Connect E-Letter
January 27, 2012 - Edition Number 171
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From The Pastor
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Dear Friends,
As we announced last week, we will have a very brief congregational meeting this Sunday following morning worship. The purpose will be to approve a proposal for the memorial garden to be constructed outside our main entrance. Funds for this project were given in past years and are all in hand, so no new giving is needed. The Session believes the project will enhance our facility and create a warmer approach to the building. You can see the plan for the garden here.
The Session realizes that we've had quite a few congregational meetings over the past year, and we want you to know that we appreciate your attendance and willingness to exercise your responsibilities under our Form of Government. Lord willing, this will be our last meeting until we consider next year's budget in May.
How would your life be different if you heard, say, 100 sermons in a year instead of 50? Our Shorter Catechism says, "The Spirit of God makes the reading, but especially the preaching of the word, an effectual means of convincing and converting sinners, and of building them up in holiness and comfort through faith unto salvation."
Through the centuries, our fathers and mothers in the faith have found that a steady diet of morning and evening worship on the Lord's Day is good for the soul and helps to bookend and consecrate the day, and our Session agrees. So now that we are a bit more settled in our new building we decided that it would be a good time to resume Sunday evening worship.
The services, which will begin in two weeks on February 12, will be simple ones, with a few hymns and songs, a time to engage our younger members with the Children's Catechism, and a sermon. Initially, Bryan and I will alternate preaching on Sunday evenings, as we go through one book of the Old Testament each week. Bryan will start with Genesis on February 12, then I will preach on Exodus on February 19, and so on.
That's a lot of ground to cover each Sunday, but we all need to know our Bibles not only from a verse-by-verse level but also from a "50,000-foot view." And we hope these sermons will help you develop that bigger-picture view of Scripture.
The service will last about 45 minutes, will be relatively informal, and will be a good time to help teach younger ones about worship. I hope you will strongly consider being here.
Our next leadership class will begin on February 12 and run through May. It will meet weekly during the Sunday school hour (9:15-10:15). About two-thirds of the class time will cover the Westminster Confession of Faith and Catechisms, the doctrinal standard to which all of our officers must subscribe. The remainder will focus on Presbyterianism, the ARP Form of Government, and churchmanship. The class is open to everyone, but it is a required first step for those who wish to be considered for the office of elder or deacon in coming years. If the Staff House plans go as scheduled, we will meet in my study and I will teach most of the sessions. If you have questions, please speak to me.
Beginning next Sunday, February 5, Bryan will be teaching our large class for adults titled "Full Salvation: What Have I Gotten Myself Into?" It will meet in the Fellowship Hall and will cover the Gospel from beginning to end. What does the Bible teach about how God saves sinners? Why is growing in the Christian life sometimes so hard? What will eternity be like? These kinds of questions will drive our study of the Scriptures. We have two hopes in offering this class: First, we want you to better understand the Gospel, and second, we want you to be able to better communicate the Gospel to others.
For the past several months, the Session has been discussing a possible name change for our church. Given the physical move and the transitions of the past 10 years, it was a timely question to ask. In other words, we were at a natural juncture to take such a step if it was the right thing to do.
After much discussion and many conversations with you, the Session concluded at its meeting on Monday that it would not be the right step to take for Christ Community Church. We are deeply aware of and grateful for the remarkable unity our congregation has enjoyed over the past year. Because of that, we do not want to risk a step that might strain that unity. If it were an issue of doctrine, Biblical obedience, or a matter critical to the health of the church, we would do whatever was required. But on a matter of wisdom and judgment, we believe there is leeway for different conclusions among those of good faith. Our life together as a body is a rich gift from the Lord and we do not take it lightly. In conclusion, it was good to ask the question and it is equally good to settle it.
Now that we've decided to remain Christ Community Church and are settling in our new home, we can move forward in freshening up how we present ourselves in our communication materials. In the coming weeks, you will begin to see new lettering and a logo that will be used on our website, printed materials, sign, etc.
I made a quick, passing reference last Sunday morning to the Edison Fund in connection with our desire to affirm life at every stage. The Edison Fund is a $5,000 revolving loan fund administered by the Abba Fund and available to member families of Christ Community Church to assist with the expenses of adoption. Named in honor of our own Edison Van Eerden, it is a resource we want to see used over and over again, as well as grown through additional gifts. Adoption by Christians changes a child's life and shows our world a picture of the Gospel like few others. If you want to learn more about the Edison Fund, speak to any member of the Session.
