Those who called in thought that having to wear a bracelet that contained all of one’s personal and flight information and also had the ability to shock them was not only a page out of Orwell’s 1984 but was akin to animal control. The news team reporting this government proposal appeared to agree. Like their callers they decided to push the application of these airport security bracelets to the absurd suggesting that devious flight attendants might take revenge on difficult passengers or just make a game of it shocking at random unsuspecting victims. Here is what I think is the shocker… once again, our social outcry is that we will lose our personal rights and are willing to maintain them at the cost of personal and collective safety.

On this Youth Sunday here’s the shocking concern that I have… we are leaving a legacy for our youth that has displaced common sense, a common good and the rule of law that protects the common welfare of all. That is, we have so elevated personal rights and freedom that ironically we have created less freedom and fostered a paranoia that distrusts most authority and especially government. It is only natural that such suspicion would spill over into the church and the danger is for our youth to see religion and church as a threat to their personal rights. Combine this with the consumer mentality of the masses and you have a recipe for apathy, low commitment and high demand for things to be tailored to the individual. So what can we do?

Well, efforts such as Youth Sunday reaffirm that we believe our youth are not second class citizens of the kingdom of God but active, important, vital contributors to the life of the church. As our youth lead the way in worship, service and reflection we share our common faith in Jesus as Lord. We reiterate that the synergy of the body is founded on such great spiritual platforms as: Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ (Ephesians 5:21). Jesus has shown us that our strength is not in personal rights and freedom but rather in our connection to one another and as ancient wisdom reminds us… A cord of three strands is not quickly broken (Ecclesiastes 4:12b). Thank God for our youth and the fresh eyes they provide for the vision of the church! -DAN

Mission Report

The latest report from the City of Children Organization located in Ensenada, Mexico, contains an article that most of us who never leave the United States seldom think about. The article is titled "SAFETY" and addresses some of the physical hazards that can occur to mission workers. Although the article is primarily addressed to those planning on visiting Mexico, most of the principles are applicable to those who are teaching Christ in most of the foreign mission fields.

It is undersatandable and to be expected when opposition arises from those who are being taught their concepts of divinity and worship practices are in error. Resistance and, in some instances, retribution against those who they believe are blaspheming their time-honored sacred institutions are resorted to. Effective mission workers must recognize that not all are eager and willing to hear the Good News. Strength to continue teaching the lost when opposition arises is a necessity if the Gospel is to be preached in all the world. Our prayers and support for those willing to go will certainly help achieve Christ's command to His followers. "Go into all the world and proclaim the Gospel to the whole creation." Mark 16:15-16 -- ODELL

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.

Rivercats Baseball Game - Monday, August 4th at 7:05PM. Cost is $9 per ticket. There is a sign-up sheet in the lobby near the youth board.