In the land of sequels, remakes, spin offs and nostalgic reruns we children of the 60’s have enjoyed a plethora of old favorites revived, recast and returned for one last spin around the track. This summer a remake of the Mel Brooks and Buck Henry’s spoof on the 007 spy world has made its way to the big screen… would you believe “Gold Phalange?” …would you believe “Get Sharp?” …how about “Get Smart?” Yes, agent 86 and 99 have resurfaced to defeat KAOS and bring CONTROL back to our lives. Bill Murray plays my favorite character from the series… agent 13 (originally played by Dave Ketchum). Remember? Agent 13 was the one who was always hid in some bizarre object like a mailbox, flower pot or gym locker. I think he was my favorite because he was the one who really had to suffer for the defeat of evil (and yes, I was fascinated by what object they would put this Waldo of espionage in next). Now believe it or not I think there’s some theology hidden in this “Get Smart” trivia.

The defeat of the evil one required some divine slant on what it means to “Get Smart”. Let me explain. It is quite clear especially in Mark’s gospel that the demons knew, often from a distance, that Jesus was the divine one sent from heaven. What was hidden or transformed that they and mankind could not fathom is that Jesus would use His human frailty to defeat Satan and redeem mankind. The cross was an enigma to both Satan and the world. How could God be victorious when His Son suffered at the hands of the enemy not only shame, ridicule and torture but His life’s blood poured out over the bloody stains of countless criminals executed on Golgotha before Him? Certainly such weakness… such helplessness could not signal the ultimate victory!

Paul explains, “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.’ (1 Corinthians 1:18, 19).” Maxwell Smart often bumbled and stumbled his way through righting the wrongs of KAOS but because good triumphs over evil ultimately Smart with the aid of such hidden forces like agent 13 defeated the enemy. God’s plan could not be thwarted by any evil chaos and beckons us to get smart God’s way… for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong (2 Corinthians 12:10). Would you believe? -DAN

Mission Report

One of the most drastic approaches to increase the amount of congregational resources for mission activities is being implemented by the Newman, Georgia Church of Christ. For some time the leaders of the congregation were concerned that the customary way of condiction "Church Business" was not attaining the goals desired by Christ. Church funds for the maintenance and operation of their $3,000,000 building presently requires 70% of contributions. In addition, salaries for ministers and other fixed expenses left little for reaching those who were not members of the Church. After much discussion and consultation with the members, a decision was made to sell the building, replace the paid ministers with volunteers, obtain a less costly meeting placce located nearer those in the community needing to hear the gospel and to support at least one missionary in each continent of the world. A minimum of 50% of contributions is to be used for mission activities.

As could be expected with such a change, some members left for other congregations, however, the leaders report a new attitude has developed among those remaining and membership is growing. many who formerly were just pew packers are now active in church programs. An immediate mission program scheduled for this fall is for 25 members to conduct a campaign in Mexico. The leaders state this type of membership involvement would not have been possible before.

The "For Sale" sign on the building cuses many to think financial difficulties are the cause of disposing of the building. The leaders emphasize this is not so. The congregation is solvent and financially secure, but not as actively engaged in teaching the lost as they should be. Not many congregations would be willing to even consider such an action as the Newman congregation has taken however, sometimes when we compare our resources with those in many parts of the world who can't afford a Bible, we wonder if our priorities are as they should be. For more info on this go to www.newmancoc.org.
--ODELL

Ed Trittipo would like prayers for his wife who will be having spinal surgery in the near future.

Make plans now and save the date for the Tahoe Family Encampment: July 26 - August 1. Visit www.tahoefamilyencampment.org for more details.

We will have a guest speaker, Frank Farr, here on July 27th to speak about Eastern European Missions as well as give a sermon. He was a preacher at Walnut Creek untill he moved to Houston, TX to work with EEM's.

VBS is July 20-24. All children are welcome. 7th grade and above will be group leaders. Activities will be scheduled daily for the teens. if you are interested in being a group leader, contact Chris Brewer.

"Choices of the Heart" is the theme for the 33rd annual Northern California Ladies Retreat, September 11-13, 2008, to be held among the tall pines at Lassen Pines Christian Campground. Susan Giboney of Malibu, CA is the featured speaker. Join in this uplifting spiritual time of refreshing singing, fellowship and fun. Informational brochures with registration forms are available in the bulletin board rack in the foyer. For more information, contact Sue Latham.