunately, we're human and our goals and dreams can fall through because of the missing pieces. What I seem to forget too often is that God already has all the details worked out for my life and he has already created a plan that fits me perfectly. He offers that to each and every one of us.

So here's what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don't become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You'll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Romans 12:1-2(MSG & NIV)

His will for us is truly perfect and is not of or from this world, but is from the the Creator who is good and holy, and wants to give us the best. We definitely don't deserve the best, but God wants us to experience a life that pleases Him and to give us the opportunity to eternally praise Him for it all. God's will for Jesus' life was to define what perfect truly is, give us the example to follow, and send him as our Savior so we could forever live in His kingdom.

Announcements

It's not too late to bring boxes of crayons in for our Echo Mission Project in partnership with Project Shoestring! These boxes of crayons will go to children in Mexico, India, and South America who can't afford school supplies. Just bring crayons in to either Jungle Heights or Elevate this weekend.
Meet Me at the Manger! HD is getting ready for our 2009 Christmas play. If your children 1st - 6th grade are interested in trying out, an informational meeting will be held Sept 2nd at 6:30pm. Visit our kiosk in the lobby this weekend if you have any questions.
We have so many Bibles, jackets, bags, and other items in our HD Lost & Found, that we’re needing to clean them out! If you think you’ve lost a belonging while at HD, be sure to check the Lost & Found in Jungle Heights by August 30. All unclaimed items after August 30 will be donated.
Check out HD's family devotional guide at: www.radiantchurch.com/children. Click on the Family Devotionals button and you'll discover 30 days of Bible readings and activities for your family!
We are excited to grow our Children’s Special Needs Ministry! If you would like to participate in sharing your ideas and hearing Radiant’s vision for this unique ministry, please join us Tuesday, August 25 at 6:30 p.m. in Elevate! Food and childcare will be provided.

There Will be a Day

2009-08-13T16:33:00.004-07:00

In life, some days are always tougher than others. Lately I’ve found myself thinking about the people around me who are hurting and, in dealing with my own struggles, feeling the heaviness of this world on me. On those days it’s great to dream about Heaven!

I love Jeremy Camp’s song, “There Will Be a Day” and how it reminds us that it won’t be long before we’ll be with Jesus in a place where there will be no more suffering…

The chorus of the song is wonderful!

There will be a day with no more tears, no more pain, and no more fears
There will be a day when the burdens of this place, will be no more,
we’ll see Jesus face to face
There will be a day,
He’ll wipe away the stains,
He’ll wipe away the tears ….

Our time here on earth is only temporary. Our home for eternity is with Jesus. He promises us in John 14:2-3: “In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” (NIV)

What will that be like being with Jesus always, in a beautiful place, so amazing we can’t even imagine it? Where people won’t have disabilities, where we won’t be sick, where we’ll be loved so completely we won’t ever be lonely or afraid? It’s going to be indescribable!

“No one's ever seen or heard anything like this, Never so much as imagined anything quite like it— What God has arranged for those who love Him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9 (MSG)

Announcements

It's not too late to bring boxes of crayons in for our Echo Mission Project in partnership with Project Shoestring! These boxes of crayons will go to children in Mexico, India, and South America who can't afford school supplies. Just bring crayons in to either Jungle Heights or Elevate this weekend.
Be sure to check HD's Facebook page or your email for details on our next HD FIT on August 20!
We have so many Bibles, jackets, bags, and other items in our HD Lost & Found, that we’re needing to clean them out! If you think you’ve lost a belonging while at HD, be sure to check the Lost & Found in Jungle Heights by August 30. All unclaimed items after August 30 will be donated.
Check out HD's family devotional guide at: www.radiantchurch.com/children. Click on the Family Devotionals button and you'll discover 30 days of Bible readings and activities for your family!
We are excited to grow our Children’s Special Needs Ministry! If you would like to participate in sharing your ideas and hearing Radiant’s vision for this unique ministry, please join us Tuesday, August 25 at 6:30 p.m. in Elevate! Food and childcare will be provided.

Planks and Pots

2009-08-06T17:48:00.002-07:00

It started last week as a tiny little nagging in my head. A, “wait a minute, why didn’t she…? And how come she did this…?” The nasty mind niggling grew bigger and before I knew it, I was angry!
It’s amazing how fast a small slight can mature into full-fledged resentment!

This morning, though, the Holy Spirit stepped in with some strong conviction. Yes, I had been wronged, but He reminded me that in my swiftness to judge I had forgotten that I had done the same exact thing to the person on my mind just a few years before. Wow! I truly was the pot thinking the kettle black!

It’s one of the most popular Bible-verses of all time, but it sure applied to my life these past few days:

“How can you say to your brother, 'Brother, let me take the speck out of your eye,' when you yourself fail to see the plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye.” Luke 6:42 (NIV)

God brought to mind another reminder from His Word:
“So why do you judge your brothers or sisters in Christ? And why do you think you are better than they are? We will all stand before God to be judged…” Romans 14:10 (NCV)

With the Holy Spirit’s help, this pot is going to set aside her hurt, acknowledge that I’ve been just as guilty, and forgive as I’ve been forgiven. Thank you, Jesus, for fresh starts!

“God has chosen you and made you his holy people. He loves you. So you should always clothe yourselves with mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with each other, and forgive each other. If someone does wrong to you, forgive that person because the Lord forgave you.” Colossians 3:12-13 (NCV)

Announcements

We have a special Echo Project for the next four weeks! We are having a crayon drive! We're asking kids to give a gift to children in Mexico, India, and South America who can't afford school supplies by bringing a box of crayons to either Jungle Heights or Elevate. Everyone who participates in the Echo Project will earn 5 stamps for their stamp cards
Be sure to check HD's Facebook page or your email for details on our next HD FIT on August 20!
We have so many Bibles, jackets, bags, and other items in our HD Lost & Found, that we’re needing to clean them out! If you think you’ve lost a belonging while at HD, be sure to check the Lost & Found in Jungle Heights by August 30. All unclaimed items after August 30 will be donated.
Check out HD's family devotional guide at: www.radiantchurch.com/children. Click on the Family Devotionals button and you'll discover 30 days of Bible readings and activities for your family!

Not Alone

2009-07-31T15:33:00.008-07:00

“You are in the Beloved…therefore infinitely precious to the Father, unspeakably dear to Him. You are never, not for one second, alone.” - Norman Dowty

I had inscribed this quote almost 10 years ago in a book I had given my husband while he was at the Air Force Academy. Now, nearly a decade later, I’m finding that these words have returned to comfort me.

Earlier this month I hit a real low point. My husband was out of town with the military and I found myself working and taking care of our son by myself, physically sick, bodily tired, and emotionally spent. In situations like that, I’m not afraid to ask for help. But this time my family couldn’t come to my rescue, my friends were out of town, and my teammates at work were just as drained.

I’d come to a place where I was all alone.

But I wasn’t.

Through His Word and through His Holy Spirit, God reached down, wrapped His arms around me and let me know that He was there.

I found strength and solace in these three verses:

“And after you suffer for a short time, God, who gives all grace, will make everything right. He will make you strong and support you and keep you from falling. He called you to share in his glory in Christ, a glory that will continue forever.” 1 Peter 5:10 (NCV)

“I love the Lord, because he listens to my prayers for help. He paid attention to me, so I will call to him for help as long as I live.” Psalm 116:1-2 (NCV)

And an old favorite…

“My grace is enough; it's all you need. My strength comes into its own in your weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:9 (MSG)

I hope that if you ever come to a lonely place where there is no one but you, you will find reassurance in God's words too.

Announcements

It's Promotion Weekend and we're beginning new teaching series! In Kids Boost, our preschoolers will learn about how Jesus is their best friend in our "Friends Forever" series. And in Jungle Heights and Elevate, we'll be learning the nuts and bolts of the life and teachings of Jesus in "Jesus in a Nutshell."
We have a special Echo Project for the next four weeks! We are having a crayon drive! We're asking kids to give a gift to children in Mexico, India, and South America who can't afford school supplies by bringing a box of crayons to either Jungle Heights or Elevate. Everyone who participates in the Echo Project will earn 5 stamps for their stamp cards!
Save the date! Our next HD FIT is August 20!
We have so many Bibles, jackets, bags, and other items in our HD Lost & Found, that we’re needing to clean them out! If you think you’ve lost a belonging while at HD, be sure to check the Lost & Found by August 30. All unclaimed items after August 30 will be donated.
Check out HD's family devotional guide at: www.radiantchurch.com/children. Click on the Family Devotionals button and you'll discover 30 days of Bible readings and activities for your family!

Kidfest Rocks!

2009-07-24T18:04:00.004-07:00

This week has been so incredible! Hundreds of kids have shown up to worship God every night and we have seen all of you - our amazing volunteers - take ownership of your role in making the event happen. This has been a week to remember. Thank you, thank you, thank you for checking in kids, making sure they are safe, sitting with them and worshiping with them. You all made a huge difference this week.

If all that talk has you feeling a little nostalgic, check out these pictures!

Announcements

This Wednesday night, July 29 is our back to school "Kickoff!" If you haven't signed up to volunteer, let us know if you can help by emailing hd@radiantchurch.com. If you are already planning on helping out, please wear a sports jersey or your Impact t-shirt.

Countdown to Kidfest!

2009-07-17T13:05:00.004-07:00

"Point your kids in the right direction—when they're old they won't be lost."
Proverbs 22:6 (MSG)

This week presents an amazing opportunity for parents to point their kids, “in the right direction…” Not only are we holding Kidfest, but we’re launching the week with a special HD LIVE service for the whole family this Saturday and Sunday. You wont want to miss these days and nights when we all will learn how to let Jesus shine in us and our families!

Announcements

It’s not too late to help volunteer at Kidfest! There are many different ways to help out, come check out our Kidfest Kiosk in the lobby and fill out a volunteer form.

Haven’t had a chance yet to make an eternal investment in our kids through Kidfest? You can give online by clicking here. It’s easy, just setup an account and designate the funds to Kidfest.

Pick-up your Kidfest Ticket Invites in your ministry areas this weekend. This is an easy and fun way to invite your friends and family to come to Kidfest!

HD is co-hosting a fall preview night with Radiant Student Ministry. Bring the entire family to Radiant, Wednesday, July 29 at 6:30 p.m. for “The Kickoff” an exciting inside peek at our Preschool, Elementary, and Youth areas. This will be an awesome opportunity to learn about our different ministry areas before promotion weekend, August 1 &2. Fun activities for the whole family will round out this open house event. We’d love for you to be a part of this night, if you can help, please email hd@radiantchurch.com

"Be S&L!"

2009-07-09T17:18:00.005-07:00

I can still hear my mom’s voice yelling out the van window as she dropped me off at school,

“Be salt and light today!”

It was never, “Be safe!” or “Don’t forget to turn in your homework.”

Nope, it was always “Be salt and light today!” It even got to the point where she came up with a shortened acronym version of it: "S&L, kids! S&L!"

I guess as a missionary family, living out Christ’s teaching to be “the salt of the earth” and “the light of the world” overrode all other mundane mom comments.

I have to admit there would be days where I would resent her well-meaning admonition. Why couldn’t she just say, “Be nice to your friends,” like all the other moms did?

Looking back, I realize how great that advice was! She was telling me exactly what Jesus said as He taught the crowds during His Sermon on the Mount.

As we go about our days, at work, at school, out around town, Jesus wants us to give His flavor to our world. He wants us to shine His light in the darkness that surrounds us and show others the way to Him.

This weekend in our Now Boarding series, our kids will learn this very lesson. Hopefully they’ll accept it with more enthusiasm than I did at their age!

As Christians, we are Jesus’ representatives to the people we encounter every day. Whether we’re young or old, let’s “Be salt and light today!”

Announcements

This is the final weekend for families to pre-register their kids early for Kidfest! They can turn in their pre-registration forms at the Kidfest Kiosk this weekend or in the Church Office through the week.
Haven’t had a chance yet to make an eternal investment in our kids through Kidfest? You can give online by clicking here. It’s easy, just setup an account and designate the funds to Kidfest.
Pick-up your Kidfest Ticket Invites in your ministry areas this weekend. This is an easy and fun way to invite your friends and family to come to Kidfest!
Are old and used CDs taking up space in your office? We'll take them off your hands and use them to decorate our stage for Kidfest! You can unload your old CDs (preferably blank) by bringing them to the Ministries Counter from now until July 12. Thank you!
HD Kidfest Kaleidoscope Volunteer Sign-ups continue this weekend! We need you to make Kidfest a success. There are many different ways to help out, come check out our Kidfest Kiosk in the lobby and fill out a volunteer form or come to our Kidfest Volunteer Meeting, Wednesday, July 15th at 6:30 p.m. in the Worship Center.
We’ve been given the opportunity to put on another HD Live Service the weekend of July 18/19! We’ll be using a “Mario Kart” theme and need your help making the stage look awesome. If you own a mini-kart, checkered flags, or any other racing gear and would be willing to loan it to us for that weekend, email hd@radiantchurch.com.

What Should I Do?

2009-07-02T17:12:00.004-07:00

The lady on the other end of line was on the verge of tears. “Please will you pray for me? I don’t know what to do. I feel like a lost child. I just need God’s wisdom.”

I couldn’t help but feel her sorrow. She was terribly torn. How often in my own life had I wondered at what choice to make, knowing that either option would be difficult? As we began to pray together, God brought to mind scripture I had just studied in my Radiant Core Group.

“If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do.” James 1:5-8 (NLT)

God wants to bless us with His wisdom, to answer our questions. The key to receiving His direction is our faith.

“Faith makes us sure of what we hope for and gives us proof of what we cannot see.” Hebrews 11:1 (CEV)

We can be confident that God will give us His wisdom, we just need to believe without any doubts that He is true to His promises!

Announcements

Radiant is celebrating July 4th in style! Come out Saturday night for corn dogs, water activities, and other Independence Day treats!

Only two more weeks for families to pre-register their kids early for Kidfest! Look out for pre-registration forms at the Kidfest Kiosk this weekend.

Radiant’s next Family Fun Day is just around the corner! Buy your tickets this weekend for the Wildlife World Aquarium at Night! Choose either Friday night, July 10 or Saturday night, July 11 for only $10 per adult and $6 for kids 3-12yrs. Kids 2 and under are FREE!

Are old and used CDs taking up space in your office? We'll take them off your hands and use them to decorate our stage for Kidfest! You can unload your old CDs (preferably blank) by bringing them to the Ministries Counter from now until July 12. Thank you!

HD Kidfest Kaleidoscope Volunteer Sign-ups continue this weekend! We need you to make Kidfest a success. There are many different ways to help out, come check out our Kidfest Kiosk in the lobby and fill out a volunteer form or come to our Kidfest Volunteer Meeting, Wednesday, July 15th at 6:30 p.m. in the Worship Center.

