Of Vampires and Lions

Here's a little excerpt of an article entitled Into the Light about the recent faith journey of legendary vampire novelist Anne Rice...
She continued scouring the Gospels herself, not only to absorb the unfolding life of Christ, but to delve into the how of Christianity itself: "I could see that this was a great mystery. How could Christianity bust into the Roman Empire and take over the world in only 200 years? I was looking to see how this thing worked itself out, day by day, month by month, year by year." She came to understand that Christianity achieved what it did because Jesus rose from the dead: That was what made sense of Christianity's spread.

And you can read Rick and Ryan's reviews of Narnia if you want to know what I thought...thier both spot on in my humble opinion.

don't call meVeronica -strikes again

divided we fall
Yes... unfortunately what you're about to read is real.


New Life Christian Church in Auburn, California attracted some attention by buying gasoline discounts for church members so they can fuel up their cars at $1.99 per gallon. "The idea," said Senior Pastor Bill Jenkins, "is to show God is interested in everyday things that affect people's lives."

Nice idea, right? Not to members of the Church of the Divide in nearby Garden Valley. They objected to the new church's "cheap marketing trick." A sign outside the older church proclaimed, "Jesus cares more about your sin and burning in hell than gas prices." A member of the Divide church dismissed the New Life's church reaching out to the community. "They might hear an ear-tingling sermon of what they want to hear, get some coffee and leave."

How'd that go over? A member of New Life responded, "There are many things to protest in the world, and this is not one of them. It's confusing. Hopefully, we all worship the same God."

So let's track this... a church called "New Life" is attempting something "to reach out to their community." Meanwhile, a church called "Divide" is protesting it.

Um...


"I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought." (1 Corinthians 1:10)

Year of the bible - Walk Thru the Bible, old testament

As we begin our year of the bible challenge we encourage everyone to come and be a part of anOld Testament Seminar - Walk Thru the Bible. It's a great way to get a clearer picture of God's story in history. It will be a fun time, and at only $10 per person it's a HUGE value. Mark your calendars for January 29th. And I'll see you there!

WHITE ELEPHANT GIFT EXCHANGE

THE GIFTS:
1. This party's gift theme is, duh, Christmas.
2. The gift should cost you Zero dollars($0).
3. The gift should be something ridiculous and funny. It should be in new or good condition.
4. The gift should be wrapped in as ugly of packaging as possible.

THE GAME:
1. Each guest who wishes to participate must contribute a gift. Everyone sits or stands in roughly a circle around the pile of gifts.
2. Prepare slips of paper equal to the number of gifts with clearly written numbers. Be sure to distinguish 6 from 9, 1 from 7. Each participating guest draws a number and holds onto that slip of paper.
3. On the first turn, the guest with paper slip #1 chooses a gift, opens it, and all admire it.
4. On the second turn, the guest with paper slip #2 gets the choice of "stealing" any unwrapped gift (#1's) or choosing a wrapped one. If #2 steals #1's gift, then #1 must open a wrapped gift.
5. On the third turn, the guest with paper slip #3 gets the choice of "stealing" any unwrapped gift (#1's or #2's) or choosing a wrapped one.

The game continues based on the following:

1. If a gift is stolen from you, you can steal a gift (within limits, described below), or open a wrapped one.
2. The turn proceeds until a wrapped gift is chosen.
3. A gift cannot be immediately stolen back from the guest who just stole it.
4. The fourth "owner" of a gift gets to keep it. The gift is "dead" after it has been stolen three times.
5. "Owners" of "live" gifts must keep them visible and hold them up when requested.
6. The gift exchange ends when the last wrapped gift is opened. Usually, guests are encouraged to perpetuate the gift stealing as long as there are "live" gifts, but no one is obligated to do this.

Think Hebrew

We did this on a Sunday a long long time ago. But I want to encourage you all to check out how to Think Hebrew again. It's amazing to me the different perspectives that we can have, and how important seeing the world from someone elses shoes is.

Everything IS Spiritual

My friend Mike wrote this a few days back. Since the industrial revolution we've been trying to take everything apart like a machine to figure out how it works, but by dividing the world and ourselves into pieces we can miss the point. Forget for a second physical, emotional, and mental pieces of you and realize that when you put yourself together it's all spiritual. Jesus would have understood the world this way. That because everything was created by God, its all "spiritual".

on the deeper side

Here is a question a student asked recently:
"alirght.. to make my question clear to you.. this is what I asked k... "Real Faith Without Works is DEATH" James 2. 14--26
so when some christians say "believe.. and you are saved" --- wouldn't this saying be wrong?"

Here is kinda how I answered... What you you think?
"You are a deep thinker and that’s awesome! I challenge you not to look to the bible as and answer book though, and start to see it as God’s story to us, for us, and about us and now you find yourself in the midst of that story. Why? Because it we truly believe that the God is alive and his Spirit at work within us then answers aren’t these things hidden somewhere in an archaic language that of the past. They are waiting before us to be discovered in the working our of our faith. As a believer in the way of Jesus I think we are to be contributing to an understanding of scripture by interacting with it.

