Pluralistic Impulse

More and more I am disturbed to discover what Americans believe regarding eternal life. Most would say multiple religions can lead to eternal life, and surprisingly, many evangelical Christians share the same view, despite it being contrary to conventional belief. It seems there is an increase in religious tolerance as well as a lack knowledge of the core beliefs of faith among Christians. There's a growing false ecumenicity and a pluralistic impulse toward tolerance that is having theological consequences -- theological mush-heads!

Thinking along this line, relative theology leads to relative morality. People say they believe in God, but at the same time they express having questions about God’s existence and apprehensions about the way to get to Him or heaven.

I guess I shouldn’t be surprised but somehow I’m still sad and shocked by this reality.

This makes it all the more urgent that we understand and receive the truth of the Bible. Jesus, emphatically, does not say that He is just another way to the Father or just another road to heaven. He is the one and only Way. No man comes to the Father but by Him. Not just any Christian, but any one, period. There simply is no other way to God and to heaven than the road called "Jesus Christ." This is right out of John 14:6...what a great verse of scripture.

However this is also reality - you cannot just wing this verse at people and expect them to buy into it without a rational, theological discussion, not to mention the need for trusted relationship. We must be a Church that engages in this reality aggressively. Our story is important but the truth and foundations of our faith must be clearly communicated as well. Clear theological study is needed so we might be equipped to give people truth without pooling ignorance.

This is not something we can be lazy with. This isn’t optional. This reality personally challenges us to get beyond Sunday and dig in so that we can not only live what we believe but discuss the science of God and His relationship to man.

Ben Pitney :: lead pastor

Adult Classes:  

Crown Biblical Financial Study: The small group study is a 10 week in-depth study of what scripture teaches about money and possessions.  The class will have an orientation meeting on August 20 during the 9 a.m. service.  The cost is $55 for individuals; $65 for couples.

BILD: Participating in the Mission of the Church - The class will begin on August 10. Cost is $8.

Your Time-Starved Marriage: Are you feeling overscheduled and underconnected? This study shows how to identify and maximize your time and offers the tools you need to stay connected as a couple. 6 week class.

Register online at www.vailchristian.com/
classreg.html or contact Tim Sheaffer at tim@vailchristian.com for more information.

Community Groups: If you are interested in starting or joining a Community Group, or if you just want some more information, contact Tim Sheaffer at tim@vailchristian.com or Trent Schlecht at tanks@cox.net. You can also visit the Community Group page on our website at
www.vailchristian.com.

Strategic Service Teams: SST’s are volunteers gathered together to serve within and outside the church. Volunteers are vital to Vail Christian and we look to them to facilitate environments and potentially lead people in a growing relationship with Jesus Christ. Contact tim@vailchristian.com for more information. View our list of service teams and contact information at www.vailchristian.com/
serviceteams.html.

Project 168 is a challenge for the VCC community to pray. There are one hundred and sixty-eight hours in every week – Project 168 calls the members of the VCC community to pray during one of those one hundred and sixty-eight hours every week.

Pray for:

• The VCC Community
  · That we would have unity, free from division.
  · Good givers, teachable people and healthy families
  
• The VCC Students
  · That the momentum would continue
  · For Julie and Meghan
  
• The future of VCC
  · How we can be an outward focused church
  · How we can be involved in church planting
  
• Other churches in our community
  · That they would be able to use their resources to bring light to Tucson/Vail
  · That we might be a resource to them as God directs.
  
• Our community
  · For school districts, police and fire depts.
  · For churches to have a strong foothold with land and campus in Vail soon.
  
• Zimbabwe/Limpopo Project/WorldVision
  · For orphans and vulnerable children in Zimbabwe
  · For staff of WorldVision and the ADP's
  · For the leadership of Zimbabwe to have a change of heart and mind or for the leadership to change.

Baptism Event: The next baptism event will be August 24. If you are interested in being baptized, please contact tim@vailchristian.com. Students and children please contact julie@vailchristian.com.

Student Sunday: Our students have had a fantastic summer! They have been challenged by great speakers, formed lasting relationships, and made important decisions. On August 17, we will highlight our student arena and give our students a chance to serve in the main services. Be sure to join us as we show our summer videos and hear from our students and youth coaches.

Trailhead...Begin the Journey July 27 during the 10:45 service (BBQ August 3). This class will walk you through our core values, our vision, our mission, and perhaps most importantly: opportunities for you to join the journey. Visit the kiosk in the courtyard or email tim@vailchristian.com for more information.

VCC Community Rewards: Coordinator: Donita Vogt ­ 731-0734 or donitavogt@aol.com.

School’s out, but let’s do some math!

Lesson 1: How to maximize your Fry’s shopping dollars.

It’s as easy as 1-2-3-4!

1. Purchase a Fry’s gift card from the VCC coordinator.
2. Re-load your gift card at Fry’s Customer Service each time you shop.
3. Pay for groceries and gas using your gift card. 
4. Four percent of every gift card re-load is rebated to VCC!

Lesson 2: A Story Problem:

Imagine your budget looked like this:
Groceries = $100 / week
Gas = $100 / week

Your next Fry’s trip would look like this:
Take your gift card to Fry’s Customer Service.  Load your Fry’s gift card with $200.  Buy groceries and gas as usual.  Pay using your gift card.

This is what you wouldn’t see:
A rebate of $8 directly to VCC…after just one week. 

Multiply that out into a year:
$416…from one imaginary family who did all their normal grocery and gas shopping using a Fry’s gift card. 

Final Exam:
Are you maximizing your Fry’s shopping dollars?

The VCC Women's Book Club meets the last Monday evening of every month. We have a great time eating, getting to know one another, and of course discussing great Christian books (usually novels).  If you are interested in finding out more, contact Cynthia Dusek at cjdusek@cox.net.
 
Upcoming books:
 
July: All the Way Home by Ann Tatlock
August: The Yada Yada Prayer Group
by Neta Jackson
September: Some Wildflower in My Heart
by Jamie Langston Turner