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May 28, 2010 - Edition Number 88 |
| From the Pastor
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 Dear Friends,
There is a very helpful and bright update on Children's
Ministry below from Bryan Crotts, so I will be brief this week. Thanks to those who came out for the congregational
information meeting last Sunday evening.
At that meeting, the elders and deacons gave an update on the
discussions we have been having regarding our debt level and excess
property. We reported that we have
entered into a listing agreement with Triad Commercial Properties that would
include the possibility of the sale of the entire campus. All of the brokerage firms interviewed
by the joint elder-deacon committee believed that we would maximize the value
of our assets by considering a sale of both excess land, as well as the building. While our desire is to continue ministry
where we have been for almost 12 years, we also are resolved to shed our $1.9
million debt and move forward in a number of areas where debt has constricted
our capacity in recent years.
Please be praying with us that the Lord would make His will clear
through the marketplace in the weeks and months to come. We will keep you posted on developments
as they occur. During that meeting, Ruling Elder Bill Ratchford, a longtime
member of our church, shared his perspective on the potential sale of the land,
as well as the state of our congregation.
I wish we had recorded his comments in order that you who were not
present could hear his optimism.
These are challenging times, but the Session is convinced that we are on
the right path. After (yet
another!) Session meeting last night, I am more convinced than ever that we
will move ahead in unity around a common vision. Finally, we have enjoyed some rich times of corporate prayer
over the past weeks. I cannot
encourage you enough to join us on Tuesdays at noon or Wednesday evenings at 7
o'clock for a time of casting our needs before the Lord. Apart from our corporate worship each
Lord's Day, these are the most encouraging and horizon-expanding events in the
life our church these days. We
meet in C-105 and generally pray for 30-45 minutes for our church, our
missionaries, our nation, our people, our officers, our unsaved friends, our
children, our staff, our marriages, and .... I could go on for a while. Come join us, even if you never pray
out loud and only add your agreement to the prayers offered by others. I hope to see you there. Your friend,
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| Summer ABF Classes | Beginning next Sunday, June 6....
Adult Class offered in the D-Wing at 9:15 AM
Christianity Explored
Robert George (June),
Kevin Hanner (July)
and Ken Kunkel (August)
CE is a 10-week course
Youth and Parents - Attic - 9:15
How We Got Our Bibles - Bryan Crotts (June)
First Principles of the Christian Faith, for Parents and Kids - Jim Van Eerden (July)
A Study of God - Mackay Smith (August)
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| Children's Ministry Update | Dear Friends,
Our covenant children are a vital part of our church ministry! Our goal in ministry to them is to provide consistent, safe, well-done, age-appropriate, Christ-centered and Bible-saturated opportunities for their growth in Christ Jesus. We do this in partnership with the parents of the children, as well as in fulfillment of the vows we make when children are baptized. We want to continue our tradition of recruiting solid volunteer teachers, providing opportunities for joyful service, and avoiding burnout within our ranks.
Vacation Bible School will be meeting from 9AM to Noon each day, June 21-25. We have a solid team of leaders, volunteers and teachers in place for this event. Pray with us that our great God will grant us success as we teach our children about who He is and what He has done, most especially in Christ Jesus.
Our ministry in the nursery to our little ones continues under the direction of Fran Barnes through June. She will be stepping down at the end of June after 9 years of service to Christ in this particular position. Please be sure to give her your thanks and appreciation. Many families have graciously stepped up to fill various vacancies in our nursery ministry. A group of ladies are planning future nursery management and ministry. Please consider how you or your family can help us provide our moms, dads and little ones with top-notch nursery care.
This next Sunday, May 30, you will be hearing an important announcement regarding ministry to children during the service of worship. "Children's Church" will begin on Sunday, June 6 and will include all children who will be in Pre-Kindergarten (4-years old) through First Grade (6-years old) this next school year (2010-2011). Meeting upstairs in the B-Wing, this group will participate in an age-appropriate worship service where they will do what we do in "big church" in order to learn the songs, liturgies and practices of the worship of Almighty God. Laura Kunkel and a team of appropriately gifted folk will lead this vital ministry. Also on June 6, the 2nd-4th graders will begin participation in "Children's Sermon". Second through Fourth graders for the 2010-2011 school year will begin by participating in worship with their parents. Just before the Pastoral Prayer, these children will be excused with their leaders to room C-105 for an age-appropriate Bible lesson on the sermon text for the day. Teachers will also explain various elements of the service. This group will return to the front of the sanctuary for the closing hymn and benediction. James Dickson and Ken Kunkel will be leading a team of people in this important ministry.
Our desire as a church is to foster an environment in worship that welcomes little worshipers into the gathered worship of God's people. We welcome all ages to worship! We encourage the "family pew" - the family sitting together in worship. On the other hand, we will continue to provide age-appropriate alternatives for ages 0 through 4th grade. Wiggly bodies, noisy little ones and interested children, however, are certainly welcome in worship. If you do bring your children to worship, please consider packing a "church bag" for them - put in it special things for church: their Bible, some string to keep little hands busy and other items which do not distract them from worship, but help them take notes or remain engaged in worship. Please consider picking up a copy of Parenting in the Pew at the Information Desk in the back of the Fellowship Hall. It is a simple read and is helpful as you teach your little worshipers to become big worshipers! If you are in worship and without children, consider helping a family with kids by sitting with them and helping them in this important task. Finally, sit towards the front! Little ones want to see and they "learn church" by watching the moving parts.