Here is a bit of the history, and probably too much of my opinion on the answer to your question, and it’s one of the hardest part of our faith to explain in a simple quick way. We are spending much time, and a whole book reviewing this topic with the servant leader team:

There are a lot of statement in the bible saying that belief and faith are “all” that it takes to be “saved.” What that of course that does, as I’m sure this is what stirred up the question, is causes people to say they “believe” without ever living like it. Now of course we have to be careful not to judge others hearts, or their actions too quickly after coming to some kind of faith. I think it helps here to see “conversion” to Christianity as more of a dance. People have to learn to move in rhythm with God. For some it comes easier, but for many of us it takes years of practice, and there are always more styles to learn, more steps to remember, and more beats to count…just to say once you learn to waltz, God might want to salsa also! So back to the main point…if you have no works (i.e. your faith is “dead”) are you still saved. Again I must reiterate that I think we are asking the wrong question. I think Jesus makes it fairly clear that he wants us to put our confidence in Him and not what we DO or anything else in this life.

Ok I’ve been distracted so many times now I have to just sum up by saying this. If you have faith in me will you trust me by doing what I say? If you believe in me will you follow my way of doing things? Does simply thinking some thing make it a belief? Does having all the “right answers” and arguing all the “right things” equal faith?

That’s a start."

Some Pics from Toon Town!

Here are just a few of the highlights:

Intersect this coming Tuesday

Pizza's on the Menu this coming Tuesday. Here are a few shot's of our typical Tuesday nights:

HEY PARENTS!!!

HEY PARENTS! DON'T MISS THIS! Calvary Baptist is Hosting an "Understanding Your Teenager" seminar on Oct. 22nd. So send your student(s) to Magic Mountain with us, and go check this out while they are out of your hair. It runs from 9am-12pm, and the cost is only $35 per household (unless you can't share the book with your spouse and you have to buy 2). To register call 733-3545. And get more info at www.understandingyourteenager.com.

Shining?

I saw most of this movie a long time ago, but I don't remember it being a light-hearted, pick me up, family film. You have been warned!

West side Virus?

A new take on a classic. Some things cannot be missed.

The new David Crowder CD is out! Buy it today.

Invisible Children

Coming up next Tuesday for the HS is a screening of Invisible Children. This is a 50 min documentary that you don't want to miss. Of course free popcorn to go with the movie!
Go to
invisiblechildren.com to see the trailer and more.

daily dose of imagery

If you like photographic art, daily dose of imagery is like an online devotion. You get a little bit of what feeds your soul. The guy who does it seems to be in Toronto, and knows his stuff. Check it out here.

B/W Breanna

just thought this was a cool artsy pic taken by our own Keren Bredy!

Pure Freedom fashion show

Here's a pic of some of our girls sporting clothes during the fashion show at Pure Freedom last weekend.

Amazon Women

Just a small dose of the action on the high school end of TSMRevolution this Tuesday. A little game called Amazon Women.

If you're not to busy...

Kiss a frog, and then be here Sunday at 9am for a free breakfast and updates on all the changes happening with TSM. So felicia, was he a prince?

PureFreedom...Register now!

September 9th and 10th TSM will taking part in the Pure Freedom Youth Conference in Santa Barbara. If you want to check out more on the organization go here to PureFreedom.org and you can check out the promo video (guys, you're gonna love this!). You can sign up anytime in the office, and there should be someone available in the foyer on Sundays to register with, or get information from. The event will be Friday night, and all day Saturday. Cost is $30 before Aug 26th, $35 before September 2nd, or $40 at the door. For more info Call Susan DePew at 588-5912 or e-mail dsdepew@msn.com and get signed up today!

Seeing Jesus in a Porn Star

From the world of blogs: a powerful story, journaled in 8 parts. It may take about 15 minutes to read, but worth it if you are truely struggling to live like Jesus.

Wildwood photos!

The Wildwood photo gallery is finally here. Check it out for just a taste of what we saw at Wildwood this year. Wanna go deeper and thinking about next year go to Hume's Wildwood website and look around for yourself. No other camp is more life changing.

Going to Gleanings?

If you are part of the crew going to Gleanings for the Hungry next week know that we are praying that God will open your eyes to new things about Him. You can check out what lies ahead by clicking here and digging through their website. May God richly bless you.

wild Wildwood week.

Here is one of many shots of the Wildwod crew! Stay tuned for a full photo gallery in a few days when pictures are collected from the whole group.

Know thyself!

Personality test can be fun. Plus they can give you some insight into the kind of person God has made you to be. If you've got 10 minutes try out this online free test.

free enneagram test

Wanna know more about me? Read the description for "type 7 with 6 and 8 wing"
What are You?

JH Summer Camp

Here is the JH Summer Camp Crew. Small but mighty. You can check out all the fun that you missed in the photo gallery. Happy viewing, and be sure to share any comments about the photos, or camp here with this post.