HD is co-hosting a fall preview night with Radiant Student Ministry. Bring the entire family to Radiant, Wednesday, July 29 at 6:30 p.m. for “The Kickoff” an exciting inside peek at our Preschool, Elementary, and Youth areas. This will be an awesome opportunity to learn about our different ministry areas before promotion weekend, August 1 &2. Fun activities for the whole family will round out this open house event. We’d love for you to be a part of this night, stay tuned for details!

More Like Mary

2009-06-25T15:34:00.004-07:00

I have a confession…I am a Martha!
(No, not Martha Stewart!)

When it comes to being like Mary – the sister that put aside everything to sit at Jesus’ feet – or Martha – the sister that got wrapped in the details of preparing Jesus’ dinner, I tend to be a lot like the latter sister.

In my day-to-day world, I often get distracted by the minutiae and the work of things – Martha-style – and stop thinking about the heart of things. Sometimes it takes effort to step back, remove the superfluous off my plate, and become more like Mary. But it only takes a moment to center down, talk to Jesus, and let His Holy spirit wash away all my worldly struggles.

Paul tells us in Romans 12:1-2,“So here's what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don't become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You'll be changed from the inside out…”

In Jungle and Elevate this weekend, our 1st-5th graders will hear Mary and Martha’s story (Luke 10:38-42). They’ll learn that Jesus valued spending time with Him as the most important thing they and we can do.

Let’s pray that all of us, from 6-years-old on up, will be more like Mary this week!

Announcements

Read a special letter just to you from Carissa, our new HD Children's Director!
Check out the latest Roadtrippin' with HD photos here!
Radiant is celebrating July 4th in style! Come out Saturday night for corn dogs, water activities, and other Independence Day treats!
Families can pre-register their kids early for Kidfest! Look out for pre-registration forms at the Kidfest Kiosk this weekend.
Radiant’s next Family Fun Day is just around the corner! Buy your tickets this weekend for the Wildlife World Aquarium at Night! Choose either Friday night, July 10 or Saturday night, July 11 for only $10 per adult and $6 for kids 3-12yrs. Kids 2 and under are FREE!
Our Boarding Passes are a huge success! Please let kids in your ministry area know that if they go out of town this summer they can still get punches on their Boarding Passes by bringing a bulletin from another church. This will also be the last weekend that we will hand out Boarding Passes.
HD is co-hosting a fall preview night with Radiant Student Ministry. Bring the entire family to Radiant, Wednesday, July 29 at 6:30 p.m. for “The Kickoff” an exciting inside peek at our Preschool, Elementary, and Youth areas. This will be an awesome opportunity to learn about our different ministry areas before promotion weekend, August 1 &2. Fun activities for the whole family will round out this open house event. You don’t want to miss it!
HD Kidfest Kaleidoscope Volunteer Sign-ups continue this weekend! We need you to make Kidfest a success. There are many different ways to help out, come check out our Kidfest Kiosk in the lobby and fill out a volunteer form!

Daddy

2009-06-18T17:55:00.002-07:00

Did you know that Jesus called His Heavenly Father, “Daddy?”

As Jesus prayed before going to the cross in the Garden of Gethsemane, He called out to God using the Aramiac term for “daddy” – “abba.”

“‘Abba, Father,’ He said, ‘everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.’” (Mark 14:36, NIV)

Within a day, in keeping with God’s will, He sacrificed His life for us, so that we too can call God, “Daddy.”

The word “Daddy” implies so much…a safe refuge to run to, a gentle and loving protector, a proud and kind encourager, an affectionate Father that wants more than anything for us to climb into His lap and hear His heart for us.

This Father’s Day, whether your earthly father is a good man, a terrible one, or just plain absent, know that your Heavenly Father loves you infinitely and wants to be the one you call Abba - Daddy.

"For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, 'Abba, Father.'" Romans 8:15 (NIV)

"Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, 'Abba, Father.'" Galatians 4:6 (NIV)

Announcements

Families can pre-register their kids early for Kidfest! Look out for pre-registration forms at the Kidfest Kiosk this weekend!
HD is co-hosting a fall preview night with Radiant Student Ministry. Bring the entire family to Radiant, Wednesday, July 29 at 6:30 p.m. for “The Kickoff” an exciting inside peek at our Preschool, Elementary, and Youth areas. This will be an awesome opportunity to learn about our different ministry areas before promotion weekend, August 1 &2. Fun activities for the whole family will round out this event. You don’t want to miss it!
Our Boarding Passes are a huge success! Please let kids in your ministry area know that if they go out of town this summer they can still get punches on their Boarding Passes by bringing a bulletin from another church. We will also have more Boarding Passes to hand out this weekend.
During the summer months kids in HD can now take a little of HD with them when they travel. We'll be providing HD logo signs, "Mr. HD," for kids to bring with them on their trips. As they venture out and take photos we're asking them to include their HD sign in the picture then email the photo to HD. You can participate too, be sure to pick up your own Mr. HD to take with you as you travel. We'll post the photos you email on our website and in our HD ministry areas. It's Roadtrippin' with HD!
HD Kidfest KaleidoscopeVolunteer Sign-ups continue this weekend! We need you to make Kidfest a success. There are many different ways to help out, come check out our Kidfest Kiosk in the lobby and fill out a volunteer form!
During Radiant's new Fusion service Saturday nights at 6:15pm, 1st-5th graders will be teaming up for their own combined service in Elevate, called Jelevate! This special summer service will include new, fun elements along with our great weekend curriculum! All 1st-5th graders will check-in to Elevate at 6:15pm from now through the end of summer.
Mark your Calendars!Our next HD FIT will take place Thursday, August 20th at 6:15 p.m. in The Garage. The theme will be “Hillbilly Showdown!” Our next HD Team Time Out will be our “Annual Pie & Cider Night “Sunday, November 15th – 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at Surprise Park. There will also be an HD Jr. Crew Only event Sunday, September 20th 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. - details TBA.

Make it to the Top

2009-06-11T08:13:00.002-07:00

My family and I are on vacation right now in the North Mountains of Georgia. It’s wonderful! The trees are tall, the landscape breathtaking, and everything is unbelievably green!

Earlier in the week a few of us went on a run on a trail near the house we’re staying in. It started out well, downhill through a lush meadow with forest all around. It was shady, pleasant, and you could hear a stream running through the trees next to the trail. Running bliss! After about a mile and a half, things started to get a little harder. Instead of a decline, we began to climb higher and higher. As we made our way up the hill, we lost the cool cover of the trees and there didn’t seem to be any relief sight. It wasn’t long before I decided that the hill was too steep, too hot, and too long and I needed to slow down and walk. As I hiked up to the crest of the hill I saw that on the other side was a beautiful steady, downhill stretch – just the respite I needed, if I had just pushed myself to finish the summit. I gave up too soon! I couldn’t help but draw a parallel with life. How often do I give up when things get hard and uncomfortable, just to realize that if I had persevered, there would have been reward on the other side?

In Galatians 6:9-10, Paul encourages us to persevere despite the way getting tough, “So let's not allow ourselves to get fatigued doing good. At the right time we will harvest a good crop if we don't give up, or quit. Right now, therefore, every time we get the chance, let us work for the benefit of all, starting with the people closest to us in the community of faith.” (MSG)

There’s a good ending to my running shortfall story…we tried the trail again yesterday, and this time all of us made it to the top of the hill!

See you all next week!

Announcements

Families can pre-register their kids early for Kidfest! Look out for pre-registration forms at the Kidfest Kiosk in the coming weekends!
During Radiant's new Fusion service Saturday nights at 6:15pm, 1st-5th graders will be teaming up for their own combined service in Elevate, called Jelevate! This special summer service will include new, fun elements along with our great weekend curriculum! All 1st-5th graders will check-in to Elevate at 6:15pm beginning June 6th.
During the summer months kids in HD can now take a little of HD with them when they travel. We'll be providing HD logo signs, "Mr. HD," for kids to bring with them on their trips. As they venture out and take photos we're asking them to include their HD sign in the picture then email the photo to HD. You can participate too, be sure to pick up your own Mr. HD to take with you as you travel. We'll post the photos you email on our website and in our HD ministry areas. It's Roadtrippin' with HD!
HD Kidfest Kaleidoscope Volunteer Sign-ups continue this weekend! We need you to make Kidfest a success. There are many different ways to help out, come check out our Kidfest Kiosk in the lobby and fill out a volunteer form!
HD Children’s Ministry classroom promotions will take place August 1 & 2. On that weekend, we’ll be promoting rising 1st graders to Jungle, rising 3rd graders to Elevate and rising 6th graders to The Garage.
We're beginning new teaching series! Starting June 13/14 in Kids Boost, preschoolers will learn about what it means to worship God in “Center Stage.” And in Jungle and Elevate this weekend our elementary kids will continue their journey through the Old Testament in “Now Boarding.”
Mark your Calendars! Our next HD FIT will take place Thursday, August 20th at 6:15 p.m. in The Garage. The theme will be “Hillbilly Showdown!” Our next HD Team Time Out will be our “Annual Pie & Cider Night “Sunday, November 15th – 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at Surprise Park. There will also be an HD Jr. Crew Only event Sunday, September 20th 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. - details TBA.

Traveling Mercies

2009-06-04T17:30:00.006-07:00

School’s out and summer’s here. Time for hitting the road and taking vacations, for leaving the comforts of home and venturing out and away. When you journey about these warm weather months, know that God always goes with you – it’s a promise!

As you drive or fly, He’ll be there. When the kids are asking, “Are we there yet?” and the car’s almost of gas, He’ll be there. And as you savor those moments of solitude and serenity, He’ll be there smiling, glad that you’ve finally found some rest.

The LORD replied, "My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest." Exodus 33:14 (NIV)

Happy trails!

Announcements

Project Band-Aid was a super success! Today, Ginger, Fernando, Virginia, and Kami went to deliver 320 boxes of Character Band-Aids to the Crisis Nursery. You can read more about their trip here.
During Radiant's new Fusion service Saturday nights at 6:15pm, 1st-5th graders will be teaming up for their own combined service in Elevate, called Jelevate! This special summer service will include new, fun elements along with our great weekend curriculum! All 1st-5th graders will check-in to Elevate at 6:15pm beginning June 6th.
During the summer months kids in HD can now take a little of HD with them when they travel. We'll be providing HD logo signs, "Mr. HD," for kids to bring with them on their trips. As they venture out and take photos we're asking them to include their HD sign in the picture then email the photo to HD. You can participate too, be sure to pick up your own Mr. HD to take with you as you travel. We'll post the photos you email on our website and in our HD ministry areas. It's Roadtrippin' with HD!
HD Kidfest Kaleidoscope Volunteer Sign-ups begin this weekend! We need you to make Kidfest a success. There are many different ways to help out, come check out our Kidfest Kiosk in the lobby and fill out a volunteer form!
HD Children’s Ministry classroom promotions will take place August 1 & 2. On that weekend, we’ll be promoting rising 1st graders to Jungle, rising 3rd graders to Elevate and rising 6th graders to The Garage.
We're beginning new teaching series! Starting June 13/14 in Kids Boost, preschoolers will learn about what it means to worship God in “Center Stage.” And in Jungle and Elevate this weekend our elementary kids will start their journey through the Old Testament in “Now Boarding.”
Mark your Calendars! Our next HD FIT will take place Thursday, August 20th at 6:15 p.m. in The Garage. The theme will be “Hillbilly Showdown!” Our next HD Team Time Out will be our “Annual Pie & Cider Night”Sunday, November 15th – 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at Surprise Park. There will also be an HD Jr. Crew Only event Sunday, September 20th 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. - details TBA.

Bring Me Laughter...the Right Kind

2009-05-29T16:08:00.003-07:00

Have you ever been given something that seemed just too good to be true? You can’t believe that something so undeserved has happened to you and you wonder what’s the catch?

The story of Sarah’s laughter in the Bible (Genesis 18) gives an example of someone who found it difficult to accept God’s blessings. Sarah had a hard time trusting that God would give her a miracle. Sarah, as Abraham’s wife, stood with Abraham as he waited years for God to fulfill His promise to give them a son. After years turned into decades, Sarah’s human nature kicked in. How could she have a baby when she was old enough to be a great-grandmother? It just wasn’t possible! But then, when hope had all but disappeared, God sent three visitors to Abraham to affirm that yes, He would give them a baby. An eavesdropping Sarah couldn’t help but laugh with incredulity. How could this be?

In a small way I can relate to Sarah. Recently God has opened a door for my family that just seems too amazing. Guarding my heart, I’m having a hard time accepting that yes, God is blessing us with a great opportunity. I don’t know where my optimism has gone, but I somehow think that surely the other shoe will drop. Whether or not I’ve been burned by previous experiences, why is it so hard to trust? To happily receive good things? My “believe it, when I see it” attitude is pretty pathetic!

Fortunately for Sarah and for me God is patient and merciful. “Now the LORD was gracious to Sarah as He had said, and the LORD did for Sarah what He had promised.” Genesis 21:1 (NIV) Sarah did have a son. “Sarah said, ‘God has brought me laughter, and everyone who hears about this will laugh with me.’ And she added, ‘Who would have said to Abraham that Sarah would nurse children? Yet I have borne him a son in his old age.’" Genesis 21:6-7.

As God continues to help me learn to laugh with joy at His blessings I know that I can count on Him to keep His promises. I hope you will too!

Announcements

During Radiant's new Fusion service Saturday nights at 6:15pm, 1st-5th graders will be teaming up for their own combined service in Elevate, called Jelevate! This special summer service will include new, fun elements along with our great weekend curriculum! All 1st-5th graders will check-in to Elevate at 6:15pm beginning June 6th.
During the summer months kids in HD can now take a little of HD with them when they travel. We'll be providing HD logo signs for kids to bring with them on their trips. As they venture out and take photos we're asking them to include their HD sign in the picture then email the photo to HD. We'll then post the photos on our website and in our HD ministry areas. It's Roadtrippin' with HD!
We are gearing up for our HD Kidfest Kaleidoscope Summer Event , July 20-24, and will need your help to make it a success. Look out for volunteer sign-ups to take place in the next few weeks.

Obedience School

2009-05-22T10:30:00.003-07:00

I recently read Marley and Me, and then for added dog-loving torture immediately rented the movie to watch. Both were full of hilarious stories about an energetic yellow lab and his family. Crazy Marley was exuberant and loyal, but definitely had a hard time following his master. He even got kicked out of obedience school!

Sometimes we can be a little like Marley, getting ourselves into trouble because we don’t obey our own Master. In our new elementary series “Up” we’ll explore the story of Noah as he obeys God despite impossible circumstances and challenges. How did Noah have the strength to follow God under such trials? He relied on his Master.