We return to Acts this Sunday morning. We will read and examine Stephen's speech before the Sanhedrin in 7:1-53. If you have a chance to read it before Sunday, you might be tempted to ask, "What does this have to do with anything?" At first glance, it is long, meandering, and filled with obscure history. Probe deeper, though, and there is gold! As I have studied the passage over the past few weeks, I have been struck by what a model it is for how we engage our world in pre-evangelism and apologetics. I look forward to preaching that passage and to seeing you then.
Your friend,
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This Sunday, January 29, 2012
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Sunday School Classes at 9:15 a.m.
Nursery, Toddlers, Children's, Junior High, High School and ABF Classes.
Sunday Worship at 10:30 a.m.
Nursery, Toddlers, Children's Church & Children's Sermon available
during 10:30 a.m. Worship Service.
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Sunday Sermon: "Looking for Everything in all the Wrong Places"
Rev. Bill Marsh Acts 7:1-53
Morning Worship Hymns and Songs:
- A Mighty Fortress Is Our God
- Arise, My Soul, Arise
- Not What My Hands Have Done
- Amazing Grace
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Carter Apt. move in day is tomorrow, Saturday January 28th: noon - 2:00 p.m.
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 | | Click above for a new video from Pioneers about the Carters and their work. |
Dave and Rachael Carter will be traveling home to Greensboro with their two children
this Monday. The Carters have been serving a three year term on the mission field working on Bible translation, evangelism, and church planting. The family will be home on a one year furlough for some much needed rest and for the delivery of their third child in March.
A huge thank you to the many of you that have donated and loaned items to furnish their apartment! The list is 90% complete, which is a huge testament to our congregation's generosity. The only items still needed are: (2) twin sized mattresses, night stand, small desk and file cabinet. If you are able to provide any of these items, please let Tricia know. Please bring smaller items to church this Sunday. Larger furniture items and appliances can be brought directly to the Carter's apartment this Saturday from noon to 2:00 p.m. This is also the time folks can help out with setting up the apartment and get everything in its place. The Carter's apartment is off of Lawndale and Pisgah Church Rd. The exact address is: 206-A Yester Oaks Way East, Greensboro, NC 27410
(Click on the address to view map) If you need to drop off a piece of furniture at a different time or need it picked up, please contact David Robinson via his cell phone (336) 202-3892.
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Meals for Tina and Noah Forlines
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 Noah and Tina Forlines continue to recover from their kidney transplant. Tina is still confined to her home during her recovery in order to protect her from infection. If you would like to prepare a meal for the couple, please review their meal restrictions from their doctors and sign up to bring a meal by clicking on the link below. Meals can be delivered to their house. SIGN UP HEREMeal Restrictions:
1. One person delivering to door. Tina or Noah will receive food at door. No visitors yet.
2. Food best if placed in disposable dishes. Tina can't carry heavy casserole dishes or pots with food in them.
3. Any fruits or vegetables must be brought whole and raw. Tina can wash and peel. (No Grapefruits)
5. Meats must be thawed in refrigerator. Not water or microwave.
6. Meats must be cooked well done.
7. Foods need to be brought to them within 2 hrs. of being cooked.
8. Black pepper must be cooked in food not freshly ground on top after cooking.
9. Small meals. She can't eat leftovers over 2 days old.
10. Bringing ingredients and a recipe would be great. Tina could cook herself.
11. Freezer foods like Tyson with good dates can also be brought. She can cook them herself.
12. Any Questions: call Angela Bryan, Wendy Douglas or Helen Alburo.
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Meals for Lindsay, John and Lucy Morris
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 Lindsay and John have been enjoying their new daughter, Lucy's first month of life. As John has gone back to school and work, we'd like to help Lindsay out with a few meals on the nights John needs to work late. John and Lindsay are not picky eaters, but like to try to keep it healthy. Also, while Lindsay is nursing, she is avoiding raw veggies, heavy garlic and onions for Lucy's sake. Meals can be delivered to their home. Please sign up to see address.
SIGN UP HERE |
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Saturday, February 4th: Staff House Move In Day
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 Thanks to the incredibly hard work and dozens of hours contributed by so many of our congregation, The Staff house is just about ready for furniture. The staff is anxious to get back to a more structured schedule and are so thankful for the wonderful new office space. The final task for this phase is to move in the furniture and supplies that are stored in our 4 remaining PODS.
