“Life in the Family”

with Pastor Dan

July is here already, with a “Bang!”  We are ready to celebrate our nation’s independence, and to remember those who have sacrificed all in order to give us our freedom.  I remember picnics with my family, sitting on Dad’s old, green Marine blanket at the park, eating and playing through the afternoon.  The real treat came when the town set off the fireworks, and our child-eyes gazed in awe at the wonder of the colors in motion above our heads.  Independence is a wonderful blessing isn’t it?

At the same time, independence can be the worst curse on earth, if it’s human independence from God that we’re talking about.  Isn’t that exactly what we (Adam speaking for all of us) said in the Garden of Eden: “We don’t need you, God.  In fact, we think you lied to us, so thanks anyway, but we’ll take it from here!”  The result of such a declaration includes the most hideous outcome of all for us … eternal life in suffering, AWAY from God and His blessings!  I thank God with all my heart that He graced me with an upbringing that included wonderful saints who cared about my salvation, and who led me to declare my complete Dependence upon the Lord.  Now that’s what real freedom is all about!

Youth and Family News

July 1 and 29 – High Voltage 5:30 in Light Lounge

July 5, 19, 26 – High School Hangout 10:45 with Jeremy Gomez

July 7 – All Youth Brown Bag Day 11:00 – Movie at the Maya

July 28 – All Youth Brown Bag Day 11:00 – Monterey Sports Center

July 8 – All Youth Beach and Boardwalk 10:00

July 10 – Friday Free Fear Factor 6-8:00 at church

July 12 –17 – Confirmation Camp at Mt. Cross

July 20-24 – VBS and Day Camp

July 23 – Day Camp Sleepover

Wow, what a busy month for our young people!  Pray for them and Jeremy, that the Lord will deeply touch all their hearts to walk more closely with Him day by day.

Peace of Christ to All,

                         Pastor Dan