“I look up to the mountains; does my strength come from mountains? No, my strength comes from God, who made heaven, and earth, and the mountains.” Psalm 121:1-2

If obeying God sometimes proves difficult, Marley style, look up to God for the strength to follow what He asks.

Announcements

Our special prize for our P is for Prayer series team competition is happening this weekend! The winning teams will get to participate in a Candy Buffet!

We are gearing up for our HD Kidfest Kaleidoscope Summer Event , July 20-24, and will need your help to make it a success. Look out for volunteer sign-ups to take place in the next few weeks.

With summer upon us and lots of events on the horizon, we have decided that there will be no HD FIT or Team Time Out in May. Please plan for a Kidfest volunteer meeting in June!

This is the last weekend to get in on our May 29 Family Fun Day with the AZ Diamondbacks! We'll be watching the Dbacks play the Braves at 6:40pm at Chase Field. Buy your tickets for only $10 each at the Family Fun Day kiosk on Saturday or Sunday.

Close in Prayer

2009-05-15T06:53:00.002-07:00

This weekend in elementary we are wrapping up our awesome P is for Prayer Series. During our P is for Prayer Courtyard Event this Saturday and Sunday, kids and adults will get the opportunity to go on a Prayer Walk and Pray in Color. These are just two ways to expand the way we talk to God. As we move forward into summer and prepare for our Kidfest summer event, I want to challenge you to continue being prayer warriors for HD. Whether you Pray in Color, keep a prayer journal, add requests to a prayer box, or have a prayer calendar, please pray that our ministry would reach kids for Christ and help them grow in Him!

“The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and wonderful results.” James 5:6 (NLT)

Thank you for standing in the gap for our kids!

Announcements

You can earn 5 washers for your favorite team this weekend! Any volunteer that can correctly say our P is for Prayer memory verse (Ephesians 6:18) to a staff member this Saturday or Sunday will receive 5 washers to give to the team of their choice. You could be the deciding factor in a team winning the special prize!
This is the final weekend for Project Band-Aid. Please wear your Band-Aids and don't forget to bring in a few boxes of Character Band-Aids to help out the Phoenix Crisis Nursery.
We are gearing up for our HD Kidfest Kaleidoscope Summer Event and will need your help to make it a success. Look out for volunteer sign-ups to take place in the next few weeks.
With summer upon us and lots of events on the horizon, we have decided that there will be no HD FIT or Team Time Out in May. Please plan for a Kidfest volunteer meeting in June!
Come out to our P is for Prayer Series Courtyard Event this weekend and join our kids as they Pray in Color and go on a Prayer Walk! Stop by the stations outside to experience these fun ways to pray!
Only two weekends left to get in on our May 29 Family Fun Day with the AZ Diamondbacks! We'll be watching the Dbacks play the Braves at 6:40pm at Chase Field. Buy your tickets for only $10 each at the Family Fun Day kiosk on Saturday or Sunday.

Legacy of Faith

2009-05-07T11:48:00.008-07:00

I still remember the hard wood floor beneath my knees. With hands clasped tightly and eyes closed, I followed my mom’s words in prayer and asked Jesus to come into my heart.

That day my mom helped give me the most important gift any parent could, faith and trust in Jesus.

Since that life-changing moment 23 years ago, my mom has continued to invest in my faith. With prayers, notes of encouragement, words of wisdom, and a model of godly womanhood, she helped prepare me for both good times and hard times when the enemy attacks. Her faith legacy helped me continue on in confidence through dark hours when dreams were broken and I couldn't see the road in front of me. In those instances, my trust in God gave me victory and strength.

“Every child of God can defeat the world, and our faith is what gives us this victory.” 1 John 5:4 (CEV)

In Kids Boost this weekend our preschoolers will be learning about putting on their own shield of faith. How great for our little ones to know now how to protect themselves against the enemy and have confidence in God's love for them!

“In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one;” Ephesians 6:16 (ESV)

Every night I pray that my own son would grow to know and love Jesus as his Savior and that until he has his own faith, that God would guard and keep him.

Thank you for leaving your own faith legacy in HD Children’s Ministry!

And thank you, mom! Happy Mother's Day!

Announcements

We’re continuing Project Band-Aid this weekend! (Learn more about Project Band-Aid here.) Please keep wearing Band-Aids (on your cheeks, on your wrist, arm,etc…) to encourage our kids to join us in helping the Crisis Nursery. To remind us of our Ephesians 6:18 memory verse, we’ll be putting 6:18 on our Band-Aids too! And don't forget to bring in a few boxes of Character Band-Aids to help out the Crisis Nursery.
We are rescheduling our May 14 HD FIT and May 31 Team Tim Out. We'll keep you updated on the new dates for both events!
Warm weather is here and Radiant is helping families stay safe this swim season! Join us
Saturday, May 16 at 10:00am for Pool Safety Circle Time, an interactive program designed to teach parents and children, ages 3-6 years, life-saving water safety skills. Space is limited, so be sure to reserve your family’s spot at the Ministries Counter this weekend. Email christine.caldwell@radiantchurch.com for details.
We'll be wrapping up our P is for Prayer Series with a special courtyard event where our kids will get the chance to Pray in Color! Look out for this fun experience May 16 & 17.
HD is hosting a week-long summer event for kids 1st-5th grade the week of June 22 - 26, HD Kidfest: Kaleidoscope! There are no sign-ups needed! Each night we’ll be holding an incredible service for kids from 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. and then an outdoor family event from 8:00 - 9:00 p.m. HD Kidfest will conclude on the 26th with a high-energy service for the whole family!
Follow us on Twitter! Click on the Twitter button at the top right side of this page to see updates of what's happening in HD!

Pray Like This

2009-04-30T14:37:00.005-07:00

In case you've never seen this...

"Pray like this:
Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy.
May your Kingdom come soon.
May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.
Give us today the food we need,
and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us.
And don’t let us yield to temptation,
but rescue us from the evil one."

Matthew 6:9-13 (NLT)

I love how beautifully simple Jesus makes this prayer, the blueprint for how we should pray.

Lately I've found myself praying the daily "need" part more than others...Father, please keep my husband safe, my baby healthy, help us rent our house, and on and on... Sometimes when those things weigh on your mind, it's easy to forget the other stuff. I've been enjoying our elementary "P is for Prayer" series because it's such a straightforward reminder, even for the adults in the room, of the hows, whys, whens, and whats of prayer. I hope that my prayers share the same comprehensive trust and gusto as that of little Zoei!

See you this weekend!

Announcements:

We’re continuing Project Band-Aid this weekend! (Learn more about Project Band-Aid here.) Please keep wearing Band-Aids (on your cheeks, on your wrist, arm,etc…) to encourage our kids to join us in helping the Crisis Nursery. To remind us of our Ephesians 6:18 memory verse, we’ll be putting 6:18 on our Band-Aids too! Just in case you don’t have Band-Aids at home, we will have Band-Aids available for you in our ministry areas.
We are rescheduling our May 14 HD FIT. We'll keep you updated on the new date!
Warm weather is here and Radiant is helping families stay safe this swim season! Join us Saturday, May 16 at 10:00am for Pool Safety Circle Time, an interactive program designed to teach parents and children, ages 3-6 years, life-saving water safety skills. Space is limited, so be sure to reserve your family’s spot at the Ministries Counter this weekend.
Summer is hot, but HD Kid Fest is going to be even hotter! Radiant is holding a week-long summer event for kids 1st-5th grade the week of June 22 - 26. There are no sign-ups needed! Each night we’ll be holding an incredible service for the kids from 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. and then an outdoor family event from 8:00 - 9:00 p.m. HD Kid Fest will conclude on the 26th with a high-energy service for the whole family!

P is for Prayer

2009-04-22T11:58:00.004-07:00

This week our elementary kids will begin a new series about prayer. I’m so excited about these next four weekends. I believe prayer is one of the most important things both adults and kids can learn about.

Prayer is POWERFUL!

Recently in my core group we studied the awesome story of Peter miraculously escaping from prison. (Acts 12:1-19)

Prayer played a vital role in helping Peter break out of his chains. It says that the, “…church was earnestly praying to God for him.” God freed Peter in such an incredible way, that only He (God) could have received the credit!

One of the greatest parts of the story is that Peter showed up at the house where all the people had gathered while they were still praying for him! Can you imagine God answering your prayers even as you were saying the words?!

Please join us in praying for the valuable time we have each weekend to teach our kids about Jesus and growing closer to Him!

Announcements:

We’ll be starting Project Band-Aid this weekend as our next Echo Mission focus! (Learn more about Project Band-Aid here.) Please wear Band-Aids (on your cheeks, on your wrist, arm,etc…) to encourage our kids to join us in helping the Crisis Nursery. To remind us of our Ephesians 6:18 memory verse, we’ll be putting 6:18 on our Band-Aids too! Just in case you don’t have Band-Aids at home, we will have Band-Aids available for you in our ministry areas.
This summer HD Children’s Ministries is bringing the fun to Surprise with HD Kid Fest! In place of going to camp this year, HD will be hosting a week-long summer event right here at Radiant, June 22-26! Each day will be an exciting adventure where our kids will have a blast all while growing in God. Look out for more details to come!
Follow HD Children's Ministries on Twitter! Twitter is a site where people and groups post quick updates on what they're up to and what's going on! Click here to see our Twitter site! You can also join Twitter to receive updates on HD as they're posted.

Easter Recap

2009-04-17T13:12:00.007-07:00

WOW! What an Easter weekend!

Radiant saw over 10,200 people come to our campus to celebrate Christ’s resurrection…and that didn’t even include those who came on Good Friday or to the Carnival! God moved in an amazing way and 163 people made first-time commitments and recommitments to Jesus!

Thank you so much for jumping in and lending us a hand. We couldn’t have handled 2200+ babies and kids without volunteers like you being willing to serve and go wherever was needed. We hope that you were blessed by the experience and will take away memories of being a part of one of the most incredible Easter weekends we’ve ever had at Radiant!

My top 5 things I will remember about Easter 2009 at Radiant Church:

Watching Easter eggs float in puddles after Saturday’s rain and hail!
Toweling the bouncy houses dry after the rain.
Over 2200 kids in HD alone!
Singing Amazing Grace during the 7am service while watching scenes from Passion of the Christ.
Seeing thousands of people celebrating that Jesus lives!

Announcements:

Follow HD Children's Ministries on Twitter! Twitter is a site where people and groups post quick updates on what they're up to and what's going on! Click here to see our Twitter site! You can also join Twitter to receive updates on HD as they're posted.
We are launching exciting new series in HD! Our babies and toddlers will learn how to overcome their fears in “Loosen the Fear Knot” and our preschoolers will discover how to put on the Armor of God through “Kingdom Tales Jr.” Starting next weekend in Elementary, our 1st - 5th graders will explore how and why we communicate with God in “P is for Prayer!” Stay tuned for details.
It's not too late to get your Family Fun Day Tickets to the AZ Diamondbacks game on May 29. Just stop by the Ministries Counter to purchase yours this weekend. Tickets are only $10 each!

A Hope That Lives On!

2009-04-10T11:40:00.004-07:00

Praise God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is so good, and by raising Jesus from death, He has given us new life and a hope that lives on.
1 Peter 1:3 (CEV)

Can you imagine what Mary Magdalene felt like when she went to visit Jesus' tomb early Easter morning (John 20:10-18)? In the depths of her sadness, Jesus appeared and comforted her. While she was even still weeping and wondering at the empty cave, Jesus showed her that hope lives on.

To me that is the soul of Easter - that Jesus comes and meets us where we are and because of His sacrifice on the cross and resurrection, we have a new life! (Romans 5:8)

Thank you for joining with us to celebrate Easter here at Radiant, for giving your time and heart to the kids of HD. We couldn't do it without you!

Announcements:

Easter Weekend at Radiant Church is here! For details check out this link.
We're doing HD in 3D this weekend! To send an evite to friends, click here.
We'll be launching exciting new series in HD after Easter! Our babies and toddlers will learn how to overcome their fears in “Loosen the Fear Knot” and our preschoolers will discover how to put on the Armor of God through “Kingdom Tales Jr.” In Elementary, our 1st - 5th graders will explore how and why we communicate with God in “P is for Prayer!” Stay tuned for details.

Stones on Standby

2009-04-02T23:33:00.008-07:00

I love you, Lord, and I lift my voice
To worship you, Oh my soul rejoice!
Take joy, my King, in what you hear
May it be a sweet, sweet sound in your ear

Last Friday night I had the privilege of joining nearly 12,500 voices sing those words in soulful unison during the Rock & Worship Road Show. (That's an actual photo above!) It was a moment of pure praise where we all caught a whisper of what Heaven might be like. We couldn’t help but take part in lifting our voices to Jesus! And we knew that even if our voices were cracking and some awful to the human ear, our King took joy in our song of adoration.

This weekend in HD we’ll be learning about Palm Sunday, how large crowds gathered to welcome Jesus to Jerusalem, praising Him, waving tree branches and crying “Hosanna!” – “Lord, save us!”

In Luke’s version of the story (Luke 19:28-40), the Pharisees asked Jesus to make the people “stop shouting!”

In response, Jesus replied, "I tell you, if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out."

Isn't it amazing how the glory of our Savior compels His creation to worship?

I imagine those multitudes of people in Jerusalem and the thousands of concert-goers at US Airways Center last week felt a similar force of desire just to worship Jesus, to praise Him for who He is, and lift voices, “Hosanna!” – “Lord save us!”

Along with praising Jesus this Palm Sunday weekend at Radiant, we’ll also have the opportunity to worship Him in an act of sacrificial giving. During services on Saturday and Sunday we’ll be given the chance to invest in eternally in our kids through the Miracle Offering for the Children’s Ministry of Radiant Church.

The goal of the Miracle Offering is to renovate our Children’s Ministry Areas. The renovation will create more room and update our spaces in order to bring more of our community’s families and kids to Christ. As a volunteer in HD, you know firsthand what Jesus means to our children and their families - you love our kids and want Jesus to be their Savior.

This will be a huge weekend for all of us in HD, please pray for our Miracle Offering and please prayerfully consider how you will join in us giving our kids the space they need to grow closer to Jesus.

Thank you for praying and thank you for giving! Let's keep those stones on standby and sing a "sweet, sweet sound in His ear" this weekend!

Announcements

Did you know that 3000+ kids attend Radiant on Easter Weekend? We need your help this Easter! Be sure to fill out an HD Easter Volunteer Sign-Up Form in your ministry areas this weekend.
Easter Registration Packets will be available this weekend at our table in the lobby!
Hey batter, batter! Radiant's going out to the ballgame May 29 for Family Fun Day with the Arizona Diamondbacks. Get your tickets for $10 this weekend in the lobby and receive a FREE game ticket for opening day April 6.
Did you know you can see what's going on in Elementary and Preschool each week by clicking on the green Elementary and Preschool buttons at the top right of this post? Check them out!