STAFF HOUSE MOVE IN DAY
Saturday, February 4th
9:00 a.m. for larger furniture items (Strong arms and backs)
10:00 a.m. for smaller items, unpacking, sorting and setting up |
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Sunday, February 12th: Young Adult Get -Together
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Join Jeremy and Tricia Goad for a relaxing afternoon of getting to know one another over a delicious lunch.
Young Adult Get-Together Sunday, February 12 after morning worship. Lunch served at 1 PM from Zoe's Kitchen. (free food!) (Young Adult: 18 - 30)
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Funds Raised for Sanctuary Foyer Renovation
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We have $32,000 toward our goal
of $38,000 for the Sanctuary Foyer Renovation! If you would like to support the sanctuary foyer renovation, you have four options (this gift would be over and beyond your normal tithes and offerings):
- Place your check in the offering plate with "Sanctuary Fund" in the memo line.
- Mail your check to the church office (attention: Val Casanova church bookkeeper) with "Sanctuary Fund" in the memo line.
- If you would like to give stock, you may contact David Armitage, church treasurer, at 336-282-4511 or darmitage@triad.rr.com for transfer instructions.
- If you would like to make a pledge to be fulfilled by January 31, 2012 please contact Stacey Barbour at 336-288-4260 or thebarbours4@msn.com.
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Important Information
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Last week's Tithes and Offerings: $7,771
Morning Attendance: 179
Senior Saint Driver: Helen Alburo
This Week's Nursery Volunteers:
9:15 a.m. - Nicole Milks, Angela Bryan 10:15 a.m. - Jeannine Kawalec, Betty Hill
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Look what CCC has been up to this week . . . Staff House Renovation
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Let's Pray Together This Week
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Saturday, January 28
Pray today for those who need employment. Ask the Lord to give them work that uses their skills and talents for the Lord's glory, as well as provides for their needs. Pray, too, for Ken Kunkel and Mackay Smith as they seek calls to pastoral ministry. Give all patience and trust in the Lord's provision and timing.
Sunday, January 29 Pray for our hearing the reading and preaching of God's Word today. Pray for the Lord to bring His Spirit's scalpel to bear on our hearts. Ask Him to bring conviction of sin where needed, comfort where needed, and confidence in Christ for us all. Pray that we would be not only hearers of the Word, but also doers of the Word. Finally, ask Him to work in those alienated from Christ; pray that He would draw them to Himself and that they would respond to His royal summons.
Monday, January 30 Pray for favor for our sanctuary's and narthex's building permit with the City of Greensboro. Ask the Lord to prompt building code officials to view our plans favorably and to grant us permission to begin construction soon. Thank the Lord for our Future Facility Team's plans and efforts to get us this far. Pray that
Tuesday, January 31 On their first full day back home in the United States, Lord willing, pray for David, Rachael, Ben, and Hannah Carter's adjustments, beginning with the time zone changes and recovery from 24+ hours on planes and in airports. Pray for their re-acclimation to life in Greensboro. Ask the Lord to give them rest in this upcoming year. Pray for a safe upcoming delivery of the child Rachael is carrying.
Wednesday, February 1 Pray for all the remaining work to be done on the staff house these next few days ahead of Saturday's move-in day. Thank the Lord for the dozens of volunteers who have cleaned, sanded, painted, hammered, and lifted in order for our pastors and staff to have permanent and adequate work space. Pray for a safe day on Saturday as we unload the final four pods and celebrate another milestone in the Lord's provision on Jefferson Road.
Thursday, February 2 Pray for Rob, Karen, and Lucy Kimmons as they consider the next steps in returning to the mission field in North Africa. Ask the Lord to give Rob good and steady health, as well as skill in his Bible translation work. Pray that the Lord would grant them the resources they need and joy in this next season of ministry.
Friday, February 3 Pray today for our praying. Ask the Lord to burden us for the hard work of diligent, consistent prayer. Pray that we would see our great helplessness apart from His provision and prayer as the means He has established for taking hold of His provision. Ask the Lord to burden us increasingly to pray together.
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Food for Thought
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When a man is speaking to God he is at his very acme. It is the highest activity of the human soul, and therefore it is at the same time the ultimate test of a man's true spiritual condition. There is nothing that tells the truth about us as Christian people so much as our prayer life. Everything we do in the Christian life is easier than prayer.
-- D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones
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