Please feel free to speak with me if you have any questions, concerns or would like help in leading your family in public Lord's Day worship,
Bryan |
| Opportunities for Ministry |
Young Adult Ministry The launch of our Young Adult Ministry (YAM,S) got a little LOST, so we are going to relaunch with a cookout at the Donovan's on Thursday, June 3rd, 6:30pm. We will provide the main course and beverages; please bring a side of your choice. Directions/questions talk to Mackay (msmith@cccarp.org) or Ashley (adonovan@cccarp.org). The Young Adult Ministry exists to provide fellowship for all our college students home from school as well as our twenty-somethings (but, no one will be checking ID, so if you are interested, come on!) Look for regular Sunday night meetings and events to begin after June 3rd.
American Red Cross Blood Drive coming June 29th. More details to follow.
Remembrance Fund The Remembrance Fund is a fund administered by the church, which provides a charitable giving outlet for honorariums and memorials. Money donated to the fund can be applied to designated areas or ministries, based on the discretion of the donor. Upon receipt of a donation, the gift will be recorded in the Remembrance Fund registry, and a memorial card will be sent to the person or family being honored. These gifts are a wonderful way to honor the memory of loved ones, and to further the ministry of our church. If you have any questions about the Fund, please call Mary Lou Klein at 288-0535. The Remembrance Fund book will be at the front of the Fellowship Hall for you to view today.
Prayer Meetings Weekly Join us Tuesdays mornings at noon or Wednesday at 7pm.
Men's Breakfast Saturday June 5th at 7:30am. Join us for a hearty breakfast
Vacation Bible School will be June 21st - 25th, from 9am -noon. The theme this year is the "HIGH SEAS, Exploring the Mighty Love of God". To volunteer or to register your children, please go to the VBS table outside of the fellowship hall.
VBS Volunteer Meeting June 15th at 7pm. If you are helping out in VBS this year, please come join us on this night to receive your materials for the week.
Inquirers' Class Interested in finding out more about CCC? The Inquirers' Class is our way of orienting prospective members to the history, doctrine, and ongoing ministries of Christ Community. The first session will be a dinner held on Friday, June 18th, from 6:00-8:30pm at the Marshes' House. Class will continue on Saturday (June 19th) at 9:00am in room C 105. If you have any questions or would like to reserve your seat, please contact Amy Munson (amunson@cccarp.org or 288-2365 ext.#23). We hope to see you there.
Youth Ministry New Summer "Family" Sunday School beginning June 6 in the Attic. Don't miss out!
Save the Date Women's Ministries will be hosting the 1st Presbytery's Annual Women's Ministry Meeting on August 21st at 10am. Susan Hunt is the main speaker for the day! Also there will be an event just for CCC ladies on Friday night August 20th.
Church Office will be closed on Memorial Day. |
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Prayer Requests | |
For our graduates from various educational levels, that God would grant them success in their next phase of life
Our Elders: Bill Marsh, Bryan Crotts, Daryl Andrews, Sam Cain, Willis Drew, Kent French, Bill Harris, Mickey McLean and Bill Ratchford
That our church will be characterized by a passion for evangelism and missions
Personal Missions: for the discipline to pray often for those who may not know Christ as Savior & Lord
Local Missions: for the work of our people as they serve in various capacities throughout Guilford County
Persecuted Christians: for the ability to count it all joy when facing troubles of any kind
Governing Authorities: pray for the next generation of leaders in our country to be people of principle
Our friends, relatives, and A.R.P. Chaplains serving around the world in the U.S. Military |
| Adult Bible Fellowship | |
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Study of the Gospel of John, Elder Sam Cain: Matthew 24 and the Last Days - Matthew 24
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The Christian Home, Pastor Crotts: What to Do With Children
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Study of the Westminster Confession of Faith, Pastor Marsh
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| Last Week's Tithes's and Offerings | May 23rd:
Worship Service Attendance: 327
Tithes and Offerings: $11,953 |
| To Prepare for the Lord's Day Worship | |
Sunday's Sermon: "Eye Touch" Rev. Bill Marsh
Mark 5: 21-34
Confession of Faith: Romans 8
Leader: And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
People: For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.
Leader: And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.
People: What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
Leader: He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?
People: Who shall bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies.
Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died-more than that, who was raised-who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.
Leader: Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? As it is written, "For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered."
People: No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
All: Thanks be to God!
Worship Songs:
I lift my eyes up Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing Blessed Be the Name of the Lord When I Survey Psalm 43 The Solid Rock |
| Food For Thought |
"Instead of destroying the arts and sciences or being indifferent to them, let us cultivate them with all the enthusiasm of the veriest humanist, but at the same time consecrate them to the service of our God. Instead of obliterating the distinction between the Kingdom and the world, or on the other hand withdrawing from the world into a sort of modernized intellectual monasticism, let us go joyfully, enthusiastically to make the world subject to God.... The Christian cannot be satisfied so long as any human activity is either opposed to Christianity or out of all connection with Christianity. Christianity must pervade not merely all nations, but all of human thought. The Christian, therefore, cannot be indifferent to any branch of earnest human endeavor. It must all be brought into some relation to the gospel....The Kingdom must be advanced not merely extensively, but also intensively. The Church must seek to conquer not merely every man for Christ, but also the whole of man."
- J. Gresham Machen |
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