HD Live Recap

2009-03-24T17:32:00.010-07:00

Wasn't HD Live amazing? Along with the wonderful worship, powerful message, and fun atmosphere, we played a part in changing lives forever! Thirteen people committed their lives to Christ for the very first time and eight people recommitted their lives to Jesus. Two of those commitments were 8-year old children! Wow!!

Thank you so much for being a part of these incredible services! Thank you for praying, dancing, singing, playing and being available! You helped make it possible and made an IMPACT on our entire church!

Click on this link to see the video of our HD LIVE service on Radiant's website.

Thank you, too, for coming out for our HD FIT meeting. We ate delicious tacos and burritos, (thanks Sheriff Joe and Michelle H.!) made wacky hats, and got smart on First Aid for our ministry areas. Thanks Jacey and Kavin for demonstrating valuable First Aid procedures.

If you missed HD FIT and would like more info on First Aid, please email us at hd@radiantchurch.com or see Aymee Wilson this weekend.

Announcements

We need your help Easter Weekend! Be on the lookout for HD Easter Volunteer Sign-Up Forms in your ministry areas this weekend.
Pre-register your family for Easter early! Registration forms will be available this weekend. Check the Radiant bulletin for details or stop by our table in the lobby.
Hey batter, batter! Radiant's going out to the ballgame May 29 for Family Fun Day with the Arizona Diamondbacks. Get your tickets for $10 starting this weekend in the lobby and receive a FREE game ticket for opening night, April 6.
Did you know you can see what's going on in Elementary and Preschool each week by clicking on the green Elementary and Preschool buttons at the top right of this post? Check them out!

Faith Like a Child

2009-03-19T16:13:00.006-07:00

"You have never seen Jesus, and you don't see Him now. But still you love Him and have faith in Him, and no words can tell how glad and happy you are to be saved. That's why you have faith."

1 Peter 1:8-9 (CEV)

This weekend will be our first ever “Children’s Emphasis Weekend!" During the service we'll find out how valuable it is to have faith like a child!

Please know that YOU are VITAL to this weekend and play a CRITICAL ROLE!!! If you are able to serve more than one service, please do – we need all the help we can get!! All Elementary children will be sitting in a designated area on the floor and we will need YOU as leaders to help with the kids and to be an example to the adults in service.

Please plan to wear jeans and a solid/bright colored shirt (logo free) so that all leaders look uniform - and don’t forget your badge! If you are needed for a specific job duty, you will be notified, otherwise plan on serving your normal service time (and added services if able!) and arriving at your designated Ministry Area 10-15 prior to service start time.

Please join us in praying for this AMAZING opportunity to share God’s teachings in a way we have never done before!

Announcements

HD FIT is TONIGHT at 6:15pm in the Garage!
We need your help Easter Weekend! Be on the lookout for HD Easter Volunteer Sign-Up Forms in your ministry areas this weekend.
Pre-register your family for Easter early! Registration forms will be available this weekend. Check the Radiant bulletin for details or stop by our table in the lobby.
Hey batter, batter! Radiant's going out to the ballgame May 29 for Family Fun Day with the Arizona Diamondbacks. Get your tickets for $10 starting this weekend in the lobby and recieve a FREE game ticket for opening night, April 6.

Mighty to Save

2009-03-13T18:06:00.004-07:00

This weekend in HD our kiddos will learn about the amazing miracles God performed to fulfill His promises to the Israelites. In Elementary they’ll hear how God, much like He did when He parted the Red Sea, stopped the powerful flow of the Jordan River so the Israelites could cross into Canaan. Over in Kids Boost, our little ones will learn how God toppled the enormous walls of Jericho and gave the Israelites their first victory in the Promised Land.

As we’ve been finding out, “God is no mere human…” and He continues to perform miracles today!

After church this Sunday, my family will celebrate our own special little miracle…our son’s 1st birthday.

To back-track a bit, our baby boy was born with 3 holes in his heart, one of which his heart surgeon called the largest he’d ever seen! At only 11-weeks old we brought him to Phoenix Children’s hospital to undergo open-heart surgery. The doctors and nurses spent over 7 hours working on his tiny heart – 5 of those hours his heart was stopped and machines pumped his blood and breathed for him.

When they brought him out of surgery and into the pediatric ICU, he didn’t do so well. He was surviving but he struggled for 3 days at a scary level of stand still. We prayed and prayed for God’s hand of healing to bring our baby back to us.

"While Jesus was in Galilee, he returned to the village of Cana, where he had turned the water into wine. There was an official in Capernaum whose son was sick. And when the man heard that Jesus had come from Judea, he went and begged him to keep his son from dying." - John 4:46-47 (CEV)

And then on day 4, the fog lifted. Our baby started doing better! Each day he made more progress and then on day 8, we took him home, a whole 10 days earlier than the ICU team had predicted! God stepped in and worked a miracle for our son.

"Jesus told the official, 'You won't have faith unless you see miracles and wonders!' The man replied, 'Lord, please come before my son dies!' Jesus then said, 'Your son will live. Go on home to him.' The man believed Jesus and started back home. Some of the official's servants met him along the road and told him, 'Your son is better!' - John 4:48-51 (CEV)

The months that have passed since then have only confirmed God’s beautiful work of healing on our baby’s heart. He will not need surgery again and he is an active boy with boundless energy. In fact, we now pray for God to help him nap!

So to us this Sunday’s party or more than just a birthday get-together, it’s a celebration of thanks for the days God has given us with our son. He was mighty save for the Israelites, mighty to save for our family, and is mighty to save for you!

Have a wonderful weekend and thank you for helping us teach our kids that God fulfills His promises!

Announcements

We’ve been given a wonderful opportunity to share our HD Ministries with the entire church! NEXT weekend HD will be putting on a super, fantastic, MEGA HD LIVE! for all to experience during weekend services! Please pray for this special weekend.

Our next HD FIT is this Thursday, March 19! Our fiesta-themed evening will include a taco bar and special info on first aid in HD. Check your email for an evite and be sure to RSVP!

Easter is around the corner and you can play a vital role in HD during Easter Weekend! We’ll have more info for you in the coming weeks, so stay tuned for details!

Weeds

2009-03-05T16:49:00.003-07:00

Does your Arizona yard look like mine with slightly overgrown bushes and tiny unwelcome wild plants growing up out of the desert rock? The other day I stood out front and surveyed with dread all the little weed seeds that had started to sprout out of my gravel. They seem harmless now, but I know that in a matter of days they’ll begin a full scale invasion of my yard.

As I pondered the work before me, I couldn’t help but think of the state of my own spiritual life. How many times had I let little weeds of sin sprout and start to take over? How much could I have benefited from just taking the time to end those thoughts before they became actions and then damaging habits? It always initiates in my mind and it should stop there too!

Paul, throughout his many letters to the church, warns Christians to fight sin first in our minds. He challenges us to let the Holy Spirit control our thoughts, writing in Romans 8:5-9,
“Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace; the sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God's law, nor can it do so. Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God. You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you…” (NIV)

He also encourages us to replace those thoughts with godly things,
“… friends, I'd say you'll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse.” (Philippians 4:8, MSG)

We can stop the weeds of sin from taking over, like the yard in the picture above (thankfully not my yard!). We can transform our thoughts with the Holy Spirit’s help, we just need to ask and surrender our thinking to Him! “Don't be like the people of this world, but let God change the way you think. Then you will know how to do everything that is good and pleasing to Him.” Romans 12:2 (CEV)

This weekend after church you’ll find me digging out those little rowdy plants before they get out of control…hopefully I'll be thinking good thoughts!

Announcements:

We’ve been given a wonderful opportunity to share our HD Ministries with the entire church! Instead of a March 6th HD LIVE!, HD will be putting on a super, fantastic, MEGA HD LIVE! for all to experience during weekend services March 21/22! Stay tuned for details!
Our next HD FIT will be Thursday, March 19! Check your email for an evite and be sure to RSVP!

Team Time Out Recap

2009-02-26T11:48:00.004-07:00

Sunday’s Team Time Out was a blast! Along with tug-of-war, three-legged races, dodge ball, and relays, there were delicious burgers, yummy corn, and all kinds of sides and desserts. Thank you to everyone who came and contributed to the fun and food!

Besides the great eats, I particularly loved watching the egg-on-a-spoon relay. An interesting phenomenon began occurring several rounds into the race – one team figured out that if someone walked alongside and coached the person balancing the egg, they would make it back faster and without dropping the egg. It was like that extra bit of encouragement and support helped carry the egg and the racer back to the finish line. It worked so well the other team started doing it too!

Is someone in your life barely balancing, hanging on and trying just to make it through each day? Maybe it’s a kid in HD or a family you know at Radiant. Let’s come alongside them and encourage their spirits!

“It's better to have a partner than go it alone. Share the work, share the wealth. And if one falls down, the other helps, But if there's no one to help, tough!

Two in a bed warm each other. Alone, you shiver all night.

By yourself you're unprotected. With a friend you can face the worst. Can you round up a third? A three-stranded rope isn't easily snapped.” Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 (MSG)

Announcements:

It's an Impact Weekend again! Be sure to wear your Impact shirt! If you haven’t already purchased your IMPACT t-shirt now is the time! We have them available in the Preschool Headquarters office every weekend for $13.00.
An exciting change is happening! Instead of a March 6th HD LIVE!, HD will be putting on a super, fantastic, MEGA HD LIVE! for all to experience during weekend services March 21/22! That weekend will be Children’s Emphasis Weekend and we'll need your help manning kiosks, helping pass out tickets and more. Most of all, we'll need your prayers. Look for our first Friday night HD LIVE to take place after Easter.
Save the Date: our next HD FIT will be Thursday, March 19, stay tuned for details!

Foolish for Christ: Part 2

2009-02-19T17:05:00.004-07:00

“But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise.”

We’ll never know for sure if JRR Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings is a spiritual allegory, but I can’t help but find inspiration in the tale of Frodo! A hobbit, tiny in stature but large in heart, saved Middle Earth and conquered evil with sheer determination and the desire to do what was right and good. He wasn’t the strongest, the wisest, or the best looking - he was just a little guy who wanted to keep the dark from overtaking the light.

Whether he meant to or not, Tolkien’s Frodo character followed a godly principle found in the last part of I Corinthians 1 - God often uses the simple and small things of our world to accomplish His great and glorious purposes.

Take a look at the NIV version of that passage:

“For the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength.

Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him. It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: 'Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.'" (1 Corinthians 1:25-31, NIV)

That’s the best kind of news for someone like me - a little vertically challenged, a little on the shy side. Yes, God can use even me!

When we obediently follow His leading and open our hearts to the power of His Holy Spirit, He can turn our shortcomings into strengths, our inadequacies into forces for His good. Despite our imperfections, we still can bring Him glory. Just think of some of those Bible heroes – Joseph, Moses, David, Rahab, Gideon, and even Peter. All flawed but faithful, all demonstrating God’s power made perfect in weakness!

When you look at it that way, it’s not so bad to be foolish for Christ!

See you all this weekend!

Announcements

It's an Impact Weekend again! Be sure to wear your Impact shirt! If you haven’t already purchased your IMPACT t-shirt now is the time! We have them available in the Preschool Headquarters office every weekend for $13.00.
Our Team Team Out is this weekend. Click here for more info!
An exciting change is happening! Instead of a March 6th HD LIVE!, HD will be putting on a super, fantastic, MEGA HD LIVE! for all to experience during weekend services March 21/22! That weekend will be Children’s Emphasis Weekend and we'll need your help manning kiosks, helping pass out tickets and more. Most of all, we'll need your prayers.
Save the Date: our next HD FIT will be Thursday, March 19, stay tuned for details!

Foolish for Christ: Part 1

2009-02-12T14:57:00.003-07:00

On TV, in the news, on blogs, and all around, the Christian faith constantly gets jabbed at as foolishness. If you let it get to you, it can either make you angry or discourage you, but take heart! The message of God’s grace and love may seem unbelievable to some celebrities, educators, and journalists, but it is genuine and everlasting.

Paul fought the same battle as he proclaimed Jesus as our Savior and the one true God. He wrote to the Corinthians these encouraging words,

“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

For it is written: ‘I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.’

Where is the wise man? Where is the scholar? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?

For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe.”

And I especially love this part…

“Jews demand miraculous signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength.” (1 Corinthians 1:18-25, NIV)

Why would a man die for the sins of the world? It may sound foolish, but it was God's perfect, sacrificial plan for our salvation! What the world may dismiss as ridiculous, we embrace as redemption for our lives.

This weekend our Elementary kids will learn about God’s great masterpiece of grace – how, “…while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8, NIV) I couldn't think of a better lesson!

More on foolishness next week…

Announcements

Check your email inboxes! An invite to our HD Team Time Out will be arriving soon!
An exciting change is happening! Instead of a March 6th HD LIVE!, HD will be putting on a super, fantastic, MEGA HD LIVE! for all to experience during weekend services March 21/22! That weekend will be Children’s Emphasis Weekend and we'll need your help manning kiosks, helping pass out tickets and more. Most of all, we'll need your prayers. Stay tuned for details!

Citizen

2009-02-06T10:40:00.006-07:00

Yesterday I had the incredible privilege of hearing General Georges Sada speak at Luke AFB. Gen. Sada served as a 2-star general in the Iraqi Air Force under Saddam Hussein.

He is an unashamed Christian who risked his life and was imprisoned when he refused to execute American and Allied POWs during the Persian Gulf War. He had amazing stories to tell about the history of Iraq, his deep faith in Jesus, and the atrocities of Saddam Hussein’s rule. He expressed his utmost appreciation for America’s sacrifices in liberating his country and the people of Iraq.

As they thanked Gen. Sada for coming to speak and highlighted his incredible career full of accomplishments, they noted that he would become a dual citizen of the United States and Iraq later this year. Of all the things they said about him, this one statement truly made him beam with pride and happiness. You could visibly see his enthusiasm for becoming an American citizen.

It made me appreciate how blessed I am to live in the U.S. and be part of this nation. It also inspired me to be grateful for my citizenship in heaven!

I am a proud American, but I am first a child of God because of Jesus’ sacrifice for me. I serve the best King and have heaven to look forward to! In Philippians it says, “But there's far more to life for us. We're citizens of high heaven! We're waiting the arrival of the Savior, the Master, Jesus Christ, who will transform our earthy bodies into glorious bodies like his own. He'll make us beautiful and whole with the same powerful skill by which he is putting everything as it should be, under and around him. (Philippians 3:20-21, MSG)

We belong to the most wonderful kind of nation! Let’s beam with pride and happiness at our citizenship with Christ!