Back from Vacation... HS off to Wildwood

So I'm back from vacation. If you've been checking up on the site that's why we've been dormant for a week! I'll try and post later today some pics from JH Summer camp, and get the photo gallery for it up. Meanwhile back at the ranch our HS students have taken off for Wildwood. Here is a shot cherri sent us packing up her bag. When I told her EVERYTHING that you are taking has to fit in the bad she took it just a little too literally. ha ha ha.

At Camp!

Hey, just wanted to drop a quick post from camp.



Click above to check out the fun we are having!
We'll be posting more, so stay tuned.

So I'm reading a book called The Last Word and the Word After That, and I just had to share this quote: "We want to change the world, but that requires people who learn to be the revolution they want to see in the world." I encourage you to be the living revolution of God.

Last Tuesday night!

Here is Ashley winding up for the girl's light saber fight last Tuesday night. All who participated: YOU ARE ANIMALS! I mean that in a good way.


Thanks to Keren for e-mailing me some pics to post here! If you have any pictures of events send them to brad@trinaz.com

Splish, Splash

You missed your chance if you weren't at the 3rd of July Extravaganza! Yep, that's me all the way under in the dunk tank.

Meanwhile, down at the booth...

If you missed the strawberry shortcake booth, or never got to see exactly what a "matterhorn" looked like, here I am selling hard, with an example in my hand.

trinaz.com

I'm a little busy today as it is the first Tuesday of a Summer month, and we are meeting tonight (hint hint, reminder)! But when I get a chance I'll create a new link on the side for our churches new main website at www.trinaz.com. Click here to check it out. You can go see parts of the a live service, or hear recordings of the worship band (gulp!). Tell mom and dad to jump into the new millenium and check it out.

the Boot Camp rite of passage

Check out the new Boot Camp Crucible photo gallery for Highlights of the Crucible!

3 things to remember!

1. This next Tuesday is INTERSECT. That means extended open rec time from 5-6:30, free food, games, music and more. Don't miss it.

2. If you haven't signed up to help out at VBF with childrens ministry then call the office right away @ 736-6415, and e-mail teri@trinaz.com and find out what you can do to help. I did this stuff when I was in high school, and it was always a great blessing even though I can only take that many little ones for so long.

3. Two new bible studies will begin in July. First on the 17th at 9am there will be a study on prayer open to all JH and HS students. That one will run for 6 weeks ending on August 21st. Then July 12th a girls study will start meeting on Tuesday nights from 7-9 through then end of summer at the Hayes' house. Call 735-9576 for more details.

Don't forget I'm always available at brad@trinaz.com, or call my cell at 588-5825.

Flower Festival is upon us

Who says Lompoc doesn't have hip websites with cutting edge music? www.flowerfestival.org WE DO!

Streamlined Information or Manipulated Media

Any internet conspiracy theory geeks out there?


As you check out the link above, ask yourself... "Do I only listen to what I want to hear?" What do you really want; the whole truth, or you're version of the truth.

Friday Night Heat

Hey everybody! Our friends over at Riverview Christian Chruch of God are having a special event tomorrow night calledFriday Night Heat. Click here go find out all the details. It looks like it will be a fun night including a Fear Factor challenge, and a band called Sprinklerhead. Original Youth Group Fun! Don't miss it.

The One Campaign

If you haven't heard about The One Campaign then I want you to go check out this video, and sign up.

World Vision, which we partner with every year for the 30 hour famine, is just one of the many organizations that are backing this. It is possible to bring revolution to the world in this generation, but it takes action by everyONE. Check it out, tell your friends, do something and make your ONE life count.

ONE WEEK UNTIL FLOWER FESTIVAL!

That's right just one wee from today the Strawberry Shortcake Booth will be open, and that means people hanging out in the Cafe cutting berries, and down at Ryon Park serving up food. If you aren't signed up yet call 736-6415 and you can get a shift or two, or you can try e-mailing office@trinaz.com Remember time worked in the booth can be counted toward camp credits. $30 per shift, up to two shifts. That's for all incoming 7th through 12th graders. Can't wait to see you there!

Experiencing a different kind of church! 

Some kids will even pose with me to get thier picture taken. 

Playing with kids living in the hotels downtown. 

Meeting people on the street. 

Welcome to the Dream Center. 

here is a first look at our Serving Trip it the Dream Center in L.A. Be on the lookout for more Urban Plunge Experiences in the future! 

Serving in L.A.

Want to know more about the Dreamcenter, and what TSM students will be doing on this years urban plunge? Click here and you can explore for yourself. When you think of us this weeked pray that we are changed and used for God.
thanks
brad

30 hour famine

Why not to sleep! You can check out more pictures from the Famine in the photo gallery in the right side bar. This is why we don't let Lysette decorate!
Plan on joining us next year! We're already planning and looking ahead for a big 30 hour famine next time.