Come Get FIT!

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!

Hey Team!

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

Family Life Ministries

Exciting Changes

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.

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

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

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

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

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?

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

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

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

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

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

“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!

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!

"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!"

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?

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

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

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.