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. (1 Peter 2:9, NLT)

Announcements

It's a Underdogs Super Celebration in Kids Boost this weekend! Our preschool kids will be learning about how Jesus is the greatest hero of all! Come out to the courtyard to see them dressed up in their favorite superhero costumes and enjoying super snacks, face painting, games and more!
Save the Date: our next Team Time Out will be Sunday, February 22!
If you haven’t already purchased your IMPACT t-shirt now is the time! We have them available in the Preschool Headquarters office every weekend for $13.00. Wearing your IMPACT shirt helps spread the word and is a HUGE conversation starter!

Safety

2009-01-29T17:11:00.003-07:00

My sense of security had a bit of a shake-up this week.

It started with a staff presentation given by our local SWAT Team. It was great info, but it made me think about all the crazy, dangerous possibilities you risk in a workplace.

Then it was one piece of bad news after another...a friend in a terrible car accident, another waiting to hear the results of a scary medical diagnosis, and on and on.

That night I left work feeling a little dazed and not taking a thing for granted, my life, my health, or my child.

When I got home and my husband and I caught up with our day, he reminded me that God is in control. God hold us each in the palm of His hand. We can trust Him no matter what happens in our lives.

We are promised this: "The Lord is good. When trouble comes, He is a strong refuge. And He knows everyone who trusts in Him."
Nahum 1:7 (NLT)

As Christians we have the Holy Spirit to help us find joy and have peace when circumstances warrant otherwise. In Romans, Paul encourages us, "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:15 (NIV)

With God in control, we can feel safe that He loves us and He hold us close!

P.S. Some good news! It wasn't long before we found out that the friend in the accident miraculously survived and the other's test results came back negative. Praise the Lord!

Announcements

It's an Impact Weekend again! Be sure to wear your Impact shirt!
We're gearing up for an awesome courtyard event for our children in Kids Boost on Feb. 7/8. Stay tuned for details!
Save the Date: our next Team Time Out will be Sunday, February 22!
If you haven’t already purchased your IMPACT t-shirt now is the time! We have them available in the Preschool Headquarters office every weekend for $13.00. Wearing your IMPACT shirt helps spread the word and is a HUGE conversation starter!

Cheer

2009-01-22T15:19:00.008-07:00

This last weekend my husband and I fulfilled our Radiant Runners goal of completing the PF Chang’s Half Marathon. It was truly an intense but fun experience!

You see just about everything on the race course; people twice your age passing you with ease, runners having a good time and goofing around, and men and women giving their all to achieve their goals. I love to look out for the crazy slogans and maxims people wear on race day, the inner cheer they outwardly display to keep them going through each mile.

Here are some amusing examples:
I know I run like a girl, try to keep up!

Toenails are for sissies.

My sport is your sport’s punishment!
Running is my happy hour!
Running is cheaper than therapy.
Find your happy pace.
In my dreams I am a Kenyan.
Some girls chase boys. I pass 'em.
May the course be with you.

Pretty funny!

In life, when your endurance is waning and you’re tired and ready to give up, do you have an inner cheer tucked away in your memory keeping you going? A slice of scripture to keep you nourished?

Maybe you’re like Tim Tebow and love Philippians 4:13 (check out his black smear paint!) or former University of Illinois Basketball star Roger Powell who writes Isaiah 41:10, Colossians 3:17 and 3:23, and 1 John 4:4 on his game-day shoes.

This month, Fernando, our Children’s Director challenged the HD Staff Team to memorize this incredible verse: “Be strong. Take courage. Don’t be intimidated. Don’t give them a second thought, because God, your God is striding ahead of you. He’s right there with you. He won’t let you down. He won’t leave you." Deut. 3:16 (MSG)

What great words of encouragement for the race of life!

Please join us in this challenge and hide away some of God’s words of support in your heart. Someday it may rise to the surface just when you need it!

Announcements:

It's an Impact Weekend! Be sure to wear your Impact shirt!
Save the Date: our next Team Time Out will be Sunday, February 22!
If you haven’t already purchased your IMPACT t-shirt now is the time! We have them available in the Preschool Headquarters office every weekend for $13.00. Wearing your IMPACT shirt helps spread the word and is a HUGE conversation starter!

Words

2009-01-15T17:30:00.004-07:00

This weekend our elementary kids will hone in on the Old Testament, specifically Genesis, in preparation for our "In the Beginning" series. They'll learn that the Bible is the true word of God, an amazing book accounting God's faithfulness through the ages and His guidance for our lives.

In Hebrews 4:12, the Bible says, "For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." (NIV)

This week, I sure felt a pointed reminder from God’s word of His intentions for the words that we speak.

In Ephesians 4:29, Paul reminds us, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” (NIV)

And for some reason these past few days, that didn’t happen with me. I opened my mouth several times when I shouldn’t have. I didn’t apply my “Holy Spirit filter” to my words and wished I could have taken back some of my conversations.

Thankfully, God promises that I’m forgiven for those slips in dialogue judgment. And how sweet are these words? “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace.” Ephesians 1:7

Announcements:

We're gearing up for our next HD F.I.T. - Fellowship, Information, and Team building night (formerly known as our Volunteer Team Meeting)! Join us in The Garage on January 22 at 6:15 pm for an Italian-themed evening! Check your email for an evite and be sure to RSVP.
Save the Date: our next Team Time Out will be Sunday, February 22!
If you haven’t already purchased your IMPACT t-shirt now is the time! We have them available in the Preschool Headquarters office every weekend for $13.00. Wearing your IMPACT shirt helps spread the word and is a HUGE conversation starter!

Beautiful Feet

2009-01-08T15:15:00.003-07:00

"But how can they call on Him to save them unless they believe in Him? And how can they believe in Him if they have never heard about Him? And how can they hear about Him unless someone tells them? And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say,
'How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!'" Romans 10:14-15

This week our little ones in Kids Boost will learn about what it means to be a missionary. I grew up as an MK, a missionary kid, and watched my parents take the gospel to people in Asia, Europe, and Africa. While I never felt called to join my mom and dad on the mission field, I learned that being a messenger of God’s word didn’t have to mean traveling to far-off countries to share the Gospel.

Wherever you are can be your mission field! For me, sometimes being a missionary meant leading prayer at my sorority house on September 11, 2001 or talking with the woman next to me on an airplane and telling her how she could have a personal relationship with Jesus. Maybe for you it’s being a shoulder someone can cry on or providing a meal for a family in need. You can be an emissary for Jesus in your daily life!

Here are some ways you too can have beautiful feet:

Take a walk around your neighborhood and pray for the families that live on your street.
Invite a friend to join you at church this weekend.
Let your life witness Christ’s love and compassion, when someone asks about your faith, boldly share how Jesus changed your life!

Hope to see your beautiful feet this weekend!

Announcements:

We're gearing up for our next HD F.I.T. - Fellowship, Information, and Team building night! Join us in The Garage on January 22 at 6:15 pm for an Italian-themed evening! Check your email for an evite and be sure to RSVP.
Save the Date: our next Team Time Out will be Sunday, February 22!
If you haven’t already purchased your IMPACT t-shirt now is the time! We have them available in the Preschool Headquarters office every weekend for $13.00. Wearing your IMPACT shirt helps spread the word and is a HUGE conversation starter!

New Life

2009-01-03T09:32:00.002-07:00

Yesterday my family had the wonderful experience of visiting some friends who had just had a baby. As I held 1-day old Noah, born on New Year’s day, I couldn’t help but think of the beauty of new life and fresh starts. Seeing this new infant, so innocent, reminded me of the new birth I had so graciously received through Jesus when I asked Him to come into life. By His grace the old was erased and I was given a clean slate with Christ.

For me, and probably you too, 2008 was filled with joys and sorrows, successes and mistakes. How great it is that we serve a God who is merciful and kind, a loving Father who gives us new life and a second chance with Christ!

"In the past all of us lived like them, trying to please our sinful selves and doing all the things our bodies and minds wanted. We should have suffered God's anger because we were sinful by nature. We were the same as all other people. But God's mercy is great, and he loved us very much. Though we were spiritually dead because of the things we did against God, he gave us new life with Christ. You have been saved by God's grace." Ephesians 2:3-5 (NCV)

We hope you had a very Happy New Year’s! See you this weekend!

Announcements

If you haven’t already purchased your IMPACT t-shirt now is the time! We have them available in the Preschool Headquarters office every weekend for $13.00. Wearing your IMPACT shirt helps spread the word and is a HUGE conversation starter!

Some Things Never Change

2008-12-26T21:12:00.004-07:00

Merry Christmas! I am home now at my parent's house and enjoying every minute of it. There are loved ones near and delicious food to be had at every turn. All about me I see comforting reminders that some things never change; my favorite childhood ornament faithfully put on the tree, my stocking hung on the mantle, and the neighbor's Christmas lights still arranged in the old familiar way.

When I think about how these small, time-honored traditions give me a sense of security, it makes me even more grateful that our God is a God that will not alter or change. The author of Hebrews writes about Jesus “…But you remain the same, and your years will never end." (Hebrews 1:12)

What a comfort it is to know that even when life inevitably changes, God never does!

As we close out this year, we in HD hope you are having a meaningful time with your family celebrating Christ's birth!

Signed, Sealed, Delivered

2008-12-19T17:40:00.005-07:00

I don’t know about you, but one of my most cherished Christmas season rituals is going to the mailbox every day. I pull up to the box, turn the key, and there waiting for me are wonderful Christmas cards from family and friends around the world. To read the cheery notes and catch up with loved ones is like unwrapping a present each afternoon!

It hit me the other day that I have a letter from my Most Loved One waiting always for me to read. His divinely-inspired communiqué is exactly what I need for any moment, assures me of His love, gives me wisdom, and teaches me where to grow.

What if God’s word came to me sealed and stamped and arriving via post, would I love it even more than a festive card from a friend?

Father, I pray so, help me to treasure your Word above all else, to anticipate it daily, and meditate upon it with care.

“...the Law of the LORD makes them happy, and they think about it day and night. They are like trees growing beside a stream, trees that produce fruit in season and always have leaves. Those people succeed in everything they do." Psalm 1:2-3

Announcements

Thank you to everyone who helped make our Christmas Musical and Christmas in the Courtyard such an amazing success. Thank you for giving your time and love to our kids!
It's an Impact Weekend this weekend! Be sure to wear your Impact shirts and tell your friends about volunteering with HD.

Love Looked Out

2008-12-11T16:12:00.006-07:00

"...Israel, out looking for a place to rest, met God out looking for them! God told them, 'I've never quit loving you and never will. Expect love, love, and more love!'"

Jeremiah 31:3 (The Message)

Christmas season is always my favorite time of year, but it's often also my most stressful time of year. The to-do lists seem to get longer and the days seem to get shorter. Yesterday I left work looking for a place to rest and found God's love looking out for me.

While I was still at my job, my husband came home early, cleaned our house and did our laundry - two very burdensome tasks on that never-ending to-do list. It was just what I needed! To me, it was as if Jesus reached through my husband's arms and actions and expressed His love for me. Not only did I feel like a cherished wife, but a loved child of God. God knew that I was sinking in my stress and used my husband to help pull me back up.

Our worlds move so fast that we can miss these moments where God, in His great love, reaches out to show us how much He cares. He loves you and He's looking out for you. As Jeremiah wrote, "Expect love, love, and more love!"

Announcements:

Come and celebrate the real reason for the season at our Children’s Christmas Musical! Our presentations of the “Best Christmas Present Ever” and the “Living Nativity” will be performed on Saturday, December 13th at 5:00pm. Be sure to bring your children with you, because this family-style event will replace our Saturday evening services and children’s programming.
Join us for for Christmas in the Courtyard after the Christmas Musical at 6:30 pm!
Our 20-quarter challenge finished up last week with $458.35 raised! That's 1993 meals that can now be provided to hungry children through Kids Against Hunger! Great job, HD!!

Worth the Climb

2008-12-04T12:43:00.006-07:00

Today our HD Team met up in the Prayer Tower for some devotional time and prayer. If you’ve ever taken the flights of steps up to the Tower you know that it’s quite a climb. You labor up the stairs, but then when you get to the top, it’s this peaceful, serene place above the noise and craziness of the world.

I couldn’t help but draw a comparison to what it’s like when you choose to spend time with God. It takes some work – maybe you have to give up a few minutes of extra sleep, or pass on a favorite TV show, or say no to adding another commitment to your schedule – but when you get that chance to get away to be with God you find a place of peace and comfort.

As we hustle and bustle about this Christmas season, join us in taking a still moment to spend time with Jesus. This quiet oasis of time with Him is well worth the effort.

Who knows? Maybe we’ll even see you up in the Prayer Tower!

Announcements:

Come and celebrate the real reason for the season at our Children’s Christmas Musical! Our presentations of the “Best Christmas Present Ever” and the “Living Nativity” will be performed on Saturday, December 13th at 5:00pm. Be sure to bring your children with you, because this family-style event will replace our Saturday evening services and children’s programming.
It's not too late for your preschooler to be a part of our Kids Boost Christmas Performance, "The Best Christmas Present Ever!" Stop by the preschool this weekend to pick up a performance packet or email children@radiantchurch.com for details.
We need your help! If you are not already helping with our Christmas Musical, we could sure use some extra hands for Christmas in the Courtyard. There are opportunities to serve for set-up the morning of Dec. 13, during the event, and with clean-up afterwards. If you are willing and able, please contact Michael Garland at 623.975.2662 or email Michael.Garland@radiantchurch.com.
Our Boys vs. Girls Canned Food Drive was a resounding success! 1833 items of food were donated to Radiant's Economic Relief Center. Although very close, girls came out ahead and will have their Ice Cream Party this weekend.

Forgiveness

2008-11-26T08:53:00.002-07:00

I had one of those days this week – you know the kind of day where you feel like the world is out to get you. Besides hitting every red light on my drive and getting cut-off more than once, I had a postal worker shut her window in my face – with two minutes till closing still on the clock – and a man yell at me for leaving a shopping cart I hadn’t used in the parking lot. Oh, the injustice!

Maybe you’ve had a day or a week like mine, full of little stabs and reasons to hold a grudge. It would be easy to let them all add up, but if we’re not careful to forgive and move on, bitterness and resentment will take over.

This weekend in Kids Boost, our preschoolers will learn about Joseph forgiving his brothers after they sold him into slavery as part of our “p.s. I Love You” series. The Bible is full of stories like these, especially the greatest story of forgiveness of all, Christ dying on the cross for our sins and our own forgiveness.

Ephesians 4:32 reminds us, “Be kind and loving to each other, and forgive each other just as God forgave you in Christ.”

