(Updated at 4:07pm on 1/4/24)
Happy new year! I hope you’ve had an enjoyable past couple of weeks celebrating the birth of our Savior, spending quality time with family and friends, and thinking about what God may have for you in the year 2024. It’s no secret that this new year brings changes to the Clarence Church of Christ. We’ve been blessed to have Mike Bowers ministering with the Clarence Church of Christ for many years, and we look forward to what God still has left for him and Deb to do in this next stage of “retirement” life. Please continue to pray for Mike’s health as he recovers from surgery. The following update is from Deb, “Mike is doing well. Not much to report. Surgery went as scheduled. At the moment continued prayers for healing are appreciated. Thankful for Roswell Hospital, Dr.’s and nurses who are such experts in their field… and a God that takes care of all of our needs and more.”
This week also marks the beginning of myself, Mitch Knight, and Sean Cronin settling into new and adjusted staff roles. It will involve a time of transition for sure. But we look forward to seeing how God continues to lead and guide the church to the purpose he has for us at this time and in this area of the world. As needed, you can message me, Mitch, or Sean. As well, we plan to have presence in the church offices during the week at the following times: Monday: 9am-noon; Tuesday: 9am-3pm; Wednesday: 9am-3pm; Friday: 9am-3pm. If needed outside of those times (or if one of us is out of the office), an appointment can be setup with any of us well.
Below you will find a variety of updates on activities that are coming up, and/or updates with ministry partners.
See you Sunday if not before then!
Jordan Byrd
Sermon series starting Sunday, January 7th
In the film industry, reframing is changing the camera angle to bring focus to part of a scene. Starting Sunday, January 7th, CCC messages will be on the theme of Reframing the Standard: focusing on Jesus as the standard for life, ministry, and mission (from the beginning chapters of the gospel of Luke). I look forward to worshipping and learning from the life of Jesus with you this Sunday.
IDES.org Food Pack, February 3&4
This year’s foodpack through IDES will happen: Saturday, February 3rd — 9am-noon; and Sunday, February 4th — Worship: 10am, Food Pack: 11:00am-2:30pm.
Ten thousand dollars is still needed to make the food pack happen. If you are able to donate, or know of others in the community who would be interested in partnering in this opportunity, donations can be given in the offering basket or at give2ccc.org. We are trusting for God to provide!
Sign-up or invite others to sign-up or to find more information.
Merge Youth Group on Sunday, January 7th (5:30pm-7:30pm)
Games. Read New Year’s predictions made for 2023 and write predictions for 2024. Begin looking at the fruits of the Spirit, focusing on the love of God to start. Many other activities in the works for the coming months. Come fellowship, learn, and connect with other students and caring adults! Message Mitch Knight with any questions.
Don T. (CCC mission partner in Kenya and Alleyland)
An Alley evangelist that COMENSERV supports recently shared with Don how six Alley people were baptized in 2023. This is huge in the Alley context and worthing of our gratitude and praise for what God is doing among the Alley people.
Safaa and Mona F. (CCC mission partners in Egypt)
Many of you will remember that Mike, Deb and the team that recently went from CCC to visit the ministry happening in Egypt through CAS — took communion trays for the churches to use. The following update from CAS demonstrates how those resources are being used to help churches keep Jesus as their only focus from week to week.
Christian Arabic taught hundreds of churches throughout the year of the importance of the Lord’s supper. We often provide the trays so they can start weekly observance.
R&R D. (CCC mission partners in Alleyland)
Please celebrate with and lift up in prayer, R&R and their fellow believers, as they support a recent convert to the family of Christ. Pray for them to have wisdom and discernment to help new believers be the body of Christ in a difficult place. Also pray for R&R as they continue to discern what Alley ministry looks like as they transition off the field and pass the torch to other leaders.
Hector and Joy Rodriguez (CCC mission partners in Mexico)
We’re grateful that KC and Linda Cronin were able to safely travel down to Mexico this past week, to spend time with Hector, Joy, and their kids. Pray that their visit will be an encouragement, and that the brief visit can be spent in quality time. Pray for KC and Linda’s safe return as well. Also, pray for the road to be smoothed for Hector and Joy to make the arrangements that are needed for the English learning institute to come to life — where connection and relationships can be made to point people toward fullness of life in Jesus.