Have you ever used the expression, “If I were king, then…?” Of course you have, because we all would like things to be the way we think they ought to be! If you were king I suppose that church services would be more meaningful, more expressive, livelier, more theologically rich and more suited to your individual likes and needs. If you were king gas prices would be lower, poverty stricken from memory, injustice, violence, hatred and bigotry a mere fading memory and “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” would be the national anthem. If you were King everyone would live in comfort and live productive happy lives filled with opportunity to share faith, love and good wishes for all. Yes, if you were king things would be different! So, I say, “Let’s make you/me king!”

Now, this is where reality sets in and we confess that if we really were king things probably wouldn’t get better just more complicated by our want/need list. And we’ve lived long enough to know that what I want now is not necessarily what I will want in the near future. Maybe this king business is better left to more kingly types than ourselves? In fact, what we know is that there is one who is King of kings and Lord of lords who is the true resource for things to be better. If Jesus would be given His rightful place in the affairs of men and church it is guaranteed that all would be new and improved!

Hey, wait a minute there king buster… are you saying we shouldn’t try to make things better or voice our opinion when things are clearly amiss? Of course not! We should be light in darkness and support in weakness but that is best achieved by being servants of Christ. He IS King and the most delightful news is that we have been invited to be seated with Him in the heavenly realms (Ephesians 2:6). I’m not sure what all that means but I know it means God wants me to be next to Jesus and rub elbows with royalty. Then maybe, just maybe you and I will make a Kingly difference in serving others! -DAN

Mission Report

Today, August 3, 2008, is a momentous day for the Church in China. For the first time in decades, brothers and sisters in Christ can meet on the first day of the week in a public assembly to worship without fear of official harassment. The first meeting of the Beijing church of Christ is scheduled to be held today, which will be the first time a legally sanctioned congregation has been established in the capital city of the People's Republic of China.

The amazing change in attitude by the Chinese Government was prompted by the request competing athletes to have a designated place to worship during the 2008 summer Olympics to be held in Beijing. The approval of this request resulted in the Peachtree Church of Christ of Peachtree, Georgia, acquiring a location in Beijing and scheduling regular services for 7 weeks beginning August 3. Prayers are requested by all that this temporary arrangement will become permanent and the new congregation will flourish in the city of over 15 million souls who have been denied spiritual teaching for so long.

God works in mysterious ways! Several years ago, communist Russia prided itself on the goal of eliminating religion. Today, it is one of the most fertile fields for missionaries in their quest to make Christ known to all the world. Today may be the beginning of similar results in China where over one billion people reside. God creates opportunites but he expects His followers to utilize them to His glory.

Pete Amstutz from Mariposa Church of Christ, had colon cancer five years ago and thought all was well. He now has cancer in this lung and all through his body. He is currently in chemo and his spirits are good. Prease pray for him, his wife, Patty and his two children, Dan and Stacy.

Senior Saints will be meeting at Roseville Church of Christ on August 12. For more information, please see George Smith.

"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.