I wish that verse had played my head when “Mr. Meanie” in the parking lot spewed his tirade. But it’s not too late; I can forgive him and everyone else that has done me wrong. It helps to remember that I myself have been guilty and only because of Christ have I been forgiven for even much greater sins.

So, this Thanksgiving I’m thankful for forgiveness and we in HD are thankful for YOU!

Have a very Happy Thanksgiving!

Announcements

Have a preschooler who likes to sing? He or she can take part in our Kids Boost Christmas Performance, "The Best Christmas Present Ever!" Stop by the preschool this weekend to pick up a performance packet or email children@radiantchurch.com for details.
We have two weeks left on our 20-quarter challenge! If we all bring in 20 quarters by December 6th and 7th, we can help feed 14,000 children who need a meal through Kids Against Hunger!
Our HD Canned Food Drive is continuing through the end of November. These canned goods will provide local families with food to eat through Radiant's Economic Relief Center. Bring your cans in to Jungle or Elevate this weekend. This is a boys vs. girls contest with a fun prize the first weekend in December for the winner! You don't want to miss out!

When No One Was Looking

2008-11-20T12:07:00.007-07:00

First, thank you to all who came to our Team Time Out! The pies were delicious and even more fun when they ended up on a few choice faces!

Now, check out this story about a pro-golfer who sacrificed his career to choose the high road!

"J.P. Hayes is as honest as we like to think we are"
By Jay Busbee

"The true test of a man's character is what he does when no one is watching. John Wooden said that, or maybe it was Spider-Man. Whatever, it still holds true; being noble and upstanding is easy enough when you've got people watching, but when you're alone with yourself, when you could do the wrong thing (or avoid the right thing) and get away with it, well -- that's when you find out what kind of person you are.

By that standard, then, J.P. Hayes is among the best that sports has to offer. He played a nonconforming ball for a single hole of the second stage of Q School last weekend. He realized it more than a day after the "violation," called it on himself, and thus disqualified himself from Q School ... with some severe, career-altering effects down the line." Read the rest of the story.

I love hearing about inspiring, real-life heroes who choose to do the right thing. I know nothing about golf, but I can comprehend what he gave up in order to be honest and keep his integrity. And from what the article says, no one would have been the wiser about his mistake. I don’t know if J.P. Hayes is a Christian or not, but I imagine that God had a huge smile on His face when J.P. came clean...even when no one else was looking.

I hope that if I'm ever confronted with a similar choice, I follow J.P.'s lead!

"Pray for us, for we are sure that we have a good conscience, desiring to conduct ourselves honorably in all things." Hebrews 13:18

Announcements

Have a preschooler who likes to sing? He or she can take part in our Kids Boost Christmas Performance, "The Best Christmas Present Ever!" Stop by the preschool this weekend to pick up a performance packet or email children@radiantchurch.com for details.
We have three weeks left on our 20-quarter challenge! If we all bring in 20 quarters by December 6th and 7th, we can help feed 14,000 children who need a meal through Kids Against Hunger!
Our HD Canned Food Drive is continuing through the end of November. These canned goods will provide local families with food to eat through Radiant's Economic Relief Center. Bring your cans in to Jungle or Elevate this weekend. This is a boys vs. girls contest with a fun prize the first weekend in December for the winner! You don't want to miss out!
Family Fun Day tickets sold out last week, but are back by popular demand! Tickets are limited, so stop by the kiosk to pick up yours soon!

Cause for Celebration

2008-11-13T15:54:00.005-07:00

This week my infant son reached a milestone. It was a simple achievement – only sitting on his own for the first time – but to me it was cause for great celebration. I actually cried tears of joy to see him accomplish a skill we’d been working on together for weeks!

It made me think about how God, our Father, celebrates over us.

One of my favorite verses in the Bible is Zepheniah 3:17. I love the different versions of it too--

Here’s the NIV translation:
The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.

And then the Contemporary English Version:
The LORD your God wins victory after victory and is always with you. He celebrates and sings because of you, and he will refresh your life with his love.

Isn’t it wonderful to know that God delights in us just because we are His children? He actually rejoices over us with singing!

If that’s how He feels about us just as we are, how much more so does He celebrate when we reach milestones in our journeys of faith?

Just like I did with my son, I wonder if He jigs a little happy dance when we read our Bibles each day, choose to serve others, or decide to spend extra time with Him.

It makes me ask, what can I do today to give my Heavenly Father joy?

Announcements

Our Team Time Out is this Sunday! We're looking forward to yummy pie, cider, hot chocolate and fun fellowship with you!!
Casting Call! We’re filming a Children’s Ministry Video and need outgoing kids, 3-years– fifth grade, to be our stars. To take part, please accompany your child, dressed in a plain, logo-free black or white shirt and jeans to the Radiant Church Family Room on Wednesday, Nov. 19 at 3:45 pm. For more information, please contact children@radiantchurch.com.
Over the next three weeks, HD will partner with Kids Against Hunger to provide food to children all around the world through a quarter drive. If every child and HD volunteer brings in 20 quarters, that is four quarters a week, by December 6th and 7th, we can help feed 14,000 children who need a meal!
Along with our focus on missions, we're asking everyone in HD to bring in canned goods to Jungle Heights or Elevate in November. These canned goods will provide local families with food to eat through Radiant's Economic Relief Center. This is a boys vs. girls contest with a fun prize the first weekend in December for the winner! You don't want to miss out!
Want another way to help feed the hungry? Play Free Rice! Go to www.freerice.com and test your knowledge skills. It is fun, easy, and a free way to donate rice to the UN World Food Program.
Family Fun Day tickets for ZooLights at the Phoenix Zoo are still on sale this weekend! Tickets are limited, so stop by the kiosk to pick up yours soon!

Open Hands

2008-11-06T09:12:00.009-07:00

This time of year always gives me pause to be grateful. Maybe it’s something about the cooler weather, the pending Thanksgiving feast, or Christmas on the horizon. So why, in this state of gratitude, can it sometimes be tough to share my blessings?

I never thought that when I hung out for a service in Jungle Heights this past weekend that the message would be for me! Up on stage, Carey read, “If there is a poor man among you in any of the towns of the land that the LORD your God is giving you, do not be hardhearted or tightfisted toward them. Rather be openhanded and freely lend them whatever they need.” Deuteronomy 15: 7-8 (NIV)

When I heard that verse, it was like God whispered in my ear, “I have blessed you, now open up your hands, and share!” I didn’t have to look far to find where I could start freely giving to those in need…we have the perfect outlet right here at Radiant!

Did you know that this past Tuesday alone, 1000 people received food from Radiant’s Economic Relief Center? Our community is hurting and hungry. And we can help! Check out the announcements below for three opportunities for all of us in HD to lend a hand!

“Do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifice God is pleased.” Hebrew 13:16 (NIV)

Announcements

Impact shirts are here! You can pick up your pre-ordered shirt or buy a shirt at HD Headquarters in the preschool during weekend services.
Over the next four weeks, HD will partner with Kids Against Hunger to provide food to children all around the world through a quarter drive. If every child and HD volunteer brings in 20 quarters, that is four quarters a week, by December 6th and 7th, we can help feed 14,000 children who need a meal!
Along with our focus on missions, we're asking everyone in HD to bring in canned goods to Jungle Heights or Elevate in November. These canned goods will provide local families with food to eat through Radiant's Economic Relief Center. This is a boys vs. girls contest with a fun prize the first weekend in December for the winner! You don't want to miss out!
Want another way to help feed the hungry? Play Free Rice! Go to www.freerice.com and test your knowledge skills. It is fun, easy, and a free way to donate rice to the UN World Food Program.
Be sure to check your emails for an evite for our Team Time Out and please remember to RSVP. We're hosting a Pie & Cider Night at Surprise Park on November 16, you don't want to miss out!
Family Fun Day tickets for ZooLights at the Phoenix Zoo are still on sale this weekend! Tickets are limited, so stop by the kiosk to pick up yours soon!

With His Own Powerful Arm

2008-10-30T12:17:00.005-07:00

Life’s been a little worrisome lately, hasn’t it? With upcoming elections, economic difficulties, and global unrest, it’s easy to start feeling anxious at the state of the world. So this week calls for some Biblical fortification, a few favorite verses to give you peace and security amidst the worry…Enjoy!

I am surrounded by trouble, but you protect me against my angry enemies. With your own powerful arm you keep me safe. Psalm 138:7 (CEV)

If God hadn't been there for me, I never would have made it. The minute I said, "I'm slipping, I'm falling," your love, God, took hold and held me fast. When I was upset and beside myself, you calmed me down and cheered me up. Psalm 94:17-19 (MSG)

God is greater than our worried hearts and knows more about us than we do ourselves. 1 John 3:20 (MSG)

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27 (NIV)

Announcements

Impact shirts are here! You can pick up your pre-ordered shirt or buy a shirt at HD Headquarters in the preschool during weekend services.
It's an Echo Weekend for our Elementary Kids! During Echo Weekends our HD Children’s Ministry focuses on missions around the world. Over the next five weeks HD will partner with Kids Against Hunger to provide food to children all around the world through a quarters drive. If every child and HD volunteer brings in 20 quarters, that is four quarters a week, by December 6th and 7th, we can help feed 14,000 children who need a meal!
Along with our focus on missions, we're asking everyone in HD to bring in canned goods to Jungle Heights or Elevate in November. These canned goods will provide local families with food to eat through Radiant's Economic Relief Center. This is a boys vs. girls contest with a fun prize the first weekend in December for the winner! You don't want to miss out!
Want another way to help feed the hungry? Play Free Rice! Go to www.freerice.com and test your knowledge skills. It is fun, easy, and a free way to donate rice to the UN World Food Program.
Be sure to check your emails for an evite for our Team Time Out and please remember to RSVP. We're hosting a Pie & Cider Night at Surprise Park on November 16, you don't want to miss out!
Family Fun Day tickets for ZooLights at the Phoenix Zoo go on sale this weekend! Tickets are limited, so stop by the kiosk to pick up yours soon!

Small Acts

2008-10-23T17:11:00.000-07:00

"Be faithful in small things because it is in them that your strength lies." – Mother Teresa

You may think that what you do in HD is small…you change a diaper, you hold a child, you demonstrate the dance moves to a room full of energetic elementary students. Nothing that will ever win the Nobel Prize. But those little sacrifices done in Jesus' name are truly grand in light of God’s kingdom. In those seemingly small acts of service is the strength of God's great love pouring through us.

In Matthew 5:21 Jesus gives a glimpse of what He'll say to those who were faithful with the small things: "Wonderful!" his master replied. "You are a good and faithful servant. I left you in charge of only a little, but now I will put you in charge of much more. Come and share in my happiness!"

So, don't ever get down on doing these small things - they are needed, they are appreciated, and they are making an IMPACT! Thank you!

Announcements:

* Our next team meeting is tonight! Oct. 23, at 7:00 pm, come at 6:15 pm for food and drinks beforehand.

* As we continue "Exodus" in Elementary and "God is Big!" in Kids Boost, we're preparing for our exciting Exodus Art Fair on Nov. 1 & 2. Check our HD page on the Radiant Website for details. Entries are due by Oct. 26.

* Save the Date; we're getting together for a fun, fall-themed Team Time Out on November 16.

Rack & Stack

2008-10-16T13:14:00.008-07:00

In my husband’s line of work, he and his coworkers are consistently rated and ranked on their performance. They call this comparative grading, the “Rack & Stack” and it can either be heartening or devastating to find out where you “rack in the stack.”

We all perform our own mental “Rack & Stack” with others… “She’s thinner than me,” “My outfit is cuter,” “He’s in better shape,” “My kid is smarter,” “Whoa, they’re loaded!” and on, and on. It can drive you crazy to constantly see how you measure up to those around you. It’s a trap I often fall into and somehow I never end up on top.

Competition is great when it’s all fun and games, but holding yourself up to others can be perilous. I love what Paul writes in Galatians 6:4, “Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, and then sink yourself into that. Don't be impressed with yourself. Don't compare yourself with others. Each of you must take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your own life.” (The Message)

When I read this, I’m definitely encouraged! There are several great bits of wisdom in that verse! I like how Paul reminds us that we each have our own unique work, our own special purpose to fulfill. No one else can accomplish what God has created us each to do! This alone makes us valuable and incomparable to others. When we realize this value and focus on carrying out our own purpose, it helps those feelings of judgment dissipate.

I also appreciate the reminder to not be impressed with ourselves. That’s another downfall to ranking yourself against others; unhealthy pride and vanity in your achievements, possessions, circumstances…all things that can disappear in a moment.

And Paul can’t make it any clearer: Don’t compare yourself to others! It can lead to discouragement, envy, disappointment and it tells God that you’re unhappy with how He made you and the blessings He’s given you.

Romans 12:6 puts it well, "So since we find ourselves fashioned into all these excellently formed and marvelously functioning parts in Christ's body, let's just go ahead and be what we were made to be, without enviously or pridefully comparing ourselves with each other, or trying to be something we aren't." (The Message)

Believe me, I’m writing this today for me more than anyone. It’s something I know but have a difficult time putting it into practice!

I hope you’ll join me in this…let’s just go ahead and be what we were made to be and sink ourselves into the work that God has given us, doing the creative best we can with our own lives. (Thanks, Paul!)

Announcements:

Let's go green! It's Impact Weekend this weekend, October 18-19! Watch out for our latest Impact Video to be played during services. And don't forget to wear your Impact shirts, bracelets, or any other green gear.

If you would like to order an Impact shirt, visit the Impact kiosk in the lobby this weekend to sign up.

Our next team meeting will be Thursday, Oct. 23, at 7:00 pm, come at 6:15 pm for food and drinks beforehand. Check your email for an evite and PLEASE RSVP!

As we continue "Exodus" in Elementary and "God is Big!" in Kids Boost, we're preparing for our exciting Exodus Art Fair on Nov. 1 & 2. Check our HD page on the Radiant Website for details. Entries are by by Oct. 26.

Save the Date; we're getting together for a fun, fall-themed Team Time Out on November 16.

Energy

2008-10-08T11:35:00.010-07:00

"He doesn't get tired out, doesn't pause to catch His breath. And He knows everything, inside and out. He energizes those who get tired, gives fresh strength to dropouts. For even young people tire and drop out, young folk in their prime stumble and fall. But those who wait upon God get fresh strength. They spread their wings and soar like eagles, They run and don't get tired, they walk and don't lag behind." Isaiah 40:29-31

Yesterday a few of us braved the Radiant Runners group, joining up after work at Surprise Park to run (for me, jog) with friends from the church. After huffing and puffing around the lake, I started praying for extra energy just to finish out the hour-long meeting.

Energy is a priceless commodity in my world...and probably yours too. With a full-time job, a baby, and just regular life to keep up with, I often feel like I'm running on empty. Some days it's hard to have anything left for ministry too. Lately, I've been really holding on to the verse above, Isaiah 40:29-31.

Isn't it awesome to know that God has infinite energy and infinite strength and, because of Jesus, we have a direct line to that boundless get-up-and-go? That's incredibly encouraging, especially when a family or a group of kids is counting on us to be enthusiastic and on-task. And all that strength is there for the praying - just tell God that your gauge is heading towards E and you need Him to keep on going. He's faithful to His promise, He'll fuel you up!

Maybe next week I'll see you in HD or on the running track at Surprise Park, waiting on the Lord for some fresh strength and soaring like an eagle!

Thanks for being a part of our team, we couldn't do it without you!

Announcements:

Our next Impact weekends are this weekend, October 11-12 and next weekend, October 18-19! Please wear your Impact shirts, bracelets, or anything green. If you would like to order an Impact shirt, visit the Impact kiosk in the lobby this weekend to sign up.

Our next team meeting will be Thursday, Oct. 23, at 7:00 pm, come at 6:15 pm for food and drinks beforehand. Check your email for an evite and be sure to RSVP!

We're beginning a new series in Kids Boost this week: "God is Big!" For the next four weeks our preschoolers will learn how to face their fears by relying on God. Check the Preschool Blog link for details.

Save the Date; we're getting together for a fun, fall-themed Team Time Out on November 16.

What's Inside

2008-10-02T14:07:00.005-07:00

But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." 1 Samuel 16:7

Two weeks ago I lost my luggage on a trip to Florida. For four days I went without my own clothes, shoes, make-up, and jewelry. I truly came to know the meaning of "it's what's inside that counts" as I was stripped of all the exterior trappings I relied on to project an image of myself to others. It took a lost bag to show me that what matters is how God sees me...without coverup on my blemishes, without the cute outfit, and without those trendy shoes I'd just bought.

God sees me as I am and my heart covered by Jesus' sacrifice...and He loves me. I don't need the latest Tiffany necklace to impress Him. He has the hairs on my head numbered (Luke 12:7) and catches my tears in a bottle (Psalm 56:8). He sent His son to pay for my sins (John 3:16).

When He sees you, He loves you too! Completely!

So, as we live each day for Christ, let's remember His deep love for us and remember to keep our hearts set on Him...that's what He's looking at anyway.

Announcements:

Our Impact T-shirts have been ordered and will be on their way soon!

We have an HD Team Meeting on October 23. Lookout for an evite via email for details.

We're starting a new series in Elementary this week: Exodus!

Behind the Scenes

2008-09-25T16:46:00.004-07:00

Has someone rubbed you the wrong way lately? Maybe they cut you off on your drive to work, didn’t bother to say “hi!” or caused you an inconvenience. It’s so easy to be angry and pass them off; believe me I’ve been there more times than I’d like to admit! But God calls us to compassion, to take a step back and consider where that person might be coming from.

In his book, In the Grip of Grace, Max Lucado reminds us to think about someone’s back story, “We condemn a man for stumbling this morning, be we didn’t see the blows he took yesterday. We judge a woman for the limp in her walk, but cannot see the tack in her shoe…Are they too loud? Perhaps they fear being neglected again…Too slow? Perhaps they fell the last time they hurried. You don’t know. Only one who has followed yesterday’s steps can be their judge.”

Maybe if we knew what was going on behind the scenes, we wouldn’t be so quick to judge and we’d find it less difficult to forgive. In Colossians 3:12-13, Paul makes an appeal for us to be merciful and loving to others. He writes, “So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It's your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it.” (The Message)

So join me in Paul’s challenge, the next time someone ticks you off, take a deep breath, clothe yourself with compassion, and know that there’s a bigger story going on behind the curtains.

Announcements:

An HD Team Meeting is coming soon...look out for an evite to get the details!
This is our last week of Case Closed in Elementary and our Moses: A Lesson in Trusting series in Kids Boost. Get ready for exciting new series starting in the next few weeks.

Hold Fast in the Hurricane

2008-09-17T15:37:00.007-07:00

Last week Hurricane Ike shredded through southeast Texas, leaving people without power, trapped without transportation, and digging themselves out from under debris.

Maybe you’re going through a hurricane of life right now - a scary medical diagnosis, a hurtful rejection, or maybe a lost opportunity. Without fail, we all experience a tempest of toughness once in a while.

About this time last year I went through my own personal Category 4 storm. During that time I found special solace in Christian worship music, particularly a song by Casting Crowns. Here’s my favorite part of the lyrics:

I’ll praise You in this storm

And I will life my hands

For You are who You are

No matter where I am

Every tear I’ve cried

You hold in Your hand

You never left my side

And though my heart is torn

I will praise You in this storm

How incredible is it to praise God during life’s storms!?

When we suffer, how can we find the same joy and worship? We can begin by holding fast to God and seeking His shelter.

Psalm 46:1-4 says, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.”

Second, we can count on God’s promise that He will use this time to develop and grow our characters.

In James 1:2-4, James, Jesus’ brother, reminds us, “Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.”

So when the rain is pouring and the wind is howling around you, tap into the power of God’s peace, break free with His promises, and let Him dig you out of disappointment. The hurricane may roar for a moment, but God and His purpose for your life are still standing strong.

Announcements:

It's Impact Weekend again! Be sure to wear your shirt or bracelet and encourage a friend to volunteer with HD.
Don't have an Impact shirt? Reserve your size and order your very own this weekend in the lobby! Shirts are $13 each. If you're unable to get one this weekend, you can still get a shirt when the bulk order comes in.
Check out the new look of our Elementary and Preschool blogs!

Never Stop

2008-09-11T10:32:00.005-07:00

If you're like us, you love the kids at Radiant! You think about them and think about how you can help them know God's love and grow in Him. You probably wish there's more that we could do to help them beyond the weekend. Well there is something we can do, something vital -- we can PRAY!

In Ephesians 6, Paul writes,

"Never stop praying, especially for others. Always pray by the power of the Spirit. Stay alert and keep praying for God's people. Pray that I will be given the message to speak and that I may fearlessly explain the mystery about the good news." Ephesians 6:18-19 (CEV)

Paul writes this after he tells us how to guard against spiritual attacks. I believe Paul closes with his appeal for prayer because of how important it is to pray for others and to pray for those who lead in ministry.

Prayer for God's hand on our kids and prayer for our volunteers and staff is powerful! In Mark 11:23-25, Jesus tells us, "If you have faith in God and don't doubt, you can tell this mountain to get up and jump into the sea, and it will. Everything you ask for in prayer will be yours, if you only have faith."

Maybe you're already a prayer warrior for HD, if you are, THANK YOU! If it's not something you've tried yet, please join us in doing one of the most essential things we can for our children -- please pray for them, for their families, and for all of us that care for them each week.

So, lets "never stop" praying for God's protection on our kids and for their growth in Him!

Announcements:

Impact Weekend this weekend! Be sure to wear your Impact Shirts and bracelets and drop by our kiosk in the lobby.
We've made a few changes to the blog - we now have one handy-dandy button for Elementary updates. Check it out on the right-hand side of this page! Now you cans ee what's going on Elevate and Jungle on one page. Also, Virginia Long, our new Preschool Curriculum Specialist, will now be letting you know what's going on in Kids Boost!
Stay posted for more fun updates to the HD University section of the blog!

Spur One Another On

2008-09-04T11:24:00.000-07:00

"Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching."
Hebrews 10: 23-25 (NIV)

One of the things I love most about HD is the camaraderie and unified purpose we have as volunteers and staff! How amazing is it to work together to bring children and families closer to Christ, all while having an incredibly fun and uplifting time! Thanks for being a part of this team and lets keep spurring one another on toward love and good deeds!

Some things to announce:

Impact Weekends on the horizon - Be sure to wear your Impact shirts on the weekends of September 13/14 and 20/21!
Lookout for an email from Fernando soon - we have some fun changes to tell you about!
This is the last weekend to get your tickets for Family Fun Day! Stop by the kiosk in the lobby to get your wristbands. $3 for a Radiant pool party at the Aquatic Center can't be beat!

Have a great week!

One Last Hoo-Yah!

2008-08-28T08:59:00.005-07:00

Bible Bootcamp

Bible Bootcamp for our 1st through 5th graders wraps up this week! Be sure to wear your camo and face paint for one last HOO-YAH!

As we continue to study how amazingly God put together His word, it's also incredible to think how powerful the Bible is. In Hebrews 4:12 it says, "For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart."

Our elementary kids will be learning even more about the Bible in our mystery-solving series, Case Closed starting September 6 and 7!

Christmas Musical Auditions

Musical auditions are taking place on Wednesday, September 3rd. Be sure to show up during your assigned auditioning time in Jungle Heights!

Family Fun Day

Polish up that cannonball and join us at our next Family Fun Day! We're renting out the Surprise Aquatic Center exclusively for Radiant families on Sunday, September 7 from 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm. Tickets are $3 each and babies 1-year and under are free. Space is limited, so be sure to get in on the pool party today! Stop by the Family Fun Day kiosk in the lobby to purchase your tickets this weekend!

Impact Weekend

2008-08-21T11:19:00.001-07:00

First things first - THANK YOU to everyone who came to Team Time Out last Sunday! It was a pool party blast and we enjoyed hanging out with you.

Impact Weekend

This weekend is Impact Weekend. We'll be recruiting new volunteers for HD Ministries during the Ministry Fair at all four weekend services, so be sure to wear your Impact shirts and bracelets!

Christmas Musical

We had an amazing turnout at last night's Christmas Musical Info Meeting. In case you couldn't make it, sign ups are still available! The information packets will be under the Children’s ramada out in the courtyard all weekend. The musical is open to all students 1st-5th grades.

Vs. x Vs. Next Week!

Mark your calendars, our next Vs. x Vs. prayer service is Wednesday, August 27.

A Final Thought...

We just want you to know that you are appreciated. This verse comes to mind when we think of our HD Volunteers: "I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers." Ephesians 1:16

Upcoming Events

2008-08-14T10:51:00.004-07:00

Team Time Out - This Sunday!

Hopefully, you all got the evite because we are having a poolside BBQ this Sunday and you will want to be there!

Just in case you didn't get the evite, here's the info:

Date: Sunday, August 17

Time: 4:30 p.m.

Place: Michael Rodriguez's Home
16108 160th Ave, Surprise, AZ 85374

Bring: If your last name begins with A-J bring chips, last names K-P bring drinks and last
names Q-Y bring dessert.

Christmas Musical Meeting

Our Christmas musical is just 4 months away and it's time for our first meeting. If you are a child in 1st - 5th grade or have a child in 1st - 5th grade, we would love for you to attend our informational meeting. There will be a large chorus, so anyone who wants to be a part of the musical will be able to.

Date: Wednesday, August 20th

Time: 7 p.m.

Place: Elevate

What A Weekend!

2008-08-06T16:49:00.002-07:00

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Really, there are no words to express how much we appreciated the dedication that was shown by each and every one of you this past weekend. The new service times were a huge success, and we had 1285 kids attend our services this weekend! That's HUGE! We did notice that our volunteer count was a little light at the Saturday 4:30 service, so if your schedule is flexible, we would love to talk to you.

Our courtyard promotion event was a great way for families to hang out after service and it was a ton of fun. You can check out some of the pictures above. Thanks to everyone who stood out in the heat to help with the different activites we had going on.

You guys ROCK!

Promotion Weekend '08

2008-07-31T16:29:00.002-07:00

It's going to be an awesome weekend! We are starting a new series on creation in the preschool, finishing our series "Ready.Set.Go" in the elementary rooms, promoting some kiddos, changing service times, opening "the Garage" and having a pretty incredible courtyard event!!

If you haven't told us what service you want to volunteer for, no problem, just show up this weekend and we'll find a place for you.

Our courtyard event is set to include a dunk tank, slip 'n slide, snow cones, painting, dance dance revolution and preschool carnival games. What's amazing is the children's department is putting this whole event on; what's even more amazing is that you can be a part of it! With all of those stations to man, we need your help to make this event a success. If you haven't signed up to help in a particular area, but want to, let us know this weekend. We would love for you to stick around and be a part of all the fun.

Lastly, we really want to thank you all for your positive attitudes and willingnes to be flexible through all of the changes. Your willingness to serve has been noticed and very much appreciated.

Reminders Galore!

2008-07-23T11:35:00.003-07:00

REMINDERS, REMINDERS, REMINDERS!!!

There are a lot of things coming up quick. Don't forget!

August 2/3: Promotion weekend. Those entering 6th grade are moving to Youth. Kindergarten kids are getting their own special service in the preschool.

August 2/3: Service times change. Saturday 4:30 & 6:15 p.m. and Sunday 9:15 & 11:00 a.m.

Please make sure to let us know asap for what time you would like to serve. You can contact erin.wiens@radiantchurch.com if you have questions.

We are thankful for all the ways you each minister to kids each weekend. Your smile, your energy, your listening ear are all ways you demonstrate Christ to kids. Join us in praying for next weekend and all the good things that will come from the changes. There will probably be some lost faces around the church next weekend so please make sure to greet folks with a smile and help them in any way possible. You guys are the best.

Volunteer Meeting and More...

2008-07-17T09:19:00.003-07:00

Last week we told you about all the exciting things happening promotion weekend and we want a chance to talk to you about that and answer any questions you may have. So, next Thursday, July 24 is our HD volunteer meeting and we would love to see you there. It's at 6:30 pm in Elevate and pizza will be provided for you and any kiddos that you bring with you (childcare is provided). Starting this weekend, you will have an opportunity to sign up to volunteer at one (or two or three) of our new service times.

Last week, we took 0ver 80 kids up to Prescott for an amazing Kids' Camp experience. We learned about the story of Moses and filled our days with some pretty awesome activities. You can check out our camp slideshow above.

Thanks for all that you do. We are reminded every week of how special you all are and how selflessly you contribute to the children's ministry and the lives of kids. See you this weekend!

New Services To Launch Promotion Weekend!

2008-07-03T16:03:00.005-07:00

We have one month to go before "The Garage" opens for the Youth and that means one month to go until HD promotion weekend. On August 2nd & 3rd kids who just completed fifth grade will bump up to Youth, kids who just completed second grade will bump up to Elevate, and as you may have read in Fernando's email, Kindergarten will be getting a service designed especially for them in the Preschool!

August 2nd & 3rd will not only be a time of change for kids, but a change for all of you adults too. Starting promotion weekend, there will be two Saturday and two Sunday services. Here's what that looks like:

Saturday @ 4:30 p.m. and 6:15 p.m.
Sunday @ 9:15 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.

Why are we doing this? Well, at the 10am service, we’re out of room for kids! Sure, we have room in the other services, but those are not growing for several reasons.

Why is this change so exciting? 1) we can break up the 10am crowd into TWO “sweet spot” service times (this is wonderful for both adults AND kids!!), and 2) volunteers will be able to volunteer in one service, and attend another service, without having to come back on a second day (saving gas money in the process!).

And... now that youth programs will be offered at EVERY service starting August 2nd & 3rd(thanks to the Garage), adults with Jr. and Sr. High students will be free to choose any service they want!

We look foward to seeing you all this weekend and answering any questions you may have! FYI... we are not in the office at all next week because we will be at Kids Camp in Prescott.

Be an Impact!

2008-06-26T17:15:00.005-07:00

Hey all!

We hope your week is going well! This is just a friendly reminder that this weekend is an Impact weekend, so if you have an impact shirt make sure to wear it. If you have not been able to get one yet, just make sure to wear something green! This is also the ministry fair weekend, which is the weekend where all the Radiant Church Departments set up booths in the courtyard and recruit volunteers for their ministries! So be an Impact, and help us bring people to our booth! Talk to your friends, family members, and the random people you sit next to at church and tell them how amazing it is to be a volunteer in the HD ministries! Remember, our goal is to recruit and place 300 people this year, and there is no better way to show people that they can be an impact than to hear it straight from you! So if you have time this weekend, stop by the booth and help us bring more people to the team! We'll see you this weekend!

Food for Thought

2008-06-19T15:11:00.000-07:00

An Uncommon Call to an Uncommon Life
by Max Lucado

Each person is given something to do that shows who God is.1 Corinthians 12:7 MSG
Da Vinci painted one Mona Lisa. Beethoven composed one Fifth Symphony. And God made one version of you. He custom designed you for a one-of-a-kind assignment. Mine like a gold digger the unique-to-you nuggets from your life.

When I was six years old, my father built us a house. Architectural Digest didn’t notice, but my mom sure did. Dad constructed it, board by board, every day after work. My youth didn’t deter him from giving me a job. He tied an empty nail apron around my waist, placed a magnet in my hands, and sent me on daily patrols around the building site, carrying my magnet only inches off the ground.

One look at my tools and you could guess my job. Stray-nail collector.

One look at yours and the same can be said. Brick by brick, life by life, God is creating a kingdom, a “spiritual house” (1 Pet. 2:5 CEV). He entrusted you with a key task in the project. Examine your tools and discover it. Your ability unveils your destiny. “If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ” (1 Pet. 4:11). When God gives an assignment, he also gives the skill. Study your skills, then, to reveal your assignment.

Look at you. Your uncanny ease with numbers. Your quenchless curiosity about chemistry. Others stare at blueprints and yawn; you read them and drool. “I was made to do this,” you say.

Heed that inner music. No one else hears it the way you do.

What about you? Our Maker gives assignments to people, “to each according to each one’s unique ability” (Matt. 25:15). As he calls, he equips. Look back over your life. What have you consistently done well? What have you loved to do? Stand at the intersection of your affections and successes and find your uniqueness.

You have one. A divine spark. An uncommon call to an uncommon life. “The Spirit has given each of us a special way of serving others” (1 Cor. 12:7 CEV). So much for the excuse “I don’t have anything to offer.” Did the apostle Paul say, “The Spirit has given some of us …”? Or, “The Spirit has given a few of us …”? No. “The Spirit has given each of us a special way of serving others.” Enough of this self-deprecating “I can’t do anything.”

And enough of its arrogant opposite: “I have to do everything.”

No, you don’t! You’re not God’s solution to society, but a solution in society. Imitate Paul, who said, “Our goal is to stay within the boundaries of God’s plan for us” (2 Cor. 10:13 NLT). Clarify your contribution.

Don’t worry about skills you don’t have. Don’t covet strengths others do have. Just extract your uniqueness. “Kindle afresh the gift of God which is in you” (2 Tim. 1:6 NASB).

Father's Day Weekend

2008-06-12T15:39:00.004-07:00

First, let's talk this weekend since it's going to be awesome! We're celebrating all of you dads with incredible services and a car show that's sure to be the talk of the town.

After service, all of the kids will be getting ballots in their take away papers so that they can vote for their favorite car. So, take some time to walk around with your children... we know it will be hot... but it will be worth it. The car with the most votes will be given the "Kids' Choice Award" and we'll show a picture of the winning car during their services next weekend.

And now for last weekend... Team Time Out was a blast! Thank you to everyone who came out to Rio Vista Park for some food and fun. We loved spending time with all of you. We want to give a special thank you to our grill masters, Robert, Raul and Rob, who worked over a hot grill on a hot day and made some pretty tasty burgers and hot dogs.

Not only was this event fun, it was well documented. Fernando made a really cute video (you can check it out above) and Ginger posted a picture slideshow with some great shots of your smiling faces.

Can't wait to see you all this weekend!

2008-06-05T15:01:00.008-07:00

Team Time Out…

This Sunday is our Team Time Out at Rio Vista Park. Bring your family, bring your friends, eat some food & play some games… it’s going to be a blast! We are meeting under the ramadas near the playground where we’ll be grilling hamburgers and hot dogs. We’ve asked that you guys provide the chips and drinks. As a reminder, if your last name starts with the letters A-L, you should bring chips. If it starts with M-Z, you should bring drinks. Here are the details…

What: HD Team Time Out
Where: Rio Vista Park
8866 W. Thunderbird Rd. (Rio Vista Blvd.)
Peoria, AZ 85381
When: Sunday, June 8th from 6 – 8 p.m.

This Weekend…

After introducing our K-5th graders to the organization Malaria No More last weekend, we will begin collecting a special offering this weekend and every weekend through July 5-6 to help their cause. Malaria No More provides bed nets to people in Africa who require protection from mosquitoes that carry the deadly Malaria virus. Each year 1 million people in Africa are killed by Malaria. You can check out more on this organization by going to the website below.

Father’s Day…

The hottest car show in town is going to be right here at Radiant next weekend. Invite your friends and plan to hang out. It’s a free event that you and your family can enjoy together. Check out more info by clicking on the picture below.

Echo Weekend!

2008-05-29T14:06:00.014-07:00

Hey All,

We hope your week has been great! We are excited to be hosting our second Echo Weekend this weekend in which we focus on world missions!

Did you know that every year over 1 million people die from Malaria, and most of them are kids in Africa who are under five years old! It is important that we show our kids that this is happening around the world, and that they don't have to sit by and just watch, they can take part in helping these kids in Africa!
As a part of our Echo challenge, the kids will be focusing their missions offerings for the next five weeks to fight Malaria in Africa! We will be partnering with Malaria No More to buy bed nets for kids in Africa! These specially treated bed nets keep families safe from mosquitoes that carry malaria. Every ten dollars that we collect will mean one bed net that lasts five years and medication/education for people in africa! If you would like more information click on the banner below!

Please make sure that you are checking the Calendar for all oure upcoming Events! See you this weekend!

Blogging Full Speed Ahead...

2008-05-21T12:52:00.001-07:00

After an extremely positive response to this HD Blog at our recent volunteer meeting, we will be updating it weekly and sending you a link to it via email. We are very excited to offer you this resource and hope that you take some time to explore all of it’s features.

The newest additions to the blog are the area links: Elevate, Jungle Heights and Preschool. Your area leaders have posted updates on those pages, so please take some time to check them out. Another cool component is the calendar link. This has upcoming events and volunteer birthdays on it and if you have a gmail account you can add our calendar to your calendar with the click of a button!

Speaking of calendars and dates…. there are a couple volunteer birthdays this week. Happy Birthday to Richard Bisby and Karens Burns!

Coming up…

Monday, May 26th – Memorial Day

This Monday is Memorial Day. As we pause to remember and honor those who fought and died for our country, let us not forget those who currently serve in our armed forces, and those who lead our country. Please take a few moments to pray for their physical, mental, emotional and spiritual needs. Pray for their protection, and ask God to bless their loved ones here at home.

"Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends" - John 15:13 NIV

Wednesday, May 28th – Prayer Service

Our next prayer service is this Wednesday. There will be communion in the main sanctuary and a special visit from missionaries Paul and Shelley Singh, who’s work in Southern Asia is supported by Radiant.

The children’s areas will also have services. Our Jungle Heights and Elevate kids will be starting a new weeknight series. If you are interested in volunteering for Wednesday night prayer services, let us know and we will be happy to find a place for you to plug in.

Lastly...

Thank you all for your hard work and dedication each weekend. We appreciate each and every one of you. If you have any questions about the blog or ideas about how we can make it even better, please email us. See you soon!

Meeting Tonight!

2008-05-08T17:00:00.001-07:00

Hey All!

Just a reminder that we have a volunteer meeting tonight at 6:15 in elevate! Come for some food, fun and HD Updates! We have a lot of cool stuff coming up so make sure you make it tonight! See you there!

Blog Update!

2008-04-17T09:28:00.004-07:00

Hey all HD Crew Peeps!

You may be wondering whats up with the blog, it does look a bit different, so heres the 411 on our new HD Blog.

Video:
we will be posting video on the blog from time to time and we would love for it to be all abou you! if you have an awesome story about volunteering you'd like to share please let us know cause we'd love to get it on video!

Links:
make sure to check out these links every time you check the blog. Our calendar link will take you to a Google calendar with our upcoming events. You can even add these events to your personal Google calendar so you can be up to date with the HD events. Also, the JR Crew link will take JR Crew-ers to a page just for them which will be up in the coming weeks!

Meet the Team:

This will be a place to learn about the awesome people who are part of the HD Crew...and that means you! So be ready to have your picture and info taken because we all want to know more about you! :)

Make sure to check back for updates! Thanks guys!

Volunteer Meeting!

2008-04-17T09:17:00.003-07:00

Hey!

Don't forget we are having our HD Crew get together this week! Make sure to be here at 6:15 in elevate on Thursday for food, worship, and fun! We will be talking about some changes that are taking place with our Jr Crew Program as well as a new volunteer training program we will be starting soon! It will be a great time to hang out so we hope to see you all there!

for more info click on the HD Logo!

Impact Re-Mix!

2008-04-01T16:16:00.002-07:00

Hey All!

Hope your week is going well!
We have had an amazing start to our Impact Campaign so thank you to all of you who have spread the word about volunteering for HD! As you have seen we have a lot of new faces that have recently joined us, in fact since the start of the campaign we have had 32 new volunteers join us and 26 more that are just waiting to go through orientation! The word is getting out and we will be seeing more new people in the weeks to come so don't be shy, make sure you are connected with those you are serving with!

In order to continue with the momentum of our campaign launch we will be having two more Impact Weekends in April. We are inviting all current volunteers who have Impact Shirts and/or Bracelets to wear the shirts during the weekend of April 12/13 and April 19/20th. If you dont have a shirt we invite you to wear something green on those two weekends! If you just stareted volunteering and dont have a shirt yet make sure you place your order for an impact shirt, we need to have sixty orders before we re-order shirts so if you don't have one or are looking to have two please stop by HD Headquarters and sign up! Bracelets are avaliable now for 2$.

In addition to our two Impact Weekends in April, we will also be resuming our Bi-Monthly HD Volunteer Meeting on Thursday April 24th, so make sure to mark it on your calendar. This month's meeting will be focusing on our New JR CREW program that will launch the weekend after our meeting. Look for an invite in your email, hope to see you all there!

Easter Weekend

2008-03-17T01:02:00.002-07:00

Can you believe Easter Weekend is almost here! We are so excited to be going back to Cardinals Stadium this year as it will be an awesome opportunity to reach way more people! You may be wondering what will be going on for HD on that day so here is the update on Easter.

Easter service will be a family service at the stadium so the majority of children will be attending service with their parents. We will be taking care of volunteer/staff kids in the same areas we did last year.

One major change is that we will NOT be escorting 1-5th graders out to service but will be having service for them in our area… as well as a service for 3-5 year olds.

If you are willing to hang with us instead of attending main service we would love it – but we also completely understand that you only have one shot to attend service yourself that day.

You are also welcome to volunteer with us prior to service as children of choir parents will be arriving as early as 6:00 a.m. We will also have a HUGE tear down and unload back at the church project after service.

So if you are interested in helping with any part of the Easter weekend, please let us know! Have an awesome week!

Impact Shirts & Bracelets

2008-02-26T16:44:00.004-07:00

Hey Team,

We are starting the sign ups for the second wave of Impact Volunteer Shirts. If you didnt order one before, or would like to order another, please visit HD Headquarters in the Preschool Office to sign up for one for only 13$. Also, Impact bracelets are here! If you didnt get a chance to order one before, just swing by Headquarters and pick one up for 2$. Please remember that Impact Shirts are reserved for HD volunteers, but bracelets can be worn by anyone who wants to support the campaign!

If you have already paid for a shirt and/or a bracelet but have not picked it up, just stop by HD headquarters and they can help you there!

Dates to Remember!

2008-02-26T14:48:00.006-07:00

Hey All!

Hope your week is going well! We had another awesome time last weekend as we did another push for our Impact Campaign during the ministry fair! We are excited to report that we recieved a lot of questions about our ministry as well as sign ups for Volunteer Orientation. Don't forget about our ongoing contest to see which current volunteer can recruit the most volunteers! We've got an amazing prize in store for our winner!

Here are some upcoming dates and events for you to remember:

Wed. Feb 27th @ 6:30 - Adult Volunteer Orientation (Preschool Office)

Sat. Mar 29th @ 4:15 - Jr Crew Orientation (Jungle Heights)

Thurs. Mar 13th @ 7:00 - Easter Volunteer Meeting (Worship Center)

And please remember that if you would like to help on Easter weekend, you must sign up as an easter volunteer, and dont forget to specify that you would like to help in the Children's Ministry!

Thanks and have an awesome week!

The Impact Campaign Launch

2008-02-20T00:48:00.006-07:00

Welcome HD Volunteers!

We are so excited to launch our new HD Volunteer Blog. This is the place for HD volunteers to come check for updates on the progress of the Impact Campaign. You will also find fun videos of our events, cool downloads, a calendar with upcoming events, and other awesome things! So make sure to add this page as a favorite and check back regularly for updates!

Speaking of updates, it was an amazing sight last weekend as we began our goal of recruiting 300 new volunteers with the launch of our Impact Campaign. We had banners all over the church, a kiosk in the lobby for volunteer sign-ups, our Impact video was showing in the main service, and we had a sea of volunteers in Impact shirts! We definitely started a buzz at Radiant! And what better way to kick off our Impact Campaign than with a rockin' 80's themed skate party! We had an awesome time at Rollero on Sunday evening, so thanks to all those that were able to make it! Check out our "Video Corner" for a recap of the evening!